#the fortune teller's misfortune.....

[shakingparadigm]

fortune and the misfortunate

( as always, moran belongs to @geospiral and vera belongs to @junebluues / @bittersweet-adagio )

[dent-de-leon]

Okay but after reading the Veth comic, uhh…does the hag worship ruidus??

[is-this-even-relatable]

Misfortune Teller

tldr: An older Danny, apprentice to Clockwork, does a lot of field work across dimensions, resetting the timeline, queuing future events, and who knows what else. Occasionally, he warns people about such upcoming possibilities, to set them on the right path. How, you might ask? Well in this case... as a wandering fortune teller.

Crack-fic (oh god, it's getting long and my logic brain won't let it remain as crack) where Danny becomes Clockwork's apprentice after getting his GED. Living his infinite afterlife to the fullest. Inspired by this tumblr post.

Working for Clockwork had been... interesting so far. At first, Danny got frustrated by how vague and cryptic Clockwork was. He'd just shunt Danny off to some ancient time with a few words, his own time medallion (Danny carried it everywhere with him now), and then pop back into the portal, leaving Danny with only the faintest idea of where to go.

Eventually, after enough time (ha!) spent around Clockwork, Danny figured out that it just basically meant that he had free reign and to do whatever he wanted. Because if he went on the wrong path, (like that one time in Pompeii when he had almost caused the volcano to explode a few years too early), Clockwork would just pop on by, say another few cryptic words, and then it'd all be fine and dandy, or as he liked to say, "All is as it should be... Now stop practicing your wail by an active volcano."

After telling Jazz about that (it was supposed to be funny, not concerning), she just sighed and shook her head, with a forlorn "think before you act, Danny!" but hey, it'd turned out fine so far, so who cares how he does what Clockwork asks him to do, as long as it gets done, right? Even if it's with a liiiiitle more mischief than strictly required.

Besides. Danny was the one who had been doing time shenanigans across millennia, not Jazz. And he thought he'd been getting pretty good at it too! He'd actually started giving himself a different made-up background for each universe he visited. Sam and Tucker were helping him keep up with the identities on a spreadsheet, so if he had to go back to one he'd already visited, he'd remember who he'd said he was supposed to be.

---

He was on a call with them one evening while haunting Jazz's apartment, doing just that, when he felt a familiar tingle in the back of his throat, as well as a heightened awareness of the seconds passing by, that always accompanied his mentor's appearance.

Sam was talking about his past stint posing as a god of death when he cut in. "Hey- sorry to interrupt, Sam- Clocky's here, guys, I gotta dip."

"Aw, come on! We hardly talked any this past week since you passed your certifications, man," Tucker complained.

Danny rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, yeah. Partly on you too though, you've been caught up outside of class, and Sam's schedule is nearly the opposite of yours."

Sam hummed in agreement despiter Tucker's scoff.

Danny missed hanging out with them as much as they had in high school, but hey, life goes on. Or at least, theirs did, to college. After finally flunking out of Casper High, he'd taken some time to get used to his responsibilities in the ghost zone, and when he had, he realized that he didn't really have much enthusiasm or timeleft for his human life.

And he didn't really want to go back home either.

But Jazz had made him tie up any loose ends before he noped-off to god knows where, which frankly, he had to thank her for. Getting his GED took a few years, but it was an accomplishment that could be attributed to Danny Fenton, no ghostliness required. Then he was able to let that tether go free.

Pulled out of his musings by a few more grumbles from Tucker, Danny said his goodbyes, promising to call the next time they were all available.

After hanging up, Danny swiveled around, anticipation already lighting up his eyes an ethereal green.

Clockwork, for his part, had been waiting patiently through Danny's lengthy goodbyes. Although he supposed that it tracked for the watcher of time to be patient. With his job, it'd be a nightmare if he wasn't.

"Phantom," Clockwork spoke, calm as always. "I have some tasks I need you to complete as my apprentice."

And Danny, always ready for adventure, didn't need him to explain any further. "Sure! When do you need me to be?"

Clockwork smiled at that. "I am fortunate you are eager. Follow me."

---

Danny popped into existence in this universe with a burst of cold air and static electricity. He found himself hovering by a clocktower above a sprawling, gothic city. Smog and light pollution obscured the stars above him, to his disappointment. He comforted himself with the fact that he'd probably have all the time he wanted to fly someplace less populated to see them later.

He started off by familiarizing himself with the city. As he flew, he followed the trail of power and met the resident city-spirit, a spooky- but kind underneath- woman draped in black lace, who told him her name was Gotham. He spoke in length with her about this universe, its heroes, and her knights. On that, she was very enthusiastic... or at least Danny thought she was, her projected emotions belaying much more than her gloomy exterior. She told him how her knights had been through a lot and would need some guidance fighting the darkness that pooled in her deepest corners, smiling with too much glee, filling lungs with fear, and terrorizing with cold hard bullets.

Danny could sense that the dangers she spoke of were growing in power, ever slowly. The longer they shadowed people's minds and hearts, an intangible thing grew that lent them more otherworldly pull than their physical forms had right to hold.

That must be what he was sent here for.

But... they were weak, pitifully so for him, infinite king as he was. And besides, he wasn't here in that sense. He was a messenger, a simple apprentice. And he could do this however he wanted.

Cue his talk with Lady Gotham, and subsequent idea to arm her knights. With what? Well, he figured knowledge would be a start. Flying high above the city invisibly, Danny noticed a sea of colors and lights by what appeared to be the city's pier. He flew down, noting that it appeared to be the setup spot for a travelling circus or carnival of some kind.

He considered what to do. One of Lady Gotham's troubles was a madman clown, right? Well maybe he'd be attracted to his ilk here... and with the danger came the knights. Maybe he could catch one of them here?

Danny was floating around at the entrance and beginning to formulate a plan when a flyer caught his eye. Looking for a mystic to read fortunes. URGENT!

Hadn't Clockwork said something about fortunes? And he hadn't made an identity in this universe yet...

A mischievous smile crept across Danny's face, splitting it in two with far too many teeth.

---

Half a city away, a man in all black, perched on the very same clocktower that Phantom had Appeared by, shivered as he felt an ominous premonition about his sanity in the near future...

Said man quickly opened his comms to check in with his many, many kids. Yet even after hearing back from each, he still felt apprehensive.

Somewhere even further, Clockwork laughed.

---

And that's how Danny found himself seated at a fortune teller's booth at a pier in Gotham, two days later, for the Tricksy Traveling Circus's grand opening.

[taintandviolent]

bend without breaking ; Jimmy Darling x reader

summary and word count: 4.4K! requested by @sugarr-and-spicee. you get jealous of Maggie Esmeralda, and decide to give Jimmy a taste of his own medicine. Angst, smut and a little fluff ensues.

w a r n i n g s: contortionist!reader, unprotected sex, cunnilingus, angst, jealousy themes, rough sex, alcohol mention, clunky writing, uhhhhhhhh Jimmy being real handsy and kinda' manhandling reader a bit. maggie esmeralda hate.

a/n: written partially at work, so if it's clunky or disjointed I apologize!! divder by cafekitsune!

full fic & taglist under cut! ↓ / ao3 link here!

It's not like you owned him or anything. It's not even like he really even cared about you outside of the scope of the general, amiable 'member of the troupe' kind of relationship. Now, of age, he flirted with you casually, like he did all the girls, but you, as delusional as it may have been, thought you had something special – because boy, oh boy, did you care about him. You were obsessed with Jimmy Darling, in all ways possible. 

You'd grown up alongside him, from the age of sixteen when you got kicked out for a plethora of reasons, and ran away to the traveling freak show that was opportunely in town. It had taken the owner, Elsa Mars, almost all day to be convinced, but when you bent over backwards, putting your head through your legs and pleaded with her upside down, a sly smile spread across her thin, aging lips.

You thought that Jimmy might’ve fancied you – that was until Maggie came along. The liar. The fraud. The insolent little brat that she was. She’d taken a liking to Jimmy, and seemed to snatch up every second he was alone – something that you used to do. He had fallen for her fortune teller act, but you certainly hadn’t. Your aunt had been a fortune teller and had possessed a true and genuine gift. This broad did nothing but spin silly little tales about misfortune and good luck, generic things that any person could identify with. 

You’d decided to test the waters one hot summer afternoon. It was before the show, and Jimmy was preoccupied setting up the cash box. With your skirt in your hand, swishing it back and forth, you strolled up to him feeling as giddy as ever. It was rare that you didn’t feel bubbly when you were around him – he had that effect on you. Before you spoke, you took in his appearance; a sheen of glistening sweat covered his bare, tanned shoulders, his caramel-coloured locks hung in a cluster on his forehead, and his dark, brown eyes swept over the cash as he counted it, arranging the tickets neatly next to the box. 

“Hey Jimmy,” you cooed. “Need any help?”

Without looking up, he replied: “Nah, doll. I’m just about finished.” 

“Well, maybe I could help you with whatever you’re doing next…” 

“If I need ya’, I’ll find ya, sweetheart.” 

“Or you could find Maggie.” 

“She’s in her trailer.” 

Your heart quivered and sunk, cracking like a delicate porcelain vase. He already knew; he’d already found her. 

“Of course she is, and of course you’d know that.” 

He grinned crookedly, exhaled out of his nose and shut the cash box, turning the key. He looked at you then, with a pointed gaze. “Now, what’s that supposed to mean? Huh?” 

Your brows rose high on your head, feigning innocence. He, of course, with all his charm and wit, saw right through it. You didn’t care. “Oh, nothing , Jimmy. Nothing at all.” 

“Sure, dollface, sure. You wouldn’t be jealous, now would ya?” 

“Of her? I’d be more jealous of a drowned rat in a sewer than I would be of Maggie.”

With that, you stomped off, your steps crunching the tall grasses that covered the field you called home for this month. Your heart was pounding, your cheeks had flushed. Feeling like a fool, you marched right to your trailer, taking great care to slam the door as hard as you could. 

You spun around, facing the door as thought he was behind it. “How dare he think I’m jealous of her ! That horrible woman, and he thinks – oooooh! ” You clenched your fists, shaking them at the door. 

It had taken you two hours to calm down. Two hours of pacing your small bedroom, fussing with your appearance and reading a magazine you’d picked up in town last week. It also took you two hours to come up with what you thought was the revenge plan of the century. 

An hour later, you found yourself at the local diner, schmoozing with a cute young man in his early twenties. You’d batted your fluffy lashes and pouted your lips and with hardly a few words, you had him wrapped around your manicured finger. He’d bought you a milkshake, which you were nursing, taking small sips in between answers.

“You’re sure you won’t run out of this diner screaming?” 

“No - no. I promise I won’t.” 

“I’m a travelling performer… I’m only here for a few more weeks. I work at the Freak Show in the field down the road.”

“What do you do?” He asked, cautiously, looking you over your body with a suddenly very critical eye. To most, you looked normal . Sure, you were a little longer and lithe than some girls your age, but you didn’t fit the bill of a freak. That was until you bent and contorted your body into the most mystifying, inappropriate positions that they had ever seen a woman in. 

“I’m a…” you leaned in, dipping your chin to your chest, keeping your gaze sternly locked on his. “A… contortionist.” 

“A what?” 

Oh, what a dumb bunny . He was cute, you’d give him that; his pretty, sea-blue eyes, pink lips and dirty blonde hair that had been perfectly styled. The clincher was that he had two very nice hands – strong, and veiny. The truth of the matter was that you preferred Jimmy Darling’s hands – but he didn’t need to know that. To him, this would be a threat, and if everything went according to plan, Jimmy would be red with anger, furiously jealous and looking as though he must bust a vein. 

“I’m flexible. Very flexible.” 

His eyes lit up. It was a predictable response, and one you’d seen before. Men were grotesque, they liked the idea of bending a woman into unique positions like a jointed doll, just to see her body in a fresh, new way. They liked the thought of fucking you while you were bent over backwards, folded up neatly. 

