#there really wasn't that much celebration and thanks from the gods for saving them from gaea compared to Kronos

[pain-is-too-tired]

percy and annabeth should've moved to Alaska send tweet

Other than the whole out of the gods focus thing, I honestly don't see them having a reason they'd want to?

Its too far from anything familiar. I don't see Percy wanting to be too far from his mom and Estelle(i mean, California is already pretty far. Of course he can use Mrs.O'Leary, but still. Long distances still effect her.)

And, why he definitely wants to stop getting drag into things by the gods, camp half blood still holds importance to him. I'd think he'd want to at least stay somewhat in the loop with other demigods and there if something really bad happens.

We see in Tlo that New York/Manhattan is pretty special to him to. Of course he's going to school on California for New Rome, but I see him moving back to New York after. I mean the guy literally shoved Michael out of the way than got actually angry seeing Manhattan put to sleep. I actually don't think it's talked about how Percy's loyalty also kinda includes Manhattan. Like that's his home. Where he was raised, where Camp is close by. He feels comfortable in Manhattan. I just don't see him really wanting to move. I mean, again yeah New Rome exists. But i think that mainly would be the exception because of the safety of it being for demigods and legacies. Even then I see him feeling wierd there considering what we do know about how they are with elite and old money family that lives there.

Alaska is also more dangerous because of it being out of relm of the gods. Percy wants a peaceful life, I don't think he'd want to risk living where he knows monster can still get to them and be more comfortable doing so. Especially if they plan to start a family at some point.

Its fun thought, but definitely don't think it work out well ^^'

[celiababy]

already in love w ur page! i would love to see dads bestfriend joel from you!!

hi! thank u sm!! and ofc coming right up on a very hot and steamy platter 😛

Not Your Daddy

Pairing: Pre-outbreak!Joel Miller x f!reader

Summary: You're back from your first year at college. You've changed and Joel is quick to notice.

Warnings: 18+ SMUT MDNI, age gap (36/19), swearing, p in v, size kink, loss of virginity, unprotected sex, fingering, oral (fem!recieving) no Sarah, alcohol

Celia's note: Heres jus a lil something :) (not proofread sorry) also part 3 of ain't right is coming so so soon I promise!!

Joel Miller and your father were good friends.

When you and your dad moved in next door a little over three years ago, they hit it off quickly. Their tendency to take on random jobs for cash is what bonded them. Also sports.

You were shy then, never able to hold eye contact and always avoiding him whenever he was around.

But thankfully, you've grown into a woman. Your first year at college changed you.

Now, you were back for the summer, eager to sleep in your own bed and spend time with your home-town friends.

But honestly, you were most excited to see Joel.

You wanted him to see how much you've grown. See how mature you've become, how confident.

You always had a little crush on him—mostly because he was the kindest out of all your dad's friends.

You also wanted him to be the one to pop your cherry.

You were a virgin, and kinda always fantasized about Joel being the one to take it from you.

Sure, you’ve done some stuff with guys, but never gone all the way. You were saving that for him.

You knew it wouldn't take long until he made an appearance.

Your dad had offered to host a small get-together to celebrate you being back. He would barbecue in the backyard and hold bets for the basketball game.

It was really just an excuse for him to break out the grill and gamble, but you didn't care. Only because you knew Joel would be there.

You even put on your shortest white sundress and blew out your hair for the occasion.

Your body was buzzing with the idea of seeing him again.

You wondered if he had changed at all.

Your mind started spiraling at the thought.

What if he had changed? What if he was dating someone now? What if he was engaged?

You glanced in the mirror at your nearly perfect reflection and suddenly felt so silly. What if this was all for nothing?

You didn't have long to ponder that thought because the doorbell rings.

You peak out your window and see Joel's truck in the driveway.

Your dad answers the door downstairs, the faint murmur of voices distracting your ears.

The anticipation was gnawing at you like a hungry dog.

After collecting your nerves, you slowly descend the stairs to meet them in the kitchen.

The loud cussing gave away their location. "You've lost your damn mind if you think there's a chance in hell the Privateers of all fucking teams are gonna beat—oh, hey darlin'," Your dad greets you, clearing his throat like he wasn't just cussing out Joel.

His back is to you, but when he turns around, your heart fucking ignites.

He's just as handsome as the day you left. He looks momentarily stunned by you, his eyes flickering all over your figure. God—how was it possible for someone to change so much? You looked more than amazing.

He immediately feels ashamed for basically checking you out in front of your dad, his eyes snapping back up to your face.

"Christ kid, they feedin' you up there at A&M?" He teases before stepping in for a hug.

He even smells the same as he did all those months ago, pine and smoke. You feel relieved.

It seems like the only thing thats different about him is a few gray hairs.

"Hey Joel," you greet with a giddy smile, hugging him back and relishing in his warmth. "How are you?"

Joel is very surprised. He almost doesn't recognize you. You're so much more...more.

"M'alright, aside from the fact that your dad's gonna give me a fuckin' aneurysm one of these days."

You laugh and shake your head. "Fighting about the game tonight?"

"Yeah, this fuckin' asshat thinks the longhorns might lose tonight—messin' up the whole fuckin' mojo," Your dad rambles, his voice beginning to raise before the doorbell rings again. "I'll get that, need to get away from this traitor." He snorts before heading to the door and leaving you both alone.

Joel rolls his eyes before landing his gaze back onto you and your cute little sundress. He crosses his arms over his chest and turns to face you with his body.

"You behavin' up there at school?" He asks light-heartedly, though you find it excruciatingly hard not to reply in some suggestive way.

"Mhm," You hum unconvincingly with a charmingly guilty smile, holding back a laugh.

Joel cocks a brow, pretending to look at you judgmentally. "Lyin’ is a sin, y’know." He huffs, a smile creeping on his lips.

“I’ve been good, just a lotta temptations s’all..” You murmur softly, your body naturally drifting closer to Joel by swaying on your feet.

The tension in the room is palpable.

“Oh yeah?” He tilts his head the tiniest bit to the side, his voice dropping what seemed like several octaves.

In fear of your voice cracking when giving a verbal response, you opt for a nod of your head, but then shrug just to tease him.

He glares at you but then scoffs, shaking his head.

"When'd you become such a little shit-stirrer, huh?" He chides, reaching over to ruffle the top of your hair.

You laugh before pushing his hand away, your fingers lingering on his wrist for longer than it needed to.

His skin is warm, he's almost hot to the touch. You're having a very hard time tearing your eyes away from his face.

All the sudden, your father calls you into the other room.

"Get in here! Max and Ruby wanna hear about your classes." Max and Ruby being your neighbors who had undoubtedly stopped by for the party.

You peer up at Joel, your eyes almost begging him to ask you to stay. But instead, he gestures with his head for you to listen to your dad.

"Go on now," He husks out, sliding his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

Reluctantly you leave him behind in the kitchen, your body still whirring with the adrenaline high you got from just talking to him.

***

It was nice seeing everyone that stopped by for the party. You hadn't realized how much you missed your people.

But Joel was making it hard to concentrate on conversation when you guys were playing eye-tag the entire night.

He really couldn't help himself. There was just something so magnetic about you now—it was impossible to tear his eyes away.

He watched you talk to some of your high school friends, then get up to fetch something from the kitchen.

He couldn’t stop his gaze from falling to your ass once you turned around, his cock twitching in his pants because of the way your dress taunts him with its length.

He clears his throat.

Fuck was he thinking.

This was you he was ogling for christ sake. His best friends daughter.

These thoughts were not allowed. He needed to shut this down.

But the night goes on anyway, people getting more drunk and rowdy with each passing second.

Especially your father, who was currently in a screaming match with his work buddy about the game. They're all crowded around the small box tv in the kitchen, intently watching the tiny screen.

You're watching them from afar, amused by your father and the absurdity of it all.

"Ah fuck, we're outta ice," your dad groans, lifting up the empty bowl in annoyance. "Alright, one of you sons of bitches needs'ta make an ice run, m'not missing this game."

Joel groans out, dragging his hand down his jaw. "We're obviously gonna win—the team's up 46. Make the damn run yourself." He berates your father, who in turn just shakes his head and waves a dismissive hand at Joel.

"Every time I don't watch the game to completion, we fuckin' lose. M'staying riiiight here."

"Fuckin' superstitious bastard." Joel groans from under his breath, picking up his truck keys from the counter. "You want some more beer while I'm out? Maybe my liver too? God knows you need a new one, goddamn alcoholic."

You're laughing at them in the corner, finding their banter extremely amusing.

Then, you suddenly realize this might be your chance to spend more alone time with Joel.

You lurch forward, quickly blocking his path. "Can I come with?"

He looks down at you, a barely noticeable smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He's just about to reply to you before your drunk father cuts in.

"Ya, go with him, he can't carry the ice by himself or else his back’ll give out."

Joel turns his head to yell at your dad. "Shut your damn mouth," he barks, then turns back around to face you, placing his hand on your lower back. "'Course sweetheart, c'mon."

The drastic change in his voice when he talks to you versus your father makes your heart flutter.

He guides you outside to his truck, only dropping his arm from your back when he opens the passenger door for you.

Hopping inside, you settle yourself into the worn down bench seat. Your eyes follow him as he rounds the front of the vehicle, swinging open the driver side door and cranking the engine.

His old country music starts blaring from the speakers of the car, accompanied by the loud drum of his engine.

He’s quick to whip out of the driveway, steering with one muscular arm on the wheel.

You want to drool at the sight—you know your other lips most certainly are.

"So, you got a boyfriend up there at school?" He asks after clearing his throat.

He wants to subtly test the waters, whether he knows it now or not.

You smile, the thought of dating any guy besides Joel was laughable.

"Nope. They're all kinda gross."

"Gross? Yeah, well, most guys your age are." He mumbles, thinking back to his late teens, early twenties—Yikes.

"What about you? Got a woman yet?" You ask, following his line of questioning.

Joel scoffs, keeping his eyes trained on the road. “Does it look like I got a woman in my life?”

He looks down at himself for a second to get his point across, making you follow his gaze.

His wrinkly navy shirt had paint stains on it, his jeans were so old, they looked one wash away from disintegrating, and his beard needed a trim.

You try to stifle your giggle by turning your head away. “Yeah, guess not.”

Your mind starts wandering off, imagining what being Joel's woman would look like...having dinner together...sharing a bed...showering together...

God you wanted to be his girl so bad.

You hear yourself speaking before you even know what you’re saying. “Maybe I can help you—y'know, find a woman n’all.”

Joel casts you an assessing glance, cocking his eyebrow.

“Oh yeah? N’how would you do that?”

He doesn’t even mean to sound sexy but the way he talks makes you wanna melt.

“Well, for starters, a haircut might do you some good.” You tease, scooting closer to him on the bench seat to fiddle with the overgrown hair by his neck.

The way your body is turned to face him gives Joel a clear view down the front of your dress, the skin of your breasts making his cock twitch.

“What’re you talkin’ about? My hair looks great.” Joel knows he’s lying, but he just wants to see you laugh.

Which you do. “Yea, maybe to a blind chick.”

“Oh, you got jokes, huh?” Joel chides, using his free hand to come up and playfully tug at your hair.

You erupt in giggles, swatting his hand away while simultaneously trying to tug his hair back.

Eventually, you two stop messing with each other, but you reiterate that you're serious.

"I mean it—it’d be super fun giving you a make-over."

Joel pulls into the gas station and shifts his truck into park.

"You've lost your damn mind if you think I'm gonna let you get anywhere near my head with clippers."

You roll your eyes and giggle, following him out of the vehicle.

"C'monnn, it'll be fun!" You squeal, trailing behind him as he walks into the store, the bell chiming as you both enter.

He pretends to ignore you, walking along the isles to the freezer section.

"I'll be super careful," You muse, snagging a bag of skittles from off one of the shelves before he can notice.

“I promise I won’t fuck up your cut.” You joke, laughing at yourself.

“Hey—watch it.” Joel warns when hearing your profanity, snapping back to look at you, only half-joking.

You roll your eyes—it's ironic coming from him who cusses like a sailor. You brush past him as he opens the freezer, letting your back lean against one of the glass doors, facing him.

"You're not my daddy, y'know. Can't tell me what to do." You purr, a shit-eating grin beginning to form on your perfect face.

Joel feels his blood pressure spike.

You're making this impossible for him and you know it.

His body moves for him before he can stop himself.

After he grabs two ice bags, he closes the freezer and subsequently steps closer to you, popping your personal space bubble.

"You're right. M'not your daddy." He husks, looking down at you and your parted lips. Your chests are centimeters away from each other, and you find yourself holding your breath. “Consider yourself lucky.”

The way he’s looking down at you like prey yet speaking so nonchalantly has your brain spinning. There was definitely an underlying threat in his words.

Before you can respond, he’s turned around and walking up to the register, throwing down a 10 dollar bill and telling the cashier to keep the change.

Science can’t explain the drastic acceleration your heart rate just experienced—but you can.

Joel fucking Miller.

He had to be insinuating something, right?

Your face is hot and so is the rest of your body, stumbling to catch up with him as he walks out the store.

He lugs the ice into his trunk like nothing happened, the tension in his muscles catching your eyes.

Yet, he still comes around to the passenger side, opening the door for you.

Now was your chance to get him back.

You lift yourself up in the truck, purposefully climbing into the bench seat in a way that gave Joel a clear view of your ass—as well as your thong that wasn't really covering much.

His hand clamps down so hard on the car handle that it nearly crumbles under his grip.

You hear him clear his throat before the door slams shut next to you, making you jump a bit.

When he passes in the front windshield, he's shaking his head and dragging a hand down his scruffy jaw. You can't help but giggle at his exasperated expression.

His takes longer to get into the car and start things up this time, trying real hard not to meet your instense gaze.

When he refuses to make eye contact, you huff out a breath and rip open your skittles bag.

This catches Joel's attention.

"You pay for that?"

"...sure." You murmur unconvincingly with a shrug, trying not to smile. "Want some?"

He watches as you pop a few in your mouth, holding out the bag for him.

Begrungingly, he grumbles out a 'yeah' and holds out his palm.

***

The party had fizzled out when you guys returned. There were a few stranglers sitting around and chatting, but for the most part, things seemed to be dying down.

So much for the ice.

Your dad and his friends had migrated to the living room and once Joel put the bags away, he joined them.

He sat on the couch with a grunt, his legs immediately settling into the manspreading position.

You tried not to drool but your mouth was definitely salivating. To avoid moaning just at the sight of him, you head upstairs, the old wood boards creaking beneath your feet.

You don't see it, but Joel's got his eyes on you, following you with his gaze till you're out of sight.

He feels guilty thinking about how much he wants to fuck you when he's literally sitting right next to your father, but he can't help himself.

It's a while before you come back down, when you do, theres a razor in one hand, clippers in the other.

"No." Joel instantly says, shaking his head.

"Yes." You squeal, beaming down at him.

"Awh, go on Joel, you been needin' a clean up." Your dad chimes in, smacking his shoulder. His other buddies encourage it until he has no choice than to give in just so everyone would shut up.

"Fine—fine. Y'all gon' get yours, thats for damn sure." Joel grumbles, stomping up the stairs.

You're laughing all the way up, bubbling with excitement.

"Come down and give us the reveal when you're done!" Your dad screams to which you giggle.

You basically shove Joel into your bathroom, pulling in a stool for him to sit on.

"You better know what yer doin'." He grunts, sitting down on the stool and looking at you with weary eyes.

"Anything I do to you would look better than what you have now."

Joel promptly stands back up when hearing your words, trying to walk away, but you grab onto his arm. "I'm kidding, I’m kidding! I promise I'll do a good job."

You press on his shoulders to sit him down again, your throat running dry when you see the way he’s glaring up at you.

He’s not actually angry—just a bit peeved that he doesn’t have enough self control to stop thinking about fucking you against the bathroom sink.

You start working, none the wiser, bringing the electric razor to his jaw.

Your bodies are close, Joel can smell your delicious perfume and it makes him wanna eat you up.

You start to notice how sometimes his eyes will flicker to your chest, before abrupdtly looking away and clearing his throat.

Your boobs did look great in this dress, maybe you should give him a better view...

The devilish thought pops in your brain and you're acting it out before you know it.

You set the razor down and grab the clippers, stepping around to the front of his body. "May I?" You murmur, not even waiting for his answer before straddling his lap.

You sit on his thighs and Joel feels himself straighten like a board.

“Kid—what do you think yer doin’?” He immediately sputters out, his expression stern.

He’s trying so hard not to look down at where your dress had ridden up from straddling him. He can almost see your cunt, for christ sake.

“Nothin’.” You murmur, bringing your shaking hand up to trim the hair on his jaw. You curse at yourself for not even having the wits to keep calm, you just know your flushed fave is giving you away.

“Nothin’, huh?” Joel reiterates, completely unbelieving as his eyes drag down your body slowly.

Then, everything shifts.

There’s something more assertive in Joel’s demeanor that you can’t quite put your finger on, but you know it’s there.

You feel his calloused hand on your thigh, your body erupting in goosebumps when he travels it up dangerously high. Using his other hand, he grips your wrist, pulling it down and away from his face.

“Doesn’t look like nothin’ to me.” His voice is a low murmur.

You’re both locked in eye contact now, hearts beating in sync.

He hears your breath hitch and sees how your eyes are flashing between his gaze and lips. He knows what you’re after—he’s just not sure if he wants to give in yet.

You, on the other hand, are dying of anticipation. He’s not budging, so you’re left to drag your hips up his lap and press down on the bulge in his pants.

"Girl—" He growls out before his hands come up to stop your waist from moving any further. "You don't know what your doin'."

