#they never get couped and I kind of enjoy that

[llycaons]

I don't watch cdramas or read novels with emperors too often and I really prefer it that way. but this one is a historical drama (no fantasy) so it's kind of a given. fgep was like this too

[imaginesheaven]

GN!Reader x TF 141 – Relationship Dynamics

Warnings: swearing

Length: ~2.7k

Captain John Price – Doberman x Orange Cat Dynamic

The two of you are quite an uncommon pair, but it does work out somehow.

With his collected demeanor, Price is definitely the calm before the storm. He is able to give you the quiet time you need, bringing serenity into your life and calming you down.

On the other hand, you are the storm after the calm, so if shit goes sideways, you are either the solution or the cause of it. There is literally no in between. Still John wouldn’t want it the other way around. You are the little storm in his life to keep him busy.  

Being the whirlwind of the Task Force; tearing everything down in your way you are probably 99.9% the reason why John is always exhausted at the end of the day. Of course, he would never tell a soul about it, but he enjoys how you are endlessly restless.

He is on the run behind you like all the time. “Could you calm down for a second?” – “I have never known calm before in my life … so no!”

In this context it is a nightmare for John to keep your injured ass in the bed. Sometimes he can’t believe how much energy a human being like you can have. “Love, you need to rest. You are injured.” – “Sleep is for the weak, John! I am vengeance! I am the night!” – “You are NOT BATMAN!”

In the end he lures you with a lot of cuddles and back scratches back into bed. Having you close to him, for once calmed down, John remembers how completely smitten he is with you. There is literally nothing this man wouldn’t do for you.

Before the two of you started dating, the whole base knew that Captain Price has a soft spot for you. Everyone could see the love for you on his face. Everyone except for you. Even when he confessed his feelings you were still oblivious how much John loves you with all of his heart.

Price is always there to protect you. Being the Doberman of the relationship obviously. With your orange cat energy, you are in trouble like 5 out of 7 days of the week. Still he bails you out of any trouble, knowing for sure you are already planning your next coup. John loves the entertainment you give him with your crazy ideas sometimes. And to be honest he has to give you credit for your creativity.

So, most phone calls go like this:

“Hey, John!” – “Did you get in trouble?” – “Me? Never! *snickers* However, can you come and get me from the infirmary?” – “I’m on my way, love…”

“Just wanted to let you know how much I love you!” – “What did you do this time?” – “Nothing! *multiple crashing sounds and Soap screaming in the background* - “Don’t move! I’ll get you.”

Or waking him up in the middle of the night:

“Psst.. John!” – “Are you hurt, love?” – “No…” – “Then get back to sleep. It can wait…” – “But guess what I did!” – “Fuck!” *is awake in a second*

Having briefings is also very eventful since you are endlessly sarcastic. You don’t care about ranks. If someone says something stupid, you have to reply. It’s a natural reaction like breathing.

“Oh, so you are the sperm that won in the end against all the others? How embarrassing…” – “(Y/N)!” – “Come on, Laswell, that was a good one.” *Prices has always your back*

And with that comments you are always one minor inconvenience away from causing chaos all over the base. John is here for it :)

Keeping you safe is definitely not easy for John, but he tries his best every single day, because you are worth it.

“Go on, say it before I let you roam free to cause chaos and bring hell upon everyone.”  – “This is embarrassing, John.” – “…” – “Ugh, fine. Breaking things should not be fun. Fire and explosions are bad. If I get hurt, you will be mad. No weapons of any kind. I will behave… okay?” – “Good, have fun, love~”

Simon “Ghost” Riley – Doberman x Black Cat Dynamic

Oh well, how can I explain this relationship the best? If the devil itself and the grim reaper started to date, that’s how the two of you are like. It didn’t take people long to understand to stay away from you two, since Simon is the infamous cold Ghost and you are scaring people away with your permanent “Fuck off!”-face. Both of you oblivious to that fact:

“Why is everyone scared of us, Simon?” – “No idea.” *both of you literally throwing death glares at everyone*

Simon would never admit it out loud, but he thinks it’s incredibly hot how you intimidate people with a single glance. Grown ass man with higher ranks as you started to get nervous in your presence. You are literally a force to be reckoned with. And he loves every second about it.

Ghost is a Doberman for sure. That man in big and scary in his black gear. He looks like he is in charge, but boy, behind closed doors you walk him like a dog. You are his match he has been looking for so long.

“I will not discuss this with you.” *starts to walk out of the room* - “Come the fuck back and talk to me, Simon.” *stays calm and collected* - *Simon turns around and sits down like a good boy*

However, Simon would die to protect you in a second. He has never felt so much love for a person before. Takes his job as your personal bodyguard very seriously even if he knows that you can protect yourself very well.

“EXCUSE ME?!” *you walk towards another big soldier* - “Fuckin’ hell…” *rolls his eyes but follows you anyway* - “I can handle it on my own.” – “Oh, I know. I’m here just in case, sunshine.” *stays back but ready to pounce any second*

The other soldiers know to stay away from you, but sometimes it still happens. The rest of the Task Force loves to watch how you always get in trouble like:

“Say that to my face, asshole!” – *Simon standing behind you shooting death glares* “Try it. I dare you.”

The two of you always have each other’s back. Where one is, the other is probably not far away. Simon couldn’t imagine his life without your grumpy and black cat energy anymore. Your chosen love language is teasing and making fun of each other like most of the time. Also, in front of other people.

“You are so serious all the time, Simon.” *you stare at him with your infamous stoic facial expression* - “You are no ray of sunshine either~” *can’t help himself but smile underneath his mask*

And so, the nickname sunshine was established for you. It’s meant to be sarcastic, but for Simon you are literally the sunshine of his life. Making everything brighter and better. Behind closed doors you let him see your vulnerable side.

“If you ever leave me, I will burn down the world…” – “I’m literally devoted to you, sunshine. No need for more chaos and destruction.” – “….” – “You are mine and you are so cute.” *cups your face in his hands* - “… and lethal. Don’t forget that, jerk.” *melts into his touch*

Simon loves how you can handle yourself, but sometimes you drive him crazy testing out his patience on a daily basis.

“Look at me, sunshine!” – “Make me~” *smirks at him*- “Watch your tone for once.” – “Or what?!” *ready to tear him down* - “I think it’s time for you to eat something.” *takes your hand in his* - “I think it’s time to break something!” *escapes his grip* - “No, sunshine! Come back!” *runs after you to pick you up*

Here and there you think that you are too harsh towards the world, but in the end it’s just how the two of you are.

“We are really mean to the Rookies, Simon.” – “… And? It builds their characters. It’s good for them.” – “… True.” *you smile at him* “I love you.” – “I love you too, sunshine.”

John “Soap” MacTavish – Golden Retriever x Black Cat Dynamic

No one really knows how the two of you end up together, but somehow Soap managed to worm his way into your heart rather quickly. You have seen your fair share of cruelty in this world, which explains your cold, stoic and always annoyed presence. You are annoyed by anything and anyone except him. He could never annoy you.

Soap has never met someone like you, who has endless patience for his crazy energy. His mind is working thousand miles per second all the time. He is quite literally a storm. Then there you are bringing your calmness to him; slowing him down finally.

The rest of the team were lucky enough to see how you manage to stop this whirlwind named Soap. Surprised how calm and collected you are as he almost jogs his circles around your spot on the couch.

“Here, Johnny” *you hand him a box* - “What is that?” *has his hands already all over it* - “A Jigsaw puzzle.” – “…” *looks confused at you* - “I managed to do it in under an hour. Can you beat me?” – “Challenge accepted!” *he starts to puzzle and calms down*

Soap can’t even express how grateful he is to have you by his side. You handle all of him so perfectly without an ounce of judgement. You might look scary on the outside but you have such a soft spot for him.

It doesn’t matter what stupid shit Johnny might does, you will always have his back. Which also means bailing him out of trouble all the time. Sometimes Soap doesn’t understand how you still can love him.

*you bail him out of jail in the middle of the night* - “I’m sorry…” – “It’s okay.” *you give him a rare smile of yours* - “You are not disappointed by me?” *cue puppy eyes* - “Oh gosh! No! That is absolutely impossible, okay? … But you are still an idiot.” – But I’m yer idiot!” *wraps his arm around you* - “… Unfortunately …” *enjoys it anyway*

One of Johnny’s love language? Physical contact like all of the time. Yours? No physical contact like all of the time. So, cuddling is for you going through every circle of hell, but you do it for him and sometimes it is quite nice. Soap is always the little spoon. Outside he is the big bad soldier, but with you he is just a baby.

On the other side, you also can be vulnerable when he is by your side. It is something you don’t like to do very often, but Johnny gives you the reassurance you need. All the insecurities you hide from the world.

“Please, never leave me…” *buries face in his chest* - “You have never to worry about that, my love.” – “You think we are going to be okay?” – “I know it. You are safe with me. I would never hurt you.” *kisses your head* - “… Okay… I love you.” – “I love you more.”

Soap with his Golden Retriever energy loves meeting new people above everything else. It’s quite the funny sight to see you standing behind him judging everyone you meet. You are also his protector. Here and there Johnny gets too nice with people. You take your job to protect his beautiful sparkle very seriously.

*pulls him down by his ear* “What did I say about being nice to strangers?!”

But Soap has also to take care of you, since you are never looking after yourself either. He has always a drink and snack ready for you no matter the time.

“Did you eat? Drink water? Got sunlight?” – “Uh, nope, thank you tough.” *make your way out of the room* - “Where do you think you are going?” *picks you up to bring you back* “Just give up, love.” - *you struggling in his arms* “NEVER!!!!”

Johnny loves to take pictures with you, even though you never smile on any of them. He keeps taking them still admiring you.

“You are the love of my life.” – “My condolences, Johnny.” *smiles at him*

Kyle “Gaz” Garrick – Golden Retriever x Orange Cat Dynamic

Well, what do we have here? It looks a little bit like a double trouble team. Price definitely did not plan his Task Force to be this chaotic with the two of you. We have to mention that Gaz is usually not the one causing trouble.

This poor lovesick man is usually only the accessory to your crimes. It’s you who has the stupid ideas and the matching plan for every idea. It’s also him who bails the two of you out of everything with his innocent and sweet smile. You would never admit it, but it makes you a bit jealous how easy it is for him to do that.

“See, I told you we would get out of this, love!” *smiles happily* - “Shut up before I do another stupid thing…” *glares at him but is more than glad to have him by your side*

It makes is hard for him to enjoy a nice little adventure to spend time with you, because you have a talent to turn almost everything you two to into a police chase.

“OH MY GOD! DRIVE! KYLE!” *jumps into the car through the window* - “WHAT DID YOU DO?!” – “DON’T ASK! DRIVE!” *sirens come closer*

Kyle is the definition of a safe space for you. With him you can be exactly the person you are and you never have to be afraid that he will leave you. You are his little panic room. All those negative thoughts and anxieties he has are safe with you.

“This mission is going to be a shit-show.” – “You have two minutes to let all your panic, worries and the negativity out.” – *talks it off his soul* - “Great, now the show must go on, Gaz.” *you give him a tight hug* - “Thanks…” *can’t believe how much he loves you*

This man survives most of the missions out of pure luck. Fortunately, your second name is pure luck. You are always there to save his ass no matter what. Even more after he fell out of the helicopter.

“Ha, Gaz, there is your guardian angel~” - *you coming out of nowhere killing enemies left and right to save his handsome face* - “I told you to be careful!” *hitting the back of his head with your hand*

The others weren’t that wrong. You are an angel. His angel.

Here and there the world becomes too much for you to bear. Your orange cat energy can easily turn into a black cat one. When that happens, you go through at least 121828378 emotions a day, but Gaz knows exactly how to handle all of them.

“I’m cranky… leave me alone.” – *wraps himself around you* “Hi cranky. I love you!” - *you can’t help yourself but smile a bit* “I don’t feel good mentally.” – “It’s okay. I’m here, my angel.” *kisses your forehead* - hours later – “Can I let go now, angel?” - *grinning* “Nope, never.”

You would never ever admit out loud that you are missing Gaz. Of course, he knows that you are only playing with him. He can see it in your face like every single time. Especially when you have to stay back injured and the team goes on missions without you. The entire time you worry about his safety, because when you are not with him who is going to save his handsome face?

“I missed you, angel!” *hugs you tightly* - “You were gone?” *trying to play it cool but has been crying the entire time* - “It’s okay…” *could see your puffy red eyes*

The two of you are a perfect mix out of being friendly and causing chaos. Neither of you could imagine your life without the other one.

“Do you love me or the chaos, Gaz?” – “Uh… Definitely both~”

[kromato]

Hey what's up it's me with a special interest in weapons and I wanted to share my thoughts about Nikto's machete (no that's not an innuendo for once)

Had a bit of a solo-mandela effect going on because for the longest time I thought it had a modified 'billhook'-like feature on the back of it for whatever reason (but smaller than what would be considered a traditional billhook, more like a hoof pick blade).

I kind of enjoy still HCing that it does have it because a) it looks kind of cool and b) a terrifying thought to think this man whips this giant intimidating blade out, flips it deftly in his hand to the hook side, just to sink it into flesh and yank people back in when they try to run. Also it allows me to think about a scenario where, resident karambit knife enthusiast Sebastian Krueger, can teach proper blade hooking techniques to our beloved plural man. Anyway back to the knife - It's like a cross between a coup coup and a bola? But has a cool flare like a Tapanga for his newer mwiii model. Also like a vintage Senegalese french machete, which were known for their high quality (might technically be the same thing as the coup coup, just with the locale specified I think, both entrenchment machetes). That curve also kind of reminds me of parangs but it's not particularly drop-pointed.

I HC Nikto as a very brutally pragmatic but particular man, so it doesn't feel too far off to think that he went out of his way to acquire something niche like that. Some kind of custom-made machete that fits his needs just right. The length of it, as well as the curved, ergonomic grip makes me think he's gotten it to do some serious chopping, so it's also probably heavy and weighted forward to make that easier when swinging. I don't see him as a flashy fighter personally, and though maybe it was a stylistic choice for the game devs/artists, I think it's a neat feature that speaks to his character. I do think it's made of hefty steel; weight is important in chopping knives, and though steel rusts, it's sturdy compared to a lot of other metals. Not to mention - I feel like oiling and caring for his weapons, machete included, would be a ritual source of peace for his sometimes loud and chaotic mind. Grounding when he can feel the weight and texture where his nerves aren't completely damaged, smell the oil, have tangible proof that it's reality when he sees the maintained blade even after he becomes unmoored.

Now this is just me WAY reading too much into it, but it gives me a little giggle - The hole at the end of the handle is for a wrist lanyard, so you can loop a piece of paracord rope to secure it around your hand. It's an important safety feature just in case the machete goes flying out of your hand while chopping, lest it hit people in your vicinity (accidentally...?). In his 19 model, he doesn't have the paracord rope attached; Nikto says "Fuck your safety" but also huge ego of "I would never accidentally fling my knife!!"

Could also be because it gets caught on stuff if it dangles off his hip though - he's got one on his newer model where he wears the blade on his shoulder, which looks like a place where it's less likely to snag on things. Could also be because he's been increasingly featured in larger factions, so he works with more people and was asked to have one on hand maybe?? I don't know. In either case the knot in the middle of the rope makes it too small for his wrist which could also be read as a passive-aggressive "Here's the fucking safety rope it's on there ALRIGHT" and yet he's also made it nonfunctional for its intended purpose lmao Okay that's all byeeee

[littlebigmouse]

List of Small Things™ I enjoy about Fullmetal Alchemist in no particular order

Everyone in FMAB/manga is just Some Guy™ and very human and I love that so here goes:

Falman getting stuck with a serial-killing suit of armor in his appartment for days and his reaction to it. It may have been weeks. He's been on sick leave the entire time. He's a guy in his early thirties with a flock of early-greying hair because being in a dead-end-role in the military is stressfull, ok. He gets stuck at home with a funny little serial killer (and eventually some foreign body guards, and a foreign prince?? lighting signal fires in his backyard?? like man what a week)

The whole military ambush against the Devil's Nest was yes, kind of kickstarted by the gang kidnapping Al for Greed, but it was mostly kickstarted because Ed was down south to do his yearly official report and Bradley and Armstrong just happened to be present when he was informed Al had gone missing. Greed's entire operation was done in by a teen doing his paperwork

on that note, Greed really decided to spend his immortality wisely by pursuing absolutely none of his supposed ambitions and just decided to settle down with a bunch of buddies. An offshot of the buddies he was initially made to guard, too. I don't think Greed is aware of this either

everyone on that radio building. The radio host 100% down to get some coup-shenanigans into his station to drive engagement. The guys sympathising with Mrs Bradley and taking care of her. Breda taking control of the narrative with a perpetual frown by the skin of his teeth.

I know the story of how the Bradleys met is technically not canon(?) but Mrs Bradley slapping her future husband upon their first meeting because he got his flirting tips from his siblings will never not be funny. Idiots. All of them.

EVERYTHING about Darius and Heinkel. They lost their jobs and became wanted criminals upon helping out some scrawny 15 year old. They have families they miss dearly. They haven't looked back since. "You guys don't HAVE to help me save the world" - "It's not like we have anything better to do"

i was going to say the Ice Cream Truck, because it's iconic, but actually, when told to disguise a vehicle, 15-year-old pinacle of edgelord fashion Edward Elric turned it into a colourful nightmare of spikes that barely resembled a car but might be closely related to the worlds deadliest parade float. None of this was necessary. Ed is just like that.

Hawkeye growing her hair out after meeting Winry, and Winry getting piercings after seeing Hawkeye's

Denny Brosh bursting into tears when he sees Maria Ross is still alive. Dude managed to not quit his job despite working in the same city (department?) where his best friend's killer was his supervisor. They were also very real for showing us that this is a guy who oversleeps and is older brother to at least three younger siblings. There was no need to give us more on Denny Brosh but every little detail hit so hard when they reunited.

okay so remember that time Ed and Ling ate Ed's shoe. Remember that Ed spend some time on a "deserted island" as a kid. Gluttony's stomach had nothing on him. Izumi raised some anime-ass boy-scouts. 100% Farm boy behaviour. These kids are so 15 it makes me want to bite things

immortal, soul-spliced dwarf in a flask got rid of his Sloth and still managed to procrastinate on his world domination plan until the last minute. Most Human disaster.

the entire half-episode they spend on Dr. Knox and his regrets and family. FMA is so good about humanising everyone.

everyone bullied Yoki because he was a small town fraud exploiting workers for his own benefit. Simply a jerk. He also hit Pride with a car in an epic rescue, and cried and screamed the whole way through

that one shot of a kid curiously poking a soldier they found bound on the ground with a stick

(I know it's technically not canon, but-) "I'm trying to save your life, asshole!"