The waitress brought your food; you’d only ordered a side of fries, which you dipped into the remainder of your shake. A habit that you’d learned from Amazon Eve – it was easily the most delicious combo you’d ever tasted. As you two ate, the conversation drifted naturally. You laid on the charm heavy. Every other response contained a compliment, telling him how handsome he was, how you’d never seen a boy as cute, so on and so forth. He fell for it hook, line and sinker. And you. 

Afterwards, he paid and held the door open for you. As any gentleman should, he wasn’t earning any points with you. Only one man could… 

“Can I come see your show?” He asked, playing idly with your fingers.

You reached over and yanked one of the flyers from the nearby telephone pole, folded it in fours, and pressed your lips to the paper, leaving a crimson mark. You tucked it in the man’s shirt pocket. 

“See you tonight. Tell ‘em that I sent you. Front row seats.” 

He stammered out an agreement, looking flustered. With a wink, you were sauntering back down the sidewalk. The great big sun, orange and warm, was making its heavy, tired descent back into the horizon, and you quickened your pace. The last thing you needed was Elsa being upset at your disappearance.

As you made your way back to the field, you hummed the song that was playing in the diner and skipped. There was something to be said about the butterflies in your stomach, though you couldn’t discern whether or not they were for the fact that you were going to see that man in the audience. You suspected not. Jimmy Darling would be jealous and that was the thought that sent you. 

Later that night, as the calliope played, your hands glided up over the curves of your thighs, and over your sides, gracefully, like a burlesque performer teasing a reveal. With one movement, you brought your leg up to your head, pulling it tight. A few oooh’s and chortling chuckles from men in the audience dotted the room. With floaty, delicate movements, you slid down into the splits, never losing your bright smile in the process. More pleased reactions and some applause. You crossed the stage in backbends, working the crowd as they cheered for you. 

At the final backbend, you sunk to your stomach, laying on the floor. You were just nearly at the edge of the stage, and directly in front of you was your diner boy. His eyes were locked on you, enchanted, enrapt and obsessed like a dog staring at a fresh cut of sirloin. With a come-hither smile, you reached out and swept your hand along his jawline before tapping his chin with a single finger. You sucked in a deep breath and brought your legs forward, curving your spine around until your feet were planted on either side of your face. 

The crowd gasped in horror, and little girls shielded their eyes, expecting to hear the dull crack of your spine as it snapped in two. But Diner Boy was fascinated, and still staring at you. He was looking at your body, the unnatural curve of it, and the way that you’d brought your cunt somehow closer to his face. As the seconds passed, he looked more and more like a dog to you, hungry and slobbering. 

You smiled, scanning the crowd again. Your eyes drifted to the corner of the stage, where Jimmy stood against one of the support poles, arms crossed. At least, despite Maggie, he’d retained his habit of watching every performance you did – though this one, he didn’t look as delighted with. You could tell by the way the corners of his mouth were pointed down in an angry frown, his eyes narrowing at the little things you did to entice Diner Boy. You grinned at Jimmy, acknowledging him and tapped the toes of your shoes childishly against the stage before unfolding your body again. 

The rest of your show finished without a hitch, and Diner Boy played his part very well. He took in every moment, and at one point, when you reached your hand out to him, he interlaced his fingers with yours. A nice touch. When you looked back to where Jimmy was, he was gone. You smiled inwardly, prideful and gratified by the way your devious little plan had gone.

As soon as you went off-stage, Jimmy grabbed you by your arm, gripping your bicep hard. Almost too hard. You winced. “What was that about?” 

“What? I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about.” Casually, you yanked your arm from his grip and began to polish your nails on the fabric of your shirt. 

“Cut it out! You know what. Who was the guy in the audience? You sure were payin’ him a lot of attention.” 

His words, though loud, were a little slurred, his breath smelled of alcohol; you could tell that he'd taken a few gulps of liquid confidence before approaching you. You didn't mind; your father used to say that the truth came out with booze. You hoped that would remain true with Jimmy and he'd spill his guts to you.

“Just someone I met at the diner, Jimmy. Why are you getting so heated over him? You flirt with girls in the audience all the time.” 

“It’s part of the act, doll! You know I have to act a certain way, I can’t –” 

“Can’t what? Stand to love me?” 

Jimmy stopped abruptly, his mouth hanging slack. His chest rose and fell with hot, angry breaths.

"Just because I can bend without breaking doesn't mean my heart can, Jimmy."

“Dollface, wait.” 

“No.” 

You pushed yourself through the flaps of the tent, storming off towards your trailer. Jimmy followed close behind, calling your name.

“Doll, c’mon, hang on a minute!” 

“No, Jimmy. Maybe Maggie can hang on a minute .” 

“Hey!” He bellowed, catching your arm again. You pressed your back against your trailer’s door, again, yanking it away from him and crossing them tightly across your chest. Your heart thudded against your ribs, deeply delighted at the fact that he was chasing you, pursuing you with an overbearing jealousy. 

“What.” 

“Can we just…” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat. “...talk about this a second?” 

“Sure.” You snapped. 

Jimmy’s black coffee eyes scanned over you, searching your face for some semblance of softness. He found nothing but a tightly pressed line of lips and a cold gaze.  

“What’s your problem, huh? I can’t flirt with other guys?” you finally asked, your stern voice shattering the awkward silence. 

He shook his head, almost sheepishly. “I don’t like seein’ it. I know they don’t care about you.”

“And you do?” 

Jimmy swallowed again, forcing the lump in his throat down. For the past several years, you’d been a constant in his life, by his side, and taking all his showman flirtations in stride. You’d never once fired back at him, and he thought that it was because you could care less about what he did or who he flirted with. Against the voices in his head, Jimmy pacified the anger in his gut by leaning forward to crush his lips against your red ones, tasting the sweetness of whatever gum you’d been chewing before the show. 

He lingered there a moment before his conjoined digits made their way up your waist, gripping it softly. He waited for you to soften, to ease into his kiss, but you didn’t. You stood your ground, arms still pressed against your breasts. You intentionally filled your mind with thoughts of Maggie Esmeralda and how close he’d gotten with her. You thought of all the times that he flirted with girls in the audience, damn near kissing them with how far he’d lean off stage during his song. 

“Baby, please…” You blinked. His low, smooth voice pulled you out of your hateful thoughts.

With a heavy sigh, you murmured, “I want to hear you say it, Jimmy.” 

“Say what?” 

“You know what.” 

The muscles in his jaw fluttered as he clenched them, grinding his teeth hard. Jimmy spent his whole life being put on the spot, but it never got any easier. Especially not in front of you – the girl he’d fallen hardest for. He inhaled, puffing his chest out and mustering up all the confidence he had. 

“I don’t like seein’ you flirt with other guys… ‘cause… I wish it was me.” 

“Who’s jealous now, huh?”

“I am.” He looked at your lips, then back up to your eyes. A cricket started off somewhere in the field, and your attention flitted off towards it, only to have Jimmy’s large, warm hand bring you back. “Hey.” 

He kissed you again, his strong tongue darting out to taste you again, his plush lips closing around your bottom lip to suck it gently. This time, an undulating warmth erupted deep in your core. You couldn’t help but melt into him and your arms relinquished their position, dropping heavily to your sides. Your fingers reach forward to claw at his shirt, just above the waistline of his jeans and instead latch onto his belt loops, pulling him closer at the hips.

You tilted your head to deepen the kiss, swirling your tongue with his. Mingled with his personal taste, he tasted like warm honey and the liquor you smelled on his breath earlier. Not always admirable, it was something that you knew him to dabble in when his mother wasn’t looking. More often than not, he’d sneak some booze, saying it calmed his nerves before and after shows. You didn’t mind; in fact, you wondered what it would be like to have a drunk Jimmy, sloppy and unable to control himself around you. 

“I’ve waited a long time for this…” you broke the kiss, breathlessly whispering over his lips.

“Me too, honey. Me too.”  

Keeping your eyes on him, you blindly felt behind your back, where the handle of your trailer was digging into your soft flesh. You yanked it open, and took a fistful of Jimmy Darling’s shirt, tugging him inside. 

It was like someone had fired a gun and Jimmy was a racehorse. He charged at you, his big, conjoined fingers wrapping tightly around your hips on either side, kneading the flesh like dough. He kissed you again, hot and in a hurry, like you only had a few minutes to do whatever it was you were going to do. With your hands on his pectoral muscles, you pushed him off gently, just enough to get a look at his face. 

He, being mere centimeters from your breasts, wasn’t looking at your face. His attention was clearly elsewhere. A low, rumbling groan vibrated through his throat as he craned forward to kiss your skin. 

“Jimmy, baby, slow down…” 

Between feverish kisses to your neck and chest, he muttered: “I can’t, I’m sorry.” 

He had you where he wanted you, after so long, and he wasn’t going to let that slip through his fingers this time. Jimmy muscled you backwards, urging you towards the small hallway where your bedroom was. He was all hard-working muscle. Having done set-up for so many years  had lined his body in bulky strength, the kind of strength that you only get from hard labour. So, when he started guiding you backwards, you could do little to protest. 

“Jimmy, my god, what’s the rush?” 

“I want you bad, baby… bad.” As proof, he urged his hips against yours; the hot rigidness of his erection pressing into your hip bone. You let out a surprised mewl, and wrapped your arms around his warm neck, fingers slipping into his short-cut hair. His lips found yours again as the backs of your thighs hit the mattress. He kissed once and playfully, shoved you down. You bounced twice on the bed, looking up at him with a heavy, wanton gaze. 

“I’m all yours, Jimmy Darling. All yours.” 

Jimmy didn’t say anything, just sunk to his knees, his hands finding the stretchy hem of your sequined shorts. He pulled them down in a swift jerk, before moving right back up to your waist. Those striped tights were next. He rolled them down off your thighs and over your knees; which fell apart, exposing the already-damp satin of your underwear. You propped yourself up on your elbows, watching him as he worked.

He was in too much of a hurry to bother taking off your shirt, instead just gathering the fabric and pushing it up over your breasts, letting them bounce free. He may have been raised a gentleman, but he wasn't immune to the tantalizing sight of some tits -- especially when they belonged to a girl he'd been lusting over for months now. 

"God damn, baby. Look at those." 

You couldn't help but blush, feeling your cheeks grow hot at his compliments. You bowed your head, casting your eyes to the floor. You were so stern before -- what had happened? Silly question. You knew; he was undressing you in your trailer, all that confidence had melted away underneath his strong, fused fingers.

“Jimmy, promise you won’t flirt with Maggie anymore…” 

He scoffed. “She’s nothin’ to me, honey. Gals like her are a dime a dozen.” He pressed his lips to your kneecaps before kissing his way up your thighs.  You whimpered, your head lolling heavily back between your shoulders. You thought about revealing that she wasn’t a real fortune teller, but Jimmy’s mouth neared your cunt, and the thought disintegrated. 

“...my god…” you breathed, your lids drifting shut. Jimmy nuzzled his face and lips against your soft mound, the hard bridge of his nose teasing at your soaked slit.

“You like that, baby?” 

You nodded, again, whimpering. He pressed his fingers slowly against your soft mound, over the fabric. Feeling the puddle that had settled into your underwear made Jimmy clench his teeth, hissing loud through them. With one hand, Jimmy maneuvered your underwear down your thighs. Once they were off, he tossed them carelessly behind him – you’d find them a day later in your kitchen sink. Now exposed, you gazed at him sheepishly, for the first time since he'd started kissing you. His eyes fixated on the wetness that glistened in the low-light of the trailer.

"I had no idea..." he said, the pad of his thumb sweeping over your clit with just enough pressure to make you writhe in lustful agony, aching desperately. 

"No idea what?" You breathed.

"To be honest with you, that you liked me that much..." 

You leaned forward, taking his chin into the palm of your hand. You stroked it gently, falling deep into his eyes. "Jimmy... I've wanted you since before I could have you." 

You looked on at his face in admiration as the thoughts played out, the realization of what you meant dawning on him. He grinned his bright, lopsided grin and his large hands slid up your legs, caressing the outside of your thighs thoughtfully.

