#so. I ask that you ladies do not use them.

[thelambprince]

[Image Description: There are a series of tweets. The first one is saying, quote, "I recently saw a Tiktok where a woman asked "Girlies: what are some things you do to be more whimsical. I love knowing about cute little habits." And I've never loved a comment section more. Some of my favs:"

Every following image is implied to be in the comment section. The first one says, "a friend made me joyous taxidermist raccoons out of roadkill and I create happy scenes of them on adventures using American Doll props (to the continued bafflement of my cats and husband)". Below, they've posted two pictures of taxidermied raccoons riding a pink scooter with excited expressions. The second picture has an orange tabby curiously sitting and sniffing one raccoon's paw.

A second user says "I wear matching pajamas every time I change my sheets so I can have what I call fancy sleep."

Another says "I hold 'office hours'," the user says in quotation, "every Tuesday at a local coffee shop, which means I sit on the couch and order drinks for 4 to 5 hours while various friends and acquaintances visit me to yap about books and gossip."

Someone else says, "If I want to have negative thoughts about myself, I have to think about them in a Cockney accent."

Another user adds, "I call my to do list my tada list and do jazz hands as I tick things off."

Someone says, "I wash dishes by candlelight, listening to medieval tavern music, and pretend I'm a tavern wench."

"I teach my dog how to do things either to make them more interesting for me ("Let me show you how to start a load of laundry") or just to make him feel included ("Do you remember how to make coffee, or should I walk you though it again? I know it's hard to remember since you can't practice without thumbs.")

Someone else, "When I leave the house, I make sure to tell my dog 'no parties while I'm done!' And then laugh so he knows he is one hundred percent allowed to throw parties if he wants."

"Oh love these! I'll add one: whenever I buy something online and it asks 'is this a gift?', I write a little gift message to myself, usually along the lines of 'you are awesome and deserve these little treats,'."

"Listen to french music in my headphones while I grocery shop. Makes it more romantic and less mundane feeling."

"I tell my hamster not to answer the door for anyone before I leave."

"I like drinking water at night out of small wooden bowls. It makes me feel like I'm being nursed back to health by spirits."

"Whenever I drop or fuck something up when I'm alone, I bow and say 'and scene' instead of getting frustrated. I've done this for so long that I literally no longer get annoyed by my own mistakes and laughing is my first instinct anytime something goes wrong lol."

"I say 'my lady' whenever I walk by a mirror."

"'Can you hold this please' when I set my purse on an inanimate object."

"I tell my dishes it's bath time."

"I say 'well good thing no one overreacted' out loud to myself after a good cry.

End ID.]

[demaparbat-hp]

For your Dandadan AU. Are we in a "Modern Setting" (e.i. No bending)? Or you are having their "supernatural powers" be homages to their bending powers?

Something tells me that Aang is going to get the Jiji role. Only Aang to be that goofy, and do the thing that will happen in Season 2.

Are you also having Kanna as the stand-in for Seiko?

Hi, and thanks for asking!

I'll be leaving this over here and the rest of the lore under the cut.

The Dandadan AU takes place in a modern setting, much like the anime/manga does. There are legends about people who could control the elements in ancient times, but those are just tales—humans can't bend.

Spirits and Yokai, however, are a different story.

Each character's supernatural abilities reflect their original bending prowess! Zuko is a bit of an exception, since I'm leaning towards the shadow and stealth aspect of the Blue Spirit. Fire is still there, just in a different form.

Katara has natural bloodbending powers which the Painted Lady enhances. Whenever Katara taps into the yokai's curse on her, she becomes able to control water as well. Azula (in Aira's role!) will get lightning, illusion, and deception powers from a Kemurikage yokai.

Seiko's role gets passed on to Hama and Iroh. They're both part of the White Lotus, a society of mediums and yokai hunters from all nations.

Hama is Katara's Gran Gran, a stern and rather intense old woman who has made several deals with the Gods of the Land. She delivers corrupted souls to them in exchange for strength, protection, and an emergency tap into the bloodbending powers that she wouldn't be able to harness otherwise.

Meanwhile, Iroh becomes spiritually enlightened after his son's death. He's a beacon for corrupted spirits and bloodthirsty yokai—mostly because of his unnatural ability to rehabilitate said beings. The Painted Lady is one such yokai, and isn't it ironic that Iroh's own nephew is now one of his patients?

Hama sends most of the yokai she hunts down to Iroh due to his ability for dealing with them. If Iroh can't help a yokai move on peacefully, she finishes the job. Not because he can't do it, but Hama is the one who does what she considers to be "the fucking bulk of the iceberg" and Iroh can't take all the credit for it, damn it.

As for Aang...

The Avatar State is terrifying, which makes it the perfect stand in for the thing. Aang has such an outstanding amount of spiritual energy that he's a beacon for all spirits and yokai out there. Which...isn't good. Especially when one of the most ancient and powerful spirits out there wants to possess him.

Which leads us to the Avatar State.

I made the choice to remove his power over the four elements to focus instead on something much more interesting and fitting for this AU: energybending.

The Avatar is able to manipulate all vital and spiritual energy around him, as well as give or take everyone else's powers at will. This makes him pretty much the most dangerous being to ever exist, since he can make everyone powerless by simply willing it so.

As for the Avatar's motivation? He's a protective yet ruthless spirit that has laid dormant for thousands of years, but a certain event woke him up to a world in disarray. His purpose has always been to keep balance in the world, but the concept itself of balance can be easily corrupted.

The Avatar comes from a world that doesn't exist anymore—a far better place that he wishes to recreate and bring to life once more. Even if he must destroy this version of earth to birth it anew.

[starconstruction]

Night of Passion

Gaeul (IVE) + Haseul (ARTMS) x Male Reader (Smut)

smut tags: oral, multiple orgasms, anal, creampie, minor objectification, fsub + fdom

Word Count: 2567

not proofread

spun a wheel and haseul won! maybe i should do this again in the future

The soft light of the hotel room illuminated the room, it was late at night while you sat on the bed watching YouTube. The night was quiet, the relaxing holiday you took paying dividends. You went alone, getting a break from the endless cycle of work. Being successful came with its virtues, like being able to afford this week.

You decided to explore the hotel, it was luxurious so it had to have something interesting to do, the corridors were well lit and clean. You walked through the opulent halls. Dragging feet against the carpet, maybe soft. You got to the fancy elevator, there was a sign against the number pad.

0 - RECEPTION

01-08 - ROOMS

09 - VIP ROOMS

10 - ROOFTOP POOL (VIP ONLY)

The pool sounded inviting, you weren't exactly in the attire for this. Simple shorts and a t-shirt was all you had on. But it'd do, you pressed the button. Stepping into the elevator as you embraced the unknown, going up a floor.

The sudden chill of the night sky hit you, the door opening and the chemical scent of chlorine enveloped your nose. The wind was still tonight, perfect to relax. The pool was a rich blue, illuminated by the lights that laid in the corners of the walls. What caught your eye wasn't anything offered by the hotel itself, it was the two women sat on the complimentary chairs.

One of the women gave a matured vibe, her body well developed where it counted, she was wearing a pearl white bikini, covering her well endowed breasts. An equally impressive toned stomach, visible muscles showing her effort in the gym. She was holding some form of alcoholic beverage, a deep red liquid swirled around the ice at the bottom of the glass. Her legs went on for miles as your eyes trailed down, her toes well maintained as they were painted a seductive red.

The other woman seemed more spunky, wearing a much more energetic yellow bikini, she didn't have as big assets as the girl she was talking to. But she made up for it with her beauty. She was sipping a clear liquid, probably wine as they conversed.

You were about to sit on the opposite end of the pool, ready to face the beautiful city. A voice shot through the night. "Hey hot stuff!" It was the older one "Come over here!" You weren't going to deny a pair of beautiful women as you walked over to them, "Evening ladies" You greeted as you sat down in the chair closer to the energetic one.

"Hello, I'm Haseul." The older one said, gesturing to the lively one "And this is Gaeul" Who smiled as she took another sip of her drink. "And so, who are you stranger?" Haseul asked. "I'm Y/N, just here on some relaxation, what about you two?" You replied.

"Oh, me and Haseul are also here for some relaxation. It's a busy life back at home." Gaeul said, her hand reaching down below next to Haseul's chair, fiddling with an alcoholic bottle and a spare glass. "Fancy a glass?" she asked, you nodded in response as she made you a drink.

The alcohol went down your throat as it left a burning sensation where it landed, the taste of fruit laid faint in your mouth. "So, what do you do Y/N?" Haseul asked, hands on Gaeul's shoulder as they leaned into each other. "Office work, managing papers, employees, boring shit but it pays well. You?"

"I'm a dancer and singer, this is the first time I've had to myself in months." Haseul moved away from Gaeul. "I haven't been able to use this pool, join me Gaeul?" She said, voice teasing her friend as Gaeul got up.

The two slipped into the pool, floating in the water as they splashed around. "Join us Y/N, just take off your shirt." Haseul said, you complied. Throwing off your shirt as you dived into the water, your shorts becoming saturated with water. "Looking good, damn." Gaeul flirted, a gentle whistle from her pursed lips. "Not so bad yourself, Gaeul." You flirted back.

You three spent the next short while together, talking about life and other stuff. Most of it wasn't of importance but the two women were very nice. The night got a lot more exciting as Haseul started to speak about something more, personal.

"Y/N, you find us attractive right?" She asked, adjusting her bikini slightly as the bottom of her breasts were now visible. You paused for a second, collecting your thoughts "You two are quite beautiful, yes.

"Well our little Gaeul over here wanted to have some fun, us three. Care to oblige?" Haseul took Gaeul's lips in a gentle kiss as your face flushed. "I would be happy to." You said, keeping a sense of confidence. Heart hammering in your chest as she got out the water, grabbing her stuff. "Come on then, let's have some fun."

-

Haesul and you aggressively made out, lips battling for dominance as you two got through your hotel room door. Gaeul joined in on the assault of Haseul's mouth. You made room, a mixture of lips as you frantically made contact, hands rubbing up and down her body. The strong scent of alcohol gnawed your senses. Haseul was propped into the wall as her bra came undone. You pulled away, "Fuck, Gaeul look at her tits." Your hand grabbed her breast, aggressively squeezing handfuls, Gaeul was a step ahead of you. Mouth pursed around Haseul's right nipple, sucking intently as you joined her.

"Keep going you two! Suck my tits!" Haseul moaned, you two were happy to oblige. Eager lips sucked, the faint taste of chlorine laid on Haseul's boobs from the time in the pool. Cleaned off by your tongue. You eventually grew bored, pulling away as you feasted on Gaeul's body with your eyes. She was so eager, tongue lapping up and down as she stared directly at Haseul. "I bet Gaeul has a really pretty pussy, wouldn't you agree Haseul?" You said to her, "Yeah!" She gasped out, still under Gaeul's relentless motions. "You should find out, Gaeul. On the bed for us." She commanded as Gaeul pulled away.

Gaeul was compliant, laying down as her hands unraveled the top part of her Bikini. Leaving the rest to you and Haseul, her hands eagerly gripping the remaining fabric on Gaeul's body. Revealing Gaeul's soaking cunt, saturated with arousal. "Spread her legs Haseul, give us room." You commanded, she complied as her hands gripped Gaeul's thick thighs, creating a gap for you two to lay in front of.

"Tell us what you want Gaeul, use your words." Haseul said, rubbing Gaeul's leg as she awaited a response. You got on your knees alongside Haseul. "I want you two, eat my slutty pussy out please!" Gaeul started to beg as Haseul took the first lick of her awaiting cunt, eliciting a gasp. You joined in, taking your first taste of the younger woman. She tasted pleasant as your tongue explored her, a mixed scent of citrus, arousal and vanilla as their perfumes mingled.

