#something about it makes me so. like. you can physically FEEL the nothingness there and the desperation+fear she has. whew

[cowlvent]

clara reaching back into the unknown darkness for several long, agonizing seconds "i'm right please god say i'm right" AND THEN SHE IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the core of their relationship plays out right there: clara can and will defy death, and the doctor will always save clara, even when it seems impossible. (and it's crucial that this is the first really doctor-y moment he has as twelve.) the growth and distortion of these fundamental beliefs drive the two of them to their eventual end.

[mirroringshards]

bpd is actually so crazy i cannot tell you how genuinely intense everything feels.

i get so, so upset during episodes over the smallest of things. it isnt just "oh im sad" either its fucking cutting myself, wanting to die, hyperventilating and begging and pleading and making a plan to kill myself because what im feeling genuinely seems like the end of the world. theres a void inside of me that can only be filled by a love so intense that it drives me to insanity. i will overeat, spend unnecessarily, hurt myself, cling and depend on people who give me the slightest bit of attention, send suggestive things of myself to others, and put myself in dangerous situations just to feel something. that void can only ever be truly filled by an fp. without one, i feel so, so empty. i truly feel like im nothing without them. their whole existence, getting to see and talk to them everyday, getting to be with them, is the whole reason that i continue to survive. the moment theyre gone, even for five minutes, its back to nothingness. i cannot feel without them, i physically cannot bring myself to. but having a fp is so, so painful. their mood determines mine. how they treat me will determine how i feel. everyone else compared to them feels miniscule and unimportant. i could be seriously harmed by another person or admired by another person and it wouldnt matter, because the only person whos opinion of me matters is my fp. i would cut off all of my friends just to be with them and them only. i would do anything to stay with them. and when they leave, you have to understand that my whole purpose has been torn away from me. my whole reason for continuing to live gets fucking ripped away from me. and when they ignore me? i put myself in dangerous situations, i hurt myself, just so theyll come and find me and save me, take care of me, feel bad for me. i try to make them feel the same pain they make me feel by ignoring them, purposely triggering them, trying to get back at them. i hate them, because what could be more important to you than me? i put you above all else, why cant you do the same? nobody else, nothing else, should be more important or as important than me, because thats how i feel about you. and fuck, it hurts so bad knowing my partners will never feel as intensely for me as i will for them, unless im their fp. it hurts knowing that theyll truly never feel the same level of obsession and want for me that i feel for them. that theyll never be able to fully return those feelings. but its so hard being mutual fps with someone. it drives you insane. it can lead to horrid situations.

bpd is so, so hard. i hate this disorder.

[peachsukii]

✮ content. little thoughts related to this post. fem!reader. mentions of mental health struggles & blood/wound care. reader is a little mean to herself. angst w/ comfort + fluff. softie bakugo.

Lost in the nothingness inside your head, you don’t have time to react when the cup slips from your hands, crashing into the sink with a loud crack. It was an accident, but you can’t help thinking that the universe is out to get you, and somehow, that you deserved it. Your favorite mug laid in ceramic slices, shattered under the running water of the kitchen sink.

“The hell was that?” Bakugo calls from the living room while making his way to the kitchen. “Did ya—”

He stops, the look on your face sending a chill through him as you stared into the sink basin, eyes unfocused and hazy. Carefully, he approaches you and turns off the water.

“Sweets, you’re bleeding,” Bakugo says hurriedly, a hand coming to take the shard from your grasp. When did you even pick that up?

“Lemme clean you up, yeah?” It’s phrased as a question, but Bakugo won’t take no for an answer — it’s not in his vocabulary. He runs into the bathroom and back to the kitchen in the blink of an eye, first aid kit in hand. The tin bangs against the counter as he throws it open. He lets out a breath before taking your hand to examine it further.

“Doesn’t look like anythin’ is stuck in the cut. Here,” Bakugo pauses to turn the faucet on and pushes your hand under the icy stream of water. “S’gonna sting, but cold water helps numb it.”

“Might make me feel something,” you mumble monotonously. “Other than stupid for dropping the damn thing.”

“Hey.” Bakugo orders sternly, fingers instantly finding your chin to turn your gaze toward him. “None’a that. Shit happens, you didn’t break it on purpose.”

You roll your eyes at him when he lets go, unintentionally getting snippy at his words. “Sure, I’m constantly terrible at everything because shit happens. Can’t be that I’m a failure of a hero, or at everything lately.”

“Stop.” Bakugo’s hands tremble as he rummages through the first aid kit to find what he needs. He hates seeing you spiral, loathes hearing you talk so poorly about yourself during these episodes. “S’not your fa—”

“But it is my fault!” You don’t mean to interrupt him, but your emotions are getting the best of you in the moment, the pain begging to be released at any cost. “All this misery and pain is exhausting. I should’ve let the villains take—”

Bakugo unexpectedly slams the first aid kit closed and shuts you up instantly. You’re speechless, the sudden outburst shaking you out of your self pity party and shifting into concern for him.

“…Katsuki?” You ask sheepishly, knowing full well your words cut him deeper than any knife could.

“Please…stop.” He turns his back to you, a hand coming to his face to pinch the bridge of his nose. The air is heavy, the only noise being the water trickling over your wound. All he wanted to do was take care of you, fix your physical wounds in order to help heal your emotional ones. "Not sayin' ya can't be upset, just...don't say shit like that."

He’s right, you know he’s right.

“I didn’t mean it.”

“I know.” Bakugo turns back toward you, brushing his fingers over your cheek. “Don’t wanna think about you not bein’ here is all.”

Before you can stop yourself, the question spills over your lips. “But Katsuki, why are you here?”

He hesitates for a few seconds, cycling past the urge to spit back something sarcastic or harsh to such a stupid question. You think for a moment that he’s considering leaving without a word, the hurt in his eyes evident from your negative attitude.

“Do I need a reason?” He tilts his head before lowering his eyes back to your hand, gently taking it in his and flipping your palm toward him, dabbing the excess water away from the open cut. “Y’know if I didn’t wanna be somewhere that I wouldn’t bother.”

“Yeah, but—”

He holds his free hand up to interrupt you. “M’here ‘cause I happen to love your ass and don’t like seein’ ya down. I won’t leave ya when you’re strugglin’, what kind of hero would I be then?”

You don’t mean to, but scoff at the mention of being a hero. “Always gotta be the hero.”

Bakugo stops to take a deep breath before invading your space, dropping the cloth from his hand and encasing you in a hug, his dry hand pushing your cheek against his chest. “Listen, sweetheart. Fight me all ya want, but as long as my heart is beating, m’gonna be here to take care of you. Sunshine or rainstorms, good and bad times. We figure it out together. I’ll keep drillin’ it into your head until you believe me, no matter how long it takes.”

There’s no point in arguing any further or being stubborn, Bakugo always knew how to win that race. A graceful surrender is your best option. He lets out a dry huff of victory at your silence, a tiny grin plastered on his face when he pulls away from you to return to the first aid kit.

“Now lemme wrap up your damn hand before you bleed all over my kitchen, then I’ll take ya to get a new mug. Deal?”

Your lips curl into a half-smile, suddenly feeling a little lighter than earlier, even if it’s just for a moment. “Deal.”

[ghouljams]

sex question!! i think I might be asexual- sex has always been painful for me, not to mention i get zero pleasure from penetration, and i usually leave sessions crying from pain. My libido has plummeted to basically nothingness, but i feel so guilty because I know my husband really enjoys sex. Is this something i should bring up to a gyno?? I’ve never been to one, and i feel embarrassed going in and being like “my cooch doesn’t work right”

Oh my god. Yes babe, you should talk to your gyno like yesterday.

This isnt an asexual thing, this is a mwdical issue that you need to talk to your doctor about. It sounds like vaginismus (potentially) which is a pelvic floor disorder that can cause A LOT of pain during sex.

You also need to talk to your husband about sex being painful for you. Sex that hurts or sex that's forcing your vagina to do something it doesn't want to do can make things worse, and lead to lasting trauma around sex.

You shouldn't feel guilty about putting your health first, and if your husband has a problem with that then... lemme at him and I'll knock some sense into him. He should care more that you're crying after sex than that he wants pleasure. This isn't about him. This is about you not being in pain. He can suck it the fuck up and get himself off if he's that desperate.

Find a gynecologist. I promise you they aren't scary, and they will do their best not to hurt you. If you do end up having vaginismus you'll need physical therapy and they'll help you figure that out as well. Besides that they do a lot of important testing for things like breast cancer and cervical cancer, which everyone should be getting checked for regularly after 25.

Don't be embarrassed to tell your doctor that things aren't working right, that's what they're there for.

[stardustjie]

𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜

when ellie wanted to go on a walk and you confessed your feelings for her (female reader, fluff)

author's note: this fanfiction was written in may 2023, so way before the current events in palestine. i apologise if posting this is inappropriate. please, boycott and donate to palestine if you can

"so, there is this theory. the universe is essentially cyclical, its destined to end and start again the exact same way. this means history has followed the same path since the dawn of time, humans have suffered and will suffer since we are meant to live the same life over and over an infinite amount of times. however, this also means we have been lived this exact moment and infinite amount of time. we are destined meet in every life, every single one of them" you said, enfolding yourself in ellie's jacket.

it was march. spring was slowly coming and the evening air was still quite cold, enough for ellie to lay her jacket on your shoulders the moment you started complaining about the temperature. there was a party in jackson and you didn’t care enough to ask what the reason to celebrate was. you just wanted to be there if ellie was there. you came earlier than everyone else, watching the door waiting to her to walk through the entrance. you saw her after a good fifteen minutes sat at your table and in a few moments she was sitting in front of you. when the music became too loud she asked if you wanted to keep talking outside.

"basically we are cursed" and she giggled. you were walking right outside the pub, trying to get away from the crowd and stay alone for a while. ellie started to talk about the universe before, about some theories she read on a book she found during one of her patrols. good heavens, you could listen to her ramblings for hours. you hoped that fun fact could impress her, at least a little bit. you could smell her on her jacket, so you squeeze its hems and ellie seemed to notice.

"so meeting me was a curse?" you jokingly asked and that was enough to make the other girl blush. you could feel her nervousness. it was dark already and the street light created a good atmosphere, everything made her face look ever prettier. you couldn’t wait for the summer to come, it would have accentuate her freckles and she would have her iconic half-bun hairstyle.

"absolutely fucking not! i mean... its probably one of the few things i want to experence again. like reading my favourite chapter for the first time again" she clumsily tried to explain, moving her hands a little bit to emphasize the concept. hoping it would make it make sense. for a moment you thought she could physically hear your heartbeat for how hard it was. you had a crush on ellie for quite a while and multiple times you found yourself doing whatever you could to spend more time with her. you even considered joining the patrol training. "how did we started talking about this?"