Edward Elric

[gffa]

I would like to say I've slowed down a bit on BATFAMILY fic over the last month, but that's kind of a lie because fandom has put out some absolute banger longer fics and I've been reading a lot of comics (can you believe how many comics I've been enjoying?? I have never felt so spoiled for choice!), so I still feel like I'm inhaling everything as fast as I can go and it's GREAT. It's a constant stream of crying about fictional characters in canon, crying about fictional characters in sad fic scenarios, crying about fictional characters in happy fic scenarios, and crying about fictional characters because other people care about our babies, too. Also, I have decided I no longer have a Dick Grayson Problem that you must all suffer through to get some variety in the recs, but instead I have a Dick Grayson Solution. You're all welcome. But I'll mix it up a bit just for you guys, so hopefully you find something fun to read no matter your fave and have a good time, because this fandom has been knocking it out of the park with the fic that has given me a good time, READ AND CRY WITH ME, OKAY. BATFAM FIC RECS - BABY DICK IS THE CUTEST FERAL ROBIN I'M NOT HEARING ANY ARGUMENTS: ✦ Grounded by WingFeathers, dick & bruce & clark & wally & ma kent & pa kent & background clark/bruce & cast, 60.4k     In the early days of the Justice League, Bruce is out more and more frequently on League missions, and Dick (age 13) is growing more and more restless and lonely stuck at home. His friends can't know he's Robin, and there are no superheroes Dick's age--or so he thinks, until Bruce receives a call from Barry, desperately seeking mentorship advice. Dick asks to meet the Flash's new sidekick, but Bruce refuses; a fight ensues, ending in Dick getting grounded. One week in Gotham off patrol, and then two weeks alone, far from Gotham... at a little family farm in Smallville, Kansas. And hey, if a certain Midwestern speedster sidekick just so happens to turn up, that'd be just fine. Or would it?

✦ trust in serum by deargalileo, dick & bruce & alfred & clark, 15.7k     "I believe the serum is a mixture of chemicals that compels the target to be completely honest, even against their own will." "You got hit with a truth serum?" Bruce winced as Dick's voice reached a high pitch. "Really?!" "Yes, really."

✦ Storge by CKBookish, dick & bruce & alfred, 5.4k     “Your dad must have his hands full with you.” Elizabeth Ribbons leaned forward and patted Dick’s shoulder, as he reached for yet another slice of cheesecake from a passing waiter’s tray. Bruce fixed his eyes on the ice sculpture that hid him from view. It suddenly seemed like the most interesting design in the world. The soft lines of the ice on the otherwise insignificant over sized swan seemed like a lead shield... Because Dick would read it easily in his expression. He wanted to be Dick’s dad. But he wasn’t.

✦ Robin Wings by JeanjacketCarf, dick & clark & bruce & cast, 3.4k     Clark wakes in a panic, unsure what has jarred him from his sleep. Until he notices Robin's absence from Batman's side.

✦ Hey! He Attempted a Coup! by PandasandDucks13, dick & bruce & clark & justice league & cast, 6.8k wip     What if Dick Grayson was a Kryptonian?

✦ grief mosaic by newsical, dick & bruce & alfred & leslie, 1.3k     Grief paints Dick’s days in muted shades of red and yellow and green. He grows to expect sleepless nights and sweat-drenched sheets. In turn, he finds late night companions in Alfred, with his old movies and stories, and Bruce, who wears the colors of his own grief to prevent its spread to others. Dr. Thompkins writes a letter to Bruce diagnosing Dick with PTSD.

✦ before this ends by emavee, dick & bruce, 2.5k     Mr. Wayne would definitely be angry if he knew what Dick was planning, but it’s not as if Dick is going to be here long anyway. Might as well take the opportunity to fly one last time, while he still has the chance.

✦ A Light at the End of the Tunnel by dizarys, dick & bruce & alfred, 1.6k     Maybe the parenting and grieving books he skimmed the highlights from last week–and Alfred–were right. Why else would Dick have approached their newest case with such ferocity and determination? At first, Bruce chalked it up to empathy. Seeing another child crying after his parents were murdered was something Batman and Robin could relate to.

✦ Last Night of Sadness by gothamshero (emhyr), dick & bruce & slade & william cobb, 6.1k     Dick Grayson has to take liberties when he’s a civilian, but he still knows when he’s being followed.

✦ Starlings in Winter by FromStarstuff, dick & bruce & clark & cast, 18k wip     When Dick was eleven years old he ran away from Gotham. No one could quite figure out why. Take your pick; there was a fight at school, a circus in town, and a song he can’t remember the melody of. Eleven-year-old Dick Grayson was flooded with grief, swimming in it, perpetually drowning. One day it was too much.

✦ What Defines A Father by Browniesarethebest, dick & bruce & justice league & cast, 7.7k wip     Batman hasn't known the newly formed Justice League long enough to trust them, but he's willing to put everything on the line when the one thing he cares for most is taken somewhere he can't easily follow.

✦ Stolen Son by springfox (dallystrings), dick & bruce & cast, 8.6k     Bruce’s heartbeat sped up, but he leveled his breathing to remain clear headed. After another thirty seconds he abandoned the cart and walked briskly through the store, searching every row in a growing panic. “Dick?” he called, “Dick, can you hear me? Where are you, chum?”

BATFAM FIC RECS - ADULT BATSON AND BATDAD ARE MY KRYPTONITE, I FOLD LIKE WET CARDBOARD FOR THEM: ✦ Learning Experience by strikeyourcolors, dick & bruce, 2.3k     "Does it ever get easier?" Dick asks. Bruce isn't technically old enough to be his father biologically, but those deep blue eyes are looking at him as a child beseeching a parent. "Some nights I feel like I can't do this anymore, Bruce. I can't be Nightwing."

✦ Rainbow Puppies by zombiesbecrazy, dick & bruce, 2.4k     Bruce really wanted to hate Pamela Isley right now, but all that he could focus on was how much he admired the way she passionately fought for her beliefs and how he could applaud her application of her educational background into practical endeavors to her cause, however misguided. Being hit with one of Ivy's toxins has Bruce babbling like a fool.

✦ the business of the very few by dustorange, dick & bruce, 4.2k     “I was trying,” Bruce says, “to respect your privacy.”

✦ notches in the door frame by dizarys, dick & bruce, 2.1k     Bruce hadn't been prepared for his days or nights to feel so empty. And he wasn't sure how to interact with the young man before him now. Because Robin didn't need Batman anymore. --- A patrol gone wrong forces Bruce and Dick to finally talk about Robin becoming Nightwing and feelings they'd been avoiding.

✦ No Comfort in the Shade by mx_chrx99, dick & bruce, 3.4k     Dick Grayson is having a hard time and Bruce is there to help.

✦ The Long Distance by takadainmate, dick & bruce, 1.2k     Down here they're not Batman and Nightwing. They’re Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. But they still fight.

BATFAM FIC RECS - EVERYBODY LOVES DICK: ✦ tender will fall by dizarys, dick & bruce & donna & jason & cast, 3.5k     When the Titans are devastated in an attack, they go to Batman in a last ditch effort to rescue one of their own.

✦ the hardest part by emavee, dick & bruce & jason & tim & damian & cass, no powers au, 5.8k     Dick is dreading his eighteenth birthday and everything that it means for him as a foster kid. His time with his family is running out, and he needs to be prepared for what comes next, to be on his own again.

✦ 5 Times Dick Grayson Was Grateful for His Insomnia + 1 Time He Wasn't by avengemyheart, dick & bruce & jason & tim & damian & alfred & wally, 5.7k     Dick can't sleep, but that's a good thing. He finds himself helping the people he cares about late at night throughout the years. Eventually though, everyone realizes just how intense his insomnia can get. Or: A 5 +1 thing about Dick's insomnia.

✦ A Darker Shade of Gotham by JackHawksmoor, dick & bruce & tim & alfred, 8.3k wip     Dick and Tim are stuck in a crappy alternate universe where most of the heroes they know are dead, Bruce Wayne's bad health meant he never became Batman, and Tony Zucco runs Gotham City's underworld. When Dick is shot by the mob, they take a risk and go to Bruce for help. Alternate Bruce didn't have children, but as he gets to know Dick and Tim, he starts wishing he did.

✦ leave as though fire burns under your feet by perissologist, dick & bruce & jason & tim & damian & cast, read the tags, 33k     That glow is gone, now. Gone from Dick’s skin, gone from inside him. It used to shine out of him, out of all the cracks the world put in him. But now Bruce looks down at him, and he is as dark and cold as a snuffed star. That’s what gets to him the most—not how cold the morgue is under its colorless fluorescent lighting, or the cloying smell of formaldehyde that clogs his throat. It’s how still Dick is, on the cold, sterile surface of the examiner’s table. It’s unnatural. The boy never learned how to sit still.

✦ papers say it's doomsday by dottie_dc (dottie_wan_kenobi), dick & bruce & donna & cast, 2.5k     Half-laughing at his own joke, Nightwing starts to say, “He just doesn’t—” In the space of one word, one breath, and the next—the world ends.

✦ Ibn al Xu'ffasch by hellsreluctantheir, dick & bruce & damian & jason & cast, 16.2k     Batman when they’d thought Bruce was dead was one kettle of fish. Batman when the original Batman was around was another. In his head, Robin—perched on a gargoyle next to him—tutted like an eighty-year-old, and rolled his eyes like the kid he was.

BATFAM FIC RECS - BATKIDS ALL HAVE MANY SIBLINGS AND THEY'RE ALL PETTY ASSHOLES AND/OR WONDERFUL BABIES AND I LOVE THEM WITH MY WHOLE BEING: ✦ our aspirations are wrapped up in books by theragingstorm, damian & barbara & cast, 1.8k     Damian's been confined to bed rest. Someone unexpected helps him.

✦ remind me why I'm here again? by dizarys, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian & cass & bernard(/tim), 3.5k     Jason's at a Wayne gala. He doesn't want to be. Good thing his siblings are there too. "Were we mean?" Dick mused, "Or just being big brothers?" "He's holding your hoodie hostage." "You're right. We went too easy on him."

✦ put away childish things by bittlebarnes (monroesherlock), dick & damian & clark & jon & barbara & ma kent, 7.2k     "I was sent here as a punishment, surely," Damian deadpans. "Are you feeling punished?" Martha sounds like she’s laughing at him. Unacceptable. "Absolutely."

✦ a hero by hellsreluctantheir, bruce & dick & jason, 15.5k     Dick Grayson died in Amusement Mile. Four years later, Jason Todd is Robin. But he's not dressed in the costume when he hears about a new player in Crime Alley; a man in a red helmet.

✦ Improvise A Symphony by cabezas_de_vaca, bruce & dick & alfred & cast, 5.5k     Or: three generations of Wayne and Wayne-adjucacent men do their absolute best.

✦ The Second Stage by nightwalker, tim & jason & bruce & dick & damian, 8.2k     All Tim wants is to take a shower, get something to eat, and try to wear off the effects of Ivy's stupid pollen in peace. So of course tonight is the night Jason decides to start acting like a brother.

BATFAM FIC RECS - I CUT MY TEETH ON DICK & TIM AS CLOSE BROTHERS AND NO ONE WILL NOT TAKE IT FROM ME: ✦ Red Letter Day by silverwhittlingknife, dick & tim & damian & cast, 41.8k wip     Dick Grayson, stressed pseudo-parent to a preteen assassin, tries to solve the case of Damian’s Mysterious Wednesday. He never expected it to help him fix his relationship with Tim, too. (... Though only after everything fell apart first.)

✦ I know it's just a number but you're the eighth wonder by orphan_account, dick & tim, 1.2k     Dick gets sick. Set before their lives implode on them, so Dick’s Nightwing and Tim’s still an itty bitty Robin.

✦ it's been a long time now (i'm with you) by centreoftheselights, dick & tim, 1.8k     Tim has been noticing some strange things about his life. He isn't the only one.

✦ Little Do You Know by sardonic_sprite, dick & tim & ra's, 2.2k     "So," Tim said quietly. "You're here to break me out I guess." "Yes," came out in a choked sob. "Then you're wasting your time."

✦ pain/release by unchosenone, dick & tim, 4k     Dick goes to check on a wayward brother in the middle of yet another Gotham Toxin (TM), and Tim has a bad time.

✦ I'd Fly Far Away From Here by Sohotthateveryonedied, dick & tim & jack, 3.5k     Tim stacks his fries onto his burger patty in a crosshatch, covering every spare inch in a layer of salty potato and grease. “It all happened kind of fast. Dad and I got into this huge fight, and it’s not very dignified to go back upstairs for my wallet and then storm out.” Dick is quiet while he eats his sandwich, trying to figure this out. “Dick?” “I’m just—trying to think if I should call Bruce first or your dad.”

✦ A Collective End to a Harmony by 061828, dick & tim, 1.2k     A drop of water falls into an ocean, a house’s wooden skeleton has its last nail screwed into place, an old book’s first page finally crumbles off, and Tim Drake turns twenty years old.

✦ young numb and broken by wingedgrace, dick & tim & cast, read the tags, 1.1k     His bare feet were covered in cold, damp sand, and he could barely feel them. Well, he could feel them, but they didn’t seem to be connected to his body. Or maybe it was him that wasn’t connected to his body. (or: poor Dick Grayson needs some love and a chance to catch his breath.)

✦ there's an endless road to rediscover by Zahri, dick & tim & cast, 1.2k     Sometimes the only way to show that you've moved on and forgiven each other is to take a flying tackle from the ceiling. Dick and Tim know each other's demonstrations of affection. Damian doesn't.

✦ spread your wings by wingedgrace, dick & tim & cast, 2.1k     “Why did you give Robin to Damian?” Dick pinched his nose. He’d started to pick up some of Batman’s habits, whether he realized it or not. “Tim, we’re not talking about this again. We’re talking about how you’re off on this… quest, to prove that Bruce is still alive. And I just want to talk. Come home.” Tim didn’t budge. “Why did you give Robin to Damian?”

BATFAM FIC RECS - DICK/BABS FOREVER AND YOU CAN SHUT IT IF YOU DISAGREE, THEY'RE ADORABLE TOGETHER: ✦ Taking Turns by mx_chrx99, dick/babs, 2.3k     Tim had practically begged Dick to get a flu shot. He probably should've listened.

✦ The Summer of Her Discontent by dotfic, dick/babs, 7.8k     Batgirl contends with her feelings after Dick leaves Gotham.

✦ Thirteen Hours by dotfic, dick/babs, 7.9k     Set during "Knight Time," during their trip to Romania, Dick and Babs start healing some old wounds.

✦ The Night the Lights Went out in Gotham by dotfic, dick/babs & bruce & tim & jim & cast, 13.8k     "When it comes to emotions, even great heroes can be idiotic."-from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

✦ Regular People by zombiesbecrazy, dick/babs, 1.6k     All sorts of people can enjoy a good sunrise over the city after a long night. Why should heroes of Gotham be any different?

✦ strawberry milkshakes by brandywine421, dick/babs & bruce, 2.8k     Why is Bruce bringing Dick? It's not an emergency alert, or medical - just an alert. She should have put in her comm - if it was a simple pit stop they had safehouses, but - Batman dangles Dick's keys in her direction at the door but she's glad he didn't come through the window. She looks past him to catch Dick's attention and - something's wrong.

BATFAM FIC RECS - I WILL DIE ON THE HILL THAT TIM DRAKE'S TRUE LOVE INTEREST IS CONNER KENT AND NOBODY CAN STOP ME, NOT EVEN GOD: ✦ Stay for breakfast and also forever by Ididloveyou_once, tim/kon & bruce, 2k     Conner turns up in the middle of the night after a mission gone wrong. Tim learns that seeing Conner cry makes him feel like his heart has been torn out of his chest.

✦ Think Cupid, But Aim Lower by NevernightUnderRainbows, tim/kon & bruce & cassie & bart, 2.3k     Or, the Batfamily will make sure Tim gets his guy, even if it entails a lot of beating around the bush, dropping hints so veiled that they can be misconstrued surprisingly easily, and basically giving the bird and his clone boy a headache in the process

✦ The Once and Future Bat by LilliputianDuckling, tim/kon & some kon/cassie & dick & roy & martha & anita & cast, 16k     Tim realizes it was a mistake to clone Conner when he ends up with a baby on his hands at sixteen years old. Well, Jackie's his now. Where does he go from here?

✦ there you were by mindshelter, tim/kon & cassie & bart & martha, 19.5k wip     “You know, the cool thing about me,” Tim says, voice gone quiet and petal-soft, “is that even when I didn’t care whether I lived or not, I was pretty goddamn hard to kill.” Kon sighs, eyes glued to his feet. His hand is still encircled around Tim’s arm, trailing up to the bend of his elbow.

✦ time flies by by Laroyena, tim/kon & clark & jon & lex, 6.5k     Jon Kent is Superboy. Tim's gut instinct tells him that's wrong. (Timkon fix-it where reboot!Tim misses Kon like a phantom limb. And then he gets him back.)

✦ Tangled by thewhitestag, tim/kon, NSFW, 4.1k     Kon doesn’t want to be that person, always waiting, wondering if the next time will be more than just two friends messing around.

✦ you put your arms around me and i'm home by merils, tim/kon, 4.5k     Kon's acting a little odd after a close call. Tim ponders the potential causes.

BATFAM FIC RECS - TAKE THE ANGST DIAL, TURN IT UP TO ELEVEN, AND BREAK THE KNOB OFF, THAT'S WHAT I'M HERE FOR: ✦ Bereft by glassofwater, dick & bruce & cast, 4.7k     Laying on his back, shoulder brushing up against debris, Dick closes his eyes briefly. He doesn’t want to die, has no intention to do so tonight, but he is scared. The blood on his side pumps out of him with each thump of his heart, beating at a rate too fast for Dick to properly count. That shouldn’t be right, he shouldn’t even be awake and struggling at the moment, but the luck that hangs over Gotham is a mysterious one; it doesn’t favor anyone and yet…

✦ fun and games by prismatical, bruce & dick & jason & tim & barbara & stephanie & duke & cast, 78.6k     The Joker's loose, and the Batman isn't in Gotham. The family struggles to hold itself together as everything else spins out of control.

✦ Bone Weary by TheSilencer, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian & cass & steph & duke, 8.1k     "You cannot reach out until you reach in." Dick assumed the words were metaphorical. They weren't. Or Dick Grayson is cursed, and the cure is not any better.

✦ What These Hands Have Done by WinterSky101, bruce & dick & jason & tim & damian & cass & steph & alfred & cast, 14k     Dick is mind controlled into attacking his family. Unsurprisingly, he takes the whole thing very badly.

✦ All The Small Things by Geeves, dick & bruce & damian & cast, 20.1k     After Bruce's return to the Bat, Dick and Damian have to deal with just being brothers, but things are just a bit too messy to be that easy

✦ All Our Broken Parts by mx_chrx99, bruce & dick & jason & dick/babs & cast, 28.1k wip     Jason will not let this happen again. He can't. But what if he's already too late?

[moonselune]

if this is too far out there i totally understand you turning down the request but o_o could you maybe do the ladies post-game with a bhaal rejecting durge who found a way to spare and now took in orin to help her rehabilitate (so now they and durge live together as a couple and orin is kind of a roommate). Would there be tensions? Do some just outright make an ultimatum?