You and Haseul got to work, tongues bumping into each as you two lapped up her slick, "You two are so good! Fuck keep going!" Gaeul screamed, her hands found comfort in Haseul's hair. "We will, your whore cunt tastes so good." You said, going deeper as your tongue picked up a mixture of saliva and juices. Gaeul was shrill as her voice got higher, her legs tightened like a vice as it compressed you and Haseul's head together. "Fuck, IM GONNA CUM ALL OVER YOUR TONGUES" Gaeul let out, "Cum for us!" Haseul said, tongue speeding up as Gaeul came undone.

Gaeul laid heaving on the bed, taken to the highest gate of heaven, you let her recover as Haseul turned to face you. Her lips tilted in a crooked smile, "Look how hard you are Y/N" her hand palmed your clothed crotch "Let me take care of you." Haseul tackled you, hands tugging off your shorts. Her eyes beaming as your length stood proud, she started gently, kissing your tip with her plush lips. "What do you want? Tell your mistress." Haseul fell into the dominant role perfectly, making your heart skip a beat as warm breath on your balls made you gasp. "I want you to suck my dick, please." You weren't one to ask nicely but her presence compelled you.

"Nuh uh, beg for me. Beg for me to give you what you want." She urged you further, giving you the smallest touches, jerking her hand up and down on your cock with such patience it made you mad. "Miss, please suck my dick. Please, please." You felt pathetic, whiny utterances falling from your mouth. Haseul smiled as she took you in her awaiting mouth, her head game was elegant and refined. Tongue tracing up and down, little excess saliva pooled from her. This clearly wasn't the first dude she had blown, bobbing incessantly as she coaxed pleasure from your desperate cock.

Gaeul stirred, recovering from the explosive pleasure that just transpired. "No fair! I want his dick aswell!" Gaeul whined like a brat, Haseul withdrew from the your rigid length. "Come on then brat, if you are so desperate come suck it." She moved away, giving Gaeul proper access.

Gaeul gave head much less elegantly than Haseul, slobbering as her head went up and down. She sucked dick eagerly, her tongue warm as it licked your shaft. Haseul watched over her, smiling as her hand perched into Gaeul's black hair. "Honey, I think you could go so much deeper." Without warning Gaeul was shoved, shaft enveloped entirely as it lodged into her throat. Nose pressing into your crotch as Haseul held her down.

"Good, that's more like it honey." Haseul treated her like a fleshlight, yanking her hair as her mouth was forced to take you. Haseul's smile was sadistic, using her other hand to rub your balls. The combined assault made you dizzy, pleasure welling into your core. Gaeul's delicious gags brought you to the mountains edge, so close.

"Miss, I'm gonna cum!" You shouted, thrusting up into Gaeul's mouth as Haseul brought her down. "Cum! Fill this whores mouth up. Give her what she wants!" The new granted permission was rewarded with a violent release of semen, Haseul pulled her off your cock. Semen splashing against Gaeul's teeth, chin and cheeks. A canvas painted as she fell on the floor, aggressively heaving as she struggled for air.

You weren't doing much better, aftershocks felt all over your body as you battled for oxygen. "Fuck, that was.. Wow." You had very few words to say to describe the climax you just had. "It's only just beginning, Y/N. We have a lot to do." Haseul responded for Gaeul, who was laying covered in you.

Gaeul stood up, "I want this cock!" She begged, bringing it towards her silky folds, rubbing them together as you two let out gasps. "Please fuck me!" She whined, her pleading was starting to grate on you. Your hand found her cum coated face, gently pressing her cheek. "You want this dick so badly?" You growled, her lips pouted as she nodded. "Then come ride it."

You laid on the bed, allowing Gaeul to climb onto you. Needy crotches connected as she lowered, her cunt gripped onto you. Latching on as it never wanted to leave, a shared moan leaked from your lips. She hopped up and down, she lacked in technique as she frantically bounced. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

Haseul looked slightly fidgety as she did nothing, watching Gaeul bounce feverishly. You couldnt allow that "Haseul honey, strip and ride my face." She smiled, pulling the remaining fabric off her legs. Her pussy was undeniably perfect, similar to Gaeuls with the main difference being a thin strip of hair laid where Gaeul was bare. Another difference was her scent, significantly more powerful than Gaeul. Your mouth was occupied with Haseul, her legs crushing your face as she rode your tongue.

The dual riding session invoked a chorus of moans as your cock was being abused, "Yes! Yes! FUCK!" Gaeul kept screaming on loop, hands resting firmly on your awaiting chest. You were burrowed tongue first in Haseul, her sticky juices strong with musk as you took everything she gave you. "Ugh, your tongue is so fucking good. I'm gonna cum!"

It was like the three of you were linked by the fates themselves, hands cramping up as Gaeul squeezed one more time, her composure entirely fallen apart as her cunt creamed around you. Orgasming violently, her body spasmed as she screamed. You knew there was no turning back as you came in her greedy hole, which coaxed as much as it could from you. Haseul was the dynamite at the end, delayed slightly as her thighs quivered. Gushing liquid all over your face as she fell onto your chest.

Your hand gravitated towards Haseul's fat ass, spanking it roughly as you kneaded her bakery. "Shame we don't have any Lube, I'd love to pound this ass." You said, finger trailing her backdoor teasing her. "Gaeul, we have some, be a dear and go grab some." Gaeul smiled, throwing her towel around her perfect body. Covering it as she disappeared.

"You know, it's polite to eat a girl's ass right?" She teased, voice dripping with desire and contempt. You couldn't resist a request like that, hands sliding up her sweet ass. Her words gave you a new found hunger as you feasted on her sweaty asshole. Tongue moving on its own accord as you worshipped her. "Fuck.. Your tongue is so good." She groaned.

Her back arched gracefully, giving you better access to her backdoor. One you planned to explore fully later, for now you rimmed her hole. Your hands went to her nipples, squeezing them roughly "Ow! Keep doing that" she pleaded.

Gaeul returned, the towel falling to the ground. Revealing her ravaged body, a semi translucent bottle in her hand. Gaeul threw it into your hand "Go hard on her." It was a simple request, one you were more than happy to oblige. Your cock now shiny with lube as you rubbed it into her awaiting hole.

You pressed in, Haseul's ass significantly tighter than Gaeul's cunt. Squeezing the life out of you as inch went in by inch. Your hands found leverage in her ass cheeks. Her body trembled with your thrusts, aggressive slaps of skin "Fuck! Violate this ass!" Haseul said, urging you on. Hips moving faster to meet demand.

Gaeul wasn't just watching, fucking herself eagerly with her dainty fingers. Mouth agape as saliva drooled from her. The shared moans got louder as Haseul took your cock, there was nothing slow about this rhythm. A flurry of pleasure as you used her as just a hole to fuck. The hotel room reeked of sex, showing your effort to give them a night to remember.

The familiar sensation of your orgasm came quick "Fuck. I'm gonna cum! Cum in this worthless ass!" You kept thrusting as you two chased a high, cum spilling into Haseul's tight ass as you came together.

Gaeul was the first to speak "It's not over yet! I want to try!"

It was a long night.

[iron-sparrow]

an OC ask list 🪶 in the spirit of celebration

Spring is upon us! What has your OC been up to all winter?

Valentione celebrations have ended. Did your OC have any special sweetheart(s) to share festivities with?

Little Ladies' Day is almost here. Does your OC observe or look forward to any of Etheirys' holidays? 🌸 -> If not, is there any particular reason for this? -> If yes, do they have a favorite holiday? Do tell.

How does your OC feel about all the decorations in the major cities? Do they like the decor or nah?

Not all traditions are tied to holidays, of course. Does your OC have any special traditions they practice?

Oh, and an early/belated Happy Nameday to your OC! Any special plans?

Does your OC usually make the plans or leave the planning to others?

How does your OC feel about surprise parties? 🎉

Does your OC like large gatherings to celebrate with? Did they end up inviting their entire department and extended family (and their co-workers and neighbors and...)

Uh, maybe that's too many people. Would your OC be more comfortable with a significantly smaller affair?

Who is/are a must for your OC to have with them for their most special days?

Your OC is given a gift they don't like/need. How do they react and what do they do with it? 🎁

What kind of gift does your OC like to give? Something store-bought or handmade? (Was it expensive?)

What would be the perfect gift for your OC? Asking for a friend.

Does your OC have a favorite holiday/festival or nameday memory?

Time to make new memories. What would be an ideal holiday/festival or nameday for them be like? No wrong answers!

Many celebrations are connected to seasons, so let's go back to that. Does your OC have a favorite season?

What about a least favorite season? Share with the class.

Okay, I really need to know. Which of the 12 zodiac animals does your OC relate to the most?

Happy Lunar New Year! For many, the snake represents renewal, longevity, and even love! 🐍 May you experience all these joys in 2025 and beyond. hiss hiss

[pocketsizepipebomb]

They went for everything. It was slow but they went for everything, the autonomy laws, the voter's rights, they made slaves of people and had them whistle while they work. Then they came for beliefs, I was a practicing witch once upon a time. I still light candles and handle crystals and practice under the cover of nightfall like so many ancestors before me. Still have not found a way to magically clean the oven however.

No one tells you how tiresome the minutia of the end of the world really is. None of the history books tell you how - simply annoying it is that you still have to go grocery shopping and decide on whether or not you can get gas and then you can go to work while you still can. All while everything crumbles, while you have weekly meetings about what to do if your workplace has an ICE raid, how to look a seven year old in the eyes and tell them no one is taking them away.

If there's one thing religious people love its a persecution complex. When they ran out of people to hate they went for the witches, they went for Romani before the jews the first time around so far be it from me to make it to the opening act.

I'm trying to clean my oven when i hear anxious rapping on the door. Panicked, fast knocking, I'm all but expecting the cry of sanctuary like in that movie. I go to open the door against my better judgment and no one was there i guess they got tired of waiting, i was going to go back inside but i heard my fence swinging.

I walked over to my shed where I heard winded breathing, and I crack open the door that she did not close.

"P-please. Don't let them take me…" A witch, a young girl pleaded as she hides in my shed. One look at the fear in her eyes as you hear the armored footsteps of the inquisition approached my home. My heart instantly goes to my throat. They don't take heretics lightly nor one that shields them from their hold.

"Oh goddammit," was my noble battle cry as i looked at the child crouched next to my lawn mower. "fuck, stay there, i'll hold them off,"

I went over to the fence just enough time to be face to face with an officer.

"Hello, you startled me," I said brightly, tilting my head as a disarming lady only can. "Can i help you - officer?"

"We're looking for an occultist," he said sounding tired. "we have reason to believe that she ran this way,"

"Oh dear, I'm sorry," I answered. "I had been in the shed for the last ten minutes or so, trying to make some sense of my lawnmower, but my husband is on his way home I can ask him if he saw someone, now what did, she, look like?"

I know I am taking too long to answer him, he is so pissed off about my chirpy housewife voice he cannot wait to be out of there either.

"About five feet tall, red hair she has a red skirt like a -," he struggles to find the words but ends up using the G slur. "type thing you know?"

"No baby, I'm sorry," I answer. "I hadn't seen her." The 'baby' always gets them it's disarming, curtesy is a ladys armor and we have been training for this all our lives as women.

The officer leaves after refusing a cookie, a cup of coffee, some left overs. He relents and takes a bottle of water and an almond cookie as he leaves while i promise to keep a look out for the scoundrel.

"You saved me," i heard her small voice as i walked into the shed to let her know the coast was clear.

"Kid," i say. "first rule of witchcraft, rosemary for protection, valerian for relaxation," i crack open the door an inch just in time to hear the patrol car crash into the lamp post. "and its a common misconception that cyanide is tasteless but if you mix it with amaretto they won't know any better,"

"P-please. Don't let them take me…" A witch, a young girl pleaded as she hides in your shed. You see the fear in her eyes as you hear the armored footsteps of the inquisition approached your home. Your heart thumps. They don't take heretics lightly nor one that shields them from their hold.

[nerdygirlramblings]

Ren's adventures continue

a/n: the family pack is back!

previous

"How's training going, honey? They're not pushing you too hard?" Mum asks.

Before you can answer, Mama cuts in. "Of course they're training her hard. This is an elite group of soldiers. Only the best of the best to serve Queen and country." She looks at you with a gleam in her eyes. "Isn't that right, baby?"

