#so kind and so chill despite the stressful circumstances

[racewinner]

thinking about them tonight (the lofoten islands)

[kaliforniahigh]

Request: "Matt Dierkes x wife reader smutty one shot where they get caught on the tour bus or other random places?" Thank you so much for the request!

Warnings: cursing and a steamy make out session but no actual smut (they get caught before the act)

WC: 1.6k (not proofread yet!)

Requests are closed for now.

You loved going on tour with Matt, specially since you worked together. You were a lighting engineer for the band and you met Matt when you started working for the band a couple of years back.

The attraction was instant between you and everyone could notice. The way he never got mad at you - quite the contrary, the boy always seemed to have an extra soft spot for you - and the way you always worried if he was well - tour could be pretty hectic and take a toll on your health - were a dead giveaway that something was blossoming between you.

Despite everyone rooting for you to get together, there were the people who warned you about working with your partner. They told you that it never worked, and that you would fight all the time.

But you always told them that if it ever came to it, you and Matt could separate your professional lives from your personal ones, because you were adults, after all.

Now, a couple of years later, you and Matt not only established a relationship, but you also decided to get married not too long ago. Most days it didn't even feel like working with your husband, because you just went about your routines as per usual.

It was rare that Matt got angry with anyone really, he was pretty chill overall and used to dealing with things going wrong, so you felt like nothing really affected him anymore.

Today, though, was one of those days where everything seemed to be going wrong. First, the tour bus broke down on the road because of the cold, which made you guys late for the concert. Then, some of the sound equipment decided not to work and the panels were off and no one could figure out how to get those damn things working.

You could hear the fans outside waiting to come in and the stress of being late already and not having things ready were weighing on his shoulders. You could hear him in the distance him talking on the phone with the venue manager. Something about how the hell was he not here to help with the technical difficulties that most likely were being caused by his shitty venue.

You left him to it, and since your lighting equipment was already set up - thank god this one thing worked out tonight - you went to help the other guys. Everything seemed to plugged in in the right places and still, nothing was working. Even Noah, Jolly and the Nicks were helping at this point.

"Guys", Matt approached you all with a sigh. "The venue manager told me everything was working accordingly just a couple of days go, which is obviously bullshit", he rubbed his forehead, a clear sign of stress. You wanted to smooth out the creases yourself, but refrained from it.

"How are we gonna perform without our equipment?", Jolly asked, a hint of desperation in his voice.

"That's the thing, I don't think we will", Matt answered. Every band's fear was becoming a reality right before your eyes.

"Are we gonna have to cancel?", Noah voiced what everyone was thinking. Matt only nodded. "What about the fans waiting outside?"

"I'm really sorry, this is really not what I wanted to do, trust me. We could try and find another venue, but we gotta be in another city tomorrow. We might have to reimburse the people who paid for tickets for today", you could tell he was disappointed in having to do this. Matt was a problem solver kind of person, and having to deal with a problem he couldn't solve was killing him.

After a little more debate, everyone agreed that canceling was the best thing to do due to the circumstances. Noah and the guys went back to the green room talking about how they're gonna sue the venue manager.

"I'm gonna go out there and tell those people that the band they love is not performing tonight. You guys can start loading the things back in the bus", he started to turn around, but you went after him.

"Hey", you called out and he looked at you. "I'll go with you. You don't have to do this alone", you took your hand in his.

"You don't have to do this, baby. I'm used to it, it's part of the job anyways", he reassured you, rubbing his thumb on the back of your hand.

"I know that you can handle yourself. But I wanna go with regardless", he only nodded, knowing it was useless arguing with you, and you followed him outside.

The annoucement was met with complaints, angry remarks and a few crying faces. Matt knew this wasn't directed at him, but it broke his heart regardless. All these people with the hopes of having an unforgettable night would have to go back to their homes without watching Bad Omens perform.

He said sorry one more time and rushed back inside the venue. You said sorry yourself and followed him. You looked around you and saw that your lighting equipment was already being loaded back in the boxes and decided to check were Matt headed to.

You asked around and a few people told you they saw him going in the direction of the bathrooms. You made your way down the hall and knocked on the men's restoroom door, hearing him answer with a "yeah" on the other side of the door. He was probably wondering who the hell was bothering him when he was in the bathroom.

"You alone in there?" you asked him. Recognizing it was you, he opened the door and you made your way inside, closing it again behind you.

"You just ran off, I got worried about you", you told him as you took his face in your hands.

"I got so angry when I saw all those people out there, just waiting", he huffed in frustration.

"I know, baby. But this isn't your fault, and it probably won't be the last time you'll have to cancel", you tried to reason with him.

"I know, I'm just so fucking mad at that fucking venue manager who told me 'everything is working perfectly, are you sure it's not your equipment that's low quality?'", he used air quotes to tell you what the venue manager has the nerve to tell him. "He obviously ripped us off because he wasn't even here, he knows his venue is fucking shit", he spat, in anger. You waited a few seconds to say anything, just in case he needed to vent some more. But he just took a few deep breaths to calm himself down.

"I'm sorry, you don't deserve to hear all this", he apologized, resting his hands on your hips. You let a little smile grace your lips. You knew how to make him feel better.

"It's kind of hot when you get all angry like this", you said with a low voice and a hint of playfulness. He finally cracked and smirked a little at your remark.

"Yeah? You like it, babe?", you nodded and pressed yourself closer to him. "You know, you're my silver lining in all of this, right?", he said, lips inches away from yours, eyes travelling between your eyes and lips.

"I think I don't. Will need you to show me", you teased him and in a few seconds, his lips crashed on yours, pushing you backwards with the force, your back hitting the marble countertop behind you.

The kiss was fervent, an indicator of his mood and how this bathroom rendezvous was gonna go. You both moaned into the kiss, your hands tangling in his hair as he hoisted you up on the counter.

His hands traveled up your torso under your shirt and you lifted your arms for him to take it off, you skin prickling with goosebumps from the cold air.

His mouth immediatly moved to kiss your shoulders and down the valley of your brests.

"Fuck, you're everything I need right now", he hummed into your skin and you only moaned in acknowledgment.

"Take your shirt off, please", you said, voice sounding a little breathless, and he moved away from your body to peel off the layer of clothing.

"C'mere", he helped you down from the counter and turned you around, pushing your head down and making you bend your back, ass up in the air.

He kissed your spine and ran his hand over the fat of your ass, delivering a spank that made you yelp in surprise. His clothed crotch was pressed into you, and you could feel how hard he was under his pants.

He was about to yank your pants down your legs when the door swung open, both of you whipping your heads to the side, only to meet the shocked expression on Ruffilo's face.

You were still bend over the counter when you heard Matt tell him to 'get the fuck out', and Nick muttered a few apologies before closing the door behind him.

You looked at Matt through the mirror in front of you and you both started to giggle at the situation. Eventually, you stood up straight and turned around to face him. It was like Nick's entrance popped your little bubble entirely.

"Probably not the best idea to fuck in the bathroom, huh?" you asked in a teasing tone.

"That's you pushing me to make bad decisions", he smiled and gave you a peck on the lips. "As much as I loved our little almost escapade, we should probably get back out there", he stated, in a little disappointed tone.

You agreed with him and you both made your way out of the bathroom.

"We'll stay at a hotel room in the next city and then I'll make sure to bend you over the counter and fuck you good", he whispered in your ear, making you stop in your tracks, mouth agape.

He kept walking and laughed at the state he just left you.

[zeroducks-2]

You know reverse flash will probably never chill out all the way but if he gets with Barry he’d probably settle down a little at least. Constantly follows Barry and touches him when he’s stressed. Definitely a healthier outlet.

Barry: what did you used to do to calm down before we got together?

Thawne: oh I went back in time to throw you down the stairs as a child.

Okay I laughed but at the risk of being insufferably pedantic, Eo is actually one really controlled and poised motherfucker 90% of the times.

The times in which you see him not being in control of the scene is when he's having a manic episode (notable examples include the mess he made in Running Scared and the mental breakdown of Finish Line). And even then, he's doing insane shit but in a very controlled way, like the fact that he managed to go through the entirety of Running Scared without actually pulling a hair off of Iris' head. He's very much not the type for random outbursts of rage, whenever you see him not fighting he's actually pretty chill, and there's a smooth grace in his movements like he was never in a hurry to do anything. Despite the fact that he's, you know, faster than light. In fairness, he's so powerful that if he wasn't so much in control he'd destroy everything he has around the moment his mood shifts a little.

He probably gives off the impression that he's prone to outbursts because he has violent emotional reactions that he can't regulate, but they're way more focused inwards than outwards. Eobard's rage tends to be the plotting kind, and his plotting can be so precise and vast that it extends through timelines, and the example of how he pushed Barry down the stairs is perfect because that time he wasn't hurting Barry out of spite. That was part of a bigger picture intent on undermining Barry's confidence, making him grow up as anxious and alone and insecure as possible, bigger picture which also included burning down his childhood home, or making him feel responsible for the death of his dog, or moving his arm slightly this or that way to make him fail at sports.

That wasn't anger or pettiness, that was an extremely controlled, horrifyingly calculated plot that resulted in turning Barry from who he was in the Silver Age (outgoing, always merry, surrounded by people, always "knowing a guy" in every scenario, loved by his parents, good at sports, good in school, good at dancing) to who he is today (timid, insecure, alone, anxious, lacking people he can lean on to, lacking confidence in anything but his skills as a chemist). Killing Nora was just one tile of the mosaic, albeit you could say the most important one, but the point was very much the bigger picture.

That being said, do I think Eobard would calm the fuck down if he and Barry got together? Might sound like an oxymoron given all of the above, but I actually think he would! I also agree with you in how he'd need lots and lots of physical touch. You know I can HARDLY think of ONE instance in which someone touched him without the intent of hurting him, including when it comes to his family? Except for Barry of course, Barry does touch him gently (and casually!) if the circumstances allow it.

Like at the beginning of Running Scared, which unfortunately Eobard doesn't remember.

Or here. (panels from The Flash Age by Joshua Williamson)

Or here, in which Barry's grabbed him to avoid him to faceplant after Paradox tossed him like a doll.

Eobard has to be so extremely touch starved he'd be looking for "physical reassurances" pretty much constantly, I think. Barry would have no qualms with it anyway, given how touchy he is by nature. He'd probably be more endeared than anything else.

[9w1ft]

Hey… I like how this page is still chill and calm despite everything happening around. Because it’s so difficult to be a TS fan right now. Like what is happening? Not a single post acknowledging the election, decking herself in red, hanging out with those people :/ it’s getting difficult, because we interpret her clothes, everything she does. Shouldn’t we also interpret what she is showing right now?? I know it’s part of her job. But then couldn’t she have picked a more moderate player someone whose support systems don’t scream maga?? This is a deliberate choice she has made. To fill the pockets of people who are wildly conservative. It’s not even about Kaylor anymore. So many years since that documentary and her so called growth and for her to turn around and do this to her image. I just :/

i don’t think that there is any one correct way to react so please don’t take this as me trying to prescribe a certain way of thinking about it onto everyone, it’s just my way of taking things in. i deeply recognize and respect your sentiments. let me share a bit about where im coming from

i think firstly, i came into this thing in early 2018, during the first trump presidency, and so these big level developments are more like a return to the environment from which i started. i think that it is probably even harder if you’re a gaylor or kaylor that came in to things after 2020. not saying it can’t be hard anyway, it is, but i think this might help give a little background to my mindset

next, i always saw miss americana as a coming out documentary that was pivoted and transformed into an activism-adjacent documentary. at the time a lot of us foresaw what this issues with that would come to be, and i think a lot of us recognized that she was setting herself up for very big image issues unless she took the new direction of the documentary in stride, which some of us assumed would not be something to expect. like, we had hope, but we were able to recognize how nuanced her particular situation was. like i think for a lot of us, the line in anti hero “did you hear my covert narcissism disguised as altruism like some kind of congressman” meant a ton because it showed a level of self awareness about the situation that we all assumed she had but didn’t have many straightforward examples to point to that said as much.

also i think that her unsuccessful attempt to unseat marsha blackburn in 2020 probably sent her spiraling back into the mindset she was in in 2016. that is to say, and im sorry this is an armchair psychologist thing to say but its based on what i observed from miss americana, subsequent interviews, and some of the lyricism of midnights, that taylor might worry deeply that her actions might affect political races negatively, and she might even feel cursed, or afraid of ruining things, by saying something. i don’t want to get into what i or we might think about that from an ethics standpoint because i think it’s an endless conversation but i think its worth pointing out that there is a level of stress that she probably feels that may paralyze her in ways that might not make sense to you or i. once again, im just trying to offer a potential answer as to why, not to make some sort of excuse.

then, past 2020, with the way i see things with kaylor, i believe taylor re-prioritized to focus more on her loved ones than to feedback from her fans. does this explain every move she has made since? not entirely, but i think it is somewhat more understandable —at least to me— than the popular gaylor notion that taylor is single gay and trying to dismantle the system.. or dating some other woman, the potential options of which get floated around do not seem, to me at least, to be people whose circumstances would make it difficult for her to come out or to express her political opinion. the stakes are simply not there for me, so i find these possibilities less likely whereas i find kaylor to offer several more likely scenarios

i’m sorry.. ive rambled on again haven’t i.

as for the way things are going presently, it sure ain’t ideal!! but i’ve decided to believe that the majority of taylor’s decisions up until now were considered and implemented with some level of thought and intention on her part, weighing the benefits and risks to herself and to some extent, the world, but that her thought process and decision making is informed by information and pressures the likes of which you or i simply cannot fully know. i believe that, if i was in her shoes, i would be able to understand how grey a lot of the choices are for her. empirically speaking, a lot of them would still probably not make sense to me but, i believe my ability to understand would deepen.

i think for me what i have decided for myself is that blogging about kaylor here on tumblr is something that is interesting to me and fulfilling in all these weird internet ways, and that so long as i find it worthwhile to my life and so long as i keep meeting and hearing from you or others that tell me they appreciate my.. i guess.. more lighthearted?… approach to it? ill continue. i think its a kind of internet record worth keeping.

also, throughout the years i’ve just reconfirmed again and again for myself that we as fans really do not have an affect on taylor’s or karlie’s actions, especially contemporarily. and i think this has also lifted a little bit of the stress i used to place on myself under the assumption that maybe they might read some of our blogs or our feedback and that maybe i or we had some responsibility to affect them in some way. i just don’t think that’s the case, as they provedly do not listen to the big stuff. and even if they did, i doubt we have the background information needed to provide a truly informed opinion. and oh, i guess, maybe they check in idk idk idk who knows but, i now see this all as an activity in observation chiefly and maybe once in awhile if we are lucky, a comet might pass on by.

ack! i’m rambling again.

i guess one more parting thought related to this in a way is, when i came to tumblr back in 2018, there were a handful of blogs that had a similar setup or demeanor as my blog currently does, and, especially after late 2018, but late 2019 as well, and again in 2020, and i guess again in 2021 😆, i watched as one by one these types of blogs resigned or deactivated. and within this landscape, i recognized there was a need for blogs like these. if they all disappeared… well… it wouldn’t have been good for the ecosystem and the people living it. so as the years went by i continued to build my outlook and blog into what it is presently. hopefully it is useful or provides some space for you or other to unfurrow your brow for a second. rest is also important.

[stardustdiiving]

From the ship ask! What's a pairing most people seem to like in Genshin that you don't?

(ship asks prompt)

MAN OKAY I honestly could answer this with a good third of popular Genshin ships…but none of these are really solid dislikes, it’s just me feeling specific about how I like to see it executed & finding the way the fandom handles it is either unsatisfying, or generates an environment that kinda stresses me out NJDNCNC

To narrow it down to one I feel matches the question best I think I’m gonna go with Kokomi/Sara. It’s not really an active dislike or anything I promise I’m genuinely chilling. *insane person voice* but see I am just very stressed out with the in universe geo-politics happening in the background of this Genshin impact ship

I MEAN THAT IN A VERY SILLY WAY. but also I do have a genuine elaboration on what i mean which is like…how do I say this.

I really like Watasumi Island and find their existence + circumstances as a nation really interesting, especially regarding their dynamic with the Shogunate—it’s like the one part of inazuman politics that really catches my interest. But see the way I took the way the Shogunate + Watasumi dynamic was being written was specifically that Watasumi is/was suffering from colonization/imperialism at the hands of the Shogunate. I don’t see them as equal enemies on opposing sides of a conflict I’m just kind of like. Oh my god the Shogunate tries to control their primary food sources + military and after the war u see like, Gorou helping smuggle medicine and food supplies to treat their wounded war veterans bc the Shogunate is imposing high taxes on them they can’t afford to pay. The Raiden Shogun slaughtered their deity who was kind of backed into a corner on trying to secure vital resources for his people and to this day his corpse is just sitting on her territory getting ravaged and mined for weapons !! That’s crazy! I like thinking Abt that!

While I think Inazuma suffered from the writers dropping the ball with a lot of things I am generally happy this dynamic is explored/acknowledged repeatedly and Watasumi at least to me doesn’t feel like it’s constantly written in a really meanspirited and shitty way you know. Like, in the medicine supply smuggling thing i mentioned — that’s a route in Heizhou’s hangout that ends in a conclusion that something may have severely hurt the vitality of Watasumi’s land and it’s ability to provide, but that doesn’t mean they won’t survive or all hope is lost, because theres people within Watasumi who care and embody that hope and vitality within themselves and are working hard to build stability and provide for everyone. Like idk that’s really cool and I genuinely found it a really nice narrative that really makes me root for Watasumi

But then we get to Sara & Kokomi and ppl just do not talk about this dynamic between both nations at all from what I see, despite it being really relevant to the characters and in theory the appeal of the ship? And I jusurjfucn I guess it confuses me a lot bc I remember, most recently for example on the TCG event, I was so confused seeing everyone post about their interactions for days about how it was cute they were engaging in card matches together and Sara wanted to be friends…and then I played the event myself and we get this scene where Kokomi is standing off starring out at sea alone, and she talks about how she doesn’t like how she can’t see Watasumi from here, and how that was especially agonizing to experience during the war, and then gets caught up in her memories of the war and talks about how a lot of her people are still recovering from the trauma of it, and how she’s participating in this event bc she’s anxious about wanting to build good relations between the Shogunate and Watasumi so her nation doesn’t suffer more in the future AND IM JUST…MAN

Like I do think I can see Sara & Kokomi being friends, Sara’s character feels like it’s the concept of “individual with genuinely good morals working in an oppressive system doesnt stop the damage the system causes” kind of deal BUT IDK…I get fandom experiences can very anecdotal and I’m sure there are shippers who handle this aspect of the ship but when at large it just feels like it’s filed down to a vague enemies to lovers + contrasting aesthetic girlfriends ship I guess it def leans more towards being one I’m not really into. I think it doesn’t help it strikes the specific fandom pet peeve I have where I sometimes feel ppl water down a lot of wlw ships down to just being surface level cute and I am a lesbian who likes very nuanced and complicated character dynamic exploration so I’m personally just like. Yeah idk I guess this seems rlly widely accepted fanon wise but I don’t rlly click with it at all djjcnfj while I could be interested in this dynamic being explored, just if I were doing my own take on it ik adding romantic tones wouldnt feel super necessary to make it feel more interesting to me personally yk x__x

I just feel very excitable about a lot of genshin things and Watasumi vs Shogunate related things hits that mark of interest for me…definitely not implying the shippers r doing something wrong by making silly lighthearted posts and being less interested in types of analysis I enjoy but I guess that’s the most popular ship I feel the least interested in I can think of?

[ellohcee]

HEY HEY. BLOODY NOSE AND SPEED DATING AND SINGLE DAD

HEEEEY okay okay these got little bit hella long so I am putting them under the cut~

Bloody nose is one I posted briefly then deleted for some reason? But I joked about this because of some shitpost I saw and like usual I said "oh Jasper" and doodled it yeah but I wrote it too! So here's a bit of it and I'm now realizing it's not really a WIP since I considered it I guess done when I posted the whole thing but here it is anyway~

Jasper likes to think he’s pretty easy going most of the time. He likes to let things roll off instead of getting annoyed or flustered, he just doesn’t see the point in stressing over most things especially the stuff you can’t control. Sure, maybe it’s to a fault sometimes but mostly it’s a good thing to be so chill! It makes life easier, and he’s kind of proud of his ability to keep his shit together.

Most of the time, being the key phrase.

And this ability happens to leave him under certain circumstances, like seeing a really cute guy across the street. He’s paused, standing out of the way as he looks at something on his phone, one knuckle of his free hand held against his chin as if thinking intently about something. Jasper can’t help but stare just a bit, just a little tiny bit because he’s… god he’s cute. He wishes he was on that side of the street to get a better look at him. Not that he has any kind of excuse or the balls to talk to the man but he can admire!