"Do I have to fucking spell it out for you, Joel?" You rush out, dropping the scissors and latching onto his shoulders. You're panting and your face is pink, a needy/irritated expression woven into your features.

He feels your nails digging into his shoulder blades and sees that desperate look in your eyes—he's done for.

"No, I won't make ya do that f'me, sweet heart." He murmurs before abruptly picking you up from under your thighs.

A squeak of surprise leaves your lips at his effortless display of strength. You swallow your nerves after he sets you down on the counter, lodging himself between your legs.

"But I am gon make you say it."

Is he teasing you?

No, his face looks too serious for him to be teasing.

Oh, maybe he just wants clear clarification.

Your heart swells at his consideration.

Sucking in a deep breath, "I want your dick in my vagina." You giggle out, knowing he was probably expecting sexier wording. Joel smirks, crashing his forehead against yours.

"Yeah? S'that what you want?"

You're nodding against him, smiling wide because you just admitted something that you never thought you would.

"N'have you done that before? Y'know, dick in vagina." He copies your candance, but you stop smiling.

Out of all the fucking questions, that was the one that you didn't want to be asked the most.

You had hoped if you came on strong and flirted like you had done it a million times, he would've just assumed you weren't a virgin.

But the bastard always had to be so careful.

You didn't want him to know because you figured it would turn him off—then all you'd become is his best friend’s daughter all over again.

You knew if you lied he would just sniff it out anyway, but you tried nonetheless.

"...Yea. Couple times."

You watch as Joel's face forms into a 'yea right' kind of expression before he sighs out.

"Why'a lyin' to me, kid?"

You groan, throwing your head back and hitting the mirror with the back of your skull.

"Thats why—I don't want you thinking I'm a kid anymore. M'not. I'm grown. I'm grown and I want..your dick in my vagina."

He scoffs, dragging a hand down in jaw in disbelief. "Lyin' ain’t a good way to show me your grown."

He was right. You hated that he was right.

Your face crumbles because you think you just ruined this whole thing. Yet, Joel's hands come up to cup your face, holding them there a moment before they drift down to rest on your neck.

"S'alright, you're alright. M'not mad at'cha." He reassures, making sure you're looking in his eyes before he continues. "M'flattered sweetheart, I really am but-"

"Please don't say some bullshit like you don't think you're the man for this job because trust me when I say this Joel, you're the only guy I've ever wanted to be with."

You gush out, your mouth a leaky faucet. But Joel still looks conflicted.

You figured now would be a good time to bring out the big guns.

"If you won't do it cus I'm a virgin, I'll just have sex with the first guy I see, how about that?"

Joel's eyes darken and his jaw clenches. Now you've just pissed him off. "Don't manipulate me like that." He says sternly, to which you immediately falter in your confidence.

"I'm sorry, I don't know why I said that. I didn't mean it." You shake your head at yourself, biting down on your bottom lip. Joel sighs, leaning back but still keeping himself between your legs.

"Look," you start up again, bringing your hand down to hold his muscular bicep. "I've wanted to do this with you for so long. I really want it to be with you. Even if it's just one time, that's okay. Just need you in some way—Joel."

Your voice tapers off into a whisper because his stare intimidates you.

He exhales through his nose before running a hand through his hair and fixing his back to stand up straighter.

"Alright." He huffs, his face looking like he just surrendered in war.

"Alright?" You repeat, hopes high.

"I'll do it," He removes himself from between your legs and slides his grip down to your thighs. "But not right now."

Your heart drops.

"Why not?" You whine like a kicked puppy.

He brings one hand up to pinch your cheek. "Cus your daddy's down stairs, m'not a fuckin' monster." He grumbles before letting go and starting to walk out, but you grab him.

"Fine, but can we at least.." You hop down off the counter and pull him back, kissing him abruptly.

It starts slowly at first, you're both scoping out the scene, but then you get eager.

A tongue slips into his mouth and he returns the favor, his hands finding themselfs back on your hips.

In no time, he has your back up against the wall while he devours your mouth like a man starved. And just as his hand starts sliding up your dress and he's about to go back on his word, a voice comes from downstairs.

"C'mon down Joel, we wanna see the new cut!"

You groan as Joel slips from you, walking back downstairs while wiping his jaw and adjusting the boner in his pants. *** Now it was a waiting game.

Everyone but your dad's friends had left the party; they were just sitting around, watching TV and drinking beers.

You and Joel can't stop making eye contact from the opposite ends of the room. It was like torture not being able to fuck him immediately.

You're quick to conjure up a plan, though.

"Hey dad," you start, twirling a loose thread from your dress around your finger.

"Ya?"

"Didn't they reopen Chambers, like, two weeks ago?" You ask, trying to keep your voice as inconspicuous as possible.

Chambers was the local bar that your dad and his buddies loved to go to. You were just trying to plant a seed.

"Mm, yea, I reckon they did." He sighs out, eyes glued to the TV.

"S'been awhile since we've been there." One of his friends chime in.

"We should go grab a few drinks—I've missed picking up broads from there.." Another friend says, to which your dad promptly hits his arm because he doesn't like that kind of talk when you're present.

Nevertheless, he casts you a questioning glance. "You gon' be alright if we go?"

You try so hard to mask your instant glee. "Oh yeah, I'll be fine! Y'all go n' have fun."

"Alright punkin," They all stand, gathering up their wallets and keys—everyone except Joel. "You comin'?" Your dad asks him.

You glare at him to make sure he understands what you're trying to do.

Joel inhales through his nose before sighing out with a smile. "M'gonna call it a night, boys."

Thank god.

They all grunt and groan in protest, but eventually everyone filters out of the house.

You stand in the door jam and watch as your dad and his buddies file into the car, Joel standing on the porch to wave them off. Words are exchanged between everyone, mostly cussing, as they make their depature.

You both watch as they leave the culdesac, even waiting until you couldn't hear the car engine in the distance before looking at Joel.

Your breath catches in your throat when he turns around to look at you, folding his arms over his chest.

"Sly work." He murmurs, walking forward and forcing you to walk back into the house.

You're not sure why you're so nervous all the sudden.

Because you were pretending to be bold and experienced before, you had no choice but to mask your nerves. Now, that Joel knows the truth, you feel...vulnerable. But in the best way possible.

He backs you into the house before closing the door behind him, his head hanging to look at the ground.

"I had to get you alone somehow." You murmur with a shrug of your shoulders.

It was the truth.

You hear Joel chuckle and watch as he brings his head up to look at you. He's assessing you.

A beat of silence washes over you both.

"You said you would, Joel." You try to say sternly, although your voice wavers because you're scared he might've changed his mind.

"I know what I said." He steps closer, your torso's centimeters apart.

The eye contact is heavy—it feels like an avail against you. But you love it—love him. You're holding back from jumping his bones right by the front door.

"Good." You practically whisper, slowly taking his large hand in yours. You wait until he interwines your fingers before turning around and guiding him up the stairs.

Every creak under his and your feet sounds deafening in the silence between you both.

His hand is sweating, but so is yours.

When you make it to your bedroom, you walk inside and sit on the edge of your bed, gazing up at him.

"How many women have you slept with?" You hear yourself blurt before you can stop yourself.

His lips tighten into a line before he sits down next to you. Your sides are touching, his hands are resting on his knees.

"A few." He grunts, turning to face you. "Lot of 'em forgettable. But this," he gestures between the two of you. "ain't no comin' back from this, you hear me?"

You nod, your hand slipping over his knee. You're trying to trail it higher up his thigh, but he stops you with his hand.

"Need to make sure you know that before we do this. Don't want you regrettin' it later-"

"I won't." You say curtly, only because you know with complete certaintly that there was no way you'd ever regret this.

Everything is still for a moment, the only sound in the room is the both of your breathing. He's staring at you so hard, just waiting for even a hint of hesitation.

But it never comes.

In one swift movement, Joel's lips are on yours, pushing you back into the mattress and settling on top of you.

It makes you dizzy how effortlessly he's making out with you now.

He slots himself between your thighs and you moan at the feeling.

It's embarrassing how little he had to do in order to get you off.

But it's Joel, for christsake—he could just stand there and you'd probably find a way to orgasm at least twice.

It feels like he's engulfing you entirely; his musuclar arms wrapped around you, tongue down your throat, chests pressed together—pure bliss.

Suddenly and devastatingly, he breaks away for just a moment. "Sit up." He husks, to which you immediately oblige.

He lifts your dress up and off, momentairly stunned by the sight of your bare breasts.

"Christ, you're unreal." He groans before latching his mouth onto one of your nipples, using his hand to grope the other one.

You're a mess of moans, but you manage to speak in between. "Take your clothes off too," you whine, pawing at his shirt.

Joel grumbles, taking his time. He strips his shirt off and your hands are quick to latch onto his belt, fumbling with the leather strap but eventually yanking it out of the loops.

His hands come out to steady yours. "Slow down, no rush." He purrs in his texan drawl, making you shiver.

You groan out in frustration, letting your back fall down against the bed again. "You gonna make me wait all summer?"

"If you keep bein' a brat, then maybe." Joel huffs, yanking you back by the legs so he can pull your thong off. He dangles the stringy piece of fabric by his finger, looking at it assessingly.

"Joel!" You squeal, embarrassed. He effortessly holds you down with one hand against your stomach, not letting you swat it away from him.

"This what you go 'round wearin'?" He teases, grinning sharply.

You shrug, all squrimy, prodding him with your legs. "Would it turn you on if I said I wore them for you?"

You almost don't notice when Joel stuffs your underwear into his back pocket because of how drawn you are to his eyes. He's looking at you like a man starved—you love it.

"You been plottin' on me, is that it?" His voice makes your wet hole clench around nothing. He's teasing, but you also feel like you've just been caught.

You definitely weren't as suave as you thought you were.

"Stop makin' fun of me. " You huff with a flustered face, narrowing your eyes at him.

Joel smirks, finally prying apart your legs and taking a good, long look at your dripping cunt. "Christ almightly..." He groans at the sight of you, his cock straining hard against his jeans. "Pretty lil thing."

Your back arches off the bed when you feel Joel's thumb brush against your folds, tantilizingly slow. "Nice n' wet, atta girl." He muses, spreading your lips apart with his fingers.

You wanted to make a joke about him inspecting you like some doctor, but the words died quickly on your tongue when you felt him stroke your clit.

"Joel," You moan, hips squirming impatiently. "Fuck, I need you,"

"You got me, babygirl," Joel murmurs before lowering his head and devouring your cunt completely.

His tongue laps at you with fever, primarily focusing on your aching clit. The sensation nearly makes you pass out, especially when he pushes a finger inside of your hole.

"Ohmygodohmygodohmygod," You whine, fisting the sheets so hard that your knuckles turn white.

Having someone eat you out and it being actually enjoyable is one thing, but having Joel Miller eat you out and it being amazing, was blowing your mind.

He didn't even take breathers.

Joel was consuming you like he didn't need air. Soon, you feel another finger stretch you open, then another, until Joel has three fingers smoothly pumping in and out of you.

It quickly becomes all too much for your little brain. "Hmph..fuck Joel m'gonna come," You whine, your hips staggering against his mouth.

He doesn't answer you, in fact, Joel just wraps his musclar arms tightly under your thighs, securing you in place. In this position, you were rendered completely immoveable.

He kept you right where he wanted you.

"Waitwait, shit, Joel," His tongue is relentless, drinking you up like he was dying of thirst in the desert. Tears are forming in the lining of your eyes, the stimulation overloading you.

"Fuck!" You cry, coming completely undone beneath him. Your entire body shakes with pleasure as you finish, thighs squeezing the sides of his head.

Joel laps you all the way through it, humming contentedly against your soaked cunt.

When your body goes limp against the bed, thats finally when Joel lifts his lips off you. His entire face down past his nose is drenched in your juices; the sight makes your stomach flutter.

"Holy fucking shit Joel," You whimper, out of breath, chest heaving up and down. "That was amazing."

Joel lands a couple soft warning pats against your cunt, making you flinch and squirm from overstimulation.

"You cuss like a sailor, y'know that?"

"S'hard not to when you're makin' me feel so good." You're mumbling, wiping at the tear streaks on your face with the back of your hand.

"Mm, I know," He hums in that caring tone, crawling on top of you and placing a few chaste kisses on your lips.

It doesn't take long for your libido to rise again, wrapping your arms around his shoulders and eagerly kissing him back.

You bring a hand down to palm at his boner, giggling into the kiss. He groans at the feeling, rutting his hips into your hand. "Fuck me now please," You say breathlessly into his ear, nipping and licking at his neck.

He scoffs at your enthusiasm.

Finally, Joel pulls his pants off, letting his cock spring free and slap against his stomach.

You're enamoured by the sight of it. Long in length, even bigger in girth. You practically start drooling.

"You got a starin' problem too." Joel grumbles, grabbing you by the jaw and tilting your head up so he can kiss you again.

You chuckle into his lips, breaking away for a moment to speak. "I can't help it. It's handsome..you're handsome." You muse, getting a fist around his cock, managing to stroke it a few times before Joel stops you.

You don't have time to think or argue before he turns you over onto your side, situating himself behind you.

He's spooning you, except his left arm is hooked around your chest and his right has your leg lifted up, allowing his cock to slip between your folds.

Once again, he's got you right where he wants you.

"Joel," You bring your hands up to hold onto his forearm, pushing your ass back into him. "Put it in." You all but demand, trying to desperately grind your cunt on him.

He tightens his grasp on your collarbone, pulling you tighter against his chest. "Keep your leg up baby," Joel mutters lowly in your ear, letting go of your leg to guide his cock to your entrance.

His fat tip prods against your willing hole, making you dizzy with need. He runs his fingers along your folds one last time, gathering up your slick and using it to lubricate his cock.

Your heart is beating a million miles per hour. The moment you had been dreaming of for so long was finally here.

Joel, taking your virginity—your prayers were answered.

Slowly, Joel starts inching his way inside, the stretch making you gasp.

It feels fine at first, just a dull ache, but then it hurts—bad.

You squeeze your eyes shut and grit your teeth, trying to push through the pain. However, your body clenches down on the intrusive appendage, causing Joel to groan out.

It feels good for him, but he's been around the block a few times to know what's happening.

"You okay? I need'a stop?" He asks in that raspy voice of his, to which you immediately shake your head.

"Nonono, god no, don't stop. Just—just ram it in." You say foolishly, making Joel scoff.

"No, sweetheart, as much as I want to—bad idea." He brings his hand back down between your legs, rubbing a few slow circles into your clit. "Just relax and open up for me, thaaaats it," He encourages in that tone that lights fires in your core.

The perfect stimulation on the bundle of nerves made you forget all about the pain, letting your hole ease up a bit.

He takes the oppurtunity to keep breaching you deeper, peppering kisses to your neck and back in the process. His fingers stay glued to your clit, and before you know it, he's half way inside.

Your holding onto him so hard that your nails are leaving imprints on his forearm.

But you're so full of him and it's perfect. You can feel every twitch, every notch, every vein; or maybe you're just convincing yourself you can. Either way, mewls and moans are slipping from your lips and feeding Joel's growing ego.

"You feelin' good sweetheart?" He rasps in your ear, thrusting back and forth till he reaches that half way mark. You nod frantically, craning your neck to face him, desperate for a kiss.

He satisfies your wishes, kissing you slowly and passionately, like everything you've ever wanted.

His dick in you, his tongue down your throat, his arms pinning you to him. Fuck.

But you still want more.

In a shocking move, you slam your hips back against him, burying him all the way inside.

Moans fill your little bedroom, both his and yours, and for a moment, a flash of regret hits you like a truck.

He's big, and it fucking hurts.

But once the initial pain subsides, it’s like ecstasy.

"Fuck—girl, what'd ya do that for?" Joel hisses, tensing up because he's trying not to come fast.

"Couldn't wait," you pant, tears spilling out the corners of your eyes. "Please move." You're pleading because being stationary is somehow even more painful. You squirm in Joel's strong grasp, trying to stop the ache between your legs.

He's no match for you.

In a gentle but swift motion, Joel situates himself on top of you, closing your thighs together and putting them on one side of his body—all while still inside of you.

He cages you in with his big strong arms, looking down at your needy expression as he gradually starts rocking his hips into you. You're twisting your torso to remain looking at him, clawing at his biceps with your nails.

"This how you like it?" He huffs out, the sweat evident on his brow. "Deep n' slow?"

You want to respond to him, but it's hard to because every other sound you make is a moan.

He's so deep and never fails to hit the one spot that just makes you melt.

Opting for a non-verbal response, you nod with fever, gyrating your hips to meet his thrusts.

He chuckles, the sound alone makes you wanna come.

His name slips from your lips like a prayer—Joel finds it so cute because when he hits deep, your voice raises in pitch.

But he's no better, he'd been groaning in your ear since the start of it. He really cant help it, your cunt is like a silky, wet vice molded perfectly for his cock.

Joel lifts one of your legs up to his chest, securing his muscular arm around your thigh to keep it there. He continues he's deep thrusts, only this time picking up rhythm. He also brings his other hand down to lazily rub circles in your clit.

Christ.

Your head lolls back and your eyes roll into the back of your head. The stimulation was insanely perfect and all too much at the same time.

Your body wracks with jolts and spasms—your body trying to cope with everything it's feeling. Joel takes notice, a proud and lopsided smile spreading across his face.

"M'gonna cum," You whine, your body writhing against him with each thrust.

Your pussy is clenching down on him with each piston of his hips, Joel is not far behind you.

He rubs your clit in a way that makes you come undone, your back arching up off the bed and your toes curling from pleasure.