"Baaaby," he hummed before dipping his head down. You gasped, your lids drifting shut in ecstasy as you felt his breath rush over you -- you knew what was coming; one deep sweep of his tongue along the length of your cunt, between your folds to taste you, to savour your silken wetness. Burying his nose in your pussy, Jimmy alternated between using the strong tip of his tongue to flick at your sensitive spots and lapping at your clit with a flattened, thick tongue. Adventurous and hungry, he'd venture further down to get a mouthful of your sweet, heady wetness and would murmur how good you tasted into your cunt -- the vibrations of his voice made you shiver every time. 

After a few minutes of this, you felt the inner core of your legs begin to shake every time he made contact with your clit, your tummy tightening in a warning clench. You reached forward, gripping his head on either side, yanking him softly off your cunt.

To your relief, he straightened up, chin glistening with your fluids. He swallowed you down, growling in satisfaction; the intimacy of tasting your lover's ejaculate was unparalleled, and when your eyes finally opened, they met Jimmy's lust blown ones. He was ready, and so were you. 

"Fuck me," you said, nodding. 

Jimmy made quick work of undressing, pulling his briefs down over his ass cheeks before he lined his red-tipped cock up with your leaking slit, bumping into the sensitive bundle of nerves a few times before he stuck you. He didn't ease in, just bottomed out and you let out a pleasurable yowl, tossing your head back at the sensation of being so full as his thick cock violated you, slipping against your slick walls. He found a rhythm, thrusting his cock up into you as deep as he could. You clenched hard around him, pulling a groan from deep within his chest. He pulled out, looking down at your sopping wet and now reddened cunt.

"'Hoh' my god, baby... do that again." 

He gripped your hips hard, pulling you roughly onto his cock. You clenched again, swallowing him into you. The tip disappeared inside you, hot and leaking, and he held himself there, completely engrossed in the sensations. You clenched again, pulling him further in and Jimmy's head fell back, his hips bucking hard out of instinct. You both found a hurried rhythm, grinding and rolling against each other with voracious desire. 

As he thrust into you, Jimmy watched you intently, holding onto you tight, his thumbs working your hips, kneading them in small circles. He looked starved for your image, the way that his eyes climbed from your hips to your breasts to your face and back down again. You let out a particularly ecstasy-ridden moan, and Jimmy dug his fingers into your hips. 

Rocked back and forth with the strength of his thrusts, you look down, watching as his thick cock pumped in and out of you. Your breasts bounced with each thrust, and Jimmy's dark eyes followed them as they moved.   

"Huuuh... I'm gonna' lose it, baby... you feel so god damned good..."

"Give it to me," you coax, moaning deeply. His thrusts get faster, more feverish and uneven, and before you can say another word, his expression contorted, brows pulling together in pleasured agony. You felt the warmth of his cum as he filled you up with a few spurts, but kept pumping until it leaked out the sides, groaning deeply. Your orgasm raced towards you quickly after that, pulsing around him in a hungry grip. 

With a heavy sigh, Jimmy pulled his softening cock from your cunt and flopped heavily onto the bed onto his back. Your chest rose and fell with every laboured breath, sweat streaming from every pore. Both of you, collapsed in lust, saying nothing, just enjoying the warm scent of sex that lingered in the air. Soon, your sappy gaze drifted from the ceiling to Jimmy. His fawn coloured hair clung to his forehead in sweaty clumps, his cheeks flushed. You'd done that. Made him jealous until he fucked you silly. You smiled inwardly, and adjusted your head on the small mattress. 

"Turn the fan on, Jimmy, it's hot." 

Jimmy leaned over, flipping the small metal switch. The fan rattled to life, blades spinning and washing your sweaty skin with a soft breeze of cooler air. He leaned back, enjoying the change in temperature. 

"I meant what I said, dollface. Maggie's nothin' to me now that we're uh..." 

You pressed your lips against his softly, smiling into the kiss. "We're what?" 

"Y'know..." 

"Fucking each other like teenagers?" 

"More than that, baby. More than that."

You weren't sure what that meant yet, but you weren't about to question a bit of it. You paused, furrowing your brows. You realized that Diner Boy had probably expected to see you after the show, but you hadn't shown. You hadn't even thought about him, far too busy with Jimmy's lips to even remember he was there.

"What?" Jimmy asked, concerned.

"I wonder if he was waiting for me..."

"I hope he was, and I hope he figured out real quick that you weren't comin'."

You kissed him again, inhaling his scent. Jimmy hummed into your lips, pulling you atop of him, his face bright with adoration.

He stayed in your trailer that night, and you two fucked each other, explored each other's bodies repeatedly. When the morning sun peeked through your lacy curtains and your lids peeled apart, a yawn ripping through your mouth... you wondered if Maggie Esmeralda saw that coming.

[nakedisko]

Today's yap: Commedia dell'arte & Gay subtext; Why is Közi dressed as the Pierrot in Verte Aile?

I've talked about this on Twitter a few months ago but since it is now banned to me i'll post my thoughts here as well. Hear me out.

First of all, let's just summarize the plot: Gackt and Judith are a happy couple who live with the nobleman Kami, Judith's brother Yu~ki and Mana, a maid/prostitute. Everything was fine until Gackt dreamed that a misfortune would befall them. Worried, he and Judith go to visit a fortune teller who, after a blood pact, warns them that they are cursed and Judith will die. Gackt gets depressed and spends his days at the bar lamenting the inevitable. When Judith finally dies, Gackt is left with the regret of not having enjoyed the time he still had with her.

There is also a subplot involving the hooded man and the book that leads to Gekka no Yasoukyoku PV, but that's not the focus right now.

You see, the Pierrot is originally a Commedia dell'arte character. It was an improvised form of theater, the shows took place on improvised stages and carts, the actors using whatever they could find around. The plot of the plays usually revolved around stories of lovers who could not stay together or master-servant relationships. the actors wore masks to play their characters, which were usually the same regardless of the story. Here are the three most relevant ones: Arlecchino, Colombina and Pierrot.

The most popular script involving them is simple: Pierrot is in love with Colombina and writes letters to her in secret, as he doesn't have the courage to confess his feelings. Then he gets his heart broken when Colombina gets with Allerchinno, who is more charismatic and flirtatious. Basically a love triangle.

Now, what does this have to do with Verte Aile?The thing is that there is also a love triangle, although more subtle. Gackt, Judith and Kami, I wouldn't say Kami is in love with Judith though, but with Gackt.

Notice that while Kami's character is in the spotlight, he's always looking at the couple, especially at Gackt. His expression is not one of joy though, he looks upset. And just like Pierrot, he does nothing but watch.

back to Közi, in his pantomime play is interesting to note how the soundtrack gives us clues about the characters' feelings. The scene begins with Közi performing a cheerful song, we have a close-up on each of the characters watching the performance and then... when the camera stops on Kami, he is gazing at Gackt and the music becomes melancholic.

Közi then simulates crying in his performance and cut his wrist, which Kami also did soon after that.

Also, Közi was wearing a mask that he took off just before he cut himself. Kami is the only character to appear wearing masks after this (Bel Air PV.) The mask may symbolize the feelings he was hiding the whole time.

I believe Közi's Pierrot symbolizes Kami's feelings for Gackt. seems very plausible to me, since it's not the first time Malice Mizer includes queer elements and Gackt participated in the script writing. If you know him you know he includes BL in his works quite often.

If you don't like this theory, you can also just say that Kami was in love with Judith. But I honestly don't see him paying any special attention to her during the movie. So it's up to you! Maybe I'll write more another day. ^3^

[mingsolo]

Different Kind of Fire

yunho x mingi x reader (afab) / genre: smut, divination au, best friends to lovers? / warnings: slight mxm, oral (m receiving), handjob, cursing, swallowing / wc: 2k, r: 18+

after san told them about his encounter, yunho drags mingi on to search what this special divination is all about

another collab done! blow your mind dickvination! collab third installment. this time is yungi time, hope you enjoy! don´t forget to read flurry´s ephemeral with san, dae/doom´s woosang better than predicted and be on the lookout for a couple more from @flurrys-creativity and @sanjoongie ✸

(thankyou to @daemour for sharing the pic for the banner kek)

A little past seven. The sun almost entirely set behind the mountains, letting an orange-pink hue drawn in the horizon. The air was sweet and spicy— a mix of candy and roasted marshmallow.  Mingi was focused on the noise his feet made as he stepped on yellowish leaves, until he hit the back of his friend, after this one suddenly stopped,  causing him to bump against him.

“There it is.” Yunho said.

Yunho had said he wasn’t buying San’s story, in his own words, San “had reached rock bottom”  and that “he just had met a charlatan as horny as him”. But curiosity killed the cat, and here they were. ‘Small caravan at the end of the field’ looks cozy,” he chuckled, already starting walking towards the fairy lights illuminating the entrance.

“This is stupid,” Mingi groaned, undertones of embarrassment in his voice. “We should go back” 

“You can go, but i’ll check it out, I want to know why San thought we would believe in this,” the taller one said. Mingi rolled his eyes, but still followed him until the entrance of the caravan. 

As they took the small steps in, they passed through the thin veil covering the inside, finding a sea of pillows, lit candles and various mystic looking items scattered around. It seemed a mess, but oddly an organized one that made sense.

“She’s not here?” Mingi said over Yunho’s shoulder as the taller one entered further into the room. 

“At least it smells good,” Yunho smiled, taking the ouija board and checking it out, and tapping on the glass on the crystal ball on the round table at the center. 

“Careful dear, that’s fragile” 

Your voice started both tall men, who stopped their movements at the same time, staring at you. 

“Oh we didn’t see you— are you the fortune teller?,” 

“Fortune, Misfortune. It depends.” you said softly, walking around the table, getting closer to them. Yunho stayed put but Mingi backed up two small steps, shielding himself behind his friend. 

“We have a friend, he came last week,”’ Mingi continued, gaining confidence. You removed your hood letting your hair fall into your shoulders, as you took a seat in front of the round table. Mingi opened his mouth but said nothing. Yunho looked at you cautiously but interested.

“He recommended your readings,” Yunho said with a smirk, looking you straight in the eyes, and sitting in front of you. Mingi followed, sitting beside him, grabbing a pillow and placing it over his lap. “He was very pleased when he got home after seeing you”

“This friend told you about my special reading I assume,” you took two cups of your finest porcelain from your already set up silver trail, serving the tea you just finished brewing on each of them. As you poured the hot liquid into the cups, both men followed your movements attentively. When you finished, offering them one each, the skeptical one spoke. 

“Can we skip the tea, the palms— and the cards? We would like to try the special service” 

“Everything in its time”, you smiled gently, encouraging them with a soft movement of your hand to drink. They looked at each other, but took the cup and started drinking. Yunho finished quickly, while Mingi was looking through it with each sip trying to make up something at the bottom. 

“So you are a curious one,” You smiled at Mingi, taking his cup while brushing your long fingers over his, making him blush. “Past, present or future?” you inquire him, his sparkly eyes shining with anticipation. 

“Present” He whispered, his low voice barely in a whisper. Yunho finished his cup, and after a quick glance to the bottom, left it for you to check up next. 

“I see you are out of your comfort zone, you are worried and afraid to let someone close to you down by confessing your feelings” Mingi leaned forward, you continued. “You wish to be with this person but are also afraid to ruin things out, so you wait”

“Ooh” Mingi’s eyes got cloudy, and you could see he unconsciously glanced over at Yunho, who was focused looking for something in the cup again. “Uhm, and what else? What should I do?” 

“Stop waiting. Tell them how you feel, before it is too late.” Mingi looked confused, a hint of sadness in his eyes after your words.

“What about you, dear?— past, present or future?” you said, looking over at Yunho.

“Future.” 

You smiled softly, already anticipating what the leaves would tell you. “Very well, let’s see,” You took the cup and examined the leaves carefully, a long line of dots resembling a chain. “I see an important confrontation will happen soon, you had been avoiding it, but it will eventually find its time” Yunho smirked, avoiding Mingi’s eyes who glanced at him. 

“I can see both your readings are connected, there’s no coincidences in life, all that happens comes with intention,” you took the tea cups and placed them back on the tray. “There’s a reason why you came together” 

Yunho got a little tense by how much he was avoiding looking at his friend, but shook it off. “Anyways, can we try the special thing?” he said with a snarky tone. “Mingi, would you go first?” 