And then the man looks up, meeting his gaze and doing the emotional and mental equivalent of a car coming straight for him as Jasper’s brain freezes up from being caught staring, his heart doing a funny little skip, his breath catching-

-and his face smashing into a fucking telephone pole like hello who put this here!!

He stumbles back, nearly tripping on an uneven bit of the sidewalk and eating further shit in front of the cute stranger but he keeps upright despite the pain in his face and the stars blooming in front of his eyes as he feels a wetness start to roll down from his nose. The pain is already stark, radiating from his nose throughout the rest of his face in waves that make him dizzy as his ears ring a little from the sudden impact.

Sometimes he pauses and thinks to himself ‘why me’ and follows it up with ‘of course me why not’ because that’s just his luck sometimes. This is what he gets for being a creep and staring at some random dude across the street who’s just trying to mind his own business, and here he is ogling-

“Oh my goodness, are you okay?? You’re bleeding!”

He blinks, scrunching his nose briefly before making what must be an even worse expression as he sucks in a pained breath. He then comprehends that this someone is probably talking to him since it sure does feel like he’s got a gusher of a nosebleed and sure he had just walked face first into a goddamn telephone pole and again who in the ever loving fuck put that there when he was busy looking at-

He lets out a funny noise as he realizes the cute redhead he’d been staring at is no longer across the street and is now right next to him, looking at him in concern with a hand on Jasper’s shoulder, looking ten times as cute up close with all his freckles and his pretty green eyes -or are they teal?- and he looks really genuinely concerned. This isn’t the way he would’ve liked to start a conversation but this is apparently happening right here and right now.

It feels a little like he’s been shoved into rush hour traffic but somehow he’s gone into chill mode anyway.

“I’m fine, don’t even worry about it,” Jasper says with a wave, tasting blood as it runs down over his lip, sharp and strong, and he pulls the sleeve of his hoodie over his hand and swipes a little at the mess before pressing it lightly just under his nose to catch the trail.

“Are you sure? You should really sit down somewhere! Here, come with me,” the ginger insists, gently directing him around the stupid pole and towards a Starbucks and hopefully no one inside saw his totally uncool collision but what does that really matter when his cute stranger already saw the whole thing, what more dignity is there to lose? At this point being embarrassed feels useless, he’s just gonna roll through this mess.

On this note Jasper lets himself be led over to the establishment without a fuss, but still trying to assure the man. “It’s totally chill dude, really,” he soothes, feeling blood soak further along his sleeve, some of it starting to dry on his face where he’d smeared it, tasting it on his tongue. “It’s not broken or anything.”

“All the same, you really should sit for a minute and get some ice on that,” the ginger replies, opening the door with one hand and leading Jasper inside with the other still on his shoulder. He directs Jasper over to an empty table, pulling a chair out and guiding him to sit. A few of the patrons stare at him in curiosity, and he merely tilts his head calmly in a kind of ‘sup’ gesture, and they look away.

--

SPEED DATING! Idk how this came up but I thought hey wouldn't that be cute and the idea of JAsper just disrupting things in a very Jasper way is always good

David sighs as the bell rings and his current partner leaves without a word. He was already regretting that he allowed Gwen to talk him into this speed dating thing, and with each awkward interaction it gets stronger. He thought nothing ill of any of the women he’d sat with so far, but he knows he’s honestly not the type of man they were hoping to find here. And to be honest, lately he’s been leaning more towards-

“Mind if I uh, sit here?”

David looks up in surprise at the voice, seeing a man with his hand resting casually on the back of the chair. He’s a little red in the face, hesitant but hopeful, and this certainly is a surprise, but a good one all the same. “Oh, please go ahead,” he says, earning a nervous grin from the man as he sits.

“Thanks,” he says, scooting his chair. “Jasper,” he introduces.

“David,” the ginger replies, growing more and more hopeful. He hadn’t anticipated finding any gay men at this event, but this one seems to have him on radar. “Are you…” he trails off, unsure of how to ask. He feels he shouldn’t need to ask, it is a dating event after all so if Jasper wants to sit with him that should mean there’s interest, but he’s been burned one too many times.

“Bi,” Jasper fills in with a grin, not seeming to mind the questiom. “I’ve uh… been thinking about trying to snag a seat with you, finally decided to just go for it, and if I’m reading wrong I’ll just retreat with my pride only mildly damaged,” he teases.

“Oh,” David says in surprise. “Well I- I’m bi too,” he says, making Jasper’s smile widen. “I hadn’t expected…”

“Me neither,” Jasper replies. “My gaydar’s not the most reliable, but I’m glad I took my chances.”

David chokes on a laugh, smiling. “I am too,” he says happily. “My friend talked me into this, she figured it was the next best thing since I’m too nervous to go to any bars...”

“Heeey that’s chill, bar surfing’s not for everyone, even ones where you’re more guaranteed of being with your people,” Jasper assures him. “That’s not my scene either, too loud for me.”

They chat for a few minutes, and David feels himself relaxing as the moments go by, it’s much more natural and comfortable than the previous conversations he’s had tonight. There’s something about Jasper, he’s just so easy going and friendly. The women who’d sat with him until now gave the impression of being stuck with him as their last choice. But Jasper sought him out on purpose, maybe that’s why their conversation is so easy. It’s hard to make small talk when one half of the table is just counting down until they can change seats.

Way too quick for their liking, the bell rings and people begin to shuffle. Jasper hesitates, and David feels his heart sink.

“Rotate couples, come on!”

Jasper clicks his tongue in annoyance, probably because the host is looking at him specifically, likely trying to burn a hole through his skull with sheer will alone. “Well, it was rad chatting with you. Maaaybe I’ll wind up at your table again,” he suggests hopefully.

“I’d like that,” David smiles.

Jasper grins back in delight.

“That means you table twelve!”

“Bite me,” Jasper says petulantly with a brief but dirty look at the host, standing up and wandering over to a new seat with one last glance at the ginger.

David watches him go, almost missing that someone else is taking the empty seat. He pastes on a smile and introduces himself…

Throughout the night, Jasper makes his way to David’s table whenever he can, which is not hard unless someone sits at his table first before he can get away. After their third chat, the host actually stops Jasper in the shuffle where he’s on his way to David again, begging him to sit with someone else.

“What, is it against the rules?” he challenges, not aggressive, but a little peeved that he’s being held up.

“Well- no- but that’s the point of getting twenty men and twenty women,” the host tries to reason. “It’s off balance now and the women that are left over are uncomfortable...”

“Well no offense to them but now they know how us sad little gays feel,” Jasper quips cheerfully. “You can kick me out if you want, but then you’ll still be off balance. PLUS it’d be kinda super uncool and come off as a little kinda homophobic if you do,” he shrugs casually, practically batting his eyes.

The host huffs, waving his hands in annoyance. “Fine, fine!”

“Sorry to pull that card, I know you’re just tryin to run your event, but I found a good match,” Jasper grins, heading towards said match’s table. “Hey, job well done!” he calls over his shoulder, giving the exasperated host double thumbs up as he makes his way to David.

“Heya stranger!” he greets as he parks it in the empty chair across from the ginger, looking accomplished.

“Did you get in trouble?” David teases playfully.

“Yeah I got a little talking to, but we’re chill now, my stubbornness won out and we came to an understanding,” Jasper grins, winking.

David giggles softly. “I’m glad to hear that.”

--

AND finally SINGLE DAD- I just love the idea of David trying to navigate the idea of dating because he totally does want his kid's approval but ALSO because Max can be a little ticking time bomb and he's sweatin it a little-

“Max,” David says carefully, making the boy look up from his dinner with a suspicious glare.

“What,” he deadpans, hearing the tone immediately and knowing A Conversation is going to be had.

“I was just wondering… what you thought of Jasper,” David says, trying to be casual. “You two seem to get on well.”

“He’s annoying,” Max grumbles flatly, making David’s heart drop, the beginnings of dread creeping in.

“What?”

“His jokes are stupid and he dresses like he found his shit out of a thirty year old dumpster behind some shitty store that went out of business… But. Other than that he’s fine I guess, whatever,” Max shrugs, seeing some of David’s fear start to recede. “You like him,” he says blandly.

David’s face warms, and he looks down at his food. “Yes.”

“So ask him on a date already, jesus,” Max sighs with a roll of his eyes, taking a bite of food.

David’s heart races, looking back up at his son. “Really? You would… be okay with it?”

“You don’t need my permission,” the boy shoots back.

“But I want it,” David says carefully, making Max pause and look up from his dinner. “Max, you’re my son, and I absolutely care what you think and how you feel, including about people I may bring into your life. I don’t want you to agree because you feel you have no say in it. I want to know if you’re actually okay with Jasper. If you could… see him in the picture with us.”

Max stares at him for a long moment, quietly shocked. Even though David has thrown him little curve balls like this time and time again, it never fails to surprise him when he’s treated like a human with feelings and opinions, not just a stupid child. His old parents, while not terrible, had often brushed aside his opinions and protests like most adults he’d met. Telling him he’s too young, he’s just a kid, he doesn’t know. But David is different, and after two years it still throws him off.

Finally, he lets out a sigh that’s almost a laugh. “Yeah yeah, whatever, date him,” he says calmly. “Maybe he can divert some of your annoying ass chipper self away from me and onto him instead,” he smirks, making David laugh.

“Aw Max, I love you kiddo,” he says in delight, taking another bite of his dinner and feeling both at peace and excited. He’d been scared of Max having objections to the idea of him dating, bringing a potential parental figure into his life, but the boy surprises him sometimes. Thankfully this is one of those times.

Now the other monumental task…

Asking Jasper out.

- - - -

“Hey, Jasp,” David says nervously, his face already warming a little.

“Hey dudeski,” Jasper replies, handing him an iced coffee as he sits.

“Oooh, thank you,” David says happily, the simple gift distracting him from his nerves a little as he takes a sip. “Wow, this is good! Where’d you get it?”

“Okay, you’re cool so I’m gonna let you in on my secret, but this stays between us,” Jasper says in a quiet, but dramatic voice as he leans in. “The gas station next to Wendy’s, downtown.”

“Really? A gas station?” David says in surprise.

“Again, hush hush, I can’t have the whole world movin’ in on my coffee spot,” Jasper insists firmly, making David laugh.

“Of course, your secret’s safe with me,” he says with a big smile, his heart fluttering at the way Jasper grins back a him, and he feels like now is the time. He’s nearly certain Jasper likes him back, but the nerves have been eating him up. Max had watched him pace for nearly ten minutes before finally tossing a throw pillow from the couch at him.

He takes a little sip of the coffee to stall for just another moment, clearing his throat. “Hey… Jas?”

“Sup,” the other man replies curiously, sipping his own coffee.

“I was wondering if… if you’d um.. like to get lunch- or-or dinner or something- sometime, anytime, whenever… with me,” he adds softly, heart thundering.

Jasper stares at him, brows raised where they’d slowly climbed during his stammering, blinking as he slowly sets the coffee down seemingly without realizing it. “Like… like a date?” he asks carefully.

David takes a long breath. “Yes,” he says on the exhale.

Jasper’s face breaks into a silly, crooked smile, his eyes alight and a flush in his cheeks. “Yeah dude, totally!” he says in delight. “But uh- will Max be okay with it?” he asks hesitantly.

“I’ve already asked, I have his blessing,” David says shyly, smiling.

“For real, he’s cool?” Jasper asks in surprise.

“Yes, he says you’re annoying, but I’m allowed,” the ginger says wryly.

“What! Annoying??” Jasper asks, looking stricken and betrayed despite often proclaiming himself annoying. “How? Why?”

“He says it’s your jokes and the way you dress,” David says, his smile widening in delight as Jasper immediately looks down at his shirt, a bright green gecko with pink-rimmed sunglasses looking back at him against the black fabric.

He looks up, a little devastated. “But- this is primo shit! It’s classic!”

David laughs. “For what it’s worth, I like the way you dress, you remind me of an arcade carpet sometimes,” he teases playfully.

“Only sometimes?” Jasper pouts, making David laugh again. “But man, your little dude is major harsh.”

“He can be quite… opinionated,” the ginger says kindly, neutral despite the polite smile on his face. Neutral like leaving out Max’s comment about clothes out of a 30 year old dumpster. “But he did say other than that you’re fine,” he adds wryly, knowing this is the closest Max could get to showing approval. His son was not shy of making his distaste known, so ‘fine’ was a huge win for David.

“Well I’ll take fine, the little man seems hard to win over,” Jasper says, his pout slowly morphing into a goofy smile. “So… a date,” he repeats, sounding pleased.

David goes a little redder. “If you could see yourself dating a single dad of a little hellraiser,” he says softly.

“You and your little hellraiser are pretty cool, I can definitely see it,” Jasper replies, his grin stretching as David’s eyes flicker down to his coffee with a cute smile, looking embarrassed.

He’d definitely not been expecting to be asked out by David today but god damn he’ll take it!

[gas-stxtion-a]

Ever since the first night that Tweek stumbled into the gas station, Jack felt distinctly responsible for the kid’s wellbeing in a way he wasn't particularly used to. He’d never been that kind of person, someone that could be trusted to take care of anyone else, let alone a kid. Fuck, Jack could barely take care of himself most days, let alone someone else. But, well, the circumstances didn’t give him much of a choice in this situation.

When a small, frightened child stumbles into your workplace and immediately accidentally murders a man, someone has to be the adult and handle it. And, somehow, Jack ended up being the one left to handle it. Thankfully, when all was said and done, Jack was able to get the poor kid safely out of there and away from Kieffer, and Spencer took the Kieffer body back with only minimal threats. All in all, an alright end to an otherwise stressful night.

Surprisingly, though, Tweek kept coming back. Not every night, but often enough that Jack started considering him a semi-regular fixture at the gas station. Despite his traumatic introduction to the establishment, he seemed to find the place comforting, enough so that he came by time and time again.

Part of Jack was worried that the kid’s faith in him was clearly misplaced. Sure, he wasn’t irresponsible by any means, but he knew he was far from safe. People around him tended to get hurt or die on an uncomfortably frequent basis, himself included. If Tweek kept spending time with Jack, it was probably only a matter of time until something terrible happened--something much worse than accidentally bashing an old plant-clone’s brains in.

The rest of him was touched that Tweek seemed to trust him so much. It was nice, having someone rely on him for something besides being the manager for a shitty, small-town gas station. And, more than that, Jack felt a growing sense of responsibility to be there for this kid. Jack didn’t know much about Tweek’s home life, but he was slowly starting to paint a picture in his head based on what clues he had, and it wasn’t a pretty one.

Jack could certainly relate to that. He remembered, somewhat dimly, when he was that age. Scrawny and small, flinching at shadows and shying away from the people around him. Back then, it felt like no one, especially not adults, really gave a shit what happened to him. In many ways, he was alone in the world. While Jack would never be so egotistical as to assume he alone could save Tweek from whatever horrors might be out there, he liked the idea of being able to offer the poor kid some support and sanctuary, even if barely anyone had done that for him.

Which brought them here. It was late at night, probably close to midnight, on a Tuesday. Tweek had come in about twenty minutes ago, looking exhausted and uneasy in a way Jack knew very well. Hoping to brighten the poor kid’s night, Jack sat him down on a stool by the counter, making him a coffee with the gas station’s ancient coffeemaker and offering him a bag of gummy bears. While he was there, he went ahead and made one for himself too, so they could both at least have something to drink.

Already, Tweek was looking better than when he’d first come in. Still tired, still trembling, and still clearly troubled, but no longer as on edge as before. Jack decided to take that as a good sign, especially when Tweek nodded in response to Jack’s attempt to reassure him. Jack took a sip of his own coffee, only wrinkling his nose a little as he realized he’d put a bit too much sugar. He set the cup down, deciding to just leave it for now, and nodded back at the kid, a small half-smile crossing his face.

“Hey, it’s not a problem at all, dude,” he said sincerely. “You can always come hang out if you want to--trust me, it’s rare for anybody to come in after 10 PM or so. As long as you don’t mind just chilling for a bit while I take care of store stuff now and then, I don’t mind at all if you wanna keep me company so I don’t fall asleep or something.” Maybe he was jumping to conclusions a bit, but Jack knew very well how little he liked feeling like people were taking pity on him or coddling him, like he was a burden people shouldered because they felt like they had to. So, maybe knowing his presence was helping Jack, too, might help Tweek feel a little better about the whole situation.

Tweek’s mention of someone else working the night shift made Jack pause. Someone else working the night shift? No, that couldn’t be. No one else should be working nights, unless-

“Was it a blond dude?” Jack asked. “The person who was here the other day, I mean.” He realized a moment later how non-specific that description was, so he continued, gesturing vaguely with one hand as if to emphasize his words. “Uh, tall, kinda looks like a stoner, probably dicking around instead of actually doing his job?” Jack smiled sheepishly. “‘Cuz that’d probably be Jerry--he doesn’t usually work nights, but he covers for me sometimes.” At least on the days where Jack’s too exhausted to handle a fifteen-hour shift. “He’s friendly, though; I mean, he’s kind of weird sometimes, but he’s a nice guy.”

Tweek’s next question halted that train of thought before Jack could continue babbling about his friend. His smile fell, and he glanced down at his coffee cup for a few seconds before turning his gaze back to the boy. Well, it was only a matter of time before he started noticing the weird stuff.

“Sometimes,” he said. “I-I mean, yeah, the shit with Kieffer is probably the worst of it, but there’s a lot of weird little things that happen here.” That was an understatement, and probably not very comforting, and Jack barely held back a wince as he realized that. “I mean, I’ve been working here for almost ten years--I’ve seen plenty of weird crap.” He wanted to ask what, exactly, Tweek might’ve seen, but the boy started elaborating before he had the chance to do so. Jack nodded along as Tweek spoke, understanding dawning on his face.

“Yeah, I’ve seen the guy who hangs out by the dumpsters.” Jack sighed, lifting one hand to rub at his eyes. He set it back down on the counter and looked back at Tweek, a small, grim smile on his face. “And, yeah, he’s kind of freaky. I don’t think he’s dangerous or anything, but he is really weird. And stupid-looking, once you see him up close. Mostly he’s just a creep who likes to hang out by the dumpster and hiss at me when I take out the trash.” Was that mean? Jack didn’t really care. The man in the raincoat was stupid-looking. That was just a fact.

The mention of something in the bathroom made Jack pause, looking at Tweek curiously. He could see that Tweek was embarrassed by the subject, clearly assuming that Jack was going to shut him down, and immediately he really felt for the kid. Jack was very used to the people around him telling him that things were all in his head, or that he was getting worked up for no reason. He wasn’t gonna do that to Tweek if he could help it.

“Hey,” Jack said gently, “I know what you mean. I-I get that way sometimes, too.” He shifted a little in his seat. “Well… alright, maybe more than just… sometimes.” Now it was his turn to be embarrassed, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand as he cleared his throat. “But th-that’s not the point. Point is, I get what you mean.” A long pause. “And, uh, for what it’s worth, I also know what you mean about the bathroom being haunted. I’m pretty sure there’s a ghost in there, too.”

▸   @gas-stxtion​   ⟶   ❛  jack: “Tonight, I’m gonna keep you safe, okay?” //for tweek! protect the poor kid from The Horrors  ❜

After the first time, it had turned into a habit for Tweek to show up at the gas station late at night when he couldn’t sleep.  He found out the same man worked the night shift most of the time, the same one who had helped him through the unfortunate incident that occurred during his first visit, and he came to regard the gas station as a safe-ish place, at least when Jack was working.  If, by some odd miracle, there was somebody else working behind the counter, the entire place felt off.  Tweek could not shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong with it, and he began to notice strange occurrences.

Once, when approaching the gas station on one of his night walks, he saw what appeared to be a tall figure in a yellow raincoat standing near the dumpster in the back, illumined by the light over the rear door.  They stood almost entirely stock-still but swayed a little bit, as if they could feel Tweek looking at them, despite having their back to him, and wanted to assure him that they were real and alive rather than a statue.  He did not venture behind the gas station to see who they were and what they were doing because he liked to think that he wasn’t an idiot, but he at least saw them when he was approaching it from the side.

Then, another time, he went into the bathroom and got the distinct impression that he was not alone in there, even though the rest of the stalls were empty.  It was freezing in there, and his teeth chattered in his skull, and he did not actually want to take a piss, but he felt about to explode, so he rushed through it and then dashed out of there, refusing to look directly into any of the mirrors in case he caught something behind him.  After that, he made sure to always do his business before leaving home because he did not want to take his chances with whatever worse thing might be in the women’s room.

But if Jack was here, it all felt fine, and Tweek sat on a wooden stool, nursing a medium coffee and a pack of gummy bears.  He kicked his feet back and forth, thumping his heels against two legs of the stool, one of the fidgets that implied an unusual amount of calmness for him.  He was still trembling slightly, which was perhaps why Jack talked him out of a large coffee, but otherwise, he was mostly comfortable and content.

