#the guy hasn't said s word lol

[navajja]

Hello! Happy new year! Here is a long update for this comic! 🐈‍⬛🌨️

@shadowstrangle is the other half of the braincell we used to come up with all of this! She is the best i love her.

[romanarose]

Hi Roman! Loooove your HCs re: the TF boys. Could I pls ask you what you think would be the biggest sources of contention when it comes to each guy and their SO & how they handle relationship conflict?

Hello, wonderful human! Sorry it took so long for me to respond. Been cranking out fics to catch up and prepare for everything lol!!!

Happy to answer you! I'll be focusing mostly on the guys issues, not so much readers, but we all bring out own things into relationships.

Warnings: Addiction, ptsd, general relationship issues

I think everything should be gender neutral, correct me if i missed something.

More HC's here

Santiago

Commitment.

My dude can't commit to a thing.

I imagine after the movie events he went to see yvonna.... and then left after a few months bc he's a mess.

First arguement you get into he;s like "fine! I'll just leave then, clearly this isn't working"

And you give your best ????? face.

Santi you dumbass.

But you don't give up that easily! You're a menace to society.

You make him face down the issue, talk to you, and *gasp* share how he feels!

When its resolve, you tell him he can't just threaten to leave when he gets frustrated. If he wants to leave he needs to be honest, but he can't hide away under one small issue.

You ask if he really wants to leave. He says no so fucking fast.

He admits he hasn't had any stability in his life like... ever. Immigrant family, military, then his less-than-legal missions... but he wants to make it work with you

You have to work to find a balance between not letting him run away but not forcing him to stay.

But it works. Santi finds you easier and easier to talk to about things and soon enough, he's been with you for a year and theres still no itch to leave.

Ben

Benny Miller is a goof ball.

That's why you fell in love with him in the first place!

But he's not the most mature. He struggles to be serious, even when he wants to. That's the issue. You don't want to dampen his shine, you love him how he is

Thing is, you've been together 6 months and you still feel like you're casually dating.

There was no big "I love you".

He simple kissed your cheek saying goodbye, said "love you!" and dashed off to his friends.

But you did love him, you loved him so much but you weren't sure he was invested as you were. Maybe he wasn't ready for a serious relationship or you were more of a casual date to him...

Benny notices your mood change pretty quickly. He may be dumb but he's not stupid

(This is a joke Benny is canonically a highly skilled and talented individual I love him so much.)

"What am I to you?"

You ask him and it starts a whole discussion. You're surprised to find he's listening intently to what you have to say, takes in your words well.

You express how it hurts that every time he says "love you" It's the same tone of voice he uses with his friends or brother. He makes you feel like you're "one of the guys" but you're having sex.

Benny pauses and gathers his words before expressing that he does love you, very deeply. He thinks about marrying you... he just struggles to express it verbally. After some talking, you introduce him to the idea of love languages.

You figure out Benny loves receiving with words of affirmation and thats what he gets stuck on. He can't express well through words, so he thinks he's fucked.

You take the time to talk about the other four, and ways he can express through those.

After this talk, you feel much better and Ben makes you feel so, so loved and special.

(He also makes sure to say his "I love you" during sex or more initmate moments, not just in passing, letting you know that he really, really does.)

Will

Fear.

You probably expected PTSD, didn't you?

Well thats a part of it. His PTSD does affect his life but I think he's scared to lose you and scared to hurt you.

Will keeps you at arms length. Maybe you're a friend of Ben's and are around a lot and clear chemistry!! But nothing is happening

Finally you confront him. Bestie you can't keep lingering touch on my arm if you're not gonna fuck me about it.

Will is def the most straight forward and self aware so he's gonna be honest.

"I choked a man out in a grocery store for not moving his cart fast enough and almost killed him, my fiance left me after that, I've got 33 confirmed kills and also I watched one of my best friends die and carried his dead body over the fucking Andes, man."

A lot to unpack there!!!!

He tells you he's afraid he's going to lose you if he lets you get too close. He's afraid of hurting you.

You tell him he's sweet but he should also go to therapy.

You go with him to the first appointment.

Will I think is the easiest bc I just think hes the most mature and open

Frankie

Addiction

My dude hates himself.

And literally any feeling he's like "well time to do some coke about it."

It wasn't a big deal when you just started dating. You knew he did coke sometimes on weekends and rationalized that it can't be that big a deal, it's like drinking, right?

(Im 26 now and realizing how many people casually do coke is wild to me. None of my business tho.)

But soon you realize just how bad it's gotten. He's high almost all the time. Then his liscense comes under review. Then the trip to south america...

You don't think he's ever even sober, and you're worried about him, worried his heart is going to give out. Sometimes you stay awake watching him breath just to be sure.

Finally you can't take it anymore. You never wanted to to be the ultimatum party but you can't do this, you're suffering and so is he. He either gets sober or you leave. You didn't care how long it took, you didn't care if he relapsed but he needed to start trying.

Frankie ops to go to rehab. It's best, because he's gonna need to detox first.

You visit often, almost every day, making sure his friends all knew when visit times were and sometimes going as group, sometimes separate but always making sure someone came by every single day so he knew he wasn't alone.

90 days later, Frankie comes out a new man. He's cheeks fuller and pants tighter but his smile bigger.

He's gonna be okay and so are you.

Tom

He's dead

THANK YOU FOR THE ASK!!!! I love tf boys head cannons <3

[power-to-live]

FAIRYTAIL HEADCANNONS!!!

Bc i haven't been posting

1/?

1. Juvia is a morning beach person. When youre at the beach, expect her to get up @5am to take a morning swim. But when not at the beach, she likes to sleep in.

2. Gray is also a morning person. He likes to wake up early to plan his ootd. He thinks his day hasn't started unless juvia walks in.

3. Mira always reserves job requests for lucy around that time of the month where her rent is due. If not mira, then natsu will.

4. Laxus once flirted with cana bs he lost a bet with mira... it went like "heyyy cana... uhmm, wanna get some drinks later?" To everyone's surprise cana said yes and laxus got drunk 5 mins later. Gildarts was weeping.

5. One thing gray and natsu share is that they WILL get jealous of everyone interacting with their love interest. Like in the 100yq, natsu beat up guys that were hitting on Lucy, and gray will get jealous of anyone near Juvia , he even once got very jealous of gajeel when he found out he invited Juvia to levy's baby check-up. Turns out gajeel ran out the room of fear and juvia was the one levy was with.

6. For the time being that wendy was in lamia scale, she and cheria stayed in the same room. They had this thing where every weekend they would do eachother's hair, nails, plan their outfits for the day, EVERYTHING TO THE MAX!

7. Freed helped Evergreen get over her jealousy with erza after the battle of fairytail (it was getting out of hand)

8. Bickslow actually teases laxus all the time abt his style. I mean, oversized jacket with a fur collar?💀

9. Here is a list of fairytail members and the gadgets they use to listen to music:

Gray- airpods

Cana- earbud earphones ( they connect to her lacrima)

Mira- airpods ( she wears them while cooking)

Laxus - his 6 year old headphones

Gajeel- his "golden voice"

Juvia and lucy- they have one of those "bestie headphones" lucy's pink and juvia' s green

10. Erza cant wait to go back home to fairytail, she wants to put in a word for jellal asap.

That's it lol!!! I didnt post for a long time cuz i went on summer vacay! I cant that juvia isnt in the 100yq trailer 🥺

Thanks for reading!

[sizzlingpatrolfox]

https://x.com/bangtinyboyys/status/1829062134036410612?s=46

when are people going to start realizing how disrespectful jungkook is to his hyungs? especially jimin? shippers love to say jungkook treats jimin differently than the other members "look he drops honorifics he teases him he pushes him away" when all it is is jungkook having no respect for jimin as his hyung 💀 been that way since before they even debuted funny to see he hasn't changed

- it's interesting in retrospect to see jikookers who used to say that jungkook would never roughhouse jimin or raise his hands at him have to change the narrative again and again to make excuses for jk's behavior and attitude and make it seem like everyone thinks jimin's a damsel in distress for finding jk's behavior kind of gross. oh how the tables turn.

---

I've had this in drafs for a couple of days, and now the tweet has been deleted. I was honestly enjoying the thousands of qrts calling them siblings.

First of all, I didn't have the same reaction to this as a lot of people. I can understand why people got upset about it, but it's not me.

I was never impressed or moved by the "hyung-dongsaeng" dynamic kinda of thing, I still don't get why people gag over it. I know culture this culture that, but in my culture some people call their mothers whores, and I don't. We're still part of the same culture. If you listened to the way my cousin talks to her mom, and the way I talk to mine, you wouldn't believe we're from the same family.

And I've always thought the same about BTS. Jimin has said that a lot of his friends are older than him. I doubt he's formal to them 24/7??? I assume they bicker and argue and they forget that they're of different ages. I assume Jimin's friends give him permission to be treat them as chingu after so many years.

Jungkook has even talked about his mom in a way that I wouldn't talk about mine, but anyways. I'm pretty sure he's also referred to Taehyung as chingu a couple of times between 2020 and now.

Jimin is respectful but he's not conservative by any means. I've always thought formalities matter only to some point to him. Especially with his loved ones.

As I was saying... I had a good laugh with the siblings comments knowing how much jikookers hate them because it really is siblings behavior. I don't ever call BTS brothers but I honest to god have no other words to describe Jungkook's attitude towards Jimin in that moment.

I've said before that I hate the "this is real because this happened to me". I don't want to know about how your very own personal life experiences tell you a ship is real. I've always rolled my eyes so hard when seeing people go "I've been married for 29048895 years and this is totally what me and my husband do!!" - Kristen, 57 years old, cis straight and married to Rob, 5 children, living somewherereallywhite talking about Jimin and Jungkook.

Well, Kristen. If you were having lunch with me and my family and Rob raised his hand like that to you - somebody's calling the police.

So I thought "maybe I'm thinking about it from a too heteronormative pov, thinking about my mom/dad and aunts/uncles but these guys are both men of the same age and social status." Because that wouldn't happen in my family. I'm not joking, it would be absolutely unnaceptable for a man to do that to his wife in my family, and at least half of the families in the country.

But then I realized none of the gay couples I know would act like that, either lol. I know straight couples and gay couples and none of them would ever do that to their partner, no matter how pissed they are. They might scream and curse at each other, I've seen lesbians do the nastiest scheming, manipulation, mindfucking tricks to get back at their girlfriends; but never something like "I'm going to punch you." And if it ever happened, I know the people who love them are not going to let it slip.

As siblings or friends, however... Especially men, what Jungkook did is completely normal. That's why I laughed about the siblings comments. Because they're right.

I don't do it because I'm not that type of person and I usually don't react strongly to many things, but my cousins do stuff like what Jungkook did all the time with each other and with me, too. And it's okay, it's funny.

I don't think Jungkook is violent because of this, but I'm completely in disagreement with these grown ass women on the internet telling everyone "couples fight like this". They DON'T. Or at least they shouldn't.

So, to sum it up. I don't think he had any real intention to hit or hurt Jimin. I don't believe Jungkook is a violent person, either (though he is impulsive). I don't think his behavior is "gross", as Jimin's friend. Jimin too just joked about it, but probably did think the reaction was uncalled for so he disguised it, and still asked Jungkook to give him an apology.

I'm just genuinely bothered by people saying it's "couple behavior". It's not. It shouldn't be. I think it's unacceptable between romantic partners no matter the gender, nationality, whatever of the people involved.

[cerriddwenluna]

Oh man, it's been a while, hasn't it? I guess life do be like that sometimes, but I'm fully committed to some day catching up to the @gleedrabbleblog's weekly prompts! ♥️

To start things off, here is my fill for the week 16 (dec 5-11) bonus word: gloves =D

“Hey honey, you forgot your scarf and gloves.” Kurt said, handing a pair of fuzzy green knitwear to Blaine as he climbed into the car with him.

“Oh thank you! Today wouldn’t have been fun without them. Remind me again who thought it was a good idea to go to the zoo in January?”

“That would have been you, smart guy. But looking at our backseat, I’d say it’s a bit too late to back out now…”

“Daddies, let’s go! I wanna see the lions!” 

Kurt and Blaine shared a look over the console, “Sure sweetie, we’re on our way.”