"well, we started talking about your comic serie, then about the universe and you got a little passionate about the topic. and i shared this amazing theory. i read a few articles in the library the other day, i thought you might find it interesting." you started, looking away to the street. you were to embarassed to actually look at her in the eyes and you could really feel the blood reaching your cheeks, so you decided to focus on a random point in the other direction. "i wanted to impress you. sometimes you start your ramblings and i find myself unable to reply, so i started looking for something to say. that's how i found the most depressing theory ever"

for a good moment you could only hear your own steps on the cobblestone and the confused background noise. ellie just stopped for a moment whike hearing your explaination, her eyes looking into the nothingness in front of her and her mind just internally replaying everything you have said. you stopped after a few steps, turning around just to see ellie lost for a second. before you could ask if everything was okay, she started talking. "wow... i mean, this somehow makes the idea less depressing"

"honestly? i would go through everything just to meet you again and i'm glad the thought of you doing the same isnt that depressing anymore" you replied smiling. in a few seconds ellie was right beside you like before and you just kept walking in silence. a little bit closer this time. the only sounds that filled the silence were your steps and some background voices you didn’t bother to listen. nobody could bother your personal heaven. and if the universe had to be destroyed and recreated to make you live it again, so be it.

"just to be clear, meeting you was the best thing that happened to me so far" you specified, still holding the hems of her jacket between your fingers to keep it on your shoulders. you had the courage to look at her and smile, waiting for a reaction. it was getting late, you were out of the town centre at this point and your two glasses of liquor at the bar made you braver than you would have thought. it was late, the stars were shining right above the two of you and there was no one around you. even the street light were fewer.

you walked a little faster, just a few steps and turned around to face the other girl. ellie had a perplexed expression on her face as she stopped. you slightly leaned forward, towards her. it was difficukt to describe how loud your heartbeat was in that instant and you could physically feel the change of the atmosphere, it was more tense and sentimental. you closed your eyes and took all the courage you had. you couldn’t go back anyway. "if the universe has to collapse to make each other meet again then good. if we had met each other in every universe, in every timeline,... i wouldn’t want to meet anyone else"

saying ellie was startled would be an understatement. little did you know she was hoplessly trying to hide her crush on you or how fast her heart was beating when she had the opportinuty to give you her jacket. you didn’t know about the times she looked at you from afar or how she talked about you to her friends when they were alone or about the many times she wrote about you in her journal. and now there she was, looking at you with wide eyes and not a single word on her mouth as you were essentially confessing your feelings for her.

you waited for her answer for a few moments. you tilted your head and watched her unsure of how you should behave, biting your own lips for the nervousness. you were almost sure you fucked up your friendships at this point. "oh, fuck" she started. her mind was crushing for a hot minute, not really processing what you said. you could see redness speading across her cheeks and over her freckles, decorating her face. "no, its just that... shit"

"too cheesy?" you asked with a slightly embarassed face. at this point you couldn’t really care anymore about whatever feeling of nervousness you have felt during the time you had a crush on her. crush that, at this point, was quite too obvious. it was the perfect moment, the perfect background to have either a romantic confession or your heart broken. it was worth it regardless.

"its the right amount of cheesy" she replied, hiding her mouth behind her hand. ellie never thought anyone would ever think of a space-themed love confession, especially she never thought the prettiest girl in town would confess her feelings for her with a space-themed love confession. "its the perfect amount of cheesy, actually" she commented quietly. she sighed.

you didn’t move a centimetre the moment she walked into your direction, so painfully aware of every step she took. of her perfume and how much you wanted to disapoear in the crook of her neck to snell it properly. of how warm her hand was when she reached for your cheeks. and under the stars, you kissed.

[glupikrol]

uhm.... sekaistuck

Here's my analysis of n25's classpects, I also made art of them, and changed the godtier designs a bit to fit them better, made it a bit more personalized.

Kanade - Sylph of Time

Sylph is a class that heals with their aspect, or creates the aspect in others.

One of the symbols of the aspect of time is music.

So you probably know where I'm going with this, Kanade wishes to save as much people with her music as possible, no matter the cost, even if it takes a toll on her physical and mental health. She spends as much time as possible on composing, to get more time she consumes energy drinks and eats instant noodles.

Sylphs have natural understanding of their aspect - Kanade is a composing prodigy, at the age of 10 she was making better music than her father, and in area conversations it's revealed that she's a living timer, she knows exactly when the light will turn green because she counts the seconds and never misses.

When she promised Mafuyu to keep composing for her, it made Mafuyu keep trying to look for her true self. So in classpect terms, she literally created more time for her. Her music also brings comfort to thousands of n25 listeners, keeps them going. Kanade is a patient person too, she has no problem in giving Ena more time to work on her art if it means it'll be better, in this case she's the most understanding in n25.

Mafuyu - Maid of Void

Maid is a class that is burdened by their aspect, and is also 'made' of it. It's often interpreted as a class that creates their aspect for themselves.

The aspect of Void symbolises emptiness, nothingness, the unknown, shadows, secrets, lack of meaning, but also infinite potential and hidden talents. It's an aspect of people lost in the dark.

So the Maid of Void creates nothingness, is made of nothingness, and is burdened by nothingness, which sounds weird but actually fits Mafuyu very much. She literally created empty SEKAI from her true feelings - how cold and empty she feels. She also keeps n25 and her true feelings a secret from her mother. And regarding the burden of nothingness - she is tired of not knowing who she is, she is tired of coldness and emptiness she feels in her chest.

But I don't think Mafuyu hates what void represents, she likes the calm and quiet of empty SEKAI, she cares about her empty aquarium, she does find some comfort in nothingness, it's just the fact that there's too much of it.

But it's not all sad and gloom, Void is hidden potential and talents, which Mafuyu has tons of, to the point it makes Ena jealous.

Ena - Prince of Space

Prince is someone who works hard and relies on outside validation. Basically Ena.

Space is associated with arts and crafts, it's about creating material stuff you can touch.

I don't have a coherent analysis here, just trust me bro. I really can't explain my thought process here as well as I want, so I'm just leaving you the short classpect description, check out the sources if you wanna know more about the classpect.

Mizuki - Knight of Heart

Knights are people who put up a front to hide their weaknessses and insecurities. They're also the guardian of their aspect.

Heart is an aspect of identity, Heart players live rich inner lives and are invested in self-discovery, they tend to be dramatic and often struggle with being misunderstood.

Mizuki does everything they can to hide their problems under their bubbly personality, they don't want to be too bothersome to others. When Ena is worried about them, Mizuki feels like they're a bad person. They've been hurt in the past, and struggle with anyone getting too close, essentially, guarding their Heart.

It may be hard to notice at first, but Mizuki is one of the most emotionally intelligent characters in the cast. They did self-discovery, they do self-retrospection, and in turn they understand other people better. They're quick to pick up when something is wrong, or when someone feels down - they see the little things. Mizuki was the first character to notice mafumom's weird behavior too.

Sources:

@classpect-navelgazing - My main source, I recommend checking them out because their theory is different than the classic view of the classpect and is pretty interesting. Very well made too! I think their aspects descriptions are better than the canon ones lmao.

@dahniwitchoflight - I used some of the elements of their theory too - most notably the bits about Maid and Sylph class. Good to check them out if you're interested!

The extended zodiac quiz - It has a lot of problems and I don't consider most of it canon, but the moons description and time's description are fine imo.

These sources are condtradictadory, yes, and while reading them you might notice that I didn't stick to some of the descriptions that much, but doing this little analysis I kept in mind that in the end the classpects are more about the vibe than anything else (but also not really, you see, it's complicated)

[reds-writings]

Hi😊

I love how you write and since you were asking for writing requests I have one (for 2012 Rust ofc):

It's possible a combination of 2 prompts?

If it is then:

1-Angst prompt(keeping things from the other to spare their feelings)

And 8- soft kissing prompts ( kissing them while cleaning their wounds)

Thank you so much for writing for us and don't feel pressured to write this if you don't want to!

( by the way have you heard Experience from Ludovico Einaudi? I think it's perfect for the jj series and for TD in general)

“I didn’t know for days.”

“I-”

“Days, Rust.” You cut him off, voice cracking jaggedly as you took in his appearance. Never had he looked so beaten and small, so physically fragile. 

Every part of your nervous system felt as if it was breaking down. You hated being in hospitals more than anything and you were due to crumble any minute now. 

What a fucked couple of weeks. 

“I’ve done enough. Couldn’t bother to ask you here…” He rasped. It was a weak as shit excuse and you both knew it. The scoff you offered in reply was a harsh lashing to his already feeble resolve, 

“You say that yet here you are. Always doin' more and botherin' me more than I can put into words.” 

That was mean. He deserved it. 

Partly. 

You pushed down the rising bile soured with devastation in your throat. You weren’t here to fight, even if that's all you knew how to do now.

“I don’t know if it’ll breach your thick skull but…when Maggie called me about what happened…my heart just about gave out. I mean that.” You said solemnly, shaking hands starting to bunch at your sides.

God, you didn’t know the last time you cried over this man but you remember just how easy he made it.

“Maggie called?” It was almost funny how bad he was at tampering down his shock at that information.

“Yeah. Imagine that.” You huffed dryly, wrapping your arms around yourself as you took a seat in the flimsy chair opposite his hospital bed. You continued,

“I almost didn’t answer. But I figured she wouldn’t call after all this time for nothin’. I made sure of that years ago…” You looked anywhere but him. His window seemed like a portal to nothingness with how dark it was outside. Like reality didn’t exist beyond these four walls. 

Clearing your throat you shifted back toward him, 

“Marty said you need a place to stay so I set up a room for you.”

“No that won’t-”

“I wasn’t askin’.” 

Rust makes no move to speak further.

“Plus if I get sick of you fast enough…I’ll just hand you off back to Marty. Just figured you’d want more breathin’ room than his bachelor pad.”

That gets a wry wheeze out of him, though he looks on the verge of breaking. Marty mentioned something being different now. That something within Rust had shifted during this whole experience that couldn’t quite be explained. 

You’d keep your questions for later.

Sitting in a charged bubble of silence for what felt like forever, taking each other in to the fullest extent, you break it to reach for a clean rag and soak it in a basin that rested close by in the room. 

The care you took in dotting at his marred, tender skin could’ve had him worshipping you at your feet but he wouldn't ruin this with words. A feeling of warmth and hope he hadn’t known in over a decade encased him at your gentle action, leaving him feeling like an exposed livewire.

There was no telling where you’d end up. If things would ever be as they were before. 

But with a barely there kiss to his hairline, it felt like a start to the repairment of a soul tie left buried too long ago. 

[rougepancake]

WORK ETHIC

FT. Vampire Hunter! Tengen Uzui; Vampire! Afab! Reader

WELCOME TO THE MONSTER MASQUERADE

WARNINGS: Minors and ageless blogs dni. Violence, marking, biting, sorry but Tengen gets whiny (bottom tengen for the win), no mention of his wives, alcohol. Not proofread.

SUMMARY: Vampires hide in the dark, out of fear that the light will carry away their souls into the nothingness. It’s a vampire hunter’s job to take them out before the sunlight can. They follow a strict set of rules, but many wind up breaking them. Even Tengen Uzui.

There’s something about the way he looks at you from across the room. You’re serving drinks at the bar as usual, and you recognize the faces of many different regulars, except for him.

He’s the only one you don’t recognize.

You’re 98 percent sure that he’s not even from this town. He sure doesn’t look like a local. But that’s not even what makes you uncomfortable. It’s the fact that he’s staring you down in a room full of people, as if he knows what you are.

