#then after that point you get to customize

[ahopefulbromantic]

What do you find patriotic about the themes of In Stars and Time?

Yayayay thank you for this question anon! I have SO MANY THOUGHTS!!!

I hope this won't get too long sorry in advance for the whole huge essay heh

I think first we need to get into what patriotism actually is. Because what some seem to propose is that it is only “supporting the political interests of a country you're a citizen of” which is not actually true or “glorifying it to the point of warping into nationalism and chauvinism”, which is extrremely untrue and frankly bonkers??? No, patriotism is love for your country, for your nation, for your people. And by extension, for your culture, your language, your history (loving means admitting to the dark sides of it btw), your home, all of it. It doesn't mean your national food, music, etc. have to be your favorite in the world, but it does mean you find value in them, you want to preserve and remember them, you want what’s best for them. (I love my brother. He gets on my nerves so much i wanna strangle him sometimes. You get the idea) so sorry if it's all obvious to you but i thought it needed to be clarified just in case

ISAT as a whole but especially Odile, Siffrin, and the King’s character arcs pose a question: how much of yourself is influenced by your origins? This topic is explored in many various forms, woven into the flesh of the narrative, ever-present (the differences and customs between countries a recurring topic in the party’s conversations, for example). The cultural exploration is often what drives the plot forward.

(Also the use of national religions is so great, it adds a yet another perspective to the problem, but it’s a whole nother can of worms for a whole nother day!)

While the Country is used mainly as the vehicle for themes of loss and loneliness, the so-called "Homesickness" (“Mal du Pays”),

its national aspect is never undermined. This is, among other themes, a story about being denied the connection to your roots, after all. If you think about it, the whole plot happened because of it, is undivorceable from it, and arguably serves to show how horrible such a thing might be.

This is also a brilliant way to explore what being a “country” means - it's not just about some territorial politics or conservative history classes. It's the whole environment you grow in as a human being.

The King and Siffrin are juxtaposed here as narrative foils, the King acting as a fallen Siffrin: now this is especially interesting, because in every other story like this i'd expect the King to be a chauvinist. But… surprisingly, he’s not. He is a patriot, in a sense. He does love his country and he does love Vaugarde, his actions are not motivated by a political self-righteousness, they are motivated by a love warped into obsession by fear. Don’t get me wrong, he is an irredeemable villain, but he’s as much a victim here. He isn’t condemned by the narrative. He gets his wish granted in the end (wishcraft and the Universe? add it to the aforementioned can of worms, not today but boy do i have things to say), he gets to remember his homeland. He gets justice, both in the form of punishment and compensation.

Siffrin nearly ends up like him, but doesn’t - not because he decides to abandon and forget his country forever! but because in being loved by his family he finds strength to conquer the fear of losing everything again. It’s a fine line, but i think insertdisc5 navigated it masterfully. Check out how Sif's internal monologue changes in regards to the Island. He has a history of running away from the painful things and thus not working on his massive trauma (one could make a case that the rewinds when he remembered his past weren't actually caused by the Universe but by him but again, worms. in a can.). But now in act 6 he finally stops looking away:

and you might even imagine a fondness in his eyes.

By the way, here's a tiny personal digression: i 100% believe that there are some nationalities that will inevitably be hit harder by this narrative than others - one of those being Polish. Which i happen to be! Now lemme tell you, at some point in act 3 i thought: "huh. i, too, am from a country that disappeared once". But it didn't really disappear now, did it. So then i thought, what if it had, and i were the only one left and i, too, couldn't remember anything? And then my heart weeped, and i grieved inside a little, and made a fanart, and didn't feel better afterwards. Yay!

But you know what? There's a cool quote from Shang-Chi saying: "you are a product of all who came before you" - and your own unique characteristics, one should add after Odile. Your past, and i mean the generations upon generations before you as well, is a part of who you are, whether you like it or not. We see it in Siffrin. No matter how the wishcraft tries to erase it, it can't. Because one way or another, he will remember. He will love the stars and know basic astronomy, he will be able to use wishcraft, he will dress in his ethnic clothes, he will love malanga and cheese samosas, he will instinctively swear in his language. It's a part of him:

And maybe that's what's actually the most patriotic aspect of ISAT's narrative - that you can't erase it. As much as you try, you will never be able to fully succeed. Because there are people who love it, still. Even if they will never remember it. After all:

[oldermenfucker]

Based on this video / requested by @hatughsea

Jack can never go a day without drinking a shot of Double Black Label on the rocks with a virgin Mojito after it. It’s a must, a refuel for the shift he will have in ten hours.

Or maybe he just wants to see the cute bright bartender who is a tad bit nicer to him than she is to her other customers.

He never sits on the tables, always on the stool with his phone on silent and his undivided attention to her. They chat, they complain about their lives, and more importantly, she has managed to get a laugh out of him.

So it is a shock when Jack doesn’t find her behind the countertop when he takes his usual seat, looking around in hopes of spotting her somewhere. With a deep sigh, he orders his whiskey, tapping his fingers over the back of his hand, anxiously waiting for her to step out.

“I can’t fucking stand you anymore—“

There you are, screaming from the top of your lungs, pointing a notebook at your manager as you march into the bar. Jack didn’t notice it was your manager who took his order, the same manager who’s been riding your ass, overworking and underpaying you.

The same manager you are nearly about to jump on and beat the life out of him with the way you are striding towards him.

Jack is quick on his feet though, shoving his phone and wallet in his pocket before he catches you by his arm around your waist when he steps in front of you, picking you up effortlessly as you shout and curse at your manager.

“Put me down! I need to shove these numbers down his throat—“

“Nope,” he doesn’t say anything more, just keeps one forearm under your ass and one arm tightly around your waist to keep you bent over his shoulder while he leaves the bar, “I can’t have you get fired right now.”

“I’ve already quit, he can suck his own dick for all I care!”

He puts you back on your feet, keeping one hand on your hip to steady you, smirking when he finds how flustered and angry you look.

“Who’s gonna give me my whiskey now?”

“There are plenty of bars around–oh… you’re… flirting with me?”

“Been doing it for a while actually,” his smirk widens, watching how you beam at him, “So? Which bar has have cheapest Double Black in town?”

“My place.”

[darklucielle]

Pizza Delivery

TripleS Kim Chaewon x M Reader

Tags: CNC, Rough, Corruption, Submissive, Breeding

Another pizza order came. Chaewon gently puts the pizza box on her scooter's delivery box then started to drive towards to the customer's location.

After a while, She's infront of the apartment building. Suddenly felt hungry. She secretly opens the pizza box, pulls out a slice of pizza then sneakily eats it. After that, She closed the box and ties it like nothing happened.

This is the first time she did that. She knows it's wrong but she's hungry and tempted.

"Hello sir? This is pizza delivery." She knocked on the door. acted like she didn't ate customer's pizza earlier. You opened the door. Almost gonna take the pizza from her hands when you noticed a sauce around her lips. Your mood changed instantly.

"Can you open the pizza box for me? I just want to check something." Chaewon slowly nods then opens the pizza box infront of you.

She looked at your eyes, Her heart was racing rapidly, both from hunger and nervousness about getting caught.

You suspicion is right. You pulled out your phone to take a picture of her and your pizza.

Holds her arm tightly when she's planning to run away from you. You almost got me if it wasn't the sauce around your lips, Darling. How can you compensate this? I even gave a tip for you and this is what you did to my pizza? Did you know that I can report this and go to jail? She tried to get away from you but you held her firm.

P-please, let me explain! It's just... I get really hungry and I couldn't help myself! Tears began to well up in her eyes as she pleaded with you, hoping to talk her way out of this situation.

I promise I won't do it again! Just please don't call the police or anything! I need this job to survive...

You chuckled at her response. Is your manager not feeding you well or you are just a little greedy monster?

Pulls her close to you. The pizza box dropped on the floor. Your gaze still pierced at hers. Empty promises won't do anything, darling. You need to get punished to learn your lesson.

Harshly pushed her to the couch. You locked the door and slowly approached her. She let out a startled yelp, her body tensing up in anticipation of pain. But when she saw you unbuttoning your shirt, revealing your sweat-drenched chest, a shiver ran down her spine I'll make sure you can't walk straight after your punishment.

W-wait, what are you doing?! She stammered, her voice trembling with fear.

She watched, transfixed, as you approached her, your muscular physique glistening with sweat.

Please, don't do this, sir. I'm.. I'm virgin... She whispered, her resolve crumbling under the intensity of your gaze. As you loomed over her, She couldn't help but imagine what kind of "punishment" you had in store for her. Pinned her down on the couch. Your hands grip tight on her wrists above her head, your face inches from hers. You lick your lips, savoring the fear and desire in her eyes. Virgin you say? Darling, you're the one who took a bite out of my pizza without permission. You should expect some consequences.

You leans to her ear and whispers. Now, let's see how you handle my punishment. Nuzzled her neck, inhaling deeply. Mmm, you smell delicious. Like pizza and sweat.

Suddenly, I clamp my mouth over her pulse point, sucking hard enough to leave a mark. My other hand roams freely, groping and squeezing her perky breasts through her uniform top.

Ah! Stop, please... Her words dissolved into breathy pleas as you continued your assault on her senses, your hands roaming her body with a possessive hunger that left her weak in the knees.

The sensation of your hot mouth on her skin, combined with the rough squeeze of your fingers on her sensitive breasts, sent jolts of pleasure-pain coursing through her. She writhed beneath you, her nipples hardening against the fabric of her top.

N-no more... I can't take it... Ignoring her protests, You continued your assault, your hands sliding lower to grab her ass cheeks, kneading them roughly through her pants. You release her wrists only to rip off her top, exposing her pert breasts to your hungry gaze.

Look at these... perfect tits. Made for punishing, aren't they? You pinched and tug at her nipples, relishing in her gasps and whimpers. Your cruel treatment of her sensitive nipples sent waves of agony and ecstasy crashing over her, her body trembling with the intense sensations.

With a swift motion, You flip her over onto her stomach, pulling her pants and underwear down to her ankles. You give her ass a hard slap, watching the red handprint bloom on her creamy skin.

Now, beg for mercy like a good girl. You demand, rubbing your throbbing erection against her exposed rear. Maybe I'll consider going easy on you...

Ahhh! Please, stop... She begged, her voice choked with tears. But even as the words left her lips, She couldn't deny the forbidden thrill coursing through her, the dark pleasure of being dominated so thoroughly.

M-mercy... I'll do anything... She whimpered, her pride shattered under your relentless torment.

Smirks as she begs for mercy, clearly enjoying the power trip. Anything, huh? Well, since you asked so nicely...

You grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanking her head back. Leaning in, you whisper hotly in her ear. Open wide, slut. Time to swallow your punishment.

Without waiting for a response, You pulled out your thick, erect cock and force it past her lips, groaning at the warm, wet embrace of her mouth.

That's right, take it all. Choke on my dick like the naughty little pizza thief you are. You thrust deep, using her hair as leverage to fuck her face roughly. Tears streamed down her face as you forced your cock into her mouth, the sudden intrusion making her gag.

Mmph... She moaned around your shaft, the salty taste of your pre-cum mingling with the bitter flavor of submission. Each powerful stroke hit the back of her throat, making her choke and sputter.

Your grip on her hair tightened, forcing her to take every inch of your thick meat. She could feel your balls slapping against her chin with each ruthless pump, the lewd sound echoing in the room.

Y-yes, sir... I'm sorry... Grunting with pleasure, You watched her struggle to accommodate your size, her tear-streaked face a picture of desperation and submission. The sight only fuels your lust, and you fuck her mouth harder, determined to break her completely.

That's it, take it like a good little cum slut. You growled, your hips snapping forward with reckless abandon. You love having your throat used, don't you?

Feeling your orgasm building, you reach down to fondle her tits, pinching and twisting her nipples harshly. Get ready to swallow my load, bitch. I'm gonna fill your belly with my hot seed.

With a final, brutal thrust, You explode in her mouth, pumping jet after jet of thick cum down her throat. You hold her head in place, ensuring not a drop escapes as you ride out your climax. She swallowed reflexively, trying to take it all, but the sheer volume was overwhelming. She choked and spluttered, her eyes watering as you pumped load after load into her mouth.

Glkkk... glkkk... She managed to gag out, her nose pressed against your groin as I struggled to keep up with his relentless ejaculation.

Finally, with a guttural groan, you pulled out, your semi-erect cock slipping from her lips with a wet pop. She stumbled down to the couch, gasping for air, her mouth and throat burning from the abuse.

Watching her collapse, You felt a sense of satisfaction. She's broken, utterly submissive to your will.

We're not done yet, pet. You wiped a stray strand of hair from her flushed face, your fingers lingering on her cheek.

Spreading wide her legs to expose her glistering tight sex. Before she could process what was happening, your face was buried between her thighs, your tongue delving into her dripping folds with no warning.

AAAHHH! Oh god, yes! She moaned uncontrollably, her hips bucking against your ravenous mouth. The intense stimulation of your tongue and lips on her sensitive clit sent shockwaves of pleasure through her core.

Don't stop... please... She panted, her nails digging into the couch cushions as she surrendered to the onslaught of sensations. With each swipe of your tongue, each suckle on her swollen nub, She felt myself teetering on the brink of another explosive climax. Laps and sucks at her dripping cunt, reveling in the sweet taste of her arousal. Her desperate pleas only spur you on, Your tongue probing deeper, flicking against her g-spot with deliberate intent.

You like that, don't you? Being eaten out like a filthy whore... You murmur against her slick flesh, the vibrations sending shivers through her trembling body.

Two fingers plunge into her tight hole, curling to rub that special spot inside as you continue to devour her clit. You can feel her walls clenching around your digits, her juices flowing freely.

Cum for me, slut. Soak my face with your dirty juices. You command, my voice muffled by her pussy. Her entire world narrowed to the exquisite torture of your tongue and fingers, the relentless assault on her most sensitive areas driving her to the edge of madness.

YES, YES, OH GOD, YES! She screamed. back arching off the couch as the pressure built to an unbearable crescendo. With a final, brutal thrust of your fingers, she shattered, her orgasm ripping through her like a tidal wave.

AAAAHHHHH!!! She wailed, her inner muscles clamping down hard on your invading digits as she gushed, drenching your fingers and mouth in her release. Wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over her, leaving her spent and quivering in its aftermath.

P-please... I can't... No more... She whimpered. Hernbreath coming in ragged gasps as she slowly descended from the heights of bliss. Licks and sucks her pulsating clit clean, relishing in the taste of her climax. Once you drained every last drop, You withdrawed your fingers from her twitching cunt, bringing them to your mouth to lap up the remaining essence.