At the same time, Joel picks up his pace, only to pull his cock from inside you and pump it a few times before unloading his seed onto your naked torso.

For a moment, the only sound in the room is the heavy breathing coming from the both of you. Joel's staring down at your pussy, entraced with the way your hole is constricting around nothing.

Then, he looks at your face. Your eyes are closed, your lips are parted, your chest is heaving up and down. He's admiring you and all your fucked-out glory.

He brings a hand up to your face, wiping off the tear stains with his thumb. "You alright?" He husks out, looking down at you assessingly.

"M'perfect." You coo, slowly opening your eyes and leaning up to kiss him. Joel returns it, loving the way your mouth opens so readily for him.

He'd have to try it out with his dick next time.

"Can we go again?" You murmur into his mouth, your arms wrapping around his shoulders.

Joel scoffs because he thinks you're kidding. You're not. When he realizes this, he shakes his head in disbelief, pushing you down onto the bed by your shoulders.

"Don't worry, we got all summer."

[hunters-vigil]

The Archon's Baby - Chapter 25 - You Never Know Who Is Listening.

First Chapter Previous Chapter future chapters on ao3 here

Warnings: pregnant!reader, pregnancy symptoms, mention of dead bodies, brief derogratory language.

Fic under the cut, don't repost my stuff on other platforms, i have ao3. Reader is not the traveller. Reader's adoptive sisters are Chasca and Chuychu.

"Oh hey, it's you! How are you doing with... everything?" Paimon floated over with a grin, quickly correcting herself from asking about your pregnancy in public, directly anyway. Although your bump wasn't exactly easy to hide anymore...

"We're okay, how have you two been? I met Nepecha by the way, thank you for all you did in saving her with Xilonen. " You asked, giving the Traveller a grateful look as they'd given Paimon a deadpan expression to watch her words, "oh... also something about aphids, Xilonen mentioned that too?"

"We're okay, we're just preparing to head to Sumeru! It's Nahida, Lesser Lord Kusanali's birthday, so we're going to help with the Sabzeruz Festival and celebrate with everyone!" Paimon explained, gesturing to the supplies that the two had been buying in the stadium.

"Ah, that's the festival with the carriage and sweets are thrown, right? How about you two take some of this for the Dendro Archon, you probably have loads in your bag already, but this chocolate tastes really good, and if Kusanali has a sweet tooth, I think she'll like it." You led the two over to a stall, ignoring what was on display in favour of talking to the owner, who nodded and revealed the specific chocolates from nearby.

"Wait, Paimon has never seen these ones before!" Paimon's eyes glowed as you passed the chocolates to the Traveller, passing the stall owner some mora before they could.

"They're really good, I've been craving a lot so I've cornered the market down here on it all, there's some stuff from other nations here too, but not a lot-"

"We'll bring you back some candies from Sumeru as a thank you." The Traveller beamed, tucking the chocolates away into their bag before Paimon could eat them, much to her pouting.

"Paimon, Golden Outlander, here." You held out two chocolates, one for each of them.

"Ooh so yummy! Wait, Paimon wants to know why you call the Traveller that, you never call them Traveller?" Paimon ate the chocolate quickly, floating closer to you as you hummed.

"Because I think people should be calling you by your name, not that moniker. Although you don't always respond to the name you've given people either... it's whatever, probably safer for you with how Celestia can be. You two travel safely to Sumeru okay?" you smiled softly, ignoring the confusion on Paimon's face and the relief on the Golden Outlander's, who smiled back at you, waving as the two headed out of the stadium, and soon, out of Natlan.

///

It had been a week of rebuilding, with the Traveller and Paimon out of the picture recovering and enjoying the Sabzerus Festival. Mavuika was all over the place, hoping on Flamestrider as she went to check on each individual tribe's recovery. The losses were piling up, while Kinich was trying to help identify bodies, you were trying to coordinate the supply shipments from the stadium, but you were struggling.

"You think because you're allegedly having the Archon's baby that you can take charge here?"

Your eyes widened at the insinuation, holding onto the clipboard you'd been reading to try figure out what supplies were to be sent where.

"What in the abyss are you trying to suggest?" you glared, folding your arms at the man, clipboard by your side. It was one of the two who spoke blasphemy about Kachina and Mavuika during the last Pilgrimmage.

"Oh please, why would a God ever have a baby with you? You're not even a warrior. You're just a whore that the Archon took pity on." His name didn't matter to you, his words shouldn't matter either, but instead, your breath hitched, frozen in place as everyone around you went eerily quiet.

"Archon?" his voice trembled, the God of War's stare laced with ice and solemnity. Her heels were the only thing heard as she walked over, not saying a word as the man trembled. "Archon, I, uh..."

Forcing his gaze away from the intensity of Haborym's, he looked at you, before he ran, leaving everyone to stare as Mavuika's gaze followed him out of sight.

"Is that really how people see me-" you began to question, your eyes glassing over with tears, but a loud thud caught your attention. Turning on your heel to hurry towards the sound, Mavuika gently placed her hand on her shoulder to stop you.

"That isn't worth your attention." Her cold stare was long gone, but her professionalism lingered as she took the clipboard from your hands, glancing over it, "Iansan has volunteered a caravan to transport these supplies. You organised everyone here well, despite his insults."

A shaky sigh escaped your lips, wishing Mavuika could do more than stand by you in this moment, but being able to bask in the presence of Natlan's undying sun, the love of your life, was enough. You needed to get used to not relying on Mavuika, especially after her impending death.

"I'm sorry..." your gaze remained on the floor, looking over your bump as Mavuika and yourself headed back to the Speaker's Chamber.

"Why are you apologising? You were the one who was insulted."

"But, his words weren't entirely wrong. You're an Archon, and as much as I emphasise you are more than that, everyone else sees you as the Pyro Archon, the God of War. Not the God of Love or Marriage, so getting tangled up with me- I was barely a warrior before, I'm someone who never even participated in the Pilgrimmage because I didn't want to ruin Chasca's winning streak by being on her team... and I- I never wanted to distract you and ruin your 500 year goal to end this millenia long war, Mavuika." Turning on your heel, you were about to walk out, hoping that a supply caravan would be heading towards your tribe so you could give Mavuika space.

"You could never ruin it. As the Archon, I'm great at problem-solving, but often, people just want companionship. I wasn't able to provide this for anyone when I returned, but you provided it to me in a way that felt warm, a kindred spirit of fire, who loves to explore and find out everything. I know you were caught sneaking to Ochkanatlan multiple times, and I know how much you care, for me, the plan, for Natlan. You gave me more than enough motivation to complete my plan, by giving me a close connection in this time... something I didn't have 500 years ago. I may have been your first love, but you are mine too..." Mavuika's face burned at that reminder, watching as you turned around to listen.

You had not believed her about that confession, at first. She could have anyone in Natlan that she wanted after all. Mavuika knew how to kiss better than you did, but the way she froze up, hair lighting up and her jaw hanging open the first time the two of you were intimate... it was like Mavuika had always put her duty to her nation before her own needs, until that moment anyway.

"I told you before, I regret nothing we have done, I will always love you, even in death. I will always love our children too. Please let them know that-" Mavuika was cut off as you frowned, your hand immediately going to your bump as your Archon froze in fear, "are you alright? Is it the twins?"

"Give me your hand." You removed her glove carefully, bringing her bare hand over your bump to feel what you just felt. Mavuika's eyes widened at the feeling, the movement of one of the twins felt beneath her palm, "they're kicking... I spoke to my ma-mother before, she said that I'd feel them moving but this, they're kicking, Mavuika. I think they heard you." Mavuika removed her other glove with her teeth, her eyes brimming with tears as you brought her other hand to where you were guessing the other twin was kicking too, hoping it was them and not the other foot of twin A.

"They, they can hear me?" to anyone else, Mavuika would sound uncharacteristically shy, but you knew sides to her that she kept hidden because of the war. Mavuika pushed away any ideas of love, companionship, because it didn't matter if the war was still going... but now? Mavuika's sun eyes were glassy, almost glowing with emotion as she let out a breath.

"They can hear you, hear their mother." You moved your hand, reaching up to cup her cheek. There was no option to hide her emotion with her sunglasses this time.

"I love you," Mavuika closed her eyes momentarily, leaning into your touch, before shifting and dropping to her knees, "I love you two too," she spoke directly to your bump, not seeing how you flustered at her on her knees in front of you. She was too distracted by grinning goofily at your bump, how the twins were kicking her palms through your belly.

You were lucky nobody was about to walk into the Speaker's Chamber and witness this... Chasca would probably tackle Mavuika, and neither you or Chuychu could physically stop her now.

///

"Hey, can we talk?" Chasca knocked on the door to the Speaker's Chamber, getting no response as she headed inside, looking for who she was after. The staff had told her you and Mavuika were there but, was anyone around?

[frombloodandfire]

Indigo [3]

A woman who tries to escape her past with no hope for the future, ends up on an unknown place playing childhood games to win. A man from her past happens to be there for the exact same reason. Will they escape their haunted pasts? Or they will end up dying in vain?

Warnings: heavy language, violence, depression, death

A/N: Frontman’s wife didn’t have a name so I named her! (flashbacks are written a bit differently!)

3.

The knock at my door startled me, the sound jolting through the quiet chaos of my room. I rushed to answer, the weight of my exhaustion following me to the threshold.

"Girl, you have to stop studying until this hour. Thank God you've got me to look after you!" Yoon-suh stood there, a bag of food in her hands. She gave me a mock scolding look before pushing the bag into mine. "I figured you'd forget to eat, so I brought reinforcements."

I blinked, the unexpected gesture momentarily disarming me. "You really came all this way... for this?"

"Well, not just this." Her voice softened as she stepped inside and sat on the edge of my bed. The air shifted before she even spoke again. "I'm leaving. The day after tomorrow."

The words hit me like a slap. I stared at her, frozen, then slowly sank down beside her. "You what?" My voice cracked with disbelief.

"I'm so sorry, Lyanna. I wanted to tell you earlier, but... everything happened so fast."

"But why?" My chest tightened as frustration bubbled up. "We said we'd spend half the year together before... before anything like this!"

"I know," she said, her tone tinged with guilt. "But there's been a change of plans. Family stuff. I'm heading back to Korea to finish my last year of high school. It's better for me. I miss home so much."

Her hand slid over mine, warm and steady. But I couldn't steady the ache growing in my chest. Yoon-suh wasn't just my best friend; she was my anchor. The first person I trusted. And now she was leaving.

"Don't worry, silly," she said, her voice teasing to lighten the mood. "We've got it all figured out. This time next year, we'll be in Seoul, celebrating your acceptance into university."

"Yeah, if I even pass..." I muttered, looking down at the scuffed floor.

"Shush! I said what I said." She squeezed my hand, her smile radiating pure confidence. "Don't get all melancholic at seventeen. What'll you do when you're thirty-five?"

I laughed—barely.

"Ly, you're the smartest person I know," she said, her tone more serious now. "If they don't pick you, then who will? You're meant for this."

Before I could respond, she pulled me up and wrapped her arms around me in one of her signature hugs. Tight, unshakable, like she could transfer her confidence to me.

"I'll see you in Seoul soon," she whispered, her voice soft but firm.

I clung to her, the words heavy in my throat. "I'll miss you..."

She stepped back and looked at me, her expression full of certainty. "I always miss you when I'm not with you, Ly."

And just like that, she was gone, leaving behind the lingering scent of kimchi stew and the bittersweet warmth of her words.

They were now in the main room, sitting on the cold, hard floor. Silence clung to the air, suffocating and relentless. Most of them were trembling, some crying quietly, holding their knees to their chests like lost children. She sat next to Gi-Hun and the man who had saved him, directly across from Sang-Woo. Since the game ended, no one had spoken; they just stared at the ground, as if looking up would force them to face the reality of their survival.

"Sang-Woo..." Gi-Hun finally broke the silence. "Thank you." He turned to the other man. "You two saved my life..."

Sang-Woo had saved her too, but she didn't say a word. She didn't want to talk to him. At least... not now.

"I'm glad you're alive," answered the man beside Gi-Hun, his voice heavy with sincerity.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, the pink-suited soldiers entered the room. Those bastards. The man with the ddakji. She hated them all now. Every single one. If she could, she would kill them, make them feel even a fraction of the terror they had inflicted on her and everyone else.

"Congratulations on making it through the first game," the square-masked soldier said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Here are the results. Out of 456 players, 255 players were eliminated. 201 players have completed the first game."

Gasps echoed across the room. Two hundred and fifty-five people dead... for nothing? For a stupid game? These were human beings with lives, families, dreams. And they were slaughtered during a game?

A woman stumbled to the center of the room and screamed, "Sir! Forgive me! I will pay off my debts no matter what. I will pay back at all costs..." She collapsed to her knees, sobbing. "I have... a child. I haven't even named my baby yet, so I couldn't register the baby's birth. Please, let me live!"

Her cries sparked a chain reaction. Others joined her, begging and pleading with the soldiers for their right to live. Lyanna stood still, watching them, her stomach twisting.

"There must be a misunderstanding," the square-masked man continued, unfazed. "We are not here to harm you or collect your debts. Let me remind you: we are presenting you with an opportunity."

"An opportunity? You call this an opportunity?" a man shouted, his voice filled with rage. "You make us play a children's game, then kill us. How is this an opportunity?"

"We may be in debt, but that doesn't mean we deserve to die!"

"This is just a game," the square soldier explained. "They were eliminated for breaking the rules of the game. As long as you follow the rules, you will safely exit this place with the promised prize money."

Chaos erupted as the players shouted and demanded to leave. Fear and anger swirled in the room like a storm.

She thought about the clauses they'd agreed to before this nightmare began.

"Clause One: A player is not allowed to voluntarily quit the games."

But no one cared. They threatened to call the police, their desperation rising. The square guard fired a shot into the air, silencing the room instantly. Everyone dropped to their knees except for her and Sang-Woo.

"Clause Two," the soldier continued, his voice calm but chilling, "A player who refuses to play will be eliminated."

Yeah, but what about Clause Three? She remembered it clearly.

In the suffocating silence, Sang-Woo's voice rang out. "Clause Three of the consent form: The games may be terminated upon a majority vote. Is that correct?" He stepped forward.

Classic Sang-Woo, always paying attention to the rules. She remembered the clause too but said nothing, clinging to the sliver of hope it offered.

"That is correct," the soldier said.

"Then let us take a vote. If the majority wishes to quit, you will have to let us go."

"As you wish," the square soldier agreed. "But before we vote... we will reveal the prize amount from the first game."

A giant piggy bank descended from the ceiling, and stacks of money tumbled into it. Her eyes, along with everyone else's, were drawn upward, watching the bloodstained cash fall like a cruel rain.

"Each player is worth 100 million won," the soldier announced. "A current total of 25.5 billion won has been accumulated in the piggy bank. If you quit the games now, the 25.5 billion won will be sent to the families of the eliminated players—100 million each. However, all of you will return home empty-handed."

Her stomach churned. 25.5 billion. Enough not just to pay off her debts but to leave this wretched country behind. To start fresh somewhere far away.

The begging woman spoke again. "Excuse me, if we make it through all six games... how much do we get?"

"There are 456 players," the soldier said. "The total is 45.6 billion won."

The announcement hung in the air like a spell. The vote began. They brought out a large box with two buttons: green for "Yes" to continue and red for "No" to quit.

The players stepped forward one by one. Gi-Hun voted first: red. No.

Then 453: green. Yes.

The votes came in, one after another. Red was leading until Sang-Woo.

Green. Yes.

Her jaw tightened. What the hell was he thinking? He had invoked Clause Three, given them hope and now he chose money over survival? She wanted to scream at him, but she didn't.

The votes continued. Green started winning. Tensions escalated as players argued and shouted, their desperation consuming them.

Finally, it was her turn. She felt Sang-Woo's eyes on her. She always could. For a moment, she hesitated. This could be her second chance, her escape. Or it could send her straight to her death.

Red. No.

Her vote tied the numbers.

The final vote came down to Player 001, the elderly man. He pressed the red button.

The "No's" had it.

Cheers erupted from those who wanted to leave, but she didn't join them. She stood motionless, her thoughts spiraling. What could her life have been with that money? Gi-Hun shook her arm, snapping her back to reality.

"If the majority of you wish to participate again," the square soldier warned, "we will resume the games. Goodbye, then."

Smoke filled the room before she could process his words. It clawed at her senses, dragging her into unconsciousness.

The next time she opened her eyes, she was half-naked, lying in the middle of a street with an eye mask on. The cold bit into her skin as disorientation clouded her mind.

"Fuck. Can someone untie me?" she groaned, wriggling against the bindings on her wrists.

"Lyanna?"

That voice. From all the people, it had to be him?

"Yes, it's me. Can you reach me?" she asked, her voice edged with frustration.

"Me too, sir, if you can!" came another voice, the man who had saved Gi-Hun earlier.

Sang-Woo freed her first, handing her clothes back with averted eyes, his movements respectful. She dressed quickly as he worked on untying the other man.

Why was he suddenly so considerate? Hours ago, he was ready to gamble with their lives in a death game.

"Sir, where are we?" the other man asked as he rubbed his freed wrists.

Sang-Woo glanced around, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "Yeouido."

"Where exactly is Yeouido?"

"In the center of Seoul," Sang-Woo replied curtly.

"Do you have a phone, sir? Or miss? I want to make one call. Just one."

"Let me..." she offered, fumbling for her phone. She groaned. "Shit, I have no battery. Could my day get any worse?"

Sang-Woo pulled out his phone, but it refused to turn on. Of course.