So, to deter his thoughts, you decided to walk over and take his order.

“I’m sorry mister, but you’re going to have to buy a drink if you wanna sit here,” you smile kindly, careful to not show him your teeth. “What can I get you started with tonight?”

His deep red eyes meet yours and you feel shivers run down your spine. Oh shit. He knows. “Can I get your name, beautiful?” He asks with a cocky grin that doesn’t meet his eyes. It’s unsettling, and you want to run away, but you can’t. He’ll kill you.

“Just call me whatever you want darling, cause my name isn’t of any importance to someone out of town.” Maintaining your smile feels like a chore, since it’s no longer genuine. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say that he could sense your fear.

“Well you can call me Tengen. Tengen Uzui. And I’ll take whatever your best seller is.” He waves you away and you let out a breath that you didn’t even realize you were holding. You head off to prepare his drink, all while doing your best to not look back at him. He was watching you, and you knew it. Someone had sent him out here in search of you. But why? No one could have possibly have known your secret.

The hours began to pass by as if they were nothing, and soon, the regulars began to filter out. Before you knew it, you were left alone with none other than your new friend Tengen.

Your new friend who was out to kill you.

“It’s closing time, you might wanna head out.” Your voice echoes across the room, and you notice him startle at the sound of it. A couple of drinks and he was already this out of it? Maybe he wasn’t who you thought. Or maybe you happened to luck out by getting him drunk.

“Why don’t I head out with you?” His words slurred slightly, and you couldn’t help but sigh.

“Did you drink away your woes, Tengen?” The question passed through your lips without a second thought, instant regret washing over you. You were met with silence. Maybe he hadn’t heard you.

Warily, you looked over your shoulder. You had expected to see him sitting at the table still, yet there was no sign of him. There’s no way he could have disappeared so quickly. It was physically impossible.

“Shit.” The sun would be rising soon, which meant that you had to get out of here as soon as possible. But you couldn’t just leave him behind, lest you confirm his thoughts about you. It was a true dilemma you found yourself in, and you didn’t like it one bit.

“In a hurry to leave, are we?”

His voice came from behind you, and you could sense how close he was. You should’ve seen that one coming.

“Just a little. I’ve got things to attend to when I get home.” Nice coverup. Hopefully he wouldn’t look too far into it.

“May I ask you some questions first?” He circled around you so that he could get a good look of your face. Without warning, he leaned in, his breath warm against your cool skin. “Have you seen any suspicious activities going on out here?”

He didn’t even wait for you to answer, instead, he reached his hand up and grabbed your chin harshly. He reeked of alcohol, and his eyes were lidded. It was only now that you realized how much taller he was than you.

His thumb moved your upper lip up, revealing your sharp fangs. Instinctively, you bit him and kicked him away, thankful for your inhuman strength.

“Who blew my cover?” You couldn’t help but ask as you pushed him down onto the floor. You could tell he wasn’t expecting you to fight back, seeing as he was stunned by your actions. “Answer me!” As you raised your voice, his eyes widened. Where had his stake gone?! Any of his charms?? Shit! Did he leave them behind at the inn?!?

Your fangs flashed as you lowered yourself to his level, and he tensed involuntarily. “That’s none of your business, monster.” You kicked him and grabbed the collar of his shirt so you could pull him closer to you. After such an insult, he deserved what was coming to him. “You’re not as flashy as you make yourself seem, and it’s disgusting.”

“And you’re not as brave as you’d like to think.” A single deep breath and you’d be able to smell his blood pulsing through his veins. He was definitely a delectable taste, you could just feel it. “Look at you, your heart is pounding in your chest, and it’s making you smell… divine…” You released him and stood up, giving him a disgusted stare. “But I’m not hungry. Such a shame. It seems like you liked the idea of being fed off of.”

“Woah now, you’re gonna leave a man like me all hot and bothered?”

“Yes.”

You saw him shift slightly, tilting his head away from you, as if to showcase his neck. Did he seriously want you to bite him? Or did he just need a reason to put you down…

“What? Do you want me to taste you?” He’s avoiding your gaze, and you can’t help but scoff. Desperate. “You know if I bite you you’re bound to me, right? It’s like a contract that’s in place until you die.”

“Can’t a man be curious?” He propped himself up onto his elbows, giving you a smirk. “Your fangs are pretty flashy, and I love flashy things.”

“Aren’t you supposed kill me? Isn’t that your job as a vampire hunter, or am I misunderstanding your job description?” You lean back down and stare at him, your curiosity getting the better of you.

“I dunno… you’re pretty hot for a vampire, gotta shoot my shot before I shoot you, you know?”

What a cheesy ass line.

“Do you want to be bitten or not?”

“Sure, just make it as sexy as it sounds.”

You couldn’t help but wonder if he seduced all vampires he came across. He must have an interesting love life if so.

[winniemaywebber]

The Apple Tree • Part 5

warnings: none!!! just sad

read previous chapter here

Y/N struggles with not knowing where Rosie is.

Every day had been the same since Rosie had gone MIA. You'd wake up, head feeling like it was in a vice and get to the school on autopilot. The sky had been appropriately gray, and thick with fog most mornings, the twin of your current state of mind. You'd stay at the school late, grading papers and try your best to construct meaningful lesson plans so the children could still thrive and learn despite your sadness. They'd sometimes ask, their sweet, little faces full of sympathy as they'd question your upset. “Miss?” A little voice would say, “Are you alright?” You'd force a smile on your face and look back at them reassuringly. 

“Yes, my dear,” your voice catching in your throat. “I'll be fine.”

---

A week. And then two. Three, then four, all rolling into a ball of nothingness, blurring together. Most days, you're greeted by Sally who is always available to walk you home despite the treacherous weather and everyday she looks at you with her big sad eyes, shaking her head mournfully, wordlessly reminding you that there's no new information. Most days, you walk home in silence, her arm in yours, keeping you upright physically as well as metaphorically.

It's on the fourth week, on a Friday, that you hear a sharp rap on your door. Being in bed already - the only way you can seem to feel close to Rosie - you simply yell “come in!” to whoever is visiting at this late hour. You hear the door open quietly, and hear the familiar tip-tap of Sally in her kitten heels. You hear her kicking them off and placing them by the door, hurrying up the stairs in her now stockinged feet, padding all the way up the plush carpet. 

“Hi, darling,” she greets quietly, her face full of sympathy. “I thought I'd try coax you out to the pub.”

“No thanks,” you mumble, staring up at the ceiling. “I'm fine here.”

“Oh, doll,” she begins, walking towards the bed. “How are you doing?” Still not tearing your eyes from the ceiling, you nod quickly, trying to reassure your friend. But she knows you better than that, and after all these years, she can read you like a book. Before you can properly respond, she sees two tears leak from each eye and splash into your ears and on the pillow. 

Trying to comfort you the way she used to when you were kids, she goes to lay down next to you on the bed.

“No!” you start. “N-no, Sal. Don't lay there,” you softly weep. “That's where Rosie slept the night before–” You wipe your face with the back of your hand, trying to stop the tears flowing. “It still smells like him. Don't lay on it, Sal.” You pause, looking at your friend, her own eyes full of tears. She sniffs, trying to blink them back. 

“Then squidge up,” she says after a moment. “I'll lay on your pillow with you.” You wriggle slightly to the right to make room for her in the center of the bed, you just hanging off the edge slightly. She takes your hand and strokes it, just like she did right after Granny passed away. You whimper at her action, the sob that was thick in your throat finally being released. 

“Where is he, Sally? Where's my boy?”

“Y/N…darling…I don't know. I ask James everyday for an update. He's promised that he'll be round here like a shot if he ever finds anything out.” You nod, swallowing as you sniff back more tears.

“He's a good egg, Sal. I like him. I like how happy he makes you.”

“Me, too,” she sighs wistfully. “When all this is all over, I'm thinking of moving there to be with him.” 

“Sally, that's wonderful. I'll miss you terribly–”

“But let's not talk of that now. We need to take care of you.” She crawls off the bed and pulls you with her. “Come on,” she commands, rushing to your wardrobe. “You need to stop rotting. Let's go to the pub. Apparently, Rita is engaged to two of the Americans and neither knows about the other. Isn't that something?” You hear yourself gasp and then giggle, the first laugh you've made in weeks. 

“Well, now you've tempted me. Now I have to come.” 

—

The excited yapping you hear as you walk into the pub ceases at the sight of you, your friends looking back at you in surprise, before they stand up and rush to hug you, one by one. Murmurs of “oh, Y/N, we're so happy to see you,” and “how are you doing?” follow their embraces, and you find your eyes leaking at their affection and sympathy. Hugging them back, you sigh, not quite used to this level of affection.

 “Alright, ladies,” you struggle to gasp out, but smiling nonetheless. “I need to know everything about Rita. Spill.” 

They sit down, excited to finally be able to tell you the tales they've heard over the past few weeks. For a moment, your head is clear, listening to your friends chatter on, their voices octaves higher as they giggle their way through the spiel. You don't even notice that Sally has rushed over to the bar to greet James, until he places a pint in front of you with a sympathetic smile. He winks at you as you smile back, knowing you're thanking him with no words needed. You take a long sip, letting the alcohol run through your body and somehow, giving it warmth as you finally are able to enjoy something.

“So, she ended up saying yes to both men because she didn't want to upset either of them, and somehow, Y/N, neither knows about the other. But, get this! They're co-pilots!”

“What?!” you screech, ale almost flying through your nose in shock. “They must know! There's absolutely no way–”

“We thought that, too!” Sally replies, wide eyed and a little frazzled. “But Rita maintains that they have no clue.”

“Nope, not buying it,” you giggle, hand covering your mouth. “They must talk about her to one another! They're either ignoring it or somehow, it's not clicking that they're both with the same girl!” 

For just a small moment, your overwhelming sadness is forgotten, the pit in your stomach somehow smaller than it had been in the past weeks. But, then, all of a sudden, your mind goes back to the night you spent with him; how he'd touched you, the way he'd wrapped himself around you to fall asleep for those few hours. The way he looked at you like you were the only girl in the world. It's those thoughts that send you into a tailspin, lips pressed together to keep the tears at bay. Draining your glass, you gesture over to the barman for another and try to keep breathing steadily. 

—

“Hey! Wait, seriously? You're not lyin’ to me?” You hear a familiar Tennessee drawl behind you, and an excited one at that. “Croz, she's right there!” They both pause for a moment. “Can I tell her, sir?”

“Sure thing,” Croz replies. You turn around at the two familiar voices. James smiling brightly at you, Harry nervously shuffling from one foot to the other, clutching his hat in his slightly shaking hands. 

“Y/N, c'mere, doll!” James beckons you over with his booming voice. You stand and walk towards the two men, forcing a polite smile on your face. 

“Hi, James. Oh, Harry, wonderful to see you. Can I get you a drink?” 

“No, ma'am,” he replies, now not able to hold back his apparent joy. “Pearson here has something to tell you. I've been rushing all over base looking for this fella to tell him what he's about to tell you.” You look at James with an expectant expression, feeling your eyes widen. He can't seem to get the words out, nor keep a straight face. 

“Out with it, Jimmy, before I lose my mind!” You scold, playfully pushing him. 