Dad rolls his eyes at their antics. It's clear they're all crammed into the nest where Dad's been since the doctor seconded your moms' idea for him to be on bed rest. Seeing them together, knowing Dad's due in a few weeks, it makes you miss them all so much more. Just as Mum and Mama start debating the merits of your service, again, Dad says, "You look good, sweetheart. Happy."

They see your unconscious smile. You haven't spoken to them much since you joined the task force, too tired most nights for anything more than a few texts, but you had a light day and wanted to check on how Dad was doing with the litter. Now you have a captive audience and weeks of stories to share.

You mention how well you fight hand-to-hand, joking how an old schoolyard bully "wouldn't be able to lay a finger on me now." To prove it, you send them a quick video Gaz took of you getting Ghost on his back a few days ago. "That's my Leftenant. He's an 18 stone alpha!" They watch the video, and you track their reactions: Mum's saucer-wide eyes, hand over her mouth; Dad wincing at the thwump of Ghost's back hitting the mat; Mama's nearly-manic grin.

You leave out how quickly he flipped you and got the upper hand.

The video is followed by pictures Soap took on the shooting range, several weapons artfully arrayed around targets with groupings so tight there are fist-sized holes in some. "They're training me on some of the sniper rifles, Mum, so I'd be watching their backs instead of breeching the building." You see the slightest drop of her shoulders as she exhales and know she'll hold tight to that kernel of hope for your safety.

You're most excited to tell them about the records you've set. "And Captain Price was the one who put my name forward. Kept me an' my secondary gender out of it entirely, jus' my call sign-"

"Your call sign?" Mum says. "What's that?"

"It's like a nickname. 'S what th' other soldiers call ya. Mostly based on the dumb shit-"

"Language, young lady," Mum says sharply.

"Sorry, Mum," you mumble, heat flaring along your neck at being scolded.

"Leave the girl be," Mama says. "She's an adult and can use whatever language she wants. Let her finish her story."

You smile gratefully and mouth thank you when Mum glances away towards some sound in the house. "So call signs are usually something you have to learn to deal with because it's a constant reminder of how you screwed up. But not always. An' the guys call me Ren because I'm good at lots of things."

"A modern Renaissance Man, er Woman, huh," Dad comments.

"That's what Captain Price said." You look at your dad and blurt out, "I think you'd like the Captain, Dad. He reminds me a lot of you and Mama."

"So about those records?" Mama asks, redirecting your focus again.

You glance at your parents then dart your gaze briefly down, bashful about bragging. "It seems I set a few base records on the shooting range and with my speed. An', like I said, they're up with my call sign, so no one really knows their mine, but that's not the point."

Dad takes the bait you don't realize you left. "Then what is the point, sweetheart?" he asks quietly.

There's no mistaking the pride in your voice and the joy in your eyes when you tell him, "They make me feel like I belong."

He smiles indulgently, and a loaded glance passes between your moms. The conversation continues a few more minutes, and you get the feeling your parents want to tell you something but don't. As you say your goodnights, you tell them you'll speak to Price about getting a few days of leave when the new litter comes. The call leaves you feeling both lighter and sadder, though you can't articulate the reasons for the second.

After the call to your parents, you start spending more time in the 141 barracks. The call home made you miss being part of something, and when you spend your down time with your team, the ache inside feels less raw, the hurt less sharp.

The easy camaraderie of the gym and mess becomes an uncomplicated cohabitation of video games and movies and parallel quiet time. One night you find yourself reading on one end of the couch in the barracks' rec room while Soap sketches. A tremor runs through you; the team keeps these rooms far colder than you're comfortable with, and you don't have an extra jumper today. Soap catches you rubbing your hands together and gets off the couch, heading to a small footlocker in the corner. You track his movements as he lifts the lid and pulls out a standard issue olive green jersey. He doesn't pull it on as you expect but drops it in your lap as he returns to his seat. "Nae point in bein' cold, Ren," he says with a smile.

You return the smile gratefully. "Thank you," you reply, pulling the jersey overhead. As you sink into its warmth, you take a deep inhale, breathing in the scent of sunshine and fresh cotton. You appreciate the smell of clean laundry. It's far more pleasant than the mothballs you were expecting.

You glance at Soap, surprised to see unbridled joy on his face. "Everything okay?"

He nods quickly. "Yeah, Ren. I'm aces."

You continue sitting in shared silence until the others come in from whatever they were doing. All three men pull up short at the sight of you and Soap on the couch. Looking between them, you worry you did something wrong despite having spent the last few nights with them until heading to bed in your barracks. "Er, what's wrong?"

Price quickly shakes his head as if clearing out cobwebs. "Nothin's wrong, Ren. Just a little surprised is all. Didn't think you-"

"The lass was cold, Cap'n," Soap blurted suddenly. "Figured if the jersey wasnae 'nuf tae warm 'er, Ah'd show 'er where the blankets are."

Price nods absently. "Right. The blankets." He takes one more long look at you, gaze assessing. "Well, glad you aren't cold, then."

The solitude you and Soap shared sits uneasily now with the others around. Something's shifted. You can smell it, like a bite of cold air preceding a storm. You try brushing off the unease, but you can't ignore it. It becomes nearly oppressive by the time you head to your barracks, waving goodnight to the team.

Once the door shuts behind you, Price gapes at Soap. "What were you thinking, giving her Gaz's jersey without telling her?" His tone is angry, but it's betrayed by the concern in his eyes as he looks at the beta.

"She was cold," Soap says simply.

"Yeah, but, one of my jerseys when you could have grabbed the blanket?" Gaz wasn't angry about you walking out with the jersey. He seemed nervous.

Price points at Gaz. "Yes, that!" He runs a hand down his face. "Giving Ren Gaz's jersey when we haven't broached courting 'er could backfire spectacularly."

"Ye were nae here, Cap. Took a big 'ole lungful a' 'is scent and held it. Wouldn't be surprised is she wears it tomorrow night." He looked from Price to Gaz and finally to Ghost, who met his pleading look with a hard reproach.

"It was a bold move, pup. Don't do it again without us all talking first." He voices everyone's shared desire. "We want 'er as pack, as ours. But she's smart, and she's wary, even of us when it comes to being our omega."

Price picks up the thought and says, "If we want this, and want to do it right, we need a plan."

next

~~

taglist: @sirbonesly @z-wantstowrite @thriving-n-jiving @cecelia97 @theycallmevale @boogeysmoth

[sunsbaby]

𓂃 STRANDED FEATHERS

. . . when a strange angel shows up at the bunker

unexpectedly, leaving the boys to help her—or keep her.

꒰ঌ ໒꒱ ` hurt/comfort | fem!reader | one little kiss |

It all started with the war in Heaven, and oh were you a big help—almost too big of a help. Your power destroyed the enemies, but also your home at the same time. It would be reckless and plain stupid to keep you around if they wanted Heaven to be in one piece after, so they sent you down to Earth. Not forever, but how that back fired.

You didn't know how to feel when your wings carried you onto a patch of grass, thoughts clouded your mind, jumbled into one mess inside your pretty head. The flowers surrounding you gave a feeling of slight comfort, not enough to get rid of the stares that burned into the back of your being as you descended down from up above. Your brothers and sisters, the ones you adored and would die for, voted to cast you away.

You never meant to cause problems, it was your duty to fight. You were programmed to be a soldier, to bend and bow to every word that spewed from any Angel of high authority's mouth. You did what you were created to do—now you were shamed for it?

Heaven needed power, just not the messy kind, not the kind you provided.

Somehow while in the mist of your thoughts, your feet—that were decorated with frilly socks—lead you to a bunker of sorts; your eyes widened as you stared—riddled with confusion. What was this place? It's been warded against you, yet you still found it.

Your hand lightly traces the doors, careful as to not dent to. Seeing as everything you touch breaks. A soft knock is heard from inside the bunker, Sam and Dean turn their heads to the door.

Boots hitting the floor and guns tucked behind their backs, Dean opens the door slightly. His eyes widen as he takes in your appearance—disheveled hair, dirtied white socks, and a dress; while it may have been ripped a bit. To him you looked beautiful, no, what was he thinking.

"Who are you, and what do you want lady?" His voice was gruff, yet you could hear the softness behind it all. Sam stood close, kept vigil.

"I'm an Angel of the lord, I was sent to Earth–" Before you could finish the door was shut in your face. Whispers came from behind it, presumably how you even found the bunker with no knowledge of them or probably anything on Earth.

The door opened once more, this time wider allowing you to step inside. Sam grimaced at the footprints left after every step you took. You took in the sights around you with awe, mouth agape like you'd never seen anything like it before. Dean stared at your twinkling eyes from afar, a fondness brewing deep inside him; though he wanted no part of it.

It took a bit of time for you to get used to how humans did things. You learned so much about the world and the two boys—somehow they learned nothing about you.

You sat on the floor, legs crossed and a pile of books beside you, this was how you spent your days recently—you didn't bother Sam and Dean like usual. Instead you were learning everything you possibly could, learning how to not make a mess—how to be a normal Angel, like God intended.

It didn't slip past Dean how you hid away from them most days, never embracing them back when they hugged you; normally for saving their asses, and the way you seemed to always resent your reflection—eyes averting away from every mirror.

You heard footsteps walking up to you and a voice you knew very well, "What'cha up to, little lady–hm? You seem to have a lot of fun being around a bunch of pages." He teased, looking down as he took a swig of beer, something you noticed he was always drinking.

"Just learning, Dean. Have you ever bothered to do that?" You say back, a grin finding its way onto your lips.

"Ouch, that hurt, little lady." Dean chuckled, his hand moving to pat your shoulder—his brows furrowed as he saw you move away.

"What's up, you've been distant–is there something we don't know?" He asked immediately after, his voice was slightly saddened as well as concerned. In a way it made you feel better, nobody had ever spoke to you in such a caring way.

Your heart sped up and meaningless words spewed from your lips, a distraction of some sorts. A way to direct the conversation elsewhere, but Dean didn't budge. His gaze wasn't harsh, yet it burned deep into you.

"Dean, I...I'm not a safe person. I break anything near me—it's a miracle the bunker hasn't been reduced to atoms!" Tears had prickled into your waterline, but you kept going, like Dean had placed a spell on you.

"Heaven cast me away due to my power, Dean. My touch isn't good, it's messy and dangerous. If I stay too close, you all may–" He cut you off with a kiss, it was pure something sweet and innocent. As he pulled away his hand found its way to your cheek.

"We're hunters, our whole life is messy–I mean hell Sam and I are considered 'dangerous' to about everyone and everything." His gaze was soft, with something you couldn't understand shining beneath. It warmed you inside, a smile crept onto your face as he continued.

"What I'm trying to say is, you're perfect for us: for me, little lady. You fit right in like a puzzle piece, the piece we didn't know was missing, but are glad we've finally got it."

Your arms wrapped tight around him as sobs wracked through your body. And he just held you, a hand rubbing your back as he let you do your thing.

You finally belonged somewhere, a place where you could be you.

sunny yaps! HIII EVERYONEE!! Today has been a good day so HERE YOU ALL GOOO! I did not go to school so IM VERY HAPPY, BUT I STILL HAVE WORK TO DO! Kill MEE!!!

special tags! @figthoughts @bluemerakis @dulcescorderitas @h8aaz + pls lmk if u want to get added or removed!!

𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘 ® 𓂃 do not repost or copy my works without permission!!

[anka-partizanka-from-pandora]

My another Ash OC

Hey! Under one of the posts with a group of na'vi and Ttong teenagers, I was asked the question: "Who is this na'vi who hugs Ttong?"

Soooo here she is!

Meet Aethon.

Charming na'vi from the ashen Na'vi clan. It was originally conceived as a minor character without a special role or personality, but..... I just couldn't leave her. I love her too much, guys!

She is a little older than Oare, Ttrong and Txon. Not everyone from the ashen na'vi can be absolutely brutal! And she is one of them. Aethon is a local dancer and singer. Her nature is creative and passionate. And just like a real lady, she likes to dress up both herself and her friends (Trong is her favorite victim).