Okay okay so gonna do this as more headcanony and see where it goes

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Karlach:

She would be so wary

Probably thinks you are just got hit a bit too hard in the head during battle

"How many Mama K's do you see babe?"

You manage to convince her that if you are going to Avernus to kill Zariel, we might as well bring the incest murder baby with us

Orin's just stood there like "please I'm so good at it."

Karlach groans and relents, kicking the dirt and murmuring something about cannon fodder

Orin is elated and swears on her favourite dagger that she will not kill anyone she is not allowed to

I can see your relationship with her getting better through this because she can prove herself doing the one thing she does best

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Minthara:

no

just no

this would be an ultimatum

at the end of the day you are choosing Minthara and offering up Orin to her as an apology for even thinking it

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Lae'zel:

Also cannot imagine Lae'zel allowing Orin near you

maybe if you join her to lead the coup against Vlaakith, for similar reasons as Karlach

But if she is staying in Baldurs Gate with lil Gith egg baby Xan

absolutely no way

would also ask if you got hit too hard in the head during battle

Lae'zel would not be able to trust Orin and would just have to kill her whether you liked it or not

she could not live knowing Orin is lurking somewhere, good intentions or not.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Shadowheart:

Surprisingly I feel like shadowheart would be the most accommodating

like orin can stay on your farm

maybe in an old barn or something

but she can stay

any animals get hurt though and Orin is out

Unless they are predators to Shadowheart's animals

then Orin is like a guard dog

"Yeah you can get those ones"

Orin would probably rehabilitate the best out here and would have the best chance of fixing herself and your relationship with her

we've made her touch some grass <3

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Jaheira:

She's way too old for this shit

She would be so torn up because she has had so much experience with Bhaalspawns

A part of her thinks she should help, because if she hadn't helped you then you two would never have fallen in love

but I think Orin's eccentricity would put her off and she can't risk losing the people she has fought so dear to protect

and a part of her doesn't want to have to fight anymore

she wants to join being with her family, being with you

not having to look over her shoulder just in case her sister-in law got in a mood and now there's one less place at the dinner table

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

These are a bit short, but I like these requests because it really makes me think how they would react and what they would want not only for yourself but for you

Anyways hope y'all enjoyed it even if this was a bit more rambley - Seluney xox

[allwaswell16]

All the One Direction fics I read and enjoyed in February 2024. You can listen to my podcast to hear me talk about each of these fics as well as an overview of what was posted on ao3 including the fics on this month’s fic roundup which you can find here! Please let the writers know if you liked the fics by leaving kudos and comments! Happy reading!

Fanfictional Podcast #59 |  ko-fi | fic recs

- Louis/Harry -

🩷 with venom on your tongue by wildestdreams / @thelavendrhaze

(E, 91k, enemies to lovers) a boarding school AU where Harry and Louis are academic rivals until they realize they’re more similar than they thought

🩷 another dream but always you by you_explode / @nobodymoves

(M, 60k, superpowers) Harry is a Dreamwalker; he has the ability to visit people in their dreams and help put them on the right path. He's assigned to Louis, who's struggling after the break-up of his band.

🩷 through walls of trees by @ineverateakiwi

(T, 41k, fantasy) Elesdon is a country divided into five kingdoms and had long been considered peaceful. After a coup in the heart of the country, Lady Sulia ascended to the throne and imprisoned the four courts, stripping them of their powers. With the exception of King Louis Tomlinson, who submitted to her favors.

🩷 Get Out Of My Head (and I'll get out of yours) by Imogenlee / @imogenleewriter

(E, 29k, exes) “You really that desperate, are you?” Despite it being a shitty thing to say, Harry didn’t mind too much, as the bitterness in Louis’ tone sounded like music to Harry’s ears. Harry was winning tonight. “Can’t find anyone new to be interested in you, so you try to hit on Zayn.”

🩷 this love is alive by @stylinsonwritingpalace

(E, 10k, writer Louis) When Louis's favorite fictional character, Harry Styles, comes to life, it's up to him to decide if he should stay.

🩷 Pretty and Preposterous by @brightlyharry

(NR, 5k, neighbors) Harry donates a copy of Pride and Prejudice to his little free library. He never expects what comes next.

🩷 In Jest by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(T, 4k, soulmates) Louis, who smiles at Harry as he reclines in his chair. Louis, whose soulmark is visible thanks to his low-cut top. Louis, Harry’s soulmate, who seems to either be blissfully ignorant of that fact or maliciously ignoring it.

🩷 All This Time (I was Waiting for You) by @ohharold

(E, 4k, vampire/fae) Harry and Louis have always been destined for each other. Some time apart has Harry reminiscent of their first meeting.

🩷 Jealousy Looks Good On You, Baby by cigarettesbeforesex

(M, 4k, pwp) A flirtatious stranger wanted to entice Louis by buying him a drink from the bar. The handsome 29-year-old tavern manager with curly hair, who Louis (often) flirts with, is currently working on shift...Poor Curly, because he's the one that has to deliver the drink to him.

🩷 the "Falling" series by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed

(T, 4k, exes to lovers) Harry looks like he wants to say something but thinks better of it, and just nods, putting the CD in a box that’s filled with all kinds of knick knacks from their bedroom. Or, no. Louis supposes it is his bedroom now. Or will be, after today.

🩷 spring in your eyes by @nouies

(NR, 3k, fake relationship) “Just Go with It” inspired AU where plastic surgeon Harry pretends to be married to his assistant Louis to avoid unwanted attention.

🩷 Dirty Diana by yeah_alright / @uhoh-but-yeah-alright

(E, 3k, epistolary) In the month leading up to his 30th birthday, Harry writes to his confidante Diana every day, sharing his fantasies about Louis.

🩷 From the Dining Table by @littleroverlouis

(E, 3k, established relationship) Harry's thirtieth birthday hasn't gone as expected. Things start looking up from the dining table.

🩷 You Could Give That Aspirin the Headache of Its Life by LetTheMusicMoveYou / @letthemusicmoveyou28

(M, 3k, exes) the one where Louis is a football player who gets stuck on a flight with his ex-boyfriend Harry. The universe might be conspiring against him, or is it?

🩷 What’s in a Name by @hellolovers13

(T, 2k, soulmates au) Louis had always known Harry was his soulmate. The name on his arm disagreed. But what did his soulmark know about true love anyway.

🩷 miles away from seeing you by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove

(T, 1k, social media) Harry is in his final year studying marine biology, and is doing an international exchange at the University of Auckland. His boyfriend Louis stays behind in England, but they keep in touch regularly through texts, snapchats, video calls, and more.

- Rare Pairs -

🩷 Can You Feel Where the Wind Is by @fallinglikethis

(M, 3k, Zayn/Liam) He remembers arguing that he had no real power over anything, so no one would care about him, let alone try to hurt him. But that assessment had proven to be untrue today.

🩷 Skin on My Skin by Layne Faire / @laynefaire

(E, 2k, Zayn/Liam) Let me touch you where you like it Let me do it for ya

🩷 Stray by @haztobegood

(E, 1k, Zayn/Harry, Harry/Louis) Finally, Louis catches a glimpse of familiar curls weaving through the crowd. The man’s arm is firm around Harry’s waist until they stop in front of the booth. “I found this stray wandering around. I believe he’s yours.”

[avianyuh]

Yoon Jeonghan as a boyfriend

-

word count; 679

idk if it's because I've been watching a lot of svt content lately

(btw stream god of music)

but Jeonghan has been getting my attention lately so I thought this would be a fun write

first of all he's RUTHLESS

like you're not safe

he'd put you in your place if you said something dumb or tried to leave the house looking all weird

but you know, it's out of love

I think he's also a huge softie, which is shown in his friendships with the members

speaking of the members...

if you didn't get along with the members then...

bye bitch

I think he'd introduce you to Seungcheol and Joshua first

#95z

but for multiple reasons

#1; jeongcheol obvi. they're really close and I think Cheol's approval means a lot to him when it comes to letting someone in

#2; Jeonghan and Shua have known each other for a veryyyyy long time. I think those two were close to each other before anyone else because they had joined the company at the same time

So I think Jeonghan would really appreciate Joshua get to know you

#3; Seungcheol is great with vibe checks lol. Jeonghan probably wants a second opinion

#4;Jeonghan would probably just want you to be closer with Coups and Shua tbh (early on)

but he really wants you to get along with alllll of the members

they mean the world to him and he'd really make the effort to get all of you acquainted and friendly

I'm not saying you have to be besties with the boys (especially cuz there's 12 of them not including han)

but like, if one of the members is at home and doing nothing and you and Jeonghan are going out for the night

Jeonghan would invite his members along unless it was a really special date

it would mean a lot to Jeonghan if you were cool about that kind of stuff because he cares for you but he also really cares for his members

ANYWAYS

he's kind of a homebody

so you spend a lot of time inside

probably build Lego sets together

and when he goes on tour you take care of his pet rock

yes...that's a real thing he has, his name is Doljjong and he likes warm bathes

no seriously

Jeonghan is probably the best thing in your life if you're dating him

I think he'd be protective over you

He'd also probably enjoy taking care of you

making sure you're eating enough and checking in as frequently as he can if he's away

though he teases you a lot, I think he'd tell you he loves you alllll the time

like; "Jeonghan can you pass the remote" "Sure, I love you" "🤦🏻‍♀️"

you pretend you're sick of it but you love it and he knows that

he's very open with carats so if he really found the love of his life, he'd come clean and just show you off

I don't think he'd get caught I think he'd make you come on one of his lives or he'd mention you or something

but like I said, he's very protective and I think he might refrain from showing you off just in case it puts you in harm's way

he worries a lot about you

but it just shows how considerate he is

should I add some shexyyy shtufff???

ummmmmm

okay maybe a little bit

gentle in bed

like the type to brush the hair out of your face

heavy eye contact

I think he'd get shy to be honest

makes sure that NO ONE is around

kisses you everywhere

definitely into praising

just LOVES YOU

he shows it during sex and after

remember how I said he teases you?

I actually don't think he'd tease you during sex

I think he never wants to get his signals crossed

he wants you to know that he loves you

okay end of that

in conclusion; he's a dream man

loves you so so so much

loves being home with you and just being himself around you

he'd also be a great father

like...look at how he interacts with the younger members. he loves them so much and takes such good care of them

definitely think it's a testament to how he'd be as a parent

but even in your relationship, he's very caring with you and just such A BABE

-

enjoy some pics of Jeonghan❤️

{A/N; idk maybe I'll make a svt as dad's series lol. okay, anyways, stream svt god of music. vote for super for SOTY cuz it deserves it and send well wishes to Cheol and Mingyu. might do s.coups next cuz I've been missing him lately😢}

[seokgyuu]

→ genre: smut, college au, crack → pairing: Seungcheol (S.Coups) x Afab!Fem!Reader → synopsis: you have never been a person who turns down a challenge, but when your best friend challenges you to hook up with 13 boys in one semester you kind of wish you were.

→ warnings: Daddy Kink!!, Dom!Cheol, semi-public sex, blowjobs, fingering, unprotected sex (she just doesn't know when to stop), usage of the word "princess" and "baby" during intercourse, dirty talk, loud moaner coups

→  word count: 8.9k

previous ; masterlist ; next

A/N: Hi everyone! I am finally back!! And I am bringing you the 8th chapter with our leader-nim, Coups! Thank you all for your patience, and for the attention this series has gotten in the past few days! I really, really appreciate it <3. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Also, I made a google form for the taglist, in case anyone wants to get added!

taglist: @ariachavez168, @cersti-mo0, @nixtape-foryou, @minahoeshi, @listxn, @starlight-night0, @havetaeminforbreakfast, @kwonranghaee, @haogyuslut, @a-dramatic-girl, @whyokoa, @lovercheol, @cosmicupoftea, @learnthisfeeling, @knucklesdeepmingi, @wonusworldd, @baldi-2, @kingalls00, @1-800-jeonwonwoo, @sandcasltes, @amiga-qmilagraso, @lovercuff, @grapefruithan, @seventeencaratworld

This wasn’t good. This was a nightmare. Wonwoo was standing right in front of you, his hair damp probably from a shower he hadn’t taken that long ago, his eyes showing clear signs of hurt, of confusion, specs on his nose as always.

“Is- is this a bad time?” He somehow pressed out and you watched how his gaze wandered to the figure behind you. Soonyoung was still standing in the hallway, arms up above his head – the only thing on his body his boxers.

“Why didn’t you text me?” You quickly asked, getting Wonwoo’s attention back on you. Something told you to just close the door and talk with him outside, but your feet were glued to the floor. Wonwoo looked so hurt, so vulnerable and you wanted to punch yourself in the face. Why did he have to show up now? Why did he have to show up and see this?

“I don’t know I-,” he broke off, clearing his throat, “I guess I should have.” The way his eyes sparkled now, not in the way you were used to, the curious, the sweet way, your heart broke a little. Instead of saying anything else, he turned around and walked away heading straight to the elevator. You cursed under your breath, hand pulling through your hair and before you knew it you were already going after him.

Your hand found his wrist and you stopped him from getting into the elevator, your heart beating in your ears.

“Wait, Wonwoo, I can- I don’t-,”

“No, you don’t have to explain yourself,” Wonwoo interrupted you as he turned around. And even though his words were true, you felt like neither of you actually believed them. Pressing your lips together, you watched how every wheel turned behind his head trying to figure out what to say, what to do.

“Just… just tell me one thing,” he finally breathed out, his eyes catching yours, “did you feel it too? The connection between us?” Shit. He was scanning your face, desperately looking for a sign that you did feel it, that he wasn’t imagining things. And you? You were dumbfounded and unsure. Because what exactly was the right thing to say? If you told him the truth you would have to tell him that you did in fact, feel it too but that it didn’t matter because you weren’t interested in something serious. If you lied and told him no, you would break his heart even more than you already had.

“Does it matter?” You then somehow stumbled out and Wonwoo’s face fell even more. Of course it mattered. How could you even ask such a question? How could you just stand here in front of him and not acknowledge what was going on between you?

“It matters to me,” he replied now, eyes cold as they stared into yours. You pressed your lips together, brain working at ten million miles an hour.

“I- yes. Yes, Wonwoo, I did feel it too. But I- I’m not in a place where I want to commit to anything, I don’t… I don’t want that and I’m sorry.”

There you said it. The hard truth that now made Wonwoo’s shoulders sink, and his jaw tighten. Immediately, you felt like shit. Like trash. Utter garbage. Before he could say anything, you brought your other hand to his arm, looking at him with your eyes widened.

“You deserve better than me, Wonwoo. You deserve someone who is able to be what you need and want. Right now, I can’t be that person. I’m not ready to commit and-,”

“And so you sleep with every single guy you see? You think I don’t know about Mingyu? Jun? Minghao? God, you even fucked Joshua. And that library part-timer? Something tells me you went back and fucked him, too.”

Ouch. You let go off his arm and wrist, your cheeks red from rage and shame, shame you shouldn’t even be feeling because who was Wonwoo to say that? Did he really just slut-shame you? Say all this to your face as if he had any right to judge you? You were shaking, your hands in fists now.

“Yes, Wonwoo. Exactly that.” Your eyes were shooting daggers at him as you said those words. Then, without anything else, you turned around and walked back to your apartment. And as he watched you, Wonwoo already knew that his anger and hurt were no excuse for the way he had just talked to you.

“Fuck,” he groaned, pulling a hand over his face, before turning to face the elevator again, leaning his forehead against the cold metal. He had really fucked up.

Soonyoung sat there in silence. His fingers were folded, his eyes narrowed as he looked at you.

“So,” he began then, tilting his head only slightly, “let me get this straight. You and Jiwoo made a bet at the beginning of the semester and-,”

“It’s more like a challenge, not a bet.”

“A challenge at the beginning of the semester and this Wonwoo guy kind of fell for you and you kind of feel the same way, but you are so determined to win that instead of being with him you continue sleeping with random guys, including me?”

You cleared your throat.

“Well, it’s not like I want to be with him. I just, well, he is cute. And nice. And he does make me laugh and yeah, maybe I did feel something for him, but that doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want a relationship, sure maybe this challenge is a bit over the top, but common. It’s not like I am forcing anyone to have sex with me.”

You looked at Soonyoung and he looked at you. He was blinking slowly, before leaning back and crossing his legs. To be honest, you didn’t even know why you had decided to tell him, but it felt good to talk to someone about it who wasn’t Jiwoo. When you had come back inside, he had asked you what had happened and with your anger still so present you began to tell him everything. How you and Jiwoo had come up with the bet- uh, the challenge, and how you had slept with Joshua first and how somehow your second target was already about to change your life and make everything complicated and how you slept with him again and then sucked him off and- yeah, just all of it. And now, Wonwoo had said these horrible things to you and while you wanted to be mad and angry (you were mad and angry) you also kind of understood where he was coming from.

“He shouldn’t have held it against you. You sleeping with different guys, that’s a no go. Sure, he can be hurt that you don’t want to be with him despite the obvious feelings you have for each other, but that does not give him the right to straight up slut-shame you,” Soonyoung pulled a hand through his hair and shook his head, making you smile just a little.

“Thank you for saying that. And sorry that I, uh, made you part of this challenge.”

“Are you joking?” Soonyoung laughed and looked over at you again, “this was by far the best sex I’ve ever had, don’t you ever apologize for it, Y/N.”

Now, your small smile grew bigger.

“Well, I’m happy to hear that,” you said, pulling your legs up onto the armchair. He was sitting on the sofa across from you, exactly that sofa he had fucked you on just the night before and you bit your lip thinking about it. Soonyoung probably thought the same thing, his lips turning into a grin as he leaned forward, forearms on his thighs.

“You wanna go again?” He smirked and you let your tongue slowly lick over your bottom lip as you thought about it. Perhaps this was the right thing to get your mind off of Wonwoo. But then your eyes wandered to your phone that vibrated just then, showing you the time.

“Fuck,” you groaned, “I can’t. Really would love to, but I can’t. I promised Jiwoo to help her set things up for her brother’s welcome back party.”

Soonyoung was obviously disappointed, but nodded, leaning back again.

“Jeez, how long has he been in Singapore now? A couple of years at least, right?”

You nodded as you stood up, thinking about whether you wanted to take a shower… and decided for it. After last night you had only quickly gone to pee and clean yourself up just as much as you had energy for, so a shower sounded about right at this point.

“He was over there for six years, I haven't seen him in ages. I’ll go take a shower… care to join me?” The idea popped into your head and Soonyoung stood up quicker than a child when it heard it was going to Disneyland.

“You can bet your sweet ass I care,” his grin was wide, and you laughed as you took his hand, leading him to the bathroom.