Stay tuned for more! (whenever they get written lol)

Read it now on Ao3 and S&C

[suuho]

Hi! It's the Jicheol anon again. As I was saying in my previous ask, sometimes I feel even though they love each other, they are not as close as other members. Then I remember this and my heart melts 😭😭😭😭😭😭🩷💙💎

https://x.com/iammisscharlene/status/1712035934336876922?s=20

i know that jicheol used to be a super huge ship in the fandom, but i honestly don't really... care about them that way? which is to say, i don't pay much attention to them because there are other dynamics in the group that interest me far more (which is, obviously, chancheol, jigyu, even minghao and scoups intrigue me though we don't get that much of them if ever). maybe also because dynamics that, to the fandom at least, are so obviously based on very mainstream perceptions and ideas of relationships don't interest me much either (ironic, considering i do love jigyu but at least they have a sort of antagonism going for them, lol). anyways! a lot of words to say that i don't think i am qualified enough to speak about them because they simply aren't my main prerogative when looking into seventeen!

that said, i love that they are very aware of each other's positions in the group and what it means for them and their relationship-without jihoon, the project seventeen would NOT exist, period, and while they might have twelve other possible candidates to lead the group, everyone is aware that it could only ever be sungcheol. in a way, that informs a lot of how they work with each other, and how they admire each other. jihoon and scoups are super supportive of each other, and know that they are both needed to make this work. while jihoon's function is that of the creative captain of the group, scoups is the one to lead them in all other regards. jihoon is such a massive introvert, lmao, imagine if he would be the leader of seventeen... he doesn't even leave his studio ever, and to this day remains the only member (with mingyu, i think?) who hasn't even gotten covid... not even on their us tour, lol... meanwhile cheol is super charismatic, learned how to have a firm hand, has become a great communicator and is super devoted to the group. another thing jihoon and him have in common.

i think a lot of the fascination surrounding them comes from small/short guy who looked fairylike and fair (during debut) and big/athletic guy who has more of a classic tall, dark, and handsome vibe. but if you don't pay attention to any of that, far beyond that is a lot of mutual respect and dedication, and love and support. to me, they are the sort of old friends who you can always fall back on, and who will rarely sugarcoat things, but always have your back. p much take a bullet for each other kinda stuff. and scoups is genuinely one of jihoon's biggest admirers, for good reason. while i think jihoon, who can only bear admiration and compliments with a hard-boiled sort of resolution, is infinitely grateful for scoups and all that he does. but that is just my two scents.

[writing-nebula]

Update! (Also, sneak peek at the chapter!)

H I I'M NOT DEAD, HERE'S THAT UPDATE I PROMISED

Admittedly, most of this is going to be copied from AO3, with a few wording changes, as I summed myself up pretty well there, s o if you don't happen to follow Aura on AO3-

"I'll let you know if I think a chapter will take 6+ months" 9 months (10 months now, near 11 w h o o p s), no chapter, and no update later:

All I can really say at this point is sorry about the lack of update- I got a job, started writing a few other stories, some oneshots you may have seen me post if you've looked at my AO3, and just generally been Too Busy to work on Aura, even if I hadn't been having major writing block issues for it specifically

I'm making this update to assure you guys that this story hasn't been abandoned, that I'm not dropping it- I am still working on it! It's just going a lot slower than I would've liked, and I'm not sure if there's much I can do about that at this point in time.

That being said, I'm making this update now because I have actually made great progress on the next chapter! It's certainly not done, but the block seems to have mostly lifted for now, and I know exactly what I want to write for the rest of the chapter.

A n d, so I don't just leave you hanging here, I d o have a few scenes I'll be posting alongside this- both to assure you I am working on it, and to apologize for taking so long lol. I'm doing my best with it, I promise you!

That's all I have to say, I think- thank you all so much for your patience, and I hope to have something more out for you soon!! Alrighty- with that being said, I have a few scenes to add here, also copied from my update on AO3, so if you read there nothing has changed! But for those who might only follow Aura via Tumblr, here are a few preview scenes for the upcoming chapter, under the cut! I'm really excited to show the whole thing to y'all when it's done :D

"That was, uh, Mark and Amy, probably- I had a dizzy spell a few minutes ago, they both freaked out when I hit the floor."

"Oh," that would explain the suddenness of it- "then- That means there's someone new?"

Now excited- and feeling less shaky- Anti pushed himself to his feet, smiling when the human joined him and trying to peer past him again. "Who is it? A fan ego? I know there are a couple out there you like-"

He cut himself off when he registered the confusion drifting out from the living room, and from Jack himself.

"...What is it?"

"...See, we don't know who or what appeared," Jack told him with a frown. "Nothing changed, and we can't find sign of anybody..."

----------------------

When he entered his room, the feeling increased tenfold, which should be impossible, Marvin put spells up to prevent him from feeling their emotions so strongly up here- ...Which meant he was right.

There's someone in here.

Anti took a deep breath, trying to push away the fear and apprehension that kept squeezing, tightening like a vice around his chest- it's not me, it's not mine-

He took another deep breath, letting it out slow.

He shut the door behind him.

"...I know you're there," he started quietly, not wanting anyone outside the room to hear him. "I don't know why you're hiding from everyone, but... I'm not going to tell them." He paused, shoulders slumping in relief as the fear eased up somewhat.

"I won't tell them you're here, but you can't just hide in my room forever, okay? Not without at least calming down. I can... Feel you, and it's a lot."

Still no response, but as he sighed, going to his little desk and sitting down to use his laptop, he felt the fear in the air receding further- to be replaced by a gentle spark of curiosity.

He smiled, just to himself, and put on Jack's Resident Evil playlist. I'll give him some time to adjust. It's not like I can blame him for being nervous... 

When he felt a presence watching over his shoulder, he chose not to comment aloud, and he was very proud of himself for not immediately turning to look- though he honestly doubted he'd see anything anyway. 

...I just wish I knew who the hell 'he' is.

------------------

Anti was honestly used to the feeling of someone watching over his shoulder, at this point. Three days and this mysterious, silent, invisible ego still hadn't shown himself, though Anti was very sure he was still there.

Besides the watching whenever he was using his laptop, he could still feel him- nervousness, curiosity, faint stabs of irritation. It felt like a million things at once and were way stronger than one person's emotions could feel, but it had only ever seemed like one person, so he just dealt with it.

Today it was Golf With Friends, rather than the usual horror game- he mostly had it up for distraction, because despite Marvin's charms on the room, he could still feel Jack and Mark's excitement from the recording room, though thankfully he was too far away to physically hear them.

...With how focused he was, trying to ignore the emotion feelings, he wasn't really paying attention to his 'roommate'.

But he still noticed the instant that presence solidified, became something real-

And Anti found himself holding his breath as the semi-annoying phantom sensation became the very very real feeling of somebody actively leaning over him.

it's a hell of a time to stop being shy why the fuck-

"...What are you watching this time?"

Anti's racing thoughts screeched to a halt, and he exhaled sharply, keeping his gaze fixed on the laptop screen.

He felt frozen, fixed in place- and it wasn't because the guy finally spoke, the question startled him, sure, but it was reasonable enough, he probably couldn't see the screen very well.

No, the problem wasn't the question- it was the voice.

Calm, but deep enough for a faint rumble in his chest. Smooth, but not soothing- more cold. 

The faintest of echoes ringing in his ears, two voices just below the first- similar, but different.

...I know that voice.

-----------------

(Please note that these are still from a newer draft, and wording or more may change between these and the final chapter!)

[lino-jagiyaa]

San and sfw prompt 33 🥰

a/n: hi hi! tysm for requesting this! I'm obsessed with bf au San or just him in general at the moment lol. I hope you like what I've come up with!

Prompt: [#33] Standing up for their s/o

genre: fluff, non idol!au, angst, established relationship, office workplace!au | pairing: san x gn!reader | warnings: swearing, toxic coworkers, bullying |words: 857

summary: when you're at work one day and San notices that your coworkers are picking on you, he decides to step in and defend you.

song rec: Mist - Ateez

—

—

Going into work was one of the less pleasant parts of your day to say the least. Your coworkers were loud, obnoxious at times, and just awful to you. On the daily when you would clock in, they would greet you with snarky comments about your outfit choice and hairstyle. Saying these things just to get a reaction out of you. To infuriate you for a reason you had no idea of. . It felt like snotty high school drama and you were getting fed up with it. Being constantly ridiculed even as you were minding your own business.

But only after 20 minutes or so, you noticed a few of the people in the office weren't at their desks. Confused, you looked around, wondering if they just went on break together. Asking the person whose desk was beside yours if he knew but that wasn't the case. They apparently were talking with each other for a bit before leaving together. He then told you there were snacks in the break room and that you should go get some before they're all gone.

Sighing to yourself, you agree and walk over to the room. Stepping in, you hear some hushed giggles get louder. But trying your best, you ignore them. You spot the snacks and head straight for them.

"You should try these ones, y/n. They're really good." one of the guys says.

"Uh.. thanks?" you reply before reaching for one of the pastries.

With your back turned, you feel someone forcefully push you towards the table and you fall face first into the snack box. Shocked and frozen, you just stand there slumped over and everyone in the room starts laughing and making fun of the sight of you like this.

That's when you hear someone else walk in the room and the laughing stops. Dropping whatever they were holding in the process. Confused, you wipe your face and look up to see who it was. The person in question just so happened to be your boyfriend San. You didn't register what he had said to the group until you watched all of their faces drop in horror.

He had said, "What the hell do you guys think you're doing, huh? Do you really think it's okay to treat your coworkers like this? Like we're all still in high school? Picking on each other like you have nothing better to do? They've done nothing to you, nothing to deserve this behavior from you all."

You struggle to balance yourself and stumble upon hearing his words. Attempting to process what he had just said. But he wasn't finished speaking his mind.

"The fact that I took time out of my own day, my own work schedule to come and visit my partner and I get here and see this bullshit. Tsk, you've got to be fucking kidding me right now. You all better be ashamed of yourselves for acting this childish. At work of all places."

"Y/n, you know what, let's go tell your boss about this mess. If he'd even give a shit since it seems like this has been going on for a while now. There's no way in hell he hasn't noticed."

He then picks up the small bouquet of white roses he was holding when he walked in off of the floor and walks over to you and grabs onto your arm to help you out of the room.

You had a giant headache now from being pushed into the table. Face still covered in icing, San walks you back over to your desk to collect your things and help you clean yourself off.

"Thank you, Sannie" you say, almost at a whisper but he still heard you loud and clear.

Him coming to your job to surprise you with flowers was sort of out of the ordinary in your relationship. He was usually very busy with his own job and you'd only see him before and after work, or on a happier occasion an off day for the both of you. San was also somewhat of an introvert especially when it came to strangers but he has an extremely soft side of course.

"Of course, my love. When it comes to you I'll always make sure everyone respects you and appreciates you as much as I do." he says, still wiping the remainder of the pastries off of you.

After talking with your boss and San calling into work to tell his boss that he's not coming back for the day, the two of you leave and make your way back to your shared apartment.

"You know what we should do now that we have the rest of the day off?" He asked

"What about ice cream and a few episodes of that drama we were trying to finish?" you answered

"Sounds perfect."

don't forget to leave a comment and reblog if you enjoyed this short fic! please do not spam like.

feedback is also appreciated and i'd love to hear your thoughts!

[rehkkuma]

Yasss the request are open!! Your writing is amazing so could i ask for Caesar and reader with the "there's only one bed" trope? That could lead to something more spicy 👀 if your comfortable with it of course

i haven't written anything caesar-related so i'm glad the one-bed trope is the first request!! ≧◡≦ i tried to make it a bit spicy but i just got carried away with the fluff lol. hope this is alright, anon!

a lucky coincidence | caesar x reader

words: 1.48k.

disclaimers/tags: fem pronouns, fluff.

"My body-" you muttered, hand covering your eyes. "I can't feel anything. I can't tell if I'm dying or already dead!"

Joseph scoffed. "Such a drama queen." He stretched his neck and cracked his knuckles. "Look at me right now! I was on the hell climb pillar the longest and I'm doing just great!"

"I guess that proves that Y/n and I are much more capable hamon users." Caesar interrupted. "I recall, we both finished earlier than you did."

The brown-haired boy let out an awkward cough. "10 minutes isn't that much anyway. You could finish a whole box of pizza in less than that time!"

Caesar gave Joseph an unimpressed look before smiling at you. "Let's just ignore him."

You chuckled, "Was planning to anyways."

Joseph crossed his arms with annoyance. "You guys are so boring." He then strutted off, heading off to the room he was given earlier.