“Okay,” he said, nodding, his expression still troubled by something.  Even if he was mostly composed, it was still difficult and rare to drag a smile out of him.  “Th-thank you for—hh—letting me stay.  I know you’ve got work to do, too.”  And babysitting was rarely part of a gas station attendant’s job description.

“You weren’t working the other day when I came,” he noted, looking off toward a display of candy bars—buy one, get one for fifty percent off—“so I left again.  I didn’t like the look of the person behind the counter or of the whole rest of the place.”  Jack could not work all the time and probably needed days off here and there, but Tweek still disliked being around strangers, especially when there were bad vibes emanating from other parts of the store.  He wanted something familiar to latch onto and trust, so he always swung quickly back around when he couldn’t find Jack.

“Jack, can I ask you something?” he said, turning his attention back to the man in question.  Then, without waiting for an answer, he pressed on: “Does… do you get… weird… stuff happening here sometimes?”  He realized what an idiotic question that was and corrected himself—“I mean, besides all the dead guys in the freezer.”  Shit must go down here somewhat regularly if Jack was so blasé about murder and if there were that many corpses of the same guy on the property.

“Like I saw a really—a really weird person standing out back one time, not doing anything, just standing around, but in a freaky way.”  Maybe that was mean, and he should not have been assuming the worst about whoever it was, but they were a bit odd in his opinion, and he thought he caught a glance of them again on his way in tonight.  Having some reassurance that Jack knew who they were and that they were safe would do Tweek a world of good.  Perhaps, then, he could even go out and face the person in the raincoat and make two friends at the gas station, but he would not do it before he was told whether or not it was fine.

“Then, I got a—a weird feeling… the bathroom…”  Tweek trailed off and flushed pink, much less confident in his proceedings than he had been.  Craig constantly told him how much of his experiences were just in his own head, and now he felt silly.  “Like it might… be haunted.”  He sipped on his coffee and quickly averted his gaze again.  “It was probably nothing, though…  S-sometimes, I get—egh—w-worked up for… no reason.”

[xaharadesert]

Badass & Chill MC - Headcanon

Arcana Characters (Main 6) x MC

A/N: This one is for @sam-gad, although Tumblr won’t let me tag them for some reason!! They were very helpful in determining where I would take this prompt! The premise is fairly self explanatory— MC who is chill for the most part, but can absolutely kick anyone’s butt if necessary! Please let me know if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes :) requests are open! And thank you everyone who has continued to send in support over this past week, it means the world to me!

❤️Julian❤️

Oh, this man is more than excited to find out that you can destroy anyone in a fight

When he first met you, and saw how relaxed you seemed to be, he was worried that you wouldn’t fit well with his more… dangerous lifestyle

But the moment the two of you had ended up in danger, with seemingly no way out, you practically changed into a different person

He had been ready to defend the both of you, but clearly there was no need

From then on, it was usually you who would do most of the fighting (Julian would do his best to help, but let’s be real, you could probably take down two or three people in the time it took him to take down one)

Julian would likely find himself getting injured or arrested significantly less than before, which he would only be mildly disappointed about

When you weren’t helping him out in a fight, your relatively chill demeanour would certainly help keep him from doing anything more reckless than necessary

In personality, you seemed to be opposites, but your lifestyles complimented each other perfectly

Where you will calm, he was dramatic, and where he was clumsy, you were infallible

🧡Portia🧡

Admittedly, Portia isn’t exactly the kind of woman to need much help in a fight

She more than makes up for her lack of combat training with enthusiasm, and, honestly, most people would flee after she tries to bite them

However, having someone as skilled as you around for when some stubborn jerks refuse to back down is always a good idea

Portia is super excited to see how awesome you are in a fight, and absolutely wants to learn some of your cooler moves

(You might have to break her heart a little by telling her it takes a very long time to learn, but she’s nothing if not determined)

Your relaxed personality is a big help to her in day to day life, seeing as she’s so excitable

That’s not to say her enthusiasm is a bad thing, it’s just good to have someone around who can keep a level head and work through things calmly when she tries to charge ahead with nothing but her emotions

You two balance each other out perfectly— she makes sure your day to day life is exciting, and you make sure the adventures you take her on are as safe as possible

💛Lucio💛

As we all know, Lucio is absolutely one to talk about his past battles; or, more specifically, one to tell grand tales about his many glorious victories

With that being said, you would likely allow him to ramble on about himself, not too concerned about comparing your own skills to his

So when the moment to fight comes, and Lucio tries to step in front of you in an attempt to protect you, and you absolutely demolish the enemy within moments, suffice to say, he was shocked (and maybe a bit disappointed he didn’t get to show off)

He shakes off his initial surprise easily enough, and immediately starts declaring that “of course you’re one of the strongest warriors to walk the Earth, I have impeccable taste in romantic partners”

(And let’s be honest, he’s only all the more attracted to you after he finds out how amazing you are in battle)

He brags to everyone he meets that his partner is an undefeated champion of combat, even if you may be significantly more humble

Admittedly, he is slightly insecure about the fact that you could beat even him in a fight— he always prided himself on his combat ability, and thought it would be one of his more charming aspects that he could bring to the relationship

If you agree to spar with him, it might be in your relationship’s best interest to let him win a round or two, if only to motivate him into practicing harder until he really can defeat you

You having a more calm approach to life definitely helps keep Lucio grounded; he sometimes struggles with his temper and pride, and having you with him helps him to keep himself from flying off the handle at whoever dared breathe wrong in his direction

💚Muriel💚

You never lose a fight? Thank goodness, then he can let you handle yourself

Muriel doesn’t enjoy fighting, and generally prefers to not be involved at all, but he knew that if it really came down to it, he would protect you however necessary

But when he found out that you were more than capable of looking after yourself, his relief was monumental

He was still somewhat irrationally nervous about you going to dangerous locations alone, and insisted on accompanying you, but every time he witnessed you knocking someone out it only served to reassure him that you genuinely would be fine without him

Furthermore, your calm personality helped reduce his anxieties greatly

Spending time with you, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, and seeing how you were supposedly never really worried about anything brought him great amounts of comfort

You were like a rock he could always rely on for support: unshakable, strong, and dependable

Honestly, not a lot of people picked fights with the two of you

Between your completely relaxed demeanour in even the most threatening of circumstances, and Muriel’s sheer size and intimidating presence, most people did their best to stay out of your way

💙Asra💙

Asra is, perhaps, the only person who could rival your calmness on a day to day basis

The two of you seem to be completely in sync with your emotions (even without the help of your shared heart), and constantly exist in a state of relaxation

Even when you journey to the far ends of the Earth, the two of you seem to be completely comfortable with whatever situation you find yourselves in

You could be kidnapped and tied up in the back of a wagon, and you’d be joking with each other, seemingly not at all concerned with the circumstances

Of course, this is largely in part of the fact that both you and Asra now you could destroy anyone you really wanted to

Not that you would, but you absolutely could

Asra feels very reassured by the fact that he doesn’t have to protect you, even if he wants to do so anyway (although, the exception is anytime you appear to be sick, at which time he panics and refuses to allow you to do anything that may make it worse)

In all honesty, despite your skill, Asra doesn’t particularly want to encourage fighting

He would much prefer the two of you to cuddle up in the shop, drinking tea, and discussing what you did in the few parts of the day you weren’t together

💜Nadia💜

Admittedly, she’s a bit worried when she first witnesses your prowess on the battlefield

As incredible as your skills are, she worries about what you will do with him (her past with Lucio still makes her anxious, no matter how irrational the thought may be)

However, she’s greatly reassured when she sees how calm you are otherwise

She’s grateful to have someone relaxed in her life, to remind her to slow down and process what’s happening in her life, if even for a moment

Nadia enjoys hearing about your perspective on topics that are often emotionally charged— you seem to be able to remain level-headed when her couriers cannot

She also enjoys sparring with you when she has some time off

It’s a great way to relieve stress, and, since you’re a much more impressive fighter than she is (as outlandish as that may seem), she feels as though she’s actively improving for each moment longer she manages to stand against you

Please don’t go easy on her, she doesn’t appreciate being condescended to, and she’s eager to learn

Nadia appreciates that the two of you have so much to offer each other; learning and growing together is one of Nadia’s favourite parts of your relationship

[innaminitus]

Gingerbreads

Pairing: George x reader x Fred

Request: WEASLEY TWINS CHRISTMAS SMUT YES PLEAASE where they both like the reader but like make a deal that it’s either both of them for her or none of them? THANK YOU

Warnings: smut, no twincest

Word count: 2671

A/N: BIG NOTE: if you are not okay with this kind of fic, you are free to not read it. there is plenty of similar fics all over tumblr, you can avoid them, too.

first fic from my Christmas at Hogwarts series! Feel free to send requests!

The hallways were filled with candles and glittery chains, on every corner there was a Christmas tree, decorated with all kinds of ornaments, gingerbreads and dried oranges, filling the air with the specific scent of holidays.

Disgusting.

You hated the so called ‘holiday spirit’ and basically everything that involved anything associated with Christmas. It wasn’t your fault, really. You remembered times when you actually quite liked Christmas. Not much of it you remembered, though, since you were just a small child when it all fell apart. It was Christmas, after all, when your father murdered your mother right in front of you. Cinnamon and oranges only made you anxious now.

Suddenly someone bumped into you from behind.

“Hey, Portkey!” The Weasley twins blocked your view and both walked backwards in order to see you.

“Stop calling me that…” You furrowed at the nickname, but couldn’t help but to smile.

You got the nickname after the circumstances in which you met the twins.

You were scrubbing the cauldrons in Snape’s office as your detention when the door opened and Filch jumped on his chair in which he has been snoring for at least half an hour now. Snape stormed through the door, dragging two boys by their collars. You saw them before, the famous Weasley twins, the jokers of Hogwarts.

“Messrs. Weasley will help Miss Y/L/N clean the cauldrons. I expect them to be clean enough to see my own reflection.”

“Of course, professor!” Filch nodded his head. “I’ll make sure they will!”

But despite what he said, right after Snape left Filch sat back on his chair and started snoring once again. Fred or George laughed at him and grabbed one of the sponges you were using to clean one of the cauldrons from something thick and sticky.

“I’m Fred” one of them said “and this is George.” He pointed at his twin who cringed at the sight of dirty cauldrons.

“I’m Y/N,” you murmured without taking your eyes off a particularly dirty place.

“And how did you end up here?”

You smirked and looked up.

“I turned Filch’s mop into a portkey. He ended up on the roof every time he touched it.”

They both laughed at your words.

“Brillaint!” said George. At least you thought it was George. “We gave the whole first year Fainting Fancies.”

“Only to test them, of course.”

“But Granger ruined the fun.”

You stopped scrubbing for a second and looked at them with dismay.

“What on earth are Fainting Fancies?” you asked, not sure if you actually want to know the answer.

“Ah!” Fred straightened, obviously very proud of himself. “Our invention! We are working on sweets that make you ill.”

“Sweets that make me ill?” You raised your eyebrow.

“Exactly. You take one and have, in example, instant fever. Perfect before an exam you forgot about.”

“You guys are really something else.”

It was in the middle of September. You have become quite inseparable ever since, the jokes and hours of detention really brought you together.

“Ready to leave for Christmas?” asked Fred, almost tripping over an old rug.

You dragged his arm and forced him to walk next to you, afraid he might actually fall next time. George also joined your side.

“I’m not leaving. I always spend Christmas here.”

“Well, actually that makes sense. I wouldn’t like to spend Christmas with a Slytherin either,” Fred laughed, but George stormed him with sight. “What?”

You only talked to George about what happened to your family. One night you were changing the lenses in telescopes in Astronomy Tower, so instead of stars they would show a giant eye of a person who would use them and ended up looking at the night sky filled with dark clouds. You were talking about everything and nothing, and from word to word you ended up confessing it to him. How your father killed your mother, because she wouldn’t join him as a Death Eater. How you run away through the back door of your house and, swallowing tears, stormed to your neighbors. How the Aurors would take your father to the Azkaban and leave you at an orphanage. How no one would adopt you.

“It’s just… Celebrating Christmas in an orphanage is never fun. I much prefer it here than there.”

Fred’s smile fainted. “I’m- I’m sorry, Y/N, I had no idea.”

“That’s fine.” You waved your hand at him. “You couldn’t know.”

He looked at his twin, they exchanged looks that seemed to say more than any word could.

“Alright, that’s it,” George said. “You have to come with us for Christmas.”

You shook your head with a faint smile. “It’s alright, boys. I’m fine on my own, really.”

“Well, we’re not.” Fred stopped, blocking your way up the corridor. “That’s it, you’re coming with us. I already told mom you would.”

You furrowed. “No, you didn’t.”

“But I will, so you better go pack yourself.”

You sighed. Would it really be so bad? Would you go down memory lane and get fifteen panic attacks by the time you step through the door of their home or would you finally soothe the horror you’ve been living in for past twelve years? There was only one way to find out.

“Alright. I’ll go.”

***

You were nervous during the whole train ride, and now you felt as if you were about to jump from your own skin because of anxiety. With the rest of the Weasley siblings and, of course, the one and only Harry Potter you were waiting outside the King’s Cross station for Mr. Weasley, who was going to pick you up. In a car, they said. You couldn’t possibly imagine how exactly you would fit in a car with all the baggage, but magic surprised you way too many times for you to still question everything. This time it was no different – although Mr. Weasley parked a simple black car, he supposedly got from the Ministry (it had something to do with Potter, but you didn’t ask too many questions) inside it was as big as a van. Every single one of you could fit inside, and you still had plenty of room left. They all chattered and laughed during the way, but you were too stressed to even listen to them. You regretted your decision already. You should be at Hogwarts, in your dorm room, alone, reading a book and drinking unholy amount of hot chocolate with marshmallows. The elves would always bring you some food and this perfect beverage since you never joined the rest of the students which stayed as well. But it was too late now.

The car stopped before an old, weirdly crooked house which looked like a patchwork blanket you had when you were little. Somehow it made you feel warm inside.

You got out right after Ginny, with your bag in hand, unsure what to do. You locked your eyes on flying lights around the roof of the house. Could it be fairies? Or just enchanted string of plain lights?

All of the sudden you felt heavy arm around your shoulders. “Hey, Portkey, you alright?” Fred asked, his sight following yours. “Yeah, I know it’s not much, but–“

“It’s perfect,” you interrupted, smiling.

His face brightened and you noticed sparkles in his eyes. Pretty.

“Go on, lovebirds!” Ginny waved at you and you noticed that it was now only you and Fred standing outside. You blushed suddenly and hurried inside.

“Oh, hello, dear!” Mrs. Weasley smiled at you and grabbed your arms, squeezing them lightly. A big warm smile bloomed on her face. “You must be Y/N! How lovely to finally meet you, I’m so glad you’ll spend holidays with us!”

“Thank you for having me.” You smiled back. This woman just greeted you like an old family friend, not an orphan she sees for the first time in her life. It was… oddly nice.

***

You were sitting on a sofa, your knees under your chin, staring blindly at the yule tree, your sight blurred to the point where you only saw points of colorful light. The dinner was wonderful. Mrs. Weasley asked George in a letter what your favorite food was, and of course made it just for you. She also made sure there was no scent of gingerbread spice. It was just a little too much for you.

“You’re not asleep?” Someone’s voice interrupted your mindless procrastinating.

You blinked and turned your head to look at George walking down the stairs.

“Not yet… I’m a little overwhelmed. Don’t mind me.”

He sat next to you. The sofa was quite small, that’s why you put your legs down, and now his thigh was touching yours.

“I know my mum can be… intense. To say the least, but she means well.”

“I know that, and she’s lovely, really, it’s just… I don’t know. A lot to process for me. I haven’t had real Christmas since I was a kid. And you are all trying to make me feel welcome…” You turned your head from him, suddenly ashamed. “I feel like I don’t deserve any of it.”

A second passed, then another, and you felt his warm fingers under your chin. He gently turned your face back to him.

“You deserve everything, Y/N.” He moved so close to you that for a second you were sure he was going to kiss you, but he hesitated mere millimeters from your lips. Hotness flushed your cheeks. He smelled like pine tree and suddenly you decided it was now your favorite scent. You waited for a second that felt like an hour, and slightly moved away in the same moment he moved forward. A small gasp escaped your lips, he leaned even more, undaunted, and kissed you gently. No tongue, not even opened mouth, just lips touching lips. It was a long kiss, though, and when he moved away you felt uncomfortable chill on your mouth.

“George–“

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I shouldn’t–“

“No,” you interrupted. “Do it again. Please.”

You didn’t have to tell him twice. His hand landed on the back of your neck, he pulled you to him, and butterflies erupted in your stomach. Enough with the gentleness, he was needy, as if he’s been waiting for your lips his whole life. His other hand was on your thigh, he was turning you more towards him as his tongue slid into your mouth.

“Well, well, well.”

You parted immediately, somehow ashamed. Fred slowly walked down the stairs, a hint of smile on his face. “What do we have here?” He stood before you, hands crossed. “I thought we had a deal, Georgie.” Wait, what? “It’s either both of us or none of us.”

You blinked once, then twice, but couldn’t understand the situation. You looked at George, hoping that maybe he would make it clearer.

“I know, I know,” he sighed “but I couldn’t help myself.”

Your heart missed a beat, but not in a pleasant way. Were they… making a bet?

“Can any of you tell me what the hell are you talking about?” you asked, lovely moment from just a mere minute ago long gone.

George rubbed the back of his head and exchanged looks with Fred. They were doing it again, communicating without words.

He sighed. “We– we both like you, okay? And we agreed that none of us will be with you… unless the other one would also be involved.”

You swallowed hard. Did he mean… to be with them both? At the same time? It seemed crazy but… you liked them, too. They were both handsome, obviously. Would it be so bad?

“Okay,” you said, the steadiness of your voice surprising you. “We can– we can try.”

They seemed as surprised as you were, looking at each other once more.

Fred was the first to speak, after he cleared his throat. “Then maybe… let’s go to our room?”

You nodded and followed him up the stairs, feeling the warmth of George’s body behind you.

It was oddly arousing. You had to be quiet, to not wake anyone. You knew you’d have to be quiet later when… When what exactly? Were you going to have sex? Or was it just your hope?

You entered the twins’ room, bathed in moonlight. It smelled like pine here as well…

Suddenly a hand was on the back of your neck, Fred’s tongue first, a split second before his needy lips landed on yours. You didn’t think, you didn’t wait, you gave back every kiss, your tongue next to his. While his fingers were tangled in your hair another set of hands played with skin under the hem of your shirt, bolder with each passing moment. He traced the curves of your body, shamelessly traveled up, and up, his soft fingers caressed the side of your breasts only to finally land on your hardened nipples. You moaned in Fred’s mouth at which he bit your lower lip.

“You like how he touches you, huh?” His voice no more than a whisper, sent shivers down your body. “Wait till I touch you.”

George rolled your nipples in between his fingers, but soon his hands were gone, because Fred lifted you up. They seemed to have one mind, what one thought the other acted. George sat on one of the beds, Fred seated you between his brother’s legs. His fingers hooked on your pajama pants and your panties, but before he took them off he took a look at you, one eyebrow raised in silent question. You could go back now, they wouldn’t blame you. Only… you didn’t exactly want to go back. You lifted your hips, your answer just as silent as his. He grinned and slid your clothes down your legs. George gripped your shirt and soon it was also gone, but you weren’t cold. You had two bodies to warm yourself and you were gladly going to use them.

George’s soft lips traced the curve of your neck while Fred was watching your arousal grow under his brother’s touch. His hands slowly parted your thighs, showing your already pulsating pussy. His twin’s fingers were kneading your breasts and mercilessly pinching your nipples while his mouth landed on yours, kissing you passionately.

He caught you by surprise, really. Almost making you jump when you felt warm tongue spreading your folds, surprise quickly turning to pleasure when Fred’s tongue started to, gently at first, play with your dripping pussy. Oh, but he was impatient. Soon you were a moaning as he was sucking on your clit and slowly pushing one finger inside of you. George wasn’t planning on being any worse than his brother – his skillful fingers could probably make you come just by playing with your nipples and soon you were biting your lips almost till they bled, only to not moan their names.

The pleasure was unbelievable. Feeling of two bodies against you, flicks of Fred’s tongue and moves of George’s fingers and his lips on yours – it was all too much to bear, too much for one person to experience. And you found yourself lost in this pleasure when Fred joined another finger deep in your pussy. Your muscles clenched on him, he started sucking on your clit, George’s fingers pinched hard and all of the sudden you were almost knocked out by the most intensive orgasm you’re ever had.

They gave you a moment to come down from the high and slowly started to undress when you suddenly heard a knock on the door.