But don't worry about her predatory nature! She is capable of being as deadly and cruel to her enemies as the rest of her clan.She is an excellent warrior. Where most use force, she uses cunning, speed, and precision. That's where dancing skills help a lot.

Her protective and territorial instincts are very strong. That is why she is very tactile towards her clansmen, and especially the Trong (the boy is literally a walking trauma, which my girl categorically does not like. More hugs for our boy). Hugs, strokes, gentle pinches, tail touches - this is her language of love. However, if she doesn't like you, then it won't be easy to gain her trust. That's why she's very negative about Sally's family. (Like seriously, they offended her friend! Especially Neytiri)

So, what do you think about her? Give me some reaction, guys!

[lelianasbong]

having flashbacks to inquisition's reception on the old bsn and how so many mfers insisted dorian and krem's stories were unnecessary ham-fisted after school specials, how they also somehow asked "does sera really need to be a lesbian? it doesn't even come up in the story :/" and how josephine's romance with a woman "didn't fit" because you play the gallant knight to her noble lady (tell me you don't know anything about sapphics w/o telling me you don't know anything about sapphics lmao).

anyway i just read a tirade on youtube about how "tHeY uSeD tO hAnDlE ""this stuff"" (queer people) bEtTeR, eVeRyOnE tHoUgHt so" & i'd just like to remind everyone that that's not true. people did in fact claim that sera, dorian, krem, bull, etc were cringey writer self-inserts, that they scolded the player for disagreeing with them, and that the games themselves were trying to tell you what to think and how to feel about queer people.

i cannot emphasize this enough: i heard countless times that dorian's ENTIRE CHARACTER was Being Gay, that he was a camp gay stereotype, and 'why won't bioware give us a REAL (hypermasculine) gay guy whose story doesn't have parental rejection and a super on-the-nose conversion therapy allegory instead of david gaider's blatant self-insert??? :((('

so, for people who feel like they Just Have To decry the depiction of taash's queerness in favor of something less "in your face": it's always been "in your face" and crybaby reactionaries have always responded with discomfort because in their ideal medieval fantasy, queer people don't exist or are violently stigmatized if they do. either way, the status quo remains the same and the result is they never, ever have to think about queer people except as a lesson in what not to be.

[seokmn]

✎ᝰDEAR DIARY PT.2 .ᐟ⋆⑅˚₊

pairing: jaehyun x gn!reader wc: 1.5k words warning: none! lua's note: a few people asked for part two so here it is ^^ hope u enjoy! in case you didn’t read, part one is here

“boy, you do something to me”

“Hey, Y/N,” Jeahyun took you by the hand, preventing you from walking around the mall. You looked back at his warm hand holding yours and then at his face, a small smile on his lips as his eyes were focused on somewhere else. “Do you want to drink something?”

Before you could answer, he started to walk towards the kiosk, his hand still holding yours. “How silly of me to ask, you always want something to drink.”

“That’s not true…” You mumbled, knowing he was damn right about that.

“Hello! I’d like to order two pink lemonades, one with ice and the other without, please.”

You felt your heart beat faster than ever. It was such a trivial thing, but the thought of Jaehyun not even having to ask you what you would want to drink because he knows damn too well your favorite drink made you feel flustered. You didn’t want to show him that, you wanted him to think that you found that annoying, however, you knew that if he looked at you for too long he would have you all figured out.

The attendant nodded with a small smile on her face and turned her back to prepare his order.

“Ya,” you hit Jaehyun’s chest. “Why didn’t you ask me what I wanted to order? I didn’t say I wanted a pink lemonade”

“You didn’t have to, I know you love the pink lemonade from this place, with lots of ice cubes. Plus, if I let you choose the kiosk and the drink, where and what would you order?”

You scoffed and crossed your arms in front of your chest, not being able to give him an answer that he wouldn’t expect to his question. “Whatever, you could’ve at least asked me.”

“If you didn’t want the pink lemonade you could just tell me and I would ask for another drink. Then you would have the drink you wanted and the pink lemonade for later.”

“You’re ridiculous,” you took the drink from the attendant’s hand once she was finished, smiled and thanked her for her work. You waited for Jaehyun to do the same and pay her. “Anyways, thanks for the drink. I’m paying for the popcorn, just so you know.”

“Whatever you say, princess,” Jaehyun took a sip of his drink and looked away with a fake innocent smile when you shot a glare at him.

You didn’t understand why Jaehyun was acting like that. Sure, he always teased you, but not like that. Never like that.

The worst part was that you couldn’t even let him know how flustered you were getting. You had to put on a show and pretend to be annoyed, but you didn’t know for how long you’d be able to keep going with the facade.

As you got inside the movie theater and sat on your seats, Jaehyun saw the way you were holding the pink lemonade’s cup with your jacket covering your palm because of how cold it was, he scoffed and took the drink from you.

“Seriously,” he placed a hand on his pocket and took a napkin out of it, wrapping it around the cup and handing it back to you. “Are you a kid or what?”

“Shush, it’s not my fault that it’s too cold. You’re the one who asked the lady to put ice on it!”

“Yeah, because you always drink with ice, if I had asked without you'd have complained. Now keep quiet because the movie will start soon and I don’t want people telling us to shut up.”

Jaehyun was holding the popcorn bucket, but he leaned it towards your direction so it would be easier for you to grab them.

You couldn’t even enjoy the movie properly, you were always glancing at Jaehyun, and most of the time you found him already looking at him, but he would immediately look back at the huge screen.

You were wondering if you were going insane or if Jaehyun was really acting strangely. He was way too excited about watching that movie, why was he paying attention to you instead of to the movie?

You shrugged the thought off and tried to pay attention to the movie, only to fail miserably when you felt his arm slowly making its way to your shoulder. Your internal reaction was to freak out in your mind, but your body leaned forward to make room for his arm to rest around your shoulder without you even realizing. You only realized when you felt the warmth of his arm behind your neck.

Jaehyun had to look away to hide his shiny grin when you let him place his arm around your shoulder. Okay, Jaehyun, keep casual. You got this.

He took a deep breath and whispered to your ear. “The movie is good, isn’t it?”

You hummed in approval, but it looked more like a whimper because of how much you were freaking out. The feeling of him being so close was amazing, but it was also making your heart beat so fast and loud that you were scared of him being able to listen to your heartbeat.

Once the movie was over, Jaehyun was looking at you intensely. “So, what did you think? Y’know, about the movie.” He let out a fake cough and reluctantly brought his arm back to his side. His arm was numb from the lack of blood circulating, but he didn’t want to break the closeness during the movie.

“It was good,” you nodded. “Very interesting.”

“Agree…”

“We should go outside, soon enough my dad will be here to pick me up.”

“Your dad? Why?” Jaehyun tried to hide his disappointment, he clearly wanted to walk you home, to spend more time with you.

“I told him I was going to watch a movie with you and he asked me if I wanted to pick me up after work.”

“Ah… I see,” he sighed. “Okay, let’s go outside.”

As you were waiting for your dad to appear, the silence between you and Jaehyun was loud. You were both taking glances at each other and then looking away when your eyes met each other’s.

Finally, Jaehyun cleared his throat and turned his body towards you. “Hey, do you remember that event that Sungho talked about?”

“The event for couples?”

“It’s not only for couples, Y/N,” Jaehyun rolled his eyes. “And yes, this event.”

“Well, it’s a romantic event, so it’s only for cou-“

“Do you wanna go with me?” Jaehyun cut you off.

Your eyes widened as you looked at him in pure surprise. “What?”

“You heard me, don’t make me repeat again, please,” He spoke quietly as he looked down to the ground and kicked a few tiny rocks. “So, what do you say?”

“But- We are not a couple.”

“Ya! I told you it’s not only for couples!” Jaehyun raised his voice a little bit in frustration while his lips curled into a pout. “People who are getting to know each other go to that event too!”

“But we have known each other since always, tho.”

Jaehyun looked at you in disbelief. Are they rejecting me or are they just stupid?

“Y/N, I’m asking you out on a date, I want to get to know you romantically speaking.”

“Oh,” you placed your hand on your chest for a few seconds, thinking your heart would explode. You wanted to scream ‘Yes!’ and hug him, but your voice didn’t come out and you felt your body froze.

Jaehyun kept looking at you, waiting for your response, his expectations that you would accept going on a date with him dying more and more as the seconds passed and you kept quiet.

You heard a familiar car horn and only your eyes moved to take a glance at the street, where you found your dad’s car parked to the side, waiting for you to get inside it. The sight of your dad made your body finally start to work again.

“M-my dad’s here.”

“I can see that.” Jaehyun gave you a small smile with a hint of sadness. He was so sure that you had already declined his offer to go to that event with you.

“B-bye,” you rushed to your dad’s car without looking back until your hands found the car handle. “Jaehyun?”

He placed his hands inside his pocket and raised his eyebrows for milliseconds to show you that he was listening.

“About the event, let’s go. I’m sure it’ll be fun.” You tried to hold back your smile, and Jaehyun did the same, but both of you failed more than miserably.

“It’ll be fun. See you at school.” He waved at you and at your dad before walking away.

On the way home you were blushing all the time while hiding your face to not let your dad see your goofy smile and red cheeks and start making teasing questions.

On the other hand, Jaehyun was walking back home while humming your favorite song, a song that soon became his favorite song as well, his smile also never leaving his face.

He had two things in his mind: about how he needed to make your first date memorable and amazing and how you would write a whole essay about this day in your diary.

[holyguardian]

Aerith's gaze shifted from the plate to Somnus himself. He was speaking politely, in that very way he used his manners as a shield. Yet that politeness completely missed the mark.

Before dinner he had teased about being disappointed if he didn't find a new fruit or vegetable at dinner. Now he was impressed by everything, and elaborated just enough to reassure that he liked the food that had been served.

She offered him a smile. Her head tilted just-so. Whatever it was that had raised his shield, she honestly couldn't guess it. Maybe her father's teasing comments had upset him a little? She would have to ask later.

"I'm glad. I also get the feeling the kitchen is doing their best to include some familiar things for you, so if there is anything you would usually have and you're missing it, you must let us know. Okay?" It was just a light nudge. She didn't want to coddle him or make him feel in the realm of embarrassed, so she kept it simple and sweet.

The slices of the rhubarb and custard tarte were presented to them directly. No doubt the dessert had been wholly claimed, others would enjoy it too, those like Gilgamesh, or her mother's ladies maid Elmyra. While they weren't present at the royal table they were considered important both in rank and in their relationship to the royals.

"... honey cakes." Aerith commented it so suddenly to Somnus, as though it had been part of their conversation already. She glanced to him again and offered a little grin. "That's what the soldiers will be having right about now, it's their special welcome too. I saw the massive trays cooling in the kitchen. The cake is soaked in a sweet syrup so they are a sticky little delight, but I'm sure our brave soldiers will endure."

Aerith seemed less than enthusiastic about the plans ahead. Somnus… did not understand why. He glanced to her at his side for a moment. Why was she so upset about this?

Practice and training made perfect. And they would have to rely on each other’s soldiers as much as they would have to know them and their powers by heart.

The fight on their way here did not fully count in his own mind. That was… too much chaos in the night. But what she thought was his to guess.

Roran was enthusiastic, though. And it pulled a smile from Somnus – that was until the mention of noble introductions fell. Something that made his smile freeze over. He knew how to keep it and how to gloss over this. He would not utter a word or lose the look on his face for even a second. But it was there, in his eyes, in the way his fingers tightened around the fork he held. The memory of his own ‘introduction’ a few years ago. Everyone on this table had been present then, because it had been Aerith’s, too. But other than her, he had never stood in the centre of attention there.

Somnus was in his own mind and memories over this. So much so, he was torn out of it with Aerith’s question and blinked at her in quiet surprise for a moment. As if she had spoken another language he didn’t know.

“I… oh, yes. It all was impressive…”, it had been delicious, no doubt, but Somnus knew that answer was too bare.

“The little boar cubes… and the salad. And no doubt the soldiers will lick their bowls clean and ask for more of that stew.”