You and Caesar turned around to laugh. Ever since the two of you started training under Lisa Lisa years ago, you had gotten unbelievably close. Back when you both lived with Lisa Lisa for everyday training, you only had each other. Since you both have given up on school to become stronger, no one knew you better than Caesar.

You were there to see him grow. From watching him mature from a young boy to a man, you couldn't help but fall in love with him. There had always been romantic tension between you two, but there was also a fair amount of friend-zoning. Since you practically grew up as teammates, it was hard to transform your relationship into something less platonic.

"I'm gonna head to my room now," you said. "I'll see you tomorrow! Sleep well, Caesar!"

Caesar nodded. "Sleep well."

You both parted ways to go to your rooms, but you were abruptly stopped by one of the island's maids, Suzie Q.

"Ah, Y/n!" the cute girl chirped. "I guess Lisa Lisa hasn't told you yet, but your room is under renovation!"

"O-Oh," you frowned.

"Yeah. It's been a while since that room's been occupied, so it's kind of falling apart now. I heard it'll all be fixed by the end of the week, though," she said.

Disappointed, you crossed your arms and let out a sigh. You turned to look behind you, noticing that Caesar was still there, listening intently.

"If it's not a problem, you could sleep in my room," he suggested. "There's only one bed, but I think it'll be big enough for the two of us."

You blushed at the thought of sleeping next to Caesar. When you were younger, he'd let you sleep in his bed whenever you had nightmares. But yet again, you were both young. Sleeping next to him now would be... a lot different.

"It's not a problem!" You smiled and walked beside Caesar. "Just don't snore too loud."

The blond laughed. "Of course I won't. Wouldn't want to wake up the princess now, do I?"

* * *

For the next hour, you and Caesar remained far apart in the room. You were on an armchair reading a book while Caesar was writing a letter to his family. He'd occasionally start small talk, but go back to his work minutes after. Eventually, he turned off his desk lamp and sealed his letter inside an envelope. He got up from his seat and stretched his body, walking to where you were sitting afterwards.

"Is the book that fun, Y/n?" Caesar said softly in your ear.

"Mhm! I'm on an interesting chapter right now." You slightly tilted the book for Caesar to see.

"Ah..." he mumbled. He brought his face closer to the book, now side-by-side with your face too. His eyes dashed across the pages, reading bits and pieces of the book. Every now and then, he'd mumble a sentence or two out loud. Once he believed he read enough, he moved back from your chair and nodded. "This book does seem fun, but I think it's getting late now. I don't want to see you tired during training tomorrow. I doubt she's going to go any easier on us."

You looked over to the bed you and Caesar would be sharing. Nervously, you closed your book and placed it on a small table beside the arm chair. "Yeah, you're right. Now would be a good time to sleep."

Caesar smiled and walked over to the bed. He was already in his pyjamas (his usual cropped tank top and loose pants), but you noticed him change out of his top. His shirt and arms above his head, abs flexing, and hair getting caught in the neck hole: was he just doing this on purpose?

Now shirtless, he folded the piece of clothing on a nightstand. With the moonlight shining into the bedroom, you could see the light shining off his abdomen, enhancing his muscles even more. You knew he was a well-built man, but you seriously underestimated his figure. You tried to recall when Caesar ever had the time to get so jacked, but stopped once you saw him looking back at you.

"Ah, sorry. I should've asked before. Is it alright if I sleep like this?" He asked.

You looked down at the carpet, blushing. "Y-Yeah, it's fine. I know it gets hot at night, so I don't mind..."

Caesar smiled. "Alright, then what are you waiting for? Come join me. You're going to be cold if you just stay there all night."

"Right..!" You turned off your reading lamp and skittishly walked to the bed. Awkwardly, you uncovered the bedsheets and laid next to the blond. Caesar was laying on his side towards your direction, so you instinctively turned the other way around.

"Goodnight," Caesar whispered.

"Goodnight." Your eyes slowly closed, ready to fall asleep. The pillows were comfy, the sheets were freshly cleaned, but you couldn't sleep no matter how hard you tried. The sound of your heart beating was too loud for you to ignore. You'd switch sleeping positions, hoping it would provide more comfort, but nothing worked. If you wanted to get good rest, you would've needed to not be sleeping next to Caesar (and shirtless nevertheless).

"Can't fall asleep?" Caesar asked in a sweet voice.

"No..." you said back. "I guess I'm just extremely stressed for Joseph's sake."

That wasn't a complete lie, but you knew very well that you were more anxious about your current situation.

"I am too, if I'm being honest." Caesar gently grabbed your shoulder and turned you to face him and his emerald eyes. "Remember when we were younger? You'd knock on my door, all teary-eyed from having nightmares?"

You nodded, embarrassed. "You don't need to remind me."

"Why not? You were so cute back then. You're still adorable now, but it's still kind of scary knowing that you're more well-versed with hamon now than before."

"Adorable?" you repeated. "Me?"

"Of course. You really should've seen yourself back then; young girl, knocking up into my room, proceeding to take the entire bed while drooling on my shoulder? Maybe right now is the karma you get for all the sleepless nights I've had in the past because of you."

"S-Sorry," you said.

"I'm just joking," Caesar chuckled. "I know we're not teenagers anymore, but you can sleep on my shoulder again if you're having trouble."

You were glad that all the lights were off. Otherwise, Caesar would've noticed the rosy look on your face.

"Thank you..." There was no point in declining his suggestion at this point. You shifted yourself closer to Caesar and laid on his chest. His skin was soft and his chest was like a pillow. Despite your heart beating fast before, you began to calm down from hearing Caesar's faint breaths. He moved his arm around your body and then stroked your arm. With your shared body heat, your whole body felt warm and fuzzy.

"Y/n..." Caesar said softly, almost falling asleep. "Sleep well." He leaned over and kissed tip of your nose before drifting off to sleep shortly after.

"H-Hey!" you called out, shaking Caesar to wake him up again.

"Hm? What seems to be the issue?"

You hated how calm he was being. He'd always pull off things like this and not say a word afterwords, wanting to watch you get flushed from his teasing. Did he like you? Was he being friendly? It didn't matter at this point because you were going to pull the same trick on him.

You leaned in towards Caesar's face and kissed him gently on the lips. Your mind was racing, but your lips acted like they knew what they were doing. Slowly, you parted away from Caesar with his taste still lingering on your mouth. With a small smirk, you turned to face the other way of Caesar. "Goodnight," you whispered.

For the first time, you heard Caesar stutter. "G-Goodnight," he replied.

[teenage-mutant-ninja-freak]

So for the first time, I'm sending an ask as non-anon. Wriggling out of my cowardice slowly lol. Can I get HCs for the boys with a demisexual gf? (Literally my OC for Donnie, sorry if it's weird) Like she's so disinterested in every other being sexually and yet she gets pretty suggestive and seductive with them and they're like "what's going on??" Confrontation and coming out? Only if you're comfortable doing this ASTEHDHIDJEJDC SO HARD NOT BEING AN ANON-

My friend's bf literally didn't know she was demi (yet) and came to me asking for advice on how to respond to those advances lol. It was such a funny situation, so that's where I got this idea.

Love that for you that you're finding the confidence to ask for stuff off anon, proud of you, sweets! And of course I'm comfortable writing this for you, I'm asexual myself so I love writing about asexual s/o's :)

also just to clarify that I have the right definition, demisexual is a type of asexuality where you only feel sexual attraction after a strong connection is formed, right?? That's what it said when I looked it up, so that's what I'll write xox

Leo

so you and Leo have been together for a couple of weeks

and he hasn't had many relationships before you, but the few he has been in have always lead to sex by now....This one hasn't

and you're flirty as fuck, this is the only problem

Leo will say something like "Oh, I'm talking too much aren't I? Sorry"

and you'll reply "Well, I think we could put your mouth to better use ;) "

but it doesn't lead to anything

so one day, after a particularly bad night of patrol, he's had enough

he just came home and wants some intimate time with his s/o and you seem to be playing games

"What the fuck, y/n?? All I want is to curl up in bed with you and you seemed to want the same, but now you're acting all weird! Did I do something? Am I not enough for you?"

you have to take a deep breath, you always knew it would come to this

"Leo..." you begin "I'm demisexual..."

the look on his face tells you that he has no idea what that is

so you continue "I only feel sexual attraction after a strong connection is formed, like love. I really like you, but I'm not quite there yet"

he sighs

he doesn't want to pressure you, he knows you have to be ready before anything happens

"Ok, ok... But can you tone down the flirting, please? It's driving me crazy"

you agree to that

at least most of the time you do, sometimes the opportunity to be a brat is just too much tho

Raph

Ok so Raph is just a sexual BEAST

not much dating experience before you but he is so ready to jump into bed

and he thinks you want the same thing

he's pretty nervous so he doesn't do much to make it happen, but every suggestive comment from you kind of make him feel like something will happen

every "hey, big guy" with a wink, every lingering glance at him....

He thinks he's gonna get lucky about 7 times a day with you

but it never goes anywhere

until one day he bites the bullet

"why won't you fuck me?"

plain, simple, to the point. That's Raph

you're kind of taken off guard

he's never been that direct about it before so there's no side stepping this question like the other times

"I'm demisexual, baby. I- I don;t feel sexual attraction until I'm in love with someone. We'll get there eventually though!"

he takes you at your word

but every time you flirt with him after he asks if you're in love with him yet...

if you're not he always mutters "fucking demi..." under his breath which makes you laugh

Mikey

So Mikey and you are a match

he's a flirt

you're a flirt

sounds great right??

apart from the one factor of: you guys are dating but still haven't done the horizontal tango yet...

the tipping point for him was when you filmed a tik tok video where you made it look like you were about to blow him only to reach under the couch to get something

to which his response was: "my balls, they're so blue...ugh blue balls, nooooo"

you felt like it was only right to tell him

"Mikey, angel...I'm demisexual."

he has no idea what that means a straight up says "Yeah, I don't know what that means but it sounds cool!"

you explain

he nods and makes sounds as if he gets it

which he clearly doesn't

you laugh and try again "Sooo, basically when I feel a strong emotional bond to someone, only then am I sexually attracted to them"

now he understands

and he's not one to pressure you

but he does talk about "the day we're in love" all the time

it's kind of sweet, actually

Donnie

oh poor little Donnie

he's tried everything at this point

candle lit dinners, rose petals, surprises, heart shaped jewellery...

all to no avail

at this point he's starting to question whether or not you guys are actually dating

so one day he just asks

"Are....We ever gonna...Y'know? Take this to the next level? So to speak..."

you give him puppy dog eyes, you thought he would have figured it out by now

"some genius you are" you joke "couldn't even tell I'm demisexual" and laugh

he tilts his head, he's actually never heard of that before

you explain it to him

he seems a little disappointed

ever the romantic he is, he's already in love with you

but you're not quite there yet

"look, Donnie, it'll happen eventually. I really, really, really like you. Just give me a bit more time?"

"you're worth waiting for"

he melts your heart with that

but he gives you all the time and space you need

and maybe the odd side eye of disapproval when you're a little too flirtatious with him

[harley-style]

Reading the Homestuck Epilogues 3 (parts 21-30)

Hey guys I'm back on my bullshit! Here's hoping it goes well lol but we all know that's just a pipe dream.

Anyway, here's the previous part!!

Now onto the chaos!

A coffin is still fukcing heavy and you're telling me Jake and John ALONE can carry the fucking thing? omg.

I feel like Roxy is not treating this funeral the rightul respect and somberness it deserves, but is it just me or...?

Aradia and Sollux! and they really don't give a shit about most things dont they. Aradia only came here for the corpse party and honestly, slay

I get heart palpitations when Dave calls Jade babe. also poor karkat he's at the back. noooo

Wait. Is teen dead jade from fucking MEAT??? or is she the one from. uh. the caliborn narrative takeover thing. listen its been a while since i read the later homestuck ok i barely remember what happened in act 6

LOL YES AWKWARD ROSE RIGHTS

Jane. Jane you fucking moron.