While Sang-Woo headed into a local store to fix his phone, she and the other man sat near the corner, eating steaming bowls of ramyeon. The food did little to warm the cold knot in her chest.

Sang-Woo gave his phone to the man and he went to the other side of the store to speak. It was just the two of them now, her and Sang-Woo, after years apart. She tried not to look at him, but her resolve wavered. Finally, she glanced his way, only to find him already staring.

They held each other's gaze in silence, unspoken words thick in the air. She broke first, finishing her food in a rush and stepping outside. She couldn't handle it, not after years of trying to bury the past.

But he followed her. He lit a cigarette, the small glow a weak beacon in the dim night. It was their old habit. Whenever life fell apart, they'd share a smoke or ten, inhaling poison like it might cure the ache.

"Thank you, sir." the other man said, bowing politely. "Goodbye to both of you!"

"Wait," Sang-Woo called out, his voice firm. "Do you have money for the bus?"

"Sorry?"

"You said you live in Ansan. You couldn't even pay for the ramyeon. Do you have money for the bus?"

"I don't have money. I'll walk."

"There's no way you can walk all the way there. Forget about it!" she said, reaching for her wallet.

But Sang-Woo was faster. "Wait a bit and then take the bus." He handed the man some cash.

"I can't. I have no money. I can't pay you back."

"I won't ask you to. Just take it."

She stared at Sang-Woo, stunned. The kindness in his gesture reminded her of the man she used to know. The one who always wanted to help, even when he was drowning in his own mess. Why now? Why with a stranger?

"Thank you, sir!"

"I'm not your sir. Stop calling me that..."

"I'm sorry. Thank you."

"Take care." she said quietly as the man walked away, clutching the money like it was salvation.

She turned to Sang-Woo, her steps hesitant.

"You've changed..." he said after a while.

"You haven't," she shot back, a little too sharp.

That made him stop. He turned to face her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Haven't I?"

She met his gaze, refusing to back down. "The Sang-Woo I knew wouldn't have risked his life for money. At least the old one."

"And the Lyanna I knew wouldn't have let herself get in debt." he countered, his voice low.

Her breath hitched. He wasn't wrong, but the words stung anyway. She looked away, biting the inside of her cheek to keep her emotions in check.

"I had no choice," she murmured.

"Neither did I." he stopped talking for a while. They kept walking, the distance between them shrinking with every step. The night air was cool against her skin, but she felt flushed, her chest tight with emotions she couldn't name.

"Where do you live?" he finally asked.

"I didn't move." she answered.

"Do you want me to take you home?"

"I think I remember how to walk now, thanks."

"I'm talking about your safety."

"Why do you care?" She stopped and stared at him, her voice sharp. That question hit him harder than he expected. He opened his mouth to answer, but she cut him off. "You saved me in the game. And I'm grateful, but why?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Sang-Woo..."

"It's too late for this conversation. Maybe another day..."

"Another day? What another day? In prison? At our funerals? When?"

Her words stabbed at him, and he stopped in his tracks.

"Why are you in debt, Lyanna? You were the most logical person I knew. What were you doing in the games in general?"

"I don't wanna talk about it."

"Fine. Neither do I."

"Always stubborn, aren't you?"

He stopped again and turned to face her. The frustration in his voice gave way to something softer, something more vulnerable. "Seriously? Stubborn? I asked if you wanted help. You don't? That's fine. Let's just go back to our miserable lives. Don't tell me anything about it. It's not like we'll meet again..."

"Yoon-Suh was sick. Very sick. And with a child," she admitted, her tone serious. "In-Ho didn't have the money, and we all searched for a way. One day, he disappeared. We couldn't reach him, and her condition got worse. I panicked and got scammed because I tried to find the moeny to save her. I lost both my best friend and all the money I had. That happened one year after you left."

Sang-Woo felt like the ground had shifted beneath him, his expression unreadable. She was alone. For years, she'd faced loss after loss, with no one to comfort her, no one to share the burden.

"I'm sorry," he said softly.

"Sorry doesn't fix anything, but its my miserable life anyway..."

He hesitated, then reached out, his hand hovering near hers. She stared at it, her breath catching in her throat. "I know," he said. "But it's all I have."

For a moment, she considered pulling away, letting the distance between them grow again. But then her hand moved, almost of its own accord, brushing against his.

It was such a small thing, barely a touch, but it felt like a lifeline.

They stood there in the middle of the empty street, the city lights casting a soft glow around them. Neither of them spoke, the silence between them filled with everything they couldn't say.

"So I guess our paths end here?" he hated the sound of it.

She would curse herself later for asking this but had no choice. She couldn't walk home alone in the dead of night. "Would you... would you mind walking home with me?"

And that's what they did. The two of them retraced a familiar path, the same one they'd walked together so many times, fifteen years ago.

The city lights flickered overhead, casting long shadows. They didn't speak again, the silence between them filled with memories and regret. Sang-Woo carried the weight of changing her true colors ever since he left her, how he failed her, while she clung to the dreams she'd never have.

As they approached her building, she paused, turning to face him. "Thanks for walking me home," she said, her voice quieter now.

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "Anytime."

She hesitated, then reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "Sang-Woo... I mean it. Thank you."

He looked down at her hand, then back up at her, his eyes dark and searching. "Take care of yourself, Lyanna."

"You too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As she stepped inside, she glanced back one last time. He was still there, watching her, his figure framed by the dim light of the streetlamp. The weight of her words pressed down on him, heavier than ever, thinking if this was really their last meeting ever, or maybe a second chance for a ruined past.

My father had died. Six days later, the results of my exams came in.

I couldn't get out of bed. My world felt like it had caved in, swallowing every shred of energy I had left. The house was silent, empty, and cold. There was no one to take care of me, no one to take care of the house. But I had to know. This was supposed to be my way out, my one chance to climb out of this suffocating darkness.

With trembling hands, I forced myself up and dragged my feet to the mailbox outside the house. My breath fogged in the cold air, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring at the box as if it were some joke.

Among the condolences and formal letters offering pity, I saw it—a thick envelope, the kind that screamed "good news."

I held it in my hands, my heartbeat racing.

University of Seoul.

I tore it open, barely able to breathe.

I got in.

I fucking got in.

My knees buckled, but I managed to stumble back into the house, clutching the letter like a lifeline. The tears welled up before I could stop them, but I didn't care. My fingers fumbled to pick up the phone, and I dialed the number that had been etched into my heart since I was seven.

"I GOT IN!" I screamed, my voice cracking.

"YOU ACTUALLY DID?" Yoon-Suh's voice erupted from the other end, her excitement spilling over in a flurry of joyous words. "I KNEW you could! Oh my god, Lyanna, I'm so happy for you. I'll finally see you again—I'm so, so proud!"

She was crying. I could hear it in the way her voice wavered, in the way she tried to steady herself.

"Start packing and come here as soon as you can," she continued, her words rushing out as though she couldn't say them fast enough. "You're perfect—your Korean is flawless, you're the perfect student, and now you've got the perfect opportunity. Forget everything there. You'll make a new start. You'll see, you'll fall in love with Seoul."

"I can't even talk—" My voice caught in my throat. "I just—I just wanted to tell you as soon as I read it."

"See you soon, love!" she said, her laughter mixing with her tears, and then the line went dead.

I stood there for a moment, the phone still pressed to my ear, as the reality began to sink in.

I was finally making my dream come true.

University. A new start. Opportunities. Seoul—a city Yoon-Suh had painted in my mind like a living dream since we were children. A language I'd poured myself into learning because I'd wanted to be there, to live there, ever since she came into my life.

But then my gaze fell on the stack of condolence letters I'd left on the table.

And I remembered.

I remembered how much my father had wanted to see me in university. How he had believed in me, supported me. How, in his last days, I had been too busy—too consumed by studying—to be with him.

The letter crumpled in my hands as a sob tore through my chest.

I cried for him, for the loss that would never stop aching. But amid the grief, a small, fragile seed of happiness bloomed.

This dream was his dream too.

And I promised myself I wouldn't let it slip away.

[mediumgayitalian]

okay a few solangelo things i’m curious your take on,

what kind of gift givers do you think will and nico are to each other?

are either of them music nerds? making playlists? gifting playlists? what music do u think they like?

what is their favorite fruit?

do you think either of them keep up with pop culture? are they fans of anything? celebrity crushes? like do you think will would think timothee chalamet is cute bc he lowkey has nico’s vibes and is such a buzzer name for celeb crushes? lolll

and then, do you think nico shamelessly takes will’s sweaters and shirts to wear or secretly swipes them?

ty! love ur blog so much xx

HELL YEAH THANK YOU

what kind of gift givers do you think will and nico are to each other?

i think nico spoils will fucking rotten.

his dad is the god of wealth he is holding NOTHING back. aside from that, he grew up wealthy and spent so so long in the lotus casino. i think he has a rly bad handle on money lol.

however he's such a mysterious guy that i think it doesn't occur to will that nico is actively spending money on him??

like will makes an offhand comment about how he would marry the person who would bring him the mystical rocket launching boba fett. and nico is like word okay and the next day there is a rocket launching boba fett on will's pillow and he's like BRO???? OH MY GOD?????

but he just figures that nico knew someone who had it!! he knows nico is big on figurines & collectibles and has a lot of connections, so he thinks nico just called in a favour.

in reality nico did all those things and also spent like two hundred k lol

basically, nico doesn't even think about it. if he hears a friend express a want that he has to means to acquire...its not even an active choice to him?? he's like well why wouldn't i buy this for them.

and i think this means a whole lot to will!!

he's spent his life in his mom's tour van or a bunk bed. he grew up in two wars. he was responsible for an entire infirmary at 13. he's a nerd and he likes nerdy things but like...collecting takes time. and money he doesn't have, because money isn't really a focus in camp and its not like he's paid lol

so of course there are things that he likes but...imagine being will. imagine having a budget for the INFIRMARY YOU RUN and thinking, like...well the camp has only so much money. i know exactly what these medical supplies cost. i refuse to steal. why would i ever be so selfish to ask for money to be spent on me and the things i like?

and then there's nico, who doesn't need him to ask. who WANTS to give him things he wants, not just what he needs or what he wants for others. what WILL wants. nico will get him.

will on the other hand....he gives away his time like it's free.

he does things for people. constantly. like austin complains about not having anywhere quiet to practice and will builds him a soundproof practice room. you know?

now when nico, who has had no one spend their time on him since bianca....

like his father did not have time for him. even when he lived in the underworld, he was put to work. or else he was bored. it's not like he and hades HUNG OUT, you know?

and of course he had no friends to spend their time on him. even in his first time at camp half blood -- for the first time, bianca didnt have time for him. she chose the hunters for ETERNITY, she said i am done choosing you now. and nico drove percy insane, who certainly didn't have time for him between saving the world. the entire time we saw him in TTC he was being pushed away.

by the time he had hazel, HE was the one pushing himself away before anyone else could. he filled his time so he wasn't waiting for anyone else. besides, through no fault of hers, he and hazel CAN'T give each other as much of their time as they would like!! they live on opposite sides of the country!!

but will.....

gods will. will SEEKS HIM OUT. the first thing will says to him is i have carved out, in my busy healer schedule, three days of time for YOU. not only have i carved out these three days, but in that brief moment of time where i was running around camp, i was thinking about you. you were a PRIORITY and i'm upset that you did not come spend your time with me.

like.....oh my god. can you imagine that? being nico? hearing someone you barely know, at this point, talk about how much time he wants to spend with you? and then as you get closer, he spends SO MUCH time with you!! he makes you a priority!

will walks nico to breakfast and watches him in sword practice and takes out his schedule when nico is making his to make sure they line up. he plans dates and they're FUN and he is so careful to make them enjoyable for nico, too, so much so that he forgets his nerves.

the biggest gifts they give to each other is noticing, i think. i see you, i see what you need and wont ask for, and i care enough to give it to you anyway.

are either of them music nerds? making playlists? gifting playlists? what music do u think they like?

will is the HUGEST MUSIC NERD IN THE WORLD.

he may not have many musical talents himself but music was naomi solace's whole world. you bet your ass it's everything for him, too.

he is teased for his love of country, and he does love country (everybody loves country if you hate country you are lying to yourself, i know you sing along to before he cheats with your whole chest), but he has a VAST music taste.

he is a britney spears stan. i will not be convinced otherwise.

nico, on the other hand, is not nearly as ignorant about music as people pretend he is. y'all he was in a casino/arcade until like 2006!!!!! do you think it was silent in there!!!!! do you think he is not the absolute king of just dance and DDR!!!

however he was, like, 10. so i think he's familiar with a lot of songs but in the way you were when you were a kid, you know?? like i could sing paparazzi w my whole chest beginning to end flawlessly at eight years old, but i would not have been able to recognise lady gaga by name or sight.

i think he and will make somewhat of a game out of it. the first time they hang out, nico is NERVOUS beforehand. like for hours. will said they were going to have a chill day bc he has time off, but what are they supposed to DO?? before they were actively doing stuff together. will was teaching nico first aid basics, or nico was helping him around the infirmary; they were helping rebuild camp together. sure, they were talking, but they had something to focus on if things got awkward or conversation faded naturally.

that is VERY DIFFERENT from just hanging out in person. is nico supposed to have conversation starters prepared? how much silence is rude? is will going to finally decide he's boring? or weird? will is such a hyper person!!! how is nico supposed to entertain him!!

meanwhile will is in his cabin freaking the fuck out to his siblings like GUYS HES GONNA THINK IM A WEIRD NERD DORK LOSER 😭😭😭.....WHAT IF HE SAYS THE WORD SAND AND I GO ON THE ANAKIN SKYWALKER RANT ON REFLEX FUCK KAYLA WHAT DO I DO I DONT KNOW HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS LIKE A NORMAL PERSON HE IS SO OUT OF MY LEAGUE

so he calls his mom 💀

and his mom is like baby....you are a disaster are you aware. and hes like thanks MOM i know i need HELP OKAY

and naomi is like well you got on with my backstage crew just fine. and hes like well yeah we just talked about music that was easy.

...

OH THANKS MOM YOURE SO SMART

and he's like wait nico has spent a lot of time in the underworld...he might not be very up to date!! this'll be awesome. so he stays up till like 3 on the big house computer carefully making nico several CDs worth of playlists.

he makes HOURS of music. way more than they could ever listen to in one day, but he gets carried away. he makes a playlist with his favourite country music, including his moms stuff obviously, with rock music he thinks nico in particular will like, pop punk stuff, regular pop, an entire CD dedicated to the icon herself kesha (whom he knows personally bc she sun backup vocals for his mom when she was a teenager), some musicals, and some iconic european music to top it off. he has a little bit of EVERYTHING.

most important, though, he makes a CD with the top 100 billboard songs from the years 1958 (when it started) to 1985. he doesnt have enough time to do it all the way to this year in one night but vows to work on it when he has time.

when he goes to nico's cabin, he comes with a stack of CDs as long as his arm and chiron's CD player. he's practically sparkling with excitement; when nico opens the door he is already halfway through a sentence lol.

for four straight hours, they just listen to song after song, will pausing after each one to ask what nico thinks. he recognises a lot of them, even though he didn't know their names, but even still he's pretty quiet at first. but as they go on it gets hard not to get caught up in wills excitement, and he dances like such a dork, anyway, is it his fault for laughing? and those four hours pass like MINUTES and suddenly its curfew and will has to go.

this becomes their tradition! will plays a song, nico reviews it. even as they learn how to hang out with each other in different ways, it becomes reflex -- when there's a song playing will looks at nico for a reaction. when they're with others, in public, whenever.

the first time nico makes will a playlist he cries.

the playlist is called sunshine.

will plays on his walkman until its worn right through.

what is their favorite fruit?

at first will thinks nico doesn't like fruit at all because he has to force this dumbass to eat fruit and vegetables. all he eats is like. cereal and sandwiches. it stresses will the fuck out.

he's out here plopping a bowl of fruit on nico's table like eat this whole thing or i'm gonna whoop your ass before scurvy does. (he is genuinely afraid nico is going to get scurvy, although its not a very effective anxiety because hes kind of deeply afraid of scurvy in general and is always trying to push people to eat oranges lol).

nico ALWAYS drags his feet about it. at one point will gets worried that nico just straight up doesn't like fruit and starts fretting about synthetizing supplements.

turns out nico is just, like...a little pretentious. about fruit particularly. in his defense, he has been all over the world. like he's had indian mangoes and algerian clementines okay it is VERY hard to settle for stuff grown in north america as nice as the demeter greenhouses are.

his favourite fruit ever is the lemon though. he had a lemon tree in his backyard when he was a kid that he doesn't remember, exactly, but he remembers how it tastes. will brings him a lemon once and almost as if his hands are working on their own, he cuts a slice, removes the peel and pith, puts it in a jar of sugar, and shakes to coat it, like his nonna would do secretly when he mama wasn't looking. its the best thing he's ever tasted.

will is a fruit fanatic, on the other hand. he steals strawberries every time he walks by the fields. the demeter cabin has to count their blueberries every night because he can and will eat them all when no one's looking.

his favourite, though, and he never ever gets it at camp, is prickly pear. in the summers before camp he would go to the desert with his mom and pick enough to make his stomach hurt -- he's never home when they're in season now, so sometimes when she's free shell drive up to new york just to bring him a box of them. she knows he's busy and cant leave camp in summers but she wants him to have that, at least.

do you think either of them keep up with pop culture? are they fans of anything? celebrity crushes? like do you think will would think timothee chalamet is cute bc he lowkey has nico’s vibes and is such a buzzer name for celeb crushes? lolll

i think all year-rounders are into pop culture just fine, but they're a few years behind. except for music -- will knows music. but things like movies and tv shows and memes, they either get updated from their summer-only friends or they stumble upon in naturally when it's not longer relevant lol.

nico, though, has an encyclopedic knowledge of old pop culture, because the lotus got new tech and games and movies before literally anyone else. he saw back to the future before it was in theatres and it changed his life. he quotes it all the time and no one has called him out on it then, but it is only a matter of time.

