#still going to need to handle those things

[creatur3featur3]

Street Rat

Word count: 3.4k

A/N: uhhh.... street rat! reader, pathetic thing yayyy!! i'll probably build off this eventually- work has been kicking my ASSS

not proof read, i'm tired, i work and have a new kitten 😭

-----enjoy my loves-----

You weren't the sharpest tool in the shed, let's just say.

Having your ass handed to you by some hooligans when trying to swipe their bag of cogs at one of the various bars in the Undercity isn't one of your finest moments let's be honest-

You cough with a groan as the older male of the group grabs you by your chin, forcing your hazy eyes to meet his, the blood running down from the gash over your left eyebrow not making it any easier for you to focus.

His eyes narrow as your own do, he scoffs and lets go of your chin allowing you to fall onto your hands with a groan of discomfort. “A shame we had to get our hands dirty with such a little thing,” he comments, the other men chuckling as your stomach churns- “we could've had a better time doing more entertaining things than fighting.”

You scoff sourly as you try to get up, pushing off the dirty concrete under your hands, spitting out some blood out of your mouth with a growl, “god you wish…” you hiss, before a pained yelp falls from your lips as the man’s boot makes contact with your ribs, kicking you back down.

You hold the spot he kicked, whining softly at the pain as the man walked closer to you, leaning on his knees as he tilted his head to the side, “you're lucky we've got a card game to finish up.” 

and just like that, they left you on the street, bleeding, maybe dying a little but who cares? Nobody, it seems like as you lay there for god knows how long until you hear a sharp scoff off to your right.

Your eyes trail up to see.. a cyborg.. woman?

your... not really sure what the fuck she is..

She's smirking at you with a mix of amusement and- slight.. worry?

“The fuck you looking at..?” you hiss, trying to hide the wince of pain in your voice.

The woman scoffs and she rolls her eyes, “You, you look like absolute fucking shit .” 

“Thanks.”

“Your welcome, Doll.”

Sevika smirked, crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned lazily against the grimy wall of the alley. Her mechanical arm whirred faintly, catching the dim, flickering light from a nearby streetlamp. Her gaze swept over you, taking in your bruised face, bloodied lip, and the way you were clutching your ribs like you might fall apart if you let go.  

“Don’t let the blood fool you,” you growled, voice shaky but determined. You pushed yourself up to your knees, swaying slightly as the ground spun beneath you. “I can still throw a punch.”  

Sevika let out a low, amused chuckle, shaking her head. “Oh, I’m sure you can, doll. But let’s be real—one good gust of wind might knock you out right now.”  

You glared at her, your vision still a little blurry from the gash above your eyebrow. “Don’t test me.”  

“Oh, I’m terrified,” Sevika mocked, the smirk on her lips widening. “Look at you, all bark and no bite. You’re a scrappy little thing, I’ll give you that. But you’re lucky those guys didn’t finish the job.”  

You bristled, the mix of adrenaline and indignation overriding the pain for just a moment. “I didn’t need your commentary, tin can.”  

Sevika’s smirk faltered for a split second, replaced by something sharper—something dangerous. She pushed off the wall, her full height towering over you as she took a slow step closer.  

“What was that?” she asked, her tone low and threatening.  

For a moment, you hesitated, the weight of her presence pressing down on you like a physical force. But you weren’t about to back down.  

“I said,” you rasped, squaring your shoulders despite the ache in your ribs, “I don’t need your help or your attitude. I can handle myself.”  

Sevika snorted, shaking her head as she crouched down to your level. The smell of smoke and oil clung to her like a second skin. Her dark eyes locked onto yours, her expression caught somewhere between amusement and pity.  

“Sure you can,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “That’s why you’re lying in a puddle of your own blood, playing tough with someone who could snap you in half.”  

You opened your mouth to retort, but she cut you off, standing abruptly and letting out a sigh. “Listen, I’ve got better things to do than babysit some half-dead alley rat. But I’ll give you a choice: I can leave you here, and maybe you bleed out before those assholes come back to finish what they started… or you can swallow your pride and let me help you.”  

The choice hung heavy in the air, her sharp gaze daring you to refuse.

But as needy as you were, you had a hell of a lot of attitude.

You scowled up at her, spitting blood to the side again as you forced yourself to your feet, clutching your ribs. “I’ll take my chances with bleeding out, thanks,” you snapped, glaring daggers at her. “Don’t need some half-baked hero act from a walking toolbox.”  

Sevika blinked at you, her smirk fading into something colder. Her expression didn’t shift much—she just raised an eyebrow and let out a short, humorless laugh. “Suit yourself, doll.”  

With that, she turned on her heel, her mechanical arm flexing slightly as she stuffed her flesh hand into her jacket pocket. Her boots clacked against the cracked pavement as she strode toward the mouth of the alley, her figure disappearing into the haze of smoke and faint neon light.  

You stood there, swaying slightly, a mix of frustration and regret bubbling in your chest. You hated that you’d let her get under your skin, hated even more how quickly she dismissed you like you weren’t worth her time. But mostly, you hated the way your stomach growled, reminding you how long it had been since your last meal.  

Your pride warred with your desperation as you lingered, gritting your teeth. Eventually, with a growl of frustration, you limped forward, catching sight of her just as she was about to round a corner.  

“Wait!” you called out, your voice cracking slightly. Sevika paused, glancing back over her shoulder with a raised brow.  

You hesitated, fidgeting as you leaned heavily against the wall. “Do you… have any cash on you?” you mumbled, avoiding her gaze.  

Sevika’s smirk returned, slow and deliberate. She turned fully, crossing her arms as she studied you. “Cash?” she repeated, as if testing the word out. “Didn’t you just tell me you didn’t need my help?”  

You glared at her, though it lacked the venom it had earlier. “Yeah, well, I changed my mind. You gonna gloat, or are you gonna help?”  

Sevika chuckled, taking a step closer as she fished something out of her jacket pocket. “You’re lucky you’re kind of amusing, doll,” she muttered, tossing a small hand bag of whatever your way.  

You caught them awkwardly, wincing as the movement jarred your ribs. Sevika watched you for a moment longer before shrugging and turning to leave again.  

“Don’t spend it all in one place,” she called over her shoulder, the amusement in her tone unmistakable.

—(time skip)

It wasn’t anything new. The Undercity thrived on desperation and violence, and you were just unlucky enough to keep getting caught in its teeth. The older woman who ran a small, rundown food stall had been kind to you once, giving you a hot bowl of soup when you looked ready to drop dead on her doorstep. You hadn’t expected her generosity to last forever, but that didn’t stop you from trying your luck again.  

The air smelled of damp metal and stale grease as you crept toward the stall, your stomach twisting with hunger. You spotted the woman setting up for the day, her wiry frame moving with practiced ease as she laid out bowls and utensils. You opened your mouth to call out to her when a sharp voice behind you made your blood run cold.  

“Well, well, if it isn’t the little street rat again,” sneered a man’s voice.  

You turned slowly, your heart sinking as you saw a familiar face among the group of three closing in on you. One of the same guys who had beaten you senseless a few weeks ago, the gash he’d left on your brow now a faded scar.  

“Back for more, huh?” he taunted, cracking his knuckles. “Figured you’d learn your lesson by now, but I guess some people just can’t help being stupid.”  

Your throat tightened as you took a shaky step back, glancing around for an escape route. The older woman at the stall had noticed the commotion and was watching with wide, worried eyes, but she didn’t make a move to intervene. You couldn’t blame her. Getting involved in fights like this only brought trouble.  

“Look, I’m not looking for any problems,” you said quickly, raising your hands in a placating gesture.  

“Too late for that,” the man growled, and before you could react, his fist connected with your stomach. You doubled over with a choked gasp, falling to your knees as the air was knocked from your lungs.  

The others closed in, one of them yanking you up by the back of your jacket. You squirmed, trying to throw an elbow, but it only earned you a sharp jab to the ribs that left you gasping.  

“What’s the matter?” one of them jeered. “Thought you said you could fight?”  

You clenched your teeth, glaring up at them through the haze of pain. A part of you wanted to fight back, to spit in their faces and prove you weren’t some helpless victim. But another part of you—one that was tired and bruised and just plain done—knew you didn’t stand a chance.  

“Maybe we should make an example of this one,” the leader said, his grin sharp and cruel.  

Before he could act, a low, familiar voice cut through the tension like a blade.  

“Didn’t realize it was open season on small fry,” Sevika drawled, stepping out of the shadows. Her mechanical arm gleamed faintly in the dim light, and the way she stood—casual but coiled, like a predator about to strike—made the group pause.  

“Sevika?” you rasped, half in relief, half in disbelief.  

Her sharp gaze flicked to you briefly before settling on the men holding you. “Let the kid go,” she said, her voice calm but laced with steel. “Unless you want to see how hard I hit.”  

The group exchanged uncertain glances, clearly weighing their odds. But Sevika’s reputation was enough; with a few muttered curses, they dropped you unceremoniously to the ground and retreated, disappearing into the haze.  

Sevika watched them go before turning her attention to you. She crouched down, her expression unreadable. “Didn’t expect to find you playing punching bag again, doll,” she said, her tone somewhere between amusement and exasperation. 

You scowled up at Sevika, wiping a trail of blood from the corner of your mouth with the back of your hand. The ache in your ribs flared as you shifted, but you ignored it, your pride stinging more than the bruises.  

“Didn’t ask for your help,” you hissed, glaring at her as she stood over you.  

Sevika didn’t flinch, her sharp eyes sweeping over you with an air of practiced indifference. “Yeah, well, you looked like you were about to lose a few teeth,” she shot back, standing to her full height and turning away. “Try not to get yourself killed, kid.”  

And just like that, she walked off, her boots echoing against the concrete.  

For a moment, you stayed where you were, stewing in your frustration. Your gaze dropped to the ground as you weighed your options. You could stay here, licking your wounds and pretending you didn’t need anyone, or you could—against all your better judgment—go after her.  

You gritted your teeth. The idea of trailing after Sevika like some lost puppy made your stomach turn, but… where else were you going to go? You were broke, bruised, and starving, and while Sevika wasn’t exactly the picture of compassion, she’d gotten you out of a tight spot twice now.  

“God, I hate this,” you muttered under your breath, forcing yourself to stand despite the pain in your side.  

Your legs carried you after her, the distance between you and her widening until you broke into a stumbling jog to catch up. Sevika didn’t even glance back as you fell into step behind her, her broad shoulders cutting an imposing figure against the dim light of the Undercity.  

“I’m not following you,” you blurted after a moment, more for your own dignity than anything else. “I’m just… heading the same way.”  

“Uh-huh,” Sevika said, her tone flat.  

You glared at her back, resisting the urge to snap at her again. “Where are you even going?”  

She shrugged, her mechanical arm whirring faintly as she adjusted her jacket. “Somewhere that doesn’t involve babysitting,” she said dryly.  

“Great,” you muttered, ignoring the heat rising to your cheeks. “Guess I’ll just… keep you company.”  

Sevika’s smirk was faint, but you didn’t miss it as she glanced over her shoulder. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, doll.”

Sevika didn’t slow her pace, her strides long and deliberate, while you hobbled along behind her, trying not to let your limp show too much. You were determined to keep up, if only to avoid looking even more pathetic than you already felt.  

“I’m not looking for a pity party,” you muttered at one point, more to yourself than to her.  

“Good,” Sevika replied without missing a beat. “Wouldn’t give you one anyway.”  

Her bluntness made you bristle, but you bit back any retort. Talking to her was like punching a brick wall—painful and pointless.  

Eventually, she came to a stop at a stall tucked into the side of a dingy building, the smell of sizzling meat and spices wafting through the air. The vendor, a wiry man with a crooked smile, greeted her with a casual nod.  

“Usual?” the vendor asked, already reaching for a stack of greasy paper.  

“Yeah,” Sevika replied, digging into her jacket pocket for a handful of crumpled bills.  

You hung back awkwardly, shuffling your feet as Sevika leaned on the counter, her mechanical fingers drumming a steady rhythm against the metal. The sight of the food—whatever it was—made your stomach churn with hunger, but you refused to say a word.  

That resolve shattered the moment your stomach betrayed you, letting out a loud, miserable growl that seemed to echo in the quiet of the alley.  

Sevika glanced over her shoulder, an eyebrow raised, while the vendor paused mid-motion, his eyes flicking between the two of you. You felt your face heat up as you clutched your ribs, trying to play it off like it wasn’t a big deal.  

“Shut up,” you mumbled to your stomach, cursing yourself inwardly.  

Sevika’s smirk was slow, her sharp eyes gleaming with amusement. “That you, or is there a dog around here I don’t see?” she teased.  

“Bite me,” you shot back, glaring at her through your embarrassment.  

“Careful what you wish for,” Sevika said with a low chuckle. She turned back to the vendor, gesturing toward you with her thumb. “Throw in another, on me.”  

Your jaw dropped. “I don’t need—”  

“Relax,” she cut you off, not even looking your way. “It’s not charity. I just don’t want you keeling over before you can finish being annoying.”  

You wanted to argue, but the smell of the food was too enticing, and the growl of your stomach made it clear you weren’t in a position to refuse. You muttered a begrudging “thanks” under your breath, still avoiding Sevika’s gaze.  

She didn’t acknowledge it, only taking the food when it was handed over and shoving one of the wrapped portions into your hands. “Eat,” she said simply, her tone leaving no room for debate, before turning to walk off again like nothing had happened. 

Sevika slowed her pace just enough to glance at you over her shoulder, watching as you tried to juggle eating and walking without looking like you’d never seen food before. Her expression was unreadable, her dark eyes sharp but not unkind.  

After a moment, she asked, “So, what’s your deal? You always been this bad at staying out of trouble, or is it just a recent thing?”  

You paused mid-bite, the question catching you off guard. Swallowing quickly, you shrugged, trying to keep your tone casual. “Guess you could say I’ve always been a bit of a… ‘street rat.’”  

Sevika raised an eyebrow, slowing her stride as she turned to face you more fully. “Street rat, huh? That what you’re calling it?”  

You huffed, shoving another bite into your mouth to avoid answering too quickly. Once you’d swallowed, you gestured vaguely to the streets around you. “I’ve been out here for as long as I can remember. No family, no home, just… surviving. You know how it is.”  

Her expression didn’t shift, but her silence was heavy enough to make you squirm. You tried to fill the void with a bitter laugh. “What, you surprised? Figured you’d have me pegged as a gutter kid the moment you saw me.”  

Sevika didn’t respond right away. She was quiet for a long moment, her eyes scanning your face like she was trying to read something in the lines of your expression. Finally, she sighed, shaking her head.  

“Not surprised,” she said simply. “But living like that… it eats people alive.”  

You shrugged again, trying to play it off, but her words settled uneasily in your chest. “Yeah, well, some of us don’t have a choice.”  

Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, it looked like she might say something more. But then she just scoffed and started walking again.  

“Guess not,” she muttered. “But you’re still here, so I guess you’re tougher than you look.”  

The faintest flicker of pride bloomed in your chest at the comment, though you weren’t about to let it show. Instead, you fell into step behind her again, muttering under your breath, “Damn right I am.”

Sevika’s low chuckle echoed in the air, a sound that somehow managed to be both mocking and oddly approving. She didn’t stop walking, and her pace didn’t slow, as if she knew exactly what you were thinking. You hadn’t even noticed the way your steps had faltered as you’d walked alongside her, your gut twisting in something like regret.  

“You really do have a thing for getting yourself in trouble,” she muttered, glancing over her shoulder at you with a smirk. “A real talent for it, honestly.”  

You scowled, but didn’t respond, too tired to argue. Your feet dragged slightly behind her now, your earlier confidence slipping away like the last scraps of food you’d barely managed to scarf down.  

“Don’t look at me like that,” Sevika added, her voice turning more serious, though the faint amusement never quite left it. “You’re better off on your own, kid. Keep following me around, and you’ll just get yourself hurt more.”  

You didn’t even realize the weight in your chest until she said it. A pang of something sharp and uncomfortable hit you, like she’d just thrown you in the dirt and walked away from what little you had left of your pride.  

Before you could muster any response, Sevika turned her head fully, giving you a final glance before shaking her head. “Get your shit together,” she said with a scoff, “And don’t waste my time. You’ll be fine out here. If you don’t kill yourself first.”  

And just like that, she was gone.  

You stood there for a moment, frozen in place as the weight of her words sank in, the quiet hum of the city around you suddenly deafening. The sounds of footsteps on the slick pavement, distant chatter, and the endless pulse of neon light all seemed to fade as the emptiness of the moment pressed in on you.  

Alone again.  

You sighed heavily, shoulders slumping as you looked at the ground, your fingers digging into the fabric of your jacket as the cold from the night air settled into your bones. You didn’t know why it hurt this much, or why you still felt like you were following some thread that was barely hanging on. Maybe you were just too tired to care.  

But you’d never been someone who gave up easily, even if it meant keeping your head down and surviving the way you always had—alone.  

"Whatever," you muttered to no one in particular, your voice barely audible over the city’s hum. You turned away, heading in the direction you knew best: forward, with nothing more than the remnants of your pride and a half-empty stomach.  

