#they really had to keep reminding people about Rita

[meganechan05]

Gonna get a replacement soon bc my "Details of Super Sentai" Book got heavy ass water damage. Like it's so bad that i picked up the package and it just fell apart. No plastic covering on the book, either, which I find fcking insane bc iirc, they tend do cover books for shipping?

Anyways, got another source to put on the list in terms of Rita's Gender Identity:

PapillonOhger is the first Purple character to be one of the original members in the Super Sentai Series. Believing in 'Neutrality', Rita's gender is undisclosed and also makes PapillonOhger a gender neutral hero.

Veteran Hashisuka Yuichi returns as a regular warrior since "Tokumei Sentai GoBusters" as Yellow Buster.

Do note that they specifically used 「リタは性別が公表されておらず」 and 「ジェンダーニュートラル」 in the blurb so there's really no way of mistranslating. I'd say it's similar to the one in Uchusen 180 as the book doesn't dive into as much detail as previous books as we mostly have blurbs and the book is all about the suits and mecha (and Moffun!)

But yeah. Rita's Gender Undisclosed. (Yes, this means you shouldn't be calling them a man or a woman bc that's assuming and they had a whole fcking episode where you're not supposed to assume things about them)

[my-castles-crumbling]

Bad Press

A little Drarry to get you through your Sunday Scaries :)

It was about a month before it occurred to Harry. They were laid out on a couch in the Room of Requirement one lazy Saturday afternoon, minds a bit blurry from both the butterbeer Harry had snuck in from Hogsmeade and the liberal snogging they had been doing.

As far as most people were concerned, Harry was currently with Ginny, and Draco with Pansy. Only a few close friends knew of their real whereabouts. The arrangement had come rather easily, as Harry and Draco had come to terms with their feelings around about the same time as the girls, and neither couple was ready to admit what was going on to the public. Ginny was already well-versed in being the girlfriend of The Chosen One, and she was one of the few people Harry felt comfortable showing physical affection to, so faking a relationship with her was easy. Draco and Pansy were practically attached at the hip, so nobody suspected a thing.

Harry was, truly, quite pleased with this plan, because it allowed him the peace to heal with and get to know Draco in a way that being public would not. Their relationship was fragile, and part of him worried that allowing too many people in on their secret would ruin what they had. Plus, it was a bit fun sneaking around. Indeed, some of his favorite memories of the year so far were of stolen moments with Draco, whether they involved bickering or kissing.

But it was only after quite a while that he realized Draco might not be as content.

“Does it ever bother you?” he spoke into the silence that day, causing Draco to jolt from some reverie.

“Potter! I was almost asleep.”

The Slytherin was clearly annoyed, as Harry was always ‘Potter’ when he frustrated Draco. He was only ever ‘Harry’ when Draco felt particularly vulnerable or sappy. Harry smirked, tightening his arms around the other boy, who was leaning back on his chest. “Sorry for interrupting your much-needed beauty sleep.”

Draco scoffed and answered his earlier question. “Does what bother me? Your refusal to use hair products? Yes, excruciatingly so.” But he said this with no malice, and reached back to run his long fingers through Harry’s admittedly messy hair.

Normally, that would have been the end of the conversation, as a touch from Draco was quite distracting, but now Harry really wondered… “Does it ever bother you that hardly anybody knows about us?”

Draco’s hand froze and he was silent for a moment. “I…no, Potter. Or…it shouldn’t. I was a Death Eater, after all. And you’re you. Who wouldn’t want to keep that quiet?”

But Harry narrowed his eyes, because this was not his reason for keeping it quiet at all. He sat up fully, gently pushing Draco off his chest and guiding him around so their eyes met, despite the other boy’s murmurs of distaste. “Malfoy. It has nothing to do with that,” Harry said emphatically, leaning in a bit, trying to convey emotions he had trouble putting to words.

But Draco just raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Harry thought for a moment. He remembered all the insane rumors from fourth year, the way things always got spun wildly out of control, the way the people he cared about always got caught in the crossfire. “D’you remember fourth year? With Rita Skeeter?”

But this was apparently the wrong thing to say, because Draco leaned away from him. “If you’re trying to remind me of all the stupid things I did, you know I–”

But Harry cut him off, trying to dig himself out of that hole. “No! No, I mean, do you remember how crazy it got? With…with the rumors and…and Hermione! Remember she got sent that envelope with that gross stuff that burnt her hands? Just because people thought she was with me and thought she was treating me poorly?” He winced, remembering the bandages on Hermione’s fingers.