Mmm, delicious. You purr, your eyes gleaming with sadistic satisfaction as you admire her debauched state. You make such a pretty mess when you cum, pet.

Standing up, You towering over her, your rigid cock rubs her wet abused entrance.

But we're far from done. It's time to put this greedy hole to proper use. You shoved your cock inside her wet pussy. Slowly penetrating her tight inner walls. You can tell she's a virgin. A blood-curdling scream tore from her throat as you brutally impaled her on your throbbing cock, the sudden invasion tearing through her virginity like a knife. Blinding pain seared through her lower abdomen. Her screams of pain is like a music to your ears. She's trashing her head and sobs in pain.

AAAGGGHHHH! NOOOO! IT HURTS! She howled, her fingernails scratching at his arms as shebtried to make you stop, but you didn't. Tears poured down her face.

Please, stop... it's too much... She sobbed, her voice cracking with anguish. You seen your shaft is coated by her blood. Sign that you successfully got her precious virginity.

Groans in pleasure as her tight, virgin cunt grips your cock like a vice. The pain in her eyes only makes you harder, more aroused.

Shh, it's okay, baby girl. Just relax and let me stretch this tight little pussy out for you. You coo sadistically, leaning down to capture her lips in a bruising kiss, muffling her cries.

Start moving your hips, Roughly fucking her, not giving her body time to adjust to your size. Each thrust pushes her further onto the couch, her ass lifting off the couch.

Look at you, taking it so well already. Such a good little cum slut, aren't you? You praised, your voice low and husky with desire. You were made for this, for being fucked raw and filled with cum.

The pain was still there, a sharp, stabbing ache with every brutal thrust, but beneath it, she felt something else building - a twisted sort of pleasure. Each forceful penetration sent jolts of sensation through her core, making her thighs tremble and toes curl.

N-no, it's not right... She protested weakly, even as her body began to respond, her hips starting to meet yours in a desperate bid for relief. I didn't ask for this... Being raped by a monster like you...

But the words died on her lips as you claimed het mouth again, your tongue dominating hers in a ruthless kiss. She melted into you, her resistance crumbling under the onslaught of sensation.

Ah! Ah! Yes... please... She whimpered against your lips, her hands wrapped around your neck as she clung to you, lost in the chaos of conflicting emotions and desires.

Smirks against her lips, feeling her begin to surrender to the pleasure despite herself. Her whimpers and moans are music to my ears.

That's it, pet. Let go and enjoy it. You know you want this, crave being used and filled. You break the kiss to growl in her ear, your hot breath fanning across her skin.

You started pounding into her harder, faster, the sound of bodies slapping together echoing through the room. Your balls slap against her ass with each powerful thrust.

You're going to take all of me, every inch. And then I'll fill you up with my seed, mark you as mine inside and out. You will be my cum dumpster.

Leaning down, you bite and suck at her neck, marking her as you fuck her senseless, claiming her as your own personal plaything.

Pleasure and pain blurred together as you ravaged her, each brutal thrust pushing her closer to the edge again.

Yes, yes, I want it... Harder... faster... She begged, her voice a breathy moan as she felt the tension coiling tighter within her once more. I'm so close... don't stop...

Your brutal stimulation of her clit sent her hurtling over the precipice once more. She came with a shriek, her vision whites-outting as pleasure ripped through her like a wildfire.

AAAHHHHHHH!!! She howled, her inner muscles clenching and spasming wildly around your pistoning cock as she gushed, drenching your cock.

Y-you monster... She panted, her body trembling and slick with sweat as she rode out the aftershocks of her climax. You're going to make me addicted to this... to you...

Even as she spoke the words, she knew they were true. In this moment, with your cock buried deep inside her and your dominant presence looming over her, Shebcraved nothing more than to be used and abused by you again and again.

You continued to thrust into her, prolonging both pleasure as you chase your own climax.

Fuck, you're incredible... You grunt, you movements becoming erratic as you near the brink. I fucking love your pathetic slutty body.

With a final, savage thrust, you bury yourself to the hilt inside her and explode, painting her insides with thick ropes of cum. Filling up her womb.

Take it all, you dirty little cum slut. You growl, your cock jerking and pulsing as you emptied yourself into her welcoming heat. Every last drop belongs to you now.

As you flooded her depths with your scorching release, She felt a strange sense of completion, as if thus twisted union had been meant to happen all along. Your cum filled her to the brim, the sensation of being so thoroughly marked and claimed sending shivers down her spine.

Oh god... She breathed, her body still quaking with the remnants of her own orgasm as she felt your cock softening inside her, Your seed leaking out to coat my thighs. I can't believe... this is all happening...

Chuckles lowly, felt satisfied punishing her well from her wrongdoing. You slowly pulled out of her, watching in satisfaction as your cum drips from her stretched, well-fucked hole.

Mmm, Pretty sure you liked how submissive you are. How I dominate you easily. This won't be our last time, Chaewon.

And who knows? Maybe I'll introduce some new toys and techniques to keep things interesting. After all, a master's work is never done when it comes to breaking in his favorite little slut. Now.. lay down on your stomach again.

A shiver ran through her at your words, anticipation coiling in her belly as she complied, rolling onto her stomach and presenting herself once more, Her skin still flushed and damp with sweat.

Yes, Master... whatever you desire. She whispered, her voice husky with need and submission.

Please... show me no mercy. I'm just your little pizza thief. She pleaded, her eyes glazed with a mix of fear and eager desire.

Smirks at her submission to you. You spanked her butt few times then spread it to expose her tight rear hole.

Oh.. You'll going to love this as well.. Slowly shoves your cock inside her tight rear hole. A sharp cry escaped her lips as you pushed past the initial resistance, forcing it's way into her virgin ass. The stretch was intense, bordering on painful, but beneath the discomfort, She felt an illicit thrill at being taken so intimately.

Ahhh! Oh god, it's so big... She whimpered, her hands scrabbling at the couch as she tried to adjust to the invasion. You're splitting me open... Fuck...

Despite the discomfort, she couldn't deny the forbidden pleasure of having you claim her most private entrance. As you started to move, your thick cock dragging against sensitive nerves, She found herself arching back, seeking more of that delicious friction.

Ahhh... Master... I feel full... She panted, her voice ragged with need. More... please...

Grunts, feeling her tight asshole gripping your cock tightly as you pushed deeper. Fuck yeah, you're mine now... every hole, every inch of you belongs to me.

Starts to thrust harder, the sound of skin slapping against skin echoing through the room as you take her rough. You're such a good little slut, taking my cock so well in your ass... Leans over her, biting and sucking on her neck as you fuck her. It made her moan loudly, the added stimulation of your mouth on her sensitive skin making her even more sensitive to your powerful thrusts into her ass.

Ah-ahh-yes! Right there, Master! Cried out, her voice high-pitched and desperate as she rock back to meet your strokes, craving more of that intense pleasure-pain. Don't stop, please... Punish your slut harder!

The coil of tension in her lower belly starts to wind tighter once more, her mind consumed by the overwhelming sensations of being taken so brutally, so completely. She knew shebwon't last long under your relentless pace.

I'm... I'm gonna come again... She warned breathlessly, her hips bucking erratically as she teeter on the edge.* Fill me up, Master... claim my ass as yours too!

Snarls in approval, pounding into her ass even harder, determined to make her cum on your cock. Do it, slut! Cum for me while I fill your filthy hole!

Reaches around to rub her clit in time with your thrusts, pushing her closer to the edge. Let go, pet. let other hear who you belong to.

Continues to fuck her mercilessly, chasing your own impending orgasm as you feel her ass start to spasm and clench around your shaft.

Her world narrows to the relentless pounding of your cock in her ass, the frantic rubbing of your fingers on her clit, until finally, She hurtling over the precipice once more.

AAAAHHHHHHH!!! M-Master!! She wailed, her voice cracking as she come undone, her body convulsing violently as wave after wave of ecstasy crashes over.

Fill me up, Master! Give me everything! She sobbed, her inner muscles clamping down hard on your driving cock as she milking you for all your worth, desperate to feel you erupt inside her once more.

Fuck yes, take it all! Milk my cock dry, you filthy little cumslut!

With a final, brutal thrust, You buried yourself to the hilt in her spasming hole and unleash a torrent of hot semen deep inside her, filling her womb with your essence.

That's it, pet... take your master's load... You're mine now, forever and always...

She collapsed onto the couch, utterly spent and overwhelmed by the intensity of lovemaking. Herbbody trembles with aftershocks, your cum seeping out of her ravaged holes to stain the sheets beneath her.

Y-yes, Master... I'm yours... She whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.* Forever and always...

A tear slips down her cheek, not from pain or sadness, but from the profound sense of belonging and acceptance she never known before. In your arms, She found a twisted sort of happiness, a purpose as your plaything and slave.

Thank you... for breaking me in... She murmurs, a faint, dazed smile curving her lips as she yawned in exhaustion. You wrapped your arms around her in a warmly embrace.

Sleep well, pet. You don't have to work as a delivery rider from now on, because you will work to serve me. You will live here with me.

Stirs slightly at your words, a flicker of unease mixing with the lingering post-coital haze. A sense of relief washes over her, followed by a quiet thrill at the prospect of devoting herself fully to you.

Okay, Master... I understand.. I'll give up my job and live with you. I want to serve you, to be yours in every way.

A contented sigh escapes her lips as she snuggles deeper into you, feeling safe and cherished in your embrace. Despite the unconventional nature of this situation, she knows she's found her place in life, and it's right here beside you.

Thank you, Master... for giving me a home and a purpose.

-End-

[girlwithadragonheart]

Ptolemaea

Eddie x Volt x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your house is so quiet now that everyone is gone… (Who will protect you now?)

Word Count: 4k

Warnings: RAPE!! If this is triggering to you DO NOT READ it is EXPLICITLY WRITTEN AND DESCRIBED, and not in a kinky way.

A/N: I read several chapters of @/Deliciousfreesample ‘s fic on Ao3 titled “I’m Still Here (Even If You Guys Aren’t)”, which was absolutely heartbreaking, friend if you’re here on tumblr hiiii I love your fic. Anyways, it was very Dorian centric with other mentions of characters, but I was inspired to write this based on that but Eddie/Volt centered with only small mentions of the others. Also much more traumatizing.

Sorry not sorry

Masterlist

You never knew your house could feel so… empty. Even before the dateviators came into your life, there had been some underlying hum of energy to your home. It’s why everything was so unsettling when the power went out. Why it was hard to sleep without the hum of your AC unit or electricity flowing through the walls to every light, outlet, and appliance in the house.

And when you had gotten the dateviators, that underlying life in your home made more sense. Because these things were alive, and you never knew it. It took some getting used to. Knowing you were constantly being watched, and it wasn’t just your paranoia. But as the days went on, and you lost your job, you had come to rely on the companionship of the various objects in your home. 

If you knew your breaker box housed two extremely sexy men, you would’ve tried to jump its wires a hell of a lot sooner. 

But now…

Everyone was gone. They all left to start their own lives outside of your home. You knew you would miss them, but it wouldn’t have been right to not offer them their own chances to a life. Even if you didn’t willingly take yours by the reins, it was wrong to withhold it from them when you so blatantly had the power and the keys—well, you did, before Keith jumped out of a plane. Fucking lying ass, manipulative ass bastard. You understood Dorian’s wish to remain friends after seeing what he went through with Keith.

It wasn’t like you never saw any of them anymore. And you still messaged and called them whenever you could, and they were always quick to update you on how things were going. But, it wasn’t the same. And it made your heart very heavy very quickly.

Being prone to depression and depressive episodes didn’t help, surely, but even beyond that…

You missed your friends. You had gotten so used to everyone being just a few steps away, and now some of them were hundreds of miles away.

Not to mention how much you missed your boyfriends. They made it a point to stop by when they were near and spend a couple days with you, but their newly established Real Estate company took them all over the state. Sometimes even out of state. 

You missed your nightly visits to the Breaker Box, and the gathered crowd of friends inside. Whether it was Johnny Splash’s off-key singing or Jean-Loo’s “crapping”, it was like home to you. Home inside your home, rather.

You had to get out of this house. You thought about inviting Sam or Beverly, but your best friend had already dealt with the brunt of your bad mood for the last several weeks and Beverly was running her own bar now.

Actually… Her bar was fairly close by, now that you thought about it. You could certainly think of worse places to be. You could definitely take a drink or five right about now.

So you donned your real clothes and your boots and jacket and headed out down the street. It was already getting dark out, but you weren’t in a rush.

The sight of the bar was warm and truly welcome. It was full to the brim, however, and when you approached the bar, the best Bev could do was make your favorite drink and slide it to you before dealing with some other customer. 

You weren’t a fan of strong liquor before Eddie, but you had acquired the taste for it over time as he made you some of his own favorite drinks. No offense to Beverly, but her whiskey sour didn’t taste nearly as good as Eddie’s. It was probably the exact same ingredients and ratios, but your feelings said otherwise.

There were people all around you. Some touching, others pushing. There was a sweet man beside you who said he would cover your tab because you looked so down. He didn’t know your drinks were always on the house. Bev made sure your glass was never empty, though. 

You talked to him a little bit here and there. He said he was trying to take care of his daughter because her mother left him. You told him how alone you felt, and his pretty words made you feel warm and giddy. He was right, you didn’t deserve to be all alone in a bar late at night with strangers surrounding you.

You noticed he still wore his wedding ring, and that fact alone almost brought you to tears. If you had anything of your boys’ you would never take it off. You got deep in your cups, and eventually Bev cut you off. You shot her a glare when she slid you a glass of water, and she just frowned, her brows creasing in pity.

The man beside you had a solid touch, his hand on your back as he offered to walk you home, saying no woman should be left alone in the dark streets. Your rational mind probably screamed at you, especially as you accepted the offer, but drunk minds are never reasonable, and emotions can lead you to dark places.

The man kept his arm around your waist as you stumbled home with him. You weren’t going to sleep with him. Amp only knows no one could satisfy you like your lovers, and you would never hurt them by sleeping with someone else. But his touch was warm and his presence was grounding in the chill of the dark and lonely night.

Turning to thank him for walking you home, he smiled. Your vision swam as you moved to shut the door, but he shoved his foot in it, forcing his way into your home, into your space before closing and locking the door behind him. In your mind you were begging Dorian to kick him out. The gentleman that you thought you had come to know throughout the night had a glint in his eyes.

Were those his eyes? The edges of your vision were blackening, a hazy vignette that made you squint to focus your gaze. He moved closer, invading your space.

“Stop…” You said, backing up only for your heel to hit Stella—only she wasn’t here. And neither was Dorian. Or Eddie, or Volt, or or or… Anyone. There was no one here but you… and him.

