#some of these were entertaining to answer

[smutoperator]

Home Run

Myoi Mina, Hirai Momo x Male Reader

Kinkvember Chapter 8

Main kinks: competition, cumplay, condoms, magical girls, cloning, sex with a fan

Word count: 6595.

Seoul, South Korea, October 20th, 2024

Attending a Twice fanmeet is only for the strongest. The presence of nine sexy girls in the room playing with each other makes their fans always flirting with a heart attack, but the best thing is always the secret draws they always perform for their superfans.

That day, you were one of the nine lucky guys that won the draw. The girls then spun the wheel with their names to see who you were going to get. It landed on Mina's name.

"So Minari, what are you going to do with this fan?" Nayeon asked as she and Sana had just kissed each other. "We are going to play some baseball," she answered. The girls blushed, knowing what that actually meant. "But first I need to get a competitor; let's spin it again," she said.

The second spin of the wheel landed on Momo's name. The blonde bombshell licked her chops. "Let's compete, Minaring; you go first. Whoever scores the most points wins," Momo said. "Deal," Mina answered as she invited you backstage. Momo stayed entertaining other fans as she would wait for her turn.

Mina took you to a secret room, pinning you against the wall and kissing you. "I thought we were going to play baseball," you said to her. "Well, we're going to play a different version of it: the more home runs you score on me, the more likely I am to win," she said, taking your jacket off.

Mina pushed you into a bed and sat her big ass on top of you as she quickly unbuttoned your shirt. "Let's score some points," she said, leaning on top of your body. You giggle, unable to process what was going on. But enjoying it regardless. Mina just kept teasing you, touching your body, and kissing you. She licked your torso, sending shivers down your spine as her tongue touched your sensitive skin.

Mina kept massaging and touching your body as she increased the intensity of her moves, putting a finger up your tongue. "I think you're ready for more now," she said, running her hands down your pants now. Mina then turned around, searching for something in her bag as she gave you a privileged view of her big ass that her short skirt could barely contain.

"There it is," she said, showing you a pack of condoms. Wow, looks like you were really going to have sex with one of your biases. Even if it was with protection, just the thought of entering any of Mina's tight holes already made you go crazy. She started opening the pack, counting the number of condoms. "One, two, three, four, five," she said in Japanese.

"We are going to play basecum today," she said, making a wordplay. "Each condom you help me fill will be one point, then Momo will come in and get her turn," Mina said. "There are the rules of the game," she continued, taking your pants off in one go and smiling as your already throbbing cock popped out of it. "I hope it's ready to cum a lot for me, because I want to win this game," she said.

Mina grabbed your cock, making you instantly groan. She touched it softly, licking her chops as you leaked some precum from the get-go. Suddenly, she put her mouth on the tip of it, catching you off-guard. "Slow, please," you begged as she kissed the tip of your penis and then started performing some slow licks that quickly made your body contort. "Ohhhhh," you groaned as she licked the sides of your shaft now.

"Looks like I'm going to score a lot of points tonight," Mina said, increasing the pace of her blowjob. One pack of condoms covered your eyes as a blindfold. "OHHHHHHH," you groaned hard as Mina bobbed her head on your cock much faster now, getting sloppier and softly stroking it with both hands; your cock throbbed as if it had its own life. "The tip of your cock is so tasty," she said, focusing her attention on it.

"Can you take some pictures of it for me to send to Momo?" Mina asked, picking up her phone from the bag. "Of course," you answered as she handed you the phone and you took pics of her sucking your cock. "Show it to me," Mina said. "Perfect," she continued, looking at the pic of your cock in her mouth, grabbing the phone to then take a selca of herself performing it. "I look so pretty sucking that big cock," she said, taking a few more pics.

Mina kept moving with the blowjobs and the selfies, enjoying how beautiful she looks with that big cock in her mouth. She licked and massaged your balls next, kissing it and licking it. "There is a lot of cum ready to burst for me in there," she said as she let you take more pics of her. She took your cock deeper in her throat. "Ohhhhhh," you kept groaning. "Looks like I'm gonna open the score soon," Mina said, bobbing her head like crazy and jerking your cock really hard.

You couldn't contain yourself anymore, ejaculating right inside Mina's sexy mouth. "Come see your work, good boy," Mina said, sticking her tongue full of cum out. She opened one of the condoms and spat the cum right on it. "This is the opening score," she said, admiring your milky white semen inside the condom, even letting you wrap it up. "Momo and I are going to use the condoms as proof of our points," Mina said as she put it right in her bra, resuming the massage on your body, now with some cock jerkoff as well.

Mina started lifting her skirt, showing her red thong. "I'm going to be team red tonight; Momo will be team blue," she said, then pulling it to the side and teasing your cock around the entrance of her pussy. "AHHHHH," you groaned as Mina dropped down on your cock, letting you feel the warmth of her pussy in full display, you having to contain yourself not to cum again.

Mina quickly bounced on your cock, making you scream each time she got all the way down it. To her it was just another walk in the park; to you it was a struggle to resist the warmth of her holes. She then turned around, showing you her big fat ass. "Tell me, this is what you wanted to see the most," she said. "Yes," you said.

You pulled Mina's thong to the side in her buttock area and let her twerk on your cock. Her asshole winked at you as her pussy obliterated your cock. You started having flashes of her performing "7 Rings" on stage and bouncing that perfect big ass in front of those massive stadium crowds. But this time, you were the only lucky guy to witness it. "Ahhh, ahhhh, fuck, fuck," Mina moaned as you could tell she had practiced this move a lot, hitting your cock perfectly with very fast bounces. You grabbed her ass cheeks, but that only made Mina move faster as she wrapped the condom in the string of her thong. "I know more of it will join it soon," she said.

Mina now rode you at full speed; your efforts to make her slow down were futile; once she's on top of a cock, she only stops when she makes them cum. And this was her signature move; everybody knows it, and she knows it better than anyone else. "Ahhhh, ahhhhh, ahhhh, I need that cum," she said, moaning and then switching to a more violent bouncing, letting her ass hit your crotch nonstop. "OHHHHHH," you screamed again. Mina knew it was just a matter of time.

"Give it to me," Mina said as she went for another round of twerking. You were resisting as much as possible. But even the strongest fan can't resist for long getting his cock destroyed by Mina's bouncy big ass. She wanted it; she got it.

"Take a picture of it, baby; you deserve that memory, your idol bouncing her big ass on your cock," Mina said, handing you the phone. But the dream of cumming inside her would be delayed, as Mina wrapped a condom around it and started jerking your cock off. "Film it; I'm gonna fill it up, ahhhh, ahhhh, ahhhh, ahhhh," she moaned, getting back to twerking on your cock.

"AHHHHH, AHHHHHH, AHHHHHHH," both you and Mina screamed together as your cock pulsated inside the condom. Mina pulled out and showed the filled condom to you. "That's two points for team red," she bragged, spinning the condom with her hands and hitting it on your body, also putting it in the strings of her thong. "I bet this condom belt will grow much larger," she said, picking up a new condom to put on your cock.

Mina used her magical powers to get your erection back up with just the touch of her finger. "This cock looks so nice inside that condom," she said, jerking it off as she slowly put it inside it. Mina got on her knees on the bed, shaking her big ass for you. "Wanna fuck it next?" she asked, bending herself and getting on all fours.

You couldn't resist such an offer and quickly slid your cock inside Mina's butthole. "AHHHH," she moaned as her magical powers had made it bigger for her tighter hole. You were truly living in the dream, fucking your bias's big fat ass in a dominating position, grabbing Mina's butt and thrusting inside her asshole as fast and hard as possible.

"Let's go, pound that ass, fuck, AHHHHHHH," Mina demanded, suddenly screaming when you gave her exactly what she wanted. "Give it to me, AHHHHH, AHHHHH, AHHHHHH," Mina begged as you showed relentless intensity to do what every TWICE male fan secretly dreams of: fucking Mina's big fat ass all the way deep.

Going so hard on Mina quickly exhausted you, as you let her bounce her ass on your cock too, before taking back control. Her butthole was truly one of the best, squeezing your cock at every opportunity and making you push harder and harder to reach the full depths of it.

"Let's go, baby, give me more cum, AHHHHH, AHHHHH, AHHHHHHH," Mina said as you kept a relentless pace of ass-fucking, growing more and more addicted to it; her walls smashed your cock like crazy, and you grabbed her butt for better grip before Mina decided to turn things up a notch, bouncing her ass up and down and letting her anal walls hit your cock from the side. That slut is amazing, as she was able to twerk that ass even in a submissive position.

You stop thrusting into Mina's ass and just let her perform another insane twerking session as she keeps moaning hard. "AHHHH, AHHHH, AHHHH, AHHHH," she said. Mina ramped up the challenge, getting herself back on her feet and letting you pin her against the wall as you now fucked her ass in a standing doggy position. Mina loved the recoil of her ass from each thrust you gave her, enjoying the blissful sensation of your big cock fully stretching her butthole.

You lifted Mina's leg and kept pounding her ass, trying new positions and taking advantage of her ballerina's body flexibility. "Perfect, fuck my ass like that," she commanded, her perky tits jiggling with your thrusts. You then put her legs back down, letting Minari move her ass on your shaft and unleash her twerking, slutty self once again, her soft skin rubbing against yours, making you unable to resist and start pounding her hard again, groping her tits as you gave her ass fast poundings that she loved.

"AHHHHH, AHHHHHH, AHHHHHH, I'M CUMMING," Mina screamed. Her anal walls clenching as she reached her orgasm were enough for you to bust for a third time. Mina slowly pulled out, looking at your deflated cock as your cum hung on the extremities of the condom. "Three points for me already," she celebrated, taking it out and pushing you back onto the bed, adding it into the condom belt forming around her thong. She quickly grinded on your cock, the contact with her folds getting you hard instantly as she opened another condom and enveloped your cock in it.

Mina gave you a blowjob with the condom on, then teased you by touching the tip of your cock against it. She reached into her bag and picked up her Hitachi vibrator. Facing you this time, she got your cock back in her pussy. "Ready for another ride?" she asked, pressing her hands against your chest and bouncing on your cock.

Mina looked really beautiful as the sexy facial expressions she made while riding your cock and moaning and her cute tits bouncing drove you insane. She picked the Hitachi and put it to massage her cunt. "OHHHHHH," but it was your cock who felt the vibration the most. Mina placed it right at her clit and gave your cock a couple short and fast bounces before stopping and trying to prove she could make you cum with as little effort as possible.

But Mina just couldn't resist being a slutty ballerina, twerking on your cock once again as she pressed the Hitachi between your shaft and her clit. "FUCKKKK," you screamed, already on the edge. Mina sexily moaned, her beautiful hair covering her face and getting messier. She giggled, going with short but fast-paced rides as she increased the vibration in the Hitachi.

Mina then got up as she started to squirt, her cold juices hitting your condom and making you groan even further, even with your cock completely out of her pussy now. Now she just wanted to show she could make you cum in every possible way, squirting all over your body, then finishing you off by grinding on your cock and giving you just enough of a ride to make you cum for the fourth time. You reacted, pushing your cock upwards into her pussy and giving exactly what she needed.

"There it goes," Mina announced with a lot of excitement as she managed to fill another condom with your semen. You could barely breathe, Mina milking you dry as her condom belt got another piece for her to ornate it. But Mina wasn't done; she was already back on third base and wanted another easy score, grabbing your cock and jerking it off hard. "AHHHHHH," you screamed as she opened another condom while her phone beeped.

"Hello," Mina said. "You've been there for a while. When is it going to be my turn?" Momo asked on the phone. "Well, you'll have to wait a bit," Mina says, flashing your cock to Momo on the phone and making her hear your groans. Mina hangs up the phone and goes back to masturbate your cock, searching for one final dose of cum. "AHHHHHHHH," you scream as she picks up the pace, but your balls are just drained, and time has expired. "Well, four points is a good lead; let's see how Momo does," Mina says, getting dressed as she leaves the room.

The minutes keep passing; you get yourself dressed back and wait for Momo. She doesn't arrive, and you start thinking it's just a prank and your fan meet fun was over. You decide to take a nap in that bed, until a tingling feeling between your legs suddenly wakes you up.

"Hi," a short-haired blonde girl introduces herself. If Mina likes to tease, Momo is very straightforward, already greeting you with her tongue licking your cock. She knows she's got some work to do, trying to erase the four-score lead from her groupmate, savoring your cock right from the get-go with a sloppy blowjob as she licks your tip and then dives hard.

"Oh my God, you caught me really off guard," you say to Momo as she keeps masturbating your shaft. "OHHHHH," more groans come from your mouth as Momo shows no signs of slowing down, bobbing her head on your cock without needing to use her hands. She spits on your cock and giggles as your body keeps twisting while she picks up the intensity.

"Let me see the power of that cock," Momo says. She jerks you off so hard you can't do anything but suddenly explode and get her hands full of cum. Momo is shocked but pleasantly surprised by the amount of sperm that comes out of your cock. "Looks like we're going to have a great night; I barely did much and already scored," she says, bragging.

Momo shows you her hands full of cum, opening a condom to put some on it. She teases you now by opening her undersized jacket, letting you take a look at her fantastic abs and big tits ready to bust from that white bra, letting you lick some of your own cum that's still in her hands.

Momo strips you naked at the same quick pace as Mina, sitting her big ass right on top of your cock. She takes her jacket off and starts titfucking your cock with her bra still on, giving it an amazing sensation as your shaft rubs against the fabric of it. As she feels your cock throbbing harder and harder, she increases the pace, your cock completely squeezed between her bra and her sexy pair of momos.

Reaching into her bag, Momo picks a few condoms. She licks and spits on your tip before inserting one in your cock while keeping it stuck between her big tits. As she takes it out of her udders, Momo pulls her jeans down, showing off her black panties that were peeking out from her jeans, and then pulling it from the side as she puts your cock straight inside her asshole.

Momo bounces on your cock with no issue, living up to her anal queen reputation. Her bounces are very straightforward, Momo using her core strength to put maximum pressure on your cock. "You like the way I bounce my fat ass in it? Is it better than Mina's?" she asks, clapping her cheeks hard against your crotch and sexily moaning. "AHHHHHH, GIVE IT TO ME," she says, doing a little grinding on your cock that already puts you on the edge.

"AHHHHH, AHHHHHH, AHHHHH, GIVE ME THAT CUM," Momo already showcases her intentions, leaving you out of breath with very fast-paced bounces. Her asshole is amazingly tight even after taking countless cocks over the course of her career, as she takes on your cock as if it were just a regular dance practice for her. Momo squeezes it hard as you reach to grab her bouncy ass and massage it, making her giggle.

"FUCK FUCK FUCK, ISN'T THAT ASS PERFECT?" Momo says as she moans hard. More grinding follows; the way she smiles while destroying your cock is just amazing. Few bitches love anal sex as much as this Japanese whore; her being named after peaches was truly a foresight of the amazing backside she would grow over the years.

You're another one of the many fans that quickly succumbs to Momo's peach, just letting her bounce as fast as she can until you coat that condom full of cum. "AHHHHHHH," you scream as your cock pulsates, squeezed by her butthole. "Ohh, I love it, so thick," Momo says as she pulls out of your cock, taking the condom as a trophy. "Second score for team blue," she says, impressed with the way you completely filled the condom and then rotated it and slapped it on your body, having a lot of fun feeling proud of her work.

"You want that pussy next, don't you?" Momo says as she lies on the bed and spreads her legs for you to worship her meaty cunt, grabbing her head as you eat her out marvelously, getting very sloppy around her clit while her feet massage your back. "Ahhhh, ahhhh, ahhh," she moans as you spread the lips of her pussy and start putting your finger in it. "I see those filthy hands in my pussy; hope you get that big cock inside it too," Momo says.

This time, you open the condom yourself and put it on your cock, ready to fulfill her wishes as you put it in her pussy. Thrusting fast and hard from the beginning, you grope Momo's still-clothed tits. "Fuck me hard, baby," she begs, enjoying the way your cock bulges under her fit abs. You slowly pull her bra to the side and start groping her tits. "Come here, baby, show me how much you enjoy those momos," she says as you dive to suck them while still keeping the pace and pounding her pussy.

Momo quickly drives you insane, as you can't resist the urge to pound her pussy harder and harder. The way she's built as a perfect fucktoy to be used like crazy marvels you, as you hit deeper and deeper in her pussy while your mouth stays glued to her massive boobs. "AHHHH, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, MAKE ME CUM," Momo screams using her aegyo voice as she squirts all over your cock, pushing it out of her pussy. You use that break as a little relief as Momo picks up her phone before you come with even more force to pound her pussy.

Momo films herself getting pounded like a sex doll, her big tits jiggling massively now as you grab her slim waist and pound her at a frantic rhythm. You finger her clit, hoping for more squirt from her as her sexy body bounces and the bed creaks with your hard thrusts deep in her cunt. You start losing her breath, ready to cum for a third time. You put her feet in your mouth as your cock attacks her pussy really fast. Momo turned into a jiggling toy as she admiired her bouncy boobs on the phone.

You put Momo on a mating press, ready to deliver the final blows to her cunt. She starts spinning the condom you filled following her anal ride, and that quickly makes you burst again. "OHHHHH, OHHHHH, FUCK," you groan, putting Momo just one score behind Mina with another massive cumshot courtesy of her tight cunt, giving her a few extra thrusts to fill the condom further before pulling out.

"Let me see," Momo says, giggling as another cum-filled condom is hanging on your shaft. "Let's tie this game up; I'll let you pick the hole you're gonna use to cum next time," she says. "I want your ass," you promptly answer. "Then take it, fuck me like your little toy," she says.

Momo takes your condom off and, with her magic touch, puts your cock back up again. She gets her face down and ass up as you quickly dive to lick her butthole. "Wait, I didn't tell you you can," she then gives you the green light. you could do it," she says. "Now you can," she then gives you the green light.

You waste no second and dive into licking and sniffing Momo's dirty butthole. Your tongue reaches all the way deep into the cavities of her anus, Momo loving the way she's being tongued. It doesn't take long for you to shove your cock back inside it. Momo makes the first move, bouncing on it before you tame her, grabbing her fat ass and thrusting with a lot of intensity. She moans and spins two of your cum-filled condoms in her hands.

"Show me how much you love that fat ass baby; fuck it hard, all the way deep," Momo demands. Your grip on her body is very intense, as you use Momo the way she's meant to be used. Holding her as hard as you can, you pump Momo with really fast poundings. "FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK," she screams as her body can't stop jiggling, her big tits bounce like pinballs. You only get rougher on her, reaching to squeeze her boobs as you clap her cheeks with full speed.

You're exhausted now, but your lust for Momo beats everything. She bounces on your cock a little, but you don't let her breathe, smashing her cheeks and watching her ass recoil hard. You fully remove Momo's bra, letting her bounce her milky udders in full glory, but not for long, as you can't resist the urge of massaging them while you keep pounding her ass. You bring Momo's hot body close to yours, fucking her from behind as both of you get on your knees and kiss each other, you never losing sight of her big tits and keeping your hands on them at all times.

Momo and you fuck like animals. "GIVE IT TO ME, AHHHH, AHHHHH, AHHHHH," Momo screams as her big tits bounce. But she quickly flips the script, using her strength to get herself back on top and ride you with her pussy now. Spinning her condoms, she bounces on your cock, giving you a perfect view of her jiggly tits. You reach into her clit, making her walls clench. "Let's go. I want you to cum. Cum for me," she says, slapping you with the condoms. You push your cock up her pussy, ready to burst at any second as Momo enjoys the ride and puts the cum-filled condoms in your torso.

Momo takes some pics of her pussy and the condoms as she picks up the phone to call Mina. "I'm about to tie this game already, and I did it much faster than you," she brags, grinding on your cock like a crazy slut, just waiting for the cum that will inevitably arrive. She moves really fast and moans really sexily, using her dancer skills as she spins on your cock. "Come on, baby boy, don't disappoint me; fill me with your cum," she says. But before she can continue, the doorbell rings, and Mina is soon sneaking back inside the room.

