#there are so many tiny details in this show that just wreck me

[twig-tea]

Love in the Big City Timeline in the Series

Here are the facts I've put together about the timeline in the series (which feels, unlike the book, a little more linear and so actually possible to do this with):

[indeterminate, elementary school, est. early 2000s] Yeong's mom finds out about Yeong's father's second family and divorces him

[indeterminate, high school, est. late 2000s] Yeong is caught kissing another boy on the playground and institutionalized by his mother

2012: The year that T-ara's song Sexy Love comes out (at this point I've just kept this on here for reference)

2014: As per his own narration in ep5, this is the year Yeong contracts HIV (in Feb) and is diagnosed by the military (and he only spends 1 month in the military before getting a medical discharge). He meets with the T-aras a few months later and says they're next for the military (shoutout to @impala124); he meets Nam Gyu and Mi Ae in late 2014, and Mi Ae tries to bum a cigarette from him in Dec 2014 (shout-out to @my-rose-tinted-glasses); Yeong moves in with Mi Ae in either late 2014 or early 2015, and soon after that is the T-ara karaoke sendoff after which he breaks up with Nam Gyu.

2015: Mi Ae's application to her job had 2015 on it; Mi Ae goes to the job retreat for a month, meets Jun Ho, and then several months after that, Yeong stops talking to Mi Ae for 10 months after she outs him. Some time in late 2015/early 2016, Yeong breaks things off with Nam Gyu again.

2016: We know Yeong won the contest in 2016 as per the book we see on Yeong Su's nightstand, and since Yeong called Mi Ae after that, we know they reconciled in 2016. Also, as per the last text message from him, Nam Gyu dies in 2016. After his funeral, Yeong takes over Mi Ae's apartment and Mi Ae gets married. Also, Yeong's mother gets diagnosed with cancer 3 years before she dies, which would be 3 years before Yeong tells Gyu Ho about Kylie, so that means her cancer diagnosis was also in 2016.

2017: Yeong Su tells Yeong he's moving to America [guessing based on how much time seemed to pass in their relationship]; Yeong attempts suicide

2018: Yeong Su sends Yeong the manuscript (which he throws out) [we know this was a year after Yeong Su leaves, but before Yeong's mother dies]

2019: Yeong's mother dies [I'm inferring because we know Yeong tells Gyu-Ho about Kylie in Jan 2020 after his mother's death and after they'd been seeing each other for a little while, so that puts Yeong's mother's death in 2019]

2020: We see Yeong's phone date the day he tells Gyu-Ho about Kylie as Saturday, Jan 25, which was a date in 2020 (but not 2019) [shoutout to @my-rose-tinted-glasses for pointing this out]; Yeong also has an article in his office with 2020 on it, so he was definitely dating Gyu-Ho and had moved from his job at the musical theatre to the company by 2020.

2021: [This is a guess, but we know Yeong's been together with Gyu-Ho for a year when he complains to the T-aras about their relationship and they suggest a trip, so I'm guessing the trip to Bangkok took place in Feb 2021 (around Chinese new year)--my best attempt to date this was the reference to the construction of the Pearl Building in Bangkok but that was constructed 2015-2017]

2022: Shoutout to @my-rose-tinted-glasses for catching the label on the package of his suitcase that Gyu-Ho buys for Shanghai, which says Jan 2022. We know Gyu-Ho leaves for Shanghai soon after that because in Feb 2023 the T-aras check in with Yeong saying it's 'that time of year'.

2023: In Feb 2023 we see Yeong quits his company to be a full-time writer; he writes the date on the book he signs for his former colleague and on his phone screen we can see Feb 2023 as well. We also got some confirmations of the timeline above, since he says in his voiceovers in eps 7&8 that it's been a year since Gyu-Ho left and he's been living with Kylie 9 years. [Note: there were subs in ep7 that said 2022, but they don't align with what's actually on screen]. In March, Yeong goes to Bangkok with Q/Habibi (Habibi's phone screen says it's March 8 when Yeong looks at it in the shower).

Feel free to correct me or add any concrete dates that I missed! I've now updated this with details from the last 2 episodes on Nov 12.

[f6bron]

delicate lilac.

pairing : badboy!iso x soft!gn!reader

notes : bad boy x sunshine trope, mutual-pining but both of them are unaware of it, potential friends to lovers, fluff fluff fluff >.<

The campus buzzed with energy as students hurriedly moved from one class to another. Among the sea of people, Li Zhao Yu, also known as Iso, stood out—an enigmatic figure with a formidable reputation that sent shivers through many.

Yet, beneath the intimidating facade, a softer side existed, one that only revealed itself in the presence of one person.

And that's you, Y/N L/N.

As the two of you and your friends strolled through the campus, Iso couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy bubbling within him as he watched you interact with your friends. Laughter filled the air, and Iso's eyes followed the movement of your lips as you spoke animatedly.

Your plump cherry lips, soft skin, and the way the sun highlighted your features. He longed for the day he could receive a similar treatment from you.

"Must be nice," he thought, unconsciously fiddling with the rings on his fingers.

"Iso?" you called, snapping him back to reality.

Stammering, caught off guard by your sudden attention, he replied, "Y-yeah?"

You let out a tiny giggle, a sound that made warmth creep up onto Iso's face. "What were you daydreamin' about?"

"Oh, nothing. I… I was just thinking about–" Iso fumbled over his words, nervousness taking over. Are you being for real, Iso?! This is not you!

Before he could realize it, you slipped a piece of candy into his rough and calloused hands—a stark contrast between your soft and delicate hands and his rugged ones.

"Huh?" he questioned, giving you a puzzled look.

"You said you wanted a strawberry-flavoured candy," you reminded him, a soft smile playing on your lips.

Iso could feel warmth engulfing his heart, not expecting you to remember the tiny details he mentioned during the casual conversation you guys had on your way to class.

"Don't tell anyone, but… I kinda stole it from Jett."

"Really… for me?" Iso asked, his eyebrows raised.

"Yeah! For you!" you replied, causing Iso to chuckle. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach.

"Thanks…"

"All right, lovebirds! Enough of that," Phoenix interjected from behind, placing his hands on both Iso's and your shoulders. "We gotta get movin'."

"We're not—"

"Whatever," Phoenix shrugged, cutting Iso off.

"See you at the cafeteria later." he said, winking at you before leaving. Iso sent a harsh glare to Phoenix, the audacity for him to wink at you.

He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Take care, Y/N. Text me after you're done with your classes, okay?"

Iso sighed internally, wishing he could be there for you 24/7.

You nodded shyly before joining the rest of your friends to head to class. "Mhm… you too."

Even though Iso is a notorious class-skipper, up to everyone's surprise, he has been showing up to lectures lately. It's all because he couldn't resist the charm of Y/N's pout.

The thought of being the cause of that disappointed expression wrecks his heart a bit. He would trade his soul if it means seeing that cute smile of yours, and to get complimented by you.

Iso caught up and walked alongside Phoenix, still holding the strawberry-flavored candy you gave him earlier. Phoenix shot him a knowing look. "If you're gonna play pretend, just give up."

"Huh?"

"Are you being for real, lad?" Phoenix nudged Iso's shoulder. "You never look so ‘down bad’ over a person." Iso sighed, finally getting the point.

"Is it too obvious?" Iso replied, popping the candy into his mouth effortlessly.

"Yeah, too obvious. ‘Saw how a love shape starts forming in your eyes as soon as Y/N appears in your sight." Phoenix teased, smirking.

Iso chuckled, the image of adorable you started playing in his mind. Not like you’ll ever leave it anyway.

"Come on, man. You can't blame me. Y/N is too cute to resist."

(A/N): THIS LOOKS RUSHED IM SORRY anyways im thinking of turning badboy!iso into a series but we'll see...

delicate who? | masterlist.

[distortionswife]

JonMartin fic: Together is always better

( Part 1 )

-- note before the fic: this is set after 159 but before the hell that is 160. SO SPOILERS FOR MAG 1-160 --

Together is always better.

" That's the thing, isn't it? Ever since that day... The day Jon came for me, the day Jon took me out of the lonely... Ever since then, we've just been happy.

And if I'm honest, I couldn't be happier. I'm glad we aren't in there anymore, in the institute... It feels so free. I've never seen Jon smile as much, he's so excited to move in with me and I feel the same!"

Martin smiled to himself, writing down his many thoughts in his journal, reminiscing on how everything was better now. He had to kill some time while Jon was getting to his cabin.

" Oh, I'm so excited... Jon doesn't know what i have planned for us but I just know he's going to love it! We'll sort out his stuff and settle him in... We'll drink something and then I'll take him to my favorite spot.

I have a backpack ready with everything we could need, including every little thing Jon can worry about; I have a notebook, first aid kit, one of those little fans for food, so that there can't get any bugs into his drink!

Oh I can't wait to write today down, to capture Polaroids of our day together... To hopefully capture that loving smile, the smile that makes me absolutely melt."

And suddenly the bell rang, it was Jon!

Martin had a moment of panic as he didn't know what to do, his hands up as he looked around quickly, closing the journal and putting it away. He yelled a quick "COMING!" before he bolted it for the door, looking as calm as can be.

Which wasn't calm at all, the sweetheart was a nervous wreck and it showed.

"H-Hey Jon! I wasn't expecting you this soon... N-Not that I mind! Gosh no!" Martin rambled, scratching the back of his head as Jon just smiled up at him.

"I'm happy to see you too, Martin..." Jon chuckled so sweetly, looking well taken care of for once. He did that as of late, since Martin seemed to like it. And if he could make Martin happy with those little things... Maybe it was worth it.

Martin let him in and helped carry some stuff to the bedroom. Jon surprisingly didn't have much, just a big suitcase with everything he held dear.

"Do you want anything to drink? Or do you want to unpack first? Anything is fine with me, so please tell me." Martin giggled a little, smiling at Jon, who just seemed at ease, for once.

Jon looked around for a moment, admiring the gentle and soft colored interior. The U-Shaped kitchen island, the white countertops with light blue cabinets, the metallic gray fridge, the microwave resting on top of one of the counters... How every cabinet held cups, plates, spices, drinks... He's never felt his at home before and it was... nice.

"Ah- Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment," Jon apologized with a hearty chuckle, "If you don't mind, I'd like to unpack first... It isn't much so I'll be done in a moment."

Martin nodded and brought Jon in for a hug, "I'll see you in a moment, then. I'll go brew the tea and coffee while you unpack."

Jon nodded at Martin, his gaze lingering for a moment as he noticed those tiny details he honestly has grown to love... The freckles on his cheeks or the way his glasses are never on straight.

But that gaze was soon broken, as Martin had let go of Jon to go make tea in the kitchen. And so, Jon set off to the master bedroom they now shared.

Once in there, he opened his big brown suitcase, seeing everything he had packed... Including his favorite photo. He knew how he hated that photo at the time... The very first photo of Jon and Martin together, on the very first work day. Elias had insisted that everyone took pictures together as it would make the team stronger or some workplace bonding type BS.

But... He cherished that photo now, smiling as he saw them still so young and... unharmed. Oh how he longed for those times, no worm scars, no paranoia and most importantly, no eye that was constantly watching and hungering for more.

But Jon didn't adore Martin back then, he wouldn't have what they have now... And that wasn't worth it. Some scars and trauma over Martin?

Martin was his reason for everything... He didn't think he'd still be here if it weren't for him..

But Jon shook off those many thoughts, just happy to finally be somewhere safe... somewhere he's happy. And Martin made him very happy.

Jon continued to unpack, various sweaters, blouses... Some of Martin's hoodies he had stolen... All put away in a second closet, it seemed Martin even did that... After all, the little note on the door said "I got you a closet of your own, so you don't have to panic which clothes are mine and which are yours <;3"

He bumped into the desk by accident, seeing a notebook fall out and looking curiously. Jon saw the words "Jon" and "surprise" and he just closed the book, he didn't wish to know it for once.

He trusted Martin, after all.

It wasn't long before Jon was done, walking to Martin with a gentle smile, he felt relaxed. Part of him wondered how long it would last.

Martin sat him down with a cup of oolong tea, just relaxing for a moment. The two joked a bit about how in the end, it was always going to be them, even if Jon hated him in the beginning.

It was almost time..

"Hey, uhm, Jon? I was wondering something, would you be interested in coming with me somewhere? It's just a beautiful spot I'd like to show you..." Martin spoke, trying to be as confident without leading Jon on to accidentally reveal what he had in mind.

"Oh? Well, I'd love to, actually... But do you have--" Jon started,

Martin immediately cut him off with a chuckle, "Yes, I have everything, including the first aid kit, the tape recorder and a notebook... I've got everything you could ever need, with me."

Jon laughed softly at that, "Well... I guess I'm ready to go then, please lead the way, Martin."

Oh how Jon wasn't used to this, but how he adored it... Martin knew him so well and for once, it wasn't a bad thing.

Martin got up from his seat and walked over to Jon, putting his hand out. Jon immediately took it as he got up, letting go and walking towards the front door.

Both put on their respective coats, it was quite chilly outside and neither of them were in the mood to get sick, even if it'd mean they could cozy up together.

Martin wasn't sure what level of intimacy Jon was comfortable with, of course he was never going to push him on it, that felt unnecessary and wouldn't be good on his part... So he waited until Jon told him or made the move. They hadn't even held hands yet...

Jon stood in front of Martin, noticing him drifting off again, that same misty look in his eyes. "Martin? Martin! Martin come back to me!"

Martin flinched lightly and blinked rapidly, "H-Huh? Oh- Was I drifting off in thought again..? My bad..."

Jon smiled in a reassuring way, taking a hold of Martin's hand, rubbing his thumb over it in an attempt to ease him. Although, both of them blushed very lightly at the gesture. "It's okay, don't worry... I've got you, I won't let you fall back into that place..."

Martin felt himself melt, his heart fluttering with such adoration for the paranoid man before him... He knew he had a heart, just because some eye made him monster-like, didn't mean he wasn't able to care anymore.