Draco nodded, wincing a bit as well. “Yes…”

Harry felt a bit relieved when Draco didn’t continue to try to escape. “Well, what would they do to you? They have this...this idea of you that's...not true. They'd surely try to hurt you or...”

The Slytherin stared for a moment, then chuckled humorlessly. “Potter, I already get hexed once a week. You don’t think I can handle whatever they throw at me? I’m hardly some damsel in distress, and if you think I am, then maybe we should rethink this whole thing because–”

But Harry just rolled his eyes and interrupted. “No, you prat! I know you can handle yourself. I just..” He took a breath and tried to sift through the tornado of thoughts in his brain. “I don’t want to be the reason that happens to you. I’m not…” worth it, he finished in his head. “I can deal with the stupid rumors and the press, Draco, but I don’t want to put you through that. Plus…” he gulped, ignoring the feeling in his stomach as he voiced the vulnerable thought, “I like how things are.”

“You’re afraid things will change?” Draco asked. His voice was not teasing, but it was full of surprise, as if he truly couldn’t fathom that Harry enjoyed spending time with him, enjoyed how things were.

And when Harry looked down and nodded a minute amount, Draco scoffed again, almost turning Harry defensive before he felt a hand on his shoulder. “Potter–Harry. Don’t be an idiot.”

Harry looked up incredulously, opening his mouth to argue, but Draco continued.

“I am embarrassingly, mortifyingly infatuated with you. It’s disgusting, really,” Draco said, feigning a shudder. “No stupid article or malicious rumor or jealous middle-age hag will change that.”

And Harry grinned, laughing a bit at the proper way Draco confessed his feelings. “No?”

Draco wrinkled his nose. “Unfortunately not.”

-

One week later, the headline Foul Play? Death Eater Draco Malfoy Clearly Using Magic to Dominate Chosen One in Newly Announced “Relationship”

But Draco just sniffed and sipped his pumpkin juice, commenting lightly, “At least they got the dominating part right,” causing Harry to blush and choke on his toast while Ron gagged into his eggs.

Like it? Leave comments and kudos here!

[previousloversandmuses]

FREQUENCY: Episode 5 - A Soldier Boy Story

FREQUENCY:  A Soldier Boy Story

EPISODE 5: “Tough Guy”

WORD COUNT: 4438

PAIRING: Soldier Boy X Reader 

WARNINGS: (NSFW) Foul language. Offensive slurs. Violence, depression, and mentions of suicide. ANGST...f-feelings!?

A/N: This story is dark, and covers mature themes. The main character, as well as other major characters, are offensive in nature, and may offend some people. Please peruse with caution, and remember that this is fiction. Reader discretion is advised. Please message me for any questions, comments, or concerns. 

Masterlist | Taglist 

Ben was significantly older than Countess when they first met. A fresh young vixen, she was a delicious new addition to Payback. With her cherry red hair and seductive looks, the ever impulsive Soldier Boy could not resist. She had always reminded him of Rita Hayworth, a fuck he would never get out of his mind for years to come. A fuck that was stuck with him until Russia, at least. 

It seems like a lot of things stuck with him until Russia, including his love for Countess. He did love her then, he really did, although he had difficult ways of showing it. He was never faithful, and she knew that, but accepted it due to the fame that came with her position on the team. She would never let anyone jeopardize that. See, in comparison to Ben, Countess never loved him. She hated him, to say the least. Thinking back on it, all the shit he put that woman through, he really couldn’t blame her. 

The best day of that woman's life was him being sent away. Her and the rest of the team celebrated for weeks. Although, that was obviously short lived. Payback was nothing without Soldier Boy, and Vought already had the second coming incubated in a lab somewhere on the East Coast. 

All this being said, his hatred for everyone in his pre-Russia life was elevated tenfold. He fantasized about the demise of these people for years. It's the only thing that had gotten him through the countless eternity of torture. By the time he was freed, and able to get back at everyone who did him wrong, their violent fates gave him an excruciating hard on. He hadn’t been happy since.

