#there's like full blown ponds in here

[bounsweet-days]

damn it's dark in here

[allfearstofallto]

Wow I loved your latest child piece, do you think he would try desperately to make his sons like him? Give them gifts and go fishing together with his oldest son? I mean he can see that the kid is terrified of him but he tries to reassure him but to no avail. I think he would let his anger out on some of his poor Fatui men or on his missions whenever these moments happen to him. That’s so angsty how Childe loves his family but they only see him as the monster they think he is.

Y'all I actually really do like writing for yandere Childe's family!! The angst is so fucking good!!

But since I can't keep up with the nameless kids, the older boy is Adonis and the younger one is Damon

Yandere! Childe x Fem! Reader

Forced Marriage AU

TW: Yandere Themes, Reader has children, mentions of previous abuse

“You look so cute all bundled up like that, my sweet,” you praised your older son, even patting his head and squeezing his cheeks the way you knew he liked. Yet nothing you were doing could lift the dark cloud that was over him, the fear in his eyes was paralyzing and he was gripping the hem of your dress so tightly, you thought he'd rip it if he were made to let go.

“P-pl-please don't send me away, mommy,” Little Adonis whimpered through tears and you felt your heart shatter. Orange hair framing his face, you brushed it to the side. You hated just how much they looked like their father, his genes so strong they were like little carbon copies of him. And their cries always tugged at your heart, you hated that he made you feel empathy for his face

With your other son still on your hip, you tried to comfort both boys. Finding it difficult to soothe with your hands full. Adonis had gone from whimpering and labored breaths to full blown sobbing at this point, wiping the tears from his chubby cheeks with the backs of his mittens. You tried to stop him from crying, tried to get him to calm down. When the older one cried, so did the younger, and soon Damon was also in your arms shedding tears.

“Your father just wants to take you out for a bit,” your voice was shaky as you tried to reassure him, “You won't even be far. The pond is only a short walk away.” Your words fell on deaf ears as they continued to cry, both of them getting your dress wet with their fat tears.

“What's all the commotion?” The voice that asked this question somehow managed to make both of your children suck their tears up quickly and fall into an almost scary silence. They peaked up at you, waiting for your response to Ajax, who was giving you his usual charming smile.

“I- I just don't think Adonis is very fond of the snow,” you spoke quickly while patting the boy's head, even cupping his cheeks to try and wipe away some of the wetness from his face.

If Childe noticed how tense the entire family has become at his presence he didn't speak on it. Instead he took a knee right in front of his son, also reaching up to pat the boy's head, but he flinched away from his father's touch. You squeezed his shoulder a bit too tightly to hold him in place, making him look up at you in a way that broke your heart. He felt as if you were betraying him, but you knew better, what Childe could do to him was much much worse.

“That's nonsense. He's from Snezhnaya, he should love the snow,” he finally got to pet Adonis’ head. His large hand that was covered in scars and callous practically getting lost in the orange locks.

“Maybe he takes more after me,” you took Childe's hand, trying to put his attention more on you instead, “It doesn't even get cold in Liyue. You remember how much I hated it here when I first arrived, don't you?”

His eyes went dark for a moment as he squeezed your hand a little too tightly, “You hated it here for a lot of reasons.”

“But the cold was the worst part,”

“Adonis will be fine,” he spoke while placing a kiss upon your lips, then one on Damon's forehead, “My father took me ice fishing when I was practically an infant.”

“I-i suppose,” words muttered with your head down.

The two of them slipped on their boots together, with Childe even helping his son tie his. You felt on edge watching the both of them leave out the door. It was the first time that you'd ever left Childe alone with him, and the instinct inside of you that was telling you to protect them was on high alert. There was nothing you feared more than your husband.

But nothing could be done. Childe kissed you again on the lips and you pressed your forehead to your sons, quietly whispering words of assurance to him and most of all Please be good.

[minkdelovely]

love and power

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prelude

“ask for forgiveness,

never permission.”

Alastor x Fem!Reader ; MDNI 18+ ; [y/n] used sparingly ; Alias in Hell is Sylvie

tags: acid rain wound, cannibals living their best lives in cannibal town, slow burn eventual: smut, violence, toxic themes

word count: 1.7k

hello world! i currently have alastor brain rot and felt compelled to jump back into writing fan fiction. i’m a little rusty and i’m not sure how many parts there will be; i won’t deny that this is purely self-indulgent but i hope you enjoy all the same :)

prelude ; chapter one ; chapter two ; chapter three ; chapter four ; chapter five ; chapter six ; chapter seven ; chapter eight ; chapter nine ; chapter ten: part one ; chapter ten: part two

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Hell wasn’t what you had expected it to be. It was worse.

Thoughts of your grandmother rose to your mind, despite how desperately you tried to push them down. “Hell is the absence of God,” she would always say after one of her famous rants. A warning you perhaps would have heeded, had it been coming from a place of love instead of moral superiority. 

You had seen her on the streets of Hell a few times now, always sure to avoid catching her attention. The warm pleasure that bloomed in your chest was too precious to give up, despite knowing how good it would feel to rub her fate in her face. A lot of good all those Sunday mornings had done her, haughty bitch! You wondered how often your grandmother laid awake at night, desperate to know how she had ended up here. A wicked grin spread across your lips, revealing milky-pink fangs.

It was hard not to imagine the look your father would have given you if you could tell him she was here. He would definitely have scolded you, but you knew a small part of him would be amused. If calling her a bad grandmother was putting it lightly, she was an even worse mother-in-law. Hopefully you would never get the chance to tell him; Mother was waiting for him in Heaven, after all. And things should be much easier for him now, all things considered. Leaving him alone hadn’t been part of the plan, so all you could do was tell yourself that it had been worth it. Someday you would believe it.

Grandmother was right though, loathe as you were to admit it, and the feeling of loss burned through you every morning when you awoke. Every night, you dreamed of rain; the sound of it, the smell of it, the feeling of it coming down on you in the middle of the family garden. Oh, how you missed the garden. The dark, wet dirt. Blue puffs of hydrangea against stark-white azaleas, your mother’s coveted yellow roses. The Spanish Moss hanging like phantom sails off the branches of the huge oak tree in the corner, where your father had placed a bench and made a small pond. You would sit under that tree for hours lost in a book, listening to the sounds of the garden.

The fire and brimstone you could endure. It was the way everything else was twisted here that was grueling. As if feeling your lament, a drop of acid rain hit your window, quickly morphing into a full-blown storm. A frustrated growl erupted from you and you rolled onto your stomach, burying your head under your pillow and said a silent prayer to whatever force would grant mercy on your roof. You couldn’t afford to get it fixed again. The prayer had been answered just a moment after the rain stopped, when a drop of it fell from the ceiling and onto your pale, unsuspecting calf, your mattress absorbing the scream of pain that tore through your chest.

As the acid made its way through your leg, and eventually your mattress, all you could do was sob. Eternity… This was eternity. 

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If this morning had been good, the day could only now be considered grand.

There was really nothing quite like a post-rain stroll through Cannibal Town, witnessing the misfortune of partially-dissolved sinners who had been caught in the deluge being consumed on the streets by the lively, ever-hungry inhabitants. Alastor would never tire of this jovial bunch that called this part of the Pentagram home, reveling in the sound of screams, the crunching of bone, the almost-lewd and animalistic grunts of feasting.

Were Rosie not expecting him for tea, he might have allowed himself to join in on the fun. Alas, his only solace was that Rosie never served anything less than superb, being the excellent hostess that she is.

He was quite intrigued by her invitation to join her alone, which meant that this likely wasn’t anything to do with donating a small army of cannibals to aid in the fight against the Angels. Indeed, Charlie’s presence would be required once it was time to cash that favor in.

Not that he didn’t enjoy a casual visit (as casual a visit between Overlords could be), he couldn’t help but wonder. Thinking a few steps ahead was a must if one was going to thrive in Hell, and well, it was no secret that Alastor was doing a pretty fine job at that, all things considered. He began to whistle, earning a few gory smiles from cannibals who stopped mid-meal to enjoy the tune. A true honor.

Rosie opened the door for him before he even had the chance to knock, the “Closed for Rain” sign clattering against the glass as she cooed. “Alastorrr! Come in, come in, before it starts raining again.”

As if on queue, a roll of thunder tore through the clouds, drawing a cheer from the denizens of Cannibal Town in anticipation for round two. 

“Rosie, my dear, always an honor and a privilege to be deemed worthy of your company,” Alastor said, bowing his head as Rosie feigned a blush, leading him to the parlor where they would be taking their tea.

The usual pleasantries were exchanged between sips of tea, coffee, and candied organs, which Alastor forced himself to consume through sheer courtesy. It was all part of the art of visiting, one he quite enjoyed, and he would never shame his mother’s memory with bad manners. They had just finished a plate of finger sandwiches when Rosie leaned in slightly, the conspiring grin on her face letting him know that it was, at last, time for business.

“You’re always so good to indulge me, Alastor. It doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said, grinning as she motioned to a maid to come grab their empty plates. “I’m sure you’ve been dying to know why I asked you over here this afternoon.”

“Oh, Rosie, it’s purely selfish! You know how hard it is to find good company in this godforsaken place. I’m more than grateful to receive your hospitality,” he said with a trademark smile and flick of the wrist, leaning back in his chair as the maid cleared the table.

She had just turned to leave with their plates when the smile on his face nearly faltered. Was that… almond he smelled? It had been so long, but he was fairly certain it was. There was an underlying trace of blood, though that was common enough around here. But almond? It was too pleasant for Hell.

Rosie’s eyes darkened to match her grin, not missing the twitch of Alastor’s mouth. She knew he’d have been able to smell it. It seemed that so far only Hellborn could pick it up, but what would be the fun in letting him know that? 

“Divine, isn’t she? A walking pastry, but not much of a talker. I like to bring her around whenever a room needs some pizzazz! She would’ve been eaten alive had I not taken her in,” Rosie whispered cheekily, as the maid returned with a fresh kettle and a gelatin mold for dessert. Rosie, not missing a beat once the tray had been set down, turned to her with a smile. “Thank you dear, you can leave now. I’ll ring the bell if we need anything else.”

The maid gave a silent curtsy and left the room as instructed, her sweet scent clinging to the air. Since coming to Hell, he took pleasure in the taste of bloody iron, the bite of black coffee. But in life… Memories of marzipan and frangipane tarts swam in his mind. And hadn’t Mother used almonds in her cherry pie crust? It took Alastor all he had not to drool, unsettled by the sudden rush of saliva in his mouth. Ages had passed since he last thought of such sweet things. He cleared his throat with as much grace as he could muster. Rosie only grinned.

“Well, she’s certainly new, so I suppose it’s not surprising she doesn’t talk much. It’s quite easy to tell when a sinner is… adjusting. So morose! You’re very gracious to have taken her on.” Alastor took a sip of coffee, desperate to get that almond smell out of his nostrils. 

“We both seem to be rather gracious these days, don’t you think?”

And there it was.

Rosie sat back in her chair and crossed her legs as she continued. “I was actually wondering if perhaps she might fare better in that hotel you’re running. Don’t get me wrong, she smells incredible, but fuck does she suck the air out of a room once the novelty wears off. She was scaring away clients, and you know it’s pretty bad if cannibals are uneasy around you for Christ’s sake, which is why I had her start working back here, but…”

Alastor had to resist gripping his knee, putting all his effort into maintaining a pleasant face. He had expected to be asked for a favor of sorts, but never did he imagine that Rosie wanted him to take on an employee. She’s had sinners sign contracts for little less than a new parasol, let alone a job. There was something more to this.

And beyond being an air freshener, what good was she for, really? He could deal with quiet, but to have to put up with yet another sulky face! What he had done to deserve it, he didn’t know.

But he knew there wasn’t really a choice other than to take the poor creature into his charge. Rosie was an alley he deeply cherished, and he was already in her debt for the help she had provided just weeks ago. This was no doubt the first part of paying that debt back, a sign of goodwill. Not every deal was beneficial from the start; still, Alastor wouldn’t outright accept the offer. That was part of the fun.

“Well we already have a maid,” Alastor said gently, “but after the recent renovation, we are anticipating more sinners to check in. Not that I doubt Niffty’s abilities, but I suppose she could do with some help when business picks up. How long were you thinking of lending her to our cause?”

Rosie waved her hand. “Lend? Oh, honey, if you’re willing to take her, she’s yours. I’ve got plenty of helping hands, but it does me no good to have such a wet blanket hanging around. There’s just the matter of��,” Rosie trailed off as she reached into her purse, retrieving what Alastor already knew she had been grabbing for, “…her contract.”

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[strawberrystepmom]

gojo x f!reader. reader is referred to as my girl. a little fluffy christmas moment bc i will give the me whatever she wants. wc 989

divider thanks to @/saradika-graphics

“I told you not to get me anything,” you whine with a pout when Satoru passes you a wrapped gift box.

Sitting cross legged in front of the tree the two of you decorated together, he has just finished opening the things you gifted him. Weeks ago, you vowed to keep it simple this year but then you sat down and started purchasing and the history is now unwrapped and sitting in his lap. A new scarf in a lovely light purple you will love seeing him wear and a handmade book you drew the illustrations for yourself to match the others you’ve given him over the years are the two hits this Christmas but he thanked you exuberantly for every other gift in the pile surrounding him with a kiss each time.

