#they have different ways to show it some are tougher and some are softer but at the core they are all good people

[idiosyncraticrednebula]

Almost all of the "criticism" (i.e., hatred, bashing) thrown at Disney Princesses comes directly from a fundamental misunderstanding, misinterpretation and misreading of the core message of their stories and their respective characters and journeys.

[beevean]

Some ideas on how I'd personally write Lenore. for future reference?

We keep the trait that she's the black sheep of the sisters, who don't take her and her job seriously. Maybe they don't even speak to her often, judging by Striga's ill-fitting jab about her supposed "romantic" nature. Perhaps we could see her act in different ways, tougher in the council and softer with Hector. This establishes her as a seasoned liar: we never know if she's sincere or not.

Unlike Hector, who seemed to be blissfully unaware of how much Dracula and Isaac looked down on him, Lenore is more than aware of being seen as "weird" and "weak". However, she prides herself on being needed, as a balance for the others.

We also keep that she is "compassionate" towards animals (and humans), and that she has experienced war as a child, which left her with a desire to be a benevolent ruler.

tl;dr: she is superficially kind, but has no empathy, and her priority is the council's wellbeing and desires. She and Hector share this trait of very misguided, ultimately selfish mercy. He needs love, she needs to feel good about herself.

We emphasize the implication that she clings on her humanity. She's shown eating food despite not needing it (maybe she feels ill?), she insists on the importance of diplomacy and how violence and conquest should be last resorts, and she seems fascinated by human culture, in the same way Hector is fascinated by vampire culture. However, she also comes off as condescending - think Rose Quartz when flirting with Greg.

(bonus: she struggles with her vampiric instincts. Show her resisting the temptation to bite Hector, not wanting to frighten him. Show her resisting the dark thoughts that he's nothing but meat to devour and a warm body to fuck.)

Hector falls for her diplomacy because she is (seems) genuinely kind. She's apologetic for his conditions, she seems really eager to help him as much as she can. She's not smug at all, although she points out the holes in Dracula's logic and tries her best to paint Carmilla as a better mistress. No pet play. When Hector attacks her, she does her stunt of leaving him alone for a week then acting scared around him, to make him feel guilty and dependant on her. In short: her manipulation is more emotional, and it hits Hector's weak spot, his need to be loved.

No rape. They never have sex. Lenore slips that ring as they're talking, and Hector accepts of his own volition to be loyal to her. He still feels betrayed, though, as that act confirms he'd been played again and Lenore is no different than Carmilla. Even worse if Lenore goes to gloat about her victory to the sisters in that "cruel vampire" way, bonus if we keep the "the real people are talking" line. She apologizes for speaking about him so rudely in private, but at that point he refuses to listen to her.

Their interactions at the beginning of S4 are awkward. Lenore tries to be friendly and even jokey (not in that childish "penis jokes" way), but Hector acts exaggeratedly professional, calls her "mistress" and is clear that he's full of resentment. Lenore is frustrated and asks what more does he want. Hector refuses to answer. No more will he shown weakness. Bonus if he makes a cruel joke asking when she's going to fuck him, since clearly he's nothing more than a toy. (to be fair, being the only man in the clutches of predatory women could put some fears in his mind... especially if he was abused as a child.)

Lenore's love language is being clingy and possessive. She won't leave Hector alone. She genuinely thinks that tying someone to you is showing care for that someone, much like Carmilla did. She's growing fond of Hector, his wit and his knowledge on black magic, and she doesn't understand why her affection isn't reciprocated. She's treating him well, isn't she? Why is he so moody?

We keep Lenore's fears about growing useless in Carmilla's big, insane scheme. Finally, she opens up about her worries to Hector, and this is what makes him warm up to her. He understands that she only acted out of loyalty, but now they're in a similar position: he understands, on his own, that it's no so different from his position as the unfavorite in Dracula's court. It's not enough to become friends, but the two now can at least be civil towards each other. They're the first to do so. Maybe Hector opens up himself about his past and how he now feels about Dracula.

When Isaac attacks the castle (Hector did not participate in that stupid plan to revive Dracula), Hector and Lenore decide to go stop Carmilla together. However, Lenore still wants to reason with her. Hector wants to kill her 🙂 he and Isaac do so. Whether Carmilla kills herself or not is honestly irrelevant at this point, but she's dead and Lenore, once again, feels powerless. Hector cutting his own finger hurts her even more: she wants to see it as him gaining the freedom he deserves, but her vampiric instincts tell her that it's him refusing to be with her.

When she effectively becomes Isaac's captive, she starts to understand why Hector never grew fond of her; she could never love that bastard who stole her home and destroyed her existence. She's horrified at the realization. She knew that she had to hurt Hector to give the sisters what they asked of her, but she understands that not only it was worse than she imagined... it was all for nothing. They never cared about her. She starts to wonder if she could ever be a good person.

The suicide scene is kept, but it's clear that it's because Lenore feels terrible about herself and her own nature, nothing about not wanting to be in a cage since in theory she could just wait for Isaac to die. When she suns herself, she dies horrifically just like Dracula did - behind her prettiness and good intentions, she really was nothing but a vampire at her core.

bonus: Hector, who has learned to appreciate his own humanity more, decides to travel and meet more people, so that he won't resort to beg for scraps of kindness anymore.

[youremyheaven]

hiii your explanations are so succinct and easy to spot. may i ask from your pov what the difference is between SD, FN and SN? like, i have a really hard time telling them apart on not extremely athletic or curvy women & i wonder if you could give some examples & what the main visual cues could be?

Moderate sized people are harder to type, I agree. The people who are easiest to type are those who are extreme examples of their own ID. But since there's 8 billion people on this planet, there's going to be a lot of variety and diversity and people who look like a mix of several things.

The easiest way to identify a Natural type (SN or FN) is by looking for width. Now "width" is the most misunderstood Kibbe term of all time. But it's really not that complicated at all.

(Left: Julia Roberts, verified FN

Right: Kat Dennings, verified SN)

Both these women are Natural types and when you look at them, you do not register them as "curvy". You just see their frame. They do not look "voluptuous" in any way. Nothing on their body stands out. Not their breasts or their hips. Especially with Kat, who is known for having a large bust, you can't see them at all in the above dress.

However, while Julia looks visibly tall and "strong" with her shoulders, arms and body, Kat looks more soft and visibly shorter. They are FN and SN respectively.

(Left: Jennifer Lawrence, verified FN

Right: Sofia Vergara, verified SD)

Compare these two looks. Both of them are wearing strapless gowns that show no cleavage. Yet, you can just tell that Sofia is voluptuous. By looking at her body, even when its fully covered, Sofia's breasts and hips are very pronounced and prominent. This is what is meant by "double curve" or "curve accomodation". Her body's structure itself is curved so its visible through her outfit.

Whereas with JLaw, even though she has a moderately big bust, you cant really tell with this outfit. Again, nothing on her body stands out in any way. You can only see her frame.

(Left: Jane Fonda, verified SN

Right: Brooke Shields, verified FN)

Again, the shape of their body does not stand out in these form fitting dresses. Their mid-section looks "wide"; they do not have a small defined waist. They are both Naturals. However Jane looks shorter and "softer" than Brooke, hence she's an SN. Brooke has strong shoulders, arms and visibly looks very tall and strong. She has a typical supermodel build. She is an FN.

now lets compare these two

Christina Hendricks is a verified SD & ScarJo is a verified SN

Even though both of them have covered their bust, its very obvious with Christina that she has big breasts. The shape of her bust and hips stands out, accentuated by her small defined waist.

Meanwhile with ScarJo, nothing on her body stands out and you cant really tell that she's busty.

There are many Natural types who have big breasts but you can't tell they do unless they go out of their way to show some cleavage. A curve dominant type (R/TR/SD) does not have to do this because their curves break the line of their frame and are thus, very prominent.

when she shows cleavage, its apparent that ScarJo has big breasts but when she doesn't, you can't tell at all if she has big breasts or not.

(L to R)

Doris Day, verified SN

Cameron Diaz, verified FN

Anita Ekberg, verified SD

by looking at their faces you can tell that they all give off very different vibes.

Doris has a very sweet harmonious face where no individual feature stands out. She looks like the nice girl in class who you could borrow a pen from.

Cameron has a more badass-esque look, so she looks tougher than Doris. All her features are very balanced tho. She looks like a model or like someone who you could cast in an action movie.

Anita has a bigger nose and lips, long eye shape, a strong jaw. All her features are slightly bigger, sharper and more prominent. She looks like she's about to seduce you. She also looks older and more womanly.

Doris has Natural, Classic essence

Cameron has Romantic, Natural & Classic essence

Anita has Romantic & Dramatic essence

[raincitygirl76]

I knew that Claudia Black (the Australian actor who played Aeryn Sun on Farscape) had gotten divorced. I had not known about her C-PTSD or her custody battle. But she is a terrific actor who should be more widely recognized. And who I already knew had had some bad luck in terms of casting.

Regrettably, the contracts of Farscape’s Australian actors (I.e. most of the cast, since it was an American show shot in Sydney) did not include American residuals. Only imported American actors like Ben Browder who were members of SAG-AFTRA got residuals. Which is a damn shame, because the show ran 1999-2003. In the 2000s, syndicated reruns were still a good way for actors to get some financial stability courtesy of residuals from past work.

After moving to America following the end of Farscape, Black was cast in a recurring role on a big network show, as the ex-wife of Damian Lewis’s star character Charlie Crews on “Life”, which aired 2007-2009. She appeared as Jennifer in the pilot episode and some ads. But Black’s role was recast (and her scenes in the pilot episode reshot with a new actor) because in between the shooting of the pilot and production of the first season, Black had become pregnant.

It was a shame she lost that role, particularly since the actor they cast in her place didn’t have nearly as much charisma. Also because Jennifer is remarried with kids in the pilot episode, so it wouldn’t have been particularly difficult to write Jennifer as pregnant again by her second husband.

Jennifer was someone Charlie was still carrying a torch for a decade after their divorce. She should’ve been compelling. But the chemistry between Damian Lewis and the replacement Jennifer just wasn’t there, so it was sometimes hard to understand why Charlie was so nuts over her. Judging by Black’s accidental appearance in some ads for “Life”, she had envisioned and played Jennifer as a significantly tougher character than the replacement actor did.

Now, making Jennifer “softer” was probably the showrunner’s idea, rather than the fault of the replacement actor. Presumably she played Jennifer as she was directed to. But particularly in Season 2, when Jennifer’s role expands, the lack of chemistry between Damian Lewis and the replacement Jennifer had me wishing for a spikier version. Like the Jennifer we’d briefly glimpsed from footage of Claudia Black in early ads for the show.

Maybe the showrunner wanted Jennifer softer, and Claudia Black’s pregnancy was the excuse he needed to axe her and hire someone else to play the role differently. But it always seemed like a shame to me. In most industries, firing someone because they’re pregnant would be grounds for a lawsuit. Apparently in Hollywood it’s de rigeur.

Note that in “The Night Manager”, a British miniseries which aired in 2016, Olivia Colman was visibly pregnant with her third child. She played a prominent role in the series in spite of her pregnancy. Apparently the character had not been pregnant in John le Carre’s book (which I haven’t read).

But then, “The Night Manager” was directed by a woman, Danish director Susanne Bier. As a woman, and a mother of 2 kids herself, presumably Bier realized pregnancy wouldn’t sap Colman’s thespian powers. The male show runners of “Life” evidently felt differently in 2007.

For every Olivia Colman out there (a working actor whose career suddenly goes stratospheric when she’s approaching 40), there are probably a hundred Claudia Blacks. Excellent working actors whose careers start to wane as they’re approaching 40, and continue to wane as they’re approaching 50. And not because they’ve suddenly lost their talent. Hollywood is just fixated on youth.

[emyluwinter]

Warm socks.

Yuu warns in the chat of the gang of first-year students that it will be cold at night when they gathered together to spend the night in Onboro.

In Yuu and Grimm's room, the boys took out mattresses from neighboring rooms and collected blankets and pillows. Having arranged a warm soft kingdom. Epel puts on warm socks already in the room.

- Are these socks from your grandma Epel? - Ace began to laugh, looking at how the Pomfiore student furiously removes the thin "elegant" socks he wore in his dorm.

- Yes!They are my favorites!! They're fluffy. Long and very comfortable. Not the ones that the headman ordered me to wear. - Epel proudly declared stretching his legs and showing hand-knitted socks.

- Oh, they look more like gaiters. - Yuu looks at them curiously. Grimm, on the other hand, climbed onto Epel's legs with interest. He didn't mind at all. They are already used to Grimm walking around them like a smug cat.

Grimm tried in every possible way to try the material of Epel's socks with his paw.

- Yuu's legs are softer than yours Epel. You're hard as a rock!

Everyone immediately looks at the confused Yuu.

-.....what?why are you looking at me like that?

Epel looks at her feet then looks at Yuu's feet. And very carefully pokes his little finger into their calf. Because first of all, though he is a curious Gremlin. But still well-mannered.

- DAMN IT. REALLY SOFT!! - Epel in surprise switched to his native dialect that almost no one understood him.

Ace joins in and also pokes Yuu's calves with his little finger. He is also interested in finding out whether it is true or not.

- What?! Do you have cotton wool instead of muscles?!

Everyone immediately checks how hard the muscles are on everyone's feet.

Ace is a basketball club.

Deuce and Jack - athletics club.

Epel - Magift Club

Sobek is an equestrian club.

Of course they will have tougher muscles!!!!

Yuu angrily looking at them and puffing out his cheeks - damn sportswomen....Yes. I'm soft to the touch, what's the problem?

As a result, Ace was beaten with a pillow because he tried to use Yuu's legs as his personal pillow.

There was also a "small" contest about which socks someone has.

Epel warm knitted leggings above the knee from his beloved granny. With a wide binding and plain. Yuu remembered that it is worth giving an Epel with some kind of "cool" pattern.

Ace is wearing plain socks with the logo of his favorite basketball team.

Deuce warm cheap socks with white polka dots and chickens from his mom.

Deuce wore them so often that when he took off his slippers and everyone saw this monstrous hole on his finger and heel. Yuu took out a sewing kit without further ado. And they taught Deuce how to make an inconspicuous seam on his socks.