A couple hours later, the family brunch/welcome back party preparations were almost done, Jiwoo setting up the last big vase of flowers as you stood next to her, hands on your hips. You knew Jiwoo’s family was well off and that sending their oldest son to Singapore for university just showed for that, but it somehow never really reached your brain how well off she was. You were in a very fancy restaurant which you knew you couldn’t afford on your best day, and it was rented out just for the party. Jiwoo loved her brother, and you knew she would have probably rented the whole of Everland for him if she could – but this would do too. Seungcheol was a few years older than you which led to you only having seen him a handful of times during your friendship with Jiwoo. From what you remembered, you had thought he was cute, but nothing more nothing less, no conversation between the two of you had ever happened and you were only here now to help Jiwoo. You were pretty sure he wouldn’t care about whether you were attending his little party or not, but Jiwoo insisted. If their parents could invite all their friends, why wasn’t she allowed to bring her own? Jiwoo’s parents didn’t necessarily dislike you, but they also never treated you like family or anything of the sort. You were just… Jiwoo’s slightly (very much) poorer best friend from High School.

Now, you watched how Jiwoo happily looked at the bouquet of pretty blue and yellow flowers, the guests slowly arriving.

“You know, sometimes I forget how rich you are,” you said, a grin spreading on your lips and Jiwoo rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms.

“That’s because I don’t like using my parent’s money,” she explained, and you clicked your tongue.

“Could never be me,” you sighed, making her shove you slightly with her elbow. You laughed and looked over to the door, where your stomach did a front flip. Oh. Oh!

“Jiwoo!” you breathed out, your eyes widening as you saw who had just walked in. Way earlier than he should have. Way hotter… than he should have. Jiwoo yelped in surprise, starting to run towards her brother.

“Seungcheol oppa!” She cried out, her arms flying around his neck as he caught her, his eyes wide in surprise.

“Jiwoo-yah, what- what is all this?”

Now, what followed was Jiwoo being somewhat mad Seungcheol had already arrived when he wasn’t supposed to be here for another 30 minutes, him laughing and hugging her tightly again before walking to his parents who seemed delighted to see him and you watching him the whole time. Like a hawk. From the pictures you had seen from him, you would have never guessed that he was this… broad. He had an incredibly handsome face structure, almost as if it was carved by the Greek gods themselves, his hair long and falling into his face in soft brown waves, big round eyes, a well fitted suit on his muscular body. Shit. You couldn’t possibly do what you were thinking of doing right now. But ever since this challenge had started, you couldn’t stop yourself from looking at attractive men a certain way. You pressed your lips together and finally averted your gaze, trying to let the heat inside you die down.

He's Jiwoo’s brother, she would never ever in a million years be cool with you fucking her brother, she would probably kill you, he is that precious to her and- oh my god, they are coming my way, shit!

Jiwoo was leading Seungcheol to you, his eyes meeting yours and you felt your whole body stiffen. Why were you like this?

“Oppa, you remember Y/N, right?” Jiwoo beamed at him, and you quickly shook off your thoughts and instead smiled at him.

“Ah yes, nice to see you again, Y/N,” Seungcheol smiled back at you, and you nodded trying your very best not to seem phased.

“You too, Seungcheol oppa.”

The brunch was a torture. The food was good, the company was boring, Jiwoo was mainly with Seungcheol, and you were left alone at your table, eating said good food and drinking a few more mimosas than you probably should have – but the champagne they used was so delicious and you were pretty sure you would never get to taste that sweet, sweet taste of liquid money again. Thankfully you didn’t get drunk that easily with your stomach that filled, but in the end all that wasn’t the reason for all of this being torture. No, it was all Seungcheol. The way he carried himself, the confidence, the nature of his speech, the perfect pitch of his voice like honey in your ears, the watch around his wrist sparkling in the sun shining through the tall windows, his hands looking so big around the glass of champagne, making you wonder what they would look around your-

“Penny for your thoughts?” Jiwoo suddenly sat back down next to you, her eyes thankfully on her phone instead of on her brother – who you were still staring at.

“I- uh, nothing, just, you know, enjoying the extremely delicious mimosas they’re serving here.” Oh, how much you hoped she wouldn’t ask anything else.

“You’re right they are so good. By the way, how did last night with Soonyoung go?” You breathed out, relieved she hadn’t caught on. You leaned back in your chair, arms crossed in front of your chest as you let one hand rotate your glass, wetting your lips.

“Very good. Like, very good. Must’ve been in the top 5 of the best sex I’ve ever had, hands down.” Jiwoo let out an approving whistle, putting her phone down and looking at you with a grin.

“Love to hear that. I’ll text him tonight and ask him if he’s free sometime this week,” she wiggled her eyebrows, making you laugh. Shaking your head, you grinned and let your eyes roam the room again – only to find Seungcheol looking right at you. First, you thought he was looking at Jiwoo, but the goosebumps on your whole body told you to rethink that again. You almost choked on your spit, your heart speed rapidly increasing as you wondered what the hell you were supposed to do. You felt as if your body was suddenly on fire, and you wondered if he knew what an effect he had on you. And as if he could read your mind, one corner of his mouth twitched, an incredibly sexy half smirk on his perfect plump lips now that made everything inside you scream at you to get up and drag him to an empty bathroom. You didn’t though. You didn’t get up, you didn’t drag him anywhere. Instead, you cleared your throat and looked back at Jiwoo, trying your very best to act like nothing was going on.

-

You decided to leave the brunch around two hours later, happy to notice Seungcheol not being anywhere near you, so you didn’t have to say goodbye to him. Instead, you told Jiwoo to send him your regards and another warm welcome back and headed out. Or at least that was your plan.

Somehow your timing was just as horrible as it had always been – making you reach the lobby at the same time as Seungcheol walked back inside. He was in the process of putting his phone back into the inside of his suit jacket when you saw him, your own jacket still draped over your arm as you had left in quite the hurry. Mainly to avoid him. And now, here he was. Your eyes widened when his gaze met yours and a phantom lump formed in your throat. Shit. You hated the fact that you stopped in your tracks and watched him walk over to you in a confident strut, his posture perfect, that half-smirk back on his lips.

“Y/N, you’re leaving already?” he asked when he came to a halt in front of you and you nodded, clearing your throat.

“Y-yes, I have some reading to do at the library, but it was nice to see you again after so many years, oppa.”

Seungcheol wetted his lips, his brown eyes scanning your face, stopping at your lips.

“You, too, Y/N,” something in the way his gaze was still on your face with that expression had you weak in the knees. And also sure that he wasn’t finished with his sentence yet.

“I just got back here and neither my parents nor Jiwoo are free for dinner tonight. I have a table at the city’s most prestigious restaurant and would hate for it to go to waste. Would you care to join me later?”

Boom. You weren’t sure which part of you exploded, but you were pretty sure it was the one between your legs. Oh, to have him say this sentence again in that dark voice of his with the slight tilt of his head and the knowing smirk.

“I- uh, I don’t know if Jiwoo would… approve of that.”

“Jiwoo doesn’t have to know.”

He got you there. You swallowed again. It was clear that you should listen to your head that screamed at you to say no, to say you were busy tonight. This wouldn’t even count toward the challenge because I could never ever tell her! I shouldn’t. She’s my best friend, I can’t just go and have sex with her brother!

“Oppa, I-,”

“I’m not someone who gives up easily, Y/N. Just to let you know. If I want something, I get it. And right now,” he had interrupted you and was now leaning forward, his lips so close to your ear his breath hit your skin and made goosebumps erupt all over your body, “right now, I want you. And I saw the way you looked at me, Y/N. I could basically see how you were taking this suit off, on your knees ready to do whatever I want you to do. So, the offer stands. Dinner tonight, you, and me. No one has to know.”

His hand was on your waist at this point, had wandered there sometime during his little speech that took away every single ounce of self-control and -respect you still had left. His voice crept into your ear and filled your whole body, sunk down to your core and made you press your thighs together, your lips slightly parted as a sound escaped them close to a whimper. Seungcheol grinned, knowing full well he had won.

“I’ll have a driver pick you up at seven, Y/N,” was the last thing he whispered into your ear before parting from you and going back to his welcome brunch.

-

This was a catastrophe. Dinner would be in not less than 5 and a half hours, and you had nothing to wear! Not to mention you couldn’t ask Jiwoo for help because… she wasn’t supposed to know.

“I’m screwed,” you sighed as you flopped down onto your bed, face down and pressed into your pillow. This was a horrible idea. Going out with your best friend’s brother and not telling her about it. You deserved to be this crushed, not knowing what to wear, not knowing what to do! You should have never said yes, but-

But, what? But he was too hot to say no? He was too charming, too convincing? All of these, actually. You groaned into your pillow, hands in fists as they punched your mattress. It was about to be 2pm and you had already given up on getting any reading done today. Instead, you had gone home and sorted through every clothing item you owned, sure you were about to have a mental breakdown. And, again, you deserved it. A part of you wanted to call Jiwoo and tell her the truth, maybe have her help you pick an outfit, but you quickly decided against it.

Just then, when you were sure your brain was about to shut off, your phone vibrated next to you. Sighing, you lifted your head and grabbed it, looking at who had texted you.

[Unknown]: I got you something. Wear it for me tonight, princess.

Your mouth dropped. And then the doorbell rang.

It laid on your bed, the big and fancy looking box with the words PRADA written on it. The delivery man had made you sign for delivery and had gone his merry way, leaving you alone with this box and a throbbing head. This was crazy. Seungcheol had sent you something. What kind of sugar daddy alternative universe had you gotten yourself into? And where the hell did he get your address from? You’d been staring at the box for a good seven minutes, when your phone rang again. Slowly, you looked over at your bedside table where you saw the name “Soonyoung” pop up and sighed in somewhat relief.

“Hi Soonyoung, what’s up?”

“Hey! Did I forget my wallet at your place?”

“Oh, I don’t know, let me check.”

You walked into the living space, happy to have something to do instead of looking at Seungcheol’s gift and let your eyes roam the room.

“Uhm, it’s not in the living room, where-,”

“Pretty sure I took my pants off in the hallway, might have dropped it there somewhere,” Soonyoung said, and you nodded, memories of last night suddenly flooding your brain. Gosh, you really only had slept with someone the night before and now you had plans on doing it with yet another person today (The shower had only consisted of you sucking Soonyoung off and him fingering you against the wall, so… no penetrative sex, at last). One could say you had a run.

In the hallway, you finally found it, lying next to the dresser.

“Got it!” you told him, picking it up.

“Awesome, can I swing by and pick it up?”

“Uh, yeah, sure,” you thought for a second, “you can actually help me with something, too.”

Soonyoung arrived 20 minutes later, reunited with his wallet, and now standing next to you in front of the box on your bed. He clicked his tongue.

“So, you’re telling me that you just had sex with me yesterday and today you’re about to fuck Jiwoo’s brother?”

“Don’t say it like that. Makes me sound like a slut.”

“Are you… slut shaming yourself right now?”

Pause.

“Well. I’m not not slut shaming myself.”

Soonyoung snorted and shook his head, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he turned to face you.

“Y/N. Open the box, or I will.”

Sighing, you pulled a hand through your hair and took a step forward. Your teeth were chewing on your bottom lip, your hands shaking as you finally brought them to the box. You opened it while holding your breath, your eyes almost falling out of your skull when you saw the two main attractions.

A silk dress in a lovely dark green color that seemed too perfect to be true and a pair of shoes in your size (how did he know your size? You really didn’t even want to ask), pretty black stilettos that had straps to go around your calf. He was crazy. This was way too much.

“Holy shit,” Soonyoung said now, eyes wide, “try it on!”

You looked over at him, unsure.

“You really think I should? What if-,”

“Don’t be negative right now, Y/N. Just try it on!” Soonyoung took the shoes out of the box and rotated them, whistling in awe. Defeated, you reached for the dress, feeling like a literal princess when you felt the perfect silk underneath your fingertips. This was insane, absolute madness.

It was horrible how good it fit you. Almost as if it had been made for you. The dress flowed down to your ankles, a slit on the side showing off the beautiful shoes that now adorned your feet and even a bit of your calf. Soonyoung’s jaw dropped when he saw you, standing up from your bed.

“Holy shit, the dude has a good eye when it comes to fashion,” he mumbled, and you gnawed on your bottom lip as you walked over to the body length mirror hanging on the wall. He was right – Seungcheol had somehow picked out the perfect dress for you.

When Soonyoung left, you had taken the dress off again, his opinion on what make-up to wear and how to style your hair in the back of your head as you tried to get a little bit of work done until you had to get ready. Somehow you ended up revising your notes from one of your last lectures and found yourself ready just in time for the doorbell to ring. With a last deep breath and a long look in the mirror, you made your way downstairs, purse pressed to your chest as you walked out. And really, there was a driver waiting for you next to a pretty black Mercedes. He smiled when he spotted you and opened the door.

“Mr. Choi is already expecting you, Miss.” You nodded and thanked him as you got onto the backseat, looking around the pretty vehicle. This must have been the most luxurious car you had ever sat in. Black leather, the smell of new, lights sparkling on the ceiling. You felt like the main character of a bad chick-flick. The driver got onto his seat and started the engine, driving away from your apartment and making this whole thing more real than you could handle right now. You took another deep breath and got out your phone from your purse, seeing that Soonyoung had sent you a message.

[Soonyoung]: You can do this!! I believe in you!!

You smiled, quickly texting him back before leaning against the comfortable seat. You had to at least try to relax. Seungcheol was just a man after all. He might have been rich and powerful and your best friend’s brother, but he was just a man. You could tell Jiwoo you had hooked up with some wealthy dude at a party tonight, why would she not “allow” him to count then? She wasn’t responsible for choosing your boys anymore. This was your own decision now.

It took around 30 minutes until you arrived. Your jaw dropped when the driver helped you out of the car in front of the huge building you had seen from afar countless times. But never had you been this close. This wasn’t just the most prestigious restaurant in the city. This was also one of the most prestigious hotels. It had 65 floors, a luxurious rooftop pool as well as an indoor pool, a spa, countless beautiful rooms, basically anything you could ever think of. Never had you ever dared to think you would step foot into it. And now you were here with Jiwoo’s brother? How rich was she exactly and how had she never told you? Shaking the thought off, you thanked the driver and started making your way to the front door. A man in a suit opened it for you, bowing his head as you smiled at him and did the same.

The lobby was incredible. High ceilings with modern chandeliers hanging off of them, marble floors to your right that lead to the reception that stretched out over the whole wall, seven people currently working. You couldn’t stop staring at the art behind them, the paintings filled with so much color and life, prominent reds and blues, oranges and yellows. There were stairs going up to the first floor, one on each side of the room, leaving space between them for a long hallway that led to the elevators. And in that space, looking perfect in his dark blue suit, stood Seungcheol. He was on the phone again, one hand buried in the pocket of his tight dress pants, and you couldn’t stop but stare at his backside when he turned, your mouth going dry. God, he had really been built by every Greek God in existence.

Slowly, you walked over to him, hands holding your purse in front of you. Your eyes were focused on only him, suddenly the urge to show yourself as the confident girl you normally were taking over. When he finally turned around, his eyes found you immediately. Found the way your hair was sitting in that pretty high ponytail, how your neckline was visible and how much he wanted to already touch you and claim that neck as his. The way the dress fit you like a glove, the color so perfect on your skin, making it seem like you were glowing. And you were. The brightest light in the room came from you. He was quick to hang up the phone and walk over to you, his left hand soon on your lower back.

“You’re here,” he breathed, gaze scanning you again, making you feel naked in the best way possible. A blush crept onto your cheeks and the urge to be confident had vanished into thin air, now that he was so close, now that he was touching you.

“Of course,” you shyly smiled back, looking up into his eyes. Seungcheol wetted his lips, before parting them.

“You look incredible,” he then said, pushing you a little closer to him, his other hand now letting his thumb stroke your cheek. Every single inch of your skin suddenly started tingling. Swallowing down the lump in your throat, you smiled again.

“Thank you. I love the dress. You- You didn’t have to, oppa.”

“I wanted to,” he immediately said, letting his hand rest on your cheek now.

“When I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for you. Maybe I chose the wrong career.” It took you a while to understand that he had just made a joke. Only when he smiled and you saw his dimple popping on his cheek, you felt yourself laugh, letting one hand now rest on his chest.

“Perhaps,” you chuckled.

“Well, we should go inside. Our table is ready,” he took your hand now, intertwining your fingers and leading you to the elevator at the back of the lobby. Nodding, you let him lead you there, watching how he pressed the button up, gnawing on your bottom lip. He let one hand sink back into his pocket, while the other wandered from your hand around your waist. The spot where his hand touched you felt hot, your body feeling like jelly as you waited for the elevator to arrive.

It became clear then, once you stepped inside, that the tension between you two was nowhere as thick as you had thought. It was even thicker. The door closed, the two of you the only ones inside, his grip around your waist suddenly stronger. You could taste it, feel it, smell it, the way he wanted you, the way you wanted him, and it drove you absolutely insane. You didn’t dare to look at him, mainly because you were scared you would throw yourself at him the minute he looked your way, but when you heard him breath out and found yourself pressed against the mirrored wall, it wasn’t like you had any choice.

His hands were both on your hips, his crotch pressed against you, the feeling of his bulge ever so prominent and your eyes widened. How could he be hard when you were just standing there?

“Do you have any idea what you do to me, Y/N?” he whispered, fingers digging into your skin.

“I-,” you began, but he shook his head.

“No, you don’t. Fuck, I shouldn’t have gotten you this dress because all I can think about right now is wanting to turn you around, shove that dress up your pretty ass and fuck you right into this mirror.”

Oh lord. Your core began throbbing, your eyes widened even more, your mouth parting as you stared up at him and his wild eyes that really mirrored his exact words. It was as if the scene of him pounding into you from behind right here was playing inside them.

“Oppa…,” you whimpered then and Seungcheol let out something like a low growl, before he finally leaned in, about to finally kiss you – when the doors of the elevator opened with a ping and a robotic female voice told you that you had reached the 64th floor. He parted from you visibly unhappy and grabbed your hand, leading you outside and into the restaurant.

Your table was behind a beautiful dark wood door inside a room the size of your whole apartment. The windows gave you a breath-taking view of the city, all the lights seemingly the most incredible thing you had ever seen. The table was in the middle of the room, next to it stood another small table with a bottle of champagne inside a cooler and a waiter stood there, smiling down at the two of you.

“I’ll take the steak, medium rare. Please bring us a bottle of your best red wine,” Seungcheol said, looking at the menu. You did the same, noticing that there was no price listed next to the dishes. Well, you thought, perhaps the people coming here don’t need to care about the prices. Biting your lip, you looked up and smiled at the waiter.

“I’ll have the salmon. Thank you,” you handed him the menu and the waiter nodded. Then, he placed the menus on the table next to the champagne, about to open the bottle, when Seungcheol stopped him.

“Thank you, I’ll take it from here,” he said, standing up and the waiter nodded, grabbing the menus again to walk out the door. Now, you watched how he walked over to the bottle and took it out of the cooler.

“Tell me something about yourself,” he then said as he began to open it. Your eyes looked from his hands to his face.