Mingi mumbled a few Uh’s before you stood up from your seat and got closer to him. “Yes sweet, are you ready?” your gentle tone made Mingi feel tingles on his stomach and he nodded, getting comfortable with some pillows around him, suddenly eager to begin. 

“Can I?” you asked Mingi as you put your hand over his belt, starting to remove it as he nodded yes softly. Once the belt was off, you brushed the fabric of the jeans close to his waist, gently asking for help to pull them down. Mingi helped you clumsily, until they were down to his knees, and you placed yourself even closer to do the same with his boxers when you heard Yunho’s voice, more to himself than anyone else.

“Wait, is this for real?” He had moved to the seat you had before, and now had a full view of what you were about to do to Mingi. His eyes were now sparkly, not dim like before and he had genuine curiosity in his expression. “You are going to… suck him off?” 

“You said you wanted special reading, this is how it is done, it’ll be your turn soon” you smiled softly, turning back to gentle caress Yunho’s cheek, feeling his warm skin. “Now let’s start on you, sweet one,” you placed your hand on Mingi’s briefs and pulled them down, looking at his cock attentively, softly stroking him with both hands as you looked at it..

Almost instantly, Mingi started to softly moan, you were barely touching him and he was getting hard already. His cock was big, and thick, and you started pumping him out with a little more pace. “I see you are struggling to settle right now, but don’t worry sweet, you’ll find your place eventually” Mingi whispered a soft Mmmh and you continued. “I see this bond with a special group of friends will last forever, until the very last remains”. 

“Yeah? T-that is great,” Mingi closed his eyes, opening them suddenly when he felt your lips over his shaft, leaving sweet pecks on it. 

“I can’t find a taste, are you worried about something, perhaps this friend I mentioned?” You looked at him in the eyes before dragging your tongue flat against his cock, making him moan loudly. 

“C-could be… I’m confused by him” 

You continued flickering your tongue over his cock, very hard and ready for you. Again, like it happened with the one that came before them, you were so tempted to actually start fucking him, but you still have work to do. “I think, you will come to some answers to these worries, very soon” 

You finally took his entire length, sucking him off rapidly, and God he was loud. Mingi’s whimpers with his low voice were so heavenly, he threw his head back and could see actual stars, not only the ones hanging from your ceiling. 

You could feel the tension on the one behind you, Yunho watching it all. He had spread his legs, palms on the floor as he let his already hardened cock open from when you would start working on him. His eyes went back to your mouth on Mingi’s pretty cock, and then on his friend's expression. 

“Fuck,’ he muttered a few times, feeling like he should be the one erning those pretty noises out of him, but he was just so scared of actually saying it. He also wanted to be sucked off by you, so that was two urgent needs he wanted to fulfill right now. His vision was clouded, the sounds Mingi was making were driving him mad. 

“I want to…” Yunho said softly, and only you could hear him, paying attention to the change of energy radiating from him. He was in need to be taken care of, to be held and ease his cloudy mind. “Can I?” 

You softly licked Mingi’s length after taking it out from your mouth. He whined loudly, but the sparks in his eyes shone ever brighter when he saw Yunho already removing his pants and briefs. 

“Yunho?” he whispered. Incorporating a little on his seat, cock sprung over his stomach. He unconsciously grabbed his own dick ready to pump himself up at the sight he was about to witness. 

“So he is the sweet, and you are the eager one” You smiled, getting closer to him licking the corners of your mouth from Mingi’s taste, ready to try another. “You two make a lovely pair” 

“Uh,” Yunho was about to argue something when you grabbed his length, caressing the tip with your thumb. “I see, you will come with great wealth someday, actually soon” You turned over your shoulder seeing how Mingi’s eyes followed every movement of your hand, when you looked at Yunho again, you saw him looking straight into his friend’s. 

You smiled, genuine interest in how these two would be after this, so you tried to make Yunho’s cock reveal you something. You grabbed Yunho’s balls and then placed your hand around his thickness so you could feel the veins as you felt him. Precum already showed from his tip, he made little muffled noises as you jerked him off. He was quieter as if letting Mingi shine with his loud cries and moaning, he was also working on himself watching you and Yunho. You licked Yunho’s tip, tasting his precum, finding it sweet. “Lots of lovers have passed by you, but you can’t commit?”

“I-i..” Yunho moaned for the first time, and it was glorious. Soft and airy, he grabbed your head as you took him all in your mouth, swirling your tongue on all you could reach. “Oh fuck…” He throws his head off, softly massaging your head as his hips thrusted into your mouth. 

For a few seconds you were lost in the pleasure of savoring him when someone tapped on your shoulder. When you opened your eyes, you could see Mingi had gotten closer to you, his cock facing you. “Please,” he asked with pleading eyes, still pumping himself off. 

You left Yunho’s cock with a loud pop and began stroking him instead. Both men placed himself in front of you waiting to be pleased. You took both in each of your hands and started pumping with a sloppy pace. Your own vision is blurry. You thanked yourself for not wearing underwear today, you rarely did, but today it would definitely have ended up ruined. 

You couldn’t resist and took Yunho again in your mouth, salivating at the sight of the two in front of you. Yunho’s quiet moans were making you insane, but you also needed Mingi’s hitting your throat, so you moved back to him taking him all in at one go, making him groan loudly, which made Yunho groan too. 

As you sucked Mingi off, you could see them get closer until they were finally kissing as you took them both the best you could. You could feel yourself drenching at this point, it would be possible you could come too just be looking at them make out with each of their cocks in your mouth. 

“Fuck I’m close,” Yunho whispered over Mingi’s lips. 

“My sweet, let me taste it, you are so close” you said to Mingi who was almost there too. Mingi looked at you and bit his lip, grabbing your head and making you take all of him. He was running out of breath as the back of his cock hit your throat with each trust. Finally he came, his cum  filling up your mouth which you gladly swallowed until the last drop. “Interesting, thick” once you swallowed you kissed his tip that was already softening. Immediately, Yunho’s large hand made you face him. 

“My turn” he smiled cockily, and you happily obliged. You started slow but increased your pace quickly knowing there was not much for him to come too. As you worked on him he grabbed the back of your head, keeping you in place. He needed release and he needed it now. “Yeah, like this” he started getting louder with each groan, and when you looked up to see his face as he came, you could see him locking eyes with Mingi, and it was the hottest thing you had the pleasure to witness in one of your special readings. 

As they looked each other in the eyes, you closed yours, savoring Yunho’s cum right after Mingi’s. 

You relaxed in your seat, your knees a little sore from the position, but knowing it was all worth it. Both men were phanting now, foreheads pressed against each other. And they smiled at each other.

“Fuck, that was so good.” Mingi laughed shyly, he turned to see you to check if you were alright, while he pulled his pants and fixed his belt. Yunho did the same, also looking at you for confirmation that you were fine. You nodded and he offered you a hand for you to stand up. 

After a few moments for you to breathe normally again. You took both of their hands. “You see how you two are bound together,” you turned to Mingi and whispered in his ear. “Speak your needs sweet, life has great things waiting for you,” Mingi’s eyes sparkled and he blushed intensely. He took your hand and kissed it softly. You turned to look at Yunho. “A risk free life, can’t be worth living”. You cupped his cheek and he smiled at your touch. 

After both had come off from their high, you saw them walk away from your caravan together, a warm sensation enveloped you, the feeling of the wonderful times ahead of them.

@mingsolo please don´t repost/translate to other sites.

[washisart]

Continue the MFB OC brainrot doodle (and future MFB/Zero G) Ryutaro! I'd like to think that he grew up to be a famous medium or fortune teller of sort but its accidentally get lumped as fraud like Reigen in Mb100.

More brainrot for Sada's lore:

He was one of those background nameless worker/blader in training in Dark Nebula's lab that just became jobless once the organization became illegal in the Japan industry.

He mainly take care of the heavy work like guarding back then.

His life is partly affected by L-Drago related event but there is not much details about how it happened.

Sada is more of a "I thought I was doing the right thing" guy who got himself in an evil workplace and almost got sweep into the Hades cult.

But (maybe by luck and misfortune) he got fired before that became a thing.

And ended up becoming chairman out of the awareness of evil workplace's ethnic.

Sada's bey is Balladeer Sika (based on the deer deity in Japan mythology)

[malky-tea]

Another picture in WoDzine, though I don't remember if it was in the first or second issue :D

Whoever I consider in the World of Darkness, vampires, demons, changelings and so on, I will ALWAYS have fortune tellers or necromancers (if the setting allows for such) at the top of my list. When it comes to ghosts, necromancy falls away on its own for obvious reasons. But fortune-telling is much better. I love the Spooks guild immensely, with the Oracles guild coming in a close second place.

And today I'm going to show you a soothsayer. Alas, he was not a member of the guild and is actually a renegade. But his main Arcanos is Fatalism, so that's fine. His name is Jonas and he has been wandering the Shadowlands for over a hundred years. A long time ago he suffered at the hands of the Oracles guild. Driven by revenge, he founded a renegade circle called "The Eye". There he takes in similarly unfortunate wraiths with a similar fate. His style of divination is divination by the wraith's Corpus and their Plasma. Yeah, it's a little violent. Often, however, when we struggle with someone, we become like them, if not worse. There is an attractive drama in that.

Jonas has appeared twice as an antagonist at my games. Oh, the players had to hate him a lot, because it was the Oracles who starred. Strangely enough, despite all the misfortune they caused each other, they found common ground with him and became buddies. Amazing result, I thought he would be destroyed.

[sephirothsplaything]

MELPOMENE SOLARA- The star goddess"

brief info regarding the lady Melpomene of House Solara

A/N: She is a narcissist just like her mommy <3

Perhaps the most brutal of Lady Visha’s children, Melpomene was uniquely different from her first three siblings. Where she came from, little is known. In 119 AC she was presented by her mother to the royal courts in Kings Landing.

The popular rumor that seemed to take root was that she was conceived from witchcraft, as Melpomene was quite the conniving girl–And took great delight in the misfortune of others.

Despite this, she was often referred to as the star goddess as she always seemed to particularly glow in the night, frequently keeping the company of fortune tellers and common-born witches in flea bottom.

"She is no goddess, naught but a savage."- Aemond Targaryen.

"I've seen you before, I think...in a dream." - Jacaerys Velaryon

Two men from House Targaryen seemed to be quite taken with Lady Melpomene, one with hatred and the other pure wonder. It is said the lady had much and more fun playing her games with both princes and held no particular loyalty to either.

Mel Quotes!!!

"I often receive messages from the stars."

"If my people think me a goddess, I would not dare to deny their belief."

A/N- Mel the girl that you are!!! She might be a freak but she still slays.

Fun fact- She lovesssss weird-looking animals. She's probably have a dog with like zero hair and an alarming collection of snakes.

Mel is also in her challenges era with Aemond and Jace but does she love either of them?? literally, nobody knows

[justpoliteconversations]

Missed Communication [Time x Fem!OC x Malon]

In which Time has met his match in the least flattering way possible and Malon has custody of all the brain cells.

A.K.A Time and OC are idiots and Malon's their only saving grace.

Masterlist

Disclaimer: Don't own The Legend of Zelda franchise. Linked Universe is the fan creation of jojo56830.

---

This was not how I thought my first visit to Lon Lon Ranch would go.

Maybe a friendly greeting with Time's Misses, a few laughs with the boys and then a well placed excuse to escape the chronic awkwardness (and unease) that seems to dominate my every interaction with the Hero of Time these days.

Not. This. Whatever this is.

---

Our first meeting had been as normal and pleasant as any magic portal driven meeting could be. That is to say, not normal at all but pleasant regardless. Just really, really weird.

The older Hero and I had just clicked, despite this. His nonchalant deadpanned humor matched well with my well-placed instigation and soft-spoken wit. It helped that I was (physically) his age and boosted a maturity surpassing that of most of his charges.

Also, he was handsome as sin. Like, painfully pretty. Don't get me wrong, objectively all the boys were beautiful, but the mature set of Time's jaw and the faint lines around his eyes just stroked the woman in me.

Man has dilf himbo energy in spades. The whole damned package.

Malon was a lucky woman indeed.