The boys are very impressed with Yuu's "talent and experience" in fixing things. In general, any.

Ace joked about Deuce that he now has "rivals" for repairs.

Jack - warm socks made of Pyroxenes specially sewn for beastmen to regulate their temperature. I think that beastmen like Jack have a higher temperature and it is vital for them to select the right materials for clothing.

Sebek - branded socks from Thorn Valley from his mom. With a beautiful pattern of thorns. And very high-quality material. There is a couple with a funny animated dragon - a gift from Lilia.

Sebek told Yuu for 15 minutes that the Thorn Valley was also famous for its fabrics and threads.

When it's the turn to Yuu ...

well....

the boys are discouraged to put it mildly.

Warm leggings are almost above the hip. On the left leg in a wide vertical stripe like a Grimm ribbon. On the right there are several "cat tracks" on the thigh and a large imprint on the heel.

Sebek was completely confused because they are different.

- Human! Couldn't you find a pair for this??

- But there are no rules to wear the same socks. If I want different, I will wear different.

Ace, Deuce and Epel - if our headman had seen this, he would have strangled you with a look.

Of course, Ace and Epel wore different socks on purpose for the next week, counting how long their headman would notice this detail.

Yuu just prays that neither Riddle nor Vil will find out that it's their fault. They will have to lock themselves up in Onboro until old age in order to survive and not get reprimanded by these two.

Ace - you look like such a serious Prefect. But you have details even more chaotic than Floyd's..

Yuu grinned and smiled maliciously - said the one who stole the hedgehog from his dorm.

Ace is exhausted, parrying the accusation - I didn't steal it!!He got into my bag and fell asleep!!

[ramim]

My thoughts on the whole pregnancy dilemma:

(i mean the whole Rhysie keeping secret thing)

So first of all let me say this: " I believe every person must have a say and choice about their body and it's everyone's right to be aware of their mental or physical health condition"

This said, I believe that Rhys's course of actions can be seen in many different ways, not just the 'Rhys has no respect for Feyre and Feyre's choice" way!

I am an understanding person by nature so when it comes to people choices, I often put myself in their shoes to understand their reasoning and while Rhys is obviously a fictional person, I still believe we must view his actions fairly and with no rash judgment. So these are my understandings when I put myself in Rhysan's shoes:

By hiding the "pregnancy issue" from Feyre, Rhys proved that he underestimates Feyre's mental capacity! But not in the way you probably think.

Feyre has shown over and over that she can face death fiercely and bravely! Even though she might be afraid of death, she doesn't quiver nor back down! So why after seeing Feyre's bravery so many times, Rhys still thought she wouldn't be able to handle the news of her upcoming demise? I tell ya! Because it wasn't just her upcoming demise!

It was after Rhys sacrificing his life to mend the cauldron that Feysand made the bargain to die with eachother.

Feyre's death, actively means Rhysan's death.

The timing of their "dying together deal" shows that either one of them is unable to bear the other's death.

I believe Rhys hid the truth behind Feyre's pregnancy not because he didn't respect Feyre's choice regarding her body or even her right to be aware of her upcoming death, but rather because he underestimated Feyre's ability to face her mate's death.

It believe Rhys underestimated Feyre's mental capability to accept that Rhys might die as well, because we all know that Feyre can deal with her own death just alright.

I believe Rhys was projecting his own fears and inability to deal with news, to Feyre. He believed Feyre would react the same way he had...even though I believe Feyre is the more level headed one.

I also believe that Rhys was going through too much at the time to be reasonable or something; remember that he is a high lord that was absent from his court for 50 years and not even a year after he came back, he faced a war which in he almost lost everything and he is about to face another war with a god who is conveniently deathless and is more powerful that both the weaver and the bone carver (who were powerful enough to scare Rhys).

I think all the above were why Feyre fargave Rhys so easily, after all their death means that they didn't have much time left to be tougher!

All the above make me see Rhys's actions in a...softer way! But ofc I still want to kick his ass for threatening Nesta's life, there was no fucking reason for that!!

P.s: also I like to remind you all that I don't particularly like or dislike Rhys...so these are just some musings, not taking his side

[terrence-silver]

If terry had a daughter I think she would take after her father and orchestrate the entire cobra Kai gang war just for her amusement and using the amazing acting skills from her father to play both sides

― She does whatever she wants, however she wants; the world has been her oyster since day one. She's beautiful. She's rich. She's privileged. She's a teenage heartthrob. She attends private universities. She is studious and disciplined where it matters the most. Drives expensive cars galore or has a chauffeur all of her own. Wears the most lavish clothes. Has her pick of romantic interests and friends (creatures) she discards and uses with impunity and guess what, sometimes, Little Miss Silver gets awfully bored in her ivory princess tower.

― She sees the whole Valley Karate Gang war as her elaborate amusement. A clown show. A circus act she can direct for herself as much as her dad. Of course she wont get in trouble. She's Terry Silver's daughter. She's a college valedictorian, for crying out loud! She's a star pupil! A grade student who's due to study at the Sorbonne, don’t you know! Probably has a posse of people protecting her, even though she can very well protect herself (a lady doesn't have to), both with fists and her fake crocodile tears. She doesn't believe in a cause. She just believes in mischief.

― Probably views the other students in Cobra Kai as underlings. Riff raff. This is her father's revenue (one of countless others) and school, they're just paying pawns in it. No different than the exercise machines, the props and the furniture. The Miyagi Do are laughable. Eagle Fang is also laughable. All the participants in it are also laughable. She learned from her father directly and any other high end, private tutor Sensei imported from overseas and for that reason, she fancies herself as an elite student, with elite privileges. Elite knowledge compared to others.

― Much like her father, seeing as she took after him --- she's devoted to very few. Loyal to only a handful who she personally chose and deemed worthy of such alliances, and that is undoubtedly her family and whoever else she might care for on a personal level. But, those she is genuinely devoted to, she would absolutely walk through fire and flames for and showcase a fierce dedication way past her years. She's on some bonds for life, oaths until death level of fealty and none of it is fake; she really means it. She takes such things very seriously. Gets frightening angry if it isn't reciprocated.

― Again, since you mentioned she is far more like her father than her mother, I see her as fiercely protective of her perhaps softer, more mellow mother (namely, Beloved). Her mother isn't a Silver by blood; only marriage. She doesn't have that Silver hereditary attitude and might be deemed a bit meek inside of her own family, in comparison. She's not a Cobra, even if she lives with Cobras, mated with a Cobra and birthed Cobras. She needs someone to stick up for her once in a while, and that is undoubtedly her own tooth and nails strong daughter.

― Same goes for her siblings, of any gender, age group, younger, older, tougher, sweeter, it doesn't matter. Nepotism is ingrained in this child since birth. Our kind stick together. Ruling class galore. Head in the clouds. Haughty and proud (yet, able to play at fake humbleness immaculately if need be). A Silver watches another Silver's back even when a Silver doesn't agree with another Silver. Cross one Silver you've crossed all the Silvers. She's intelligent about how she retaliates too. Absolute social destruction of her foes and maneuvering things from behind the scenes is her thing. That’s how a lady does it.

― Overly-intense. Again, way past her years. I think, or at least I headcanon and imagine she'd say and do the darnedest things, that just verge of uncanny and creepy. Concerning. If she tells you to climb that dangerous cliffside to fetch her that rare flower perched on top of the cenote, you will do it, or you just don't care about her enough and now she's sad. What will her papa say? Or if she tells you to cut the palm of your hand for her, you will and you'll say thank you very much. Shes very convincing and she'll bat her eyes until what she wants is done.

― But, other than that; she is a wondergirl, I imagine. Well dressed. Prim. Immaculate reputation. Everyone's envy. Teacher's pet. The leader of a sorority. A champion of fine etiquette. Excelling in every extracurricular (either through bribery or merit). Talented. Cultured. So very polite. So darling and articulate. A real doll. Almost like she's from another era and clearly old money. Hard not to like her and be somewhat haunted by this unnaturally perfect kid who truly, beneath her sunshine and rainbows facade loves her family and only her family. Everyone else might as well drop dead and burn.

― If I had to give her a faceclaim, I'd probably use a Elizabeth Taylor as a child, because tell me nobody is getting Terry vibes deep down;

[witcher-and-his-bard-archive]

All Dressed Up (And Nowhere To Go)

Pairing: Geralt x Jaskier Warning(s): just your regular smut  Rating: explicit

Summary:  Things haven't been perfect since Geralt and Jaskier reunited after the mountain, but Jaskier suspects he knows why and he's determined to fix it.

on ao3

the italics didn’t transfer properly to tumblr (🙄) so for best reading experience, follow the ao3 link <3

Six months. Six months since that memorable day when Geralt showed up in his audience. Six months since his apology. Six months since Jaskier had pulled him aside and forced him to talk things through. Six months since their reconciliation.

Six months and more tension crammed into that time than any man deserves in his life. And things are good between them, very good. Maybe the best they've been since the incident in Cintra now that everything is out in the open and steps are being taken to consider each other more carefully. So Jaskier can't figure out what the problem is between them, but he'll be damned if he's not going to solve it.

He's tried talking about Ciri, but that seems to be going quite well and he's even brought up Yen, but she and Geralt are working on things for Ciri's sake. Their personal relationship seems to have been set aside, but Geralt is okay with that.

The only remaining things are Geralt's family and him and since winter was some time ago now he doubts it’s the other Witchers. So. It must be him. But Geralt has been different since their reunion, softer and more forgiving than before, so he doubts Geralt is upset with him. Which only leaves one option. One that makes his heart beat quicker and his mouth go dry. One that feels altogether like he should be imagining it, but what if he's not? He has to try.

So, Jaskier keeps an ear out for new contracts until he finds one he knows Geralt won't pass up. He goes to town ahead of him and waits until, as expected, Geralt shows up a couple of days later. Jaskier keeps an eye on him but stays out of the way until Geralt heads out for the hunt, then he puts his plan into action.

- - - - -

Geralt's exhausted. The graveir had proved to be tougher than expected and his right shoulder aches from a bad swing. He wishes he hadn't turned down Jaskier's offer to accompany him to Novigrad because he might still be with him now and Geralt sorely misses him. But things are good - or they will be, they're working through it and he doesn't want to push too hard too early.

But Melitele, what he wouldn't do for one of Jaskier's massages right now. Or just to have him fuss over him in the bath like he used to. Or, fuck. Even just to listen to him sing while he bathes and stretches out the aches and pains. They'll see each other soon enough, probably, but every time they part, there's a small part of him that wonders if this will be the time Jaskier doesn't return. He couldn't blame him for it, after the things he said before, but he'd still be devastated to lose him like that again. And despite being much better, things haven't been perfect since their reunion.

There's a block of some sort that they can't seem to pass - or maybe it's just his imagination, but it's so persistent he can practically feel it in the room with them. They have talked at length about their problems in the past, Geralt has apologized as well as he can and Jaskier had accepted that with the condition that Geralt continues to try. And he will, as Jaskier promised to do as well; they'll keep working at it until it's good again, maybe even better. But something is still in the way.

Geralt sighs as he heaves himself up the stairs, already eyeing the door of his room. He could use a damn good nap, but thinking about Jaskier has him feeling otherwise. He crosses the landing, shoving a hand against the door and leaning on it more than pushing it open, but as soon as he's inside, he stops dead in his tracks. The door bumps his hip on its way shut and he barely shifts to let it fall closed behind him.

In his bed, wearing nothing but a feathered hat and ankle-length jacket is Jaskier.

Geralt's eyes dart from his bare chest up to his face before sliding lower again and he struggles to take it all in at once. Jaskier's hair was longer when they first reunited, but he's got dark stubble covering his jawline and that hat does something to him that it really shouldn't.

Before he even realizes he's moving, Geralt's shucked his swords and he's halfway across the room. He bends down, hauling Jaskier into his arms and barely sees the flash of a smile before Jaskier's kissing him, soft and deep with both hands on his face. Geralt shifts as surprisingly strong thighs wind around his waist and he adjusts his arms to hold Jaskier tighter, reaching up to brush a hand through his hair.

Jaskier shifts in his arms and the jacket slides against his skin, smooth and silky on the inside and he hums against Jaskier's lips. This… feels right. This feels like coming home and he can't even find the words to express himself, to tell Jaskier the magnitude of his emotions. He deepens the kiss, slipping his hands to Jaskier's thighs to hold him as Jaskier shifts.

He breaks the kiss but his mouth only briefly leaves Geralt's skin, slipping down to his jaw and what little of his neck is exposed while his fingers seek out the clasps of Geralt's armour. He's gotten him out of it more times than Geralt knows, either because he's been too weak or injured to do it himself or just because he liked the help. A pang of guilt distracts him for a moment, a reminder of how he once took him for granted, but Jaskier's mouth finds his own again and he forgets about it.

It doesn't take Jaskier long to undress him and Geralt has to kick the pieces out of the way to keep from tripping on them. He huffs a soft laugh as Jaskier's fingers immediately drop to his waistband, unbuttoning his trousers and tugging his shirt free. He gets his hands on his bare skin and hums as he slides up his chest, fingers tangling in his chest hair before returning to his task of getting Geralt out of his clothes.

Geralt drops him down on the bed, reaching to push down his trousers, but Jaskier stops him. He's got his bottom lip trapped between his teeth, looking up at him with dark eyes and Geralt couldn't deny him anything in the world. When Jaskier softly asks let me? Geralt drops his hands to his sides.

Jaskier's hand finds the back of his neck, pulling him down again and Geralt doesn't protest, shifting to kneel over him. Jaskier draws him into another kiss before even touching his trousers, hands sliding up and down his sides.

When he finally slips his hands down, sliding Geralt's trousers over the swell of his ass, he draws him into another kiss, nipping at his lips. Geralt shuffles to kick his boots off and Jaskier is pulling him back against him before Geralt's trousers are even off of him. He huffs a laugh, but Jaskier seems unconcerned, happy enough to kiss him and tangle his fingers in his hair.

But Geralt has been waiting for this opportunity for longer than he can truly remember. Jaskier's chest is covered in a thick thatch of hair and Geralt has spent far too many summer afternoons longing to run his fingers through that hair. He presses his nose into it now, inhaling Jaskier's scent and humming against him. He licks his nipples, wrapping his lips around each of them and delighting in the soft little moans he gets in response. Jaskier is incredibly responsive, more so than anyone he's been with, and his skin prickles with every little moan and whine out of him. It only makes him more eager to please, to hear more of those sounds.