You barely felt the pain in your achilles as you lost your balance, slamming into the stairs without grace. Your heart was pounding, and your head spun. This felt different from just being wasted. You had been trashed many times before, but this…

“Don’t fight it, sweetheart, I’ll take good care of you,” the man stepped between your sprawled legs as you fought to find some kind of equilibrium to cling to.

Your breaths came fast, but the world was moving so slow. “Sto… Stop,” You breathed, feeling like the walls were closing in. Your mouth and throat felt like sandpaper as you swallowed. “Stop.”

“Shh, shh, doll, it’s okay.” A rough, calloused hand caressed your face, and you wanted to vomit. Your insides twisted up in disgust as his disgusting musk invaded your senses. Hands. His hands were everywhere, all over, touching everything that wasn’t meant for him.

Vaguely, you recognized the way your tights were being ripped and your skirt pushed haphazardly up around your waist. Fingers poking and prodding to see if what he wanted was accessible. The ripping of your underwear to get what he desired. You could only lay there, screaming in your mind as the drug took over your system. Even as your tongue tried to form words, it felt heavy and swollen in your mouth. Like you might choke on it if you weren’t careful.

Somewhere between hyperventilating and not breathing, the only sound that left your mouth was a scream as your body was violated. Pain radiated throughout your being. Your shoulder blades and hips were shoved against the harsh angles of the stairs. Ripped tights and scratches on your thighs. Countless bruises from rough hands.

You don’t know how long it lasted. You know he didn’t pull out. If you had any sense of self you would’ve vomited. You didn’t know where you ended and he began.

When he was done, he pulled your pretty skirt back down and brushed your hair out of your face before kissing your temple. “Good night, princess,” he whispered before exiting through the front door.

You couldn’t move. You tried. Your stomach churned, and you swallowed it down. You could feel him leaking out of you. You didn’t realize you wet yourself until the warmth set in. Still, you didn’t have it in you to move. Your vision faded to black as your eyes crossed. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you wished that the drug had taken effect earlier.

—————————

Your head was pounding and your body ached. A deep ache that could only be compared to a bad period cramp. Your heart was pounding as you sat up, your tailbone crying in protest from your position on the stairs. Your tights stuck to your thighs uncomfortably, and when you looked down, tears flooded your vision. There was dried blood staining the stairs along with half dried urine and a mix of other fluids.

Your stomach churned violently, and you tried to stand, only making it a half turn up the stairs before collapsing to your knees. You heaved, bringing up all the contents of your stomach from the day before. You could barely breathe through your cries.

The only traction that pushed you up the stairs was the boots you were wearing. With shaking hands and a ravaged frame, you pulled yourself up the stairs. You didn’t know where you were going until you found yourself in front of the open door to the upstairs hall closet.

…Your breaker box. 

The first sob heaved its way out of your chest as you curled up against the wall. What would’ve been the door to The Breaker Box before everyone had left you. Bitter and lonely and hurting, you cried. Clutching your knees to your chest and openly wailing. Your despair echoed around the confines of your empty house. 

When you were able to quiet down a little bit, you pulled out your phone, dialing the only number you knew by heart.

It rang for two seconds before he picked up. “Live wire! We were just thinking about you, how did you know? Good morning, how are you? How are things? We’re just about—”

“Volt,” You said quietly, your voice cracking.

He immediately fell silent. “What’s wrong?” He asked, concern flooding his tone. It was enough to make you choke out a sob. “Eddie!” He called away from the phone microphone. You could hear your other boyfriend grumble from down the hall somewhere. “We have to go. Now.” Something about the finality of his tone had Eddie showing up only a few seconds later.

“Spark, what’s wrong?”

The tears were still in free fall and you sniffled, trying to breathe so you could explain it to them. No matter what you did, the words didn’t come. “I… I can’t. I just…”

“Are you safe?” He asked immediately.

“I don’t know,” you answered honestly. “I’m… at home,” you whispered. “Please, just…”

“We’ll be there within the hour, darling, sit tight, okay?” Volt answered.

“Just stay on the phone,” Eddie said. “We’re on the way.” You could hear the huff of exertion in his voice and the sound of a truck door shutting.

“Eddie’s driving, love, I’ve got the phone, alright?”

“Okay…” You whispered, fighting to keep your breathing in check.

“Take a deep breath, darling.” He took his own on that end of the receiver and you copied as best you could, sniffling and hiccuping in between.

You don’t know how long you sat there, trying to just breathe with him before you heard the front door open. Fear seized in your chest at the sound, and you tried to calm your racing heart, knowing it was just your boys.

***

They didn’t know what to expect upon entering your home. The strong smell of urine was in the air, and Volt could see the half dried puddle on the stairs. The two made eye contact and nodded. Eddie moved toward the downstairs bathroom to find cleaning supplies and Volt stepped around the mess and headed up the stairs.

“Live wire?” He called out, hearing quiet cries from his right. As he turned down the hall, he saw you curled up in the closet in front of the Breaker Box. He knew you couldn’t see the bar itself anymore now that Skylar was realized. You flinched as he rounded the corner.

You didn’t look at him when he crouched to inspect you. Mascara ran down your cheeks, and your hair was tangled. Bruises covered your limbs, and your hands were clenched in your skirt, seemingly pulling it down.

“Spark?” Volt gently put his hand out toward you, and you shrunk away like a frightened animal. He hovered his hand in the air above yours until you slowly relaxed and allowed his warm touch.

At the contact, you looked up at him, tears running down your face. 

“Let me see, darling,” Volt coaxed gently, smoothing his thumb over the back of your hand. “It’s alright.”

He gently squeezed your hand and you released your skirt. You pulled away from his touch, covering your face with your hands as he lifted your skirt. The rips in your tights ran in splits down to your knees. He saw your blood soaked underwear and abused nether regions. His hands shook with fury as he pulled your skirt back down.

“Let’s get you cleaned up, love.” Before you have time to think about it, you’re wrapped up in his arms, and he’s carrying you to your bathroom. 

You were trembling in his grasp, but Volt held you tightly to his chest. Your arms came up to wrap around his neck, clinging to him like he was your only lifeline. There was a deep ache in your chest, and you wished you could cry again, but you had no tears left to shed.

He didn’t let go of you as he bent down to run the bath. Even knowing none of this was really your fault, the stone of guilt was heavy in your gut. “Can you stand, spark?” Volt asked you quietly.

“I…” You weren’t sure. “I can try,” you whispered, your throat beyond hoarse. 

“Alright. I’m going to put you down. Grab onto the sink for me to steady yourself.” You did as he instructed while he carefully set you onto your feet. “There you go. Can I help you out of those clothes?”

You swallowed, nodding. Gently, he gripped the hem of your shirt, guiding it up over your head. Your hair fell back over your shoulders as he tossed the garment to the side. You winced as he brushed one of your bruises in the same place as your bra. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head as he undid the hooks and pulled it down your arms, throwing it to the side as well. 

Volt knelt down in front of you, pressing his lips to your sternum softly as he pulled your skirt down to your ankles. Holding it open, he held your calf and you shifted your weight as he pulled your leg out and then repeated the motion on the other side, leaving you in nothing but your boots and ruined tights.

Practically eye level with the brunt of the defilement, your muscles were tense, and you looked away from him, mouth turning down as he rested his forehead against your stomach. 

Eddie wiped his freshly washed hands on a hand towel before tossing it into your pile of dirty laundry in the corner. When he turned the corner toward the bathroom, the first thing he saw was Volt kneeling, the soft shake of his shoulders the only indication he was barely holding it together. 

When he looked up, he met your gaze, eyes shining with unshed tears and ruined makeup staining your cheeks. Your brows furrowed, and you looked to the other door, avoiding both of them.

Volt leaned back on his heels, hands holding your thighs delicately, as though afraid you might break right in front of him. As though you already had.

It felt like you had.

You crossed your arms over your chest, and Eddie finally saw the damage done to you without Volt in the way.

“Oh, Amp…” His voice rumbled in his chest as he stepped toward you both slowly. 

“I’m sorry,” you whispered instinctively.

Volt’s hands tightened on your legs, and you finally looked at him. Slow tears dripped down his cheeks, his normally bright white eyes missing their light. Eddie grabbed your face with both hands, forcing you to look at him. The gruffness of it made you flinch, but he didn’t waver. “Jesus, don’t you dare. Don’t you dare.” He said it like a prayer. Like a plea. 

A fresh wave of tears overtook you and a sob bubbled past your lips as you held his steel gray gaze. Cold and hard, only warmed by his concern and anger for what happened. “I couldn’t stop him,” you whispered.

“Shit,” Eddie muttered. “I know… I know.” He moved his touch from your face to wrap his arms around your frame, holding you tight to him, one hand burrowed in your hair, stroking gently and slowly untangling small knots.

Whereas Eddie held your torso, Volt wrapped his arms around your waist, head resting against your stomach. You kept one arm around Eddie, your free hand moving to rest on Volt’s head, finally feeling some semblance of safety.

“It’s not your fault,” Eddie mumbled beside your ear.

“I know,” you said quietly.

“No, you don’t. It’s not your fault,” he repeated, holding you tighter.

You wept, tucking your nose into his neck. After a moment, Volt pulled away, and you felt him tugging at the laces on your boots before twisting to shut off the bath water.

“Let’s get you in there,” Eddie said, finally pulling away from you. He kept your hand in his so you could brace on him for stability with your shaking legs.

Volt pulled your boots off your feet before hooking his fingers in the waistband of your tights. “Ready?” He asked gently.

You nodded and closed your eyes as he peeled the garment down your legs and pulled your feet out of it. He balled the tights up and threw them in the waste bin before his hands gripped your hip, rubbing soothing circles into your skin with his thumbs.

“There now, darling,” he said softly.

“Let’s not waste the hot water,” Eddie told you, and you nodded, allowing him to lead you to the bath as Volt got off the floor. You held onto both of Eddie’s hands as you stepped into the bath, slowly sitting down.

You hissed as the water hit your nether regions, but the warmth slowly soothed the ache in your core. The wrinkle between your brows gradually eased as you let yourself relax for the first time in hours. 

Eddie and Volt shared a glance, Volt stepping out to grab a folding chair before setting it up beside the bath. Volt had gotten better with his aquaphobia since becoming realized, but he still had no desire to touch it unnecessarily. Eddie grabbed a washcloth and soap from the cabinet under the sink and knelt beside the tub as Volt took a seat and held your hand.

“I’m going to clean you up, alright? Just try to relax for me,” Eddie told you gently as he rolled his sleeves up past his elbows.

You closed your eyes and leaned your head back as his hands dipped into the water with the washcloth before he applied soap to the rag. You stayed as still as possible as his touch ran along your skin. You only tensed when his hands dipped between your thighs, but Volt soothed his thumb over the back of your hand and ran his other hand through your hair.

“There you go, little wire, you’re doing so well. I’m so proud of you, darling, it’s alright.” Volt continued sending calming words and praises your way as Eddie cleaned you up.

“Sit up for me, okay?” You opened your eyes to see Eddie filling a small pitcher with bath water. “Tilt your head back– yeah, just like that, good girl.” One of his hands shielded your face as he poured the warm water over your hair and made sure it was thoroughly soaked before rubbing your shampoo between his hands and lathing it through your hair.

Your breathing had evened out, and you allowed your eyes to close again even as Eddie moved the water with his ministrations and dumped more water over your head before conditioning the tangles out.

“Do you want to get out or would you like to stay here for a little while?” Volt asked you as Eddie finished up.

“I think if I stay here I’ll fall asleep,” you said truthfully, your words coming much easier now.

“Let’s get you into some dry clothes then, darling,” he said with a small smile gracing his lips. The first since you initially called him. Eddie hung the washcloth on the far end of the tub and set the pitcher on the floor before standing and pulling you up.

You were glad for the small smile that appeared on your own face as Volt reached tensely into the tub and pulled the drain stopper. He let out a tense breath before wiping his hand dry and relaxing again.

He caught your gaze as you stepped out, smiled, and winked. “Anything for you, love.”

The words warmed your heart and eased the lingering guilt in your chest. He truly did mean those words. And to think you had been so upset and desperate about being alone that you put yourself in danger.

Volt grabbed the softest towel from the cabinet before gently pat-drying you and wrapping you up in it. He lifted you off your feet and pressed a kiss to your cheek as the three of you headed back to your bedroom.

Eddie pulled open the drawers of your dresser and pulled out a pair of your sleep shorts and underwear before moving to the closet and grabbing the baggiest shirt you own. “This good?” He asked, holding the items up for your inspection. He truly had learned you in his time with you, picking up on your tastes whether it was alcohol or clothing.

You smiled and nodded as Volt set you on the edge of the bed. He pulled the towel off your body and started drying your hair gently, stepping out of Eddie’s way.

The dark haired man knelt to slide your underwear and shorts up your legs as far as they would go without you standing. When Volt had finished, you stood, adjusting the clothing to be in the right places for comfort before pulling on your t-shirt that came almost to your knees and covered your shorts.

Volt helped you get settled in bed, curling himself up behind you before pulling the blankets over both of you. Eddie shook his head at the both of you with a fond smile.

“Dorian is on his way over to install new locks and a security system,” Eddie told you.

“You go deal with him, I’ll be here with our live wire,” Volt told him. “I don’t think he likes me.”

“He just says that…” you reassured him before a yawn overtook you. The boys shared a look, but you didn’t care what it meant as you felt your system finally winding down from the lingering adrenaline.

“I love you, live wire,” Volt muttered softly as he pressed his lips to your still wet hair.

Eddie leaned down to press a kiss to your forehead. The closest thing to a love confession for him. “I’ll be back soon, I promise,” he said.

And as you drifted off, you had the lingering thought that things might be okay.

A/N: I don't even know or care if people will read this, I was possessed at 10pm by the angst demon last night so I finished this up today. It's not edited, idc.

Let me know if you want to be on the Breaker box boys tag list!

Tags: @hawke1917

Starry banner by @/cafekitsune

I love you guys. If you’ve ever been through this I’m proud of you for still being here. You are loved. It is not your fault. The things that happened to us will not break us. My inbox and DMs are always open if you want to talk 🫶

That’s all thank you!

[groovycreatormughoagie]

K-Pop Demon Hunters X Reader 2

Didn't expect people to like a barely thrown together story from scrap ideas stored in my messy head, but sure uhh here you go? I made this one two hours after the last post when I got bored watching a movie and the thoughts came running.

Warning: like the last post, this is also made on the whim.

-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-

It took three days, but you’re all set. Calling in favors from old connections, meeting them in person with an explanation of how you are the daughter of their friend- the former personal guard of the Sunlight Sisters. All gave their condolences saying how your ‘mother’ was a great person. Smoothly with several years of experience under your belt, you negotiated and build your reputation from the ground up.