Now he lays on his belly on the ground and cups his face in his palms, staring up at you with furrowed brows. You’re gazing at the box so tenderly he wonders if you think that it’s the gift itself and he sighs.

“Just open it, you’re killing me here.”

The paper is so intricate and beautiful you feel bad even considering ripping into it, pink with delicate white and gold glitter snowflakes and a matching white ribbon. Thumbing at the tape keeping the edge closed, he groans and moves to grab it out of your lap but you pluck it from atop your thigh and whine. Patience has never been his strong suit, it is why there is paper strewn across the floor around the two of you, but he can wait given you didn’t ask for anything to open in the first place.

“It’s my gift! Let me open it at my own pace.”

Gently tugging the tape away from the paper, you stick your tongue out of the corner of your mouth while lifting each of the paper flaps and a box slides out. It’s white, nondescript, something you could get anywhere. A childlike urge in you makes you want to shake it to hear what’s inside but you refrain. You take your time opening the box while Satoru kicks his legs out impatiently behind him.

“Now you’re doing it on purpose.”

You giggle because you are, it’s always a pleasure to make him wait given how overindulged he is, but you are just as eager to see what’s inside as he is for your reaction. Opening the box, you furrow your brows and gasp when the shiny glass dome of a snow globe comes into view. They’re your favorite of all the holiday decorations and he knows it just as he knows everything else about you. There’s no hiding anything from him.

“Oh baby,” you coo and he beams, grin as sparkly as the snowflakes on the wrapping paper shedding glitter into your lap. Pulling the globe out you grunt dramatically over the weight of the thing and gasp again when it’s in your full view.

The two of you, a pair of tiny ice skaters, permanently encased in a globe depicting a scene of a frozen pond. The base of the globe is silver and heavy and there’s an engraving in the metal your eyes are too blurry to read, tears filling them while capturing the small details of the little couple inside the bubble.

“Why did you do this?”

Your beloved shimmies across the floor on his elbows to deposit his head in your lap and you carefully stroke his hair with your free hand. Looking up at you, his cheeks pink and warm from the heat in your living room, your heart stills for a moment. He is your everything and not just on Christmas. Sniffling, you continue petting his soft white strands and set the snow globe down on the floor by the two of you.

“Because I love you, obviously.” You grin down at him and giggle. “And I got a little jealous of the way you looked at the guy in the snow globe on the dresser. Is there something I should know?”

Your giggle becomes a full blown laugh and you lean down to kiss him, cupping his face in your hands like always.

“The way I look at Santa?”

“Yeah. What’s that all about?”

Shaking your head, you kiss him again and a satisfied sigh leaves him. Santa is surely not any competitor he needs to plan to get rid of but at least you can replace that old bag with someone a lot more handsome who is holding your little sculpted hand on glistening ice.

“Turn the knob, play the song too.”

You tip your head to the side quizzically and he reaches to turn the key himself, the notes of your holiday favorite song playing while the two of you turn around and around inside a world of his own making. Sniffling, you lean down to kiss him again and he stops you before you can adjust yourself to sitting upward.

“You like it?”

“I love it.”

He smiles and smacks his lips.

“Not as much as I love you.”

Leaning back down, you pepper his face with kisses and he considers it your attempt to get the last word, something he simply cannot allow.

“Merry Christmas, my girl.”

“Merry.”

A wet snack on his cheek from your lips.

“Christmas.”

Another kiss on the tip of his nose.

“Satoru.”

And finally, blissfully, a kiss to his forehead straight from the one he loves the most.

[certifiedposeidonhater]

PERCY JACKSON HEADCANONS!! (i have a very, very, VERY long series of these on my tiktok so i’ve decided im gonna start posting them here!)

this is gonna be the first part! i’m gonna do like 20-25 each part. (there’s a lot…) just a reminder to pretty please be respectful and kind. i love hearing different opinions and explaining why i think the things that i do or my reasoning behind these, but if you are rude or mean, im just gonna shut you down. if you want to RESPECTFULLY discuss our different opinions, i would LOVE to!! 💙

alrighty, here goes (why am i lowkey nervous?):

1. So, you know how aphrodite children know French bc it’s like the language of love? Percy knows a lot of island/oceanic languages that are native to island cultures (e.g. Māori, Tahitian, Samoan, etc.) because…poseidon.

2. Percy bottles up all of his emotions until he eventually has a mental breakdown where he lays in bed for a few days and completely isolates himself from all his friends and family. He kinda just pops back up when he’s done and acts like nothing happened. None of his friends or family really have the heart to bring it up, and if they do, he’ll just dismiss it and shut down.

3. He physically cannot eat when someone is upset at him or he’s upset at somebody else (he’s usually upset at himself.)

4. Percy and the aphrodite cabin were kinda friends. Especially him and Drew and him and Silena. I don’t know why but it just makes sense. They have weekly gossip sessions. The aphrodite cabin were the only campers (well mostly Silena but still) who didn’t avoid or ignore Percy once he got claimed. Silena and Beckendorf took him in and became almost parental figures.

5. Percy once got in an argument with his dad so he drove himself to a nearby church and got himself baptized at a local church to spite his dad (which i feel like kinda cancels out the whole point of the baptism but whatever.) His mom also got him baptized when he was a baby because she was annoyed at poseidon and also bc she grew up in a kinda religious household. (‘Cause i’m pretty sure that Sally was from Texas and so it fits the region.)

6. He’s not white. He’s actually Hispanic/Portuguese. It fits the majority of the ethnicity census in the area where he grew up so it’s very likely. Plus (other than Walker) i lowkey cannot imagine Percy as white.

7. He has nightmares from seeing himself from another point of view and seeing how scary he is. (He’s scared of himself. (He sees himself as Luke.))

8. Gods and goddesses used to visit Percy as a kid and just kinda chat him up and hang around him a bit. He would literally just randomly be sitting on the subway and suddenly Iris pops up and starts talking to him, and Percy being the 8 yo kid he is, he starts talking back and suddenly it’s a full-blown conversation.

9. He has a special spot that he used to go to with Beckendorf. They found it while they were searching for something for one of Beckendorfs projects. It’s like a little pond somewhere in the forest, super remote. Percy still goes there whenever he’s at camp and it reminds him of Beckendorf.

10. He has the ability to see the past through water. Like how water can collect energy? Like that science thingy where energy can kinda collect in water? Well, Percy can use his powers to kind of bring the past to life based on what has happened near the water. (e.g. he could use the water in the creek to create like a mist version of the things that happened there. Like his claiming. think Frozen II)

11. When he was a kid, g*be used to kick Percy out on the streets. He would be supposed to be taking care of Percy when Sally was at work and he would just make Percy go outside for hours at a time no matter what the weather was. Even if it was a blizzard and Percy didn’t have a jacket, Percy was outside.

12. g*be has broken Percy’s arm (multiple times) and he told everyone it was from falling down the stairs of his apartment complex. It never healed right either so his right arm is a little funky.

13. He’s left handed.

14. Percy has tried to off himself. But that’s also canon so like-

15. Percy dissociates a lot. It happened more when he was a kid but it started up again after the first war. He will dissociate for hours and no one knows how to get him out of it. It stresses Annabeth out SO MUCH.

16. He developed an eating disorder where he hated himself so much that whenever he ate, his mind would hyperfixate and overthink about that hatred and how much of a terrible person he was to the point he would throw up everytime he ate. Restricting what he eats also helps him feel in control of his life, and he gets so little control that the feeling of starving himself became almost euphoric.

17. He HATES pigeons and squirrels (it’s irrational.)

18. He’s fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. and some Italian bc of g*be and bc he grew up around the Italian mafia.

19. He knows A LOT of random facts about random local places without ever being there. It rlly impressed Annabeth when she started talking abt some cool architectural thing and Percy was js like “oh yeah, i know all about that!” he’s never been to half of them, but he knows about it.

20. His New York accent was *super* noticeable when he was a kid and he got bullied for it, so he started hiding it and does it subconsciously even though he knows his friends wouldn’t make fun of him. It still comes out when he’s tired, stressed, or emotional.

21. He code switches.

22. Percy hates Boston and New Jersey

23. He isn’t patriotic at all but the SECOND someone starts talking bad abt nyc he is ON IT. Same with if a European (mainly a British person) says something bad about America, he starts becoming Alexander Hamilton. He suddenly LOVES his country and that country’s culture.

Hope yall enjoy! I’m just posting old ones from tiktok so i have them backed up on somewhere and to get the people on tumblr caught up and there will be more soon 🤗🤗 If yall have any questions or anything, PLEASE ask me! I love talking to people about this stuff!

[mayajadewrites]

could've been you: aizawa x fem!reader x hawks

summary: You're the new teacher at UA with a rocky past with one of their beloved teachers, Shouta Aizawa aka Eraserhead. You'd rather never see him again but alas, such is life. You also meet Keigo, aka Hawks, who is the opposite of Aizawa. Smiley, golden retriever energy. Nothing could go wrong... right? elationships: aizawa x fem!reader, hawks x fem!reader warnings: some chapters will be NSFW, they will have a warning on them in bold.

TAG LIST:

@come-away-with-me87, @kxshdoll, @evilsanzu, @friendly-neighborhood-turtle, @lili-pond @falling4fandoms

CHAPTER FIVE

You peer through your lashes at the rays of sunlight sneaking through your blinds. It's Sunday.

A new day.

Keigo sleeps on his stomach for the sake of his wings, so he has one arm laying across your stomach, his hand gripping the softness of your waist.

He's shirtless, the sun coating his muscular back as his wings shined.

You watch as he sleeps, he doesn't snore. He's very quiet. Much like when you had sex with him last night.

You like to communicate during sex. Not full blown conversations, but you like to hear you're doing a good job. Or pet names. Anything, really.

Not to say Keigo wasn't good, he was fantastic, but he needs to learn you and your body more.

"You watching me sleep, baby bird?" His raspy morning voice interrupted your thoughts.

"Maybe." You can't help but smile when his honey coated eyes find yours. He leans in slowly and connects his lips with yours, tilting his head to the side when he brings his hand to your cheek.

"I haven't even brushed my teeth yet." You giggled and pulled away slightly.

"Doesn't matter to me." Keigo pressed his lips to yours again. "I have to jet, though. I'm patrolling with Endeavor today. And he's a hardass about being on time."

"Stay safe, please." You kiss the tip of his nose. "Not one feather on those wings can be damaged."

"You got it boss." He stands up to slide his pants and shirt back on. He has nothing here - no toothbrush, no body wash, nothing. So he has to do the walk of shame to his place.

You slip on a pair of shorts and a tank top and walk Keigo to your front door. "I'll talk to you later." He smiled once more before kissing your lips softly.

Then he was off.

You sighed and turned around to go back into your room when a foot blocked you from closing your door.

A foot with a black boot on it.

"Next time your boyfriend is over, can you maybe keep it down?" Aizawa's voice was monotone.

"Not sure what you heard. I could've been pleasuring myself." You continue to walk into your room. "I need to brush my teeth, so you can either stand out here and talk to yourself or come in and wait."

Aizawa reluctantly walked into your living room and plopped himself down on your couch. You looked at his eyes, his under eye bags are worse than usual. His hair was tied up in a half bun, almost accentuating his tiredness.

After you brushed your teeth and washed your face, you met Aizawa in the living room.

"So is that all you wanted to say to me? You could've just sent a noise complaint in."

"I couldn't sleep because of you." Aizawa looked down at his hands.

"I'm sorry about the noise. Honestly -"

"It's not just the noise. You sound heavenly, but it's the fact that it wasn't my cock making you moan."

You stared at him blankly. You have been feeling... something for Eraser for a bit, but you didn't know he actually felt something. You've known Aizawa since high school and he has never really expressed interest in dating or even hooking up.

"You and I... We're not like that." You motion your index finger to you then Aizawa. "I don't like you. You don't like me."

Aizawa said nothing.

Silence.

"Okay..." You try to break the tension, but deep down you know that this conversation isn't ending today.

"That bird doesn't know shit about pleasing you."

"And you do? We've never even kissed, Eraser. Barely HUGGED. So what do you know about pleasing me?"

"You like praise." Aizawa stood up, now towering over you. "You want to be told what to do, contrary to how you act in the field."

You bit your bottom lip and looked away from him. "You don't know anything about me."

Using his index and thumb, Aizawa grabbed you by your jawline roughly and brought your gaze to his. "Don't say stupid things."

You tried to look away but he just jerked his hand back to look at you. "You're not stupid, right?" He leaned in a bit closer and you can smell mint from his breath.

"I don't know, am I? Since you know every fucking thing about me apparently." You tilt your head to the side to watch his reaction.

"You'll be punished for that. Later." He let go of your jaw and started walking to the door.

"I'm not one of your students, Eraser." You cross your arms over your chest. "You can't punish me for talking back."

"I absolutely can." He didn't turn back to look at you. "I'll see you."

With that, he was gone.

You brought your fingertips to your jaw where his fingers just were. The ghost of his touch lingering on your skin, creating goosebumps down your body.

__________________

"What's up, Enji?" You put your phone on speaker as you wipe down your counters.

"Can you come help us with something? I know you haven't been on patrol in awhile but we could really use you."