“Can you wrap it up?” You heard Ginny’s whisper. “Mom asked me twice already where you are, Y/N, I’m running out of excuses.”

You got all red and slapped your hand over your mouth, looking at the twins who tried very hard not to laugh. Fred handed you your clothes and George leaned to your ear “We’ll finish it tomorrow.” A shiver went down your spine. Well, now you’ve had new Christmas memory to hold onto.

[tarotchariotpickyourcard]

Pick a card reading: What you should like more about yourself!

This one is for the ones on that self love journey, the ones that need a pick me up or have a hard time with self confidence/esteem especially.

So I'm sure it's quite clear. The cards that you pick will reflect why you deserve to be more loving to yourself, what wonderful qualities you have, and maybe help convince you to lessen your negative inner language.

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Please pick one of the groups ( 1, 2, 3 or 4.)

You might be drawn to an item, the card itself, or a number. Please calm your mind and meditate for a minute.

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Side note: If you have a hard time choosing, or nothing seems strong to you, perhaps you could come back later on and try. Do not pressure yourself, darling.

Number one is the badge saying "yup"

Number 2 is the wing

Number 3 is the little bird

Number 4 is the chain saying "BE MINE"

GROUP 1 : (Yup badge)

Morning affirmations, Joy, Strength

6 of wands, 4 of pentacles, Mother of swords

What an interesting blend of character you are!

With the owl, this is a strong suggestion that you are able to see through deep into situations and understand "in between the lines". A great communicator, the queen of swords can be straight to the point, brilliant and not to be messed with. Your ability to say it like it is might be perceived as a little harsh to very sensitive or younger people, however it is a strong and much needed trait in the world. We need people with the organisational skills and know how of the mother of swords! The queen always reminds me of someone who is a good teacher, and a fair person.

With the 6 of wands and the 4 of pentacles, the combination hits in a way of potentially dulling that light. The traits I list may be some that you are aware of in a way, but perhaps have a lesser opinion of. The interesting mix of you is in the way of you being so strong, able to endure and be positive, yet a wonderful balance of being able to have boundaries. Again, I'm seeing the strong ability to recognise when someone is being a "rat" as the animal is right next to the owl. I can't help but get the idea that it is direct experience. I would be surprised if you haven't recently come to a revelation about a person in your social circle, or cut someone out/created more boundaries.

Strength mentions having resilience, coming through things more compassionate, stronger and brighter. Brighter being strong in focus to me, as it is next to joy. Your ability to have fun *despite* issues or obstacles is an enviable trait! I really feel that while you might have your difficulties, you never let them suck you in for too long mentally. You seem to try and stay positive through things, and not everyone can do that. You are also much more smart/knowledgeable than you give yourself credit for. Don't let anyone put you down, because you're being shown that if you go for what you've been studying/working at, with strong persistence you can succeed. I feel like the branches signify people who have acted as obstacles, or your troubles in life. This is confirmation you can rise above them, and if you're stuck right now, please accept my confirmation that things can and will change. Life can't help but flow, no matter how people may try and resist. So if anyone is putting you down, or getting in your way - know that their resistance to your future and well being is futile.

You keep having those boundaries. Keep on keeping on. You're sharp, you're witty, and of all things you have kept your kind heart. One day the joy you try to find in the little things will come to you effortlessly and in x100.

I got the need to call you cherub. Chin up, Cherub.

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GROUP 2 (the wing)

Wait, generosity, magic, peacefulness

The hermit, Ace of swords, Son of swords.

eYou're an extremely thoughtful person, aren't you? I get social activist vibes, the kind of person who thinks about bigger issues than just in their personal world, and could debate very well. The ability to get to the kernel of truth within an argument or bigger pattern in the world seems equal to none. If you have a hard time accepting that your opinions mean something, or you would be able to be persuasive, this is confirmation for you that actually - yes - you do have something meaningful to share with others.

In this pile I'm seeing a more peaceful, patient character. Someone who simply tries to be good, and do good for others. You create magic for other people. My heart swells at this, as I'm seeing reciprocity of kindnesses between you and others over time.

While The son of swords on it's own could potentially be quick to intervene or make a judgement, with the hermit and wait, I'm feeling more that you take the time to think things over. For example, if asked to make a decision, you would want to take your time and really think. If you were asked what your thoughts were on a political stand point, you would think in depth and make no judgements from the surface. This is so helpful, as there's less chance of misunderstanding/unkindness as well as the ability to make better long term decisions for yourself.

Very introspective, and the ace of swords suggests you have great clarity of mind. I can imagine you would be a wonderful person for explaining complicated matters to a wide group of people.

Generosity is what it says on the tin: You are a generous human. That is so, so important. There are many people out there who might feel like no one thinks about them or cares, and you come in and surprise them with something, or offer them help without them asking. It makes people feel valued, and like they are important or have a place in someone's life.

Peacefulness suggests not inviting drama, and I get 2 things. You might be described as grounded, or "chill". As well as this likely suggests your lack of interest in being within a dramatic situation. You are likely very good at looking at others drama, and seeing where it truly stems from, as well as having a good idea of advice for them. If you have friends right now, it's likely they feel peaceful being around you and that they can truly calm down or get your advice on their *own* drama.

You are so important to the people around you, and if there are people that can't appreciate you, I promise you they have *no* idea how lucky they are. You offer so much as a friend, confidant, and as a person who cares for the worlds well being. I appreciate you.

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GROUP 3: ( Little bird

Blessed change, gratitude, engagement, follow your heart, father of pentacles, the empress, the star

You're cool.

Right off the bat, I see your ability to see the silver lining, to take changes as they come (and I don't mean you happily drudge through hard changes, I mean more like you accept them more easily than others). Do you know, it really helps a persons resilience in life if they can have gratitude for things in general, as well as seeing the positive affects of life changes. You have an ability to notice the opportunities in said silver lining. An example I've read in the past involved a man who lost his job, but an opportunity came up for something he was passionate regarding his hobby. He would not have been free to do it unless he was let go of.

You're my free flowing group. Very adaptable. You're able to take time out to really think about what you truly desire in life. When themes like this come up, I really get the idea of authenticity. To put a focus on following your heart, being grateful for what you've taken part in and even quirky circumstances is a massive strength. Do you have any idea how scary that is to people? To wake up and think "My heart wants this, I'm going to actually aim for it because I need to be myself." That's terrifying to many!

Note: If you are finding it hard to be upfront or true to yourself due to fear, this is confirmation that you will be able to in the future. Take your time, as this will come naturally to you.

I know you might be shrugging thinking, but sometimes I get really negative or scared too. I won't say that's not a thing humans experience. What I am saying however, is that you have that strength of character to say actually, nothing would be worse than to answer to my fear. Fear of self expression, fear of being judged. Fear of not having your project liked. These kinds of things.

I feel like you're a fun person who is very interesting to people/has had at least one very interesting or unusual experience. I want you to know the cards are showing that people really enjoy speaking with you, and hearing your stories. So no negative self talk of being boring, or disliked.

Your flexibility, and your ability to be sociable, yet able to pull back appropriately is wonderful. The world needs those who can be more easy going as this can help people de-stress and stop thinking about their worries.

I'm seeing wonderful creativity, and again, being able to be social and talk to many people very well. You're a shining star, and you're supposed to be!

I wonder if sometimes you feel like you need to be "more" productive, but let me tell you... Networking with people is half the job.

I'm also wondering (as a rainbow stands out) if some here are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It would make sense with the authenticity. If you have a social media presence, or a creative project you want to get out, or expressing your personal experiences to the world - this is confirmation to keep standing tall, stand proud because yes, you do have a lot to offer! King of pentacles next to the empress also suggests you might be on to something that can bring in some income for you. Again, even sharing your experiences is very valued and may well be it. The world itself wants to see you, or whatever you desire to create.

If you have a hard time focusing or being practical, darling, you get along well with others for a reason. Ask for help, whether it's family, friends online, a teacher, anyone. There's help to steer you further in the right direction. You're a beautiful person and you matter to people. You are loved, so please love yourself.

There's something here that seems upset, and I just have the biggest urge to hug you! So if you will, accept my many energetic and virtual hugs!

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GROUP 4: "Be mine"

Worthiness, Ups and downs, courage

Ace of pentacles, Ace of wands, daughter of wands (reversed)

Daughter of wands reversed suggests to me, that you have the traits such as this, but perhaps not the confidence in yourself right now about those things. The book describes her as passionate, visionary, cares more for career and starts a family later; stubborn, strong (i take this as physically actually) and may be going through a spiritual breakthrough or a big change. With this I get the thought that you probably don't recognise just *how* passionate you truly are. You might be finding it hard to go a certain way in your career and studies. There might even be some worries that you might not stick at it. But what you are not realising is your actions have magic in them.

If you are interested in LOA: Your actions manifest not only in a practical sense, but *that's* what truly gets the energy moving. You need physical expression of some kind.

I'm getting such practical, but passionate energy. The ace of wands with courage? That's amazing. Fire sign or not, you have classic fire energy. Even when you lack confidence, you have a strange inner ability to be brave even at your worst times.

Oh, if only you had the confidence to aim!

Your energy and action are seriously magnificent. You have a *lot* of inner energy, spiritual energy, physical vitality. If you have health issues this might sound strange to you - but I get the idea your body was built with a lot of vitality available. You might have really struggled in life with ups and downs here, but I'm seeing you crash right through all the barriers and try to do life the best way you know how. No matter your struggles, you are a warrior here.

The 2 aces here (that is so interesting to have seen) show that you are probably quite good at beginning new things, and when you're motivated, you're MOTIVATED. I'm getting the idea that when you *do* take action on a goal, you go at it with everything and it can surprise people.

I'm seeing creative ability. It's an ability that I have seen myself. An example would be.... A mistake is made in a piece of art. It didn't go the way you wanted originally. But, wait a minute... that's starting to look like something, so I'm going to change it all up and create something completely different than intended.

It's seeing potential in a small detail. I'm seeing original thinking.

I just see a bulls eye, and such great energy and ability, but the lack of confidence. And so, I feel like you're at a time where you're stopping yourself, or won't aim for something out of fear of failing. I also got the sentence biting your tongue. I'm sorry if you're in a situation where you can't speak up for yourself, as this is not aligned with your character.

Overall I believe your a creative but practical person, and have the ability to really pull through and create wonderful things. You can be *very* brave as well as motivated and so I feel you inspire others, as well as surprise them.

I really do feel that with worthiness, it is hinting to confidence/self esteem issues as it says "know that you deserve to receive good in all ways".

You deserve to be successful. You deserve to take the career path that you have been thinking about. You deserve people to treat you well. You deserve to have that hobby, whether you're "good" or not.

Deep down somewhere you know you are bigger than this. I am wishing for a healthy full confidence boost for you and some new energy to help push you.

Please have the courage to aim, as bob ross says:

"we don't make mistakes, we make happy little accidents"

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And that's the last of them! I hope you enjoyed, and I hoped this help you feel a little better about yourself. We need to cheer ourselves up sometimes and let ourselves think good things. We attract more honey with sugar after all!

Until the next pick a card!

Thank you!

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[slashbitch2]

The Very Nosy Neighbour

this fic was 100% inspired by this one here , but I mean it practically wrote itself I couldn't resist

NSFW

You can't remember much past waking up in an unfamiliar room- though 'room' is really a sugarcoated description, as in reality it qualifies more as some kind of cavern. You're sitting in a chair, ankles and wrists bound by an indistinguishable material. Whatever the binds are made of feels strong, so any attempts to struggle against it are futile. Yet, in spite of what really should be an extremely stressful situation, you find yourself completely relaxed. You briefly wonder whether you've been drugged, but with every sense feeling fully operational, that theory is soon dismissed.

Instead of choosing a more logical response to the circumstances you've found yourself in, you decided to focus more on your surroundings: not to form any resemblance of an escape plan, but simply out of curiosity. Although, the investigation is equally as ineffective. You're unable to name anything around you except for stone walls, strange (glowing?) vines and weird symbols carved above a few archways. Everything beyond that is either entirely lost to you, or shrouded in darkness.

With little else to do, you start to think back on the events that led you there, trying to glean any useful information from the blurry memories. The clearest image, therefore the most recent, is the smirking face of a woman, Agnes you realise. Though the malicious glint in her eyes doesn't quite match your perception of the nosy neighbour. But where is she now? Is she also in danger? You may not have known Agnes for very long, but are reluctant to let any harm come to her regardless.

With a clearer head, you consider calling for help, but a small voice at the back of your subconscious warns you against this. And the voice sounds smart, so you elect to listen to it. But what should you do instead? Where did this voice come from? And most importantly, should you trust it? Luckily, you aren't given much time to overthink the decision.

While trying to tune into this voice, footsteps echo in the distance, gradually drawing nearer. You hold your breath as the sound suddenly stops, leaving your eyes scanning the vicinity for any movement. The unpleasant reality dawns on you all too quickly: the footsteps were approaching from behind you.

“Well, well, well.” Someone says playfully, then snorts as they start walking closer. "Sorry to be a total cliché. I couldn't resist." It's Agnes. She narrows her eyes and smirks, folding her arms as she examines your constrained form. Subjected to her scrutiny, you find yourself swallowing, but your throat is too dry. Other small discomforts also become noticeable; your cramped limbs, aching back and the bruises on your hands. Well at least you put up a fight. The more rational part of you, however, realises that your hands are no longer bound. You stare down at them, flexing each finger as if checking they were all still fully functional.

Something suddenly knocks into your head and you grimace. Left reeling from the impact, you realise that you're slightly nauseated. Though not enough to stop you from reaching out to grasp the floating cup of water. The fact that the glass is suspended in mid-air doesn't go unnoticed, rather ignored, since there's too much happening simultaneously to comprehend any of it in sufficient detail. You swirl the liquid round, hesitant to drink, unwilling to trust your captor's apparent mercy.

"Drink up, dear." Agnes drags a chair forward, which seems to have just appeared out of thin air. She sits backwards on it, legs spread and arms resting on the back casually. "That's all you're getting until we're done here." The tone of her voice is both threatening and teasing. You're reluctant to admit it's quite a turn on.

One glance up at her prying expression and you relent, downing the chilled water way too quickly. Though you aren't given a chance to mourn your impatience, as with an effortless wave of her hand, Agnes refills the glass. While you sip at the water, she refuses to tear her eyes away from you for even a second. It's slightly disconcerting.

“Now," She claps her hands, startling you. "I assume you know why you’re here?”

“Not really.” You confess, unable to pinpoint why anyone would go to so much effort to kidnap you, especially Agnes, who up to this point had been an eccentric yet kind neighbour.

She sighs, more for show than anything else, and rubs at her temple. "Come on Y/N, let's not play dumb now."

Embarrassingly, a heat begins to pool deep in your gut, but you quickly dismiss the unwarranted lust. "I don't know what you mean."

"Oh really?" She quirks an eyebrow, sitting upright. "You really have no idea?" The inquiry is ridiculing, and you can see that your naivety is starting to annoy her.

All you can do is shake your head and pray the sincerity is reflected in your eyes.

"Okay." She slams her hands down on her thighs. "I guess we'll have to go about this the hard way then, toots." A sharp gesture and your hands are bound before you once again.

By the time you're looking up, she's striding toward you with purpose, which does nothing to ease the building heat between your legs. Her hands clasp on the armrests either side, essentially trapping you, not like escape would've been possible without the extra precaution. Up close you finally recognize this isn't Agnes- in fact it never has been. There's a feral yet wise appearance to her, the facade of nosy neighbour dissolved in an instance to be replaced by a deranged, frighteningly powerful woman (or witch, you're undecided).

Despite your better judgement, you're unable to stop yourself from asking. "Who are you?" Your voice barely breaches a whisper, but she's standing close enough that nothing less intimate is required.

She looks mildly impressed, the corner of her mouth twitching almost indiscernibly. "Agatha Harkness." She extends a hand, smirking upon realisation that you're a little too tied up at the minute to reciprocate. "Lovely to meet you."

You swallow again, finding your throat to be a little less dry. "Likewise." Then decide to take another risk. "So what do you want from me?"

“Wanda's true identity.” She replies so quickly that you almost miss it, looking at you with an eagerly expectant expression.

Agatha's question confuses you further. “I don’t know what you mean.” Although your answer is honest, something at the back of your mind hisses lies.

"There's no need to lie here." Her patient humour had disappeared. "Trust me, no one will hear you, so drop the act."

For some unbeknown reason, her accusation angers you. "I'm not putting on an act, I don't know why I'm here or what you want from me." The bravery dissipates all of a sudden as you remember that you're not exactly in the position to command such authority. "Please, stop this."

Agatha purses her lips, stands up and turns away from you. She calmly moves forwards a few paces, and in the short amount of time you manage to convince yourself that she's given up. Until in a completely unprovoked move, she swings her hands to the left, sending her chair crashing into the wall in frustration. Whether this is part of her interrogation performance or not, it works. Your heart starts racing, and confusingly, the awkward heat between your legs pulses.

She runs a hand through her hair, still facing away from you. "Don't make this any harder harder than it needs to be." You can practically hear her grinding her teeth, but don't doubt that she was getting some enjoyment out of the situation.

"I can tell you that Wanda is my sister and only real family, that I moved to Westview with her and that I couldn't live without her." You start listing off some basic facts, desperate to prove to Agatha that nothing is hidden. That you're normal.

"What about your brother?" She swivels round, clicking her fingers as she tries to recall something. "Pietro!" She exclaims.

"Pietro..." You falter. Why does the name sound so familiar? The nausea worsens. You shake off the feeling. "Never heard of him."

“Liar.” In one swift movement, Agatha is right by your ear. The feeling of her lips brushing against your skin causes you to close your eyes. The close proximity was becoming overwhelming, and your body had chosen to react in a rather unfortunate way. Admittedly, you'd always had a thing for Agnes, but Agatha was on a whole other level. You dreaded to open your eyes, worried that she'd noticed your current state. Instead, you internally begged for mercy.

“Don't go all shy on me now.” She pushes your shoulder into the chair, compelling you to open your eyes. "If you don't want to talk, I have other methods." Her hand raises, a purple flow emanating from the tips of her fingers. It crackles and sparks, as if the power was barely contained, yet as she shifts closer to brush the hair out of your face, you don't flinch. One finger remained touching your forehead, then traced down to your jaw, and finally along to grasp your chin.

While the vaguely sinister movement terrified you, it also forced you hold your breath and grip onto the armrests for dear life. Why you'd decided this was hot was beyond you considering the many connotations of her words, yet your thighs pressed tighter together as she drew closer. You attempted to turn your head to the side, longing for distraction, but her hold on you kept your head still.

"This won't be much fun for you, dear." She sighed in mock pity, her breath hot against your skin... Which just tipped you over the edge. As hard as you tried to stifle the noise, a broken moan escaped your lips. You'd definitely hit a low point here. Too ashamed to face your apparent arousal, you screwed your eyes shut. Although, at Agatha's silence, you relented and opened them barely a minute later.

To your relief, or perhaps dismay, the woman was grinning like a maniac. Her eyes flickered down to your parted lips as she chewed on her own. Then carefully, as if she were testing the waters, her fingers began to rub against your jaw, and upwards to your mouth. Your breath deceives you by hitching as her thumb slips between your lips, stroking your tongue. At the contact, you can't help but arch into the touch. Agatha chuckles.

"I take it back." She murmurs, removing her hand. "This will be fun." Although the intimidation factor prevails, there's a certain desire mirrored in Agatha's expression which cancels out any remaining common sense. Your entire body felt like it was on fire, and even if you wanted to, there was little you could do to stop her. So, you give into your yearning, sighing as she climbs to sit on your lap. Immediately, her hand switches to gripping the back of your neck as she slams her mouth onto yours. You willingly indulge by opening further, allowing her tongue to slide between your lips. Her other hand lowers to grab at your chest, like she were trying to tug herself impossibly closer.

Without removing her lips, the hand massaging your chest shifts to your thigh. She still keeps her lips firmly pressed to yours, and with the lack of oxygen, you can feel yourself growing lightheaded. It almost feels like a challenge, one which you're determined to succeed at. Though when she eventually does break away, her hand suddenly slips between your thighs, and your breath is stolen from you once more. Wasting no time, she massages you through your clothes, dragging out an inevitable whine. The touch is both too much, and not enough. But judging by her malevolent smirk, that was exactly her intention.

Even though you were currently incapable of producing any reasonable thought, you still noticed that Agatha wasn't entirely unaffected. Her breathing was laboured, hips occasionally jerking against your thigh and eyes struggling to stay open. The influence you were having on her only encouraged you to moan louder, craving to see her equally dishevelled. Your plan seemed to momentarily fail as her hand retreated. But you'd certainly earned her attention.