Now you’re just waiting to be picked on becoming the personal guard of Huntrix…

....while devouring several servings of every food in an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet, that you can now afford as your visits came fruitful when some offered you varying gifts from food to money.

“Human food has never tasted so good..” You mumbled under your breath in delight after tearing slices of cooked beef apart with your teeth.

While you are indeed a demon, you’re only a quarter human. Every abilities are limited and requires a source to pull from instead of your dwindling soul, so you stock up on thousands of calories- even though it barely fills you, it helps to protect your human side.

“Ooh, this is tender. Here, try some.” Cutting off a small piece of the cooked beef into a tiny saucer, you slid it on the table in front of your shark friend. It just sits there with its derpy eyes staring at the plate and the ceiling at the same time. (I kinda wanna draw this little guy and the little guy needs a name)

People stared– discreetly or not, they looked as if you’re crazy for eating at the buffet alone and talking to a shark toy that’s on the table. You’re sat in a corner since you enjoy privacy, no customer came to take the table anywhere near you. You paid no mind since you’re just here to fill your greedy void of a stomach so you can get back to work being the hunters’ shield once again.

The crack and crunch of lobster and other crustaceans on your plate was satisfying to your ears, slurping up the tender and creamy meats from crab limbs, lobster tail and claws, and prawns. You were like a starved carnivore tearing each flesh on your plate and grill, of course you give tiny pieces to the little before you gobble up the food, it’s rude to not share with your best friend.

“Okay- *crunch* *crunch* let’s plan ahead.” You spoke as you ate, wiping your greasy hands on a damp towel before pulling out your notebook, cursing slightly when a photo fell off the table. You snatch it back up, delicately wiping it with gentle touches of a tissue before putting it back in between the pages.

“We got our papers, our story, our needed connections, and enough money for us to survive for like three months if we don’t splurge.” You write it down, gulping down your free iced tea then putting more meats on the grill to cook while you’re writing.

“The story needs to be more in-depth though, people ask questions… what do you think?” Pointing the pen at the shark who says nothing but stare at the food and ceiling.

“…”

“We can’t go with the adoption route since our old connections already know our face as our old identity’s daughter.”

“…”

“Right… humans need another human to create a new one. Can we go with the deadbeat dad story?”

“…”

“I mean, I already live in spite of Gwi-Ma. Technically he’s like my dad in a way I guess? I did stole a bit of his fruity-ass colored flames.” You give the shark a wry smile.

“…”

“Okay- it was more than a bit.” The shark kept staring. Despite it not really moving, it felt like it was judging you.

“…”

“Alright, I stole like- a burning log and ran away with it.” You grumbled, arms crossed as if you were called out by the shark.

“But seriously, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to go with the story of my ‘mother’ falling for a man, who got greedy and left her to raise me on my own, living somewhere remote before she got ill and passed- in which I moved out and lived on my own for years, did physically laborious work to earn money to survive which became a routine then a lifestyle- until it became my life up until I started applying for security jobs which landed me on bodyguard duties that now has me!! as the most recommended person when someone is in need of protection from the public chaos or threats in general!” You panted after rapidly spewing your idea to your shark, grin on your face as you waited for approval.

The shark stared before it plopped on its side on to a plate of lettuce, your grin dropped to a pout. “That’s just rude. Falling asleep when I just pitched in the greatest idea I had yet?” A scoff escapes your lips before you wrote down what you practically rapped at your shark friend.

“Think it would’ve worked if I played as an actress?” Your eyes peeked up from your notebook and just watched the shark lay sideways on the plate of lettuce. “…I wish I was you right now, just ‘no thoughts, head empty’ and sleep when I can.” A sigh of envy came from your lips before you grabbed the tongs and flipped the meats you put on the grill.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

*BURRRRRP!*

“Whoo, okay-“ with a satisfied sigh, you picked your teeth with a toothpick as you left the buffet- perhaps with the owner crying in their storage room from the loss of so much expensive food eaten by one person.

“Let’s book a hotel.” You tell your shark friend who’s hitching a ride on your front shirt pocket as always. “We can enjoy our life a bit until the call.”

You look down at the shark and wiped its face with a tissue, “you’re a slobber when you eat.” The shark just looked at you with its derpy eye.

Passing through a dark alleyway, five strays all snarled and crept closer from the shadows with hunger in their eyes. You just stared bored at the minimal threat before smiling eerily at the mutts, fangs out with eyes slitted as a warning that made the five dogs scamper away in fear with yelps and whimpers.

“…”

“…”

You sucked in a breath and scratched your head, “Aaaaiiisshh… I’m not an animal person but it would’ve been nice to have someone or something respond to me when I talk.”

“…”

“I still like you, bud. But still, is it bad for me to get like a cat or a bird? Ooooh, what about a crow?”

You yapped about having animal companions on the way to a hotel to stay in for the week, bantering and fighting with the inanimate shark like it was taunting you.

“What about a turtle? I can just dress it up in spiky armor and throw it at bad guys— woah there!” You chuckle with a snarl, hand out and gripping the throat of a demon that tried assassinating you in the alleyway.

“Gwi-Ma already throwing a tantrum and sending his leeches after me? How romantic~ Be a good messenger will you?"

You toss the demon up and pointed your fingers at it with a—

“…Bang.”

The demon explodes and it dispersed into demonic glitters back under the Honmoon.

You stared blankly as the particles disappear, turning to the rift before smirking when a purple hue peeked through. Raising a hand and wiggling your fingers in a mocking goodbye, the tear closed with a swipe of your hand in a quick zipping motion, though you frown when you notice the severity of the Honmoon’s seams. Even with your efforts stitching up every holes poked by Gwi-Ma, it’s not holding on for long.

“It’s gonna fall apart…” a shaky breath came with trembling hands, you shook it off and steel yourself back up. Patting your chest and squishing your shark friend to help ground yourself. “Look’s like we’re not getting any rest on a bed, buddy…”

You look up and followed the magenta pulse of the Honmoon towards another demon tear.

“The hunters are busy, we can help clean up. Those girls don’t need this kind of heavy pressure on their shoulders yet.” You stated firmly to the shark, smiling weakly at it. “Keep me human, yeah?” After a secure and affectionate pat on its head, you scaled the wall of an apartment complex and stood on the roof.

Skin as dark as the night with lingering glow of purple hues, you dispersed into your demon self and pounced forth on roofs to let loose protecting people from stray demons. Claws and fangs tearing each one apart, silent as a ghost before anyone or anything could even notice. You’re a ghost, a guardian, a shield when the hunters are out of reach, you’re a phantom, the echo, the silence.

-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-×-

I still have nothing concrete set for this story, but thanks for being invested either way. I'm still hung up on if it will be romantic or platonic with the Huntrix group.

(Only platonic relationship towards Saja Boys, sorry to disappoint those who want Saja Boys X Reader— but I feel like I have to dive deep for fics revolving around the girls and not the demon boys lol. So I'm contributing a random fic to the girl kissers lurking around to be delulu like me fr.)

I have yet to give this a title, but any constructive criticism/feedbacks/advices are welcome as always. Let me know if I should flesh out the parts/whole story better.

Just a heads up, this might turn into slow-burn depending on how it goes and if I held back my yapping.

[blakeluvsmatt]

Switch (Chris Sturniolo —> Matt Sturniolo) part 1 (chris.)

part 2 (matt. soon.)

summary: you meet your dealer at 12am, just looking for a 3.5, your usual. he ends up walking you home, it’s late, dark and unsafe. completely unintentionally, you end up hooking up at your place. a week later, you bump into his triplet, matt, at a party, leading to another hookup.

includes: dealer!chris, dom!chris, sub!reader p in v, dirty talk, idk what else just enjoy x

quick fyi: the story starts after the texts!

based off this sound :p

CHRIS:

He meets you on the corner of that convenience store, where you usually meet for pickups. Hoodie up, blunt behind his ear, hand in his pockets. Chris approaches you, carefully handing you the small zip lock with a few green nugs. You mutter a quiet “Thanks” before passing him the $45. He quickly flips through the dollar bills before stuffing them in his back jean pocket.

“You walk here?” he furrows his eyebrows.

“Yeah, my cars at the garage the fuckin’ uhhh” you start waving your hands around, trying to gesticulate the correct term you were searching for.

Chris lets out a low chuckle shaking his head. “Engine? Breaks? Accelerator?” he suggests.

“Couldn’t tell you” you run a hand through your hair. “All i know is i’m about to drop a bag on that fucking car, tell you that for free”

He nods slowly, it goes silent for a second before he speaks again. “Want me to walk you? S’fuckin’ freaky out here this late”

“No- no- don’t worry it’s fine i can walk” you point your thumb behind you. He shakes his head in disagreement, running his tongue along the inside of his cheek.

“Nuh uh come on, can’t let my prettiest customer get wiped off the face of the earth out of nowhere”

“Are you sure? I don’t wanna-”

“Shut up, lead” he gently pushes your shoulder, turning you around. You don’t protest this time, just lead the way to your apartment in awkward silence, at least for you.

“Latest you’ve ever texted me for bud” he tugs through the silence.

“Can’t sleep”

Chris hums, low and disinterested, but the kind that makes you want to fill the silence with anything, so he’ll just say something again. You both step over a cracked bit of the pavement at the same time, shoulders brushing. But neither of you say anything about it. He glances your way. “You smoke to knock out or what?”

You laugh under your breath. “Yeah i guess so”

“Mm” he hums. By the time you reach your building, your stomachs twisting. You fish your keys out your pocket, swiping the fob to the scanner outside the building.

“Okay this is me”

Chris nods with his hands in his pockets. “You wanna spark up alone or you want company?”

Your eyebrows shoot up, taken aback by his question. “Company doesn’t sound too bad… you’re rolling!” you giggle, stepping inside the building. Chris smirks, tugging the blunt from behind his ear, twirling it between his fingers.

“Fair trade”

You walk up 2 flights of stairs before reaching your apartment. You unlock your door with a quiet click, stepping inside flipping the kitchen light on. You toss your keys into the bowl by the door and glance at Chris.

“You coming in or you just gonna hover?”

He raises a brow “What if I was about to rob you?”

“Bold of you to assume i don’t have pepper spray in my bra”

“Bold of you to assume i didn’t realise you aren’t wearing one” His eyes flicker down to your chest for just a second. His voice is lower now, lazier. “You wanna show me what’s under that hoodie?”

You pause, halfway through getting your rolling tray out. He’s looking at you again, but not like before, it’s hungrier now. Like he’s already pictured exactly what he thought you’re about to show him. You smirk leading him to your couch. Chris lets you guide him, slow, lazy steps like he’s already half a blunt deep. He sinks into your couch, legs wide, hood down, his messy hair on show. You climb into his lap like you’ve done it before, like this was your plan all along. He placed his pre rolled blunt in between your lips, handing you your pink lighter.

“Spark it” he murmured.

And you do, pink lighter flicking, the flame latching onto the tip of the blunt, burning the paper as you take a long inhale of the weed. Chris’s eyes watch you the whole time, the way you kept eye contact whilst your cheeks hollowed around the roach. When you lean forward to pass it to him, his hand slips under your shorts. He loops his pointer and middle finger around your thong, pulling it to the side before his middle and ring finger part your folds, dragging slow through your wetness like he’s checking how ready you are. He doesn’t look at your face.

He’s watching his hand disappear into your waistband like he’s done this to you a hundred times before. Like he knows exactly what he’s doing. He slips his hand out from your shorts, patting the outer side of your thigh.

“Take ‘em off. Wanna see my fingers fuckin’ you” You push off his lap, heart racing as you stand in front of him. The room feels hot. Heavy. Every movement feels like it’s being watched, measured, wanted. You hook your thumbs into the waistband of your shorts and tug them down slow, letting your thong go with them. You step out, bare and flushed, skin prickling under his stare. Chris sits back, legs spread wide, hoodie still on, eyes locked to your thighs like he’s starving. He reaches for your waist, pulls you forward with ease, and lays you down onto the couch like it’s his. One hand stays firm on your hip while the other grabs your thigh, pushing it up toward your chest, opening you up.

“Fuck” he mutters to himself. “Soaked already, huh?” You feel his breath in between your legs, brushing every nerve. His hand settles between your legs, fingers touching everywhere but where you need them. Until, with zero warning, you feel two fingers slide inside you, stretching you out. He moves them in and out slowly, watching your face carefully.

“All this from my hand down your shorts?” he teases, pulling his fingers out and dragging them up slowly and deliberately, until he reaches your clit, applying just enough pressure to make your hips jolt. “You that east for me baby?”

You gasp, nod. Completely disregarding how desperate this makes you look. Then, his fingers inside you again. Slick and warm, two at once. Deeper this time, no teasing. He watches the way your back arches, and your lip trembles as he curls into you just right, hitting that each spot that causes your mouth to slack open and throw your head back.

“Fuck- look at that” he groans. You follow his gaze. His fingers fuck into you, slow and wet. Your thighs begin to tremble, your body open wide for him. You can hear it. The obscene sound of how wet you are every time he pushes his slender fingers in. His thumb circles your clit again, and your vision goes fuzzy for a second as you let out a loud pornographic moan.

“You close?” he breathes, speeding up a little. You nod, grinding down on his palm, your voice catching in your throat. “Yeah? Gonna cum for me?”

He leans down, mouth brushing your knee as you feel the stubble of his goatee prickling your skin. He fucks you with just his fingers, almost as if he knows you better than you know yourself. And then, just like before, he stops.

“Chris-” you whine, a broken, needy whine, your body still twitching on edge.

Chris pulls his fingers out, eyes on you the whole time.

“Wanna feel you come on my dick” he says, voice rough. You barely register the sound of his zipper as he pulls his jeans down, freeing his cock. Thick, flushed, heavy in his hand. He strokes himself once, twice before running his tip through your folds, and against your clit a few times. His arms loops around your thighs, as he positions himself right against your entrance.

“Deep breaths baby” he says, slowly pushing himself in inch by inch. “Jus’ wanna make you feel good”

Once he’s buried inside you, it’s on. Chris grips your thighs tighter, anchoring them up against your chest as his hips snap forward, hard and fast, no rhythm, just raw, filthy need. Your back arches with the force of it. Each thrust punches the air out of your lungs, eyes glassy, mouth open in a silent moan.

“Look at you” he growls, sweat beading at his temples. “Already dumb on my dick”

You whimper, nails digging into his sleeves, but it only spurs him on. He huffs out a low laugh, fucking into you rougher, sharper. The couch rocks with every thrust, the slick sound of him slamming into you echoing over your quiet gasps. Then, his hand shoots to your hoodie. He grabs the hem, yanks it up over your chest, bunching the fabric right under your collarbone. Your tits spill free, bouncing with each thrust. His eyes flick down, and he groans, licking his lips.