It wasn’t much, but it was all you had.

(please ignore any random gaps, my ass still doesn't understand tumblr)

part 2

[vaquerolvr]

so… if we have your sexuality hcs what about their types?

(and maybe how would they approach their future s/o? maybe with a letter or just straight up “i like you”)

hope you’re doing good and staying hydrated

-🍂

i tried to focus on personality rather than physical appearance so idk if it’s exactly what you wanted. sorry if it sucks, i am trapped in a car again. Free Me.

price

his type

dilf/milf enjoyer

he wants someone who’s caring but also independent

who can handle themselves when he runs off on missions for weeks at a time

how he’d ask you out

is weirdly blunt about it

sounds like he’s negotiating a business deal

(the overly formal language is to hide that he’s nervous)

gaz

his type

people who don’t take things too seriously

carefree but not childish yknow?

how he’d ask you out

smooth af

has you laughing and blushing so much that you don’t even realize you’ve agreed to anything

until you’re alone later and you’re like “wait did he mean a friend date or a Date-“

ghost

his type

not picky about appearances, focuses more on personality

someone who has their shit together because he definitely doesn’t

how he’d ask you out

doesn’t

bottles his feelings up until he dies

being serious, it would take literal years because even if you were giving him the clearest signs that you like him, he’d still gaslight himself into thinking you’re not attracted to him

it would probably take one of the guys pushing him into it and he’d be fully expecting you to reject him

soap

his type

women who look like they can kill him

most important thing for him is hygiene/self-care

not necessarily a bodybuilder,, just like someone who takes care of themselves

idk how to explain this

how he’d ask you out

just blurts it out randomly

you don’t take him seriously at first

so he gets friend-zoned like ten times before you realize he’s serious and go out with him

alejandro

his type

i hate to say it but he’s definitely one of those guys who likes to be coddled

so someone who’s caring and affectionate (and clingy, like him)

how he’d ask you out

surprisingly sweet about it

he falls hard and fast and he doesn’t want you to underestimate how much he cares about this/you

he’s a fan of big gestures

so he brings mariachi and one of those big ass bouquets to your house

rudy

his type

just,,, someone who’s not dumb

he deals with alejandro’s antics enough

he just wants someone with common sense

how he’d ask you out

i think he’s a bit old fashioned

so he spends weeks ‘courting’ you before actually making a move

similar to alejandro but he does it somewhere private so there’s no pressure (or nosy neighbors recording)

graves

his type

emotionally vulnerable people who rely on him

WHAT WHO SAID THAT

tbh i don’t think he has a ‘type’

he just likes what he likes

but if he had to pick, he prefers partners with experience

how he’d ask you out

again: doesn’t

you just wake up one day and realize you’ve been dating him for the past two years

makarov

his type

confidence

doesn’t care what you look like, having a confident demeanor is enough to catch his eye

how he’d ask you out

kidnapping someone counts as asking them out, right?

keegan

his type

alternative fashion (specifically goths)

personality wise, someone who’s not afraid to call him on his shit/speak up in general

how he’d ask you out

nothing fancy, just casually asks one day

is really nonchalant about it but nearly throws up from excitement when you say yes

nikolai

his type

he needs someone who matches his freak

and by that i mean, someone who won’t even blink if he comes home with 5 stray cats one day

so just someone who’s generally chill and laidback

how he’d ask you out

hear me out-

you spend months agonizing over whether you’re just friends or if he likes you

and when you finally ask him, he’s just “wdym do i like you? haven’t we been dating for the past four months??”

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

Gentle

Pairing: Bradley Rooster Bradshaw x Reader

Rating: Explicit - 18+ only. Minors, DNI.

Notes: No physical reader descriptions, no use of y/n. Also not beta-read. Because it never is.

Length: 3.6K

Warnings: Bradley took Reader's virginity and didn't know it; Reader was an older virgin; mentions of public sex; under-negotiated kinks; wrist restraints (belt); protected sex; vaginal sex; dirty talk; rough sex; aftercare

Summary: You expect him to be so righteously angry—a pinched expression, a knit brow, a tight jaw. But there’s something in those warm, dark eyes that looks so painfully mournful. 

It’s unfair. You both came. What’s he so put out about?

You’d almost prefer his anger to whatever the hell this is. Anger you could handle—but does he regret last night?

It’s a throwaway comment, one that you’re positive he’ll miss. The bar is bustling and so busy that it's a wonder he’s heard your friend crow it at all: 

“To seeing you with that freshly-fucked glow for the first time!” 

You aren’t scandalized by what she says. You’d told her the truth of it last night—offered sparse details and omitted names. You laugh and cheers with your friends. You’re not embarrassed by the mention, the tease.

But your insides are burning hot at the sight of Bradley in your periphery, his beer frozen halfway to his lips. You drain your drink and clear your throat, simply offering, “Getting another one,” As you push away from the table. You’re determined not to look at him as you go, praying that he just lets it pass. 

But Bradley Bradshaw has never been good at just letting things go. 

You’d been grateful for that last night. 

There had been something zipping between the two of you all day—little looks and lingering glances that had fanned your flames, blossoming into a wildfire as he’d led you into the alley by the bar the night before. You had felt the heat of him behind you, thrilled at the scent of his cologne, the bristle and prickle of his mustache and lips against your neck as his hands had grasped your hips to still you. 

You feel the heat of him as he comes to stand beside you now, smell his cologne as he sets an empty beer bottle down on the bar. Neither of you speak for a few moments. You’d hardly looked at him last night, either—pressed face-first against the brick wall of the alley, your pants around your knees with Bradley’s hand over your mouth to quiet you, his hot breath, soft groans and bitten-off swears pushed against the shell of your ear. 

It's a shame, you think, that you’re locked into this pattern with Bradley. He does have the sweetest eyes. 

“You should’ve told me.” 

He says it just loudly enough for you to hear it over the murmur of bar noise, the conversation, rattle of cocktail shaking, and the distant strain of REO Speedwagon over the recessed speakers. 

Maybe you should’ve. There had been a split-second when you considered it, but it had all happened so fast. 

It wasn’t how you’d always expected it to be. There was no bed covered in rose petals, no romantic music. You’d been so caught up in your need, in the thrill of feeling Bradley as desperate for you as you were for him.

You’d decided, as you’d showered last night, felt the ache of him between your thighs, eyed the bloom of bruises on your hips and a scrape on your cheek from where you’d been pressed against the brick a little too hard, that it was okay. You didn’t need roses or romantic music. You’d just needed the ferocity that Bradley had fucked you with, and the brush of his rough, work-worn fingertips against your neglected clit, and the moan of his voice in your ear as his hips stuttered and slapped against yours. 

“You didn’t ask.” 

You realize as Bradley shifts testily beside you that it’s the wrong thing to say, and maybe a little unfair. You tack on, “Doesn’t matter.” 

“Yeah, it does. I figured—” 

“I know. S'okay. Let it go, Bradshaw.” It’s unlikely, but worth a shot. If there’s one thing Bradley loves, it’s proving people wrong. You know as well as he does just how stubborn he can be, how by-the-book. But some things just nag and nag and he has to litigate them.

You can tell that this’ll be one of the things that he won’t stand for. Dog with a bone. Knight with a righteous cause. 

“You should’ve told me.” 

It’s his new refrain, you realize. You can’t imagine how he must’ve felt when he heard your friend, saw you laugh, waited for you to correct or argue with her. And did he notice the scratch on your cheek then? Did he think of the push of his body against yours, the quiver of your thighs as he’d stretched you wide around him, the buzz of your whimper against his fingers as he finally fucked you? 

"Doesn't matter,” You insist again. “Drop it.” 

“You should’ve told me—” 

“Lower your voice.” 

“I would’ve been more gentle.” 

“I didn’t want you to be more gentle,” You snap, finally turning to meet his eye. You realize immediately that it’s a mistake. You expect him to be so righteously angry—a pinched expression, a knit brow, a tight jaw. But there’s something in those warm, dark eyes that looks so painfully mournful. 

It’s unfair. You both came. What’s he so put out about?

You’d almost prefer his anger to whatever the hell this is. Anger you could handle—but does he regret last night? You sure as shit don’t. 

Your jaw works tightly as you fold your arms against your chest and turn back to the bar. He can regret it all he wants, if that’s what this is. 

“Anyway,” You press on, “I enjoyed myself. Thought you did, too.” 

“I did—” Small wonder, “But—” 

“‘But’ nothing, Bradshaw. We both had a good time. Just…Forget it.” 

You hear Bradley draw in a deep breath before his hand lightly comes down on the bar. When he curses this time, it doesn’t make your stomach flip with excitement. It just pisses you off. 

-- 

“Get in.”

Your annoyance has cooled and shifted to nerves. You glance around the parking lot, openly unsure. You can get a car to take you home. It could be there in two minutes, have you home in twenty. 

Bradley stands still as a statue, hand holding open the passenger side door as he waits. It wasn’t a question like he’d asked last night—”Wanna take a walk?” It isn’t a murmur accompanied by a warm hand on your lower back, steering you away from the thudding bass of the bar, from your friends as your stomach fluttered with anticipation. 

It’s an order, one that you’re tempted to disobey. 

But you climb into the Bronco and buckle up. You look straight through the windshield as he gets into the driver’s seat and starts the car. The drive is quiet, and does nothing to calm your nerves. Once Bradley parks, he just warns, “Don’t,” when you reach for the door handle. You expect him to launch into a lecture, but he gets out, rounding the car and opening the door for you. 

He’s practically your shadow as he follows you to the front door. You step aside once it’s open, unsure if Bradley will turn and head home, his self-appointed duty done. But he steps inside, shrugging his jacket off and throwing it over the back of your couch. He’s been there once or twice, but he still takes his time looking around as you lock up behind him and take off your shoes. 

“Shoes off, Bradshaw.” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

“You want something to drink?” You ask, stepping past him. 

“Water.” 

“You hungry?” 

“No.” 

You nod, flipping on the light in your kitchen and grabbing a couple of glasses for the two of you. You can hear Bradley's footsteps as he drifts lazily through your living room, joining you in the kitchen and taking the proffered glass of water with a murmur of thanks. The two of you sip in silence for a few moments. 

“Maybe I should’ve—” You start, then back off as you feel Bradley turning to look at you. You take another gulp of your water. “There just didn’t seem like the right moment to mention it. And bringing it up—it all would’ve felt like a bigger deal. I didn’t want that.” 

“Could’ve told me afterward.”

“We were more focused on getting back to the others.” 

“You tell ‘em it was me?” 

“No.” 

“Why not?” 

“Because it’s none of their business. Besides, they wouldn't care—and they didn’t ask.” 

“Seems to be your answer for everything these days.” 

You roll your eyes, setting your empty water glass in the sink.

“Okay. You bring me home just to scold me?” 

“No.” 

Bradley steps closer, lowering his water glass into the sink beside yours. You watch his hand lift. Your eyelashes flutter as he cups your jaw, turning your head toward him, his thumb sweeping gently across your skin. 

“Look at me.” He orders. Your focus sweeps up slowly, mapping the swell of his lips, the scattering of scars, the line of his nose before your eyes finally settle on his. He’s devoid of anger, still, and the sorrow is gone. Bradley’s expression seems deceptively neutral, and that’s far more concerning than any look he’s given you before. 

“Where’s your room.” 

-- 

There still aren’t any roses, but at least there’s a real bed this time. Bradley doesn’t guide you face-first into one of your walls or against the door. He keeps a firm grasp on your jaw as his tongue slips between your lips. You wind your arms around his shoulders, fingers curling in the hair at the nape of his neck.

You try to urge him back toward the bed, but Bradley slides a hand down to your throat, giving it a warning little squeeze that makes you melt. You smooth one of your hands down his front, fingers skating along the cool metal of his belt buckle. Before you can undo it, Bradley catches hold of your wrist. He breaks your kiss, using the grasp on your throat to tip your head up to the side, and smoothing his lips along the exposed skin. 

“Slow down,” He murmurs against your jaw, the buzz of it tickling your skin. 

“But—” 

“Slow down.” It’s firmer now, and you have to tamp down a grin. You know what that tone is like from Bradley. You’re certain you can wind up face-first on your bed if you play your cards right. 

You just have to piss him off a little. 

You wriggle your wrist from his grasp, tipping your head down against the press of his hand, desperate to catch sight of his belt buckle as you fumble for it with both hands. You hear the short, irritated huff of Bradley’s breath before he catches both of your wrists in one hand. Your mouth waters at the clank of his buckle being undne as he gives your wrists a squeeze and shoves them away from him. 

“Take your clothes off,” He orders. “All of them.” 

There’s steel in his voice now. You begin to turn, your hands curling around the hem of your shirt when you hear him tut.

“Face me.” 

Your face burns hot as you go still. Bradley’s expression is flat again: mirthless eyes, and a firm press to his lips. You tug your shirt up and over your head, undo your bra, then shove down your pants and underwear. 

“Get on the bed.” 

You sit, and wait.

“Lie down.” 

You should scooch back toward your headboard, but instead, you flop down where you are, feet still on the floor. You yelp as Bradley lands a slap on your outer thigh. 

“Don’t play dumb,” He warns. “Go on.” 

You finally slide back, watching Bradley undress and fish a foil packet out of his back pocket. You eye his body covetously as he walks closer, climbing over you and straddling your hips, tossing the condom by your pillow.  

“Hands up.” 

You raise them obediently, holding perfectly still and hardly breathing as he loops the belt around your wrists. He holds your eye as he winds the belt around your wrists and the bedposts, a single brow raised. You can call it off now—you know he'll unwind it, pull back, stop.

When you nod, Bradley tightens it, the leather biting into your skin. 

You want what he gave you in the alley—the rush, his force, his ferocity and bruises. But Bradley kneels on the bed in front of you, curling his hands around your ankles, skimming them up slowly. You squirm, feeling exposed and vulnerable as his hands slip over your thighs, up across your belly. 

“Bradley—” 

“Hush.” 

You suck in a soft breath as his fingers smooth over your sides, pressure just firm enough to keep from tickling you. His head dips, kissing over your belly, up to the underside of one of your breasts. You try to arch into his lips as he leans further up. 

“Please,” You whine, but his tongue sweeps between your lips before you can say another word. You wilt back against the bed, your fingers curling and flexing around one another as your wrists strain against the belt, the buckle clanking against the bed frame. You want nothing more than to grasp and pull his hair, feel the slide of the strands against your skin.

“But—” You breathe as he breaks the kiss.

“Shuddup.” It buzzes against your skin as his kisses travel back down, sucking at each nipple, sweeping past your belly button as his shoulders push your thighs wide. You pull in a shocked breath as his hot breath skates across your pussy, chased by the teasing flicker of the tip of his tongue. You whimper, chasing the slick heat before Bradley’s hands curl around your hips. You open your mouth to complain again—but it dies on your tongue as Bradley laps broadly across your lips. He buries your face between your thighs, moaning lustfully against your slick skin. Your nails dig into your palms at the rattle of his groan shakes through you.

You whine, knees tightening around his shoulders as you shove your hips down against his lips. And though you’d expected him to reprimand you, Bradley’s hand slides up between your thighs, fingers teasing at your pussy. It’s only a moment before he slips one inside, curling it before adding another. You huff softly, cunt squeezing around him as his fingers pumping in and out—and in and out again as your hips chase his manic rhythm.

Your wrists yank against the belt, hips bounding as you chase the curl and snap of your orgasm, Bradley’s name falling from your lips as your pussy rolls against his tongue. He hums, lapping at your pleasure as your cunt clutches at his fingers. Your voice quiets as you settle, cunt pulsing as Bradley nuzzles your thigh, lightly nipping at the skin and slickly soothing it as your movements slow.

As you come back to yourself, you can’t deny the thrill of catching Bradley’s eye—the heat of it as he peers over your belly; the sly glint as he laves his tongue back and forth, fingers curling in your still-pulsing opening. You part your lips, waggling your tongue and grinning as Bradley surges up. 

You whimper as you taste your arousal on his tongue, shiver as his fingers withdraw and his cock twitches against your inner thigh. Your hips tip up on instinct, chasing the heat as Bradley’s length twitches against you. He reels back just far enough to grab the foil packet by your head, ripping it open with his teeth, and sheathing his cock in the latex. 

“Please,” You mumble before he can ask or tease, “Please��Need it, Bradley, I—Oh, fuck,” You gasp as he drives into you with a single stroke. Your pussy clutches at him, your nails digging into the leather of the belt as you push your hips up into his. Bradley’s hands land on either side of your head, flexing in the fabric of your pillow case as he holds himself steadily over you. 

“Shuddup,” He groans again—But my god, it’s a tighter sound than it was before, and it makes your pussy grasp at him as his face presses into your neck. 

“Bradley–”

“Quiet—”

“I need it,” You whimper, shoving your hips up against his, “Fuck, you feel so—Mm, Bradley, please—” 

“Just—” 

“I want more, Bradley, ‘m so—” 

You gag at the sudden intrusion of two fingers sliding between your lips. Your mouth falls open, eyes glazing and tongue laving against the rough pads of his fingertips as they rub over your tongue.