As Mina starts bickering with her, Momo remains unfazed. "I'm going to tie this game first," she says, remaining focused on riding you until you finally fill another condom. "Ohhhh," Mina says, looking at all the cum Momo milked from you. "Are you ready to compete with me, Minaring?" Momo asks. "Absolutely," Mina answers.

"Then, let's use our powers to get twice the fun," Momo says.

Both Momo and Mina press your body hard with their hands. An uneasy sensation starts to fill your body as you get cloned into two as Momo and Mina use their magical powers. Now you're going to feel the pleasure from both girls taking on you as you get split into a left side and a right side body. Both sides of you look at each other, still trying to comprehend what happened. But there is not much time for thinking.

Mina and Momo return to the room, now wearing just a microthong with their colors: red for Mina and blue for Momo. "Hi, are you ready for more?" they asked you together, spinning the condoms and wrapping them around their tiny thongs. They brought new packs on their hands, Momo taking on your left side and Mina on your right side. Sitting their big asses on your cocks, they toyed with your cum on both sides, jerking your cocks off in preparation, Momo getting extra horny as she rubbed your tip against her nipples and gave your left side a nice titfucking, then rubbed her condoms against that cock and made it throb even harder before finally bringing a wheel to spin to see what would be the challenges they would undertake.

"Hmmm, facesitting, blowjob, then anal ride," Mina said, very excited. "This should be a tough competition; may the best prevail," Momo replied. "Ready to print our big asses on this face?" Momo asked. "Absolutely," Mina answered.

Both girls climbed on top of the bed where your two bodies lay, each one sitting their fat asses on their respective side's face. Mina went first, quickly smothering your right side with her big butt, but it was Momo who made the first giggles. Both girls stayed put, letting both your sides sniff their asses before they started twerking. You quickly got addicted to the sexy smell of their booties, as Momo rode your left side while Mina even crossed sides, sitting on your right side face but sucking your left side cock.

Getting yourself duplicated and having two hot girls share both your bodies felt like those ASMR stimulations where each ear is hearing a different thing. But the stimulation was two big Japanese asses bouncing on your face in many different ways, the sideways moving of Momo contrasting with Mina's frantic twerking.

As both girls moved to suck your cocks, the contrast continued; Momo was sloppier, focusing a lot on your tip and jerking your left side cock off. Mina, meanwhile, took your right side dick very slowly, savoring it like an ice cream. "Hmmm, so tasty," Mina said after popping it out of your mouth. Momo was getting really nasty, spitting all over that cock as Mina picked up the pace and started massaging your balls, keeping both hands wrapped around it while Momo bobbed her head without using her hands.

Your cum was going to decide the winner of the round as Mina and Momo moved to the final phase. Mina got off to a stronger start, opening her condom first as she was already bouncing on your right side cock, while Momo faced issues that delayed the start of her ride.

Mina started twerking on your cock, but then gave Momo some time to catch up. "OHHHHH," both sides groaned as you could feel the tightness of both their assholes. Momo opted for a more straight bounce, pushing her butt a little sideways while Mina did her signature twerking. Regardless of style, both girls were putting you on the edge of your seat, both of your sides now grabbing their asses and moving them to bounce even harder on your cock. Momo increased her speed, moaning hard as her ass kept hitting your crotch with very strong bounces. Mina's twerk, on the other hand, was very gracious, the slutty ballerina moving perfectly to the sound of "7 Rings" once again.

Both girls kept ramping up the pace, searching for that thick cum. Which side was gonna win? You didn't know it yourself, as both their big asses bounced and got crazier and crazier, each girl trying multiple motions that squeezed your cock to the maximum. "OHHHHHHH, OHHHHHH," you started groaning as Momo came out on top, getting your left side to ejaculate first and taking the lead in the competition.

"That's not fair; she was already very warm before I came to the room," Mina said as she soon made your right side cum as well. "Well, Minari, we didn't say anything about fairness; the first to cum wins, plain and simple," Momo replied.

"Well, let's go to the next challenge," Mina said. "One, two, three," both girls said together. "Vaginal cowgirl," the wheel landed on it as each girl cleaned their respective cocks and inserted new condoms on it, both girls jerking each cock really fast before putting it in their pussies.

Momo went first as she grinded on your left side cock and let her big tits freely bounce, leaving Mina way behind as she was still preparing your right side shaft with a condom while Momo was already entertaining herself with another sexy ride that showcased the sexiness of her boobs. Momo grinded hard on your cock while Mina took it rather slow, going for a more methodical approach and betting less would be more this time, while Momo stuck to what worked the first time, the very strong bounces as she leaned forward to kiss your left side body, while Mina remained at a straightened position.

Momo was now getting plowed hard, while Mina just spun sideways on your right side cock. But in the end, it was Momo's approach that paid off, as she milked you first once again, letting Mina take a picture of it full of cum. Mina was now in a deep hole, deeper than her asshole, as she had to erase a two-score deficit to Momo. Could the ballerina answer?

Missionary would be the next challenge. Momo liked her odds, holding the six condoms that gave her the lead compared to Mina's four. The ballerina moaned as your right side cock found her pussy first, pounding it hard. Momo didn't gall behind, letting your left side body pound her as hard as possible and making her big tits bounce. "Let's go," Mina said, masturbating herself a lot while enjoying the massive bulge your right side provided her. Meanwhile, Momo was getting drilled so hard and getting her tits groped so badly she was nearly falling out of bed, as your left side grabbed her thighs and bounced her to oblivion.

"AHHHHHHH," Mina screamed as your right side cock pounded on a mating press, her legs twisted as she started orgasming but kept moving her walls around your cock. Momo got really loud as your other side drilled her cunt and tried to match the way your opposite cock fucked Mina, but this time it was too late.

"I'M CUMMING, I'M CUMMING, I'M CUMMING," Mina screamed as one of your cocks went hard in her cunt. "Take it, take it, take it," you told her as you were on the verge of cumming, and this time, even with Momo fully opening her legs, Mina won the round by just a split second, getting back in the game.

Mina tied the condom of her winning effort into her condom belt, and so did Momo to hers. Mina opened another one and spun the wheel, which landed on doggy anal this time. Another category both girls were masters at, with no clear favorite between Momo's fit butt versus Mina's fat booty.

Mina gets a head start as your right side body pounds her fat ass. Momo jiggles her big booty and starts bouncing on your other cock, but Mina is just at a whole level now, twerking her ass hard and searching for that cum that will make her tie the game. The relentless speed of Minari drives your right side to the edge, grabbing her ass hard. Momo pushes her cum-filled condoms into your sight, trying to motivate your left side. But Mina is on a whole new level, her ass recoiling as you pound her fast and hard.

Both girls kiss each other, driving both of your sides mad and pushing harder to fuck them. Their asses are just wonderful, taking your poundings with ease. Both sides of your body grab their waists as both girls scream hard with their buttholes getting stretched out. "FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK," they scream. Your right side grabs Mina's arm and ties it behind her back while your left side gropes Momo's big momos as you thrust hard into her.

Momo moves her hips as her big tits jiggle a lot; meanwhile, Mina just keeps getting drilled hard, their screams filling the whole room. Both girls then move to a standing position, facing each other eye to eye as each of your bodies gets back inside their assholes. Momo and Mina hug their sexy bodies together for more anal penetration, Mina already twerking the moment she gets put in a standing doggy position, both girls riding your cocks with you completely unable to stop them, their hips just moving at full speed as you grope both their tits and they kiss each other.

Mina grabs the cum-filled condom from your right side, flaunting about it being filled to the brim as she ties the game. "You came in too late," Momo scolds your left side as she hits it with the condom. "So, what is the next round?" Mina asks. "Let's do some grinding," Momo says.

Momo starts first, grinding the left side cock of yours against her folds; Mina soon follows suit, both girls rubbing their cunts against those shafts, laughing as their tits bounce a lot. You're so sensitive it barely takes a couple of minutes for you to cum now, Momo prevailing and retaking the lead.

"Well, I concede, looks like Momo won our little bascum game," Mina says. "It's no big deal, Minaring; you were a great competitor," Momo answers. "Well, I'm glad Sana isn't here; she's such a sex machine we would have gotten no points against her," Mina says.

"How about we play some extra innings?" Momo asks Mina. "Of course," the ballerina answers as both girls now focus on your left side body, Momo teasing it with kisses while Mina sucks your cock. "No condoms this time; which hole do you want to cum inside?" Momo asks. "I want to cum on both those big fat asses," you tell them.

Momo and Mina jerk your cock off in anticipation. Both girls play with each other and give the tip of your cock a kiss. Soon enough, Momo is bouncing her big ass on it while Mina sits hers on your face. You're very sensitive now, barely resisting the way her cheeks hit your hips. Momo quickly picks up the pace while Mina squirts all over your face. You bury your face in Mina's squirting cunt while Momo keeps going with her hard bounces. Your right side returns to the scene, and Mina starts it while Momo prepares to milk your left side. "AHHHHH, FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, I NEED THAT CUM IN MY ASS," she screams.

Both girls bounce their asses on your cocks as hard as they can, hitting your hips really hard. You can barely breathe with such intense anal rides, your left side pushing up into Momo's butt while Mina keeps twerking on your right side. Soon your left side strikes to shake and bursts hard inside Momo's asshole. Both girls are elated, loving that white semen comes out of Momo's butthole. Mina wants it to herself and twerks even harder on your right side now. You grab her fat ass, and soon your right side starts to tremble, ejaculating hard in her anus and finishing this perfect fan meet.

Or so you thought.

Mina and Momo turn around and switch your cocks into their pussies. You're so overwhelmed at this point that it takes less than a minute for you to cum inside their breeding holes. The girls high-five each other, grabbing the condoms from their thongs and spreading your cum all over their bodies with both of your sides licking it. What a fanmeet it was; you would never expect such a thing.

As you were expecting them to restore your body into a single unit, someone appeared at the door. It's Sana.

"So I see you two had a lot of fun tonight," she says. "Momo was so eager she even used her cloning powers," she continued.

"Indeed, that was a lot of fun, and cum too," Mina says.

"Well, can you keep him split in two? I think those cocks are perfect for a DP, and I'm eager to do it tonight," Sana says.

"Sure," Momo answers.

Sana touches the cocks from both sides of your body, getting them instantly hard again with her magic touch.

"You thought the night was over, not so fast, naughty boy," she says.

[infin1ty-garden]

୭🧷✧˚. VERITAS CURAT

⋆｡°✩ summary: you help patch up Hanno after a fight ⋆｡°✩ pairing: lucius verus (hanno) x doctor! gn! reader ⋆｡°✩ warnings: ✩ GLADIATOR II SPOILERS ✩ historically inaccurate, needles & injury ⋆｡°✩ word count: 457 ⋆｡°✩ author note: a bit short but wanted to publish some Lucius x reader

masterlist. & gladiator II masterlist

✩ GLADIATOR II SPOILERS AFTER THE CUT ✩

After winning the fight for the emperors' entertainment, Hanno was set to get treated for his wounds by a doctor under the employment of Thraex. He was taken to a room, like any other. The only difference being two chairs set up in the middle of the room along with a table filled with medical supplies and herbs. "Take a seat." He did as told. "Your hand?"

He gave you his injured hand. You inspected the cut. "You're gonna need this," you handed him a glass of wine. "For the pain." He took your advice and downed the cup. "This is gonna hurt more than the cut," you said as you got the needle and thread ready. "I'm sure it will." You looked at Hanno finally as you took his hand in yours. He nodded, signalling he was ready.

The needle entered his skin and you tried as quickly and tourolly to sow it closed. His other hand was making indents on the chair. He was as still as he could be. "You weren't lying."

"I usually don't," you were almost done with the stitch. The moment you finished, Hanno let you a sigh of relief. "If you plan on anymore stitching up. I'm gonna need some more wine." You obliged his request as you were far from done. It took you an hour to finish all of the stitches and check his condition. You made small talk with Hanno and got to know each other a bit.

When you announced to the guards you finished healing him, he was assured away to Macrinus, you assume. You thought you'd never see him again. Only hear of his achievements in the arena. When you were called to the coliseum, one night. You had never visited, your job required you to be near Thraex's estate at all times, but I guess there were exceptions.

You were shown to Hanno's cell or room? It was more of a cell anyways, with the smallest window imaginable. Barely any light to see what you were doing. At Least they had the courtesy to give you a lantern. "Why did you call for me?" He didn't answer. You did your best, with the limited supplies you brought, to patch him up. You were getting ready to leave but he grabbed your wrist. Pulling you back towards him.

"I'd lost a lot and you were the first person to make me feel something other than rage or sorrow. I care for you, in what way, I am not certain how yet but I wish to see you again." You slowly moved your hand so it was holding his. "Take all the time you need. You know where to find me," with that you left.

Thanks for reading!

[solxamber]

1800-Curse-Control || Lilia Vanrouge

You decide to open a hotline for curing curses with Lilia. It goes exactly how you imagined it would—maybe even a little better.

“Lilia,” you said, rubbing your temples as you leaned against the counter in Ramshackle’s disaster of a kitchen. “Grim’s eating me out of house and home, literally. If I can’t afford the repairs soon, the roof will cave in. But all he cares about is premium tuna! Do you know how much that stuff costs?”

Lilia, who was casually floating upside down for no apparent reason, looked entirely too entertained. “Ah, the plight of a homeowner,” he said, grinning. “Why not turn your misfortune into opportunity? I’ve been told I have exceptional customer service skills, and I’ve been dreadfully bored. Let’s open a hotline for removing curses!”

You blinked at him. “A hotline. For curing curses.”

“Yes, my dear beastie,” he said, flipping upright midair and landing gracefully. “Think about it! This school is crawling with fools who drink unlabeled potions, poke magical artifacts, and anger vengeful spirits just for sport. You’d be rich in a week!”

“…I hate how much sense that actually makes.”

“It’s a foolproof plan,” Lilia continued, already pulling a notepad from somewhere to scribble down ideas. “I’ll handle the exorcisms and the cackling, naturally. You, my dear entrepreneur, can be the charming face of the operation. We’ll call it—hmm—‘Curse-B-Gone.’”

“Absolutely not.”

“Fine, ‘Hex Hotline.’”

You considered it. On one hand, it sounded completely ridiculous. On the other hand, there was that third-year who accidentally swapped his voice with a frog’s last week and the freshmen who kept mysteriously sprouting feathers.

“…How much are we charging?”

“Ah-ha! I knew you’d come around!” Lilia said, clapping his hands together. “Let’s see, we’ll need tiers. Minor hex removal? Hundred thaumarks. Major curses—hair-growing hexes, spontaneous transformation curses—those will start at Five Hundred.”

“And what about something, like, really bad? What if someone’s whole body turns into a pumpkin or something?”

“That’s a premium package. One thousand thaumarks.”

You nodded slowly. “Okay. Okay, I’m in. But if this flops, you’re buying Grim’s tuna for the next month.”

Lilia smirked, his fangs glinting mischievously. “Deal.”

By the end of the day, you’d set up a magical hotline using some weird orb Lilia “borrowed” from the library, a vaguely threatening poster campaign across the campus (“Cursed? Hexed? A jackal-headed god show up at your dorm? Call us!”), and a suspiciously well-stocked supply of anti-curse materials Lilia claimed were “leftovers” from his youth.

You weren’t sure whether to feel excited or like you’d just signed up for the most bizarre mistake of your life. Either way, you couldn’t wait to see how this would go down.

The orb hotline rang for the first time, glowing ominously on the rickety desk in Ramshackle. You and Lilia exchanged glances.

“Answer it!” he whispered, like this was some spy mission and not a cursed customer service line.

With a deep breath, you picked it up. “Uh… Hello, this is the Cursed and Confused Hotline. How can we—”

“YOU HAVE TO HELP ME!” Ace’s voice screamed on the other end. “HE’S GOING TO KILL ME THIS TIME!”

You winced, holding the orb away from your ear. “Ace? What happened?”

“I DON’T KNOW! I WAS JUST TRYING TO MAKE TEA!”

“Okay, and?”

“And I might’ve…accidentally used that weird sugar in the Heartslabyul pantry, the one that glows in the dark? And now Riddle’s head is covered in, like…peonies. Big, pink peonies. They keep growing whenever he gets mad, which, uh, is always.”

You slapped your forehead. “You cursed your housewarden?!”

“I DIDN’T MEAN TO!” Ace wailed. “I thought it was sugar, not cursed fertilizer! Look, can you just fix this before he declares ‘off with my head’ for real?”

“Ugh, fine. Where are you now?”

“Hiding in the rose bushes. He hasn’t found me yet, but I think I heard him sharpening a guillotine.”

“Classic Heartslabyul,” Lilia said cheerfully, already packing his so-called emergency kit.

When you and Lilia arrived at Heartslabyul, it was pure chaos. Riddle stood in the center of the garden, his face as red as his hair—and also half-obscured by an explosion of giant pink peonies blooming out of his head like some cursed bouquet.

“TREY!” Riddle bellowed. “GET THE GARDEN SHEARS!”

Ace was crouched in a rose bush nearby, whispering frantically. “Please tell me you brought an anti-cursed-flower spray or something!”

You ignored him and approached Riddle cautiously. “Uh, Riddle? You’ve got—”

“I KNOW WHAT I HAVE!” Riddle shrieked, a few more flowers blooming on his head. “I demand immediate remedy! Or else—”

“We’ll fix it,” Lilia cut in, grinning like this was the most fun he’d had in centuries. “Now, let’s see…” He pulled a vial of glowing liquid from his kit. “This should do the trick.”

“Are you sure?” you asked, eyeing the suspiciously fizzing vial.

“Of course not,” Lilia said, popping it open.

He dumped the liquid over Riddle’s head without warning. The flowers immediately shriveled up and disappeared.

Riddle blinked, touching his head in astonishment. “…It’s gone?”

“You’re welcome,” Lilia said with a dramatic bow.

Ace peeked out from the bushes. “So…he’s not mad anymore, right?”

Riddle’s death glare answered that question.

“RUN!” you yelled, dragging Ace out of the garden as Riddle shouted about punishment for “sugar crimes.”

Back at Ramshackle, you slumped against the desk. “We’re never doing house calls again.”

Lilia just laughed. “Oh, but the drama! I live for it!”

The hotline orb began glowing again, pulsing with a foreboding, bluish light.

You groaned. “If this is Ace again, I swear—”

Lilia waved his hand. “Come now, it’s probably another entertaining disaster! Answer it!”

You reluctantly picked up. “Cursed and Confused Hotline. What’s your—”

“FIX. THIS. NOW!” came Azul’s shrill, panicked voice.

You blinked. “Azul? What’s—”

“I CAN’T EVEN DESCRIBE WHAT HE’S DONE THIS TIME!”

“Oh, come on, Azul!” Floyd’s voice cut in, cackling in the background. “It’s a masterpiece!”

“Masterpiece?” Azul screeched. “You flooded the dining room and filled it with—WHY ARE THERE EELS IN THE SOUP POTS?”

“Because it’s hilarious!” Floyd howled, clearly having the time of his life.

Jade’s calm voice joined in, oozing politeness as always. “To be fair, Floyd has a point. The eels are thriving in there.”

Azul sputtered like a broken faucet. “THRIVING?! THEY’RE STEALING PEOPLE’S FOOD!”

“Sounds efficient to me,” Floyd said. You could practically hear him smirking. “Dinner and a show!”

Lilia perked up. “Eels in soup pots? How creative!”

“Don’t encourage him!” Azul barked. “Do you know how much it costs to repair the water damage he’s caused? The walls are dripping! The chandelier is dripping! I AM DRIPPING!”

“That’s not cursed,” you said, trying to hide your amusement. “That’s just Floyd being—well, Floyd.”

“Oh, no, it’s cursed,” Azul hissed. “Every time I try to remove the eels, the water level rises. They’re like aquatic squatters! Fix it or I swear I’ll—”

The sound of something massive splashing cut him off, followed by Floyd’s uncontrollable laughter.