"Um, I guess." You look down at your phone screen with a pit of anxiety in your stomach. You haven't fought any villains since that dreadful day with Endeavor and Eraserhead. "Send me the address."

You open your closet to reveal your hero uniform - a white jumpsuit and white knee high boots. You sigh as you put the outfit on, not knowing how you'll feel once you see yourself in the mirror.

Last time you saw this suit, it was full of tears and blood. Since then you've gotten a brand new suit made, but that doesn't erase the memories.

"What's wrong boys?" You walk up to Endeavor and Hawks, who were in the middle of the street.

"We got a group of villains and I think we could use your quirk to weaken one of them." Enji said as he looked onto the building. "They might have hostages. We don't know their motives. That's where you come in."

"Can you use your quirk on the one with the hands on his face?" Keigo stepped toward you.

"Excuse me? Hands on his face?"

"His name is Shigaraki. He's the leader. Or at least trying to be."

"I... guess." You take a deep breath.

Hawks took flight and observed from overhead and Endeavor set fire to their hideout, careful not to coat anyone else's home in flames.

A handful of villains jumped out of the building, and then their leader emerged.

Shigaraki.

Endeavor takes on a few of the other villains while you watched Shigaraki.

Hawks was busy fighting with villain that can fly, so it was just you and him.

He took the hand that was on his head off, revealing his face. He looked... sad. Tired. Alone.

But he's a villain and you have a job to do.

You got a hold of his mind and pulled his deepest memory. You instantly felt immense pain in your body that brought you to your knees.

"Enji, I can't." You bring your hand to your chest as you try to breathe. "His pain... is too much." You feel tears well up in your eyes. You felt the pain he's feeling. You screamed from the pain as Shigaraki took several steps toward you. He reached out his hand, looking like he wanted to comfort you.

"If you lay one fucking hand on her it'll be the last time you touch anything." You heard Aizawa's voice boom behind you. You were still crying, the pain in your chest only intensifying.

Shouta's goggles went up and his quirk was activated. Shigaraki couldn't do anything, no matter how hard he tried. Aizawa sliced him several times, wounding him.

"We're not having this battle right now, it's too early." Shigaraki said with a smirk. "Eraserhead to the rescue, huh? That's so like you."

"You can't run forever." Aizawa stood in front of you. You were finally able to let go of Shigaraki's mind, bringing you back to reality.

"See you next time."

And they were gone. Just like that.

"Hey." Aizawa knelt down to your level. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" He brought his large hand to your temple, pushing a piece of hair out of your face.

"I think I'm fine." You pressed your hand to your forehead. "Who was that?"

"Tomura Shigaraki. His quirk is decay and anything he touches disintegrates. He almost got to you." Aizawa examined your face. "You only have a couple of scratches, you should be okay."

"What happened?!" Endeavor ran to your side along with Hawks.

"Who's fucking idea was it to have her back out here?" Aizawa stood up and crossed his arms across his chest.

"I thought we could use her quirk to dismantle their team - bringing down Tomura." Keigo took a step toward Aizawa.

This can't be good.

"What a stupid fucking bird." Aizawa shook his head and turned his attention back to you. "You should rest."

"I can take her home." Keigo stepped toward you and held his hand out.

"No, she's going with me since we live in the same building."

"I think you need to back off." Keigo was almost chest to chest with Aizawa now.

"Or what? Please, enlighten me."

"Keigo, please." You put your hand up to stop the arguing. "There's no point in anyone arguing over this. Aizawa can just bring me back since he lives there. You guys should get some rest too, you fought hard." You take Keigo's hand to stand up, much to Aizawa's dismay. He smiles at your touch and kisses your temple.

"I'll see you later." He turned his back to you and Aizawa.

"When the fuck did that happen?!" Enji exclaimed as him and Keigo started their flight to their homes.

Aizawa brought you to your room but refused to leave. He set you up on your bed with your blankets, tea, water, and some snacks. He pressed the back of his hand to your forehead to make sure you didn't have a fever.

"I'm fine, Eraser." You swatted his hand away.

"You could've been killed. In an instant, you would've been gone." His eyes were darting back and forth from yours. He was fidgeting with his hands in his lap when he spoke.

"But I'm here." You placed your hand on his. "Do you feel this?" You rubbed the back of his hand with your thumb gently.

He nods.

"I'm okay." You almost whisper as you watch his facial expression. He looked... sad. There was almost no life in his face.

After a few minutes of silence, you pat the space beside you. "Would you like to stay with me for a bit?"

He needs it more than you do, you think to yourself.

Aizawa responds by moving his body next to yours. He lays on his side, facing you as he pulls the covers over his body.

You watch the worry on his face slowly fade. You felt sadness in your stomach as you looked at him and you knew you had to do something.

You're sitting up against your pillows scrolling on your phone when you finally speak.

"Come here." You whispered and tapped your lap.

Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "You want me to sit on your lap?"

"No, fuckhead. Lay down on my lap. I'm gonna stroke your hair and let you fall asleep."

"You don't have to-"

"I almost died today. Do as I say."

He couldn't argue with that.

He brought his head to your lap and wrapped his arms around your plush, thick thighs. They were like pillows for him.

Your hand was then entangled in his hair, the loose waves curling around your finger. Your nails are perfect for scratching, so you gently massaged his scalp. You watched from above his eyelids close slowly, his beautiful thick lashes blanketing his under eyes.

You take a deep breath and turn your attention back to your phone, but your mind is stuck on this feeling. This moment.

Stuck on Aizawa.

[thatdeadaquarius]

OKAY BUT I HAVE MORE IDEA FOR BLUNT READER CUZ I LOVE THAT AU SO MUCHANDMDJFKSLDKF

So you know how french people's insult are always outta pocket (from a person who's first language is french I can tell you that no other language compares in insult -apart for African languages)

Like,, some "bad" insult here would be : bitch, fuck off, whore,..

Which we can all agree is boring...

BUT THEN IN FRENCH!!!

We be getting creative with it

Eg.

"mange tes mort" wich translates to "eat your dead (relatives)"

"vas te fair enculer" means "go get yourself pegged in the ass"

(yes, we have a specific word for being fucked in the ass 💀)

AND THOSE WOULD BE THE COMMON ONES AS WELL

English could never compare ✨

BUT ANYWAYS

how would the characters react if reader was from france/ belgium/ canada(or any other french speaking country) and started cursing people out like they eould do in their home countrie !?!?

The eay their face would drop

We would make a couple of people cry

AND GOD(us haha) FORBID A KID OVER-HEAR US AND STARTS REPEATING US

Trying to un-teach them would be hell *cries*

Your thoughts?

Love yaaaa~

ABSOLUTE TOP TIER ORAH MY BELOVED!!

Nobody has any idea how much I HATE ENGLISH both for its rules/pronounciation BS/etc. But also, most importantly, THERES LIKE NO GOOD CUSS WORDS- OR LIKE CUSS PHRASES??

I HAD TO PUT THIS GIF BC THAT WAS LITERALLY ME WHEN I HAD THE REALIZATION TO LOOK UP OTHER LANGUAGE CUSS WORDS AND I WAS JUST BLOWN AWAY BY HOW GOOD THEY WERE- HOW CREATIVE- 😫😭🥲 ENGLISH WHY R U SO SHITY IN EVERY POSSIBLE LANGUAGE SITUATION-

like idk we got "eat shit and die / fuck off / go fuck yourself" ???? Like- thats pathetic 😟.

I love hearing someone just cuss smbody out their native language/non-english, it’s so badass and cool to see

Anyway u already know i love non-native english speakers from the bottom of my heart✨️

GOD I FUCKING LOVE BLUNT LANGUAGE AU ITS LIKE ONE OF TOP FAV AS U CAN PROBABLY GUESS I COULD WRITE A LITERAL FANFIC ENTIRELY OFF THIS SIMPLE PREMISE 💖💓💗💞❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

omg so i HAVE SPECIFICALLY HEARD ABT FRENCH BEING RLLY CREATIVEEE

and i researched french cusswords/phrases,,,

😭 BRO IM CRYING

“bête comme ses pieds!” IM ROLLING ON THE FLOOR-

(trans: you’re as stupid AS YOUR FEEEEEETT)

idk what’s funnier, you translating urself in real time and saying all these phrases to ppl,

OR just scaring the ever-loving shit out of every teyvat citizen within a mile radius bc oh wow- you look pissed, so yeah somebody’s about to lose all their self-esteem for the rest of their life bc ur insults are known to be extra cutting bc ur so blunt-

OH CREATOR ABOVE (…oh creator, present??)- you changed to your holy language FOR THIS???

everybody just giving the npc the most bombastic side-eye for pushing you to do this,

or even just you stubbing ur toe/ate food when it was too hot

or my favorite, getting onto ppl like Wanderer when they do smth silly lmao

STOP I HAD A FOUL THOUGHT OF GETTING ONTO Ei AND WANDERER (like ei for not keeping him/at least giving him to someone else to raise, then all the shit he did as Scaramouche lol)

AND THIS CUSSWORD COMES OUT UNDER UR BREATH OR SMTH- DOES THIS FIT BC THIS KILLS ME:

“Putain de salope…” (whore of whore, I LIED IT MEANS FUCKING BITCH LMAO😭)

JUST GETTING THE MOM AND THE SON IN ONE FULL BREATH CRYINGGGG

STOPPP wanderer using it against other ppl ever since u used it lol

oh no stop dont bring the kids into thisss 😭😭

Klee would deffo be the first one to pick up ur words and use them, omg she just uses them as catchphrases like when throwing her bombs 💀

“Mange tes mort!” JUST WITH A SMILE ON HER FACE AS SHE THROWS HER HUGE SKILL BOMB INTO A FISH POND

Venti would definitely make sure the winds “pass along phrases of the sacred All-God language!”

which just means anyone who UNDERSTANDS YOU JUST GETS GENTLY CREATIVELY CUSSED OUT BY THE WIND IM SOBBINGGG

☆

i hope u guys are having a great summer! its basically too hot to go outside where I am, not unless ur going straight into the water or smth

which hey, ill be doing that this weekend, floating down the river about an hour away from my house with friends! :]

which,,, if anyone sees this, U GOTTA HELP ME THINK OF A 1000 FOLLOWERS MILESTONE THING TO DO IDK WHAT TO DO BUT I WANNA CELEBRATE IT BC I NEVER THOUGHT THATD HAPPEN!! lmk what u think in the comments if u read this!

☆

Safe Travels 0rah,

💀♒

♡the beloveds♡

@karmawonders / @0rah-s / @randomnatics / @glxssynarvi / @nexylaza / @genshin-impacts-me / @wholesomey-artist / @thedevioussmirk / @the-dumber-scaramouche / @chocogi

[creadigol]

Request for a continuation of civ in the garden??

Only if you want to!

Thank you 💖

Hey!

I'm back once again. Classes were way more demanding then I anticipated. But my New Year's resolution was to write more, so hopefully you guys will see many more snippets in the coming weeks.

I had a lot of fun continuing this one. I must admit I ran with the 'windows' joke once again. Being a historian myself, it's a conversation I've had on several occations. I hope you like it !

Part one here!

Mold and must assaulted their nostrils. 

Civilian woke with a knee jerking cough which had them rolling over on their side and feeling every bump and bruise of their body in seconds. 

“Whoa there my friend…need to keep quiet up here.” 

Civilian felt a warm hand on their shoulder as another soothed the spasmings muscles of their back. What happened? Who was this? Weren’t they supposed to be somewhere? Where was Hank? 

Their head felt full of cotton and their throat felt raw and scratched. Gaining at least a semblance of control over their lung’s actions, Civilian turned with watering eyes to the one behind them. 

They froze. 

“Do you remember what happened?” Villain looked closely into their eyes, “You took quite the beating, I’d understand if you didn’t.” WHAT THE FUCK WAS GOING ON? Civilian’s thought’s screamed. 

“You’re….” Their voice broke and the rawness flared. “You’re…”

“Villain,” the other responded easily. A small smile graced their face. “And you’re Civilian. An academic if I remember correctly.” 

“Where…”

“Where are we? Good question.” Villain looked up and around them with mild disgust. Civilian followed their eyes and took in the low rafters, rotted wood, and blown insulation.  “A crawl space in the attic. Sorry I know it’s a bit on the stuffy side, but it was the only place I knew they wouldn’t find us. And I didn’t want to move you too far in case an ambulance was required.” 

Ambulance? Why would they need…

The memory came back full force. Their early morning walk…the senator…no air…being saved. 

“The garden,” Civilian gasped out. “The man at the pond.” 

“Still out there,” Villain filled in. They leaned back. “No brain damage then. That’s good. Be a shame if the senator’s favorite college guest got the smarts thrashed out of them.” 

Civilian sat up and rubbed their throat, “Favorite guest?” 

Villain tilted their head, “Of course, they spend almost the entire evening talking to you. Old friends?” 

“Why did you help me?” Civilian asked abruptly, wanting to change the subject. Their mind’s eye still seeing the bobbing, bloated, body. 

“You were dying,” Villain stated. As if that answered everything. 

“But you’re a villain.” Civilian was so confused. 

Villain actually had the audacity to chuckle. “And you’re an academic. I thought we established this already.” 