“Uh, okay. Well, I am an only child. My parents got divorced when I was still pretty young, but they get along, so holidays aren’t that awkward. I grew up in a small town and came to Seoul in middle school, when my mum moved out here for work. I love cats and always wanted to get one, but sadly I’m allergic so… no cats for me,” somehow the words just flowed out of you, Seungcheol smiling as he listened, the champagne bottle now popping open. He poured you a glass and then himself, handing it to you first before sitting back down.

“And what exactly do you study?” he asked once he was seated again, elbows propped on the table and hands intertwined.

“I study International relations and German Studies,” you explained, having him nod.

“Impressive. What made you choose German?” He tilted his head slightly. You don’t know how he did it, how he went from wanting to fuck you in the elevator to having small talk over champagne, but you tried your best to match his energy.

“Well, I stumbled over some German poetry a few years ago. It was translated into Korean, and I realized that the two languages have some things in common. Some phrases in German don’t make sense in other languages. They have sayings like Korean does, they can express feelings in many different ways and if you tried to say those exact words in another language… it would be hard to.”

“But isn’t every language like that?” Seungcheol asked now, catching you off guard. He seemed like he was genuinely interested. Clearing your throat, you nodded.

“Probably, yes. I’m sure that every language has phrases that only exist in that particular language. I guess it was just that poetry book I found that got me hooked on German. Maybe it could have been anything else and I would have still taken it upon myself to learn the language, but I guess we’ll never know.”

Seungcheol smiled, his eyes watching you carefully. His gaze had made you nervous up until this point – but now it just seemed like he truly wanted to get to know you.

“I understand. And how would you say is your German now?”

“Pretty good, I’d say. It’s super hard to learn, but judging by the fact I was so fascinated by it, it doesn’t really come as a surprise I caught on quickly.”

“Say something.”

“What?”

“In German. Say something to me. I won’t understand you, so say whatever,” his eyes were boring into yours and you cleared your throat, leaning forward a bit.

“Es gibt nichts was ich mir gerade mehr wünsche, als von dir gegen das Fenster neben uns gefickt zu werden,” you said, an innocent smile on your lips. Seungcheol nodded slowly, his gaze on you.

“Impressive. What did you say?”

“Oh, a lady never tells her secrets.”

He laughed, shaking his head. Then, he leaned back in his chair.

“So, you’re a quick learner then?”

“When I’m really interested, yes.”

He nodded, the smile on his lips turning into a smirk that made your heart do a flip.

“Valuable information,” he said, grabbing his glass now. He raised it and you followed his motion, looking into his eyes as if he had hypnotized you.

“To us, Y/N. And a night we won’t forget.”

The dinner went by smoothly. The food was excellent, the wine was delicious, and the company was more than wonderful. He wasn’t just pretty to look at, but he also knew how to hold a conversation. He asked the right questions, made fitting comments, flirted just enough to have your cheeks burn and your stomach flip over. He was the perfect date.

But once the table had been cleared of dishes and the door had closed behind the waiter once more, the perfect date façade was switched out for something else.

Seungcheol got up from his chair and walked over to you, hand stretched out when he reached you. Without hesitation you took it and let him lead you to the window.

“It’s enchanting, isn’t it?” he asked, and you nodded as you looked out and into the lights of the city.

“It’s beautiful,” you agreed and dared to look over at him. He was indeed looking out the window, his side profile a whole different kind of beautiful view.

“I got to know more about you, Y/N,” he began then, eyes still locked on the window, “I am sure there is plenty more to find out. But for now, I think we’ve talked enough, don’t you agree?” it took a few seconds before the words fully reached your brain, but it was already too late then. He had already grabbed your waist and slammed you against the window, his hands soon enough finding your ass, pressing you against him like he had earlier. You squealed, eyes wide and mouth open in shock, but your body was reacting just the way he wanted you to.

“I told the manager not to let anyone in after dessert,” he said in his low voice, and you felt your knees grow weak.

“H-here?” You whispered back and he smirked, grabbing your ass a little harsher.

“Has anyone ever fucked you 320 meters above the ground, princess?” his mouth was right by your ear, and his one hand moved up, to your stomach and then further, thumb pressing down on your nipple.

“N-no,” you somehow moaned out and he chuckled against your ear kissing the spot underneath it.

“Then perhaps I should give in to your earlier wish, baby,” his hand now grabbed your whole breast, squeezing it hard, thumb back on your stiff nipple and you found yourself losing the ability to speak. He- he had understood your German? Fuck, how did you not realise? He kissed your neck, slowly and sensually, his tongue licking your prickling skin. How were you supposed to answer him? Or say anything ever again for that matter?

“W-wait, y-you understood m-me?,” oh, your whole head was red. Seungcheol parted from your neck then, instead looking back down into your eyes. The hand on your breast moved up and to your cheek, thumb shoved into your mouth soon after.

“Suck,” he commanded, ignoring your question and you did, sucking his thumb even deeper into your mouth, tongue pressed against it as he watched you with sparkling eyes.

“Good girl,” he murmured then before shoving your dress up with his free hand, finding your thong and ripping it off of you. You moaned around his digit when you felt him pull the ripped underwear off, saw him bring it to his face and smell your arousal.

“Fuck, so wet for me, aren’t you, baby girl?” He groaned, shoving the thong into his pocket, before pulling his thumb out of your mouth and finally crashing his lips into yours. It felt heavenly, the way he kissed you as if he had never done anything else in his life. He had the perfect balance of harsh and soft, of passionate and sweet. His one hand was now back on your ass, while the other moved forward, lifting your leg to wrap it around his waist. Your arms found their way around his neck, pressing yourself as close to him as physically possible, hands running through the locks at the back of his head.

“Oppa,” you moaned when his fingers slid over your pussy, his grip around you tightening.

“Baby, it’s not “oppa” anymore,” he said, thumb pressing down on your clit, another whimper escaping you. He began to circle his thumb, while his fingers got soaked in your juices and finally he let one sink into you, a perfect low groan escaping him.

“So, so tight and perfect for Daddy, baby, aren’t you?”

Oh. Oh. You felt your eyes roll back and your pussy clench around him, your nails digging into his scalp.

“N-ngh, y-yes so tight for Daddy only,” you cried back, and he gasped slightly, before kissing you again, his fingers still working their magic on and inside your core. God, he felt so good, everything about him felt so incredibly good. He smelled good, he made you feel good, the movements of his hands were about to drive you insane in the best way possible. His tongue was inside your mouth, devouring yours and for a few moments you forgot how to breathe. Had anyone ever kissed you like this?

Parting from you, Seungcheol opened his pants and shoved them down, you staring down now to see the big bulge inside his tight briefs that immediately made your mouth water. Seungcheol watched you with hunger in his eyes, a knowing smirk on his plump lips.

“You want to suck Daddy off so bad, don’t you, princess?” He caressed your head, fingers softly running through your hair, until he grabbed the ponytail and wrapped it around his hand, making you gasp.

“Common, get on your knees for me,” he murmured, pushing you down and you obliged willingly, your eyes glued to his cock the second you were seated. You swallowed once, before you let your hands wander to his briefs, pushing them down and biting your lip when his cock sprung out, red at the tip, pre already leaking. He was thick. Thick and big. Maybe even bigger than Mingyu. You felt like passing out, your head already spinning from how much you wanted him down your throat, inside your pussy anywhere, really.

Stretching out your tongue, you licked off the precum from his tip, sliding your tongue through his slit. Seungcheol took it upon himself to pull the hair tie out of your hair, making it fall down your back and pretty waves. His fingers skimmed through them now as his eyes watched you carefully take his cock into your pretty mouth. He really feared that you were gonna make him cum within mere seconds.

“Good, take in as much as you can, baby,” he praised you, hand now flat on the back of your head, pushing you further. You nodded, mouth stretched as wide as possible around him, his tip soon hitting the back of your throat, causing a minimal effect. Perhaps practicing with Mingyu had weakened your gag-reflex. You swallowed him down, causing him to moan in pleasure, his hand now in a fist around your hair, mouth hanging open. His hips thrusted slightly, you now with most of his cock inside your mouth and down your throat. Looking up, you saw that he was still staring down at you and your core throbbed desperately. You needed friction and you needed it soon.

“Fuck, you look so pretty with my cock down your throat,” he licked his lips and moved his hips once more, your eyes rolling back when you felt him leave your throat for a second only to push back in. He could tell that you liked it, that you were completely fine with him fucking your throat, and so he made his movements bigger, pulling all the way out and pushing right back in, your muffled moans music to his ears. He himself couldn’t stay quiet either, his moans deep and perfect, shaking your whole body with want as you tried to keep your eyes open to watch him watch you.

Soon he became sloppier, harder, and quicker, one hand now helping him keep his balance by leaning against the window, the other still fisting your hair while his own head was thrown back in complete agony. Never had anyone taken him this well, never had anyone’s coughs and chokes been as much of a turn on as yours. Because even though you weren’t gagging, you still found yourself choking on him a few times, felt yourself coughing when he slipped out. And he loved every single bit of it. To give our throat a break, he began fucking your cheek, his climax almost immediate when he saw the way you looked with your cheek stuffed with his cock, his groan so desperate you felt like you were going to die. Quickly, he pulled out, holding his cock by the base and breathing hard as he watched you regain all your senses. The thick string of precum mixed with saliva connecting his tip to your mouth was not helping his case in any shape or form.

“Fuck, you’re gonna make me cum, princess,” he murmured, and you looked up at him with pouty lips.

“Would love to eat Daddy’s cum,” you said and Seungcheol’s cock twitched in his hand, a quick movement of his pulling you back on your feet. Now, he had you turned around, your frontside pressed against the window, all the lights suddenly a blur in front of you.

“I’m sure you would, baby, but Daddy wants to fuck that pretty pussy of yours, what do you say?” He had the dress shoved up your ass, massaging your cheeks as he hungrily looked at his cock disappearing between your thighs. Grabbing it again, he let it slide through your cheeks and finally over your lips, tip pressing down on your clit and making you jump, a squeal escaping you.

“Yes, Daddy, please f-fuck me,” you whined and Seungcheol didn’t need to hear that twice. He pushed inside you almost immediately, his thrusts hard and quick from the get-go. And fuck, was he huge. So huge it took you a while to get used to him, to have the pain turn delicious, to feel like you were about to be split in half but in the best sense possible. He had only prepped you with one finger and as big as his hands were – they were no match for his cock.

“Yeah, so good for Daddy, baby, common, I know you can take it all, fuck,” his hands laid on your hips as he moved, sweat on the top of his forehead. You relaxed into the glass; hands next to your face as you smelled the wine from your breath.

“S-so b-big,” you cried out and Seungcheol stopped moving for a second, his hands moving to your front, one of his thumbs slowly beginning to circle your bud.

“You want me to stop, princess?” he asked, soft voice making goosebumps erupt all over you. But you were quick to shake your head.

“N-no! Just keep going, please, Daddy.”

Seungcheol nodded, controlling his thrusts more this time, wide and slow, thumb matching the energy on your clit. You felt yourself starting to drool against the glass, your hips wiggling against his crotch. He had to hold back, his balls so freakin tight, but he didn’t want to hurt you, didn’t want to make you feel discomfort. And so, he let you get adjusted, let you feel him slow and full, and once his whole cock filled you, he stopped, taking his hand away from your pussy.

“Move,” he then said, squeezing your ass cheek, and you nodded, endless pretty moans falling off your lips as you began to move your hips back and forth on his cock, your eyes rolling back as you couldn’t help but quicken your pace. Seungcheol watched how his cock kept on disappearing inside of you, how your ass wiggled whenever it hid his abdomen, and soon he couldn’t hold back anymore. He grabbed your waist with both hands and held you still, his eyes roaming over your body, lips and throat dry, cock painfully hard.

“Can Daddy fuck you now?” he asked calmly, and you nodded desperately.

“Pl-please! Fuck me hard, Daddy!” You were gone, completely lost to your lust. He did as asked the next second, pounding into you hard and quick, one hand had moved and was now pressing your head against the window, your moans muffled against the glass.

“Sh-shit, god your pussy feels so fucking good, made Daddy so proud, made me wanna cum so hard and deep inside your perfect cunt” he slapped down on your ass, catching you by surprise, a deep moan now erupting from your throat as he continued fucking you, his fingers digging so hard into your waist that he could already see marks forming. God, he wanted to ruin you. He threw his head back again, letting all control leave him and instead concentrate on his climax.

“I’m gonna cum!” you suddenly blurted out, you climax hitting you a second later, seemingly out of nowhere. Your pussy clenched around his cock, squeezed him tight, and Seungcheol felt like he was going to explode, both of his hands now finding their way back to your waist where they stayed as he fucked you through your orgasm and finally spilled inside of you, his cum feeling warm as it trickled back down your leg once he pulled out. He jerked himself off, making some cum land on your ass and his low noises made you feel like you could cum again the next second.

“Fuck, baby, you did so well for me,” he had let go off his cock and instead moved to turn you around, pulling you against his chest. Both of you were still fully dressed except for your underwear and Seungcheol’s pants and briefs were pooling around his ankles. You looked into his eyes, smiling as he leaned down to kiss your forehead.

“Daddy was so good to me,” you giggled, and he kissed you, first on the lips, then on both your cheeks. Who knew he could be this cute?

“Let me get you cleaned up, baby,” he cooed and parted from you after one more kiss, grabbing for the napkins on the table where the champagne had been on. You turned around for him again, his careful hands wiping away the cum that had left traces on your ass and inner thighs and legs. He kissed every spot he cleaned as he got up and finally you turned back around to him. He also cleaned himself and tucked him back in, pants and briefs to their places again. You, on the other hand, didn’t have any underwear left.

“Sorry about that,” he grinned, but you were pretty sure he felt no remorse whatsoever.

“It’s okay, the dress is long enough,” you laughed, watching him carefully. What was going to happen now? Was he going to send you home, now that he had gotten what he had wanted from you? You looked over at the table and bit your lip, unsure what to do.

“I have a room here,” he said, grabbing his suit jacket from the chair, “I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to let the night end here.”

Relief washed over you and a smile appeared on your lips.

“I’m not ready yet either, oppa.”

header credit: @playmetheclassics

[chaosduckies]

First of all, Congratulations for 100!

For the writing commissions thing, Could you do a story based on a song?

I have been obsessed with this song (funny that it's already based on a novel) and would love to see a g/t story with it!

Thank you! :D

This one was hard if I’m being honest, but I still managed it! (If you don’t like it, I’ll re-write it! But please tell me what you specifically want haha-) This one is basically a combination of how I interpreted the song and what the novel it’s based on is about (It’s Six of Crows right? Cause if it isn’t that would ruin this entire piece-) This is a kind-of parental g/t, so I’m sorry if you don’t like that trope TwT

But I hope you enjoy! :D

Word Count: 3.7k

CW: Mentions of death

Birds Of A Feather

I’ve never had to stay more quiet in a single house in my entire life. The way the humans’ steps seemed to echo throughout the house sent a slight shiver down my spine, but I didn’t pay any mind. I’ve done this before thousands of times. I wait for him to go outside on his daily walk, get what I need, and head back to my home in the walls where my sister was waiting. I never trusted her to go on her own. She was too young (I mean I was only 14 but still), and I didn’t trust this place at all. 

This area was secluded, what had looked like a nice, humble little cottage, was actually a death trap for borrowers like myself. The human that resides here had seemed kind. A bright smile on his face, friendly with any visitors and his family, but when he’s alone,  it just disappears. As if the kind presence never existed in the first place. There was also one other thing. This entire place gave off an ominous vibe that screamed, “Stay the hell away from here.” It was a mystery to me why I had even decided to settle down in this place. Because I wouldn’t have to worry about so many humans? Well this one was a lot to deal with too. 

After staying a couple nights here I had started to notice just how creepy the place was, and how odd this human’s schedule was. It almost always stayed silent here besides the tv rarely being played at night. But it was almost always quiet. Of course you’d think that would be good for me, but it wasn’t. Normally humans are busy doing something. This one? It’s like he’s waiting for something to happen. He walks quietly through the house, doesn’t talk to anyone unless someone stops by for a visit, only has the tv on when it’s raining. It’s almost like he knows that my sister and I live here, but that would be impossible. I’ve been nothing but quiet and careful this entire time. My sister included since I make her stay at home while I’m out. 

This human seemed to always go on daily walks around the small, secluded forest outside his home. He would come back nearly two hours later, take a short shower, make something to eat, and head into his room that I never dared to go into. I had no idea what I would find in there, but it’s probably not something I want to see. 

I hurried to the counter, grabbing my hook from the side of my hand-made belt and throwing it up as far as I could, barely managing to make it to the top before the paperclip latched onto the ledge. I tugged on it a coupe times before starting my trek up, trying to get out of the open as fast as I can. I hated almost everything about this place. Or maybe it was just me. Lizzie, my sister, claims that she does just fine and doesn’t find a reason to stay quiet, but she just didn’t understand. Humans would hurt her. I’ve seen it happen, and I don’t want her to be in trouble because I just let her do what she wanted. I knew we were small. I knew that we could probably speak louder than a whisper, but I just didn’t trust it. As much as I want- need help, I didn’t trust a single thing about this place. 

When I walked onto the vast expanse of marble, I looked around for literally any kind of food. Nothing. Absolutely nothing at all. I cursed under my breath, my head turning out of fear to see if the human had heard me, but I forgot that he wasn’t home. I let out a sigh of relief, continuing my journey to find food. We had some at home, but I had zero idea if it would last my sister and I until my next trip, or when the humans leaves something out again. Plus, I don’t think I can eat bread for dinner again. I’d prefer something healthy, but I can’t be too picky. 

I moved onto the little bowl that he usually kept snacks in plastic wrapping, seeing that there was a small package of peanut-butter crackers among other snacks I already knew I couldn’t get into without making a huge mess. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling it, but anything I can get I guess. 

With a little bit of perseverance, I tore open the package, grabbed a few pieces of the cracker and shoved them into my bag. It should be enough for now, I didn’t want to stay any longer than I needed to be. I tried my hardest to make it look like the package wasn’t ripped open and climbed my way out, rushing over to the edge of counter where my hook was waiting for me. 

I was a good borrower. At least I think I am. I’ve always been good at hiding, “borrowing” as we like to call it, I think I’m also pretty good at not leaving a trail that I even exist. It’s like planning a heist every time I go out. I have to know the fastest way in or out, where all my exits would be. At least in this forsaken house. I just get the creeps here. 

I picked my head up, staring straight at the door that was slowly creaking open. My heart pounded in my chest, fear creeping up and down my spine, breathing becoming ragged. He wasn’t supposed to be home yet. I rushed down the remaining distance, not caring at all about the rope burn I’ll have on my hands later. He won’t see me. It’ll all be okay… I held in a breath, not daring to hesitate sliding down the rope for even a second. I bit down on my bottom lip so hard to help ease the burning sensation on my hands as I rushed down to the ground. 