Karkat literally do not rise to the bait I am begging

"sometimes i wonder what it'd be like if he was still here" FAMOUS LAST WORDS

SO IT IS MEAT JADE

MOTHERFUCK

please god just let john and terezi be together their dynamic is SO GOOD

oh they're 26 now awesome

OH NO JANE WHAT THE FUCK

okay i know it's bad to blame everything on jane but I HAVE A FEELING SHE'S INVOLVED

WHAT OKAY WHAT THE FUCK

POPULATION CONTROL IS ONE THING BUT WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS BULLSHIT ABOUT NOT ALLOWING TROLLS TO ADVANCE POSITIONS THAT"S BULLSHIT

oh? OH???? RESISTANCE POG????

okay fuck everyone else rebellion leader karkat is my bitch now

why is eridan fuschia is this a typeset error

john you're a moron (affectionate)

:((( what happened to "not taking your shit" roxy :((((

Save Tavros From Evil

yknow what i hate about candy davejade rn is that they keep everything buried and pretend everything's fine. like jade baby at least push dave or pester rose about what's wrong with dave like....?? idk! but not this!!!

okay. what the actual shit jane. yknow what? you're a bitch! you're a full on bitch and i hope you get what's coming to you. what the FUCK am i hearing from you? that is NOT how you treat your friends/datemates!

fuck you guys im reading a bunch of aus to cope wit this mess of an epilogue

okay i love and support whatever john's trying to do but this plan is. not the best.

I just skipped over an entire conversation because i cannot deal with that rn. someone tell me what happened during the time john tries convincing tavros to leave the crocker household

WOW OMINOUS

johnrezi/junerezi rights :((((

:(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

KARKAT!!!!!!!!!!

Huh. That's a less brutal capital punishment than I was expecting. Still horrifying! but I expected more blood. which was kinda dumb of me lol.

REMEMBER WHEN KARKAT USED OT BE SO EMBARRASSED BY BUCKETS??? MY BOY HAS GROWN

Kanaya Is Right Karkat Call Dave That Bitch Is Dumb Enough To Run To Your Side The Instant You Ask For Him

But Bat Your Pretty Eye For Extra Simping

MEENAH

let's kick it karkat lets goooo

NO THE FISH PUNS ARE COOL

That is a whole ass page of words sir

John :(

"epilogue six" what the fuck does this mean

these kids are thirteen w h a t

ARE KARKAT AND MEENAH TOGETHER????

okay aradia has a point its extremely ironic for karkat to reach the peak of his heroism in a world that objectively *does not fucking matter* and the "meaty" timeline where everything "DOES" matter is where he's... well, we all know.

oh no,,,,the davejade wedding,,,,this hurts.

THIS HURTS DAVE IS STILL LOOKING FOR KARKAT

okay everyone seems to be like, convinced meenah and karkat are a thing but are they REALLY? karkat hasn't come out and said anything specifically.

HE RIPPED HER PHOTO NOOOOOO

lock industry?????

Vriska's back everybody say hello

"is it the prince" IM SORRY WHAT

when WHO falls???

jake what the fuck happened to you. oh my god you don't deserve this. leave her. leave jane's stank ass.

ah. i remember karkat talking about how he wasn't to blame for mr. crocker dying, in hs2. guys id apologize for spoiling myself like this but i think you'd understand: this post-canon thing is pain. everything hurts. if i want spoilers im getting spoilers.

GUYS. NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF YOU DIDNT BUTT YOUR STUPID GODLY SELVES INTO THE MIX. THE FUCK ARE YOU BLAMING THE TROLLS FOR. JANE.

oh boy.

WELP THAT'S PART THREE FOLKS. WOW I HAVE SO MANY FEELINGS I WISH TO UNFEEL. THE BLOOD OF MY DREAMS HAVE BEEN SACRIFICED TO THE GODS OF PARADOX SPACE AND NEVER AGAIN SHALL I SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY.

[wistfulrat]

a 4-part rec list of my fave drarry fics - the thrillers, dramas, soft bois, and wankbanks getting me through 2020′s shitstorm

[ for my fellow fledgling drarry stans bc im also very new here! like tbh i think the last fic i read pre-pandemic was a 1D ziam series back in 2013?? lmao god. but alas, after reading HP fanfic for the first time during lockdown & subsequently 300+ drarry fics since then, it is time. it’s time to be embarrassing about it online via lengthy rec lists. and if you end up loving any of these fics? follow the authors, leave kudos & comments on their work, send them nice msgs bc they do all this shit for free & that’s wild ]

part 1: thrillers

mood: for when i need something exciting, haunting, immersive, fast-paced

includes: case fics, mystery fics, plotty adventures!! expansive world-building, time warps, magical theory, wizarding politics!! the thrill of a chase!!! you’ll get your drama & spicy sex but mostly it’s the unravelling that hooks you. because for these?? you’re here for the ride, bitch.

Shibboleths by @lol-zeitgeistic​​ - 100k - E Douglas Adams sci-fi fantasy rom-com wet dream. i'm mad about how good it is. the boys are hogwarts professors and something Scary Big is happening in the magical world and the Dursleys are here?? i audibly gasped, i laughed, i remained on the edge of my fucking seat the whole time

Hermione Granger's Hogwarts Crammer for Delinquents on the Run by @waspabi​​ - 93k - T canon divergence excellence!! jkr*wling is punching the air rn. harry doesn’t learn he’s a wizard till he’s 17 and he’s Miffed. voldy is ruining everything, the Order is underground. hermione’s got her own band of rebel teens. also draco’s here and he's very gay for harry and very mad about it. road trips, tent sleeping, hijinks, guerilla warfare, seizing the press, feisty kids out to fuck ur shit uP while flirting a little. this is honestly an all-time fave.

If an Injury Is to Be Inflicted by @shealwaysreads​​ - 45k - E ANARCHIST DRARRY IS GOD TIER and the pacing here is relentless. it’s a post-war hellscape and harry’s missing and draco is scheming. it’s violent, it’s sexy, it’s tightly written, it’s got observations on the cost of survival and revolution, it’s brilliant.

Azoth by @lol-zeitgeistic​ - 88k - E 8th year magical theory time and the boys are Ambitious in a hot-mad-scientist kind of way. harry is a late-bloomer Swot and has a heart-boner for genius!draco and draco tries not to have a gay panic about it?? there’s animagi, alchemy, poetic theories of change!! & lots of bird metaphors. immaculate

The Boy Who Only Lived Twice by @letteredlettered​​ - 54k - E a spy and his handler ohmygoD I'm a hoe for missions of the impossible sort and secret identities!! & the unravelling of said identities!! the need to be seen at war with the need to escape. draco & harry as equals, evenly-matched and whip-smart and terrifying on the battlefield?? incredible

Who We Are in The Shadows by @quicksilvermaid​ - 100k - E an ex-auror. an elusive investigator. boys Gone Rouge. it’s very hot of them in a magical-bourne-identity kind of way. powerful werewolf harry + intelligent draco + outmaneuvering bad guys outside the law?? there’s a reason you’ve seen this specific creature fic in every drarry list bc IT’S FUCKING EXCELLENT IS WHAT IT IS

Turn From Stone by @harryromper​ - 45k - M post-war hogwarts castle-magic turned malevolent as shit and it might be lost forever except!! hermione’s going to save the day and her plan’s seedy as hell but the DA gang + draco are all here. an adventure fic feat. the black lake but even more ominous, haunted common rooms, libraries of death, flying daggers, deception, ancient spells, drarry fighting for their lives but in a hot way.

The Art of Shadow Boxing by @tommylane​ - 178k - E draco’s a professional fighter in Thailand and oh shit harry’s here but he hasn't seen harry in 7years?? and what the fuCK happened during their AU horcrux adventures with the trio that made draco disappear to Thailand?? something is amiss. mafia moms, wrestling sexily, so much pining, flashbacks, pentagrams. draco needs a hug.

The Fall of the Veils by @letteredlettered​​ - 60k - M "muggles find out about wizards, wars are fought, apparition is abolished, political conspiracies abound, draco is asexual, and harry has legilimency sex with him” -- IS THAT SUMMARY NOT FUCKING WILD I WAS HOOKED. the scale of this fic is breathtaking and makes you appreciate the labor of world-building in genre fics bc the political and moral complexities of this fic, bitch??? lives rent free in my head

REVOLVELOVER by @firethesound​ @lol-zeitgeistic​​ - 46k - E hit-wizard harry and anti-government extremist draco!! ethics, political corruption, car chases, subterfuge. and god the mood of this fic. the characterization! weaponized-stoic-hurting harry. obsessive-anarchist-yearning draco. carnal, us-against-the-world kind of love. hmm I would simply die for thEM.

Like Clockwork by agentmoppet - 40k - E curse-breaker draco and unspeakable harry!! they’re both hoes for puzzles. harry has a Secret and broods a lot. draco is pissy about it. they’re both too clever for their own good. featuring mysterious objects with a side of trust issues and wanting to murder your crush.

Burn the Curtains and the Wine by @nerdherderette​​ - 24k - E mr. and mrs. smith but it’s harry and draco and it’s exactly as hot and exciting as it sounds. the secret lives of married assassins feat. car explosions, sexily dueling in the desert, draco wielding muggle weapons!

In The Hand by aideomai - 28k - T HELL YEA DRARRY MULTIVERSE BITCHES LOVE THE DRARRY MULTIVERSE. harry’s been missing for months and now we’re dabbling in other dimensions, messing with time travel, racing against the clock, meeting every version of drarry you’ve ever read about. fics within a fic!! god I love it I would read anything aideomai writes tbh, they invented thrill and they do it with less than 30k words?? the talent

Crossing Lines by ren @alcoholicrevo - 48k - E smuggle rings, undercover investigations, draco being hot, harry being flustered by draco being hot -- all of this taking place on a swank train with themed sections and everything. it’s magical murder on the orient express time, bitch!!

Tales from the Special Branch by @femmequixotic​​ - 1.2m - E a 5-part, multiple pov, behemoth of an auror-fic series worthy of its hype bc you know what? it truly Has It All - murders, drama, sex, treason, spooky magical shit, political conflict, drama-ridden relationships, a truly complex & full-bodied cast featuring the Hot Slytherins. jkr*wling fucking WISHES she had the range

[part 2: dramas | part 3: soft bois | part 4: wankbanks]

[izzyspussy]

(these are all for that word wip ask game thing btw, & you can take creative liberties and do whichever tense or meaning or anything, go wild :3): ensue(s), whatsoever, fierce, slay (lol), competition, intrigue, habit, shower, blinds/curtains, crystal, music, nap, pizza, and because im petulant and want more content: prosthetic

ensue

whatsoever [SUGGESTIVE]

Two months pass, and three. Eddie seems to have a checklist of sex acts he's methodically working his way through, which Richie has no objections to whatsoever. He's kind of cottoned on to the fact that he might be this guy's X-treme Midlife Crisis, despite the fact that they seem to be about the same age and if you'd asked Richie before Eddie picked him up he'd have said Eddie was out of his league. He's not stressed about it though. He's not falling in love, because there's no fall. He feels... settled, and that hasn't changed since the first moment Eddie touched him.

from gold rush (IT fic), currently 26k

fierce

Get out of bed, Eddie thinks, fiercer and more frustrated with every repetition. Get up. Get the fuck up. Get up. But she never manages to move.

from Curse The Messenger draft 1.2, currently 7k

slay

competitive

"Yeah," Richie confirms. "I think. I don't actually remember. You're getting killed." Sandy's head jerks back to the screen, her automatic response, his safety net. She's got a competitive streak, Sandy, and it never sleeps. So she manages, by the very skin of her teeth, to keep her character alive just long enough for Richie to tell her that all his memories from before college have been scooped out of his head like pumpkin seeds out of a Jack-o-Lantern, that he's talked to his parents, and to doctors, and to shrinks, and that the best he can say is - something bad probably happened to him.

from idle wild (IT fic), currently 4k

intrigue [SUGGESTIVE]

She presses minutely between his shoulders, and Shane is going down onto his elbows almost before pressure is applied. Sara hums, approving and intrigued. Taking note of what all of this is doing to Shane so that she can use it against him in future, no doubt. Lucky him.

from Fit For The Throne (Watcher RPF), currently 3k

habit

There's a lamp on the table but Eddie doesn't turn it on to write, scribbling haphazardly across a page that looks like it's probably blank. She opens her hands and lets the book and pen drop to the floor when she's done, and flops onto her back. It's supposed to help, writing it down, fuck knows how. But it's habit now.

from Curse The Messenger

shower

"I don't know," Eddie says, and it sounds like a curse. That same helplessly angry tone that Richie can hear from the other side of the door on the days Eddie has to shower more than once. This time, Richie thinks he gets it. He debates not changing the subject, but ultimately succumbs to the well-worn instinct to hide.

from gold rush

curtain

"Well, I've got, uh-" he glances quickly at the time; two hours to curtain. "-an hour to make you feel my love." It's not so hard to say it in a campy come-on like that, in a joke. Easier every time, though, and practice makes perfect in all things. Any fucking minute now, Richie is sure, he'll say it for real. Eddie smiles sweetly, one-dimpled, like he hears it. Richie hopes he does.