“Then who was that man?” Civilian glanced around the small space for any openings. Perhaps if this strangely cordial villain was distracted talking, they could make a run for it. 

God, this was so messed up. Why hadn’t they told anyone where they were going this morning? What time was it anyway? Was Hank wondering where they were? 

“Other Villain. They’ve been tracking the senator since Las Vegas, but you knew that already didn’t you.” Villain stated the last sentence as fact. 

Civilian noted that the only opening was a small door behind Villain. There was no way. 

Dismayed, they couldn’t keep the impatience out of their voice. “Why would I know that?” 

Villain leaned close to them, their tall torso towering over Civilian even with them both crouched on the floor. “Are you telling me that big fat man kept his big fat mouth shut for once? I highly doubt it. Especially not with his friends.” 

Civilian fell back as far as they could go, which turned out to be about two inches before their back hit the wall. The soft tone they woke to was gone and Villain had a glint in their eye reminiscent of what Civilian was used to seeing on the TV when Villain was facing off with Hero. 

This wasn’t a rescue, they realized. It was an interrogation. 

“Why does everyone assume…” Civilian tapered off as Villain drew closer and placed a hand on the wall near their head. Somehow it was worse than if Villain had punched the old wood. “We’re not friends. I only met the man last night.” Their voice shook by the end. 

Did Villain save them just to kill them here? Like other Villain, would Civilian be considered disposable after they gave up the information? Except, they didn’t know what information either would want. 

Why hadn’t they told Hank where they were going this morning? 

“Really?” Villain sounded skeptical. “He seemed enamored with you.” 

“I…I don’t know why. Look, I don’t know anything…but, I won’t tell anyone about any of this I swear…just…just…” Oh god, they were descending into stutters again. Why couldn’t they have been born taller? Broader? With a semblance of courage? Then they might stand a chance. 

Then again, Civilian had seen what Villain’s powers could do on TV. They didn’t want that hand near their head to get any closer. 

As it was, Villain seemed genuinely taken aback. 

“I’m not going to hurt you.” They leaned back, as if just noticing the tactic they were using. “I just need to know what his plan was.” 

“What plan?” Civilian stayed plastered against the wall. 

Villain looked at them then, really looked at them. Took in the frazzled, bruised, cardigan wearing, shaking academic in front of them. 

“God, you really don’t know do you?” The realization sucked the last of the intimidation from Villain's posture. “What the hell were you two talking about all night?” 

“Windows,” Civilian croaked. 

“Windows?” Villain’s eyebrows drew together. 

“Yes…well no, I mean…I’m a historian.” 

Villain leaned back to sit cross legged on the floor.“What’s that have to do with windows?”

“You can tell a lot about a building's history through its windows…” Civilian stopped talking at Villain’s raised eyebrow. 

“You told Other Villain this?” 

Civilian shivered and nodded. The feeling of Other Villian’s hands still lingered on their throat. 

“And they what? After you told them this.” 

Civilian tried to look anywhere but at Villian. “Laughed mostly…then tried to kill me.”

Their voice shook at the last part.

“Shit.” 

Civilian darted their gaze to Villain at the sheer visual emotion behind the word. 

“What?” Did that mean Villain would have to kill them? They didn’t seem to want to kill them. 

“That bastard!” Villain did punch the wall then, with the side of their fist. Civilian jumped. 

“Who?” They squeeked. 

“The senator!” Villain fixed them with a look. “That bastard cornered you all night because he knew Other Villain and I would turn our attention to you. Probably hoped it would give him a chance to lay out his plans…which he most likely did, before Other Villain got to him. You finding him was the nail in your coffin I’m afraid.” 

“But why?” Civilian was so lost. 

“Don’t you watch the news?” 

Other than the occasional special report? 

“No, not really,” Civilian responded. “I stick more to past events than current ones.” 

Villain shook their head. “Well, you might want to start. You’re in a whole mess now. Other Villain won’t rest until you’re dead.” 

Why, why, why?! Civilian’s thoughts screamed. But a more pressing question burst from their mouth. 

“And you?” Civilian gulped and tried to put more power into their next words, “Are you going to kill me?” 

The moment seemed to freeze. Villain’s eyes met theirs and Civilian felt much like Schrodinger's cat. Until Villain answered, their existence contained both life and death in the immediate future. 

“No,” Villain stated. Civilian was surprised to hear the original kindness from when they woke. “No, I’m not going to kill you.” 

Civilian let a breath they didn’t know they were holding. 

“In fact,” Villain pinned them with a stare. “If you let me, I’ll try to keep you alive.” 

Civilian was surprised at the sincerity in Villain’s eyes. 

“Do I have a choice?” They asked.

Villain chuckled, “Not really.”

[y3nze1]

𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐌𝐄 𝐀 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆, 𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐍 | c.9

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: I / II / III / Navi.

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: Hello darlings!~ it's yen, here you are chapter 9, i apologize for the slow moving plot! but me and chaz will fix it soon! happy readings!

"It's either now or never.." You stared into the mirror, contemplating your life, what had happened and what led you to this moment. you stared at your reflection, your hands fidgeting at the adrenaline, eagerly waiting to set your fingers on the dial. before you could even finish it. Loralie softly called out. "Y/n! Y/n.. Sugarplum!" her voice was filled with happiness and glee as she chanted your name, running over to you.

You are taken aback by Loralie's sudden appearance, but before you can say anything, she throws her arms around your neck and hugs you tightly.

Oh, Y/n, I have such great news!!" she exclaims excitedly. You can feel her heart racing with excitement, and the feeling is infectious. Suddenly, all the stress of your situation falls away, and you can't help but smile. she giggled, taking your hands. "what great news?" you smiled, raising a brow. "I know you're not open to dating.. But it was destiny! i felt it!, there's this nice gentleman that came over the shop today and we chatted, nothin much! but i wanted to hook you up with him! isn't that exciting!~"

you froze, the smile disappearing from your lips, speaking, "You did what?.." she nervously chuckled, her grip on your hand tightening slightly. "come on y/n! just give it a try, the guy's rich! he has a mansion! he works for tvs! isn't that interesting!" you rubbed your temple, groaning. "Oh Loralie. you should've told me first!" she chuckled another one. patting your back. "Come on, Y/n, one date wouldn't hurt. would it? just give it a try.. I'll help you through it, don't worry!"

You looked at Loralie for a moment, your looks softening yet, it was filled with hesitancy, you shook your head, accepting the challenge. she smiled, clapping her hands in excitement. "Oh bees knees!~ let's get you ready, I'll tell you the whole detail where you guys are meeting up!~" she dragged you through the corridor, leading you to her room.

ೀ.ᐟ⭒๋࣭

You entered the park's garden, watching the swans in the pond, smiling as they come near you, bending over, your fingers ran through their heads, that's when you heard a man call out your name. You turned to see a tall man, rich black colored hair, his smile was quite charming, from the look of his outfit, you could tell he is quite the rich guy. His smile widened approaching you. he too your hand placing a small peck over it, looking over to you with pure awe.

"Look at you, gorgeous" he complimented, pulling you close one more. "i believe white goes better with pearls, no?" as he said that, he pulled out a crimson box, the design was quite exquisite with floral embroidery. he spun you for a second, stopping you by your back, putting on the pearl necklace around your neck, his breath hitched as he put it on.

"oh my.. this is.. absolutely beautiful, Mr. Vox" you spoke softly. looking down as your eyes observed the glazing pearls."I'm so glad you like it, Ms. Y/n," Vox says, his voice full of pride. "It took me a little while to find the right necklace for you, but I wanted to make sure it was something that perfectly matched your charm and elegance." He gives you a soft, charming smile, and his eyes glisten with joy. "you didn't have to do such thing, it's quite expensive" you turned around, looking up at him in which he cupped your cheek gently. "Sweetheart, it's priceless for me, on the other hand. 350,000 isn't that much" you gasped. putting a hand over your necklace. "oh no, I can't tale this, i just can't!" you said, his hands placing over yours. stopping you. "please, take it as a first meeting gift, it's my pleasure." The smile on his face appeared.

You're blown away by the sheer generosity of Vox's gift, and the fact that he's willing to part with such an expensive necklace for you, someone he barely knows. You can't help but feel grateful for the gesture, even if it makes you a bit uncomfortable. You're not used to receiving such lavish gifts, and the thought of holding onto something so valuable is a bit overwhelming. But you can't help but be impressed by the wealth and generosity of this man, and his clear interest in you.

"Now that we've had some time together, what do you say we have a proper dinner tonight? There's a restaurant not too far from here that I think you'll love." you nodded, he led you to an expensive restaurant. As you enter the restaurant, you're immediately taken aback by the opulence and elegance of the surroundings. From the crystal chandeliers to the gleaming silverware, everything seems designed to impress. The aroma of the food wafting through the air only adds to your sense of excitement and anticipation.

As you and Vox are escorted to your table, you notice that you're receiving a lot of attention from other patrons and staffs. Once you're seated, the server comes over to take your order. You look at the menu, and it's clear that you're in for a culinary adventure. Even Vox seems impressed by the selection, making it clear that this restaurant is a favorite of his.

As the main course arrives, you're impressed by the presentation and the flavors that explode on your tongue. From the spicy seasonings to the tender meat, every bite is a delight.

As you finish your meal and wait for the dessert menu, Vox takes your hand and looks you in the eyes. "I have to admit, Y/n, I'm quite taken with you. Your beauty, your wit, your intelligence...you truly are the complete package. And I can't help but think that our paths were meant to intersect." He pauses for a moment, as if waiting for you to respond. "I would love to see you again, if you would allow it. There's so much more I want to get to know about you."

As you finish your dessert, you feel a sense of contentment and satisfaction wash over you. You've had an incredible meal, and the time spent with Vox has been nothing short of amazing. You can't help but feel a sense of connection with this man, and his kind words have only further cemented that feeling.

As he holds out his hand, you take it willingly, feeling the warmth of his touch. "I'd say the same to you too, Mr. Vox, i suppose it wouldn't hurt to meet you again, no?.."

[queeniecook]

January 18 - Part 3

Dakota had given Jillian some space - they both needed time to calm down. Jillian threw on some warm clothes and headed outside for a walk. The snow began to fall rapidly but she kept walking.

She found a pond, the water providing a peaceful presence, even half covered in ice. She knows she should have told Dakota sooner, he has a right to be upset but the way he handled it - she didn't like it. Jillian has never been good with confrontation. Most of the time she doesn't fight back but she couldn't stop herself tonight. Normally she would have tried to talk to Dakota calmly, even while he was mad. She knows she need to go back and apologize for not telling him but first, she knows she needs to calm herself down, otherwise they might end up yelling at each other again.

She takes deep calming breaths, the cold biting at her lungs a bit but it helps to soothe her. She turns to head back and begins walking.

She cries as she's hit with a sudden pain in her abdomen. This hurts far more than any twinge or cramp she's felt before, it almost brings her to her knees. She manages to stay up right and looks around in panic. She suddenly realizes she doesn't know where she is. She starts to cry and tries not to have a full blown panic attack. She feels her pocket for her phone. Curse words slip from her lips as she realizes she left her phone at home in her haste to get out of the house.

Jillian beings to make herself walk forward, she has to get help.

She sees an unfamiliar house come into view, there's lights on but doesn't look like anyone currently lives in it. She keeps moving slowly towards the house. Maybe she can find help there? Maybe she can get inside out of the weather?

Jillian manages to make it to the house and after some jiggling with the front door knob, she gets the door open.

Another pain hits her after she closes the door and she ends up on her knees this time, cradling her belly. "Slade...not yet." She whimpers to her unborn son. She feels more tears getting ready to fall, she doesn't think anyone is here. She doesn't know what she's going to do. Jillian prays, it's the only thing she can think of as she tries to lean back onto her bottom and maybe pull herself onto the bed. 

Then arms hook underneath her and lift her up. She gasps and is stunned by who is there - she feels relief that she is no longer alone.

"What are you doing out here?" James asks her. He actually feels concerned. It's a feeling not totally foreign to him but he still doesn't like it. When his informate had called him and told him that Jillian had left the house, James had used a spell to transport himself to Brindleton Bay from Windenburg. It's not like he could just call Dakota and tell him to go find his girlfriend, he doubt Dakota would take a call from him. Thus he took it upon himself to find the pregnant woman. 

"I was stupid." Jillian whispers, grasping her stomach. Her brows knit in discomfort and James puts it all together. He helps her over to the bed.

Jillian feels a little relief getting to lie down but suddenly feels like she's burning from within. She starts frantically removing her hoodie and tosses stocking hat aside. She can feel James' eyes on her. "Do you have a phone?" She asks quietly, the pain seemed to calm down a little but she still knows she needs to get to a hospital.

James pulls out his cell phone and sees he has no signal due to the weather. "Bloody hell."

Jillian looks at him wide eyed and feels panic set back in. She's about to ask him just to poof her out of there when the pain hits her again. She realizes she's most likely in labor at this point. She grabs James' hand without his permission, needing something to ground herself with.

James is out of his element and Jillian is stronger than he thought. His hand hurts but he says nothing about it because he's pretty sure his pain pales in comparison to hers at the moment. If he hadn't used so much magic today traveling between Forgotten Hollow, Windenburg and Brindleton Bay, he wouldn't be overcharged at the moment. He could just use Transportalate to get her back to her house or to the hospital.