“HAHAHA! He slipped into the soup pot! Jade, did you see that?”

“I did,” Jade replied, his voice as smooth as ever. “It was quite elegant.”

“AZUL’S AN EEL NOW!” Floyd cried. “Eel bros for life, baby!”

The orb started vibrating violently.

“Get. Over. Here. Now.” Azul’s voice was barely a whisper, the tone of someone seconds away from an aneurysm.

You sighed and grabbed your bag. “Let’s go before he implodes.”

When you arrived at Mostro Lounge, it was exactly what you expected—and somehow worse. The entire dining area was flooded, eels swam lazily in the soup pots, and Azul was perched on a chair, drenched from head to toe and glaring murderously at Floyd, who was happily paddling through the water like it was his personal playground.

“Finally!” Azul barked, waving his wet hand. “Do something! Anything!”

Floyd, half-submerged in a soup pot, waved at you. “Hey! You wanna join the eel party? First rule—no rules!”

Lilia clapped his hands. “This is magnificent chaos!”

Azul groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I’ll double your pay if you fix this immediately.”

You glanced at Lilia, who was already pouring a suspiciously glowing liquid into the water.

“This should work,” he said cheerfully.

The water started to drain, the eels vanished in puffs of smoke, and the room returned to normal—except for Floyd, who now floated upside down in midair, spinning like a cursed top.

“Whoa, this is AWESOME!” Floyd laughed, twirling like a maniac. “I’m a flying eel!”

Azul sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as you said “I’m charging you extra for emotional damages.”

The hotline orb flared up again, casting a frantic purple glow. You groaned, mid-sip of tea.

“I don’t know if I can handle more insanity.”

Lilia, perched upside down on the couch, grinned. “Nonsense! Chaos keeps the heart young. Answer it!”

Reluctantly, you picked it up. “Cursed and Confused Hotline. What did you do, and how bad is it?”

“It’s me! It’s Epel!” came the desperate, whisper-shouted voice of the Pomefiore freshman. “I need your help—immediately! I’ve got the worst curse of all on me.”

“Worst curse?” you asked, frowning. “What’s going on?”

“Vil,” Epel said, voice shaking. “And Rook.”

“...Epel, those are people, not curses.”

“They are when Vil finds out I repurposed his limited-edition face mask jars as apple cider mugs for the guys in Savanaclaw!”

Lilia burst into a delighted cackle. “Oh, that’s fantastic!”

“Not fantastic! Vil’s gonna flay me alive!” Epel hissed. “And Rook’s hunting me down like a rabbit in the woods. Please, ya gotta help!”

You tried not to laugh. “How exactly do you want me to help? I can’t exactly—”

A loud thud echoed through the call, followed by Epel screaming, “He found me! NO! PUT THAT BOW DOWN!”

“Bonjour, my friend~!” Rook’s voice came through, as smooth as velvet and disturbingly cheerful. “Ah, how beautiful the chase! Like a fox cornered by the hounds, our petit pomme has finally been found!”

“ROOK, NO! DON’T HAND ME OVER!”

“Oh, petit lapin,” Rook said, unbothered, “the punishment will only make you stronger. Think of it as a trial by fire!”

“I DON’T WANT TO BE STRONGER, I WANNA BE ALIVE!” Epel shrieked.

You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Rook, what exactly are you planning to do with him?”

“Ah, worry not,” Rook replied. “I am but a humble messenger delivering him to justice. Vil has been most patient.”

“HE CALLED ME A PEASANT AND THREW A HEEL AT ME, THAT’S PATIENT?” Epel howled.

Lilia leaned forward, thoroughly entertained. “Rook, at least let us have a word with Epel before he meets his doom.”

“But of course!”

“HELP ME!” Epel screamed the moment Rook handed him the phone. “Distract them, hex me, I dunno, CURSE ME INTO A TREE OR SOMETHING—”

“Epel,” you said firmly, trying not to laugh, “you’re going to have to face Vil eventually. What’s the worst he could do?”

“THE WORST? Oh, I dunno, exile me to a skincare bootcamp for the rest of my natural life?”

Rook’s voice floated in. “Imagine it, petit pomme: cleansing facials, detoxifying baths, and no more cider mugs. A new you!”

“YOU STAY OUTTA THIS!”

You sighed. “I can offer one thing.”

“Anything!”

“An apology. I suggest you start practicing now.”

“An apology?! I called Vil’s collection overhyped snake oil. I’m DOOMED!”

“Not if you run fast enough,” Rook chimed in cheerfully. “Shall we test your stamina?”

The call ended with Epel’s scream, followed by the distinct sound of someone bolting at full speed.

“Well,” Lilia said, smiling. “That was worth every second.”

Jamil’s voice crackled through the orb strained and absolutely done.

"Hi, yeah, it’s me again."

You rolled your eyes. "Let me guess. Kalim tried to throw a party?"

"And Cater," Jamil growled, the sound of something crashing in the background. "Do you have any idea how difficult it is to manage one chaos gremlin? Now imagine two. They’ve cursed half the dorm—random objects are coming to life, and singing. And I don’t mean pleasant singing. I mean like if a banshee and a kazoo had a love child."

Lilia leaned in beside you, eyes glittering with delight. "Oho, this sounds entertaining! What did they do this time?"

Jamil sighed deeply, as if he’d just aged ten years in the past ten minutes. "Kalim thought it would be fun to 'spice up' a party by enchanting the decorations. Cater encouraged him, saying it would make a great Magicam post. The result? The curtains are now tap-dancing, the chandelier won’t stop singing old sea shanties, and the punch bowl tried to bite me."

Lilia clapped his hands. "This sounds like an excellent way to spend the afternoon! Let’s go!"

You groaned. "Why do I have to go?"

"Because you’re the only one who can keep Lilia from making things worse," Jamil deadpanned.

Arriving at Scarabia was like stepping into a fever dream. The furniture was waltzing around the room, the ceiling fan was chanting, "Spin me right round, baby, right round," and the aforementioned punch bowl snarled at you as you walked in.

Kalim, of course, was having the time of his life, clapping to the rhythm of the furniture parade. Cater was filming everything, laughing as he tried to get the chandelier to do a TikTok dance.

"Do you see what I have to deal with?" Jamil hissed, his hair practically frazzled.

"Let’s fix this before someone dies," you muttered, pulling out the anti-curse toolkit Lilia had handed you on the way.

"Or before someone posts this to Magicam and the entire world sees it," Jamil added grimly, glaring at Cater.

It started smoothly enough—well, as smoothly as any curse-breaking session with Lilia could go. The two of you worked to unravel the enchantments while dodging flying pillows and shrieking party streamers.

Then, of course, you made the mistake of touching an enchanted lamp.

It burst into song—loud, off-key, and somehow extremely personal. The lyrics were all about your lack of a love life and questionable fashion choices. Before you could fight back, it tangled itself around your arms and legs, dragging you upward toward the chandelier.

"Hey, uh, Lilia? Little help!"

Lilia, ever the dramatic savior, leaped into action. With a mischievous grin, he sliced through the magical binds with a well-aimed spell and caught you mid-fall.

You blinked up at him, heart hammering in your chest. His crimson eyes glimmered with amusement, his fangs showing in a victorious smirk. He cradled you with an ease that shouldn’t have been possible given his stature.

"You alright there, my dear?" he asked, voice low and teasing.

"Yeah, I’m fine," you muttered, face heating up. "Just…you know…trying not to die."

But your brain wasn’t focusing on that. It was too busy processing the fact that Lilia was holding you like you weighed nothing, and you could feel your pulse quickening. Damn it, why is my heart beating so fast?

He tilted his head, studying you with an unreadable expression. "Are you sure? Your face is a bit flushed."

"Nope! Totally fine!" you squeaked, scrambling out of his arms as soon as your feet touched the ground.

Jamil, watching the whole thing from across the room, rolled his eyes. "Great. Now you’re cursed too."

"Shut up, Jamil."

It took another hour, but the dorm was finally back to normal—or as normal as Scarabia could be. Kalim apologized profusely, Cater promised to delete the footage (he didn’t), and Jamil looked like he might snap at any moment.

As you and Lilia walked out, you tried to calm your racing heart, but he leaned in with a knowing grin.

"Quite the adventure today, wasn’t it?"

"Sure," you replied quickly, hoping your face wasn’t still red.

He hummed thoughtfully. "I wonder what’s got your heart racing so much. You’re not catching feelings for your favorite partner-in-chaos, are you?"

"Not a chance," you lied, your heart betraying you with another treacherous thump.

Lilia just chuckled, and you couldn’t tell if he believed you—or if he was just letting you stew in your own embarrassment for fun.

The enchanted orb buzzed frantically, and you groaned as you reached for it. The second you accepted the call, you heard Deuce.

“HELP! WE MESSED UP BAD!”

“Deuce?” you asked, already dreading the answer. “What did you do this time?”

Jack’s voice came through, exasperated and growly. “It wasn’t just him. I was there too.”

“Great,” you deadpanned. “So, what kind of mess am I cleaning up now?”

Deuce gulped. “We, uh… were practicing some spellwork for exams—”

“Right by the Spelldrive practice field,” Jack added grimly.

Your eyes widened. “Please don’t tell me you—”

“Destroyed the field? Yeah,” Deuce admitted miserably. “But we didn’t mean to! The explosion was an accident!”

You heard a sharp, angry voice in the background: “AN ACCIDENT?! YOU DESTROYED HALF THE FIELD, YOU LITTLE—”

“Leona’s there?” you asked, already standing up.

Deuce nodded frantically. “He’s so mad. Please come before he kills us!”

“Stay put,” you said, grabbing your things. “And pray he doesn’t finish you off before we get there.”

The Spelldrive practice field was a warzone. One goalpost was completely obliterated, sand smoldered in random patches across the ground, and an entire section of the bleachers looked like it had been hit by a tornado.

Leona was standing in the middle of the chaos, arms crossed, glaring daggers at Deuce and Jack, who were huddled behind a tipped-over bench like it could save them. His team stood a safe distance away, clearly too smart to get involved.

You arrived with Lilia in tow, who was already grinning like he’d just stumbled upon the most entertaining show of the year.

“Oh, this is delightful,” Lilia mused, surveying the carnage. “It’s like an abstract painting of destruction.”

“Not helping,” you muttered, jogging toward the scene.

Leona’s sharp green eyes locked onto you. “Finally. You gonna fix this mess, or do I get to turn these two into sandbags?”

“Leona,” you said, stepping between him and the disaster twins, “We’ll handle it. Just… don’t murder them. Yet.”

Leona snorted. “You’ve got five minutes.”

Lilia hummed a jaunty tune as he began waving his hands over the destroyed sections of the field. Slowly, the sand settled, the goalpost reformed, and the bleachers stopped looking like they’d gone through a blender.

Meanwhile, you kept Leona from pouncing on Deuce and Jack, who were watching Lilia work with wide eyes.

“You two better hope I don’t find out about another ‘accident,’” Leona growled, looming over you.

“Relax,” you said, holding up a hand. “They’re idiots, not criminals. Save your energy for your team.”

Leona rolled his eyes but stepped back, muttering something about “babysitters.”

When everything was finally back in order, Lilia dusted off his hands with a satisfied smile. “That was quite fun. We should let those two cause chaos more often.”

You shot him a look. “Please don’t encourage them.”

Leona, arms crossed and clearly annoyed, stepped closer. “You’re done? Good. I’ll send Ruggie with something to pay you later.” Then he smirked, eyes flicking between you and Lilia. “Now keep your lovesick asses away from my practice field.”

Your brain short-circuited. “Wha—?! Lovesick?”

Leona just walked off with a lazy wave, leaving you standing there, half-mortified.

Lilia leaned in, clearly enjoying your flustered state. “Oh my. He really has a way with words, doesn’t he?”

“Don’t you start,” you muttered, your face burning.

But when you turned to walk away, Lilia was by your side, chuckling softly. He caught your wrist gently, pulling you to a stop for just a moment. “For what it’s worth,” he said, voice quieter and more serious, “you were quite impressive back there, keeping Leona from turning them into mincemeat.”

Your heart did a flip. “Uh… thanks?”

He let go with a grin, stepping back and returning to his usual playful tone. “Now, let’s see if we can avoid the next disaster, hmm?”

You weren’t sure if your face would ever cool down.

Potions class with the first-year gang was never uneventful. Today was no exception. The room smelled faintly of burnt caramel as Grim waved his tiny paws at Ace, who was leaning smugly on the table.

“I told you not to put that in!” Grim yelped.

“I barely touched it!” Ace shot back.

“It doesn’t matter who did it!” Sebek barked, slamming his hands on the table. “What matters is that our potion is—”

“About to blow,” Jack growled, pointing to the cauldron bubbling ominously.

“Wait—WHAT?!” you yelped, but it was too late.

The cauldron erupted, spraying a shimmering pink mist over everyone. The class erupted into chaos as Sebek shouted about “inferior techniques,” Epel coughed dramatically like he was dying, and Deuce tried (and failed) to douse the sparks with his coat.

You, unfortunately, caught the brunt of the potion to the face.

You thought the effects were mild at first—just a faint warmth in your chest and the echo of the sugary-sweet scent in your nose. But when you sat down at lunch with Lilia and Malleus, the symptoms became impossible to ignore.

Lilia was chatting animatedly, laughing at his own jokes and waving his fork in the air, while Malleus nodded thoughtfully. But you weren’t hearing a word.

Your brain had decided that the only thing worth focusing on was how kissable Lilia’s lips looked.

Wait, what?

You shook your head, trying to clear it, but it only got worse. Now you were noticing how nice his voice was. And his smile. And the way his hand brushed yours when he passed the salt—

Oh, no.

“Child of man,” Malleus said, pulling you from your internal meltdown, “you seem… distracted.”

You blinked rapidly. “Uh. Yeah. Distracted. Totally fine. Definitely not—uh—totally infatuated with Lilia or anything.”

Lilia looked up, smirking. “Oh? How flattering.”

You nearly choked on your drink. “IT’S THE POTION!”

Malleus watched you pace back and forth in the hallway, his expression somewhere between amused and curious.

“You have to fix me,” you begged, grabbing his shoulders. “This has to be the potion talking. There’s no way I just—randomly—started thinking about Lilia like that!”

Malleus tilted his head, his eyes studying you intently. “You truly believe you are under an enchantment?”

“Yes! Of course!” You gestured wildly. “I mean, it’s Lilia! He’s my partner in crime! He’s—he’s—”

“Kissable?” Malleus offered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Your hands dropped to your sides. “You are so not helping.”

He stepped closer, his presence calm but commanding, and placed a hand on your shoulder. “Very well, child of man. Allow me to assess your condition.”

Malleus leaned forward, his magic swirling faintly around him as he studied you with eerie precision.

After a moment, he straightened, folding his arms. “The potion you were exposed to was a failure. Its intended effects are nonexistent.”

You froze. “What are you saying?”

Malleus raised an eyebrow. “I am saying that you are not under a spell. Your feelings are entirely your own.”

You stared at Malleus in horror.

“So… you’re telling me… I’m not cursed?”

“Precisely.”

“And this… this whole… wanting to kiss Lilia thing…” You paused, voice dropping to a mortified whisper. “That’s just me?”

Malleus nodded sagely. “Indeed.”

You covered your face with your hands. “No. No, no, no. This can’t be happening.”

Lilia’s voice drifted from the next room. “Are you done conspiring with Malleus, beastie? Lunch is getting cold!”

You peeked through your fingers at Malleus, who looked like he was thoroughly enjoying your suffering.

“Good luck, child of man,” he said, patting your shoulder.

You groaned. “I’m going to die.”

And yet, as you returned to the table and sat down next to Lilia, who greeted you with his usual teasing grin, you couldn’t help but wonder if maybe—just maybe—this wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

You didn’t think it could get any worse than being late for class, but that was before Grim decided to experiment with potions unsupervised. Now, you and Lilia were sprinting through the halls of NRC, dodging a cursed army of flying spoons.

“I told Grim not to use the potions lab as a snack bar!” you gasped, barely ducking as a spoon zoomed past your head with terrifying precision.

Lilia, running beside you, was grinning like this was the most fun he’d had all week. “I must admit, this is an impressive level of chaos. Even I wouldn’t have thought to curse cutlery!”

“Glad you’re enjoying yourself,” you panted, grabbing his arm as another wave of spoons turned the corner. “Hide!”

The two of you dove behind a nearby tapestry, pressing against the wall as the spoons zipped past, their metallic clinking fading into the distance.

For a moment, it was quiet—except for the pounding of your heart.

Your breathing slowly steadied, but your heart didn’t. Not when Lilia was so close, his eyes gleaming with excitement and his cheeks flushed from the chase.

You couldn’t take it anymore.

“Lilia,” you blurted, voice trembling but determined, “I’m in love with you.”

Lilia blinked, his surprise evident for a split second before a soft smile curved his lips. “Ah, I see. Was it the spoons that gave me away, or my undeniable charm?”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “I’m serious!”

He chuckled, gently pulling your hands away to meet your eyes. “So am I. I’ve felt the same for quite some time.”

Your breath hitched. “Really?”

“Really,” he murmured, leaning closer. His lips brushed yours, soft and fleeting, but it sent your heart racing like you were being chased by a thousand cursed spoons.

He pulled back, his grin mischievous. “Now, let’s survive this first date, shall we?”

He grabbed your hand, pulling you from your hiding spot just as the spoons began circling back like a swarm of metallic bees.

“Run!”

You laughed despite yourself, sprinting hand-in-hand with Lilia as the chaos erupted around you once more.

And yet, as you glanced at him—his hair wild, his smile unshakable, his fingers warm around yours—you couldn’t help but think:

I want this forever.

Masterlist

[fairytaleendingss]

Room for One More?

Chapter 2

Summary: Your rivalry with Remus continues as you spend a night out with his friends at Sirius’ concert.

CW: Alcohol Consumption, mentions of vomit (briefly), references to sex.

Pairing: Poly!Marauders x reader

Chapter 1

—

A few days later and you were finally settling into your new home. And as far as roommates go, the boys were pretty good ones.

James was usually out early in the morning at the gym or Rugby training and he’d often return with coffees for everyone. Sirius was a natural born entertainer and always had a joke or a silly anecdote to amuse you with when you returned home from work.

It was just Remus that hadn’t warmed up to you yet. However, you had no idea why. You’d done everything you could think of to win him over. You cleaned up the kitchen for him before he got home from his lectures, you left extra for him when cooking dinner, you even offered to do his laundry when he was too busy studying for upcoming exams. But still, nothing. No matter what you did, you were greeted with a cold disinterest and one word answers.

By the time the weekend rolled around, you were exhausted, both from him and your long week at work. You were hugely looking forward to Sirius’ show. You figured it’d be the perfect way to unwind.

—

You were squashed into a booth next to James and a girl named Dorcas, twirling your straw in your hand.

The bar was full, thick with energy and cigarette smoke. It was dimly lit, some dive down a back alley. Apparently Sirius and his band played here every Saturday night.

“So y/n! Mary tells me you want to be a writer!” Lily called across the table, barely audible over the clattering of glasses and loud talking that filled the room

“Yeah, it’s something I’m working towards,” you replied. “Although I’ve been working on my novel for a couple of years now but it’s still not quite there yet.”

“Oh cool!” Peter chimed in. He was sitting beside his girlfriend Sybil, a hand around hers under the table. They looked positively smitten with each other. It reminded you of how glaringly single you were.

“What’s your book about?” Dorcas asked.

You sighed. “I guess you could call it a fantasy.”

“Oh is it one of those ones about wizards and magic and stuff?” James pondered enthusiastically.

“I mean, kind of? Not really.” You replied.

“Oh good,” Dorcas mused. “I don’t really like those kinds of stories. I’ve always found them to be a bit childish. I mean, the idea of wizards living amongst us? it’s a bit absurd if you ask me.”