Especially one of them. He’d probably get his head stuck in one of the pots…

Surely the promised rhubarb tarte would have been quite the treat for the soldiers, too. But Somnus doubted Cid had made any that would last beyond those present at the table.

“Really. I feel like home already with these dishes. This is a special dinner, I know. But I do not think I have to worry about any future meals at all.”

Another perfect answer. Somnus knew he was playing a role – and Aerith could probably pick it out. She was good at that – though Somnus hoped she would simply let him. Just for now. Just as long as this dinner took. Afterwards she could ask away. Shoot holes into his behaviour.

Luckily Cid’s promised treat was brought and had the potential to distract anyone.

[temporarywelcome]

Drunk - Leon Kennedy

Words: 2.3k

Summary: (set not long after the Raccoon City Incident) Leon is busy being sad at the bar, shocked to finally see a familiar face.

CW: alcohol consumption, also written by someone who doesn't know anything about alcohol consumption lol, language, I headcanon Leon did football in high school.

_____

It was safe to say the life of Leon Kennedy was absolute ass. 

His life pretty much just started too, finally graduating the police academy and given the opportunity to live out his dream as a police officer. Which didn’t work out. Big zombie-virus outbreak and all. 

Being forced to work for the US government was not on his bucket list. He was honestly ready to move to a small town with a population of, like, a thousand people, and be an officer there. No drama. Just sitting in a police cruiser looking for traffic violations. After everything that happened at Racoon City, he was in need of a boring life. 

The US government had different plans. 

And he hated it. 

So, there he was, at his favorite place ever now since moving to Washington D.C…. this bar filled to the brim with sad bikers and businessmen. A strange mix, but the drunken stories he heard were always interesting. At least, in his own drunken mind. 

Tonight, the usual cast was there. Tony, this biker who was always getting into troubles with his ol’ lady (and the mob), Juan, another biker who felt ever so lonely due to never being able to find a woman, and Don, a guy who worked at this tech company who felt bad for constantly cheating on his wife. 

Leon did not like Don. 

But he took his seat with them, the small group taking turns detailing their woes and despair as they drank their beers. Tony’s ol’ lady wanted him to leave his motorcycle club. Juan had a date who stood him up. Don had gone fifteen days not cheating on his wife, but was getting “urges”. 

“Why don’t you just get a divorce already?” Leon had asked gruffly, taking a large swig of his drink, “You obviously don’t like your wife. Let the poor woman go, she deserves better,” 

“No no no,” the older man shook his head, running his fingers through his hair. What was left of it. He was beginning to bald, a large patch of hair already long gone. “I love her, I do. I just have to control these urges.”

Weirdo. 

Leon bit his tongue. He thought cheaters were scum. He thought Don was scum. But he did not want to lose a drinking buddy. No matter how gross Leon thought this guy was. 

Don opened his mouth to say something else, pausing when he very noticeably craned his head past Leon’s shoulder, looking past not just him, but Tony and Juan as well. “Shit. It’s so hard to control myself. That woman is a beauty,”

“Don, are you serious?” Tony rolled his eyes in disgust. Leon was sure none of them really liked this guy. “Is this chronic or something? How the hell-”

As soon as Leon turned his head in curiosity, he wasn’t listening. The bickering of his drinking pals was background noise as his eyes landed on the woman Don was eyeing. The most beautiful woman Leon has ever seen in his twenty-two years of living. 

His fucking high school crush. 

Y/N. The stereotypical popular girl. A cheerleader who dated this football player. Homecoming and prom queen. Popular, but also incredibly smart and kind and just so perfect. Leon was a football player himself back in high school, and was actually friends with her boyfriend. So he never dared make a move on her. He respected his friend too much. 

Last he heard, Y/N and her boyfriend had broken up. Not because of anything malicious, but they were going to different universities and didn’t want to do long distance. Respectable reasoning. Considering how much of a wonderful woman Y/N was, Leon was sure she was seeing someone else right now. 

But then… why would she be by herself at a bar? 

He cleared his throat awkwardly, looking straight in front of him. An array of different liquors and bottles of alcohol lined up neatly on shelves. Yes, yes, he will look at that. 

“God,” Don groaned dramatically, head going into his hands, “She’s gorgeous,”

“She's too young for you,” Leon interjected immediately, suddenly feeling quite protective over Y/N, as if he were in high school again. The girl he always stared at from across the classroom, across the lunch table, across the street. They were fucking neighbors.

Always being around her, but not being able to have her was complete torture. 

“Girls love older men,” 

He rolled his eyes, “Not her,”

“How would you know?” Now the older man was getting annoyed, gesturing for the bartender to get him another bottle of beer. 

“Um, just a feeling,” Leon took this as a chance to get his third bottle, politely thanking the bartender. “She just doesn’t look like the type-”

“-Leon?”

Ohhhh shit. He didn’t need to turn around to figure out who the owner of that melodic voice was. Who was the owner of that sweet sound he used to hear every day for four years straight. He knew right away. 

“Oh!” he tried to play it cool as he turned around to face her, “Y/N! You live in D.C. now?” 

Juan was the first of his little friend group to speak, “You know her?” Why did he sound so shocked Leon knew a gorgeous woman? To be fair, Leon did constantly complain about loneliness. The whole point of this little group was to complain about their sad, lonely lives. 

“Yeah!” Leon tried to hide his excitement, hide the joy he felt seeing her. Playing cool completely flew out the window as soon as she smiled at him. It was that easy. “We knew each other in high school!” 

“It’s so nice to see you, especially right now,” Y/N groaned, throwing her arms around him in a hug.

Damn, he didn’t realize how much he needed that. A hug. A familiar face. 

Comfort. 

“What happened?” his arms went around her waist tightly, bringing her against him. Practically on his lap, but he was feeling rather typsy and didn’t think much of it. 

“Ooh, you worked out a lot,” she ignored the question, poking at his bicep, “You’re so much bigger than I remember!”  Her words made his cheeks flush red, and she continued: “Oh, and I’m here because I’ve been broken hearted and in need of getting drunk. You?”

“Well, I’m here because I’m incredibly lonely and in need of getting drunk,” With a grin, he stood up, hands still placed boldly on her hips, “How about we get ourselves a table?” He faced his drinking buddies, who were all looking at him in confusion (Tony), sadness (Juan), and jealousy (Don), “I’ll see you guys around,” 

Slipping his hands from her hips, one took hold of her own, leading her to an empty table. “Thanks,” she said with a small giggle, taking a seat. 

“What would the lady like to drink?” 

“Shots,” she replied right away.

And so he got them some shots, sitting across from her. “Together?” 

Her eyes brightened, “Okay!” She took a glass in her hand, waiting for him to do the same. When he did, she began to count down, “Okay, on three. One… two… three!” 

Together, they both downed their drinks. 

“God, I really need to get shit-faced,” she grumbled, placing down the glass, “Can I vent?”

“Vent away, babe,” He would never call her that in any other instance, but with the alcohol in his system, he wasn’t exactly thinking straight. 

“Okay,” she said okay a lot, “I was dating this guy, right? In law school, promising guy. Supported my career goals, he had his own. Wanted to be a senator one day. Good shit, right? Good shit till I came to his place to find him fucking around with some chick. And get this, we looked alike too! Well, I didn’t really get much of a look at her when I was throwing punches,” 

His jaw dropped, “What? How could someone cheat on you? You’re like… perfection!” he was acting much more dramatic than usual, splaying his arms around expressively, “But… did the other girl know she was the other woman?”

“I’m pretty sure, considering she was laughing at me when I walked in. Made me more pissed. Made me want to beat her ass even more,” she grabbed another shot glass, “Again?”

“Again!” Leon confirmed, grabbing his. 

After they drank their other shot, she continued, “Can’t believe I wasted my time on this guy. No offense, but why is your kind,” she wiggled her fingers at him, “so nasty,” 

He shrugged, “I haven’t been in a relationship in over a year. I haven’t been nasty,”

“Were you nasty before that?” she teased. 

“Wha- no! I’m not like that,” he huffed, crossing his arms over his chest, “I pride myself in being a respectable and loyal man-”

“-I’m just playin’ with ya,” Y/N laughed, “I remember how you treated that one girl you dated junior year. Like she was a queen! It was so sweet,” 

Now he was blushing again, scratching the back of his neck and refusing to meet her gaze. “Ah, jeez, thank you. I just did what I was supposed to as a boyfriend. Anything less would have been completely stupid. Why date someone if I’m not gonna give them my all?” 

“See, that’s how everyone should look at dating,” Y/N nodded in approval, “How everyone… yeah. Yeah, right. Hm,” She grabbed her last glass, not even waiting for him before bringing it to her lips. 

“Only three shots and you’re already acting funny,” he teased, leaning forward and fucking booping her nose. “Silly. Silly billy,” 

“I’m only tipsy,” she swatted his hand away, but he just chuckled and booped her again. “You’re drunk,” 

“I think so,”

“I know so,” 

“Yeah yeah yeah, smartypants,” he reached for his third glass, but she stopped him. “Heyyyy,”

“No more for you, buddy,” She smirked, taking the drink herself. 

“Heyyyy,” he repeated, “That was mine!”

“Too late. In my stomach now,” 

“Ughhh,” he laid his head onto the table, forehead pressed against the cold surface, “My driiiiiink,” he began mumbling to himself before raising his head again, “My drink,”

“Yeah yeah yeah,” Y/N waved the thought off in disinterest, “So, I said why I was here. What brings you to a bar, Kennedy?” 

He looked away, trying to remember why he was even there in the first place, “Oh! Oh, yes. Sad. I was very sad,” he replied, “It’s really lonely here. I have no actual friends. No girlfriend. Haven’t had a family in years,” 

“No girlfriend? How? Look at you now! Even better than in high school!” 

Shrugging, he began tapping his fingers on the table nervously. He was used to talking to Tony, Juan, and Don about his troubles, not his high school crush! “I’ve been busy with work.”

“Are you living that police officer dream of yours?” 

“No,” Leon remembered the beer he never even finished, snatching it up before Y/N could realize what he was doing, and taking a long swig, “Was an officer for a day,” 

“A day!” she exclaimed, “What happened?”

“I was an officer in Raccoon City,” 

That was all he needed to say for it to dawn on her what had happened to him. “...Raccoon City?” she said slowly, “Oh my God! You survived that big explosion?! I thought there were no survivors!”

“Of course-” he paused. Yes, he was drunk, but he knew the rules. The things he had to lie about to keep Sherry safe. The fact he admitted he was at Raccoon City during the Incident was already a mistake on its own. “Um, the only survivor. Yeah.”

“I didn’t see it on the news or anything-”

“-Because everyone needs to think there were no survivors,”

“Oh…” she took the hint, clearing her throat awkwardly. “No survivors. I don’t want to mysteriously vanish because I knew something I shouldn’t, so, back to your loneliness. No hot women at, uh, wherever you work at now?”

“No,”

“That’s a shame,” 

He hummed softly, propping his elbow up and resting his chin on his hand, staring at her. Analysing her. Drinking in every inch of the woman he used to be oh-so in love with. “You’re so beautiful, Y/N. I always thought so,” 

“Oh, Leon!” she laughed, cheeks rosy as she playfully hit his arm, “You’re so drunk,”

“I’ve always thought you were beautiful. I don’t need alcohol in my system to think so,” he insisted, before downing the last of his beer. He then let out a childish giggle, getting up from his seat.

“Where are you-?” she didn’t even have time to question him, the dirty blonde plopping down next to her and laying his head in her lap. “What are you doing?”

“Hmmmmm,” he nuzzled his nose against her stomach, eyes fluttering shut. He had long lashes. What was with men and having the prettiest lashes imaginable? “Cuddling,”

“In a bar?”

“Mhmmmmm,” he nodded softly, “You’re my girlfriend now,” 

“Well, Leon, I don’t think it works that way,” she laughed, trying to resist the urge to just run her fingers through his hair and- she failed. Reaching out, her fingers tangled in the thick strands, combing out the blonde locks gently. “You didn’t even ask me out on a date!”