You let your jaw go slack, whines spiraling from between your lips as he finger-fucks your mouth, hips slapping against yours in tandem. Your toes curl in the fabric of your sheets, wrists yanking against your restraints. Bradley plants his knees against the mattress, his hips slamming against yours as the headboard rattles against your wall. You wind one of your legs around his, sucking in a breath as his free hand grasps and squeezes your thigh. 

Bradley pushes his face into your neck, fingers slipping from your mouth to hold your hips. You can’t fight the way your voice stutters in his throat at the slow, concentrated roll of his body against yours. You try to push against him, to urge and speed his pace, but Bradley seems to neither hear nor feel your urging and whines. 

It’s no use. Bradley’s grasp keeps you pinned in place, the slow grind of his hips drawing your orgasm nearer and nearer. 

“That’s it,” He encourages against your jaw. He groans as your cunt pulses around him, your hips bucking as your back arches. 

“Faster,” You breathe, then gasp as his strokes slow and deepen. Your eyes slip closed, pressing your head back against the pillow as your push your body up against his. You shiver, knees squeezing around his hips as the coil of pleasure in your belly tightens. 

“Look at me,” He urges, hand lifting to curl around your jaw. Your head flops like a ragdoll’s, eyes blinking blearily up at him. Your heart stuttering in your chest at the heated focus on his face—the parted, panting lips, and the way his dark eyes skate from your mouth to your slightly unfocused gaze. He tuts when your eyelashes flutter, giving your jaw a squeeze before you can close them. 

“Ah ah. Eyes on me, baby,” Bradley orders. “Show me how bad you want it—Show me,” He repeats as my mouth falls open to insist, “Don’t tell me. I don’t wanna hear another fucking word. You’ll take what I give you,” He growls, “And when you’ve cum, you’ll fucking thank me for it.” 

Your eyes roll back into your head as you buck up against Bradley, mouth falling open in a stunned, guttural shout as you cum, cunt pulsing around his cock. Bradley curses, dipping his head and laying a bite on your shoulder as his hips continue to grind slowly and steadily, fucking you slowly through your orgasm.

You wait for him to follow, to tip over the edge, but Bradley’s hips don’t stutter and slow like they did last night. Instead, his fingers slip between the two of you, teasing over your tender, swollen clit as his tongue sweeps across the freshly laid bite mark. You hiss in a shocked breath, hips bucking up into his rough touch. 

“Br-Bradley—” 

“Gimme another one.” 

-- 

Your hands slowly slip down to rest over your head as Bradley unwinds the belt from your wrists, dropping it across his other clothes where they were discarded by the bed. You sigh contentedly as you feel the bed dip and shift beneath you, and hear the soft pad of his footsteps as he leaves the room.

You know that you should move your arms, get some blood back into them, check your wrists, but for a few moments, you just lay there and let your body settle. Your cunt still pulses from the slow, sensual rolls of Bradley's hips, the sure and even way that he’d fucked you through another two orgasms before finally coming undone himself. You draw your knees together, shivering again as you squeeze your slick thighs together. 

“Here,” You hear. Your head lolls to the side, eyes blinking open as Bradley sets a glass of water down on the bedside table. Before you can try and push yourself up, Bradley sits beside you, hooking his arms around your back and helping you slowly sit up. Your head swims a little, and Bradley shushes you softly as you close your eyes to stop your head from pounding, resting your head forward onto his shoulder. 

“Y’alright?” 

“I think so,” You mumble. 

“Give it a minute.” 

“Mm.” You lean back against the headboard, eyes still closed as Bradley’s hands gently brush over your quivering thighs. “I should get cleaned up.” 

“We will,” He says. “Water's heating up for the bath.” 

You peek open one eye, brow raising in surprise. We, huh? But Bradley holds your eyes steadily, unflinching as he picks the water up and holds it out. Your arms throb slightly as you lift them to take the cup, drawing in a sip, then a gulp. 

“Slow down,” He chuckles. 

“Mmm. That again?” You ask, passing back the glass. “All I got tonight was slow.” 

Bradley sets the glass aside, scooching closer and nudging his nose against yours. He searches your gaze for a moment before his eyes dip to your lips. 

“You deserve slow,” He murmurs, “You deserve thorough. And one’a these days, I’m gonna teach you,” His lips ghost yours, “How good gentle can be.” 

“That’s not what tonight was?” 

“With a belt around your wrists? No, baby,” He chuckled. “That’s not what tonight was.” He leans away, grinning as you lean up, lips chasing his. “I’ll go check on the bath. Finish that water.” 

“Yessir.” You watch him get up, swiping your tongue over your lips. “Bradley?” 

He turns, brows raised expectantly, and smiling when he sees you reaching for him. He leans back in when you smooth your hand over his neck, submitting to the soft, searching kiss that you pull him in for.

“For the record," You tip your head back, "You were exactly what I wanted—last night and tonight."

Relief flickers in his warm eyes, lips quirking in a slight smile as he covers his mouth with yours again.

"For the record," He murmurs. "You're gonna like gentle."

"I know I'm gonna like it," You insist, leaning back against the headboard, "Long as it's with you."

Tag list:

@missredherring ; @fantasticcopeaglepasta ; @massivecolorspygiant ; @blueeyesatnight ; @amneris21 ; 

@ew-erin ; @youngkenobilove ; @carbonated-beverage​​​ ;  @moonlightburned ; @milf-trinity ; 

@millllenniawrites ; @chattychell ; @dihra-vesa​ ; @videogamesandpoorlifechoices​ ; @missswriter ; 

@thembosapphicclown ; @brandyllyn ; @wildmoonflower ; @realwhoreforfictionalmen ; @mad-girl-without-a-box ; 

@winchestershiresauce ; @lorecraft ; @kmc1989 @nominalnebula

[average-mako-enjoyer]

After all the raw intensity of da2, Inquisition feels painfully bland. The narrative always teeters on the edge of saying something substantial, but then pulls back.

Oh, you're saying the Templars are killing everyone they suspect of being a mage or supporting mages? Well, they just need a good leader and everything will be fine!

Oh, so the first Inquisition developed the Rite of Tranquility, they used it to abuse mages for 800 years, and the leadership of the Chantry FBI knew about it all along? Well, don't worry, the good Cassandra will fix everything (just don't tell the abused mages that you can undo the Rite).

Oh, and by the way, that elf genocide thing? The destruction of the Dales? Well, evil avvar are to blame! And the elves themselves. They didn't support the emperor during the second Blight because the evil avvar captured the only one who could convince them, and, well, the emperor's son had to act, right? Everyone is at fault here, don't think about it too much.

It goes on and on.

DA2 pulled no punches when talking about authority, because the entire Kirkwall crew are underdogs (yes, even the Champion, who effectively bought their place among the Kirkwall elite, and everyone knows it, and even after the Quinary thing, everyone still treats them like a thug for hire).

So DA2 had to be anti-authoritarian, but in Inquisition, you're the authority. You're the guy who judges people and sends them to their deaths. You're the guy with the castle and the throne. You can't make any substantive comments about the fucked-up system because you're the one who perpetuates it.

And of course DAI redeems Cullen as the "face" of the New Templars. You see, he just needed a good, lawful leader, someone to accept him and make him feel better. He will even stop being a drug addict if you ask him nicely! And yes, he will continue to tell you that you should probably abuse mages more than you do now, but that's only because he's worried about everyone's safety! He's not like those evil red Templars, no, no. He's a good one now.

DA2's message was, "Well, the system is fucked beyond repair. Every authoritarian system is inherently fucked, and there is probably nothing you can do about it. The only way you can participate in this meat grinder is to either turn the handle or accept that you're going to be ground. Or you can take the secret third option. See you at the end of Act 3.

The Inquisition's message is: "Authority is fine as long as its leaders are good people with good intentions. They will know what to do in the end. They will do the right thing. You just have to trust them!" And it's... yeah. At least, Cullen's romance is cute.

talking to cullen and elthina about ser alrik and not coming out of it an explosion apologist is insane to me. that anders waited 3 whole ass years to do it is a test of patience in of itself. if that were me i would have dropped an actual like straight up nuclear missile on these jokers.

[cyber333angel]

Hey there cutie I’m wondering if you could write a Abby taking readers virginity blurb or head cannons or whatever I love your writing and how you write her💗💗💗

DRINK WATER

abby herself wouldn’t be a virgin she’s actually quite experienced but it would be her first time strapping someone and she was definitely hooked when the two of you did it.

you would have begged her to go further than just her fingers and her mouth, being so happy when she gives in and tries to make it a special experience for you. getting all the things that were needed ready for you on the bed. abby would take it reeeally slow, like fingering you and eating you out while you whine about wanting her to put it in. the strap would already be on her waist while she’s eating you out in fact it’s the reason why your so impatient, you can see what you want but abby won’t let you have it until she thinks your ready.

she just teases you, sucking on your nipples that are spilled out of your bra, her thick fingers in your cunt spreading you out while she whispers to you. “ abs just put it in already! please..” your hips are squirming under her as she smiles, “put what in baby?” grinning at you like it’s funny and laughing when you start to pout. “don’t tease..” while she entertains you she places your legs on her shoulders, sliding her fingers sensually up your thighs while she prods the silicone against your cunt. “mm’please abs..” you say reaching for her arm or anything to get her to stop the ache between your legs.

“i know sweet girl, gonna give you what you want.” spreading you apart more to let a glob of spit roll down your pussy, connecting at the spot where her dick is kissing your messy entrance. she places her large hand on the pudge of your tummy looking at you with reassurance, “you ready?” and she knows your ready, more than ready she just loves to see you beg. “yes! abby I need you..” your impatient. lowering your hips down closer to her dick until the tip of her stretches out your hole, mewling at your girlfriend with the cutest face as your eyes squeeze shut. “your such a needy baby.” she says with a chuckle, pushing the rest of her length into your pussy with the tone of her soft voice, “shhh oh I know princess, feels good huh? takin all of me first try my good girl.”

somehow, the sympathetic praise made it so much easier to take the current 5 inches you were being given, another 3 to go with you already losing your mind spread out in the bed. it didn’t take long for you to be on the verge of cumming, the way abby flowed her hips against yours and hit those sweet spots she usually finds with her tongue, you were already familiarized with this saccharine pleasure.“oh abby..mn think im gonna c-cum!” your sweaty skin slapping against each other doesn’t slow down as abby rubs your cheek with one gentle hand, other hand still placed on your hip for control. “yeah baby? cum for me, look so pretty with you nice nd full of me.”

it’s like her words were a command, abby only having to thrust into you roughly a few more times to make you cum, with the help of her fingers rubbing at your clit. “that’s it, atta girl..” moving her digits in a circular motion that she always does has you creaming on her cock, a ring almost at the base of it where it shows how much you took. “feels so’good abs!” you cry and she nods, kissing the crook of your neck and working her way up to your face. “can see that you love it pretty girl, legs are shaking like crazy.” making you both break out in laughter.

your first time with abby was so sweet and gentle, it felt so natural between the two of you and she never rushed you into anything too intense that she thought you couldn’t handle. and when she pulled the strap out of you, you could see how much of it you actually took and it wasn’t all of it so she told you while you were laying in bed with the snack she gave you and the blanket she rolled you in that, “we’ll have to train you to get all the way to the bottom next time huh?” sigh >.<

[familiarscars]

Drive You Insane | Noah Sebastian 02

adult content | minors do NOT interact.

⋆ 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆. Noah Sebastian X psychiatrist!Reader.

⋆ 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒. A mysterious new patient arrives at the Grimshade sanatorium and you have been tasked with taking care of his case.

⋆ 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆(𝐒). disturbing environment, violence, unconventional treatments, manipulation, questionable relationships, explicit sex and profanity.

It's okay to not agree with the characters' attitudes during the fic. It's good to remember that the story is fiction from the author's sick mind and of course they will make dubious decisions according to my fantasies. Nothing is done to be compared to reality.

"How are things over there?" Your mother’s cheerful voice echoed from the other end of the line, and you gripped the phone tighter.

By your estimate, you had only ten minutes left on your phone card, and she was known for talking without taking a breath.

“Why didn’t you call me earlier? I was worried!”

“Uh… yeah… everything’s fine, really.” You answered, biting your lower lip as you noticed the sky beginning to darken.

If it rained, you’d be in trouble on the long walk back to the sanatorium. Like the considerate coworker he was, Dr. Rune didn’t even bother offering to accompany you.

“I don’t believe you.”

“I didn’t call earlier because the signal’s bad here. I have to come all the way to town to use the phone, but there’s nothing to worry about, Mom. Everything’s fine, I promise!” You were never the type to struggle with lying, and your mother was easy to convince.

“I heard on TV that that rich murderer who killed his girlfriend is there. Is that true?”

The mention of Noah made your throat go dry. Your heart was still racing from the restless dream you’d had the night before.

“Yes, it’s true, Mom. It looks like I’ll be assigned to take care of him.”

“Aunt Becky says he’s handsome.” She chuckled—a raspy, broken sound, the product of years of smoking. “But the devil was handsome too, wasn’t he?”

The devil was handsome too...

“If there’s a chance to pass this case on to someone else, I’d prefer it. You just graduated, and handling something like this could be tough. And…”

“Mom, I’ve got to go now…” You cut her off before the speech started sounding too much like Dr. Rune’s. “We’ll talk in two days.”

“But…”

“Kisses! Love you!”

You slammed the receiver down with a bit more force than necessary. The store clerk gave you a stern look, and, to make up for it, you bought a few items you might need in the coming days: toiletries, extra socks, water, and cleaning supplies for your room.

Your day’s agenda was full. Two patients to see before the afternoon, when you’d have your first session with Noah. The previous night had been long, spent analyzing every detail of his case, searching for the best approach to start a conversation with someone who hadn’t spoken a single word in so long.

On the way back to the sanatorium, your mind was a whirlwind. Staring out the window, you couldn’t shake thoughts of the dream. It was disturbing how real it had felt: his touch tracing your body, the shadow his height cast around you, the physical discomfort that blurred the line between imagination and reality. Even now, in the back seat of the car, your body reacted involuntarily, legs tensing. As hard as it was, you had to push those clouds from your senses before it became impossible to face him directly.

At lunch, you picked up a tray of pasta, meatballs, juice, and an apple, determinedly walking past the chatter of other staff members you hadn’t met yet. Notebook tucked under your arm, you were ready to spend the meal studying.

Your first patient of the day, after returning from town, was a teenage girl accused of killing her own brother. Madeleine Skelter, fifteen, had been sentenced to a sanatorium due to her unstable mental state during the trial. She lost her mother at ten, and not long after, her father remarried. Madeleine gained a younger brother, but as time passed, strange events plagued the family. The boy was often injured, and the wounds worsened each week.

The family, desperate for answers, fired staff and grew suspicious of friends before the blame finally fell on the stepmother, who was diagnosed with postpartum depression.

Cracks formed like fragile glass in their home. When Madeleine was caught smothering her brother with a pillow, she was ready to frame her stepmother so she could have her father to herself. She’d admitted her plan: to remove everyone in her father’s life until it was just the two of them—"happy" at last.

She played the role of his wife, cooked for him, washed his clothes, and obsessed over appearing adult, despite his clear rejection of her behavior.

Madeleine showed no remorse, only weeping over her father, who had erased her existence from his life. He and his wife moved abroad and started anew.

Narcissistic and arrogant, she nearly drained your social battery in 45 minutes.

“Hey!” A familiar voice pulled you from your thoughts, and you looked up, setting your pen down and leaving the apple on your plate. Dr. Rune, all smiles, waved as he approached. You quickly adjusted your posture and tucked your hair behind your ear.

“Hello!”

“Eating alone? Oh no! Come on, sit with us at my table. I’ll introduce you to some friends!”

Deeply uncomfortable with his insistence, you reluctantly stood, gathering your things as he helped carry what he could. Together, you walked to the table.

“Everyone, this is the new psychiatrist at Hidden I told you about!” Travis introduced you, and the three people at the table smiled warmly, urging you to sit. “These are Jake, Sloan, and Charlote.”

“Welcome!” they all said in unison, and you smiled your thanks.

“So, you’re the one handling the handsome psychopath?” The youngest woman, dressed in a green nurse’s uniform, leaned in, her eyes narrowing. “Your hair smells nice.”

“Sloan, don’t scare her!” Travis scolded. “It’s bad enough she has to sleep on that information.”

Maybe Travis was annoying.

Or maybe not—he was annoying.

“Actually, I slept perfectly well with that information, Dr. Rune,” you said calmly, finishing the last bite of apple. “This place is full of killers. Noah isn’t that special. Maybe you’re the one a bit too excited.”

He blushed instantly as the others laughed.

“She’s right,” said Charlote Walker, her name embroidered on her coat. “He’s not the first famous nutcase we’ve dealt with.”

“Sure, he’s not that important,” Travis added, “but I like to remind the newbies not to get their hopes up. When we graduate, we think we can save the world. Unlike our other patients, this one won’t last long before they fry him in the chair.”