“There they are” he mutters, palming one roughly before letting it go to slap against your skin “Fuckin’ perfect. All this under that big-ass hoodie? You’re filthy”

Your breath catches and then his hand closes around your throat. Firm. Controlling. Not cutting off your air, but just enough to remind you who’s in charge.

“You like this?” he whispers, cock dragging deep inside you. “Getting choked out while I ruin your pussy?”

Your moan gets swallowed by a rough kiss, his tongue claiming yours, pace never slowing, hips snapping harder now, unforgiving. The hand around your throat tightens slightly. Your vision blurs with the heat burning through your core.

“You gonna cum like this?” he snarls against your mouth. “With my cock so deep it’s in your fuckin’ stomach?”

You try to answer, but all that comes out is a sob. Your whole body clamps down around him, trembling, shaking, toes curling as you cum hard, pulsing around him like a vice. “Shit-” he chokes out, “fuckin’—yeah, that’s it”

He keeps going. Slamming into you even as you shake beneath him. His grip bruises your hips, hoodie still bunched around your chest, tits exposed, stomach flushed and glistening. And then he pulls out. Sudden, desperate, and groans loud as he strokes himself once, twice, three times and paints all on your stomach. Hot, thick ropes splatter across your skin, dripping down your abdomen, some catching on the fabric of your hoodie. He hisses through his teeth, breathing hard, eyes half-lidded as he watches himself finish all over you.

“Fuck,” he pants, falling back on the couch beside you. “Pull-out game? Fuckin’ undefeated”

with lube and a throat ache, blake x

[vamplvs]

Waiter! Waiter! One cup of John Walker fluff pretty please with a dozen cherries on top 🙏

anything for you dear customer, so here's some soft domesticity w him <3

"yelena gave me a shovel talk yesterday, y'know," john says as he sits next to you with a bowl of cereal in hand. his lips twitch upward when he sees you wearing his old west point t-shirt.

"oh, yeah?"

"yep," he takes a bite, nodding like it's gravely serious, "said that if i broke your heart, she'd rip mine out and feed it to me."

"well that's... colorful, for sure." john snorts at that.

"tell me about it."

"think she's serious?" you raise an eyebrow at him, and he shrugs. there's a ghost of a smile on his face.

"deadly serious, knowing her." the faint smile turns into a bright grin when you laugh.

"she'll have to make it through me, then," you say resolutely, and he gets this unfairly cute confused look on his face—the one where his eyebrows furrow and he frowns slightly. "no one's hurting you on my watch." you bump your shoulder into his, mirroring his smile.

"even if i break your heart?"

"oh, please, as if you could ever do that." he chuckles when you roll your eyes. "i've got you head over heels, walker, and you know it."

his ears turn a bright shade of red, and instead of replying, he just takes another bite of his cereal.

"you're so easy to embarrass, you know that?"

"only when it's you." now it's your turn to feel your ears go warm.

"ugh, that was so corny, john," you say with a laugh.

"you loved it," he replies with a self assured smile. your chest does something funny when he looks at you, all soft and tender, like you're the only thing in the room worth looking at.

"yeah, maybe i did."

a few quiet minutes go by with you and john sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast. it's an easy silence—no pressure to say or do anything other than carry on with the routine you two have carefully built together. then, john breaks it with the clattering of his spoon against the now empty bowl.

"it's laundry day for us, right?"

"if alexei isn't hoarding the machines again, then yeah it is." you'll never get tired of hearing john's laugh, you think.

"i'll get started on that." he presses a gentle kiss to your temple and gets up to put his bowl in the sink.

you follow after him back to your shared room, watching as he hoists the laundry basket into his arms. it's not particularly heavy—certainly not for a super soldier—but you watch his arms flex slightly as he moves, and he doesn't miss it for even a second.

"like what you see?" he asks as he's already heading out the door.

"you know how hot it is to see you do household tasks for me."

he snorts. "doing laundry is hot to you, now?"

"no, watching you make my life easier is."

it's all easy banter as you both go down to the laundry room—only two floors down in the watchtower, despite how much extra space there is on the main floor the team lives on. you hop up onto the dryer, still watching john as he loads the washer.

"so what's the plan for today?" it's one of the few days off valentina allows you between missions and press junkets—and on one particularly bad week, court hearings.

"well," he snaps the lid of washer shut, "i was thinking we could have a day in."

"and what does that entail?"

"oh, y'know," he moves to stand between your legs, hands gentle as they rest on your waist, "maybe a movie, some takeout, a little bit of peace and quiet without the team."

"i could get behind that." your fingers thread through the back of his hair—it's grown out over the past few weeks. john's made several off-handed comments about getting it cut soon, and you're already preemptively mourning it. strands fall onto his forehead when he works out, and it drives him crazy—and you, too, but certainly not for the same reasons.

even now, there's a few that droop against his face, and you're quick to brush them back. he leans into the touch with a quiet hum.

he looks good like this. blue eyes flitting across your face, small smile gracing his lips. the old t-shirt he's wearing—almost an exact copy of the west point one you have on—seems to smooth out any of his hard edges into a gentler version of him, the one whose fingertips ghost over the skin beneath your shirt like he's revering it.

when you kiss him, it's unhurried and soft. there's a quiet sound that works it's way from his mouth, muffled by yours, and his hands squeeze at your waist.

you pull away first, and he's quick to chase after you—sneaking in another quick peck.

"so, the, uhm, the plan works for you, then?" he clears his throat, trying to sound less hoarse than he is.

"of course it does."

[dokushoclub]

七夕（たなばた）

Today, 7 July, is Tanabata, a Japanese festival centered around stars, the milky way, romance, as well as hopes and aspirations for the future.⭐✨

If you want to find out more about the customs and history of Tanabata in simple Japanese, take a look at the texts and articles below. Most of these texts have a reading level fitting for JLPT N5 and N4 readers and all texts are freely available online!

Hirogaru （ひろがる）

The article on the website hirogaru introduces the star festival with large pictures and few sentences. You can toggle furigana for this text in theory but it might not work depending on your device. However, all text also has a read out loud function. There is also a small reading comprehension quiz at the end.

https://hirogaru-nihongo.jp/hoshi/article/tanabata/

NIHONGOSCHOOL Blog

On Kazue Ono's blog, she writes about the Tanabata festival in three levels: for starters, beginners and intermediate readers. The blog post has audio options for all three levels, can be downloaded as a PDF and also features a reading comprehension quiz here.

https://www.nihongoschool.co.uk/post/にほんごブログ：七月七日

Watanoc （和タのC）

Although the free web magazine Watanoc hasn't had new articles for a while now, their article about Tanabata still holds up and gives a great overview about the festival. You can hover over words and phrases to get the reading as well as a translation into English. After each paragraph you can also click to translate the entire sentence into English as well.

https://watanoc.com/post-1607-tanabata

Matcha Magazine

If you are interested in reading about the street festivals and parades taking place, Matcha Magazine recommends some great Tanabata festivals in the Kanto region to check out. Their article has full furigana and added spaces between words.

https://matcha-jp.com/easy/367

Hukumusume （福娘物語）

There is a legend behind Tanabata and you can read it in a simpler Japanese version on hukumusume, which is a place for free online children's stories. Although this text is not written with learners in mind, it features both furigana and cute colorful illustrations that guide readers along.

Please scroll past the videos at the beginning of the page. The full text is just below.

http://hukumusume.com/douwa/kisetu/tanabata/s5_html/02.htm

Tadoku no Hiroba (たどくのひろば)

For learners approaching intermediate abilities (N4-N3), I can recommend this short story by Tadoku no Hiroba. It is both longer than the articles above and features more complicated grammar points and speech registers, but still features 100% furigana on all kanji.

https://tadoku.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/7gatsu7katanabata_ruby.pdf

[dark-lord-of-awesomeness]

I'm sitting here looking at my glasses and thinking... what if our beloved cursed boy becomes glasses? that greatly impair vision?

who did he piss off? I have no idea. Maybe some wizard optician. Makes magic glasses.

hmm... someone in the background mentioned an AI vacuum cleaner... and we have some leftover Stan-Vac products. It's not like a dissatisfied customer could be a wizard, right? :)

this guy is forever cursed to be a cursed animal/object due to the fandom's peculiar imagination.

I hope you had a nice day!)

Stan refuses a pair of glasses, because he is NOT! a nerd, and the price this whacko is asking is way to high, then gets cursed to be his own pair when he mockingly says he's got a perfectly good pair of peepers.

Stanglasses make anyone who wear them see with his shitty prescription. Ford picks him up because they're the only pair the shop has in a style he likes after he busts his last pair, figures he'll just get the glass switched out, problem solved.

Humor says he can't, and gets way too invested in trying to get this one pair of glasses to unscrew so he can put in new lenses. He refuses to change his style because Gravity Falls lack of options. Shenanigans happen, Stan freaking out at how deranged Ford is getting with his 'solutions' until Ford realizes the glasses are cursed, happily uncurses them, then gets hit with Stan scrambling away from him because 'wtf Ford who uses a drill on glasses. do you know how terrifying that was?'

Angst says he can, and Stan gets horrible glasses eye surgery, then lives on Fords face while internally hyperventilating at his new 'eyes'. Maybe whoever wears Stan he can subtly manipulate the longer the person wears them. Ford wakes up in places he wasn't before, in the middle of writing about anomalies suddenly starts help over and over, or just aaaaaaaahhh. Very strange. Worse when he starts writing Stan's name.

Comes to the point where Ford realizes he can't control his body anymore, and it just stops and starts hyperventilating, touching things and trying to talk, before grumbling, slamming open his journal, and writing 'help I'm stuck in the glassess its-"

And then Fords back in control, slamming the journal closed and snatching his glasses of his face. Does a bunch of tests (squinting), figures out they're cursed, cautiously uncures them, and then bam! There's Stan.

His eyes are a different color. They're a different color because Ford switched his eyes out.

Onto the vacuum :)

Stan sells a shoddy vacuum to a wizard, gets cursed for his troubles and shoved back into his car, and can only be uncursed if someone gets it to work as intended. Ford gets Stan's car, cleans it out, looks at all his junk, and shoves it in a closet.

Stan is not staying in a closet.

Its sucks and feels awful, but he can move without being plugged in. Rams the door until Ford lets him out, just to watch this terrible vacuum flop over. Nothing else is in there, maybe really fast gnome?

Vacuum is still on the floor, and Ford shrugs. Might as well, he hasn't cleaned in a while, and then when Stan finally shows up Ford can berate him about his terrible products with accuracy.

Stan is a terrible vacuum, makes weird noises, only picks up half the dirt, got a rug stuck in him, scratched up Fords floor. Back to the closet he goes, angrily.

Then back out. Ford has to know how Stan made a vacuum so awful and fix it so he can shove it in Stan's face. Stan gets the horrifying feeling of being repaired as a vacuum, and at least? He can't feel it? Fords grumbling and smack talking him, but whatever, he's gonna get out of his hair the moment he has legs.

Ford somehow makes this vacuum worse.

He doesn't know how he did it, Stan has even less of an idea, but Ford plugged him in and Stan went out of control, ramming into things with a suction power of a tornado.

Does this several times, before finally caving and calling Fiddleford about it, getting instructions over the phone and finally making a normal, working vacuum.

Plugs it in, very nicely vacuums the floor and then is vacuuming Stan's back as he finally pops back into existence. Ford stares, Stan groans, the vacuum kinda feels good on his back?

Then they yell about it, as they do.

[keyaho]

summary: talia has reached her breaking point. when a regular at her job makes an offer she ends up with no choice but to accept. as she settles into her new world, elijah make sure she's reliant on him and at his mercy beck and call. what the two of them don't count on is the magnetic pull and physical attraction beyond the bedroom.

story/chapter warnings: this story is wrapped in CNC (consensual non-consent) I will put each kink at the start of the chapters, but this story goes into the more darker/dark fic elements. MDNI. 18-21+. I'm not responsible for minors engaging with my work. vulgar language used.

word count: 2260

taglist: @livingfiction @bl3ssyn @plan3tch1ld @l-u-xwrites @talkswithdesi @theogbadbitch @theereinawrites @nayaesworld @zillasvilla

"Alright," Nami slides onto the couch with two glasses of wine, "spill." 

Talia takes her glass and and pulls her feet under her on the couch. The shiny new Cartier Juste bracelet dangled on her wrist like a Batman signal. 

"I know you told me to give the site a try and I had planned to make my account after work but,'

"But?" Nami prodded. "You would never let me help you out and now you're flashing gold and no bags under your eyes?" 

Snorting Talia took a sip of the sweet red. "I went to work and there was this guy and well…." 

Ramonas main dining room, patio, and balcony seating areas were packed well before the stoves were fired up. On Fridays, cold appetizers were served to dining guests with reservations. Once the restaurant actually opened they’d have the ability to select from the menu as normal. It was the busiest day of the week because of this feature. Talia tied her black apron around her waist in the back, using her locker to store her raggedy messenger bag, jacket, and umbrella. The crisp black shirt and pants were accentuated with a gold tied and name tag. Out of her all her clothes, it was the fanciest thing she owned. She wiggled her toes, remembering the black loafers that should be pristine, were suddenly beginning to dull with each shift. Talia did her best to keep the shine, but getting out the scuffs was becoming more difficult. 

"Walk fast tonight," one of her coworkers, Rebecca, said. "Hank is on a rampage tonight." 

The restaurant manager Hank, not the owner, was a pain in everyone's asses. The night always went rough when he was on shift because he made unnecessary changes and favored certain servers. He hovered over tables and just made things harder than they had to be. 

Talia looked down at her worn in shoes and sighed heavily. As long as she avoided Hank she wouldn't have to hear his mouth about her shoes. As she checked the schedule, she ran her eyes over the schedule and section she'd be working. 

Private Room: Magnolia

"Maybe I can make rent early tonight," she mumbled, grabbing the hand held POS iPad. 

For the Magnolia section she had ten tables, five of them being booths, and five tables that circled the circular bar. It was more spacious and Talia was able to number the tables how she wanted, which made remembering who was who and what they ordered. 

Fluffing her twist out, Talia made her way, quickly, to her section, plastering a smile on her face as she crossed into the more private part of the room. She was given the order of table arrival and began taking orders. Customer service wasn't fun, but she pitched her voice just right to sound enthused but disinterested in anything but the job. She passed out menus, wine lists, validated parking for a few patrons, and kept up with her bar orders. 

Talia had just cleared and cleaned two tables when Hank found her. She saw him stalk over out the corner of her eyes and braced herself for his bullshit. 