The first few months of our aquatince was warm, simple and steeped in a growing trust that grew with each exasperated sideward glance and fond smile shared over the boys' heads. He was, in the truest meaning of the word, my friend. I dare even say a good one.

And then it happened.

That damned fortune teller.

The beginning of the end of our budding friendship. Stopped dead in it's tracks in less than the span of a breath.

I don't know what she'd told him that day, and he wouldn't tell, but it changed something fundimental in the bond I'd thought we'd shared. Now, he can hardly stand to look at me most days, let alone have a full converstion.

And I'm...just so lost.

It hurts, the sudden distance. So unexpected. One moment we're sleeping next to each other each night, whispering fondly about his beloved wife and my beloved pets, and the next an entire fire and six bedrolls lay between us.

But what can I do. He'd made his stance clear, silent though it may be, and who am I to cling to a friendship I was the only one harboring. It wasn't fair to him, and it most certainly wasn't fair to me.

So, I let it go. Just stayed in the back of the group where our paths wouldn't have to cross and began to forge new friendships among the boys. And honestly, I'm still enjoying myself among this gaggle of sweet, overly protective gremlins. Despite whatever misfortune (or miscommunication) caused this rift between Time and I.

Case in point, Legend might just be the funniest guy I've met in a long time and I'm glad I've had the opportunity to grow closer to him. Even if his words sometimes bite a little too close to home. Though Hyrule's quiet concern over the strained interaction between thier unofficial leader and myself often leaves me feeling guilty. His large, inquiring eyes and soft, sympathetic smile enough to shake a woman down to the bones.

Such sensitive boys, all of them.

I wish I'd had answers for them.

Especially when it all took an even deeper nosedive when Time recieved a letter from his wife. Standard fair but for the way his eye had hooded and cut towards me for just the briefest of moments, focused and cold.

Had I not been looking around the group as I had in that moment, I would have missed it entirely. But be it fate or luck (ill though it may have been) I had unintentionally made eye contact with him.

It was the first time in all my interactions with the Chain that I felt...

...afraid. Of him.

But it was gone as soon as it happened. Seemingly a simple misread flicker of the firelight, but for the way my heart stood cold in my chest for the rest of the night afterward.

And many more nights to follow.

So, upon exiting the portal to the wide pastures of a land I pegged to be Time's, I steeled myself. Against what, I wasn't sure, but I was on his home turf now and he certainly didn't seem to want me around. So, I'd imagine he'd take exception to my presence in his home.

But nothing could have prepared me for...

"Goodness! Why, aren't ya just the sweetest thing! All doe eyed and honey dew smile! Dear! Why didn't you tell me she'd be such a darling!"

Malon.

She took to me like a bee to pollen, a moth to light. She locked her arm with mine immediately and refused to budge, even as she embraced the boys one by one. Her dark blue eyes were glimmering (like the surface of deep water) and hair shining in the sunlight. Sun-kissed face glowing with wonder and delight. The freckles on her cheeks charming across her sweat slicked skin.

She was wonderful. She was beautiful.

I was terrified.

I couldn't bring myself to look in Time's direction. I didn't think my heart would survive what I'd find.

I was afraid to see that cold, focused eye ripping though my soul again, as though staring down an enemy.

I made my excuses early, feigning weariness, much to Melon's dismay. She took it well enough though. Called me a delicate, spring flower. Showed me to the guests rooms, offered me my own. I refused (I wanted to stay with the boys. She seemed charmed by the admission). Touched my hand with such warmth, was slow to withdraw.

I smiled at her, small but grateful, hesitant. My heart was hammering in my chest. The hairs on the back of my neck rose at the feeling of a stare on the side of my face.

She smiled back, seemingly eager for my tentative gestures of friendship. So very sincere, radiating the kind of adoration a person spends their whole lives searching for.

I didn't look to her right. I didn't look up nor  over her shoulder. I kept my eyes on hers, entranced by their dark colors and the little sparks of life dancing within depths but afraid to tell her so.

She was absolutely gorgeous and I was so smitten and so very fucked.

I hoped my face didn't give me away. I prayed that my eyes didn't reveal my thoughts.

When her eyes crinkled at the corners, I knew I'd failed.

I bid them a good evening.

Even as I'd closed the door I could still feel his gaze on me.

I stayed in the room all that evening and all through the night. Four was sweet enough to bring me a plate of dinner, and I was once again so grateful to be in the company of such caring young men.

I really, really was.

That night I slept with Hyrule curled against my back, trying to be the best big spoon he could. Sky was at his, the whole damned ladle to encompass us both within his arms. Legend at our feet, his hand curled loosely around Sky's half rumpled sock and face scrunched in discontent, fingers occasionally twitching around the fabric.

I loved them all so much.

---

Then things got weird.

I exited the room the next morning before the majority of the boys had even left their bedrolls and found Time waiting at the end of the hallway. He was wearing a plain off-white shirt and dark pants.

He looked good. Relaxed, almost, but for the tension in his shoulders when he caught sight of me. The reminder was enough to tear my eyes from him and keep my gaze lowered as I moved steadily to walk passed him.

"Hey." The sound of his voice startled me, so long has it been since it was directed towards me.

He sounded awkward and I wanted to ease that awkwardness. I did not have the strength to, however. I was a coward.

And hurt. Very, very hurt.

Petty.

"Yes?" I eventually said after the stilted silence had carried on too long, unable to keep watching this strong man (this good man, still, for all we were at odds) struggling to continue.

His one good eye tried to meet my gaze, feather soft and regretful in my peripheral, so very vulnerable under my carefully blank stare fixated on his cheek.

"I know I don't deserve it, and you need not accept, but I'd like to properly apologize for the way I've treated you in the recent weeks." He finally managed, voice laden with an emotion I couldn't fully place but thought sounded suspiciously like grief. "If you'd allow me, may I please escort you to the kitchen?"

I wanted to say no. I wanted to stay silent. I wanted to be petty.

I wanted Sky to stop worrying about me. I wanted Twilight to stop repenting to me. I wanted Hyrule to stop fretting for me. I wanted Warriors to stop defending me. I wanted Wild to stop raging for me. I wanted Legend to stop hurting for me.

I wanted...I just wanted...

I just wanted my friend back.

I wanted to feel safe again.

"Okay."

I've always been such a fool for vulnerable men.

Tentatively, he offered his arm, eye soft and resigned from the corner of my vision. Waiting for me to reject him, I realized, wanting me to express my rage the only way he knew I'd allow myself. Wanting to be punished accordingly for having suddenly scorned my friendly gestures and inquiring whispers.

What a fool man. Such a damned idiot.

Guess that makes two of us.

I took his arm, fighting down the wave of unease and spite that pushed against my throat. His arm was warm and solid under my tentative touch, barely restrained power coursing under the cloth and skin. I'd nearly forgotten how his shoulders seemed wide enough to carry the weight of the world.

No. No I hadn't. In the quiet of the night, when the unease and uncertainty were strongest, sometimes I wondered if that might would one day snuff the light from my eyes.

I wondered if he'd cry in remorse afterwards. If he'd feel anything at all.

He wouldn't. He wouldn't feel a thing because he'd never do that and I knew it. Wouldn't have been fighting for breathing room between Sky and Hyrule's smothering heat if he'd had any intent to remove me from their lives. Wouldn't have been cradling Wind's small head between the soft valley of my breasts if he'd deemed me dangerous or unsavory or suspicious.

I may have fallen out of his favor, but he loved his boys with a fierce and zealous devotion. He'd never let harm befall them, be it body, soul or tenderly beating hearts.

He'd have cut me down long ago if he ever meant to. To spare his boys the pain of loss.

The kitchen was bright and smelled faintly of herbs when we entered, my arm still folded gently with Time's.

Malon was there, enchanting red hair down around her shoulders and eyes bright, despite the early hour. The faint crease lines of pillow marks reddened the soft curve of her cheek, stark even against the spread of her freckles.

She smiled at me, tired and fond, before pinning her husband with an intense, expectant stare. The set of her mouth and brow was carefully neutral, but the fire in her eyes gave away her true feelings.

She was mad. Not livid or spiteful or even disappointed, just mad.

She was scarier for it. I could tell she wasn't the type of woman to go off on a rampage and say or do anything that would deminish the validity of her own arguements or feelings. She was probably the type of woman to say exactly what she means and how she feels without embellishment nor doubt. She seemed the type of person you couldn't find fault in their anger, because it was perfectly supported by their words and actions.

Noticing this, I almost felt bad for Time and how thoroughly he was probably admonished to make him this compliant after weeks of silence and avoidance. Almost. Mostly I just felt a hesitant spark of validation and kinship with Malon, even as confusion and caution swirled in my chest.

Why? Why was this even happening in the first place? Why this sudden atmosphere around the couple?

They loved each other so much. They missed each other so much. Before- that happened, Time never shied away from expressing his feelings regarding his wife. Nor what she'd written to him in turn.

What happened? What did she see between Time and I that would bring her scrutiny down on her beloved husband? For a woman she didn't even know?

Time led me to the chairs closest to where Malon was leaning against the counter, loosening his grip enough for me to remove my arm from his. It seemed to be another conscious decision on his part, to not pull away and to allow me to be in control of our proximity. Honestly, it was sweet he was trying so hard, and had it been before all of...this, I certainly would have swooned at the effort he was making.

I steeled myself against the warm feeling trying to take root in my stomach though, and instead took a seat at the counter.

"Good mornin', darlin'. You sleep well?" Malon asked softly, eyes warm and sleep dry lips pulled into a tired but inviting smile.

I nodded, before managing to speak around the lump in my throat. "Yes. Thank you for having us, Ms. Malon. I apologize for retiring early last night. The road left me quite weary. You and your husband's hospitality is most appreciated."

I noticed a spark of something glinting in Malon's dark eyes, before it was soothed down with a bright smile. "Now, now! There's no need for that, dear! You're always welcome here!"

She looked to her husband then, and when I instinctively followed her gaze, I wasn't expecting what I saw.

His jaw was clenched, betraying the- false- smoothness of his brow and relaxed curve of his ears. He was upset, but trying to reign it in and project a calm front. The lines around his eye gave him away though.

He looked hurt. Gazing into Malon's eyes with a lost expression.

What was happening?

I couldn't take it anymore. This underline tension and these confusing actions and feelings being tossed over my head. Like fists full of powder clogging my senses.

"I'm sorry, but, please." I said softly, bringing their attention back to me. My stomach rolled, but I pushed on. "I don't understand what's happening right now." I kept my eyes averted. "Please just explain it to me, so I can understand how to fix this."

Silence.

I spoke once more into that silence. Voice tight with emotion and broken, useless pride as I continued.

"I'm sorry for this tension I've caused. I meant no harm. I just want to make amends for whatever I did to offend you." I looked Time in the eyes. The first time since that fateful night we locked gazes across the fire. "I'm sorry. Tell me how to fix this. Please, Link."

The warm slide of tears escaped down my cheeks without permission, my body no longer able to hold back the immensity of my feelings. The hurt, the confusion, the desperation. The pulsing, writhing, whispering doubt that was my fear.

Fear of this man's wrath and the power he so casually holds over me, a foreign woman with no means to properly defend or support herself in this strange, unfamiliar world. Who's very survival hangs by the thin thread that is the Chain's compassion and continued favor.

Fear of his every frown and unreadable silence. Of the loyalty the boys hold for this man and his words, his influence, his command. Of how quickly he can take it all away in a moment of displeasure or offense. This warm safety net of fondness and companionship I've built myself within the soft, welcoming hearts of the boys, nothing more than delicate silk webs weaved around his fingers. Allowed purchase by the grace of his will alone.

Fear of his overwhelming strength, his unrelenting fury in the face of opposition. Of his unyielding might and unfathomable abilities beyond anything my limited understanding of this world can comprehend. The raw talent he possesses, the potential he wields, like magic weaving themselves into mortal flesh.

My shoulders begin to shake, throat closing as I hide my face in my hands, fingers wetting with tears. The weight of everything crashing down like stones upon my chest and I'm overwhelmed by the fall.