from gold rush

crystal

Fred came up with the symbols xemself, sigils to make the ordeal of connecting to the crystals easier on xem, and to help xem actually do what they intended. Even with the help, often Fred still ends up connecting to something that doesn't help them. Xe has near-equal chances here to find Jay's diamond as to end up spiritually trapped in a Shane Company warehouse.

from Curse The Messenger

music

The lights go down and the crowd quiets. This part, right before the cheering and the music start, is Toby's second favorite part of a concert; the hundreds of them in the seats or stands or on the floor, all waiting with the same baited breath. It's like they all become one, if only for a minute.

from Encore draft 1.0, currently 1k

nap

Finally, Nicky mutters, "Should be just about done with his nap," and breaks the unbearable eye contact to shuffle off towards Seong's room. In fact, Seong is long finished with his afternoon nap and is probably quietly working away at one of the puzzles Kenzie helped Nicky make for him some months ago.

from The Babysitter's Here draft 1.0, currently 7k

pizza

Nicky turns away into the kitchen and makes them quesadillas for a late dinner. They're just strips of bacon embedded in melted shredded cheese between two tortillas, but Nicky cuts them up into pizza triangles and finds some unopened sour cream in the back of the fridge to serve them with. The three of them sit on the couch to eat, Seong tiny in between the two adults, opening his little mouth as wide as he can to take too-big bites of his food, bacon grease all over his face. He falls asleep on Nicky as Nicky's wiping him off with his own sleeve.

from The Babysitter's Here

prosthetic kaslfkjlsk I know what you're after but esbionage doesn't have a doc yet

thank you ollieeeeee <3

[cienie-isengardu]

Not only do I not regret asking you to "RELEASE THE RAMBLES!", I'm sending you requests for more. Below is a list of questions that I asked @bihansthot , and enjoyed their answers, but because you are so thorough, and answer in such depth, I'm re-asking them to you.

Brace yourself, it's a list. I didnt have time to sort thru them, I just copied and pasted, so if any are questions you already answered before, please feel free to include the links.

"LET US BEGIN!"

---------------------------------------------

In the spirit of potential future writing,  I'm trying to find a building that  would make a good substitution for Lin Kuei temple.

I've tried looking up ancient Chinese military barracks/forts, and have found some stuff,  but is all exterior.  Anyone know of any locations (or several I can cobble together) that would make good inspiration fodder?

---------------------------------------------

So, uhm, religion? What's the Lin Kuei's take on that one? I know they are aware of Gods, they team up with/ encounter Raiden all the time,  and have literally worked for/against Shinook, so I know they recognize higher powers... but I  guess the question is,  do they care?

Do they have a religion,  or spiritual practice that resembles religion? Or do they have a more practical approach "gods exist,  but we just consider them very strong people"?

Which segues into... do they recognize and participate in holidays, or things like birthdays? Or are all their celebrations work related (I.E. successful missions or levels of combat mastery)?

---------------------------------------------

Food.  What foods do they normally eat? What foods do they like?  What foods don't they like? What foods do they absolutely love so much they'll stop what they're doing to get it?

---------------------------------------------

If you had to match the Lin Kuei with a dynasty,  what one would it be? (I know the 2021 movie has the opening in the Ming dynasty, so the Lin Kuei is at least that old,  but given that movie Bi Han hasn't aged in 400 years, and was taken is a child,  its probably much older) (and also know the game probably cherry picked random Chinese things it liked).

What do you think the Lin Kuei's view on artistic culture (probably not the right word) is? I know they are heavily militaristic,  but in the game,  Kuai Liang offers Hanzo tea and he properly prepares it the Japanese way, that says they have something of an education other than just related to fighting?

Lastly,  in the movie,  everything Bi Han does is "for the Lin Kuei", but the Lin Kuei is on Earth (assumedly),  and he is working for a guy who wants to enslave Earth, so what do you think the deal is?

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Question about the Cryomancers. I know the game lore says that they are supposed to be rare, but I also know that the Lin Kuei have had at least 5 (grandpa, papa, older, and younger Sub Zero,  and Frost). 4 of which are part of 3 generations that inherited it even with mixed blood (I'm assuming Mama Sub Zero wasn't Cryomancer since they left her alone).

That's a lot of generations in a row for a rare trait... So do you think the Cryomancers as a group have figured out they're being hunted and have chosen to live in hiding?

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Lin Kuei society question? I like writing so I also like world building and I think about these things.

Is Lin Kuei society ever covered? I know there is a Grandmaster, a handful master assassins (Sub Zero's, Sektor, Cyrax, etc) and the  movies always have a bunch canon fodder lesser assassins.

And they live in the very isolated Lin Kuei Palace/Temple in Arktika (or wherever it used to be)

But is Lin Kuei (we'll call it "village") ever covered?   Do they have willing servants, kidnapped slaves, or a mix of both? Are there women (non fighter women,  I know there's Frost) or do they employ strictly male help? If there are women, what's their role, and are there children born there? What about Elderly? What about resources,  is everything (from food, clothes, weapons, and the raw materials to create them) grown or manufactured on sight by skilled laborers or do they import/interact with the outside world? How vicious or civil is this society, could you be killed for looking at Sektor wrong or do they value your services to a degree? What's the degree? This is obviously a combat culture,  but is everyone expected to know martial arts of some variety, is it optional, or do they prohibit it among the servants/slaves? How strict are they on things like clothing, food, alcohol,  drugs, "luxuries", or pleasures? Money? If they interact with the world do they recognize and use $$ currency, commodity currency, or a mixture? Internally are the Lin Kuei payed or just provided for? What about illness or injury,  if you're not a master and it a serious injury/illness are you taken care of or do they just give you a quick death?

Etc. That's all the questions I can think of,  but please feel free to answer questions I didn't ask,  if you think of anything else.

Thank you for this wonderful list to talk about! I’m gonna split the answer into smaller parts, for better focusing on each aspect but also so I don’t feel bad for keeping you waiting for ages, lol. For now let’s focus on asks about the religion!

So good questions! I do think they have some spiritual practice(s) because in martial arts the state of a mind is as important as the physical body and religion is one of many ways to shape someone’s mindset from a young age. I do, however, think that Lin Kuei does not worship the gods. They are aware that the gods exist (with Raiden as the thorn in the side) and may even respect their supernatural powers and battle skills but it never has stopped Lin Kuei from desecrating holy places, murdering people and stealing stuff for the best price. So, it seems to me that whatever religion the members of the clan follow, by nature it is rooted in nontheism.

Of course, there is also a chance that Lin Kuei worships some forgotten deity or deities (as a remnant of their ancient connections with Outworld / realms conquered and destroyed by Shao Kahn?) or may even practice ancestor worship which seems like a good way to uphold a widely understood tradition that plays an important role in the discussed community.

The closest thing to religious practice was seen in Mortal Kombat X, when Sub-Zero and his warriors seemed to pray together before statue of god / deity / ancestor / legendary warrior / personalized thing they value the most (sadly, my knowledge about Asian religious practices or faiths is very limited so I don’t have idea if the statue is supposed to represent any real god/religious symbol).

At the same time, it could be just a bluff since Grandmaster was aware of Cage’s team infiltrating the Lin Kuei territory and used this moment to lure them into a trap. Additionally, Mortal Kombat X comics presented once Kuai Liang sitting before the same statue albeit in a completely different (devoid of reverence?) position.

Of course, if we take into account Mortal Kombat Armageddon, the game states that Lin Kuei Temple placed in Arctika was actually once the Temple of Delia (the great sorceress & wife of god Argus) that at some point get abandoned and re-used by Sub-Zero’s clan.

(In the background, we can see a statue of Delia that Lin Kuei does not worship but did not remove for whatever reason. Mixing both old and new games, we can only wonder if MKX!statue is also the remnant of someone else's faith/religion?)

Beside that, Kuai Liang was pretty vocal about Lin Kuei not worshipping the Elder Gods, what was seen in MK11’s intro dialogue with Cetrion

Sub-Zero: The Lin Kuei do not worship the Elder Gods.

Cetrion: We seek gratitude, not worship.

Sub-Zero: I see no distinction.

and personally did not have any reason to pray to the goddess:

Sub-Zero: Why should I pray to you?

Cetrion: Why does a bird flap its wings?

Sub-Zero: I asked a simple question.

In all fairness, in MK11 Kuai Liang seems the most passive-aggressive toward the Elder God while Frost is focused on her ambitions and Noob!Bi-Han just wants to be left alone when bothered by Cetrion. Similar thing happens toward Raiden. Despite gratitude for saving him, Kuai Liang does not spare the god criticism (can’t serve both Elder Gods and Earthrealm, isn’t fit for his role of protector) and in MKX outright says he does not fear divine beings:

Raiden: Sub-Zero...

Sub-Zero: I fear no gods, Raiden.

Raiden': That's why you shall lose.

Surprisingly, Kuai Liang’s interaction with MK11!Fujin sounds less accusing than with Raiden and Cetrion and it is connected closely to their ties with Bi-Han. And maybe Kuai Liang did seek in the past Fujin and other elements to make a peace with them, like he planned to do so in Mortal Kombat 4 Limited comics?

"I came here to make peace with the gods of the elements that you fought [...]"

Anyway, the accusingly behaviour toward Raiden and Cetrion could be just Kuai Liang’s personal dislike for gods and serious authority issues, which makes sense considering how much he suffered because of their meddling and conflicts.

But honestly?

The available examples of Lin Kuei attitude toward gods, demigods and supernatural beings suggest how little the warriors - especially cryomancers - care for them.

Like, we have Bi-Han in Mythologies, who asked Quan Chi about details of mission:

Sub-Zero: If it's so precious, why don't you get it yourself?

Quan Chi: I cannot enter the temple until the four elements within its walls have been defeated. And I am not on the best of terms with the gods of your realm... especially your god of thunder.

Sub-Zero: Tell me about these elements.

Quan Chi outright said he and earthrealm gods weren’t friends and Bi-Han, reading between the lines, could get the idea that he may end on bad terms with Thunder God. Yet he was interested only in elements (lesser gods than protector of realm?) guarding the temple.

Then Bi-Han beat down four demigods and met a displeased Raiden after Quan Chi got the Shinnok Amulet. His reaction? No fear, like meeting an angry god was a normal occurrence.

Rayden: Do you realize what you've done??

Sub-Zero: I was just earning my living.

Rayden: Your clan's ignorance and greed will cost this entire realm. You must now set things straight.

Sub-Zero: Quan Chi could simply be a lunatic sorcerer. I've never heard of an elder god named Shinnok or of a place called the Netherrealm.

Rayden: Well, you'd better start believing in both, because you're going to the Netherrealm and you're going to bring the amulet back. We must act quickly. I have no dominion in the Netherrealm... You are reality's only hope.

Sub-Zero: I'll do it, Thunder God... but only because I have no choice.

And once he came back from Netherrealm, where he was fixing what he messed up in the first place on Raiden’s order, his abrasive attitude did not change much:

Sub-Zero: Here... the amulet.

Rayden: Impressive, Sub-Zero. Perhaps you will reconcile your reckless past after all.

Sub-Zero: That's it? Not even a thank you?

Of course, to some degree Raiden’s words did have an impact on Bi-Han but even the god’s warning about his soul tainted with evil did not stop him from coming back to Lin Kuei. Bi-Han’s attitude and/or approach to gods seems to change somehow once he was reborn as Noob, but that is a different matter for different times.

Anyway, Mythologies!Bi-Han and MK11!Noob act less aggressive toward gods than Kuai Liang. But then we have Sub-Zero from from the MK novel by Jeff Rovin, who not only is not afraid of gods but outright insult them:

“Wait! Be warned, Shang Tsung. He is cursed!”

“Cursed? By whom?”

Ruthay wailed, “By the immortal Yu.”

Shang Tsung felt cold spiders crawl up his spine. “The demigod Yu?”

“Yes… he who is said to dwell in the underground caverns of Horse Ear Mountain… which is sacred to the goddess Kuan Lin. He who protects the canals… and the tunnels… and looks after all who use them, human and animal.”

“What did our brash friend do to Yu?”

“He… killed a man,” said Ruthay.

“What man?”

“A toll-taker… one who had given up a life of crime… one who had been a partner of the man… you… seek.”

“And how did that crime come to the attention of the spirit of Yu?” Shang Tsung asked.