When the nut job freed him a second time, any hope he had for his future had been thrown out the window. With Vought, the CIA, Homelander, and the limey fuck to worry about, he was sure this would be another short lived emancipation. But she was thoughtful, and organized, and had made him a damn good deal. A family? For him? That’s all he’d ever wanted. Back in the day he had been blinded by sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but thirty years of enslavement gives you a lot of time to think. A good woman to settle down with, a few kids, a sprawling plot of land? Now that was a dream. But he knew it would only ever be a fantasy, and that the powers that be had it out for him. Maybe this was his punishment from God, or the Universe, or whoever the fuck. He deserved it for all the bad he's done. He just hopes he can make it up to whatever blood he has left in the world. 

He keeps her up all night for a week. He must have nightmares, because all he ever does is whimper, and moan, and toss and turn. She has ear plugs, but those are no use because she can’t fall asleep to the sound of her own heart beating, it freaks her out. 

The two of them had been working around the res the past week, and hadn’t seen much of each other. He told her not to worry about him giving away his identity. Said that he’d keep his mouth shut, and he didn’t have much to talk about these days anyway. He was too exhausted to begin to try and make friends. He was getting a few winks between nightmares, then having to go work out in the hot sun all day. This was the first time in his life he was ever expected to do manual labor. His body could handle it, sure. But his mind was fleeting, and he could barely recall what day it was. 

She’d run errands with the ladies as he worked out in the yards. One day they took the kids to a Best Buy an hour away in the closest city. She spent some money on herself and splurged on a pair of headphones. All the stress of him made her forget her immense love for music. She also wouldn't mind being able to drown him out as she tried to sleep. 

She loves music, probably more than anything else. Yes, it was better hearing it live, especially a classical orchestra or opera. With the way her ears worked, she was able to hear every strand of string on a violin as it vibrated into the floor, only then to feel the sensation wrap around her nerve endings like a warm hug.

John used to fly her on top of Lincoln Center and sit with her as she laid on the roof and listened to the symphony below. She would have a soft smile on her face, putting her hands up in the air, and moving them around to the music. She's sad she’ll never get to experience that again. She wouldn’t be surprised if the whole building got burnt to the ground after he realizes she's gone.  

Before she leaves the store, she makes sure to grab a speaker as well. Thinking of Ben, she's sure he’d find comfort in the songs he used to listen to back in his prime. 

After this week, their schedules would be less compact. With all their training complete, they’d begin to see more of each other again. They hadn’t had a normal conversation in days until she finally wakes up after sleeping in. Her first day off in a while. Her headphones worked their magic. Not a peep out of him all night. 

He stands in the kitchen, fiddling with the burners. He has a carton of eggs out on the counter with some butter and an old skillet. He turns to her as she emerges from her room. 

“You slept late.” He states.

She smiles at him, walking right next to him and fixing the dial on the stove. The gas ignites and a little flame appears. He watches her as she reaches behind him and grabs the pan, placing it over the heat. 

“And you’re up early for your first day off.” 

He steps back, resting himself against the counter in the kitchen. He lets her take control of the cooking. She steps in and begins to make him breakfast. 

“How do you like your eggs?” She asks. 

He chuckles, “fertilized.”

She rolls her eyes at that, disregarding the statement. She cracks a few into the pan, pulling out a spatula, and mixes them up. 

“You’ve been having nightmares.” She states, testing the waters with him. 

He stiffens at that, scoffing. 

“I don’t have nightmares.” He counters. 

“I hear you at night.”

He falls silent at that. Fuck. He thinks. He forgot about that. 

“Well, you’re probably hearing things.”

“Oh I’m hearing things alright. Whimpers and screams and moans and groans-“

“Enough.” He says. “I don’t have shell shock, fuck you.”

She reaches into the cupboard pulling out a plate, and scraping the now cooked eggs onto it. She hands it to him, as well as a fork. He looks down at them. Perfectly made. 

“Nice to see you can do something right.”

“I can cheat,” she smiles. “I always know the internal temperature.”

“Whatever the fuck that means.” He sits down on the couch and begins to chow down on his breakfast. 

She moves near him, going to turn on the TV. An old rerun of “Solid Gold” begins to air on screen. Funnily enough, this was the episode with him in it. 

“…and very special guest, Soldier Boy!” Exclaims the announcer. 

Then comes a monotone, unenthusiastic rendition of the already awful rap from Blondie's “Rapture.” Freak begins to laugh. All the while, he looks at it with pride, continuing to enjoy his breakfast. 

“Out of every song you could’ve picked, you chose this one?” She giggles, moving to sit opposite him on the couch. 