(he has seen star wars. he saw star wars before will was alive. but it is 100% funnier to pretend he doesn't know what a galaxy is and watch will's eye twitch when he asks him about luke skyrunner)

and then, do you think nico shamelessly takes will’s sweaters and shirts to wear or secretly swipes them?

yes absolutely. but he's super embarrassed about it at first so he genuinely STEALS them, not just borrows them.

it's a heist and everything. he shadow travels into the apollo cabin at like three in the morning and rifles through will's shelf. when he gets back he panics and shoves it under his mattress, where it lives in shame for four months. will just thinks it must have been an unfortunate victim of some poor sick child or bleeding demigod and writes it off.

after several months, during which nico thinks about the sweater ALL the time but cannot physically force himself to touch, nico finally gets brave enough to take it out from under his mattress. he just stares at it for a long ass time, wrinkling it in his clenched hands. it's just a hoodie, you know?? who cares.

nico cares. obviously.

eventually he gets so annoyed with himself that he just yanks it on expecting to be able to tell himself like SEE you dumbass it's just a piece of clothing it literally does not matter. except.

except.

the hoodie still smells like will.

somehow.

and that is.

well.

he would rather dunk his head into the river of fire than admit it, but he melts. the hoodie is old as hell and worn and so so so so soft, gods, no wonder will wears it all the time. he never wants to take it off ever.

for weeks, whenever he's alone in the cabin, he wears the hoodie. it stops smelling like will pretty quickly but he doesn't mind, it's still the most comfortable thing ever. it becomes second nature to walk into his cabin, throw off his jacket, and tug the hoodie on, wearing it to bed.

on one night, and of course it's the hermes' cabin fault, everyone is rushing out of their cabin to see what the fresh fuck is sounding like twenty four fire alarms at once and also a nuclear explosion. nico, in his haste, does not take off the hoodie.

will, whipped, makes sure his siblings are okay and then turns immediately to find nico. he Sees The Hoodie. nico Sees Him See The Hoodie. nico tries to flee.

will has longer legs and also spots a teasing opportunity, so hera herself could not stop him.

will teases him to pieces but is also visibly pleased. the next morning nico finds another hoodie of will's hung over his desk chair.

he wears will's hoodies all the time.

THANK YOU FOR SENDING THESE IN I HAD SO MUCH FUN

[acourtofthought]

hi, so.. i'm genuinely curious. why do you ship gwyn and azriel? because for me, i don't think gwyn has shown any romantic interest in azriel, and even he himself thinks they're not close enough to be friends. do you think sjm is going to throw all of elriel's moments away in previous books just for a ship built off of a spark in the chest and a private dagger lesson which happened off page?

because if she does, i think it will be fan service. major fan service.

thank you.

You say all the E/riel moments but if you really care about what I have to say (as you felt the need to message me) I hope you'll actually pay attention to the things I'm telling you.

It's not all the E/riel moments. It's all the E/riel moments that were almost instantly followed up by Az's fixation on someone else or lack of true interest on his part.

Az figured out Elain was a Seer? He then went on and agreed that they shouldn't bother following through on her visions.

Az announced he'd get Elain back only after Cassian first said they'd get her back? He went on to disobey Feyre's orders to get Elain to safety so he could stay behind and save Feyre, risking Elain's life in the process. He also said he'd be the one who could also take Briar though it was Elain who helped save her, something Az never acknowledged. Just like he never acknowledged her saving him too when kicking the hounds and Cassian, Nesta when she stabbed the king.

Az gave Elain TT? That's because Mor begged him to sit out of battle. He sat out of the one thing he's known for, being the first to throw himself into danger, because the female he in canon loved at the time had tears in her eyes and asked him not to enter the fight. Also, he didn't bother to check on Elain after the war or provide his condolences for the loss of her father.

Az was so sweet taking the potatoes from Elain's hand? Only a few chapters before he was relieved not to have to get her a gift to help her celebrate her first Solstice after being turned fae and he went on to stare at Mor with heat and yearning while Elain sat in the room with them.

He stared at Elain's headache powder for a year while he imagined what she'd look like during sex? He was pissy towards Helion because of Helion's question on where Mor was. He interrupted Nesta's question to Feyre on whether Elain knew about the pregnancy to ask if Mor knew. And because he STILL looks at Mor with longing glances. "Few and Far between" doesn't equal Zero. It means they still exist though to a much lesser degree......all while he's supposed to be so captivated by Elain. He didn't bother asking Elain how she was doing after her fights with Nesta, didn't bother saying he'd help her train her powers. You know, important things when it comes to endgame couples.

Not to mention Az wasn't remotely affected by Elain's catatonic state, where she was withering away. Lucien was DEVASTATED. Az drew straws so he didn't have to stay behind and guard her. THAT'S supposed to be who I want for Elain? The IC was not allowed to enter the Rite otherwise it would guarantee death to them all. Nothing prevented Az from staying with Elain to guard her.

Did you read the TOG series? Did you see how many moments existed between Dorian and Celeana? Beautiful moments too. Did you see what transpired between Celaena and Chaol? She literally tells Chaol that she'd always choose him, she says that he is her home.

Tell me how anything that happened between Az and Elain is any more poetic than what we witnessed between Celaena and Chaol yet Sarah had no problems chucking that out the window.

How about the buildup between Nesryn and Chaol? Sarah had her travel with him to the Torres Cesme, she was willing to accept him with his disability yet Sarah knocked down that house of cards in Tower of Dawn.

Dorian and Sorscha?

Feyre was engaged to Tamlin for gods sakes.

I truly don't understand how you think buildup means anything in Sarah's books. Unless two characters are mates, Sarah will easily tear down whatever buildup once existed between two non mates.

Theia and Fionn were forbidden lovers yet she went on to stand by impassioned as he was murdered only to later be willing to give up everything for Aidas, her mate.

And though you'll refuse to see it, I think Sarah already ended them on Solstice. Az and Elain were doomed from the start and there has now been 7 months that have passed from Solstice until the events of HOFAS. We are given absolutely no buildup for the E/riel ship in all that time, not since Elain returned his necklace. There has been no on page bantering between them, no longing glances, not even an indiscernible peak out of the corner of their eyes at one another.

"All the E/riel buildup" except it's already gone? E/riels entire buildup amounted to an almost kiss that never happened in a bonus chapter which makes it pretty easy for Sarah to move on from considering she tore down Feyre's engagement to Tamlin within the span of a few chapters. And Feyre and Tamlin had an entire book dedicated to them.

You can ship E/riel still, of course, but you can't honestly act like it would be difficult for an author like SJM to walk away from whatever they had going since she had no issues breaking apart multiple other characters who shared so much more.

Serious question for you.

How many books do you read where at the very start of the novel, the two characters instantly want one another?

Did Claire want Jamie at the start of Outlander? Pretty sure she was married to and in love with her husband. She also tried to escape back to said husband after marrying and sleeping with Jamie.

I just read a book where the guy ends up helping a girl who was homeless and she's worried that he'll expect sexual favors from her as she's seen happen on the streets and he says and thinks "she's not remotely my type" though of course they end up together and she's the most beautiful thing ever.

Off the top of your head I'm guessing you can't tell me 5 books where the endgame couple starts the book already in love or romantically interested in one another. So why would Az and Gwyn not being true friends yet be a problem at all?

As far as Gwyn's interest or lack thereof, I don't even need the bonus but if after 2 years and knowing what Elain did during the war he still doesn't think she's capable of handling the darkness of the trove but after a few months he believes in Gwyn's ability to make it through the Rite, it's pretty obvious who the author is setting up as his love interest. Sarah's writing and preferred behavior for her MMC with his endgame person is not difficult to spot at this point.

While we don't currently have confirmation of physical attraction (something that could easily change with a simple change of pov), we do have confirmation of curiousity on Gwyn's part. And a lot of admiration on Az's side.

How is that not a wonderful jumping off point for these two characters? Az is no stranger to lust for beautiful females but he doesn't often give them credit for standing on their own two feet. And Gwyn's curiousity about Az, a male, after what happened to her, is a huge step forward already.

Gwyn started SF not having left the library in 2 years but by the end she was fine being alone with Az on the top of the roof in the middle of the night. She was teasing him over his title, "Shadowsinger."

I'm not sure how you don't see that as being playful / flirtatious. Does that mean she's in love with Az and wants to jump his bones? No, it's just the first hints we're seeing. I'd rather only see hints of something before two characters are ready to bang one out on page before they've even had a POV and shared any sort of meaningful conversation (which Az and Elain have never done, they have never spoken about anything of true importance). That's the difference between a romance book with sex and a book with smut.

As for Az, I'd much rather wait for his romance to build on page, where he's only focused on one female, rather than the shit-show that has been the Mor / Elain situation. Where he can't even admit to his best friend that he's over Mor in the same chapter he thinks how he's not thought of a plan on how to be with Elain beyond his sexual fantasies.

Elain deserves a hell of a lot better than that. And so does Gwyn. Which is why I'm glad Az isn't romantically interested in her at this point in time. Have you ever liked a guy who was panting over you and another girl? It's really not the romance E/riels like to pretend it is and I'd rather Az truly come to terms with his past with Mor and letting her go (something that he has not fully done) before he shows any romantic interest for his endgame person. But with Gwynriel I see that future potential. The banter already exists, she's a bit bloodthirsty like Az, she's seen him slaughter which means she's seen a little what Az is capable of versus how he's behaved around Elain, and his shadows are happy around her (which is better than how Az notes they tend to vanish around Elain after telling us how they're his companions). Not to mention Az won't suffer being around someone who already has a mate and will forever have that mate.

Crying fanservice because you don't get your way rather than paying attention to the author you're reading is a copout and I hope you respect Sarah's writing more than that.

[angelofverdum]

Yellowjackets 3x06

Is that how Canada celebrates Thanksgiving?

I don't understand how people can say this show is falling off. The girls are getting worse and more deranged every episode, isn't that what we signed up for in the pilot?

I have so many thoughts about this episode.

Van is finally connecting the dots that the other Tai has been in that body for a long time. I fear for my girl because Tai calling her and waking up asking for help and the other Tai taking over immediately was scary asf. What is Van supposed to do? She is just a girl my god.

Also, it doesn't matter what Tai is awake they would do anything for Van, and that it's somehow romantic to me.

Tai met Lottie the day she died. She definitely killed her.

I'm assuming we didn't hear the tape because we are going to listen to it with Callie and whatever happened in the next episode with those "hikers". Callie is about to meet a version of her mom that either will make her respect Shauna or be very scared of her.

Poor Nat but thank god she killed Ben, not only because I want him gone but because they were torturing that man just because of a vision that they don't really know what it meant.

When Mari discovered he wasn't eating I thought he killed all the animals, and with winter close they would have to eat each other. Because I really want to know how and why they'd start hunting people again, Tai said they are prepared this time for winter, and we can see they have enough animals and they ration the food.

But eating Ben to "honor him" even tho they didn't have to it's a good indicator that they do it just because they want to. Shauna proposed to honor him but they all agreed and they all ate him.

Akilah is either going to die for going to that damn cave too much or she is going to be saved because Lottie will protect her till the end. It's amazing to see how much power Lottie has, what she said goes, She chose Natalie then Shauna, and they all agreed. The church appointed the leader, not democracy whatsoever.

People love to talk shit about my girl Shauna but that punishment probably saved Nat from being exiled or killed, all this over Ben mind you. I agreed that Shauna was a bit evil when she decided that but she stayed with Nat the whole time and covered Ben's face so it'd be easier, she just wanted Nat to feel how she felt. When she said I cover my eyes but I know what I'm doing, my god she is just a girl whose soul has been stripped away, and it's full of anger of resentment.

"Ben is the bridge to civilization" was right and those "hikers" found them because they were dancing and screaming to ritualistically eat Ben, but yeah I don't think they are hikers or are the responsible for the girls getting rescue.

And they definitely are cooked. They just delivered food straight to their door. Maybe, they would have had a chance a few hours before but now under Shauna's administration, I don't think Shauna is going to let them go so they can tell the world they were cannibalising for fun. And now we have a new candidate for Pit girl, and my girl Mary is getting rescue iktr.

And the most important part of this episode JackieShauna confirmation #3224544. Shauna makes Melissa wear Jackie's clothes I believe this is true and the reason we haven't seen them kiss again is because Shauna is going to imagine Jackie so we get a JackieShauna kiss. This is true.

It's also very important to me that they were joking about Melissa calling her Shipman because that's how Jackie called her. I love they acknowledge this.

Those hikers are really dumb because if I heard a bunch of people screaming I wouldn't walk straight right to it. So, whatever happens next it's on them.

Why did Gen push Nat like that? I'm praying that she is pitgirl too.

I'm fine with Melissa being Shauna's lapdog but screaming shut the fuck to Natalie, even Shauna was weirded out. She needs to calm down I fear

Misty screaming "arrested her" to the wilderness?

What was that Lottie saw before the food arrived?

It's crazy to me how Lottie is very important in the teen timeline but they couldn't fit her in the adult one.

Some people are doing too much about Misty kissing Ben. It was sad for me.

Walter needs to die.

It's amazing how there are no bad actors in this show.

[deceitfuldevout]

Play Me a Tragedy

Dark!Ivar x Wife!Reader

Word Count: +2416

Warning(s): +18, Forced Marriage, Kidnapping, Mentions of past non con, Raiding, Forced pregnancy.

Author's Note(s): Y'all should know by now I'm all for the dramatics.

You and your husband, King Ivar, have been invited to a play. Accompanied by your children to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Filled with entertainment, games, and a feast. But it wasn't just any day, no. This was the day your entire world fell apart. When you were taken from your home, and everyone you loved. All to celebrate what was you considered to be the worst day of your life.

There had been stories told throughout the feast. Every last one of them stroked your husband's never-ending ego. Within only a few years, Ivar had gained a large mass of devoted followers who were willing to die for him and his cause. With that kind of power given to a mad man such as himself, of course it would go to his head.

Ivar convinced the people of Kattegat of his new world order. That if they follow him and him only would they achieve Valhalla. It was more a cult if anything. He made his people believe that you were his very own 'deity'. He claimed that you were made especially for him by the gods. That the two of you were destined for one another, as a way for Ivar to justify his actions. Even after being given the title of 'Queen', you had no say in politics. You were a glorified broodmare. There wasn't a single day that passed where Ivar wouldn't claim ownership over you. He would dress you himself in the finest silks and jewels during the day. By nigh. he would ravage you until the morning.

After the birth of your first child, you had finally broken. Willingly following his orders, knowing that there would be no one else to protect you and your child. Ivar was glad to claim you were finally his. Body and soul. Now proven with his cub. He would remind you everyday to be grateful that it was him who found you first. In his own words, "Who knows how it would end with any other man, this is what's best for you.", That you should be thanking him. Deep down you knew if it were another warrior, they'd tear you apart. After all, it was your husband's status that gave you access to such a luxurious life. A gilded cage fit for a queen.

Today he was obnoxiously louder than usual. His voice booms throughout the dining hall. The entertainers had saved the best story for last. 'A Tale of a Fallen Kingdom.' they called it. There were actors in costume to represent Ivar and his warriors. It only took a moment to realize which day they were reenacting.

The narrator clears his voice before beginning, "Five years ago, to this day..." he states, "King Ivar and his men visit a Kingdom, untouched by war and plague." it was then when the crowd decided to spew their distaste towards your people. Spewing insults and curses at your country's flag. Your brows furrow as your eyes widen. Had that much time really pass? Surely it hadn't been that long...it felt as though you'd been 'married' for almost a decade. But then again only a year with Ivar felt like forever.

It was almost unreal how accurate their clothes were. It had been a while since you'd seen someone dressed in your people's clothes. From the stage setup, to the costume design. It was like a memory had been extracted and put on display. You tear up at the sight of it. Truly missing your home more than ever. Part of you wasn't sure your family were still alive. There was a young maiden dressed in modest clothing. Not just any garb no, it was specifically designed for a lady in waiting. A title you were given from being the general's daughter. There your character stood, following the other meek women of the royal court.

You were portrayed as a ditzy, clumsy little thing. Who couldn't fend to save her life. Scoffing at the display, you turn to face Ivar who had found it all amusing. You roll your eyes. Did he truly find this mockery entertaining? It was obviously a political tool. Then your mind began racing. Was this truly how the people of Kattegat view you? That you were willing to betray your own people so easily. All to become Ivar's own personal whore. Your blood began to boil. This wasn't a love story but a tragedy. The young man dressed as Ivar lets out a triumphant laugh. Your counterpart had depicted you as an absolute moron, who craved the attention of a man that would give a second glance.

You scoff at the display. Out of all your ladies in court, you were the most educated. That's how you captured Ivar's interest. He had been fascinated by your intelligence. It was rare for women in your kingdom to seek an education, let alone willingly. Your parents supported you furthering your studies alongside the men. No one would question their general's only child.

Ivar used to sneak in a few pieces of literature for you to read. The next time he summoned you was for a game of chess. To his surprise you'd beaten him, his entire demeanor had shifted. He partially blames himself for underestimating a woman of these lands. But then again, not many were educated here. It was at the moment where his final decision was made, he had to have you.