You giggled. “Yes well, I’d say mine is more of a high fantasy. Anyway, enough about me. What do you all do for work?”

You took a sip of your drink.

“Well, I’m a primary school teacher.” Lily offered.

“Oh wow. And how do enjoy that?”

She giggled, her dimples appearing as she did. You had to admit, she was stunningly beautiful, with long auburn hair and astonishing sea-foam eyes. You understood why James had been pining after her for so long.

“I love it,” she responded. “It’s wonderful knowing you’re able to shape a young person’s life.”

“That sounds really rewarding,” you responded.

“It is,” she smiled. “But it’s far from impressive compared to what some of the others do. I mean, Dorcas here is a lawyer and Remus is studying to be a doctor!”

Eyes fell on Remus and you watched as he recoiled slightly under the attention.

As the conversation drew on, you learned that Peter was a Banker, Sybil read tarot cards for a living and Dorcas’ girlfriend Marlene played lead guitar in Sirius’ band.

“Just wait until you see her,” Mary exclaimed. “She’s incredible.”

“I’m looking forward to it!” You replied. You took another sip of your drink and realised you’d finished your glass. Upon looking around the table you saw that the others were in a similar position.

“Looks like I’m in need of a refill. Next round is on me guys!”

There was a slew of cheers from the group as you slid out of the booth and made your way towards the bar. You placed your order and then took a seat on a stool as you waited for the drinks to be made.

You were scrolling through instagram when you felt a presence beside you. Looking up, your heart sank slightly when you noticed it was Remus.

“I thought you could use some help carrying everything,” he muttered, taking a seat beside you.

“Thanks but I think I’ll be okay.”

“Yeah well, I could use some space. The table was getting a little crowded.”

Your eyes raked over his figure, you saw the was he was nervously fiddling with his hands. It dawned on you that maybe the bar scene wasn’t really his thing so much as it was his friends’. He seemed to be a little overwhelmed.

“Okay,” you relented.

A few drinks were placed on a tray in front of you, and Remus reached out to grab his, taking a long sip. Your eyebrows raised.

“You’re drinking straight whisky? That’s pretty hardcore.”

“It’s referred to as a whisky neat,” he responded matter-of-factly (as if you hadn’t been the one to order it for him). “And it really isn’t that bad. I have a pretty high alcohol tolerance. Why? What did you order.”

“A gin and tonic.”

“Exactly my point.”

Your eyes narrowed as you looked up at him. You could help but scoff.

“Are you implying that I can’t hold my alcohol?”

Remus shrugged, taking another sip. “I’m just saying that some people have a higher tolerance is all.”

A mix of irritation and downright anger began to build in your gut. You’d had enough of him. His coldness towards you, his constant condescending remarks. Fuck it, you thought, I’m done being nice. If he wanted to start something, then so be it.

“Fine,” you challenged. “If you’re so sure about that, £20 says that I can out-drink you tonight.”

He turned to face you, a brow quirked questioningly.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

You rolled your eyes. “Just shake on it, Remus.”

“Fine. It’s your funeral.”

You shook hands. Then you turned to the bartender.

“Excuse me, I’d like to change my order. Could I get a whisky, neat?”

—

The band came on around 10pm and the crowd cheered wildly.

Sirius was the first to enter, clad in black and leather, looking like a true rockstar.

His eyes twinkled beneath the stage lights. Even on the narrow bar stage, he managed to look ethereal.

“How’s everyone doing tonight?”

The crowd roared once more, you among them.

“That’s good! We’re Snakes and Lions and we have a few songs to play for you. Is that alright?”

The crowed cheered again.

As the first notes of the song trickled through the room, you couldn’t help but stare up at Sirius. His long flowing hair, the tattoos that peaked out from under his black tank top, the way his eyeliner brought out the grey of his eyes.

A glance to Remus beside you, told you he was feeling the same way. He was staring up at Sirius like he was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. And you couldn’t blame him.

Still, you felt and odd pang of jealously shoot through your gut.

You decided to push it down, instead venturing to the bar for another drink.

As the set drew on, you could feel yourself beginning to sway, not only from the music but also the alcohol in your blood.

The room began to blur in a dizzying haze and you found yourself leaning into James who stood beside you, for support.

You continued to watch Sirius perform, entranced by the way he moved around the stage, his voice baring into your very soul.

At one point, when he he introduced the band (Barty on drums, Marlene on lead guitar, Evan on rhythm guitar and his little brother Regulus on bass), he sent you a wink and you felt your heart leap in your chest. You felt like you were watching a celebrity.

Still, amidst the music, your mind continued to wander to Remus. Your bet had carried on and you continued to down drink after drink out of sheer spite.

You were determined to beat him. Determined to prove that you could hold your own, that there was a spot for you in his home, whether he liked it or not.

By the time the band finished playing, you were far past the point of no return.

—

There was a light on somewhere. It was too bright, shining directly into your eyes. You groaned and rolled over, sinking in to your mattress. You tried to go back to sleep but you couldn’t. You needed to get up and turn the light off.

As you blinked your eyes open, you realised the light wasn’t in fact coming from the ceiling but from a window.

That’s odd, you thought, I don’t remember there being a window there.

The room was blurry as you looked around. It was clearly morning, that much you could tell, and there was a throbbing pain in your head. Last night was definitely a mistake.

It was then that your gaze fell on the football paraphernalia that sat on the dresser and the framed jersey that hung above it.

You shot upwards like a bullet, your eyes widening as you glanced around the space.

This wasn’t your room. It was James.

You gasped loudly as you looked down at yourself. Fuck! You were in your underwear.

You frantically looked around the space, searching for anything you could use to cover up. There was a black t-shirt thrown over a chair in the corner.

A sniff told you it was clean and you hastily threw it on, not caring right then that it wasn’t yours.

It didn’t cover much but it’d have to do for now.

It was at that moment the door swung open. You froze, wide eyed like a deer caught in the headlights.

James just looked you up and down for a moment, balancing a cup of coffee in each hand.

“Oh good. You’re up.”

“W-what happened last night?” You blurted out in a panic.

“You don’t remember?” The boy queried, moving to place the coffees down on the bedside table.

You shook your head.

“We didn’t… ah? You know?”

“Oh no! Nothing like that! We didn’t sleep together if that’s what you’re worried about.”

You let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through your hair in relief.

“Oh. Okay. Good.”

James just smirked. “Oh no, it’s much more embarrassing than that.”

You looked up at him nervously, feeling your cheeks grow hot. “Shit. What did I do?”

James moved to stand in the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed, muscles in his biceps flexing as he did.

“Well, you stumbled into my room at 2:30 in the morning complaining you were bored.”

You grimaced.

“Then you collapsed in my bed and refused to leave. Which I didn’t mind, by the way. But then you complained that it was too hot and insisted on taking your clothes off. I barely stopped you from getting completely naked. You were on a mission.”

You groaned as he chuckled at the story.

“James, I’m so sorry.”

He waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve all been there.”

“What? Mostly naked in our roommates bed?”

He snorted. “Yeah sure. Something like that.”

He gestured towards the coffee that sat on the bedside table and you took a sip, letting the warm drink sooth your aching throat.

“I’m sure you have a hell of a hangover,” he sympathised. “Why don’t you finish your coffee and then go and have a shower while I whip up some breakfast.”

You smiled up at him gently. “James, you don’t have to-“

“Stop apologising,” he cut you off. “I’m happy to. Besides, what are roommates for if not to make you meals?”

—

It was a while before you re-emerged, having showered and now wearing clothes that were your own. You weren’t bothered to dry your hair though. You resigned to let it drip down your back.

You trudged into the living area to see that the rest of the boys had beaten you there.

James was standing in the kitchen cooking what smelt suspiciously (and deliciously) like bacon.

Sirius was lounging on the sofa, half watching a random action movie that was playing on the TV, set to low volume.

You assumed that choice was made for the benefit of Remus who looked a wreck. He was sitting at the dining table, face down with his head resting on his arms.

An evil sense of satisfaction washed over you when you realised that he was nursing a hangover just as bad as your own.

“Well!” You made sure to exclaim loudly, smacking your hands down hard on the table as you took a seat across from Remus.

He flinched and groaned as he sat up, sending you an irritable look.

“Last night was fun.”

Sirius chuckled from his across the room. “For some of us more so than others.”

“Y/n definitely had fun,” James teased as he approached the table, placing a plate of bacon and eggs before you. You slapped him playfully on the arm as he walked away.

You glanced around the room as you began to eat, your brows furrowing when you noticed something odd out of the window.

“Guys, why’s the pot plant out on the balcony?”

“I’m airing it out,” Sirius said absent-mindedly. “Remus threw up in it last night.”

A delighted smirk overtook your features. “Did he now?”

The boy just groaned, thumping his head back down onto the table.

“Here mate,” James stated, placing a plate of food down beside his head. “Eat something, it’ll make you feel better.”

You had to admit, you did feel better after some food. And James was a bloody good cook.

Then, suddenly an idea flitted through your mind.

“Did anyone keep a copy of the tab from last night?”

“Yeah I’ve got it in my wallet, why?” James confirmed.

“Could I see it please?”

He placed the receipt in front of you on the table and you began to add up the drinks that you remembered yourself and Remus ordering.

“Aha!” You shouted after a moment, jumping up and walking around the table. Remus looked up at you, displeased.

“I beat you! Pay up!”

“What’s this?” Sirius questioned curiously.

“Remus bet me £20 that he could out drink me and I proved him wrong!” You exclaimed.

“Hey, don’t put this on me,” Remus muttered. “It was her idea.”

“It looks like you’ve been a bad influence on our poor Remus,” James teased.

“Yeah, he never usually drinks that much,” Sirius added.

You looked at him suspiciously. “Huh? Really? That was big game you talked last night.”

“Remus is all talk,” Sirius joked. “Deep down he’s really just a little softy.”

“Fuck off, all of you,” the boy groaned.

“Not until I get my £20!”

James barked out a laugh.

“Come on buddy,” he stated in Remus’ direction. “You heard the girl, pay up!”

—

Taglist:

@hisparentsgallerryy

@navs-bhat

@shushbruv

[alikuarso]

To answer your question about Fresh: Fresh is actually a parasite! He dresses in his 90's-themed clothes and speaks in a silly way so that others underestimate him. His main and utmost goal is to Survive, and the way he does that is by infecting other people with his parasites and draining the life from their souls. Being seen as harmless lets him get closer to them and gives him easier access for possession. He hopes to eventually take over the multiverse, spreading his parasites in every corner of it and having absolute control.

He also has no emotions. He is capable of them, but for whatever reason he is unable to feel much, besides the rare instance of anger. He does frequently feel fear, though.

He is a bit sadistic, and he likes seeing others suffer. This is because when he takes over someone he drains their soul of life, which causes them pain. And to him, taking someone's body means safety, it means he can survive a bit longer as long as he's snatched their body. So he's come to associate the pain of others as something good.

And he's also aware of the creators/viewers, thanks to an event called the Loveball, which is canon to his character.

Going to copy and paste my own words for this [I was talking to a friend about Loveball]:

"So, like seven years ago there was a fandom-wide event called the Loveball, where people gathered their OCs and had them all attend an UTMV dancing ball. Fresh went, of course. There, he met a Frisk called Pacifrisk. Even knowing who he really was [90's parasite], they still believed he could be good. Before this, he hadn't ever really felt a connection to anyone, or even positive emotions in general. But Pacifrisk's faith in him made him feel positively towards them. This freaked him out. [No Fr@ns though, don't worry. That wasn't the intention for this plot.]

As a result, not only did he try to kill them, but he also went through with his plans: the Fresh Takeover [I forget what it's actually called]. His true reason for attending the ball. OCs were either possessed by the parasites or tried to fight against them. Apparently, some people used alcohol to ward the virus off, as Fresh hates substances such as that.

Fresh wanted to take over the multiverse, with this Loveball being the first step for his total domination.

But then right in the middle of things, a Sans AU [which I totally forget the name of X,D] grabbed Fresh and basically yeeted him into an alternate state of being. One where he could see the creators, all staring at him. An audience.

The Sans revealed the nature of Fresh's existence: That he was simply a character in a story. And if the creators got bored of him, he could easily be written aside and forgotten. Erased. His conquest didn't matter, in the end.

Predictably, this gave him an existential crisis. I'm not sure what happened after, but he stopped invading and went somewhere to contemplate his existence in a depressed state.

Afterwards, he had a new goal: To entertain. To convince the creators that he was worth keeping around. Similar to his previous goal of survival, but now with more dire stakes."

His creator @loverofpiggies has some posts about the Loveball, tagged under either the 'fresh sans' tag or the 'loveball' tag, which I recommend you check out! ^^

But yeah, to answer your question: The reason Fresh fought Ink was probably 1: because he saw it as a good way to keep himself alive and 2: So that he could be relevant and interesting to the viewers.

Hope this answered any questions you might have about him! ^w^

THANK YOU BECAUSE THERE'S NO WAY I WOULD HAVE FOUND ABOUT ANY OF THIS OTHERWISE😭😭😭 THAT'S A LOT

Now I want to draw fresh existential crisis mood, That's something I never would have imagined existed

Im still a bit confused about fresh not having emotions¿ but I think I got the idea, but still, why does he feel fear?

I think fresh is becoming my favorite now, help, error do something

(Thank you again for your time✨️)

[endereies]

PICK YOUR POISON - CS / MS

No Nut November - Day 26

NNN Masterlist...

-➤ After Chris stood you up again, you went to Matt which led to some unexpected results

You weren’t quite sure how long you’d spent tapping your feet on the cold wooded floors. You weren’t sure how many more complimentary breadsticks you could have before you had to start paying. You weren’t sure if he was even coming.

The battery on your phone had deteriorated from a full charge throughout the night, you didn’t have Chris to entertain you. It was pathetic. Your own boyfriend had left you sitting at the restaurant, with only a wine bottle as company. The skin around your nails had been long destroyed by the edge of your teeth, gnawing at him impatiently.

With the amount of stress your studies had given you, the invitation to dinner was accepted with ease. He asked you when he noticed the strain of your behaviour, your eyes squinting past the fatigue. Knowing he set the date for only a week away, you restocked on his favourite perfume of yours. That ended up being reapplied throughout the night.

A waiter, the one who had realised the problem early on, had returned to your table. “Miss? Are you alright, would you like another drink.” The place as empty enough that you didn’t have to be forced out your seat but with people staring at you from around the room, they didn’t have to.

“I’m okay, thank you. I should take my leave to be honest. I appreciate it though.” You pulled your dress down as you reached for the small purse by your feet, wrapped around your ankle. It felt awkward enough to shuffle off the chair in silence, your hand not taken by Chris’. “How much was the wine?” The click of the purse was followed by the crashing of coins in your wallet.

“On the house, after tonight, it’s the least I could do.” She tried to be sweet, she really had. It was too much which resulted in a bittersweet smile and sagged shoulders. “Thank you.”

The chill of the night wasn’t helping your dampened spirits. Goosebumps rose to your skin and not even the warmth of your palm could subside it.

“C’mon, c’mon…” The ‘brr’ tone from the phone just left you desperate. Maybe he was hurt, maybe you were mad for stupid reasons. He didn’t pick up for a while. Why did he have to make you worry?

That went away when he answered, drunk.

You weren’t listening to the multiple calls of your name; the slur told you everything. Rage was quickly replaced with pity, for yourself.

You’d lost count at how many times he had abandoned you like this. The excuses started to be realistic.

‘My work meeting ran late’

‘ I think I got food poisoning’

‘I thought I booked it for next week instead’

But this time? He chose partying instead, you could practically smell the gin on his lips. Just as you did every time.

“Y/n? you there?!” His voice reverberated in your ears, his voice echoing in your mind. You just didn’t have it in you to hide your anger.

“You forgot, fucking prick” The end dial rung in a pleasant comparison to his voice. Disappointment ran through your veins more than rage, that emotion disappeared a long time ago.

The wind picked up, blowing the ends of your hair through the wind. Lines of brick pressed against your back, out the way of strangers walking by. Several options ran through your mind simultaneously and you chose the safest one. Calling Matt. Not only would you not have to spend money on an anxious ride, but you’d get company. You had enough of being alone tonight.

“Hey? How’s the date” High hopes and promise trailed through his voice, besides the obvious mouthful of chips. When he was met with a wall of silence and a shaky breath, he understood. He always did. “Right… want to send me your location.”

“I didn’t even ask anything from you?”

“You didn’t have to, my house or yours?” For the first time in a few hours a laugh slipped past and dispersed into the air. Solemn but honest. “Yours, please.”

He quietly hummed in acknowledgement, shovelling a few chips into his mouth to finish them off so he could hurry in your direction. You pressed the ‘end call’ button for him and leant your head on the line of bricks, the air of your breath mingling into the coldness. By now you assumed you would end up in your house, or the warmth of Chris’ bed, not the concrete.

A few strangers offered you a smile as you stood there, headphones covering your ears. At least they were warm.

Suddenly the honk of a horn made you meet eyes with matt, his arm hanging out the window, calling you with his hand. “Get in! Its fucking freezing out here.”

A wide smile crossed your face at the thought of being in that warmth your fingers started to crave and when the car door shut, you weren’t disappointed.

“Hey, uh- the heating is on and… here.” He leant into the seat behind him and gave you a hot water bottle that had a cute fluffy cover. “I made that while I got ready, is that warm enough or-?”

“Ahh thanks Matt, this is perfect.” Both of your hands immediately shoved themselves directly onto it, hugging it to your chest. He chuckled at the sight and began to reverse out of the temporary parking space.

“How long were you there for?” Matt tried to express how sincere he was when asking but when trying to focus on the road during night, that grew difficult.

“Oh- like… maybe two hours? I kinda lost count. I ended up on TikTok for a while”

“Two hours?! Oh sweetheart, you should’ve called me earlier.” You shrugged, too tired to shut down his offer.

“I guess I was hoping he would show up.” He couldn’t deny the reasoning behind your words, but he also knew how much it hurt you. Only now could he see the devastation on your face, thankfully no signs of tears. Guess the tissues he packed weren’t necessary anymore, they use to be.

His house was warm too, inviting. The goosebumps had subsided by now. You took this free time as a chance to grab a wipe from your bag and get rid of the makeup that was scattered on your face. Your lipstick was long gone with the amount you bit your lips out of habit, yet the deep eyeshadow remained resolute.

You had been laying on the sofa for the same amount of time you were in the restaurant for, a random sitcom entertaining you and Matt while you talked. Your heels were sporadic on the floor along with your purse. A loose hoodie over your shoulders, it wasn’t Chris’.

The silence was quickly broken by the front door crashing open. You sobered up a little when Matt jolted beside you. The late hour pushed Chris home, stumbling. The motion lights stayed on, shadowing his face from you. You didn’t need to see him, you wanted to hear him, an apology. One that would never come.

“The fuck you mean forgot?” He stated his words loudly, reciting  your points from the phone call.

“You left me Chris, again. You promised me a date night, I waited for you. For near enough two hours!” Why didn’t he seem sorry? Now the tears begun to start. The pit in your stomach clenched harder, the breath harder to get into your lungs. It felt so expelled with disappointment.

“Sorry.” Spoken like a child that was forced to say it. He just stood there. How could he stand there like nothing happened.

“You know what Chris, I am done! Done with your stupidity, done with your lies and I’m done with your cowardness.” Rage filled your body fast. You weren’t sure what to do, but you just wanted him to know how it felt to be betrayed by someone, someone he cared about.

You took a glance at Matt who just sunk into himself as much as he could, he didn’t want to intrude. As you picked up your heels and purse from the floor, the hoodie became prominent in your mind. So did a plan. Without any hesitation, your hand gripped Matt’s jawline, pushing him towards you. You both met into a kiss, one neither of you pulled away from. He didn’t pull back until you did, he was too stunned to do anything else. Other than focus on the unexpected taste of cherries.

“What the fuck!?” Chris’ voice deterred your mind from going too far and with that you left.

The brothers were in for a long night.