He pouted, eyes snapping open. Two globes of cerulean making contact with her. “Go out on a date with me then,” 

A sad smile formed on her lips, pushing some hair from his annoyingly handsome face, “You’re drunk, Leon,” 

“And? I still wanna go out with you,” he began poking at her cheek, “Say yes,”

“Or what?” Y/N teased gently, poking his cheek back. 

“I don’t know. I’ll die,” 

“Hm,” gripping his wrist to stop the annoying pokes to her cheek, she rested his palm against her cheek, “You’re probably not even going to remember this in the morning, but, yes, I’ll go out with you,” 

_____

Where's everyone going? :( Bingo? :(

[haikyu-mp4]

Bad flirt – Sakusa x reader wc 591 – f!reader, brother!Hinata

Every time you saw Sakusa, you seemingly seethed with annoyance. Hinata thought back to his friendship with Kageyama in high school, when they would bicker endlessly to the extent that people thought they were the ultimate rivals, and decided that what you had with Sakusa- it must be love.

And what kind of brother would he be if he didn’t play Cupid?

He constantly dragged you along to events with the jackals, as those were the only events Sakusa occasionally attended. He would try to include both of you in conversations and even drinking games. Unfortunately, his plans always failed, as you would either avoid the curly-haired man or bicker with him endlessly.

Hinata told himself that all it would take was a small kiss and you two would realise your feelings for each other.

Your brother sat down beside you on the couch, while you watched him with suspicion. Like a proper lady, he crossed one leg over the other, rested both hands on the upper knee and cleared his throat delicately.

“Sister, dearest. May I ask about your thoughts on my teammate, Sa-“

“No.”

“Okay, worth a try.”

He needed a new approach. He needed help.

No, not from their other teammates.

From alcohol.

“Sakusa,” Hinata cooed as he slung himself into the seat beside him, unceremoniously clinking his beer into Sakusa’s glass of red wine, which in turn made the poor man anxiously grasp the tall glass so it wouldn’t fall.

“Hinata, be careful,” he scolded the energetic and undeniably drunk volleyball player.

“Why do you hate my sister?” he queried back in a whiney voice.

Sakusa scowled immediately, looking at the table instead of him. “I don’t hate her, she hates me.”

“She used to say you were so hot before I joined the jackals,” Hinata revealed. It looked like Sakusa was forming some profound thoughts from this information, but Hinata was not on the same track. “I guess you should never meet your heroes. Or celebrity crushes.”

Atsumu didn’t give them any more time to sit over there and be boring, pulling Hinata with him back onto the makeshift dance floor. This left Sakusa alone with his thoughts and a sudden flashback to when he first met you.

What the hell did I do?

“What’s your problem with me?”

Your jaw fell and you couldn’t move your eyes from Sakusa, who had somehow found his way to your apartment and was now trying to catch his breath. His shoulders were hunched and he had one hand on his hip.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” you asked in return, making him roll his eyes.

“Sho told me you used to like me, what happened?”

Your mouth opened and closed like a fish before you ultimately frowned, but Sakusa’s eyes betrayed his focus and strayed to the pout on your lips.

“You clearly don’t understand flirting,” you mumbled.

If there had been a cricket in the hallway of your apartment building, you would’ve known, because the silence that settled was so crisp you swore you could’ve touched it.

“You call that flirting? I thought you hated me for no reason!” Sakusa finally declared indignantly.

“I thought you were flirting back…”

Sakusa worried he might get whiplash from how suddenly your tone changed into sadness. He blinked and stuttered to find an answer, leaning on the door frame.

“I would have. Your flirting is really weird though, can we try another way?”

And that is how Hinata led Sakusa right into your arms without even meaning to.

masterlist

requested by @yaomomvs for my event, anything for you <3

[cosmowgyral]

"Lover's Contract: A night of immoral deeds"

▪︎ Nica Schwartz

This is a fan translation, not 100% accurate. Creative liberties have been taken. Expect grammatical inconsistencies.

Since Nica is not yet out in the EN server, there might be terms that will turn out different than what I have used here when he is finally released. All content belongs to Cybird. Reblogs are appreciated. Hope you enjoy!

CW- suggestive content

Chapter 2

The mansion was filled with men and women entwined with one another.

I was not sure where to look. But then, a female member called out to us.

Woman at the club: Oh, I don’t think I’ve seen you before. Is this your first time here?

Nica: I heard you can have an exciting night here.

Woman at the club: We can make love anywhere in this mansion and we can do anything we want, inside or outside.

As she was speaking, the woman suddenly began kissing the man who was with her right in front of us.

(Wh-where am I supposed to look….)

When I avert my eyes from the sensual scene, a mocking voice approached me.

Nica: You looked away, how cute.

Nica: But you usually do much more amazing things, don’t you?

Kate: Wha-!

(There’s too much stimulation everywhere.)

The man put his hand on her cheek and they both giggled as their lips parted.

Woman at the club: She’s quite naïve.

After that, Nica put his arms around my shoulders and brought his lips close to my ear.

Nica: Right? But that’s what’s cute about her.

Nica: That’s just how she is in public.

He whispered in a sweet voice.

Nica: But she never lets me take the lead in bed.

Kate: -----!

(I know this is all pretence, but was it really necessary to say something so embarrassing!?)

I couldn't help but frown at Nica, who raised his eyebrows and gave me a teasing smile in a way that only I know before petting my cheek.

 (….This is the expression he has on his face when he is enjoying teasing people.)

Annoyed by his smirk and the fingers caressing my cheek, I pressed my body against our intertwined arms.

Kate: Let’s go now, I’m bored.

Recalling the setting we’d decided upon in the carriage, I spoke in an exaggeratedly nasal tone.

Kate: I came here to do something more fun.

Nica’s eyes widen in surprise for a moment, but then he quickly changes his expression and wrinkles appear in the corners of his eyes.

Nica: Sure, but before that, I wanted to ask around a bit.

Nica: I needed some tips for keeping this illicit relationship going.

Nica turned his gaze back at the two of them.

Nica: I’ve been lacking in excitement recently, so if anyone around knows of any enjoyable activities, can you tell me about them?

Woman at the club: What kind of fun are you looking for?

He grinned and twisted his arms around mine, pulling me into a hug.

Nica: An experience exciting enough to immerse you in the ultimate pleasure.

The two of them look at each other and point to a couple sitting at a distance.

Woman at the club: Maybe you should ask the pair over there.

Woman at the club: They’re known as Queen and Prince. They’re one of the most well-known in this club.

(Queen and Prince!)

I suppressed the urge to flush at the mention of the target’s name.

Kate: Thank you, we’ll go talk to them.

Pulling Nica’s arm, I approached the Queen and Prince.

Kate: Good evening, is it okay if we sit next to you?

I called out to the man and woman drinking at the bar counter.

Queen: Oh my, your lover is quite the lady killer, isn’t he?

Prince: I’d like to know what your relationship is but it’ll probably be rude to ask here.

Queen took a liking to Nica and invited him to sit next to her.

(This guy is Prince….)

The man with the Queen had a flirtatious demeanour.

Although they have a similar vibe, I think Nica is definitely a lot cooler.

Nica: I was just introduced to you guys by someone else earlier.

Nica: They said you are the ones who’ll be able to teach me about thrilling experiences that will drown me in the utmost pleasure.

Queen: Hehe, that certainly seems like us.

Nica: Then can you give me an idea?

The Queen laughed heartily.

Queen: How about we swap partners and spend the night together?

Kate: Huh?

Queen: Wouldn’t it be nice to spend the night in the same room showing each other off?

(Wh-what does she…huh?)

(This isn’t something nice at all though….!)

Queen: Besides, I might have developed a crush on you.

Nica smiled as she touched his shoulder.

Nica: Well then, I guess I’ll take you up on it.

Queen: Hehe, then it’s decided! Let’s go.

I hurriedly chased after Queen who had already started walking with both Nica and Prince in her arms.

(What should I do? I just want to go back home now….)

I entered the room filled with anxiety.

Queen: Come on, hurry up and take everything off. The night will be over in an instant.

(Is Nica really going to do it…?)

The moment I entered the room, I found them stripping to their underwear.

(As I thought, this is impossible!)

I tried to turn around but Prince grabbed me and prevented me from escaping.

Prince: Let’s have a great night, girl.

In the next moment, he grabbed my arm and almost threw me onto the bed.

Nica: This one’s no good.

He hugged me from behind and released my arm from Prince’s hold.

Nica: Hey Queen, I know everything.

He looked at Queen who was seductively sitting on the bed in her underwear, and locked the door.

Nica: Your sec. ret.

Queen: What?

Nica: Your husband asked me to help him punish his wife for your repeated infidelity.

Nica let go of my arm and pushed me behind his back.

He took out a piece of paper from his pocket with only one name written.

These are divorce papers…

Nica: He told me ‘maybe I should ask you to do it’.

Nica hands over the divorce papers with the broadest smile I’ve seen today.

Nica: Sign it.

[Chapter 1] [Masterlist] [Bitter End] [Premium End]

[parasolladyansy]

LoZ Travel Blog - Water Temple

Hi-ho! Isekai-ed Ansy here! Don’t ask me how I have signal in Hyrule lol, I just do. XD Just cleaned up Lanayru, so I thought I’d do a fun little blog thingy as we go pay our respects at the pristine Water Temple💧

(I love these blue water lilies - they’re one of my birth flowers, too 🩵)

Started off spending the night down here on the water of the East Reservoir. There was a bit of a wet breeze from the lake & waterfall, but very picturesque with the scent of water & fresh pine. 🏞️🌲

(Definitely thought this would be a very nice place to visit with Ikrit)

Link had to dive in this whirlpool to get the Zora Greaves Queen Yona said was down there (for some reason). I like swimming, but ain’t no way I’d get out of there alive. ^7^;

Meanwhile I’m not 100% sure Ingo can swim, especially with that big backpack. Either way, we waited for him to go grab it >u>;

The Wellspring Islands - gravity is lighter up here, so that was fun! 🫧 The water bubble puzzles weren’t too bad, though it’s cold when you get out of them. >u<

(It was around here that I was like - huh, these bubbles kinda look like Morpha…thank goodness it wasn’t lol!)

This nice Zora lady was generous enough to share her catch of Hearty Bass that made a comeback up here after the sludge was gone, so we made camp & had some fish for dinner (was sure to give her some, too!) 🐟

The air was getting cooler as the sun started to sink - the view was very beautiful though.

Link opted to swim up these waterfalls while Ingo & I followed on a Zonai aircraft. So long as I don’t look down, it’s not a bad flight, surrounded by blue skies & pretty clouds. 8u8;;

Ingo would keep conversation while keeping a steady hand on the controls (also is always sure to put a safety line on us so I don’t get “uncoupled”). That helped, too. ;u;

Stopped for lunch at the next safe spot - we already picked up all the ingredients growing around here during our first trip (including some Hearty Radish hiding under some grated flooring!) so we just opted for some Bright-Eyed Crab from Mipha’s Court to put some pep in our step.

(It was nice to know they didn’t just get rid of Mipha’s statue from Zora’s Domain altogether - I could understand they were heartbroken & all, but it was a relief to know they found a nice spot for her on top of Ploymus Mountain). ⛲️

Can’t say what Link’s thinking about here, but maybe it’s how Sidon’s avatar didn’t really wanna be in the shot after all lol (like Ingo - he was too busy messing with the next Zonai vehicle to get the two of us normies up there).

Looking at his Zora Armor up close, it’s clear the amount of love & detail Mipha put into it. I’m not much for sewing except making very basic repairs, but I can appreciate the artisanship. Makes me wish I could make Ikrit something someday. ;u;

It’s a lot quieter up here with most of the monsters gone (just some Constructs over on the other sections). It’s nice to just take in the beauty of the place without having to worry about getting attacked, or getting covered in sludge lol ouo;

Lots of pools & fountains, along with more water bubbles. Sugar liked this pool the best - lots of the ponds up in the sky have these lotus flowers that fairies seem to enjoy.