He scoffs at her, gesturing his hand up to the TV in frustration. 

“People told me I did that song some justice. Obviously something good came out of it, otherwise why the hell would they be airing it thirty years later?” He argues. “And what do you know? All the music I’ve heard from this day in age is all horse shit.”

“Yikes, someones angry. That bruise your ego tough guy?”

The music video changes, now showing Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”. 

“Look at this shit,” He says. “Morals just flew out the window the moment I got sent away, huh?”

“What do you know about morals?” She jokes. “Plus, this is one of the greatest songs ever made. You just missed out on the progression of music that got us to this point.” 

“She looks like a fucked out mental case. Wearing strings to cover her jugs and pretending to rub her pussy.”

She grimaces at him. 

“God, do you ever hear yourself talk? You’re repulsive.”

He nods to the screen. “Yeah, well, so is that get up.”

She looks over to him now, narrowing her eyes. 

“And you know what?”

“What, nut job?”

“I actually have incredible taste in music, thank you very much. And speaking of, I went out of my way to buy you a gift. Make your time here a little easier on yourself.”

She runs over to her room, grabbing the Best Buy bag and bestowing it to him. 

“What the hell is this?” He asks. 

“Open it, idiot.”

He digs in the bag and pulls out the speaker, or what he thinks is the speaker? He can hardly tell. 

“Blueteeth wireless speaker?” He reads slowly, like he’s mentally challenged or something, she thinks. 

“Bluetooth, you big idiot.”

He nods his head at her with recognition. Smiling. 

“Ah I remember the scrawny one talking about this. I thought he was pulling my leg!”

She grabs it from him, pulling out her phone from her pocket, and pairing it. She places the speaker onto the coffee table in front of them and pulls up a music app. 

“Any decade in particular tickle your fancy?” She asks, raising an eyebrow. 

“What are my options?”

“Everything.” She states. 

“What does that mean?”

“It means everything. I have access to all the music ever on here.”

“What, on that thing?” He reaches his hand out to inspect her phone. 

She hands it to him reluctantly. 

“Technology has come a long way since walkmans.”

He looks it over, flipping it around in his hands. He presses the side button which turns on the screen. 

“How do I use it?” He asks, furrowing his brows. 

She smiles softly, moving to sit closer to him. Unlike his old self, he stiffens up in her presence. Her cold arm rubbing gently against his. 

“I don’t bite,” She says. “Here, let me see it.”

He hands her the phone and she leans in further as she shows him how to unlock it with a passcode of numbers. 6969. 

“Real mature.” He says, holding back a laugh.

She opens the phone up and pulls up Spotify. 

“Any requests?” She asks. 

“How about… Neil Young.” He decides. 

She sighs. 

“Okay, so it has everything but Neil young.”

“What the fuck!” He yells. “Why?”

“An issue with Joe Rogan. You wouldn’t know him. He does a podcast.”

“A who cast?”

“Ugh, nothing. Story for another day.”

“Alright in that case… what about Sinatra?”

“Nice choice.” she smiles, typing his name in. 

“You like him?” He asks innocently. 

“Very much so. His voice is the best on the ears.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

“Any song you like?”

“You pick,” he says. “Been too long.”

She thinks for a minute, then selects “The Way You Look Tonight.”

She stands up as it begins to play, setting her phone down on the coffee table, and going into her room. He watches her from the couch, a gleam of recognition in his eyes as he recalls the song lyrics. She leaves the door cracked. He can see her bare back as she changes shirts. He looks away quickly, not wanting to pry. Strange for him again. It’s like he’s become a different person. He’s acting like a boy, yet to be deflowered. He's angsty, and moody. Worst of all, he thinks he may have missed her company while he was working. All that crazy can leave an empty hole if gone for too long. 

She struts out of her room, slipping on a pair of turquoise earrings. He looks up at her. Her jeans are loose, and worn. Her belly peeks at him through her cut off tube top. She didn’t do herself up too much, maybe swiping on a coat of mascara and spraying on some perfume. 

“​​Some day, when I'm awfully low

When the world is cold

I will feel a glow just thinking of you

And the way you look tonight”

“Where are you goin’?” His mouth is dry. 

Why does he hope she invites him?

“We’re going,” She corrects. Thank God, he thinks. “Go fix yourself up.”

And so that afternoon, the two of them venture off with the rest of the res’ young couples. There had been a big farmers market in the nearest town full of cute stands, and things to waste money on. Of course, the moment they get there, she leaves him in the dust, running off with the rest of the girls. 