@melliflws @yuhayeee @st7rnioioss @sturn-bugz @bueckers @worldlxvlys @raysmayhem-72 @patscorner @y0urm4m @bernardsbendystraws @junnniiieee07 @luverboychris @jnkvivi @rac00ns-are-c00l4 @shorthairchris @colorthecosmos444 @anabethinking @zay-sturns @anyaa2s @emilyfaith2003 @zariyamitchell-blog @imjusthereforthesturniolosmut @sturniolosiphone @slutf4rmatt @flouvela @lovesturni0l0s @2prcntmilkluvr @ribread03

© ENDEREIES 2024

[jhilsara]

Of Bookstore, Coffees, and Late Nights pt. 4

Sunshine!Reader/Southern!Reader/Plus Sized!Reader

Pairing: Fem!reader x Spencer Reid

Summary: Welcome to the holiday special! Set during season 8 you spend Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with Spencer.

Word Count: 8k

Warnings: Canon typical BAU themes, sick family members, holiday family fighting, (no Maeve...this is my fanfic and I say Spencer's had enough trauma)

Previous|Next

Halloween   

Spencer had convinced you to go out with him, JJ, and Will. They were going to take Henry trick or treating and then go off to a bar their team frequently ventured into.  

Spencer and his team had recently landed from a case and Spencer was grinning from ear to ear. Apparently, Henry had not wanted to go out on Halloween, but something changed his mind. Spencer refused to tell you what Henry’s costume was, declaring it a surprise.   

Spencer had picked you up and you two were in your own costumes. You dressed as Katniss Everdeen from the new Hunger Games movie. You had dragged Spencer to go see it after you had him read it during one of their earlier book exchanges. Spencer was dressed as Doctor Frankenstein. Large white lab coat and ridiculous googles.   

“Are you sure this is okay? I mean, I don’t know them that well.” You asked nervously.   

Spencer just laughed and nodded. “I’m more than sure. JJ and Garcia have been hounding me to make time for you to hang out with them.”  

“Because they like me or because they want to profile me?” You asked skeptically.  

Spencer shrugged, “Honestly, could be either, both, or none of the above. But, JJ knows you helped Will from bleeding out so, you’re solid in her book.”  

“I thought we agreed to not ever talk about the bank again?” You mumbled.   

“I know I know; I won’t bring it up again.” he said with a grin.   

You rolled your eyes, knowing well it wouldn’t be the last time.   

Once they arrive at JJ and Will’s house Henry answers the door and immediately you melt at the sight. Little Henry was dressed as Spencer, badge and all, and you had to bite your tongue from almost crying.   

JJ popped up behind Henry and smiled at the two. “Nice costumes.” she said looking them over.  

“Uncle Spencer, do I look like you?” Henry asked excitedly spinning in a circle.   

Spencer leans down to pick up Henry, “You look just like me! I think I’m looking in a mirror Henry.”   

The blonde boy giggled and hugged his uncle.   

“Come on in, we’re almost ready to go. Will’s just finishing the dishes.” JJ said, ushering them in.  

Will come’s around the corner with a rag in his hand as he looks for the source of noise, “I thought I heard y'all.” He said smiling.   

Will comes up to you arms open for a hug, “Hey.”   

you immediately hugged him, “Hey Will.”   

You smiled when he pulled away. Will raised his hand to Spencer, who was still holding Henry. 

“Can you watch him so we can go change real quick?” Will asked.   

Spencer nodded, “Absolutely, go don’t worry about it.”  

“Promise we’ll be quick; our costumes are easy.” JJ said with a grin.  

The two hurry off to their bedroom and Spencer sets down Henry.   

“Are you excited to go trick or treating bud?” Spencer asked softly.   

Henry nodded in excitement. “Mommy and Daddy are going to be my back up.”   

You just smiled as you watched Spencer interact with Henry. He easily kept him entertained and was overall, just great with the kid. you almost think you should have Spencer do some magic at the shop for the kids during the day sometime. He just easily knows what to do. It’s charming.   

JJ and Will come around the corner and are in all black suits and sunglasses. You gave a loud guffaw of a laugh, having to cover your mouth.   

“Oh, now this is just a stereotype.” Spencer said, trying to look upset, but his smile gave him away. 

“What? We can’t poke fun at ourselves?” JJ said with a small spin in her fake FBI suit. A massive plastic badge hanging from her hip.   

Spencer just shook his head.   

“I feel spiffy, this isn’t a bad suit for a costume.” Will said looking over his sunglasses.   

JJ laughed and then clapped her hands together looking at her son, “You ready Henry?”  

Henry bounced in excitement and ran up to his parents.   

“Wait, wait, before we go let me get pictures of you guys. It’s so cute.” You said, fishing out your phone.  

Will, JJ, and Henry pose. Will and JJ make a Mr. And Mrs. Smith pose back-to-back that has you giggling.   

“Perfect.” she smiled as she finished snapping a few pictures.   

JJ moves to open the front door and ushered everyone out, “Come one we’re burning the night away!”   

Henry had about an hour and a half of trick or treating in him before he started dragging his feet.  

“You tired big guy?” Will asked his son as he picked him up.   

Henry nodded slowly, fighting to keep his eyes open.   

“It’s bedtime for this one.” JJ said kissing the crown of Henry’s head.  

Will adjusts Henry in his arms. “We’ll go put him to bed, we’ll meet everyone at the bar.”   

Spencer and you nod, waving them off.   

“He’s the cutest kid I’ve ever seen.” You coo watching them walk off.   

Spencer nodded, “He absolutely is.”   

“You’re so good with him.” you crossed your arms. “Maybe you should lead a reading time or do a magic show at the bookstore.”   

Spencer looks down at you, “Now you’re just extorting me for labor.”   

You giggled, “I give you plenty of free coffee to warrant asking you for story time with the kids in the bookstore.”   

Spencer makes a face. “Definitely extorting me.”  

“I’d say it’s more a barter and trade system.” you said with a grin.   

“Whatever, come on.” He laughed, grabbing your hand to lead you off to go to the bar.   

You feel your face heat up from Spencer holding your hand, you go quiet and just let him lead you.   

Once at the bar, Derek and Penelope are already seated in a back booth. Penelope spots the two first and she stands waving them over.   

Penelope immediately grabs you from Spencer. “We need shots!” she declared as she dragged you with her to the bar.   

Derek just laughed watching them leave.   

“How many drinks has she had?” Spencer asked with a laugh.   

“None. She was waiting.” Derek responded with a chuckle.   

Penelope and you stand at the bar waiting to order shots. While they wait for the bar tender Penelope takes this time to chat you up.   

“I can’t believe Spencer hasn’t brought you out until now! I mean- there was the wedding, but I’ve been begging him to let me hang out with you!” Penelope pouts.   

You laughed, “Well, my schedules a little crazy. I’m always working at night so I can’t really go out like this all the time.” you told her.   

Penelope nodded, “Right, you run a late-night cafe and bookstore, right?”  

You hummed in agreement. “Yeah, I do. It’s a lot of fun and the inside is super comfortable. If you ever want to drop by, feel free to! I’d love for you to come by.” You told the blonde.   

Penelope’s face bursts into a big grin. “That sounds great. I’ll make sure to take you up on that.”  

Finally, the bartender makes his way over to them.  

Over at the booth, JJ and Will finally made it in. The group is chattering amongst themselves, waiting for Penelope to come back with you.   

JJ looked over to spot them at the bar, and she took an opportunity.   

“So, Spence...” she started with a conspiratorial tone.   

Spencer immediately froze and gives JJ a knowing look. “Why do I already not like where this is going?”  

“It’s nothing serious just...” her eyes avert over to the bar, “Do you like her?” she whispered loudly across the table.  

Derek started to laugh, looking at JJ with a raised brow. “Are we really about to press pretty boy on his love life right now?”   

Spencer’s face is tinted pink as his eyes widen. “JJ...” he sighed.   

“Spence.” She replied with a deadpan stare.   

His eyes flickered over to try to see if Penelope and you were coming back. Hoping he could escape this grilling.   

“I’m not gonna let this go, so you can answer here or at work with Rossi and Hotch in the room.” She said with a smirk.   

Spencer sighed and looked down at his hands on the table. “She’s wonderful, and when she was a hostage, it really hit me in that moment that she’s important to me.” he murmured.   

“She’s too sweet though...and I’m, me.” He said quietly.   

Derek and JJ make a face. They didn’t believe that for a second. Before they could reply though, Penelope bounced back with you in tow.   

“This conversation isn’t over Spence.” JJ murmured.  

“Oh, everyone’s here!” Penelope shouts, moving to hug JJ in excitement.   

Penelope shoots a playful glare at Spencer, “You better move boy genius because my spot is next to big man.”   

Spencer rolled his eyes but slid over to get up. Penelope shot him a dazzling smile and moves to saddle herself next to Derek. Spencer gets back in the booth, and you slide next to him. With everyone in the booth, they’re basically brushing against each other. Your leg is pressed against his and you feel like you’re burning up. It could be the alcohol or your nerves, you’re unsure.   

The night goes on and you drink far more than you probably should have. You're a light weight and Penelope Garcia just kept ordering shots for her, you, and JJ.   

The three women are standing outside in the cold air chattering away while they wait for the others to close out their tabs.   

You’re swaying on your feet humming a mindless tune and Penelope’s leaning against you.   

“You’re so sweet- I understand why our boy wonder would keep you to himself.” Penelope giggled.  

You shook your head, “No no, it’s not like that.” you giggled.   

“Oh please,” JJ rolled her eyes her own smirk on her face. “You two were giving each other eyes all night.”   

You gasped, “No we were not! He’s my best friend.”   

JJ and Penelope give each other matching looks before humming in acknowledgement.   

��I’m serious! I know what a sarcastic mmhmm means, I invented it.” You said with a frown.   

The doors open and the three, much more sober, men come out.   

“Come on baby girl, time to say goodbye. You need your bed.” Derek said pulling Penelope off you.   

“Oh, my bed sounds fantastic!” she said excitedly, letting Derek lead her off.   

“We better get going too, your momma can’t stay all night.” Will mentions to JJ.   

“Bye Spence, bye Y/N!” JJ waved goodbye.   

Spencer turned to look at you, and you’re still swaying a bit. Spencer wraps an arm around your waist to keep you steady and starts to lead you back toward the subway.   

“Come on, let’s get you home.”   

You immediately leaned your head on his shoulder wrapping your own arm around him to keep yourself balanced.   

“You’re my favorite person Spencer.” you murmured as they walked down the street.   

He chuckled softly, “You’re mine too.”   

“No, no, I’m serious.” you said your words a bit slurred.  

“I know.” he said softly.   

You looked up at him, your eyes furrowed, “No, you don’t.” you said it a bit more seriously. “You’ve done more for me than I can explain.” you whispered.   

Spencer paused and gently moved his free hand to press you closer to him, petting your head. “I think it’s the other way around.” He murmured into your hair.   

The two stand there, your face pressed into Spencer’s shoulder for a while. It takes a cold breeze to make the two of you separate.  

“Let’s get you home before you catch a cold.” he whispered, gently moving you forward again.  

You just nodded, looking at your feet as they walked, trying to hide your flushed face.   

Thanksgiving   

Thanksgiving was always awkward. You only remember Thanksgiving being fun when you were between five and ten. After your mother cheated, Thanksgiving had been... rough. To put it politely.   

Even after your parents' divorce, they would still try to get together for Thanksgiving, but something tends to always go wrong.   

There was the year you refused to come out of your room because you didn’t want to see your mother. So, Bridget tried to feed you under the bedroom door. Then there was the year that Bridget got food poisoning because their mom didn’t cook the chicken breast for Bridget all the way through. That one was rough. She was eleven and violently puking for three days straight. Or the year that Lauren brought her new boyfriend over. He had tried to make Bridget and you call him dad while Big Joe was sitting right there.   

Thanksgiving has just not been their Holiday.   

This year you had invited Spencer. He wasn’t going to Vegas to see his mother until Christmas, and he was just going to spend it alone. You offered for him to just spend it with you and Big Joe, it was always just the two of them recently. So, it wasn’t a big deal. Just a chill lunch, watch the parade on the tv, and send Spencer off with leftovers.   

At least, that was your plan.   

You're in the kitchen with Spencer, cutting veggies for the stuffing when the doorbell rings. You stand straight looking at Spencer in surprise.   

“I’ll get it!” You shout to your dad, walking briskly to the door.   

Upon opening the door, you see your baby sister. It’s such a shock it takes you a second to register what’s happening.  

“Birdie?” You blinked in confusion and rubbed your eyes trying to see if you were seeing things.   

“Happy Thanksgiving!” Bridget’s boyfriend, Jamie, says excitedly and leans in to give a hug.  

“Oh!” Jamie wraps you in a massive hug, squeezing you tightly. “I’m so happy to finally meet you and Bridget’s dad!”   

You looked at him a little puzzled before turning to Bridget. “I thought,” You sighed trying to even your breathing. “I thought you were spending the holidays with Lauren again?”   

Bridget just shrugged, “Changed my mind. Now can we go in, it’s freezing out here.”   

You step aside to let them in and are bewildered that your sister even showed up. You make your way through the living room and stand next to your dad in his wheelchair. His eyes were half closed, a light snore as the television played the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.   

“Daddy, daddy wake up. Birdie’s home.” You whispered.   

Big Joe jolts a bit and grumbles, “I wasn’t asleep.”   

“Sure, you weren’t daddy.” You patted your dad’s shoulder. “Anyway, Birdie’s here with her boyfriend Jamie.” You said making Big Joe look over at the two standing awkwardly in the doorway.   

His face breaks into a grin, “Well, come in Pidgeon, no need to be shy.” He struggles to sit up a little straighter in his chair.   

You look over at your sister and Jamie. Her boyfriend is all smiles, you swore if he had a tail, it would be wagging. Jamie walks over to shake your dad’s hand and introduce himself.   

Bridget on the other hand, has her feet planted firmly to the floor. Unmoving. You watched her closely and saw just how pale Bridget was as she looked at their dad. She hadn’t seen their dad in a long time. She mostly just called, if that, but this was the first time in maybe two years that Bridget was standing in the same room as her father.   

You look back at Jamie and her dad as they chatter. You see how thin her dad’s gotten. It’s not news to you, nothing about his health was. They were already on borrowed time, your dad truly beating the odds. As you look over at your baby sister, you realize that the last time Bridget saw their dad he could still walk easily. He only barely needed the wheelchair for bad days.  

Bridget was in shock.  

“Y/N! I need some help back here!” Spencer comes around the corner from the kitchen, covered in flour. He’s holding his hands up like he’s innocent.   

“Oh, good god, Spencer, bless your heart. I’m coming!” you told him shooing him off back to the kitchen.   

You go to Bridget and nudge her, “Birdie you and Jamie can keep daddy entertained right? I’m still cooking.”  

Bridget just nodded slowly making her way over to the couch.   

You sighed and went back into the kitchen.   

“Spencer, I said to add a little flour to make a rue... not a half cup.” you laughed looking at him.   

Spencer cleaned his hands with a small rag and looked over at you with a displeased frown.  

“I need exact measurements, not... your southern shorthand.” He murmured.  

You rolled your eyes and looked at the pot that was supposed to be your rue for the macaroni and cheese. You see the powder in the pot and shake your head.   

“Southern shorthand’s about to make the best food you’ve ever eaten.” you told him with a raised brow.  

“Grab me a clean one please. This one can go in the sink.” you point over to under the counter.   

Spencer easily does that and moves to cutting and peeling potatoes.   

“Was that your sister?” he asked.  

You hummed in acknowledgement. “Yup.” you said with a pop of the P.   

“Isn’t it a good thing she’s here?” he asked tentatively.  

You sighed, “I mean,” you leaned back on your heels biting the inside of your cheek. “Yes. It is good. I just...” you turned to face him.   

“Spencer, you didn’t see her face. It was like she didn’t recognize him.” you hissed in a whisper.   

Spencer paused on peeling the potatoes and gave you a deadpan look. “Because she didn’t. When was the last time she really saw him?”  

You paused, “When daddy could still walk on his own... She's only seen him in the chair once.” you sighed heavily.  

Spencer moved closer to you and held your arms in reassurance, “She’s in shock. Just, give her some time.” He offered.   

You nodded and rolled your sleeves up, “I’m just gonna focus on cooking right now.”  

By the time you and Spencer finish everything the parade is over, and your sister has set up the small dining table. You and Spencer slowly bring out the food and your dad rolls himself up to the head of the table.   

“What do you want to eat dad?” You asked him after everything was placed on the table.   

“Everything, it’s Thanksgiving! I could eat a horse.” he said with a hearty laugh.   

You shook your head at your dad but filled his plate. After you set his plate in front of him, everyone else builds a plate for themselves.   

“Magpie, you still make homemade cranberry sauce?” Bridget asked, eying the small plate.   

You nodded, “Yeah, you never liked the canned stuff.” you replied like it was obvious you’d make it the way she liked.   

“I haven’t had Thanksgiving with y’all in years...” Bridget said.   

You just shrugged. “It’s not that hard; besides, I’ve gotten so used to making it.”   

Bridget bit her tongue. You and her dad hate cranberry sauce. Bridget was the only one who ate it. You don’t have to tell her you made it every year with the hope she’d come.  

“Well, it’s the first time I have both my girls here, so let me say grace just this once.” Big Joe said with a smile.   

Everyone nodded and closed their eyes.   

“Dear lord, thank you for this meal. Thank you for blessin’ me with daughters who care so much. Thank you for providin’ them with such kind folk who care for them like I do. Please bless us today with the kindness and health to go on another year, amen.”  

Big Joe smiles at his daughters and motions for them to eat. “C’mon let’s not let this go to waste.”   

Their family meal was awkward.   

You and Bridget flank the sides of their dad and Spencer and Jamie sit across from each other. The men trying to keep polite conversation while you and Bridget just stare at each other.   

“This meals good Magpie, better than mom ever makes.” Bridget complimented.   

“Well mom barely ever really cooks. I’m sure she just catered.” You bite back.   

Spencer moves his hand to grip yours under the table. You sighed, “Thanks though, I try.”  

Bridget turned to her boyfriend giving him a look that said, ‘I told you so.’   

Jamie coughs, “So, you run a bookstore?” he asked.   

You nod, “Yeah, I co-own it with a friend of mine. Part bookstore part cafe.”  

“It’s a great shop, my favorite in town.” Spencer added.   

You snorted, “You just say that cause I give you free coffee.”  

“Oh, is that where you two meet? That’s romantic, a warm cozy book nook.” Jamie asked leaning forward.   

Your and Spencer’s faces both burn deep burgundy colors.   

“No no-”  

“It’s not like that-”   

“We’re not dating-”  

“He’s my best friend we’re not-”   

You start talking over each other going back and forth. Finally, they both just shut up.   

“We’re friends. He’s not my boyfriend.” You finally said, avoiding Spencer’s eyes.  

“Oh, I’m so sorry, we just assumed-” Bridget slammed her elbow into her boyfriend's side.   

“Sorry.”  

It’s an awkward meal.   

After everyone eats Spencer and Jamie clean the table, rinsing off the dishes and loading them in the dishwasher. You and Bridget bring the leftovers into the kitchen, placing them on the counter.   

“Can we talk?” Bridget asked with a nervous look.   

You nod, unsure of what your sister wants to discuss. Bridget coughed looking at the two men, “Alone .”  

“Ohhhhhhhhh.” Jamie and Spencer quickly make themselves scarce to leave the sisters alone.  

Bridget moves to start packing up the leftover food. A nervous habit she picked up from their mother, she had to do something with her hands. You go to help her, trying to make whatever conversation this turns into less awkward.   

“We need to talk about daddy.” Bridget whispered.   

“We or you?” You asked with a raised brow.  

Bridget sighed and looked at you, “I’m trying to have a serious conversation here.”  

“Really? Because as I remember it, I’ve been trying to have a serious conversation with you about this for a while. The last time we discussed this you told me ‘Fuck you.’” you replied with a fake smile.   