She licks her lips, then abruptly changes her expression to look disturbingly like that of Agnes. "You wouldn't leave me out of the fun now, would you dear?" Her voice is high pitched as she basically sings her words. Although the question must've been rhetorical as doesn't await a response, instead you find your hands unbound, flung behind your back and bound together all in a matter of seconds. Then, she shifted her position, yanking your bodies closer so that your crotches were pressed together. She grunts, heaving forward to rest against you for a moment and regain her composure. And finally, without warning, starts to grind your hips together.

It doesn't take long for her movement to become more frantic, accompanied by her hair spilling onto her face. She remains impressively quiet, however, or perhaps you were just comparably loud. With the little pride you have left, you decide to take matters into your own hands, and start meeting each thrust with equal vigour. Miraculously, it works. She throws her head back with a remarkably loud moan, proceeded by change in strategy as she starts almost bouncing on top of you, hips losing their rhythm, pleasure overwhelming her. Startled by her lack of self-control, the heat in your stomach begins building exponentially fast. Your eyes slam shut.

A hand grasps onto your face. “Look at me!” She growls, then emphasises her demand by rolling her hips torturously slowly. The movement ceases. She leans her forehead against yours, staring directly into your eyes. “Come with me.” To your surprise, there's an audible plea in her voice.

At a loss for words, you nod. The pleasure had been building for so long that you knew it'd only take a few more grinds to push you over the edge. With your confirmation, Agatha resumes her thrusting, though soon succumbs, throwing her head back and uttering an exceptionally loud, high-pitched moan. She arches her back, pressing herself so far into you that the pleasure peaks. You groan, lurching backwards in a moment of pure bliss. All you can feel is Agatha, all you can think about is Agatha. Coming down from the high, you sigh and collapse forward to bury your face in the crook of her neck.

She tenses slightly at the contact, but soon relaxes into the strange embrace. You gently press your lips against her skin and feel her shiver, confirming your suspicion that it'd been a while since Agatha had received such affection. Motivated by a new, more innocent desire, you continue to pepper light kisses across her throat and behind her ear, simply enjoying the unexpectedly intimate moment.

Agatha finally breaks the silence, leaning away from your touch to look down at you curiously. "Wanda really has you under her mind control too, huh?"

Although still stuck in a post-coital haze, you muster enough brainpower to consider her words. "Mind control?"

"Oh, right." She smirks, a slight sadness perceptible in her eyes. "Forgot to mention." Before you can say anything, she swings one leg to the side, stiffly sliding off your lap and clasping her hands together. "You might want to reconsider where your loyalties lie, dear." She glances at you, then ambles to the opposite side of the room. "That's one fucked up family situation right there." Her voice teasingly calls out.

You feel yourself flush, strangely offended by her comment, and annoyed by her vagueness. "Like you can talk." Your response is a total shot in the dark, but must've hit a nerve since she slowly turns back to you, a suspicious expression upon her face. "Just a guess." You add, unwilling to know the details of whatever sensitive topic you'd just touched upon. Agatha easily shrugs it off, leaving behind a stifling silence. Eventually, it's a mixture of your own boredom and concern that prompts you to end the lull in conversation. "Are you still planning on interrogating me about something I know nothing about?"

"Oh, no I read your mind." She waves a dismissive hand over her shoulder. "Got all I needed."

Again, you're left suffocating in the confusion her ambiguity provokes, with nothing else to ask except. "How...?"

The inquiry must've been exactly what Agatha wanted to hear as she immediately dropped what she was doing to turn around and lean on the wall, arms folded in a casually smug pose. "Sex leaves you vulnerable." She smirked. "All I did was take advantage of the opportunity- but I'll spare you the boring details." With a flourish of her hand and a flash of purple, the binds holding your ankles and wrists disappeared. "You can go now. First door on the left."

Without sparing you another glance, she busied herself with some witchy task, allowing you to see yourself out. Massaging your wrists, you stood slowly, watching her expectantly. Surely she wouldn't just let you leave? Yet as you sauntered over to the door she'd directed you to, she made no move to stop you. "Bye then?"

Agatha looked up at you and winked. "See you around, neighbour."

[irisadielsart]

Twilight Princess: Dark Eclipse Saga

a random chapter that i actually wrote down

CW: Non-Con, Anal sex, cock ring, denial, overstim, slight blood, biting, minimal editing

Time lay on the plush mattress, silky sheets soothing his now dulling wounds from his first arrival at the Castle. His wrists were clamped in chains which had been attached to the wall above the headboard. He had long since given up the struggle of trying to wretch them away from the wall, so his arms rested limply on the bed while his body could do nothing more but sink down into the mattress like a heavy jewel in a display box. It was certainly a far cry better than the freezing stone of the dungeon, but being given a room somehow felt more ominous, more permanent.

The room was dimly lit, one of the many, many bedrooms that Hyrule Castle afforded. His sense of the passage of time was almost lost completely, but he could only gather that he had been in this room perhaps a day or two. Waiting, for the next horrible encounter with Eclipse. When he wasn't trying to get a desperate, uncomfortable sleep in, his mind wandered to his circumstances, Eclipse' circumstances, motives, and to the girls, Zelda and Midna. They were also somewhere in here, probably just as trapped, just as without hope. Whom Eclipse probably... Just like him.

From outside the door, Time could hear the clanking of metal armor. The guards. Dimwit Darknuts who patrolled the halls like ghouls. But, something was different, another set of footsteps. Oh no, here we go, he thought. Time took a deep breath, flexing his arms and shifting his weight, trying to prepare his mind and body for the coming storm. But the gesture would prove to be even more futile than he could have imagined.

The door burst open, with a violent chill of air sweeping through the room and the dramatic lights of the hallway illuminated everything. It was the first time Time could properly seen his surroundings. He squinted into the light to take it in, the room was painted in dark violets and amber browns, well furnished with wardrobes, shelves, nightstands and paintings on the walls. And Time's naked form,on the bed, prone, a cock cage around his dick, glinting in the light.

Eclipse walked into the more than spacious room, his heels even echoing on the carpet with heavy thuds. Despite his somewhat short stature, Eclipse could certainly take up a room, his aura positively dripping with malice and arrogance. His garish outfit also did him some favors, making him seem to much larger than he actually was. Time could barely recognize that young Ordonian boy he first met all that time ago.

Eclipse wore a frown on his face when he had entered. His eyes sharply cut through the darkness with a look of intensity and searching. His lids seemed to be permanently narrowed, and his nose constantly pointing this way and that, leading his face to have the appropriate disgusted look, as the situation demanded. He looked down at Time on the bed, naked, bruised, vulnerable. His marble face cracked into a smirk, his prominent white canines flashing in the dark.

“Happy to see me?” Eclipse crooned out, his voice soft and low, almost like he was whispering in Time's ear from the middle of the room. Time shifted his legs, the metal cage encasing him rolling with his thighs. He certainly wasn't happy, but in spite of himself, his body wanted to react. Instead of an answer, Time just glared silently. He was too tired to come up with a response, and nothing he said would prove tovbe productive anyway.

“Oh, don't be like that, hero. I'm certainly happy to see you.” Eclipse unclasped the the hook that kept his massive fur cloak over his shoulders and gracefully removed the wolfs' head from his own. He tossed the heavy attire to the side, in which it slid down with a low thud to the floor. “You wouldn't believe the kind of stress I've been under today.” he continued, taking off his cape and armor, stepping around the room in his thudding boots. Time couldn't do much to move, but he followed Eclipse as he glided through the room, setting down his clothes bit by bit. He sat down in an empty chair and rolled his thigh high boots down. They crumpled to the floor under their own weight.

When he had finished removing every article of clothing, and was fully naked excepting the make-up on his face, Eclipse came up to the side of the bed, arms akimbo. He looked down haughtily at his captive and smirked once again at their predicament.

“Don't let this be all about myself now, how was your day?” Eclipse asked wryly.

Time pulled on his chains as he rolled his head to the side, “Well, I was enjoying it, until you came in.”

Eclipses eyes flashed briefly with a wave of annoyance. “Don't be stupid.” more a command, than a retort. He reached down and tugged at the cock cage, testing it, pulling it to uncomfortable limits. “And here I was, going to give you a generous reward for being such a good boy for me lately. But maybe I wont.” he mused.

Time winced and hissed lightly as his dick was pulled on, the hard metal uncomfortable against him. Despite himself, the attention his member was receiving started the blood flow down his body, and he could feel the cage getting ever so smaller. A wash of shame went over himself. Was he enjoying this sick game?

Suddenly, Time felt an extremely sharp pain, as Eclipse removed his hand from the cage and scratched at his balls with his black lacquered nails. Time cried out in confusion, but before he could brace himself for more pain, Eclipse was already walking away towards the side table to rummage around for a few things. He tossed a bottle of lube on the bed, which hit Time on the side of his oblique. And the key to the cage.

“Like I said, I had a rough day.” Eclipse climbed up on the bed, shifting everything over with his weight. He crawled over Time's body and straddled his waist, his big cock resting on Time's stomach, heavy, warm, more a threat than a promise of any true sexual enjoyment. Eclipse bounced lightly with his thighs, testing Time like a new piece of furniture. Time grunted in response.

Eclipse leaned over across the taught plains of muscle and stretched his hands across Time's pectorals. His black nails were outstretched, like a cat's nails, giving subtle warning to Time that now it was seriously the moment to be on his guard. “I want to play with my toy.” Eclipse whispered, “and i'm going to give you the choice as to whether I play nice....” his nails dug into flesh at that moment, raking into him, causing Time to give an outcry whimper “or naughty.” Eclipse moved upwards on the body, just so they could look at each other face to face. A black clawed hand came up under Times chin to caress his cheek, as Eclipse's eyes smoldered with fire and desire.

Time looked at Eclipse square in those fiery eyes and his lips snarled into a grimace. “Fuck you.”

The fire died right then and there as Eclipse backed off, straightening his spine so that he towered over Time. Crack A deafening, skin breaking, bone rattling noise sounded in the room. Time's head was twisted to the side, thrust into the mattress. A glowing paw mark with weeping red scratches smeared across his right cheek.

“I think you need a little bit more persuasion, I see.” Eclipse hissed. He grabbed onto Time's jaw and held him still as he bent over again to crush their mouths violently together. Eclipse forced his tongue inside Time's mouth and breathed heavily, exploring his mouth possessively. He used his teeth to push and scrape his way deeper, sucking and biting his lips, making them stretch and squash into rawness. Time didn't exactly hold his breath, but it was like his breath was being sucked out, making the experience most uncomfortable. He didn't try to close his jaw, but didn't make anything easier either, just took Eclipses tongue at its pace, desperately trying to weather the onslaught. Eclipse moved onwards, licking the blood across his cheek, and down his jaw, the hand which held Time's jaw clamping down harder and harder. Eclipse reached down to the neck and licked slickly, kissing surprisingly gently. Then it happened. Time felt the searing hot pain where his neck met the rest of his body, in the crook. Eclipse bit down like a vice, breaking the skin, burrowing deep into the muscle, making sure that every ounce of strength in his jaw was felt by his toy. He held for several seconds as Time moaned in pain and thrashed his legs on the bed. The chains around his hands rattled, while the bed groaned underneath them. The Triforce of Power started to glow on the hand that held Time's jaw. As the glow dissipated, Eclipse relinquished his mouth, teeth stained red, eyes smoldering in lust.

As Eclipse regained his composure, he breathed out, “There, the triforce of power compels you to obey me. I hold the power here, not you.”

Time whimpered as the wound in his neck continued to rage its webs of pain across his upper half. He regretfully nodded in response, his compulsion to obey activated.

“Are you going to be a good boy for me?” Eclipse patted the side of his cheek, as Time closed his eyes in anxiety. This can't be happening he thought.

“Answer”

“Yes!” he sputtered out.

“Say, Yes, my Lord Eclipse.”

“Yes, my...my Lord Eclipse.”

Eclipse smiled wide, his teeth clearly showing. “Then, I think you earned a reward.” he hoisted up on his knees to reach over to where the chain that held Time's hands to the wall was secured. He undid the heavy locks and let the chain fall onto the bed like a tired snake. He took the cuffs that encircled his hands and removed the extraneous linking chain, leaving the cuffs around Time's wrists. Almost free, but not quite. But now he could move his arms down and give limited mobility to his palms and fingers. “You still haven't earned complete freedom, I'm not an idiot. ” Eclipse said, positioning the freed hands on top of Times chest. Time could almost sigh in relief as his arms were finally freed of their exhausting strain. “The Goddesses Chosen Hero is still a threat even in chains. I should know.” he trailed off, a phantom pain ghosted over and around his own ankle. That's over now. He snapped out quickly and looked down again at his toy, “Aren't you going to thank me? For my generosity?”

“Thank you, Lord Eclipse.” Time whispered, a pained expression on his face, as if every syllable had to be wretched out of his mouth with pliers.

Eclipse smirked again, the rush of power feeding into him, like cigarette smoke into his lungs. He hoisted himself up off of Time's chest again and re-positioned so that his back was to Time, his ass squarely situated on Time's chest. Eclipse leaned across the prone body, making a meal out of presenting himself.

“Show me what a good boy you are.” He moaned, inching himself closer and closer, balls dragging along the curves of Time's neck. “Kiss my ass” he commanded.

Time obeyed, planting his reddened lips on the plush of Eclipes' cheek. It was soft and quick, as Time was still hesitating on giving Eclipse any satisfaction. But the power of the triforce was strong, and his thoughts became tangled together in knots. He couldn't tell whether it was his desire, or Eclipses that he chased, and he was too weary to give it a proper fight.

“Again” Eclipse said.

He planted another kiss, reverent this time. Longer, deeper. Eclipse sighed, everything was working out how he wanted it. Finally.

As Time had his mini make-out, Eclipse pushed himself all the way back, ass now fully on top Time's face, balls hanging just below the chin. He reached his hands back and spread himself open, “Eat me out.” he commanded.

Time obeyed. His tongue, with trepidation, cautiously tested his resolve. To give into what Eclipse wanted was succumbing to defeat, but could he really say it was all that bad? He swirled his tongue around the entrance, earning a light moan from the figure above him. The moan swept across Time's ears and flowed through his body, his dick reluctantly reacting to the sound. But still, the cage encased him. Eclipse shifted down again, hands stretching himself further. “Keep going” he said.

His tongue worked around, slicking up any skin he could reach. He moved in circles, and flicked up and down. He used the tip of his tongue for light touches, and then switched it up by using the broad flat to overwhelm. Eclipse shuddered, unconsciously pushing himself down, to relish the sensation of the hero's warm, wet tongue on his sensitive skin. He was better than Eclipse anticipated.

“Hold me open” Eclipse said. Times still shacked hands came up and replaced Eclipses hands. He dug his thumbs in and pulled a little bit more. He took advantage of the exposed real estate to allow his tongue to wander, higher and lower. Punctuating his journey by returning to Eclipses entrance, over and over again. Positively lapping him up like a dog. Even in bolder moments, he would lift Eclipse ever so to take a quick dip to the back of his balls, which caused Eclipse to squirm, his thighs shaking, heavy breaths escaping from his open mouth. Time decided the moment was right and penetrated his captor with his tongue, the permission easily given. Eclipse moaned louder, his breathing quickened its pace, as Time now thrust his tongue in and out in quick successions. His thumbs pulled the skin out more, and the tongue went deeper still.

Eclipses eyes rolled to the back of his head as he arched his back. The sensations of Time's warm tongue inside him, reaming him out with every withdrawal and sudden replacement. Oh yes, the hero was definitely earning Eclipses good graces. But this still wasn't about him, and as good as this felt, there was still much he wanted to do tonight.

With a shaky hand, Eclipse reached for the key that undid the cock cage. With his other hand, he grabbed onto the metal cage and steadied it so that he could find the key hole. Time perked up, gaining a bit of consciousness as his member was being handled. His licks getting erratic again, losing his sub space ever so slightly.

The key clicked and Eclipse slipped the cage off, the member red with the imprints of the cage set around it. Clearly Time was enjoying something, even if his mind told him he shouldn't. He tossed the key to the side and felt around for the bottle of lube.

“Don't stop.” Eclipses husky voice sounded weary, as if he were the one doing all the work. Time resumed giving pleasure, the grip he had on Eclipses ass getting harder and more forceful.

An extremely generous amount of lube pooled into Eclipses' open palm, and was quickly transferred to Time's member in a rush. Eclipse did not handle the sensitive dick with care, but gripped it too strongly, choosing to act selfishly in all ways. Time whimpered still, his ministrations slowing down as his concentration broke. With a few rough strokes, the dick was coated thoroughly and brought to semi-full erectness. It wasn't hard to do, as Time was thankful for any kind of kind attention he could get, even if Eclipse didn't have a nurturing bone in his body.

With a final flourish, Eclipse procured a ring and slotted it down the shaft of the dick to the base. He twisted on it to make sure that it was securely fastened, and pumped a few more times to seal the deal. Time's proud and now bedecked member shined with slick in the low light of the room, ready to receive its next job. Eclipse grinned at the size of it, already imagining the feeling of it. He smacked it once with an open palm and it bounced up again immediately.

“Stop.” Eclipse said, and Time immediately ceased his rim job. His lips coated in saliva, red and raw from the friction. He was breathing heavily, gulping down air as if he had forgotten to breath all this time. Eclipse waited a moment for his jellied legs to regain some sensation, before he twisted himself back over to face his captive lover. His thighs straddled the waist again, and his ass crack graced across Time's erect member, causing a pained sound out of Time.

“I know you think you're going to get something out of this, that I'm going to treat you good, that i'm going to ride your dick and you're gonna enjoy it like I'm your whore. But you'd be very wrong indeed if you think that.” Eclipse reached back and held Time's member, squeezing possessively. Time shifted his legs uncomfortably, arms reaching outstretched to grab onto Eclipse.

“Stop” he said, and Time fell back on the bed limply.

Eclipse lifted himself and used his hand to position the head of the cock at his now generously prepared entrance. He looked back down at Time, hair a mess, eyes watery and distant, the scratches along his cheek still clearly visible, chest rising erratically, he looked abused and awful. And Eclipse grinned a wicked grin.

“You're not allowed to cum.” he commanded.

Eclipse sank down on the upright cock, it was solid and girthy. It stretched him out to an uncomfortable degree despite the prep and gush of lube. He took slow breaths to steady himself enough to sink down farther, earning hushed whimpers from both parties.

Eclipse choked, “My toy... hnngg...is certainly not for amateurs. The deluxe model, for the advanced players.” he grinned, “But you already know how hard I play.”

Eclipse's velvety warmth engulfed him as Time lay prone, the weight of the body on top of him anchoring him down into the soft mattress. Eclipse clenched around him, like he was possessively gripping his cock, and the sensation of it, despite his feelings of disgust, wrung a moan from his lips and a whine from his throat.

“That's it, just relax while I milk you for all your worth.” Eclipse flexed his thighs, which tightening their hold on either side of Time, like he was clamping down for stability. A bead of sweat dripped down the side of Time's face, the command to not cum still reverberating through his brain. Oh, Goddesses...

And then Eclipse started to move. He didn't waste any time with being gentle nor making things comfortable, as he pulled himself up with the help of his seemingly spring loaded thighs, then sliding down Time's slick pole like a stripper. Eclipse's hips circled around, trying to find the best angle, huffing and puffing through his mouth, tongue peaking out with a hint of wet. He licked his lips in satisfaction as he gave a particularly hard thrust and found the spot he was looking for. He leaned forward and placed his hands straight over Time's hard pecs to get the leverage he needed. Meanwhile, Time lay there, hands still chained but resting above his head, head bobbing back into the pillows with each bounce from the man above him. The friction on his cock, admittedly felt wonderful, but rather than admit it, he instead clenched his jaw and furrowed his brow, concentrating on how not to give Eclipse the satisfaction. But as the pressure built up, his dick swelling quickly, the ring around the base started to feel more and more constricting rather than like security.

Eclipse thrust down at the optimal angle, arms pinning down Time's chest, his own dick fully erect while his balls smoothed over the plain of muscle that covered Time middle. He moaned shamelessly, taking every drop of pleasure he could wring out, while Time, jaw still clenched, choked in his own throat. Eclipse slid up and down, relishing how thick his hero was. He didn't need to be so precise in order to hit his g spot when his entire ass was filled. Time's dick took up all the real estate and pressurized his entire insides so that each which each thrust. Eclipse could feel every ridge and curve caressing him, stimulating his nerves without pause. And Time felt it too, the tight hole around his cock was like a vice, strong, smooth and wet. He slipped in an out so easily, as if Eclipse's ass was made specifically to mold around his cock. He felt the pressure building up in his abdomen, the heat began to creep up into his face. He saw the look of ecstasy in Eclipses eyes as he was forced to watch the man above him, his lips glistening, sweat sparkling on his brow, eyes half lidded and smoldering with streaked eyeliner. He was a beautiful monster, a cruel dreamy nightmare. Time closed his eyes so he didn't have to see this hideous angel take everything from him, but that proved to be worse as the sensation of the slick friction around his dick almost tipped him over the edge.