“Rosie got word to base!” 

“What?!” you shout, your arms going across your chest in shock. “W-where is he?” Tears fill your eyes and they escape before you're aware of what's happening. 

“He got shot down in Berlin,” Croz begins, his downturned eyes having an underlying sadness to them as he looks at you. “But, he managed to keep the plane flying until everyone had bailed out. He's in Russia.” 

“Russia? He's safe, right?”

“Yes, ma'am. He says they're taking really good care of him.” Harry laughs a little, wondering whether to divulge further information. You see that, and nod at him to carry on. “He says the vodka is impeccable.” Laughing, you feel familiar arms around your waist, Sally's head on your shoulder, half laughing, half crying as she hears the news. 

Word spreads to the rest of the pub, the airmen cheering and hugging at the news. James hands you a whiskey, then thrusting one in Croz's hand. You clink glasses with him, and with James before turning back to Harry.

“Thank you,” you begin, voice shaking slightly. “Thank you for coming to tell me, for even thinking of me.”

“No problem,” he replies nervously. “To Rosie?”

“To Rosie.”

---

thank you once again to my besties @sagesolsticewrites and @ginabaker1666 for reading this multiple times before posting (as usual!!!) <3

chapter 6

masterlist

[fourphoenixfeathers]

New niche obscure crossover au upon ye!

This time on Ingo getting eeby deebied: SCP 3001!

Some of my followers might have heard of 3001 bc I love this article, but here's some context:

Short version: a scientist accidentally opens a wormhole into a dimension where nothing exists, and he starts to fall apart because the nothingness is contagious.

Long version: Robert Scranton researches ontokinetics, the physics of reality warping and how to counter it. He and his wife, Anna Lang are working on something they call the Lang-Scranton Stabilizer that they believe can stop things that would warp or manipulate reality in dangerous ways.

An earthquake happens on site and breaks many prototypes, causing a wormhole to open up and suck Robert in, along with a nearby control panel. For the next five years, Robert records his experience and his slow descent into madness on that control panel. The control panel returns to reality, telling the people in the real world what happened for the five years it was recording, but Scranton's true fate is unknown. It seems unlikely he makes it out alive.

The original article is heartbreaking and has some descriptions of gore and psychological horror, but if you are good with that, I encourage you to check it out! My au will be lighter on the psychological horror but about the same on gore, so.

Of course, I had to get attached to this sad man and his sad ending. So I will be throwing Ingo into the evil nothingness dimension so I can pull him out and give him the happy ending I want for Scranton sjjsjfnncn

This is a dojoshipping au bc it's my favorite ship and I feel like Robert and Anna are precious to me. Really that's the only reason why. *Holds Zisu gently* I just think she's neat.

Extra doodles, as a treat!

[moraldust]

—get off me. you’re heavy. get off me. it’s too hot. get off me. i don’t wanna touch your sweaty body.

—what?

dean didn’t understand what sam was mumbling about but squeezed him tighter. as tightly as he could at the moment.

—that’s what you’d usually say. so it’s really it. the end.

dean didn’t answer. it was physically impossible to say something as cruel as today’s truth.

God please let me die after him. just a few moments later. don’t let him die alone here. he’s scared. he needs his big brother. do you hear me, God?

—i’m listening to your heartbeat.

—yeah? and what do you hear?

—it’s slow. it’s so slow, dean.

—i like it slow. i thought you knew.

—jerk.

sam wanted to slap him but there was no energy left in his body. his hands felt so heavy lying on the filthy ground on the both sides of dean’s body.

—bitch.

he smirked. never before had it felt so nice.

—let’s talk. i hate this silence.

dean felt tired. mouth didn’t want to work forming long ass sentences. he would lie here under his brother who covered him like a duvet on a summer night and get some rest.

—nah. i‘m too sleepy. we can talk tomorrow.

that’s absurd. such a ridiculous thought but sam responded.

—okay. tomorrow. of course tomorrow.

he had so much to say. he needed to tell dean something important, something he always wanted to tell but every time it was not the right moment. i guess this moment was also not right.

so he decided to stay like this with his mouth closed and eyes closed, ear pressed against brother’s chest trying to catch a soft beat. almost nothingness, single raindrop after the heavy rain falling down from the old roof, annoys you, making you want to stop this madness.

maybe sam also needed some rest and maybe he’d also fall asleep just like his older brother. only… he must hear one more heartbeat. just one more. he’ll wait a few more minutes. he can. it’s okay to be late.

how long did he wait? sam didn’t know. but it felt like forever.

—dean.

nothing.

—you’re asleep, dean?

nothing.

—of course you’re asleep.

sam made a tremendous effort to hug him, to wrap him tighter and closer. hands didn’t move an inch. but he could feel it, dry fabric of brother’s shirt under his fingers. so warm and familiar.

—i’m scared, dean.

[golvio]

I’m very excited about Fury. I have absolutely no idea what to expect, but here are my two best guesses on how they’re going to turn this romantic:

On the most surface, plot-driven level, it’s about you asking yourself “What Am I?” That’s a big question and you won’t have all the pieces necessary to come to a conclusion until five rounds of experimentation. So why not take a look at it through the most literal, concrete, straightforward way possible by physically taking yourself apart and looking at your insides? And, look! The Princess is unwittingly here to help you! Are you ready to go on a journey of exploration and discovery…For Science? *Magic School Bus theme interspersed with horrible squelching meat noises starts playing as Fury unzips your flesh-vessel like a twizzler*

On a more metaphorical level, if Thorn was the “romance” chapter, then Fury is going to be the “physical intimacy” chapter, given all the bodily metaphors. Granted, Beast was also a sort of physical intimacy metaphor regarding the consumptive nature of carnal desire. But this is going to be very different, as a more “guided” experience.

But, also, death doesn’t stick for either of you the way it would for regular people. Pain, too, is only something you experience as much as you believe you can experience it. Your perception changes what you are physically capable of within the Construct, and in Chapter 3 you’re powerful enough to change the direction of the story if you don’t like where the Narrator is going with it. What would happen if you decided to indulge your morbid curiosity and wanted to explore just how much transformation and unmaking and remaking you could take? What would happen if the swift, brutal process of the Fury unwinding you as punishment became a dialogue as you came back and told her what you experienced, then asked if you could try it again, but sideways this time?

And I keep coming back to Shifty’s description of Fury having a strange sort of compassion within her heart. What if, during the process, the two of you caught a glimpse of something the Narrator didn’t want you to see, some sort of truth about your physical bodies that gives you both a major clue about your respective true natures? What if you being transformed by dying gives you a brief experience of what Change is like? What if, at the climax, Fury unmakes herself, and for a moment she glimpses what’s on the other side as you experience Nothingness together? In an inversion of The Wild, where the two of you get to be a feathered landscape in a distant dream together? The two of you, feeling the jagged edges of where you were torn apart, becoming aware for the first time of the little piece of the other that exists within yourselves, seeing things from the other side.

Like…seeing that one snippet of the dialogue from what I assume is the Tower-Fury route in the trailer, I immediately thought of Rammstein’s “Ich Tu Dir Veh,” describing a consensual but also extremely weird sadomasochistic relationship that doesn’t resemble conventional romance or love at all. In particular, the lyric “You are the ship / I am the captain / Where would you like to go?”

The story is about Shifting Mound collecting experiences to understand herself. It is also about you, The Long Quiet, also sharing in and directing these experiences to better understand both your narrative cellmate and yourself. To me, Fury kneeling down next to you and taking you through every step of the process of being unmade and put back together, and experiencing both firsthand and vicariously how painful that is, to see what makes you tick feels like the general premise of the game taken to its darkest, most logical conclusion. But it also feels like a more worksafe metaphor for an actual BDSM torture session with a first-time domme, while Tower was more about unhealthy power dynamics and dubious consent. Here, there is the possibility of negotiation. Here, she is made something closer to equal to you, as a fellow creature of flesh and blood. She may still be more physically powerful and with a terrifying sort of divinity, but you still make the choices that move the story along, and you ultimately have the last word. She will only go as far as you ask her to go. The process itself involves heavy negotiation and the prodding and examination of boundaries. When it goes too fast and you’ve had enough, you tap into your divine nature and pull away from her, becoming Nothing so that she can no longer touch you, no longer hurt you. Otherwise, Shifty ends the scene and pulls you out so you aren’t stuck in the narrative dead end of eternal torment. A dance must have both partners be willing. She can’t continue unless you let her proceed, if only to see what happens.

I think…during the more “loving” ending, there is going to be some kind of change in the dynamic between you and the Princess that shifts things from a torture session into something much more consensual, if still gory and a little messed up. This thing, which was supposed to be purely physical, suddenly shifting into a profound moment of connection for reasons flesh and endocrine chemicals alone can’t explain. I’m looking forward to seeing that moment, and if the “first-time physical intimacy” metaphor ends up holding water, where it ends up going may or may not make me cry.

[dangermousie]

I confess that the narrative of TTJ in the sect learning how to be a human properly was always my favorite part of the novel even if it wasn’t a romantic portion of the story. So I am so excited the drama kept it (with bits of the Cang Jiumin dream storyline, they meld seamlessly.) 

(I love that he actually gets a name chosen with care and not one that is expression of hatred and bad luck!)

Look at how shocked he is the master is all “the sword is yours, keep it.” He is so not used to care and kindness.

Honestly, it’s little things that get me, like how he’s so awkward being hugged by the blind lady and you realize he’s still not used to being touched in gentleness and love.

It’s just such a pleasure watching TTJ find acceptance and care in the sect - finally a decent parental figure in his master and then also the sect brothers who just accept and like him, do not view him as a monstrosity (he didn’t have such matter-of-fact acceptance even during his emperor days for obvious reasons.) This is the longest stretch of normalcy he’s ever had and he needed it so badly (and the fact that it comes from sect master and brothers he destroyed in past timeline is extra glorious; it does show that we are our choices, we are not doomed to do the same thing over and over.) The fact that he probably got it because Susu broke his fate/curse and so he is not being pushed by literally the Universe into more and more suffering as a goad to turn him into devil god, is an extra bonus. And the thing that gets me so hard is - TTJ aka Cang Jiumin, thrives. He repays kindness with kindness - you watch him be a good student and kind to the old lady and practice well. 

It makes me think of the scene in an early ep flashback where older nanny tells younger nanny that the reason TTJ has difficulty processing or understanding emotions and people is because of his fucked up existence. And she is proven right - he is clearly always an introvert but living a nice life full of physical and emotional caring (he does not go hungry, he is liked, he is taught, he is valued), he adjusts more and more. He soaks normalcy as a sponge and I think learns as much or more from this stretch as he did from Susu. Susu opened up the gate but it’s this time that really puts the seal on it (yes, I am mixing my metaphor.) He needed to love and be loved by at least one person to give the world a chance, but he now has demonstration that not the whole world is awful. Before he hated the world but refrained from damage because Susu loved it, but now perhaps he can learn to love it a little on his own behalf. (And it makes sense his fate was nonstop horror before - if you want someone to turn into a demon god who is in so much pain he wants to erase the universe into nothingness, you can’t give him a glimmer of hope or a positive outlet. You don’t want your would-be world destructor to go “I don’t want to end the Universe because I have a sect dinner on Thursday, and my wife and I are going on a vacay the following weekend, how about we check back in a few millennia.”)