He slips lower, dragging his lips down toward Jaskier's navel. He presses his palm to his thigh, his thumb just sliding against the crease of his hip and Jaskier rises into the touch. He's got his head thrown back, lip between his teeth again, and Geralt is feeling like he's burning apart seeing him like this and he hasn't even touched his cock.

Part of him is afraid to, afraid that if he gets what he really wants, that this will prove to be a dream and Jaskier will be gone again. So he nips and sucks at his hips, fingers slipping closer and closer but never touching his cock, even when Jaskier whines and pushes against him. But Geralt can only hold out for so long and his own cock is aching beneath him, desperate for any relief, but he doesn't even dare press against the mattress lest this be over before it starts.

He lifts his head, watching the way Jaskier squirms, hat tipped forward over his forehead as Geralt's fingers press into his skin. He's stunning, truly beautiful like this and he wonders if all the others who have shared his bed have taken the time to appreciate him the way he deserves. Unlikely, he thinks sadly. With a soft hum, Geralt noses at his stomach, following the thin trail of hair down to where his cock sits against his hip.

He brushes his lips against him and Jaskier whines, shudders beneath him but doesn't push even a little. He lays still, chest rising quickly with each anticipating breath, and when Geralt's mouth finally slides up to the head of his cock, wrapping loosely around him, Jaskier curls in on himself.

He lets out a low whine before extending himself again and Geralt sinks lower, sealing his lips around him. He licks the pre-come from the head of his cock and sucks at it. It's been ages since he's had another cock in his mouth, but he lets Jaskier's sounds and movements guide him. He hums around him, working him over thoroughly before pulling up to look at him again.

Jaskier's got the hat pulled all the way down over his face, holding it there as he groans and bucks beneath Geralt's ministrations. Geralt pushes a hand up his chest and Jaskier groans, reaching for him and curling his fingers around his. It stirs something in Geralt's chest and he pulls off of Jaskier's cock, kissing his way up his chest before tipping the hat up and finding his mouth again.

Jaskier's free hand slips into his hair and he kisses back furiously, moaning softly between his lips. Jaskier quickly overpowers him, rolling him onto his back and sliding a hand down his stomach. He teases the head of Geralt's cock with his fingertips before breaking the kiss and pulling away.

"Mm, I wasn't finished with you," Geralt mumbles but Jaskier just huffs a laugh and leans back in for one quick kiss before shifting down the bed.

He pushes Geralt's trousers all the way down and tugs off his boots, leaving them in a pile at the end of the bed before sliding his hands up his thighs and smiling down at him. He readjusts the hat on his head and moves to take it off, but Geralt reaches up before he can think, wrapping his fingers around Jaskier's wrist.

"Leave it on?"

"Anything you want, darling."

Jaskier's eyes flash dark and he dips down, mouthing at the centre of Geralt's chest. He lets his teeth graze his skin and Geralt sighs, shifting so he can wrap a hand around the back of Jaskier's neck. He slips his fingers through the loose locks of hair, wrapping it around his fingers as Jaskier nips and sucks at his chest, hands firmly pressed against his sides. Like this, with Jaskier's hair brushing his shoulders, Geralt thinks he knows why Jaskier liked washing his hair so much. He likes the feel of it through his fingers, likes the thought of doing something for Jaskier not because Jaskier needs it, but because Geralt can offer.

"After," he hums, tugging a little unintentionally as Jaskier's mouth wraps around his nipple, "could I wash your hair for you?"

"Geralt, my sweet, I would be delighted. But let me take care of you for a little while, hm?" He flicks his tongue against his nipple again before moving lower and Geralt shuts his eyes.

He pushes his fingers further into Jaskier's hair, dislodging the hat a little, but wants as much of him as possible, wants to hold him as close as he can for as long as he can. Six months seems like an eternity walking on eggshells around each other, but he's wanted this for so much longer than six months. Wanted Jaskier from that first moment in Posada where he strolled right up and made himself at home. From when Geralt told him in no uncertain terms that they were separating now and Jaskier told him no.

Jaskier's mouth around his cock draws him from his thoughts and Geralt bucks against him, arching off the bed. He thrusts shallowly into the wet heat, lips parted and head thrown back as he groans softly. Jaskier's hand settles on his hips to steady him, but it doesn't keep his hips from twitching, jerking up into his mouth. He's careful not to push too hard, but he wants this, wants it more than he should.

"Jask-" he pants, "Jaskier please."

Jaskier sinks down on him again, slipping a hand down to cup Geralt's balls. He rolls them between his fingers as he sucks him down, bobbing slowly in his lap. Geralt's thighs spread further and he mumbles a shuddered fuck as Jaskier's hand squeezes around him. Jaskier's mouth rises, tongue pressing against the underside of his cock as he slips to the head and sucks hard before pulling off.

"What would you like, love?" His free hand comes to stroke Geralt's cock in place of his mouth and it feels good. He loves having Jaskier's hands on him this way, but it's not enough, not right now.

"Fuck me?" he whispers, "gods, I want you- please." The hand on his cock twists right below the head and Geralt groans.

"Do you want that?" Jaskier asks, slipping his other hand lower. Geralt spreads his legs as Jaskier's fingers tease the crease of his ass.

"Wanna hold you," he hums, "wanna feel you."

"Yeah," Jaskier whispers, "I want that, too. Do you have slick, love?"

"Mm, yeah, in my bag."

"Fuck. Get it out," he mumbles, then before Geralt can move, Jaskier's mouth is around his cock again, taking him all the way down.

Geralt shudders, but Jaskier flicks his eyes up at him, giving him an encouraging look and he reaches over the edge of the bed. He fumbles with his pack, unable to look away from Jaskier, the way his lips are stretched wide around him, but he locates the bottle and plucks it from the bag. He clenches around it as Jaskier's teeth graze against him and he shoves the bottle at him urgently.

Jaskier gives a little laugh, the reverberations of which make Geralt squirm, then he's pulling off and taking the bottle from him. He doesn't waste any time slicking up his fingers and pressing between Geralt's cheeks. He hums as he presses over his hole and Geralt's hips jerk.

"Why don't you roll over? It'll be easier."

Geralt shifts obediently, rolling onto his stomach and he moans as Jaskier tugs him down the bed, making his cock rub against the rough sheets. But Jaskier is quick to get back to work, getting his hands on him and spreading his cheeks. He shifts up closer, bending to kiss the base of Geralt's spine as he runs a slick finger between his cheeks.

Geralt shudders when he doesn't pause, squirming to get that touch back. But Jaskier doesn't leave him wanting for long. He runs two fingers along next time, pressing into him with one and then, when Geralt opens beneath him, he rubs the second finger around his rim.

He's enjoying this, Geralt realizes, he likes playing with him like this just touching aimlessly. And Jaskier doesn't stop. Once Geralt is loose enough, he adds a second finger and thrusts into him. He pushes in deep and Geralt rocks back onto him; he loves the stretch, but he wants more, wants it deeper.

"Shh, you'll get it," Jaskier breathes and Geralt realizes he's been speaking his desires out loud. "I love that you're so needy, Geralt, gods. Tell me what you want, darling."

"Want your cock," he groans, quick enough that he surprises himself. "Want you inside me, fuck- more Jask, please." Jaskier pulls out a little before thrusting in with three fingers and Geralt arches into the bed, pushing onto his knees. "Want your cock," he mumbles, "you won't hurt me."

"Geralt," he starts gently, but Geralt shifts as soon as Jaskier has pulled out, turning onto his back again and tugging Jaskier down by his jacket.

"Jask I have spent every night this week with a wooden toy up my ass imagining you fucking me instead. I'm ready, you won't hurt me."

"Oh," Jaskier gawks, "fuck Geralt that's…" his eyes are wide, dark and Geralt just grins at his shock.

"I only wanted you." He nuzzles against his cheek, delighting in the rough scratch of stubble and moves down, nipping at his jaw and neck. "And since... " he doesn't want to say it out loud, doesn't want to ruin the moment, "fuck, this beard Jask. Been driving me insane."

"You like it?" he asks and when Geralt looks up, Jaskier is resettling himself between his thighs, taking himself in hand.

"Very much."

Jaskier's cock nudges against him and Geralt bites his lip, groaning as he pushes inside him. He kisses up his stomach, nuzzling against the side of Geralt's neck and thrusts deep, sinking all the way into him. Geralt's eyes flutter shut and he tips his head to give Jaskier more space, better access to his skin. He nuzzles in close and Geralt has to reach up to keep the hat from falling off. Jaskier just huffs a laugh and pulls up to kiss him properly.

"Like the hat too, hm?" he asks, breathing softly against his lip.

"Mm, looks very good on you." Geralt wraps his arms around Jaskier's waist, arms slipping under the fabric of his jacket once more to hold him against him.

Jaskier kisses him again and Geralt loses himself in the press of his lips and the shift of his hips. Jaskier rocks slowly into him, but he hits his prostate every time and Geralt is helpless to do much but hold him closer and moan against his lips.

They fit together easily, chest to chest, and when Jaskier rolls him onto his side and the hat tumbles to the floor, Geralt is too wrapped up in him to even notice. He slips a hand up into Jaskier's hair and rocks against him, rutting against his stomach. He's so close already, too worked up to last long, but now that the rush is over, now that he's got Jaskier in his arms, his orgasm is secondary.

Jaskier lifts Geralt's leg, hooking it over his hip and the slight change in position has Geralt moaning, sparks shooting up his spine as Jaskier rocks into him.

"'M close," he mumbles and Jaskier nuzzles against him.

"Gods, me too. Come for me, love, come on."

He does, almost as soon as he's told. Jaskier pushes deep, grinding into him and it pushes Geralt over the edge. He whines as he comes, clinging to Jaskier and rocking his cock into his hip. He's still riding through it when Jaskier comes a moment later, arm hooked under Geralt's thigh and bringing him closer.

They rest for a moment, tangled up like that, before Geralt pulls back far enough to kiss him again, Jaskier huffs a laugh but lets himself be drawn in, deepening the kiss and tangling his fingers in Geralt's hair.

"Should clean up," he hums, "I remember someone wanting to have a bath? Hm?"

"Not yet," Geralt mumbles, "just grab a shirt, for now, bath later."

Jaskier reaches over the edge of the bed to pull one of Geralt's shirts from his pack and Geralt immediately uses it to wipe the mess away, cleaning them enough that they won't make a mess of the bed. He flops onto his back, tossing the shirt to the end of the bed, and Jaskier crawls up over him. He leans over his chest, smiling down at him and pushing his fingers lightly through Geralt's chest hair.

"This was… good," he says as if expecting confirmation.

"It was," Geralt agrees, though he can't help but be a little suspicious at the way Jaskier looks at him. "But-?"

"No but," he whispers, "just… good." He leans down and as soon as their lips meet, Geralt hauls him on top of him, arms sliding beneath the jacket to wind loosely around Jaskier's waist.

"Things have been difficult lately," he says and he can see in Jaskier's eyes that he knew this was coming. "I'm afraid I might have added to that."

"How?"

"I- I'm not oblivious to my own feelings, Jaskier. I know they say Witchers are cold and heartless, but that's not- I'm not."

"I would never suggest such a thing."

"I know, but I withheld certain things from you. I never told you how I truly felt-"

"I think we're past that," Jaskier grins.

"But maybe if I'd said something before, we-" he sighs, frustrated and Jaskier reaches down to brush a stray hair from his face.

"We what, love?"

"I learned a lot of things being with Ciri and Yen. Before I didn't know how to… how to cope with what I felt for you and it came out… wrong-"

"Shh," Jaskier whispers, "I know, Geralt. We talked about this, it's not perfect yet, but we'll get there."

"Jaskier," Geralt whispers and when Jaskier looks down at him, soft and loving, Geralt almost chokes on his words. "I want to be good for you."

"Geralt you are. You're trying, my darling and that's all I can ask for."

"Hmm."

"Don't you hmm at me mister, I know you know how to use your words now."

Geralt laughs softly and tugs him down into another kiss, humming softly against his lips. "Okay," he whispers, "we keep working on it."

"Exactly," Jaskier grins, "although, I believe working hours are over so-" he sweeps an arm down and recovers his hat, winking at Geralt as he sets it back on his head and slides down the bed.

[couriersiccs]

some more Rambly Gay Pirate Show Posting: after finishing the finale and starting the pilot again, it’s wonderful mirror-structure in some key moments, because a lot ties this whole thing together. and im not just talking abt the pan-up the mast to the final shot of each episode, the Flag(s) of The Revenge

stede’s crew originally wants to mutiny him because they believed he was soft, and weak for being soft. this is precisely the fear that izzy is reinforcing by renouncing loyalty to a softer blackbeard than the one (blackbeard WITH a beard, in many senses) he wanted to believe was ed’s true self. (it wasn’t, it was the trauma, since he clearly hasn’t even recognized his own as Worth Taking Seriously.)

and the part that reinforces ED’S decision to regress character was, as pointed out on a different post on here somewhere (sorry maybe reblog or reply with the post if u got it on hand) was the feeling of being laughed at, such as he experienced as Jeff the Accountant (who we know is a completely fake personality and identity and follows the same blueprints that Ed used to create Blackbeard the Pirate). And when he begins to question if his new (read: Stede’s old) crew aren’t actually laughing behind his back as a joke in a way he couldn’t yet see happening, like with the aristocrats, he decides they gotta go. as the same post i think mentions, this is exactly the decision that Stede makes when Nigel laughs at and rejects the reality of who Stede just said he is, based on that weakness being perceived as hilarious incongruent with Being A Pirate. This has always just been Known - Pirates Were Brutal and Straight Men.