An awkward silence fell as everyone processed his words. All eyes turned to him as he nonchalantly scraped the last bit of grape jelly from his cup. His pristine white coat contrasted with the partially unbuttoned dress shirt underneath, revealing a glimpse of toned muscle.

"Then I’ll volunteer to be the last bitch he sleeps with." Charlote sneered to break the tense atmosphere, and everyone laughed. You didn’t find it funny at all but forced a laugh to blend in.

"Tonight, we’re having a little party just for the staff at the tavern, to take a break from this hellhole. We expect you there!" Sloan insisted, pulling a pen from her uniform pocket and grabbing your notebook to jot down an address and a phone number.

You loved parties, but you had no idea this kind of thing happened here, and you weren’t prepared for it. You hadn’t brought any clothes, no heels, and you suddenly felt so bare that embarrassment took over.

"We don’t take no for an answer if you even think about trying!" she warned, placing the notebook back in its place.

"I’ll think about it…" You nodded, pressing your lips together.

The conversation at the table was lively. Everyone, including Travis, talked excitedly about the much-anticipated party and how they desperately needed an escape valve to release the accumulated tension. You wanted to join in, to immerse yourself in the buzz of excitement, but your eyes remained glued to the clock on the wall. With each passing tick of the hands, the voices around you seemed to drift further away, becoming a distant echo. Your hands began to sweat, a persistent reminder that his arrival was drawing near.

Your office was modest, containing only the bare essentials: a desk and two chairs — one for you, one for the patient. You had taken care to remove anything that could attract his attention or pose any kind of risk. On the desk sat only a notebook, a bottle of water, and a pen — simple, safe items. The air carried a faint hint of lavender from the room spray you had purchased in town. It was a subtle fragrance you liked — present without being overpowering.

When you glanced at your wristwatch, exactly 4:00 p.m., a sharp metallic sound echoed from outside. The door was shoved open with force, and a guard pushed the man, shackled hand and foot, into the room. Noah wore a sleeveless shirt that revealed his tattooed arms. Despite his clean appearance — his hair slicked back and still damp from a shower — he scanned the room with an indifferent gaze, visibly bothered by the scent lingering in the air.

Then, his eyes landed on you.

He drew in a deep breath and stepped backward, a reaction you hadn’t anticipated. For a moment, confusion flickered within you until you realized Noah was trying to retreat toward the guard, as if seeking escape. You frowned and instinctively checked your reflection in your phone’s screen, discreetly sniffing your underarms. Was there something wrong with you?

"None of that!" The guard shoved him firmly into the room, forcing him to remain still.

"Thank you, sir," you said as you observed Noah’s shoulders tense. "We’ll see you in forty minutes when the session ends."

"I can’t leave you alone with him," the guard protested.

"I doubt your presence will make him feel comfortable. I’ll take full responsibility," you replied with conviction. Reluctantly, the guard sighed and closed the door behind him. "Now there’s nowhere to run. Just you and me."

Slowly, Noah turned, casting furtive glances your way. His face was a mask of disdain. He seemed to survey every inch of the room as if enveloped in filth or surrounded by a foul stench. His expression, haughty and nearly intolerable, remained as he dropped into the chair across from you with a show of complete disregard.

"Well, it’s only fair to start at the beginning, right? Noah, I’m Dr. —"

He let out a sigh of boredom, rolling his eyes. The soft light from the window cast shadows on the intricate tattoos that adorned his neck, each design hinting at stories hidden beneath his skin.

"I’m genuinely willing to treat you like a human being, okay?" you said firmly, slicing through the uncomfortable silence he cultivated. The irritation inside you grew, fueled by the way he examined the room with contempt, as if he were superior to everything and everyone around him. "That’s already quite different from how my colleagues see you. To them, you’re just patient 268!"

Your eyes locked on his, trying to pierce the wall of apathy he had erected.

"If you’re not interested in being treated that way, I can adjust my approach," you continued, your tone blunt and unwavering. "That doesn’t bother me. But I much prefer respecting people, regardless of who they are!"

A faint twitch at the corner of his mouth hinted at a reaction, but he simply stared at you with that same defiant gaze.

"We’ll take it slow. It’s up to you whether you speak or remain silent, but I’ll still be here doing my job, even if it’s just sitting quietly with you." You spoke calmly, keeping your tone composed. "Can you tell me how you’re feeling today?"

Nothing. Not a single response. He remained as still as a statue, though far from lifeless. It was the way he held himself that unsettled you — a predator behind a mask of indifference.

You paused, then tried again.

"What do you remember from the night you were found?"

His eyes sharpened, locking onto you. There was no emotion, but a sharp, undeniable presence seemed to tighten the air between you. He didn’t answer, but the slightest lift at the corner of his mouth betrayed a sardonic smile — anything but kind.

Heat crept up your neck as you felt yourself under his dissecting gaze rather than the other way around. His eyes roamed over your fingers gripping the pen, the rhythm of your breath, the way your legs crossed. His attention was so intense that it set your pulse racing, a reaction you struggled to mask as you shifted in your chair.

"Noah." Your voice was steady, but your skin burned with a growing tension. "Are you really not going to tell me how you feel? About what happened that night?"

Silence. His smile remained, smug and unkind.

Leaning forward, you caught a trace of his scent — metallic, sharp, clean. Threatening in its subtlety, much like the man himself.

"Did she mean anything to you?" Your words sliced through the thickening air. "Did you love her?"

His smile didn’t waver. But his eyes… they shifted — a flicker of recognition. Love stirred something within him, though what exactly, you couldn’t tell.

The weight of expectation hung heavy between you. The tension stretched thin, a thread about to snap.

"And anger?" Your voice softened, almost a whisper. "Did you hate her? For what she did to you? For how she made you feel?"

Nothing again. Just silence. But the measured way he breathed — slower, deeper — gave away the internal battle.

Noah remained a statue of control, but his hands betrayed a subtle shift. His fingers flexed against the chair’s armrest, as though suppressing the urge to crush something — or someone.

You caught every movement. The whitening of his knuckles. The tightening of his jaw beneath that treacherous smirk. He was playing a dangerous game. But you weren’t about to back down.

It was time to change the rules.

"You like testing limits, don’t you?" you tilted your head, keeping your voice neutral. "You know, staring at me won’t give me answers. Words will."

His smile widened a little more, but he remained silent.

Switching tactics, you opened a folder beside you and pulled out a faded photograph, sliding it across the table. The image depicted a family in a Victorian mansion—parents formally dressed, children posed as if part of a meticulously staged play. Noah’s face was younger, but the intensity in his eyes was the same.

"This is your family," you said, your tone almost casual. "What was it like growing up as the heir to Blackridge Island?"

The smile vanished. The change was swift, a transformation that made your skin prickle. His jaw tightened slightly, his gaze flicking to the photo as though it burned him. For the first time, you saw something different in his expression.

The silence thickened, becoming almost tangible. Without the smile, Noah shifted from a predator in check to a raw, visceral presence. The weight of his stare was now a blade, slicing slowly through the professional armor you’d carefully constructed.

"Families have power, don’t they?" His voice was low, almost confessional, as he leaned slightly forward. "They shape, bind, and sometimes… break."

The tension in his jaw became more pronounced, muscles clenching with barely contained restraint. His eyes, once cold and calculating, seemed caught in a dark, inescapable past. Yet, he remained silent.

Frustration, mingled with something you refused to name, tightened your chest. He was so close—like a storm ready to break—and yet, unreachable. His energy vibrated through the air, an electric current affecting you more than it should.

Your fingers lightly touched the edge of the photo on the table.

"What do you see when you look at them?" The question came as a challenge. "Guilt? Hatred? Or do you miss them?"

Still, no response.

When Noah finally tore his eyes from the photograph, his gaze landed back on you with renewed intensity. He wasn’t distant anymore. A shift had occurred.

The way he looked at you now was deliberate, methodical, as though peeling away each layer of your defenses. His eyes weren’t just cold—they were precise. They roamed your face, trailed down your neck, and observed the way you bit your lower lip, trying to mask your growing discomfort.

Your body reacted before you could stop it, vivid fragments of last night’s dream flashing unbidden through your mind. A sharp heat traveled down your spine—not fear, but something far deeper and infinitely less welcome.

You crossed your legs as if the gesture could shield the vulnerability he had begun to uncover.

"Anything else you’d like to share, Noah?" You forced a professional tone, struggling to regain control.

He tilted his head slowly, like a predator studying prey. Still silent. The smile was gone for good, but his gaze wielded more power than words ever could.

Then, a small, almost hypnotic gesture: his thumb grazed his jawline, a deliberate, slow movement, as his eyes remained fixed on yours.

The room seemed smaller. The air, heavier. Your breath shortened. He wasn’t just looking. He was unraveling you.

You tried to focus on your notepad, but your hand faltered for a split second.

"Very well, Noah," you said, aiming for finality but sounding far too fragile. "That’s all for today. In honor of your silence, I’ll match it until the session ends."

He didn’t blink. He didn’t move. He stayed there—an immovable shadow, a living mirror reflecting truths you didn’t want to confront. Your fingers trembled slightly as you gathered the folder.

After what felt like hours of an unspoken battle, the guard stormed into the room, his brusque manner shattering the tension and drawing Noah’s attention. Forty minutes of unwavering focus, those uniquely brown eyes never leaving yours, came to an abrupt end. As he was led away, he glanced back once more. The knot in your stomach tightened painfully.

You were lucky.

You were very lucky.

No, it wasn’t luck. It was your meddling mother, who had insisted on slipping a dress into your suitcase, saying you needed to be prepared for anything. The red fabric hugged your body, the deep neckline accentuating your curves, and thin straps framing your shoulders. Its rich hue contrasted with your dark lipstick and smoky eyes. Waves in your hair, heels that weren’t too high.

Not bad.

You hadn’t intended to stay long at the tavern. These people were strangers, after all, and you barely knew them. But it would suffice for a night of socializing.

Sloan walked with you, laughing at the difficulty of navigating gravel paths in heels. The tavern lay hidden within the woods—a place where shadows and secrets thrived.

The tavern exuded a rugged nostalgia, a place the years had worn down but could never truly erase. The low ceiling, with dark wooden beams, loomed heavily overhead. Lanterns cast flickering shadows on walls adorned with faded photographs of Grimshade’s founders, broken bottles’ scars from forgotten nights, and a glass-eyed stag staring into nothingness. The air smelled of spilled beer, smoke, and the syrupy sweetness of warm cider.

Your friends were already tipsy, and a server handed you your first drink. The first sip burned like gunpowder down your throat but left a lingering sweetness.

The floor creaked beneath your feet as you moved, feeling the violin’s pulse guiding the clumsy dance steps of drunken revelers. At the bar, glasses clinked, calloused hands gestured wildly, telling stories taller than truth.

In the corner, Travis caught your eye immediately. He looked different—freed from the confines of the asylum’s sterile environment. Dark jeans, a light shirt with sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing strong forearms. His smile came before his words.

"You look… stunning." His voice was soft, almost swallowed by the music.

You smiled, heat blooming in your cheeks, but kept your tone light.

"And you’re wearing something other than a uniform. Impressive." You hesitated, trying not to admit how attractive he looked.

He laughed, a sound that rumbled deep in his chest, as natural as breathing. Before you could pull back, he offered his hand.

"Shall we dance?"

You hesitated. But when your fingers touched his—warm and sure—the music made refusal impossible.

Your steps were tentative at first, but familiarity grew quickly. Travis held your hand firmly, guiding your movements with effortless ease. The lively rhythm swept you both along with the crowd, but it wasn’t the sound that stole your breath—it was the way he looked at you, with a fascination so palpable that it made you wonder if the alcohol was already bubbling in your veins.

No. No. No.

You couldn’t be hallucinating about another man at a moment like this. Shaking your head gently, you banished the thought, focusing instead on the dance and the alcohol’s numbing embrace.

Much later, as the night cooled, he walked you home. The moon hung low, and laughter echoed faintly in the distance, carried by the soft breeze.

"I wanted to apologize for how I’ve acted since you arrived…" He began, his voice tinged with awkwardness. Without his glasses, his casual demeanor and clear eyes stood out, glowing silver in the moonlight.

"There’s no need to apologize."

"This job… it means a lot to me, and I’ve been overprotective ever since I became head psychiatrist," he admitted. "A ridiculous trait for someone so obsessed with perfection."

"I don’t think it’s ridiculous… Obsession usually stems from something deeper."

"Are you analyzing me, doctor?" His eyes narrowed playfully as he spun you around, wringing a laugh from your lips.

"There’s a lot of pressure for someone your age. I understand more than you might think."

"My father didn’t believe I’d amount to much, and he thought moving to Grimshade was a mistake," Travis paused, the memory darkening his expression. "He said I was wasting my degree."

"Well, he must be disappointed because you’ve become an excellent doctor, Dr. Rune." You winked, and he smiled shyly.

At the door of the bedroom, Travis stopped. For a moment, you both simply stood there, breaths mingling in the cool air. He seemed even more irresistible with his golden hair damp from sweat and his shirt unbuttoned, revealing his chest. You bit your lower lip as you noticed him watching you too — his gaze fixed on your neckline.

Then, tired of waiting, while your body burned with his nearness, you closed the distance and kissed him.

It was a kiss without space for hesitation or second-guessing. Intense. The taste of alcohol made the softness of his tongue even sweeter. He pulled you by the waist, your back lightly hitting the door as your lips devoured his, urgent and hungry.

The heat of his body pressed against yours was a spark, igniting every sense. Your fingers tangled in his hair, kisses becoming messier, deeper. You stumbled together inside, bodies entwined, the door slamming shut behind you and drowning out the rest of the world.

You pushed him onto the bed, confusion and desire flickering across his face before he surrendered. Straddling his lap, his hands grasped your hips, guiding you closer until your noses touched, a deliberate, tantalizing graze. His grip tightened on your hips, drawing you against his growing arousal as your fingers clutched his nape, your breaths mingling, igniting another fierce kiss.

Your hands buried in his hair, pulling gently as you savored his lips, your tongues tangled. The earlier tension dissolved, now knotted into a feverish desire binding your bodies together. You pressed against him, unbuttoning his shirt with urgency before tossing your own dress aside. His palm cupped your breast over your bra, and his hardness throbbed beneath his pants, teased by the slow roll of your hips.

A chill coiled in your stomach as the kiss deepened, a nagging feeling like a mistake — or worse — something you’d never felt before. You forced the thought away, focusing on the taste of his lips, gripping his neck and sighing when his fingers trailed from your thighs to your chest, a delicate, maddening caress.

Then a jolt struck you. Your eyes snapped open mid-kiss. There, outside the window, perched on a tree branch, a dark figure watched you both. Its expression was unreadable, moonlight illuminating only the edge of a long, lean silhouette, cloaked in black with fists clenched on its thighs — a silent, seething witness.

It was him.

Before you, as if conjured by some cruel magic, the golden strands between your fingers darkened, the musky scent of cologne shifted, and your hands roamed patterns on pale skin. You blinked, but the illusion remained — Noah, not Travis, was touching you, stripping you, and the pulse of his hardness against you made you gasp, slick with a memory too vivid to be dismissed.

A wicked smirk curved phantom lips. Teeth too perfect, too familiar, played tricks on your mind. You surrendered to your delusion, consumed by the fire he brought with him.

Grinding your wet heat against the rigid length beneath you, craving him inside for the first time, you freed him from his pants, rolled on a condom from the nightstand, and sank down all at once. A moan escaped your lips, loud, unrestrained. Eyes squeezed shut, you tilted your head back, moving with slow, rolling hips that matched his hoarse groan.

"Oh, my God," he rasped, breath hitching as his mouth trailed down your chest, teasing the piercing at your nipple.

You ignored him, lost in sordid thoughts.

You glanced back to the window. The shadow hadn’t moved. His head tilted, watching you ride another man, but the truth scorched your soul — it was him you wanted beneath you.

Pleasure tightened your chest, the raw thrill of being watched fueling your forbidden lust. Fingers traced your spine as your body arched, the sensation of him swelling deeper within making your moans crack like a roar. You stifled a cry — his name poised on your tongue.

What the hell was happening? You were ignoring the man inside you to provoke the devil outside? And you reveled in it?

Screw it.

It was Noah you craved, and in secret corners of your heart, you let yourself admit it. He was your sin, your destruction, and you yearned to drink deeply of his damnation.

You couldn’t look away from that tree, from his heaving chest, from the rage or the hunger. The climax hit you hard, molten embers bursting within.

As Travis flipped you beneath him, driving deep, your nails clawed the sheets, shutting out the infernal thoughts.

But the second wave of pleasure scorched hotter than before. Together, you shattered into shared groans, your bodies collapsing, breathless and undone.

You stared at the ceiling, biting your lip, his weight beside you. The window was empty now.

And you’d never know if it had been a trick of the mind — or a glimpse of a dark truth you weren’t ready to face.

[baneonono]

There are a lot of people talking about Penelope’s pov in the last song. People will discuss how she is hyper intelligent, what is means that she’s Spartan, how patient she’s been, what her final test for Odysseus was and what it means that she gave it to him. And there was definitely consent discord of people noticing that Odysseus asked Penelope if she would love him. And while all of this is great, it’s all been kind of bothering me because of the treatment of Penelope. 