He is so gentle with this random old lady and he’s able to analogize the two of them - that is empathy, really, something impossible for a person they claimed was devoid of feelings; he’s come so far all because he’s had normalcy and care.

And he tries to make her withered tree bloom because she wants it, tries so hard even tho he just met her (and that he tries with the help of charms Susu taught him - he really is a memorial to her in so many ways, a living breathing memorial.)

I love his conversation with the old lady btw, it is my favorite scene in the episode, where they talk about why people live. In some ways, despite his age he is pitifully young since he’s had so little normal experience. This isn’t just a mission to help and old lady, it is a mission to help him too.

The way it turns out she knew and yet still took it, because kindness is rare and precious...

I love his opening up, responding to honesty with honesty, care to care. He is like a mirror to the world, in so many ways, and when all it gave him was pain he dealt pain back, but he is slowly healing, slowly climbing out of his well of misery and abuse and seeing humanity in others and in the process finding humanity in himself.

It’s so interesting how he answers about people, not home, because he doesn’t have a home, not really. Nowhere where people are glad to see him and so there is no home for him because without care it’s just rocks and dirt and why does he care where he is.

Oh God, this killed me.

The way he ponders that!

The way this is written - it’s as if Susu translates the world to him and him to the world and without her as the conduit, he cannot judge his success or his worth or his morality. I am incoherent!!!

It is gutting that all he needed was a little push - a little choice, a little happiness. Look how quickly he learns - like when he talks about his wife to the old lady and old lady asks if he could get his wife back by becoming evil, would he, and he thinks and is tempted but says no because Susu would not have liked it. He has learned to put what she wants above what he wants (a change even from “hate me as long as you are here.”)

The way he figures out how to fulfill the old lady’s wish with his white lie and her response just...

Here he is with the old lady who passed away. I am verklempt....

It really is nature/nurture debate and the answer is pretty clear - if he was brought up with love and care instead of constant trauma and suffering - he would have been just lovely; he is climbing out of that abyss even after all the torment and without it he’d have been there so much sooner. Devil God actually is a manifestation the world’s cruelty creating its own monsters and seeds of its own destruction and I love that.

PS Devil God voice is proof that you can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good (or evil in this case.) He should have taken the body/soul when TTJ didn’t care and was offering but he wanted to wait for the perfect host as opposed to 98% compatible and now he’s living (undying?) proof of the old adage of “you snooze you lose!”

[vantaesfairie]

𝔭𝔦𝔠𝔨 𝔞 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔡 : 𝔞𝔟𝔬𝔲𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔨𝔞𝔯𝔪𝔞 𝔬𝔫 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔡𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔰𝔬𝔫

atlty’s tarot readings - dm for paid readings and prices!

for the easily butthurt people i’m not specifying or demonising any mental health disorder here. FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT ONLY.

choose a picture below:

pile 1: dancing girls around a bonfire

the main message i got was that ‘if they are working hard towards something, it will backfire or fail’. definitely their goals, even if they achieve them, will bring some sort of backlash to them. perhaps a hotheaded fight (could be verbal, physical...) too. and something about erect*ons possibly not working too (censorship bc of tumblr). their outspoken or blunt nature can cause them to amplify the negative effects of the karma on them. it feels very workplace, so they will get karma at work or in school if so. their passions and endeavours will not come to fruition the way that they may think it will. they will grow stubbornness and pessimism, and possibly overwork themselves in a bad way with no achievement at the end. expect something coming or going rapidly. either they will get out of a situation that they were barely in to begin with or they throw yourself into a situation head first without thinking things through. they rapidly advance making snap decisions which puts them at a disadvantage. 

pile 2: candelabra girl dancing

yalls main message is ‘justice will be served’. something in their balance (could be work life, emotional balance) will turn off and cause an imbalance which will affect them. they will be attached to material physical things like appearance, s*x, etc that makes them forget and dismiss about the real things that make up a person, which is their relationships and opportunities that appear. they will start to have some silent self-image issues but not tell that to the world. they could face weight or health problems. they could start to be financially dependent on something / someone else. if they have wronged someone, they will definitely pay the consequences. the truth will come out. their main challenges are just materialism and financial difficulties ahead. if there is a legal battle, i’m feeling that they will lose it. 

pile 3: lantern girls searching in water

your message is ‘they will lose everything’. (i’m not sure if this is everything everything, or just everything in the sense of what they find most precious in the world). their emotional maturity will decline, they won’t be able to open themselves to be friendly and to let people to get to know them. they will get triggered by the little things (in a bad way, unempathetic way). perhaps a creative block too if they are an artist in any way. they will be very deceptive, but people will realize their schemes. if they have cheated, this will come to light and bite them in the butt. if they were once this higher up who bird-fed those below them, the roles will be reversed. it feels to me like they will drop from the peak of what they thought they had to absolute nothingness, or a position that they feel is degrading. they may also start to cope with alcohol or some sort of binge. they’ll lose their cool, and get demoted. 

im in a very petty mood right now if u couldnt tell from my tone BUT DONT SHOOT THE MESSENGER. TAROT READINGS ARE FOR FUN. I DID NOT CURSE NOBODY HERE AND IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY AB ME DEMONIZING PEOPLE shut your ass up

thank you for coming to my blog! please consider a paid reading or custom sigil. check out my masterlist for all my works. reblogs help!  

[msadoratopic]

Gate Keeper and Hunter’s rivalry can be seen as bitter as Link and Ganon. It’s one of the driving plot points in The Vigilante Squad AU Series.

They have history: Two Magolors with a burning passion to kill each other in a battle worth telling stories over.

Of course… it all started with Hunter.

Hunter’s story starts with a defeat. Much like the Canon story, he gets dispatched by Kirby and falls, getting banished to another dimension to atone. Constantly getting lost. Magolor’s Epilogue is also quite canon as well, however the ending has changed. This Magolor’s simply cannot get over the horrors well enough to make an amusement park anymore, and he had this creepy feeling behind him. Another Dimension is a pool of dimensions and Universes alike. What has become of him in the other timelines?

He decided to check out with happened.

GateKeeper’s story starts with a Victory: a bitter one. Kirby and his team were defeated, and because of this, he had lost himself into the Crown almost completely. He roams aimlessly while seeing the horrors of what has become of his universe. It was his, and yet he can do nothing with it.

After time noticed someone whom he sees as vaguely familiar. He noticed tears in his eyes, and horror written all over his face. After the shock wavered, he attacked the Magolor Soul Beast immediately. The Soul Beast fought back, simply out of self defense… but there was some thrill to him to gain. Eventually he had lost. His crown was broken, causing his physical form to blip between life and death… and yet, the Butterfly refused to visit him. The Magolor who had slayed him assumed he was dead.

He was defiled and broken, waiting for something to happen. Either to put him out of his misery or to save him. Hours? Months? Years? The Soul Beast didn’t know… eventually a powerful Mage Sister found him, taking him to her home Universe, and gave him the will to live.

“When I met you, you were hanging by a thread. You couldn’t even talk. I saw your broken body. It was barely stable— almost as if I touched you, you’d unravel into nothingness. I heard about the Crown Hunter for quite some time— about his travels… about his killings… I could tell that you were his first victim. His work was sloppy. The crown’s snap was more crude. The slashes were shallow on your body. The open wounds were still throbbing, and most importantly… you still have powers.

“By the time I took you in, it took a lot of convincing, however Hyness let me keep you around so long as you kept me and my base safe.

“My powers granted you a new purpose and new life. While I found ways for you to shape shift and go back to your previous forms, the eyes you were born with were still permanently glued shut, and your crown was still broken and dull. Despite how powerful I am— even I have limits on what I could do. Thankfully… you could talk. You spoke to me.

“You still had that personality of a Magolor— which at first I thought was annoying… arrogant, self serving, cocky… but you were much more aware and sensible… almost as if your time as a soul beast humbled you. It was… charming.”

~ Stardust

Stardust took him in, saying that he will be a body guard for her, but her relationship with him grew deeper, and unlike most of her allies, no amount of brainwashing, hypnosis, and manipulation was needed in order for him to be loyal to her. As a result, they became very, VERY close.

There was some sort of resistance that she noticed: The Vigilante Squad, and decided to gut the resistance before they could begin. Gate Keeper took no time to find the VS, only to realize the very person who nearly killed them was part of this squad. He was fueled with rage and pettiness, but decided against it. He broke the broke one of the Hero Sigils and kidnapped one of the potential squad members— making their Squad difficult to assemble and delay them on what he assumed was indefinite… but it didn’t last. The person who created it was too clever and too sly to let set backs like this ruin any plans.

Throughout the battle between the Vigilante Squad and the Jambastian, he mostly played fair towards the other Squad Members, only getting rough with his killer. Between the two of them was life and death, but the more GateKeeper’s noticed his lover being tormented by the Jambastian Cult, the more he became too worried to think of vengeance, eventually thinking about teaming up with the VS in the name of Saving “His little Stardust.”

[ramspatula]

Zinnias | Lloyd Garmadon x fem!reader | Part 9

Being on the dark island doesn’t make you feel as good as you’d think…

Previous Part, Masterlist, Next Part

Where was I? This isn’t the Dark Island.

Don’t be afraid, my dear. You are still on my island.

Who are you?! Why are you in my head?!

Do not fret, you are not conscious… this is merely some sort of dream. I cannot touch you or your feeble ninja here.

You aren’t a force of good are you?

I am the furthest thing from good you will ever meet, some might say I am the embodiment of evil itself.

Surely if you’re in my head, then you know I have no intention of being involved in anything evil.

Believe me, I am aware of your goodness. Rather disgusting if you ask me.

Well, I didn’t. So leave me alone.

Do you not recognise where you are? What you are in the presence of? True evil and darkness. I am showing you the truth of what darkness you are about to face.

Why should I care what you have to say or show me? What are you trying to do? Sway me onto your side?

I am giving you a choice, little one. Turn away from this battle now and you will not have to face the evil I will unleash on this pathetic world.

You’re afraid.

How ridiculous. Afraid?! Of a mere mortal like you?!

You’re afraid of me. My power. You can sense it’s not elemental. You can sense it’s unfamiliar. You’re afraid of what you don’t know.

I do not feel fear, you stupid mortal. Claiming I do is a desperate attempt at trying to grasp onto your own integrity!

You’re in my head, do you sense any fear? Why should I fear someone who’s in my head, pleading for me to head any other direction than the one you face? But it’s not me you should fear, it’s the one destined to defeat you and reduce you back to nothingness.

I do not fear you or that senseless boy. I have his father’s throat wrapped around my hands and soon I will have his son’s body at my feet. And the world will finally be overcome by darkness.

You’re afraid. And you’re right to be. You know you’ll lose.

Don’t be foolish.

I am not being foolish. I may be brave in this moment but that does not mean I am a fool. You will lose, if not to him. Then I will make sure you lose everything.

You think because your power can corrupt mine then you can defeat me? I could overpower you even without my physical form.

My power can corrupt yours?