All in all, I think I can confidently say the Water Temple is my favorite now, from start to finish. ^_^

Hope you enjoyed this little immersive trip! 🩵 See you in the next one! 👋🏻

[agirlsawalittlerose]

This is Me Trying

ModernAU!Aegon x OFC

Fresh out of rehab, Aegon Targaryen is looking for a way back into music when he meets Victoria, a talented but stubborn singer-songwriter who wants nothing to do with his family’s record label. Reluctantly thrown together, they form an unexpected creative partnership, finding common ground in music and shared struggles.

TW: Alcoholism, Addiction, Sexism, Anxiety, Panic attacks

MASTERLIST

CHAPTER 7: Under Pressure

The guys at the pub hadn’t stopped teasing her.

The moment Vic walked through the door, she saw Rhys bow dramatically, and Sara quickly joined in the pantomime, starting a round of applause that soon included even the few clueless patrons sitting around in the early afternoon.

“Our illustrious songwriter has descended from Olympus to grace us with her presence!” Rhys announced sarcastically, while Vic rolled her eyes, a mix of smugness and irritation crossing her face at having her absence so publicly acknowledged.

Luckily, Tony quickly restored order, and Vic slipped into the back to change before starting her shift.

Later, she stood outside with Sara, smoking in front of the pub. The sun was already setting—too early for Vic’s liking. She hated winter, especially the oppressive darkness that crept in by four in the afternoon.

“…Of course I wouldn’t pick a Pitbull song, come on,” Vic said, pulling her coat tighter as Sara stared at her in mock disgust.

“So, you’d rather hear Pitbull ruin every song ever than have Freddie Mercury sing ‘I Know You Want Me?’” Sara asked, incredulous.

“Obviously! Queen’s songs are good enough to redeem Pitbull, but Freddie doesn’t deserve that trash,” Vic shot back, deadly serious.

“And what if you had to pick that and eat a spoonful of mayo?” Sara pressed, after a moment of thought.

“Like, straight out of the jar?” Vic asked, horrified. Sara nodded, barely holding back her laughter.

“No way, gross! Mayo’s one of those weird things—divine in small doses but…” Vic trailed off, noticing Sara choking on her cigarette smoke, eyes wide as she stared at something over Vic’s shoulder.

“Well, hello there, very blond mate. You alright?” Sara said suddenly.

Vic spun around, and of course, it was Aegon standing behind her, sunglasses on despite the near darkness.

“Good evening, ladies,” he greeted them with a small bow, as theatrical as ever.

“And what brings you here, Cinderella? It’s almost dark,” Vic shot back, raising an eyebrow as she gave him a once-over.

Aegon chuckled softly. “I know! Also I’m sure my odds of dying are about the same whether it’s day or night. But hey, if you want, you can go plead my case to the big boss.”

Sara glanced at Vic, puzzled, but Vic waved her off, pulling her coat tighter against the cold.

“This is Sara, by the way,” Vic said, gesturing to her friend.

“And very single,” Sara added, leaning around Vic to offer Aegon her hand. He shook it with a smug smile as Vic jabbed her elbow lightly into Sara’s side.

Vic tossed her hair and straightened up, grabbing Sara by the arm. “Thanks for stopping by. Break’s over though, we’re heading back in.”

But Aegon followed them. “Yeah, well, I need to talk to you,” he said.

“Of course you do,” Vic muttered as she stepped into the pub, followed by Aegon and Sara, who kept sneaking amused glances at him before turning to Vic and mouthing a silent “hot.”

Vic rolled her eyes and disappeared into the back room to hang up her coat. When she returned, Aegon was perched on one of the barstools in front of the taps.

Work was impending though and she had to turn her attention to the two middle-aged men in front of her, her indignation masked beneath a practiced, cordial smile in under two seconds.

While preparing two gin and tonics for the guys at the bar, Vic kept sneaking glances at Aegon. He was on his phone, swiping right repeatedly in a way she instantly recognized. Then, he fiddled with the plastic pumpkins Tony had placed near the register. Finally, he shot her another look, and she immediately turned away, feeling her cheeks heat up.

When she returned to the bar to cash out the two customers, she glanced at Aegon again. He was staring right at her, smiling.

“So, what do you want?” Vic asked, forcing herself to sound as annoyed as possible, trying to sell her too cool for you attitude.

“I’ve never tried a Cosmopolitan, but Sex and the City really made them look good…” he started, picking up a drink menu from the counter and flipping through it absentmindedly.

“Aegon…” Vic interrupted, exasperated, leaning on the bar with both hands.

He paused, set the menu down with a clink of his rings against the counter, and rested his chin on one hand. He wore the mischievous expression of a kid caught sneaking cookies.

“I might’ve done something really stupid,” he admitted, smiling sheepishly and scratching the back of his head like he was trying to comfort himself.

Vic arched an eyebrow. “Shocker.”

“I promised my dad I’d finish writing enough songs by the label’s Christmas party… and perform a single there,” he said, grimacing like he was bracing for a lecture.

She crossed her arms. “And?”

“And we have just started, we have only a couple of months and I haven’t written shit.”

There it was.

Vic exhaled sharply, resisting the urge to rub her temples. “So, what—you want to plagiarize Sum 41’s entire discography?”

Aegon frowned. “I can write, you know.”

She tilted her head. “Then why haven’t you?”

He hesitated. Not in the usual way—not like he was about to say something slick or self-deprecating.

"Listen, Aegon, I fully intend to help you—they're paying me for this," Vic began, rolling her eyes as she grabbed a cloth and started wiping up the beer that had spilled from the tap. "But you need to trust me a little more and... COMING!"

She cut herself off as Tony shouted her name from the back.

"We'll talk later," she said to Aegon, hurrying toward the door behind the counter.

******

Trusting Vic Dawson. Right. That way, she’d get all the credit for the album. In front of his father, in front of Aemond, who would never let him live it down, and then—Aegon didn’t even want to think about what he’d have to tell his own reflection every time he thought about his first album.

Written entirely by Vic Dawson.

A shiver ran down his neck as another thought hit him like a punch.

His father had said it to him, cold and merciless as a needle in his vein: his album—the one he had written by himself months ago, before rehab—wasn’t good.

His music wasn’t good.

He wasn’t good.

Otherwise, why would they have sent him to that damn institution, hoping to reprogram his brain?

Aegon suddenly found himself trapped between a rock and a hard place, both already spelling out his death sentence.

Caught between the need to show up at the Christmas party with a finished album and shove it in his father’s face—

And his distrust of that royalty-sucking leech, Vic Dawson.

“You playing here tonight?” asked a voice beside him.

It was an old man, obviously. A huge, red mountain of a man, just like his sweater—he was easily three times Aegon’s size. His face was worn, his voice ruined by who knows how many thousands of cigarettes. Aegon didn’t need long to confirm his suspicion, spotting a pack next to a half-full glass of whiskey.

“No, I’m just here for the drinks and the charming company,” Aegon joked, earning a rough, raspy laugh from the man.

“What’s your name?” the man asked once he’d settled back.

“Aegon.”

“What the fuck kind of name is Aegon?” the old man asked, sounding almost genuinely annoyed at having never heard it before.

The swear word made Aegon laugh. And maybe, just maybe, it helped him loosen up a little.

“Believe me, I have no clue. My family decided to ruin me from birth,” Aegon replied, avoiding the old man’s gaze—and any potential questions about his family.

He figured the old man had caught on.

The old man gave him a knowing look. “Ah. One of those.”

Aegon turned fully toward him, leaning his elbow against the bar. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Young. Think you’re washed up already. Can’t write, can’t play, can’t do whatever it is you used to do—so you come here, sit on that stool, and hope brooding will fix it.”

Aegon felt sudden anger at the assumption. “How do you even know I want to play?”

The old man laughed. “I’m the old one here, but you’re the idiot. I heard you talking with Victoria earlier about one of her musical contraptions.”

Aegon felt like a complete idiot. So busy trying to be defensive, he hadn’t considered that, of course, talking with the pub’s darling would draw attention.

Damn Victoria Dawson.

“Bold of you to assume I ever could do it,” he muttered.

The old man chuckled. “Oh, I don’t assume. I know.” He gestured at Aegon’s hands, drumming absentmindedly against the bar. “They don’t stop moving. Bet you do it in your sleep.”

Aegon looked down at his fingers, now still.

“…Doesn’t mean I’ve got anything worth playing.”

The man sighed, tapping a cigarette against the table but not lighting it. “You ever hear of Sonny Rollins?”

Aegon shook his head.

“Saxophonist. Big in the fifties. One day, he decides he ain’t good enough—just up and quits. Spends two years playing alone on a bridge, practicing, thinking. People thought he was mad.” He smirked. “Then he came back, better than ever.”

Aegon frowned. “So what—you think I should go sit on a bridge somewhere?”

The man chuckled. “Nah. Just saying—maybe you’re not done. Maybe you just think you are.”

Aegon said nothing.

The jukebox changed songs. Sara wiped down the counter. Somewhere in the back, Vic’s laugh rang out, quick and sharp before cutting off.

The man patted Aegon’s shoulder, then stood, collecting his things. “You’ll figure it out, lad.”

Aegon wanted to ask how—how the hell was he supposed to figure it out when every time he tried, he felt like he was standing at the edge of something vast and empty, waiting to fall?

But he didn’t.

Instead, he just watched as the man walked toward the door, pushing it open with a creak before stepping out into the cold.

Aegon exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face.

Then, almost unconsciously, he tapped his fingers against the bar again.

Okay, you know what? She may have won last time in the studio, but tomorrow, Aegon would bring all his ideas—even the dumbest ones—and Vic would be so impressed that she'd beg him to let her write for him. She'd beg to strip off her underwear and apologize for the terrible offense of ever doubting him.

"Anyway, as I was saying..." the bitch began, stepping closer to his stool—those damn perfect lips of hers making him angrier than all the world’s injustices combined, because the only thing they were good for was spouting judgments and sarcastic remarks.

"I have to go. See you in the studio tomorrow morning," he cut her off, already slipping on his coat—without even giving himself the pleasure of savoring the confused, surprised look on her face.

The next day Aegon walked into the studio feeling something close to confidence. Not the reckless, coke-fueled kind that had once convinced him he was untouchable—but a quieter, more fragile thing. A flickering candle instead of a neon sign.

He had ideas.

After last night’s conversation with the old man, he’d gone home and worked. Properly worked.

Jotted down progressions, hummed out melodies until his voice cracked, pieced together a shape of something that could maybe—if he was lucky—become a song.

So when Aemond had pointed out—again—that he was late, he hadn’t even bothered to answer.

Aemond and Vic were sitting on the sofa near the bass amp, caught in an animated discussion about something that would’ve been easy to make fun of under different circumstances, but Aegon wasn’t in the mood.

He pulled out his notebook and reached for his favorite Telecaster in the room, only to feel Vic’s gaze settle on him.

“I saw you talking to Arthur yesterday,” she said when it became clear he wasn’t going to waste time making small talk, fetching breakfast, or filling awkward silences with one of his jokes.

“Yeah, nice man,” he said shortly, almost annoyed that his babysitter was so damn attentive she apparently kept tabs on him even off duty. God forbid he had a casual conversation with an old man at a pub without it being filed away in her mental dossier for future use against him.

Somehow, the strategy worked—Vic let it go and resumed chatting with Aemond.

Aegon didn’t sit, didn’t get comfortable.

He just took a breath—hoping to shake off the gnawing feeling in his gut telling him she’d hate everything he came up with, just like others had dismissed him before.

Then, he started playing.

Nothing complicated, just chords at first, feeling out the skeleton of the thing. Then he added variations—a passing note here, a suspended chord there—until he found a voicing that felt right.

Victoria and Aemond finally shut up, but she said nothing.

He kept going.

He played through a verse, then a chorus. Tweaked the rhythm. Moved one chord down a step, then up again. Still nothing from her.

He glanced over his shoulder. Was she even listening?

She was.

She was watching him, her coffee cup halfway to her lips, expression unreadable.

Fine. Maybe she just needed to hear the full thing.