“Hnnnngghhh” Time gasped, holding back his orgasm. The pain immense as his muscles clenched and cramped. A tiny bead of cum escaped inside Eclipse and was soon swept over to be utilized in the grind.

“That's a good Hero, so obedient.” Eclipse chuckled. “I think...huff..its time to move on.” and Eclipse summoned a renewed sense of energy as his thighs tightened. He picked up the pace on the thrust, hardly allowing Time's dick rest as the shallow thrusts continuously stimulated his g spot. He leaned into a bow, arching his back slightly, to ream himself without mercy. Time's dick was throbbing, heavy and sensitive. Despite the slick conditions, it felt like he was being rawed. Time whined in over-stimulation, despair and pain, while Eclipse methodically stirred himself up, no longer moaning but experiencing the quiet desperation of a meditated orgasm. Suddenly, Eclipse pushed himself up off of Time's chest and sank down fully on the cock, while his hand rushed over to his own reddened and weeping cock, to furiously stroke it. It only took a few tugs before Eclipse cried to the ceiling and gushed out his pleasure all over the man below him, covering his stomach and chest with thick ropes of cum. It splashed far and hard, reaching so far as Time's chin and cheek, his body painted white. Eclipse panted, shoulders heaving heavily, while his ass clenched re-actively. He sat for a moment, feeling the hot rod inside him, volatile and ready to explode itself. He brushed the hair out of his face and flashed a wicked grin below him, Time clearly not experiencing the same feeling of relief that he just felt.

“Mmmmmm.... that felt so good.” his breath was husky and tired. “You're going to give me another one.”

And with that command, Time cried, the feeling of despair sinking down into his stomach.

Eclipse gingerly removed himself from on top, the long, slick sound worming its way into Time's ears. He shuddered, his dick now exposed to the chilled air of the room. In a way, it was a massive courtesy on Eclipse's part, though, damned if Eclipse really thought of it that way. The oppressive heat and unrelenting pressure from getting his dick squeezed was finally abated. The chilled air of the room touched his wet skin and gave a refreshing relief. He used this opportunity to close his eyes and get his bearings again, he knew that this wasn't over yet, but for how much longer he could hold out, he feared to find the answer.

Eclipse sank down into the mattress as he walked on his knees to get into another position. In a sick sense of satisfaction, Time was a little happy that he didn't have to do anything but lie there. Eclipse knelt in front of Time's legs, hovering over him in a mock of triumph. Eclipse's dick was already getting hard again as it started to angle itself up, the remnants of his previous orgasm visible. Time's own dick was still standing up and proud, red, swollen and tender. The ring around the base clearly doing its job to keep Time exactly how Eclipse wanted him.

“I'm going to need your help with this one, or not, I can force it either way.” Eclipse shrugged his shoulders, “It might be more interesting if you were uncooperative.”

“Get bent, bastard.” Time spat.

Eclipses eyes glinted in the dark with a rush of movement, he grabbed onto Time's ankles and hoisted them up, forcing them back down and over, so that Time was now bent in half. The movement was so quick and the force of Eclipse so strong, Time in his delirium couldn't tell what just happened. All he knew was to yell as his hips and thighs stretched in pain, his bones making a most worrying popping sound.

“If you didn't have such bad team player morale, we could've done this nicely.” Eclipse hissed, putting his full weight on the back of Time's calves to drive home the point.

“Nggghh... I thought... you didn't want me to cooperate...” he quipped.

“Hmmm, keep talking, you're only going to make things worse for you,” and Eclipse paused for a beat, “But better for me.” and he ground his hips mockingly, rubbing himself over Time exposed underside.

“Now, you're going to hold onto your ankles, just like i'm doing. I'd do it myself, but i'm going to be a little preoccupied.” Time obeyed, his compulsion still strong and active, though he felt a wall in his mind where his will ran up against. It was odd. “Hold on to them tight. That's a good hero, always in service to others. Now, my turn to service you.” Eclipse sat up and adjusted his position so that he sat squarely on top of the back of Time's thighs, his ass in line with Time's cock, though it was clearly pointing the wrong direction. Eclipse lifted a leg to reach down and grab the shaft and point it up. He reached over onto the bed where the bottle of lube had been discarded and poured another generous palm full. A quick reapplication of lube to Time's cock with a few broad strokes, and Eclipse was ready to go again. He lined up his entrance, and fitted Time in again, quite easily. The tip held its place as Eclipse sank down on top of Time's body, crushing him beneath his weight. Time held firmly to his ankles, though with Eclipse trapping him like this, his legs didn't have a choice but to be bent, pinned down like a butterfly specimen. The blood rushed down to his head, and he could feel the flush in his cheeks, but it wasn't from arousal. His breath held in his lungs reflexively, but that just made the situation that much worse. He willed his mind to keep breathing, let in the air, or else he was going to pass out, and Goddess knows how that would set Eclipse off. His favorite toy, passing out in the middle of his playtime.

A few easy breaths were taken, and Time's mind regained some clarity. But the moment was soon lost as Eclipse drove his own body into Time, sliding down his shaft again. His weight hefted against the back of Time's legs, causing his back to strain in a curve, his pelvis forced to face down towards his chest. He had been turned into a living chair, a personal joy throne for Eclipse. The load on his neck and shoulders was immense, he was like Atlas holding up a horny god. Eclipse showed no mercy, taking his own pleasure gleefully. He looked through his eyelashes at Time, crushed beneath him, sunk into the mattress, eyes tearing up and face flushed red. He smiled at his work, oh so satisfied by the sight and relishing in the feel of him inside.

Eclipse placed his hands down near the pit of Time's knees to gain more leverage, which caused Time's legs to fully meet the mattress. And it didn't matter if Time was holding them or not, they were open. Eclipse had the full access, and he was going to use it. In the back of Time's mind, he believed that Eclipse would have gotten tired from riding him the first time around, and that maybe this would be a much slower affair. But Eclipse showed no wane in energy and in fact, had seemed to regain his stamina in full measure, plus some. Looking back, Time chastised himself for thinking it would be anything else. With Eclipse in full control, and Time absolutely helpless to do anything but take what he was given, Eclipse thrust himself on his massive dick with the force of a monstrous animal, ass meeting ass and nails digging into flesh.

The rapid pace was much too much for Time, still forbidden from cumming. The ring around his dick, what once felt like a cheat to the completion of the task, now felt utterly useless. Time groaned as his cock was milked, absolutely ravished all around by the tight muscles. Eclipse grinned, the hard member doing its job to hit him in the right place while Time lost himself beneath him.

“That's it, make me cum, hero.” Eclipse breathed out in self satisfied air, “You serve me, so give me what you got.”

Time wailed, his body on fire with a myriad of sensations that multiplied on top of each other. He had never in his life felt more uncomfortable or more aroused. His neck ached while his face was radiating heat, his core muscles clenched in anticipation of an orgasm that wouldn't come. The pressure around his dick was so tight, like being gripped by a burning hand. The friction was so hot, surely he was about to burst into flames. He could feel the pre-cum leaking out, giving just that much more lubricant to Eclipse, but at the same time, he was stopped up, dammed. Made to live in the moment of almost tipping over the edge, but the edge couldn't be found. It was if he was running full speed ahead into a wall, anticipating on hitting that wall with the full force of his body, but instead of hitting it, he just kept running, and running, and running. He couldn't stop as the pressure kept building inside, a radiant star that was collapsing in on itself. He screamed.

Eclipse was in on it only for himself. He pounded into Time using the full power of his ass, angling his body to get the most out of each thrust. The wet sound of their squelching, the complete control Eclipse had over Time's body, the way the screams sounded in the room, it all drove Eclipse into an ecstatic high. He panted hard, licking his lips, giving soft, sensual moans as he felt that hard dick inside him. Oh how he had thought of that scenario long before, and now it was happening. Time in absolute surrender to him, driven to screaming with how much he enjoyed it. Eclipse stuttered when a few strokes hit him just right, and he switched from his long, force driven thrusts to short and fast drives, bringing himself to the edge that he denied the other. He threw his head back and crashed down, burying the cock inside him. His seed once again splashed across Time's body, covering his torso in a fresh spurt of white. Eclipse hung onto that feeling, his body convulsing and washing out with relief. Time was also having a crisis, the motion stopping, but the feeling of wanting to explode not subsiding in the least.

Eclipse came back down, his voice breathy as he gave a pittance to his captive, “Oh, you're so good to me.”

Time could not help but hold his position, as Eclipse took his sweet time to come down from his high, “Please...” a soft whimper fell from his lips.

That caught Eclipes's attention, a lovely plea for mercy. And he turned his face down, “Does my toy have something to say?” he cooed.

“Please...” he whispered again.

“You have my permission to speak.”

Time choked in his throat, tears welling up in his eyes as his reddened cheeks continued to burn. All he could do was whimper, tossing his head into the blankets, while his dick throbbed, still encased, choked out in tight, wet warmth.

Eclipse smirked. “What do you want to say? I need to hear it.”

Time sputtered out, “Please!”

“Please, what?”

Time groaned again, his mouth unable to form the words he needed. He thrashed useless on the bed, but Eclipse's weight still held him down.

“If I get off of you, will you let me hear it?” but instead of getting off, he teased Time a little more, giving little thrusts with his ass.

Time cried out, absolutely mortified by the prospect of a continuation of this game. Eclipse laughed at the horrified look he received, and did remove himself from on top. Time still held onto his ankles, but his neck and spine unwound, giving his throat a much needed unblocking. With his renewed airflow, he tried again to communicate, “Please!!” he sounded loud and clear.

“Again, I need to know what you want.” Eclipse brushed his hand across Time's ass, swiping a hand full of meat. Time's dick was standing absolutely straight, the ring doing nothing to stop drops of cum leaking down like a burning candle. Its color was deep red, bordering on purple. Eclipse clearly knew what Time wanted, but it was fun to keep denying him.

“Cum! I need to cum!” Time cried out. The tears returning in full force.

“Ask it properly, and I might consider it.”

Time took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, working through the absolute discomfort. He could hardly think straight, his mind screaming with need, his body trembling all over. “Please, Master, please, please please, let me cum.” he said through gritted teeth.

The wave of wicked joy that washed over Eclipse's face was a sight to behold. His sharp teeth flashed against his dark lipstick, as he lifted his head in triumph. It was delicious to hear. This man underneath him, splayed out before him, fucked raw and sensitive, begging him to give him release.

“Mmmmmm, thats what I like to hear.” Eclipse grabbed the lube again and poured a generous amount onto his fingers. Without asking, he thrust his lubed fingers into Time's hole and without a hint of tenderness, began to stretch him out. He went quickly, wantonly thrusting and pulling, haphazardly getting Time prepared. It was more a mockery of care and concern than anything. In truth, Eclipse didn't care if it hurt.

Time continued to sob as Eclipse thrust his fingers in his ass. His dick, though not getting the harsh treatment it was before, still throbbed like a bomb ready to go off at any moment. With the less than satisfactory job, Eclipse decided he had given Time enough prep, and moved into position. Even after two orgasms, Eclipse was ready to go again. He was hard enough that it was pleasurable for the other party, but definitely not as hard as Time. But it didn't matter in the end, as he entered and felt Time around him once again, making his dick respond in kind with a renewed sense of arousal. The stretch came too quickly, and the thrust was too deep, causing pain to shoot up Time's spine. But the pain was overshadowed by the burning magma chamber in his gut.

Eclipse gave a few test thrusts, before he drove in deep and hard. He knew exactly where the g spot was and aimed for it immediately. Yelps from below him told him that he knew his stuff. With a smug look, he picked up the pace, hitting his toy from the back with the same force he had done with he was on top.

Time moaned and whined. He gritted his teeth to growl and snarl, thrashing his head side to side as his discomfort mounted further. His legs shook as he still held himself open, his stomach curling and knotting up. It was like Eclipse was poking at a painful bubble in the pit of his stomach, but could never quite pop it. The pre-cum continued to leak, dripping and splattering everywhere as his dick was bounced up and down by the hard thrusts. He tried his best to relax, to allow Eclipse the full access so that he could get to his orgasm sooner, but it was like trying to relax while sitting on top of an ant hill.

“Say it again.” Eclipse huffed, “Or i'll just keep fucking you like this in a never ending purgatory of almost there.”

“Please!” Time cried out yet again, louder than before, “Please let me cum!” and added an extra yell to drive his desperation home.

“Alright.” Eclipse said, widening his knees into a more stable stance, his hands gripping down on Time's haunches like he was holding on for dear life. Eclipse dug down deep into his core and released a spurt of power he had saved for this moment. He thrust himself as deep as he could go and pulled out as fast as ever, jack-hammering into Time's ass with abandon. Through the the rising wails of tortured painful pleasure, Eclipse finally gave the word, “You may cum.”

And with that, Time snapped back into the bed, his hands releasing themselves from the ankles and bracing against the force of Eclipse driving into him. He screamed as loud as he could as a fountain of white cum shot into the air to rain down on the bed, droplets spattering his body like blood. His g spot continued to be stimulated, as he shuddered horrendously, almost seizing, trembling in aftershocks. His scream faltered in sporadic waves, rising and falling, stuttering with every new thrust in his ass. Eclipse was not kind and made sure that it was as painful as possible. But even though the force was painful, the release of pressure made Time lightheaded. He felt the euphoria with the pain, dazed and white. He continued to leak, another small spurt making its way out. His muscles turned into jelly, his bones became liquid and soon he felt nothing at all. The endorphins numbed his pain and ran down his body, right to the spot where Eclipse continued his work. But instead of the friction feeling uncomfortable, it started to feel good. The edges were all sanded off and all that was left was a pleasant numb pressure that caressed his insides like a strange hug.

Eclipse grunted, Time was totally gone, boneless and completely pliant. There was no resistance, so Eclipse chased his own pleasure, mounting up again to release a third time right inside, coating the inside of his lover in white to match the outside. He loved getting himself as deep as he could go and releasing himself so that he would stay inside his lover for the most amount of time. Reminding them that they were owned, that they didn't belong to themselves.

Eclipse slid himself out and let Time fall onto the bed without any resistance. Time was gone, a spattering mess of sweat and cum, thoroughly used and abused. Time couldn't move even if he wanted to, and Time felt it too. His body was exhausted, content to sink down into the mattress and never move again. He tentatively tried to lift his arm, but a ghost of pain raced across his nerves and decided against moving for a good long while.

Eclipse on the other hand, though finally showing signs of fatigue, was still limber enough to move about the room. Which he did, gathering his things and placing objects back where they belonged. He moved to put his clothes back on, dressing more slowly, but any signs of pain were nonexistent. He really was a beast, truly unhinged in his pursuit of sexual conquest and total domination of others.

Time tried to watch him for a bit, but was too weary to keep his eyes up. Any other punishments, or beatings, or surprises of torture that Eclipse might have up his sleeve would just have to come when Time was more alert. Right now, he just wanted to sleep. If he was still in danger, he was powerless to stop it anyway.

When Eclipse had finished his dressing and gathering, he moved to leave the room.

Without so much as a good bye, Time thought to himself.

But Eclipse looked back one more time to give a final word, “The Princess will come and clean you up. I need my toys to be clean when I use them for next time.” and he left.

Time stared up at the ceiling. It was completely dark in the room, the lights having been put out. His body was starting to ache, the euphoric chemicals once coursing through him now wearing off. The images of the scene that just played out were too fresh in his mind, the way his body seemed to be under a force more powerful than anything he had felt. No, that wasn't true. He had felt power like that before. In another lifetime, in another kingdom. A dream that happened too long ago. He shuddered, the creep of the cold room kissing his damp skin.

“You need to fight back.” a voice said.

Time didn't respond.

“You know what you have to do, you've done it before.”

Time still didn't respond.

“That ancient evil must be purged from Hyrule, that is our purpose.”

Time closed his eyes and covered his face with his arm. It was true, to purge the land of evil was the reason he was even here in the first place. The reason the Goddesses gave him this body. This aching, hurting, painful, pleasurable body.

“Evil is evil, its all the same.”

“No!” Time said in the darkness, “Not this time.”

The door suddenly opened and a beam of light swept across the room, illuminating the man sprawled out on the bed. Time forced his neck to hold his head up to see who it was, and the color drained from his face when he saw the person standing in the doorway.

“Zelda?” he whispered, his Zelda, back from the dead.

[shihalyfie]

The differences between Takato and Haru

(This meta was requested by @digitalgate02​, who also assisted me with a large portion of it. Thank you for your help!)

Takato and Haru often beg a lot of comparisons because of the fact they go so against the usual “brash hero” archetype common to not only Digimon but also shounen franchises in general, being significantly more mild-mannered (on a language level, they’re also the only Digimon protagonists to date who use the more polite boku first-person pronoun instead of the more assertive ore). Haru himself even points out in Appmon’s very first episode that this kind of personality would normally be more suited towards a side character than a protagonist!

Because of that, Haru is often considered to be a spiritual rehashing of Takato, and many have tried to make close parallels between the two, but while the desire to make comparison is naturally understandable, the truth is that beyond surface temperament, the two characters actually have very little in common. In fact, both Tamers and Appmon take rather different approaches to their definitions of a “conventional hero”, and that results in both Takato and Haru having very different roles in the plot.

In many cases, the role of a protagonist in a narrative has a deep relationship with what kind of narrative it is in the first place, and especially what kinds of themes it wants to present. For instance, in the case of 02, you could argue that the story is more “about” Ken than it is about Daisuke, since both major arcs in the story are about his fall and reformation, but when you consider the major themes present in 02′s narrative about purpose in life and pragmatism, Daisuke’s way of life and overall attitude are vital elements in relation to them, and it’s why he ends up being the “protagonist” (or, more accurately, the character at the forefront of the story) despite Ken’s heavier connection to it.

Tamers and Appmon have a number of similarities in storytelling, mainly that they’re both “hard sci-fi” stories in comparison to other entries that have stronger fantasy elements, and do have a certain amount of crossover in terms of dealing with AI-related topics. However, the actual “nature” of each work ultimately turns out to be different, and thus impacts how each of their protagonists is presented.

I heavily dislike calling Tamers a “deconstruction” of the monster collecting genre or of Digimon Adventure, mainly because of how much that term has been exploited to stereotype works in a genre as being things they’re not, or less nuanced than they actually are (as one Twitter user aptly put it: “a deconstruction is when I like something in a genre I disrespect”). I absolutely do not care for the idea of claiming that Adventure or 02 were somehow less nuanced or “deep” than Tamers just because they were more idealistic or more subtle about it, because they sure as hell had a lot of deeper things hidden between the lines if you bother to look out for them, and I also don’t like the implication that Tamers exists to criticize Adventure for supposedly being too naive. It is true, however, that Tamers re-examines a lot of Adventure (and 02)’s concepts in a different context; while Tamers isn’t as strong of a theme narrative, and it’s much more difficult to say there's an overarching message that encompass most or all of the series as much, it does indulge in a lot of thought experiments and smaller subplots that wouldn’t be possible in Adventure, and Takato thus has an important position in facilitating those kinds of thought experiments. The overall franchise metaphors of “growing” (evolving) alongside your Digimon (or, at least, something different from you) and the symbolism associated with it are still more than present, so the Tamers way of showcasing it is in mainly presenting the question of how that kind of goal would even be achievable in the first place when things aren’t as clear-cut.

In particular, Takato serves to address how someone who doesn’t fulfill the typical protagonist mold would cope with situations that somewhat resemble those in Adventure, what would happen when a Digimon partner is fundamentally different from oneself, and how one would still be able to grow alongside such an existence. Thus, his own character arc is more relevant to his own personal growth in accordance with interacting with Guilmon and what he gets out of his journey. This is especially because one thing particularly unique to Tamers is how it portrays Digimon as significantly more feral and different in mentality to humans, which means that he had a much higher personal hurdle to begin with, and thus his personal story and what he gets out of it becomes of significantly more importance.

Appmon, on the other hand, very much is an overarching theme narrative and isn’t exactly subtle about it, with one of its biggest questions being about what’s important in a world that’s getting increasingly controlled and regulated by modern technology that’s getting more and more intelligent. Haru is thus the embodiment of Appmon’s answer to that question: “to choose to be kind” -- and the less-than-subtle invocation of the word “protagonist” ends up having a very different meaning invoked in its final episode.

At the very least, on top of both being rather unconventional protagonists, both Tamers and Appmon do start with Takato and Haru both expressing a desire to be more like one who could go on some kind of adventure (Takato’s version isn’t as verbal, but his way of enthusiastically putting on goggles as proof that he’s a Tamer in Tamers episode 2 carries heavy implications of wanting to emulate the heroes he saw on TV).