Bridget sighed and stared holes into the food she was packing into the glass Tupperware.   

“I was scared ! No one wants to think about their dad dying!” She tried to say with a strained voice, her movement becoming more aggressive.   

You slam your hands on the counter, “And you don’t think I’m scared Bridget?! I’m fucking terrified everyday I’m gonna wake up and find that he didn’t!”   

You're breathing heavily, trying to stop the burning you feel at the corners of your eyes, you know yelling isn’t helpful right now, but it feels right.  

“You chose to take care of him, he’d be better off with a full-time team! You are such a miserable bitch sometimes!” Bridget yelled right back.   

Bridget’s anger has always been fierce and loud. While yours has always been passive. You can’t stand her trying to lecture you right now.  

“I’d rather be a miserable bitch than a fucking coward who can’t even look daddy in the eyes.” You bite back.   

Bridget throws her hands up, “You know what? Have a great fucking Thanksgiving. I’m not doing this right now.”   

You crossed her arms, “Run away, like always.” you murmured under your breath glaring at the floor.  

Bridget took a deep breath before turning toward her older sister, “I am trying. It might not be when or how you wanted, but I am trying.”  

You didn’t respond expect for a flinch when you heard the front door slam behind her sister.  

You stood alone in the kitchen and leaned over the sink.  

“Magpie...”   

You sigh, your dad’s tone tells you something's weighing on his heart, and you know it’s about Bridget.   

You take a deep breath and try not to break into a sob. “Daddy-” your voice shook.  

“Don’t hate her, Bridget isn’t like you.” Big Joe tells you, his voice gentle.   

You are very aware that the walls are thin, and your dad heard you argue with Bridget., hell, everyone heard your argument with Bridget. That doesn’t make it any less hurtful or true.   

“I don’t hate her; I just hate how she ignored you for so long and just-” you paused looking up. “It’s not fair.”  

“What’s not fair?” Big Joe rolled closer. He was using his soft dad voice, and it was the straw that broke your back.  

Your lower lip started to shake, and you could feel the hot tears running down your face.   

“All of it! None of it is fair, why... why did you have to be the one who’s sick?” you sobbed.   

He grabbed your hands and held them tightly. “Magpie, the world’s not fair. No one made me sick, it just, it happens.”   

“You’re my dad... I’m not ready to give you up.” you hiccupped through your tears.  

Big Joe moves to stand on his shaky legs, he wraps you in a tight hug. You can feel how much smaller he’s gotten. The muscle deteriorating in his body.   

He pressed a kiss to the crown of your head, “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. Okay? I’ve been beating the odds, right? I can keep going.” He told you.  

He pulled back to brush away your tears, “Don’t be mad at your sister... When I do go, you’ll have each other, you should take care.” he said.   

“Bridget’s not cut me out of her life Magpie, she calls me every day when I’m in the doctor’s office.” He reassured you.   

Your eyes widen, “She does?” You’re surprised.   

Big Joe nods. “We don’t talk about the doctor’s visits or anything, but she calls every day, and we catch up. I know too much about Jamie by the way; he’s a chatty Cathy...”   

“I didn’t know that.” you said with a frown.   

Your dad shrugged, “I didn’t think it was important. It obviously was, you’ve been holding too much in Magpie.” he said softly.   

You looked down a bit embarrassed. “You don’t have to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders... you’ve been doin’ that since you were thirteen. It’s not your job; your job is to live your life.”  

You nodded, rubbing your face to dry the tears.   

“Why don’t you go out with that nice friend of yours? I’ll be just fine right here.” He said referring to Spencer in the living room.   

“Oh god, Spencer.” you sighed covering your face, “I look awful...”   

Her dad chuckled, “He won’t mind. Now go on and get.” He grumbled.   

You give a soft laugh, “You just want to watch the game in peace.” you said knowingly.   

“Hell yeah, I do, you never liked football. I don’t know who raised you.” he joked, wheeling himself into the living room.  

You follow behind him and into the living room. Spencer’s pacing circles in front of the couch. He only stops when he hears them come in.   

“We’ve been kicked out.” you joked. You grab your coat and your purse, “Dad wants to watch the football game, and I have no interest in that.” you told him seeing Spencer’s confused face.   

He nodded and grabbed his own coat, “Happy Thanksgiving Joe.”  

Your dad nodded, “That’s Big Joe to you boy.” He teased Spencer.   

You rolled your eyes and walked out with Spencer following behind. Outside the front door you felt Spencer gently grab your arm.   

“Are you okay?” he asked softly.   

You swallowed hard, “I’ve been better...” you murmured. “but I should probably apologize to Birdie for grilling her like that." You bite your cheek in thought.  

Spencer shrugged, “You don’t have too immediately. It takes two to fight.”   

You snort, “You’re the best, you know that?” you said moving to wrap your arm around him as they walked.   

Spencer easily slides his own arm around your waist, “I’ve been told a time or two.” he responded smugly.   

You rolled your eyes, “Okay okay, remind me to not boost your ego again.”   

Spencer looked down at you and smiled softly. Your eyes were still rimmed red from crying, but you looked better than when you had come out of the kitchen. Spencer could hear the argument between the two sisters vividly. The walls of the apartment where thin and the animosity between the two women had been brewing all afternoon. They were bound to explode.   

He rubs soothing circles into your back. He knows you’ll work it out. You're too bright to be dimmed so easily.   

Christmas   

Christmas morning was always fun. The past couple of years it’s been hard. It’s just been you and Big Joe, and honestly it just reminded you how lonely you were. Thanksgiving was always awkward, but Christmas has always been fun. Even when your mother was visiting, you still found some joy at Christmas. Now? You just longed for one where it wasn’t just the two of them.   

There was going to be a Christmas that would just be you... you weren’t ready for that.   

You missed baking cookies, trying to make gingerbread houses with Bridget, and curling in front of the fireplace wrapped in a million blankets watching those 70’s claymation holiday specials. You and Bridget’s giggles filling the living room as you slept in a fort made from couch cushions and sheets.  

You missed being a family.   

You sighed and turned the oven on, getting ready to make a small turkey for you and Big Joe. You had other food to still prep, and you were ready to just give up and order a pizza.   

Halfway through boiling the eggs you heard a loud knock.   

“Magpie were you expectin’ that friend of yours?” Her dad shouted.  

You wipe your hands off and pokes your head into the living room, “No... I think he went to Vegas to visit his momma.” you said, walking toward the door.   

“Surely to god it’s not a solicitor on Christmas?” you asked.   

You open the door and see Bridget and Jamie. You stand there a little surprised. You hadn’t talked to her since Thanksgiving when they had a massive blow out argument.   

“Y/N! Merry Christmas!” Jamie exclaimed holding what looked to be a pie in his hands. His smile was genuine as it reached his eyes.   

“Merry Christmas Jamie...” you said in surprise.   

Jamie walked past her but not before making a face at Bridget.  

“Merry Christmas Big Joe!” Jamie’s voice carried off into the room.   

Bridget’s holding a bag and looks embarrassed to be standing in front of you.  

“I brought a peace offering...” Bridget said passing the bag over to you.   

You raised your brow in question but opened the bag anyway.   

Inside were two gingerbread house kits and a champagne bottle.   

“I thought we could, maybe, try to bring back an old tradition...” She murmured looking at you hopefully.   

“Birdie-” You started but she cuts you off.   

“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to freak out at Thanksgiving...I just... I’ve been trying so hard to think that daddy was gonna be just fine.” Bridget’s voice cracks.   

“I- I can’t picture that the strongest person I know has to be rolled around in a chair, ya know?” she said, her voice watery as she tried to blink back her tears.   

“Daddy’s sick Bridget. He’s already lasted longer than most, but...” you took a deep shaky breath of your own. “We only have a little time left with him.” you whispered.   

“I know.” Bridget said firmly. “I’m gonna show up.” she promised.  

You look down at the gingerbread houses and back at your baby sister. You pulled Birdie into a tight hug.   

“Better late than never.” You whispered.   

“I missed this.” Bridget said holding onto her sister.  

“I missed you Birdie.”  

The two sisters walk into the apartment together. You set the bag down under the tree.   

“I’m cooking if you want to help?” You asked her.   

“Ohhhhhh no. I don’t cook. I’m awful- you want Jamie.” Bridget said pointing to her boyfriend.  

Jamie stands and mock salutes you, “Sous chef reporting for duty!”   

You rolled your eyes and motions for him to follow you.  

While Jamie’s in the kitchen, it makes the task so much faster for you. Faster than even when Spencer helped her. Jamie clearly knew how to cook and obviously made meals for your sister. The two busted out the mashed potatoes and deviled eggs easily. What would have taken you half of the morning and afternoon took you and Jamie just the morning to finish. It was great to have an extra pair of hands that knew what they were doing.  

When you put the rolls in the oven to bake, you notice Jamie’s hand fidgeting in his pocket.   

Now that you thought of it, his hand was constantly shooting down to check that he still had whatever it was in his pocket.   

“If ya got a ring in there for Birdie, I’d suggest being less obvious.” you joked with a light laugh.  

Jamie freezes and his face erupts into a bright red shade, “How... how did you know?” He stuttered out.   

Your brows shoot up as you whip around to face Jamie. You look between him and the doorway and don’t hear anything to suggest Bridget heard them.   

“I was joking!” you hissed out. “You’re serious?”   

“Of course I’m serious! I love Bridget.” he whispered to you. “I wanted to propose with her family there, but it was either you guys or Lauren, and Bridget is fighting with her right now.”   

“They’re fighting?” You asked in quiet surprise.   

Jamie nodded, “Bridget called her after Thanksgiving and I don’t know much, but it was a screaming match over the phone.”   

You make a face. “Sounds like mom.”   

Jamie nodded in agreement.   

“Well, let me see it!” you demanded, holding your hand out.  

Jamie rolled his eyes but fished out the small box and handed it to you. You excitedly opened the box, and your eyes lit up. You passed the small velvet box back to Jamie.   

“I think she’ll love it.” you said with a genuine smile. “So, are you proposing today?”   

He nodded. Your face beams. “I’m so excited for you guys. Truly.”   

“Just gotta find the right time.” He said holding the box tightly.  

“There’s never a perfect time... just maybe do it before me and Birdie start building gingerbread houses.” You suggested.  

“Why?” Jamie tilted his head in confusion.   

“Because she brought champagne and we’re light weights.” you patted Jamie’s arm.   

“Go on in the living room, I’ll finish up and get ready to serve soon.” You offered.  

Jamie nodded and smiled, “You’re a good sister.”   

You shrugged, “Not really, but appreciate the sentiment.” you teased.  

Dinner goes wonderfully. Much better than Thanksgiving. You serve everyone their food and the conversations are lively and exciting.   

“Your momma called me,” Big Joe said turning to Bridget.   

Bridget freezes, like she used to as a kid who was caught, and she looks up at her dad.   

“What about?” she asked.   

Her dad gave her a pointed look, “You’re fightin’?”   

Bridget rolled her eyes. “I got into it with her, it doesn’t matter.”   

“She said you were fightin’ about me.” She sighed and looked at her dad.   

“Well, what she neglected to tell you daddy, was she was trying to tell me how to take care of you. As if she knows anything more than Magpie does.” Bridget said stabbing her turkey aggressively.   

Their dad nodded, “She did not tell me that part.”   

“Sounds like Lauren...” You murmured shoving potatoes into your mouth.   

Bridget gives you a pointed look, “Please, I don’t want to argue over mom right now.”   

You put your hands up in surrender. “I won’t. My lips are sealed.”   

After dinner they transferred to the living room and finally do a gift exchange. There weren’t a lot of presents, just a handful for each other. Plus, the gifts you made for your friends.   

You already got your gift from Bridget, but you gave her a present. It was homemade cookies that were Bridget’s favorite as a kid. You got Josie to bake them for her.   

“This is my apology for Thanksgiving...I shouldn’t have cornered you.” You said softly.   

You smiled at your sister and Bridget went to wrap you in a hug.   

Bridget and you both had a few presents from your dad, all of which were cute and sentimental.   

Finally, Jamie gets ready to give Bridget his present. He hands Bridget her gift and it’s a beautiful print of the night sky and stars the day they met. While Bridget’s too busy looking at the print and getting teary eyes, Jamie drops to his knee.   

He doesn’t even get the words out before Bridget immediately breaks into a sob.   

Jamie gives a soft laugh, “Bridget Daniels, will you marry me?”   

Bridget nods aggressively and throws herself at Jamie. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. “I had a whole speech prepared but then you started crying.” He chuckled into her neck.   

“You know I’m a crier!” she blubbered, fat tears rolling down her face.   

Jamie just laughed and pressed a kiss to her cheek.   

You were filming the whole time on your phone the second Jamie gave Bridget her first gift.   

“Congratulations!”   

“Well, what a good excuse to pop open the champagne you brought!” You teased pulling the bottle from the gift bag.   

Bridget gasped, “Oh yes! Grab it!”   

A few hours later you are three glasses deep in champagne and are trying to delicately place gumdrops strategically on the roof of your gingerbread house.   

Bridget’s also three glasses in and keeps giggling as she looks down at her hand.  

“Biiiiiiiiiirdie!” You drawl out looking over at your sister and her half-built house.   

“Stop gigglin’ about your mushy love life and build! I don’t want to win because you half assed it!” You pout, sending a playful glare at your sister.   

Bridget stuck her tongue out at you, “Magpie don’t be ugly. I’m two sheets to the wind and you know it!” Bridget said her accent seeping out of every syllable.   

You just laughed loudly, snorting, “We’re both two sheets to the wind!”   

The two are rolling on the floor filled with giggles. Jamie is sitting on the couch next to Big Joe in his chair just smiling at his fiancé.   

“I haven’t seen them this giddy since they were only up to my knee.” Big Joe said with a gruff chortle.   

“I told her to just apologize... Bridget’s so stubborn. She won’t ever admit that she looks up to her sister, but she spends a lot of time talking about her. Especially after that bank robbery she was in...”   

Big Joe nodded; a scowl crosses his face at the memory of the bank robbery. “That was the worst day of my life.”   

Big Joe turned to look at Jamie, “Did you know that boy from Thanksgiving is an FBI agent? He saved her.”   

Jamie’s eyes grow big as saucers. “What?”   

Big Joe nodded, “He saved my baby girl. I’ll always remember that.”   

Jamie grows quiet thinking it over, “...and they aren’t dating?”   

“Nope.”   

You and Bridget are back to working on the gingerbread houses, with deadly focus as they build. Your hands are shaking as you pipe icing for decoration on your house. Bridget is holding her breath as she places small colored candy pieces as fake lights.   

“Are you decorating the yard?” You asked her. You're looking at the cardboard base with laser focus.   

“I want to make a snow man, so yes.” Bridget replied.   

You sighed. “Fine I guess I’ll do something...” you pause biting your cheek in thought.   

You ruffled through the bag of candy and came across the Sour Patch Kids. You gasp in excitement and start putting the small child shaped gummies all over the base.   

Bridget looked over and pouted, “Hey! Those were for us to eat not decorate!” she whined.  

You rolled your eyes, “Birdie don’t get your panties in a twist- here I only grabbed three!” you said, handing over the bag to your sister.   

Bridget frowned, “Liar you used like, ten.” She said flipping you off.   

“I’ll eat them! It’s my share.” You exclaimed with a sigh.  

Bridget shoved the candy in her mouth, “You better, these are expensive.” She mumbled with her mouth full.   

Before you can respond there’s a knock on the door. You bolt up and go to answer. Still tipsy you wobbled a bit before standing straight. You open the door, and your eyes widen as you see Spencer on the doorstep.   

Your face is flushed from the champagne, and you’ve thrown a garland around yourself like a scarf, you looked a little ridiculous. Not to mention the remains of broken candy and frosting on you.   

“Merry Christmas.” He said, Spencer’s eyes slowly roam your form, and an amused smile formed on his face.   

You tried to wipe off whatever remains of the gingerbread house were on you, “Merry Christmas Spencer. I didn’t know you were coming by?” you said flustered.   

Spencer shrugged, “I couldn’t make it out to see my mom this year, I’m not staying long though.” He said turning to pull something from his satchel.   

You stand in the doorway wringing your hands and tilt your head in curiosity.   

“Here!” he exclaimed, finding what he was looking for, he handed over a small, wrapped gift to you.  

You gently grabbed the present from him, “I have yours inside- I can go grab it real quick.” you offered.  

Spencer shakes his head, “No it’s okay. Open yours first.”   

You can see how eager he is, so you do as he requested. You gently peel the wrapping paper off and it’s a jewelry box. You opened it and gasped seeing inside.  

“Oh wow... Spencer...” you whispered, the breath knocked out of you as you looked at the gift.   

It could be the champagne, or it could be that you are quick to cry, but your eyes well up with tears brimming and ready to fall.   

“You don’t like it-” He whispered as he moved to grab the box.   

You pull back away from him. You cradled your gift close, “No, Spencer this is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever got me.” your voice cracked as you looked up at him, your tears falling.   

You tried to wipe them away, “Sorry-” you hiccupped, “I’m a little drunk.”  

Spencer just smiled at you.   

“God, now your present sucks in comparison.” you murmured looking at the beautiful necklace he gave you.   

Spencer snorts, “It’s not a contest.”   

You rolled your eyes and grabbed the necklace, turning your back to him.   

“Will you help me put it on?” you asked quietly.  

Spencer comes up behind you and his hands gently grab the silver chain. His hands are warm in comparison to the cold metal touching your skin. His touch is feather light as he focuses on clipping your necklace. His breath tickles the nape of your neck, and it sends a shiver through your body.   

“Sorry, it’s been out in the cold.” Spencer said, thinking your full body shiver was from the metal.   

You don’t reply, not trusting yourself. He fumbles for a moment, but the necklace is on. A beautiful magpie feather pendant rests against your collarbone.   

You turned back to him and tilted your head. “How... where did you even get this?” you asked holding the pendant in your hand.   

“It’s a long story, but I've been looking for a magpie present for a while.” You looked down at the ground with a shy smile.   

“I mean, that’s what your family calls you right? Magpie.” He whispered.   

You smiled, “It’s special...for me and Birdie.” she murmured quietly.   

“I thought so.” He replied softly, “I finally saw that in a store a while ago and it just, it made sense to me.” He said softly.   

You looked up at him and gave a tiny smile, “Thank you Spencer, this was really sweet.” you pushed up on your tip toes to give him a kiss on the cheek.   

“Wait right here, let me grab your gift.” you told him.   

You don’t see how red Spencer’s face is.   

You quickly rush inside and grab Spencer’s gift from under the tree. Bridget and Jamie are nowhere to be found but you can hear idle chatter in the kitchen.   

“Magpie,” You turned to see your dad looking at you expectantly.   

You tilted your head, “What is it daddy?”   

“That boy, the one at my front door,” He started.   

Spencer. Big Joe was talking about Spencer. You bite your lip. There’s too much alcohol in you right now to have whatever conversation this is. Not to mention Spencer’s probably freezing.   

“Spencer?” You asked for clarification.   

“Yes! Him... Magpie, are you in love with him?” He asked.   

You almost choke. You start coughing and look at your dad with wide eyes.  

“Where did that come from?!” you exclaimed.   

“Now, I ain’t stupid. I might be sick, but I got perfectly working eyes.” he said with a frown.   

You sputter for a second, “What makes you think that? He’s my best friend.” you cross your arms defensively.  

“Y/N.” Big Joe said sternly, giving his daughter a firm look. “I’ve seen how you look at that boy.”   

“Daddy,” you sighed. “I don’t have time to date- I have the store and you-”  

“Don’t use me as an excuse to not live your life, Magpie.” he said softly. Her dad reached out to hold your hand.   

You took a shaky breath, “Daddy- I can’t, I have to go give him this present. I can’t do this right now.”  

“I’ve seen how he looks at you, friends don’t look at each other like you two do.”  