I miss my world, my home, my family, my friends. I miss my independence. I miss the security of knowing how to survive in the world around me, of being able to support myself and choose whom I give myself wholly over to.

I miss the power to live without fear of others opinions or goodwill. To stare down those who would judge and scorn me with the confidence of a woman with a full time job and the money to back up her words. Her own apartment, her own bills. A phone and heating and water and food and furry little mouths to feed.

A woman assured of herself and where she stands in the world. I woman without fear.

The woman I used to be. Not this sniveling, begging shell of a creature clinging to life by the favor of a man. Who. Hates. Her.

Eventually, the tears ran their course and I finally became aware of myself again. Arms were around me, holding me against warm muscle hidden under soft cloth as my hands twisted into their long sleeve.

"I...I'm sorry." I choked, embarrassed and struggling to breathe through blocked sinuses. "I didn't mean to...to..."

I opened my eyes.

I realized, staring at Malon's blurred face twisted in compassion from across the counter, that it wasn't her holding me.

She wasn't the one holding me.

My breath nearly hitched in anxiety, stomach dropping in the cold void of my guts. My mind reeled with confusion, a thousand thoughts swirling through my head between one breath and the next. A cold sweat broke out along the nape of my neck, along my lower back.

I'd frozen, still clutching to the sleeve between my fingers and my shoulder tucked into a chest (firm, laden with dense, lithe muscle) that could only belong to one man.

This didn't make sense. Being forced by your wife to apologize was one thing, but to actively comfort the person you resented was something else entirely. I couldn't wrap my head around it.

I felt confused, wrong-footed, relieved. But mostly, I felt stupid. Because I didn't understand a damned thing that was happening right now or what had caused this sudden shift in Time's behavior.

Then Time started speaking, and it was like the entire world began to shatter and remake itself around me.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think- I didn't know-" He paused briefly, before taking a deep, fortifying breath and continuing. "I'm sorry I hurt you. That I put fear in your heart. It was never my intention. I hadn't even considered how the situation must have looked to you."

Another breath, the slightest tensing of his arms around my shoulders. "You always seem so calm and assured in everything you do. It didn't even cross my mind that you might feel vulnerable after everything that's happened to you."

My heart squeezed. All my insecurities, being laid out before me. One glance at Malon's knowing gaze and I understand where this sudden awareness must have come from.

Time continued, heedless of my newfound understanding. "I never once intended to cast you aside or let harm befall you. I care for you so dearly. Even if you had decided to reject my companionship, I'd still protect you all the same. I thought you knew that, but I was wrong. I should never have assumed you knew something I didn't tell you."

He sighed, but it sounded shaky in my ear. "I hadn't stopped to consider your feelings, before I sought to protect my own. And for that, I'm sorry."

The arms around me tightened, as though trying to impart the sincerety of his words with the action. He needn't have bothered though, because despite it all I believed every word he spoke.

If there was one thing I could always rely on, it was his honesty in matters regarding the heart. No matter how strained our friendship became, it was the one thing I knew he would not actively lie about.

But still.

"But I never did anything to you." I sniffed wetly, fingers digging into his sleeve as I fixated my gaze at the countertop where Malon's freckled hands were resting. "I don't understand why you suddenly felt the need to- escape from me." The tears wanted to come again, but I held them back. This was too important to lose focus. "Please help me understand. The fortune teller-"

Time groaned suddenly and Malon laughed with impish delight, a glint of mischief making an unexpected appearance in her eyes. The sound of Malon's laughter brought confused warmth to my chest, cutting through the thick turmoil muddying up my mind.

Awkward silence. Until Time sighed again. Deeply.

"She told me I'd find new and- passionate love."

What?

Wait, what?

I pulled away from his arms a bit, just enough to turn and peer at him through watery lashes, taking in his blurry visage. My brows pulled down and a look of disbelief no doubt found purchase on my face, mouth pressed in a tight line.

"That's it? Weeks of avoidance and radio silence because some lady in a tent said you'd get the hots for someone? And you just assumed that someone might be me?"

I couldn't believe it. All this time. Just because some lady happened to see us traveling close together and decided to play matchmaker? Really?

Of all the-

Wait a damned minute.

"Time?" I said, tone flat as I locked gazes with him. Dead serious.

He looked right back, though there was caution in his eye now along side the regret. "Yes?"

I leaned forward a bit, our already close proximity putting me squarely in his face. My could feel the spark of rightous rage taking form in my chest.

"You weren't having doubts about your marriage with Malon, were you?"

And suddenly there was no space between us, noses nearly touching, his stare so intense I almost pulled back despite still being trapped in his arms. I could feel the warm, damp spread of his breath against my lips and chin.

"No." He said with dead calm, the hard surety of his tone left no room for doubt.

"Good. Because if you were, you don't deserve her." I threw back, still giving him a hard stare.

Silence. He breaths smelled of coffee and something sweet coated over his natural scent. It made my gut twist in a not unpleasant way. It reminded me that his arms were still around me. How warm he was in the morning chill. How firm his muscles were against my hands and shoulder.

He grinned then, eye brimming with fae-like mirth as he rested his forehead against mine. It was the first time I've seen that beautiful expression in so long. My heart ached at the sight of it, warmth and sweet relief flooding into my heart like babbling spring water.

"There you are." He breathed lowly, eye closing as he leaned more into our point of contact. He inhaled deeply through his nose, shoulders relaxing. I hadn't even noticed until then just how tense they were. "I thought I'd ruined this."

"Hmm?" I hummed in question, still caught up in the rapture of seeing his smile again. Head foggy from our proximity, I felt the beginnings of fatigue settling into my bones from my earlier crying.

"My! Would ya look at that! You weren't kiddin' when ya said she had them lovin' eyes, darling!" Malon spoke up suddenly with barely contained glee, popping the bubble that seemed to exist around Time and I.

I pulled away hurriedly, realizing just how close Time and I had been. Sharing breath, foreheads resting against one another and our noses nearly bumping together. His arms around me and my body nestled into his chest. All of it completely inappropriate for the situation. Especially for being right in front of his wife!

And she sounded far too pleased with this whole thing. Like it didn't even matter that I'd just blubbered in her husband's arms and then touched my face to his like I had a right to.

The confusion was back. But this time, it pulled bright, sweet warmth to my cheeks as I stumbled to my feet. The gentle wink of butterfly wings swirled around in my stomach and Malon's delighted smirk only intensified the sensation, sending the flock up into my throat.

I needed to get away. I needed to think.

"I-I accept your apology, Time!" I stuttered out embarrassedly, fighting the blush I knew was trying to heat my face. "I hope we can talk more later, but I'd like time to think about what you said!" I explained a bit too loudly even to my own ears, nearly wincing at my own awkwardness.

Malon, having come from behind the counter, leaned against her husband's back, hands on his shoulders. She smiled sweetly, a complimentary expression to Time's amused grin. Both of them were haloed by the sun shining softly through the window behind them, like a Goddamned magazine cover.

Goodness, but do they make a beautiful couple.

No. Stay focused. Escape first and then figure out what the Hell is happening. Get yourself together.

"Have a good day, Time, Malon!" Time's lip twitched upward. My stomach squeezed. "Okay! Bye for now."

Then, I all but ran from the kitchen, leaving behind what may have been the last of my dignity. Behind me, Malon's sweet laughter chased me down the hall, alighting my face with hellfire.

And therein began my first official day at Lon Lon Ranch.

---

Because of the limited perspective of first person narrative, a lot of the finer details are implied rather then stated. So if something seems out of left field, it's because the OC herself didn't realize what was happening behind the scenes.

Now I must return to the shadows to rest.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Hey I was wondering if you have anything similar to “antisocialites watch a wilting flower” by throughtheirsnoses on ao3?? Or just any pretty long fic with the building/ progression of a romance?

Will always recommend her and she does fit the criteria 👇

Trust Me, I'm Broken Too (ao3) - natigail

Summary: The Lesters – the royal family of his homeland – was nothing like Dan thought they would be. Well, the King was just as horrible as he had heard but the King’s brother’s son, who was third in line for the throne, was nothing like Dan thought he’d be. Dan had been adrift for three years going from one “place of employment” to another, only his life was seen as worthless and he was more property than an employee. He had never imagined he’s end up as the property of Prince Philip.

The Prince had no intention of ever taking on a personal servant, which was a fancy name to disguise the fact a law essentially enslaved people. Phil often had to do things he didn’t want to or risk being removed from the succession to the crown. If that happened, who knew who his tyrant of an uncle would pick as a successor? When pressured into the choosing, he’d wanted to go for the most innocent, young girl, but hard brown eyes caught his attention instead.

That’s my absolute favorite fic in general, but here’s a few more long Slowburns I adore.

Believe in Me (ao3) - Elleberquist6

Summary: Dan Howell is living at home while he’s saving money for college, which isn’t easy since his parents don’t understand him. Unlike them, he loves dogs, is a vegetarian, has no interest in the family business, and he despises the supernatural. He struggles to accept things that are illogical, even though he is a kitsune. Kitsune are foxes whose powers involve the ability to cast illusions, but Dan just wants to be normal. Phil Lester has just moved to London, where he works as a dog walker. When his path crosses with Dan, Phil is eager to get to know him. Unfortunately, Phil soon finds that being friends with Dan is far more complicated than he could have imagined.

Bury Your Flame (ao3) - worriedpeach (skeletonflowers)

Summary: After receiving a dragon egg when his grandfather passed away, Phil is forced to ask for help from the local dragon tamer. As he soon finds out, Dan Howell is nothing he’s been expecting. Infuriating, ludicrous, and completely lacking respect, Dan is everything Phil hates. But Phil will do anything to make his grandfather proud, even if that means getting help from the local cluck.

Desires (ao3) - A_Million_Regrets

Summary: What would you do if you were suddenly hauled from your inauspicious life and dumped into an unforeseen catastrophe with your worst enemy?

Dan Howell and Phil Lester completely and utterly hate each other. They fight every time they meet, and all of their friends are tired of it. But one day, these two hot-headed, reckless men stumble through a secret passage in a mysterious old house and wake up on a strange island uninhabited by other intelligent life forms. They only have each other and no way to escape. Will they fight to death, or will they learn to trust each other in a world where no one else exists? Can they put aside their mutual hatred for each other to survive this misfortune?

First Impressions (Perhaps I Was Wrong) (ao3) - Ablissa

Summary: Phil Lester goes back to university for his third year, expecting to live in the dorms with his childhood best friend PJ. That's how it's been for the past years, after all. However, due to a mistake of some sort, he finds himself with a new roommate to spend the semester with.

Daniel Howell, three years his junior, has rich brown eyes, a laptop to hide them behind, and not more than two words to spare in Phil's direction. Phil is no fortune teller, but he foresees the upcoming months will be filled with a whole lot of awkward silence.

Unless, of course, Dan proves him wrong...

Could one little mistake lead to something entirely life-changing? Perhaps it could. After all, nearly everything changes when Phil meets Dan.

(TW) Head Down Low (ao3) - Rhensis

Summary: Dan isn’t right. He’s not like most of the others, he’s not genetically pure. He has no destined path, he has nothing going for him in life. He’ll be lucky to get himself a job in a fast food kitchen, and everyone looks down on him like he’s a piece of dirt stuck at the bottom of their shoe. Except one person: Phil Lester.

(TW) restless (ao3) - overwhelmedbysonder

Summary: Breathe. Just breathe.

In. Out. In. Out. In.

It’s not that I don’t try. I see my family, my friends, visiting with their faked smiles and forced laughter, desperately trying to pretend that things are fine, that nothing’s changed. I see them and I want to reach out, I want to look at them and smile and reassure them that I’m here and I’m fine and I’m here, but I can’t, I can’t, I can’t, I can’t.

Or, the one where Phil struggles with depression, PTSD and being mute, and Dan just wants to hug him.

The Colors in You (ao3) - Phandiction

Summary: Dan is a dragon with scales as black as a moonless night. Part of the Dark's, he’s not supposed to get along with the colorful Chrome dragons from the other side of the island. But after seeing a Chrome for the first time in person, he’s transfixed by the rainbow of colored scales and against his better judgement rescues the dragon from a group of Dark’s seeking to kill it. Now responsible for hiding and protecting the Chrome dragon named Phil until he’s recovered enough to return to his home, Dan questions the laws that's kept the two species from each other for centuries.