"Thank you"

"Of course."

And with that, they left the house, hands intertwined with a gentle almost cautious hold.

Martin lead the way, watching Jon for if he needed to slow down his speed. Whenever Martin got excited, he'd walk faster and talk faster, after all. Not that Jon minded, he always seemed to smile as Martin spoke, it'd fluster the boy whenever he did notice it.

The walk was nice and quiet, going over meadows and through the nearby forest, the lighting of the sun illuminating their path so beautifully and it almost felt... romantic. The golden glow of the low hanging sun, giving them enough warmth to not be too chilly, paired with the gentle rustling noises of leaves in the breeze... It was perfect.

Then they arrived near a big pen, where Martin's favorite cows stood. He let out an excited yelp and ran towards them, many of the cows going towards him as well.

Jon smiled at that alone, bringing out his own camera and taking a few pictures of Martin with the brown highland cows. Oh that smile... What did he do to deserve someone such as Martin?

"Jon! Jon! Come here!! Quick!!" Martin said, seeming even more excited than before.

And Jon, of course, walked over hastily, partially worried something was wrong, probably not reading Martin's tone correctly.

Martin pointed at a calf, it was fluffy and near it's mother.

"Remember that I told you about Bertha being pregnant a few months back? Well... it looks like she had her baby!" Martin explained, squeezing his hands as he held back the excitement that wanted to come out. He couldn't hold it back completely, so his arms waved back in forth in a flapping manner while he watched the new calf.

"That's really exciting, Martin! And it looks so well, too!" Jon replied, happy to see Martin in his true element.

Martin nodded very excitedly, watching as Bertha walked to him with the calf, almost as if to show him off. Martin reached out his hand after the mother gave him permission, the calf sniffed at Martin's hand before pressing his head into the hand.

Jon took a few more pictures, knowing Martin would want this moment captured nonetheless.

After a little more cuddling with the cows, they were back on their way, with Martin's promise that they were "almost there"

Their little walk ended in the beautiful flowery meadow, a beautiful sight of the setting sun and... A picnic cloth and basket..? Oh Martin really did have it all planned out.

Jon felt his own heart flutter a bit at the sight, sitting where Martin told him to, looking over everything in complete awe. Although his heart sank a bit when he felt that damned urge again, looking almost apologetically to his love. "Martin I-"

"No, no, don't worry! I expected it..." Martin smiled, putting down the tape recorder and the notebook with a pen, "I will be a little further away, you can see me if you want to... But wave to me when you're done!"

Jon nodded and watched him leave, before focusing on what kept him alive, recording another statement, about the ones who were once buried down here deep below... And the few that are still breathing.

Martin, in the meantime, was picking flowers, planting a flower seed wherever he picked them. He looked back at Jon, seeing his eyes glow once more, his back hunched.. "Good god Jon has TERRIBLE posture," he thought...

But while he waited, Martin turned the flowers into a flower crown, somehow knowing the dimensions of Jon's head perfectly. A mixture of blue and green flowers to symbolize the two of them.

He watched Jon while he made the statement, from afar so it wouldn't tire him out. Even like this, Martin found a way to adore him.

He waited and waited, how long was this statement? It's taking quite some time.. Oh-! He's done.

Martin giggled a little as he saw Jon waving in an almost exaggerated way, unsure if he'd see a tiny wave.

Either way, Martin made his way back to Jon, sitting on the other side of the picnic basket. He took out some Tupperware boxes with various foods, such as sandwiches and little deserts he had made... the canister with hot tea, some cups... Everything they could need.

"Oh Martin... Did you do all of this for us...?" Jon spoke, practically falling for Martin again.

"Yes! I wanted our first actual date type outing to be special... So... Everything is homemade... It's everything you like, that you told me, I mean... So please, enjoy it.. for me?" Martin explained, a big smile on his face as he offered Jon a cup of tea.

"Thank you... But before we continue this... I have something for you, Martin... And it may be cliche... But I like it." Jon chuckled a little nervously, grabbing something from his pocket and handing it to Martin. It was a small wrapped gift.

Once Martin opened it, it held a locket of some kind, a heart shaped locket with a photo of the two of them.

"I-I know it's nothing grand and as I said, cliche and maybe cheesy... But i wanted to give you something so I'd always be close to you... So you have something to look at if you miss me..." Jon explained, his cheeks red as he did. He was never the one for materialistic gifts, as he was quite bad at figuring out what someone would want as a gift.

Martin teared up, smiling oh so happily at Jon as he held it to his chest, "Oh Jon..."

Jon, however, didn't understand that this was a good type of crying. He immediately cupped Martin's face, his own expression filled with worry. "I-Is it too much? Does it remind you of something you don't like? I-I-I can bring it back and get you something else!"

Martin laughed softly, moving his hands to cup Jon's face as well, "Please don't... I love it..."

"Y-You do..? But- But you're crying!" Jon said feeling confused at the mixed reaction Martin gave off.

"It's a good type of crying, Jon... It's crying out of happiness... I really love it... Thank you." Martin spoke, his love for Jon evident in every way; in his voice, his eyes, his gentle hold.

"I love you, Martin.."

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

And that's the end of part one.

I'd absolutely love to write more but I'm also very sick at the moment so I'm splitting up the story into two parts, I hope you don't mind!

The fluffiness is definitely continuing in part two <3

And sorry if it's a little short, once more, I'm sick so I write what I can! and do tell me if you liked it!

[wonryllis]

Heyyy L&DS anon here!! sorry it took a while to reply im not on Tumblr as much :(( as for your reply, I think with sylus and jay I see the resemblance somehow idk I feel like it matches the anger issues and the way he looks somehow? idk how to explain it tbh I just see jay in him BUTTTT now that you've mentioned sunghoon... I see it way more like the cold exterior and loves you secretly but doesn't show as much and DOMINANT HELLO?!?!? im just really pissed tho that there isn't a lot of sylus memory cards available and its hard to level him up. I wanna have more special moments with him :(((

Zayne bruh I love that man and I soooo agree with you about his voice, it's so husky and deep, legit sends shivers down ur spine. yk that event that's going on rn where u can get the 5 star memory of zayne if u log in for 7 days? I got that and oh my.... the way he pulls in the mc for her to listen to his heartbeat??? ON MY KNEES. OMG ive also got this other 5 start memory of him when he comes back from his business trip and ignores the mc so she asks for his attention and suddenly he pulls her onto his lap and THEY FREAKING DO THE DIRTY AHDSDKSDLSAKJD its not mentioned explicitly but u can tell by the actions, the heavy breathing, the look he has in his eyes. dude their attention to detail is actually insane I love it!!

Lmao sorry ive ranted once again but im really glad I have found someone to rant to about cuz literally no one in my known plays it 😭

also hold up, are u British by chance? I saw you used 'lads'. that could just be my assumption tho...

Anyways love you and your theme!! N109 Zone ftw

it's okay love, i don't mind at all you can take your time i appreciate you showing up and matching my lads freak? lol.

hmm true though i do find some fo their features similar in a way? idk but yes i do feel it and it's hot. i also feel like the princess treatment behaviour of jay gives him sylus vibes?

YESSS sunghoon's tsundere type character is what makes me associate him with sylus DOMINANT YES GOD YES dom sunghoon & dom sylus for the win. on my knees for them 😮‍💨

same bae same, the lack of sylus cards is a major tragedy for me too like i know it's because he was introduced later than the other leads and hence it's gonna take time for him to catch up but like the way i have to do so many pulls to get a glimpse of his cards HURTS. there's so many of his 5star memories i want but it's just even hard to get his 3star ones ‘m distressed!

his voice (eng obv) is just a different kind of hot man i keep getting this urge to make him lose that composure lmao.. wish they some kind of an option like that instead of just pre set dialogues and texts but well the game is already top-tier so it's fine.

and yes oh my god i got that too and couldn't help but gasp during that scene, like it was just a simple hug but it did things to me 😭😭 zayne’s been wrecking me real bad these daysss

OH NO OH NO OH NO OH MY GOD FOR REAL???? i saw a few of his memories on yt AND THEY WERE HOT HOT! GOD I NEED THIS MEMORY which one is it kskkskjxdhj WHAT DO YOU MEAN “pulls her into his lap and they do the dirty” NAURRR I NEEEDD THATTT like i have like three 5star memories of sylus & zayne and also myths of sylus, zayne & rafayel and i also have seen a lot of content already in terms of kindled moments but experiencing it on my mc IT'S DIFFERENT and I need to experience this business trip zayne 🫣🫠

honestly though lads is full of tiny little details down to the core and it makes it so damn interesting! i was reading zayne's anecdotes yesterday and the last two were so so so sad i cried 🥹 it was hot reading all the medical jagraon from his pov but the nightmares and the fact it all came true and stuff was heartbreaking. AND NOT TO MENTION SYLUS' MYTH, after knowing this when you look back to all the things he's said and done so far it all makes sense but in a drastically heartbreaking way 🤧

ALSO PLEASE TELL ME YOU SAW THE NEW “nightly rendezvous” EVENT IM SO SO SO GONE I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT MY EYES JUST SAW gotta save diamonds for sylus and zayne there ain't no way ‘m letting these cards slip KSNDKKSJXJSJ AHHHHHHHHHHH IT'S SO HOT LIKE BORDERLINE FREAKY IM UP IN THE AIR and i’ve watched it just once like i can't even bring myself to watch it again ‘m nervous as if it's happening to me 💀

lol it's fine we're both ranting and rambling atp anyway ‘m glad too i found someone to do this with i get so excited when your ask comes in, this one made me smile and giggle so much!!

ahh oops nope, ‘m not british🫢 i just used lads cause i saw that being used everywhere🫣 love you too my precious lads anon may we thirst over sylus for eons. (thank youuu, N109 zone’s leader ftwww)

[summerinohio]

I just got back from Wicked and need to get my thoughts out, no real spoilers but I'll still put it behind a cut

I AM SO VERY VERY VERY HAPPY IT WAY SURPASSED MY EXPECTATIONS

It followed the stage show pretty closely but I'm glad they split the film in two because there's no way they could have fit it all in, even at nearly 3 hours I was desperate for more

I cried within the first two minutes

It looked and sounded great, the only iffy part imo was the cgi on the lion cub

The whole cast was amazing even Jeff Goldblum who I wasn't sold on, but Ariana was the star. Her comedic timing was insane and she also handled all the emotional scenes so well. Just a look from her could break your heart. I don't think I'm going to be able to handle her version of Thank Goodness. The girl loves Wicked and you can feel it in every scene.

Cynthia was amazing too, I'm excited to see how hard she goes in part two

Michelle Yeoh had me audibly gasping

I know it has to be full of OZ Easter eggs, I can't wait to be able to watch it and pause on things. I got so damn giddy when I saw the deadly desert!

All the Gelphie stuff was SO GOOD, SO DAMN GOOD some of the framing during Popular was just so damn gay and the fancams are going to go so hard. THERE'S SO MUCH HAND HOLDING! Which I personally am a sucker for. There's a part during No One Mourns that completely wrecked me.

The actress playing baby Nessa was the cutest damn thing ever, her and the little Elphie were SO ADORABLE

The film felt every very queer, there were just gay people everywhere and no one said anything about it. BECAUSE OZ HAS ALWAYS BEEN QUEER.

Elphaba's mom was really hot lolll

There were so many little visual details that I LOVED and so many set pieces that I can't stop thinking about. There's a model of OZ and the scene it's in was so PRETTY

The big moment for me which I won't spoil literally made me jump out of my seat, I didn't expect it and I think my heart stopped, I can't wait for everyone to see it because it's so damn crazy and I want to scream about it from the rooftops

There's one tiny cameo that had me pointing at the screen like a dumbass lol

It was colorful and the world felt so real

Fiyero brought that bi energy to Dancing Through Life and I think the fic will go pretty hard once the slash girlies see it

My theater clapped and cheered when the credits rolled, I've only ever seen that happen once and that was during the Room so shit was that good

I can not wait to see it again on Wednesday

[blackbird-brewster]

Okay since everyone wants a full account of the night I met Doom Them -- here we go. Strap in, this one is so wild. I'm changing everyone's names, obviously.

To set the scene, it's September 2017. It's only been three months since the worst trauma in my whole life occurred. I am A Wreck. I'd gone back to nonstop drinking to try and cope. (Not the answer, but all I had at the time).

My flatmate, let's call her Lisa, just got back from a three week trip to the US. She decides to have some people over at our flat to celebrate. I pre-game before people get there, so I'm fairly smashed before I even meet anyone.

One guest is Doom Them, who knew Lisa back when they were teens but they lived in separate places throughout their 20s and Doom Them had only just moved back to our town. Lisa thought me and Doom Them would get along (she was right, considering Doom Them and I have been together nearly seven years now 😍)

The other two main guests are M (a very newly out trans woman) and her gf of five years, Carly. Now, it needs to be noted that Carly is straight, her partner just came out as a trans woman and that's causing some obvious questions between them in terms of their sexualities.

There were a couple of other friends who popped by for a drink through the evening, but I think the vibe was SO uncomfortable, people didn't stay long. Which was very valid tbrh.

Did I mention I'm Drunk? Like Drunk to the point my ADHD is making me do what was essentially a one-act-play reenacting the recent traumatic events in my life. I'm telling these three strangers my entire life story in the middle of our tiny flat's living room. (To this day, Doom Them teases me for that night bc they saw me being So Much and apparently sat in the corner going 'What is wrong with this Leo?' -- I am NOT a Leo. lmaoooooooo)

Doom Them finally cuts and runs, understandably. This leaves, me, Lisa, and this couple with their Ongoing Problems. M gets upset about something and goes to Lisa's room, who follows after her to go talk to her.

Now, it's just me and Carly in the living room. We have the lights off, the fireplace is filling the room with warmth and light. I'm Very drunk, but this woman only had like 2 drinks max. We are sharing our life stories to each other and she tells me she's worried about her relationship with M, because if M is a woman, does that now make Carly a lesbian? As someone who has identified as every letter in the alphabet soup through my many years, I'm end up having to explain Queer 101 to this woman.