You go silent and bite your lip. You look down at the gift in your hands, “I think I do... but I don’t know if I’m ready.” you whispered.   

Big Joe motions for you to bend down, opening his arms for a hug. You set Spencer’s gift over to the side and wrap your arms around your dad.   

“If you’re gonna fall in love with anyone, I’m glad it’s him.” He whispered as he hugged you tight.   

You pulled back and gave a sniffle, trying not to cry anymore.   

“I have to go, he’s probably freezing.” you told your dad, grabbing Spencer’s gift before walking back outside.  

You quickly rushed back to the door, Spencer still standing there, hands in his pockets.   

“Sorry, dad stopped me.” you said, handing him a box.   

Spencer nodded and gently opened the box. He pulled out a small diorama that was the size of a book. It was Sherlock Holmes apartment.   

“It’s for your bookshelf. It’s like a little decoration. I thought Sherlock would be perfect.” you said softly.  

“This is perfect, thank you.” He whispered looking at the details.   

“There are a few loose items that are still in the box. Once you set it up it’ll look great.” you added.   

Spencer put his gift back in the box and looked at you with a warm fondness that took your breath away for a moment. You’re still tipsy and feel warm all over and he’s looking at you with those big hazel doe eyes that have mesmerized you.   

“Stop looking at me like that...” you murmured, your hand playing with the magpie charm on your neck.   

Spencer chuckled, “Like what?” he tilted his head.   

You frowned, “Like, I don’t know, your big puppy eyes... like I’m doing something special.”   

Spencer tilted his head and stepped closer, “You are special.”  

Your face heats up in a flush, “Merry Christmas.” He pulled you into a quick hug before turning to leave.   

“Merry Christmas...” you murmured watching him leave.   

You lean against the door when you come back inside and cover your face.   

You heard murmured whispers from the living room and giggles.   

“He’s cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute.” Bridget’s voice drifts toward you in a high-pitched tone.   

“What are you? Twelve?!” You groaned walking back into the living room.   

“Mmmmm maybe?” Bridget said with a giggle and threw her arms around you.   

You rolled your eyes and tried to stop the flush from creeping down your body. 

[ittybittyfanblog]

Error 404: (Self-Aware!AU, Sylus Edition) – Pt. 4

Summary: A LADS self-aware!AU featuring Sylus and a (vindicated!) player. That’s it, that’s the plot. Tags: player!reader x sylus, fem!reader x sylus, reader x lads, self-aware!au, strong language, player wants to sock a certain 3D character in the face  A/N: Here’s part 4! Also, a taglist at the end of this post! Just lmk whether you'd like to be added/removed, no sweat ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧ Happy reading!

Pt. 1 - Pt. 2 - Pt. 3 - Pt. 4

You swiftly pull up Reddit. And then Twitter (X) on another window. You’ve got to find answers.

Typing in “sENTIENT SENTINCE SENTIENCE LADS ML HELP” in the r/LoveAndDeepspace subreddit search bar, along with keywords that have anything to do with “breaking the fourth wall” and “recent major updates” on X, you quickly scour for anything that comes even close to your current situation. 

Immediately, you see a bunch of mix-match results, some even dating as far as the first month of the game’s release. Your eyes skim through blocks of texts, hoping there’s a comment–or a tweet–somewhere that could shed some light to this conundrum. 

Already, you see some discussion on sudden fourth wall breaks. But you’ve seen posts like this before, and they’re most likely pertaining to the way their LI’s gaze falls directly on the player’s line of sight when they’re in Dynamic Pose mode in Glint Photobooth. 

The common suspects for this are usually Xavier and your resident headache (Sylus). It's one of the “known” bugs of the game, even so far as being choreographed, almost, from the way players intentionally pose the MLs at certain angles to attain the likeness of sentience.   

You remember the first time it happened to you, way back when the Photobooth feature was just recently introduced. You were taking photos of Xavier–letting him pose freely in dynamic mode so that you could capture a more organic look, when his eyes “met” yours directly. 

Of course like any other (delusional) player, you entertained the novel idea of actually being noticed by the videogame character you’ve formed an unhealthy attachment to. Got excited, squealed over it, felt an instant doki-doki on your kokoro—the whole shebang. 

… Along with probably hundreds of other players who’ve experienced the same thing. 

So, yes, these instances occur more frequently than one would think. Not really what you’d call particularly noteworthy. 

Then you see the threads from players who swear that their LIs really understand how they feel during their tête-à-tête sessions. It sounds promising, and you spend a few minutes reading through their "testimonies."

—Until you surmise from what you’ve gathered that all of them only appear like they do. How Rafayel, Zayne (and yes, even Sylus) seem to know what they need to hear, from how accurate their generated responses are. 

Keyword: generated. So, no. They still aren’t anything more than glorified soundboards with really good timing, however attractive it may be to think otherwise. 

Ooh, that one sounds a little too bitchy, even for you. 

It’s got nothing to do with the players, nor has it anything to do with how the game works, really – bugs and all. Fuck, you were one of those people who milked the fantasy over the same coincidences once upon a time. You were. Before the coincidences started to be anything but. 

Before you had to worry whether you still have your mental faculties in order.

With every–misleading–post you stumble upon, you feel yourself becoming more restless. There’s a fervent glaze in your eyes and your typing’s getting diabolically worse. (you could barely read that last search input–bitch, how are you fit to work?) You’re sure that if you looked in a mirror right now, you’d look as deranged as you feel.

Xavier “bug” that looks so real omg?? Skip.

Sylus – New Voiceline? You check it out. Yeah, It’s just one of his newer–programmed–voicelines. 

Conversations with Rafayel got ~too real~ all of a sudden. You wish that yours had stayed the way they’ve always been, but alas. 

Stop feeding into my delusions [Zayne] challenge: Failed. Oh? You’re almost done reading the first paragraph of the Redditor’s post, when you catch sight of the latest update below: 

Resolved. Uninstalled the game. Multi-banners are too expensive (See my other post). Okay, you respect that. Hear that, Infold—

You’re slowly losing hope. Clearly, your case is kind of… mayhaps a tiny bit… different. From the rest. Dare say, exceptionally so.

To what end, you don’t know. You’re left with more questions than answers, and the primary enigma isn’t giving you much to work with.

Without anything else left to do, you resort to mindless scrolling. You’re swiping up, scrolling endlessly through the Top Posts of All Time, and it feels like you’re about to reach the end of this damn subreddit… When an unassuming post from a deleted user catches your attention. 

It only got a few upvotes, and barely enough comments to gain traction. Unless one’s desperate enough to have been looking as hard as you are, it just looks like one of the many random dead posts from months ago. Nothing special. 

Even the title is unassuming: I think the game’s broken??

You start to read.

Hi, so uhhh I’m 2 months in the game and everything’s been going well and all… Until a few days ago. IDK if this is a bug ?? but my Rafayel’s been acting so weird lately….. Ik I’m gonna sound delusional, but it’s like he’s actually aware of me ME. Not my MC. 

He’s got a bunch of new dialogues, and they’re all so accurately specific it’s creeping me tf out LMAO. IDK how the devs got THIS much info on me (like is this even legal) but they do. Or at least, Rafayel does? That sounds rly stupid out loud but yeah lol. Oh and he doesn’t even let me switch between MLs anymore. The game just… crashes? whenever I try to. 

Always been a Rafayel main (he’s the reason why I installed the game in the first place) so I was REALLY ecstatic over what I thought were new updates from the game… buuut when I tried looking it up, I can’t find any related news from the official LADS channel(s) about recent patches or updates with this feature, and no one seems to know what I’m talking about??? 

I feel like I’m going crazy… Literally as I’m typing this, Rafayel’s spamming me with notifications. He’s so fucking clingy… I love it??

Plsplspls if anyone’s experiencing the same thing, comment or DM meee. I need someone to talk to, aside from the fishie lmao no matter how much he insists that he’s enough omg (?!?!!)

Holy shit—you can’t believe it. This… this is exactly what you’re looking for. 

The six comments under the post ranged from calling it complete bull to outright mocking the OP, and you understand why the post didn’t get any more popular. 

For a brief moment, you feel a certain kinship with the original poster. A tinge of… shame (?) washes over you as you scan through all the negative reception; it’s as if the harsh insults were hurled directly at you instead.

How fun. There goes your fleeting idea to post the same question on the forum, if all else fails. 

Speaking of. Your eyes quickly dart to the small text just above the title to check their username—but to your utter dismay, you see (and remember) that it’s from a deleted account. 

The user no longer exists.  

God, that can’t be it.

You spend a solid twenty minutes trying to look up ways to retrieve information–contacts, socials, anything–from deleted accounts. No dice. 

Deep in your gut, you know that whatever else you could possibly find on both apps wouldn’t compare to what you’ve already come across.

You’ve officially hit a dead end. 

-

-

-

With heavy limbs and a downtrodden spirit, you haul yourself up from the floor—just to turn around and collapse face first on the sofa. A deep, drawn-out groan escapes you as you shut your eyes for a moment, trying to calm yourself down from all the stuff that’s been boggling your brain. 

It doesn’t seem like you’ll be finding a solid answer to your question (questions–in plural) any time soon. So what else can you do? 

Well, aside from putting away your groceries–the currently-thawing fish and the condensing bags of pre-cut veggies aren’t going to store themselves inside a freezer anytime soon. A loudly meowing ball of fur has also been relentlessly clawing at your leg at the foot of the sofa for the past five minutes, demanding to be fed and petted. 

Whoops. You hastily push yourself back on your feet to address these pressing tasks pronto.

..

…

…..

 (Now that’s out of the way—)

You swipe your phone open–yet again–as you flop back onto the couch. And, maybe, you’re a glutton for punishment. Maybe you’re just a little too over the excitement of the unknown factors in play. Or maybe, you just want another shot—to try one last time–

What you know, though, is that whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed about stuff at work, or you need something to distract yourself with, you open the silly otome game on your phone to make yourself feel better. 

So—that’s exactly what you do. Even if that silly otome game’s now the reason why you’re feeling so goddamned stressed at the moment. 

Go figure. 

The game boots up. You sullenly glare at the loading bar as it progresses from 35%.... 

68%.... 

95%......... 

Once again, Sylus_v1.0 (!) greets you from the center of the home screen, looking exactly the same as he did last when you opened the app, which was–damn, has it really been over three hours already? 

“At this hour, the day is just getting started,” he remarks nonchalantly, folding his arms across his chest as his eyes drift to whatever’s on his left. 

You give him a deadpan stare; slightly wary, but overall unimpressed by the act. “God, I hope the fuck not.” 

There’s no new content since your last proper login, as far as you can tell. At first glance, you see some of the regular, daily badge notifications, but nothing really stands out to you. There’s no unexpected red dot on the mail icon this time, nor is there any on the Hunter Info tab. 

So far, so good. 

With slight hesitation, you begin to speak, even if you aren’t sure whether your intended recipient can actually hear you or not.

“Um, so. I’m really kinda freaking out right now and–” You cut yourself off, swallowing down the frustration building in your throat. There’s an edge to your voice as you speak your next words, “it’s because you’re–you’ve been giving me mixed signals. I–I don’t know what to think anymore-!” 

He remains unmoving, showing no signs of having registered what you just said. You sigh. 

“Ugh, it sounds like I’m talking to an actual boyfriend or something. This is driving me nuts.” 

Still no response. 

“Can’t you give me a sign?” You whine defeatedly, trying to catch the eye of the pixelated man on your phone who’s resolutely looking at the right side of the screen. Is he purposely avoiding eye contact or what? “Like… I don’t know–blink twice if you understand what I’m saying right now.” 

He blinks. Once. Fucking–-

Does he think this is some kind of joke? 

“I’m gonna poke your dick off,” You threaten him menacingly, your pointer finger at the ready to commit assault. “I swear, I’m gonna do it—” 

Wait. Was that a twitch on his lips? 

Pausing, you narrow your eyes at him, critical in your scrutiny for any sign that might reveal the truth to this stupid charade he’s putting on. Because it’s a charade. It has to be. 

All of a sudden, embarrassment colors your cheeks as it dawns on you what you just said to him. What you’re poised to do. Fuck, you just wanted to get a rise out of him. Test the waters or some shit. Then again, if he’s actually aware– if he CAN actually hear you— 

Quickly, you retract your finger away from where it hovers precariously centimeters above his crotch area. “Right. Sorry.” 

Scrunching your nose, you press the Agenda icon on the corner, resignation sitting heavy in your chest. Since it doesn’t look like you’re getting any answers tonight, you might as well just do your daily tasks while you’re in-game, right? 

So you go through the motions of ticking off each task on the list half-heartedly, collecting the subsequent rewards one by one; just enough to reach the hundred star mark. 

It’s petty, no doubt irrational, but you steer clear from anything that would require you to interact with him. You start off with what’s easiest to complete: gifting Stamina, spending Stamina, spending more Stamina, and buying items from the Shop. 

Speaking of items… You try your best to act indifferent as you catch sight of the staggering number of red dias that has recently come to your possession, there on the upper right corner of the screen. Before you could even recall the other materials so kindly gifted to you the other night, you immediately exit the Store window to go about your business after you’ve finished collecting today’s free loot. 

You breeze through the Bounty Hunts and Core Hunt stages with excessive use of the Auto Pursuit option, rinsing and repeating until you’re almost out of energy. You don’t want to risk playing an actual battle, since your strongest Memory Cards are from the man you’re currently giving the cold shoulder to.

Also, you have no idea what to expect once you enter combat mode–and right now, you can’t be damned to know. 

Before you know it, you’re done with the daily Agenda. Close enough, at least. You didn’t even have to interact with the white-haired male LYLA wannabe to get the hundred golden stars. Go, you. 

Without anything left to do, you’re back to staring at the–now seated–man on the homescreen who’s still intent on avoiding you. There’s Mephisto perched on his finger, appearing in a plume of black feathers, projecting a holographic screen for the Onychinus leader to scroll through whatever evil juju he’s been up to lately—the very picture of calm detachment. 

Almost a minute passes by. 

You can’t help it. Poke. Pokepokepokepoke—

“Once you’re trapped in life’s banality, the only thing left is “staying alive.”"

“Oh, for the love of—is that a hint or not?!”

You really wish you could’ve talked to the person on Reddit about this. Ask them whether their version of Rafayel had also been this difficult, this uncooperative. It can’t be that different from what you’re dealing with, could it? 

Just a chance to talk… You brood wistfully. To know what’s happening to them right now. Ask them for advice on how to provoke some type of reactio—

Suddenly, something clicks in your brain, and you almost bite your tongue to prevent the spark of anticipation from showing on your face.  

"Alright, you win," you concede with an exaggerated sigh, raising your arms over your head to appear as if you’re simply stretching away the stiffness in your muscles. You try to inject as much reluctance in your tone. “You’re really not going to budge, huh?” 

Again, you’re met with radio silence—not that you’re expecting a response at this point. 

(Well, not yet.) 

“That’s fine…” You trail off deliberately, drawing lazy lines across the screen with your pointer finger, until it stops right before the small message icon on the left. 

With feigned innocence, you muse, “Hey, I wonder how Xavier's doing lately.” 

…

A beat. You almost believe nothing would come out of your last, and obvious, attempt at goading him but then— 

Sylus throws his head back with a sigh, casting an almost exasperated glance at the ceiling. He flicks his wrist dismissively, and Mephisto vanishes in a puff of dark smoke. There’s an unsettling fluidity in the way his gaze shifts toward you; disconcertingly lifelike, when his eyes finally–finally–lock onto yours. An intensity behind those red eyes that makes the look feel unnervingly deliberate. 

Your breath catches in your throat. There it is. The reaction you’re looking for.

A weary amusement frames the way he tilts his head sideways–with the way the corners of his mouth curve into a mocking smile, eyes never leaving yours.

He raises an eyebrow up as if to say, now what?

“I knew it,” you whisper shakily, eyes widening into saucers. “I fucking knew it.” 

“Mm, took you long enough.” 

Before you could even react to that, Sylus flashes you a two-finger salute and winks.

The game crashes. 

“Oh, no, you don’t—" you growl, not wasting any second tapping the game icon again. It doesn’t even give you a chance to reach the main menu before it glitches, and you’re back staring at the widgets on your phone’s home screen. “Motherfucker.” 

You keep trying. 

And with every attempt, Sylus, freak of nature that he is, responds with another system crash. On the eight try, you succeed on entering the game and you feel a sense of relief seeing the loading bar—before, lo and behold, it crashes once more. 

Your left eye twitches. Inhaling deeply, you hold your breath for a solid fifteen seconds before sharply exhaling through your nose.

You jab a finger on the icon of his dumb face again. You ought to change that shit as soon as this game of chicken lets up. 

“You’re gonna let me open this app, Sy-Sy,” You sang with faux cheer. “Or, swear to god, I’m uninstalling this thing before you could even—”   

… It loads successfully before you could even finish your sentence. 

“Alright, alright.” 

There he is; closer to the screen now, wearing a faint smile, as though trying to stifle a full-on grin from breaking across his face. He looks thoroughly entertained by the entire situation, like it’s the most fun he’s had in ages. “Hi, sweetheart.” 

“You–you—” Sputtering, you glare at him, betrayal in your eyes. “You’re a fucking ass!” 

“And you’re an absolute delight to play with, kitten,” Sylus coos at you, his smirk widening. But when he catches the trembling jut on your bottom lip, the amused glint in his eyes softens into something that almost seems sympathetic, and dare you say–apologetic? 

“For what it’s worth, I’ve just been waiting for the right moment to tell you. I couldn’t resist teasing you a little—but looking at you now, I see I might’ve taken it too far,” he murmurs, bowing his head slightly in a show of contrition. “I’m sorry, little dove.”

You press your lips together, your gaze darting away from the screen. “I thought I was going crazy.” As opposed to now? “B-but, um–it’s all good, I guess.”

A flush creeps up your neck when you hear him chuckle. 

Fuck, this is really happening, the hysterical thought rushes to your mind, unbidden. Chat, what’s the plan?

Tagging: @xxfaithlynxx @beewilko @browneyedgirl22 <3

[amethystpath-writes]

Could you please write a story where a fae and a human have been friends for about a year. However, the human finds out what the fae is, and freaks out, thinking the fae is toying with him or wanting to make him his servant or something. When in reality, the fae had always watched humanity from afar, and just wanted to play along to see what it was like to have genuine friends?

Always excited to see you in my inbox, love! <3

Listening to Stars

******

"You lied to me?" The human's voice cracked, and the fae felt the emotion like a whip.

"I would never," he responded, void of tone. It took control from the fae, to not respond how he wanted. To cry, or to yell, or to do anything with an overtly amount of emotion. He wanted to say, 'I would never lie to you; I can't,' but that felt like rubbing the fact in his friend's face.

"I never said I was human," he said instead, and instantly came to regret it. Rather than stopping while he was ahead, and possibly keeping his friend, the fae continued. "I wanted a friend! A real one. The fae..." He looked at his feet, not able to look the human in its eyes, then shook his head. "The fae are full of trickery and deceit. I didn't- I can't be friends with them."

The human could only scoff in return, obviously hurt by the fae boy, hurt that the fae would keep this a secret for so long. "You think I don't know your ways? That I haven't been warned all my life of the games you play?" He muttered to himself in the next moment. "A year. A whole year." It was surely meant for the human's ears only, but the fae heard it and wondered if his freind wasn't upset at himself as much as him for being fooled. Not fooled. I wasn't tricking him.

"Of course," the human started again, "a year is just a blink of the eyes to you. How many of you were in on this?"

"In on...this wasn't some elaborate plan!" The fae felt a heat like fire rise to the tips of his ears. "You all think we have the answer to everything, don't you? That our magic makes us so knowledgeable that we're bored and turn to trickery to entertain ourselves."

"Sounds about right."

Heat spread to the fae's hands as he clenched them in tight fists. He wasn't sure exactly what he was mad at. It could have been himself for hiding this secret for so long, ruining any chance of continuing to be friends with the human. If he had been transparent from the start, this moment could have been avoided. Then again, how could he blame himself when it was at the rest of the fae which created this perception of their entire race.