As soon as my feet were planted on the ground, I pulled on my hook, taking the time to messily wrap it up and run all the way back to the small crack in the wall. I ran as fast as I could, only looking back once to see hazel eyes staring deep into my soul.The breath I was holding in was caught in my throat, shoving my body through the crack and slamming my body onto the hard surface behind me once I was out of view. I tried to calm down my breathing, clasping my hand over my mouth as I felt the human walking closer. The small amount of light that the crack in the wall emitted had nearly vanished, the human most likely blocking it. Everything remained quiet, all noise becoming muffled to me. Were they saying something? I couldn’t hear. Please just go away. Be my imagination. This isn’t really happening. 

  The light came back, I felt footsteps walking away, but I didn’t trust it. I stayed hidden for another couple minutes, about to leave when the shadow came back, making me clasp my hands over my mouth once again. If they were talking, I couldn’t hear. Of course this “heist” doesn’t go as planned this one time. Why did he even come back early? Or did I just take too long? 

I had no clue how long I waited. The human was long gone, but I was too frozen in fear to move. There was no way I was going to risk getting caught. Who knows what this… sadistic human would do to me? Keep me in a jar, a pet, use me for his own entertainment? Kill me. I didn’t even want to think about that. Leaving my sister all alone. Better me than her though. I would hate myself if she was ever hurt because of one of my own mistakes. 

Gathering up the courage, I peaked my head out, shocked at what I saw. There were two bottle caps, one full of actual food, and one filled with water. My heart started to beat fast again, thoughts working. Was the human just waiting for me to fall victim to this very obvious trap? Was the food poisoned? Was he going to kill me if I step out? I jumped when a tall figure emerged from the hallway holding a book and sitting down on the couch. I ducked my head back, standing up on wobbly legs and gripping my the strap of my bag tightly. Time for me to go. 

I maneuvered through the walls, carrying what was like precious jewels to my sister and . What even was that? I-I know he saw me… so why didn’t he just grab me when he had obviously seen me long before I had even realized. Or did he want to capture me in an inhumane way. lure me out with food like I was some kind of… animal. Trap me in a jar or a cage afterwards. I couldn’t think of anything but what was could’ve been going through his sick mind. 

When I walked into out tiny home on the walls, a sigh of relief escaped my mouth. Lizzie was still here, playing with the stuffed animal our mom had given her years ago. I mean she just a six year old, there wasn’t really anything to keep her busy when you were just barely over two inches tall and was forced to keep below a whisper just so you’re not caught into huge… terrifying… human hands. My mind went back to what had just happened in the last thirty minutes, a shiver running down my spine. 

Lizzie stood up, hugging me with a bright smile on her face. I was still trembling slightly from the encounter I had, but hugged her back all the same, mindful of the burn marks on my hands. 

“Did you get anything good?” She cheered, hugging her teddy bear close to her chest. I nodded my head, laughing and pulling out a small piece of the peanut butter cracker and handing it to her. She gasped, taking the piece in her hands and biting into it. I could’ve brought back some actual food if I didn’t think it was poisoned. I sighed, burying my head in my heads as she went off to entertain herself once again. Would we have to find another place again? Probably. Humans aren’t supposed to know about us, and well, this one does now. Thanks to me.

I wouldn’t tell Lizzie yet though. She’d be devastated. She’s always telling me how much she loves this place. She likes how we can go outside sometimes, how the human living here is quiet and not loud like most humans were. I can see why she likes it here, but it was just too dangerous. We might be in danger. Like I’ve said, I didn’t trust this place at all. This guy living here… just doesn’t give off “nice” vibes. 

It was late at night, Lizzie and I were about to head to bed. I wasn’t that much older than her. I was just a kid who really new how to steal and survive. I guess I’d have to revoke that title since I’ve been caught. I tucked Lizzie in, and pulled the fabric over my head, falling asleep and pushing all of my worries for tomorrow. 

—————— 

I woke up to foot steps. I picked up my head, grabbing the needle that I probably should have been carrying with me yesterday and checking on Lizzie. My heart skipped a beat when I didn’t see her there. Which meant… My eyes darted to the entrance of our little place, seeing that the cloth blocking it was moved. Soon enough, I started running towards the little crack that lead to the kitchen. I heard quiet sobs that sounded like Lizzie. 

Please don’t be what I think it is. 

When I arrived, I was too afraid to take a little peak out of the side, afraid of what I might find on the other side. What could I do against someone who was twenty times my own size? He has my little sister… but what could I do? He’d just take us both. Probably torture us for his enjoyment. Just make us live in terror and agony until we die. What would happen if I didn’t do anything? I would never forgive myself he did anything to hurt Lizzie. So I just have to make sure she can get out of this. 

I sucked in a deep breath, slowly peaking out and seeing that her teddy bear was left on the ground, along with a little pool of water right next to the bottle cap the human had left. My eyes widened, breathing hitching in my throat as I saw the huge being pinching her effortlessly in between his thumb and pointer, whispering for her to calm down. Nononono. My breathing became fast, and my legs pushed myself out of the crack, pointing the needle right at the human, whose eyes darted cautiously over to me. 

“L-let her go!” My hands and arms were shaky as I looked away, my eyes shut and closed. I was terrified. Being out in the open in front of a human was the worst imaginable thing. It could only be worse for Lizzie for actually being held by one, but I was threatening one. I’d have a worst fate than her, but I just want her to be safe. 

I opened my eyes, a little blurry from the few tears that escaped, but it had seemed like everyone stopped moving, heck, even breathing all together. Lizzie tried her hardest to escape the grip around her, failing miserably and giving up. This time, she just quietly cried to herself, slightly reaching for her teddy bear on the ground. I bit the bottom of my lip, keeping my needle pointed towards the human and reaching down to grab her bear. 

The human’s eyes shot open wide, looking between my and my sister he was currently keeping hostage. But I swear his eyes softened before he carefully placed my sister down a little ways from me. She looked up at him, tears still in her eyes. The human bit the side of his cheek, looking away from Lizzie and back to me with sympathetic eyes. He had to be lying. There was no way he’d just “let her down” like that. 

Lizzie ran over to me, hugging me tightly and hiding behind. My entire body was shaky as I guided us slowly back towards the crack in the wall. 

“Sorry for trapping you.” He whispered, looking behind me. I paused, watching as my sister ran back to the crack in the walls. Now I was alone. No telling what would happen. But I was more hung onto the fact that this human just apologized. As much as I didn’t trust him at all, or thought that he was a mean person, he apologized. This was something I had least expected from this guy. Instead of taking us against or wills, he just apologized. Not to mention just let my sister go without so much as a complaint or deal. 

“You can take the food I put there.” He pointed to the bottle cap behind me, filled with fresh food. My mouth watered at the sight, but I shook my head, hands still shaky as I stayed in place while still pointing my needle towards him. The human paused for a second, looking confused. 

“Why not? Isn’t that what you were stealing from me earlier today?” His words sounded harsh through my ears, making me wince and take a couple steps back, ready to dart straight for the tiny hold in the wall if he had tried anything. It was intimidating I admit, and I had no idea why I didn’t just run back with Lizzie. So why don’t I just go? What was I waiting for? 

“That came out.. harsh, didn’t it.” The mountainous being in front of me sighed, ruffling my hair a bit. I don’t say anything, wondering why I haven’t been dangled or threatened yet. He always looked so… intimidating. Or maybe that’s just the way he looked? Honestly I can’t even tell. 

“How long have been stealing from me?” His eyes were full of sympathy again, hands away from me. Making no move. I guess it would be okay to answer. Just so I could lower the amount of torture I would endure if this was all a trap. 

“A m-month or two? Give o-or take?” I kept my arms up no matter how much they screamed for me to put them down. Lizzie was safe, I would be back in a little, and we could go out tomorrow to find another place to live in. Even if the next house or town is miles out, we just need to get the hell away from here. 

The human’s eyes widened again, quieting in the dark to get a better look at me, which only made me slightly insecure, but ignored it, “You don’t even look old enough to be taking care of yourselves,” He started, “Look, the least I can do for you after trapping your sister is to give you both something to eat. I’m pretty sure you’d like something better than peanut butter crackers.” I really would, but how could I know to trust him? He trapped my sister. I’m pretty sure it was meant for me, but still! 

“You trapped my sister! I can’t t-trust you!” I whisper yelled, hoping I wouldn’t be killed on the spot. His eyes hazel pierced through my soul, making me close my eyes shut and look away while raising my puny weapon. Soon enough, something pitched the needle and dragged me along with it. I let out a yelp, letting go and stumbling to my knees, my face hitting the hard floor. Nonono. Please don’t- I sat up and buried head in my knees and covered myself with my arms, expecting a sharp pain, a stab, anything to indicate that I was dead. Just like that, my only sense of protection was gone. I couldn’t defend myself with or without a weapon what was I even thinking? 

The human above me sighed, and soon enough I was pinched between two of his fingers just like my sister. I started kicking and trying to pull myself out, but to no avail. Tears formed in my eyes as I tried my hardest not to let them fall. The last thing I needed was for this human to take pleasure in my own suffering, but of course he noticed anyways.

“For someone who was just threatening me with a needle you overreact a lot.” The human chuckled, standing up and turning on a dim light, keeping me pinched. Could he feel how fast my heart was beating? Could he feel how my body trembled under the surprisingly soft grip? I just kept quiet, afraid anything I said now would just make my fate even more dreadful. 

The human moved fast, grabbing a few snacks and either breaking them up into miniature pieces or cutting them up with an extremely sharp knife I would not like to be on the other side of. I was shocked at what he was doing, but also scared. I mean, I was basically being held against my will right now. He placed the snacks into a small bowl, kind of like the snack tray my mom would make. My mouth watered, my stomach growling, and I guess the human heard it because he glanced at me for just a split second, a smile on his face. It was embarrassing, but also somewhat… nice of him to be making us this? 

“I use to steal just like you, pretty close to your age actually,” he chuckled, “I may only be 22, and you still don’t trust me, but I think it’s better if you just ask people for help little guy.” He walked back over to where the small hole in the wall was, placing down the bowl and myself. I tripped over my two legs, earning a small laugh from him. Now I just felt… terrible for ever thinking he was bad. It doesn’t mean I trust him fully yet, but maybe one day? This could also be some sick trick to enjoy my suffering later of course, but for now I’d like to believe that he was doing this because this was really who he was. 

“S-sorry. For the stealing.” I fidgeted with my hands, eyeing my needle still in his other hand. His hand carefully came towards me, offering it back. I took it from his fingers, hugging it close. My heart was still racing, and my thoughts were all jumbled up, but I still couldn’t believe that I was alive. Without a single scratch too. 

“You were only doing what you needed to survive. I get it,” He smiled, “But, just ask me if you need anything next time?” i gave an “i don’t know” look at him, but he just playfully rolled his eyes, “What’s your name anyways?” I bit the bottom of my lip

“Andrew…” My voice came out quiet, feeling a little insecure. 

“Gabriel, but you can just call me Gabe.” He smiled, and left just as quiet as ever. It took me a while to realize what had just happened, then my eyes trailed off to the vast amount of snacks waiting to be eaten. Best part about it? There was finally something healthy to eat that I didn’t think was poisoned. I turned back to the hold in the wall, hoping that Lizzie was okay. 

“Lizzie!” I whisper yelled, expecting her to be back home, under the sheets, but she came out of the hold, hugging her bear tight against her chest. I rushed over, hugging her before her eyes widened at the huge amount of snacks that awaited her. Sure, it was way past midnight, but it couldn’t hurt to have something nice to eat, right? Borrowers rarely ever get a chance like this anyways. 

“I told you he was nice!” She giggled, forgetting just how scared she looked minutes ago. We both giggled, and for the first time in what felt like forever we felt safe. Even if I still didn’t entirely trust Gabriel, there was a small possibility I could just as much as my sister does. Just maybe. 

——————

Yeah I have no idea about this one either (My brain cannot come up with good scenes anymore whyyyy… also I kind of gave up on editing halfway through so I’m very sorry for mistakes-)

Again, if you don’t like it, please tell me! But I hope you liked it! Writing based off of songs is pretty hard, but I might as well give it a try! If you would like a part 2 to this, please let me know! (Cause I kinda do… I might make it just for the fun of it)

Thank you for the prompt! I had fun writing it! :3

Writing commissions are still open for anyone interested! Please keep them strictly sfw! (If I’m uncomfortable with a certain commission I will let you know!)

[florallylly]

something along the lines of princess protection program of 2010s dcom fame. steve harrington prince of a small italian-adjacent principality forced to flee the country when a military coup takes place.

blah blah he's placed with the buckley family in hawkins, indiana. what i Think would be funny is if all of this is going on and the upside down is still happening.

like steve is obviously not disclosing his identity to anyone except for robin and the buckleys. and like this would cause a lot of shifts in the canon timeline but in my Head . just off the cuff no draft no braincell just gut instinct.

thinking of a steve harrington who relies on tropey examples of what he thinks american "commoner" school is like. he comes off kind of ditzy and a bit out of touch, but he's also hot and charming so he's pretty much a hit.

maybe steve and robin having a really bad first meeting and in retaliation robin comes up with some convoluted story about steve being her out of control drug addicted cousin who got kicked out of private school and sent to hawkins as punishment. or like some type of story along those lines but unfortunately it just makes steve more compelling.

eventually eventually they become the platonic soulmates that they were always destined to be and robin moves to the little italian principality and is finally able to regularly flex her italian skills

ALSO buckley family characterization something found family and the buckley adoption of steve harrington like... well yes....

BUT back to the upside down happening.

like i kind of want steve to arrive earlier, but i think narratively it would make most sense for steve to be the new kid in 1983. he lives with robin, but they're not really on the best terms because steve just so naturally fit in with the jocks and popular kids from the get go. and like. he's a spoiled kid who honestly robin is projecting onto because her dad is away fixing STEVE'S country like... it's a little his fault.

the timeline goes on as usual except like? idk how the barb and nancy party would work out while living with the buckleys, but perhaps it would have been held at tommy or carol's in this world.

i think it would be Hilarious if robin didn't find out about the upside down until season 3 like she did canonically, but in my heart i know that if steve came home all fucked up like he was after literally Any of the Seasons (???), she would not have been able to sit still. like regardless of the level of dislike that's someone she's been living with and Kind of Enjoys being around (reluctantly). so robin would be in the know sooner or perpetually pissed bc steve is remarkably persistent in keeping his mouth shut

maybe could cause more conflict in s3 with the russians and possibly knowing his identity but ALSO possibility for some type of robin buckley slayage a la her father like.... if that sentence made sense to anyone then it made sense to someone

but i think i think the funny thing is nobody else knowing steve's backstory or situation, just kind of assuming that robin's initial bitter story about steve being a reformed drug addict was the truth. Lol and weird dynamics with eddie munson bc uh oh... is this gonna affect sobriety or like his comfort or smth .... moment...

but mr buckley coming home and finding steve and being like :P hey you can go home now :P and steve breaking down crying like he never thought he'd be able to see the halls he grew up running down again. or see the ocean from his childhood bedroom again. or talk to the same neighbors he's talked to since he was five years old.

and everyone sans robin being like wow didn't know like. fuckin chicago was that meaningful to u ... damn... were u a fugitive or smth bc u had a car and a license.

the prince reveal would have me clawing at the walls gnawing my leg off i think ... eyes rolling to the back of my head i have no way to truly verbalize this

[100jewels-between-teeth]

18+ Oneshot

Word count: 3562

AO3 ¤ Ko-Fi ¤ Masterlist

~

Summary: With the end of the war, life returns to normal. The choices that some have made begin to weigh on the mind, and some are there to set what needs to be set straight. For the sake of love

Characters: Illario Dellamorte, f!Rook de Riva, Lucanis Dellamorte, Viago de Riva

Cw: graphic depictions of a kind of violence, read at your own discretion

An: What can I say but, fuck Illario Dellamorte. Enjoy! Make sure to follow or look at my other works, big things on the way!

Of course, after everything, places like the cafe did not feel the same anymore. The aroma that hung in the air of roasted beans and spices that once carried feelings of nostalgia and comfort now filled the man’s heart with dread and regret. The sound of the water, the chiming bells of incoming gondolas and merchant calls, all of it was tainted now. An undeserved peace and comfort that brought him nothing but shame for what he had almost caused, and what had been so graciously given back to him. 

Maybe that was the cruelty of it all. That Illario had to continue existing in a world that he had tried to bring down. He couldn't even hide. 

Truly, Illario did not want to be here. 

This was the first time he had come back to Cafe Pietra since his coup. Really, other than the battle in Minrathous, this was the first time Illario had shown himself outside at all. Of course, there was that looming paranoia of the other Crows. Just because Lucanis had ‘forgiven’ his transgressions, did not mean the rest of the Crows followed suit. Even now, sitting at the usual table he and his cousin would frequent, he could hear the whispers, the veiled insults. Glares that wished their looks could, indeed, kill. 

Ilarrio did know, however, he was not in such a place to reject invitations. So when he had gotten the missive from his cousin’s new paramour, who was still reeling from the heights of their world saving antics, he was not about to say no. Disregarding his cousin’s love was not exactly a way to get back into his good graces.

Besides, he never really disliked Rook. Maybe this could be the start of some sort of redemption arc for himself. 

As Rook made her own entrance into the cafe, Illario could not help but pity her. A Fifth Talon to one of the greatest heros Thedas had seen, it couldn't be anything but overwhelming to the woman. Coming from a life where discretion and secrecy were your greatest allies, now to having every person know your name. Illario felt that envy bloom again in his chest, that anger of being denied what he felt deserved. But he could dwell on that later.

For now he could play the role of the atoner. 

The woman knew how to stand out. That wild curly hair framing eyes that looked like burning embers. A warm smile that he knew was masking the months of hardship and pain she had endured. To his surprise, the patrons of the cafe seemed to not pay much mind. Yes, there were a few who gave gasps, others with respectful nods. But he could assume that people were so used to her wearing the Crow uniform that the shimmering dark purple saree she now doned was enough of a disguise for her. To see the woman dressed so casual, even if the garbage was anything but, must have been some kind of relief to her. Illario was not too sure - he had always loved the attention, personally. 

Illario made sure to stand as Avantika approached, bowing his head to the woman. “Things must be finally calming for you after everything.” 

Illario was not sure exactly how to break the ice. He knew that, with Rook, he was treading a very thin line. Even Though she herself was the one that pushed for Lucanis to forgive, rather than imprison him, she still loathed him. Siding with the Evanuris, betraying his own cousin, being the reason for his possession. It was unforgivable, that much he knew. But whether it was Lucanis pushing her to be more understanding, or her own volition, his comment elicited a warm smile. 

“I would not go that far, but I can finally leave without being stopped every ten steps with an invitation to some kind of banquet or delegation.” Avantika rolled her eyes, her smile still gracing her features as she took her seat across from Illario. 

For a moment, he felt like he could pretend that nothing happened. That they were just two colleagues, dare he say friends, meeting for a much needed coffee to chat about the world. Honestly, some kind of normalcy would do them both good. Illario was smart enough to know, however, that would never be the case for either of them now, for complete opposite reasons. 