"Talia!" He says, his fake happy tone was a show for the guests around them, she could see the annoyance in his eyes. "I was wondering where you ran off too." 

He came to a stop beside her and she knew he was giving her a uniform check. His sound of disapproval when he looked down confirmed that.  

"We have standards," he says lowly. "You've been written up for those shoes already. Why haven't you gotten a new pair?" 

Talia walked towards the kitchen to wash her hands and check on her tables orders. "My shoes are fine." He didn't have to know the heels were being held on with hot glue and prayers. "Company handbook states Ramonas is responsible for replacements. Have you ordered them?" 

Hank's face flushed red. The hall they were in also held a private entrance and private bathrooms for VIP tables in Magnolia. However, the hall was partially visible. 

"At the manager's discretion." He snapped. "And last I checked, I was the manager." 

Talia wanted to roll her eyes, but there were eyes on them. Two recently sat patrons had their eyes in their direction and Talia straightened up. For a second she saw double. 

"We shouldn't be discussing this on the floor." 

Hank lifted his finger, pointing it in her face, just a few inches from her nose. She could almost feel it. Talia leaned her head back. 

"The next time you come to work those shoes had better be brand new."  

Talia gave herself two minutes in the back before returning to the room. She ran fresh hot dishes to tables. She tucked the iPad in her arm and applied hand sanitizer as she approached the recently sat booth. She had seen double, but tried not to let it show on her face. 

"Good evening and welcome to Ramonas." She pulled out the iPad, the screen lighting her up her face as she prepared to take and place their order. 

"What's new on the menu," one of the twins spoke. "It's been a few months."

His cuban shone brighter than the room's lighting, The 'Stack' monogrammed diamonds necklace beneath it was just a touch more flashy than necessary for Ramonas. There was a faint scent of weed at the table. 

"The Chef is highlighting seafood, so there is a tuna tartar, mini lobster rolls in a dill and citrus mayonnaise…'

She was interrupted by the other twin, his dark blue shirt clung to the thick muscles in his arms. He worked a toothpick around his mouth and she caught the fangs of his all gold grill. 

"What do you recommend?" 

She looked down at her screen, "well, all lobster dishes are made to order so I would start with either the lobster bisque, rolls, or pan seared tails. Depending on your entree you won't be waiting too long in between." 

He leaned back and she noticed the gold chain around his neck. It was a lot more simple than his brother. Talia looked between the two, waiting for one of them to decide on what they wanted. She wanted to lie and pretend to be a people person, but sometimes patrons would do the most and only order the steak and a side of broccoli. 

"What would you eat?" The one in blue asked. 

Talia didn't notice, but his eyes trailed up and down her body, brown eyes dark like rich molasses, lingered on her shoes before turning away. 

"I've heard the halibut was good. I think the-

"Nah," he says, leaning forward with his elbows on the table. "I was asking you," His eyes dropped to her name badge with a smirk. "Talia." 

"I haven't eaten here," she replies. 

They were only given a choice of salad or soup for their shift meal and after the first week of eating them, she started to bring her lunch. 

Talia quickly shifted the conversation back to their order. She serviced her other tables, but she couldn't help but feel eyes on her. Each time she glanced in the direction of that table, he was looking at her. His mouth moved and his eyes wold flicker to his twin, but his attention was on her. 

When their entrees were ready, she grabbed them and made her way to their table again. She placed his down first; new york strip with roasted potatoes and carrots-medium. His brother ordered the same, but with stuffed lobster tails. As she grabbed refills for their drinks she could hear their conversation as she approached. 

"Leave that girl alone, Elias." 

Talia had caught the tail end of their conversation. 

"Mary…." the one in red huffs, "it's been over, Elijah." 

Her ear twitched at her guests name. It suit him. Strong and masculine. Before she could leave the table, she was stopped dead in her tracks by the Elias. His hand reached out and grabbed her apron, making her eyes fall to his. 

"Aye, check this out," he says, "I need a lady's opinion." 

Talia's brow arched. She crossed her arms over her chest, head tilted to the side. "On what?" She inquired. 

"Aight, so you lettin' ya nigga dig you out right," 

"Elias," Elijah says, "stop talking to her like that." 

Talia jaw was slack. Hearing Elias's lead into his question was wild enough. She wondered what his question was about to be. 

Elias waved Elijah off before looking up at Talia. "Like I was saying," he grinned, "He in them guts right," he doesn't wait for her to answer before asking, "hitting it just right," 

Talia's lip quivered for a second at the thought. "Oh, uh ye-" 

"I mean makin' that pussy talk back," he leans in, "makin' that shit squirt." 

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. "I-" 

"Leave her alone, Elias." 

The sudden pressure that had started to build dissipated at the sound of Elijah's voice. She looked to him, her eyes full of thanks, and he gave her a nod. 

"Uh, enjoy your meals. Let me know if you need anything." 

Talia busied herself with her patrons, avoiding that table long enough to get some distance, but not to mess up a possible tip. It was clear they had conversations not meant for everyone to listen in on or interrupt. However, they were putting down their forks and finishing off their drinks. She had their check ready, however, Elias stood up, slipping on his jacket before leaving with a two finger salute. 

After dropping off two martinis, Talia approached the table, the check in a leather book in her hands. 

"Hopefully everything was to your liking?" 

She hated the way they had to phrase things here. It was an attempt to be more "upscale". If anything it sounded fake and pretentious. Elijah stood up and took the check from her hands. He barely looked at it before sliding in some bills and handing it back.

"Yeah." He stood there, staring down at her as she looked up at him. "I needed to see if you felt that too." He said lowly. His voice lowered and when he spoke she knew he saw right through her.

"You haven't had nothing like that," he says, "have you?"

Talia inhaled deeply, his presences so strong she was sure she looked like a deer in headlights. 

"N-no."

"You want it?"

Her eyes widened and she stammered to reply. Broken sounds and half words came out her mouth. He stood close enough she could smell his cologne and when she looked up at him his face matched the way she felt; a spark of electricity. 

"Keep the change, baby." 

She waited until she was at the till to open the check book. Heir bill total was only one-seventy-five, but he had left an additional three hundred dollars. She quickly cashed out their check and slid all but twenty dollars into her pocket. She knew Hank would asked about the table's tip, so she made sure to have some of it to pass over. Talia hated the shared tip jar because Hank thought he could take his "cut" before them. Talia was walking towards the hostess stand when she noticed Elijah standing there speaking with Ashely, one of the hostesses. 

"Ah, just the woman I was looking for," Ashley turned her head in Talia's direction. She had a "bitch this man is fine" wide eyed expression, shifting back to a neutral customer service smile when she faced Elijah again. 

"Is something wrong?" Talia asked. 

"Nah," he says, sliding his hands from his pocket. 

He passed her a white and gold business card, his name and number scrawled on the back. 

"I want to continue the conversation." He says. 

Talia looks up. He has a wide grin on his face and before he turns to leave he winks. Ashley makes a noise of surprise but composes herself as the next set of guests arrive. Tucking the card away, she grabs new menus. 

"Oh you have to talk to me later about that," she whispers. 

Talia shrugs, "it's not even like that." She pauses. "His brother was being a creep." 

That conversation had left a damp spot in her panites. Just a few seconds of slick talk and she was……well, slick. Not that she had a outlet. That part of her life had been collecting cobwebs for almost three years. Her last relationship left her drained. She didn't want to get involved with a patron and she was sure he'd forget about her by the time he got home. 

"Oh damn," Ashley says, her face dropping. 

"Elijah," Nami says slowly, then her eyes widen, "he's one of Terry's friends. He's mentioned him before in passing. I had no idea he was a Dom." 

Talia played with the bracelet around her wrist. “He something.” 

Nami sees the far away look in Talia’s eyes and laughs. “Feels good doesn’t it?” 

“I’m smart, intelligent, independent…”

“But he makes you feel a little dumb, helpless, small?” 

Talia bit down on her lip, suddenly embarrassed to have shared ho w little she thinks when she's with Elijah. How easy he makes it to just exist and not have any worries or thoughts.  

"Oh my god," Talia gasps. "I'm his dumb little baby."

Nami reached for the wine bottle, pouring two more glasses. "Yeah, I have to hear this story." 

[skyward-floored]

Some people wanted to see it, so here’s a fic for an lu Star Wars AU I messed with a little and then kind of ran out of steam for. Figured it’d be a waste to just get rid of this even if I never do anything more with it, so voila.

*releases fic into the wind* be free little AU...

(Tw for a little violence, slight injury, but it’s nothing too bad)

————————————————————

A warm, sulfur-scented wind was blowing as Legend strolled his way through the market, a bag slung over his shoulders. His nose wrinkled at the smell in the air, and though he did his best to ignore it, it was nearly impossible. The stench wasn’t unusual for the area, but despite how much time he spent here, he would never get used to it. He was glad he’d be headed out again soon.

Legend sidestepped a handful of travelers, obviously not locals based on how they held their noses, and glanced out at the blue-grey sky.

Turtle Rock Outpost wasn’t the nicest place, but even with the smell and frequent eruptions from the volcanoes dotting the surface, Legend did like it. Except for the handful of local Zora, it was mostly a stopover for most people, which meant nobody stayed very long.

Which served Legend just fine. The more turnover of people, the less likely it was for him to be noticed.

Turtle Rock was a place to refuel and get your feet on solid ground for a while after a long stretch of space travel. Aside from that, the only real reason anyone came to this rock was to change ships, sell something, or hide.

Legend did all three on occasion.

He glanced out over the edge of the platform where the surface of the planet was more visible, hazy sunlight glinting off turquoise water. Most of the planet was covered in large lakes, only thin strips of land snaking through them that were littered with volcanoes. Turtle Rock was the biggest solid chunk of land, and had a spaceport attached to it, but that was about it.

The sound of a ship‘s engine hit his ears, and Legend looked up, frowning as an imperial shuttle cut through the clouds, making its way towards one of the ports. Sure there was technically an Imperial presence here, but it was extremely light, and the troops were even more of a joke than normal stormtroopers.

But Legend had seen more than one ship today, which was... odd.

Bad.

Well I’m leaving tomorrow, so if they’re looking for me then they’re out of luck.

Legend put it from his mind for the moment as the ship passed out of sight, and went on his way. He turned down a street, nodded at a passing trader he knew, and made his way towards a small shop tucked away in a corner. Bright purple scribbles on the sign declared great prices and treasures, and Legend opened the door without fanfare.

“It’s me,” he called, and heard the familiar squawk of Sheerow complaining about the door from somewhere around the shelves inside.

“Did you get anything good?” an eager voice asked, and a figure in purple appeared from behind a shelf laden with old droid parts.

Ravio was Lorulean through and through, dark purple hair, pale skin, pointed ears that faded to purple at the tips. His features were usually covered by the ensemble he wore while he ran the shop, but his hood was down at the moment, and he looked hopefully at Legend.

“Well a merchant was stopping by who was in the market for Goron amber,” Legend reported, setting down his bag, “he didn’t give me much, but he bought out what I had, and gave me some fuel on top of it. Traded a few odd and ends beside, but not much. Nothing impressive. How were things here?”

Ravio sighed, holding his arm out for his annoying bird to land on. “Not great. Handful of customers, but nobody bought much.”

Legend hummed. Finances had been a bit tight as of late, even with Legend’s frequent trips to find scrap and goods worth selling. “Well, good thing I’m headed out again.“

“Hopefully that tip you got was good.” Ravio pointed out as Sheerow chittered and nuzzled against his face. “If not...”

“Yeah, well we’ll see if there’s actually an old imprisoning war base at the coordinates I’ve got,” Legend huffed, then moved behind the counter to safely store the credits he was carrying. “Day’s not over yet, maybe we’ll get a few more customers.”

Ravio nodded, and the two of them settled into their typical routine, Legend doing some organizing, Ravio working the counter when the occasional customer wandered in.

Things sped up a little that evening, the cooler temperature and bright sunset drawing people out and about. Legend and Ravio were kept fairly busy, and though they still didn’t get an overwhelming amount of business, Legend felt a little better by closing time. Credits were still tight, always tight, but so long as he had money to keep his ship in the sky and food on the table, he was happy. And keep a distance from the Empire, but that was a given.

Legend had a pretty simple rhythm to life these days: skim the planet and surrounding systems for scrap and treasures, then come back here and help Ravio sell them before heading out again. He’d take the occasional odd job along with it, but that was his usual deal.

Find things. Sell them. Rinse and repeat.

It had been his life for years now, even before he’d met Ravio and been reluctantly dragged into the merchant’s takeover of the small place he owned. It was just interesting enough for him to not get bored, and it did a fine job of keeping him away from any unfortunate reminders of his past.

Legend stuffed away the brief ache in his chest at the thought, and went back to sorting things on a shelf by the counter. The last customer had just left, and the shop was bathed in orange from the last dying rays of the sun. Closing time. Good thing too, he was beat, and more than ready to take a break before leaving tomorrow.

They often stayed open long past dark, but Legend wanted to be well-rested in the morning, and Ravio hated dealing with the rabble that often came in that time of day. Hence, early closing.

Then the front door jingled.

“Hey, we’re closed,” Legend called behind him, scowling in annoyance. He’d thought Ravio had locked the door.

“Oh. You are? Your sign said you’re open still,” a soft voice replied, and Legend turned, taking in the figure that had just entered the shop.

It was a teenager, at least, he looked like one. Legend would guess a bit younger than himself, though he looked taller. His clothes were mostly brown with a few dashes of green, patched in places and worn. The kid himself was lightly tanned with a spray of freckles across his face, fluffy brown hair not entirely hiding his pointy ears, and Legend squinted. Hyrulean, or some mix at least. Maybe a bit of Calatian in there if Legend had to guess.

Though his eyes... they weren’t quite like anything Legend had seen before. He couldn’t help staring at them a bit. Bright green with golden-brown flecks swimming inside them, they almost didn’t look natural.

The kid looked back at him, and Legend went still, an odd sensation rippling through him as their eyes met.

He quickly stuffed it down.

“I’m actually looking for someone,” the kid continued, and Legend blinked out of his thoughts, leaning against the counter.

“Looking for who?” he replied, and the kid tugged on his hair a little awkwardly.

“A man named Legend. I was pointed in the direction of this shop, I need to speak with him,” the kid said seriously, and Legend raised an eyebrow.

He scanned the kid again, trying to get a better impression of him. He didn’t look like he meant Legend any harm, but that was never a guarantee. He’d met shapeshifters before. And there was more than one person in the galaxy who wanted him dead.

But the feelings he was getting from the kid... none of them were threatening. He seemed... anxious. Worried. Fidgeting and looking around the shop with a nervous air. Legend didn’t think he’d come to make trouble.