Of course- I- what are you doing?! Stop that! Let me go-! I will defeat you-! I will strip away everything you love-! He will lose-! You all will-

I’m not an elemental and your threats don’t intimidate me. I have something you’ll never have. I have love. It powers me to fight back against any force and you are no different. You’re just as pathetic as any of them and I won’t let you exploit me as you did to Garmadon. Lloyd will win and you’ll be nothing. Now leave me alone.

Do you truly think you are capable of making me do such a thing- ah?!

You just told me I was. I’ll see you at the final battle, Overlord.

“Peach!”

“Peach, wake up!”

“Peach!”

“Someone get Lloyd!”

“C’mon dear, wake up. My son needs you.”

“He’s not in control of you, he wants to manipulate your power! Focus!”

“Peach! What happened?!”

“I don’t know-! We were mediating and then- then she just started glitching!”

“C’mon, sweetheart. Wake up… it’s me, it’s Lloyd. I need you. You need me. We need each other. I can’t do this without you, Y/n. Please.”

“You can get through to her nephew, remind her who you are!”

“I know you can hear me, I know you recognise me. It’s Lloyd, it’s your- c’mon baby. Come back to me… I love you. And if you love me, you’ll come back. You’ll let me look into those eyes again. You’ll let me hear that beautiful voice again. You’ll- Y/n!”

Lloyd?

What was I doing? Why can’t I remember anything? Why did my head hurt? Who was staring down at me like that-?

Lloyd!

With a gasp and a burst of energy I had never felt before, I felt myself move. I felt myself pull my body up and towards the sky. Within a second I was on my hand, holding myself up as I coughed. No, spluttered. Something was in me, something horrid. Something evil. I felt myself beginning to choke before I felt that energy inside me surge again and with an awful noise the evil thing inside me fell out my mouth and onto the ground. I leaned back up onto my knees as I gasped for breath. Whatever that thing was it was dark and anytime it tried to move it glitched. It was like a good and with a guttural scream, I managed to make the thing glitch far away from me.

“Y/n!” I heard someone yell and I fell back into that someone’s arms. I was too exhausted, whatever that was, it almost made my power rip me apart trying to be rid of it. Now I couldn’t even have the energy to glitch at my own name. “Peach? Are you-? What was that?!” The man yelled and I reached up to grab cheek and tilt it down to me.

I felt myself smile at the sight of green eyes.

“Lloyd… green.” I breathed and he frowned. “Your eyes are- are green… sometimes they go red around the- the pupil…” I took deep breaths. “Good.” I muttered. “You’re good…” I murmured and closed my eyes.

“Sensei, what is she saying?” Lloyd asked and I felt someone kneel in the sand next to us.

“I do not know, perhaps she is trying to recognise you? Try talking to her more.” The elderly voice said and I felt Lloyd shift me in his arms.

“Hey sweetheart, do you know who I am?” He asked, his voice so soft.

“You are Lloyd… my heart.” I said. “I love you. You power me… you will win.” I told him and I felt his head get further from me. “So tired.” I murmured.

“No- no- no, stay with me, don’t go to sleep-!” I felt him say, desperately.

“Nephew, let her rest… we do not know what force she just overcame.” The elderly, wise voice said and I felt my head drop to the side of Lloyd’s arm and then- darkness.

On the other side of the island, the darker side, a presence appeared next to his soon to be muse who scoffed at his sudden presence.

“And where have you been?!” The familiar voice of Garmadon screeched at the dark orb.

“I had a visit with your future daughter in law, she is a problem we must take care of! Immediately! She is what stands in the way of defeating your son!” The overlord yelled at the four armed man who stood still.

“Lloyd has a girlfriend?” Garmadon asked and the Overlord scoffed.

“Worse! A soulmate!” He yelled. “Their bond is stronger than any I have seen before! They are powering each other with their pathetic love.” The Overlord told Garmadon who hummed in thought.

“That is a problem.” He agreed but his face betrayed his evil intentions.

“Now is not the time to falter, if you wish to succeed in facing your son then we must work faster! We must eliminate the girl!”

“Are you sure it’s going to be okay if we leave whilst Peach is like this? I mean for Lloyd’s sake…” Kai asked Wu who hummed in thought.

“It is for their sake you must go, we must find the temple of light! Lloyd will stay here, we will make sure he’s alright.” Misako told Kai who looked to Wu warily onto to receive a nod.

“Misako is right, Lloyd will be fine and so will Peach. Find the temple, and be strong.” Wu told the ninja who bowed their heads.

“And do not get spotted!” Misako yelled as they sprinted off.

A few feet away, on a makeshift stretcher, a girl lay with a boy not too far from her form. His eyes never straying from her face as she slept soundly. His hand, entangled with hers, grasping onto the last piece of hope he had in this world. He knew she would awake, he could feel she wasn’t finished in this world. He could feel she would come back him. So he would hold her until she came back to him again… that time was sooner than he thought.

The first thing I noticed was the smell of freshly cut grass in the rain. Like pure nature. It was so familiar. So warming… the next thing I noticed was the grasp on my hand. The hand that held it was callous but the grasp was soft but tight. Then I remembered it all.

The Overlord was in my head. He had tried to make me leave, tried to control me for a brief period to get me far away before I could release his control and derail his evil plans. And then- and then I corrupted him. I controlled the glitch. I- Lloyd!

As soon as my eyes snapped open, my body shot into motion not long after and I threw myself up. Lloyd! I had to find-

“Woah!” I heard that all so familiar and lovable voice exclaimed before I felt a hand on my back, that same gentle grip. “Be careful! You only just woke up-!”

I didn’t care for whatever lecture he was about to give me and I threw my arms around him. I head a soft chuckled before the embrace was returned and I felt his head tuck itself into my shoulder.

“You really scared me there, Peaches. I thought I had lost you.” Lloyd told me and I smirked.

“Me? Never. I’m going to live forever!” I told him and he laughed before I brought his head up from my shoulder and pressed my lips against him. He returned to kiss immediately, it was soft and slow and just about- us.

“Seriously, don’t scare me like that again.” Lloyd told me and I grinned.

“No promises, Greenie.” I told him and he smiled before kissing my forehead.

We had a moment just to ourselves before two more figures appeared and we turned to see Misako and Wu. Wu looked more relieved than I expected and he nodded at me with a smile and I nodded back.

“If you don’t mind us asking, what happened?” Wu asked and I swung my legs over the makeshift stretcher so I could sit up properly.

“The overlord tried to control me.” I told them and their shocked looks were expected at the least.

“The overlord?!” Misako questioned and I nodded.

“At first I didn’t know what was happening but he- it was him. I know it.” I said and she took a deep breath and Wu closed his eyes in a brief moment of meditation.

“Take us through what happened, moment by moment.” Wu told me and I nodded.

“I was meditating with Kai whilst the others trained with Lloyd and I felt myself grow tired, like eerily tired and then it was like something was dragging me down and then- there was this darkness and then he was there. And he spoke to me. He was afraid… of me.” I revealed and Wu took a step forward.

“What did he say?” Wu asked and I looked at Lloyd for a brief moment before telling them all what had happened.

“Intriguing to say the least.” Dr Julien inputted, he had joined us not long after I had started detailing what the overlord had said to me.

“Why would he tell you about your powers corrupting his?” Lloyd asked and Misako thought for a moment.

“Because he thinks Peach is already fully aware of her powers. And- oh it all makes sense now!” Misako said and I frowned.

“What makes sense?” I asked and she pulled one of her scrolls out.

“In these scrolls, it details that the green ninja will have someone to help him through the final battle who is not his protectors- power him to be precise. I’ve been looking at this all wrong! It is not your powers that will strengthen him, it’s your bond!” Misako exclaimed and I frowned.

“Forgive me, I’m having a hard time following.” I told her.

“Me too.” Lloyd agreed. “What kind of bond are we talking about?” He asked and I nodded.

“A soul bond.” Wu said and my eyes widened.

“Like soulmates?” I asked and he nodded. I turned to Lloyd who looked as astounded as I did.

“I thought soulmates didn’t exist.” Lloyd said and Misako chuckled.

“Funny considering you two are considered to have the strongest one… it’s been prophesied.” Misako told us and I looked to Lloyd who met my gaze before smiling.

“My literal prophesied soulmate… told you we were different.” Lloyd said and I laughed.

“Does this mean true love exists as well?” I asked and he smiled.

“Well if we’re going off what you told me when you repelled the Overlord.” Lloyd said and my eyes widened.

“I- what? I said it?” I asked and he chuckled.

“If by ‘it’ you mean I love you, then yes.” Lloyd said and I felt my heart start racing. “Don’t worry, I said ‘it’ to.” Lloyd said and I felt my eyes water.

“Really?” I questioned and he nodded.

“Yes, I love you Y/n.” He said and I felt the stretcher glitch and my ass hit the solid ground. I cursed at the sudden impact and our moment being ruined.

“Can we try again somewhere that won’t happen?” I asked and he nodded, helping me up.

“Yeah… want to go for a walk?” Lloyd asked and I nodded.

“Please.” I told him.

It didn’t take too long for the ninja to return and oh my goodness did they return with bad news. It wasn’t long before their return had Wu been attacked by some stone warriors and we knew our presence couldn’t be hidden for much longer but we kind of expected a bit longer than the ninja’s return.

“You were spotted?! By how many?! One?! Two?!” Wu frantically questioned and I held onto Lloyd’s arm a little tighter as he stood straighter.

“How about… all of them.” Kai answered and I gasped.

“Did you locate the Temple of Light?” Misako asked, distracting from the original question and I held my breath for a moment.

“It's at the top of the mountain. I hope those vehicles are ready because we could sure use them now.” Kai said and Dr Julien let out a sigh before turning to the massive car thing he had been working on… it had a drill on the front.

“Guess you're gonna have to figure this baby out on the fly.” Dr Julien said and Misako tapped Lloyd’s arm.

“You'll have to go too. Be safe.” Misako told him and he nodded.

“We will.” Lloyd said to his mother before turning to me.

“I’ll hold you to that.” I told him and he smiled before holding my face in his hands.

“Try not to glitch out again whilst I’m gone?” Lloyd said and I rolled my eyes.

“No promises.” I told him and I could see the others climbing into the car behind him. “You should get going. Good luck, okay?” I said and he smiled before pressing a short and sweet kiss to my lips.

“I love you.” He whispered and I grinned.

“I love you too, now go.” I told him and Lloyd nodded before jumping into the vehicle with the other ninja.

“Whatever you do, do not stop until you get to the Temple of Light. Our survival depends on it.” Wu told the ninja.

“This time, we'll stick to the plan.” Kai assured and I rolled my eyes.

“Good luck, ninja.” Wu said and they all waved before shooting off faster than I could comprehend in the Earth Driller.

My nerves probably wouldn’t be as high if I didn’t notice the multiple stone warrior vehicles following after them not long after.

🪺. *. ⋆

I couldn’t stand waiting to see if the ninja had made it or not. I couldn’t stand not knowing what was happening. I couldn’t stand much. I especially couldn’t stand the thought of my own powers being uncontrollable right now. I was literally helpless and useless. It didn’t help that I felt like I was being babied after my episode with the Overlord the day before.