However, this is where we get our first difference: Takato proudly claims his newfound status as the series protagonist, whereas Haru is unsure and self-conscious about it -- Haru himself is the one who initially considers himself not cut out for the role despite Yuujin personally believing he does and Gatchmon trying to urge him into it. And, in fact, this is actually the difference that kicks off where their paths entirely diverge.

Takato is often said to be unconventional for a protagonist, but when you really think about it, it’s not like Taichi or Daisuke were exactly models of typical protagonist tropes; while you could call them “hot-blooded”, in the end, Taichi’s standout traits have more to do with natural charisma and sometimes even being too chill, and Daisuke, for all he seems assertive, is actually extremely deferential. So why is Takato still such a standout in comparison?

Well, when you look at the detailed profiles of all twelve of the main Adventure and 02 cast, you might notice something: all of them are naturally selfless people who put others before themselves without a second thought. On the other hand, when you look at Takato, you might realize that this is very much not the case, especially during the early parts of the series. As much as Takato is a “soft” person, he’s not necessarily very “kind” or “nice”, especially during the early parts of the series; he can get possessive or clingy, petty, or even a little arrogant (Tamers episode 11 basically has him go on a mini-power trip based on his card combo having worked so well in the prior episode, which ends up becoming part of his isolation from Hirokazu and Kenta in the following one). Moreover, Takato loses his emotional composure and becomes a crying mess as early as Tamers episode 2, and while it’s not like other characters in Adventure and 02 hadn’t been prone to emotional outbursts, combine it with the above facts and you get the take-home that Takato isn’t “soft” out of an active choice to be so as much as he’s just really, really lacking in emotional mettle to begin with.

To be fair to him, Takato has to deal with quite a bit more stress during the early parts of Tamers than Haru has to during the equivalent parts; having to deal with a Digimon partner that’s outright feral at times and doesn’t have a fully intelligent understanding of how to communicate is a pretty rough thing to start off with. That said, Takato is fairly cowardly even in situations that don’t necessarily have to do with this, it’s just that this makes it worse -- but it means a lot that Takato himself is willing to put in that much effort in bonding with Guilmon despite being initially intimidated by what he’d just created, and that perhaps is what’s the beginnings of how he continues to develop that strength of heart for the rest of the series (and also extends to how he’s the one who connects with Grani).

This is in contrast to how Haru is described by Yuujin at the end of Appmon episode 1, in which Yuujin states that Haru is already cut out to be a protagonist because he’s a kind person -- in other words, Takato is someone who is not cut out to be a protagonist of any kind of adventure at the start of Tamers, even though he thinks he now gets the luxury of being one due to the circumstances he’s thrust into, whereas Haru is already someone with the potential to be one even at the start of the series, but initially lacks the self-confidence to consider himself able to be so. Thus, Takato’s character arc involves having to actually grow into someone worthy of the position, whereas Haru’s involves coming to terms with the aspects of himself he already has but doesn’t quite understand yet.

One very important thing to reiterate is that “unconventional” does not necessarily mean “better” by default, and, on the flip side, just because Takato isn’t as virtuous of a person at the beginning doesn’t mean he’s a worse character (after all, these kinds of things are what makes one interesting). Rather, it’s more important to consider why these characters are this way based on the context of the narratives they’re in.

In the case of the Adventure/02 kids, getting twelve naturally kind kids wasn’t exactly accident, nor was Haru and the other Appli Drivers also being that way; said kids have a bit of selection bias in that they were deliberately chosen by various entities (”the one who wishes for stability” and the Agents, the Holy Beasts, or Minerva) knowing that a massive world- or humanity-threatening crisis was on the horizon and quite understandably picking kids who had the greatest potential for the kindness that shouldering the world’s burdens would take (in Adventure and 02 this manifested in having the kids resonate with Crests and Digimentals that represented virtues, and in Appmon this involved Minerva actively testing them). After all, it’s only natural that anyone with the chance to recruit people to help with a monumental task would ideally go out of their way to pick people who seem best suited for the job, whether it’s something as grand as fantasy chosen hero picking or something as simple as job recruitment. But at the beginning of Tamers, none of the involved parties were really aware of any kind of grand, looming threats on the horizon, and whatever the DigiGnomes were thinking (or not thinking) when giving Takato his D-Ark is arcane to us all, and so Takato ended up becoming a Tamer by functional accident, resulting him starting off very poorly equipped for the job and having to learn how to do it on the fly.

This also means that the “motives” Takato and Haru have for taking action at the beginning of the series are accordingly different. Because any concept of “stakes” was not immediately apparent at the start of Tamers, Takato’s motivations for being a Tamer are more self-centered and selfish than Haru’s are for being an Appli Driver at the start of their respective series.

Takato’s motives at the beginning of Tamers really just revolve around “I want to be able to play with Guilmon more and not lose him,” and there’s no indication at said beginning that he’s really prepared for or even understands the part about having to protect others from harm. That doesn’t mean that Takato’s a selfish person to the extent of not caring about others at all -- in fact, by the time of Tamers episode 15, he demonstrates an understanding that they’re not playing a “game” anymore when things get difficult (and even puts his foot down in front of the other kids for it, a huge improvement from his rather cowardly outlook at the beginning of the series), so the issue largely had to do with the fact that the early parts of Tamers didn’t immediately make such high stakes clear, and Takato himself was thus in a situation of not worrying about others because that necessity wasn’t there yet. But even in the same episode, Takato still has a clear motive of wanting to show off his cool Digimon partner to the others and bask in his “status” as a Tamer, and it’s still a huge contrast to Haru who was initially too humble to accept his role as part of such a larger narrative until his desire to “protect everyone” won out. It’s a big deal that Haru understood the stakes that would be involved in the fight against Leviathan from day one, and actively chose to opt in because of his selflessness.

Another major reason for this difference is that Haru has a certain character trait explicitly ascribed to him that isn’t with Takato: Haru enjoys reading books and is actually rather book-smart and intellectual. On a certain technicality, Takato being characterized as not particularly skilled in that department actually brings him a little closer to the conventional shounen protagonist archetype than it does a “bookish” character like Haru, because such a character is often considered too nerdy for the protagonist position -- but in Haru’s case, the fact he’s actively thoughtful and ruminates on things means that he spends a lot of time thinking about “what’s the right thing to do” in a given situation.

For all it’s worth, I really hope that the above won’t be taken as an implication that Takato is a fundamentally bad person for having more selfish immediate priorities than Haru or the Adventure/02 kids do; having to carry the weight of such a large thing is a huge thing to ask of someone, especially when we’re talking about someone who kind of got thrown into this whole mess and has been spending the entirety of this series trying to figure it all out without a lot of reliable sources of help. On top of that, it should also be noted that Takato is ten; if there’s anything that can be said to be not entirely true-to-life with the Adventure and 02 cast personalities, it’s that a lot of the emotional awareness and levelheadedness they exhibit usually come from people much older than 8-12 (it’s one of the “acceptable breaks from reality” employed in kids’ shows that kid protagonists are often a tad bit more mature than actual kids would be at that age, otherwise a lot of said kids’ show plots wouldn’t function), and real ten-year-olds in Takato’s situation would often have more difficulty knowing what to do with such great burdens at this age. It’s actually fairly significant that Haru is 13 and from a group composed mainly of middle schoolers, in contrast to the older series having elementary school kids (the youngest Appli Driver, Astra, is actually the same age as a classic Digimon series protagonist), and thus it’s probably not surprising that they’re more willing and able to deal with such huge issues much earlier on.

Thus, although Takato’s character arc does involve him slowly growing into the role of becoming less shallow and selfish, and becoming more truly assertive while he’s at it, this fundamental difference in their natures ends up continuing to have a major influence by the time of the later parts of the series. The difference can be most starkly illustrated in Tamers episode 35 versus Appmon episode 41 -- in which Takato, upon seeing Beelzebumon kill Leomon, is utterly consumed by his emotions and decides that the best course of action to take would be killing Beelzebumon in revenge, even though this won’t bring Leomon back or accomplish anything productive (and, indeed, it does make things worse in the form of driving his own partner over the edge and traumatizing Juri further). (Adventure had already warned that prioritizing “revenge” over “protecting others” is foolhardy and tends to cause a lot of really nasty problems.)

In contrast, one thing you might notice about Haru is that he never “denies anyone’s feelings”, even when confronting someone like Knight. You could argue that Haru wasn’t necessarily dealing with direct trauma in front of him, but recall that Knight had caused tons of grief and misery for many (something Haru takes serious offense at) and had, along with Charismon, gotten very close to permakilling all of the Buddy Appmon at one point back in Appmon episode 37 -- so it’s not like Haru doesn’t have reason to have grudge against Knight, even if the severity isn’t as immediate. Note that Haru doesn’t “both-sides” this issue; he still insists on making his own case, it’s just that he still doesn’t have it in him to not acknowledge that Knight has a good reason for making the case he does given his background, consider his words to an extent, and fight against the idea of having Knight be killed for no good reason. Haru has a very strong belief in “thinking with one’s heart” and “respecting feelings” that he'd exhibited through the entire series (for example, very prominently in Appmon episode 12 with Rei), and because of that he has a ton of emotional control over himself even taking some very harsh things. It’s clear that Haru does have very deep understanding of what he’s dealing with -- and chooses to be idealistic and kind anyway.

(In addition, because Haru is so naturally inclined to be selfless, the one time he really does hit an emotional low in Appmon episode 49, it’s not anger or lashing out at anyone, but rather sadness and despair. Haru just really does not have the fundamental capacity to be aggressive.)

As said before, Takato’s character arc is very much a personal story of how he grew into the role of a Tamer, via learning to fight for what’s important and have a strong heart for it. As a result, his motives for fighting end up still having a much more personal streak to it than anything -- at the time of Tamers episode 49, technically speaking, the Wild Bunch was still being counted on to work on the D-Reaper problem, and his own family was urging him to stay home for now, but what tipped him over the edge was not some desire to protect people as a whole but rather the fact that Juri was calling for him. It’s not to say that such a thing is selfish -- he’s clearly doing it for her sake, not anything to do with his own -- but nevertheless his involvement was directly related to something that hit a little more personally moreso than it was for the sake of the wider picture.

As said before, this is fitting for someone whose story is really more of a personal character arc before anything else; the significance is more in line with the sheer amount of emotional growth Takato had to go through in order to get to this point at all, and how someone normally so divorced from the concept of heroism could come to do something so meaningful, especially thanks to his interactions with Guilmon and growing alongside him. There’s absolutely no doubt that Takato wouldn’t have been able to do this kind of thing at the beginning of the series, so it’s a huge accomplishment that shouldn’t be watered down. It also makes him a very good foil to the D-Reaper, an emotionless program that’s still fixated on rehashing the same destructive purpose it was originally created for years ago and has long lost its purpose, and while Takato isn’t technically the sole factor in putting it to rest (at most, the most valuable asset as part of the Wild Bunch’s plan), the contrast is quite apparent.

On the flip side, Appmon episode 54 not only involves the exact opposite -- in which Haru sacrifices something closely personal to him for the sake of everything else -- but also ties it very closely to its own series themes, which are assertively laid down in all of their glory during this finale. The reason Haru had been “chosen” by Minerva to begin with, and the reason he himself had been given an opt-in “choice” at the beginning of the series and again in Appmon episode 38, and so many other characters had been given “choices”, is that this story is about choices -- because Leviathan (and Knight, and any kind of “AI should manage everything” argument that this series fights hard against) believes that humans shouldn’t be allowed them, and that everything ought to fall in accordance with a “rational” system. Haru, on the other hand, believes in the human heart that can do unexpected things, and his constant choices to do things out of kindness despite understanding what they entail.

Over the course of the series, Haru hadn’t always been putting himself in a spotlight situation -- in fact, many episodes had involved him saying “we’ll support you!” and generally uplifting others before he’d ever tried to take charge. But in the end, the reason he ends up as the “protagonist” who makes the final choice for everyone’s sake is because he’s the one who understands that gravity of “making a choice with one’s feelings” that’s so vital to changing Leviathan’s mind -- plus, the fact he’d been so supportive and kind to everyone means that everyone else shows up for him when he needs it most. Note that when Astra and Eri are upset at Yuujin in Appmon episodes 48 and 51, it’s not so much out of the overall betrayal as much as the fact he specifically betrayed and hurt Haru, because that’s how much they’ve come to care for him in return.

Hence, why Appmon latently ends on a frame of redefining the concept of “protagonist” -- certainly, on a meta level, Haru became the “protagonist” of the narrative that is Appmon, but what it actually means in terms of what Haru became is that everyone, including the members of the audience watching this series, is “the protagonist of their own life”, meaning that being a “protagonist” is defined merely by said act of “making choices” and defining what your own path will be. And especially in a world where singularity is going to become more and more of a real possibility -- as the show indirectly reminds us, AI surpassing human intellect is something that’s been predicted and warned about in this very world we, the viewers, live in -- understanding this is going to become even more important.

Incidentally, in the end, as much as it might be tempting to try and draw parallels with Takato because both of them are in the franchise-mandated position of “protagonist”, removing that requirement actually brings up a character that might make a much closer parallel -- “making choices that are out of kindness” easily directly invokes a certain other character from 02 who had “kindness” as a huge part of his character arc, doesn’t it...?

Really, if you think about it, Haru has a lot in common with Ken, who’s also thoughtful, intellectual, very in touch with his own feelings, assertive, resilient, strong in heart, and kind out of choice even when he doesn’t have to be -- you could basically say Haru is what Ken would be like if he hadn’t gone through such a massive formative event of trauma early in his life, or, alternatively, Ken if he had a bit more of Daisuke’s more outwardly bright, friendly, and supportive traits. It may not be a comparison you’d be easily tempted to make because, as stated above, as much as Ken had a deep connection with 02′s plot, he’s not portrayed as the protagonist of his own narrative...and, hence, Haru is unusual in that the exact archetype that was formerly placed in the role of the series deuteragonist has now been recast in the role of the protagonist itself. But then again, from Haru’s perspective, it’s not like Ken wasn’t technically the driving force of his own story, right?

(I’m not just drawing this comparison because I usually blog for 02. I promise.)

[universal-imagines]

☾ fixation

fandom: genshin impact pairing: baal x reader, kazuha x reader (if you squint)  word count: 923 synopsis: you’re on the run from the raiden shogun

a/n: not big ones, but it does contain spoilers from the archon quest in inazuma, so please keep scrolling if you haven’t completed it yet

please do not use any of my works, in any shape or form, without permission.

This pursuit had long since surpassed the point justifying it as an order under the Vision Hunt Decree and not a chase out of stubbornness and personal vengeance. Everyone else who'd fled Inazuma and had managed to find refuge in another country no longer worried about being hunted down or persecuted. Unless, for some reason, they decide to set foot in Inazuma again.

However, you have yet to experience that alleviation despite putting a whole ocean between you and the Raiden Shogun.

Not only have her lackeys followed you from one nation to the next, but they made sure anyone who aided you regretted that decision. Even before touching new soil, you're already an outcast. Someone others are warned not to cross paths with unless they want the wrath of an almighty archon aimed their way.

It makes it difficult to escape her grasp and feel safe, even when she's not the one actively hounding you. Sometimes you're awakened in the middle of the night believing you've felt her familiar touch. That delicate trace she liked to paint on your arms, and perhaps it's your newfound nightmares playing tricks on you, but you wake up just as she wraps her fingers around your wrist. It even stings several seconds after, as if she'd dug her nails in.

If you didn't know better, you'd think she'd been there.

But you shake that terrifying thought out of your mind, massaging your chafed wrists. Its daily occurrence makes it hard to tell if you've rubbed them raw or if someone has, in fact, held them so tight it's irritated your skin.

Maybe it's because winter is rapidly approaching, and all you've received as shelter during the chilling nights are small abandoned huts you've encountered along the way.

You're growing tired of it.

You know Kazuha means well by guiding you through such remote places you genuinely do. But you cannot continue pushing yourself through such harsh circumstances only to live another day with your vision. At this point, you might consider returning and giving the Raiden Shogun what she wants. If only that didn't mean your freedom.

"Can't sleep?" Kazuha's drowsy voice startled you, breaking your concentration.

"No," you look up from your wrists, glancing in his direction as he shuffled about to sit up.

"Nightmare?" Once he was upright, he met your gaze with a soft but tired one.

"The same one," you nodded, absentmindedly hiding your hands.

"We'll find a place soon, don't worry. I spoke with a merchant yesterday, and he mentioned a village just a day's travel away that would be perfect. All your troubles should end there."

Now that he was fully waking up, he tried to reassure you, something he did well ever since you both embarked on this journey.

"Thank you," you smiled. The dim lighting of the rising sun allowed him to see the corner of your lips twitch upwards just slightly.

"Shall we head off?"

You only nodded in response before getting up to gather your things.

Surprisingly, the trip took half the time Kazuha had anticipated. You arrived just as the sun began to set. The soft orange glow of the sky almost felt like a warm hug, welcoming you into a safe haven. For the first time since you'd left Inazuma, you felt out of harm's way.

You finally felt at ease.

But just as your shoulders began to relax, gradually falling and releasing all that pent-up stress, you saw her. In the middle of the village, surrounded by Inazuman soldiers, she stood with a petrifying smile.

To anyone else, it seemed like a kind smile, so full of happiness and excitement. The perfect smile to greet a long-time friend with after so many months had passed. But to you, that smile was a threat. Every muscle in your body tensed, your heart skipped a beat, and your stomach dropped to your feet.

It meant impending doom.

"E-Ei..." You tried to grasp at anything, any word that would get you out of this situation, but your throat felt dry like it was going to close at any second.

"It has been a while, has it not?" Her voice was as velvety as ever, oozing of mock cheerfulness. “I missed you.”

You took a step back instinctively, your mind yelling at you to run despite how frozen in fear your body was.

"Are you happy to see as well? Is that why you're shaking? From excitement?" Her eyes studied every inch of you, enjoying just how frightened you were.

"You're okay."

Once again, Kazuha's voice managed to pull you out of your daze. It wasn't until then that you noticed his hand securely gripping your wrist. You still couldn't find your voice, so you hoped the look in your eyes conveyed how thankful you were.

"We can get through this," he reassured you, slightly squeezing your wrist.

"Have you forgotten what happens when someone attempts to challenge me?" This time her eyes and words were directed at Kazuha, but they were cold, every once of playfulness gone.

Kazuha winced at the memory of his friend, but he didn't falter. His hand had quickly moved from yours to the hilt of his sword.

"We won't meet the same fate."

"We'll see about that."

The air instantly thickened around you, a sign you were about to enter her Plane of Euthymia. If you could've avoided all of this, you would've given everything up to save Kazuha, but it was too late now.

It was all your fault.

please do not use any of my works, in any shape or form, without permission.

[theladyismyshepard]

Myra

@frustratinglyinquisitive Here, have my first (self-indulgent) redhead one-shot :)

You slowly blink your eyes open before closing them again, too bleary to bother. You rely only on your sense of hearing alone, and all you can hear are the familiar drippings coming from somewhere adjacent to you. You hoped it was a leak from some pipe, but you didn’t believe it to be true. After awhile, you couldn’t bring yourself to hope for anything at all.

Not when you had met a blonde who smiled so wide that it could’ve passed for deranged. She was one of the first things you had opened your eyes to when you first awoke in your cage. Her eyes were golden and shining beneath the dancing flames of torchlight. They were also as feral as her smile was.

There was blood smeared across her chin as it dribbled from her lips, and you couldn’t help but realize it was fresh with how bright and liquefied it was as a drop hit her chest. You could practically smell the iron on her breath from where she stood outside your cage — or was it all around you? Just as reality set into your body and joints enough to feel the pounding headache and jolting pains wracking your frame, she spoke.

“Not yet,”

What?

She couldn’t contain a giggle, and you realize your chapped throat still managed to whisper your thought out. She slowly withdrew herself, her fingers uncurling from around the bars. When your eyes zeroed in on the sickle in her hands, your stomach dropped as your hope began to quickly dwindle as she disappeared into the shadows.

Your spirit wasn’t lifted when you heard the buzzing of insects after some time. How long have I been here? It was long enough for the torch to have burnt itself out and for the extra bit of chill to bite into your bones.

The buzzing grew louder and closer and suddenly stopped. It was dead silent except for the drip drip drip and just when it became deafening, slow and deliberate steps cut through. Your breath caught in your throat, and got stuck there as your eyes strained to see through the dark.

A spark had you slamming your eyes closed, too sensitive from the prolonged darkness, but light danced behind your eyelids, painting them red. You heard humming as you briefly squeezed your eyelids shut tighter before rapidly blinking them open, taking in the smirking face of a brunette as she stood over your body, inside the cage, and face just as plastered with blood.

You scrambled back as far as you could go before your back collided with brick. Her eyes were just as golden as the blonde’s but there was little to no emotion shining in them. Her smirk widened however, and you could’ve sworn you saw her nostrils flare.