And anyway his blaster was in easy reach if things got hairy.

Legend decided to take a chance. “Well. You’re speaking to him,” he said with a nod, and the kid stared at him, blinking a few times.

“You’re Legend?”

“Last time I checked,” Legend smirked, and Ravio laughed from across the room where he was obviously eavesdropping.

The kid blushed up to his ears. “Uh, sorry. The guys at the spaceport made it seem like you would be...”

“Older? I get that a lot,” Legend shrugged, setting a box of wood hearts up on a shelf and dusting off his hands. “Comes with the reputation. So... what do you want? Got something to trade or sell? Looking to buy?”

“We’ve got an excellent selection of droid parts!” Ravio called.

“Oh, no, nothing like that.” The kid straightened a little, and Legend saw him swallow. “I need to get off-world. I want you to take me.”

Legend looked at him appraisingly, still on guard. That was an unusual request. “And you came to me? Why can’t you just take a shuttle?”

The kid fidgeted with the strap of the bag strung over his shoulder. “...I need to not attract attention. Especially Imperial attention.”

Ravio’s ear twitched, and Legend frowned. “How’d you get here then? They at least glance over all incoming ships, and you’re not a local, no offense.”

The kid looked annoyed suddenly, but he smoothed his expression, accompanied by a tired sigh. “That’s a long story. Suffice to say I’m stuck here. It’s complicated.”

“Yeahhhh, I don’t really like complicated, and it sounds like you come with a lot of that,” Legend drawled, and the kid bristled.

“Look, it doesn’t matter why, does it? Can you give me passage off-world or what?” he said sharply, and Legend blinked. Huh. Demanding. Nice to see the kid had some bite to him.

The guy paused after he spoke, then breathed out, obviously making an effort to be calmer. “Sorry. It’s been a long day.”

Legend shrugged in acknowledgment of the apology, then put his elbows on the counter, and considered. He did actually give rides now and then, but to people he at least knew of, not random kids who were trying not to attract attention. Sure nobody wanted the Empire’s eyes on you, but the way this kid was acting, it was like he expected them to suddenly burst in the door.

And adding that to the extra Imperials he’d seen around today...

Legend frowned. Something was up. He didn’t know what yet, but something.

“So why me?” he asked finally, grabbing a cup of water he’d left on the counter nearby and taking a swig. “There’s a dozen pilots out there who would happily fly you around. Ones, I would mention, actually fly people around for a living, unlike me.”

The kid hesitated, and his unusual eyes flicked across Legend’s face. “You seem trustworthy. More than any of the guys at the port. Can you take me?”

There was another reason he wasn’t saying, but Legend didn’t know what. Fine, Legend could be vague too.

He shrugged. “If you’ve got the credits.”

“I can pay you,” the kid assured, green eyes darting around again. “And I don’t have a specific destination. Just drop me off on the nearest inhabited world where there’s no Imperial presence.”

“No Imperials? Gonna cost you,” Ravio spoke up as he walked by, and the kid’s face flashed briefly with desperation before smoothing again.

“I can pay. I just need to get off-world,” he bit out, and Legend studied him again, eyes catching on his thin face and fidgeting hands. There was a feeling building in the back of his head, one that was warning him to say no, turn the kid down, telling him he’d regret going along with this.

But... the kid looked pretty desperate.

And he had credits.

“All right,” Legend said finally, and the kid and Ravio both looked at him in surprise.

“Really?” The kid said like he couldn’t quite believe it, and Legend raised an eyebrow.

“You want me to change my mind?”

“No— no, no I don’t. Thank you sir,” he said earnestly, and the relief in his voice seemed to warm the whole room.

“Ugh none of that, call me Legend,” he said with a snort and a wave of his hand. “Lucky for you I’m headed out tomorrow, so you won’t have to wait long. We can discuss specifics about payment later, but head to docking port 9 at 0700 hours tomorrow, my ship is there.”

“Wait, we can’t leave now?” the kid asked worriedly, and Legend gave him a look.

“What’s the rush? I gotta refuel and load some supplies.” Surely he could wait until morning, it wasn’t that far away.

“Same reason I can’t take a shuttle,” the kid muttered anxiously, wringing his hands. But he didn’t argue further, and Legend gave him a few more details, the kid nodding then leaving the store without another word.

Legend watched him go, and Ravio hopped off the table he’d been sitting on, switching the sign to closed and locking the door of the shop behind him.

“Well, that was kind of weird. You’re really going to take him?” Ravio asked, and Legend sighed.

“Yep. I have a feeling I’ll regret it, but yep.”

“We could use the money,” Ravio murmured, and Legend smacked his arm.

“I could. You’re not getting any cut of this, I’m the one flying the kid.”

“But the roof over my bunk needs repairs, ash always gets in,” Ravio whined. “Sheerow hates his feathers getting dirty, and we haven’t had extra for that kind of thing in ages.”

Legend rolled his eyes. “I’ll think about it. Come on, I’ve got to figure out the closest planet with no Empire on it, and that’s going to take a while.“

Ravio grumbled, but he followed Legend as he walked to the back of the shop where the living area was, and they got to work while they ate, Legend gathering his things that had ended up scattered around the place in the couple weeks he’d been back.

One thought continued to follow Legend through the evening and into the night though, one that kept niggling at him and that he just couldn’t figure out.

Why had the kid come to him in the first place?

———

Legend slept restlessly that night, people and places and green and gold eyes flickering through his mind, but honestly he rarely got a good night’s sleep, so it wasn’t much to worry about. His dreams being a little turbulent wasn’t all that uncommon.

Even if he’d dreamed of his uncle, which hadn’t happened in years.

Legend scowled at the memory, busying himself with pushing the small crate of supplies on board his ship. He was not thinking about that. He was getting ready to depart. Not thinking about what his uncle had told him and then pressed into too-small hands all those years ago.

Legend shoved the crate in the rest of the way, then sighed, wiping his brow as he looked at the cargo hold. He’d managed to stuff in everything he needed, somehow. He hoped the kid didn’t have any luggage; the storage on the Puini really was lacking, and he was saving what little room she had left for whatever wares he found later. Someday he’d really like something a little less cramped, but beggars couldn’t be choosers, and the Puini wasn’t a half bad ship considering her age.

Just small. And old.

Legend leaned against the side of her as he finished loading his supplies, and checked the time, frowning up at the sky that was turning orange with the dawn’s light. It was after when he’d told the kid to get here, and no sign of him.

He sighed, and looked around. Should he wait? He’d warned him not to be late, but it was only a few minutes after. He’d packed up everything he could, refueled, bid farewell to Ravio and his annoying Lorulean Convor, and all that was left to do was get going.

Except the kid wasn’t here.

Unease flickered through him suddenly, and Legend stilled, his stomach sinking as the back of his neck prickled. Danger, something in his head hummed, even as Legend tried to ignore it.

What was—

Blaster fire rang out from somewhere nearby, and Legend jumped, immediately grabbing his weapon as he heard shrieks and a loud bang.

Oh great.

If Legend were smart, he would have immediately gotten in his ship and blasted away that very second.

But because Legend was an idiot, he instead ran to the entrance of the docking bay, peering around the corner and trying to figure out what was up. It was early enough that there weren’t a lot of people around, but Turtle Rock was never completely quiet, and several people ran past him, some shoving him in their haste to get away.

Legend looked where they’d been running from, and jogged his way towards the commotion, equally curious and annoyed. If it was pirates again, then he wouldn’t hesitate to fight back. Especially if they were anywhere near the shop.

He turned a few corners, still passing folks running, then froze as he reached the main thoroughfare, his throat going tight.

A squad of stormtroopers had surrounded someone against a wall, guns leveled. Legend only had to take one look to recognize the guy they’d cornered as the kid, and he cursed under his breath.

He knew it.

He knew they were after the kid, he knew it. The moment their eyes had met he’d known something was up. And with the amount of troops surrounding him, whatever reason the Empire wanted him wasn’t a small one.

Legend bit his lip, watching from around the corner. There was no way Legend was going to take out a whole squad of stormtroopers, especially not just to save one kid’s neck. Even if he was a paying customer, and seemed like a genuinely good kid, who certainly didn’t deserve whatever the Empire was going to do to him—

The trooper in front suddenly fired a stun blast at the kid, but the kid twisted out of the way of it almost unnaturally fast. He nearly landed in the arms of a different trooper, but he managed to duck under them and avoid being grabbed. Several of them dove for him, but the kid dodged and weaved around every one.

The other troopers were rapidly closing in on him though, and Legend didn’t know what to do, torn on whether to try and help or turn around and walk away. He felt frozen, unable to do anything but watch as more shots were fired, the kid narrowly missing each one.

The squad leader stepped forward and shouted something, but then the kid braced himself against the wall, and jumped, beyond what was natural, beyond what was normal, straight over their heads.

Legend stared, a brief hum singing as the kid landed, and he happened to meet the kid’s eyes, bright green meeting his purplish blues.

Oh.

Oh no.

The kid opened his mouth, then yelped as a shot grazed his arm, barely stopping himself from losing his footing. Legend bit back another curse as the troopers turned his way, seeing him standing near the kid. Before he could regret it, Legend aimed and shot a blast that nailed a trooper right in the shoulder.

The others began to open fire as he went sprawling, but Legend snatched something from his belt, tossing it into the midst of the stormtroopers. Smoke exploded into the air, the troopers shouting in surprise as their vision was covered, and Legend ran forward, snatching the kid’s good arm as he looked up at him.

“I—”

“Save it, we need to get out of here,” Legend said, and the kid nodded as he took off, following Legend through the spaceport.

Legend purposely did a few extra twists and turns on his way back to the ship, just to throw any potential pursuers off, as well as give himself a little time to think. He almost couldn’t believe he’d actually done that. He hadn’t shot at a stormtrooper in years, and he’d done it right after the kid... did that.

Oh I’m an idiot. I’m such an idiot.

Legend glanced at the kid as they ran, his face sweaty and just a little pale. This kid had a bigger target on his back than Legend ever would have guessed, one that put Legend in big danger. All the effort he’d put in towards disappearing was rapidly being destroyed, and it was all because of one kid he’d had a singular conversation with.

Is this really worth it? Are you really doing this?

Legend sighed.

I don’t exactly have a choice now.

He reached down and grabbed his comm from his belt as they ran, clicking it on.

“Ravio, come in. You might want to lay low for a while, there’s been some... developments,” Legend said into it, and he heard a groan from the other end.

“Oh no, what did you do now?”

“It’s not my— gah, just avoid any Imperials for a while. See you around,” Legend bit out, and turned off the device. There. He wasn’t too worried about Ravio, the merchant was used to staying off the radar, but he’d feel terrible if he got in trouble because of him.

He’d better not get into trouble because of him.

They finally reached Legend’s ship, and Legend made sure the kid was still behind him as he fired up the engines and closed the ramp. He was fairly sure they’d thrown off their pursuers, but he wasn’t sticking around to make sure.

“Strap in,” he warned his passenger, and the kid quickly sat down beside him and did so. Legend lifted off as fast as possible, knowing it wouldn’t take long for the Empire to catch onto them, and he gunned the engine as soon as they were clear of any buildings.

They shot into the sky, the orange and turquoise surface of the planet quickly falling away behind them. Legend only gave it a single glance before he returned his attention to flying. Looked like it would be a while before he came back here.

The thought was only briefly saddening.

“So... where are we going?” the kid asked as the sky around them grew darker, stars coming into view as they reached the upper atmosphere of the planet.

“I was thinking Akkala. It’s a little dangerous, but the Empire hasn’t gotten out quite that far, and the natives are nice,” Legend replied shortly, repeatedly checking the scopes for any sign of pursuit. So far so good. “Should be a good spot.”

“It sounds like it. Ah... thank you,” the kid said quietly, gratitude thick in his voice. “For the help. I’m Hyrule, by the way.”

“You got named after a system?” Legend asked with a smirk, and the kid— Hyrule, shrugged.

“It’s what I go by.”

“Well, guess I can’t argue with that,” Legend replied, starting preparations for hyperspace. The kid nodded, and Legend noticed him fidgeting with his hands again, not quite looking him in the eye. “Hey, uh, your arm okay? I have a medkit if you need it.”

“Oh, no, it just got grazed,” he replied quietly. “No biggie.”

“Good. You know... that was some fancy footwork back there. Impressive,” Legend said, and the kid peered at him from behind his hair. “...Your secret’s safe with me, kid.”

“Thanks,” Hyrule breathed out, and gave him a relieved smile.

And then an Imperial light cruiser suddenly appeared out of hyperspace in front of them.

Hyrule’s gasped, and Legend quickly swerved away from the direction of the ship with his heart in his throat. Stars that was fast. He shouldn’t be surprised based on the kid, but still. It must have already been on its way here with how quickly it had shown up.

Which begged the question... just how wanted was Hyrule?

A light on the console began to blink, and Legend and Hyrule’s heads both swung to look at it while it innocently flashed at them.

“They’re hailing us,” Hyrule said with a gulp, and Legend hissed under his breath before pressing the button to hear it.

“Shuttlecraft, this is Imperial cruiser Iron Knuckle. We’ve received word of a disturbance at port and all outgoing traffic has been barred. Reverse course and return to the outpost,” a harsh voice crackled over the line, and Legend glared at the console before pressing the button to reply.

“Yeah, cruiser Knuckle I’m on an important delivery run, I don’t have time to return to port or I’ll be late with my cargo,” he replied, not slowing in the slightest.

The scream of TIE fighters hit his ears, and several of them dropped from the cruiser, quickly curving around to flank him. They weren’t shooting, but it wouldn’t be long.

“No exceptions, shuttlecraft. Return to port. This is your final warning.”

Hyrule tensed beside him, and Legend swallowed. “I’m carrying Goron spring water! Do you know how fast that stuff goes bad?!” he exclaimed, hurriedly working on calculating a hyperspace jump. “My whole stock will be ruined if I turn back!”

Silence on the other end.

Then the TIEs open fired.

“Blast it!” Legend hissed, and plunged into a nosedive as green bolts shot past them. The Puini shook violently as a blast scraped the hull, and Hyrule looked out the viewport in alarm as more TIEs approached them. “I’d bet they radioed the ship’s description up, they know who we are.”

“They have a lot of fighters,” Hyrule pointed out nervously, and Legend grimaced.

“And I have a lot of stubbornness. Make yourself useful and shoot back,” he snapped, quickly pointing Hyrule to the cannon controls. “I need more time before we can jump, I—”

The ship lurched with another hit, and a light blared red on the dashboard, Legend glancing at it and cursing again. Shields were barely holding. Why were there suddenly so many TIEs?