"It's too soon." Jillian whines in pain. She's worried about her son. She was supposed to have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. She was supposed to not go into labor yet but it seems her son and her body have other plans. 

"Most babies' delivered at eight months are fully developed." James comments, that's what he's heard anyway. He's trying to comfort her. It feels weird to him but he's the only one here so it's up to him. 

Jillian still feels hot and can feel herself sweating even though she knows it's not warm in the room. She feels James touch her cheek and she blinks at him.

"Can you..." her voice is getting a bit hoarse and she's thirsty. She feels tired. "Transport me....to the hosp..ital?"

James frowns, almost ready to tell her he can't. Another spell could fry him to a crisp or worse. He watches her eyelids grow heavy and looks down at her swollen stomach. There's a chance if he doesn't take her, that the baby could die or everything would be fine. This isn't his problem. They're both nothing to him.

He bundles her back up and walks to the front door, heading outside. "I can't believe I'm doing this." He says through gritted teeth. He's annoyed with the situation but uses a spell to transport them to the nearest hospital, hoping he's not the one who dies in the process. 

<-previous/next ->

☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘

Lot is "Abandoned Home" by SavannahAS is up on the gallery.

[misscammiedawn]

Bit (2019) - Queer Reclamation of Stolen Youth

CW: Blood

Bit is a 2019 movie written and directed by Brad Michael Elmore and starring transgender actress Nicole Maines. The story follows a young transgender woman named Laurel visiting her brother in California and being recruited to join a women's only gang of queer vampires.

A group that is ruled strictly by a rigid rule set.

The very first scene makes this clear, introducing the leader of the gang, "full blown fucking dyke" Duke, as she kills a freshly turned male vampire and sentences one of her gang's members to a year in "the hole" for attempting to add a boy to their ranks.

They must all adhere to their 3 rules of operation. The final and most important being:

"No fucking boys." That is to say no boys are allowed to be included in their group... but the literal read is also true. Lesbians only.

The story begins in earnest with the introduction of a main character having just graduated high school in a rural town and about to travel down to spend the summer in LA with her older brother.

During her first scene at a graduation party a drunk classmate approaches her to tell her how brave she is and she retreats to spend a moment with Andy, her sole friend, who implies an attraction to her brother and admonishes her for abandoning him, saying that she is never going to return and that when she finds her people she will likely forget about him.

The movie knows it is queer media for a queer audience. For how much the entire movie is about LGBT themes it often is kind enough to leave things implied. Andy is Laurel's gay best friend in high school and the two of them rely on one another as the only source of queer community in their environment. Andy sees Laurel escaping as abandonment because he knows all too well that she will get a taste of the progressive lifestyle in LA and will never return to their pacific northwest town to go back to masking and hiding. He knows their friendship is over, even if Laurel doesn't yet.

All too often it happens. People never expect it at first but when someone finds their community, their people it becomes impossible to remain in the ponds and pools they were once in. T4T relationships work so effortlessly because there's an entire rich inner language that we have from common experiences that are so difficult to translate to cis friends and yet are inherently understood by others who have lived it. It's not just safety in community it is understanding.

All of this is communicated through vibes. All Andy directly says is "you're going to meet interesting people and you're going to forget about me" and his homosexuality is revealed through a flirtatious comment about Laurel's brother.

Laurel's gender identity itself is only addressed through implications (like hiding her larynx with a shoelace choker that gets mentioned in dialogue a few times) or roundabout statements. The word "trans" is never uttered once in the film.

"Men can't handle power. They have it already and look at what they've done with it." "What about me. [I'm transgender]" "Never even crossed my mind."

"I just wanna say-- what you've done [coming out as transgender] is just so cool."

"People aren't going to be patronizing [about me being transgender], are they?" "People aren't like that here. As much."

"I never stood in the way of you becoming who you are [transgender] but it turns out who you are is a selfish bitch."

I have watched this movie with people who did not realize that either Laurel or her actress Nicole Maines were transgender. I cannot understand how they couldn't see it but they couldn't.

On her first night in LA she goes out to a club to see a rock concert. The movie shows Laurel is defensive, getting violent with someone who invades her personal space and she spots someone (a vampire hunter who suspects her of being in the coven) starring her down. The movie is putting us in the mindspace of a young transgender woman in a new space unable to detect threats. She feels like she is being clocked and targeted by everyone around her.

It's not until one of the vampire gang approaches her that she is able to lighten up. In dialogue they imply recognizing her as queer with "you're not from around here, I can just tell" style dialogue. Laurel is quick to allow herself to be taken away to the vampire's hideout where she gets to be with her people for the first time.

To avoid this being one of those "I just sum up the movie with no analysis" posts I'll trust that those who are intrigued will watch the film and get to the point.

Laurel is fed upon by one of the lesbian vampires and before the kill can happen Duke, the leader, stops it and allows Laurel to complete the transformation into a vampire because she "reminds me of someone I used to know"

She is referring to herself.

A time when she, a 15 year old lesbian, ran away from her midwest home to NYC to find queer community. She notes that even homeless and performing sex work opposed to her preferences, she was happier because she was living free and as herself. She learned how to thrive.

Duke sees in Laurel the same thing she herself lived in the 1970s, directly tying the socio-political landscape of gay youth of the time with trans youth of the modern era. Watching over their shoulder, fearing being targeted, unable to exist comfortably without the safety and understanding of community.

She says it very directly in her pitch to Laurel while inviting her to join the "V-Club"

"We're politically, socially and mythologically fucked. Our roles are secondary. Our body's suspect, alien, other. We're made to be monstrous so let's be monsters. [...] What we offer is not the chance to join a group but to truly be an individual."

The issue of course is, when Duke tells her backstory, she suffered and gained her identity through pain and hardship. She fought to survive and eventually learned how to thrive and then... against her wishes, against her consent... she was slammed back into the closet.

A powerful vampire, Vlad, singled her out and circumvented her agency and made her one of his brides. For decades Duke was stuck living a heteronormative life, having accessed her truth and her community and then been kept away from it.

"It was like I was trapped in my own body. I was aware of who I was, who I used to be, but I could do nothing about it."

After managing to escape from this life Duke seals Vlad's heart and begins to consume it bit by bit.

There is 100% a valid reading of this movie where Duke is a repressed transmasc lesbian. She fears consuming all of Vlad's heart because she fears it will make her "like him" but she is addicted to the power and agency that she feels from consuming him. We later learn that she has been doing to her gang what Vlad did to her.

Duke is terrified of becoming a man and rejects those aspects of herself while continually indulging them. Moralizing on how evil the version of masculinity she perceives in the world is while engaging in those acts herself.

Someone with better media literacy than I would be able to do a fuller read of that.

But the read I focus on is this one:

Duke's youth was stolen from her as she was forced to live a closeted life of abuse by a domineering man and she projects her wishes for those stolen years into how she lives and how she views others. She directly controls the minds of her gang in order to maintain a safe life buffered by stolen power and lashing out at men who remind her in any way of her abuser.

In robbing her group of their agency and pushing them to agree with her, the pain and hatred that she feels becomes that of the entire group. Their sympathies to men are overruled and the space remains closed off and combative. Insular.

She wishes to continue living the highs of her first taste of agency in her life while robbing those around her of theirs. Through fear and a certainty of being right she has effectively become the very thing she despises.

Meanwhile, Laurel, finally living with her community, abandons her roots and neglects the portions of her life that do not relate to her new community which causes her gay best friend to attempt suicide (I do not condone the movie's attempt to make Laurel responsible for this, mind, we have severe issues with any attempt to frame suicide attempts as the responsibility of anyone but the person attempting) and directly nearly kills her brother.

The movie is very much about the vulnerability of solitary queer individuals and the power and comfort that we gain from banding together and finding community but also about how we must not emulate the abusive power structures that we escape from in our quest to find safety in our identities.

It's important that Duke is a hypocrite. The three rules are:

Never glamour another vampire.

Always kill what you eat.

No fucking boys

It's no coincidence that the first rule is not to glamour another vampire. It's how Vlad controlled Duke for decades. She should never wish that fate on anyone else and yet she is so terrified of losing that which she has earned but also because she was terrified of others losing that which they had earned "I did it to make it easier to help you." she says. Her insecurities are projected onto the group and become their dogma.

Duke isn't wrong for her hatred or her fear. She is wrong for not trusting her allies, she's wrong for forcing her beliefs, she is wrong for being the sole arbiter of who is an acceptable member of their community and who is not.

The movie ends with Laurel noting that she pictures a world where everyone is a vampire because then they could all figure their shit out. That people who have power tend to jealousy guard it for themselves but power can and should be shared.

The final scene involves the new vampire group collectively taking portions of Vlad's heart and consuming his power.

Single points of failure are rampant within any community. When a single figure is held up as the entire basis of a group then removing them or discrediting them will always destroy the safety of the space. This is true in every community but it's heartbreaking when it's true in queer spaces.

One person should never be calling all the shots, making their biases become collective prejudice or their traumas become the realities of all within the safety. We all have stories. We all have truths. We all have realities which we need to share and receive acknowledgement and comfort for.

Vulnerable groups should band together and insular thinking will destroy us if we let it.

-

The movie isn't the best by anyone's standards.

But damn if the movie isn't a rare piece of queer media that isn't made for a cis audience. I'll always hype up something like that and make sure it reaches more eyes.

[lemonxdaisybby]

Ichigang and their Animal Crossing Islands

Currently spamming the Dondoko Island mini-game and it’s giving me ultimate Animal Crossing vibes, so here’s headcanons on the Ichigang and their Animal Crossing: NH islands. Short and sweet cos it’s kind of a dumb idea ✨

Also I’ve got my last few requests drafted and hopefully ready to post soon, so if you wanna send in some more headcanon requests please doooo, I could do with the inspo 💕

Ichiban:

Ichi’s island would be pretty chaotic, to be honest. There’s just random items dropped all over the island, from where his pockets got too full, or he’ll even just intentionally place random pieces of furniture somewhere and thinks it looks great, but it does not.

Hasn’t quite got the hang of landscaping or terraforming, so there’s just random cliffs and rivers/ponds dotted about everywhere. The layout makes no sense.

He probably has his character dressed up in a hero costume or outfit.

Also gets very attached to his villagers, and nearly cries when one of them even suggests moving away.

Nanba:

Does not care about his island at all, and couldn’t give a shit about what it looks like. There’s just weeds and buried fossils everywhere, and his house is still un-decorated.

Never interacts with his villagers, but does think it’s funny when he accidentally hits them over the head with the bug net when hunting creepy crawlies.

Speaking of catching bugs, he is surprisingly into the bug hunting and fishing. He has probably caught almost all of them, and visits the museum daily to just admire his collection.

Took him ages to catch the scorpion, as it kept stinging him. He almost rage quit the game.

Adachi:

He literally has no idea what he is doing. He’s terrible at the game. His island is full of weeds, and his fish, bug, fossil and art collection is almost non-existent.

He likely started the game, got confused and switched it off, and forgot about it for ages. When he eventually did log back on, his house was infested with cockroaches, and he just never bothered to get rid of them.

Sometimes visits Nanba’s island, and their characters just chill in the museum together watching all the critters and fishes.

Saeko:

Saeko has the prettiest, most aesthetic island ever. It’s full of flowers, is so organised, and probably has a full on theme that she closely follows. She has fully upgraded her house, and all the furniture and rooms match perfectly.

She honestly gets so offended when an ‘ugly’ villager moves in, and she immediately kicks them out.

Her museum collection isn’t that full, as she sells all of her fishes, bugs, etc. Her priority is earning bells, so she can buy decorations and furniture for her island, and make it as pretty as possible.

Joon-Gi:

The most stylish Animal Crossing character you have ever seen. He changes his outfit every day, and chooses his characters clothes so carefully. His entire island and home is also very aesthetic, and he’s secretly very proud of it.

Joon-Gi has likely almost completed all the fishing, fossil and bug collections, but he keeps getting ripped off by Redd with the artwork. He gets so mad when it happens and Blathers declines his donation.

He would actually be pretty good at the game, and is always so smug when people visit his Island and are blown away by how it looks.

Zhao:

He has purposely made both his island and his character look dumb as fuck, because he finds it funny. He also keeps all the ‘ugly’ villagers, to match the silly vibes.

Follows his villagers around and hits them over the head with the bug net until they get mad at him. He finds it hilarious.

Visits his friends islands and quotes memes or writes funny yet rude messages on their notice boards, but doesn’t tell them. He waits for them to find the messages themselves. It could be a few days to a week later, and he’d get a message from one of his friends like ‘why did you leave this on my noticeboard you weirdo’. Both Joon-Gi and Saeko have banned him from visiting their aesthetic and organised islands because of this.

[violetswritingg]

Thunderstruck

Tyler Owens x OFC!

Description: When cowgirl meets cowboy after a year of no-contact and chaos ensues during storm season!

Rating: M (Mentions of blood and death in Tornadoes and storms alike, angst and loss of loved ones, car accidents, Tornado aftermath, and injury to characters, slight age gap (5years))

Want to read the other chapters?

Click here

4

May, 2024

Oklahoma

She really was an idiot.