“It’s a shame, I’ve only just come to realise I don’t know much about you other than you’re my son’s partner.” Misako said and she came to sit by me. I was facing the damn stupid mountain and I hadn’t taken my eyes off it for the past two hours.

“There’s not much to know if we’re being honest.” I said and she hummed.

“Surely that’s not true.” Misako told me and I smiled.

“Anything there is to know doesn’t really paint me in a good light.” I said and Misako hummed.

“The other ninja spoke of your- stealing history.” Misako said and I sighed.

“I did what I had to do to survive… nowhere would hire me and we were sharing a single packet of noodles a day.” I said and Misako frowned.

“We?” She asked and I took a deep breath.

“My roommate.” I told her. “We needed things like shampoo, toothpaste and food and we couldn’t afford it and all financial support had been cut off… I don’t regret it, I’d do it again.” I said and Misako sighed.

“Lloyd told us about your first meeting with him, as the green ninja of course, how you chose to get someone- I’m assuming your roommate - a cake over a bus home.” Misako said and I grinned.

“Yeah and then some serpentine tried to mug me for the tea and cake… not my best moment.” I admitted and Misako smiled.

“What will you do when we return?” Misako asked and I shrugged.

“Lloyd’s adamant I’ll stay with him but I’m scared it’ll be too much for the both of us and like I’m invading his space… I love what we have and I worry we’ll lose it all if we change too much. I have no idea what is happening with my school. I only have a year left so I guess it’s not such a big deal. I’m sure they’ll make us do all the work from home… which means I’ll need a laptop.” I said, more to myself but I felt a hand comfortingly rub my shoulder.

“You feel for him deeply… but you are also still just a girl. You need someone to lean on who isn’t your teenage boyfriend.” Misako said and I looked at her with a sad smile.

“I don’t have anyone like that in my life.” I told her.

“You have us.” Misako said, confidently. “The ninja and Wu will always offer you a place and family. And if me and Garmadon were still together we’d offer the same.” Misako said and I smiled.

“Thank you… What are you going to do after this?” I asked and she sighed.

“I will stick around but I will also continue my research… this is not the only prophecy around.” Misako said and I scoffed.

“The joys of being fate’s soldiers.” I said and she smiled.

“Indeed.” Misako replied and for a moment, I saw a better side of her. The side that didn’t hide behind her own fear and sense of duty. The side that could’ve made a genuine mother.

“Has Lloyd spoke to you? Properly?” I asked and I knew the answer, I would’ve heard about it if he had.

“We’ve not had a proper talk about everything but he’s not as- dismissive of my presence now… he’s exactly like his father when he was younger, without the evil of course… in a way, he reminds me of a younger Wu-“ Misako said with a smile on her face that I’m pretty sure you shouldn’t have when talking about your brother in law. “-so dutiful and-“

“Not his son.” I said and her face fell.

“No, he’s not. After all, I chose Garmadon.” Misako said and I felt awkward all of a sudden.

“Torn between two men?” I asked and she nodded. “I know how Lloyd’s feeling, as your child. My mother was torn between two things too.” I said and Misako sent me a lost look.

“Really?” She asked and I nodded.

“Yes. She was torn between pleasing my sister or caring about me. It wasn’t as tough of a battle for her though.” I said and Misako shook her head. I smiled to myself. “I’m not like Lloyd though, I don’t blame her. I don’t forgive her but I don’t blame her. I understand why they don’t really put any effort into me… I’m almost a decade younger than all my siblings, I intruded on their lives. They were done with the whole kid part of life and there I was, demanding them to do it all again. I would rather be sent off a thousand times then have to live my life feeling like I burden those who care for me.” I said and Misako frowned.

“It sounds like they don’t care for you. Not as much as they should.” She told me and I shrugged.

“I don’t care for them, I don’t expect anything. Lloyd does, that’s why he’s still so upset. He doesn’t want to hear why you left, he wants to know that you’ll stay.” I told her and her frown deepened.

“You’re incredibly mature.” She told me and I sighed.

“Had to be.” I told her and Misako nodded.

“It sounds like you do care but you don’t want to be let down again.” She told me and I forced a smile.

“It doesn’t matter, I have other people to rely on now. Especially Lloyd and I’m terrified of looking at that screen and seeing something horrible happening to him up on that mountain.” I confessed and Misako rubbed my shoulder comfortably.

“Have faith, they will prevail.” She told me and I shook my head.

“You haven’t seen what they’re up against.” I told her. “I’m right to be afraid.” I added and she stood abruptly.

“Come, we’ll have some tea and wait together.” Misako told me and I sighed before taking her outstretched hand and standing up

I was really beginning to get sick of just drinking tea. Or maybe I was just looking for other things to place my frustration on. It had been hours and there had been no signs of movement on that mountain.

“Are we sure it isn’t paused?” I questioned and Dr Julien chuckled.

“I assure you, your anxiousness is reciprocated. They will prevail, I’m sure of it.” He said, and like a force from above was hearing my prayers and graciously decided to answer them, the mountain exploded.

A golden dragon erupted above the temple along with the four elements bursting out around it. I sobbed in relief as the elders celebrated.

“They did it!” Dr Julien exclaimed and hugged me as the tears fell down my face despite the wide smile.

“Yes, they did.” I replied and held onto him for a second longer.

The excitement was shared amongst the whole group who seemed to finally have their mojo back. They instantly leaped out the vehicle and began celebrating, hugging each other and Master Wu. Lloyd got out last and met my eyes immediately, he made his way over immediately with a wide smile before bringing his lips down to mine. He stared into my eyes for a moment before frowning.

“Have you been crying?” Lloyd asked and I rolled my eyes.

“This whole final battle ordeal is making me more emotional than usual.” I told him and he laughed.

“Really? I always thought you were quite emotional.” Lloyd said and I sent him a playful glare.

“I’m so proud of you.” I told him and he held me a little tighter. “That’s why I’m ignoring the fact you just called me a cry baby.” I added and he looked at me wildly.

“When did I- Kai warned me this would happen.” Lloyd said and I laughed.

“C’mon, everyone’s waiting for you… you’re kind of the main event around here.” I told Lloyd who ‘oh’d’ and let me take his hand to drag him towards the bounty.

“Okay so that’s what you really love about me, that I’m such a huge deal.” He told me and I shook my head.

“Yes because I just love all this attention.” I threw back and he laughed.

“My soulmate, the attention lover.” Lloyd said as I rolled my eyes.

“My soulmate, the attention hogger.” I said and he grinned before we entered the bounty.

🪺. *. ⋆

“Just one more.” I pleaded and Lloyd sighed.

“Is this fun for you?” He asked, he was mid push up and I smiled.

“Incredibly.” I said from where I sat on his back as he did push ups.

“Okay but you have to do one too.” Lloyd threw back and I groaned.

“That’s not fair!” I complained and he laughed.

“You’ve made me do like 50!” Lloyd snapped back and I sighed.

“Okay! But only one!” I said and he laughed.

“What’s your favourite position?” Lloyd asked and I gasped.

“Wow! You really didn’t hesitate… could’ve gone for what was my most embarrassing moment or worst nightmare-?” I said and Lloyd laughed.

“We’re playing truths! I want to know the really important things, the things that can make me better.” Lloyd said and I laughed.

“I don’t know! I like all of them if I’m honest.” I said and Lloyd scoffed.

“Cop out.” He told me and I gasped.

“Not true! I love them all.” I exclaimed and Lloyd sighed.

“Okay, what would you want to try out?” Lloyd said and I hummed.

“You ever seen where the guy will have the girl’s legs over his shoulders and they’ll be face to face so she’s like almost bent in half.” I said and Lloyd laughed out of shock.

“Wow! I have, yes. Haven’t we already done that?” He asked and I hummed.

“I don’t know, maybe… let’s try again if so.” I said and Lloyd laughed as I leant forward and rested across his back.

“Okay, what else would you like to ask me-?” Lloyd asked but was cut off by none other than his teammates.

“Woah! What’s going on here? Peach looks like she’s working up more of a sweat than you, greenie.” Cole exclaimed and I laughed and Lloyd scowled.

“We’re playing truths.” I told them and Kai frowned.

“Truths?” He asked and I smiled.

“It’s like truth or dare except no dares.” I told them and Kai nodded.

“Can we play?” Jay asked and I tapped Lloyd shoulder.

“Can they play?” I asked and he sighed.

“They have to train if so.” Lloyd said and they groaned.

“Sorry, the green ninja has spoken.” I said and they groaned before dropping into push ups.

“Will we ever get a moment alone?” Lloyd asked and I smiled before kissing the back of his ear.

“All that’s good comes to those who wait.” I reminded him.

“Yeah well I’ve been waiting a hell of a long time now.” Lloyd said and I laughed.

“So impatient…” I told him.

🔞 mature themes ahead including mentions of drugs, sex and alcohol, and negative comments made about bodies. Do not read ahead if you are sensitive to these topics.

“So who goes first?” Cole asked, doing push ups like they were the easiest thing ever.

“I ask the questions, you answer. Think of it as mindfulness- a distraction of sorts!” I said and Lloyd chuckled.

“Okay- wait! Why don’t you answer questions?” Jay asked and I deadpanned.

“Don’t ruin my fun please.” I said and Lloyd shook his head.

“C’mon babe, play fair.” Lloyd told me and I gasped.

“You said if I stayed and helped you train, I could play truths without having to answer!” I complained and Lloyd laughed.

“That’s when it was just you and me.” Lloyd said and I scoffed.

“This is normally a drinking game, we should up the stakes.” Cole said and my eyes widened.

“And do what? I’m not doing push ups.” I told him and I felt Lloyd lean down and rest on his arms for a minute. I slid off his back and sat down in the sand next to him.

“What could we make Peach do whenever she doesn’t want to answer a truth?” Cole asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“I don’t like how you said that.” Lloyd immediately told him.

“Oh-! We can say your name! Actual name!” Jay said and Lloyd used his control over the earth to flick sand over his head. “Oh! Okay! No, we won’t do that!” Jay clarified and Kai sighed.

“Seriously, what can we do-“ Kai began but Cole gasped.

“I got it!” Cole exclaimed. “Lloyd, how do you feel about your girlfriend removing an item of clothing everytime she doesn’t answer and if she gets to her underwear-“

“-you’re one word away from losing your front teeth.” Lloyd told him and I chuckled, rubbing his shoulder comfortably.

“-hey! I’m not done! She has to jump off the bounty into the ocean.” Cole said and I raised a brow.

“So let me get this straight, we don’t answer- we do more pushups. She doesn’t answer- she strips?” Lloyd asked and Cole nodded.

“It sounds like you just want to see what drives Lloyd so crazy.” I said, teasing and Lloyd playfully nipped my hand on his shoulder.

“Okay! Okay! How about this? We all strip.” Cole suggested instead and I looked at Lloyd hopefully who smiled.

“Okay but don’t get jealous when you see how much more built I am than you.” I said and Lloyd chuckled.

“My girlfriend has an amazing body, I catch anyone looking and you’re dead.” Lloyd said and I smiled at him as he sat up normally. We formed a circle and began shortly.

“Cole! You first! Strip truth was your idea after all.” Jay said and Cole sighed.

“Lay it on me.” He said, confident.

“Bodycount.” Kai immediately jumped in and Cole smirked.