We also talked a lot about astrology and I, being the nosey person I am, asked for her chart details so I could have a glance. I give her my first thoughts as I looked it over and she LEGIT meets my eyes with a soft smile and says "No one's ever seen me the way you do...." Honestly, she had probably been hitting on me before that point, but I am slow on the uptake when sober, doubly so when drunk. But that moment was directly ripped out of fanfic, so I finally recognise it, and the way she's looking at me starts throwing up Red Flags. I was like 'Hm, okay. Maybe it's time for me to go to bed.'

Carly abruptly says, "I'm going to break up with M."

I'm like, "Okay????????? Not my business. I should really be going to bed I have work tomorrow."

So I go knock on Lisa's door, where she and M have been hiding for probably 2 hours now. I tell Lisa I need to get to bed and I'm giving her the widest 'HELP ME' eyes I can muster.

I go to get ready for bed, M comes out to talk to Carly -- THEY ACTUALLY BREAK UP. Five years they've been together and they break up at 2am in my living room. I come out of the bathroom to find Carly sitting on my bed.

"I broke up with her. But I'm pretty sure I'm a lesbian and I think I'm falling for you," she says.

I am like mentally screaming. My life was ALREADY a shit show at that point I was trying to keep my job, trying to heal after The Trauma, and I was kinda half-dating this other girl I worked with. The LAST thing I need is some woman who met me TONIGHT being like 'I love you even though we just met and also you made me a lesbian'

Because M and Carly didn't drive to ours (I think they took an Uber or something), Lisa decides they should stay the night. (Thanks bitch 💀) And considering we only have two beds and we don't even have a couch, there's not many options for how that would play out.

Carly ends up sharing my bed, she's like cuddling me and holding my hands and asking if she can kiss me. I AT LEAST have the wherewithal to be like 'No, absolutely not a good idea right now.'

I am LEGIT trying to sleep because I have to work in like four hours at that point. I'm basically PLaying Possum, laying very still with my back turned and eyes squeezed shut just PRAYING I'll fall asleep. All the while, NONSTOP she's cuddling around me and whispering how much she likes me and how she's never felt like this before and how she's falling in love with me and wants to be with me --

IN MY OWN BED. WHERE I CANNOT ESCAPE HER. One of the longest nights in my entire life.

When I wake up after my 2 hours of sleep, I am SO happy to find I'm alone. There's a note on my dresser, on top of the paper is Carly's ring. A ring she'd showed me the night before and said she's never taken it off in 12 years since her sister (who I think had died) gave it to her. Yet, there it is on my dresser.

The note was the same things she'd kept me up all night with. "Never met someone like you. I think I love you. I want to be with you" sort of stuff.

I don't have time to dwell on this, because I had to go open the store. Lisa was already gone when I got up too because she worked at like 6am, so I never saw her in the mornings.

I'm at work that day and Carly texts me (I apparently gave her my number in my drunken wisdom):

She says (and this is direct bc I just dug through old messages for this authenticity): "Came out to a coworker via Facebook and my mom in person. Honestly, thought she'd kick me out. M is moving out today. Just wanted you to know. I think you'll make an amazing (misgendered term related to The Trauma) and I want to be with you but to take it slow. You in?"

I IGNORE the text for a multitude of reasons. So a couple of hours later SHE FINDS ME ON INSTA and starts DM'ing me there too. She tells me that what happened with us the night before was totally fine, because as it turns out, M tried to sleep with Lisa too. So it was basically fine for Carly to go after me cause her gf tried to cheat on her at the same time! (WTAF)

I again, ignore these messages. That night I get:

"here if you need to talk. I don't want to be anyone's therapist but I think we connected the other night. also I think I could be hypomanic right now or maybe I've just been abused. No pressure as to whether you reply. We don't really know each other. Sorry if I pushed the boundaries last night."

She ended up getting help for her mental health and when she got out of hospital, she text me to apologise. I returned her ring.

We never saw each other again.

Seven years ago, a hot goth walked into my flat for a small get together my flatmate was having. The other guests present that evening were a couple who had been together 5 years at the time.

That fateful night saw that couple break up, because one of the women decided (after only four hours of knowing me) she was in love with me instead of her gf. That was the most wild and uncomfortable social gathering I had ever been involved in, which is really saying something if you know any stories of me in my 20s.

Anyway, all of that is beside the point. Because although the sapphic drama was buckwild, I cannot even remember the name of the woman who professed her love to me.

What I CAN remember is the hot goth, who mostly watched in silent horror as the night unfolded, and yet still decided to be friends with me afterwards. And to this day, they're still my best friend, but around here they're known as Doom Them, my partner and love of my life.

It took a whole load of courage to keep hanging out with me after THAT party was your intro into my wild life. I'm so glad you did. You're my everything, baby. 🥰😌

Happy seven years of knowing each other 😍

[overlydramaticinephile]

Head over heels in love.

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader (no physical descriptions) 

Summary: Steve goes with Y/N to an admissions college party and things don´t go exactly as they expected. (Yep, keeping it vague bc i suck at summarys)

Word count: 2.6k

Warnings: Based in the beginning of season 3. Arguments, fluff, and a tiny bit of angst. Steve is one year older than reader. Some curse words. (English is NOT my first language)

A/N: Hi! Tbh I thought I would only write one fic but I got super motivated to do like a whole different scenes from Dawson´s Creek and incorporate it to Stranger Things somehow…so yeah- hope you guys enjoy! <3 thank you so much for reading my other fic too!

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

Steve found himself outside of Hawkins High waiting for his girlfriend to come out so they could hang out, it's been a while since they had their fun, you know, with Y/N worrying about her college applications and Steve working full time at the new mall.

When Y/N didn't show he decided to go inside what could be described by many as the hell hole. Steve was a little nervous, but he had to do something, so, he walked in and started looking for the Y/H/C girl. After what seemed like an eternity of looking and asking around, he saw her going down the stairs by herself and he thought it would be the perfect time to surprise her.

“Steve! what are you doing here?”

Steve moved very quietly to where Y/N was now standing and picked her up from behind causing her to yelp for a moment until she realized what was happening. They both started to giggle in a way that would make lots of people throw up. It was way too adorable.

“Well, Missy, you took a while and I decided to come to look for you”

“Right…sorry, I was looking at the last details for the party on Saturday night.”

Oh, yeah, Steve remembers 'the party'. “Do we have to?” he whined.

“Yes, Steve, we have to,” said Y/N for what felt like the tenth time.

“Well, have you thought about hiring an escort? Because from what I'm told you can't take me anywhere.”

“I called around, but they're all out of socially-presentable man-meat.”

“What if I just broke up with you? What would you do then?”

“Look, do what you have to do. You're still coming with me.”

“Fascist.” Steve sighed.

“Scaredy-cat,” said Y/N with a dramatic shocked voice.

“Are we at least gonna have a good time?” he said hopefully but deep down he knew it wasn't very likely.

“My guess is no.” Why sugarcoat it?

“So why can't we just say “Nay” to the whole idea of hanging out with the prep school contingent, and go over to Dustin's party?”

"Because, Steve, that would severely diminish my chances of getting into college," she said a matter of factly.

"Well, when you put it that way--"

"Stevie?" she started doing that pouty face that melted Steve's heart. Every. Time.

"Yes." he looked down, it was hard to look at that face and stay in check with your initial argument.

"You know how important this party is to me."

"Yes, I know," he said in a whisper-like voice.

"And being in a relationship means that sometimes you have to do things that you don't particularly enjoy for that other person."

"Yeah."

That made Steve finally look up. "Oh, hold on. Do you think that I enjoy those dinners for one second? For the record, we could stop those at any time." his voice becoming more excited.

Y/N decided to continue to prove her point. "You know, for me, that would be Sunday dinners with your parents."

Steve chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I really am. Is it working?"

Y/N could read his intentions. At the end of the day, she knew him better than anyone. "I know you're still trying to get out of this party."

"It's like watching a train wreck." She deadpanned and gave him a kiss on the cheek with a grin on her face.

Later that week

The couple started walking with arms linked to each other. Y/N was wearing a simple black dress that cut at the knee with some sensible black heels. Steve, on the other hand, was wearing a suit, which Y/N haven't seen him in since his graduation day. Let's be real, he looked extremely handsome, with his perfect hair and that smile that could cure disease.

"You know, we can always just turn around. Which would, of course, be incredibly cowardly."

Walking through the stairs you could tell Y/N was nervous by how she kept furrowing her face making her look worried. Steve like always, noticed that.

Y/N breathed out. "Yet sounds incredibly appealing." she let out a nervous laugh.

By this point Steve couldn't take his eyes off her, he felt truly lucky to be able to call her his. Lost in thought he couldn't help but smile.

Y/N looked at Steve with confusion in her eyes, yet his face also made her smile. "You're grinning like an idiot."

"Yeah, I know. I can't help it," he said with such a gentle voice.

"Why?" She was beginning to get nervous. What could he possibly be smiling about right now?

"Because…I'm the only guy at this party who gets to walk in with Audrey Hepburn on his arm." Yep. Steve in love was a total sap. No one can convince us otherwise.

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

"You've certainly been quiet tonight, Miss Y/L/N."

Steve and Y/N sat at the table with Walter, the head figure of admissions. Making Y/N even more nervous if that's even possible.

Y/N chuckled awkwardly. "Just soaking it all in, I guess."

"Why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?"

Damn, could this get any worse? "Um...there's really not much to tell. I'm pretty much your average teenage girl," she said with a tender smile that she hoped would hide all her insecurities right now.

By now Y/N was hoping for a miracle that would make things less awkward.

"Having reviewed your application, I hardly think so. I seem to remember a certain fondness for art. Have you been to the Guggenheim?"

"No, but I have always wanted to go to New York..."

"Well, the building itself…It's really the most amazing feat of construction. It's an extraordinary combination of intersecting shapes. It's an architectural epiphany."

Steve could tell how uncomfortable Y/N was, she had this embarrassed look on her face so he thought it wouldn't hurt if he cut in on the conversation.

"Nah, I don't know. You ask me, the thing just looks like a big artichoke."

Y/N turned to him in total shock and so did the other guests. Silence overcame the table until of course Steve kept talking.

"No, I'm serious, it does."

Walter looked intrigued by his comment. "Oh, so you've been?" you could tell it was a genuine question with genuine interest.

"Well, no, but my parents, their big architecture buffs, and they're into those coffee table art books. So, I've seen all the pictures, and I'm here to tell you, it looks like a big artichoke."

After what felt like the most awkward tension they had ever lived, Walter started to laugh, making everyone laugh with him like some type of clockwork.

"Big artichoke. You're right. It does look like an artichoke." he seemed to not be able to control his laughter. Y/N smiled confused and gave a little laugh at the scene.

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

"So, then the Rabbi says, “Rectum? I damn near killed 'em!”

Y/N seemed to not be able to make a profound conversation like she hoped to make the best impression. She just sat there contemplating what she could do to make this better while Steve here was making Walter have a great time with his funny little comments. Y/N knew Steve had always been a social butterfly, he used to be “King Steve” for a reason. But she certainly wasn't expecting him to enjoy this so much after the crap he gave her earlier this week about the event.

Walter kept laughing the entire time. "Good one, right?" said Steve with that smile.

He was nearly choking by how much he was laughing at this point. While Y/N just could help but be a little jealous of Steve's social skills.

"It's very good. Y/N, I had no idea your boyfriend was such a charmer."

She gave a fake smile that only Steve could read. "Who knew?"

Walter got serious for a moment. "Emerson could use a young man like you, Steve. Why haven't you applied?" Well, this got interesting.

Y/N saw this as an opportunity to get some time in the conversation. "Yeah, Steve, why haven't you? She knew the answer, he didn't get into any college yet and his parents were trying to teach him a lesson by making him work his ass off.

Steve got quiet for a moment trying to think of an answer. "Well, I-- To be perfectly honest, uh, both of my parents are real big lefties, so for me, it's Yale or nothing."

"Well, that certainly is our loss." Walter seemed genuinely sad at that answer.

Y/N had enough by now, she didn't understand what the hell was happening right now.

"Hey, Steve, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Yeah sure." he seemed very calm.

"Outside. Excuse us." she faked a smile again.

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

Y/N started to walk as fast as she could, and she looked pissed.

"Steve, I can't believe you just did that."

"Just did what?" he didn't see any problem.

"You lied!" she got more and more desperate by the second.

That's when Steve started to understand where she was going with this.

"Hold on a second--"

"After that whole pseudo-motivational diatribe, you flat out lied."

"Y/N/N, can I have the floor for just a second--" he really wanted to explain what was going on inside.

"Why are you trying so hard to impress these people?"

"Are you done yet?" he deadpanned.

She seemed to not be able to stop saying all her thoughts making it impossible for Steve to explain himself.

"I don't even know who you are right now." she sighed.

"All I'm try-"

"Excuse me, Steve. Excuse me. I would love for you to meet the dean. Do you mind, Y/N?" Walter seemed very excited.

And of course, with their luck, they were interrupted. By Walter of all people.

What was Y/N supposed to even say to that? "Course not." she fake smiled for the third time that night.

"Sure," said Steve, looking at Y/N with an unreadable expression while he turned the other way.

Walter started to chuckle. "He's a great guy. An old friend. I'd love for him to hear the, uh…"

"Two Rabbis."

"Yeah." He laughed.

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

Y/N sat at one of the benches outside and couldn't help but cry. What happened tonight? It clearly didn't go as she wanted, and sadness took over her while she sobbed. She didn't even notice Walter coming back outside.

"Hi, Y/N," he said with an understanding tone.

Shit. Y/N thought. She wiped her tears and acted like he didn't see her crying her eyes out just a second ago. "Uh, hi, Mr. Kubelik, um…I'm sorry, I…I think I need to apologize."