“The man was killed… slowly disemboweled with a sword… while accomplices forced his wife and his son to look on! After his murder… the man’s remains… were dumped into a canal!”

Shang Tsung raised an eyebrow. “Is that all? I was expecting something truly terrible!”

“It was!” Ruthay shrieked. “When he disposed of the body… in that way … he profaned one of the sacred waterways… of Yu!”

Shang Tsung smiled now. “Then he is definitely the man I want,” he said. “Anyone who is impudent enough to insult a demigod won’t be afraid to attack a member of the White Lotus Society, or the gods who watch after them. I will send Hamachi, Ruthay. When he nears his goal, see through his eyes and guide him!”

Book!Sub-Zero was impudent enough to insult a demigod which is why he was one of Shang Tsung’s favorites. And to be clear - book!Sub-Zero did not regret insulting the demigod at all. Even more! He found humor in it!:

He dwelt in a cave two hundred feet up the face of a cliff by the sea. The mouth of his home was barely wide enough to accommodate a slender adult, and was accessible only by climbing the sheer wall of rock, a feat that was impossible for most adults and daunting even to the few arachnids and marsupials that tried it.

Maybe some of them were even sent by Yu, he thought with a smirk, little assassins who would chastise me for having spilled blood in his precious canal.

The less abrasive attitude toward gods was shown by Cyrax, who talked a bit with Raiden over Bi-Han’s remains. He wasn’t outright antagonistic but wasn’t overall respectful either. He talked with Thunder God like he would talk with any other human being that wasn’t actually Scorpion. Frankly, from the named Lin Kuei only MK9!Smoke actually addressed Raiden in respectful manner, with proper bow and the name of lord

albeit did he do so because he respects the divine beings or just out of gratitude for saving him, hard to tell for sure.

So yeah, it seems like no matter what kind of timeline or age or medium of the story, Lin Kuei does not fear gods nor pray to them. And the clan has a long history of dealing with Raiden, so the Lin Kuei had first-hand experiences with supernatural beings. Somehow, cryomancers are the most impudent warriors when it comes to dealing with or criticizing the gods.

Interestingly, as much as Lin Kuei warriors don’t care for gods, most of the known to us named characters believe to have - and to care - for their own souls. Sektor and MK11!Frost embraced the Cyber Lin Kuei idea but Kuai Liang, Cyrax and Smoke were opposed to C.I. project out for concern for their souls among other things. Even Bi-Han, to some degree became concerned about his soul after trip to Netherrealm.

Believing in souls is usually a sign of belief in the afterlife, albeit after all of them went through (the change into cyborgs, death and change into Revenants) this is less a matter of faith (religion) and more first-hand experiences. And let's not forget that regularly dealing over the centuries with Shang Tsung who steals people's souls on a daily basis makes it really hard to not believe spirits are real.

Also, an interesting matter of Lin Kuei practices that could have a religious/spiritual ground and/or be an example of ancestor worship is the clan’s funeral rites. I don’t think we actually saw any Lin Kuei to bury their own (especially after warrior’s failure?) and for sure MK9!Cyrax and Sektor did not bother to take care of Bi-Han’s remains. However the sources provide examples of Lin Kuei keeping corpses, most likely of their own leaders or warriors.

And so, we could see human remains:

put in two coffins on each side of statue

hidden / kept in a block of ice(?) in chamber of Fallen Lin Kuei in which Frost’s frozen body was also laid, but on the altar

Cyrax’s cyber body was kept and guarded by Sub-Zero (and this is like the only thing that Kuai Liang and Cyber Sektor so far agreed on)

and even Cyber Sektor’s remains, even if just for pragmatic reasons, are kept in what seems to be respectful manner:

It could be just Kuai Liang’s good nature to honor fallen of his clan (I’m still not sure if Lin Kuei Palace is the new place for Sub-Zero’s clan or the ancient hideout) but even in MK Conquest TV series, after Grandmaster was killed by then-currently-Sub-Zero, there was the farewell ceremony with clothes on display (cause there was not much left of body after freezing and shattering) while new leader gave the speech promising to punish the guilty.

Which makes me think that Lin Kuei did honor their fallen warriors (especially those exceptional, deserving). Such custom and apparently common belief in soul could also support the ancestor worship - both as some ancient, mythical ancestor(s) connecting warriors into one clan (family) and tradition to follow in the footsteps of forefathers (Bi-Han taking place of his father [old timeline] or grandfather [current timeline] or Kuai Liang taking Bi-Han’s place as Sub-Zero).

My general conclusion about Lin Kuei is that its members believe in souls, have respect and use of spiritual matters (meditation?) and maybe ancestor worship. Whatever the religious / spiritual practices they have over the centuries, it is not something they will share, as the Lin Kuei by nature are secretive people who keep personal things mostly for themselves. The people that joined the clan (Cyrax and Smoke) maybe kept their old, eventual religious beliefs but overall, Lin Kuei warriors did not fear, care for nor pray to gods. They may respect god (Raiden, Fujin) as a person but not because of their divine nature. And even that would not stop them from criticizing said god. Which is pretty much how Kuai Liang and Raiden’s relationship looks like. Grandmaster is grateful to Thunder God for saving him but he won’t blindly follow his authority.

(Kuai Liang has serious authority issues, hasn't he?)

As for holidays, I can’t really see Lin Kuei to follow any specific religious (theistic) special day cause they don’t care much for gods in the first place. Unless they worked undercover and needed to act as normal human beings, religious holidays would mean nothing to them. The warriors may however celebrate their mission success, combat mastery or promotion between themselves or in secret, I think. Like, Lin Kuei did forbid friendship because it was considered warrior’s flaw yet we know some members either were blood-related (Kuai Liang, Bi-Han, previous Sub-Zero - father or grandfather, depending on which timeline is correct) or considered each other a family (Kuai Liang and Tomas Vrbada) and most named characters worked in duos so they have both opportunity and knowledge about each other to celebrate important matters. If they managed to remember anything from previous life, that is. Because from ancient to at least Great Kung Lao’s times most(?) adepts were kidnapped from biological families at a really young age (something around 6 years old). And Mythologies: Sub-Zero takes that even further:

Its warriors are chosen at birth to be raised apart from the workings of day to day civilization and are stripped of their former lives. Only the clan knows their existence. Each of them posses certain skills and abilities that set them apart from normal men. These abilities are passed on from generation to generation and honed throughout the experiences of life.

So, celebrating birthdays doesn’t sound like happening much, unless those with family around could allow themselves such luxury. The clan may however celebrate the day of becoming a fully trained and sworn warrior? Or the fallen warriors? Who knows.

Also, something worth thinking about: in Mortal Kombat Conquest TV series, when the Grandmaster presented newly appointed Sub-Zero to the rest of the clan, he “celebrated” the cryomancer's first official performance as the execution of two men who failed their mission. So, yeah, celebration of something special in (old) Lin Kuei does not necessarily mean anything nice.

(The next part of answer most likely will be focused either on food or architecture / origin of Lin Kuei. Let's hope I will get it written sooner than later)

<><> EDIT <><>

RELIGION <> ORIGINS / ARCHITECTURE <> FOOD <> FOR THE LIN KUEI <> ART <> CRYOMANCERS <> LIN KUEI SOCIETY <> MONEY & MATERIAL GOODS

[yabai-korra]

Eris getting some of Nesta's powers and his importance in the future

Y'all I'm 90% sure some of Nesta's power has been transferred to Eris, at first it occurred to me in a sort of "ha, could be" way but I'm pretty certain, hear me out! Also going to touch on the subject of Nesta not losing her powers completely.

The power in the dagger

Nesta Made the dagger and put some of her own power into it, and then Eris got that dagger as a present by Inner Circle, which wasn't really a necessary scene nor plot point unless you read between the lines.

KINGDOM OF ASH SPOILERS AHEAD!

We have seen the exact same thing in Kingdom Ash, Aelin lost all of her power but an ember, but beforehand put it in her sword Goldryn and whooped Maeve's ass, actually head lol, with it. Having power shoot out of her hands and her sword felt pretty much the same so I'm sure Nesta will be equally powerful in the next book! Not only does she have a bit of her power left, three weapons filled with her power, and the Dread Trove. Nesta is still the most powerful character 😎

If Nesta can put some of her power into a weapon, it doesn't seem like a stretch at all for the power in the weapon to get out and into a person.

Eris only pretended to be influenced by Koschei

This one was kinda obvious to me from the moment I read it, no psychoanalyzing needed.

Nesta and her weapons were said to "probably" grant immunity from Koschei's power because they were both Made, and Eris had the dagger while he when he was captured.

Every person that has been possessed by Koschei has been said to have glassy eyes, EVERYONE except Eris!

Eris's soldiers had glassy eyes.

Bellius had glassy eyes.

Cassian had glassy eyes.

Eris is the only "possessed" person to get "accidentally" caught.

Eri's soldiers said nothing, and it was Briallyn who reveal that Bellius and Cassian were possessed.

Out of Cassian, Bellius, Eris, and his soldiers, Eris is undoubtedly the slickest and most cunning one. Comparison between him and Cassian has been dragged throughout the whole book, while Cassin is the muscle, Eris plays mind games and politics.

ERIS IS THE MASTER AT WORD GAMES! How did Cass and Az realize he was possessed and therefore Koschei being there? THROUGH ERIS USING A WORD GAME he knew only Cass and Az will pick up on.

Are y'all trying to tell me that Eris, who supposedly had immunity from the Koschei's power, didn't show the only sign of being possessed which is glassy eyes, had accidentally said something that will let Cass and Az know he's "possessed"?

Golden flames

The word "flame" has been used in 4 different contexts throughout the book

a) actual fire in the fireplace

b) silver flames in Nesta's eyes

c) flames in Lucien's eyes

d) flames in Eris's eyes

We know that Autumn Court's power is fire, both Lucien and Eris were described to have red flames in their eyes, which is completely expected right?

Eris was said to have flame/red flame multiple times, but I'm only allowed ten pics per post, and obviously not gonna put quotes of Nesta's silver flames cause it's literally the title lol.

Then, when Eris was "possessed" and held a dagger to Cassian's chest, it was said that flame rippled from it, and Cass didn't know if it came from the dagger itself or from Eris.

My guess? Both or combined! When Eris received the dagger, he said that it has flame in it, and Eris is said to have had flames in his eyes previously.

Last but not least, AFTER Eris had been "possessed" and AFTER the dagger was returned to the Night Court, ERIS NOT LONGER HAS RED FLAME IN HIS EYES, BUT GOLD.

This was in the penultimate chapter! Aka the chapter before the last. SJM always takes great care to put something important or foreshadowish at the end of each book. The last chapter was obviously Nessian and Archeron sisters, since it was the Nessian book and the three sisters are all finally happy together (plus announcing the next book as Elain's) but chapter before that... about Eris? Interesting.

There was so much about him there I for a second thought the next book is going to be about him lol. So much to unpack in that chapter:

Eris was tortured by his father for information (which I think is the hint for Eris not being possessed).

Eris still insists there are some things about him and Mor that Mor hasn't told the Inner Circle.

He wants to explain something to Mor.

He obviously just wants to be friends with the Inner Circle (but that's a discussion for another post).

Cassian, who hates Eris with burning passion throughout the whole book, says he thinks Eris is a good guy, but is too much of a coward to act like it.

It was hinted that Beron did much worse things to Eris during his life, "The male had been raised with every luxury and privilege - on paper. But who knew what terrors Beron had inflicted upon him? Cassin knew Beron had murdered Lucien's lover. If the High Lord of Autumn had been willing to do that, what wouldn't he do?" If you ever read any SJM serials you would know that this wasn't put here just because, it's always foreshadowing with her.

"Because it doesn't add up. You know what a monster your father is and want to usurp him; you act against him in the best interests of not only the Autumn Court but all of the faerie lands; you risk your life to ally with us... and yet you left her in the woods." - Cassian. Do you see all the material for the future book?

"Eris crossed his arms, then winced. As if whatever injuries lay beneath his immaculate clothes ached." I THINK THIS IS A DESCRIPTION OF NOT ONLY ERIS'S CURRENT SITUATION, BUT HIS WHOLE LIFE. As Cass said, born in luxury, raised by a monster.

Eris is generally very fucked up? Not only was it in this last chapter, but it was stated multiple times that his upbringing really damaged him. When Cassian was surprised by the fact Beron tortured him, Eris responded with: "Get that pitying look off your face. I know what sort of creature my father is. I don't need your sympathy." That is an extremely fucked up way to respond to being tortured by one's father, and implicates he was subjected to similar misery earlier in his life.