The kid managed to shoot one of the approaching ships, not destroying it, but damaging it enough that it broke off the attack. He kept firing at them while Legend dodged, and the shots from their end helped thin the attacks, the TIEs more wary about getting as close.

“On your left!” the kid warned, and Legend swerved away from a bolt that likely would have done them in.

“Rrrgh, just a little longer, come on...” Legend growled, diving gracefully to avoid several blasts. He was a pretty good pilot if he did say so himself, but this was insane. There were a good four or five TIEs out there all shooting at them, and more coming. Not to mention if the cruiser got a clear shot at them, they’d be dead.

Legend swung the Puini in a wide arc, dodging several blasts as he went. Hyrule managed to take out another ship on the curve, a small explosion taking the place of a TIE, but he could only do so much.

A horrible sound suddenly rang through the ship, something exploding with a screech of metal and a sharp lurch that made Legend’s teeth rattle.

He knew immediately that it was bad, even without the overhead sparking and the large number of lights and alarms that suddenly appeared on the console in front of him. Hyrule gasped as the entire ship shook, and the TIEs formed up to blast them into smithereens.

But it didn’t matter.

Legend mashed a button that had finally lit up, and the stars around them streaked into countless beams of blue and white light as they shot into hyperspace.

They’d escaped.

Legend collapsed backwards and gave himself two seconds to pat himself on the back, then quickly started a diagnostic to check the damage they’d just sustained. He knew it would be bad, really bad, and he was proven right within moments, alarms still blaring from various sensors.

“We’re... still in one piece?” Hyrule asked, almost like he didn’t believe it.

“Sort of. They grazed the engine, I don’t know how long we’ll last,” Legend bit out as his fingers flew across the controls, and Hyrule looked around in alarm.

“The engine? Can you fix it?”

“Not with the damage we just sustained,” Legend said quickly, hopping out of his seat and going for a panel on the wall. “I’ll see what I can do, but there’s no way we’re going to make it all the way to Akkala. We’ll be lucky if the engine gives us another hour.”

The ship lurched slightly, and Legend swallowed.

“...And the hyperdrive.“

“Anything I can do?” Hyrule asked as Legend grabbed his toolbox from under a chair.

“Map’s over there. Check for the closest planet on our route without a crazy number of Imperials. We don’t have long with the hyperdrive, so we’ll have to make it count,” Legend said grimly, pulling out a wrench. “I can alter our course a bit, but not ‘til I know where we’re going.”

Hyrule nodded, and as he pulled up a map, Legend wiped some sweat from his brow.

This was... really bad. His ship had been shot nearly to bits, the engine and possibly the hyperdrive could both decide to quit and leave them stranded at any moment, and he was pretty sure he was on the run from the Empire now.

...Again.

Something sparked under his fingertips, and Legend quickly shook out his hand, glancing at Hyrule once before diving back in.

If they made it out of this alive, it’d be a miracle.

[redux-iterum]

It is I, angry timeline anon in the digital flesh, and I've come to croon my woes again over StormClan's Folly's Allegiances.

I’m just going to ignore the modern names, like Huntheart and Tumbletail and Floatweed(I’m cackling in my custom baby seal leather boots at this one), however it seems to me that the new writers don’t care for doubled up prefixes now, as shown in Harewhisker and Petalstep’s apprentice, Harepaw (admittedly, I am increasingly excited to see how on God’s green earth the team is going to tie up these family trees and relations between Redstar’s generation and Oakstar’s generation). Now are Harewhisker and Harepaw father-son and the father is just like our Seedpelt-Seedpelt-Seedpelt situation where they like to just name their children after themself whilst egotistically chortling in kitty cat??(assuming Redstar’s Seedpelt is related to Mapleshade’s Seedpelt and Pinestar’s Seedpelt,, WHY ARE THERE THREE THUNDERCLAN SEEDPELTS???) Is Harepaw named after Harewhisker by the mother because “Wow!! They look alike!!” Or even further, “Wow!! They look… Alike… nervous affair sweats” or simply because maybe Harewhisker saved either parent and they were like, “Dope, I’m naming my singular spawn after you.” Nettleclaw and Nettlesting could also fall under this but,, bah 7 years apart, Nettleclaw could’ve immediately imploded after Cloudstar’s book ended, who cares.

And I do realize that the team has very much done this before, in regards to WindClan’s whole Leaftail and Leafcurl in The Elder’s Quest (which made my hard-wired “don’t share prefixes in the same clan!!” from the old tube cat roleplay before WCUE on Roblox start blaring sirens, but whatever, it’s not like there are other, very much unused prefixes the team could use, right?), but honestly, I stopped reading and caring over the future of warriors after Light in the Mist actually made my dead heart beat again in 9th grade.

Unfortunately, we also don’t get too many canon known cats from Redstar’s time other than the most recognizable three, Birdflight, Spottedpelt, and Gorseclaw and a surprising feature of Kestrelwing! Good for him, we got a reoccurring medicine cat. Yarrowflight would’ve presumably been a warrior during Redstar’s time but,, eh, call me Brokenstar and Thanos-snap the elders at this point, we all know he won’t be important in the story other than saying “TRADITION!!!” whilst aggressively swinging his paw at Stripestar and Galestar’s lovey-dovey-ing in the forest somewhere.

I would also like to start a Rosebush fanclub, I find it comical that a plump, angry man seems to be at least a secondary to StormClan’s cast since he was mentioned in Ivypool’s Heart. Rosestar for ThunderClan’s leader sometime in the early 1980’s <3

Did they really double up on prefixes in the same Clan repeatedly? Holy shit. I know it wasn't a set rule, but it's been tradition to keep every prefix unique, with rare exceptions. Maybe I'm tripping with no luggage on that. Oh well. This shit's nuts.

[loveshard]

the thought made xavier wince in a good way. it was more of a challenge than a threat, and his mouth curled into a smile the more he imagined himself in a three-piece suit and hiding some ridiculous vibrating torture device under his thousand-dollar slacks. every time he had to stand up to get his steps in or walk to the bathroom, he'd have to fight to keep his voice from wavering. the fantasy was almost too good to be buried. xavier mentally bookmarked the idea, resolved to one-up his boyfriend by the end of the month. "bet i last longer than you," he mused, cozy and smug, pressing a peck to thomas’ cheekbone before sliding his hand down their torso. he allowed himself to settle into the vision, eyes half-lidded as he considered commissioning something custom from his favorite renowned sex toy designer in vienna. "my pain tolerance is higher." it wasn't a contest, but if it was, xavier intended to win.

thomas was impossibly heavy when he committed to a snuggle, all deadweight and stubbornness. but xavier let himself get squashed, which was a rare privilege granted to very few. he just curved his arms around them, running a hand down their bare back, softly tracing the flat planes and dips of muscle and bone. "i’ll have my lawyer draft up the terms and conditions," xavier quipped, "with a bulletproof addendum for any future ass-based damages." with breathing gentled, movement steadied, he could sense they were probably on the edge of slumber. which was good, he figured. his lover more than deserved some rest, after what his body endured. "you’re a high-maintenance bottom, but i guess that’s my type."

he stretched out further at their following question, then pulled thomas’ leg over his own, needing the human blanket. believed it was cute that they still managed to string coherent words together at this point, half expecting them to be sound asleep by now. "you're literally lying on top of it," xavier deadpanned from the bottom of the steamy cuddle pile. a part of him wondered if this was a set-up. he’d definitely bought a gift, actually having a reason to remember this year, and this time, he’d gone extra. had even picked the wrapping paper himself. "a very large gift, if i may add."

‘ i'm glad you're comfortable. next time we'll let you be the one with the plug and wear it all day. ’ grumbling now that there's more discomfort than after glow, the knowledge that if he made any moves too quickly it'd just be worse. though he'd asked for it, thomas still isn't pleased when xavier starts to move and dislodges him from the semi comfortable position he'd wound up in. even with the warning before it happened, it felt like hours instead of the seconds it took for it to be removed, aching walls still pulling at the toy despite his flinch and shudder, but it was the emptiness that almost made him wish he hadn't said a word. he'd complained about the length of time, sure, but now that it was over he almost didn't know how to feel or what to think about it.

‘ no, no touching. can't touch my ass for at least 48 hours. ’ mumbled out as he turns just enough to reclaim his previous position, pressed limb to limb like some sort of land octopus. what soreness there was, the mess they needed to clean up, and how gross it'd be hours later as they try to scrub themselves clean could wait. he could feel his eyes becoming heavy again wrapped in the heat of xavier's form, head shaking slightly. ‘ not unless it's strawberries or something. ’ he didn't even trust xavier to make up some finger food for them without either making a mess or chopping something he didn't need to do. he wouldn't be surprised if by the time he rolled back out of bed and was fresh and cleaned, one of his chefs had already rolled through the kitchen and either prepared something for them or laid everything out. content with that, until he realized why his thoughts had gone to chocolate covered strawberries to begin with.

‘ wait a minute. where's my valentine's day gift ? ’

[moonilit]

Bruce’s Goth furry Aesthetic VS Dick’s flamboyant Disco Noir aesthetic: Fight.

Idk I say we let Dick make it

[s2pdoktopus]

I wanted to see how Meihua does in the wire requirements thing:

❌ Naturally beautiful, graceful and obedient,

I haven't thought about whether she's beautiful or not. She's probably above average in looks. She knows how to style herself to look pretty. She has all the grace of a saleswoman who knows how to be likable enough that the customer would give you the time to show off your merchandise and an adult who had to raise a 5 year old at 15 while wrangling three dogs which is to say, she can be graceful when she wants to. She'd obey for the right reasons but she is mostly obedient.

✅ (Kinda) hard-working and thrifty, coming from a respected family,

She is hardworking and thrifty, some skills you just need to learn when your family didn't get to recover their losses after the war. So, if we're counting the fact that her family was respected but not anymore, then yeah, she got this criteria.

✅ cultivation level not too high

Finally! Something she unquestionably has! Though it did worry him a bit because sometimes, very rarely, she does work as a rogue cultivator and all she has for protection when she goes are three of her spiritual dogs. They started working on getting her cultivation level up *wink wink*

✅ personality not too strong,

She's quite confident. She knows her strengths and weaknesses and rarely does anything she doesn't think she can't do. She'll talk just to say her piece but she isn't assertive. She always presents her ideas as options you can take or not, no hard feelings no matter the outcome.

❌ not too talkative,

She likes to yap. She looks like the quiet type but she's really not. She's a tease.

✅ voice not too loud

Her voice is soft, the kind that could make you sleepy.

✅ must treat Jin Ling nicely.

Hides Jin Ling when they have some dumb petty fight (probably about Jin Ling running off to danger or something) and distracts Jiang Cheng using puppies until both of them cool down. Provides Jin Ling embarrassing stories from her youth (mostly about his parents and uncle) they're mostly gossips because she never knew them personally (it forced Jiang Cheng to talk more about Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan because most of the rumors are wrong and he'll be damned if Jin Ling learned the wrong things about his parents.)

Damn. 5/7. 4.5/7 if we're making the "kinda" have a half point.

Gossiping about your wedding guests

[modelxis]

Do you have any mmzx oc?

I do, actually! you can check the mmzx oc in my search tag (i should make a separate tags for OCs and my arts on this blog)

tbh, i can't really say much💦

Not that i want to keep them as secret, more like my head is a messy place, even i forgot details from times to times Also like, i tend to re-use NPCs and give them roles...so...saying they are my OCs are... not correct😅

well, i can give you a quick run down about them here if you're interested in reading my messy writing

🛵Giro Express transporter

these two are the one so far that i'm fine with the designs (they are adopts from @/noeggets (go check them out, really cool artist) these aren't their real names, rather code-names that they used to hide their true identities, or precisely their old past 🛵Blue-hair girl is Mint, she focus on communicating with customers and all the paper works jobs, she good at hacking, has trouble with addiction which confuse a lot of people cuz' why a Reploid has that sort of problem, she actually exists since mmz era, and know Rouge, the operator of the Resistance. She was one of few people that works inside NA and help the Resistance by giving coordination to Rouge so Zero can have a safe transportation into certain areas. 🛵Purple hair girl is Campanula (the flower, Canterbury bells), a human (she is in mid 20s, just very short) , mainly works in storage, she is a skilled mechanic so she tend to helps with fixing the vehicles, mainly Aile because Aile tend to go into far more restricted-dangerous zones, sometimes the Guardian base would require her helps, despite her cheerfulness and outgoing attitude at first glance, she has troubles express her true thoughts and critics unless she feel comfortable around you.

(not final design) 🛵His name is Tomi, Yes, he count as an employees, he "disguise" himself as a motorcycle for delivering, mainly Aile use him. a mavericks gone "rouge" cuz' he got effected by the virus which was made by Campanula, it's not that he became more docile or kind, altho Campanula made sure he is incapable of attacking specifically her, he just...become more self-aware of his existence and decided that he prefer using his skill for st else other than be treated as a secondary mini-boss. He does genuinely like Campanula due to her carefulness when its come to machines, even to Mavericks like him. Other than her, Aile is another one that he also like because she impressed him with her riding skills (think of all the stunt from GTA video games) which lead to him admiring human tendency to seek danger as some sort of fun challenges. (he is one of the few OCs that i considered to be the oldest cuz' i had this concept for a long time ever since i played mmz)

(not final design, also thank you @/tyrantchimera for the sketch! Check their blog out, they are both cool artist and writer) 🛵Her name is Lake, she named it herself (or you can say OP is very uncreative when it comes to naming, lol) Another Mavericks gone "rouge", she became docile when failed to fully control Model L. she is one of few test subjects for Serpent to check how he can manipulate Ciel's biometals for his troops, Leviathan's subconscious "convinced" Lake to turn good which she success and Lake managed to escaped Serpent's controls but failed to take model L with her. She encountered Aile post-Ouroboros downfall, helping to pinpoint the leftover pieces of model Ws to ensure they stayed dead. (Aile didn't reveal Vent who was helping them finding the pieces, why tho? no idea currently, lol...) Then later on, she was saved by Aile and worked as some sort of submarine to transport packages and all sort of heavy stuffs across sea.

❌Others

(not the final design) This old Reploid guy is Leo (funny enough, he is "younger" than Mint) He was made around the same time as Prometheus and Pandora (he doesn't know them but aware of their reputation) but instead of staying youthful, he remain as old (simply for aesthetic choice, "old-looking people are cool") He is a skilled mechanic, also a trader for rare parts and "illegal" equipments for people who don't want Legion's eyes on them (especially with the news about Master Albert gone Mavericks, lots more people been looking into this type of service)

Well, these are the one that has designs I have a loooot more, but they are all from a long time ago, and i do wish i can find those old papers again but not like i will reuse the designs.

well, i hope some of these make sense if you managed to read it all.