He played through the entire sequence again.

When he finished, the room went quiet.

Aegon turned to her, waiting. Expecting—what, exactly? A nod? A that’s good? Something?

But she just tilted her head slightly and said, “Keep going.”

That was it.

Not bad. Not good. Just keep going.

Was this what fucking maieutics was about? If so, Aegon hated it.

That might be the first time Helaena was wrong in her entire existence.

Aegon clenched his jaw and played the section again, this time adding more movement. Still, she only watched, eyes flicking between his hands and his face, like she was studying him rather than the music.

He finished again.

Nothing.

His frustration sharpened.

“Any notes, coach?” he asked, fully turning toward her.

She just blinked. “Not yet.”

That answer pissed him off more than if she’d just told him it was shit.

And as if that weren’t enough, Aemond had started furiously scribbling in his goddamn notebook, pausing only to watch Vic’s reactions and smirk to himself like he knew something Aegon didn’t.

Aegon exhaled sharply, ran a hand through his hair. “Jesus, Vic. At least pretend you’ve got an opinion.”

“I do,” she said, finally setting down her cup. “I think you’re onto something.”

It should have made him feel better. It didn’t.

His stomach turned at her blatant indifference. He could see her fingers twitching, like she was dying to snatch the guitar out of his hands and do it better herself.

Not that Aegon was surprised. What was she, if not yet another person treating him like some washed-up fuckup who had to be handled carefully, already planning how to clean up whatever damage he’d inevitably cause?

“Great. Thanks. Really helpful.”

She gave him a look, like she could see straight through him. “You want a real note?”

He gestured for her to go ahead, leaning back against the wall.

Victoria unfolded her legs and stood, walking toward him.

“It’s the resolution,” she said, resting a hand on the edge of the guitar’s neck. “You’re playing the V chord like it’s a resolution, but it’s not. It’s an extension.”

He frowned.

“It wants to move somewhere,” she continued. Her hand brushed Aegon’s for a second, lightly resting on the neck of the guitar, then guided it two frets down before pulling away in an instant—like she’d just touched a burning pot. “It needs to go home. Right now, it’s just hanging there.”

Aegon played the new chord, listening. She was right. Of course she had the answer, that smug I-know-everything attitude.

He hated her. Aegon fucking hated her. Hated the way she talked about music like it was the easiest thing in the world, hated the way Aemond nodded along to every goddamn word she said. Hated that she was clearly just here to take half his royalties and all his credit. Hated that when she stood up, he caught a glimpse of the tattoo on her hip and his dick betrayed him by stirring at the worst possible moment.

Hated that she didn’t even have the balls to call him an idiot to his face. At least then he could react, get her thrown out like he had with all the other songwriters they’d forced on him.

So instead of acknowledging her point, he smirked.

"Wow, Vic, well done! I was just thinking—instead of giving you 50% of my royalties, why not, I don’t know, 80%? Maybe then you could afford to grow a pair and actually work on something of your own in front of someone younger than an eighty-year-old. What do you think?"

Vic didn’t say a word, but Aegon could count, one by one, every muscle in her face and shoulders tensing up instantly.

Her dark eyes were so full of rage he half-expected them to shoot laser beams at him.

Finally, a reaction.

In a sharp motion, she grabbed her jacket and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Aegon’s satisfied smirk died the second he heard her—despite the soundproof door—mutter, “Pathetic asshole.”

Aemond tried to stop him, but in the blink of an eye, Aegon had shrugged off his Telecaster and bolted after her.

“Say that to my face!” he shouted down the hall, completely unfazed by the receptionist smacking a hand over her face.

Yeah, Lizzie, Lisa or whatever the hell her name was—welcome to another episode of my show.

Vic didn’t even turn around. The elevator doors slid open in front of her.

“I have nothing to say to you,” she said, with the same infuriating calm that had been getting under Aegon’s skin all damn day.

He stepped in right behind her. When she pressed the button for the ground floor, he immediately pressed the one to hold the doors open.

She followed the motion of his hand with her eyes, her expression twisting into something almost scandalized.

"Are you seriously stopping me from leaving?" she asked, her voice calm, though her face said otherwise as she reached for the panel again.

Aegon was faster, blocking her.

"I’ll let you go when you apologise."

He could feel her breath, hot with anger, against his skin.

Not exactly how he’d pictured having her this close to his face.

Vic scoffed, but Aegon didn’t find a fucking thing funny.

"Sorry for calling you pathetic," she said, bold as ever. "I should've gone with nepo baby with a god complex and the audacity of a man twice as useless. Happy now?"

She shoved an arm between him and the wall, jabbing at the ground floor button again.

"Jesus, how old are you, twelve?" Aegon shot back, almost grateful that, for once, he wasn’t the one acting like the biggest child in the room.

That moment of distraction cost him.

The doors slid shut, and the elevator started moving.

Aegon, in retaliation, hit the opening doors button again.

And, of course, the elevator—caught between their opposing demands—screeched to a halt.

And with it, so did Aegon and Vic’s frantic bickering.

“Fucking perfect,” Aegon commented dryly, his eyes fixed on the panel as if he could will this damn tin box to work with just his gaze.

“So what now? You gonna climb out the hatch like a badass, or are we just gonna stand here?” he continued sarcastically. When he received no response from that infuriating bitch, he turned toward her.

Vic was motionless, staring at the elevator doors. She could’ve passed for a marble statue if not for the way her nostrils flared with each uneven breath.

“Vic?” Aegon tried.

Nothing. Just another sharp inhale through her nose.

Aegon straightened, suddenly unsure.

“Hey,” he attempted once more, stepping toward her, but she wouldn’t even meet his gaze.

He studied her for a moment—her fingers twitching and her throat working as if she were repeatedly swallowing to check if it still functioned.

It clicked.

“You’re claustrophobic?” he asked carefully.

“Shut up.” Tight. Barely above a whisper.

Well, that wasn’t a no.

He lifted a hand, intending to place it on her shoulder, then thought better of it.

“It’s fine. We’ll be out in a few minutes.” He kept his voice level, watching for any shift in her expression.

It was strange—seeing Vic Dawson like this. Afraid. For a second, he saw the same look she’d had the first time he ever laid eyes on her, when their gazes met from across the stage.

And he’d wondered for days how someone so sure of herself, so infuriatingly cocky, could’ve looked so vulnerable in that moment. He’d even convinced himself he imagined it—chalked it up to how damn good she’d sounded that night.

But no. That side of Vic was real. And now, he was watching it unfold in real-time.

Her breath stuttered. Her nails pressed into her palms.

“Breathe,” he said, voice low and steady. Then he regretted it. “Breathe”, groundbreaking, Aegon, good job.

Still, she didn’t look at him.

“You’re not gonna die in here.”

“Yeah, no shit,” she muttered, flat but strained.

Aegon stepped directly in front of her, pressing both hands against the base of her neck.

That got her attention.

Vic’s eyes snapped to his, and a tremor—so unlike her usual controlled self—passed through her.

“If you force your shoulders to relax, it tricks your brain into thinking it can, too,” he explained, applying gentle pressure, running his hands from her neck to her shoulders and back again.

Somehow—miraculously—she listened.

“You’re not having a heart attack, or a stroke, or an aneurysm, or any of the million other worst-case scenarios you’ve already played out in your head,” he went on, pulling from the same reassurances he told himself whenever panic started creeping in.

“And there’s no reason you’d conveniently drop dead in the ten minutes it’ll take the techs to fix this piece of shit.”

Vic let out a long, shaky breath, nodding stiffly.

It worked.

When her breathing evened out, Aegon pulled back, sinking onto the elevator floor and motioning for her to do the same.

A long pause. Vic exhaled again, slower this time, leaning against the wall. Aegon watched her—then, because humor is all he fucking had, tilted his head.

“Would’ve bet money I’d be the one losing my shit first.”

That earned a tiny, humorless huff. Aegon latched onto it, pushing forward.

“So what is it? Small spaces in general, or just the ones with me in them?”

Vic, still tense but dry, shot back, “Just you.”

Aegon grinned, easy now. “Knew it.”

She rolled her eyes, but her breathing steadied. Just a little.

Aegon watched her a second longer before leaning back, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You know, for someone who acts like she has her shit together, you’re doing a great impression of a total mess right now.”

Vic scoffed, but there was no real bite to it.

Aegon smirked, but there was no real malice to it.

“You’re such an asshole, Aegon,” Vic muttered, letting her head fall back against the elevator wall.

Aegon chuckled. Old familiar words.

“Are you trying to do what you did with Aemond the other day? Mess with me until I quit?” she continued, voice edged with frustration. “Because, unfortunately for you, I’m not in a position to do that.”

“You were about to,” he replied—not accusing, just stating the obvious.

“Well, yeah. You’re not the only one who deserves the luxury of being impulsive,” Vic shot back.

She shifted slightly where she sat, the cold metal of the elevator floor probably seeping through her clothes by now. Still, she kept her spine straight, chin high, regaining her usual bravado. “And anyway, I don’t see what’s so wrong with wanting to get paid.”

“Oh, then you could’ve just signed with the label yourself instead of sticking your nose in my business,” Aegon snapped, frustration bleeding into his voice.

“And sell my music to that gremlin of a father you have?” Vic countered, voice rising, just as frustrated. But then, as if realizing she’d let something slip, she straightened her shoulders.

Poor thing. She had no idea who she was talking to.

“No offense,” she added, awkwardly.

“None taken,” he said smoothly, almost amused by Victoria Dawson’s sudden honesty.

“What I meant,” she pressed on, “is that it’s not worth the risk of watching my work get abandoned like—”

“Like they did with mine, you mean?” Aegon interrupted, a bitter smile playing on his lips.

But she didn’t look away. And there wasn’t a trace of pity in her eyes.

That surprised him.

“That’s not what I meant,” she said carefully, and Aegon could tell there was something she wasn’t saying—something he didn’t know.

Curiosity ate him alive.

“And what did you mean?”

She hesitated, then continued, “I’ve seen how they treat the artists they sign, Aegon. Trust me, if I had any other offer, from anyone else, that wasn’t exploitative or risky, I obviously would’ve signed for my own album.”

Aegon wasn’t satisfied with that answer, but before he could push, she went on.

“Some of us don’t have the privileges you had. We have to take different routes. Pay a shit-ton just to study. I need your royalties to pay for St. Louis. If I even pass…” Her voice lost some of its fire, that last part tinged with doubt.

Aegon blinked. Then scoffed, genuinely incredulous.

“Are you fucking serious, Vic? What the hell do you need a songwriting program for in that nest of lobotomized pseudo-intellectuals?”

“They take ten people a year,” she said simply. “It’d be a nice accomplishment, wouldn’t it?”

And just like that, Aegon got it.

Even Victoria Dawson needed someone to tell her she was good.

“Oh yeah, validation is such a wonderful thing, isn’t it?” he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Imagine how great it must be when people respect you and your work so much that they just have to assign you watchdogs in every aspect of your life.”

Vic stared at him for a moment. And for once, no matter how hard Aegon searched for signs of the greedy, gold-digging opportunist he was certain she was, he found nothing.

“Look, I have no interest in babysitting you just for the hell of it,” she said. “I like writing music. And your song wasn’t bad at all, you know?”

“Then why didn’t you just say that?” Aegon shot back.

Vic let out an exasperated groan, pressing a hand to her forehead. “I was giving you space! The other day, you made me do everything, but I don’t think that’s exactly how co-writing is supposed to work.”

Co-writing.

Aegon turned the phrase over in his head, the satisfaction of being acknowledged as an equal, for the first time in who the fuck knew how long, warming him from the inside out. Sweet and rich—like he imagined a mother’s embrace might feel.

Not ready to deal with that particular revelation, he pushed on stubbornly. “That’s still not a great reason to only open your mouth when you’ve got a critique to give.”

“Well, I didn’t think you needed to hear you were good,” Vic muttered, looking away.

“Fucking hypocrite,” Aegon smirked.

She stared at him for a moment.

And then, suddenly, the elevator moved upwards and the doors opened.