He was confused but calmed. "Really? Whatever for?"

Y/N sighed. "Well, I think I blew it tonight. And it's just, um, this is kind of a whole new world for me, and I, um, I don't really know what to do or what to say, and I know that I don't fit in very well--"

"Y/N, you didn't blow anything. Your academic record stands on its own. You're a stunningly bright young lady. No one is grading you on your social skills.

She looked a little more relieved. Like she could breathe again.

"Be that as it may, you couldn't ask for a better character witness than that boyfriend of yours."

Y/N looked up into his eyes confused and wanting him to elaborate on his last comment.

"Seriously. He just talked the dean's ear off, all about you. How you've changed him, how you've helped him. How he couldn't imagine a better life than one with you by his side. What a rare gift, to have someone say such things about you."

She couldn't help to smile a little and get all shy about it.

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

Finally, the party was over, and Y/N joined Steve after she said her goodbyes to some people at the event. Even though the last time they saw each other they didn't see eye to eye, the moment they looked at each other, they felt the need to be in each other's arms.

"Apology accepted," mumbled Steve.

Y/N removed her head from his shoulder. "I didn't apologize, Stevie," she said while furrowing her eyebrows in confusion.

"Well, no, but you were going to."

Y/N gave him a smug smile. "I was?"

"Yeah, you were going to apologize for bitching me out earlier." he was being pretty forward about the whole situation, you had to give him that.

Y/N started to match his energy. "And what about you? You're the one who lied."

Of course. Steve looked deep into her eyes so she could see his honesty. "Did it ever occur to you that maybe I was doing that all for you?"

Y/N's eyebrows shoot up. "And how, exactly, do I benefit from your distortion of the truth?"

"Well," he started to stroke her hair very delicately and continued with all he wanted to say earlier.

"Maybe I just wanted these people to see you through my eyes just for one night. To see this girl, this woman, who has more class and intelligence and beauty and grace than anyone else who's walking the face of the planet."

Y/N's eyes started to water; she opened her mouth to say something, but she shut it again when he kept going.

"And maybe things like this just come tumbling out of my mouth because I happen to be head over heels in love with you, but the really scary thing is--is…I think that they're true."

Y/N's heart melted but at the same time, she started to feel guilt and embarrassment because of her reaction earlier.

"Sorry, Steve. I just wanted to impress these people so bad, you know, to fit in, and I completely froze."

Steve cupped her face and with the softest voice, one could ever imagine he said. "Hey, that doesn't matter."

She took a step back from his embrace. Anxiety took over her. "Yes, it does! I've never wanted anything so bad in my whole life. And you--you just fit right in better than I ever will."

So that's what this was about. "Because there's nothing at stake for me here, Y/N/N. I have nothing to prove to these people. And Y/N/N, this world, is opening its doors to you. And when you step through, you are going to be such an amazing part of all of this.  And wherever you choose to go, you're doing them the favor, not the other way around.

"You know, your mom should get a medal."

Jeez. Y/N truly was tearing up with a small smile. She would never get used to Steve's love words. It made her heart do flip-flops, to say the least.

Well, Steve wasn't expecting that, but he went along with it. "Mom? Really, why's that?"

"Because she raised the perfect boy. And maybe things like that just tumble out of my mouth because I happen to be head over heels in love with you, but the scary thing is, I think it's true," she said with the biggest smile.

Steve pulled away for a second, staying very close to her."Mmm. What do you say if you and I take our little mutual admiration society on the road? Please, can we go someplace we both fit in?"

They couldn't help but chuckle at each other's words making them have the most passionate yet tender kiss that day.

"Yeah. Let's go."

FEEDBACK IS GREATLY APPRECIATED <3

[allegra-writes]

"The Game"

Tom Holland x Reader

NSFW

Warnings: Smut, daddy kink.

Golf is boring. You wanna play something else...

"Swinging on the front porch, swinging on the floor.

Swinging where we want, cause there ain't nobody home..."

Cherry Pie - Warrant

He should have known it was a trap. He should have known it from the very first minute. This was punishment, plain and simple punishment. Unusually cruel punishment. He didn't even know why he was so surprised, in fact, he should have seen it coming a mile away. After all, you were about as subtle as a train wreck. And that was exactly how you had hitted him. 

You had always despised golf, said it was snobbish and boring. But he always invited you to tag along just in case, because sharing one of his favorite activities with his favorite girl? That sounded almost like paradise to him. That was probably the reason why that morning, when you had jumped at the chance to join him at the country club, he hadn't suspected a thing.

Oh, how naive he was. How trusting of him. Because now, he had to play 18 while trying to conceal a throbbing, almost painful erection, watching you prance around wearing that. It was ridiculous. It was silly. It was cliche.

It was driving him completely insane.

Your little ensemble was straight out of some soft-porn movie set, he was sure of it: Keds, knee high socks… and a criminally short pleated skirt, especially designed to torture him. You guys weren't even half way through, and he was already about to snap, with his arms enveloping you, hands over yours on the handle of the club, as you bended over just a little, ass pressing against his pelvis just enough to tease him, to remind him how good it felt being buried to the hilt inside your tight, tight heat, the slapping sounds of skin against skin combining with your moans...

One of his hands let go of the club, subconsciously wrapping itself over your hip bone, when you moved, twisting, hips getting away from his. 

"Oh my god! I can't believe it, did you see that?" You turned around to face him, eyes alight with joy at having hit the ball for the first time in your life. 

And for a second, he felt bad. He was probably reading too much into it, chances were you didn't even know what you were doing to him. You were innocent in all that, it wasn't your fault not knowing just how damn irresistible you were, how hard you made him just by standing close to him…

Until he noticed the outline of your nipples under your white t-shirt, made almost see through under the bright sunlight. His eyes squinted in suspicion.

"Are you wearing any underwear?" He blurted out, cheeks immediately turning red, looking around to make sure no one had heard him. But there was no one around, not many people playing on a wednesday morning. In fact, you had the whole course pretty much for your selves.

His cock twitched inside his pants, but he shook himself, squashing the thought before it could take full shape.

You seemed to ignore him, as your face fell.

"I… don't think I was supposed to shoot it that way, though" 

Tom's eyes followed yours, but try as he might, he couldn't find the white dot he was looking for.

"Where the hell did it go?"

"I think it landed behind those bushes" You pointed to the far away patch of hydrangeas on the other side of the field. He couldn't help the snort that left his mouth,

"Yeah, that's not even close to where it should be!"

"Hey! Don't laugh at me"

"I mean, at least we know you have a strong swing" He let out between laughs

You rolled your eyes,

"Be gentle with me, this is my first time" 

The laughter died in his throat like you knew it would, as the innuendo hit him, eyes darkening as they roved over your body once again. You had to know what you were doing... 

You turned around so he couldn't see your smirk, as you started walking in big strides in the direction of the bushes, leaving him to struggle to follow you, carrying the bag full of clubs. 

It wasn't a bad sight, he had to admit, watching you walk ahead of him, your skirt bouncing with your movements, hips swaying gently from side to side. And it was even better as you reached the tall plants, parting the branches trying to see past them, bending over once again, your short skirt riding up your thighs, higher, and higher. He gulped, what little blood was left in his brain rushing south, as he saw the cleft where the round globes of your ass met your legs. You climbed on your tiptoes, and he choked on a groan: just a little bit more and the answer to whether you had or not any underwear on would be right before his eyes, literally…

"Found it!" You called out, victorious, falling to your heels again, walking around the lilac flowers, disappearing from sight, heedless to his disappointment. 

He knew it was a bad idea, as he trailed after you, like in a trance. But there you were, waiting for him behind the tall wall of bushes hiding you both from sight from every angle, mischievous glint in your eye.

The ball was nowhere to be found, and he finally understood.

Your stomach made a flip as Tom tugged at his glove with his teeth, discarding it on the green grass, his whole demeanor changing before your eyes, jaw squaring, eyes hardening, movements slow and measured as he circled you like a tiger stalking his prey. 

"You dirty little liar" He accused, watching the corners of your mouth twitch, trying to hide your satisfied smile, but it was useless: you looked every bit like the cat that got the cream. Well, he knew of another thing that looked great dripping down your chin…

"You think you're real clever, don't you? Really sneaky, teasing me all morning with this little outfit," He let his now naked hand trace your nipples, already hard under the fabric of your tee, making goosebumps erupt on your skin. He was right, you hadn't bothered with a bra, "making me hard with your little touches and smart mouthed comments…"

"Golf is boring" You shrugged, "I wanna play something else" 

He stepped back, away from you, leaving you feeling cold without his heat, despite the bright sunshine. 

"Too bad, baby girl, I'm done with games" His eyes were steel as he commanded, "Show me"

"Show you what?" You looked at him through your eyelashes, you knew how much he liked it when you played coy. But this time, he had told you the truth, the games were over.

"You know bloody well what" His south London accent was always heavy when his patience was wearing thin, "lift that little skirt and show me what's mine" 

You obeyed, and this time, he did groan, the wet patch on the simple white cotton of your thong almost better than his fantasies of your bare skin. 

He fell to his knees on the grass. God, he was so whipped! His plan had been to have you kneeling in front of him, choking on his cock as he fucked your mouth so deep and hard that tears would stream down your face. He would release himself down your throat, leaving you begging for his softening cock, his fingers, his tongue, his freaking golf club, anything to fill your empty little cunt. But of course all of that flew out the window the second he actually saw that pretty pussy through your panties, made almost transparent with your desire for him, the fabric clinging to every curve, every little detail clear for him to admire.

"Come here, baby girl" His tone was much softer as he spoke, "let daddy have a little taste" 

You did as you were told, never stopping to hold your skirt up high for him. Tom nuzzled the cotton, breathing you in before hooking one finger on the damp fabric, tugging gently to the side to reveal your most secret spot to him. He let his tongue poke out, placing kitten licks against your clit, eyes rising to meet your face. Your own were closed already, little frown between your eyebrows, as if the tiny shocks of pleasure coursing through your body confused you. So expressive. So responsive. 

How could he ever stay mad at you when you were so fucking perfect? It only took one taste of you to melt whatever was left of his anger, as he marveled of the angel whining so prettily above him, delicate fingers digging into his shoulders to support herself as her legs shook for him. It never failed to amaze him, to blow his mind. It had always been like that, he had put you up on a pedestal long before you had started dating. 

But now, he wanted to lay you down, and spread you open under the sun. 

He tsked at your huff as his tongue left you.

"No, baby, you don't get to complain today. You've been a very bad girl, so now," He helped you down onto your back on the grass, making quick work of your panties. Taking a hold of your ankles, he hooked them over his shoulders, aligning himself with your dripping center, "you're going to take my cock like a good girl" 

With that, he let his head breach you, entering you slowly, so slowly. Savoring every second, sliding in inch by inch, making you feel every millimeter of his thick, thick length as he buried it into your sweet pussy, stretching you to the limits of pleasure. He had you fold almost in half, as his pelvis finally met yours. You sighed, you had thought he would burst through your ovaries before he was completely seated inside you.

"Can you feel me, babygirl? Feel how deep I am?" 

You nodded, unable to form words. He relented, only a couple of inches, before surging back in. 

"Feel me stretching your tight little cunt? Fuck, it feels so snug…"

He drew back again, snapping back against you harder, making you cry out,

"Yes!"

"Only I can fill you like this" He breathed, in and out again, and again. And again, establishing a harsh rhythm, "This pussy belongs to me…" 

"Yes, daddy" You sobbed, obediently. By now you knew exactly what he wanted to hear. He tugged at your t-shirt, sneaking his hand under it, massaging your breast. 

"These pretty tits are mine…"

It was hard to concentrate with him railing you into the ground, fast, brutal. Making sure the base of his cock dragged against your clit just right with every thrust.

"Yours, daddy" You managed, somehow, earning yourself a smile. If wolves could really smile at lambs before gobbling them right up...

He leaned forwards, bracing himself on one arm, the other travelling from your chest, to your neck. To your jaw. His tumb caressed your lower lip, and you opened up to him. Two of his fingers slid inside your mouth, pressing down on your tongue, you sucked them eagerly, hollowing your cheeks just the way he liked. 

"My princess… so pretty with your mouth full" Tom praised, hips never stopping, plunging his cock into you as far as it would go, over and over again, "wanna fuck your beautiful face… but this pussy… feels too good"

You sobbed around his fingers.

"So good… won't let me go… a slave" His thrusts were becoming messy. Erratic. Tom took his fingers out of your mouth to flick your clit with them.

"No, Tommy! Too much…" You cried, pushing at his hand, overstimulated. But he wouldn't budge. 

"Don't care. You're gonna take it" He growled, but sweetly kissed away your tears. He needed you to come, fast. Because there was no way he was lasting much longer, and you knew what to say if you really wanted him to stop anyway. 

"Fuck… yeah, just like that" he could feel you tensing around him. You were almost there, and he was right behind you, "so good… gonna come, baby girl. Gonna come inside you…" 

You shook your head, too delirious to express it with words, but he knew. You didn't like feeling dirty, didn't like the smell. But he fucking loved it. 

"Oh yeah… gonna fill you up… and you're not getting those panties back" His smirk was devilish, filthy. And you were sure that, even without his cock jackhammering into you, you could have come from that look alone. "Gonna see myself dripping down your thighs as you walk…"

His movements were downright sloppy now, as his words edged himself as much as they were edging you.

"Gonna have you sit in the car just like that… ruin your fucking little skirt… OH, FUCK" 

You felt his cock swell, pumping his seed inside your loins. You bit the inside of your cheek to keep from screaming, as his climax unleashed your own. Still, he kept moving,

"Gonna put your mouth around me while I drive…" There was no way the morning was ending without him having your mouth.

"Tom…" You could feel him begin to soften inside you, but he still wouldn't stop.

"Shhh, baby girl. Wanna make a mess…"

The end.