He and the guys, completely uninterested in whatever the fuck any of the stands had to offer, walk over to a craft beer food truck, and sit outside of it at the picnic tables. He wants to kill himself now, he thinks. Another eon of listening to what these guys had to offer. Good thing they never had anything to ask him.

“Hey Ben,” Fuck him gently with a god damn nuclear warhead. “Where’d you say you were from again?”

He shifts uncomfortably at the table, pulling his beer up to his lips.

“Philly.” He says, reaching into his pocket to grab a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

Thirty years ago he would have been entertaining this whole group. If Compound V helped him do one thing, it was being able to schmooze like nothing else. But he has to stay cautious. He doesn’t know what the fuck there even is to talk about, so he usually doesn’t talk at all. And even if he did know what to talk about, apparently everything he says is offensive. Including the name of the group of people he was hanging out with, the Indians. Thank Christ Asher was there, at least he didn't have to stick out like a sore thumb.

“And how old are you again?” 

One-hundred-and-three.

“Forty.”

“How’d you meet Freak? You a supe?”

He looks around for her, beginning to sweat. His chest is hot. This is bad. This is really bad. She’s halfway across the market, not paying attention obviously, or else she would already be booking it over here playing damage control. 

“We, uh, have some mutual friends,” Not really a lie. “And no, I’m not. What about you guys?”

Please God, anything to get this conversation off of him. 

They all start laughing. SB pulls a cigarette out of the pack with his teeth, grabbing his lighter, and inhaling. 

“No, none of us, we fuckin’ hate Vought. We hate all supes. Worst thing to ever happen to America.”

“You think so?” He exhales, not bearing to look any of them in the eyes.

“We know so, see the Elders may like them, cause they were brought up worshiping American heroes like that cock-sucker Soldier Boy--”

Ben chokes on the smoke, gasping for air, spiraling into an impressive coughing fit. Really? He could breathe in mustard gas like fresh air, but not this? Plus, major bruise to his ego. Thank God he wasn’t in the mood to put anyone in their place or else he’s sure he would've broken someone's neck by now. One of their hands comes up behind him and starts patting him in the back, anything to get him to stop coughing. Kill me now, he thinks. He can get through this on his own, he's no pansy. He doesn’t need help, especially at the hands of a man wearing black nail polish. 

“Freak is an exception, she hates Vought more than we do.”

The group nods to that, one of them adds; “They fucked us over a long time ago. A whole tribe got killed because of their carelessness. Those cowards had to send Soldier Boy to do their dirty work…”

His ears begin to ring. Fuck, he thinks. I did do that. He hardly remembers. Unfortunately, that period of time in his life was a giant blur-- a giant fuck up. He had thirty years to marinate on all of his awful mistakes, terrible choices…He thinks, if he could take it all back, he would. But he can’t-- He is the monster under the bed-- or was. Although at this point he's more like a ticking time bomb. Instead of a thought out attack, or a planned assassination, all someone has to do is play the wrong radio station, and he could blow the whole city to the ground. 

In contrast, Freak and the other res ladies look mindlessly around all the stalls, gossiping, chatting, being girls. She has already gathered a hefty bag of things she doesn’t need, but wants desperately. Goat milk soap, opal rings, Turkish towels, fresh strawberries, (free of pesticides, which she can always taste.) The rest of the ladies begin to walk over to a lemonade stand, leaving herself and Ama to admire the gorgeous tribal prints made by a local native. 

“Maybe I should get one for the trailer, it’ll give it some life.”

Ama hums, looking down at the print.

“I didn’t know Ben liked tribal art.” She states.

Freak begins to feel uneasy, looking over her shoulder to Ama with squinted eyes. Didn’t know Ben liked tribal art? Why wouldn't he?

“Who doesn’t?” She counters, putting the print back down on the table and beginning to walk away from the stall. Ama trails behind, looking around mindlessly. Like she's trying to hide something. In fact, she knows she is, her blood pressure is 130 over 80. 

“Well, last time I checked, Soldier Boy wasn’t the biggest fan of indigenous people.”

Freak whips her head around, grasping onto Ama’s arm, and pulling her into a corner.

“Will you keep your voice down?”

“Why?” She asks, getting louder. “Don’t want people noticing you’re housing a fucking murderer on the reservation?”