One thing we haven’t been discussing is how Penelope has changed. Look there are two things that I think necessarily had to happen when Odysseus went away. Firstly Odysseus needed someone to fight for, someone to get home to. And this person was Penelope, and while I’m sure his understanding of her was good, it became stagnant because he was away from her without any contact. He was working very hard on getting back to an image, a representation of Penelope. There was this version of Penelope, that may very well have been perfectly similar to Penelope twenty years ago, but nonetheless was still a freeze frame, that he put on a pedestal. He needed to do this so he could get home. He needed to imagine his perfect wife, frozen in time, waiting for him, so that he could get home. 

But I also can assure you that Penelope was not frozen in time. She was left with a very young son and an entire kingdom to rule, however she handled it, she is not the same person she was twenty years ago. She has changed. That is inevitable. She has become a different person just like Odysseus has become a different person. Maybe she didn’t become a monster(I like to believe she did for parallel reasons but she doesn’t have to have) but she is not the same person. 

Now in all reality, they both went through the same thing, Penelope changed and was motivated to keep waiting by a freeze frame of her husband. Odysseus changed and was motivated to keep going by a freeze frame of his wife. Both are true because they both were separated from each other. But the reason I emphasize Penelope’s change is because everyone mostly seems to be ignoring it. And I think the reason Penelope is mad at the final song is because Odysseus is ignoring it. He hasn’t seen her for her yet. He’s still thinking about this conception of her in his head from twenty years ago when he asks her “would you fall in love with me again”. He’s not seeing her. He’s going on and on about how he’s done so many awful things and he’s become this monster that she won’t even recognize and he’s ignoring the person actually in front of him for this picture of her on a pedestal. And Penelope has to stand there and watch her husband grovel at her feet, not understanding that she has been changed, not allowing that her feelings for him would’ve changed her just as much, not seeing that the separation impacted her just as much as it impacted him. And she’s angry. Because she’s been waiting, she’s been fighting every single day for her husband, she’s watched herself become a person that her twenty years ago wouldn’t even recognize for this man and he sits at her feet discrediting all of the work she’s done to be here when he got home. She’s raised their son on her own, she’s fought off suitors, she’s ruled a kingdom, and so much more for this man at her feet and he won’t even look at her. 

She’s angry and she needs to make him see her. And my girl Penelope, is such an icon, that she does three things at once in an attempt to make him see her. She makes him feel how she’s feeling, she reminds him of what they both worship, and she utilizes her change to do this so that he understands what he’s dealing with now. The olive tree task does all of those. Let’s start with the last one. I know that people like to think of this trial as something Penelope always would’ve done, she would’ve always been a little tricky and manipulative but I think this is something she picked up in her twenty years. I think she was always intelligent but I don’t think she would’ve hidden her intentions before. I think this makes sense in a few different ways. Firstly, Odysseus interprets it literally when she asks him to move the bed. Remember this is the Odysseus who has a frozen image of Penelope from the years before and he thinks that what she’s insinuating here is that she wants him to move the bed and destroy a symbol of their love, he takes it literally. So I think that before, Penelope would’ve been intelligent but not manipulative and I think that shows in Odysseus reaction. Where when he realizes what she’s done, he’s surprised, too stunned to speak(he’s also into it but that’s unimportant for now). I also think that Penelope would’ve had to become more manipulative given her situation. The suitors, her kingdom, all of them that have different goals than her, she would have to seem like she’s appeasing them while not appeasing them. All this to say, I think the olive tree trial is a thing she wouldn’t have done before, I interpret it as a result of the twenty years and not something Odysseus would recognize. Which brings me to the other two things she did with the task. She made Odysseus see her and understand what she’s feeling and she reminded him of what they both worship. It’s no mystery that Odysseus was angry at this attack to the foundation of their relationship, which is exactly what Penelope was feeling. Odysseus came into their room and treated her as stagnant, refused to see her, and this was an attack at the very foundation of their relationship, which is everlasting love. He insinuates that she won’t love him despite everything in his question and that is just like Penelope telling him to move the bed. And he responds with the same anger that she feels. And when he realizes this, she’s accomplished the goal of reframing his vision of her. He sees that she’s changed, he sees that she was angry, he sees that they both did everything for that love, he sees her. And, importantly, it’s only after he sees her that she answers his question. Once he understands what he’s come back, then she will answer the question. Because she’s glad he asked, and it’s definitely the right way to go, making sure you both still want this, but it’s a useless question if he doesn’t know who he’s asking it to. So after she makes him understand, then she answers. “I will fall in love with you over and over again, I don’t care how where or when, not matter how long it’s been you’re mine”. And that is my girl, that is a person who’s been changed by her experiences, but still is very much in love with her husband, that is a three dimensional person with emotions and nuance. 

And for the record, this is not to say that Odysseus was ever in the wrong here. Not at all, what Odysseus did makes complete sense. He was caught up in his journessey. He was looking at the situation through the eyes of I have become this monster and my wife has been waiting. He, very validly, was still lost at sea. And Penelope brought him home. And just one more little detail that I love is the usage of “new” and “old” king. Before he goes to see Penelope, everyone is referring to him as “old king”. When Penelope puts forth the challenge she says “will be the new king”. Which just makes me think that Odysseus went from being the old king to the new king in the course of wyfilwma. But he’s always Penelope’s husband because Penelope refers to the bow as “my husband’s old bow”. Which just gets to the idea that he’s changed but he’s always her husband. 

Anyway this is just the way I love this musical. Gonna over analyze it immensely

[mothytheghost]

Dear everyone

To start I want to layout when all of this started. I was 19 at the time. I didn’t have maturity and understanding at the time and I was still learning the responsibilities of adulthood. Over time I learned communication and understanding how my words and actions had affected others and communicated without thinking about those I’ve talked to. During these times I’ve made comments. Jokes. And things i shouldn’t be saying around others. Not realizing the impact they could have. I wasn’t aware of anyone’s ages at the time. And at the time I wasn’t fully understanding boundaries and the communication everyone needed. And at the end I should’ve kept my words to myself. And acted more thoughtfully in the beginning.

Back in September. When I joined the server I was only there because I found it on peachy’s other blog. I was interested in joining. Too happy because I was too focused on seeing a friend than being fully aware of what others are doing. The server was kind and welcoming. I was too happy to talk to peachy at the time I was focused on chatting with her. But because I had social anxiety I never talked to anyone because i wasn’t sure about them. When those two girls. Who i didn’t know much about at the time said they had a server. I accepted it. Unknowingly their ages at the time and assumed they are eighteen as well. Looking back at this I wish I told them sooner. But because I was too happy meeting new people I didn’t listen to myself. And I didn’t listen to my intuitions. The more this kept going the more self aware I’ve became. And how my overthinking wasn’t just me over reacting. But my heart trying to warn me this wasn’t the right place to be with because I didn’t know them. They were close. We talk. But they were still strangers to me and I overlooked the situation. Yet I still kept doing what I wasn’t doing intentionally. Making me realize the more this went on the more people are hurting. And I wasn’t meaning to hurt anyone at the time. And I was selfish. I only thought about myself. Not seeing the red flags and because of my personality growing onto me I didn’t handle these situations like an adult and became selfish and childish. Causing me to push others away and only caring about the opinions I have. But I had no intentions of harming anyone. I never ment to hurt anyone. I was still young. I’m just now growing up and realizing the things I’ve done wrong in the past. Including using the sams-Venting blog to throw my frustrations out on them and how I was Ablest and selfish towards them. I wasn’t meaning to hurt anyone.I never thought on hurting anyone at the time. I just came there during the wrong time and should’ve got to know more about the community.

What I’m deeply sorry about is my friends I met not too much long ago. I made the situation lighter because of my anxiety and stress. I shouldn’t let my anxiety and my emotions get to me and treat everyone like how I treat my best friend and not leaving you in the dark. I just don’t like talking about this because I deeply regret everything that happened and I wished I can go back in time and fix my mistakes. I’m truly sorry to everyone involved. Including my friends and ex friends. I’m sorry for being selfish and rude. I’m sorry i took my anger out on everyone who is tryin. And I’m sorry for failing my trust to be a better friend to all of you.

-Moth

[grlsbstshot]

NEON LIGHTS

Pairing (Original Characters):

Jameson Lucas (Aaron Pierre) x Imani St. Cirie (Megan thee Stallion) Genie Adesanya (Jayme Lawson) x Ellington “EJ” Dupree (Kelvin Harrison Jr.)

Chapters:

Neon Lights Masterlist

Chapter Synopsis: The crew deals with the aftermath of Jameson's album release party and makes major decisions about their futures.

Warnings: toxic relationship, mentions of therapy, emotional breakdowns, mentions of depression, deception in relationships -- if we missed anything, let us know!

Word Count: 5.3k

Divider Template: @cafekitsune

Notes: 

The following characters are original creations. Their voice claims are Usher / Lucky Daye (Jameson) & Summer Walker / SZA (Imani). We have no affiliation to any of those artists.

The aftermath of the disastrous album release party left Imani seeking solace in her hotel suite. As she lay in bed attempting to find sleep amidst the chaos in her mind, thoughts of Jameson consumed her. She couldn’t shake the image of him when first laid eyes on her at the party, or how he looked with Camille by his side. The way he wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close made her believe they were happy together but the look on his face made her feel completely different. 

He didn’t resemble her Jameson anymore. He appeared…solemn and apathetic. He smiled and talked politely throughout the night but he didn’t seem to be the life of the party anymore. Then again – what did she know about him? It had been a year since they even laid eyes on each other.

After tossing and turning all night, Imani realized she had to let it go. It was time to get back to her life. The next morning, she woke up feeling restless but she forced herself through her usual routine. She took a shower, brushed her teeth, and ate breakfast.Then began coordinating a swift exit from New York with her assistant. The trip had been a disaster and she wanted nothing more than to leave as soon as possible. 

As she was sending out an email, a phone number appeared on her screen. It wasn’t saved, but she knew exactly who it was. She had removed him from her contacts but she didn’t forget. Without hesitation, Imani answered on the second ring. “Hello?”

For a moment, there was nothing. He didn’t say anything. But when he did speak, it was like a shock to her system. “Hey. It’s me.” His deep voice was like an earthquake to her core. It left her brain scattered. She needed to think of something fast! This man shouldn’t get to affect her like this.

She laughed, “Yeah. I know, Jameson. What’s up?”

She could hear his hesitation over the line and wondered what this was about. “I was…If you’re still in New York, can we meet up? Lunch or something? I think we should talk.” 

“Yes, that’s fine!” She answered eagerly, the pitch of her voice rising in anticipation. She quickly cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. “I mean, yeah, we can go today.”

Once again, he got quiet. She expected him to call her out on her eagerness. Make a joke, tease her. But he didn’t. He seemed to be all business. “Two o’clock good? At Masa?”

“Yeah, that works. I’ll see you at Masa at two.” “Good. See you then.”

The call ended and her heartbeat tripled in speed. What the fuck did she just agree to? Why was he calling her? Why did he want to see her? Did he end things with Camille? Did he want her back? No, it couldn’t be that easy. He didn’t even flirt with her over the phone. Whatever he wanted, it made Imani nervous. She didn’t know how to handle the man he was now. 

After coming face to face with Imani, Genie’s emotions were a rapid whirlwind, shifting from sadness to hurt and now settling into a wave of deep, seething anger. All she could think about that night was her former best friend barging back into everyone’s life without a word of warning. Understandably, her situation with Jameson became untenable and she had to walk away. Genie wanted the best for them both but sometimes love didn’t work out the way she thought it should. But never did she think Imani would cut her off without a word. She didn’t get it. She was her best friend. 

She was pissed. 

She decided she wouldn’t wait for Imani to reach out. If she did, she’d wait forever. She was taking control of their friendship. Determined, Genie called Imani’s assistant to find out where she stayed in New York. Aman Resorts. From there, it was nothing to get to Imani’s room. She practiced her speech the whole way, strutting down New York streets muttering to herself.

This wasn’t fair and Genie wasn’t going to stand for it.

When she arrived at the hotel, she immediately took the elevator up to the floor the assistant gave her. Genie fought to keep her composure despite the anger within her. When Imani’s voice rang out from behind the door, her stomach churned. Was this the path she wanted to take?

But it was too late. The door opened and Imani was there…looking at Genie in clear surprise. The girls looked at one another and before Imani could say a word, Genie wedged herself between the door and pushed her way inside. The aggressive action wasn’t part of her personality but she stuck with it. 

It seemed the only way Imani would take her seriously was to make demands.

She marched past the foyer and found herself in the living room, waiting for Imani to join her. As soon as she heard the door close. She loosened the Chanel purse from around her arm, tossing it down onto the couch behind her as she paced the floor. She could hear the other woman approach the room and Genie whirled around, hurt in her tone. “Was it so hard to pick up the phone?”

To her credit, Imani apologized. Almost immediately. “Genie. I’m…I’m sorry. I–”

But she didn’t want an apology. She wanted answers. “You could have told me that you needed space. I would have left you alone. I wouldn’t have bothered you. I would have just checked in and we didn’t have to talk about Jamie. We could have just…” Her voice broke and tears glistened in her eyes as she fought against them. “You were my best friend. How could you?” The words spilled out before she could stop them.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to do after I broke up with Jameson.” Imani confessed, tears filling her own eyes. “I just knew I didn’t want to speak his name. I didn’t want to hear it.” 

“Okay but you just left me.” Genie’s voice cracked with emotion. She was fighting a losing battle with her tears. They ran down her cheeks as she glared at Imani. “Out of everyone, you know I would have understood.”

Imani nodded, acknowledging that Genie was right. Being understanding was one of her greatest strengths…but also a flaw. She searched for the good in people every single time and she got hurt because of it. She didn’t want Imani to just be another person in the list of people who hurt her.

“I know, I know. And I’m so sorry for shutting you out. Please forgive me,” Imani begged, her voice pleading and sincere.

Genie’s anger faded as she saw the genuine remorse in her friend’s eyes...but it still lived within her. “I’ll work on it. Just…don’t shut me out like that again or I might kill you.” She wiped the tears from her eyes, sniffling. 

The two women eyed one another warily but their love for each other couldn’t be denied. And just like that…there was a glimmer of hope that their friendship could be salvaged. All it took were some tears and a couple of apologies.

“I won’t.” “You promise?” “Of course.” “You swear?” “Yes.” “...Give me your pinky.”

Imani laughed, moving closer to Genie as she wiped tears from her own face and offered her friend her pinky. Genie linked hers with Imani and nodded, the action sealing the promise between them. Imani wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. “I promise you I won’t. I missed you so much.” she whispered. 

“I missed you too.” Genie replied and returned the hug.

“You want to help me pick an outfit? I’m about to go see Jameson in an hour.” Imani said softly. 

Genie reared back, blinking at her in confusion. “You’re seeing wh—Oh my god, Imani. Does it ever end?! Show me your options.” 

Coming face-to-face with Imani again might not have been the best thing to do. He was already struggling after seeing her last night. And that was only one time. He shouldn’t put himself through the torture of doing it again, but he had to. He had to see if she was alright. He had to reassure himself that leaving her alone was the right thing to do. 

He waited for her at Masa, shuffling silverware around nervously as he waited to see her. Meeting in public wasn’t ideal – he knew people would talk – but it was better than meeting her alone somewhere. He needed to keep this above board. His relationship with Camille was developing well. She was good for him. His therapist encouraged him to make decisions that were best for him.

Panting after Imani wasn’t good for him. He spent six months of his life reaching for a bottle of liquor every time he thought of her, literally begging God to have her wake up and come back to him – only to see her leaving LA hotspots with her latest fling. He circled the drain when he couldn’t have her…and he was tired of living like that.

But it would be a lie to say that he didn’t miss or worry about her, so he hoped this could be a new chapter in their lives. 

When he saw her being led to the table by a hostess, he rose from his seat. It was a reflex but he followed it. His gaze swept her frame, taking in the outfit. The dark orange bordering on brown. The way her pants hugged her hips. Her belly button piercing was clear as day. Fuck. He had to stop. If they were going to be in each other’s lives, he couldn’t think like this.

They were going to be friends and it was time to act like it.

“Hey Jamie,” she greeted him with a smile. “How are you?” She asked, sitting down. 

“Hey. I’m..I’m good.” He said softly, staring at her as she took a seat. Eventually, he realized he needed to be sitting too. Jameson quickly sat and met her gaze with a smile. “Thank you for coming.”

She looked at him, pausing for a moment. “No problem. It’s nice to, um, see you again.” She said softly. This was a side of Imani he wasn’t used to. She was softer and more timid. He didn’t like it. 

“We just saw each other last night.” he joked

She laughed, looking away. Imani pushed her hair behind her ear. “I—I know. I just wasn’t expecting to see you so soon. I’m glad I am though.”