Stede is out there precisely because he wants to change that being the norm, because he believes a softer approach to pirating in regards to your crewmates, victims, and prisoners - other people you find, you try talking first. straight up preparing to raid a ship sent stede into a spiral with the crushing realization that he was very uncomfortable doing this. this was stede doubting himself, or realizing he couldn’t actually lead with an iron fist. he wasn’t tougher, he was soft, this was not going to end well.

and by sheer providence, his soft appearance in his “Battle Robe” is what stopped the english from actually starting (and swiftly finishing) that battle. stede’s femininity was the only reason why an English Captain bothered to look at the deck before open firing and the “heavyset woman” turned out to be a guy he used to bully as a kid. because of the social connection two people shared (however traumatic, it meant they knew each other enough to have to act like old friends on the surface.) on his own ship, stede’s crew only had to fight the small number of guards that came when Nigel underestimated Stede so much that he insisted on coming aboard. They took two hostages and killed like two others or something in order to kill the captain of an English Warship - ALL INSTEAD of going to battle with a naval warship and 100% absolutely losing in a ‘fair fight’ typical of war.

it wouldn’t have happened if stede hadn’t been exactly who he is.

it was the perfect Fuckery that could never had been a Planned Fuckery, and it only happened because of Stede doing what Ed had first found admirable in him - being himself instead of following Patriarchal Norms, bringing some originality to the table. no one is doing it like he is, that’s the only thing sure as fuck about his piracy methods. but maybe this is just the thing that will make piracy a better profession. things just working out like that as a real effect of People-Positive Management Style might make it more popular, if Pirate Captain Culture could just get over Not Embodying Toxic Masculinity a little bit (as we see evidenced by two other pirate captains who Keep Getting Mutinied For Some Reason).

[pixiescribbles]

“I can’t write to my mom anymore.” I tell him after he storms away from Connie and Sasha teasing him about what his mother calls him. He looks at me with a mixed look of sadness and guilt.

“I forget that you lost people when Shiganshina fell. That was thoughtless of me to say, I’m sorry.” He scratches the back of his head as he leans back against the wall, while his demeanour softens to something rarely seen on Jean. He always has this arrogant, nothing-can-touch-me behaviour and watching it melt away by a comment so insignificant to him gave my heart all the more reasons to fall more in love with him. I had known there was a softer side to him, I just never expected him to show it to me.

“Then again, it’s not like she expects me to write back. I wasn’t exactly nice to her when I left.” He looks away from me, almost embarrassed to tell me he and his mother had a quarrel.

“That can’t be true, she’s your mother. One little argument won’t stop her from loving you. You’re her son, I’m sure she’ll be delighted to get a letter from you.” I tell him while putting an assuring hand on his arm. He smiles shyly at me while he turns back to look at me.

“You’re right, thanks. Sorry for showing my pathetic whiny side, those two really know how to get under my skin.”

“No don’t be, I thought it was cute. It showed me a side of you I had been wanting to see for a while. Something different than your usual tougher self. I mean, -uh. Not that you aren’t cute then too, but, ahh.” I turned bright red realising I just confessed some of my thoughts to him. I tried to pull back my hand from his arm but he stopped that by placing his own on top of it.

“So, you think I’m cute huh?” The half smirk on his face told me that he liked what he heard, but also that he was now teasing me because of it.

“Looks like you’re in luck, because I too think I’m pretty darn cute.” He laughed at his joke and softened back up when he looked at me, his brown eyes staring intently into mine. Time seems to stop at that moment, until Jean let out a little chuckle and pulled me into his strong arms where he held me against his chest. I could hear his heart pound as fast as that of mine.

“Ah, Jean! Wha-“ I tried to squirm out of his embrace but he just tightened his grip on me. I accepted my fate, assuming I would never leave his arms again and just melted onto his embrace, wrapping my arms around him too. I let out a small contented sigh, and judging from the sound above me, so did Jean.

“Who would’ve thought that you of all people would soften me up like this.” He chuckles to himself before getting a slightly panicked look on his face.

“Just, don’t tell Connie and Sasha! At least not yet! I’m not ready to deal with them about this just yet. Besides, I think mother should know first.”

“Know what exactly?”

“You know,” he says while his face slightly starts to blush “that I found someone that doesn’t judge me like the others, and uhm, that I would like to, date. I would like to date you. If you know, you would want to date me too.” He clumsily said. He looked at my mildly puzzled face and laughed and explained himself. “I’ve liked you for some time. Though, I’m horrible at showing it I realise now. But have always admired your no-bullshit attitude while maintaining your angelic kindness. I guess that just piqued my interest at first and after observing and receiving your no-bullshit attitude, I just fell for you. And let’s not forget that you’re absolutely gorgeous.” He cups my cheek in his hand as he softly caresses my cheekbone with his thumb, I lean into his gesture. “I just never thought you’d have the same feelings, seeing you’re always hanging around Eren and Armin. I assumed that you had something going on with one of them.”

“Me? With either Eren or Armin?” I laugh at the thought of this. “No, Eren has Mikasa, although he doesn’t realise that yet, and Armin is way to soft for me. I need someone more grounded and, audacious than that.” I choose my words carefully but his face showed some form content in it. “They and I are from the same district, so it just feels easier to hang around them. We share the same pain and loss and that just creates a different kind of bond I guess. It’s easier to leave the unspoken words unspoken because they understand it anyways.” I mumble while getting lost in thought.

“I won’t pretend that I understand what you went through, but I will be here for you if you need to speak your unspoken words.” For some reason, his words bring tears to my eyes, “Thanks.” I say as I wipe away the water threatening to spill from my eyes. He presses a small kiss against my forehead and at that moment I hear a door slam open behind me.

“Jeaaaaan booooooyy! Oh what do we have here? So this is why it was taking so long for you two lovebirds to come outside!” Connie and Sasha come storming inside and Jean’s face coloured deep red mirroring the colour in my own face. He threw a protective arm around me, and started talking back to the duo, which only fed their teasing, but he didn’t let me go.

[needsmoresleepwrites]

He was in his second year of university when he met Reigen (ReiMob, same age AU)

One Semester

Read on Ao3

Mob wouldn't really describe himself as insecure. Or at least not anymore.

He remembers his middle school years and how he'd always stutter and choke on his thoughts and words, especially anything regarding his childhood sweetheart Tsubomi. But there were many events in his short esper life that had helped him grow and before he knew it, he'd graduated high school and finally started university, and all of those insecurities had stayed in his past. Of course, that didn't mean he wasn't insecure sometimes even as an adult. Sometimes, when his new friends would invite him out, he'd stand in front of his bedroom mirror and ponder what to wear, unsure if he should put more effort into his looks. At other times, when, as Ekubo so kindly assured him he was being hit on he'd feel a flush on his face, confused as to why this could be true, and he'd once more trip over his words, but it was nothing compared to how he felt now

He was in his second year of university when he met Reigen

Normally, their classes wouldn't overlap since Reigen was a senior and in the business department, and Mob was still taking beginner classes as an undecided major, but they'd somehow picked the same elective course, and, Reigen with his affability, had pretty much charmed everyone. Especially Mob

So much that during their first month of classes together, Mob was sure he'd never been more embarrassed. His being an esper wasn't exactly a secret and he'd never particularly enjoyed showing off, especially after Tsubomi had lost interest in his powers, so he had kind of panicked when he'd lost a bit of control and made all the desks in the room float. Not even Ekubo's voice had been able to penetrate the haze he'd apparently been in. It was Reigen's exclamation that had brought him back to Earth, and with him, the desks as well, all of them falling with roaring thuds. Luckily nobody had been hurt, but Mob had been so sick, he'd missed the rest of his classes and even decided to skip the next day

He remembers Ritsu at his door trying to coax him out

Ekubo was the one who managed to get Mob back to class, that business kid, the one you like, he wants to see you

He really didn't want to, but he was also curious. His heart was racing, not just from the nervousness of seeing the guy he was currently crushing on (he remembers Ekubo's shocked face when Mob blushed during their introduction on their first day. He'd gone over to him and nearly screamed, Are you serious?! This one?!), but from the uncertainty of their conversation. What did Reigen want to tell him? Why did he want to see him? Was he mad? Upset? He was in business, Mob wasn't sure what career path, but perhaps he...Mob felt something get stuck in his throat...wanted to s-sue him? Damages? He vaguely remembers something similar happening when he was younger

Trying to figure out the reason was tougher than a test question with the "all or none of the above" option. Ekubo just picked his nose, claiming he didn't know either. He'd just heard the kid asking about Mob, but no he didn't seem upset

Mob had somehow sat through his classes, all of them, even as he felt a penetrating gaze at his back. After his classes, he'd walked to the quad and sat at a bench by the library entrance, waiting

"Mob!" he heard his name called out and when he looked up, there he was

Mob hadn't known Reigen for long, but the few times he'd seen him, Reigen was always wearing a suit. He'd never understood adults who wore them. They seemed constricting and stuffy, but the way Reigen looked in his suits somehow fit. The suits also made him look a bit older, more precise, and when he spoke, it seemed to give him more authority. People always listened to him, enraptured, not just by his voice but his body language, the flow of his hands, his confident stare

By then, perhaps because it was near the end of the day, the sun was nearly setting, Reigen had changed. He wasn't wearing a suit. Instead, he wore a white t-shirt and some grey sweatpants, a pair of sneakers on his feet. His hair was also slightly messy and Mob wasn't sure which Reigen he liked best, this one that looked softer and his rightful age, or the suited and more mature one

He barely registered Ekubo's, ugh, I'm heading home

"Hey," Reigen greeted him and Mob only nodded, then reminded himself that this was his chance to properly speak with him!

"H-Hi," he stuttered and felt his cheeks flush. Reigen only grinned

"I'm glad you came back to class. I thought maybe you'd drop the course. You seemed kind of...well, not okay that day when you left." There was an unspoken question in the air and Mob felt his body heat up remembering what happened. He swallowed the lump in his throat

"I'm o-okay," he assured, "I don't normally..." he made vague movements with his hands, "I was just d-distracted. It won't..." he took a deep breath to calm himself, "It won't happen again."

Reigen seemed to deflate a bit, "Wait, seriously? But that was so cool!"

Mob felt his heart skip a beat but he stayed firm, "I could have hurt someone."

Reigen frowned slightly, not upset, more so thoughtfully. He angled his hips for a moment, his hand on his chin, and then straightened out with a smile, "Hey, I know! Why don't you practice your powers with me!"

Mob could feel this was a bad idea, but the way Reigen's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and knowing that they'd be interacting more if he said yes...

"O-okay," was his mumbled reply

----

After that, the two of them saw each other more frequently "to train" Mob's esper powers. He actually had stopped using his powers in middle school, preferring to hone his body and mind (or at least attempt to), which is probably why he struggled with some of the tasks Reigen gave him. Or perhaps it was because it was Reigen talking to him, smiling at him, touching his arm, throwing his arm around his shoulder, taking him out to eat, that had Mob at his limits. But if anything good came out of this, and Mob could list a few things, it was that Mob got used to Reigen. He still felt himself get nervous around the confident man, but at least he could speak without stuttering

The activities that Reigen came up with were usually childish and easy (like the time Reigen had Mob levitate some desks while he played loud music and sang along. He remembers Ekubo screaming about his ears and ok, Mob had to admit that Reigen couldn't hold a tune but he'd found it cute so while his ears did hurt for a bit, it was worth it. Or the time Reigen tried to tickle him while he concentrated on making water bubbles, except he wasn't ticklish. Mob would have counted this as a victory but then Ekubo went ahead and loudly exclaimed, careful, he's going to put his hands into your pants and Reigen's hands were a bit close to the edge of his pants and his concentration completely unbalanced and the water bubbles splashed them both. Ekubo couldn't stop laughing at how red Mob had gotten), so instead of training, Mob would often feel like they were just...hanging out

Ekubo would just roll his eyes, Shigeo, sometimes I wonder how you're twenty, you're so naive

He didn't really understand what Ekubo was trying to tell him but he knew these feelings for Reigen weren't "naive" or at least not always. He remembered the time Reigen, so perceptive, had noticed that Mob often "spaced out". Reigen had been slurping on some noodles, the broth getting all over his face and some, Mob noticed, sprinkling onto the table they sat at. "Not sure what's going on, but it's like, you're going to think I'm crazy, but it seems like you're listening to someone talk to you."

And Mob had confessed that that was exactly what he'd been doing. Reigen nearly choked from the excitement on his face, "Ghosts are real?! Can I talk to him?"

Ekubo hadn't liked the idea. For some reason, he'd never particularly liked Reigen and Mob had yet to figure out why, If he can't see me, he can't see me. Probably doesn't have even a spark of power. Mob had relayed the message and Reigen had just shrugged. He'd seemed nonchalant about the topic, but Mob, after spending so many evenings with him, had noticed the slight droop of his frame

After eating, the two decided to walk back to the dorms, but right before parting, Mob had taken Reigen's hand. Reigen had just looked at him curiously and Mob hoped and prayed his hands wouldn't suddenly start sweating too much, "I have an idea."

Mob pushed some of his own power into Reigen. He wasn't sure if it would work, but it was because of his own power that Ritsu's had manifested. Perhaps Ekubo was right and Reigen didn't have any abilities, but perhaps he did. Or perhaps he could temporarily share his own, just a tiny bit

Reigen's eyes grew wide as he felt Mob's esper powers flow into him and he couldn't help the grin and exclamation that escaped his lips, "He's a green blob! Can I touch him?"

Without waiting for a response or releasing Mob's hand, Reigen reached out towards Ekubo, who was Not Amused, "Hey! Hands off kid!" he floated behind Mob, "Shigeo, keep him away or I'll possess him!"

"Shigeo?" Reigen tilted his head, "He calls you by your first name?"

Mob felt his hand warm at the sound of his name coming from Reigen. He knew Reigen wasn't technically calling him but just hearing his name coming from his crush...he felt the butterflies again. Butterflies that quickly turned into a burning sensation as he imagined Reigen calling him Shigeo in a different context. He pulled his hand away and wiped them on his pants, having felt them start to sweat and become clammy. His face was red, he could feel it, but could also feel Ekubo's stare, Reigen's stare...it was too much and he excused himself. It was late, he had to go to bed, they had class the next morning

----

Sharing his power with Reigen was experimental. He hadn't ever done that before and he wasn't sure what the consequences would be. In the end, Reigen develops the ability to see Ekubo without Mob's help. There aren't any other spirits in the area so they can't really test out if perhaps Reigen can see or sense others. They decide that can be an experiment for another day. Instead, Reigen tries to befriend Ekubo, which doesn't exactly turn out well, but the two of them are civil. Mob is glad since Ekubo is his friend and Reigen, well, he likes Reigen

They become busier with school work as the semester starts coming to an end. All the teachers have surely conspired and Mob has too many final projects to go out with Reigen like they used to. This also means Reigen is busier since he's also taking his business core classes.