There You Were (Inside My Brain) (ao3) - parentaladvisorybullshitcontent

Summary: “So, like, you email that to me, right? The notes? Is that how this works?”

“Right,” Phil says. "Yeah, I email them to you.”

“That's great," Dan says. "So I'll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I'll meet you outside the...”

But Dan doesn't stick around. He turns on his heel and escapes down the corridor, feeling like he might actually die of embarrassment.

In which Dan needs someone to take notes for him in lectures and he ends up with Phil. Now if only he could get past his own awkwardness and just talk to the guy...

(TW) Those Who Trust (ao3) - theshyauthor

Summary: Dan used to be a submissive and now he’s just a broken shell of a man.

I’ve never read the fic anon is talking about so anyone else has a more closely related fic, please drop it!

Thyme after Thyme (ao3) - chisomo

Summary: Dan Howell runs an apothecary shop in the heart of London, a city wrought with rising tensions between witches and normal humans. Dan tries to ignore the daily instances of prejudice towards his kind and keep his magical abilities a secret, but his life is irrevocably changed when a garden shop is opened next door by a certain sky-eyed young human.

-Rae

[ekat-fandom-blog]

Bounty Hunter AU but DCxDP

OK, so I really enjoyed my bounty hunter au, but I feel like I could make it more entertaining. This is a human au btw.

Some info: Bounty hunter is an actual job and are mostly called bail enforcement agents or fugitive recovery agents. They can legally pursue fugitives across state lines and break and enter their house without a warrant if they know the fugitive is there. They primarily pursue and apprehend fugitives who have skipped bail or failed to appear for court proceedings. Only 4 states ban bounty hunting; Oregon, Kentucky, Illinois, and Wisconsin. (I do not know if this would be mirrored in DC because of how many super villains there are.) The laws regarding bounty hunters vary state to state. Only the USA and the Philippines have legalized bounty hunters.

Danny becomes a bounty hunter out of spite towards the GIW. His goal is to show up the GIW bounty hunter group and rub it in their face. And to catch Vlad and turn in the bounty on his head.

Danny's gotten pretty good at being a bounty hunter. He's caught quite a few criminals and is on the case of another one that happens to have crossed over into one of the hero's territory.

Here's a few ideas of how this could go:

Danny goes to Gotham to catch Johnny and Kitty. Given that their aesthetic matches Gotham pretty well, they're able to blend in well enough that even though Danny's tracked them to Gotham and is loosely working with the commissioner, he has to resort to asking for help from the Bats. Neither side trusts the other. Danny nearly gives up when Johnny and Kitty go through another dramatic break-up that has nearly the entirety of Gotham gossiping about it. He finds them, handcuffs them, and leaves for Amity. Both the bats and himself are relieved to not be dealing with the other.

Danny goes to Gotham to catch Spectra. Her and her butler are slippery and wonderful at disappearing, but given the amount of poverty they stick out. This tips off the Bats' that something's wrong. Danny gets to town and while the bats do not trust him, he's working(sorta) with Commissioner Gordon. As a last ditch effort to avoid getting caught, Spectra and Bertrand join Joker and Harley. Despite the four getting along, Harley gets jealous which causes them to have an explosive falling out, catching everyone's eyes. The situation becomes Spectra & Bertrand v Joker & Harley v Danny & the Bats.

Danny goes to Metropolis to catch Aragon. He chose the place because he thought it would be easy to lay low and then start a new cult. He wasn't wrong. Danny teams up with investigative reporter, Clark Kent, to find the slimy ex-cult leader.

Skulker goes to Jump City to hunt Beast Boy. He, unlike most of Danny's other bounties, is wanted in several states. He's also one of the few to seek out Danny specifically. So when Danny shows up to prevent him from doing his job, Skulker sees it as an opportunity to use BB as bait. A 'two birds, one stone' sorta thing. Danny teams up with the rest of the Teen Titans to take down Skulker and save BB.

The GIW ends up chasing down the same fugitive as Danny (for different bounties) in Star City. Green Arrow has to keep the two from destroying his city.

Desiree goes to hide in Faucet City. She's laying low by working as a fortune teller(cliche I know) but the ambient magic is causing her reading to be rather accurate. Especially the readings about misfortune. This gains her the attention of the news and Wiz Radio Show host, Billy Batson. The news is how Danny learns where she is. Billy thinks that Desiree is a new villain, while Danny's just trying to figure out how Desiree became such a popular fortune teller while trying not to make a huge scene. The two meet and immediately clock the other as a potential ally in taking down Desiree quietly. Between how many secrets Billy keeps and Danny's constant off-the-wall split second decision making, it's like working with the Bats again but they actually get along.

and here's two crack-ish ideas for you:

Danny is standing just outside of Wisconsin while Vlad taunts him. Saying stuff about how sad it is that bounty hunting isn't legal in Wisconsin. Danny just calls the fricken cops on him instead.

Or instead of Danny calling the cops, he just starts leaving. Vlad is not done taunting him though and starts to follow him, when he realizes he's fallen into a trap and left the relative safety of Wisconsin.

[tidelure]

ᵀᴴᴵˢ ᴳᴵᴿᴸ ᴵˢ ᶜᴴᴬᴿᴳᴱᴰ ᵂᴵᵀᴴ ᴬᴸᴸ ᵀᴴᴱ ᶠᴱᴹᴵᴺᴵᴺᴵᵀʸ ᴵᴺ ᵀᴴᴱ ᵂᴼᴿᴸᴰ. ᴵᶠ ʸᵒᵘ ᵍᵒ ⁿᵉᵃʳ ʰᵉʳ ᵒʳ ᵗᵒᵘᶜʰ ʰᵉʳ ʷⁱᵗʰ ʸᵒᵘʳ ᶠⁱⁿᵍᵉʳ, ᵃ ˢᵖᵃʳᵏ ʷⁱˡˡ ˡⁱᵍʰᵗ ᵘᵖ ᵗʰᵉ ʳᵒᵒᵐ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵉⁱᵗʰᵉʳ ᵏⁱˡˡ ʸᵒᵘ ᵒⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵖᵒᵗ ᵒʳ ᵉˡᵉᶜᵗʳⁱᶠʸ ʸᵒᵘ ᶠᵒʳ ʸᵒᵘʳ ʷʰᵒˡᵉ ˡⁱᶠᵉ. ᴵᶠ ⁱᵗ’ˢ ˢᵒ ᵖᵃⁱⁿᶠᵘˡ ᶠᵒʳ ᵃ ᵐᵃⁿ ᵗᵒ ˡᵒᵛᵉ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵃᵇˢᵒʳᵇ ᵉˡᵉᶜᵗʳⁱᶜⁱᵗʸ, ʰᵒʷ ᵐᵘᶜʰ ᵐᵒʳᵉ ᵖᵃⁱⁿᶠᵘˡ ⁱᵗ ᵐᵘˢᵗ ᵇᵉ ᵗᵒ ᵇᵉ ᵃ ʷᵒᵐᵃⁿ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵗᵒ ᵇᵉ ᵗʰᵉ ᵉˡᵉᶜᵗʳⁱᶜⁱᵗʸ, ᵃⁿᵈ ᵗᵒ ⁱⁿˢᵖⁱʳᵉ ˡᵒᵛᵉ.

                  ⁰⁰¹            𝚜𝚊𝚑𝚒𝚗 - 𝚟𝚊𝚗 𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜,          𝚟𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊.   

GENERAL .

FULL  NAME.     vedia nanne sahin - van ness     SOBRIQUET(S)  /  ALIAS(ES)  /  TITLE(S)     .     aside from the occasionally shortened vee, and some cousins who call her an affectionate nana, she's known to more than one individual in town as  princess.   AGE     .    twenty - five  ( 25 )  GENDER  +  PRONOUNS     .   cis  woman,  she  +  her     ORIENTATION     .   tbd     OCCUPATIONS     .   unemployed, aka heiress to the sahin - van ness fortune & lead actress at playhouse theatre.     TRAITS     .   captivating, sensitive, charming, fanciful, coquettish, selfish, vain, spoiled, curious, mercurial, escapist, jealous, warm, graceful, romantic, melancholy, creative.

PRESENCE .

HEIGHT     .   stands at 5'2"   HAIR     .     dark brown, long & meticulously upkept.  EYE COLOUR  . green, though up close one will notice a blue limbal ring at the border of the iris. also known as central heterochromia. example here.  BODY . very petite, slender.  DISTINGUISHING FEATURES . most noticeable is her large doe eyes. particularly small wrists and ankles.        VOICE CLAIM     .     tbd. 

HISTORY : TRIGGER WARNINGS : mention of mental health condition ( delusional disorder ), suicide/death, implied murder.

this is a story about many stories. you would be forgiven for thinking it an anthology, one which moves from one tale to the next with identifiable delineations in between, the usual deaths and births and corresponding blank pages to mark them, but this is not quite that sort of chronicle. the story i am about to tell you is one that overlaps, one that has been written from one pot of ink onto the same few scraps of paper. if you lift each page to the light, you will see the overlay of the dozens who have come before whispering in faded ink: ghosts in the margins. this story, as you must understand, is a palimpsest. i cannot tell you about her without speaking of everyone who came before.

it begins with someone very far away, an ancestor very distant and yet not so remote to be the very first man. he was a sahin, as she is a sahin, and he lived in the cove, as she lives in the cove. yet the one we know now sits on great wealth, and this man has been dirt and rock to lay upon. but as the tale-tellers would tell it, he is clever as a fox and just as willing to dig in the mud to find his meal. clever and foxlike enough, they say, not to care what bones he unearths in the process. smart and beastial enough to do what must be done to ascertain a future. what is known for certain is this: one day the sahin family line has no hope, the next it prospers. what can be said of the dates is that they are coincidental at best, damning at worst: this change occurs on the meridian line of the cove's great shipwreck. it is never proven, ne'er so much as confirmed by the breath of a dying man, but still there are whispers of men who stood out on the cliffs, hanging a great lantern from a tall distance, calling a ship to its fatal end so as to gut and skin it. profit born from death.

so that man from very far away, he grows very rich very suddenly, and from the seed of business he plants grows the sahin empire. their profit tangles inevitably with the sleepy town of kilmer cove, twisting until they stand as a pillar of the very community, but so too does tragedy braid itself into the family line like supporting beams. inexplicable deaths and strange misfortunes plague the sahin family generation by generation, and amongst the townsfolk comes the word curse. cursed they are, each and every one of them, for the acts of their ancestor.

in all the time that passes the world grows more modern, and perhaps less superstitious, but no less strange. there seems a time where curses and sea-doom has been outgrown or at least cast off, shed like the worn shingles of an aged house, but the curse in our blood always comes back. safiye sahin-van ness is a woman of untenable loveliness. though she passes before her granddaughter may meet her, it's said they bare an eerie resemblance to one another: a thing vedia may only gauge from old photographs and the haunted look upon her father's face. but safiye, beloved as she is, meets an early and tragic death like so many come before her. held by a mental health condition that would never fully relent no matter what treatment was provided, safiye would come to believe she was a kelpie being forcedly kept from her home in the sea — a idea no doubt acquired from the town's oft-discussed dark lore. in a fit of delusion, she sought to return to the saltwater: and in pitching herself from the cliffs, met a final end. in the sahin-van ness household, who blame the townsfolk's gossip for the ideation fixed in safiye's head, talk of the curse and all local legends are banished.

in vedia's birth, the world alters its very material. everything becomes silk and satin. paranoid for the safety of his child, the sahin-van ness patriarch keeps his daughter swaddled at all times, and ensures that which she comes into contact with shows only its soft underbelly. weaned on the milk and honey of the world, the girl grows to be as she is fed, soft and heavily sweetened. how could it be any other way, when she's been shown no salt, no fat? undoubtedly spoiled, indefensibly selfish, she is also a delight incarnate: a heady mix of charm and beauty, naïvete and genuine warmth, that can only be bred under the proper circumstances. perhaps it is this tincture of soul that sees her so beloved, or perhaps this love the town shows her is built from fear, the wariness that without protection, she will be dragged under by the same dark force that stole those innocents that came before. a preeminent darling. a doomed daughter.

the township releases its breath as she grows, drawing finally into the shape of a woman: this, surely, is a good sign. but fate likes to strike at the weak places, the liminal spots of the body, the space between exhale and the very next inhale. drawn to the glamour of the thespian, vedia debuts at the playhouse: a talented little ingenue, all agree. compelling and convincing in equal turns, masqueraded from one role to the next, too skilled for their little stage. yet it is not until her first tragic role that the audience goes still — her performance so real, so terribly raw, that they can feel the scratch of pain in their own throats. for one long minute the room stays silent, no sound to be heard but the clenching of jaws. the applause, then, is ravenous. a great beast rising up and over her heard. the girl in the spotlight blinks as if stunned, as if forgetting where she finds herself — who she finds herself situated within. then in a moment she is back, great doe eyes blinking coyly at that array of hands, the scent of honey filling the room once more. yet as this great talent persists across more shows, growing more consuming with each tragedian role — from shakespeare to chekhov, tennessee williams to arthur miller — so too do the rumours. no mortal thing, this talent of hers. too strange, too overlarge. this unnerving ability is a portent, an omen, a sign: the curse is back. and it possesses vedia's thick-beating heart.