“I’m glad too.” He said softly, gazing at her before remembering what he was there for. “I uh–I was worried about you. You left early and I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” 

Again, she paused. She gazed back at him. He studied her facial features, looking for the answer she didn’t want to tell. “Oh, I’m fine. I was tired.” She said, her eyes giving away it being a lie. “Are you okay? You left your party early too.” 

“Yeah, everything’s fine. I was just tired from finishing up the album.” he said. Their conversation was stiff and awkward just like how it was at his album release party. It didn’t flow like how he was used to.

“Well, um, I’m glad you’re okay, Jamie.” She glanced at him. This time he could tell she was being genuine. “That’s all I want. I want you to be okay.”

“I-I want that for you too, Imani.” 

There was a pause. She didn’t speak. Neither did he. Jameson knew what he had to do coming into this conversation, but he was having difficulty finding the words to do it. He exhaled, his eyes meeting hers. “Cami and I are…we’re good together. We get along really well. No arguing, no screaming, no mistrust. We work and I want to see where it goes. She’s good for me.”

She nodded, her smile faltering slightly, but she quickly recovered it. “Good. I’m glad that you’re happy, Jameson. You deserve that.” She said softly. 

“Thanks,” he said. “I want you to be happy too.” 

“I am,” she said quickly. “I’m happier than I've ever been.” 

Her bright smile remained, leaving him hopeful, but her eyes conveyed a different story. He wanted so badly to ask more questions. He wanted to see if she was telling the truth. One of the last things she ever told him was that she didn’t think he was her person anymore. Shouldn’t she be happier now?

And yet, he stopped himself from asking. He had to let her go for her to be happy. It was a thought he lived by for a year. That had to be true. She was better off without him.

“That’s good. I asked you here because I—I want us to be friends, Imani. We loved each other for so long. I won’t pretend I don’t worry about you. I do. So I want us to be okay with each other.”

She paused, glancing at him. “I…I’d like that. I want to be friends with you too. I miss your presence in my life, Jamie. And I just want you to be happy at the end of the day.”

The words sounded nice and Jameson let himself trust in it…even if something in his chest tightened at them. He gave a nod, grateful that she wouldn’t just disappear from his life again.

She left lunch with Jameson, feeling bitter, annoyed, and lonesome. Yes, she agreed to be friends with him. Yes, their conversation seemed to flow after the initial stillness of discomfort. But she didn’t want any of this. She hated hearing him talk about how happy he was with Camille. They were supposed to be the perfect couple - never arguing, never screaming, always trusting each other – not him and Camille. Why couldn’t they get it together? She didn’t understand it. 

Before coming to New York, Imani had been so sure of what she wanted - him. She thought it would be easy to win him back, to get back on the rollercoaster of their relationship. But now she could see that he was happily occupied with someone else, riding an easygoing kiddie ride with no thrill, and yet, he was having the time of his life. Imani was pissed. But there was nothing she could do about it; she had to move on, too. 

As she rummaged through the clothes in her suite's closet, Imani searched for an outfit that would turn heads. Tonight was her last night in New York before returning to Los Angeles tomorrow morning. After forgetting to book a flight earlier in the day, she didn't want to spend her remaining time in the city sulking in her hotel room and watching Sex and the City. So when one of her industry friends mentioned a party just a few blocks away, Imani jumped at the chance to go out.

She stopped flipping through her clothes when her hands landed on a sleek black fitted dress. It hugged her curves perfectly - this was exactly what she needed.

The party was everything she had hoped for - alcohol flowing freely, fine ass men everywhere, and good vibes. It was the perfect distraction from Jameson. Imani took another shot of tequila and relished in its bitter burn as it slid down her throat.

“Okay, bitch, let’s go dance!” She exclaimed to her friend before they made their way from the bar to the crowded dance floor. The music was loud and pulsing, and Imani didn’t even know what song played, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was letting the beat move her body and forgetting about Jameson for the night.

As she danced, Imani could feel all eyes on her, but there was one set of eyes in particular that caught her attention. Through the dim lights, she could only make out a few of his features, but she recognized his gaze - he had been watching her all night. And she was sick of him just staring at her without saying a word. So Imani took matters into her own hands.

After the song ended, she confidently strutted over to where he sat. “You just gone stare at me all night and not say nothin’?” She asked with a sly smile as she finally got a good look of his handsome face. He had smooth caramel skin, his haircut was sharp like he just got it done, and a perfectly trimmed beard - exactly her type.

He chuckled and licked his full pink lips before standing up to meet her. Okay, he was tall too. Another plus. He stepped closer to her. “Oh, I was gon’ come talk to you. I was just waiting for the right time,” he replied, holding out his hand for her to shake. “I’m Isaiah and you?”

“Imani,” she said softly as she shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” 

"It's nice to meet you too, Imani." He smiled, flashing his diamond tooth fang. He pulled his hand away. Isaiah's neck, wrist, and earlobe were dripped in diamonds that danced harder than the crowd did. "Can I buy you a drink?"

"Yes, I don't see why not. You can get me a lemon drop with a sugar rim."

He chuckled, "I like you already. You know what you want and I fuck with that." He said, a hint of admiration in his voice. She liked him too. Isaiah wasn't Jameson, but he was a perfect distraction to forget him.

EJ glanced at his phone, noticing the two missed calls. One from his manager and another from an artist he was working with while in town...but he had much more important plans going on then as he browsed the website of Aspen resorts. He leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs and rolling his shoulders. The faint sound of knocking at the front door pulled him from his hard work.

He carefully exited out of the browser before making his way to the door, hoping it wasn't Genie. He wanted to surprise her with dinner plans but hadn't even started to cook. Thankfully, it wasn't her. It was his best friend.

“Hey. What's up?" EJ said, opening the door wider to let him inside.. He noticed the tension in Jameson’s posture, the way his fingers twitched against his thigh. “I know you left early last night. You good?”

Jameson sulked into the room and dropped into the chair in the attached living room, taking a deep breath as his face clouded with something heavy. “I had lunch with Imani today.”

EJ shut the door behind him because he knew he was in for one hell of a story but he did his best to keep his tone neutral. “And?”

“And…” Jameson hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “I asked her to be friends.”

He took a seat across from Jameson, crossing his arms as he leaned back. He didn’t miss the way Jameson avoided his gaze and he immediately braced for bad news. “That’s…progress, I guess. But you don’t sound convinced.”

Jameson exhaled sharply, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. “It doesn’t feel right. I thought it would. I thought that time apart would make things easier when we saw each other again but it's like..." He shook his head, his voice dropping. “It’s like nothing’s changed. I’m still drawn to her. And I hate it because Camille deserves my best.”

EJ frowned, his jaw tightening. He cared about Jameson, but he wasn’t about to sugarcoat things. “You’re right—she does. She’s good for you, man. She’s steady, supportive, and she actually cares about your well-being. She’s not a tornado like Imani.”

Jameson shot him a look, defensive and protective all at once. “Imani ain't a tornado. I put her through a lot of shit. She had to choose herself first.”

EJ held up a hand, waving off Jameson's defense. “Yeah, you did. It was fucked up. But that being said...she made the choice to walk away. That means staying away. And maybe I'm being a dickhead about it but you gotta admit -- shit with her has always been…complicated. Even when y'all were good, shit could go left within a minute. With Camille, it’s simple. She’s there for you, no drama, no games. She’s what you need, not just what you want in the moment.”

He could see Jameson mulling over his words, the conflict etched across his face. EJ hated seeing his friend like this, but he wasn’t going to let him spiral back into the mess he’d clawed his way out of.

Jameson finally spoke, his voice quiet. “But it ain't that simple. My head knows Camille’s the better choice, but my heart…Man, my heart starts thudding every time Mani girl looks at me. I sat with her at lunch and I just wanted --” He trailed off, shaking his head.

EJ sighed, leaning forward. "Let me know when she looks at you and I'll tell her to close her eyes."

"EJ, c'mon." "No, you c'mon. You spiraled, Jay. Your mama had to move into your house and take care of you." "I was fine. She was being dramatic." "You weren't eating." "I ate!" "Barely! You barely ate enough to get through the day but you drank enough to get through anything. Y'all were rocky before then you cheated but after that, everything got all fucked up."

Jameson looked up at EJ, seemingly wounded by the mention of his infidelity. He saw it was the root cause of all their problems but he was being foolish. He and Imani started having issues before he cheated. “Look, I’m not saying it’s easy. But you’ve worked too hard to get your life back on track to throw it all away for something that might not even work out. Camille’s solid, Jameson. You and Imani keep burning each other. Stop the cycle.”

Jameson nodded, but EJ could tell he wasn’t fully convinced. He’d seen that look on his friend’s face before, the one that meant he was caught in a tug-of-war between his past and his present so EJ decided to give him something else to think about. “Speaking of relationships…I’ve been meaning to tell you something.”

Jameson looked up, his expression curious. “What’s that?”

EJ hesitated for a moment, a rare flicker of nervousness passing through him. Then he smiled. “I’m going to ask Genie to marry me.”

Jameson blinked, leaning back in his chair. “Wait—what? You’re serious? You’ve only been together a year,” He was staring at him like he’d grown a second head. “Are you sure about this?”

"Of course I'm sure," EJ muttered defensively. "That's my baby. She's sweet, creative, and intriguing. I ain't never met anybody like Genie in my life. She makes me happy and I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy."

Jameson processed what EJ was saying, and a small smile crept onto his face. “Okay, okay. Good. Soft ass. Should I give you the speech?”

"What speech?" "That "If you hurt my sister, I'ma knock ya head off your shoulders" speech?" "Ain't nobody scared of your big ear ass."

Jameson got up, jokingly taking a swipe at EJ but the other man was much faster. He dodged out of his chair and laughed out loud. "I'm gonna need your help to do it. I want to catch her off guard. You, her dad. She loves Aspen. So I'll do there in February."

“Anything you need,” Jameson said without hesitation, though he still looked a little stunned. “You’ve got it. Just let me know.”

EJ nodded, a rare moment of vulnerability settling over him. “Thanks, man. It means a lot.”

"Well, let me get out of here. I got dinner plans with Cami." Jameson said, heading to the door before pausing and turning back. He clapped EJ on the shoulder. "You're a very blessed man. Genie's had a heart of gold since she was a kid. If she's your soulmate, God really did smile down on you."

EJ smiled wistfully, his tone soft as he spoke of Genie. "Believe me. I know how lucky I am."

His mind still lingering on his conversation with Jameson when he heard the door to their rental open. Knowing it was Genie, EJ got up and went to the kitchen to make her some tea. "Duke?" She called out, using the nickname he had grown fond of. "You here, baby?"

"Kitchen!" He called out and sure enough, she came around the corner looking every bit as serene and graceful as she usually did. "I take it you feel much better now?"

The past few months had been rough for her. She was building resentment and anger. It was the total opposite of her everyday persona but watching her now...it seemed that she had managed to handle those feelings very well.

"I do. I saw Imani this morning."

EJ’s body stiffened for a moment before he forced himself to relax. He didn't hate Imani but he was always on edge. She had the power to twist his two favorite people into knots and he didn't like that. “Yeah? How’d that go?” He beckoned her closer and she came to wrap her arms around him.

“It was…unexpected,” Genie admitted. “But we talked. We cried a little bit. I think we’re going to work on our friendship going forward."

“That’s good, my love,” EJ said sweetly, turning his head to kiss her as he waited for the kettle to warm. "I'm happy for you both."

Genie tilted her head, watching him carefully before she uttered her next words. "She also told me she was going to have lunch with Jameson.”

Even though he knew it, he still felt his stomach drop into his feet. Imani didn't even know how much power she had over Jameson. She had him rethinking his entire relationship with a woman he'd been with for six months. One sighting, two conversations...and he was considering throwing it all away. EJ schooled his expression, wanting to appear neutral to his girlfriend. “I know. He came to see me after.”

Her eyebrows lifted, curiosity in her eyes. “Really? What did he say? What'd they talk about? I didn't call Mani to ask. I didn't want to be too nosy.”

EJ hesitated, then gave her a reassuring smile. “He said they talked about being friends. They agreed. And uh -- that it felt like a step in the right direction.”

Genie studied him for a moment, brows furrowed. She knew it didn't sound like Jameson. But then...stranger things had happened than him practically growing up and being mature. She seemed to accept his answer with a nod, placing her head on his shoulder. “Maybe it is. I hope so -- for both of them.”

The kettle whistled on the stove and EJ reluctantly pulled away, lifting his hand to pat her bottom gently. "Go get comfortable. I'll make you a cup of tea and we can talk some more."

She gave him a beautiful smile and nodded obediently, practically skipping out of the kitchen giddily. He liked making Genie happy. If he had his way, he'd see nothing but bright smiles and happy giggles from her for the rest of her life.

EJ finished up in the kitchen, making her tea and finding a snack for her to nibble on before dinner. Taking care of Genie was one of his main priorities. It was why he rationalized lying to her about what Jameson said.

As he exited the kitchen and moved into the living room, she was stretched across the couch, knit blanket across her legs as she scrolled her phone. Her hair was curled, pulled into a ponytail. She hadn't even tried and she was gorgeous as hell. “I was thinking we should take a trip. We go back to Cali next week but maybe sometime soon -- we can go somewhere. Take a little trip?” He told her, setting the tray down as she pulled her feet up, giving him room to sit.

Her eyes lit up, and she sat up straighter. “Really? Where to?”

“Anywhere you want,” EJ said with a grin. “But...I've been looking stuff up in Aspen. That house you told me about? Talked to the owner. She'll let us rent it for a week in February.”

Genie’s smile softened, and she shifted closer, tucking herself under his arm. “You're too good to me, Ellington Dupree.” She didn't say anything more but she clung to him and he knew she was grateful.

“Please. This is nothing. Wait til we're together for ten years. I'm going to be hella annoying.” EJ said, pulling her into his side and resting his chin on the top of her head. “I want to make some time for us. No distractions, no work -- just enjoying life together."

EJ kissed the top of her head, feeling a pang of guilt for the lie but knowing it was better this way. “You know what? Maybe we should make this trip a family thing. Bring your dad? I can bring my mom and sister?"

Genie looked up at him, surprised but intrigued. “That’s actually a great idea. They’d love that.”

EJ smiled, brushing a curl from her face. “Good. Let’s do it.”

She hesitated, biting her lip as if a thought came to her.

"What?" "Hmm? Nothing." "You sure?" "Yeah. Us and our families. Sounds perfect."

She smiled, leaning into him. “Thank you. For everything.”

EJ kissed her forehead, holding her tightly. As they sat together in the quiet of the house, he felt a sense of calm settle over him. He was making the right decision. He wanted this for the rest of his life.

The lights of New York spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Camille’s penthouse. it was a beautiful view but Camille wasn't looking at it. She stood at the kitchen island, her phone buzzing incessantly on the marble countertop. Even glancing at the screen made her nervous.

[ +33123456789 ]: What's going on, Cam? [ +33123456789 ]: Are you seriously not going to tell me? [ +33123456789 ]: You're temporary, remember that.

Camille exhaled sharply, locking the phone and setting it face down. She poured herself a glass of wine, trying to push the words from her mind. Meeting Jameson was never supposed to make her feel anything. He was a handsome face that a friend wanted for herself. Camille's job was just to see if he was open to seeing someone else. Sleeping with him and falling for him wasn't part of the plan. But he was on the verge of being hers now and what her friend wanted didn't really matter anymore.

Even if guilt gnawed at her. The knock at her door startled her, and she quickly smoothed her silk robe before padding over to answer it.

The object of every thought she seemed to have lately stood on the other side, his tall frame illuminated by the hallway light. In his hands were two lush bouquets of roses, one red and one pink.

“Good evening." he said with a soft smile, cradling the roses in his arms.

Camille’s heart fluttered as she took him in. 6'3, solid frame, the most beautiful green/blue/whatever damn color they felt like being eyes? Jameson Lucas was one of the most beautiful men she'd ever seen...and she spent all her time with male models. "Roses? You’re spoiling me, Mr. Lucas.” She moved aside, letting him inside as she reached for the flowers.

“I would hope so.” Jameson replied, stepping inside as she moved to place the bouquets in vases. He had been to her place much more than she had been to his so he shut the door behind him -- getting comfortable. "I like the look in your eyes when I do something nice for you. It's very sexy."

Cami glanced over her shoulder at him, her lips curving into a playful smile. “You’re laying it on very thick tonight. What’s the occasion? You missed me?"

Jameson shrugged out of his jacket, kicking off his shoes and lining them up perfectly against the wall in her living room. "Yes." He called out to her, following her into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter, watching her with an intensity that made her stomach flip. “But no other occasion. I just wanted to see you..”

Even as her hands finished arranging the flowers in its vase, Camille's face was hidden behind the beautiful roses. Her cheeks were warm as she turned to face him. “Well, you’ve seen me.” she murmured, not looking at him as he rounded the corner and stepped into her space.

“Not enough,” he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. Jameson pressed his head against hers, tilting his head to kiss her shoulder. "I told you. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately."

"Thinking what about me?" "Everything." "Mhm. I know what that means. You cannot put me in that position again. You almost broke my hip last time."

His humorous laugh warmed her heart and she was proud of herself for being the one to make him happy. Her breath caught as he reached for her hand, his fingers warm against hers.