Buy me a coffee

[backhurtyy]

ummm how about matchablossom or mailee + 18?💕

18 - willow by taylor swift

the more that you say, the less i know

wherever you stray, i follow

im begging for you to take my hand, wreck my plans

For all that she pretended to be ditzy and thoughtless, Ty Lee never made a single decision without thinking it all the way through. She analyzed it down to every possible consequence, every minute detail, every tiny ripple in her life it could cause. Only once she was satisfied she’d thought of every outcome— so quickly that it barely seemed she’d given it any thought at all— did she pick the best one and act.

It was a system, and it worked, and nothing could make her decide on things differently.

Except for when Mai was involved.

Because when Mai was involved, then she really was ditzy and thoughtless. She acted irrationally, without thinking, without analyzing, without breaking things down. So long as what she did helped Mai, or brought her back to Mai, or kept her at Mai’s side, she didn’t care what she did.

That was the thing about being in love with someone since childhood, she’d learned. Decisions always seemed to end up skewed in their favor.

And looking back at her life, all of the biggest decisions Ty Lee had made, and the ones involving the least amount of thought, circled back to Mai somehow.

She’d only run away and joined the circus because Mai told her it was a good idea. She’d only been able to betray Azula at Boiling Rock because Mai had the courage to do it first. She’d only become a Kyoshi Warrior because Mai encouraged her. Time and time again, Mai was at the center of everything she did.

Mai was captivating, the star that Ty Lee orbited around, with a gravity to her that Ty Lee couldn’t escape even if she wanted to.

And now, Mai seemed determined to change her life once again, appearing in front of her right as she was finishing her shift with her hand out and an expectant look on her face. The gesture was unmistakable in its meaning, but Ty Lee was still surprised when the first thing Mai said was, “Come with me.”

Ty Lee blinked once, then grabbed Mai’s outstretched hand. She had no clue where they were going, and she was exhausted after following Zuko around all day and had been looking forward to collapsing into her bed to sleep, but it didn’t matter. She’d known from the moment Mai showed up and held out her hand that she was going to go with her, no matter how it wreaked her plans for the evening.

Mai smiled, the small but genuinely happy kind she reserved just for Ty Lee, and started leading them down the hall, never making any move to drop Ty Lee’s hand.

“Where are we going?” Ty Lee finally asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

“You’ll see,” Mai responded cryptically. She took a complicated series of turns down the winding red halls, but Ty Lee was familiar enough with the palace after so long that she knew they were heading towards one of the secret exits.

She raised an eyebrow. “We’re sneaking out? What for?”

There was no reason, after all; Zuko didn’t care where they went, Ty Lee wasn’t on shift anymore, and no one was going to look at Mai with her knives and scowl and pointed eyeliner and tell her she couldn’t go wherever she wanted.

Mai shrugged and finally looked over her shoulder at Ty Lee, a glimmer of what Ty Lee could only describe as mischief in her eyes. “Just for old times sake. I mean, how many times did we sneak out as kids?”

Ty Lee grinned, remembering how they’d gotten caught a thousand times over after failing to stifle their giggles as they snuck out to get sweet rolls from the city. Everyone had always assumed Ty Lee was the mastermind encouraging them to sneak out, and she’d never corrected them, but in reality it had always been Mai; just another example of how Ty Lee failed to make good decisions when Mai was involved.

Although, with Mai’s hand in hers now and the memory of her laughter as a kid in her ears, Ty Lee wasn’t sure how Mai could be anything but a good decision.

She just laughed and squeezed Mai’s hand once. “Are there going to be sweet rolls involved?”

“Amongst other things.”

Ty Lee hummed once, curiosity growing with every cryptic response, but she didn’t pry anymore— she just let Mai continue leading the way, content to follow her wherever she went. So long as Mai kept holding on to her hand, she didn’t care what the plan was.

[w2hazbin]

“Addict” analysis by W2

(requested by @legionarebrainy​)

The music video “Addict” was well-received by the fans of Hazbin Hotel and got a million views ridiculously fast. Besides the killer song and superb animation, it also gives us a closer look at Angel Dust, the only resident of the Happy Hotel.

So what exactly makes this video so great? Let’s take a closer look.

I think the start of the song is very telling:

“Till death do us part

But we're already past that phase

This is a brand new start

And I think I deserve some praise

For the way that I am

Despite having overdosed

And ending up comatose

I don't give a damn

I've let my emotions go

Fuck being a sober hoe”

So far, we don’t know much about Angel Dust besides that he was a gay man who died in the 1940s after an overdose. Angel is an asshole, but he is also a victim of fate since homosexuality was not exactly treated with... kindness back in the 40s. So when he ended up in Hell, he might have seen it as a possibility to start fresh since the sinners are free to do whatever the fuck they want and do not have to worry about consequences since, well... they are dead and in Hell. So Angel says “fuck being a sober hoe” and do all the drugs he wants since he can’t die of overdose, and he can have sex with as many dudes without worrying about the consequences. 

Angel likes attention and clearly gets it as a “slut.” Like when he performs as a pole dancer. And his boss Valentino, one of Hell’s overlords, is one of his fans. We even see something that could be mistaken as chemistry of a sort between the overlord and Angel(it’s not, but we will get to that).

But the gleeful slut Angel Dust is a lie. We get tiny flashes of Angel’s life outside his performances.

We see Angel being miserable and that his apartment is a mess. Despite being a porn star, his apartment is shitty. His best friend Cherri Bomb is there and is trying to comfort him, but note that he has her back to her as if he is embarrassed. And Cherri also looks like she is unsure what to do since she knows that he doesn’t want what he would consider “pity.”

We also have a montage of Cherri running around while either blowing up buildings or setting them on fire. It seems random at first, as if she is just doing it for the (no pun intended) hell of it. But it is implied she is wrecking Valentino’s property, like strip clubs and signs advertising him. It could be her very aggressive way of being passive aggressive toward the scumbag who makes Angel’s afterlife a (I swear, it’s not on purpose) living hell.

We see how awful Valentino is as he takes most of the money Angel earns and then forces himself on him. Angel is trapped in an extremely unsexy and horrible situation where he is essentially Valentino’s toy.

It is also implied that Cherri had her fair share of abuse in the past from this part of the lyrics:

“Yeah, you fell in love

But you fell deeper in this pit”

That, and we see glimpse of a one-eyes demon that Cherri apparently doesn’t remember fondly. Someone who made her “fall deeper in the pit” if I’m guessing right. So perhaps she can relate to the abuse Angel is living through. She apparently taught Angel everything she knows about causing destruction, perhaps so he had a chance of rebelling against his abuser?

The fact that they burn down the strip club Angel performs in at the start of the video does seem like a giant fuck-you toward Valentino who owns the place.

But they do not accomplice much with these acts since Valentino is powerful and wealthy and can just rebuild that place. It’s probably more of an annoyance than anything else. What Angel and Cherri do is more or less the same as toilet-papering someone’s house. Sure, it is revenge, but it is a hollow victory since it won’t actually change much as you only annoy the person. Yeah, they get satisfaction of sticking it to Valentino, but it’s not like they do it to his face. And they shouldn’t, since he is an overlord demon and can make their stay in Hell worse than it already is.

The video ends with Angel at the Happy Hotel who clearly looks unhappy, but he pulls away when Charlie tries to reach out, he even flips her off. Rather heartbreaking since Charlie genuinely wants to help Angel without any hidden agendas, but Angel is too proud to admit that he might need help.

A nice detail is Angel’s room where we see dresses and wigs. Seems like he has a passion for Drag shows. So he must at some point have given up on being a drag queen and instead became a porn actor. That adds another layer to Angel’s tragic afterlife as we see what looks like a broken dream. So much for “brand new start.”

The video ends with what I consider Angel Dust’s “sober” moment:

“I’m addicted to the sorrow

and the buzz ends by tomorrow

There’s another rush of poison flowing into my veins

Giving me a dose of pleasure that resides by the pain”

So Angel knows that his lifestyle is hurting him. He is addicted to living in a way that makes him miserable simply because it gives him a temporary adrenaline rush that he knows won’t last for long.

The thing about living in pain is that it can be hard to consider that your life could be different, some even justify their pain, telling others that you are more than fine. And that’s exactly what Angel does, he brags to Charlie and Vaggie that he is a hot piece of ass and that everyone wants him, That he is a celebrity. But the truth is that he is the abused lapdog of one of the meanest bastards in Hell. Practically no one respects Angel at all. He even had to perform certain... services to his landlord before living in the Happy Hotel since he couldn’t pay his rent. But he graves the rush so badly that he sticks with the moth demon.

But there might be hope. Sure, he doesn’t actually think Charlie’s little experiment actually works, but: “Maybe things won’t be so terrible inside this hotel.”

[hiccanna-tidbits]

So I woke up at 4 am last night and my brain went “What if Jackunzel...but sapphic???”

aND HERE WE ARE

Also look, yes, I know Jackie/Jacquelyn Frost is the go-to when it comes to fem!Jack Frost names, but I just...didn’t think it suited her??? I wanted something a bit more unique, and I liked the sound of Jaina! And then I got very inspired and wrote a ficlet, so ENJOY SOME LESBIAN JACKUNZEL

DON’T TELL ME THEY WOULDN’T BE THE PUREST FUCKING SAPPHICS YOU’VE EVER SEEN IN ALL YOUR LIFE

The first time Rapunzel met Jaina Frost, she asked her if she was a fairy.

She certainly looked like one of the winged creatures from Rapunzel’s storybooks. She floated just off the ground and could flit around the room quicker than a hummingbird. Her hair whipped around her in long white tendrils, thick waves like hills of freshly-fallen snow. It shone like it, too--nearly blindingly when the sun hit it, Rapunzel noticed.

She could ice up the entire floor with one sweep of her staff and would whoop and cheer and laugh so hard she snorted when she slid around on it on her bare feet. All behavior Mother would find very undignified, Rapunzel was sure.

Not that Jaina had ever cared in the least about dignity.

She’d nearly fallen out of the tower window when she first saw Rapunzel poised to hit her with a frying pan. Her next reactions had been even stranger--hooting and doing flips and jumping around because apparently, people didn’t normally see her.

It was nice to have a friend. Mother hadn’t warned Rapunzel off of other girls, although Rapunzel was certain that in practice she wouldn’t approve of them. Not that it mattered. They quickly found that Jaina was as invisible to Gothel as she apparently was to everyone else.

Perhaps it was selfish, but Rapunzel liked that. She had Jaina Frost all to herself.

Jaina gasped in horror when she heard Rapunzel had never touched snow. Her hammy overreaction only got more and more ridiculous as Rapunzel explained she had only ever seen winter from the confines of her tower--and Mother usually shut the window to keep the cold out, anyhow. Jaina clutched her heart at this, pretending to faint in her despair.

“Well, if you won’t just leave and go outside, like I keep telling you you should...” Jaina crossed spindly arms and glared at Rapunzel. “I guess I’ll have to bring the winter to you.”

And bring it she does. When Mother won’t be back until evening, Jaina swirls together soft, cotton clouds and makes it snow in Rapunzel’s room. They make snow angels on the floorboards and toss snowballs at one another from behind dressers and wardrobes and chairs, giggling all the while. Rapunzel’s decided she’s going to blame any water stains left behind on some kind of flooding.

Mother won’t be mad over that sort of thing. She’ll just fuss over her and breathe a sigh of relief when Rapunzel can still sing as beautifully as ever.

When Rapunzel’s birthday rolls around, she confides to Jaina about the floating lights. She’s pushing 18, and she still hasn’t left the tower. Jaina fixes her with a catlike smirk, and turns away.

When she sweeps her hands back, she’s holding some kind of ice-blue cylinder, made of swirling crystals and snow with a crescent moon etched on the side.

“They’re lanterns,” Jaina explains. “The kingdom does a festival with them every summer. I’ve flown over it plenty of times. I could...”

Jaina looks away, and Rapunzel could swear she sees her friend’s cheeks go a little pink.

“I could take you. You know. If you wanted.”

Rapunzel shakes her head. “I can’t. You know Mother would...”

Jaina groans and rolls her eyes. “You’re really way too beholden to that woman, Rae. But if you insist on staying...I might be able to do something almost as good.”

And so they sit on Rapunzel’s windowsill, legs dangling over the side (Jaina can catch Rapunzel if she falls), and Jaina Frost puts on a show. She makes dozens of frozen lanterns and whisks them into the sky, and they float and bobble and catch first the dying rays of the sunset and then the soft silver of moonlight.

Rapunzel’s never seen something so beautiful in all her life.

She glances over at Jaina once, and she’s looking at the blonde girl like she sprinkled all the stars across the night sky the same way she dappled them onto her tower walls. Jaina looks away almost immediately, face reddening.

After a while, Jaina takes to spending the night. It was by accident the first time--the girls were up late having stupid pillowfights and telling each other stories in Rapunzel’s bed, and at some point they both started to yawn.

Before she knew it, Rapunzel was waking up with a faceful of white waves smelling vaguely of wintergreen, cedarwood, and cashmere sweaters. Her arms were curled around a thin, sleek waist, and she felt her heart speed up tenfold.

She had no idea why being so very close to her best friend was making her incredibly nervous, but here she was.

It’s the first of many nights they’ll wake up wrapped up in each other. Always, they claim, by accident--but neither ever seem to mind.

It becomes a routine of sorts. Rapunzel wakes up early and untangles herself before she has to give too much thought to the nervous sweat that nearly breaks out at every point of contact. She tries to get Jaina up too to help with morning chores, and Jaina rolls onto her stomach with her face in the pillow and whines and bitches and moans until Rapunzel relents and lets her sleep for 10 more minutes.

As she sweeps the floor, Rapunzel tries not to think too hard about the placid expression on Jaina’s face as she sleeps. As she mops, she tries not to think too hard about the way Jaina’s face scrunches up when she’s having a nightmare, and the way it makes Rapunzel want to wrap herself around the other girl like a protective shell. As she polishes the staircase banister, she tries not to think too hard about the way Jaina’s eyes shine like sunlight on icicles when her entire face erupts into a grin.