On the night of their last class, Reigen sends him a text, meet me at the quad

Mob checks the time, it's almost midnight, but he doesn't hesitate to put on a hoodie, slip on the closest pair of jeans, and head out. The moon is bright as he walks the block to the quad and a few people walk past him, taking a night stroll or heading home after a night of last-minute submissions. He doesn't pay much attention to them and when he finally reaches the quad, he sees a figure sitting on the ground, looking up at the sky. Reigen is wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants. There's a curious design on the shirt that reminds Mob of Ekubo and he wonders if maybe Reigen bought it because of that. He smiles

"Reigen," he calls out, announcing his presence. Reigen leans back, tilting his head and smiles, patting the space beside him. Mob sits down, listens to the night creatures and the sound of the few cars passing by the school, the engines quiet and almost soothing. A few voices reach them but they are far enough away where the words don't register. It's a peaceful night

There is a sense of dread building in Mob's stomach. They only really started to hang out when they started taking this class, when Mob showed his powers, and while he now had Reigen's contact information, a part of him wondered if this was the end. Maybe Reigen wouldn't want to hang out with him anymore.

Mob wasn't usually this pessimistic but Ekubo had been kind enough to remind him that Reigen, if anything, was only interested in his powers, And you already showed him all you can do. He's probably gotten bored. For a moment, Mob wishes he had used his powers when he was younger, done what Ritsu and Ekubo had told him, but it's a thought that comes and goes. The use of his powers was something he has always been firm about and while these last few weeks have been fun and nothing has happened, Ritsu is the prime example that something can always go bad

After a while, Reigen finally speaks and Mob thinks that maybe there's sadness in his voice, "Today was the last day of classes, submissions too. Gah! I can't believe they didn't give us until the weekend, grades aren't even due until a few weeks from now."

"They do have to grade everything," he commented, not especially caring about the topic. If he had more time, there really wouldn't have been much of a difference

Reigen lets himself fall onto the ground, "I doubt they actually grade everything. There's too much!"

He's not expecting an answer and Mob doesn't really know what to say so they end up in silence again but only for a moment. Reigen turns to him, "Lay down next to me."

Mob feels himself grow warm under his sweater but does as Reigen says. They both lie on the grass and he knows and feels how close their hands are to touching. Ekubo had decided not to join them and he's glad for that. He's sure he would comment on how Mob is blushing, how loud his heart is beating, how his fingers twitch in anticipation, hoping there will be an excuse, anything, for them to close the distance (but of course, he can't really think of anything, the last time they held hands was because Reigen started running and didn't want to leave Mob behind, before that it was to check and see if Mob had started bleeding after falling, before that to forcefully hand him his payment for the ramen they had after classes, and before that-)

Reigen holds his hand. His hand is clammy and warm and soft, Is he nervous too? His heart is in his throat and ears and maybe even on his palm and he wonders if Reigen can feel it beating so quickly

"Hey Mob," he says softly, he's turned to look at Mob

Mob does the same, "Yes?" And he just stares at Mob for a moment and seems to nod to himself

"I, I don't usually eavesdrop you know," he started, "but I saw you with Ekubo the other day. I heard him saying...I heard him say I only hang out with you because of your powers." Mob feels Reigen squeeze his hand tighter, "So I decided not to see you this past week. I mean, I was also busy with school work and you were too but I was thinking too and I wanted to tell you something."

Mob can't look away and he nods, letting Reigen know he's listening, that he can continue.

Reigen takes a deep breath, "I like you!"

It's so sudden and loud that Mob freezes in place, his pulse skyrocketing, the confession echoing in his mind and he's confused as to how they went from talking about Ekubo and his powers, to suddenly being confessed to. Reigen looks down at their hands and just smiles, moves his fingers away and Mob doesn't want that. He feels like he can breathe again and he nervously grabs Reigen's retreating hand.

It's his turn now, "I-I like you!...too."

It's quiet for a moment and then Reigen laughs, his body relaxes, and he threads their fingers together, "I'm so glad! I'm so happy, can you feel it?" He's moved their hands onto his chest and Mob can feel how fast his heart is beating. Exactly like his

"Mine too," he confesses.

Reigen grins at him, leaves their hands on his chest but rearranges them so that it's more comfortable, "This is the best day," he all but whispers. Mob only catches it because he can't look away

"You know, the first time I saw you, I thought you were so cool," Reigen confesses, "Well, you're still cool but you're also really cute."

Mob feels like he's burning up again, "The time with the desks?"

Reigen turns to him, a bit of a blush on his face, and Mob is fascinated. Reigen doesn't really blush, not even when he gets nervous (not that he gets nervous often, he's very confident and knowledgeable), "Well, about that...actually, this is going to sound kind of weird but...that wasn't the first time I saw you..."

And now Mob is confused because he's pretty sure he would remember someone like Reigen

"You went to Salt Middle School, right?" he doesn't wait for Mob to answer but Mob nods, "Well, I have a friend who went there, and I went to see him. There was some event going on, I just remember a marathon, but he was faking being sick and kind of left me alone. I know, what kind of friend does that, right? Well, I was just walking around and I somehow ended up watching everyone run and then I saw you. Your knee was bleeding but you had this really determined look in your eyes, I think I heard someone say you eventually passed out but I really thought you were cool. That same friend mentioned you got into this university and I thought maybe we could be friends. Well, that was before I actually saw you."

He's grins at Mob, "After I saw you I knew I wanted to date you."

"D-Date?" Mob croaks out but then he pauses, that's the logical next step, right? If they both like each other then...

"Are we boyfriends now?" he asks quietly.

Reigen sits up and turns to Mob, "That's what I forgot! Yes! Do you want to be my boyfriend Shigeo Kageyama?"

Mob smiles. He sits up too, "Yes."

----

OMAKE (One year later)

Reigen finishes up the tidying and turns to Mob who is setting up the "counter" where he will mainly be taking payments. They don't have a lot in terms of starting capital so everything they've bought or scrounged up are the bare essentials. Reigen starts, "You know, you don't have to stop going to school. You could help part-time. I don't want your scary brother to think I stole you away or something."

Mob can't help but let out a small laugh at the almost accurate accusation, "It's okay, I talked to him about it, and my family too. I didn't really know what I wanted to continue studying so this works out." He'd finally finished up his electives, leaving him no wiggle room for classes. His counselor had scheduled a meeting with him and pretty much said that if he didn't have a career path in mind, it was best to just take a break. School was expensive and Mob's grades had never been great. He'd taken a break and in that time Reigen had finished his own degree

Ekubo comes in through the window, "Shigeo, you sure you want to be part of this shady business? Spirits and Such Consultations? Sounds like a con-gig to me."

Reigen claps loudly, "Not conning people! We're really going to help some people out. Mob can exorcise spirits and if there aren't any spirits involved, we just find a solution to what's bothering them. Here are some fliers." He hands a stack to Mob and then looks at Ekubo, "Well, I guess you can't pass these around. That's fine."

Ekubo sighs, "I wouldn't even if I had a body. Shigeo, we're going to get shut down."

"Not all businesses are successful the first time! We just have to be flexible, right Mob?"

Mob nods, and pulls Reigen into a back hug. He's sure everything will work out. Reigen is passionate and hardworking, and Mob is willing to match that dedication with his own love.

There's a knock on the door and they all scramble, even Ekubo.

"Our first customer!" "I can't believe someone actually came in here!" "I'll get some tea started!"

Reigen calls out that the door is unlocked and three kids come inside. They're all wearing the same uniform, a baseball one Reigen notes, and they look so different in personality it's almost jarring, but a customer is a customer. He gestures towards the "sitting area" and as they all settle down, he begins...

"Welcome to Spirits and Such Consultation, what can we do for you guys?"

One of them looks like he's already fallen asleep and the smallest looks over to the brown-haired kid and nudges his leg.

"Well, you see..."

---

A/N:

OMG it's been AGES since I last wrote in this fandom!!

I hope you guys enjoyed and that I wasn’t too rusty...!

Some notes + I like to play around with ages but this is the first time I've done a same age AU + GOD I hope they're not TOO ooc (but they probably are *cries*) + I originally had this other idea with ghosts but then this one won out

[mejomonster]

Ice Fantasy

me too girl.

also it is the funniest thing to me the second she sees him on the riverside her voice is gentler and more conversational. then later when she tells him well be my slave until you remember, she’s still more gentle and conversational. its just like a little thread indicating she probably wants to be a relatively friendly flirty warm person but when she’s working (like when she thinks she’s handling Ice Kingdom, or Fire Kingdom fellow soldiers) she puts on a much tougher/crueler act (either because they’re an enemy or she feels she needs to be seen that way to be respected/for people to believe she can handle things). her voice just gets... so much softer and lighter and she starts smiling like ah yes This warmth is how she’d like to talk to neutral strangers IF she ever got the chance so now she’s doing it with hottie mcstranger she found lying in the river ToT

i really like their dynamic. i mean i’m already biased towards women in charge, servant boy following her, AND secret identities, so i’m kind of a sucker anyway. but their characters also just work really well off each other - he knows she’s suddenly less hostile and so he’s acting a lot more manipulative about ‘oh i could say anything right now’ which i imagine is going to help evolve his character into what looks to be a schemer later in the series. its also giving him a chance to learn to stop acting so straightforward/get yourself killed like he was before, and practice some cleverness like his older brother likes to (although in a different way). also since she is relatively warm, he’s teasing her ToT. which to be honest with a woman like her who needs to be tough all the time its probably nice to have someone look at you and say their mom is prettier, you’re being silly, and not have to worry you having been ridiculous/playing is going to get you killed. I can already see how their dynamic together would eventually lead to them becoming best friends.

Speaking of new friends:

Their dynamic is EXTREMELY Shen Wei/Kunlun (Zhao Yunlan). Li Luo reminds me of Guardian drama Kunlun’s potential SO much. She’s got 2 guns that can hurt gods, is the most skilled Guardian Envoy, she’s taking care of this silent duty bound prince who has a responsibility to his country and world but is TORN UP worried for his little brother. And she looks out for him even though he thinks her way of doing it doesn’t follow the rules. Her energy is AMAZING and I already love Li Luo with my whole heart. 

(On a separate note I am again disappointed with Eternal Love’s overall handling of women and women warriors, this show managed to show both very feminine maternal mothers who mainly specialize in domestic affairs AND a wife who kills to try and save her loved ones and Li Luo the leader of the Guardian Envoys AND Yan Da above the most Interesting character of the Fire Kingdom and a key Princess Warrior, and Ying Kong Shi’s mom Lotus who’s clearly got a lot of shit going on in her life that’s hidden under secrets and royal pressures, the Mermaid Princess and Mermaid Saint who had political influence on the story outcome Already... just like I am only on episode 6 and already I’ve seen more women in battles than I did in all of Eternal Love, more women get to rescue men or fight for them/against them, get to be the protector, in Yan Da’s case get to be the dominant playful flirt, their actions and words clearly carry weight in this show and if you’re GOING to have a cast with lots of women and men then yeah I expect this level of range and good writing for the women too. Love and Redemption does a decent job at accomplishing this too (one reason its my favorite romance xianxia), Eternal Love absolutely did not (Bai Qian gets the most fighting scenes but even then at the finale she’s put out of commission and doesn’t get to fight the Final Bad Guy herself, Fengjiu arguably gets the most equal relationship with her love as far as making choices but as a fighter she’s just not that kind of strong trained character the way Bai Qian is, and the Demon Princess is wonderful but again she’s stuck kind of in this domestic-nurturing category and for the most part no one gets to branch out much except the villains - still in domestic spheres/regarding their love pursuits though - and Bai Qian (and when she branches out, just as often the writing made her a damsel which at the finale of the story was ultimately my breaking point ;-; ). 

Li Luo is phenomenal, serious, friendly, playful, competent, a protector, and she reminds me SO much of Zhao Yunlan when he’s at his most leader-esque or when protecting Shen Wei physically and emotionally by getting him to feel safe and understood and part of the world. I find it impossible to do anything but love her (and I love that so far this show’s given me two leading women I absolutely LOVE both the character setups for and the actual acting/execution of these characters - last time a show gave me leading women that specifically hit the kinds of things I prefer this much was Secret Of The Three Kingdoms with an Empress scheming orchestrator of the country and a widow-princess who’s become a cold assassin). 

And Ka Suo? Reminds me SO much of Shen Wei. The way he has a duty to his brother, country, world - but unlike Shen Wei he’s ALREADY seen how hard the duty was on his father, how much it destroys one’s humanity and personal values, and Ka Suo just wants to fly away like a bird and have his own life (much like I think Shen Wei desperately feels trapped in his duties as the Envoy and all the responsibility he has to the world over even his brother or his own values later on). Ka Suo is the heir, and unlike Shen Wei he is trying so hard to keep balance and at LEAST keep his little brother even if Ka Suo doesn’t have control over the duties he must also handle because the whole Ice Kingdom needs him. I love that he’s playful and curious and likes to learn (very Shen Wei) as seen by how he used to talk to Li Luo and his brother, I love that he’s overwhelmed by worry now and duty and trying his best to be perfect at all things somehow (again VERY Shen Wei). Ka Suo is sort of a mix in vibes of young Shen Wei and 10k years later - Ka Suo still has some hope, is clinging to the idea of getting to stay with his brother alive, does seem to get emotional support and relief from someone (Li Luo) treating him like another ordinary equal, is a fish out of water immortal in a mortal world (Shen Wei my mutant love dealing with Humanity), but is also so bound up in duty and responsibility AND all the death that’s already occured he is definitely holding himself together tightly with everything he’s got right now (very 10k years into present Shen Wei). 