“I already took the liberty of ordering our coffee. I hope it was alright to order you from what you had last time.” Illario could then see Avantika tense slightly. 

To most untrained eyes they would have missed it. To a Crow, however, even the slightest movement could be noticed. She did her best to cover it with another smile, leaning back in her chair into a more relaxed position. 

“Thanks. Honestly, after everything, the amount of caffeine in our systems has lessened immensely.” So it was going to be Rook to bring Lucanis into this. 

That relieved Illario in a way, it meant he wouldn't have to navigate the minefield of the topic of his cousin. Better for her to do so. Of course the comment made Illario break into a smirk. 

“So you are a miracle worker then. Not only have you saved the world, you have saved my cousin’s coffee addiction.” He could not help but joke, deciding to take a more relaxed position himself. “Now if you can get him to maybe sweeten his tastes a little-” 

“Trust me, I can't work that miracle.” Avantika jumped in on the beat, a deep laugh resonating that reassured Illario. “Besides, if he enjoyed the sweeter things, I'd have to worry about sugar keeping him up too. I can only fight so many battles.” 

For a moment, Rook looked out into the canal beside them, giving Illario a slight moment of reprieve to finally relax himself. This whole wait, he was not sure what side of Rook he would see, how tense this meeting would be. But she, shockingly, was exuding nothing but warmth. Maybe Lucanis had talked to her, maybe she was more forgiving and lenient than he thought. It reassured him, knowing it was something he could work with. 

If he had Rook’s trust and good graces, there would be no better person to vouch for him to be trusted by the others. She could get him back in, keep him safe in a way. It wasn’t manipulation, more so taking advantage of a good situation. 

As their coffees were placed before the pair, Illario decided to take the chance and broach the elephant in the room. 

“Rook, Ava, I want to thank you. For… this. I know what I did to everyone was unforgivable. For Lucanis to forgive… for you to be the one to push it. I am in your debt. Please know that I do sorely regret what I've done. My reputation, the family, Lucanis…” Illario cleared his throat, feeling it tighten as his emotions started to show through the mask of charm. “I want to make amends.” 

Rook’s eyes tore away from the water, burning amber staring into Illario. Her face was unmoving, an emotionless stare just looking at him. No, into him. Like she was able to analyse his very mind and soul. It was unnerving, Illario doing his best to not show his nervousness. But as if sensing the tension, Avantika broke it with another warm smile as she grabbed her cup delicately by the handle, raising it towards Illario in a toast. 

“To making amends.” 

Reflecting her own smile, he raised his own cup to her, the porcelain chiming together. “To making amends.” 

They both retreated to their cups, Illario thankful that the coffee can finally relax them more. Setting the cup down, the corner of his lips turned to a frown. 

“Honestly, I don't see what my cousin loves so much about this cafe. Maybe it is just me. They always seem to burn the coffee. Too bitter for my tastes.” Picking up the small silver pitcher, he added more cream to the brew, the taste slightly better as he took another sip. 

Avantika could only chuckle as she sipped her own. “Trust me, I know. I’ve had to get used to it. When I told Lucanis about how I would take my coffee before, he had to sit down. Said it was a crime. I’ll give it to him though, he converted me.” 

Rook smiled at the memory, taking another sip with a sigh.

“How is he? We… have not spoken much since Minrathous.” Illario felt that small wave of shame overcome him again. 

He did miss Lucanis, ironically, for putting the man in a prison for a year. With Lucanis being back, those brief moments with him before Illario’s plan was shown, had been nothing short of amazing. He had truly missed the Crow. 

Avantika thought for a moment, lips pursed as she traced her finger across the rim of her cup. 

“It is an adjustment, being back. After coming from the Ossuary straight into a war, there hasn't been a whole lot of time to… settle.” Her face regained that warm smile, eyes back to Illario. “But, he is good. Very much in that ‘I don't want you away from my sight.’ phase, which I can't blame him. I’m in that phase, too.” 

Illario joined her chuckle, his own face reflecting her smile. “Honestly seeing my cousin like this, actually happy and having someone to love in his life, he deserves it… you deserve it. Overbearing adoration at all.” 

His emotions swelled up, the last words getting choked up in his throat once more. 

“Thank you, Illario. It means so much to hear you say that.” Avantika beamed as she sat herself up a little, taking a sip of her coffee. “Truly though, he has taught me a lot. Not just about myself, but the world, family, coffee.” Avantika giggled as she motioned to his cup. “It still amazes me just how complex the flavours can be. The things you can do with just a cup of coffee. What did he say about Andoral’s Breath? Bitter and sweet… like a kiss goodbye…” 

Her voice drifted off wistfully, as if getting lost in a memory. 

Her head tilted as her eyes found him again. “Would you say that is how yours tastes?” 

“I wouldn't know Rook I–” Illario cleared his throat again, trying to rid the tickle in the back of his throat. “I did not order that...” 

Illario cleared his throat again, feeling as if he had a small itch that seemed to dry the passage. But looking down at the cup in his hand, swirling the contents around in the cup, its scent wafted into his nose, a fear beginning to bloom in his gut.

“Like I said, coffee like that is so hard to replicate the taste of. How it lingers on the palette, the scent, even its thickness.”Avantika’s warm smile remained, yet it did not reach her eyes this time. Eyes that were now cold, a wildfire behind that carried every drop of anger she had hidden. “I couldn't tell you how many times I tried to replicate it, make it near exact. But I think what I have now would make Viago, even Lucanis proud! Andoral’s Breath…” 

As if it were clockwork that slight itch in his throat morphed into what he could feel was a near blister, his body beginning to tingle as he could feel his cardiovascular system start to get heavy, inflamed, pained. A pressure building behind his eyes as he gripped his chair to shoot upwards in panic. 

“I wouldn't do that if I were you.” Her tone was quiet and sharp, but Avantika did not flinch. 

No weapon drawn, no magic crackling between her fingers. Rook remained still, the smile not leaving. 

“If I were you,” Avantika took a long sip of her coffee. “I would do my best to relax, take in the scenery and listen to me. Your heart is already pumping alarmingly fast. Veins beginning the slow process of coagulation, or rupturing, I can't remember. Causing your heart to race, raising your body temperature by panicking will only speed the process. Sitting here, talking to me, I'd say you have a few minutes. If you decide to act rash and panic…. You won't make it to the door.” 

He cursed himself. Of course he should have expected this - especially from a de Riva. To so blindly trust the one who had fooled his own coup, his fight or flight urge screamed in his brain, a brain he could only assume was swelling more and more. 

Was this woman fool enough to kill a Dellamorte in the open? He could only assume yes. 

“I would be wise and listen to what I have to say. That is what is going to keep you alive, so don't be stupid.” 

As if nothing were happening, she waved over the batista, another cup of coffee procured as Avantika sat back again, relaxed as ever. Illario could jot be sitting straighter, as still as a corpse, trying his best to breathe through the viscous liquid erupting from the boils and blisters in his throat. 

“I'm sure Viago did not talk about me much before. If he did I'm sure it was nothing but complaints and whinging. ‘Idiot’ he would call me.” Avantika snickered to herself, her tone and posture so casual it was almost as if Illario’s body was not melting on itself literally. 

He could almost feel his blood thickening and coagulating beneath his skin, trying so hard to keep his breathing controlled. 

“Well, if he has mentioned it or not, obviously we aren't really related.” Avantika gestured to her pointed ears poking from her wild hair. “Funny thing about that, I don't think he has ever really mentioned how we met.” 

Her finger twirled around the top of her cup, the contents swirling magically beneath as she stared at the canal once more. 

Illario wanted nothing more than to run, but for the sake of life preservation, he prayed to the Maker that somehow, someway, listening to her ramblings would save him.

Rook's brow arched as she stared at Illario. 

“I was Dalish, you see. Small clan, close to… Ayesleigh. Would travel in that little in between bit you see on the map between us and Rivain. Either way, I don't mean to offend but I assume you're not particularly well versed in Dalish customs?” 

He was stunned for a moment, the pain though his body almost causing distraction, but he did manage a shake in the head. 

*No, I thought not.” Avantika took a long sip, sighing at the warmth of her coffee before continuing. “The Dalish have a funny custom, you see, when it comes to mages. Unlike most, we don't shun magic, but that comes with a little caveat. The clan depends on how many mages you find amongst them. Some… tones! Others, well they like to be safe.” Another long, drawn out pause as Avantika watched a gondola pass by. Illario could feel a vessel pop in his nose, the red essence of life slowly dragging down his face, seemingly unnoticed by the woman.

“I was born into one of those paranoid clans. To my luck, my magic came early. Now, they don't exactly Want a child to potentially get possessed, nearly impossible to stop that. Also, the potential of attracting humans, no we don't want that either.” Avantika shook her head, that wild hair falling in front of her eyes.

“So… of course this is a tradition you don't exactly tell the children. Maker forbid you instil fear into their little hearts. So, around my fifth year of living, they gave me a pack, some extra clothes, and asked me to go forage.” For the first time, Illario could hear Avantika's voice get caught in her throat, eyes becoming misty. 

“I never saw them again… and let me tell you… a five year old elf does not fare well in the wilds on her own. I didn't know where I was, where I was going. I could barely keep myself alive. I was terrified, terrified that the family I knew just gave up on me. Left me behind due to something I couldn't control. That's when Viago found me, nearly starved and shaking. Funny enough, he had been travelling to one of his contracts when his horse became lame. Said if I could help him with some of the plant life around the woods, he would put me out of my misery. I helped him make new poisons, and he brought me here.” 

Illario heard that catch in her throat again as she gave a sad smile. Without even looking at the man before her, she whipped out a handkerchief, dabbing his nose. 

Illario could see now his skin began to discolour, bruises botching the skin exposed. Yet as his eyes begged silently for anyone around them to notice, nobody seemed to care. So Rook went on. 

“Viago gave me a family I never had. Embraced who I was, even if I was an Idiot. So… imagine how I felt when I found out Lucanis, a man who had no control over what he was born into, was shunned by his own.” For the first time in this entire meeting, Avantika’s expression fully matched, her voice once lighthearted now laced with venom as her eyes stared what he could only describe as death incarnate into his soul. 

“A man who trusted you, thought of you as a brother. Family, and you tossed him aside. Sold him out and, because of you, had him endure those tortures of the Ossuary. Because of you, he has to live with knowing a man he loved, saw him as nothing but an obstacle. But guess what? In a way I got to do exactly what Viago did for me. I found him, and I gave him a family.” 

That look of disgust morphed once more, just the mention of Lucanis softening Avantika’s features. 

“Just like Viago I did not shun him for what he was, what he couldn't control. With time, I let him know he did not need to heal alone. That he didn't have to face a world that abandoned him alone. The funniest part, too.” Rook let out a near breathless laugh. “Solas, he trapped me in that prison in the Fade. It was like all of what I had experienced as a child came back. Alone, terrified, afraid. Ripped apart from the world. And in all of that shit… Lucanis pulled me back.” 

Illario could see a single tear run down Avantika’s cheek, her smile still remaining as she watched a bloodied tear run down Illario’s now purplish face. 

“I saved him… and he saved me. We both showed each other a world that we don't have to endure alone. I will never be able to pay back that debt. The only way I can, is to give him the love and security he had ripped away by you.

“So, with that. I'll end my ramble. Sorry, thanks for listening so well. But I do have one more thing to say, before I go. I don't want there to be any misunderstanding between us.” Her tone was kind as she leaned across the table, that dame tone becoming low and threatening. A voice Illario would hear in his nightmares to come. 

“If you ever think about hurting Lucanis, betraying Lucanis, or any of the other Crows, I will kill you. It will jot be quick. It will be slow… painful… and you will be alone. You will be alone and as your broken voice screams out for help as you choke on your own blood and bile, you will realise as you die the love you tossed away. That which saved me and Lucanis, will never be given to you. Do I make myself clear?” 

Illario could barely move any of his body, the pain excruciating as if he was melting from the inside. But he did not, trying to manage a gurgled yes as blood and black viscous liquid sputtered past his lips. 

Then, he was gifted one of Avantika's trademarked smiles, the woman reaching out to pat his cheek. 

“I'm really glad we could come to this understanding, Illario. I don't want there to be any misunderstanding between us.” Reaching to the jewellery circling her neck, she seemed to unclipped one of the baubles, tipping it into her coffee and passing him the cup before standing. 

“I hope we can see each other soon. I'm sorry I can't stay longer, like I mentioned, that can't stay away phase. I'll see you soon! You don't mind footing the bill?” 

Illario willed whatever energy he had to endure the pain and drink from the cup. The bitter liquid running down his blistered throat. For a moment he felt that death was breathing down his neck, but soon he felt his very veins become cold, as if thinning and repairing the damages. He could feel his throat open as he gasped for that sacred air. 

Blinking away what blood was left in his eyes, he noticed Rook already gone, leaving him to collect his sanity at the table alone. 

[klbwriting]

Adventures In Atlantean-Sitting

Chapter 13

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Ormxfemale!Reader

Warnings: violence

Summary: YN goes to save Orm

Notes: Here it is, the end! I hope you enjoyed! Comments/critiques are appreciated

Orm waited until they were halfway to the beach before he started fighting the guards. His hands were bound so he threw his weight into one of soldiers holding him, knocking him to the ground, causing the other to let go of Orm in surprise. Orm jumped back, dodging as another guard tried to grab him. He started to run when a shot passed his head, nearly clipping him. He stopped and turned. Orlan was holding the pulsar, now aimed right for Orm’s head. Orlan’s eyes were narrow, his face reddened.

“The next one will kill you; I don’t care if the council wants you alive,” he said. The guards watched as he approached Orm, grabbing onto his arm roughly. “I have wanted to kill you for years, do not tempt me now, my son is supposed to do the honor.” His voice was low so only Orm could hear but it just confirmed his suspicions. Leo was going to ‘attack’ the convoy taking Orm back to Atlantis and he was meant to be a casualty in the crossfire. He let Orlan guide him back to the others and let the soldiers take hold of him again. The whole delay was only around two minutes, he just hoped that was enough time for YN and Arthur to get ready.

YN noticed the beach was quiet, she and Arthur were seemingly the only ones around. They were currently holed up in lifeguard’s shack, watching for signs of Leo and any men he had brought. Arthur had contacted Mera, Nereus, and Atlanna, they were ready and waiting in the shallows. Arthur was antsy, wanting to get this over with and hopefully get his power back. He didn’t realize what he could do with the power he had until he lost it. Already the council was trying to undo his work in bridging the gap between the surface and the sea and he needed to be reinstated to get back on track. YN just wanted to get Orm back to her cottage and their life together. Finally, she saw Orlan and his guards with Orm, walking him down the beach.

“Hold until Leo shows himself,” YN said, noticing Arthur getting ready to throw open the door. He eyed her.

“I am a king you know,” he grumbled. She rolled her eyes. He hmphed and sat back again, watching.

They had just passed the lifeguard shack when Leo and nearly a dozen Atlanteans emerged from under the boardwalk nearby. They aimed their weapons at Orlan and the guards. YN watched the guards. They seemed genuinely confused, Orlan, however, was probably the worst actor she had ever seen.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, voice louder than necessary. Leo smirked and became just as bad an actor as his father.

“I have come to take my revenge from the tyrant king for trying to banish us,” Leo said. “Step aside and you will not die today, leave the prisoner with me for execution.” Orlan held up a hand.

“Enough, we do not need to shed blood tod…” he never finished. Leo shot his father in the chest. This was surprising. Arthur, YN, and the rest of those hiding came out of their places, weapons ready, but confused.

“Finally,” Leo said. “Come on, I am going to kill that bastard king, but I was so tired to dancing to that idiot’s tune.” His men all aimed their weapons as the guards, ready to fire.

“Stop!” Arthur yelled. Leo rolled his eyes.

“Why? What could you, a half-breed, possibly say to stop this?” he asked. YN was reminded of a petulant child who needed a nap. Arthur stepped forward, next to Orm. Leo re-aimed at Arthur.

“Whoa, calm down there Terminator, I just want to know why you shot your dad, weren’t you both trying some kind of coup?” he asked. Leo let out an aggravated breath.

“Yes, but that old asshole would have just used the coup to become King of Atlantis. Why just Atlantis?” he asked. “So now, I kill everyone and then I…take over everything. Where Orm tried to be Ocean Master I will become Ocean Master, I will take Atlan’s trident from your cold dead hands, and then after I am ruler of the seas I will come here to the surface, now, fire away.” His men tried to fire but found their weapons useless. “What the hell?” YN held up a device, red light blinking on it.

“O, sorry, those are useless now thanks to my friend here,” she said. She put the device in a pocket and held up another, a tranquilizer gun. She was able to get off two shots, taking out two of Leo’s men before he started hand to hand combat. Orm moved aside, going to a guard who, after a few moments of contemplation, freed him from his restraints. He wasn’t given a weapon, but he didn’t need one. Arthur and Atlanna fought together with their tridents while Mera sent sharpened water with pinpoint accuracy. The Atlantean soldiers who had come with Orlan fought also. All the while YN was dodging, firing tranqualizer darts at any of Leo’s men. She finally was able to sneak up behind Leo, pressing a tack into his neck and holding her Atlantean dagger to his throat.

“Hold!” Leo yelled. He only had a couple fighting soldiers left but everyone froze at his cry. YN glared, looking at him. Nereus darted off, going to get reinforcements from Atlantis. “Going to kill me surface scum?”

“I should, for everything you’ve done, for hurting people in my city, for trying to kill me, for trying to frame Orm. I should kill you, but I don’t think they want me to do that, they need someone to arrest and prosecute,” she said. Leo laughed. “Something funny?”

“Who is going to arrest me? This is clearly an attack that Orm and you planned. I was trying to help my father contain the threat when you killed him, and his men, and then tried to kill me,” he said. Atlanna shook her head.

“I do not think anyone will believe your story Leo,” she said. “We have proof of everything that has happened here.” She motioned to the camera on top of the lifeguard shack. Leo glared, snarling. He moved, surprising YN, knocking her back into the sand and disarming her. He turned, bringing the dagger she had just been holding down, the tip just inches from her chest when a strong hand grabbed his wrist. Orm used all his strength, knowing that Leo had none at the moment, and threw the man to the ground.

“You almost killed her once and I promised that the next time I saw you I would kill you,” Orm said, grabbing the knife himself. He picked Leo to stand, the knife once again at his throat. YN stood, putting her hand to Orm’s shoulder. He took a deep breath. YN wouldn’t want this, wouldn’t want him to kill again, cause more pain and bloodshed. “But I don’t think I will.” He pushed Leo towards Arthur, who had him restrained along with the rest of his men. The victors lined the prisoners up on the beach just in time for the council and more soldiers to arrive. By then Orm and YN were safe in the shack, hiding out again.