“I"ve been thinking...I want you to be my girlfriend,” Jameson said, his voice steady. "I've been taking things slow because -- of the past. But I have to look forward. No second guessing. You're good for me. I like being good for you. If you would have me, I want to keep building on this."

She turned in his arms, the smile that spread across her face absolutely illuminating. “I wouldn't mind building a life with you.”

"Very enthusiastic response here." He grinned, dipping his head to give her a kiss. She melted against him, the laughter bubbling in her chest gone. The warmth and the steady beat of his heart grounded her. This was real. He chose her...over Imani. This didn't feel temporary.

"I didn't expect to care about you like this." She confessed against his lips, clinging to him tightly. Her hand moved from his, sliding up his wrist. Her fingertips grazed the watch he always wore and then moved to his biceps. He was hers. All hers. "I believe in you and I want you. I'm crazy about you. How's that for enthusiastic?"

“Very good. I like it." He sighed. "You make me happy,” he murmured into her ear.

“You make me happy too.” she replied, her voice soft.

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in each other, swaying in her kitchen. When he pulled back, his lips brushed hers in a tender kiss that left her breathless.

She didn't let herself think back to those messages. Even if Jameson found out, she didn't think he'd care. Neither of them meant to get serious about each other. It didn't matter why she had approached him. Only that she did and they hit it off.

She pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the way he held her, the way he looked at her like she was the only person in the world. For now, she could let herself believe in this—believe in them.

[pomefioredove]

omg i LOVE the concept of cookies as asks so can i have a sugar cookie, #8, with chocolate drizzle and marshmallows thank yeww 🙏

t-t-total idia victory!

order #8, sugar with chocolate drizzle and marshmallows

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ internet connection

tropes: ex (mutuals) to lovers, roommate au characters: idia additional info: romantic, gender neutral reader, reader is yuu

It was the closest experience to dating Idia had ever gotten, and likely the only experience he'd ever get again.

Three months.

Three perfect, blissful months.

That's 13.0357 weeks, 91.2501 days, 2,190 hours of chats, voice calls, and texts with someone he had almost considered his.

He was raising his confidence stats to ask them out when they sent him a message, which would be their last:

"router busted. sry. will get it fixed soon"

That was weeks ago.

Idia couldn't blame them. They were going to get tired of him eventually, and ghosting him, sucky as it was, was still the easiest way to let him down.

Then, at least, he could pretend that they were telling the truth.

"Come on, Idy! This is your chance! You'll never get over them if you never meet anyone else!"

Ortho's cheery, hopeful words twist Idia's stomach with guilt. He knows that. Of course he knows that.

He buries himself deeper into his blankets. "I don't want anyone else,"

"It's only for a few weeks. Maybe you'll make friends!"

Unlikely. Idia doesn't have the social XP for that. Who would want to be friends with him, anyway?

He can't even keep Magicord mutuals.

Then again, he has no other choice.

The Prefect had asked to stay somewhere with a high-speed internet connection while post-S.T.Y.X. Ramshackle was being repaired, and Ortho had volunteered Idia.

And his room.

Ugh. Why can't anything go right for once?

Idia hides under his covers like a small child, drowning the sound of the door and voices in PreMo.

He honestly doesn't know a lot about you. He doesn't get out much, and even if he did, you've always got those OP normie friends around you.

He knows you don't talk much. He's actually never heard you talk at all.

Whatever.

Idia only emerges from his blankets when his ears are ringing from the music and his body is sore from stillness.

He takes off his headphones and reads the room.

There's Ortho, projecting a beam of light on the wall, and there's Grim, chasing it, and there's you.

You seem a little out of place, awkwardly sitting on the floor when there are chairs and tables, your bags still at your sides, unpacked.

Something about you makes him feel at ease. Weird.

"Oh- Idy!" Ortho chimes. Idia jumps, and then everyone is looking at him. Crap.

"We were wondering when you'd come out! The Prefect has a question for you!"

You give Ortho a panicked look, as if to say you most certainly did not have a question for him. Idia has his own suspicions.

"About the Wi-Fi," Ortho chimes. "They really need to get online."

Idia narrows his eyes. His brother can handle something as simple as that.

"...O-okay," he mumbles. "I guess."

He reluctantly gets out of bed and sits beside you. At least with an objective, he isn't so nervous. You hand him your phone, some sad secondhand thing, and he puts in the password for you.

"Lemme know if it's slow. I've been working on upgrading the router, and it's been a little laggy," he hands your phone to you.

"Shouldn't be a problem, though."

You take it. "I can't complain, I don't have a router at all right now,"

Idia's face turns red.

His eyes go wide.

He can't place it, at first. What's that weird feeling? What is it about you-

You notice his expression. "Uh... did I say something?"

And when you speak again, just like that, Idia jumps to his feet.

"IT-IT'S YOU!"

"You?" Grim asks.

"You?" Ortho echoes.

"Me?"

Idia feels like he's losing his mind, his anxiety cracking and breaking away, shock taking its place.

"Y-yes, you! I know that voice! Don't you- you recognize mine too, don't you?!"

Your eyes widen.

"Oh... no... no way,"

"I-I can't believe this!" he says, suddenly grinning. "You weren't lying about the router, it must've got totally busted when S.T.Y.X- oh, crap. IT'S ALL MY FAULT!"

"Idy..." Ortho warns. "Your heart rate is-"

"I know! I know, I just- I can't believe it- you, of all people,"

He sits again, shaking. It takes you a moment to catch up.

"I... I wasn't lying," you mumble. "I've been trying to get a decent internet connection since we got back, but..."

"This is the guy?" Grim mumbles to you. He is ignored.

Idia feels lightheaded. This isn't real. This isn't happening. This is some weird dream.

He can't seem to stop grinning, anyway.

"Will you go out with me?!" he asks, without thinking at all. But not even the sinking feeling in his stomach is enough to ground him.

You stare back, your own eyes wide.

And then, in your familiar voice, in your familiar easing presence: "I'd like that,"

[vodika-vibes]

A Choice Made

Summary: When Howzer comes to you in the middle of the night, panicked and frantic, you realize you must make a choice. Of course, the reality is that you made your choice years ago.

Pairing: Captain Howzer x F!Reader

Word Count: 764

Warnings: None

A/N: Hello and Happy New Year everyone! this is my first story of 2025, and sorry if it's not the greatest. I got a new keyboard for Christmas and it's a lot bigger than the one I was using. Anyway! I hope you all like it~

Your home is quiet again.

Howzer, your Howzer, is sleeping peacefully in the bed next to you. He looks peaceful, and you’re glad for it. When he showed up several hours ago, he had been filled with a frantic energy that, frankly, worried you.

But a hot dinner and a warm shower did wonders to settle him, at least enough that he could explain what sent him to you in such a rush.

And that is why you’re still awake. 

His words echo through your mind even now. 

“The Empire knows about you. They’ll use you as a weapon against me. We need to leave.”

You knew this was a possibility when you agreed to date him all those years ago. And you knew the threat to you would only increase when you agreed to marry him.

But things had been so peaceful, even with everything going on in the core, so you allowed yourself to believe that everything would be okay. You’ve always been good at lying to yourself.

You shift in the bed and focus your attention back on Howzer, your fingers gentle as they comb through his hair. He doesn’t even stir.

It’s a testament to just how stressed and tired he is. 

He stirs as your fingers fall to the scar on his cheek, and his pretty eyes flutter open, sleepiness vanishing in a heartbeat when he sees you sitting against the headboard.

“What’s wrong?”

And, despite the seriousness of the situation you’ve found yourself in, a smile lifts your lips. That’s your husband, always alert for any danger directed towards you. “Nothing,”

He sits up and shifts so that he’s leaning against the headboard as well, and then coaxes you into his arms. Something you’re only all too happy to do. You always feel safest when wrapped in his arms after all.

“Then why aren’t you sleeping?” 

“I was thinking.”

He pulls you so that you’re sitting on his lap, and one of his hands comes up to press against your cheek. Immediately you close your eyes and press your cheek against his hand, rubbing your cheek against his rough palm. 

“Are you considering staying here?” Howzer asks, his voice quiet.

“No, of course not.” You slide your arms around his neck, “My place, Howzer, is by your side. You know that.”

“I’m asking a lot from you, cyare.”

“You’re not asking anything that I won’t happily give.” You press your forehead against his, “I was thinking of the logistics of moving. About where to go and how to get there.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I’m going to handle everything.”

You shake your head, “You don’t have to.”

“Yes. I do.”

He sounds so convinced of this, that you pull back to stare at him, “Howzer?”

“You…” he trails off, and then a small smile lifts his lips and he pulls you into a gentle kiss. “I love you, so much. You know that?”

You blink at him, “Well, I would hope so. You did marry me, after all.”

“I did. And it remains the smartest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Howzer replies with a small smile, “And you…you’re the daughter of the Organa Family—”

“Distantly. I’m distantly related to the Organa family—” You remind him.

He ignores you, “And you came to Ryloth in the hopes to stop slavers from kidnapping the twi’leks and you set up a center to help former slaves adjust to being free,” Howzer trails off again, his expression soft as he looks at you, “You would have been well within your rights to tell me to go to hell when I asked you out. But you didn’t. You agreed. And kept agreeing.”

“You make it sound like it was a crazy thing,” You reply.

“It was a crazy thing. And it’s even crazier that you said yes when I asked you to marry me.” Howzer says with a grin, “But I’m asking you to abandon your life’s work. So let me take care of everything. Please.”

You sigh softly, “If you insist.”

“I do.” Howzer trails his lips down your face, “Assuming, of course, you choose to come with me.”

“You silly, silly man.” You shift on his lap so you’re straddling him, and press your hands against his cheeks, “I made my choice. Years ago. You’re my choice. No matter where you lead me.”

Howzer stares at you for a moment, and then he pulls you into a deep kiss. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Silly,” You reply against his lips, “I made that choice years ago too.”

@kimiheartblade

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@kiss-anon

[theambitiouswoman]

how to not worry when people say mean things about you or be weird with you or love to pull you down? like how to not be affected by the things other people do? you seem like an awesome , happy , smart , and amazing person and i don’t know if people do weird things but how do you not take it personal and handle it? i feel as though i give my energy away by confronting everyone and i need to learn to not engage and treat them like they’re irrelevant but it can be hard so i need a new mindset

I know it can be hard to not feel affected about what people say about us. What’s helped me is realizing that most of the time, when people are mean or try to pull you down, it says more about them than it does about you. None of those people I would switch places with. And none of those people pay my bills. I think once you become secure with yourself and have goals that are important to you, you stop caring about outside noise.

To be honest, I don’t know what people say about me anymore lol I don’t think people say bad things behind my back but who knows. And if someone says something hurtful to me I extremely quick to cut someone off, ignore, laugh, if I’m bored I’ll say something spicey haha It’s just irrelevant to me. Personally I am only receptive to people when I know they care about me and that’s the only opinion I’ll trust come with good intentions. I can tell you with absolute certainty that no one disrespects me IRL.

Before I used to get so much hate, bullying and judgement literally just for existing and I actually believed it. Looking back I realize now that none of those things were even real and those people were actually absolute miserable insecure jerks :) still are too. Lesson in there!

You shouldn’t have anyone in your life that makes you feel bad about yourself. No matter who they are. If they care about you and you express that what they said hurt, they would fix it. If they don’t fix it, they don’t care and have to GO! We worry about others because we crave connection and fear rejection or judgment. We seek validation, compare ourselves to others, or avoid conflict to stay in others’ good graces. If we are unfulfilled, we might cling to others to give us the approval were not giving ourselves. Past negative experiences can also make us overly focused on people’s opinions. But the truth is, others’ opinions don’t define you—what matters is staying true to yourself and your values.

With that being said!

Don’t take it personally. Their their actions are a reflection of their issues, not your worth.

It’s your world and you decide who you want to be in it. Not everyone deserves to be in your world and not everyone deserves a response either.

If it triggers you, it’s something you should address with yourself. It’s not your fault and it may not be true but it bothers you for a reason, so address it with yourself so you can gain confidence in that area.

When you know your value, it’s easier to let irrelevant people stay irrelevant.

It’s a skill and it takes practice, but it does get easier 🤍

[aleniaaa]

"I thought about this before" bsf!Rafe x kook!reader part four (last one!!)

here are other parts: one, two, three

a/n: heyy y'all final part is here thx for support and hearts :** kisses on y'all's foreheads

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊ ＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊

Two weeks had passed since the party, and I was still trying to get over everything. Rafe had acted like nothing happened, and I tried to convince myself it didn’t matter, but the truth was, it was eating away at me. Every time I saw him, every time I heard his name, my chest tightened, my thoughts spiraled. I couldn’t move on.

Tonight, I’d had enough. I was at the bar with friends, drinking far more than I should have, hoping it would numb the frustration and confusion I couldn’t shake. But as the alcohol settled into my system, it only made everything worse. The questions kept piling up: What did that kiss mean? Why the hell hadn’t he said anything? Did he feel something or was I just some dumb game to him?

When I’d had enough, I stood up, grabbed my purse, and stumbled out of the bar. I could barely walk straight, but I didn’t care. I was going to confront him. Now. I didn’t even think twice as I got into my car and sped to his place.

I barely knocked before I shoved the door open, stumbling inside. Rafe stood in front of me, his eyes widening as he took in my disheveled state.

"What the hell, y/n?" He crossed his arms, the look on his face a mix of surprise and annoyance. "You’re drunk."

"Yeah, no shit," I slurred, eyes narrowing on him. "You wanna tell me why you’ve been avoiding me for two weeks?" I was already feeling the alcohol taking over my body, my emotions messy and raw. "Why the hell did you kiss me and then just act like it meant nothing?"

He leaned back against the doorframe, not looking at me directly. "It’s not that simple, y/n," he muttered, his tone cooler than I expected. "You were drunk. I was drunk. It wasn’t… I didn’t want to make things weird."

"Make things weird?" I scoffed, feeling the anger bubble up inside me. "You kiss me, and then you act like I’m the one making things weird?" My voice rose, and I took a shaky step forward. "I need you to stop playing games with me, Rafe. You kissed me like it meant something, but then you just disappear. I deserve to know what the hell that was."

Rafe shifted, running a hand through his messy hair like he was trying to avoid my eyes. "I’m not good at this, alright?" he said, his voice quieter now, almost like he was trying to convince himself. "I didn’t want to mess things up between us. I’ve been… trying to figure it out."

I was done being patient. I was done with his excuses. "Figure it out?" I repeated, my chest tightening. "It’s been two weeks, Rafe. And in those two weeks, I’ve gone crazy wondering if you felt the same way or if I’m just some stupid one-night thing to you."

"Y/n, it’s not like that," he said, his voice softer now. "I didn’t know how to handle it. You’re my friend, and I didn’t want to mess up what we had."

"But you did mess it up, Rafe!" I shouted, throwing my hands up. "You kissed me, and you didn’t say anything, and now you’re acting like I’m the problem for wanting answers. So, tell me—did it mean anything to you?"

Rafe sighed, his hands in his pockets as he looked at the floor. "It wasn’t just some stupid kiss, alright?" he muttered, almost under his breath. "I don’t know what I’m doing with you. I… I care about you. More than I should. But I didn’t want to make things harder. Didn’t want to ruin the friendship."

I stared at him, trying to process his words through the haze of alcohol and frustration. He wasn’t giving me what I wanted—not directly. But his confession hit me harder than I expected. "You care about me?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Then why the hell didn’t you just say that? Why didn’t you just say something?"

He looked up at me, his eyes full of conflict. "I didn’t know how to make it right. I didn’t want to fuck things up. You’re my friend, y/n. That kiss… it meant something, but I wasn’t sure you wanted the same thing. I’m not good at this, okay?"

I took a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest. "I don’t give a shit about us being friends right now," I spat, my voice raw with emotion. "I need to know if you want this. I need to know if you want me."

Rafe was silent for a moment, his jaw clenching. Then, without warning, he stepped toward me, his hand gripping my arm as he pulled me closer. "I want you," he said, his voice strained. "More than I should. But I don’t know what that means."

"Then figure it out," I snapped, my hands trembling as I reached for him. "I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep pretending like I don’t feel what I feel."

Before I could say anything else, his lips were on mine, urgent and heated. It was different this time. There was no hesitation, no pulling away. His hands gripped me like he was afraid I might vanish if he let go, his lips demanding, desperate. I kissed him back, my body responding to him without thinking. I needed him, needed the answer he hadn’t given me.

When we finally pulled apart, I was breathless. "So now what?" I asked, voice shaky, heart still racing.

Rafe rested his forehead against mine, his breath coming in quick bursts. "Now we see where this goes," he said quietly, as if the words were just as much of a question as they were a promise.

the end

[oleandequill]

The Prime from Another Universe - Chapter 1 (SG TFOne AU)

And this is how I cope after those storyboards.

I am coping by making a new Shattered Glass AU series.

I never said it was a healthy coping mechanism lmao

This is different from "Did I Ever Really Know You?" and "Shattered Reflections" since this one is primarily inspired by the storyboard actually showing that D-16 had the dream of going on an off world expedition (which broke my heart). Actually, the entire storyboard broke my heart.