She holds a finger up to her lips, trying to clamp her hand over her mouth. The both of them disappear behind the nearest building. 

“How did you know about this?”

Ama shakes her head, scoffing. 

“Did you really think I wouldn’t? It’s not like the two of them look exactly alike!”

Freak looks down, taking her hands and rubbing them on her face.

“What the fuck were you thinking, Freak?” She grills. “I mean, he's fucking evil for Christs sake! He’s everything we all hate about Vought! He killed our people. He's a monster.”

Ama searches for her eyes, but Freak can’t bare to look at her.

“Are you two even together? Is he here to kill us? Were you both sent by Vought because of Wahkan?”

“No, no, and no!” She argues, raising her voice. “I would never do that to you.”

Freak looks around again, checking to see if anyone followed them into the alley.

“Look, you have to promise me you aren’t going to say anything.”

Ama laughs at her, beginning to storm off.

“You have a lot of nerve saying that to me after you brought him here. You’re all the same. Like a disease. You all only care about yourselves.”

Freak rushes behind her, grabbing onto her wrist, yanking her back over and pushing her up against the wall, pinning her there. 

“Ouch, you’re hurting me!” Ama whines.

Freak rolls her eyes, “You’re fine, stop being dramatic.”

She checks over her shoulder one more time.

“I need you to listen to me, and you cannot be blinded by bias, okay?”

Ama tries to pry herself from her grip, but Freak tightens up.

“Promise me! It’ll just be a minute, then you can take what I said and do whatever the fuck you want with it.”

Ama stops resisting, and stares at her, waiting for her to start. Freak sighs.

“This summer there is going to be this huge celebration for a new chemical that Vought created. Everyone will be there. All the top executives, all the investors, all the scientists, politicians, supes, you name it. They are all gonna be there, in the middle of nowhere, at this giant mansion that used to belong to Vogelbaum. Look, I tried everyone. I asked John to help, I asked Butcher, and Starlight-- they all said no. And trust me, I was persistent. The only thing I had left to try was Ben, and I didn't even know if that was going to work. But, his past aside, he is eager, and willing to end this once and for all. To get back at all these monsters that fucked us over. I mean, they ruined him more than anyone else. He was the first supe! They sent him off to the Russians, who literally tortured him for thirty years! If there is one person ready and itching to get these assholes off of his back, it's him. He is the only way. I can’t do it alone. I’d never be able to get a bomb in there without anyone noticing. It's him, it’s always been him. Please, trust me. I would never put any of you in danger.”

“You put us in danger the moment you brought him here!”

“I have everything under control. I can hear John fly around New York from here for Christ's sake!” 

Freak lets her go. Ama begins to pace around, holding her hand up to her mouth, she starts talking to herself. Working out the whole situation in her head.

“He's an a-hundred-year-old ticking time bomb, for starters…Although, it is safer with them here for the time being, if someone were to come attack…Ugh but he's also probably ridiculously closed minded…but we could work on that…we could work on a lot…He hasn’t done anything yet…he’s helping…and being respectful…”

Freak nibbles on her nails as she watches her think. Suddenly, Ama stops, turning to her.

“Okay, first things first; if you ever pull some shit like this again you have to tell me beforehand.”

Freak nods, “noted.”

“Secondly, me and the rest of the res are ready to help you end these mother fuckers once and for all.”

She shakes her head, “No, Ama, I appreciate the offer but I can’t let you do that.”

“You can and you will, that is my only exception. You let us help you do this, so there are absolutely no mistakes, and so I’ll never have to worry about this kind of shit ever again.”

Freak sighs, “Deal.”

The two of them walk back into the market with eased tension.

“So you aren’t dating him?”

She scoffs, “No, Ama. You said it yourself. He’s not the greatest person in the world.”

Ama smiles, “I’m sure you’d argue he’s no worse than you are.”

She shrugs, taking that into consideration. Despite the constant lack of regard for modern social norms, he really isn’t that hard to be around, or that hard to look at. Plus, he understood her suffering like John did, and even that was a quasi-relationship at some point. And he did agree to help her, but that was after she lied to him about the reward involved. She wonders if he’d ever do something like that to her. Lie to get what he wanted, that is. 

May she never know. 

“I’m sure you wouldn’t be too happy knowing I was screwing an enemy, don’t you think?”

“Well, it seems like we’re all on the same side here. Plus, he is stronger than us. If he wanted to fuck everyone over he would’ve already. He must have some sense of remorse.”