“What will it take?”

“What?”

“What will it take for you to believe me?”

Thinking, the human squinted. “Show me what you really look like.”

What he looked like? “And what would that prove?”

“Nothing, I just want to see.”

He didn’t change his appearance. It would just confirm his likeness to his human friend and push him away even more. “I’m not going to-”

The human shrugged. “I guess I’ll be going then. Have fun tricking the next”- he gasped.

Pale blue skin, freckles like stars, and a wicked point of the ear.

“So, can you really read the stars like they say?”

“Read them?” The fae’s brow lifted, and for two reasons. One, reading the stars? What did that even mean? Two, he expected a larger reaction from his friend, with all his demanding and suggesting there was so much distrust between the two of them.

“Yeah, like a book. They say fae can hear the stars, the stories of their creation and demise.”

A rumour. Humans loved to make those about the fae. Then again, this wasn’t the worst one he’d ever heard them spread.

“I thought you hated my kind. Now all of a sudden you want to know if we can speak to the stars?”

“Listen, not speak. You can hear their stories, but they don’t respond. The fae have their limits,” the human boy explained.

“Fae can’t hear the stars!” What an elaborate lie to create about something the humans know nothing about. “Your kind fears mine and here you are saying we talk- listen- to the stars? What do you even know of fae that’s true?”

A new argument sparked. “And what have you heard of humans?” Or so the human boy thought. He expected his friend to say something about pitchforks and torches or maybe even the fights that break out in pig pins, outside of village inns.

“I heard you make music. That you hold balls just to sway to said music and that there are people who specialise in twirly clothes. There are others that specialise in decor, plates of would coloured with berries or little…what did she call them?”

“She?” the human interrupted.

Memories flitted across the fae’s mind, but he kept his answer simple. “There was a girl, years ago, that ventured to our borders. The others fooled her into walking the way she came, but I followed her to a human town. She was a friend.” He stopped for a moment, looked the human boy in his eyes. “I did trick you, and I’m sorry, but I didn’t deceive you with magic. I knew your kind already. You make better friends than what the fae do.”

The anger from before melted away, and in its place was a melancholic blanket. It shrouded the fae boy’s mind, draped against his shoulders, and stained his teeth as he spoke.

“We can say goodbye now,” the fae said. “I won’t expect to see you again.”

“Your friend from before, do I know her?”

He didn’t expect the human boy’s to ask. In all honestly, he wished he wouldn’t have. “You did.” The pain he felt thinking about her was almost too much. At times, he would remember the human boy’s relation to her. At these times, the fae would make an excuse to go home, then hide somewhere deep in the woods so his own mind wouldn’t find him. They didn’t know about his relationship with the humans, but they knew something was odd.

“As in ‘used to?’ Was she from my village?”

“Your home,” he specified. “Do you remember the kid that visited your home, a friend of your sister’s?”

The human boy’s brows drew together, confused at the change of subject, no doubt. “When she was alive, yes. He was visiting his relative in another nearby village. Did you know them both?”

Nodding, the fae explained, “I knew her. I was him.”

Crickets chimed around the two of them, reminding both of the setting sun.

“It’s getting dark. I should go home before…anything happens.”

“The wolves don’t touch these woods.” But he understood. He hid beneath a guise, then did it all over again. “Take your time. I’ll be listening to the stars in the meanwhile. You can raise your torches and pitchforks.” He smiled as he caught the human’s eyes.

“So you don’t listen to the stars. You listen to my mind.”

“Only the second time I’ve done it, actually, but we’ll talk another time. Go home, friend.”

[pinkcaraz]

ok short summary of things taylor talked about during his just chatting portion of the stream (11/27/24). i definitely missed some stuff bc his stream was super quiet and i was doing other stuff but yea i summarized most of the points. also i left out a few parts about details on league since i didn't rly think anyone would care that much about it LOL.

taylor got home 5 days ago, had training today, will probs start hitting tmr, said he should have maybe taken more days off

he saw the novandy news, said it'll be super nice to have andy back and that he was def not expecting it

he hasn't finished arcane yet, he's waiting for morgan to watch it together

he bought a custom (?) cloud pendant (i think from an anime i'm not sure) for a chain

talking about watching faker at worlds and how insane it is bc he could see his screen and see that he was tabbing around watching all the different perspectives

wants caedrel to coach him LOL told chat to spam him to coach him in league

scuffed stream 😭 he's fumbling w his mic and facecam

he said hes former top 100 NA fifa player, said team italy should have invited them so he could smoke them at fifa LMAO

got asked why does he take off left shoe during breaks? theres a spot that hurts when he slides around so taking his shoe off to let it chill helps relieve the pain

jealous of jannik and iga for being able to slide into backhands (he was more specific about the type of shot but i missed it)

bragging about his win rate in league (again)

talking about frances' serve time violations in shanghai thought the first 2 calls of time violation were bs, but def thought the one where he faked the ball toss was valid

said he'd answer controversial tennis questions LOL

got asked why sour cream and guac? bc he doesn't like spicy that much

london airbnb incident - they booked the airbnb the day before they got there, he thought the people trying to rob the airbnb probs thought they weren't there, morgan noticed sketchy people walking up to the door in the middle of the night, he tried to bolt the door but there wasn't a bolt so he held it shut w his body, he had his racket w him and said he would have hit the intruders w a slice forehand if they got in LMAO

thoughts on racket smashing - thinks it's entertaining, ok if not putting others in danger/at risk, thinks it's entertaining for people/fans to see, somewhat humanizing effect on the player, not healthy to keep anger in, don't do it on grass tho bc it ruins the court

talking about his match v daniil - thought that one game was funny but didn't think he was intentionally throwing the match

tommy and frances playing mind games by overcomplimenting their opponent (thinking about the laver cup fed '05 moment)

hits ohbhs in practice sometimes bc he thinks his "one-y" is unbelievable, rule is he's allowed to hit it until he hits a bad one then goes back to normal

any profits he gets from the stream will go to charity ! he's interested in donating to things that help kids

players don't pay for hotels while they're in tournaments but pay for everything else

thinks michael (his coach) should def win best coach, sportsmanship award will probs go to carlos or casper

thinks most improved award should consider older players more like draper, popyrin, musetti, himself, also jasmine paolini, etc. bc it's more impressive when older players improve compared to younger guys who have more time - for ex, gmp improved a lot this yr in ranking bc he was alrdy good and finally got time to actually play to raise his ranking

preference on armstrong vs ashe - more of a preference about which times to play, armstrong has better times for him

can go through like 5 pairs of shoes during a hard court major bc of all the sliding around

said he heard a lot of positive feedback about the wta finals from the players - players were taken care of well, knows that the previous wta finals tournaments have been rough

was gonna go to usc for college if he went to college, he verbally committed to usc, but didn't really plan on going to college

taylor bought and had flowers sent to morgan in LA

said watching worlds was super sick and he thought the opening ceremony was amazing, gumayushi's pose went hard

he doesn't save vods bc he doesn't want people to clip stuff and pull stuff he said, said he feels it allows him to be more authentic on stream

slkjhfajkf he talked about the liking a homophobic tweet on accident and said he freaked out bc he was having a chill no phone day and when he went to check socmed he was like "omg i'm canceled" IM DEAD

favorite league character to play rn is viego, he wins a lot of games on him

thinks the tennis calendar should def be shorter

[asktheritochampion]

Heeeeeeey, Master Revali. I think I'm a bit temporarily confused.

If my understanding is correct, then ~105 years ago you died to Calamity, then some time ago you got better (cool, love that for you). But what's the order, were you still dead or already alive for the Upheaval? Is me mentioning the Upheaval spoilers? Other Champions have received asks about sages and Tulin in the right age so I qssume it has already passed.

Is Vah Medoh around? Was there any time travel chicanery in your memory of the Calamity 100+ years ago? Sorry, events-omniscience isn't good with paradoxes.

I'll be entirely honest with you, I have absolutely no idea.

I have memories of dying to Windblight and the Calamity destroying Hyrule. I also have memories of a tiny Guardian opening rifts and Teba turning up to aid me in defeating Windblight, and of us defeting Ganon. I also have memories of being a spirit. In truth, I've no longer got a clue which memories are the real ones, and whenever I ask people what history entails, I get mixed answers from everybody I speak to. It's almost as if several timelines became tangled and nobody seems to know what really happened anymore.

All I know is that some day recently, I suddenly woke up alive and well aboard Vah Medoh, was discovered by Teba, and have been living in the present ever since.

The Upheaval was about halfway through when I woke, and I didn't have much of an opportunity to assist while I was recovering from quire severe injuries. However it was entertaining enough to observe from afar just how swiftly it was delt with this time around.

The Divine Beasts are currently in storage beneath the Castle; however I visit Vah Medoh often. She can no longer function as a weapon as her energy core has been used up and must recharge for a few decades at least.

The most frustrating part about it all is that before my death, I was a few years older than that brat of a knight, and now somehow upon awakening I'm a few years younger than him. As if the runt needed anything more to lord over me. I supose he must have been alive and aging for a period before I was revived. Still, it's a surreal situation to be in.

I try not to think about it all too much else it gives me a terrible headache and an existential crisis.

[ashortdropandasuddenstop]

James’s patience was already wearing thin as Skylar’s voice cut through the air with an endless stream of taunts and insults, none of which he'd answer. By the time they neared the doors of Vought Tower, James had had enough.

With a feral growlhiss, he whipped Skylar around, slamming him against the nearest wall, uncaring of the stares from passing employees and visitors. His neon green eyes burned with a fury that threatened to consume. One hand stayed locked on Skylar’s collar, while the other clamped over his mouth with a force that left no room for struggle.

Skylar’s muffled protests were met with nothing but James’s tightening grip, and then—James’s eyes narrowed, their neon green glow intensifying. He focused his will, letting the ancient power of thrall take hold. “Look at me,” James demanded, his tone sharp and commanding. Skylar’s resistance faltered as his gaze was drawn, like a moth to flame, into the elder vampire’s hypnotic stare.

“You WILL shut up,” James snarled, his voice low and venomous. He leaned in close, his gaze piercing, pinning Skylar in place like a predator staring down prey. “You’ve run your mouth long enough, and I’ve entertained it more than I should have. But let me make one thing clear, you insufferable brat: you will not speak another word until I allow it.”

As Skylar’s body went slack, and his rebellious energy subdued for the moment, James smirked . “Good, This may not last long, but it’ll be long enough to get you where you need to be.”

Dragging Skylar into the building, James made a beeline for the elevator, his grip firm but controlled now. Employees and visitors moved out of the way, some sparing curious glances, others wisely pretending not to notice the furious vampire escorting what appeared to be a docile—albeit reluctant—young man.

As the elevator doors closed behind them, James let out a sharp exhale, glancing down at Skylar with a sneer. “You brought this on yourself,” he muttered. “And believe me, whatever Homelander decides to do with you will be far kinder than what I’d have done if you’d kept running your mouth.”

The elevator began its ascent toward the Seven’s meeting room, the tense silence punctuated only by the hum of the machinery. James’s gaze stayed fixed forward, though his grip on Skylar didn’t falter for a second. Even under thrall, he didn’t trust the younger vampire not to pull some stunt.

“Enjoy the calm while it lasts, whelp,” James added quietly, his voice tinged with dark amusement. “You’ll wish you’d kept your tongue behind your teeth by the time this night is through.”

Skylar didn’t have time to react nor defend himself. One minute he was standing, mouthing off to the elder vampire. The next, his back collided with brick and he let out a hiss of pain as something cracked. Red eyes glared at James as the younger vampire attempted to break free of the hold, to retaliate. But it was no use. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, James was stronger.

The grip on his throat was like a vice, and while Skylar didn’t need to breathe, he felt himself panicking. Though, James had successfully found a way to silence the kid and allow him room to speak. All Skylar could do was listen and struggle within that grip. Yet those eyes spoke for him, glaring the elder to death. There was so much rage, so much anger and frustration in those eyes. It was clear he wasn’t used to being scalded like this, nor expected to be when he ventured out tonight. Meeting an elder was one thing, but for said elder to be Homelander’s puppet was a whole other can of worms entirely.

A growlhiss left Skylar as he felt that knee to his stomach, nails clawing at that hand around his throat, trying his best to break free. Oh, how he wanted to make James regret his actions, get his own back. He wanted nothing more than to beat the arrogance out of him. He met those eyes dead on with a mirrored look of fury. James may have the upper hand but Skylar was standing his ground…as best he could until his feet were dangling in the air. He squirmed like a caught feline, feral and hissing at the elder in response to the threats and warnings. However, his face fell at the mention of being taken to Homelander.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! I’m not going anywhere near him! I want nothing to do with him except put him six feet under.” Skylar growled, struggling as he was dragged, doing all he could to make it difficult and frustrating for the elder. A true brat indeed. “Actually…on second thought, sure. Take me to your master, dog. I’ll be more than happy to drain him dry. I’ll even let you watch.” He laughed, cruel and mocking, returning the tone he’d been given. “What, you think I’m scared of him?! I despise him with every fibre of my undead being. He’s a narcissistic prick, all show, all glamour. He makes me fucking sick.” Skylar spat, knowing his words got to James, but he didn’t care. He was that frustrated, that angry, he was running his mouth without really thinking.

Skylar still struggled, making things as awkward and difficult for James as possible while he was pulled toward the tower. Despite his efforts, it didn’t stop the inevitable and before long Vought Tower was right in front of them. “You have no idea how satisfying it would be to burn this goddamn tower to the ground with your precious boy scout inside. This is like a modern version of Dracula’s castle. God, I hate cliches.” He huffed, lip curling at the sight of the tower up close. Given it was a public building, he knew he wouldn’t need permission to enter. Even if he did, James seemed fairly set on him meeting Homelander whether he liked it or not.

Of course, just because they arrived at the tower didn’t mean Skylar didn’t stop being awkward and struggling. Oh, no. He was fully set on making James’ life hell, still pulling against that grip, dragging his feet, gripping and holding onto anything he could. Sure, he might be making himself look like an idiot by causing scenes, but he didn’t care. Even as they walked past visitors and employees, Skylar ran his mouth at them. “What’s so special about Homelander anyway?” and “Don’t you think Homelander is getting a bit too old to be doing this sort of thing?” and “Y’know, there’s definitely more to that Flight 37 thing than they’re telling us. Funny how things always fuck up whenever Homelander is involved!”

[supermarketcrush]

mildly insane to me that so many people are just now saying 'i dont usually go here but' 'i've never listened to rap before but this is funny' like...i dont think "if you've never been interested in rap before you're racist" is a good or even accurate broad generalization to make but the line is also. pretty thin

[winepresswrath]

the thing about revisit of the fight in 1x5 is that Louis started it and Louis kept it going and Louis threatened to kill Lestat but it's kicked off because Lestat put his hands on Claudia. that's what tips Louis over the edge into physical violence.

and the other thing about that fight is that Louis was not going to leave Lestat. He's not focused on trying to get away or comfort Claudia, though he is enraged on her behalf. He is trying to hurt Lestat. He can't really hurt him but he doesn't know that yet. He wants to punish him for both what he did to Claudia and for Claudia leaving in the first place. honestly knowing Louis probably for some other stuff while he's at it. he's been punishing him for seven years. But I really don't think he was going to actually try and leave him. that's so fucked up. they're so fucked up.

[tompoose]

if you had to smite from the earth either nixon or garfield who would you eliminate. history will continue unchanged except if you smite nixon all the nixon memes disappear and if you smite garfield the orange cat goes with him

I would sacrifice anything that is dear to me to scrub this animal from all the veins of culture that it has slithered into. I was frustrated with the Garfield comic strip from the twentieth of August, 2024.

Jim Davis has given up trying to claw from the mud. He has drawn a cat looking at the reader and telling a wet joke. By making Garfield a mere static image to surround text, Davis has taken the work of his heart and lowered it to the level of the borders that surround a pop up window. My feelings on this topic eclipse and obliterate any other nuances to your question. If ever presented a shot at this king, I would take it.

[icecoldbitchbird]

“How so?” Andrealphus asked directly, his head cocked to the side a little as he gazed, questioningly across at Vassago. Andrealphus suspected that he already knew the answer — he was faltering. It were as though two halves of himself were warring. There was the usual side of him that flaunted his beauty and talent, desperate for praise and attention. Then there was whatever this shit show was. It was all Vassago’s fault, he decided bitterly. It was his sincerity that left the marquis wanting to deflect all conversation about himself. The stakes seemed too high…as though, if he were to indulge himself in the praise, he might show something far too genuine in response.

“…you truly believe a grocer to be equal in importance to a prince…?” he uttered the words as though barely believing that he had heard them properly in the first place. A genuine scoff slipped from Andrealphus’ beak, his head shaking a little at the sheer ridiculousness of what the Prince was saying. The simple truth was: a lowly imp would not survive 5 minutes in the tumultuous political landscape of the Ars Goetia — although, he was sure it would be entertaining to watch one try~ “You downplay your own contributions and talents, your highness,” the words slipped from his beak like a soft purr, a measured smile decorating his features. “I cannot speak for your childhood, but I, myself, have spent my entire life being prepared for my duties to the council,” he paused for a moment, “It is a lofty duty, and one that our kind have endless years of expertise within,” To think that someone could simply step in and perform the role was preposterous in Andrealphus’ eyes.

This, bizarrely, felt far more natural to Andrealphus. The two rarely saw eye to eye on topics such as this, but at least he felt more akin to the cold, level-headed, diplomat that debated within the council — not some flustered idiot that was so terrified of being authentically seen by the handsome man in front of him that he stopped functioning properly. “Ah, I see…so we are all equally replaceable…” he mused, “That’s not a very comforting thought, Vassago, makes me feel rather redundant.” After all, if Andrealphus’ life was measured entirely by his work. If died tomorrow and they held no struggle in replacing him then…well, what was his worth?

starter for the lovely @vassago-rp

The soft, demonic, glow of turquoise eyes reflected back at Andrealphus from the crystalline windows of his snow-covered mansion. An appreciative chirping trill hummed in his throat as he inspected his appearance — the substantial amount of time the marquis had spent preening in front of the mirror that morning had clearly paid off. There wasn’t a single feather out of place on his body. To others, his immaculate appearance was a sign of of his unconcealed vanity. Just the pompous theatrics of an attention hungry peacock. To Andrealphus, applying a delicate, subtle, swipe of eyeliner or adorning his body in luxurious silks and precious gems was the same as applying war paint and battle armour. Truth is, the bird would sooner be caught dead than poorly dressed. It was a power move. A weapon that could be weirded on the social battlefield. The icy-cold avian had found that social meetings were little more than a vicious battlefield, disguised as civility. The simple truth of the matter was that any minor misstep could damage your reputation — and there was nothing more important to most goetia than their reputation.

Thanks to his brain dead sister and her, tragically beautiful, bastard of a husband their reputation had been…on thin ice, so to speak. As the only member of his family who seemed capable of successfully utilising his intellect, it’d soon become his responsibility to oversee damage control. It was laborious. More than ever, the need to be perfect had began to weigh heavy as the diamond-encrusted tiara that sat atop his head.

The sound of the door handle squeaking softly snapped Andrealphus out of his thoughts — what an unpleasant noise. He really ought to get that damn thing replaced! The door swept open to reveal his guest of honour, Prince Vassago. The impish butler that had led the prince to the room bowed deeply before closing the door behind Vassago and fleeing to ready the tea. “Your majesty, I’m so glad you could make it~” there was a light-hearted ease within his words, the peacock bowing a little in a gesture of respect. Andrealphus then took a moment to allowed his eyes to linger on the prince’s appearance, the brilliant red feathers of the other man were vibrant against the backdrop of snow and ice. With a delicate sweep of his hand, Andrealphus gestured towards the table, two impish servants scurried to pull out chairs for both of the men, “Please, take a seat.”