It’s probably peculiar, thinking about your best friend in such excessive detail.

Two years pass, and Rapunzel is pushing 20. When she looks in the mirror, she notices nothing seems to be changing. She doesn’t look any older than when she first met Jaina. Maybe the changes are just too imperceptible for her to notice, but 17-year-old Rapunzel seems to be stuck in a kind of limbo.

She wonders if it has anything to do with her magic glowing hair--the hair that makes her mother’s wrinkles disappear whenever she sings a special song.

She knows it should alarm her, not aging. Instead, she feels a strange kind of relief. There are worse things than being stuck as the same age as Jaina Frost.

There are worse things than not having to grow old and leave Jaina behind.

They’re lying in Rapunzel’s bed one afternoon, the blonde girl sprawled on top of Jaina to carefully brush on eyeshadow. It’s an elaborate picture--a beautiful deep twilight blue sprinkled with intricate snowflakes and rimmed with glittery white snow.

Rapunzel is the only one who will ever see it, but they’re both all right with that.

The eyeshadow is long done by now, Rapunzel getting carried away painting snowflakes and icicles and tiny pine trees on snowbanks dancing across Jaina’s cheeks and forehead. She smiles proudly and holds up a hand mirror. Jaina just snorts.

“You’re going to make me look like a clown, Rae.”

“Hmmmm.” Rapunzel puts the mirror down and continues adding a gleam to a white icicle on Jaina’s temple. “A very pretty clown.”

“You...think I’m pretty?”

Jaina’s gaze turns oddly serious. The timid way she asks it is unlike her.

Rapunzel stops, frowning. “I mean...yes. I always have.”

“Why?” Jaina wrinkles her nose. “I’m a mess. My hair’s always all over the place, and I can’t keep a room clean to save my life. All I can do is make ice, blow cold wind around, and leave a fucking wreck wherever I go. Why would you think I was...?” 

“Jaina! Language!” Jaina just rolls her eyes.

“You don’t give yourself enough credit.” Rapunzel smiles again. “These have been the most fun years of my life, thanks to you. You stuck around here with me, even when you have the whole world to explore, and I can’t even imagine how boring it must seem in this tower. That’s worth more than you know. And for the record, I think you’re gorgeous.”

Jaina’s cheeks turn redder than chrysanthemums, standing out starkly against her pale skin. “Oh, stop it,” she mumbles. “I look like a gremlin next to you. World’s nicest hair, flawless skin, the face of some kind of Greek goddess or something. You’re a knockout. I couldn’t even hope to measure up.”

“You...think I’m a knockout?” Rapunzel feels a blush of her own coming on.

“Well, yeah.” Jaina smirks. “I thought it went without saying.”

“Nothing really ‘goes without saying’ when you’ve only ever met two people,” Rapunzel points out.

“I guess.” Jaina shrugs. “I forget you don’t have a huge frame of reference. But trust me, ask anyone from that kingdom on the other side of the forest and they’d say you’re really attractive. I doubt any passing knight on a steed would be able to resist you, if they saw your hair hanging out the window like some...cascading sunshine waterfall.”

Rapunzel bit her lip, feeling unsettled by the thought of men on horseback finding her tower. She’d never met a member of the male gender before, and she hadn’t exactly heard good things.

“I don’t know if I want that,” she admits.

“I don’t blame you,” Jaina says. “Half of them are stuffy, arrogant pricks, anyways. Or they’re so sappy and poetic it kind of makes you want to throw up.”

Rapunzel bites her lip, feeling nothing but mild discomfort at the thought of a strange man trying to serenade her. Maybe it wasn’t fair to rule out what she didn’t know, but...

“No, I mean. I don’t know if I want men. Like...at all.”

“Oh. Oh.” A hopeful gleam swims into Jaina’s ice-colored eyes. Tiny, almost imperceptible, but there.

“Wise choice, honestly,” she says nonchalantly. “Even being invisible, I haven’t met many I actually cared to know. I think I’d much rather be here with you.”

Rapunzel wonders if Jaina would feel the same if any men could see her. She wonders if Jaina would still choose her company if some free-spirited, energetic boy was able to see the frost sprite, and wrote her beautiful sonnets about her moon-white hair. Some boy not stuck in a tower with an overbearing mother, some boy who couldn’t hold her back.

The thought fills Rapunzel with an unexpectedly bitter wave of jealousy.

She shakes it off, reaching into the makeup kit beside her and feeling around until her fingers curl around a tube of lipstick. She smiles, pulling it out.

Jaina groans in mock annoyance. “Are we still doing this? Aren’t I going to look ridiculous?”

“Not at all.” Rapunzel uncaps the lipstick and gently slides it across Jaina’s mouth.

The blonde girl leans back and admires her handiwork. She holds the mirror up to Jaina again.

Her lips are a bright, icy blue, like the glaciers Rapunzel can only ever hope to know through the pictures in her books. Slowly, Jaina smiles.

“You look like you could deliver the kiss of death,” Rapunzel teases. “Freeze your true love on the spot instead of awakening them from eternal slumber.”

“Want to test that out?”

Jaina smirks, voice surprisingly bold. Rapunzel can’t help but notice the pink rushing to her friend’s cheeks, though, despite her best attempts to sound casual.

“Huh?” Rapunzel frowns down at her, confused.

Jaina’s smirk shrinks a little, the first traces of fear darting into her eyes.

“Only one way to figure out whether I actually carry the kiss of death.” Jaina shrugs, still trying to seen nonchalant but voice not nearly as confident as before.

“Ah.��� Rapunzel smiles playfully. “But if it works, you’ll have to find a new best friend, won’t you? Sounds like a lot of trouble for you.”

“That’s okay, Pascal will just be my new best friend if I kiss you to an early grave!” The chameleon squeaks disapprovingly from the dresser nearby.

“Come on, Rae,” Jaina says. “I really have to know. The curiosity’s killing me here.”

Rapunzel can feel Jaina’s breaths against her own chest, quick and shallow. Scared, almost.

Jaina is a lot more nervous than she’s letting on.

Still, looking down at the curve of Jaina’s lips and the unfailingly cheeky gleam in her eyes, everything suddenly feels just right.

Rapunzel slides her arms onto either side of Jaina’s head. She leans down, and captures Jaina’s lips with her own.

She tastes cold and sweet--like frosty vanilla and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Her lips aren’t perfect--chapped in places, pricked with tiny ice crystals, moving with a sort of nervous frenzy that comes with disuse.

Nonetheless, they feel like home.

Rapunzel slides her fingers into white hair, and it’s silky like clouds. So soft. So perfect.

The only real thought Rapunzel can process is that she never wants to let go. Perhaps part of her is terrified if she does, Jaina will dissolve into the ghost she is to everyone else.

She feels Jaina wrap her hands around the collar of Rapunzel’s dress, pulling her closer. It’s more comforting than Jaina knows.

Jaina pulls away first, hands loosening and head tilting back. She meets Rapunzel’s eyes for a few moments, processing what just happened before breaking out in an enormous grin and a series of delighted giggles.

“You just--you look so dumb,” Jaina chortles. “Like you tried to eat the sky or something.”

Rapunzel glances into the hand mirror, now long since pushed aside. Her mouth is smeared with bright blue, trailing onto her skin in pale smudges.

She smiles. “I can live with that.”

Rapunzel leans down and kisses Jaina again.

Yes I used that one picture of the girl straddling the other girl while putting her makeup on for inspiration for this, what of it???

Also for whatever reason, I love the idea of Fem!Jack calling Rapunzel Rae? I feel like Fem!Jack’s teasing and pet names would be a tiny bit different than boy Jack’s, idk.

I JUST AKSJCUBWSYD

I KINDA WANNA DO MORE FEM!JACK X RAPUNZEL CONTENT

Pic credits available upon request!

[cyhyr]

Summer of Whump Day 28: Display

Fandom: Naruto

Rating: M

Pairing: Hatake Kakashi/Umino Iruka

WC: ~1050

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Notes: Tied up. Stress position. Trafficking. Collars/leashes.

A/N: Another fun one! Possessive Kakashi is best Kakashi :)

~

Extraction missions are the worst, and nothing disgusts Kakashi more than having to blend in with this kind of crowd until he can find his mark. Worse still is the kind of market the crowd is in—the place specializes in “pets”, and not necessarily ones kept for pleasure, or at least… Not what Kakashi would think of as pleasure. But this sort of thing is legal in Grass, and as such Konoha can’t shut it down. Not without irrefutable evidence that the people here are doing internationally illegal acts: child trafficking, kidnapping, or possibly the suppression of a shinobi’s chakra with the use of certain seals.

This particular ring has been careful not to involve children, and they leave no trace of kidnapping if that is how they… stock up. Gods, the thought makes Kakashi throw up a little in his mouth.

But the last one… that was something they could prove, potentially. And why Kakashi is here, strolling through a marketplace of half-naked people on display, looking for one particular shinobi from Konoha with the exact skills to both tell if those illegal seals were in use and break through them if need be. Kakashi keeps a calm facade, but he’s livid.

If he’d known that Iruka had volunteered to do this…

Well, honestly, they would have fought (for probably about a week or so) and eventually Kakashi’s sure Iruka would have made him see why he was the perfect option to go undercover for gods knew how long, enduring the brand of slavery and torture in which the market specializes, and eventually Kakashi would have acquiesced under the condition that he be Iruka’s contact within the organization. But that’s not what happened. Instead, the mission came through while Kakashi was out of the village on an assassination and Tsunade had discussed the topic thoroughly with Iruka and the few other fūinjutsu specialists the village had. They had determined that Iruka was the best choice, sent him along with another chūnin for contact, and Kakashi hadn’t heard about the details of Iruka’s mission until a hawk brought back a bloody scroll with a few words on it.

Contact Compromised. Mission Complete. Extraction Needed.

Tsunade didn’t even try to keep Kakashi from going after Iruka, just gave him the specs of the mission and sent him off. Kakashi still had blood on his vest from the assassination, and he didn’t care.

He had somewhere to be; someone who needed him.

~

There.

Iruka is one of the many “pets” for sale—Kakashi keeps himself from snarling while other people look on with interest at the display the merchant is using him to put on. Iruka is on his knees with his arms behind his back, leaning back so his ankles and wrists are bound with the same length of rope. The pose puts heavy strain on his thighs, the muscles on display beneath the tiny shorts he wears—the only thing he’s wearing. Well, that’s not strictly true, but Kakashi is trying to stay calm so he very much doesn’t think about the merchant standing beside Iruka, holding the lead to a thick, black leather collar. The man pulls up harshly on the lead such that the ropes are taut and the collar bites into his neck and Kakashi clamps down on the killing intent immediately.

Unfortunately, Kakashi can’t break cover yet. He can’t kill this man while he holds Iruka’s life at the end of a leash.

Iruka’s sobbing, gasping for air, bare chest heaving—more people have stopped to watch, and when the man releases the tension in the lead and lets Iruka slump to sit back, they have the audacity to applaud quietly.

Kakashi doesn’t temper his chakra quick enough when he hears Iruka respond, “Thank you, Sir,” in a ragged, wrecked voice after that.

People look around, momentarily startled. Iruka glances up and catches Kakashi’s gaze; they share a brief, private, and best of all relieved smile. The crowd disperses, and the merchant frowns. It looks like he expected that show to grab someone’s attention—it certainly did, but the man won’t like the kind of attention Kakashi plans to give him.

Kakashi approaches him as nonchalantly as he can manage. “How much?” he asks.

“You’re interested? Of course you are!” The man gets ready to go into a sales pitch with Iruka at his feet, and Kakashi shakes his head.

Leans in.

Covertly presses a kunai into the man’s stomach.

The man pisses himself. Kakashi resists curling his lip at the smell.

“How. Much,” he says again.

“T-take him. He’s yours! My treat!”

“I know he’s mine. He knows he’s mine.” Kakashi glares at the man, “Did you?”

“I swear I didn’t! Just please—I-I have a wife and children, this is just business.”

“You made it more than business when you took a shinobi of Konohagakure; you made it my business when you took my partner.”

“Sir, I assure you, my merchandise comes to the market—”

“If you ever,” Kakashi hisses darkly, pressing further with the kunai to draw a whine, “refer to any person—especially my partner—as ‘merchandise’ again, I will personally make you—”

“Kakashi.”

He looks down at Iruka, who has kept his head down this whole time and now has a light flush over his nose; however he'll scold Kakashi for hurting and threatening the merchant, Iruka’s enjoying it right now. Whatever it happens to actually be; his tone, his words, his protectiveness.

Kakashi puts the kunai back in his sleeve and steps away from the merchant. The piss smell is really getting acrid. He sighs, leaving the threat hanging. “What do I need to do to take him out of here without anyone stopping me?”

“I’ll get his papers,” the man mutters, and then hands the leash to Kakashi before turning around to the stall behind him.

Kakashi holds the leash with disdain; the nausea is back again.

“Just a little longer,” Iruka says, glancing up at him with a soft smile. “Then I’m all yours.”

There are layers of meaning to that, and Kakashi hears all of them. He nods slightly, tightens his hold on the lead, and waits for the merchant to finish preparing the paperwork.

He’s going to enjoy destroying this place when they come back.

[tobealostwanderer]

Greytone

Maybe one day you will finally leave this planet and meet the person you are destined with, or they find you first.

Din xGN!Reader

Soulmate AU (I have been obsessed since I saw a few videos about it on TikTok and decided to give my own twist on it)

Cw: Brief talk of death/murder, weapons

The Razor Crest lowered into the atmosphere of a woodlands planet. It didn't have a known name. There were native people on this planet, Din had found out, but their technology was underdevoloped and being a planet at the uttermost edge of the Outer Rim made it so that barerly any people came here. Not enough to help devolop it at least.

His bounty had fled to here as far as he knew. It was a smart move. He hoped that his fuel tanks would hold enough fuel for the way back. He will have to turn off the ac and power when he lands, to perserve it.