“A lot higher than yours.” Cole said and we all yelled in protest. “Fine, eight.” He admitted and I looked at him in shock. “Kai’s turn!”

“Have you ever smoked?” Jay asked and I leant on Lloyd’s shoulder and he grabbed my hand.

“I’m the elemental master of fire, I’m like my own lighter.” Kai said and fair enough to him.

“Jay! Have you ever slept with Nya?” Cole asked and Jay’s eyes widened as Kai turned to him with a menacing glare.

“For my own safety, I’m taking my sock off.” Jay said and I chuckled as everyone’s attention turned to Lloyd.

“When was the last time you gave Peach here a hickey.” Kai asked and Lloyd hummed before moving my top to the side to reveal the one of my collarbone. I swatted his hand away playfully.

“Last night?” Lloyd questioned and I rolled my eyes before pulling my top to the other side of my collarbone.

“Try this morning.” I told him and Kai whistled before patting Lloyd’s back.

“Look at you! All grown up! But you answered wrong so take your socks off buddy.” Kai told him and I laughed.

“Laugh all you want, you’re next.” Lloyd said and I rolled my eyes.

“Peach! Welcome to the family, name all the positions you and Lloyd have done it in.” Cole said and I looked at him crazy before taking my shoes and socks off.

“I’d like to keep some things private.” I said and Lloyd laughed.

“You can’t remember them all?” Kai asked and Lloyd shook his head.

“She doesn’t know all the names.” He clarified and I swatted him playfully.

And like that, the questions came quickly and upped in outlandishness:

“Peach! Ever smoked weed?”

“No, but I’m not against it.”

“Lloyd! Most unattractive thing Peach has done?”

“Nothing, she’s perfect. ”

“Peach! If you had to be with anyone else in this group who would it be?”

“Nya, obviously.”

“Lloyd, ballpark for us, how many positions have you done it in?”

“I respect my girlfriend’s privacy.”

And soon enough, all of us were in our underwear. At first, I thought nothing of it, it was almost innocent since all of us were practically naked. If only I knew how quickly I felt about all of this would change.

“Okay, before we all run into the sea- I need to piss. I’ll be back in a second.” Cole said and me and Lloyd nodded as he got up.

“I need one too… might as well make it a group affair! Jay, Lloyd?” Kai asked and Lloyd shook his head.

“I’m good.” Lloyd clarified.

“I’ll go!” Jay said as he speedily got up to follow them towards the forest.

“Hey, I’ll go get the towels for when we’re done. You want to go ahead and get some suncream for when we all inevitably burn?” I said and Lloyd grinned.

“Yeah, I’ll have to explain to Master Wu what we’re doing anyway.” Lloyd said and I grinned as we both went our own ways to set off on our individual tasks.

Once I made sure I had everyone specific towels- colour coordinated of course, I dropped them down where we were sitting originally and went up to the forest to tell the boys we were ready whenever they were whilst Lloyd filled in his Uncle. However, when I got there I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.

“Kai, if you’re shitting then at least warn us!” I heard Jay’s voice and immediately and amused grin crossed my face.

“No! But Cole is, I’m just pondering.” Kai said and I frowned.

“Oh jeez, you’re thinking? What possibly about?” I heard Cole’s voice, more distant than the others.

“So you know how Lloyd is like crazily attracted to Peach? How he’s always talking about how amazing she looks whenever they- you know…” I felt a smile graze my face at the confirmation my boyfriend praised me just as much when I wasn’t in front of him.

“-Yes! And how he loves when she’s all splayed out?” Cole added and this began to feel a bit weird, like they shouldn’t be having this conversation. Like this was meant to be private for a reason.

“Yeah! Do you think she looks like that then?” I felt my heart drop.

“What? Do you think she’s not attractive?” Jay asked and I heard Kai hum. This really felt wrong now.

“No! I think she’s alright, not my type. You know I like my women to look a little- fitter.” Kai said and my hand immediately fell to my stomach, to try and cover it- I don’t know, all I know was that I was staring to feel a little sick.

“I get what you’re saying but hey-! Maybe Lloyd likes that.” Cole tried to justify and it felt sick that he even attempted to try and justify why my boyfriend would be attracted to me.

“He’s in love and she’s his first girlfriend! Maybe he doesn’t know what a really hot bod looks like, he was never that interested in models or anything.” Kai said and I swallowed hard.

“Well he was like 12 last time you asked him and swore he hated girls.” Jay told him.

“Yeah that’s true but hey if he finds her body attractive, that’s all that matters.” Cole added and I took a deep breath. “It’s like-“ oh good there’s more. “-she’s got everything in the right places but you can just tell she doesn’t do anything fitness wise.” Cole said and I decided enough was enough.

I sped away from the forest and towards the beach where I saw Lloyd applying suncream to his own face and I sighed. Did he think like that? But would never say that? Did he really just not know what a better looking body looked like?

As soon as he saw me his face lit up and he immediately met me halfway. I smiled and immediately hugged him. Even if he didn’t find me as attractive, he still loved me.

“You’re gorgeous, you know that?” Lloyd said and I smiled.

“You really think so?” I asked and he laughed.

“Of course! I always have.” Lloyd clarified and I tried not to let my eyes water anymore. “Trust me, everyone’s jealous of what I get to go to sleep with every night.” Lloyd said and I smiled, small.

“I don’t think so but I love that you have that much confidence in me.” I said and Lloyd frowned.

“Is something going on?” Lloyd asked, clocking my internal grief immediately. Were we really that in tune?

“No, I just feel a little out of place.” I said and he shook his head.

“Okay… you shouldn’t but I can understand why.” Lloyd said and I smiled gratefully at him.

“I love you.” I told him and he smiled.

“I love you too.” Lloyd told me before handing me the suncream. “I get your back and you get mine?” He asked and I laughed.

“It would be my honour.” I told him as he sat down and I knelt behind him.

“Seriously, are you okay? Truths didn’t freak you out too much, did it?” Lloyd asked and I shook my head.

“No, although I can’t say I’m in any rush to play it again… maybe we keep our clothes on next time?” I asked and he laughed.

“If we play with them definitely… I caught them taking one too many peaks for my liking.” Lloyd said and I’m glad he couldn’t see the way my face pinched.

“Mine too… although I was mainly looking at you.” I added to try and lighten the mood again as I began rubbing the cream across his back.

“Is that so? Am I that good looking? What is it? The abs?” Lloyd asked and I smiled.

“It is so, you’re in much better shape than me.” I told him and he scoffed.

“You’re naturally gorgeous, sweetheart. This is consistent brutal training mixed with a nastily quick immune system.” Lloyd said and I smiled.

“I’m glad you think so.” I told him.

“I think the world of you, Y/n.” Lloyd said and the smile that graced my face was real.

“I’m done, help me out?” I questioned and he turned around to grab the bottle and switch places with me.

“Did you tell the others-“ Lloyd began but was interrupted by Nya who rounded the corner quickly.

“Okay! Who’s ready to get wet!” Nya exclaimed and bless the first- she looked amazing. She was naturally tan and clearly toned. She looked so good… much better than I did.

“Woah! Rephrase.” Lloyd told her and she laughed.

“Me next, okay? I’m not having this sun age me anymore than being a ninja does.” Nya said and I offered her a small smile. “Wow, Peach! Why didn’t anyone tell me you look this good? Lloyd, how dare you keep her to yourself?” Nya complimented and the happiness I felt at such a small compliment was more than I could ever thank her for.

“Hey, finder’s keepers.” Lloyd told her and she rolled her eyes.

“He’s always been just a little selfish.” Nya told me and I laughed.

“Believe me I know-!” I told Nya but a yell cut me off.

“Woah sis! Leave something to the imagination!” Kai yelled and immediately Nya rolled her eyes.

“You okay strip truths and I get yelled at for not wearing enough clothes.” Nya said, amusement in her voice.

“Wow, you look amazing.” Jay told her and I smiled at their sweet interaction.

“Who’s ready to get wet?!” Cole yelled and I rolled my eyes.

“That’s my line!” Nya yelled at him before chasing him into the ocean.

“I guess they don’t care about suncream.” I said and Lloyd smiled.

“Be it on their own head, c’mon- we don’t want to miss all the fun.” Lloyd told me and I rolled my eyes.

“If you say so.” I told him and he pulled me up before we raced towards the sea hand in hand.

🪺. *. ⋆

“Wow, sand really does get everywhere.” I told Lloyd as I rinsed sea water out my hair, he creeped behind me from where we were stood in our bathroom on the bounty.

“You’re telling me, there’s sand in places i never thought I’d feel sand before.” Lloyd told me and I laughed until I gasped at the feeling of my bra being unclasped.

“Lloyd!” I exclaimed and he frowned.

“What? We are going in the shower, are we not?” Lloyd sent me a confused frown and I paused. God what the other boys said had really freaked me out.

“Yeah, sorry… just wasn’t expecting it.” I covered and he sent me a suspicious look.

“I can leave and let you shower on your own if you want?” Lloyd asked and I shook my head.

“No I very much want you here.” I told him and Lloyd smiled before leaning down to kiss me and taking a breast into his hand. I gasped at the sudden movement and leant more into him.

“You’re so gorgeous-“ Lloyd started as he always did and I leant back to look him in the eyes.

“I don’t want to do anything.” I clarified and he looked taken aback before nodding.

“That’s okay, that’s completely fine.” Lloyd assured me and I frowned.

“Are you sure?” I asked and he nodded.

“Of course, we don’t have to do anything.” Lloyd reassured and I smiled before tilting up to kiss him. I checked the temperature of the shower before chucking my underwear to the side and climbing in.

The water was immediately refreshing and cooling over my warm, anxious body. My imperfect body. I turned to look out the still open shower curtain and saw Lloyd just watching me.

“Are you coming in?” I asked, my arms instinctively crossing my cover my chest.

“Why are you doing that?” Lloyd asked and I frowned.

“What?” I questioned and he sighed before chucking his wet boxers off to the side and climbing in with me. He pulled the shower curtain across and put his hands by the side of my face. “Lloyd?” I questioned, a bit worried now.

“You’ve been a bit weird since truths- did something happen?” Lloyd asked and I shook my head.

“No-! I’m just… I just don’t feel as attractive as you guys are.” I told him and Lloyd frowned.

“Are you serious?” He asked and I nodded. “You- what? I don’t understand…” Lloyd stumbled and I sighed before leaning on his chest.

“You’re all so in shape and I’m not.” I said and he took a deep breath before tilting my head up.

“You’re beautiful, every part of you. I don’t see how you could even think like that.” Lloyd said and I smiled.

“As long as you think so, that’s all I care about.” I told him and Lloyd frowned.

“But I want you to think it.” Lloyd said and I shook my head.

“It’s not that serious, it was just a little intimidating- that’s all! I’m happy with how I look, I just couldn’t help but wonder if my body being different from all of yours was noticed.” I said and Lloyd sighed before holding me tighter.

“No one here would judge you on something as simple as your appearance.” Lloyd assured me and I forced a smile because-

They already had.

And it was stupid really, the final battle was approaching at any moment and here I was- worried about how physically attractive I was to those who aren’t even my partner. How pathetic. I need to get it together and quick.