Arthur showed the video to the council, explaining that Orm had been caught, along with the traitor from the surface, however Leo had intervened, and they had disappeared in the fighting. Atlanna also presented the evidence they had found that cleared Orm of the surface attacks. He was still wanted for his escape from the deserter prison and for trying to hurt the heir to the throne, but these attacks were not his. The council seemed satisfied, taking Leo and his men back to Atlantis. Once everything was clear Orm and YN returned to the cottage.

“Do you think we should find a new place to live?” YN asked a few weeks later. She was nervous, wondering if the council would return. Arthur assured her that his power was back in place and that the council thought Orm and her were far away, in Russia, and they were safe. But she still worried. Orm walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind as they looked out the front window. “No, I think we are safe here, in our witch’s house in the woods,” he said, kissing her head. She smiled and leaned to him, taking a deep breath. They were still in hiding, but at least they weren’t alone.

[paintingwhiteceilings]

❃Seventeen and buying concert tickets❃

a/n: Sooooo apparently, my first post has been doing really well. I came home from visiting my friends over the weekend, only to find out that it has over an 100 notes???? Thank you to everyone who has been liking and reblogging it. I genuinely didn't expect so many people to enjoy, or even see, it, and I feel so incredibly grateful :')

Anyway, I stumbled upon Scoups trying to buy their own concert tickets and thought it would make for a fun prompt. Enjoy!

Scoups/Seungcheol: 7/10

❀ What deity has he disrespected to be suffering this much? When he promised some of his friends to get them tickets as well, he did so out of the assumption that good karma would aid him in increasing his odds of getting good seats. Isn’t that how karma is supposed to work; you do a good deed and get rewarded?

❀ For some reason, the entire website seems to be working against him. He has an abysmal position in the queue, giving him a false sense of hope in obtaining tickets. After he finally is let in, the website seems to continuously glitch. The only reason that he ultimately gets to pick out decent seats is because he spends an absurd amount of money on them.

❀ No, it truly can’t be a higher power toying with him… Instead, he blames himself for picking the wrong location, date and zone. Somehow, he even manages to misplace his credit card, resulting in him having to turn his room upside down. He is about to completely lose it before discovering that he accidentally placed his keyboard on top of it.

❀ After struggling a ton, he finally manages to get decent tickets, ageing at least ten years in the process. Give him some time and space; he needs to properly process the entire experience. Maybe it is time to pay for an exorcist.

Jeonghan 1000000/10

❀ God has favourites, and it shows. Jeonghan decides to get concert tickets on a whim, pulling out his phone to check whether they are still available. Somehow, precisely at that moment, the tickets go on sale, making him first in the queue.

❀ He doesn’t really understand what Coups is complaining about. He has the seats he wants with a perfect view of the stage. The site runs smoothly, and he is able to buy the tickets without it buffering even once. He doesn’t even have to remind his friends to transfer him the money, either. They did it beforehand.

❀ Even worse, after he successfully purchased the tickets, he decides to never buy tickets for himself ever again. Why would he do it himself when he could ask his friends to do it for him instead? It gives him an additional ten minutes to nap. His ticket buying luck will become a memory, a legend that all those buying tickets tell each other.

❀ Is that Coups crying in the corner?

Joshua 8/10

❀ You have heard of chick-magnets, and now I present to you, Mr Hong, a ticket-magnet. Joshua has no interest in ticket buying. Rather than spending those hours sitting behind a computer, he could be enjoying one of his thousand hobbies instead. Joshua could’ve made at least four bracelets and watched a full season of anime in the same time span. Why worry over Maroon 5 tickets when he can sing Sunday Morning himself.

❀ Instead, his friends end up giving him their spare tickets whenever someone cancels. Over the years, he has gone to a wide arrange of concerts. It is kind of impressive. One time he went to both a classical and a heavy metal concert on the same day. It gave him whiplash; he almost started a mosh pit as the third movement played.

❀ Considering that Joshua never checks his phone, he wouldn’t even be aware of what concerts are happening. Not that it really matters. Somehow, he will end up going anyway. All concert tickets lead to Hong Jisoo.

Jun 2/10

❀ Have you ever tried buying tickets in a language that is not your native tongue? No? Well, let me tell you, it is hard. Jun has been staring at the screen for the past five minutes, trying to figure out the fine print. He is having a hard time deciphering the very legal and formal Korean.

❀ He is pretty sure that he is misinterpreting half of it; it seems rather odd for a concert ticket site to be talking about saving the cows when he is looking at insurance options. It truly is weird. Still, Jun cannot help but be a bit concerned about the cows.

❀ Before he is able to buy the tickets, he runs out of time. He had tried to call his members, but he should’ve figured that him reading the confusing Korean out loud would result in a weird narrative telephone game where the members have to guess the word from his shaky pronunciation. At least it made for a fun new game for GoSe.

❀ Fortunately, he is favourite child number 1, and the other members have zero faith in him being able to buy his own ticket. They made sure to get him one whilst he was calling with them. Of course, they gasslight him into thinking that, by some miracle, he had managed to buy the ticket himself. They don’t want to hurt his feelings.

Hoshi/Soonyoung: -100000000000/10

❀ I should probably add more zeros, but that would ruin the aesthetics. Hoshi's problems already start upon him trying to turn on the computer. No matter how often he smashes the power button, it does not respond. He thinks he broke it, but in reality, Hoshi doesn't understand the concept of a charger. Nobody told him that computers need energy to function.

❀ When Wonwoo told him that the computer needed to be fed, trying to explain the concept of charging and electricity, Hoshi tried giving it a piece of his fried chicken. He left it there for a full hour, but it didn’t eat it. Hoshi thinks the laptop might be mad at him for letting it starve for so long. Someone, please help this man; he is crying.

❀ Maybe instead of using his computer, he can use his phone to buy tickets. Oh, wait, no. He tried showering with his phone because he thought it was waterproof. Why did he think it was waterproof? Nobody knows. He has put it in rice to see whether it will turn on again. The others haven’t told him yet that it is hopelessly fried; they don’t want him to get another phone only to ruin it within seconds.

Wonwoo 100000000/10

❀ With his gaming set-up and ridiculously fast internet, Wonwoo makes ticket buying look like a sci-fi film. To the untrained eye, watching Wonwoo buying tickets might seem rather boring. To those more experienced, his skills at clicking on the right things at the exact right time are insane. Internally, he has an entire dramatic inner monologue when he does, recounting his months of research on how to optimize ticket buying.

❀ It has become a game for him; he has an insane track record for buying the best seats, and at this point, he does it more so for the thrill. He resells them to the members, increasing the price a bit as he does. He doesn’t tell them, of course; it makes them feel indebted to him, owing him a favour he can cash in during GoSe, whilst he, unbeknownst to them, is making a decent profit. Truly, he is hitting two birds with one stone.

❀ It is only after Wonwoo uses his hard-earned money to buy five extra computers to further optimize the buying of tickets that the other members begin getting concerned. They ultimately decide to hold an intervention for him, explaining that his obsession with ticket buying is borderline unhealthy. So far, he is doing well. He hasn't bought a single concert ticket since the intervention.

Woozi/Jihoon: 9/10

❀ Concert tickets seem to magically appear on his doorstep, paired with letters full of admiration. Woozi has no idea how they got there. Whenever an artist is going on tour, the tickets seem to materialize out of thin air without fail. He fails to realize that by being the legendary producer Woozi, THE Lee Jihoon, everyone wants him at their concert. He truly is a humble king.

❀ To be honest, he doesn’t really want to go. Unless it happens to be Bruno Mars, he would rather stay indoors, focusing on his own music. He decides to give all the free tickets to Joshua, figuring that it would be a waste to throw the tickets out. However, he stopped giving Joshua the free tickets after he discovered that Joshua was pretending to be him. Not that anyone believed him, but still, Woozi no longer wanted to be associated with the guy who was shamelessly dancing around, executing the cringiest of dance moves.

❀ On the one hand, it did somewhat work. The artists have stopped inviting Woozi to every single concert that they hold, afraid to get his insane friend instead. Joshua, to this day, claims that it was all part of his plan.

DK/Seokmin: 1/10 but 1000/10 for the vibes

❀ DK is truly trying his best to get tickets for the concert he wants to go to. He has invited all his friends over to buy the tickets together. Everyone brings their own laptop to increase their chances of getting good seats. However, by the end of the night, it has kind of turned into a bit of a party.

❀ Initially, DK put on a playlist to decrease the tension and stress that everyone was feeling. That being said, as time passed, the tickets were kind of forgotten as it turned more and more into a karaoke session. Suddenly more and more people seemed to appear, somehow hearing of this dope party that was being held at DK’s. DK surely didn’t invite them, but the more, the merrier, right? He can’t help but feel like he is forgetting something as the night progresses, but it must probably not be that important.

❀ It hits him only the morning after. It is not completely hopeless, though. When DK goes online to share his funny anecdote with other fellow fans, he inevitably ends up charming someone who has a spare ticket. They end up inviting him along because, well, we all could use some little DK in our life.

Mingyu: 7.5/10

❀ He thinks he is really good at finding resell tickets for cheap. What he doesn’t know, however, is that everyone takes one good look at his profile pic and decides to risk it all. Unknowingly, Mingyu has broken up a lot of friendships with his posts innocently asking whether anyone has a ticket to spare.

❀ He has no idea that concerts are essentially all dates. The other person always treats him so nicely. They get him food, flowers and give him so many compliments. Honestly, he doesn’t understand how people can be so pessimistic about the world. Look at how many wonderful people are in it, treating him so kindly.

❀ Unfortunately for those who intend the concert to be a date and the start of a new relationship, he is too oblivious to see it as such. At the end of the concert, he will simply shake their hand and thank them for the fun night, never to contact them ever again. Still, nobody gets truly upset about the outcome. His obliviousness is kind of charming.

The8/Minghao: 5/10

❀ It is all up to faith. Does he understand the Korean on the website? No. As a result, Minghao has decided to make peace with whatever comes out of the ticket buying experience. He has meditated quite a bit before the tickets go on sale, trying to tell himself that it won’t bother him if he doesn’t get the tickets. He is cool, calm and collected.

❀ He makes all his decisions based on a coin flip. Is he struggling to choose between two zones? Coin flip. Should he click the first or second option for insurance? Coin flip. He has a very pretty dice that he can roll for the choices with multiple options. In other words, Minghao puts his trust completely in the universe so that he doesn’t have to admit that he has no idea what he is doing. Honestly, the method allows him to, at the very least, make quick decisions regardless of the outcome. Consequentially, he outspeeds everyone else on the website.

❀ Does it work? Half of the time. Sometimes the universe seems to be favouring him, giving him incredible seats. Other times he is sitting in the nosebleeds, squinting at the stage as he is trying to make out the artist. He comforts himself with the thought that he is there for the music, not the visual experience.

Seungkwan: 9/10

❀ Welcome to Seungkwan’s military mission to get concert tickets. Drill Sergeant Boo has decided that he will be assembling the best team to get the concert tickets he desires, and there will be nothing stopping him. Not only did he insist on everyone meeting up at the place with the best Wi-Fi, but he also made an entire overview of the best zones and seats, including information on which seats tend to sell out the fastest.

❀ He has set five alarms for when the tickets go on sale, and if anyone dares to goof off, they will meet an early grave. This is a life-or-death situation! Sergeant Boo has no time for those that slack off or test his patience. If you are not taking this seriously, you do not deserve to see Adele in concert.

❀ Let’s just hope that he gets his tickets through regular ticket sales because if not, he will set up an intelligence mission in order to find out as much tea as he can on someone to blackmail them into handing over their tickets. Is it legal? Not really, no, but all is fair in love and war or when Beyoncé tickets are on the line.

Vernon 8/10

❀ Getting tickets is really no problem for Vernon. All he has to do is connect himself to the internet. He is an AI/NPC, after all. It is incredibly easy; all he has to do is hack into the system and get the tickets before they even go on sale.

❀ Okay, okay, all jokes aside, Vernon, with his refined music taste, mostly attends obscure bands. He is not even snobby about it; he genuinely enjoys their experimental music. Most of the time, the band's tickets do not sell out because the band is, well, questionable at best. Wait, you have not heard of Order of the Metaphysical Rat? They are really good! What about the Tree Rioting Bishops? No? Well, he had a blast at their last concert; you should totally join next time.

❀ Occasionally, he stumbles onto real gems, bands that are on the up-and-coming and about to blow up. He somehow manages to attend their concert at the right time, and when he checks the tickets the next year, they've tripled in price.

❀ However, more often than not, the concerts he attends are an… experience. Dancing Politics truly was something special with their remixing of political speeches, and his ears are still ringing from the Screaming Orchestra. He doesn't understand why none of the other members want to join him.

Dino/Chan: -1000/10

❀ He is incredibly determined to get the tickets, but Dino has a massive problem: he is a boomer at heart. He is not hip and happening and has no idea how this whole process of buying tickets works. What do you mean that they do not physically mail concert tickets any more?

❀ To be honest, he was kind of hoping one of the other members would take him instead. This whole concept of the internet is truly beyond him. He literally just figured out how the landline works; he blinked twice, and suddenly there is something called the internet.

❀ Somehow, in his attempt to get tickets, he clicks on the wrong thing, and now his computer has crashed. He has no idea how he managed it, but it is refusing to respond. So now he's paying for a hefty bill to get his computer fixed instead of the tickets.

❀ It gets even worse when he trusts a Nigerian Prince emailing him that he has some tickets to resell. Yeah… Dino gets scammed out of a lot of money. It is safe to say that the other members have decided that he no longer gets to shop online.

masterlist

[joachimnapoleon]

Aaahhhh!!! I've been obsessing over it lately and I thank you for creating your blog, it's very informative! But I would like to know please how Murat got along with most of the Marshals, I also read that he got along well with Bessiéres, reply when you can!

Sorry for the late reply, I haven’t had energy for social media for the past month or so. Glad you’ve been enjoying the blog though!

As for Murat’s relationships with his fellow marshals, I think in general the tensions/conflicts he had with several of them have been overblown. I’ve written a bit about my view of his relationship with Lannes before (here, and a little follow-up here), and I still remain convinced that they were closer than the ongoing mainstream narrative based on dubious memoirs. Murat also butted heads with Ney on various occasions during campaigns, but I don’t believe there was any deep hatred between them or anything like that, and they got on well enough during the 1812 campaign and seemed pretty much on the same page. Oh, but Murat, Lannes, and Ney were all hanging out at Bareges together taking the waters when Murat found out he was going to be the new King of Naples, so there’s that.

Murat’s relationship with Berthier is interesting and I wish I knew more about it. Early on, Murat (who was pretty prone to paranoia) was convinced that Berthier was his enemy, as a result of Murat having been critical of him. But their relationship seems to have grown better over the years judging from some tidbits I came across in some of Berthier’s letters to Murat. Berthier also serves as kind of a go-between when Murat is in Naples and Napoleon wants to criticize him and needs someone to word it in such a way as to not wound Murat’s delicate feelings too deeply; he takes a much more gentler approach while still making sure Napoleon’s points get through to Murat.

Murat doesn’t seem to have gotten along very well with Soult, but I think @josefavomjaaga has posted more details on that on her page before, I really don’t know much about Soult in general.

Bessieres and Murat were supposedly good friends but it’s just another one of those things that unfortunately doesn’t have enough documentation on it one way or the other. Most of their correspondence I’ve ever comes across has been very formal and businesslike. It’s also hard to glean too much about Murat’s relationship with Bernadotte either. They had similar political views early in their careers, and Murat invited Bernadotte to his wedding (I’ve always wondered if it was just to spite Napoleon, who refused to attend), but also expressed criticism of Bernadotte in a letter to Joseph Bonaparte for having refused to side with the Bonapartes during the Brumaire coup. I really haven’t found much else about their relationship at all.

If there’s one marshal we can say for sure Murat absolutely did not like or get along with, it’s Davout. These two were just oil and water, unalike in pretty much every fathomable way. Their relationship got so bad during the 1812 campaign that Murat’s chief of staff had to physically restrain Murat from going out to either challenge Davout to a duel, or maybe just to shoot him on the spot (Murat had just grabbed his pistol and was on his way out of his tent). When Murat dared to speak against Napoleon for abandoning the army during the retreat and threatening to leave himself, Davout upbraided him for “black ingratitude”. I’ve never found exactly how Davout reacted to news of Murat’s defection in 1814, but it’s pretty easy to imagine.

Thanks for the ask!

[chambersandfogg]

October 2nd, 1923

I’m not entirely certain I like this decade. Granted, we are only three years into it, but if it continues on in the manner it’s been progressing so far, I think it will become one of my least favorite decades. Nothing can truly win out over the terror that was the teens, but I think I far preferred the nineties to now.

I suppose that’s a privilege that comes with my…nature? Predicament? Blessing? Curse? I’m still unsure how to feel about my everlasting life. But having a defined ranking of favorite decades seems a good a use of my unique perspective as any.

All to say, the twenties so far are much too boisterous and loud for my taste. It feels I’m invited to some party or new club every weekend. It’s jarring how much frivolity has overtaken the city and every social circle I’ve become acquainted with in the past few years. This is never quite as obvious as John Fogg’s summer solstice party, which I’ve attended the last two years. It is always nice to see him, I suppose, but I don’t much care for the crowd he runs with.

To be honest, I don’t know how he stands it either. Just last year, the man had some kind of fit when his guests broke an entire tray of champagne coupes. I’ve seen it before in men who have experienced combat: shell shock. John seemed disinclined to discuss it in the following days and then this summer, the party was similarly loud and destructive and he seemed perfectly fine. But it makes my stomach turn—the excess, the thoughtless joy. It isn’t that I resent seeing people amuse themselves, but it seems to be at the expense of remembering what brought us all here. Then again, perhaps it is only me who refuses to forget. Perhaps they’re right to grab happiness however and whenever they can, knowing how fragile it is. But every time I have just a tad too much to drink, I see the faces of the men who died by my poisonous innovations, I see John’s pale, wide-eyed face in his quiet library, a raucous gathering happening just outside the room. I far prefer the quieter days spent at his estate in the days following the solstice, when the two of us can converse openly about our strange lives and enjoy the comfortable companionship that is inherent in sharing a space with someone you know so well.

John has invited me to another fête—a Halloween party of all things. I don’t have plans to go, but I still need to send him my regrets. In fact, I’ll likely be sending him more than that—I know I should share the news that I’m leaving New York. Perhaps I can give him my address in London, but I don’t think I’m going to stay there very long either. For the first time in my life, I’m feeling a real traveler’s bug. I feel cooped up here in the States and if we’re all throwing responsibility and common sense out the window, I may as well do some of that myself and travel the world. It won’t be the quiet company of a friend, but it won’t be the loud and tinny noise of America either. I think it’s time for me to experience something entirely new.

[from the personal diary of C. X. Chambers]

[to read the pre-1917 entries, join Atypical Artists and get access to the archive of 24 entries (5,000+ words), as well as ad-free episodes of Atypical's whole catalogue. to receive future monthly missives straight to your inbox, sign up for free here]