Ka Suo and Ying Kong Shi remind me of like. Shen Wei and Ye Zun if they’d never been separated young. Also, there’s parent dynamics at play creating inequality in a way (whereas in Guardian the inequality was Shen Wei being propped up as a war hero/leader and Ye Zun being villainized as an enemy and slave). Like Ye Zun, Ying Kong Shi has ‘no powers’ and when they eventually come out its due to how much he cares about his brother, and its uncontrollable and dangerous and kills. Like Ye Zun, Ying Kong Shi has the suckier power dynamic - he’s the smallest youngest prince with no political future, no powers so regular civilian kids bully him, his mother is the concubine and not the queen like all his other siblings, his mother clearly doesn’t love the king (there’s some not-great something going on there) and is treated slightly less well than the Queen (which extends to her son), the only person with POWER that really favors Ying Kong Shi is his older brother Ka Suo who considers him his dearest brother and a best friend. Its no wonder Ying Kong Shi idealistically promises his brother “I’ll help you not be king and become free like the birds.” Its not surprising when Ying Kong Shi kills the Fire Prince, he wants to be punished or die instead of the older brother he loves who he KNOWS would do anything to protect him. Its not surprising saving his brother is what triggers his powers and causes his first kill. Unlike Ye Zun though, Ying Kong Shi’s close long term upbringing with his brother means he WANTS to believe in goodness in people and in heroism (whereas Ye Zun after being separated thinks all people will do is harm you and others so no cause/person is worth protecting - except maybe your brother you love and miss, or getting revenge on him if you can no longer have his love). 

So when everything hits the fan, Ying Kong Shi’s dad tries to give him to the enemy to BE KILLED as a trade!! Which is horrific! And despite even THAT totally fucked up situation, afterwards Ying Kong Shi offers to die to get a sword to save everyone - because he believes in being noble like his brother, and his dad JUST reinforced how worthless Ying Kong Shi is seen as, Ying Kong Shi JUST killed someone as a child and is clearly coping with guilt badly by thinking he deserves to die too. And so that is an action I don’t think Ye Zun would’ve made, but since Ying Kong Shi has his brother’s influence he’s got more idealism that I’m assuming the story will break down to make him get a more realistic understanding of the world over time. As it stands this kid is SO good, so kind, his brother raised him to be Such a good wonderful person. And this kid does not deserve how fucked up his own father and country treats him, and it really is him and Ka Suo against the world on a personal level.

Unrelated note but I find it extremely odd this show often has Ying Kong Shi just called “Shi” by people. I’m not sure if they’re saying “A-Shi” each time but I don’t think I’m hearing an Ah before the name. I thought it was usually 2 syllables said when saying someone’s name (like how Zhao Yunlan is at least called A-Lan or Yunlan and never just Lan, like how Wei Wuxian is called A-Xian by his sister but never just Xian). But like... everyone just keeps saying Shi to this boy. I’m not sure if like I said, I’m just not hearing the Ah before the name, or if this show/writing purposely calls him Just Shi. 

[inkweaver22-blr]

Here’s chapter ten! I do believe this is the first chapter with absolutely no dialogue! I hope you enjoy it regardless!

AO3 Link

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Scattered Cicadas - Chapter Ten: Soft Shadows

Redemption is a hard process. Yet the cycles seem to make it easy for one particular demon.

----------

Redemption was a tricky thing. It required so many different events to happen in a certain order that it rarely occurred.

The first step was to commit some form of wrongdoing.

This was unfortunately the easiest part to do and most people never moved on to the next.

The second step was to realize and acknowledge your actions as wrong or harmful.

Many had justified their own actions over the course of existence and never saw themselves as doing wrong. Worse, many knew their behavior to be cruel and simply did not care or relished the feelings of power it gave them.

The final step was perhaps the most difficult to achieve.

One had to feel genuine remorse for their actions and wish to change.

Very few actually made it this far in the process as it usually required a catalyst of some sort. A personal revelation after going too far or someone laying your actions out clinically so you couldn’t justify them. Even a single act of unconditional kindness and trust could make someone wish to change.

Then came the truly hard part: actively changing your actions.

The path to redemption was not a short one. It took a lifetime of pursuit and dedicated work to not slip into the temptation of reverting back to who you were before.

Closing yourself off and pretending you didn’t care was easy, after all. What was difficult was being honest with yourself and allowing yourself to feel.

It helped if you had people around you to offer support and love. If it was from the same people who you had harmed originally, all the better.

But earning forgiveness wasn’t the goal of redemption. Some would refuse to give it, and you would have to live with that as it was their right to do so. It may hurt, but you had hurt them first and have no right to demand it even if you had changed.

Being redeemed wasn’t for the benefit of one’s victims. The hope was that you could grow into being a better person. It was for your own personal peace of mind. Whether others choose to accept that you’ve changed was not up to you, but you must continue onward regardless if you were to ever live with yourself.

Tang was intimately familiar with this process. The amount of cycles where he had been some sort of villain was not small.

The first three steps came easy to him. Feeling remorse for his wrongdoings and wishing to change were simple for one stuck jumping through time.

He could even spot a suitable catalyst for his potential ‘redemption’ fairly quickly. MK’s kindness and belief of the good in most people had certainly been useful on many occasions.

Having the whole process down to a science himself, Tang was even able to pull others into changing their ways sometimes. The Demon Bull family were commonly caught in his actions whenever he was a part of it.

(Having Red Son as a younger sibling had been interesting.)

What was bemusing to the scholar was that throughout the cycles there was one person who would constantly be redeemed, even without his meddling.

The Six Eared Macaque was an interesting puzzle.

He seemed to fit into the group that knew their actions were harmful, but did not care. Yet time and time again, he would become one of their allies.

Tang hadn’t known much about the demon early on in the cycles, but the knowledge about him came inevitably.

Macaque had been a “beloved friend” of Sun Wukong in the past. At some point, they had a falling out, Macaque seeing it as being left behind by Wukong.

The scholar had actually experienced part of that tension back in that cycle with the time traveling cactus.

So it seemed feelings of betrayal, jealousy, and abandonment were Macaque’s main motivations.

That last one was eerily similar to MK’s insecurities.

Macaque was very much like both Wukong and MK when Tang stopped to think about it. All three had repressed emotional trauma and coped with them in wildly unhealthy ways. Usually by pretending they weren’t there.

Macaque channeled those repressed emotions into schemes of revenge. He used lies and illusions to get what he wanted. He was condescending and sarcastic to his enemies, seemingly cruel and uncaring.

And it was all a facade.

At least, most of the time. There were a few cycles where Macaque was genuinely a despicable person who showed no remorse.

As much as he tried to hide it, Macaque was actually a very emotional being. It was quite easy for him to get attached to one or more of their group and slowly his cruel streak would fade.

Macaque’s catalyst for change was usually a person. It differed from cycle to cycle, but someone would show him some kindness or trust and before Tang knew it they would have another sarcastic immortal monkey as a part of the team.

MK was obviously the most common person to get the demon to change. Macaque was not lying when he called him a good kid. Having four father figures in those cycles seemed to be good for MK.

Wukong, while usually not the initial catalyst, tended to play a big part in Macaque’s redemption. Being old friends, they knew each other extremely well. While that tended to lead to a lot of arguments, it also led to them picking up where they had left off their previous relationship.

It didn’t really bother Tang that said relationships were often romantic in nature. Watching the two monkeys cuddle when they thought no one was looking was just too cute.

Mei was an interesting choice for Macaque to become attached to. He often ended up becoming her mentor, teaching her how to properly wield the Dragon Blade. Both of their sarcastic natures worked surprisingly well together.

The biggest surprise had been Pigsy.

That cycle, Macaque was basically under house arrest as ordered by Heaven. Pigsy, not wanting the manipulative demon to be anywhere near MK, forced him to stay at their apartment. It was some time later when Tang had woken late in the night to some loud noises and had left his room to complain.

Only to find Macaque pressing a kiss to Pigsy’s cheek before fleeing his room, pursued by a flustered and angry pig demon soon after.

It was strange, but Pigsy’s gruff and silent compassion meshed really well with Macaque’s easy going and nonchalant attitude. The scholar found their affection towards each other endearing.

Tang supposed it was only a matter of time before he himself acted as Macaque’s catalyst.

The cycle had started early, about a year before the original events. While working at the library, Tang had been approached by what he immediately recognized as Macaque in his human disguise. He had requested help on learning more about The Journey to the West for a school assignment. Tang, deciding to play along, offered himself up as an expert on the story and they began meeting weekly to go over it.

Macaque truly did not know the full events of the Journey in this cycle and seemed upset at several points, such as learning about the fillet used to inflict pain on Wukong. Over time, the pair began to meet up more often and discuss things other than the famous book.

He really should have expected falling in love.

Macaque was still sarcastic as ever, but never malicious. He made jokes and comparisons that had Tang’s side aching from how hard he laughed. He was quick to pick up Tang’s quirks and preferences, surprising him with his favorite foods or a nice new set of bookmarks.

He was still Macaque, but this softer side of him made Tang’s chest flutter.

As he lay in bed with his partner, (who had still yet to reveal himself to Tang, but he was patient), Tang couldn’t help but feel a new place in his heart open up for the shadow demon. He had already been considering adding Macaque into his family due to the many times he had joined them, and this just solidified that decision.

Oh Tang knew the cycles where he never changed would be painful. Watching as someone he loved went down a path of self destruction wasn’t easy. But he held onto the knowledge that there would always be the cycles where Macaque did become a part of their family.

As long as the possibility existed, there was hope that the same could happen in his own timeline.

If he ever got back that is.

Tang shoved that increasingly reoccurring thought away and closed his eyes, letting the soothing sounds of Macaque’s breathing lull him to sleep.

----------

A NEW CHALLENGER APPROACHES!

Macaque is the fandom’s darling bad boy, so of course I had to have a chapter discussing his many, MANY redemption’s over the many fics and AU’s.

In particular, (Teach Me to Be) Tougher Than Leather, Softer Than Silk by *checks notes* HOLY SHIT! I had no idea this was by @ninja-knox-ur-sox-off until just now! *ahem* Anyway it is an AMAZING fic with a practically never used pair and I highly recommend it.

Tang seems to have a type doesn’t he? Demons that seem emotionally distant, but are big softies at heart. It’s probably the purring that gets him. ;P Also does Tang/Macaque have a ship name? If not I'm dubbing it InkyPages.

Don’t worry Tang! I’m sure those intrusive thoughts will go away all on their own.

Important notice! I’m probably going to be putting this fic on the back burner for a bit because I really want to write about the cycle mentioned here. Not as part of Scattered Cicadas, but as its own thing. So keep an eye out for that!

Until next time!

[euphoricsunflowers]

big boys, submissive hearts - jeong yunho and song mingi

a/n: yo i really wish i had some kind of consistency in the amount to which i write for requests cuz good gOD. also i totally forgot that the reader was supposed to be small and like it was supposed to be a super size kink heavy fic. tell me if you want me to rewrite it.

contains: fem! reader, threesome, yunho used to have feels for mingi, mingi is lowkey a switch but he doms yunho a bit so, a small bit of pet play, we’re a lil mean to yunho, oral (fem receiving), handjobs, fingering (male receiving), pegging, and protected sex (wrap that shit up kids).

warnings: wrap it before you tap it that’s all i got to say.

word count: 2.4k

summary: a threesome with your boyfriend and his best friend.

you sighed, rubbing you temples, “so when’s he supposed to get here?”

“he said he’d be here at seven. we’re gonna watch the movie like planned… and if you’re okay with it… maybe we could do a bit more than watch the movie after,” yunho said.

“i mean, i suppose it’s fine. i just… just to be sure: you don’t want to do this because you’re unsatisfied with our sex life, right?” you look up at him for any small hint that he’s unhappy with what you have going on, but find nothing.

“no! oh god no i love our sex life! it’s just…”

“what?”

“our sex life came up in conversation, and mingi said he was curious because he’s… never been submissive before.” he rubs the back of his head, and you blink.

“and you told him he could join us?”

“i said i would talk to you! i was also… attracted to mingi once… so i liked the idea too.”

“ahh, then alright then.”

“really?!”

“i think mingi will look almost as cute on his knees for me as you do… almost…” you smile softly, wrapping your arms around him, laying your head against his chest. you were much smaller than yunho, and it was almost always him protecting you, but in the bedroom… things were different.

yunho was just a people pleaser. he was incredibly nice and kind to everyone and that translated to always doing whatever it took to please you. this was the one time you could pay back all the times he did things for you because you liked them. you were sure yunho loved you, so there wasn’t a worry about what his feelings about mingi were currently. in fact…

—

mingi arrives right at 7:00 pm, and the movie starts maybe a couple minutes later. mingi starts out sitting pretty far from the both of you, but you tell him to move closer, that it’s ok to relax around you.

maybe thirty minutes in, he seems to finally have relaxed. he rests his head on your thighs as you brush your fingers through his hair while yunho has attached himself to your side, holding onto your arm for dear life and nuzzling his head on your shoulder.

it’s a softer scene that you weren’t quite ready for. you were much more ready to have the both of them on their knees for you. you decided that if mingi truly was new to the whole submissive side, then you’d start with yunho.

you take your hand that was threading through mingi’s hair and immediately he notices. mingi sits up, and you start to rub yunho’s inner thigh while keeping eye contact with mingi. yunho must have fallen asleep, because he’s barely conscious but he’s also already moaning softly.

“wake up, baby, the fun’s about to start.” you whisper to him, and yunho seems energetic immediately, his eyes lighting up.

“wait, can i ask you something really quick?” mingi chimes in, the first time he’s really said something during these past few minutes. you nod at him and he asks, “is there something i should call you?”

“what would you be comfortable with, mingi? you can call me whatever you want, but don’t go out of your way to do anything that yunho does or i want you to do if you’re uncomfortable, okay? do you have a safeword?”

“i-i, yeah, it’s pepper.”

“alright. pepper. please remember it and don’t be afraid to use it.”

“okay.” he rushes to say, probably excited to get in on the action, but you hush him.

“really mingi. i want you to be able to voice any discomfort because you’re not used to this and i don’t know your limits, okay?”

“yes, i’ll make sure to tell you if i’m uncomfortable.”