"Nesta could see he didn't believe them - that he was so used to twisted politics and scheming of his court that even when the simple, easy truth was offered, he could not see it." Again, very messed up mindset, which in the author's language means writing material.

The last line said to Eris in the book is: "Eris was still their ally. Was willing to be tortured to keep their secrets. And Cassian didn't need to be a courtier to know his next words would slice deep, but it would be a necessary wound. Perhaps it would be enough to push him in the right direction. "You know, Eris, I think you might be a decent male, deep down, trapped in a horrible situation." He looked over his shoulder to find Eris's gaze blazing again. But only pity stirred in his chest, pity for a male who has been born into riches, but had been destitute in every way that truly mattered. In every way Cassian had been blessed - blessings that were now overflowing. So Cassian said; "I grew up surrounded by monsters. I've spent my existence fighting them. And I see you, Eris. You're not one of them. Not even close. I think you might even be a good male. You're just too much of a coward to act like it." This was said by Cassian, whom Eris insulted every time they interacted, who hurt his sister, who wanted to steal his mate, whom Cassian said he wanted to kill or leave to die on so so many occasions, who made Cassian feel stupid and insecure every chance he had, and yet Cass of all people found it in his big good heart to see the good in Eris and try to push him to be good.

And now, his eyes burn with golden flames.

There is so so much to unpack and reveal about Eris's character, and SJM couldn't be more obvious with pointing it out. He is definitely going to play a huge role in the next book(s). With his possible new powers, overthrowing Beron, healing from all the emotional and physical trauma inflicted upon him, revealing a lot of secrets he's been keeping, and finding a way to show his true colors.

Also I think Nesta might be the one to help him with it because she at some point says that she deserves to marry him because "she is just like him", and not only in a way that they both insulted Cassian. They both had/had demanding parents which made them cold and unfeeling, preferring to appear as assholes because they don't want and don't know how to be their true kind selves. I think she would a great friend and the best person to help him deal with everything.

And the way Eris obviously likes her which we've seen when they were dancing. How he saw that she really liked spinning around so he went out of his way to spin her on multiple occasions even though it wasn't in the dance protocol. I'm pretty sure that was his way of getting closer to her because he obviously can't do it with words.

[sebstanseabass]

Afterglow (A Bucky Barnes AU fan fiction) - Chapter 11

Afterglow chapters

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

A/N: I am not from the US and I've only been in New York once when I was a kid (I don't remember much lol I was six, I think), so I apologize if some of the places are inaccurate but I tried my very best to do my own research. Anyway, this is one of my favorite chapters I've written and I hope you guys enjoy it as well!

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The first whisper of the Monday air, brushed among the streets of the Upper West Side as you and Bucky decided to grab your running shoes and spend this day outside in the open air, hoping to burn all the calories you consumed last night. With a bottle of water in both your hands, you reached Central Park, catching your breaths. With sweat dripping down your forehead to your eyes, you saw a vacant bench and took the liberty to sit on it with Bucky behind you.

"Do you," Bucky sat beside you, panting and squinting his eyes and shaking off the sweat on his face, "do you run everyday?"

"Not everyday." You chuckled, taking a sip of water. "Four times a week."

"Why do you even like running? I feel like I'm in hell." He sighed, resting his neck on the brace. His breathing was restless and uneven but soon calmed down after a few moments.

"It takes my mind off things. I got a lot going on up here, y'know." You replied with much honesty. "Other people do it to keep in shape but I do it because I need it."

"I've never considered running. I just go to the gym and lift weights. Well, I have my own gym but if I'm being honest with you, I've been slacking off since the day I got here in New York."

You smiled and lifted your eyes to look at him. His face was glistening under the bright morning sun.

"Maybe it's a good thing we ran today." You nudged his shoulder with yours, his sweat-drenched skin rubbing up against your own. "You should run more. The more you do, the less you'll hate it. Trust me."

"You know what, as long as I'm with you, I will." He chuckled. "Ain't running with anybody else but you, doll."

There was a warm sensation moving up towards your cheeks. You didn't know if it was the heat of the sun or the warm blood rushing in but either way, you just knew that a pink flourish was becoming visible on your cheeks.

During that moment all you could muster was: "S-sure."

You hid your face by facing the opposite of Bucky and looked at the crowd that Central Park held. There, across the field lay a dozen picnic blankets on the bright green grass where a bunch of families and couples were reading, eating and talking audibly. Some were sitting underneath the tree for some shade. Some were walking their dogs on a leash and a poop bag ready on hand. Some were tourists with heavy backpacks just walking around. The chirping birds soaring in the air grabbed my attention, making you look up at the sky in which the bright sun hurt your eyes. You closed your eyes after that, trying to regain most of your vision. Once you did, you opened your phone and checked if Peter had left any messages. Unfortunately, there weren't any.

Peter was very vague about where his corporate retreat was, sticking to his notion that in order for him to take his mind off things, he also needed to be away from his real world, whatever that meant.

You sighed, texting Peter anyway, telling him everything was fine and that Bucky had been with you ever since he went away. You asked him how he was and hoped that everything was fine and well, and that he was enjoying his corporate retreat.

"Hey, let me take you somewhere nice today." Bucky said while tapping your sweaty shoulder, making you look up from your phone.

"Why? Where are we going?"

Bucky stood up, typing on his phone and looking around the park. "Wherever my car takes us. I figured since the bar doesn't open on Monday, you and I could do something fun that'll help you relax. Come on, you can go shower in my penthouse. I already have clothes sorted out for you in the guest room."

Your mind was still processing the part where he said that you could go shower in his penthouse.

Confused, you asked. "Wait, now?"

"Yes. Now, get up on your feet. My car's waiting on the road."

He didn't give you much time to comprehend his words, and respond, as he grabbed your hand, pulled you up from the bench. And as you ran, hand in hand, amidst the crowd, there it was again, that after feeling of spontaneity, fleeting; that same feeling you couldn't seem to explain really well — that same feeling you were wishing to avoid.

You and Bucky jogged towards the streets where a black and white Maserati with fully tinted windows was waiting on the side of the street. You thanked Bucky as he opened the door for you. He gave you a cheeky smile in response then hopped in beside you, introducing you to the driver named Howard. Howard nodded his head and smiled at you through the rearview mirror.

Once the car revved forward, you shifted uncomfortably in your seat, weary that your sweat was getting all over the expensive leathered seats of Bucky's car. You moved a bit forward in an oh-so-subtle movement, pushing your body against the strap of the seatbelt across your chest and did your best as you could to avoid sweating all over the seats. With one strong swift move, Bucky pulled your arm back, throwing your back against the seat and told you to relax.

You greeted Leonard with a smile and a wave once you arrived in White Wolf. You and Bucky exchanged some small conversation in the elevator which led right into the penthouse, something about the last time you were here. You both laughed at the memory as you teased him about it.

The penthouse didn't change as much the last time you were here; the only difference was there was no woman with little to no clothing waiting for Bucky to arrive. You looked towards the huge glass windows, your lips curved downward as you were hoping to get a good view of New York that was hiding behind the draped curtains. Bucky led the way towards the guest room in a well-lit hallway on the second floor. You walked under little chandeliers hanging from above. On the walls were duplicate Van Gogh paintings, and framed photographs of nature that blended well with the color scheme of the paintings, as well as the penthouse.

"I picked out some clothes for you that I thought you might like and had my assistant bring them over here." Bucky said, opening the door.

Feeling a bit guilty, you said: "Bucky, you didn't have to."

"I insist. Besides, I'm in charge of you for the whole week." He smiled, leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed.

You playfully rolled your eyes. "I told you, I can take care of myself."

"I'm older than you so you do what I tell you." He just dismissed your remark, and added: "Now go shower. I'll meet you downstairs for some brunch."

With that, Bucky closed the door behind him, leaving you in a state of awe as you looked around the guest room which was twice as big as your room. It was like a duplicate of the living room but smaller, and with a king-sized bed in the middle on the far back with clothes and some towels draped along the edge. A telescope stands near the glass walls. Beside it sits two dainty cushioned chairs, and a miniature coffee table. There was a flat screen 32-inch television facing the bed.

You walked near the curtains, slithered your finger between the noticeable gap and took a small peek outside.

You stepped into the insides of the bathroom which was near the size of your room. Everything felt so unfamiliar to you but you bathed everything in and relaxed as soon as the small prickle of the cold shower water hit the soft spots of your body.

You got out of the guest room, feeling fresh from the cold shower. You wore some cropped halter top, heathered trousers and slipped on some fuzzy slippers that were quite big for your size, even though your feet were already big. You quickly assumed it was Bucky's.

"Did you, by any chance, get me some shoes too?" You joked as you approached the kitchen, eyeing the bagels on a big plate on the rectangular island in the center. You hopped on one of the high stools, grabbed one and smeared cream cheese on it. "Just kidding, I love these fuzzy slippers."

Bucky's back was facing you, busy flipping some pancakes on the stove. "You're not wearing that outside. And yes, I do have some but they're mostly Peter's. Don't worry he hasn't used them yet."

"That's alright. We're the same size."

Bucky turned around, a big pan on his right hand. He approached you and flipped a pancake on top of a tower of pancakes on a plate.

"You like the clothes I picked out for you?" He asked and sat down on the high stool.

"Yes, thank you. But seriously, you didn't have to."

"Okay, so let me get this straight... You let me pay for food and alcohol but not clothes?"

You laughed. "It's a different thing! Those were cheap, these," you touched the fabric of your shirt and trousers, "are obviously expensive. They don't have that thrift smell my clothes have. And besides, I need food but not clothes so you paying for my food was a big win for me."

Now, it was his turn to laugh, shoving a piece of pancake into his mouth. "Okay from now on, all I should hear from you when I give you stuff is thank you."

"But... why?"

"Because social convention dictates us to."

"I know, but, why are you giving me stuff?"

"How else am I going to keep you around?" He winked as he continued to chew.

"Bucky." You warned.

"Okay, okay." He chuckled. "The thing to know about me is I love spoiling people — people that I trust and I'm obviously comfortable around you."

Not knowing any other way to answer, you just said: "Oh, well... Thank you."

"And of course, the thing I said before too." He laughed and you threw a bagel at him in response.

You and Bucky enjoyed your little brunch while planning the day ahead of you: go around Fifth Street, and perhaps Broadway, maybe go to the Chelsea market and as Bucky said: "Just go wherever our feet take us!"

Once both of you were done, you headed down White Wolf, with Bucky's Maserati waiting in front. You greeted Howard as you climbed in.

"You know what would be nice?" You started once the car moved forward. "Capturing people's moments in a crowded street." You said, picturing Fifth Street in your head.

"Oh, that's right." Bucky replied. "Here." With his large hand, he handed you a camera. But it wasn't just any camera. It was yours.

"Wait, is this my camera?" You asked, taking it from him. He nodded in response. "Bucky, what the hell, you went through my stuff?"

"Not me. Howard."

"Howard?!"

"Don't worry, miss," Howard spoke, glancing through the rearview mirror where you saw your own reflection, "I didn't take anything else and put everything back in place. I just did what Mr. Barnes told me to do."

"James." You scolded.

"What are you James-ing me for?" He said, leaning against the seat, clearly stifling a laugh. "He's the one who went through your stuff!"

"You are such a child." You rolled your eyes. "You're the one who told him to."

"You heard him, he didn't take anything else."

"Next time you pull something like this, you ought to let me know okay?"

He lifted his eyes to look at you, teeth biting his inner cheek, a smile wanting to reveal itself. "Okay."

You sighed but you also couldn't help but smile at your camera. It had been a long time since you've operated it as you have been so busy in the bar and hadn't had clients for a while now. You closed it immediately, seeing as the battery was just at fifty percent.

You and Bucky got out of the vehicle as soon as Howard reached Fifth street and entered the Lacoste building with no rush. You held your camera close to your chest, the strap feeling a bit heavier on the back of your neck as the hours passed but the weight of pleasure of taking photos of the street from the inside of the glass windows overwhelmed that.

All the stores looked so unfamiliar to you. The stores you usually go to had dimly-lit rooms with low ceilings, and instead of tiled floors and walls, they had chipped to almost rotten wood walls. The smell of new clothes in these designer stores filled your lungs, the bright incandescent lights nearly caused blindness to your eyes, the amount of men and women dressed in suits, stockings, and skirts were nothing you had ever seen before, designer clothes were hanging on racks color-codedly, or by season, or by new and old collection, the eyes of the security guards in each entrance lurked from miles away until you get inside the store, and today, you have seen Bucky's sleek, black credit card get swiped into the little machines a hundred times. He bought some clothes for himself, and Peter, whom he actually promised to.