And while it's weird that I'm coping by writing Shattered Glass, it's my comfort continuity and I really really love Shattered Glass Megatron.

He just wanted to go on an off world expedition, damn it. I'm letting him fly skskskks

Also! Huzzah, finally POVs that aren't just Megatron or Optimus.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/61988845/chapters/158518177

In his many cycles as Commander of the High Guard, Starscream has had to deal with many issues.

He had handled traitors and defectors.

He had handled wars.

He had handled the worst of the thirteen Primes.

He had kept those under his command alive on the surface for fifty cycles after their self-exile from Iacon.

He had - though with the help of the Autobots and the Prime - stopped the fighting between Cybertronians and the Quintessons.

Somehow, all of those pale in comparison to his current dilemma.

“Megatron… your visits are always welcome… but, please explain, who is that?”

Honestly, it was as though the universe itself had conspired to give him a sparkling on top of his duties as a Commander.

But Megatron was not a sparkling.

Though his choices at times really made Starscream consider whether the mech had hit his helm too many times during his period as a miner.

Starscream let out a vent as he approached the white-framed mech who struggled to hold an unconscious Prime. Megatron had slung one of the Prime’s arms over his shoulder pad, a servo gripping at the other mech’s waist to keep him from collapsing.

“Did you send him through a space bridge?”

Another thing about Megatron that reminded Starscream of a sparkling is the blatant disrespect he usually showed his elders.

Trying to keep his processor from overheating as his question was left unanswered, Starscream chose to give the younger mech his response. “No. The Prime must have used the space bridge himself, though why he wanted to go off world is beyond me.”

Megatron’s blue optics flickered towards the unconscious mech, “I found him on a desolate planet.”

“You couldn’t have left him there? He could return to Iacon on his own.” Starscream tried not to roll his optics, it was unbecoming - even if he at times wanted to show the same level of attitude that Megatron showed him.

“He looked injured and…” The white mech bit his bottom derma, gesturing with his free servo at the Prime. “His paint, it’s different. I don’t see the crack in the headlights either.”

“He got a repaint and new repairs, so what?” He knew where this conversation was going.

When he had agreed to let Megatron go off world after they had defeated the Quintessons, he thought the ache in his processor would finally go away. Somehow, the young mech has found new ways to give Starscream a sparkattack.

“I was hoping you could spare some medical supplies… just until he onlines again.” Megatron’s voice was low, vocoder straining with the weight of his words. “I would have taken him to Iacon but…”

“They’ll kill you on the spot, I know.” Starscream shook his helm, gesturing for Megatron to enter the Decepticon base. “We will give him medical assistance, then we need to remove him from the base for the safety of everyone.”

He shouldn’t be allowing this.

Megatron was lucky that Starscream had quite the softspark for him.

—

“Negative: Nope.”

“Soundwave, what do you mean ‘nope’?!”

“Repeat: this is not Optimus Prime. My cameras don’t lie, Starscream. Prime’s still in Iacon plotting his next evil move.” Soundwave shrugged his shoulder pads, relaxed despite the strange situation. He turned to look over at the unconscious mech currently restrained on the medical berth.

He had to say, the blue was definitely a better color on him than the purple.

Oh right, Starscream wanted him to focus.

“Declaration: Whoever Megs picked up, this is not the Prime we know.” He thought about it more. “Question: Hey, you think the Prime has a twin or something?”

“As if one Prime isn’t bad enough.” Starscream grumbled, placing a servo on the medical berth. His blue optics were closed tight, and from where Soundwave stood, he could almost hear the cogs turning in the other mech’s processor.

“Joke: Calm down, we wouldn’t want you to get checked over by the medics either.” Soundwave let out a small laugh, which earned him a glare from Starscream. “Suggestion: We wait until this mech’s awake and ask him who he is.”

“That’s precisely what we’ll do. We’ll need to keep him restrained until we can determine his threat level. I’ll assign a member to watch over him. Until then…” Underneath the visor, Soundwave’s optics followed as Starscream began to pace the length of the medical bay. “Where’s Megatron?”

“Answer: Outside. You told him he wasn’t allowed to come in until you gave the order.” Honestly, he found it adorable how protective Starscream was over the younger mech. Unbeknownst to his commander, Soundwave kept a lot of videos of the two’s interactions. If Starscream wasn’t going to save the memories, then Soundwave would. “Suggestion: Maybe stop being overprotective. Megs can handle himself.”

“I am not overprotective!” He could almost see the smoke rising from Starscream’s helm. “I just think he should stay away from Primes considering his past relationship with one!”

“Answer: Whatever you say, commander.” He moved past Starscream, reaching for the door button, the door panels sliding open immediately.

He dodged just in time to avoid the incoming collision.

As predicted, Megs toppled over to the ground.

Soundwave knew the younger mech would have been leaning against the door. He took great pride in knowing that Megs took an interest in surveillance.

Shame he chose to go off world, Soundwave would have liked to take on another apprentice.

“I volunteer! I brought him here so I can keep guard.”

“No.”

Soundwave turned his visor back to Starscream.

“Recall: My suggestion.”

“Soundwave, I am not listening to your suggestion.”

Megatron stood back up on his pedes, his blue optics wide with determination.

“Commander Starscream.”

That caught both their attention.

Soundwave was surprised. He never thought he’d hear Megatron address Starscream like that.

“He’s my responsibility, and I’m the one who asked the High Guard for this favor.” The young mech placed a servo on his chassis, his voice leaving no room for argument. “I will keep watch.”

—

When was the last time he had watched Pax in recharge?

That felt like another lifetime ago.

Megatron rested his helm on the medical berth.

This close, he could brush a servo against Pax’s face.

In recharge, he could almost pretend this was Pax.

Deep in his spark, he knew that mech was long gone.

But… this wasn’t Optimus Prime.

He had heard everything between Soundwave and Starscream.

The real Prime was in Iacon.

So who was this?

Megatron closed his optics, recalling the memory of when he’d first encountered the strange mech.

He didn’t know how far he had been from Cybertron.

He never really charted down the planets he had visited or the stars he had encountered.

Megatron had only wanted to spend his cycles off world, far from the conflict that plagued Cybertron.

Far from Optimus Prime.

Far from the mech he once loved.

It was selfish, but Pax would have encouraged that.

All he had ever wanted was to go off world.

So, after he had replicated transformation technology…

After he had gained his flying-alt… 

After the war with the Quintessons… he did.

He had seen many strange sights on his travels, finding remnants of the thirteen Primes’ war with other civilizations.

Occasionally, he would return to Cybertron to visit the High Guard and restock on energon, but most of the time he was off world.

On this particular journey, he had stumbled upon a desolate planet with a space bridge. A remnant of some forgotten war between Cybertronians and what lifeform had once existed there.

Megatron had taken a moment to rest, leaning his backplate against the space bridge. It was then that he realized that the metal was hot, as though it had been recently used. He had scoured the nearby area and found the unconscious mech.

He had been terrified at first, as the mech looked like Prime, just in blue.

Then he took in the extent of the damage on the other mech’s frame, feeling a spark of pity.

He used to love him.

He had known that Starscream wouldn’t turn him away if he asked for a favor.

And he wasn’t about to let Optimus die on a desolate planet by himself.

Megatron had carried the unconscious mech over to the space bridge, typing out the coordinates for the nearest one to the Decepticon base.

And now they were both here.

Was this a punishment from Primus? It wouldn’t surprise him if it was since the god seemed to really despise him and only him.

If Starscream hadn’t reacted to the other mech’s presence, Megatron would have thought he was being haunted by a ghost.

Though, why the ghost was blue instead of purple, he didn’t know.

Giving in to the urge, he brushed a servo against the other mech’s faceplate.

“Who are you?”

As soon as his digits brushed against the metal, the mech’s optics flew open.

Two pairs of blue optics stared at one another.

Then they both screamed.

—

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, bossbot. I saw it with my own optics, D-16 came out of the space bridge with an injured mech. I was unable to get close enough but the mech didn’t appear to be anyone from the High Guard.” He could hear the disinterest in Bee’s voice, but Optimus deigned to ignore it. “Must have found an off worlder mech. Didn’t know those existed.”

“Hm.”

It was a good enough dismissal.

He heard the other mech’s fading steps behind him, the door panels shutting open and close as he was left alone in his quarters once more.

After the war with the Quintessons, the strained truce between Iacon and the banished High Guard inevitably snapped.

He acknowledged that the Quintessons were the greater threat, but Optimus Prime would not allow the High Guard to continue existing after the crimes they had committed against Cybertronians and for daring to question his authority as Prime.

For selfish reasons, he couldn’t let the High Guard exist after they had stolen his conjunx from him.

The civil war continues on, and he won’t stop until he has the helm of every High Guard member displayed on a pike for all Cybertronians to see.

And not until he gets his conjunx back.

Optimus should thank that offworlder once he formally meets them. After all, they had unknowingly brought Dee back to Cybertron.

Knowing Dee and his softspark tendencies, he would stay on Cybertron until the mech was fully recovered, which gave Optimus more time to capture his conjunx.

He had nearly stormed the High Guard base himself when he had heard the circulated rumors that Dee had gone off world.

Optimus hadn’t believed it at first.

Dee was not a selfish mech.

While he had told him, back when Optimus was still Orion Pax, that his hope was to go off world and see the stars, Dee had brushed it off as nothing more than a dream. 

They were miners, they couldn’t have dreams.

Pax had felt sorry for him.

Then he was angry on his behalf.

Still, Optimus didn’t think Dee would ever try to achieve his dream.

Such a selfless mech.

Then the civil war waged on, and Optimus realized that he hadn’t seen Dee in several astroweeks.

He had sent some surveillance mechs over to the Decepticon base.

The rumors were true.

Dee had left Cybertron.

Had left him.

But that didn’t matter.

His conjunx had come back. 

Not for him, but he knew a good opportunity when he saw one.

Once he had Dee back, well, it wouldn’t be a good reunion.

For one, Optimus would have to snap those blue wings in half.

He couldn’t have his conjunx flying off without him.

He won’t take much pleasure from grounding his conjunx, but that should send a message through Dee’s thick helm that he could never leave his Prime.

Optimus would grant him the right to fly once Dee proved himself loyal.

Now…

He had plans to make.

[weirdlookingsnakewithlegs]

hey sauce, ☄️ here,

Seekers deserve to have a kinda small handle on their back, like just at the base of their neck wide enough to put a digit or two through. So they can be picked up like kittens. It can either fall off with age or stay there for their entire life (assuming they never receive any sort of injury). Just scoop them up and you're my friend now. No more runaway Seekerlings. Just nab you're coming with me now, do not resist.

The flock also deserve to kind of be like cats in the sense of they take turns with young, coparenting. Maybe one or both creators are worn out from one thing or another? Just need to get up and get a vent of fresh air? No problem, another jet will step in watch the little flappy bastard, whether it be the other creator, an available trinemate, or another flock member.

now for sads. It's inevitable at some point, there will be instances where the second creator has passed while a Seekerling is still young. Could be after the flappy bastard is born, could be just before, but at some point there will be an instance of a creator's partner not getting to be there to help raise said little flappy bastard. Another instance where either living creator's trine or dead creator's trine step in to fufill the primary purpose of the deceased creator. also could go the other way! Creator dies, maybe from complications or is taken out by some outside force, leaving just the second creator and flappy bastard Seekerling. Rest of the flock, especially the two creator's living trinemates will swoop in very quickly to fill that role (pun intended).

and for slightly less sads. It would also be some inevitable instance where both creators might perish in some way. Could be a flock extinction, orphaned Seekerling found in the wrecks of a bombing or after their creators were killed, could be an instance where one creator was already dead and the other perishes at some point, but either way if they don't perish and live long enough to be found (assuming one of the first three events), they're very likely to be adopted by either one of the creator's trinemates (if applicable) or potentially given to another creator who'd perhaps lost a Seekerling (maybe by defect and dispatched by the Winglord).

also give them glowsticks. please, let them have some glowsticks this can only end well.

These are all beautiful ideas, I love them so so so much buuuut I would like to add the idea of flock adopters, aka seekers that tend to take in orphaned or the rare abandoned seekerlets. For example, Wheezingarrow, who certainly picked up and raised a large amount of younglings despite never having any of his own, it’d be so fun to watch him wrangle like six seekerlets, snagging on their handles and holding them up to gently scold them. You could also consider altruistic behavior! Perhaps a seeker that lost their seekerling takes in a predacon bitlet, now wouldn’t that be chaos?

I have no doubt though that the living trinemates would eagerly scoop up the little seekerling(s), probably being extra doting given the circumstances as they don’t have the creator/sire bond the original creator did.

Also seekers working like a cat colony is 100% real in my mind, it’s where the cliques and flock ideas came to me from. They definitely take turns with their young, after all sometimes mom and dad need a fly without their little balls of chaos, who better to watch them than the rest of their trines, clique, or the flock? Love to imagine these little babysitting adventures are what got Thundercracker and Skywarp to meet as their creators and sires were apart of different cliques.

As for the glowsticks, bold of you to assume most seekerlets wouldn’t bite into them just to get a taste of those foul chemicals(<- has bitten into a few glowsticks as a child). Assuming they didn’t try to gobble on it, I can imagine some maybe snapping them open to cover themselves in the chemicals, why stick glow when you can glow? Probably would scare the life out of their parents but it would also be adorable in the sense a seekerlet might strap some glowsticks to themselves, parading around biolights they haven’t quite developed yet.

Also it’d be hilarious if someone like Thrust still had his handle and Ramjet just has to snag onto it every time he tries to start a fight.

[11queensupreme11]

So…kinda depressing ask but Demeter’s recent death kind of had me wondering, especially since you mentioned in an ask once LONG ago—so long ago that’s it’s to the point I can’t even find it anymore 😭—that Poseidon wouldn’t kill his siblings just severely mutilate them.

((I’m assuming u totally ditched that when it came to Demeter’s death—which is totally fine cause either way it flows well with ur story and ur description of Poseidon because if Demeter is permanently dead it checks out because she took something from Poseidon that he would never forgive and he would see that as a betrayal which would, in his mind, justify the killing. And if she is still alive (although I don’t see how that could be possible- how can u stay alive when you’ve been…ripped apart 😭😂😅) but living like Adamas then that’s also possible since she is his sister and he’s spared his siblings before (adamas) after mutilating them of course.))

All that to say, it got me wondering. Could and/or would Poseidon or any of the other yans, if they ever became like SUPER (astronomical levels, really) upset with Percy. Result to…killing her? Could they?

yeah demeter is permanently dead, no coming back at all. no revival, no reincarnation, etc. i'm pretty much going the canon route on how deaths are handled! so in ror, when gods die they go to niflhel! same goes with the human souls in the after life (and by that, i mean, after dying in midgar, if they die again in helheim/valhalla, they go to niflhel)

in the ror wiki:

HOWEVER!!! the only difference is that in my fic, gods don't have souls. instead, they're made of divine essence. so for the sake of my fic, when a god dies, their divine essence is destroyed

so yeah, no coming back for demeter or zagreus 😅

as for ur other question.......

the yans absolutely CAN kill percy. ror characters are ridiculously op in terms of physicality, especially the gods cuz i gave them a huge buff. do you guys recall those brief lines i'd type up throughout previous chapters that are always something like "he gripped her arm so hard had it not been for the Curse of Achilles he would've snapped her bones" and stuff like that? yeah i was being fr, these gods can easily crush her to death on ACCIDENT 💀 it's the whole reason i set the story in-between pjo and hoo so she would still have the achilles curse! they're gods who don't interact with humans, they don't know how to be gentle 😭 even a high five could've ripped her hand off or shatter her lmaooo

as for cú chulainn, he's in the same boat (in terms of physicality). since i'm not going with canon (cuz it was too late for me lol), cú chulainn will be the "human with the strength of a god" kind of demigod, like what heracles was pre-ascension. so since he has the strength of a god, he could ALSO kill percy, HOWEVER. unlike the gods, he knows how to actually be careful so he has a lesser chance of actually killing her. the only issue is his ridiculously op gáe bulg which is canonically stated can't be "dodged nor guarded against". if ra and morrigan weren't fast or strong enough to dodge it, there's no damn way percy can 💀 again, the curse of achilles will save her here AS LONG AS SHE KEEPS HER FRONT FACING TOWARDS THE SPIKES. if she has her back to it..... 💀💀💀💀 but i can't see a scenario where he'll ever be so mad he uses that weapon on her.

also there's his freaky 👹goblin mode👹 thing i forgot to mention, but that hasn't been talked about in the manga yet and so far, from the myths, it just makes him more stronger and uncontrollable. if he were to get angry and get into ríastrad then yes, she'll be in a lot of danger 💀

so yes. the yans absolutely CAN kill her, but they won't ever be angry enough to actually want to murder her (excluding beelie's demonic destrudo ofc). the most likely scenario is that they accidentally kill her in a fit of rage. the gods have a higher chance of doing this, cuz they can literally just obliterate her or smite her without needing to even think that much.