“good. then, let’s move this to the bedroom. both of you: go upstairs and strip. be on your knees on the floor in front of the bed,” you order, and yunho’s up in a second. mingi’s slower to react, but he lets yunho drag him upstairs.

you wait a few minutes before heading upstairs. both boys did exactly as you asked, both stripped down and in front of the bed. you walk towards mingi, running your hand gently through his hair, “look at you both. so big and tall, yet so submissive for me. you’ll be good, right?”

and he nods. you smile softly at him, leaning down to press a small kiss on his forehead. the rather soft moment doesn’t go unnoticed by your boyfriend, as you can clearly hear from the whines coming from your left.

you walk over to yunho, pulling him by the hair a lot tougher than you did with mingi, but the yelp he lets out doesn’t worry you much when you see the smile on his face, “i wonder what your friends would think knowing you’re just my toy to play with, puppy. judging by how loud you’re being right now, i’d say you want them to know.”

yunho shivers at the pet name that he loves oh so much, “yes, yes, i want them to see just how good i am for you.”

“then let’s show mingi just how good you are for me, and maybe next time you can show all your friends just who owns you,” yunho whines at your words desperately, and you laugh, pecking him on the lips, “for starters, why don’t you put that pretty mouth to good use?”

yunho immediately nods, and you take your turn to strip, quickly winking at the other boy. he cheeks turn red as he makes out all the curves of your body he never got to see until now, “alright, mingi, you can get on the bed, but yunho’s going to stay on the floor where he belongs.”

you sit on the edge of the bed and mingi sits half beside, half behind you with you between his legs. he starts kissing on your shoulder and neck as yunho sits still, impatiently waiting for your permission, “you can go, puppy. do a good job, you only get to cum tonight if i do.”

and that seems to be the only modivation he needs as his mouth is immediately on your heat. lucky for yunho: he knows exactly what he’s doing. he’s flicking his tongue against your clit just how you like and his heavy breaths every time he pulls back for a second again you make you shiver. unfortunately, he places his hand on your thigh to keep a good grip on you and that just won’t do.

you pull him off you roughly, tugging at his hair life you’re trying to hurt him, and to be honest: you are, “i didn’t say you could touch me. you’re not being a very good puppy, are you?”

he gazes at you sadly at first, but he eventually drops his head and mumbles a small “no,”.

“mingi?” you call out to him for the first time in a while, and he hums in response, “go grab a belt out of my drawer. it’s the third one down on the left.”

he gets up and searches through the drawer, handing you the belt you asked for, “tie his hands behind his back, just so my puppy doesn’t make the same mistake again.”

mingi is honestly more nervous than yunho, shaking as he ties yunho’s hands and returns to his spot behind you. yunho resumes eating you out the second you let him. he drives you to your high easier than you expected, and you can never seem to brace yourself for it because it always takes you by surprise. you let out an incredibly loud, pornographic moan, holding onto yunho’s head and using him to ride out your orgasm.

after taking a second to relax, you move mingi to the side a bit and call yunho over to finally join you both in the bed, “you’re going to watch, pretty boy. touch yunho if you want, his nipples are really sensitive so feel free to play with him.”

mingi nods shakily, and you get up to search through the same drawer as earlier, finding exactly what you’re looking for and placing onto the end. yunho doesn’t even need to see what you’re doing to know he’s going to get ruined, and he’s honestly so excited.

you’re looking for one last thing when you hear a gasp and turn to see mingi running his nail along the length of yunho’s dick. you raise an eyebrow but don’t stop him, a small smirk on your face. you did say he could touch yunho. plus, it gave you an idea. you whisper something to mingi, and he seems to get what you’re saying immediately.

you squeezed some lube onto your fingers and yunho pouts, “puppy, i need to stretch you out a bit, so be patient with me.”

you can easily slide in one finger and then one becomes two and two becomes three and you pump your fingers in and out slightly, you know, just to rile him up. mingi is still just teasing him, running his nails up and down, pressing hard down on yunho’s tip, but not giving him any kind of relief.

yunho’s pain seems to have subsided as he’s moaning freely now, and you slide your fingers out only to quickly push a strap covered in lube in. guess he didn’t notice that you had that on, too lost in the pleasure. it takes little effort to get yunho moaning and babbling and he wants to grab out and hold on to you for stability, but his hands are still tied.

“hey mingi?”

“hm?”

“you think he’s loud now, you should hear him when he orgasms,” you say as you throw on of yunho’s legs over your shoulder to hit just the right spot. yunho screams out as you repeatedly hit his prostate, and he’s absolutely done for when mingi finally gives his dick the attention it needed to push him over the edge. yunho cums with a final piercing moan, his chest and stomach covered as he pants, still feeling the aftershocks of his orgasm.

you pull out and look over at mingi. he’s the only one who hasn’t really gotten any attention yet, and you’re determined to make sure he does, “yunho, baby, you did really well. can you do one more thing for me?”

yunho nods, a bit dazed still. you move over to mingi, sitting beside him and running your hand through his hair one last time. you’ve learned it calms and relaxes him.

“so, you’re new to being submissive, right?”

“y-yes,”

“then let’s take this easy. i’ll let you fuck me, but i’ll control everything. you don’t need to worry about a thing. just do what i say and i promise you’ll feel really good, okay?”

“okay,” he murmurs, and you pull him in for a kiss. he kisses differently than yunho, not any better or worse, just different. you shift and pull mingi down so he’s on top of you, “i should already be wet enough, so don’t bother with lube. there’s condoms on the dresser.”

he looks over and indeed there is a plastic box and he opens it to find at least ten, maybe fifteen condoms, “you guys are really big on protection, huh?”

“not that i doubt yunho’s pull out game, even though i absolutely do, but it’s just in case. i really can’t be getting pregnant.”

mingi shrugs and puts the condom on, moving back on top of you, “now, i want you to sink yourself inside me and feel me, but don’t move until i tell you to, okay, pretty boy?”

he nods, slipping inside you easily. you look over at yunho, who’s completely back to being energetic after maybe a few minutes of post orgasm quiet, “remember when i said i needed you to do one more thing, yunho?”

he nods, “whatever it is, mommy, i’ll do it for you.”

you smile, “i knew you were a good boy,” you reach your hand out for yunho’s length, and though it’s not as bad as it would have been immediately post orgasm, yunho still yelps out in overstimulation, “i’m going to jerk you off while mingi fucks me. you don’t get to cum until after he does, alright?”

yunho nods desperately, though he knows exactly what you’re doing. you let mingi start pumping in and out of you, albeit slowly and the contract between his speed and yours on yunho’s dick is night and day. yunho’s going to be begging for a second orgasm before mingi is even near his first. and, just like you thought, he was, “shit! y/n!! p-please slow down!! if you keep— oh my god!— keep going at this pace, it won’t be much longer until i-!”

“that seems like your problem, puppy,” you whisper, making yunho whimper from the hopelessness. even though you’re letting mingi speed up and chase his high, there’s no way yunho’s lasting until after mingi.

yunho lets out his signature moan he does when he’s cumming, and for the second time tonight, yunho orgasm, much more intensely the second time.

mingi’s not far behind as he buries his head in your neck in embarrassment at the moans he’s letting out, “it’s alright, pretty boy, you’re a good boy for me, right?”

“r-right, i—“

“cum, mingi,” you demand, and mingi immediately falls apart on top of you. he shakes and moans as you push your hips up to increase the pleasure he’s feeling. mingi stops just before you could feel yourself starting to build up another orgasm, but it’s alright. you had more pressing issues on your hands.

“well, looks like my puppy’s not that good at listening. that, or he’s just too horny to keep himself from cumming for a few more seconds,” you say to nobody in particular. you can feel yunho’s shame radiating off from him, “looks like tonight isn’t over yet, pup.”

[sarahtran]

2022 Resolutions

1. Focus more on the present, less on the future. No matter how much you’d like to over prepare yourself for tomorrow, you can only be happy today. Even if you try, there’s no guarantee that tomorrow will be better. The only thing you can control is how you feel today, so stop sacrificing so much of your present life for an uncertain future fantasy.

2. Work to integrate your identities. Despite building these walls to protect yourself, it hurts to live out such different lives and to constantly switch between them. Healing your inner child means building that bridge to connect them to your present self, so that you can grow together. Life will be more whole if you live wholeheartedly.

3. Allow yourself to enjoy your hobbies. Enjoying life is not a waste of time. Screw any pretentious idea that some hobbies are “better” than others. You want to binge-watch some of your favourite TV shows again? If you find value in it, do it. Pushing yourself into hobbies that you think you should like will only make you resent having free time even more. Only you know what makes you happy.

4. Consume content intentionally. That being said, take note of whether content has an impact on you, or whether it’s just mindless scrolling. It’s getting harder and harder to avoid getting sucked into the internet, but remind yourself of all the things you could enjoy if you weren’t glued to the same old text posts, tweets, or reposted memes over and over. Kicking this habit is a process - don’t forget about it.

5. Take care of your body. You’re only getting older, so prioritize aging with grace. There’s no need for “anti-aging” products if you’re preventative in the first place. Sleep, eat, drink water, workout, wear sunscreen, brush your teeth, take your vitamins, book your appointments, get outside - you know the drill. Don’t wait until you’re looking back and wishing you had the youth and strength that you have now.

6. Maintain your relationships. It’s human to need others, and your friendships are only as strong as you make them. People may come and go, but for those that you consider to be good friends: don’t let things drift apart. They’re there for you - and you, for them - through every twist and turn. And isn’t an ensemble cast way more fun than a lonesome protagonist?

7. Allow yourself to open up. Growing up means getting softer, not tougher. It’s having the courage to let go of those old defense mechanisms and say what you really feel, even if you don’t know what others will think. It’s fair to set your own boundaries, but make sure you’re not limiting yourself based on fear.

8. Push yourself to your limits, but rarely past them. I say rarely, because life is only getting crazier and sometimes you do have to push to 110%. But screw the idea that you have to give 110% all the time - who can actually sustain that? Not you, at least. Don’t push yourself to WORK HARD, PLAY HARD - just, like, do your work and have some fun, okay? Chill. No need to live life at the extremes. Pushing yourself past your limits isn’t a sign of strength, it’s a sign of not being in tune with yourself. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Your potential is enough.

[trashyswitch]

Tougher than Steel With a Softer Reveal

Withered Bonnie is rarely seen, and often presents a tough exterior to intimidate the people around him. But Freddy knows the softer truth about him and is happy to show it off to Jeremy.

This prompt was suggested by an anonymous user. Whoever you are, I hope you enjoy the fanfic!

Jeremy was holding the bear mask in his hand with a tight, anxious grip. He was trying to stay calm and collected, but his right hand that held the flashlight, was still visibly shaking. “”W-where are you guys…” Jeremy asked as he looked at the cameras on the tablet. “I know you’re there, Old Bonnie.” Jeremy told the animatronic in the front hallway.

Jeremy pulled the Freddy mask over his head and watched in horror as Old Bonnie flickered past him and disappeared. Jeremy let out a breath of relief before removing the mask. “Ni-nice try, Bonnie. Might need t-to be faster next time.” Jeremy told him.

“Now I wouldn’t tempt the old guy if I were you.” Someone told him.

Jeremy jumped and turned his flashlight towards the voice. It was Toy Freddy. “I-I-but-”

“He looks old and rusty. But he has a strong bite.” Freddy added.

Jeremy squeaked like a mouse and quickly tried to back away. “St-Stay away from me! I’m warning you!” Jeremy ordered.

“Oh come now...I’m not going to hurt you.” Freddy let him know. “Besides: It’s not me you need to be worried about…” Freddy pointed to the front hall and watched as Withered Bonnie popped out and declared the words; [YOU BLINKED].

Jeremy screamed as he was picked up and thrown over Withered Bonnie’s shoulder. “NO! BONNIE PLEASE!” Jeremy shouted. “LET ME GO! FREDDY HELP!” Jeremy shouted to Freddy helplessly, reaching his hand out.

“Sorry buddy. I’ll come back for you. I promise!” Freddy told him before walking away.

“WHAT?! WAIT! FREDDY!” Jeremy shouted to him.

[MIGHT AS WELL FACE THE FACTS, YOU WERE ALWAYS DESTINED TO FAIL.] Withered Bonnie told him.

Jeremy was wiggling, kicking, pushing and punching as much as he could. But his knuckles grew too painful to keep punching Bonnie’s felt-covered metal robot body. So he started pounding his fist into the shoulder and pulling on any exposed wiring. But Withered Bonnie just kept on going.

[TIME TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR FAILURE.] Bonnie said as it walked to the closet that Jeremy believed to be the room that held Mangled Bonnie. Jeremy started pulling on more wires, even managing to tear some of the wires out, and kept feeling for any kind of off switch.

Finally in one last stitch attempt to stay alive, Jeremy started clawing at Withered Bonnie’s belly to look for any type of shut down switch.

Suddenly, Bonnie’s walking halted to a stop as the one hand Bonnie had, randomly twitched up. Jeremy froze in place, afraid to do anything else for a few seconds. But the moment Jeremy noticed the missing arm, Jeremy started kicking at Bonnie’s stomach region to give his throbbing hands a break and still try to get himself out of Bonnie’s grip. Bonnie’s arm started to twitch and click through different arm positions while slowly doubling its body over. [NO. NO. STOP THAT.] Bonnie yelled unexpectedly.

Jeremy seemed to grow more confident at Bonnie’s words. “Yeah. How do you like that, huh? How do you like getting kicked down by something smaller than you?” Jeremy provoked. Jeremy gave the animatronic one last kick in the face before trying to get out of the robot’s grip. But the hand was cold metal. It was impossible to move the joints open, let alone get himself free. Jeremy groaned and growled as he struggled.

[YOU ARE WEAK.] The withered animatronic muttered as its red eyes stared deeply into the security guard.

Jeremy grunted and kicked Bonnie’s stomach again. “Shut up and let me go!”

Bonnie’s arm twitched again, causing Jeremy to pause his resistance. Jeremy finally started to properly notice the reaction time between his kicking and Bonnie’s twitching. He gave Bonnie’s belly another kick. This made Bonnie’s wrist twitch up, raising Jeremy up in the process. Jeremy waited a few seconds...before kicking Bonnie again. Bonnie’s whole arm twitched up this time, raising Jeremy up another inch. Jeremy also noticed how Bonnie was a little more leaned forward than before. The man waited another 10 seconds...before kicking Bonnie’s belly again-

Bonnie leaned over more and let go of Jeremy, making him fall to the ground. Jeremy managed to land somewhat on his own two feet, but needed the wall behind him to stabilize him. “Thank you.” Jeremy told the robot.