Soon enough the audience follows with boisterous laughs. 'Ivar' releases his crutches before making an exaggerated dive for the woman. She squeals, "No no~you handsome heathen!" squealing as the man began to 'ravage' her. You felt a deep pit of despair, falling ill at the sight of their performance. Ivar on the other hand, was ecstatic. He indulged in the portrayal of himself, covering the growing smirk behind his cup. As the narrator continues, "How will the poor maiden survive such a world?" announcing it to the crowd.

It was then when the women clings onto 'Ivar' as if her life depended on it, "Please! King Ivar! Take me! Take me away from this boring life! Make a woman of me!" the woman boasts as she rips her blouse open, "I'm yours!" She lifts her skirts in a seductive manner. You felt sick to your stomach. This is not what happened, not at all. You had a life, a family that you were taken from.

You remember clawing at his face, hard enough to break skin. Ivar hisses from the sting. He lifts your shoulders and slams you against the ground. You felt dizzy from the impact. Air escaping your lungs as you cough to catch breath. Your vision blurs for a moment before realizing he'd already ripped through your blouse. He skillfully cuts through the garment, lifting your skirts to make way.

You despised Ivar's efforts at keeping a heroic image in public. Angry tears fell down your face. Because you, of all people, knew the truth. You have scars to bear with. From the leather bindings that burned into your wrists during that cursed wedding night, to the following months after. How he'd bound you to bed like an animal, until he was sure you were with child.

Ivar chuckles at your eldest son's discomfort. Seeing his parents being depicted as very passionate lovers. He rubs his head, "Someday you will also become a man." causing the four year old to gag. Ivar doesn't wince when your second born sits on his lap. She adores her father. Of course it was easy being the apple of his eye, and at times, she uses it to her advantage.

Every time you'd scold her, she'd run into her father's arms. You on the other hand despised his efforts at keeping a heroic image. When it was clear as day he was not to be trusted. The same hands that held your daughter close, were used to slaughter hundreds.

Seeing such a mockery being displayed to your children made your heart shatter. Tears began to trickle as you sob in silence. Your daughter notices and leaves her father to comfort you. Ivar is too absorbed into the play to pay attention. He lets out a boastful laugh, clutching his sides as the crowd roaring continues. It was during the king's coronation when the Northmen attacked.

Ivar and his men raided the other surrounding kingdoms. As a peace offering they were invited to the ceremony. Little did your leader know what sinister actions would play out. Ivar and the young king had been in talks for a peace treaty.

You held your girl close, shielding her from the next scene. It was the day he had taken you.

You and the other maidens just so happened to pass by the dining hall. It was at that moment when Ivar swore time itself had stopped. He had been mesmerized by your presence. You, a noble maiden had captured the heathen king's heart.

For the entire evening he hadn't cared for anyone's attention but yours. Ordering you to halt everything to give the King your attention. His obsession was obvious to everyone but you. He followed you around like a love-sick puppy. To the point where the King himself appointed you as his foreign advisor.

Ivar had tried everything to woo you. From the promises of riches, to land, to the title of noblewoman. All of which you politely declined. Stating that you were happy with you life the way it was. Part of you knew he wouldn't stop until you gave him the attention he so desperately craved. So much so that he decides to take matters into his own hands.

Suddenly the stage began to erupt with an array of ribbons thrown into the air. To symbolize the arrows lit aflame. Flashes of that night came to you in small doses. You're no longer in Kattegat but now residing in your kingdom, before it was burned to the ground. You could see what was once your home, burning right before your very eyes. Hearing the echoes of your people's screams. The day your life changed forever.

There Ivar was, crawling towards you as you ran for the door. "Help! Help me! Someone please!" you ran as fast as you could. The gates began to close. There was not a moment to waste. You ran because your life depended on it. But it was too late, the guards on the other side began to pull harder for the gate to close. Soon enough it had shut.

You slam it as hard as you can. Until your fists began to bruise, "Please! Someone help me! I'm the commander's daughter! Please!" taking a breath loud enough so that they can hear you, "Don't leave me!" sobbing against the metal doors. As you turn around to find Ivar had caught up with you. He grins from ear to ear covered in blood from the fallen soldiers. With a look in his eyes that said: You're mine.

On the other side of the border your father and his men fought to defend the kingdom's last line of defense. "Sir!" a solider ushers for your father, who scolds him, "Not now boy!" he swings his sword at a heathen climbing the walls. But the man insists, "It's your daughter." causing the general to halt, "What is it boy?!"

"She's missing."

"What has happened?!"

"She left for the market this morning."

Those words alone made his blood run cold, "No..." It was that day when your father had made the ultimate sacrifice. Either let the gates down and weaken the kingdom's last defense, or lose his only child. Soon enough, Ivar had already reached the gates, halting his army from furthering. He demands to speak with your father to make a deal, “General, will you let me wed your daughter?”

He scowls at such a command, “When it rains fire.”

Ivar hums, nodding at the man's proclaim, “So let it be.” He raises his arms in the air, signaling for his warriors to shoot. Hundreds of arrows are lit aflame and shot into the sky. It took three days and nights until your kingdom had finally surrendered. Ivar had won. Your kingdom had lost.

This was the ‘Great love story’ of King Ivar and his queen. Your remember the pain and betrayal felt was immeasurable. Those strong feelings from years ago all came down at once. Like something inside of you had finally tipped over. You finally reach your breaking point, bowing your head in shame. Crying to yourself as your daughter tries her best to comfort you. But her soft heart could no longer take the sight of her mother weeping, as she wraps her arms around you and cries.

It catches the attention of your husband. It was then when his mood had shifted. He couldn’t help but feel like a deep pit had been dug in his belly. Ivar swishes the ale in his mouth, swallowing it as if it were bitter.

He sighs, standing up from his seat, “Halt!” he commands. The room goes silent. There isn’t so much as a whisper. Ivar gathers the actors, lining them up in a row for interrogation. He orders the guards to bring the writer responsible for the play. Soon enough, a timid man is put on stage. It was then when you had to beg your husband to spare his life. Ivar lets out a huff, "You should be thanking my wife for sparing you. Don't let it happen again." with that the celebration had come to an end.

You left as fast as you could. Sending your children off to their rooms before returning to your dreadful marital chambers. You ready yourself for bed, hoping that Ivar would return much later. When you hear his footsteps approaching you don't bother to look him in the eye. You help your husband remove his leg braces; since he's only ever let you do it.

When the two of you are finally in bed, Ivar reaches for your waist. He wraps his arms around your body as he held your bodies together. He presses his nose against the top of your hair, whispering, "It was the gods who led me to you my love..." he sighs, breathing in your scent. He hums, "The healers have already informed me." he brushes his hand flat against your mid drift. He feels for the swell of your under belly, one of his favorite things to do. If he could stay like this forever, he would. Ivar reassures you with soft whispers, "There there my love, it is in the past..." as he gently wipes the tears away, cooing as you cried the rest of the night in his arms.

[cherriegyuu]

Enchanted | csc

pairing: seungcheol x fem!reader genre: fluff word count: 1.2k summary: in which you meet seungcheol for the first time

requests are open

a/n: a small thing in celebrations of cheol's birthday 🍒

You nodded quietly to the man in front of you. His name had completely left your mind and you lost track of whatever it was that he was talking about. Your cheeks were already numb from smiling for too long.

There was nothing you hated more than attending those parties on your brother's behalf but Jeonghan did so much for you that going somewhere you didn't really like and having to play nice with people you didn't care for was something that you were willing to do. 

That party, especially, was a little worse because there wasn't anyone you knew so there wasn’t anyone to help you hide, anyone who could keep you away from the boring conversations. But all you had to do was endure it for another hour, just sixty more minutes until you were finally free to go home.

You and Jeonghan had an understanding that when he wasn’t able to attend one of these events — either because he was busy or because he just didn’t want to, more often the latter —, you had to be there for at least three hours. Someone needs to be there to represent the family, he said when you complained. And since he did all the boring work, the parties and the networking were left to you. 

At first, you enjoyed it to some extent. It was a perfect opportunity to put on some makeup and wear a pretty dress. But soon you learned that once one attends a couple of events, they’d seen all of it. 

“Sorry, I’m late,” a man said on your right. 

You were completely caught off guard when the stranger put his hand on your lower back and leaned in, his warm breath against your ear.

“Jeonghan send me” he whispered softly before placing a quick kiss on your cheek, his lips on your skin for barely a second

At his words, your stiff body relaxed. It wasn’t the first time an unknown man had approached you at one of those events, but he was the first one to do so at your brother’s request.

You turned your head to look at the stranger and your breath got stuck on your throat. The man was mesmerizing. His face wasn’t familiar at all to you, you’d know if he was. There was no way you’d forget a face like his. 

He had big eyes, bright but also with a hint of mystery in them, a bit mischievous too because he knew that his arrival had thrown off the man in front of you.

“Seungcheol,” the man who had been talking your ears off said, dragging your attention back to him “I haven’t seen you in years”

Seungcheol.

You played the name on your mind over and over again, trying to place him in any of your memories. If Jeonghan had sent him to save you from boredom then he and Seungcheol were close. Friends even. You had attended those parties for years and it was the first time he had sent anyone for you. 

“Ji Hu,” Seungcheol said “I got back a few months ago”

God, his voice. It was like silk. It was different from when he whispered, more filling in a way. 

The two of them briefly shook hands before Seungcheol whisked you away. He walked you to your designated table and pulled the chair out for you. You sighed in relief once you sat down, thankful that the pressure on your feet eased down a little bit. The shoes you wore were beautiful but way too uncomfortable. 

"How do you know my brother?" 

Seungcheol suddenly raised his hand, and a second later a waiter was by your side, placing a glass of water in front of you.

"Jeonghan said to not let you drink," he said when you made a face at the water "And to answer your question, we went to college together"

No matter how much you thought about it, you had no memory of Seungcheol. Of course, you didn't know all of Jeonghan's friends from college but if Seungcheol was there it meant that your brother trusted him enough — which was something to be considered because Jeonghan hardly trusted anyone. 

"I don't remember you" 

"We weren't really friends at the time, we just attended college at the same time and had a few classes together. I went abroad to get my master's. Jeonghan and I only reconnected," he tilted his head to the side, unsure if that was the correct word to describe their relationship "last year"

You nodded quietly. That did make a lot of sense. Seungcheol had never been to any of those events, no dinner in Jeonghan’s house, no golf either. There was no way you'd forget someone like him.

"How did you guys get in touch again?"

Seungcheol smiled at you, a glimpse of a gummy smile showing before he quickly sobered up. You could swear that your heart skipped a beat.

"Aren't you a curious little thing" you smiled then too "Who do we still need to talk with tonight? I know Ji Hu isn't one of them. If I remember correctly, five minutes by his side is worth weeks of a conversation with a normal person"

You ended up staying at the party longer than sixty more minutes. Somewhere along the way networking for Jeonghan took a back seat and you just stayed there talking with Seungcheol. 

He talked about living abroad on his own for his master’s, how he considered staying to get a PhD but how ultimately he just wanted to come home. I missed my family too much and though I had friends there I still felt alone. How Jeonghan's job offer came at the right time so not getting a PhD didn't feel all that important when he weighed the pros and cons.

Seungcheol found out that you attended those parties as a way to repay Jeonghan for taking care of you when you were a teenager, for allowing you to hide behind him so he took almost all the cursing from your rebellious teenage years.

"You make it seem as if you were setting buildings on fire" he laughed "If it makes you feel any better, Jeonghan never complained about any of that. He only had nice things to say about you. Granted, we weren't the closest people you'd find but still"

That was the first time you had fun, real fun, at any of those events. You didn't need to hide behind fake smiles and pretty, and carefully, chosen words. Seungcheol made you feel comfortable, made you laugh, and seemed to genuinely laugh with you, rather than at you. 

You didn't want the night to be over. If anything, you wished for it to last a little longer. You wanted to talk with him, wanted to get to know him more. 

"I had fun tonight," you said outside.

Seungcheol waited by your side for the car, his hand still placed on your lower back as it had been almost the entire night. You wished it would take a few more minutes for it to arrive. 

"I did too" he sounded sincere, a second later the car arrived "I'll see you soon, y/n"

You couldn't contain the smile that spread through your face when Seungcheol closed the car door and the driver pulled the car away from the curb.

Maybe, you thought, attending those events again would be so bad after all. 

[george228732]

A little fun fact about my AU here since AU Posting is busy.

You know that in several art pieces, I used Film Tape symbolism? My AU, basically can be interpreted as a theater play, in which the outcome is always a bad ending.

In context, Cosmounse made the script that way, and Fylass wants to rewrite the part of the script that's not written yet, based on countless other scripts he managed to see in back stage (Note, this is not literal, just an interpretation of certain outcomes based on that idea since the AU was partly written with that interpretation in mind, that's why in my fic, the names of the chapters are from other stories or plays).

Which for it, means that Fylass helped in changing the ending, with the help of the others, reason on why some parts of my AU seem to be very fitting in the context of a play. I made jokes about Fylass "Undooming the Doomed narrative" but it's not really that much of a joke, which pretty much implies that if no one had done anything or be made aware of what was happening, my AU would've always ended up in a hypothetical Bad Ending.

Besides the religious take on it that's basically what happened in the Garden of Eden with Fylass being Lucifer, and Adam and Eve being the ones he loves. The Apple is the "Forbidden Knowledge" so in this context is basically The Truth and yet another reason why Fylass' main color is Red.

It kinda goes along with the lines of Fylass hating Magolor! Just that in Magolor's case, He's both Jesus and Judas, but in Fylass' case, God and the Devil are one and the same, since at the end of the day, you can figure out he has both roles. Fylass did bring down the Pardus Clan with him, like how Lucifer brought down Adam and Eve, but also in Popstar he tries to take the role of a messiah figure to save 4 people, also why Crowned Fylass both takes inspiration from the bible and pagan holidays, with the main one being Walpurgisnacht (Witches Night).

Also for more parallels, Walpurgisnacht was a celebration for the person "Saint Walpurga" who seemingly kept the witches away from the masses and healed the sick, not too dissimilar from how Fylass behaves with the Dream Team and Wave Three. And last but not least, it was rumored that Saint Walpurga was a witch herself, and the reason why Fy is a basilisk, which are creatures that are kings of serpents, fire, and usually come from Hell.

Now Niru

Niru, for the ones that don't know, is Void Termina when Kirby was still part of him, being the body that surrounds Void's Soul. He is often associated with Water, but specifically fluids in general, since he's meant to be something that flows as time passes. He gave impurities and some darkness to his creations to truly enforce free will, but overall, he was sad seeing his creations be sad over these things and knowing that if they believe in god, they would be begging for them to cleanse their sorrows, so at one point, he regretted his decision and started to slowly consume those impurities himself, being something like, carry the burden of others upon himself, but eventually this made him lose himself in corruption and became Void Termina.

Before he was sealed though a part that wasn't corrupted by the Darkness was separated from him and became Kirby, while the Darkness that got loose in battle became 0, who can reincarnate constantly thanks to Niru's impurities.

At the end of the AU, both parts reunite, and Kirby swears that he, along with the others will help him carry the burden and cleanse him of his Impurities, something they achieve.

In terms of Motifs, if Fylass' motifs are religious, Niru's are Cosmic.

Normally, when a Star gathers insane amounts of energy, they explode and become supernovas, a thing that parallels Niru but instead of Exploding, he gets consumed by a Black Hole he did himself.

Also the fact that he's based on Owls, being Night Birds, and Lovecraftian Entities, specially Cthulhu, who belong to Cosmic Horror.

He also shares a motif with time and a play along with Fylass and Cosmounse

If Fylass is the Pendulum and the script writer, and Cosmounse is the hands and the Director, Niru is the Hours and the Play itself, or rather, he's the End Roll.

Also he's based on The Happy Prince

[fnaftalexreader]

Demon Lucifer falling to chaos

Another self-indulgent post of mine, this time going over my headcanons of how current lucifer would turn to chaos.

He wouldn't.

No seriously, he wouldn't turn to chaos, and it would drive the gods nuts.

Both because he's technically a powerful idiot they could easily manipulate if they got past his walls, but also...

At this point of his life, he is a special type of pathetic.

Slaanesh

Oh...

Oh, this poor, poor angel...

He has such horrific guilt at this point, conditioned from centuries of abuse, bad luck, and so much loss, he can't be happy...

Let alone, let pleasure and excess consume him.

The only thing he has in excess is nothingness. Loss. Suffering...

He wouldn't even be a fun toy, with how much he can endure. Daemonettes could torture him for hours, and he would either remain creepily silent, or mention how his father is more creative.

He can't enjoy anything that they could tempt him with.

Food? He hasn't had a proper meal in eons, and he isn't going to eat one now. He would feel so incredibly selfish, eating something as simple as stale bread, he'd want to kill himself to condone his behavior of not bringing bread to a child that needs it more...

...Even if said child is only hypothetical-

Music? He only sings ballads about what he's lost, apologies he doesn't know anyone would hear, or lullabies to children. He doesn't sing for himself anymore, or for his own enjoyment, which is a shame, because his voice is absolutely beautiful. He would still listen to some music played to tempt him, but he wouldn't really get... bored of it. Which would probably piss of slaanesh a bit, and assuming he doesn't know the true motives of chaos? He would probably feel guilty, and push Slaanesh away out of shame (oblivious fuck-)

Sex? No thank you. He's never even liked that, and has always been confused about the seductive hip sway. He thinks it looks like a limp. He would probably try to dress any daemons he comes across, fearing they'd get cold.

Wine? He hasn't drank in centuries! And he isn't going to change that now. It's not because he wants to stay sober, he's waiting for the gods to come home, to celebrate with them. It's just... taking a while to save them.

...or to even get a chance to try to.