A patch of grass showed on his GPS and it seemed big enough for the Crest to land so he put the autopilot to land there, helping the ancient ship every now and then until the landing gears groaned with the weight of the ship and everything came to a halt.

Grogu was asleep in his pod so he locked him in the tiny room with his cot so he wouldn't wreck the ship. Checking over the security one more time, Din made his way down the ramp and locked up the ship. He took out the tracking fob, turned on the build in tracker in his helmet and set off.

You were washing your clothes as one of the scouts ran into the village's common place and started to make a ruckus. People started gathering around him, with the Chief joining in. You were curious as well and decided to abandon your laundry and see what is going on.

The world had been in greytones for as long as you can remember. Your people have a genetic malfunction which made it impossible to see color- until you found what the Elders called a "Soulmate". Not a lot of people have a soulmate, but the ones that do speak of the most beautiful colors. The sky blue, the grass green, flowers having all kinds of color.

"Spotted a ship, Chief. Landed 100 meters away in the big clearing. Think he is going after that shooter?" Yori, the scout, said. Someone had arrived on Temork a few days ago, found your village and raided it. A few people were shot, Meva's husband died in the fray but the intruder left as soon as she started to wail about her shot husband. She was now but a shell of herself.

"We can ask the captain. Take my son with you and be careful. We don't know if this person is the same as Gurric's killer" the Chief responded. His son, a young lad called Qwil, looked at his father with determination and followed Yori out of the village. He had his spear with him but you knew that if this person had weapons like the intruder had, it wouldn't help much.

People already started to gossip, dispersing and talking with friends. Meva approaches you. "What do you think?" She asks, her voice hoarse. Her eyes were red and swollen and it made you sad as well. Giving her a tiny smile, you guided her to the river with your abandoned laundry. "I just hope this one will protect us.. How are you doing now, Mev?" You asked softly as she helped you wash.

And so you two made small talk under the work. After she helped you hang up the laundry, you invited her to dinner. The two of you knew eachother from birth, your parents were neighbors so you grew up in eachother's houses and were inseparable. Now you were older, she already had two children and was now a widow whilst you never really liked anyone in the village. Truely, you hoped for your soulmate to pick you up and whisk you away from your planet. Ever since you heard about space travel and the Galaxy, you wanted nothing less.

-

A crunch was heard up the road. Din carefully took his Amban rifle in his hands, slowly raising it. The fob on his side didn't increase it's beeping, so the bounty isn't close. Doesn't mean that there aren't dangerous creatures around, he thought.

Two figures stepped onto the road, their hands raised. Both had a spear on their backs and hatches on their hips. They looked human and were absolutely no danger to him.

His sensors didn't pick up any other creatures in the area so Din lowered his rifle and put it back on his back. He stood, silent, making himself look big and imposing, waiting for the two to make a move.

"We are sorry to intercept you like this, Sir," the younger one said. He had a thick accent, unlike anything he ever heard. "But we saw your ship and hope you could help us. A stranger has raided our village, killed one of my men and wounded a lot of them. He has weapons like yours," the man points at his blaster and rifle, and the bandolier acros his chest. "We don't have anything to fight against him. But if you help us, we can gift you food and shelter" he finished.

Din didn't need to ponder too long. These people have seen his bounty. They might have more information about him. Food and shelter is just an added extra. "Do you know where he went?" He simply asked. The two men seemed surprised to hear his modulated voice.

"Yes, yes. Our Chief, my father, had him followed after the destruction." The young man answered. Din grunted. "I need to retrieve some stuff from my ship. Come help me and lead me there." He said, turning back where he came from and walking to his ship, not really caring if the two followed or not

-

Yori had returned about a hour after he and Qwil set off to inform the Chief that the pilot was willing to catch the intruder. In return he would get housing and food. It was decided that you would be the one housing the pilot, seen as you are only one with a house made for a family without actually having a family.

So, you were dashing around the house, trying to straighten it for the mystery man. You weren't a messy person but it didn't hurt to go over the details. Plus you needed to make shure that the guest room was well and ready.

Once you were done cleaning and moving stuff around, you decided to start dinner. You made more than you usually make, not knowing how much Mystery Man ate normally. Just as it was about to be finished, there was once again a ruckus outside. Qwil and Mystery Man had arrived. Turning off the stove, you got ready to meet him.

-

The only thing that Din found weirdly disturbing about Qwil, as the man had called himself, is his very pale eyes. They were like moons. Even his pupils were greyed over which made him think he was blind at first but after he asked Qwil about hit, the man corrected him.

"We don't know a lot about other planets or galaxies, but we know that me and my people have a defect in our DNA. We can see clearly, but we see only in greytones. Only when one meets their Soulmate, we will be able to see color. We are not with many, so Soulmates are rare. Only a few couples can see color," Qwil said as they walked back.

"So almost everyone has eyes like mine. It doesn't stop us from living our lifes, so most are content with seeing grey. Most of us never find their soulmates, but are content with settling down with someone else." Qwil finished. Din nodded. Even though he tried not to care for his job's sake, he couldn't help being intrigued. Even Grogu, who was awake in his pram, was cooing like he was being told a fairytale. Din sometimes read one to him if he was fussy or had a bad dream.

The walk to the village was around an hour and a half on foot. Din wasn't complaining but he did start to feel his back and legs. I'm getting too old.. he thought for the bazillionth time.

There were a lot more people than Din thought. At least 150 of them, the children not included. The houses were well spaced apart, unlike the ones on Sorgan, and the clearing was surrounded with woods and a water stream. The clearing must've been manmade to make way for the houses.

The central place of the village was an open place with room for a campfire. A few logs were rolled to the side. Now, it was full with people waiting for them. For him. A man stood at front, a big necklace around his neck. Qwil joined his side. This must be the Chief.

A gasp was heard in the crowd but no one seemed to mind as the Chief greeted him, asked for his name (to which he just said "Mando"), and welcomed him to the planet and his village. "We thank you for going after the killer. Meva and her children especially will be thankful to have him gone from the planet after her husband was killed" he said this quietly. He was nodding to a blonde woman who was talking to another person, seemingly in distress. "My condolences. I want to talk to you about this person. Where they went. How armed they are." Din said to which the Chief just chuckled.

"Yes yes, but we can talk business tomorrow. For now, I wish you to go eat and relax for tonight. One of our people is willing to take you in for your stay." He looked at the child who was looking around in wonder "They are great with children. You will feel right at home. I shall get them for you and tomorrow morning, at dawn, I will be here to give you more details" Din nodded in thanks as the Chief went to get someone.

-

You stood next to Meva as Qwil and the Mystery Man entered the village. You couldn't see Mystery Man yet, so you shook Meva, asking if she could.

When the Chief stepped forward, he became clearer. And as you gazed upon him, you gasped, holding tightly onto Meva. The world started to change. Things became more vibrant, clear, like you never seen before, and it took you an agonizing second to realise that this man, this Mystery Man, was your Soulmate.

"It's him, Mev." You whispered to your friend. "What do you mean?" She asked you, turning you around. It is as if you were looking at your friend for the first time. You didn't know which colors were which but it was overwhelming. Your friend was on a whole other level of beautiful now. "It's him. He is my 'mate" you whispered to her and her eyes widened. "You mean- You can-?" You just nodded and she gasped and laughed. "I knew it wouldn't be one of us! But oh, will you be alright? He will stay with you.. He has a kid it seems.. And when he is done here he will leave and probably never return.. I don't want your heart to be broken like mine is" she said somberly and you squeezed her arm. "I am going to be allright," you told her "If he does leave, I will be sad for a bit, but I am going to be fine. At least we have eachother." You gave her a kind smile.

The Chief chose that moment to step up to you with the armored man behind him. He had a knowing look to him as he met your gaze. "Sir Mando here will be in your care. Is that going to be okay?" The Chief asked. "Yes ofcourse, Chief. Don't worry" you said. You turned to Mando. Your Soulmate. You gave him your name and a pleasant smile. "Dinner was just about done when you turned up. Might I interest you and your child in some?" You asked him. It was a bit overwhelming still, and seeing him close was doing nothing for your nerves. His armor was so... Shiny. Blinding almost. He probably takes great care in polishing it.

"Thank you" he simply said and you nodded, leading him to your home.

-

Din had already told you about how he doesn't eat around people because of his Creed, so you had taken some food up stairs to him after you had shown him his room. He had thanked you and Grogu had happily chirped seeing the two plates. You had disappeared as soon as you had appeared.

Your eyes weren't the greyed over moons that Qwil had, or almost everyone in the village for that matter. The Chief, along with a few couples, were the only ones next to you to have bright and colored eyes. So Din deduced that you too had found your Soulmate he wondered who for a bit, before he forcefully pushed the thought out of his head. I got to concentrate. He thought. I can't let some person distract me. Soon they will just be another face and I will forget about them.

The evening turned into night and soon it was dark outside. The room was dark but with his helmet he could see perfectly. The kid eventually started snorring and Din's thoughts became too much. He sneaked out of the room and walked as silently as he could downstairs.

A few candles were lit when he came into the livingroom. The fireplace was blazing which gave off the most light. He went and sat next to you. You didn't notice, too enamoured by the flames.

"Qwil told me about that genetic malfunction of your clan" Din said after a minute. You jumped, only now realising that he was there. "I noticed that your eyes weren't like the other's. You found your 'Soulmate' then?" He asked carefully. In his mind he bashed himself for asking you.

"I guess. But I don't think I will spend much time with them. They will... Leave soon" you answered, back at watching the flames lick the wood in the fireplace. "Why's that" Din then asked. You turned to him, a sad smile on your face. "Don't freak out but.... It's you"

He was in shock. And before he could respond, you had dashed out of the living room and up the stairs. And so Din spend the rest of the night staring at the fire in the fire place. The candles burning out and soon there were only cinders left in the fireplace as the sun started to rise.

[lacrow]

Chapter 36...

...Me too, Anya. Me too.

After the Loid/Yor heavy arc we just came off of, I was wondering which direction Endo would take things. A lot of people were hoping for some focus on Damian and Anya, and boy oh boy I’m sure those same people were happy with this week’s chapter. It’s looking like the next arc is going to focus on the kids at Eden, only instead of tests and exams we’re going to get a PARTY!?

...Sorry, got a little excited there. First, let’s back it up.

I love how Anya just flat out acknowledges she’s never going to be an imperial scholar. Loid gave up far sooner than she did, but seeing her just blatantly accept the same thing is funny and also shows she’s not oblivious or air-headed; she’s quite aware of herself (which is rare for a child, as we’ll soon see with Becky) and is much more willing to focus on her strengths. Granted, the only thing she has going for her at the moment is Damian’s crush on her (which she isn’t even aware of in the first place). Also I just found it funny everyone still thinks Loid beats his patients. Poor Loid xD.

To kick off the arc things focused on Becky and her relationship with Anya and, honestly, I didn’t realize how excited I was for that until I started reading it. Becky was desperately needing some backstory, and I feel like this chapter delivered on all fronts. Sending the girls out on a shopping trip was a great set-up, and having Becky rent out the entire department store was a smart way for them to spend some alone time and also show off just how LOADED the Blackbells really are. Plus, Anya’s reactions to everything was priceless.

Okay, so...the fashion. It was cute, it was fun, and the dresses were fantastic. With that said, there’s no way I’m going to able to fit all of it into one post lol. So, briefly, I’ll list the highlights for me;

Anya’s Cover-Girl-esque spread

All of Anya’s costumes, but most importantly the “scholar” one with diploma caps for the headbuns (fantastic)

Becky immediately thinking of dressing up for Loid (honestly kinda cringey, but at the same time funny) and going down a runway because of course she would.

The tiny detail of Becky’s hairpin changing with each costume and how it changes to a knife when she wears Yor’s sweater (I see you, Endo).

Is there more? Yes. But now we’re moving on lol

I’d be remiss not to mention Becky’s thirst in this chapter, and I love how her attendant Martha just puts up with her shit with the flattest of faces. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s well aware of Becky’s current obsession with soap opera’s, hence her casual, muted reaction. Home-wrecking is a no-no indeed xD

Aside from all her fashion shenanigans and Loid-thirst, the exploration of Becky’s character was fascinating and deeply satisfying. I was fond of her before this chapter, but now I have a much better idea of who she is as a person. Anya calling her a friend caught her completely off-guard; we as an audience knew this was already the case, but even after months of being together Becky clearly didn’t. Martha’s musings over her bratty past were insightful, and paint the picture of a little girl who grew up from a young age thinking she was a) inherently better than everyone else and b) had an image to maintain at all times. Such beliefs made it impossible to truly make friends, and she likely would have expected others around her to only get close to her in order to get material things because of her family’s wealth and status.

Besides Becky, Martha was really the standout character for me this week. It’s clear she’s been with Becky since the latter was very young; at first I took her for this exasperated servant who loathes Becky for being so spoiled, but by the end of the chapter I was pleasantly surprised to find her genuinely caring for her like a grandma or nanny. Her relationship with Becky, and by extension Anya, was very endearing and I hope to see more of her in the arc.

OKAY SO BACK TO THE PARTY!

It’s looks like this arc is going to deal more with the social aspects of Eden Academy, and I for one am thrilled. The tests and classroom and shenanigans are usually enjoyable, although I’d be lying if I said I found them very interesting. This whole backdrop of an end-of-term party, however, opens up the possibility of so many character interactions that we normally wouldn’t get to see. Just a few examples;

Becky finally meeting Loid

Yor chaperoning and causing unintended chaos

The kids all in spiffy clothing

The possibility of finally meeting Damian’s older brother

Mr. Henderson busting-a-move (god I can dream)

And, of course...

...some good ol’ Damian and Anya. It’s clear we’re gonna see an update on their relationship, and depending on how this party goes we may or may not finally get to see Anya be invited over to the Desmond’s house. Operation Strix might be up for it’s first big break in a while, and I’m excited to see how it all unfolds in the coming months!