She didn't prepare for this, why? She logically had to know he would be there, but she was hoping on some bizarre star that for once he wouldn't show up to Oklahoma during storm season. Maybe just give this one to her after last year, she would give him the next. Split custody. Easy peezy. But, of course, nothing was ever easy with Tyler Owens.

The man was the definition of stubborn, when he wanted to be. When he wanted something. What he still wanted with her she had no idea, she thought she had made things clear the last time they spoke.

"Well? You got an answer St. James?"

Last name? When did he start calling her by her last name again? The fuck?

"Ah, there she is." Tyler's grin turned into a full-blown smile as he all but cooed at her, she didn't have time for this. The clouds still needed some time, Kate wasn't going to have them rolling out right this second but she saw the same stuff Riley did. He wanted her reaction, and he got it in the form of her look of absolute disgust and horrid offense.

"Where ya headed this fine storm day?" Tyler preened under her eye, rocking on his heels and looking like the cat who got the cream.

"Why do you wanna know? Still need me to navigate for ya?" Riley asked, head tilting, eyebrows furrowing overly in concern. Her mouth turned down, but the comic glint in her eye gave her away. Her smile breaking through was the next give away. Tyler scoffing at her.

"No, I don't. I also was able to find another camera man after you left us high and dry." Tyler's real emotions started to glimmer through, and Riley's amusement died. The 25-year-old straightening up and looking down at her feet for a second before she looked back up at Tyler.

"East." She answered his previous question, her voice was small as she looked to the side, back at the clouds. "Has good sheer, instability, and the sky all to herself. No fighting for dinner scraps necessary over there. Same can't be said for the West. They'll choke each other out before anything exciting happens."

"Really, is that so? You wouldn't be lying to me now, would ya?" Tyler leaned down a bit, encroaching on just enough of her space for her to miss the heat of his skin under hers but not close enough for her to actually feel it. "How I look at it, going west double the chances."

"Well please feel free to go wrangle the west then cowboy, take your chances. Whatever will put on a good show for the audience." Riley pushed out, voice taking a harsher edge than she meant but he was so close to her wearing that stupid hat and those stupid boots and smelled exactly the same and it was setting her fight or flight off like a red-hot poker on a nerve ending.

"Are you saying I'm boring?" Tyler's head tilted and his eyes narrowed

"I never said that." Riley shrugged, looking up at him through her lashes and shaking her head. "I mean, you have a journalist from across the pond following you around like a lamb about to be pulled in for slaughter. I'd say that's pretty entertaining."

"You've been checking up on me?" Tyler's lips quirked up in a shit-eating smirk.

"You wish." Riley scoffed.

"And if I did?" He took another step forward into her space, which had Riley take a step back. Swallowing heavily. Tyler chuckled at the ground, "Still skittish I see."

"Shut up."

"How about you make me darlin'." His smirk grew and Riley's face flushed bright red, she could feel the heat of her blood pooling in her cheeks and wanted to die.

"You can cut the act Tyler, the cameras are off, no one here for you to entertain anymore." Riley rolled her eyes and looked to the side.

"I wouldn't say that." He kept his eyes on her, watching her squirm. Tyler raised an eyebrow leaning his head down to try and get on her level. She just clicked her tongue in response, the man breathed out through his nose and shook his head, "So, east then?"

"Yeah."

"Riles!" Sarah sing-songed, walking over and waving a tablet in the air, "I only grabbed Isaac and we still have," Sarah checked the time on the tablet quickly, "2 minutes and 35 seconds to spare. For you, enjoy, now come with me." Sarah held out her hand and with one more short glance to Tyler, Riley grabbed Sarah's hand and walked away. Again. The lump in her throat felt heavy and hot as tears prickled behind her eyes.

She was not going to cry right now. What the hell was wrong with her?

~~*~~

Thankfully the Warlock decided to play nice today and start on the first try. It allowed her to be able to get the jump on the chase. Riley acting like she was going nowhere fast when she felt Kate's eyes on her and then when the other blonde let her guard down just a little, that's when Riley silently motioned for everyone to go. Sarah and her in the Warlock and taking off in under 30 seconds. The monitor van behind them and acting as a shield from Storm Par.

Who was so kindly up their ass.

"So, what was that about?" Sarah finally popped.

"I was wondering when that was coming." Riley sighed, glancing at the stream and then back to Sarah, "Can we not do this right now?"

"Nope has to be now. You'll never talk about it otherwise."

"What? Unless I'm trapped with you for hours on end in a heavily armored vehicle?" Riley coughs out a laugh and sputters out some giggles, "Only you Sarah, only you."

"And that's why you love me!" Sarah chirped and bounced up a little in her seat batting her eyelashes at Riley obnoxiously. Causing the blonde to laugh, while Sarah pushed her chocolate locks behind her shoulder with a flounce.

"Yes. Yes it is." Riley laughed while nodding, smiling easily for once.

"But seriously, what did the cowboy want with you?"

Riley took a breath and once again looked to the stream.

"Forget them, it's just you and I. No names need to be said." Sarah soothes her best friend's obvious anxiety about opening up and being vulnerable like that in front of thousands of viewers at once.

"Uh, okay." She goes to start but a honk get's her attention and the crackling of the radio on the dash getting Sarah to grab it and click down the button.

"We read Wizard. Warlock is reading you, what going on?" Sarah asked.

"It looks like the Tornado wranglers have entered the chat, they just cut off Storm Par, do we want to keep behind us? Or let them pass?" Daniel informed them and Riley almost let herself smile. Having to bite it back with not great success.

"Hold position, no one is taking this one from me." Riley took the radio from Sarah and smirked. Sarah lit up as they both looked like kids in a candy store. "Hold the wheel." Riley was out the double paned windows the next second, her upper half leaning out the side. One arm securing her inside, the other held up with the middle finger raised, it was mainly focused on Storm Par. And judging by how she could see Tyler laugh she figured he knew that.

Why that was important to her she had no comment on. She looked up to the sky and smiled, letting her eyes close and her head to be thrown back. Laughing to herself as she saw the funnel form. Getting back inside, raising the window and getting her harness back on worked out like a well-practiced dance. Riley back and secure in her seat in seconds. Foot on the floor.

"There it is folks, we have funnel formation! Look at that rotation!" She cheered, "It's a great weather day here in Oklahoma! And we are here with yet another top-secret little adventure for you guys. It's still a work in progress and I promise I will tell you all everything very very soon. Just be patient. But for now, let's focus on this twister." She grinned keeping her eyes between the funnel and the road, "and we have Tornado Touchdown!" She called and Sarah whooped, the others screamed over the radio. She just laughed.

She kept her foot on the floor, she knew it was a little rougher than she normally pushed it, but the sooner they got this figured out the sooner this could be over and she could start dispatching smaller teams to start disrupting all the tornadoes. No one would ever get hurt again because of a storm. Or lose a home, a loved one.

"Tornados on the move!" Riley yanks the wheel and turns on the road next to the field that Tyler was currently thundering though like an off roader, his suspension hates him, she just knows it. Storm Par following them, and they make their right turn.

The hail began to worry here, hoping she had enough barrels to kill this thing from the inside.

"Holy shit!" Sarah gasped and Riley whipped her head to look where Sarah was and almost loses control of the warlock when she sees Tyler's truck almost decapitated by a wind turbine propeller.

At least the tornado wasn't strong enough to just tear the thing to pieces, that made her hopeful her experiment would work this time around. And Tyler kept driving so he was fine. But when she looked back she cursed loudly and yanked the wheel to swerve out of the way of all the amateur chasers setting up on the side of the road to watch Tyler and the tornado.

"They're gonna get themselves killed." Riley muttered shaking her head still fighting the warlock and seeing Javi and Kate behind her catching up, their truck now next to Daniel in their tech van. Yanking the radio to her she held down the button. "I don't care what you do, just get them away from you Daniel!"

"But the van-"

"We can get another one! I don't care!" Riley screamed and slammed the radio back down on the dash but it was too late, Daniel couldn't keep them at bay and next thing she knew Kate and her were meeting eyes as the white truck passed the black tank.

Storm Par made a right and so did Riley. Sarah frantically looking and moving her fingers across the tablet in her lap. "Give me a route around them! Now!" Riley barks and Sarah puffed out in frustration.

"I'm trying!"

"Try harder!"

"Here! Turn here!" Sarah pointed to a small road that she would have missed if it hadn't been pointed out. It cut to another diagonal street and Riley could see the intercept.

"Right! Now!"

Riley yanked the wheel and their back tires skid in the mud of the dirt road but didn't get stuck, thank god. "A little more warning next time!"

"I'm going my best here Riles! Left! And just up there, the clearing!" Sarah screamed, her smile growing as they saw it. The field of golden strands of something, Riley honestly couldn't care less. It was there and it was gorgeous.

"Yes! Great job Sarah!"

Riley pushed down on the accelerator. Seeing the Storm par vehicle retreat and drive past her only to park a little farther away.

"No way they're retreating, is something wrong?" Riley saw Javi jump out but not Kate.

"Not our problem right now." Riley pushed it, the Warlock doing it's best to keep traction in the mud. She positioned them right in front of it and slightly to the side, Seeing the updraft they needed. "And launch in 3, 2, 1." Riley hit the switch under her finger meant to blow the seals on the barrels. But it just clicked. Nothing happened. She tried it again.

"Riley..." Sarah trailed off.

"I know. I know." Riley muttered under stress, her teeth tearing holes into her lower lip. Her impatience and frustration won out and she just shook her head. "I'll have to do it manually." She was already out of her harness and hitting the hydraulic latch to open the door. "Stay here! I'll be right back!" Riley yelled over the roar of the tornado. And Sarah just shook her head, undoing her harness and getting out too. Climbing on top of the black barrels and ripping the metal rings off the tops.

"What are you doing! I said to stay-"

"You really don't know me if you think I'm just gonna sit there and watch you possibly die!" Sarah screamed back. The wind was pulling at their clothes harder now, and Riley could feel it getting harder to put her foot down than to lift it up. Her hands shook as her and Sarah worked faster. Once the last one was off, the trailer disconnected, and Dorothy had been activated, Sarah was down holding out a hand for Riley. Who took it and they ran back to the Warlock. Riley pushed Sarah into the vehicle first, her hands searching for purchase on the side of the warlock as she had to use every ounce of her strength to take a single step. An explosion of pain erupted from her right side, the one facing the tornado. Debris getting closer with every second that passes.

She let out a cry and heard Sarah screaming her name. Riley took her hand offered through the vehicle and got herself inside. Doors closing tight.

Riley and Sarah got back in their harnesses as Riley hit the button to drop the trailer and get the hell out of there. Yes, the Warlock could handle intercepts, but she didn't want to play the game of the spikes not working if the rig system wasn't working. Same wires. Just different paths.

When they were back on the road, just out of the path of the tornado, they watched. Shaking, chests heaving, eyes wide to see if it would take it. And when the mass of air took the barrels like taking candy from a baby they both cheered. Grins wide and eyes filled with adrenaline as they both scrambled out of the car. Sarah filming it up close on the tablet. Riley pulling out her phone and snapping some photos.

"Come on. Come on. Slow down. Choke." Riley pleaded, her anxiety sky rocketing as she heard blasting music and started to bite at her bottom lip again. Tasting blood when Tyler drove right into the damn thing. And next thing she knew bright lights were going off inside the storm.

"Fireworks..." Riley muttered, dropping her phone to her side, looking back to Sarah, "Potassium nitrate, oxidizers, we didn't account for those, the chemical reactions that may happen. Sarah...."

"I know." The dark-haired beauty let her shoulders drop. "I'm sorry, Riley."

"Turn off the cameras Sarah." Riley's face dropped into a deadly calm neutral expression. Her eyes terrifyingly blank and Sarah has never done anything faster.

"Fuck!" Riley cursed as she kicked the Warlock, instantly groaning as she grabs her foot. Hopping a step or two before finding her voice, "One word." She doesn't even need to look at Sarah to know the woman is fighting a grin.

"Hey Ty! Look at this! Looks like someone forgot something!" Boone, the self-proclaimed free spirit, pointed off at a trailer still on the ground as they ended their stream. Loaded up with now topless, empty black barrels, and the now empty Dorothy on the very back. Boone didn't notice the way Tyler's face dropped, still too hopped up on adrenaline, "It's pretty nice huh?"

"Yeah. It is." His eyes cut over to the road and his breath caught in his throat, Riley, leaned against the the Warlock, holding her side as her white tank top stained red on the side, her other hand on the roof of the storm chasing vehicle. Her head on Sarah's shoulder, the weight of the slightly taller woman's arm around her shoulder a welcome comfort.

His stomach twisted more and more with each passing second, his feet moved before he could think, and he was running.

Sarah saw him first and frowned heavily at him. She was new, Tyler had never seen her before this chase season and he didn't like how close she was to Riley.

"What happened? Are you okay? You're bleeding!" Tyler, out of breath, stopped a foot away from the two women in front of him. Trying to get even closer but stopping when Riley pulls back and her cheeks are flooded with salt water, eyes streaming the drops like rain. Her slightly damp baby hair clung to her forehead and her nose was bright red.

"Like you care." She spat, "You ruined everything!" She threw an arm at where the tornado once was, "It-it was going to work this time! But then you added in other stuff, and it failed. God you are such an ass! You know that? Just stay away from me Tyler." Riley tries to get back into the Warlock with Sarah's help, but Tyler was in front of them in a second.