Most of his desires are concerning too. he either wants his dad to love him again, or to undo his own existence so no one would ever miss him. He knows he's loved by some people, and sometimes...

He wishes he wasn't.

Praising him and stroking his ego wouldn't work either, because he'd knock himself down every time Slaanesh would try to appeal to him.

"Such a handsome creature~"

"...Are your eyes alright? I know for a fact I'm a hideous monster. My father made me that way..."

"Such a brave hero! More people should sing your praises~"

"...Heroes do not fail in mass... If I were a hero, there would be more children reaching their 100s by now, maybe even having grandchildren. I'm no hero... Not many survive me..."

"You're such an extraordinary and wonderful person! How could everyone not love you?~"

"It's safer that way..."

He does not believe that he deserves anything good in his life, and lives in pure dearth. He barely eats, sleeps, and the moment he can just stand, even if it's in pain? He immediately goes back to work, helping other people. He doesn't care if his bones are still showing, or if his nerves are on fire. All he wants is for people to be okay...

And he doesn't technically count as a person.

He would either displease every daemon that tries to seduce him, or make them VERY concerned-

The only thing he needs in excess is love, patience, and affection. but I wouldn't be too surprised if the daemons of slaanesh don't provide. He wouldn't be too surprised either, he knows he doesn't deserve it.

Khorne

I could see Lucifer falling to Khorne. The war god would be familiar, and honor and blood is already ingrained in Gehannan culture.

But I don't think they would see eye to eye. It would take a debt for lucifer to fall to Khorne, the god saving or helping him.

But lucifer is all about sacrificing for the weak, so they may become strong. Khorne wouldn't like that.

Lucifer is also terrified of being angry. The few times he has gotten angry, he's killed many people. He doesn't like hurting people, especially if they don't deserve it. So he wouldn't approve of blood flowing indiscriminately.

He's terrified of being a genocidal monster like his father.

He would also probably be more of a glorified shield than a warrior. He'd much rather spill his own blood, than spill another's.

The rage he feels is also not what the blood god would look for. Not in a warrior, at least. His rage is more like that of a child, or a cornered animal. It's the kind of rage that makes you sob till you can't breathe, or beg the universe to be kind.

He also fights for things that would rival what Khornite daemons, and by extension, their god would want. Peace, hope, freedom... He is a protector.

And he's terrible at it.

He's a self-destructive idiot, not valuing himself at all, while putting everyone else on a pedestal.

He's strong, though. Which would make his existence tragic, even in the eyes of Khorne. He can endure so much pain and blood loss. he can keep going with nothing in his stomach, no god to back him up, no power, no strength... He'd move mountains to protect the innocent, breaking himself without a second thought.

The thing is, he doesn't need to.

Years of abuse conditioned him to believe that if he cares for himself, for even a moment, he's selfish and is going to doom everyone around himself.

He has more strength than Khorne, while at his weakest. If the god of war stood where lucifer stands, he'd crumble. He has the weight of so many hopes and dreams on his shoulders, while being too weak to even care for his own wellbeing, and yet he still stands.

"Because someone has to."

No one else comes for who he saves. No one gives mercy to those he extends his claws to. No one was going to come for anyone, unless he did.

He'd probably see Khorne like his own father, despite him being more of a force than a monster. There is more honor in the living concept of war than in Jehovah.

So he would be TERRIFIED to join him, and would rather suffer again, at another god's hand, than be twisted into a monster full of endless hunger for murder.

If he did join Khorne, I could see him losing his warrior's spirit too. He would just be a scared, angry child curled up in a corner, taking every beating that should be motivating him to DO something. He fights to protect everyone, but himself. If he were to join Khorne, he would have to fight without peace in mind. If he has no hope or desire for peace, it would be filled with death.

So out of either fear, or the desire to be a shield for the downtrodden, he would resist killing for the bloodgod.

He WOULD take in Skarbrand with only a little thought. If he ended up in warhammer, he would hear stories about Skarbrand, and worry about him being lost too. Of him hurting too...

He wouldn't completely understand that skarbrand isn't "just a kid" like him, but he would attempt to be a consistent ally to him. Give him the forgiveness his god will never give him.

He is far too soft, kind, and gentle for Khorne to claim him. The only reason why blood is on his claws is because no one stronger came to help: him or others.

He'd also probably be pretty depressing to be around, as all of his stories on war wouldn't just be on bloodshed and glory, but of failure. He never truly wins the battle, and it's not even completely his fault. He's a kid who grew up too fast, he shouldn't have known what war was for billions of years.

Life is unfair. Someone has to make it fair. And he, along with his siblings, are the only ones consistently fighting.

He'd be annoyingly tragic. Strong because he's weak, and weak because he is too strong.

Nurgle

He would resist Nurgle for many reasons.

First one is actually pretty funny. He has three sets of nostrils, that have the strength of a bloodhound, meaning that his sense of smell is like 3,000-6,300 times stronger than a human's. So nurgle would STIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINK-

His other reasons, however, are not so funny, and would probably upset many a nurglite.

He values and respects almost all life, and he'd understand the importance and necessity for plagues, rot, and disease to exist...

But he has also lost so many people over the years, due to his father punishing him with plagues, that he wouldn't see it as "love" like daemons of nurgle do.

I could see him trying to reason with a Great Unclean One, by telling him about how his own father would give plagues and diseases to mortals that showed love or mercy to him, because he wasn't allowed to be loved. That or tell a story about an evil monster god, cleaning Nurgle's garden out of "love" and turning nurglings into monsters, to put things into perspective. It probably wouldn't work, but lucifer can argue for HOURS if he thinks he's right.

Another thing that would make being claimed by nurgle, is how he got sick in the past. He's never been sick by normal means. He's only ever gotten sick by taking plagues away from mortals that were being punished for caring about him. So if nurgle DOES make him sick, probably from an infection in one of his many wounds, he'd have a panic attack and a mental breakdown. He doesn't get sick, unless the world is starting to end.

Literally.

If the daemons tried to reassure him that it's just nurgle's love, it would just make it worse. He associates love with ending up alone, or getting hurt. His first thoughts would be either nurgle would die because of him, or turn into a monster his children do not recognize, because that's what he thinks happens when someone loves him.

He would be inconsolable, sobbing and screaming like a little kid. Being sick makes him feel vulnerable, and weak. Just a mix of fears: Being alone, people getting killed because they love him, or people changing for the worse.

And if nurgle blessed him to not have pain?

Well now it's even more terrible! No distractions, nothing to overcome, no constant reminder that he is truly still here?

If nurgle claimed him, he would be swiftly abandoned. His devastation would be more contagious than the grandfather could make. I wouldn't be surprised if his horror and despair would break the illusions of nurgles love, even for his own Daemons. No one would beg to be destroyed instead of loved, for the sake of not being alone, not being responsible for being loved, or not wanting someone to become a malicious monster. Being loved, no matter how twisted, wouldn't make you cry and beg to be abandoned for someone else's sake.

Which kinda sucks, because he would be GREAT with nurglings. He loves kids, and would 100% be a good plague dad, if it wasn't for the other points.

(Note: if he did join nurgle with none of the written consequences, I could see him making chia pets for nurglings that grow mold instead of plants. It's genuinely so sad that he is too traumatized to join nurgle-)

Tzeentch

Oh boy, we're at Tzeentch now-

The poor daemons of Tzeentch, dealing with this traumatized mf-

Majority of the spells he uses involves digesting his own body, usually his own liver or something, to even have the energy to cast magic.

His life is also very repetitive...

He doesn't feel loved enough, he looks for love, finds it, his father finds out and tries to take it away, he fails to protect what he loves, then he swears off being loved again till the pain of not being cared about gets to be unbearable and he tries to find love again.

He would probably learn about Tzeentch first, then form opinions on him based on things he read, so he would NOT trust him.

I could see him falling for a daemon's tricks though, not enough to make him join and be corrupted, but enough to make him think he's helped "save" them from Tzeentch, despite that probably not even being possible.

...it would probably be for one of Tzeentch's plans, or to at least give lucifer a win for once in his life.

If the warhammer universe is the same as ours, lucifer is probably older than it. He's canonically 18,243,014,674 years old, which is around 5 billion years older than our own universe.

I remember reading somewhere that Tzeentchan daemons can read people, I know for a fact that Kairos can see both the past and future for people, and if they looked into lucifer, all they would see is eons upon eons of suffering and pain, being inflicted on someone who genuinely didn't deserve it.

Out of all of chaos too, Lucifer would probably be the nicest to the daemons of Tzeentch, seeing them as victims, being ruled by a god that does not truly love them. He wouldn't actively turn to Tzeentch, but he would turn to his daemons, and genuinely call them friends. Up to them for it to be true or not.

But frankly, he'd need that sort of change, and he'd probably be the first daemon-like creature to not want to use or betray them. He wants everyone to be okay, and he tries to be indiscriminate with that desire.

But if he ever finds out that his friendship is part of some sort of plan, the daemons of Tzeentch will NEVER earn that trust back again.

Final Notes

In order from most likely to least likely of gods he'd turn to: Tzeentch, Khorne, Slaanesh, and Nurgle.

If he was in warhammer though, he would probably start his own faction, and become demon Jesus; healing the sick, helping the weak, hanging out with outcasts, etc. He'd collect mortals and daemons alike, for a better future for all (Though he would 100% fail-).

He is barely holding on by a thread, but he persists solely because he is useful to others.

The warhammer universe would be kinder to him than his own, and that's saying something. If he was in fantasy, he would be rejoicing over the fact the older ages are in their correct timing, and that no one nuked themselves for the umpteenth time and ended up regressing and losing progress. If he was in 40K, he'd be happy mankind is going to the stars again, and that they aren't alone again in the universe.

Lucifer wouldn't be overpowered in this universe, unless by some miracle someone convinces him to take care of himself. He WOULD last, but that's only because he can't die, so it doesn't count.

He could also give daemons a different perspective on mortals, as he knows a LOT about humanity, and his people wouldn't even be alive without humanity.

Welp, that's all I got for now. I'm going to bed.

[lets-laughagain]

Hi! I saw that you were in 3 shows of Louis in Brasil. Do you mind sharing your favorite moments of each show? If you do mind ignore my ask, I just love reading fan experiences of Louis' shows.

I hope you have a nice day!

hiii i'm sorry it took so long, i was enjoying the rest of my vacation then i got sick due to the different weathers in every city 😬, but anyways here we gooo

i know you asked for my favorite moments but i talk too much and rambled about everything kjsdnadsk

RIO I got to the venue at 7pm, after a lot of traffic and anxiety 🫠, and there was still a big line to get in making giant rooks go on stage 15 minutes later than expected. I had listened a bit to them when the opening acts were announced but i loooved seeing them live, their concert was so much fun, i had a lot on my mind that day but as soon as they started playing my worries were gone like, music is everything really.

The venue's capacity is for 18k people, but i guess there were about 12k there? I'm not sure but, the chairs around me were half empty (a lot of people moved to closer seats), the floor was full but the stands not so much yk. It makes sense when you think it was on a wednesday and a lot of people couldn't make it.

As I went alone to this one and there weren't many people around me it was like me and louis and just letting out all of my emotions. Idk if it happens to anyone else, but I get a lot more emotional when I'm alone at shows. I don't even have much to say here cause I was really there in the moment giving my all, screaming my lungs out to hoth and feeling all this time deep in my soul (the drama lmao).

SÃO PAULO I was really tired after barely a day of rest at home, then packing another bag to curitiba, it was hectic, but thank god i had stands tickets again and my friends got there ealier and saved a seat for me.

Not to paraphrase harry but, that show was loud, loud and LOUD. Seriously, I've never seen so many people scream and jump for an opening act?? I was actually kinda shocked at how full the stadium was, its full capacity is 60k but as they were using only half the space i guess there were about 25k-30k people, it was really packed. Like, that video from outside the stadium that you can hear the screams is kinda crazy if you think it wasn't at full capacity.

This concert left me so proud of him, of how far he has come, like he said with no radio support or anything, seeing him in my favorite venue in my city with so many people screaming for him was something really special. This one was really about US, the fans and louis, i can't say it enough but the crowd was like part of the show too. Also, the big stage, the catwalk, the fireworks, those things made it all so much bigger, like a celebration for where he is now. I'll never forget his face impressed by the crowd like every five seconds, he deserves it all, i love this man to death.

His only wrongs that day tho were wearing that ugly outfit and not singing saturdays on a saturday!!!!

CURITIBA I had slept for like 4 hours, took a flight in the morning and spent the whole day kinda sick and anxious, I really do not know were i took forces to this concert but i did and i gave 200% of myself. I had floor tickets this time so i let myself go and jump around like crazy.

We stayed in the left side of the stage were it was a lot more chill and we could walk around. Most of the time I stayed a bit close to the stage but not so much cause i like having my own space to breath, sometimes I'd get closer to record something. By the encore I found an empty space in the far left of the barricade to see him better during silver tongues.

For me it was the most fun concert, you could see louis was happy, there was a group in front of me dancing and having so much fun together, like he said no one will stand still in a brazilian crowd that's for sure! Also, there was this girl who was talking to us before the concert who found me during the encore and we literally just screamed wdbhg at each other lmao i don't even know her name, but i can't stop thinking about it, it was really funny.

Oh and that outfit!!!! The way i screamed when i saw him in all black, i kept looking at my friends like why the fuck does this man look so good!!! WE WON!!!!

When the barricade moment happened I was only looking at him so I didn't understand what was going on, then by the end my friends said he was with a kid, but only when i got to the apartment we were staying i saw the full context and video, that broke me. He so sweet and precious, it makes everything i did for him so much more worth it than it already was, this plus the donations for Rio Grande do Sul filled my heart with so much love for him.

Also, after the concert we were trying to buy merch, but most sizes were sold out, the line was huge and security was hushing people out of the stadium 🙃 then 10 minutes later we found out louis was playing football at the pitch lmao

Some other points - I absolutely LOVE the stage design, the lights and screens going up and down work so great, it's amazing to witness it live - THE BAND, i don't even need to say anything right? his band is fucking incredible, i live for every single guitar solo from michael - The 2 seconds that takes people to realize that he is singing night changes and wdbhg are the funniest shit istg kskdnkll - People will ask me why I would go to the same concert 3 times, and just istg it IS different, they are all different experiences and i'd do it all over again (which i actually did, cause i saw louis twice and harry 3 times in 2022)

---

Last but not least, i will to speak in portuguese to thank my friends skjndkjsan

Eu sei que ela não vai ler, mas muito obrigada @hiddlestomlinson por aceitar fazer essa maluquice comigo, por vir até SP, ir pra Curitiba e me aturar por 5 dias seguidos, mesmo com tanto cansaço e doença foi tudo maravilhoso 🥹💜

@delicatepointofview de novo, muito obrigada por me ajudar tanto no Rio e pelo ingresso de última hora, mesmo passando por tanta coisa você foi um anjo 🥹 só conseguimos nos ver de longe, desse 🤏 tamanho, mas da proxima vem aí!!

@somuchstrdst e @icouldbeluckyagain amei encontrar e curtir um pouco do show com vocês!! NÓS VENCEMOS MUITO!!! ste, eu ate tava vendo seu recap hoje tomando café da tarde ajksndkjs

[everchased]

Hi! If I may ask from the Companion!Tav List: General 11 and Romance 4 :D

hi! thanks for the ask <3

11. GENERAL: Are there any moments in the game that trigger unique dialogue for your character? (Like Gale’s anecdote about the barfight after you save the goblin prisoner)

If Finch is in the party when they meet Alfira and the MC gets her to play her song, he comments that it reminds him of his time in Baldur's Gate. If the MC asks for elaboration, he admits that he used to busk as an attempt to save up for his first sword, but will say he wasn't very good. He doesn't have the mouth for a flute or the finger dexterity for string instruments. But after a low DC persuasion check, he'll coyly say that he wasn't bad on a piano and found most of the funds he managed to earn playing being thrown in his lap along with splashes of ale by drunk fools in taverns once he learned how to play drinking songs.

He notes he spent most of that coin on a bath and a big dinner for the night because he had no real concept of how to save that money. So it's good his Order eventually found him because who knows if that sword would've ever become a reality without them. Gods, he might have ended up a bard... He laughs at this, but his tone is just slightly wistful.

4. ROMANCE: Do they have a special romance scene at the tiefling/goblin party?

Only at the tiefling party. :) He's people watching, muttering absently about how he's never really stayed for the celebration after the victory before. Fighting the battle and then on to the next before the blood's dried...

When he notices the MC, he tells them how happy everyone looks to be saved, how much of a relief it must be to be free of the threat of goblins and druids. He thanks the MC wholeheartedly, stepping in to their space without meaning to. There is so much for them to fight against, but they've still taken the chance to defend goodness along the way. He says he's lucky to be traveling alongside them.

If the MC tells him he's being dramatic, notes how close he's gotten, or accepts his thanks, the outcome is the same. He remembers himself and takes a large, flustered step backwards, commenting that they probably still have to hear more of the same from the actual people they saved, so he won't keep them. But he wishes them a good night.

[eway]

Ok so looking at the results, I'm talk about it. To the people who voted no, ignore this.

This crossover game hypothetical is called...