SPARKNOTES .

vedia is the daughter of the sahin-van ness family, one of the wealthiest & oldest families in town. though well-respected, local rumour is that the family is cursed due to their ancestor's terrible act -- allegedly purposefully causing the infamous kilmer cove shipwreck which resulted in many deaths. the family has had many great tragedies over the years, including several early deaths; most notably among them vedia's grandmother (who she's said to very closely physically resemble), who had a delusive disorder which saw her believing she was a kelpie. in an episode she throws herself off the cliffs to "return" to the sea, resulting in her death. due to her father's belief in the family curse, vedia is coddled and closely protected as a child by himself and those around her. consequently she becomes a darling of the town, an unofficial princess. long thought to have been swaddled enough to avoid the family doom, lately there is talk that the curse has reached vedia, due to her performances at the playhouse — her tragedies on stage seem so real, so genuine and heartbreaking, that it can only be the mark of some kind of haunting.

HEADCANONS :

per this quote, vedia has something of a classic transatlantic accent, as does the rest of her family.

vedia sleepwalks something terrible, a challenge she's dealt with since childhood. generally this only occurs within the house, but there have been a handful of occasions she's been found in her nightgown in town.

while she is genetically only a sahin, the hyphenated surname van ness comes from a second/late in life marriage three generations ago. at the time it was a big deal, as the van ness family (and their fortune) predates even the sahin's, and the merging was the cause for great celebration. while the marriage never bore any children, the surnames have remained hyphenated, and children in the family are given a middle name from one of the van ness ancestors.

the sahin-van ness's have a storied history of getting their dogs from the same breeder one town over, and have also had teddy's mother, grandfather, and various other ancestors in the house.

she wears a locket baring a figure vedia has yet to identify, but is actually melpomene - the greek muse of tragedy. she borrowed stole this locket from a box in her father's room. it belonged to her grandmother - the one she supposedly bares a great image too. he does not know she has it, and she takes great pains to hide it from him. is vedia possessed by the spirit of melpomene .... has she made a deal w her .... whose to say !

she knows far more about the world and the "curse" than she lets on :) the charade is upkept for the benefit of others, most especially her father

as could be expected, vedia's family live in their ancestral home, by now a couple hundred years old. why yes it is on top of a hill, however did you guess? why yes there is decay below the opulence, wood rotted by seaspray, a view of the cliffs...

CHARACTER INSPIRATIONS :

catherine earnshaw, wuthering heights. scarlett o'hara, gone with the wind. daisy buchanan, the great gatsby. katrina van tassel, sleepy hollow. victoria everglot, corpse bride. bluebeard's bride, bluebeard. charlotte la bouff, the princess and the frog. the whispering muse by laura purcell. jamaica inn by daphne du maurier. every gothic heroine whose ever run from a dark estate at midnight in a flowing white gown.

WANTED CONNECTIONS :

HAUNT ME THEN . 24-30 masc. the heathcliff to her cathy... a deep unbreakable bond established in childhood that no one else can ever fully understand or touch, and a thing that quietly grew to its own strange kind of love. they either haven't or no longer speak of these emotions, particularly because he is not of the same ilk as the sahin-van ness family. my god please give me this

I AM NO BIRD . tourist or out of towner. an individual who has come from outside of kilmer cove, and bonded with vedia. perhaps they're still dazzled, but they witness her without the mirage of fog that is applied by those steeped in the kilmer cove lore: and they can see clearly that the bog of this place and this mythology is not mystic, but it is dooming her all the same. she should leave and start anew elsewhere, and they don't understand why she won't do just that — so they intend to convince her of as much, or perhaps take her with them when they leave.

WE CAN NEVER GO BACK AGAIN . an longterm crush of vedia's that's likely unattainable, be it because of age or relationship status or some other quality. they have to her over the years evolved beyond a person and become more of an idea or ideal, and she's never been able to let this affection go. / ALTERNATIVELY, this can be done the opposite, with someone harbouring this sort of crush on her.

I WALK ENCHANTED . an individual who become particularly stunned by her performances at the playhouse, and has since been sure to attend every one. they have the desire to get to know her, but her status has kept them shyly afar. pls come give her a rose at the stage door she'll promptly fall in love (for at least a week)

MISCELLANEOUS . friends that go all the way back to childhood, please !!! a group of rich kids whose bond is tangled and weird and (call that the gothic non judgemental breakfast club). cameron/bianca 10 things i hate about you energy ("are you asking me out? that's so cute! what's your name again?" vs "have you always been this selfish?" "... yes."). mom- and dad-friends who look after her and her whimsies. someone whose found her sleepwalking in town (princess anne and joe, anyone?)

[mxtxfanatic]

I’m wondering something though -

When Xie Lian and the others learned of He Xuan’s background, it was made clear He Xuan had extremely bad luck.

“Although this scholar He’s family was very, very poor, he was a talented man. Since his youth, he was frighteningly intelligent and picked things up quickly and expertly. He was also widely known as a good son; there was really nothing bad to say about the guy in any respect. Unfortunately for him, he was also very unlucky. For him, nothing good ever lasted.”

Volume 4, Chapter 53 page 28

———

If the Reverend of Empty words can only shout misfortune upon its victims (and their loved ones) causing them to despair so much they commit suicide, does this mean He Xuan had bad luck all on his own even without the fate switching? 🤔

Or does the Reverend actually draw bad luck to his victims? This would actually make a lot sense but from how Xie lian explains things , this isn’t how a usual venerable works and explanations about the Reverend do not explicitly state this. 🤔🤔🤔

He Xuan couldn’t have had bad luck all on his own without the fate-switching, because his fate was to ascend. However, I think a full answer to this question would need to be a meta, cause I think that a core point of tgcf is that fates are not set-in-stone from birth, that fortune is what you make of it rather than what makes you, and that we shouldn’t fall into traps of letting superstition rule our lives, thoughts, and morality. The Reverend of Empty Words specifically chose prey amongst those with great fates, and most of those people had terrible ends. The Reverend was only able to speak on Shi Qingxuan—who had a fate of wealth—once before his family masked his presence, and yet the family still went into decline and lost their fortune. Were all of those fates fake? Was Guoshi not as good a fortune-teller as he so claimed? Or is all of this more changeable than people want to believe?

[agentoctosims]

The Lowell family arrived at the circus bright and early!

Maeve and her parents were waiting at the entrance, which gave Aris and Anya the chance to socialize with some other adults while the kids ran off to have fun!

Ivy and Maeve quickly went off to explore the circus by themselves :) but in public, the only affection they allowed themselves were stolen touches here and there.

Not everyone was thrilled... Ivy's childhood friend Georgia was hoping to hang out with both Ivy and Maeve, but they seemed to have forgotten that she was at the circus too.

Georgia didn't go unnoticed and she wasn't lonely for long, however. Erik was excited to see someone he knew and soon the two were talking for Hours.

Meanwhile.

Irene had found the fortune teller's stall and her initial excitement turned to dread..

"A great misfortune will fall upon your family, beware the night.."

Irene was so shocked that she ran immediately to find her parents to warn them, right as the fortune teller was offering some good luck charm or another. Aris quickly soothed her worries with a few laughs and Irene forgot about it amongst the excitement of the day.

An exciting day at the circus was finally done...

[scotianostra]

September 6th 1826 saw the birth of Alison “Eilley” Oram Bowers at a farm near Forfar.

I learned about this extraordinary lady a few years ago, what a life she had, after marrying the first of her three husbands at aged just 15, she emigrated to America at 17 and during the next 60 years she became one of the richest, and most talked about women in the US, outlived three husbands and her children and reinvent herself, after becoming bankrupt as a fortune teller they called The “Seeress of Washoe”.

It is said Alison joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints as means to get across the Atlantic, and so it was after marrying the first of her three husbands, Stephen Hunter at aged just 15, she emigrated to America at 17. Other sources say she never became an actual follower of the Mormons, as they are generally known nowadays, but her Husband was baptised into the faith. I admit a lot of her life story is conjecture and on every occasion I have researched her new information arises.

Following the Mormon custom of her day, her husband, Stephen Hunter, took several wives after they had settled in Utah. Eilley, however, did not enjoy the polygamous lifestyle and soon divorced Hunter. In 1853, she married Alexander Cowan.

The two moved to the Carson Valley where they purchased 300 acres in Washoe Valley. In 1857, Cowan, who was also Mormon, returned to Salt Lake City during troubles between the church and the U.S. government.

Eilley chose to divorce Cowan rather than return to Utah and moved to Johntown, a mining camp below Virginia City, where she opened a boardinghouse.

During this time, she acquired a handful of mining claims from boarders unable to pay their debts and met a Comstock miner, Lemuel “Sandy” Bowers, who would become her third husband.

The two combined their mining holdings and, as luck would have it, ended up owning one of the Comstock’s earliest major silver strikes. Within a short time, the Bowers were among Nevada’s first mining millionaires.

Deciding to spend their seemingly limitless wealth, in 1864, the Bowers’ began building the huge stone mansion on Eilley’s acreage in Washoe Valley. While the home was under construction, they traveled to Europe to purchase furnishings. When it was completed, the mansion was one of the most magnificent homes in the state and the Bowers were willing party hosts. During the next four years, they indulged themselves on the finest clothing, furniture, and collectables.

In 1868, however, Sandy Bowers suddenly died of silicosis at the age of 35. By then, the original mine had become tapped out and he had invested much of their money in several unprofitable mining ventures.

After the estate was finally settled, Eilley found herself penniless. Despite her best efforts to hold on to the mansion, she was unable to keep it. Her misfortune continued when, in 1874, her adopted daughter, Persia, died at the age of 12. Since her days in Salt Lake City, Eilley had been intrigued by the occult.

Apparently during that time she acquired a crystal ball for fortune telling and had prognosticated for friends, although other sources say she brought the “Seer Stone” from her home in Scotland.

In 1875, following her many financial and personal setbacks, Eilley set up shop in Virginia City as the “Washoe Seeress.” Despite skeptics, she practiced her arcane arts for nearly a decade, until the decline of the Comstock.

In the 1880s, she moved to San Francisco, where she worked in various jobs, including–as she had so many years before operating a small boardinghouse. In 1898, she was placed in a rest home in Oakland, where she died in 1903 at the age of 77.

The Bowers Mansion survives and in 1946, it was purchased by Washoe County with the assistance of the Reno Women’s Civic Club and public donations; 20 years later, the property was updated and renovated. Today, it’s Bowers Mansion Regional Park. The home has been restored and refurbished with historic pieces donated by Nevada residents. The grounds contain hiking trails, picnic areas, spring-fed swimming pools, a playground, an amphitheater, and more.

Read more about this Eilley’s story here https://www.nevadawomen.org/research-center/biographies-alphabetical/alison-eilley-oram-bowers/