"You think I don't care? Are you fucking kidding me Riley?! I see you hurt, of course I'm gonna care!" His words were heated but his eyes shook and he huffed out a breath. "But if you wanna be that way fine. If you wanna act like it was me who walked away fine. I'll play your game, if that's what you really want."

"I want you to leave me alone, Tyler." Riley breathed out, sounding as exhausted as she looked.

"Look, lovebirds, she needs a tetanus shot and stitches so if you'll excuse us I'm not trying to have my best friend bleed out on the side of the road." Sarah's glare was hotter than Riley, the temperature threatening to burn his skin from his bones if he held them up any longer.

He just nodded and left. Shaking his head and working his jaw. Smile forced when he strolled up to the gang. Laughing off their questions about him and Riley. Lilly pushing the farthest.

"I just want to know if she's gonna come back on board. We've been trying to give her space, but we miss her Tyler." Lily's voice lacked any sarcasm or mocking

"She's not Lils. I'm sorry." Tyler breathed and Boone looked between the both of them, twisting comically in the front seat to see both Lilly in the back, Ben next to her. The Brit also looking intrigued about this mystery person they were talking about. Lilly just looked at him like sadly, like she knew something he didn't and it made Tyler shift in his seat.

"Wait, wait, wait... am I hearing this right?" Boone started to grin like a maniac, "Did Riley St. James used to be a tornado wrangler?!"

"She never wanted to wrangle Boone, she wants to kill." Tyler answered without really answering and shut down Ben's questions. Ignoring Lily's look at him in the rearview mirror.

~~*~~ 

[amariaamaris]

Of Spite and Planned Assassinations (Chapter 1)

Oh my gosh, this took me way, way to long to update/add more. Spring finals felt like they came out of nowhere and my summer class piggy-backed onto the tail end of spring. Anyway, for anyone interested this is my wip about Mace Windu being yeeted back in time by the force with zero explanation. I'm also going to be posting on AO3, so after this post - if I remember - I'll be posting chapter updates with a link and a quick little preview. Anyway, that being said here is the whole of chapter 1: Of Ire and Lifedebts.

Mace Windu has two hands.

Two hands that are actively shaking from the after effects of sith lightning.

He’s not on Coruscant… He's not on Coruscant.

Instead, Mace Windu, The Master of the Jedi Order is in the middle of a forest and he has no clue what planet he’s on. He would also appreciate it if his head would stop throbbing as spikes of pain splinter through his brain.

Mace finally, shakily pulls himself to a standing position and slowly takes in his surroundings. Trying to get a better grasp as to where he is and where he should start walking to find some civilization.

He reaches out to the force with a question pressing, projecting outward and junts off his pain, fear, and worry out into the force. All he gets back as an answer is a distinct feeling of amusement and comfort. Much like the creche masters would give an amused and indulgent smile and a slightly humiliating pat on the head to initiates with silly fears. As they are cheerfully reassured that it ‘passes with time’.

An annoyed huff escapes him, “If you don’t wish to give me any answers, can you at least point me to where I need to go?” the force lightly giggles in response and wraps around him with loving warmth. Then in the next moment it pulls away and starts tugging him in a random direction.

He follows, what else is he supposed to do?

Mace gets all of ten steps and a vicious electric aftereffect of the lightning tears through him. Lighting up his nerve endings with harsh, zapping pinpricks and debilitating him to the point that Mace has to tightly grip onto one of the trees.

Mace finally gets back enough wherewithal to feel the force wrap around him, cushioning and supporting him. He forcefully blinks his eyes, willing the black specks out of his vision as he slowly lets go of his grip on the tree. The force lightly brushes against him with a silent apology, he sends back his acceptance and the sense that there is nothing to forgive.

Tuning back into his physical body senses as he starts moving and equally relying on his force senses, very quickly informs Mace that there is a blaster fight happening. In fact, it sounds like a full-blown battle. He pauses upon hearing something massive and slow moving making its way towards the battle. The force continues to insistently tug at him wanting him to go-change-save him-new beginnings-trust. Mace very quickly gets a move on, not feeling in the mood to have the force literally pull him off of his feet in its desperation to get him moving. 

What he comes upon is quite frankly a muddy, chaotically confusing, ruthlessly violent bloodbath. An intense battle between two different mandalorian groups, one in blue and silver and the other group in a myriad of different colors. The force almost violently tugs him towards the group with different colors.

The very group that is clearly pinned down and quickly losing the battle. A soul-deep and exasperated sigh leaves him - he pushes his ire away into a box labeled LATER - as he quickly starts mentally pulling up battle plans to change the tide. It takes him all of a minute to come up with and scrap thirty different plans. Due to him forgetting that Commander Ponds and Lightning Squadron aren’t with him. Until he finally gets to a plan that will work… potentially. It certainly won’t make the mandalorian side's situation he’s wanting to help any worse.

He takes a moment to breathe and pull on the still peace and calm of an untouched lake as he grips his lightsaber. Time seems to freeze as he moves.

From one breath to the next he’s across the battlefield and taking out the massive ion tank before it can even get a shot off. Mace springboards off the tank right up to where a handful of the blue and silver mandalorians are using their jetpacks to try and get a better vantage point.

In a single smooth move, Mace slices through one of the jetpacks and he grapples midair with a different mandalorian. He slams his hand down on the jetpack, ignoring how the heat of it burns his skin and reaches with the force and crumples the mechanism. Then he’s letting go, slamming his foot into the mando’s chest and launching himself at the next one. Force pushing the previous mando into a different one and smoothly turning his attention to the one he’s collided with as other two plummet to the ground.

Sharp pain blooms on his right side where the mando has stabbed him with a vibroblade. Mace impatiently punts the feeling off into the force as he twists and in a clean move relieves the mando of their head. He gets himself space as he rapidly falls towards the hard ground and very roughly slows and catches himself with the force. Carefully holding the side with the blade still lodged within it.

He senses the mandalorians he’s actively helping finally gain ground and reach his position. Everything quickly becomes a blur after that, dodging, parrying, redirecting blaster bolts and slugshots that would have either severely damaged or killed both him and the mandalorians. Then from one moment to the next, the force screams out in his still throbbing head. Mace moves before he’s even fully aware of the action he’s taking. Stopping a blaster bolt from slamming into the back of the neck of the mandalorian with the red cape from one of his own and swiftly relieving the traitor of his forearms.

At this point, many of the blue and silver mandalorians have very swiftly retreated and all that's left are the ones covering the retreat. The traitor stumbles backward and lands on his shebs into the blood and mud.

“Montross!” Mace barely twitches at the name being viciously spat out through the crackle of the buy’ce belonging to the red-caped mandalorian. “Aruetii! How long were you planning this?” The red-caped mandalorian stalks towards the traitor like a nexu on the hunt.

Mace lets his eyes slowly scan around as the rest of the mandalorians with the red-caped leader start to take care of the dead. The quiet hiss of his saber turning off makes a good number of them twitch as he puts it back on his belt. He calmly rips off two large pieces from his cloak and ties one around his torso, just above where the vibroknife is sticking out.

He stays silent as he watches the leader call for some of his men to take this ‘Montross’ away. Not that Mace really catches much of the language, but he gets enough of it to make a strong enough guess. Wrapping his hand around the hilt of the vibroknife, he pauses and slowly breathes in; pulling the force tightly around himself for strength, he quickly rips the blade out as cleaning as it went in. Mace ignores the shocked mutterings of the mandalorians and quickly rips one third of the strip off and folds it. He presses it tightly against the gaping wound and proceeds to use the larger part of the strip and the helping hand of the force to tie it tightly in place.

He just gets done with that when he’s wracked with another after effect of sith lightning. It shreds his shields as it shreds his body's nerve endings. Through sheer spite and strength of will he doesn’t scream out like he’d like and instead a grunt of pain escapes him as his knees give out. Mace could almost taste the sith lightning that seems to be locked within his very veins as his whole body convulses.

His ears ring sharply and loudly as his head goes from throbbing to trying to set itself on fire as it splits apart. Mace is aware enough to hear muffled voices and feel himself being moved, but other than that every single sense is a blur of pain. As the force drowns him in its depths and what’s left of his obliterated shields get washed away by the waves.

Even the pain becomes incredibly distant as the force gently croons to him as it wraps him in its warm healing embrace. Mace gently floats within the ocean of infinity, klicks away from the surface and completely at peace. He vaguely feels his body tingling with pins and needles and muffled yelling. Mace gets the sense that he should be more alarmed than he is at the moment and yet…

He’s tired, past tired and to a level of exhaustion he doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to pull himself out of. He’s been tired since Qui-Gon came back to the temple, leaving his thirteen-year-old padawan in a warzone with parents actively hunting, torturing, and killing their own children. That tired feeling just spread as the years went on into his bones and to the depths of his soul. When the war hit, he was already checked out. Yet, he gave more of himself than he thought he had left and kept giving more.

As he knew many others did the same.

Mace knows intellectually that he’s slipping away, but with the force wrapped around him and carefully leading him deeper into the ocean, he willingly follows. There’s nothing left; the jedi order has fallen and his men are nothing more than flesh droids. He knows that his padawans, his daughters are bound to be dead. Mace takes in one more deep, pained, struggling breath and slowly lets it out on a quiet sigh of release.

And he floats away.

[sotcwcrp]

SECRETS OF THE CLANS, JANUARY OPENING!

In celebration of our January 14th - January 28th opening, we're going to be highlighting each of the clans, to give you a better idea of what they're like / how different they are from the books!

Today's clan is...

Windclan

ART CREDITS: carnationcarnivore on discord!

Among the gorse and heather, you see a dip in the earth, shaped almost as if some starry paw had carved it out of the moor. A great rock stands in its midst, and the figure atop it beckons you forward, into the skies and earth and the warmth of a Clan. Will you follow?

Tread well, traveler; you could very well find your family — your true home — with the breeze-blown cats of the moor.

To be your eyes into Windclan Territory, Shrimpskip a Windclan monarch is here to interview some of his clanmates! Take it away Shrimpskip!

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"Tell me a bit about WindClan territory!"

“Its big!! And so open, or closed depending where you go- you can see the fields of heather or even some nice ponds. And the tunnels are crazyyyy, there’s so many twists and almost identical places it’s sometimes hard to differentiate. I love that I can always see the stars the most about it though!” - Bluebelldancer

WindClan’s territory is spacious and expansive, not only aboveground, but below it. On the surface, the moors are covered in heather, gorse, and more plants than any one cat could ever expect to learn. The sky overhead is wide and, on finer days, makes it feel as if you could run across the territory and never find its end; at night, the stars shine down bright and close enough to brush against your whiskers. Below ground exists another world, carefully carved out and maintained by the Clan’s tunnelers. These tunnels weave below the surface, opening up into caverns and hideaways and cave systems speckled with the shining light of glowworms. 

Whether your paws take you across the moors or into the tunnels, WindClan’s territory is full of beauty and wonder—and a testament to the strength of a Clan that thrives among the elements.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“What's your favorite spot in WindClan territory? Could you tell me a bit about why?”

“I am partial to the moors, for my heart has chosen the path of a moor runner. However, the glowing trail was where I first found myself with the opportunity of finding a new home and meeting my family. It is a place where the stars never cease to shine. A place of dreams and hopes. It is a cavern with a slow stream singing day and night lit up by the glowing blue stars on the ceiling. Of course I will also add a second favorite place, the hillside watch. A place just beyond the borders of our camp, where heather covers the grounds with a purple tint, and where the wind sings melodies as you watch the stars from the high point before it starts sloping down. Truly a place to gaze at the stars, have a chat with another, or wonder about all the questions that have yet to be solved in your mind.” - Stormweaver

Split between the wide open moorlands and the otherworldly views of the tunnels, Windclan has plenty of interesting views for one to witness. Moor runners and tunnelers often have differing opinions on what they believe to be the best view across all of Windclan, but one thing remains consistent: their love for the territory they call home.

What a variety to pick from, after all. Some spots hold a history of powerful triumph over dark times, such as the deep meadow and echoing cavern. Others whisper of times when twolegs were settled just an arch’s crossing nearby, or even dug underneath the earth just as the tunnelers do. Do you enjoy sheep-watching? Sitting atop Outlook Rock at night to watch Silverpelt gleam overhead? Taking a dip in the underground lake? Even the simple comforts of camp can appeal more than what lies outside of it, from the gentle twinkle of the bells which hang from the grand tree on the camp’s outskirts to the milkscent of the kit den. Windclan is home to many, and the unique ways each Windclanners connects to their home is a thing to take pride in.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“What's a favorite memory you have that's taken place on WindClan territory?”

"Well y'know about the magpie fight right? Oh, it was awesome! I decked so many of those birds! My friend Fireflycry was there with me too, that day we were unstoppable. Ha! Those birds will never be coming back, I'll be sure of it!" - Auburnridge

Windclan has had a running rivalry with the local magpie population for going on three years irp! It started from Goosepaw [Now goosefang] being chased into camp by an irate bird. Now was the years have passed the fighting has become more and more intense; until recently an entire flock of magpies descended upon Windclan’s territory and camp! The fighting was intense, but in the end Windclan defeated the legion of birds and sent them packing for another year. If history is to be considered, next newleaf or greenleaf we shall see a return of those pesky birds.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“What's one thing you'd like others to know about WindClan's culture?”