Bonnie let out an angry, autotuned scream as it decided to return the gesture. Bonnie had reared its foot back and quickly got ready to kick Jeremy right in the stomach. Jeremy shrieked and jumped out of the way to save himself from blood loss or potentially burst organs. Right as Jeremy’s feet slid past the target, Bonnie’s right foot smashed right through the wall that had been hidden by Jeremy’s body a couple seconds ago. Jeremy stared at the huge hole in the wall, gobsmacked by the size the robot made it.

[DO NOT FOOL ME.] Bonnie ordered.

Jeremy shook his head. “I-I wasn’t fooling you. I swear!” Jeremy reacted.

[COME HERE.] Bonnie ordered as it started walking to him again.

Jeremy quickly ducked out of the way and tried to make a run for it. But he managed to bump into someone by accident. “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS-”

Jeremy ducked under the animatronic’s brown arm and sprinted off.

“INTRODUCI...Jeremy, wait! Where are you going?” Toy Freddy asked.

Bonnie bulldozed itself right through the animatronic to get past. [FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR FAILURE. FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR FAILURE. FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR FAILURE. FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR FAIL-]

Toy Freddy’s body soon fell towards the side and smashed his back into the wall. Freddy sighed in slight annoyance and picked up the rowdy animatronic. “Come here, Bonnie. You need a big time out.”

[FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR FAILURE. FACE- FREDDY LET GO OF ME. FREDDY FREDDY FREDDY FREDDY-] Bonnie shouted as it ran in midair while it was being held off the ground.

Meanwhile, a terrified Jeremy had hid himself behind the wall on the other side of the hall.

“I think Bonnie needs to cheer up a little~” Freddy told the animatronic.

[FREDDY NO. FREDDY WAIT. LET ME GO. LET ME GO. LET ME GO.] Bonnie kept shouting over and over again.

Jeremy let out a breath of relief as he listened to Freddy’s intervening. He really stayed true to his promise: he did indeed, come back.

“Don’t make me go for the belly, Bonnie. It’s the only soft part left on you.” Freddy warned evilly.

[NO. NO BELLY. EVIL. EVIL. NOT FAIR. NOT FAIR.] Bonnie kept yelling.

“Tickle tickle! Tickle tickle! Tickle tickle! Tickle tickle!” Freddy started repeating.

Jeremy blinked in confusion and slowly peeked out from behind the wall. What in the world was he doing with Bonnie??

Freddy was twisting and wiggling his shiny, robot fingers against Withered Bonnie’s belly. The broken Bonnie was doubled over, twitching and waving its hand around.

[YOU WILL FACE TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR THIS.] Bonnie yelled back.

“These plastic fingers may not press buttons very well, but they do tremendously tickle!” Freddy teased.

Jeremy raised an eyebrow. Is...Is an animatronic seriously trying to tickle another animatronic? Since when did animatronics experience feeling? Jeremy always believed animatronics lack nerves to feel, let alone tickle. Was he wrong? And was THIS how he was gonna be proved wrong? Jeremy continued to stare, confusingly at the sight.

Freddy looked over and saw Jeremy over there. “Hey look! Security guard’s watching!”

[AAAAAAH. STO-O-OP. FREDDY PLEASE.] Bonnie pleaded. [HELP ME. HELP ME HELP ME PLEASE HELP.] Bonnie shouted to Jeremy.

Jeremy slowly walked closer. “Is...Is Bonnie really feeling that?” he asked.

Freddy looked at Jeremy and nodded proudly. “Yuperdooo! His belly and his sides are really ticklish!” Freddy replied confidently.

Jeremy’s confusion slowly dropped as he looked at Bonnie and watched.

[I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS, FREDDY!] Bonnie shouted at him.

“Hey!” Freddy put his leg behind Bonnie’s legs and purposefully tripped him. This caused Bonnie to fall onto his back. With Bonnie lying on the ground, Freddy picked up Bonnie’s felt-covered foot and started tickling the bottom. “That’s what you get for leaving me hanging!” Freddy added.

Bonnie started rolling around, kicking his other foot and waving his arm around while letting out distorted laughter that sounded...surprisingly kinda normal. It sounded like regular male laughter, yet covered up with static and distorted somewhat. Jeremy couldn’t help but smile at the animatronic.

“Oh! I know where to go next!” Freddy started moving his scratching fingers up and up to: “The toes!”

[AAAAAAAAH! NO TOES! HAHAHAHAHAHA! NO TOES! TOO TICKLISH! AHAHAHAHAHA!]

Jeremy couldn’t help but laugh along with Bonnie. The guy who scared him and tried to kill him a few minutes earlier, was actually a lot more childish than he ever imagined. Which of course, there’s only so much you can learn as a robot subjected to kids everyday. But still...quite childish.

“Security guard!” Freddy called. “Do-”

“Yes?” Jeremy replied.

“Wonderful!” Freddy ran up to Jeremy and pushed him to Bonnie.

Jeremy grew very confused and started to panic a little. “Wait I was trying to-.......Ooookay then…”

Bonnie waved his hand towards Bonnie. “Well? Go on then.” Freddy told him. Jeremy stared awkwardly at the broken animatronic. Uuuuuh...what?

“Uuh...G-Go on with what?” Jeremy asked.

Bonnie chuckled and walked to Bonnie’s armless side. “Tickle him!” Freddy told him as he picked up the loose wires and moved them aside for the conductive human.

Jeremy lit up and ran over. Heck yeah he can do that! Jeremy knelt down and mentally thought about where exactly to strike.

[SIR WAIT. PLEASE HAVE MERCY.] Bonnie begged to him.

Jeremy actually paused and considered offering the animatronic some mercy. But Freddy, being eager to see this, hit Jeremy’s shoulder. “Come on! Don’t you want revenge for the kidnapping?” Freddy asked.

Jeremy looked at Bonnie closely and smirked a little. Yes. He did want revenge. And he also wanted to test out the robot nerves. Jeremy’s smile grew as he wiggled his fingers at him. “I apologize Bonnie...But I can’t be merciful quite yet. I have many questions I want answered.” Jeremy admitted.

[I MAY BE MISSING MY FACE, BUT EVEN I COULD SEE THIS COMING.] Bonnie admitted.

Jeremy chuckled at that and tried poking at his side. “Good face pun.” Jeremy responded.

Jeremy’s poke didn’t really cause anything, save for some twitches. Jeremy moved onto scratching immediately after. This didn’t cause much either, but it did increase the twitches and make Bonnie’s ears move...It also filled Jeremy’s nails with felt fluff that was still falling off.

Freddy stood up and pushed Jeremy down towards the belly. “You’re too soft on him! You need to tickle harder! Like this!” Freddy started digging his fat fingers into Withered Bonnie’s side.

Almost immediately, Bonnie jumped and sat up. [WHAAAAHAHAHAHA! TOO STRONG!] Bonnie warned.

“Nope! Juuust right!” Freddy started wiggling to add to the pressure he was placing against the side. “You’re a tough boy. And tough boys need tough boy tickles!” Freddy exclaimed.

Bonnie started trying to scoot away, with no success. His lack of a left arm made scooting away really hard for the withered robot. So, Jeremy took advantage of Bonnie’s set back...He dove towards Bonnie’s belly and started clawing at it like he did the first time.

[HAHAHAHAHAHA! AHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHE! NOT YOU BOTH! HEHEHEHEHEHE! ONE AT A TIME! HAHAHA- PLEASE! HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHA!] Bonnie bursted out.

“WOW! That’s a huge difference compared to earlier!” Jeremy admitted.

“Yuh huh! Stronger tickles makes stronger laughter!” Freddy declared. “And don’t you ever forget it, kid.”

Jeremy paused for a moment and frowned at Freddy. “Excuse me? Did you just call me a kid?”

Freddy chuckled while he continued to tickle Wither Bonnie. “Are you not a kid?” Freddy asked.

Jeremy shook his head. “I’m a grown man.”

Freddy giggled. “Grown kid security guard.” He teased.

Jeremy cracked his knuckles. “Oh you’re gonna regret that real bad.”

Jeremy got up and flopped onto Freddy’s back. Then, Jeremy started skittering his fingers all over his sides and edges of Freddy’s back. Freddy yelped and tried to grab Jeremy with one hand while balancing himself with his other hand. “HEhey now! Whahahaha- What happened to being tickle partners?” Freddy asked.

“It went out the hole Bonnie made earlier. Now accept your fate.” Freddy laid himself onto the ground, snuck himself under Freddy’s belly and covered it with tons of quick tickles! Freddy, not wanting to smoosh the guy, jumped back and tried to scoot away. But Jeremy grabbed onto Freddy’s foot just in time and pulled himself up. When the security guard felt he had a safe enough grip, Jeremy covered Freddy’s foot with tickles.

“WahahAHAHAIT! NAHAHAHAT THEHEHERE! NAHAHAHAHAHA!” Freddy started kicking his feet everywhere, forcing Jeremy along for the rollercoaster ride as well! Jeremy squealed at first, and took a moment to get his bearings. Then Jeremy resumed tickling the super sensitive and exposed foot. “NAHAHAHAT FAHAHAIR! IHIHI’VE BEEN DOHOHOUBLE CROHOHOSSED!” Freddy yelled.

“Aww, boo hoo! The poor teddy bear lost his partner in crime! Whatever will he do?” Jeremy teased dramatically.

“REHEHEVEHEHENGE WILL BEHE COHOHOMIHIHING FOHOHOR YOHOHOU!” Freddy yelled back.

[NOT UNLESS I GET YOU FIRST.] Bonnie muttered.

“Geez...What is up with you two and swearing revenge on people? So rude…” Jeremy asked out loud.

“NAHAHAHAT MYHYHY FOHOHOHOOT! IHIHIT’S TOHOHOHOO TIHIHIHICKLIHIHISH! PLEHEHEHEHEASE!” Freddy begged.

“Please? Please what?” Michael asked.

“MEHEHEHERCYYYYHYHY!” Freddy yelled back.

“Hmmmmm...Should I give Freddy some mercy?” Jeremy asked Bonnie.

“YEHEHEHES! PLEHEHEASE YEHEHEHEHES!” Freddy pleaded.

[HE WAS TALKING TO ME.] Bonnie mentioned. [YES. GIVE THE BEAR SOME MERCY.] Bonnie replied.

“Hmm...Alright.” Jeremy stopped tickling Freddy and let his foot go.

Freddy went limp and laid there for a few seconds. “Ohoho boy…” Freddy muttered. “That...That game was totally rigged!”

Jeremy chuckled at Freddy’s reaction, and looked at Bonnie. “Hey...so, we cool now?” Jeremy asked.

Bonnie sat himself up and looked down a little. He nodded his head, but slowly started to move his ears a little. It looked like Bonnie wanted to tell Jeremy something.

“Did...Did you have something to- AAAAEEEEK!” Jeremy interrupted himself with a shriek when he felt himself get picked up by someone.

“IIIIIIII’ve gotcha! I’ve gotcha good!” Freddy declared. “And now revenge is mine! Tickle tickle tickle! Tickle tickle tickle! Tickle tickle tickle tickle tickle security guard!” Freddy declared as he skittered his fingers a little more softly on Jeremy’s ribs, sides, belly and hips.

Jeremy threw his head back and started cackling and laughing hysterically in the tight arms of Freddy. He really got him this time! Jeremy was still able to wiggle, but it wasn’t gonna compromise Freddy’s hold on him. He was gonna be stuck there for a while. “FREHEHEHEHEHEDDYHYHY! IHIHIHI’M SAHAHAHARRYHYHYHY!” Jeremy told him.

“Oh? Oh you’re sorry now? Because now I’m getting my revenge after you backstabbed me?” Freddy teased. “You should’ve thought about what you were setting yourself up for.” Freddy teased.

“YOHOHOU SHOHOULDN’T HAHAVE BEHEHEHEEN CAHALLIHIHING MEHE AHA KIHIHIHID!” Jeremy shot back.

“But you are a kid! The legal age for consent in the United States of America, is 18 years old. You told me you are a teenager. That means you are not an adult yet!” Freddy declared.

“OHOHO SHUHUHUT UHUHUHUP!” Jeremy shot back.

Freddy stopped his tickling and looked at him. “Now now...that kind of potty mouth needs to be stopped this instant.” Freddy warned.

Potty mouth? What potty mouth?

“Otherwise you’re gonna be a bad influence on the children~” Freddy added.

Not wanting to be tickled again, Jeremy rolled himself onto his own belly and blew a big raspberry onto Freddy’s huge, brown belly.

Freddy absolutely lost it! The bear was rocking back and forth, pounding the floor, and kicking his legs pretty much everywhere.

Jeremy was about to blow another raspberry...when he heard a quiet voice.

[EXCUSE ME?]

Jeremy turned around and looked at the animatronic that was still sitting behind him: Withered Bonnie. “Yes?”

Bonnie was awkwardly playing with the exposed wires that ran down his missing arm. [CAN…….CAN YOU TICKLE ME AGAIN?]

Jeremy widened his eyes and smiled. “Of course I can!” Jeremy replied.

“Well call me surprised! He really DOES like it!” Freddy reacted. “That was just an educated guess!

[I DO NOT!] Bonnie shouted back. Toy Freddy froze in place, fearing he may have hurt him. But Bonnie looked down and moved his ears a little. [JUST...JUST A LITTLE. THAT’S ALL.]

Jeremy scooted himself closer to Bonnie and started skittering and clawing at his belly again. Freddy got up and moved to the other side, to dig and squeeze at Bonnie’s side.

[HAHAHAHAHAHA! OH NO! AHAHAHAHEHEHE! TICKLES! HAHAHAHA- REALLY TICKLES! HEHEHEHAHAHAHAHA!] Bonnie shouted amidst his wiggling.

Jeremy smiled happily and kept on going while he listened to Bonnie’s unusual, but nice laughter. Freddy was enjoying Bonnie’s laughter just as much, and was teasing Bonnie quite a bit while he tickled him. It was a strangely sweet scene that was taking place in front of him. Bonnie had appeared quite dangerous at first on the outside. But he seemed to hold bits of love and charm under the tough exterior. Though the love was hard to see under the toughness, it was there and you could seek what you wanted if you took the time to look for it.

Withered or fixed, Bonnie was Bonnie; and Toy Freddy wouldn’t change that for the world. And now, Jeremy can declare that he wouldn’t try to change Bonnie either.