Bucky even handed you some clothes, told you to put them on and when they did fit you, he immediately went towards the counter.

Feeling as if everything was too much, you refused but all he said was:

"From now on, when I buy you things all you have to say is thank you."

Overpowered, you just nodded and said exactly what he wanted you to say: "Thank you." And as hours passed more shopping bags were in my bags (yes, you insisted to carry what he had bought you, and when he refused, you gave him back his words, a little taste of his own medicine: "From now on, when you buy me things all you have to do is let me carry them.")

"Ah, throwing my words back to me. I see."

As you walked around a whole lot more, side by side, exposed elbows and lonely fingers constantly brushing against each other, you talked about things you both loved. Nothing about Bucky's hotel business, nothing about the bar, just the things in life which made you both happy — photographs, paintings, and everything about art. He saw the world through yours. You were just beginning to see his but the details weren't enough for you. You craved more of what was in his mind and in his life — no, not the business, parties, booze and all that.

But the things that separate him from that world, and the things he grew up with before that.

A lot of questions swarmed in your head, trying to think of ways to ask them but Bucky merely insisted on knowing you. All of you. But just like him, you too had your guards up, especially around your family issues.

Then you reached Chelsea market. You didn't know how but you did. You spotted Bucky's car parked on one street and told you to leave all the things he had bought inside. After saying your goodbye to Howard who, afterwards, drove towards the bumper-to-bumper traffic in Manhattan, you and Bucky headed to wherever your feet you. You were feeling a ton lighter without the shopping bags dragging your hands and you could now freely touch and open your camera.

Bucky, with a Grande Starbucks cup in one hand, looked around with a big smile planted on his face. You walked around, seeing the art district of New York through your lenses. You grabbed Bucky's attention by calling his name and when he turned around, you snapped a shot of him. Eyes wide. Brows furrowed together. Lips in a state of bafflement.

"Hey, delete that!" He protested.

You laughed, turning your body in the opposite direction. "No way! It's a good picture!"

"No, it's not!"

You kept on laughing, mumbling a bunch of "sorry"s and "excuse me"s along the way, the camera still shoved in your face.

Your lens caught a familiar name from afar, printed in neon red: Wanda. You stood there in the middle of the crowd, leaving Bucky to wonder what had happened.

"Let's go there." You said, making your way across the street where it was.

"Where?"

"Just follow me."

Bucky held no questions no more as your feet treaded towards the building of Wanda's studio. Once you reached it, you merely stood meters away from it, looking at the sign.

"Wandavision." You mumbled under your breath then bit your inner cheek afterwards, contemplating if you should go in and say hi but that didn't matter anymore because standing behind the tall glass windows was Wanda herself.

Again, she gave you that oh-so-sweet smile of hers, long red locks cascading down her shoulder as she walked towards the door. You gestured to Bucky to come with you, no questions asked.

"Y/n!" Wanda exclaimed, wrapping her arms around you as you and Bucky entered the building. "Oh, it's so good to see you."

"You too, Wanda."

"And who's this dapper man of yours?"

Beside you, Bucky's body vibrated, a chuckle coming out of his mouth as he offered his hand. "I'm Bucky Barnes. Nice to meet you."

Wanda shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, too." She gave you a knowing smile, taunting you, but you dismissed her assumptions by shaking your head no, and then she pouted.

Wanda led you further down her large, wide studio, giving us a tour.

"I'm quite surprised you came by, Y/n."

"We were just walking around the market and saw your studio." You replied. "Wanda, what you have here is... so beautiful."

"Thank you. I really appreciate that. I've wanted this since I was a little girl. It's always been the dream."

The inside was bright, with fair white walls, floor and ceiling, and smelled of fresh lavender. On one corner, it smelled of fabrics, make-up, and hairspray. Framed photos of Wanda hung on the walls. There was a dressing area on a corner, and a comfortable couch, perhaps, for visitors as well as the models. A mini kitchen stood in the far back. On top of the cute marbled island was a coffee maker, and a mini fridge. There was one room solely for the post-production process, her main office. A giant paper backdrop had taken a huge space on the floor. Around it were different kinds of large lights, tripods, chairs and other expensive equipment for photography.

She had it all. Everything you've pictured yourself having.

Wanda had it all.

"You've come at the right time. There's not much going on today but I have tons of clients coming for the next few days but really, feel free to come by anytime you want."

"I will, thank you."

Howard picked you right up outside Wandavision. The whole ride was filled with uncomfortable silence.

"Your friend's really nice." Bucky said, trying to clear the atmosphere. "She's a bit too chatty for me but she's nice."

"Yeah." You answered, your head pressed against the window. "Really nice."

"Are you okay, doll?"

You hummed. "I am. Just a bit tired s'all."

"Listen, I just have to head to the White Wolf but Howard will drop you by the apartment, okay? The shopping bags are already there but you don't have to worry about them, I'll take care of them as soon as I get back. Just take a rest, okay? Maybe a short nap. I'll grab you dinner on the way. How does that sound?"

Tired to even tell him you didn't need to babied, you just said: "Okay. Thank you, Bucky."

You did as Bucky told you to. You ignored the bags sitting on the couch, placed your camera on your nightstand and took a damn nap. When you woke up, instead of feeling better, you felt sick to your stomach. Your phone lit up, a message from Bucky displayed on the screen:

"Sorry for the delay. I'm currently stuck in traffic. I'll see you in 20."

You sighed and with an empty stomach, and an occupied mind, you put on your jacket, anticipating a cold rush, grabbed your keys to the bar and headed down. You went straight behind the counter, jumped over it and found an unopened vodka.

You drank the vodka, drank all your troubles away and as you sat there on the floor, weeping, the place you worked at felt too much familiar to you. So much so that you began to hate it and to hate the kind of life you had been living. Who were you fucking kidding? No, you didn't like juggling two jobs. It sucked. Even though it had been giving you the ability to pay half of the rent, it still sucked.

This wasn't what you wanted.

A few moments have passed. You were already on your second bottle. There was a sound coming from the back which began to startle you. A certain Steve emerged from his office, a look of concern evident on his face.

"Stevieeee!" You stood up, well, tried to anyway. "You're here!"

"Y/n, what the hell." He took you in his big muscular arms, his one hand carefully yanking the bottle of vodka on your hand and placing it on the counter. "You're drunk. You should go home. Where's Peter?"

"He's away. He left. Wait, why are you here?"

"I just had to take care of some things."

"Is Nat back there with you? It's okay, shh, shh, I know about you too."

"Oh, God. Did she tell you?"

"Puh-lease! You imprinted your scent on her like a werewolf."

He just sighed. "Let's get you to your apartment."

"Don't worry, Stevie, I won't tell. Hey, call Bucky. Grab my phone. It's on my ass." You giggled and then hiccuped. He carefully grabbed your phone from your back pocket, let you enter my password which took forever, and then called Bucky.

"He'll be here in a minute or two." Steve said, sliding your phone back in your pocket. "Let's get you seated, alright?"

He sat you in one of the booths. "I'll get you some water, okay?"

You didn't respond. Your eyes were fixated on the photos on the wall. With your breath rapidly increasing, you stood by your knees, and grabbed as many photos as you could. Steve slid in the booth with you, handing you a glass of water. You took a small sip, avoiding his eyes.

"What happened, y/n?"

You didn't give him an answer to his question and just downed the water. But you did ask him something. "Why'd you buy my photos, Steve? Is it because you pitied me that day?"

"What? No, I truly believe you have amazing photos."

"But what?"

"What?"

"There's always a but. What is it, Steve?"

"But nothing, y/n."

"Liar." You muttered. "You're a liar."

"Look, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on."

"I don't need help. I'm not a child!"

"You clearly are, especially when you're behaving like one. You come in here, drink an expensive bottle of whiskey, cry on the floor and ask me a bunch of ridiculous things. It's okay to ask for help sometimes."

"I'll pay for the bottle if that's what you're asking."

"No, I don't care about that. I care about what's going on with you right now because this isn't you, y/n."

"Oh please, you don't. You just pity me! That's why you bought those two photos, that's why you let me put my photos up here in the bar. I'm no good, Steve! I'm no good."

"Y/n — "

Then, a door slammed, a running Bucky coming inside. "Hey, doll. I'm here. Hey, hey, what happened?"

"Let's just go, Bucky." You stood up beside Bucky who held your waist for balance.

"Thank you for calling me." Bucky told Steve.

"Just take her home safely."

"I live right upstairs." You groaned.

"And make sure she doesn't drink anymore or do anything stupid." Steve scolded, his eyes locked on yours.

Bucky held you all the way towards the outside of the bar, and guided you towards the steps that led to the sidewalk. A black limo was on the street. With the windows rolled down, Howard asked, "Is everything alright, Mr. Barnes?"

"Everything's okay, Howie. You can go back now."

"Wait!" You exclaimed, slipping away from Bucky's arms and headed towards the limo. "Howard, take us somewhere."

"Y/n, what are you doing?"

You didn't give him time to wait for an answer as you opened the door and climbed inside the spacious limo. Bucky climbed in, confused.

"Y/n, are you going to tell me what's going on?"

You gave no answer, instead, you gave Howard the address. "450 West 15th Street."

The ride was more silent and shorter. He tried offering you food he had bought but you kindly refused, dreading to get out of the limo. You held on to your photos so tight that marks, scratches and folds were visible even in the dark.

When you reached your destination, you quickly hopped out, with Bucky following you.

"What are we doing back here?"

You were standing in front of Wanda's studio, the red neon lights illuminating on the concrete street, giving a bit of life on this side of New York.

You sat down on the floor, against a big pot of plant, your eyes never leaving the sign. Bucky, still confused, followed suit anyway.

"You know, my parents told me I'd never make it here. The day I left my home to live here, they told me, 'you'll never amount to anything. You'll never have a good life in New York. You'll never make it as a photographer. That's not a real job.' And I told them I will make it that I'll work my ass off, blood, sweat, tears, I'll do anything to prove them wrong. But don't you just hate it when they're right? I left my family, lost my communication to my siblings for this ridiculous dream I've been chasing for years. Everything I've done here feels like nothing."

At this point, you didn't want to hear anything or anyone besides yourself. So you were more than glad to hear nothing from Bucky, and to feel his fingers interlaced with yours.

"Wanda and I met in college; a year younger than me. We shared a love for photography and arts. Then we kind of just lost touch after I graduated. And then I saw her a week ago. She looked so happy and so content and I could feel her pity on me, her eyes, her touch. It was the first time I felt so small and I didn't think I could feel smaller but then we went here. Everything I wanted for myself, the things I pictured myself having and doing... She's living it. She's out there and I'm not. And I really hoped that by now, I've proved my parents wrong but turns out they're right. They were right all along. I don't amount to anything. I'm nothing."

"Wandavision." You laughed bitterly. "Wanda's vision. That right there. That's fucking clever."

"Let's get you home, doll. Please?"

"I want to stay, Bucky."

"We'll talk when we get back. Please, y/n."

You didn't agree to anything but he lifted you up anyway, guiding you towards the limo which was still on the street.

The partition was up. Even though Howard was inside the limo as well, at that moment it was just you and Bucky.

So, you cried, like how the skies cried, in Bucky's arms. You wept for all the unpaid rent and debts, for the menial job that you ended up in, for your failed career as a photographer, for your selfish parents, for your isolation from your college friends, for your insecurities, for your dog that died when you left for college, for your former lover that abused you, for the books you left unread, for all the wrong choices, for all the money you wasted during your college days, for all the toxic people you've ever met, for all the alcohol stains you had to wipe for years, for all the food intake during your peak of stress in school, for the only cherries you tasted, for the drunk sex you've always regretted, for the drunk kiss with Peter you've always regretted, and for the incoming mistake you were about to do.

"Kiss me." You whispered, lifting your head from his chest. "Kiss me, Bucky."

He shook his head no. Your noses touched. "Why not?" Your breaths moved together.

"Because right now, you're a mess." He whispered. "You're very vulnerable and drunk. I can't."

"I'm giving you all the consent I need. Kiss me."

"Not like this, doll."

Instead of going for your dry lips, he placed his lips on your forehead, his mouth and breath lingering. "Not like this."