“We have the funnest holidays! The Day of Many Breezes is super cool, we all play games and hang out. We're also always collaborating - I've trained with so many different warriors and it's great to interact with everyone!” - Crabpaw

WindClan's culture is a familial, welcoming one. Many a cat has wandered into the moors and chosen to remain, appreciative of the Clan's hospitality and willingness to care for strangers as if they were one of their own. Outsiders are an important part of the Clan, for it has been Windclan’s willingness to take in strangers and welcome them into its ways that has kept the Clan so open and determined to do right by one another, no matter the differences between them. The openness of the moor and tightness of the tunnels make the close bonds between Clanmates ever more important—who, if not a Clanmate, will literally dig you out of a problem when one occurs? Many a tunneler and moor runner can attest that when something goes wrong, it’s a group effort to fix it. Besides, there are few things better than being welcomed into a "cuddle puddle" of your family, friends, and Clanmates at the end of a long day, when all you want is a warm place to rest your paws. 

WindClan's determination is notable, too! Without the shelter of the trees, WindClan cats have learned to persist even in the worst weather conditions, proud of their enviable proximity to the stars each night. And underground, where the territory is littered with rabbit warrens and badger dens, WindClan learned to make use of these features to provide for the Clan and keep it safe and secure, even in the most dire of circumstances. Adaptability and determination have kept Windclan alive through tough times, but what’s just as important is their refusal to back down from helping each other through it.

Where Windclan is weathered and strong-standing, they are also artists. Song and dance are common ways to show deep love, appreciation, or merely something to brighten one’s day. Tunnelers have perfected the art of communicating with song alone, so it isn’t uncommon to hear melodies echoing far underground. Flowers, rocks gathered from deep underground, and even the more recent addition of magpie feathers can be spotted adorning a Clanmate’s pelt, jewelry woven together from pieces of heather or long blades of grass. 

Another such art that Windclan holds dear to them is storytelling. Given how frequently wanderers come in and out of Windclan, exchanging tales and legends have become a useful passtime for Clanmates to bond through, learn more about each other, and pass on their ways of life by coming together. Stories from those who once resided beyond the Clan, stories from those who have lived their whole life within it, stories to keep kits and wide-eyed apprentices awake at night. All can be found within Windclan, if you know who to ask and where to look. Perhaps you can share tongues with the elders, or perk your ears up at a Clanmate’s tale of monsters who once roared across the thunderpath when you pass them by. With a Clan that is so tightly-knit, word travels fast. 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“What's your opinion on your council?”

“We have been a cohesive and effective team at leading WindClan through the struggles of life. I wonder, were you expecting to find gossip? You will hear nothing but kind words regarding my fellow healers from me; Beetlenose is our collective mentor, knowledgeable and staunch in her values, the others were all mentored by us, and I shall spare you the time to hear about all five, only that they are all kind and proficient healers I am proud to have taught. As for our leader and deputy, Whisperstar cares greatly for all our clanmates... though the moons have weathered his soul, he keeps up with his duties. Shrikestorm is our deputy, though he will be retiring soon. I thank him for all he has done, he has been a reliable and steadfast presence in our council.” - Morningwatcher

WindClan’s council, for all its shifting in size, has carried its Clan through many downfalls and upswings in the passing seasons. Whisperstar sits at the helm of the Clan, having served as leader ever since he was led to the Clan on a many-moon journey by StarClan itself. Don’t let his scarred surface fool you—there’s a reason many cats see Whisperstar as an additional grandparent, and it isn’t just because he’s rather old. Deputy Shrikestorm, though close to retiring, has used his expertise and wisdom to keep WindClan safe and fed ever since his appointment, moons ago. Whoever steps into his place will no doubt have a worthy legacy to uphold in his place. 

The healers, too, have seen WindClan through great strife and great triumph, ensuring the safety of their Clanmates through sickness, wars, and the daily incidents of life on the moors and underground. Their communication with ancestors and those that have departed is essential, even if Windclan’s opinion on the power of Starclan has grown weary over the past few moons. That the entire Council holds great love and appreciation for their Clan is clear—yes, even when the healers are delivering long lectures to unwilling warriors.

[xxchumanixx]

Ohhh I love your writing, cannot wait for you to post something about Anthony ❤️❤️❤️

A lil snippet👀??

Hello love, here you go:

"This cannot be so difficult." Anthony grumbled to himself after yet another debutant failed to fulfill his requests and expectations, being unable to meet the standards he had settled for the future Viscountess Bridgerton. He wasn't looking for love, no, he had decided long ago that he was not destined to a love match, but a proper woman to fill the role of his wife. "How is it possible that one cannot find a fitting lady in a room full of them?" he added, brows furrowing in bewilderment.

You had heard him, cocking a brow, as you moved towards him. "Trouble, Lord Bridgerton?" you asked, coming to a halt beside him with your hands clasped in front of you.

You had known the Viscount for most of your life, but when you returned from France, he seemed to have become someone else.

Anthony flinched, having been pulled from his revere, and he raised his head to see you. He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning you once before straightening his posture. "Yes, quite." he responded with an annoyed roll of his eyes. "A whole ballroom full of debutantes, and there isn’t a single respectable one in the bunch."

"Ouch." you said playfully, putting a hand above your heart.

Anthony's eyes flickered over you, looking you up and down again. There was something about your sarcastic comment that had intrigued him. He watched as you placed a hand against your chest in feigned hurt and his lips tugged upward in a near smirk. "Well, it’s not as though I’ve been shy about what it is I’m expecting from a wife." he replied, his voice laced with dry amusement.  

Your brows twitched. "Well, the whole ton has its own opinions about that." 

Anthony chuckled at that, a half smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. "Yes, it’s rather fascinating exactly what gossip the ton can spread, without having their nose in the midst of my affairs." he said. "And it’s not as though I haven’t been clear enough in what I’m looking for, that I’m not looking for love." he added with a sigh, his eyes looking over you again. 

You chuckled to yourself. "Well, most matches made here are not out of love." you pointed out.

Anthony’s smirk tugged ever so slightly at the corner of his mouth at your response "It’s true, most marriages in the ton are not out of love. Perhaps I should be surprised at my difficulty with finding a match. Most of these ladies are far too young and naive and silly to even understand much of love." he said, his eyes still focused on you, watching intently every move you made. 

You chuckled again. "They are like ducklings thrown into a pond." you said. "They didn't learn how to swim yet, still they are forced to."  

Anthony hummed in agreement, his smirk growing into a full blown smile as he nodded his head. "Exactly that. Their mothers think that because they’re of age, they’ll suddenly find husbands to take care of them. And they’re all the same: sheltered and naïve and foolish." he declared. "The women in this room barely know the difference between love and lust."  

You huffed. "Well, how are they expected to be, if they don't know the concept of either?" you asked, fully aware that most young girls knew much less than you did before they were wed off to some wealthy men. 

Anthony sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You’re right, they don’t know any better. Their mothers have done them a disservice by keeping them from understanding what their purpose is." he says with a shake of his head. "It’s all so silly. Marriage is about duty and family, not love."  

You smile a small smile. "Love can still find a place."  

Anthony’s expression softened as he raised a brow, a scoff leaving his mouth. "I used to believe that, until I realized it was a myth." he said. "All love does is create chaos and heartbreak. It’s easier to focus on duty and family rather than risk the mess that love can bring." he replied, but there was a note of something like sorrow in his voice.  

Your gaze softened as you tilted your head in silent understanding. "It can be rather ironic, can it not?" you asked. 

Anthony looked at you for a moment, taking in the softening of your gaze and the tilt of your head. He could see the understanding in your eyes, and he couldn't help but be slightly impressed by it. "How is it ironic?" he questioned, his expression becoming guarded as he braced himself to hear your response.  

"Love is said to be the greatest feeling of all." you explained. "Yet it can lead to the worst of all, too." 

Anthony’s gaze remained fixed on you as you spoke, his expression becoming thoughtful. He nodded his head in agreement, a small sigh leaving his lips. "Yes, love is said to be the greatest feeling. But you’re right, it can also lead to the worst pain and heartbreak." he mused as he looked out to the ballroom, watching the couples dancing as if they were perfectly happy and in love. "Is it worth the risk, though?" he added quietly, more to himself than to you.  

"It can be." you spoke softly. "If one is brave enough to take it."  

Anthony looked back at you, a look of contemplation crossing his features as he listened to your words. He chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer. "You speak as though you’ve experienced it." he said with a slight tilt of his head, his tone laced with curiosity.  

You smiled softly. "No, not yet." you said. "But my parents were deeply in love."  

Anthony’s mouth twitched, somewhat surprised by your response. He was used to a lot of the ladies in the ton declaring how they hoped to fall in love and be loved by their partner in return, but it was rather refreshing to hear someone say they hadn’t yet experienced it. It further fueled his theory. He was also somewhat caught off guard by your mention of your parents being in love. It was rare to hear of a love match in the ton, and he couldn’t help but wonder about that. "You come from a love match?" he asked curiously.  

You smiled. "Yes." you responded, smile faltering slightly. "My parents were smitten the moment they shared their first dance. But when my mother died, my father's heart was forever broken." 

Anthony’s expression softened, a pang of sympathy tugging at his heart. He could tell there was a hint of sadness in your expression as you told him of your parents’ love and your mother’s death and your father’s heartbreak that resulted from it. He knew the pain of losing a loved one all too well himself. He was silent for a moment, considering his response before speaking again. "I’m sorry for your loss." he said quietly, his voice gentler than before.

"Thank you." you said. "It's been six years now, but my father said he wouldn't do it differently, even if he knew how it ended."  

Anthony listened intently as you spoke of your father’s love for your mother, even after six years since her death. He couldn't help but be somewhat envious of your parents’ love match. He had never experienced that kind of love, but he had seen the effects of it after his father’s death. He was struck by the strength in your father’s words, the conviction that he wouldn’t change his love for your mother, no matter the outcome. "That’s true love, isn’t it?" he murmured softly.  

You nodded. "It is. And it's even rarer than a compliment from the queen herself."  

Anthony chuckled softly at your response, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He found himself strangely drawn to your wit and your understanding in this conversation. He hadn’t expected to find such an engaging companion at this dull event. He couldn’t help but raise a brow at your remark, a teasing glint in his eye. "Is that supposed to be a high form of praise?" he asked, a hint of a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. 

You snorted, covering your mouth with your hand, stifling your laughter.  

Anthony’s smirk grew into a grin at your snort of laughter, the sound of your amusement sending a spark of something warm through him. He found himself slightly amused and even impressed by your unabashed laughter, a stark contrast to the fake giggles and smiles of most of the debutantes in the room. He couldn’t help but tease you further, his eyes still glinting with playful amusement. "I take it that’s a no, then?" he questioned, his voice laced with mirth.  

Your eyes widened, shoulders shaking from the stifled laughter. "Stop it!" you scolded him playfully, still laughing. 

Anthony chuckled heartily, the sound of your laughter only making his own amusement grow. He couldn’t remember the last time he had had such a lighthearted and playful conversation with a member of the ton. It was refreshing and strangely exhilarating. He raised his hands in a gesture of innocence, though his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Stop what?" he asked, his voice laced with feigned innocence, his grin widening as he realized he loved seeing you laugh like this.

You shook your head, trying to stop laughing, biting your cheek, before taking a deep breath. "Don't-" you were interrupted by another snort of laughter. You turned away from him for a brief moment, calming yourself with a hand pressed over your chest. When you turned back around, you had tears in your eyes from laughing. "You know exactly what I mean, my lord." you said breathlessly. 

Anthony’s grin widened further as he watched you struggle to contain your laughter, his own eyes glinting with amusement. He found it utterly adorable that he could reduce you to a fit of laughter so easily. As you turned back around, your eyes still shining with tears from laughing so hard, he couldn’t help but smirk. "Oh, do I?" he teased, his voice laced with mock surprise. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he was enjoying every moment of it.  

You shook your head, taking a deep breath. "Oh my, some would consider me unheard for laughing so much." 

Anthony chuckled, his smirk softening into a small smile. He couldn’t help but find your carefree attitude and infectious laughter refreshing. Most of the ladies he encountered in the ton were all too poised and proper, always concerned with their reputation and decorum. But here you were, laughing without a care in the world. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of humor in his eyes. "Would they, now?" he questioned, his voice still laced with amusement.  

You wanted to respond something, when another lord stopped in front of you. "Miss Barton, would you give me the honor to have this next dance with you?" he asked, curtsying. You curtsied in return, sending him a fake smile. "Of course, Lord Pendale." You shot Anthony an apologetic look, as the lord walked you to the dance floor.  

Anthony watched with irritation as Lord Pendale approached you and requested a dance. He had been thoroughly enjoying your lighthearted conversation and infectious laughter, and the interruption by this newcomer was unwelcome. He clenched his jaw, trying to quell the envious feeling that bubbled within him as he watched you walk away with the other lord. Yet, despite his irritation, he couldn’t help but notice your apologetic look as you glanced back at him. He simply nodded slightly in acknowledgment; his expression guarded as he watched you take your place on the dance floor.

Is this going to be a series?

Hell yes it is!