“You smell so delicious, I don’t think I can wait until dinner.” she moaned out.

You could feel the fear morph your face at her comment, and she laughed brightly, thoroughly entertained. When it died down, her face shifted into into a blank look, her eyes cutting into you.

“What makes you special, I wonder...”

Her eyes narrowed, her gaze intense, but she took her leave without coming any closer, and it left you without knowing how to feel or what to think.

What makes you so special...

You didn’t exactly feel too special as you lied there on the cold ground behind thick bars. As the torchlight slowly snuffed itself out, fear weaved itself between the spaces of your rib cage, and nestled firmly around your heart, leaving you breathless. The tension that settled into your bones left you rigid and achey and unable to move. Your temple pounded, leaving you incapable of even lifting your head.

Drip, drip, drip...

The image of the women’s bloody faces flickered across your mind’s eye and it had you doing a mental check of your own body, surveying for damage of any kind such as missing limbs. It nearly split your head in two to try and recall what had led you to this place,so you just lay there, an incoherent slump.

You didn’t have a keen sense of time seeing as you couldn’t tell the difference between hours and minutes anymore. There were no windows to indicate whether it was day or night, and there was no way to track how long you had been stuck.

Drip, drip, drip...

It was all you could hear for the longest, the consistent dripping echoing off the walls. You began to tremble as the thought occurred that you would soon be spilling and dripping along the dirty floor as well. You swallowed thickly, mouth and throat so dry that it was an actual struggle that landed you into a coughing fit. It wracked your body so hard that it felt as though one of your ribs might burst through your skin; You were coughing so hard that you didn’t even really notice the room light up for a third time.

Tears streamed down your face as you finally were able to regain some composure. You opened your eyes, small droplets clinging to your eyelashes, and saw a glass hovering in front of your face. You were so thrown for a loop that you just sat there in a daze, staring at the glass of — Wait is that water?

Your gaze slowly trailed up the hand that was holding the cup, and your eyes met a third pair of golden eyes that took your breath away in a different fashion than that of the others. They seemed soft, as was the gentle upward curve of her smile. You couldn’t help but notice the lack of blood on any part of this woman’s body and attire.

“Hello,”

You released a breath you weren’t aware you were holding, and as you went to take another one, it felt easier and lighter than before.

“H-Hi,” you quickly stammered, unwilling to anger her.

“Drink this... please,” the redhead ordered gently, pressing the glass forward to give you the hint.

Your fingers grasped the glass, and her index finger grazed the side of yours before withdrawing and watching your movements. You maintained eye contact with her even as you brought it to your nose and sniffed cautiously. Instead of taking offense, she giggled knowingly.

Your chest felt light and your stomach felt warm at the sound, almost as if you were about to vomit out butterflies. Again, your eyes connected as you slowly took a sip. The water was lukewarm, but at least it was water and it felt refreshing and rejuvenating on your parched tongue. You greedily sipped until there was nothing more for you, not even a drop.

“Oh, my,” she sighed, her hand on her cheek. “I knew you would need to be watered sooner.”

If you didn’t know any better, it almost sounded like she was upset. She was worrying her bottom lip between her teeth as she began playing with her fingers. Her eyes radiated warmth and concern as she ducked her head to look closely at you.

Drip, drip, drip

“Where am I?” You demanded, though the tremor that shook your voice had you more or less begging.

“This is Castle Dimitrescu, it belongs to my mother as well as my sisters and I, and unfortunately this is the dungeon.” she said, shifting uncomfortably, a grimace intact the whole time.

Drip, dri-

The dripping stopped almost instantly, leaving you in absolute silence then. Maybe the leak stopped? Or maybe the blood had finally run dry. You shivered.

“My name is Myra,” offered the redhead, an apologetic smile reaching her eyes.

“Am I going to die here?” You couldn’t help but question, cutting straight to the chase.

For the first time since you met Myra, her features hardened. She slowly knelt before you, unaffected by the dirt pressing and smearing into her black robe. The intensity had her golden eyes glowing as she stared deep into you. Her hand reached towards you and despite flinching hard enough that it jolted your whole body, Myra still moved until her hand was cupping your cheek.

“I told my sisters you are not to be harmed, and you will not be.”

You were like a cornered animal, but the thumb brushing your cheek had you feeling something you hadn’t felt in God knows when: hope. The dread weighing down your spirit and stress weighing down your body had eased the slightest bit, allowing you to breathe properly.

“And your mother?” you pushed, remembering her words from moments ago.

Myra cocked her head to the side as she pondered the good point you had brought up. It also had the blonde’s words reverberating through your head.

Not yet...

“Mother would never upset me by killing my pet.”

It rolled off her tongue with such ease that you almost didn’t register what she had said, but when you did, you had to do a double take. Pet? Her words from earlier that you had let go of suddenly popped into your head.

“You needed to be watered sooner.”

You wanted to argue, lash out and scream that you weren’t an animal, you were a person but then again, you have a faint idea of how they treat humans, so it wasn’t too much of a reasonable argument. But the way she had your face cradled showed that she thought something more of you than others. Myra was your best bet at survival, plus it helped that despite the circumstances, she was a sight for sore eyes.

You could hear phantom drips in the background, but the thumb caressing your cheek caught you carefully by the chin and reinforced eye contact. Her calming aura had you relaxing and going slack beneath her touch, something that had her smiling so wide you were afraid her face would split. If you looked closely, you could see hope swirling in Myra’s eyes as well.

“Don’t worry, you are mine.”

It didn’t sound so threatening, and in fact you were nodding along.

“I’m yours,”

[five-rivers]

Adoption (part 2)

A gift for @a-flower-lover!  This wound up being more along the lines of vignettes...  Little snapshots into Danny’s life after being adopted by Clockwork.  I hope that’s ok!  (PART 1)

.

Mr. Lancer had met Charles Worth before, albeit briefly. The man had fostered a number of Casper High students and with that responsibility came parent-teacher conferences. He had struck Mr. Lancer as being steady and reliable, if, perhaps, impersonal, despite his predilection for clocks and ominous announcements. A decent foster parent, if not... ideal.

Mr. Worth just didn't seem to connect with his fosters, although he certainly didn't neglect them. Then, too, were the persistent rumors that his home was haunted.

Alright. So, Mr. Lancer didn't think Charles Worth was really a children person. Oh, he was a good person! It took one to do well as a foster parent, but... yeah.

Which was why the scene in front of him surprised him so much. Not the who of it, but the what.

The who was Daniel Fenton and Charles Worth waiting outside the office. The what was smiling and having a conversation. True, Mr. Fenton's smile looked like it was pasted on over several layers of anxiety, but it was genuine.

"Mr. Worth, Mr. Fenton?" he said, tamping down his surprise. "Come on in."

"Hi," said Mr. Fenton, his voice hoarse.

Mr. Worth smiled and nodded, pushing him up with his cane.

But Mr. Fenton must have noticed the curious look Mr. Lancer was giving him. "I knew Cl- Uh. Mr. Worth before this." He winced and smiled widely to cover it up. "So, uh, make up work? Since I missed the past week?"

"Yes, well, circumstances being what they are," aka his parents trying to murder him in public, in broad daylight (and didn't that give Mr. Lancer a chill?), "your teachers have put together a few packets for you to look over this weekend. They should get you more or less up to speed with where your classes are. I'm also willing to stay after school, to help you with anything you've missed in my classes."

.

Jazz knocked on the door of the Worth house. She had been made aware, via various supernatural (she did not particularly appreciate writing suddenly appearing on her fogged-up bathroom mirror) and mundane (Danny did have her phone number) means, that the man known as Charles Worth was actually the ghost known as Clockwork.

How this had occurred was not entirely clear to her. She assumed ghost powers, specifically time travel, were involved somehow.

But, to be honest, that didn't really matter to her. It was secondary, less than.

What was important here was that she hadn't been legally allowed to see her little brother in over a month. To keep her parents from contacting him. To keep her from letting her parents near him. Because they were legally barred from seeing him.

Because they had tried to kill him.

Jazz planned on never seeing her parents again, as soon as she got all of her and Danny's things from their house.

But now that prohibition had been lifted, because Clockwork had forced through what had to be the speediest adoption in the history of adoptions, and Danny was now legally his son. In the eyes of both humans and ghosts. Which was... Well. Danny seemed to be excited about it, anyway. He'd looked up to Clockwork for a while, from what he told Jazz.

Internally, Jazz had more than a bit of trepidation. She didn't know what adoption meant to ghosts, didn't have any context for it. And ghosts, even the good ones, even Danny, tended to be... obsessive. Extreme. She wasn't sure how that would translate when it came to interpersonal relationships.

The door creaked open, ever so slowly, the squeak it made grating on her eardrums. At first, it appeared to have opened on its own, then a hand gripped the edge of the door, and Clockwork, in human guise, leaned out from behind it.

Jazz raised an eyebrow.

Clockwork raised one right back. "This house is haunted, you know," he said.

Okay, never mind. The only thing she had to worry about was the fact that her brother and his mentor both had terrible senses of humor.

"Hi, Jazz!"

Being used to having a half-ghost brother, Jazz only yelped a little bit at his unexpected appearance behind her. Then she sighed and ruffled his hair. He hugged her and then bounced over the lintel into the house.

"Come on! I want to show you my room! It's so cool!" His voice became fainter as he went farther into the house, until his last exclamation was an eerie whisper.

Jazz looked at Clockwork as she stepped inside. "Is he doing that on purpose?"

Clockwork smiled blandly. "I am very fond of the acoustics in this house."

She looked at her surroundings with a skeptical eye. "It seems... dark in here."

"We are ghosts," said Clockwork. "Daniel is very excited to show you his room, by the way."

"He's human, too, don't forget," said Jazz.

"I won't."

.

The house was creepy.

Really creepy.

This was coming from someone who had spent most of her life living under the same roof as two ghost-obsessed mad scientists.

But Danny seemed to enjoy it, and he was the one living here. It wasn't like there was anything wrong with the house. Or anything in the house. It was just... off.

Danny was half-ghost, however, so maybe this was something he needed. Perhaps not all of his peppiness could be attributed to being the heck away from his murderous former parents.

Even so. Jazz had a duty, both as a big sister and an aspiring psychologist.

"I already read it," said Clockwork, setting a cup of tea down in front of her.

"What?"

"The book you were about to give me. I've already read it. And a number of others. I am not the kind of person who goes into things unprepared."

Danny rolled into the kitchen on the ceiling. This was easy to ignore. After her life, an Exorcist reference made by her over-excited younger brother, was, well. Underwhelming.

(Okay, she was a little distracted, but only by his glee.)

"Well," she said. "That's good."

.

"I know this house is out of the way," said Clockwork, craning his neck to look up at his coworker, "but you are rather conspicuous."

"Hm. Am I?" asked Pandora, craning her neck down to look at her comparatively tiny colleague.

"Yes. At that size, humans with average eyesight will be able to see you from town."

Pandora looked out over the trees. "Interesting," she said, mildly. "Do you think the ghost hunters will come?"

"You've spoken to Daniel."

"Yes. He stopped by earlier today, on his way to visit Mattingly. Although, I suppose you knew that already."

"Indeed I did. May I ask, is it your intention to lure the ghost hunters here, fight them, defeat them, and then leave them just close enough to here to constitute a breach of their terms of bail and the restraining order against them?"

"I am not terribly well-versed in human law," said Pandora, "but, why, yes. That is exactly what I'm doing. Best to get it done while Daniel is visiting friends, isn't it?"

"Yes. If you had done this while he was here, I would be significantly more annoyed." Clockwork smiled the sanguine smile of a parental figure who would commit murder if their child was upset.

Pandora returned a matching grin, one that promised retribution against persons who had harmed said child in the past. "Please, Clockwork. You know me better than that. I wouldn't subject him to being in the presence of those fools."

"Good," said Clockwork, eyes glinting.

.

"Hey, Clockwork? Do you know why there were police cars driving down the- Oh. Hello?" He stopped at the sight of an unfamiliar woman sitting at the dinning room table, next to Clockwork. He blinked and tilted his head to the side. "Wait. Pandora?"

"Perceptive," said the superficially human olive-skinned woman. "You seemed so happy when you stopped by, earlier. I thought I would come check in on you."

"You didn't have to," said Danny, beaming.

"Pandora has been trying to convince me to set her up as one of my relatives," said Clockwork, rolling his eyes. "Would you care for a cup of tea, Daniel?"

"Umm," said Danny, dubiously. "I'll try one, I guess. Does that mean you'll be my aunt?"

Pandora smiled. "Why, yes, it does."

Clockwork groaned theatrically.

.

"Ah," said Mr. Lancer, at the next parent-teacher conference. "Are you Mr. Worth's wife?"

"No," said Pandora, grinning. "I'm his sister."

Mr. Lancer looked back and forth between the two very different-looking entities. "I... see."

"We're adopted," said Clockwork.

"Oh! Alright then. Now, about Daniel..."

.

It was a bit strange to see Danny with so much energy, Sam reflected. Strange, but good.

It just went to show how drained he had become over time, how much the constant ghost attacks and worry, all the lies and stress and impossible expectations had worn away at him over time. She hadn't seen her friend this happy since freshman year. If that.

On the other hand...

"Dude," said Tucker. "Your house is spooky. And this is coming from someone who's been inside a literal mad science lab."

Danny rolled his eyes. "Mad science labs are campy, not spooky. Besides, you knew coming in that this house was haunted." He draped himself over the back of the couch, rolling until he was 'sitting' upside-down. "Anyway, what kind of movie do you want to watch? We've got a bunch, because Clockwork apparently collects media from doomed timelines."

"He's got a hobby?" asked Sam.

"Yeah, three," said Danny. "Gardening- you should talk to him about that, by the way, I think he'd like it- baking, and alternate timeline movies. And some books, too, I think. He's got a huge library back in Long Now. I've read like. Two books from it."

Clockwork's voice floated in from the other room. "You've read significantly more than that, Daniel."

"I guess," said Danny, doubtfully. He flopped off the couch, picked himself up, and started prodding at a shelf of movies. "This is from a timeline where the Earth got beaned by a massive asteroid. It's, like, a romcom, but it was made when everyone knew the asteroid was coming. This one is, uh, this is actually a dramatization of real events, apparently, but their timeline split from ours in like the fifties, so the events are pretty wild." He waved the DVD at them. "It's surreal?"

"How'd they die?" asked Tucker.

"Wacky superscience. No, really. Irradiated the entire planet."

"How do you know?" asked Sam.

"Oh, Clockwork puts notes on the boxes. He thinks it's interesting. And there does seem to be some correlation between how cursed the movies are and how bad the timeline was. Which maybe shouldn't surprise me? I mean, if they were bad timelines..." He shrugged. "Oh, this is a CGI Lion King. I can tell you: very cursed. Absolutely soulless. And this is from a timeline where copyright laws weren't changed, so Mickey Mouse and a bunch of other stuff was in the public domain."

"Isn't that a good timeline?" joked Sam.

"You'd think so," agreed Danny. "But apartheid in South Africa apparently never stopped, and they got a nuclear bomb, and, well... World War Three."

"Is that like, a domino effect, or...?"

"I'm not sure... Anyway. Uh. Genre?" He clapped his hands together.

Tucker leaned forward. "I want the wildest version of the Matrix you have."

"Ooh, good choice. There are, like, six with Will Smith. I haven't watched them all yet, but I think the one where they've got another sequel and Zion is also a- Wait, I shouldn't spoil it."

"After that, can you see if there's a non-crappy version of Dracula?" asked Sam.

"Sure. I haven't seen one yet, but I will look."

"I have popcorn," said Clockwork, entering the room, "and various baked goods. No dairy."

"You're the best."

.

Clockwork selected a thick blanket from the chest, then teleported himself to the living room to drape it over the three teenagers passed out on the couch. Overall, he found pretending to be human oddly enjoyable, but it could be trying at times. Tedious. All the finicky little motions humans had to go through to do the simplest of things added up over the day.

So, Clockwork tended to ease off of them when no one was watching. It made life easier.

Heh. Life.

(He would say that Daniel's puns were rubbing off on him, but in truth Clockwork's sense of humor had been like that for, well. Eons.)

He put the kitchen in order with an absent wave of his hand, and double-checked the stove out of habit. It wasn't nearly as good as his actual oven, back in Long Now, but it was serviceable.

One of Daniel's friends mumbled in their sleep, and Clockwork looked in on them. Still peaceful. It was good for Daniel to have them here. Beneficial for both his human and ghost halves.

He hummed to himself and patted Daniel's head as he thought about their plans for the weekend. He had arranged for some truly aggravating evangelical missionaries to darken their doorstep. It would do Daniel good to inspire a touch of terror. In an entirely controlled and risk-free way, of course. No matter how unpleasant the people coming were, Clockwork had no intention of harming them, or suggesting anything of the sort.

But, well. They were ghosts. Being feared was soothing.

(Clockwork knew this wasn't what Jasmine meant when she suggested Clockwork engage in family bonding activities with Daniel. But what she didn't know...)

.

"I think my teeth are getting sharper," said Danny, pulling a face at the mirror. "Is that normal?" The last was shouted, to get Clockwork's attention. Intellectually, Danny knew he didn't need to do that, but a lifetime of habit was hard to shake.

"It is difficult to say what is normal for someone like you, but many ghosts do have fangs," said Clockwork. "Including myself."

"Hm," said Danny. "This isn't, like, a ghost puberty thing, is it? Because I already used up most of my evil puberty jokes."

"Oh, only most?" Clockwork slid behind him and started rubbing the tension out of his shoulders.

Danny shrugged. "Eh, give or take. But, seriously."

"No, it isn't a ghost puberty thing."

"Oh, good. Because dealing with one puberty is more than enough."

Clockwork was silent. Danny looked up and met troubled eyes in the mirror.

"Clockwork?"

"Daniel," started Clockwork, before giving Danny an uneasy smile. "Speaking of puberty..."

Danny blanched. "No."

"What?"

"No. Nope. Not doing the talk today, no sir. I got that at school."

"Daniel, as strange as Casper High may be at times, I highly doubt they taught you anything about immortality."

"What."

.

"It's why ghosts put so much forethought into relationships like this," explained Clockwork, careful not to look directly at Daniel's hiding place. "They might last forever. I certainly hope this one does."

"But I don't want to be a teenager forever!" wailed Danny. He had mastered the art of making his voice sound like it was coming from a completely different direction than it actually was.

Clockwork was older than human civilization and had been worshiped as a god by several civilizations. He did not wince at the heartbreak in his child's voice.

"Your shapeshifting abilities should come in after a few years," said Clockwork. "You'll be able to pass as older."

Daniel answered with a moan.

"I must confess, I'm not sure why you are so upset about this. I can see that you are, but could you explain why for me?"

"I don't knoooooowww..."

.

"I don't want everyone to die and leave me alone," admitted Danny, hunched over a carton of ice cream. "I don't want to see my- my people die." He sniffled.

"We don't have to stay in Amity Park if you don't want to," said Clockwork.

Danny shook his head. "No! That's worse," he said, hating how his voice tilted into a whine. "That's- I can't abandon them! I can't- can't miss their time. I just..." He let out a huff of air. "It's hard."

Clockwork wrapped an arm around Daniel's shoulders. "It may not help much," he said, "but people in Amity Park have a much higher chance of becoming ghosts. It's the ectoplasm in the air."

"Promise?" asked Danny.

"Promise. Although, who, exactly, becomes a ghost is outside of my control. All I can tell you is that the people here have a better chance."

Danny leaned against Clockwork. "Thanks," he mumbled. "Clockwork?"

"Yes?"

"You don't think I'm a freak, do you?"

"Of course not."

.

Mr. Lancer squinted down at Daniel Fenton's latest assignment with a mix of appreciation, disbelief, and shame. This was easily the best work he had ever received from Daniel. In fact, it rivaled papers he had received from Jasmine.

It made him wonder- How long had Daniel been suffering? What had Daniel been suffering? He was no expert when it came to abuse, but all teachers had some training, and he knew that abusers tended to escalate, starting with something relatively innocuous and ending with a travesty. For things to progress to attempted murder... What had it started as? When had it begun?

(Could Mr. Lancer have stopped it?)

(That question would haunt him more than any ghost.)

Well, there was a silver lining to this, Mr. Lancer supposed. He had rarely seen two people who got along as well as Daniel and Charles Worth. It was good, he thought, for the man to have someone in his life on a more permanent basis, rather than the revolving door of temporary foster children.

How rapidly the adoption went through was a little odd, but... Mr. Lancer shrugged. Undoubtedly, Mr. Worth had taken the time over his years as a foster parent to familiarize himself with the system, and with Daniel's former parents unfit to be anywhere near children...

He shrugged again and stamped Daniel's paper with an A+.