So in every Ace Attorney crossover I know of, trilogy Phoenix and Maya are featured. So they will be main characters. So for this for some reason Ecolo just brings Phoenix and Maya over to Puyo Puyo's world. And then Sig is accused of murder. So the murderer is linked to a mastermind of all the cases. 5 cases. Also, many OCs because having only one per case makes it kinda obvious who did the murder. Dunno much about these cases besides first and last. In the first case Amite helps Phoenix and Maya. Also in this case Sig tries to have his bug friends testify because they can give him an alibi. Phoenix is like "parrots are one thing but BUGS!?" But Maya and the judge make him do it. It doesn't help much since they can't talk but still. After that case, Amite and Sig dissappear for the rest of this crossover game (more on that later)

From here, Phoenix and Maya must figure out who is masterminding the framings and murders, and also during investigations Arle and Ringo help. And witnesses will not help Phoenix and Maya with anything until after a Puyo battle. Ringo or Arle usually help them out a bit.

Last case of the game, Schezo is the defendant, and Arle asks Phoenix for help in this case. Well in EVERY case someone asks Phoenix to help the defendant. As it turns out, the murderer/mastermind tried frame Arle, but like, Schezo was deemed more suspicious by witnesses and both suspects apparently had equal chances of being the culprit (but it's neither. Look I really wanted a case where his inability to not speak in innuendo got him into big trouble and also it saving Arle is just funny to me. Also this way we can have a scene where once its discovered that the wrong person was framed, The Dark Prince can be all like "Why does HE get to play Hero and take the muder charge for Arly? I'd do it for her!" And Arle is just like... "um...thanks..." because none of that was intentional and Phoenix is like "thank God I don't have to defend another 'I'm totally guilty' but didn't actually commit the crime client").

In this game there would be references to every game in the series, including Maodou Montagari. Because why not?

Now, about Sig and Amite... DLC cases. 5 of them. They end up in the Ace Attorney world. Where Puyos are raining down. And in every crossover with Ace Attorney, be it a fighting game, a two game mix, or a strategy game, Edgeworth appears, though usually its a minor role. Not this time! Amite and Sig help Edgeworth find the source of the Puyos while also teaching him and many characters from the trilogy and AAI games how to play Puyo! And it's not just the trilogy and AAI characters! Great Ace Attorney characters gets mentioned, and we see younger versions of characters from the Apollo Justice Trilogy!

The DLC cases are all packaged together in Puyo Attorney: Investigations.

Puyo Attorney is a celebration of Puyo Puyo, with many references, but most of the gameplay is Ace Attorney. Puyo Attorney: Investigations is the exact opposite!

References to every game in both series' would happen. And every crossover a character from each series was in. Even minor background Easter Eggs count as references by the way.

And of course Puyo Attorney: Investigations wouldn't be localized because many Puyo games aren't localized and it has Investigations 2 characters and that game wasn't localized

Also! Full voice acting. Ace Attorney characters who were in the anime get their anime voices.

If anyone has more ideas for this lemme know

[neonpaperlanterns]

Thanks for the Not my neighbor story! And hey, if you want. Have another story request for it.

Sunny (heh) has to get the... Meat... From somewhere. So, after giving your story some thought. How about this.

Sunny works as one of the Double Doormans' coworkers. Going out to "clean" the entry rooms at other apartments, sometimes their own apartment. And "cleaning" up apartments that had a doorman whom... Failed to notice a few inconsistences with a neighbor. Any body left in a doubles' feeding rampage has to be ultimately dealt with.

Basically what this story idea is about, is Sunnys' work day. Maybe having a near death situation and later getting chewed out metaphorically by his roommate once they find out they got tricked long enough for a double to do some damage. To his suit or to himself, I'll leave up to you.

Maybe carrying that... Meat... For his roommate drew Doubles after him on his way home.

They both know Sunny can handle himself. But Sunny is, ultimately human. And humans make mistakes.

-Sunny Anon

Ps. If you ever wanna draw one of these "Sunny" characters. Give em sunflower glasses please.

[A/n: Since you gave Sunny male pronouns I shall to. Double Doorman will be dubbed Ayna. Which if Google translate is to be believed means mirror in Turkish. Also this took a different turn that I intended. The story kinda go away from me.]

[Part one]

Teeth in the Dark

Sunny scrunched up his nose as he stared at the amount of blood that splattered from the door to the hallway. This one had been messy, frantic even.

That only really happened if the Doppel knew it didn't have time. Or they were desperate. No more discretion, no more tricks, just near mindless slaughter. Doors hung from their hinges, claw marks on the ground, and a pile of bodies.

Ayna really hated when Sunny took these jobs in particular. They said it would draw more Doppel's. Like moths to a flame they would swarm. The smell of blood too tantalizing to ignore.

Supposedly.

Sunny hadn't actually encountered any problems with these clean ups before. A part of him thought that Ayna was just being over protective, that they worried too much. They didn't like the fact that this was his job. But Sunny also didn't like them working as a Doorman so he would call it even.

Grumbling under his breath he slapped the mop down. The smell of vinegar and salt filled the hallway. Logically he should start with the walls or inside the apartment. The cheap carpet they furnished them with was prone to staines that took the will of God to remove. But he really hated kneeling down and getting his suit covered in blood. Made him feel dirty and this wasn't the only floor that needed cleaning, let alone the only building. So to save himself just the smallest discomfort he started with the floors first. Even if the runoff from the walls would require him to clean them again.

As Sunny cleaned he was surprised at the lack of body parts. Besides the initial gruesome scene on the first floor there wasn't really anything left.

He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. It was good in the fact that it meant hopefully less people were murdered but bad for him in the fact that the D.D.D were more likely to notice any pieces missing.

The freezer at home was picked clean and the fridge wasn't looking much better. Ayna didn't need to eat every day like him. Doppel's digested slower than human, like snakes. One good meal could tide them over for awhile but it's been awhile since Ayna had a good meal.

Sunny hoped the next stop had more to offer.

.

It didn't and neither did the next one. Sunny didn't know how to feel about his rising disappointment and crushing relief.

.

A heavy sigh left Sunny as he carefully packaged what little meat he could scavenge. It feels wrong that he feels so defeated right now. He should be happy that people are dying less. The D.D.D are getting better at their job, he should be celebrating. Yet all he can think about is the fact that Ayna wont get to eat properly.

Again.

And he knows it is affecting them no matter how much they are trying to hide it.

Running a hand down his face he slung his bag over his shoulder. Strolling through the facility he kept his gait easy. Exchanged polite goodbyes with any coworkers he passed. Smiled at the gate keeper as he left. Everything he did before meeting Ayna, he did.

Breathing in the night air he looked down at his watch, it was 8 p.m. He had an hour before curfew, if he was not back home before then the D.D.D had the right to search and "detain" anyone they found suspicious.

Still keeping his pace easy Sunny broke out into a light jog. Home was only 35 minutes away. He's done this countless times by now but the worry was still there. Niggling around in the back of his mind.

One slip up was all it would take. He doesn't know what would happen to him if The D.D.D found out. He knows what would happen to Ayna though and he wouldn't let that happen.

Rounding a corner he glanced down at his watch again.

20 minutes till he was home.

Passing in front of an alley a sudden movement caught his eye. Being to slow to react he felt something wrap around his ankle. Sunny felt himself turn sideways as he was yanked towards the alley. The air getting knocked from his lungs as he made contact with the cold concrete of the sidewalk.

"HeLLo~" A voice sang out. The pitch warbly and mismatched as a hand skittered up his other leg. Nails traced along his knee as a gasp left his assailant. Snapping his gaze towards the mouth of the alley he felt himself freeze.

"i'vE SeEn YOu beFOrE~" Sickly green flesh bloomed along the tan arms that held him. Their veins bulging and writhing against the skin.

"yoU ALwaYs SmElL SO strANgE~" It sounded contemplative. Steet lamps flicked to life and reflected off glassy eyes and extended teeth. It's lips smacked as little clicking sounds escaped the wrong mouth.

"LIke US, buT nOt.~" It dragged him in a little further, it's grip a little tighter.

"SHouLd i sTill EaT YOu~" It nuzzled against his calf.

Sunny stopped breathing.

"OR LEt yOU Go aNd LEarN...UnDeRstanD whaT THEY arE doinG~" It searched his face for a moment.

Sunny didn't know what it was looking for.

And then the hands were retreating.

"IT'S alMOsT 9~"

Standing on legs that didn't feel like they could hold him, he looked at the Doppel for a second.

It smiled at him.

Sunny broke out into a dead sprint.

[kasienda]

Celebrity Status - Ch 1: The Struggle is Real

Chapters: 1 | 2

Read on Ao3

Chapter 1: The Struggle is Real

Rays of golden sunlight lit up the sky in a brilliant cerulean blue uninterrupted by clouds or akumas. Marinette was humming and twirling happily in circles on her short walk to school.

“Someone’s in a good mood,” Tikki commented from her shoulder.

“I know!” Marinette gushed, her arms shooting out in excitement. “What’s not to love, Tikki? The weather is gorgeous! I got a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, I took a shower this morning, I’ve already eaten breakfast! I even managed to get all my homework done! And, as if all that was not enough, I’m going to make it to school on time!”

The kwami giggled. “I think you need higher standards.”

Marinette didn’t really hear her, as she gazed up at the clear and open sky with a beaming smile. Maybe today was the day she would manage to tell Adrien how she felt.

Before she could get too lost in her daydreams, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Marinette pulled it out and glanced at the notification. Her grin vanished as fast as her father’s freshly baked croissants during a holiday sale.

She groaned, tugging at her pigtails in frustration.

Couldn’t the stars couldn't align for one single day? Was that too much to ask?!

Marinette darted back the way she came, ducking into the alleyway that was adjacent to the bakery, while cursing Hawkmoth’s existence!

Wasn't she supposed to be lady luck? She shook her head even as she let Tikki’s creative force wash over her, her whole form buzzing as the red suit enveloped her like a glove.

No, Ladybug was lucky. That good fortune didn't seem to transfer over into Marinette's day to day very often.

Ladybug tossed her yoyo and launched herself into the Parisian skyline. She swung from building to chimney rapidly, making her way to the akuma. 

"Look! There's Ladybug!" a voice shouted as she flew past. She tossed back an absent-minded wave even as her attention remained glued to arriving at her destination as quickly as possible. 

It only took her moments to land as gracefully as any gymnast next to her partner atop the Arc de Triomphe.

"What do we have today?" she asked even as her gaze took in the strange sight of a car flying through the air as if it was in slow motion. 

“She calls herself Slowpoke,” Chat Noir explained, resting his staff across the back of his neck, with his two clawed hands holding it in place on either side. 

“Of course she does. She’s already slowing me down today,” she grumbled. 

“Basically, if she hits you, time seems to slow down for you and only for you,” her partner explained. “But don’t worry m’lady, my heart will gladly stop for you,” he tacked on as he swept up her hand and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. 

She giggled, wishing she had time to just hang out with her partner who never failed to make her laugh. Sadly, she definitely didn’t have time for that today. She needed to be in class with all her homework done for once in her life. 

“Let’s break a record today, okay?”

He grinned. “As my lady wishes.” 

And they leapt into the fray. 

They didn’t break their record. Forty-two seconds to defeat Mr. Pigeon was almost an impossible record to beat. But neither of them got hit with the slow-down beam, and within twelve minutes Ladybug and Chat Noir were sharing their traditional fist bump with the victim staring up at them in surprise.

“Ladybug? Chat Noir?” the woman asked, startled. “Oh my god! Did I get akumatized?” 

Ladybug leaned down and offered her a hand. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” she assured. “It’s not your fault. It could happen to anyone.”

The woman blushed. “I… thank you for saving me. I don’t suppose…” Her brown eyes darted nervously between the two heroes. 

“Don’t be nervous,” Chat Noir said, his face bright with an open smile. 

“Could I get a selfie with the two of you?!” the words tumbled out of the woman’s mouth rapidly, her eyes wide in excitement. 

Chat burst out laughing. 

Marinette suppressed a sigh of frustration. She was already late, what was another thirty seconds? This lady looked so hopeful, and she was clearly having a terrible day if she could be akumatized. 

She and Chat posed dutifully on either side of the victim for a quick shot.

“I hope the rest of your day is better,” Ladybug said. 

The woman looked up with bright eyes. “Are you kidding?! I got to meet Ladybug and Chat Noir in person. This is the best day ever!” 

Ladybug shook her head, wishing that’s all it took to turn around a rough day for her. 

She said a quick goodbye to Chat and then launched herself back into the air towards her school. If she was lucky, maybe she’d only be ten minutes late.

"Hey! Over there! It's Ladybug!" a voice rang out as she flew past. 

She turned towards the exclamation and waved blindly, not sure who had called. There was a whole group with their phones out filming videos of her passage. They all waved back excitedly.

She supposed it was nice that she could make someone’s day. But the attention also meant she couldn’t always find a place to detransform. At least, not in a place that was conveniently close to where she needed to be. 

She ended up in an alleyway three blocks away from school when she switched back to Marinette, and began the mad dash to class. 

She ran up the stairs leading to the school building three at a time. She didn’t spare any time to visit her locker.

She reached the classroom door and discovered she wasn’t the only one running late. Adrien stood there with a patient smile. 

“Good morning, Marinette,” he greeted softly. 

“M-morning Adrien,” she managed back with only a tiny bit of heat in her cheeks. Hopefully, not enough for anyone to see her blush. 

He held the door open for her and they slipped silently into class with Ms Bustier acknowledging their arrival with a nod. 

The day went smoothly after that, but the wind had already evaporated from Marinette’s proverbial sails, and with it, her courage. She headed home that afternoon hoping to get a jump start on her homework, so that maybe the stars could align tomorrow.

"Marinette!" her mom called as soon as Marinette pushed herself through the bakery doors. "I got a robocall from the school that said you were late to your first class. But you left with plenty of time. What happened?"

Marinette winced. "I... was in the library," she improvised. "Finishing my homework."

"You said you had already finished your homework last night."

She nodded. "I thought I had. But when I got there the girls were talking about chemistry and I realized I hadn’t done a pre-lab, and the lab was worth ten percent of our grade, and Mlle Mendeleiev won’t let you do the lab without the pre-lab. It was better to miss the beginning of homeroom than it would have been to take a zero on the lab.”

"Sweetie, do you think you need to see a doctor? You've been very forgetful lately," her mother asked, placing a hand on the girl’s forehead like she was checking for a fever.

"I'm fine, maman,” Marinette reassured, ducking under the motherly concern. “Promise. Just overwhelmed."

"For future reference, not having your homework done is not an acceptable excuse for not going to class. If you get more than three tardies this week, you're grounded this weekend."

"But maman! Jagged Stone sent me back stage passes for his concert this Saturday!"

"I guess that means you'll be really motivated to get to all your classes on time."

Marinette screamed in frustration before bolting up the stairs. "Motivation is not the problem," she grumbled to herself as she climbed into her room.

"Tikki, it's not fair!” she wailed the second the trap door latched shut. “I've become so much more responsible, better with my time because I know I can't ever put off anything. I juggle so much! But she can't ever know it! My own mom thinks I'm unreliable."

"I know it's frustrating, Marinette,” Tikki said, floating at her side. “Some things are more important than what others think of us."

"It's not fair," Marinette said again, flopping into the rolling chair at her desk, her shoulders slumped and her head hanging low. "What do you think the chances are that I'll manage to get three or less tardies this week?"

"It's happened before," Tikki offered optimistically.

"Yeah, like half a dozen times in three years," Marinette bit out. "I really hate Hawkmoth. He ruins everything."

...

“Pound it!” they cried out in unison, as their fists met softly. Ladybug honestly wanted to collapse on the spot. She was just so tired. And Chat seemed to sense that as he was at her side immediately holding out an arm for support. 

She didn’t take it. She wanted to, but the reporters were already on the scene surrounding them. And she didn’t need the gossip that such a picture would lead to.

Foam microphones jutted into their faces from five different directions. That was the disadvantage of fighting an akuma on the ground instead of over rooftops.

"Ladybug!” someone at the front of the small crowd shouted. “This is the fifth akuma this week! Do you know the cause of the sudden uptick?”

“Do you think this is a sign that Hawkmoth is becoming stronger?" someone else asked. 

"I u-uh..." Ladybug stuttered.

"We're just two super-heroes!" Chat Noir immediately jumped in with a supportive hand on her shoulder. She relaxed. 

"We have no idea what goes on through a supervillain's head,” he continued. “But Ladybug and I will always be here to protect the citizens of Paris! Now, if you'll forgive us, we must be going."

Ladybug breathed a sigh of relief before waving goodbye. "Bug out!”

...

Marinette arrived to school the next day on time for once, but it hadn’t been enough for her parents given her multitude of tardies caused by the increase in akumas. She plopped down next to Alya and slid over a white envelope.

Her friend opened them revealing the backstage passes to Jagged Stone’s concert.

“This is going to be so awesome!” Alya squealed. “Backstage passes! Do you think I could get a selfie with Fang?”

Marinette smiled. “I don’t know. You and Nino will have to let me know how it goes,” Marinette told her.

Alya frowned. "Nino? I thought you and I were going together!"

"I'm grounded,” Marinette said, keeping her voice carefully neutral.

"What for?"

"Too many tardies."

"Girl, that sucks! Your mom just doesn’t understand that pesky details like start times are far beneath your creative genius.”

Marinette smiled. “Thanks Alya.”

“For what?”

“For always believing in me,” Marinette said, truly grateful that Alya didn’t seem to mind that she was rather scatterbrained and flakey. It probably helped that Alya herself had a tendency to dash toward every single akuma even if Marientte wished she wouldn’t. But still. It was convenient for Ladybug in many ways. 

“Aww! Girl! Come here!” Alya said. She yanked Marinette into an embrace and Marinette wrapped her arms tightly around her best friend.

Marinette wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t. Not over missing something as silly as a concert. There would be other concerts and movies and parties. 

A few tears leaked onto Alya’s sweater anyway. 

Being a superhero was hard. 

…