Also, BONUS

$950 dollars!? Are you kidding me right now!? For two keychains!? Bond doesn’t even know math and he KNOWS those prices are outrageous!

[ssson-of-sparda]

A Dozen Ice Cream Cones (Dante x Fem!Reader)

Summary: Patty wants to know what happened to the girl who offered Dante his very first strawberry sundae. But to know the rest of the story, she must erase the dozen ice cream cones from Dante's tab. (Part 2 of A Tab To Erase) (Part 1)

Tags: Pre DMC3 Dante / Dante is Tony Redgrave / Flirting / Lost Friends to Lovers / Implied Sexual Content / Explicit Language

Author’s note: You wished for Part 2, there it is ;-) If you want to place this part of the story in the DMC timeline, I'd say that it is shortly before DMC3. Dante is roughly eighteen (and so is Reader) and still goes by the name Tony Redgrave. Again, the Dante who is talking to Patty is definitely post DMC Anime. I decided not to give many details about him so that he could be the one of your choice. Can definitely do a part 3 if you want.

MISSION 2

Dante was about to get fleeced. He could feel it in his guts, which had somehow developed this strange ability to knot tightly in his stomach each time he was about to lose. Probably the result of so many years of bad luck in gambling. And yet, Patty’s eyebrows were weirdly furrowed as she was quietly eyeing all of the cards in her hands. She had to have a straight flush. Dante had no doubt about that. So why wasn’t she playing? “You know, Dante. I was thinking …”       “Not again.” The man grumbled, wondering why she was taking her time. But Patty had learned to ignore Dante’s sudden irritations long ago, knowing they were always brief and harmless.       “You didn’t stay friends, right?” Dante arched an eyebrow and stared at the girl in front of him as she was sitting still, big blue eyes fixed upon his face, patiently waiting for the answer to her unexpected question.   “What are you talking about?” A sigh escaped his mouth. He knew what she was talking about. He just wanted to elude the answer. But the little blonde was not one to easily give up. “With the little girl. The one who made you first strawberry sundae. You didn’t stay friends. Why?”                   “What makes you think that?” Using a question to avoid an answer. Yes, could work.             “Well, if you had a friend making you strawberry sundaes for free, then you would not spend an unreasonable amount of money on them. So, I’m guessing she must not be around anymore.” Patty was perceptive. Dante could give her that quality, for sure. Though right now it was more a bother than anything else. “What happened?”       “She moved on with her life.” was the only thing that he felt like answering as he quietly stood up to take a beer in his fridge, certain that this was just the beginning of another long questioning.               “So you never saw her again after that night in the diner?” Patty asked as she watched Dante slouch back in the couch, taking his cards back in his hand to cover whatever expression Patty was trying to spot on his face.       “Yes, I did saw her again.” He finally confessed, eyes on the dog-eared Queen of Hearts he was grazing with his thumbnail.             “Then tell me!” The girl begged, unable to resist the excitement growing in her body any longer. “ Why would I? Don’t you have any stupid soap opera to watch?”       “ The TV’s broken… AGAIN.” She complained but he couldn’t care less. He had no money to afford buying a new one or fixing this one. Plus, there was nothing worth watching on TV so …“Come on. I’ll erase the dozen ice creams cones from your tab if you do.” Dante looked away from his cards with a sudden tiny smirk as he noticed Patty on the edge of her chair, impatiently waiting for the new part of his story to begin. “Now you speak my language, Patty.”         “ You never do something for free! It’s annoying!”       “Are you kidding me? I do a lot of things for free. That’s why I’m so broke and live in this hellhole.” He waved at the place with open arms before taking a gulp of his beer with a grimace. Yuck, it’s hot! And of course it was. He hadn’t paid the bills yet again.           “So we have a deal, then. Now tell me.”

A DOZEN ICE CREAM CONES

                 It was the nineties – perhaps the most awful period for anyone who had even just a small sense for fashion or music - and as the city of Red Grave was still lovingly dancing on ridiculous love ballads on Friday nights, wearing tight crop tops, colourful scrunchies and platform sneakers, Dante – now named Tony Redgrave - was trying to make his place as a young mercenary in the rough areas of the city, hanging in bars serving some drinks stronger than strawberry sundaes (though he would always order one at some point) and in clubs where women would gladly take their clothes off if asked too, mind a few bucks of course (except for Venus. Venus would always flash her breasts for free for her sweet Tony).

“Not sure I want to know that.” “ Oh yes. Forgot the story must be PG-13, sorry. Anyway …”

He was looking for jobs, something that would help him pay for a proper roof over his head and the fancy long red leather coat he had just bought (five hundred bucks but worth every single dime) and luckily for him he knew the perfect man to find him that.

His name was Enzo Ferino. A short and chubby Italian-American broker, probably the best informant in the neighbourhood, one who could smell high-paying jobs for miles around especially those Dante loved to refuse.

“Where was Morrison?” “Can I tell my story please?”

“Come on Tony! You can’t refuse that job. Not another one. Not again.” He almost threw a fist on the counter before he remembered the last time he did so. Two bullets had whizzed the top of his black curly head and he had had thanked his mama for making him so short. “Haven’t you heard the reward? Don’t you see all the zeros on that check, my friend?” Yes, there were four and enough to pay the bail and few rents of the place he wished to rent to create his own agency. But Dante didn’t want that check nor did he want that job.             “If he wants to recover a stupid necklace, he can call the cops for that … or a bailiff. I don’t go after silly poker players. I have better things to do.” He took a sip of his whiskey, the third of the night, not even looking at the two men sitting next to him and begging him to take that damn job with pleading eyes.               “You have nothing better to do!” Enzo shouted, throwing his hands in the hair like a living Italian cliché. “Please Sir. It’s my girlfriend’s necklace. One she offered me on our anniversary. It’s very precious to her.” The man who wished to hire him declared as he started rummaging in the pocket of his designer coat.               “And you bet on it?” Dante scoffed. “Damn. What a perfect boyfriend you are. But that’s still a no.”

The man pressed a piece of paper next to Dante’s drink. A photo, a polaroid, judging by the quality of the paper, carefully placed face down like a poker card, showing that that man was most probably a pro-gambler or at least was used to card games. Another reason not to help. He would probably lose the damn necklace right after recovering it.         And yet, Dante took the picture in his hand. Though he didn’t really know why he did. Certainly the curiosity to know what kind of chick that prick could have in his life or maybe the will to use the picture to taunt him about his taste in women. He imagined a prude church girl, some daddy’s girl probably as rich as him, not very pretty but fancy, wearing pearl earrings and silk headscarves matching her shiny shoes. The type of girl that swaggers in the street and roll her disdainful eyes when they see men like Dante (though they might secretly wished he would rumple their sheets).  

Patty cleared her throat. “What? Every girl loves some good bad boy once in a while... And how do you even know what that means?”

He couldn’t be more wrong. And he couldn’t be more surprised. He would recognize those big (colour) eyes and that sweet smile among thousands, despite the time apart, despite the years that had turned a fearful little boy into a daredevil mercenary and an adorable little girl into a magnificent young girl. He would recognize them always because they were the first that had made in smile when he thought he would never smile again.                 “Her name is Y/N. She’s the sweetest girl in the world. Innocent. Pure.” Dante cringed at the man’s words, finding them rather repulsive and somewhat perverted. Something in the way they were rolling off his tongue.       “Come on, Tony. You can’t say no to a sweet girl.” Enzo’s sentence was met with a glare that made him shiver but when he saw his partner stand up and empty his glass of whiskey, he somewhat relaxed. “You’re pieces of shit. Both of you.”         “Does that mean you take the job?” Dante didn’t bother answer.

                 But he took the job. Not for Enzo. Especially not for his shitty client. And even less for the cash. For her. Just for her. To finally return the favour after so many years. Because he owed her one. Because she was possibly one of the few humans he’s always respected in his ten years wandering the nighty street of Red Grave. And because she didn’t deserve an asshole like the one she dated to lose something apparently so precious to her in a silly game of cards. An easy job for someone like him but one he despised nevertheless. He hated to deal with humans. They were sometimes worse than demons and you can’t fix problems with them by using a sword.

“Don’t tell me you won the necklace back?” “ I did. Fair and square. Well … almost. I ended up using my sword. Turned out the Mafiosi who had Y/N’s necklace were a bunch of demons who had made a few bars in downtown Red Grave their lairs.”

But once Dante had Y/N’s necklace in the palm of his hand he did something only Dante could do. He refused the reward, refused all the zeros on the check and the chance to finally buy that agency he wanted so badly. “The things you do for beautiful women.” Gunsmith Nell Goldstein had said when she had given him back his guns, all polished and fixed, after he had wrecked them on the job again. “They’re your weakness, Tony. Always leading you around by the nose … or something else.” Perhaps, but he never minded.        

And as he watched Y/N approaching the door to her home out of the corner of his eye, a bunch of books under her arms, looking for her keys in her bag, Dante knew he would not regret his weakness for women or his decision to refuse the money.      

She looked as sweet as he remembered, as delicate as in the picture if not more. And just as her shitty boyfriend had said, she indeed seemed rather innocent and pure. Almost fragile. Nothing like the girls he had met before, especially those he had seen undressed at Love Planet or in one of the magazines he kept in his drawers.       “Goodness grac…” She almost dropped her books as she jumped, surprised and somewhat scared, and put her hand over her heart that had certainly missed quite a beat when she noticed this insanely tall stranger on her doorstep.   But her sudden fear disappeared immediately when she recognized the silvery white hair covering the icy blue eyes of the man before her. “Tony?” She arched an eyebrow and he smiled with the same childish joy she had witnessed on his face years ago. And just like that, she was certain it was him.       “Hello, Y/N” He offered his hand and she briefly stared at it, remembering for a small instant the time she held out her tiny hand to him the same way, the night they met. And so she grabbed it, genuinely happy to see him again and yet curious to know how he had found her and why he was back after so many years.       But when she fell something cold and metallic in his hand she got her answer. “My necklace. How?” “Won it back for you.” He simply answered but that was enough for her to understand what happened. “[Boyfriend] lost it on a poker game, didn’t he?” And even though that didn’t really surprised her as she knew how much he loved gambling despite her telling him not to, it disappointed her anyway. “You shouldn’t date boys who have a streak of bad luck in gambling… Except those like me.” She looked up at Dante’s piercing blue eyes, unsettled by his flirtatious humour, thinking he accidentally let that slip but he definitely did not. Those last words, impulsive and yet somewhat well thought out, had rolled off his tongue with a scandalous smoothness and a self-confidence that had rooted her to the spot, speechless, but in a weirdly pleasant way that made her want to slap herself. “Or especially me. Depends if you like trouble.”     With a smug smirk, he stared at her, deep in her eyes, almost … hungrily? She didn’t really know. All that she knew was that never a man had looked at her that way. Certainly not her boyfriend. And who knew such icy eyes could set fire to her cheeks like that? “But, judging by that place and your guy, you seem to enjoy some well-ordered life.”

Not really. Not at all. Her life was boring, plain and dull. Nothing like in the books she read. Nothing like what she had dreamed of. But exactly what her mother had wished for her.         She was an adorable daughter, a top student finishing up high school, ready to leave Red Grave with her well brought up boyfriend to start a life many would envy but that she cared little about.     She wanted adventure. She wanted excitement. Passion. Frivolity. Freedom. And maybe even some danger. She wanted all that and more.           And as she looked at the self-assured man in front of her, she couldn’t help but believe that he had somehow managed to obtain all that. And she wanted to know how. How did that life feel? How could he live such a life? How could she have the same?         And Dante noticed that small fire, that tamed lonely flame burning deep in her eyes that needed just a drop or two of gasoline to rage and shine brightly. Something he could easily provide if she let him, if that’s what she wanted.

“Take care of yourself, Y/N” He nodded her goodbye and as he shifted to walk away, she opened her lips to say. “Would you like a strawberry sundae?” And she cursed herself for this, so damn loud in her head. You have a boyfriend! A voice repeated on and on, feeling the temptation in her heart and the ideas of what some people would call unfaithfulness seeping in her brain. But as she opened the door to her apartment, ready to finally kick the boredom out of her life for something else, for something more, the voice seemed to fade.           Guess the Devil truly finds work for idle hands to do.

[teamfreewill56-blog]

So I saw Mugen Train at the end of May 2021 in theaters, I immediately fell in love with Kyojuro and I cried the entire time once I saw Kyojuro got impaled by Akaza. I was a total mess once Ruka appeared to him and in all the years I’ve watched anime I’ve never had a character death wreck me so much as Kyojuro’s. You would think after all this time I would have run out of things to say about Kyojuro but I’m still noticing and realizing things every time I read the manga and watch the movie. There is so much about his character that I saw and noticed and that struck me and still strikes me that I had to write about it. Like a lot of people I really love him and I relate to him a lot, there is a bunch of things that he’s gone through that resonate with me strongly. It makes me really happy that you guys favorite and reblog my posts and I especially love seeing your tags. Some are funny, some are emotional but they all show love for Kyojuro and they’re great. They always make me smile and it means a lot to me that the things I post are making you guys feel things and realize stuff about Kyojuro and Demon Slayer that maybe you didn’t before. It’s amazing. When I first started posting about Kyojuro I didn’t even think about other people seeing my stuff, I just knew that I had to write out my thoughts and impressions about this wonderful and amazing character. I love doing it, I love the realizations and tiny details Gotogue put into him and his family and the other characters. Most of the things we notice about him are sad (and mostly what I notice lol) but I feel like that stuff really deserves attention, no one in the series acknowledged or addressed it so I dunno I kinda just decided I was gonna be one of the people who does address it 😂😂. Plus it’s the one way I know to show love to this character that means so much to me and so many others. I never thought my posts and memes would get so popular so I just wanted to say thank you guys for reading, reblogging, following me and commenting on my posts about Kyojuro. It means a lot to me ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Also, I’m awkward as fuck so if you message me I apologize because I’ll respond back but I’m gonna be awkward.