As she finishes her sentence they both walk up to see a huge crowd had formed around the craft beer truck since they’d been gone. Fuck, she thinks, this cant be good. She begins to listen in, not able to get a good focus on him. There are a bunch of guys shouting, or rooting for each other? Placing bets maybe? She doesn’t know. Her and Ama squeeze themselves through the crowd to get a better look.

Ben and Tough Guy, the resident giant bodybuilding himbo, grasp hands in what seems to be a very intense arm wrestling match.

“Cmon, Tough Guy!” Someone shouts, then: “Ben, there is no way your arm isn’t going to snap in two!”

Freak watches in horror as she runs up behind SB, putting her hands on the sides of her head.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” She screams.

He doesn’t stop though, just continues to pretend to strain his muscles. Tough Guys arm should've been ripped clean off already. She feels like she's going to be sick. She can’t bear to look.

Suddenly an arm hits the table, and the crowd begins to cheer. Peeling her hand from over her eyes, she sees Tough Guy being paraded around as champion. SB smiles at him, sitting down at the table in fabricated defeat. Surely any guy that strong, with that big of an ego, willing to let someone else win, had to have some morals, right? Well, she sure hopes so as she gazes down at him with a smile soft as silk. She feels warm, content, like waking from a nap in the sun. Looking over his shoulder with heavy, fluttering eyelashes, he has a boyish gleam in his eye, and a smile bright enough to land a plane.Yup, she thinks, I’m in trouble. 

"Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm

And your cheeks so soft

There is nothing for me but to love you

And the way you look tonight"

Masterlist | Taglist | Episode 6

Taglist: @Sl33pylilbunny @Lanassmarty @Sydneyyyya @1-800shootmeplease @muhahaha303 @nancymcl @speedyrebelfan @ghh05ttt @agentorange9595 @let-me-luve-you @peachytits @darkdahl @deans-spinster-witch @soggybasementfries @ladysparkles78 @madamthemoo @lyarr24 @sadlittlecountess @mickaelly007 @mrscountryclub @vtheoneandonly @decadentanchorwerewolf @wonderland2022 @buckybarnes-1917 @rebeccathefangirl @daisy-the-quake @tiredbibi @greyish-wallpaper @previousloversandmuses

[junee-e]

A NEW PENUMBRA EPISODE HAS RISEN!!!! TIME TO THROW MY THOUGHTS INTO THE ABYSS!!!! random thoughts and ramblings follow :D

I AM SO READY FOR DETECTIVE RITA YOU HAVE NO IDEA

OH SHIT WILL SHE BE NARRATING PLEASE TELL ME SHES NARRATING

HER DETECTIVE VOICE IS SO FUN IM SO DEAD

why is she better at this than juno this is going so much better than his attempt

‘WATCH THIS’ * keyboard tapping noises* (i love her)

of course she gets paid in cereal i dont know what i expected

oh ok no junos still narrating

‘THE MAN I LOVED WAS ON THE LINE’ (this will never get old for me)

‘my name is juno steel and *usually* im the private eye’ i am enjoying this way too much

ok why do i love skipper they’re so fun?

‘he just ruins the *peaceful vibes*’ so real so real

HE TOOK THE FUCKING FLOWERS I SWEAR TO GOD

rita. had. dinner with them. oh my god. she is the best.

the mother speaking for the grandfather in like such an annoyed voice and then being so calm with ‘or so father says’ is so funny to me

skippers so dramatic i love them

‘SHUT UP DEAREST’ LMAOO

ooooooo did skipper help nureyev?? wait no thats too obvious….or it is just obvious enough to be right????…..no its isnt….or is it???? (im going insane)

‘he makes friends or.. more than friends and he uses those connections to his advantage’ OH SHIT (skipper???? skipper?? skipper kinda makes sense???) (but like yknow…obvious option)

‘watch skippers reaction in particular’ AHAHA!

OOOO ARE WE GONNA GET RITA NUREYEV INTERACTIONS PLEASE OH MY GOD

‘mostly i was thinking about nureyev’ *cue me falling off my chair at the instant romantic soundtrack that apparently follows nureyev’s name everywhere now*

roomantiic moonoolougueee tiimmee

GRIMMS MASK EPISDOE CALL BACK OH I AM NOT READY

‘another love’ ITS FOR HIS JOB ISNT IT ISTG

OH ITS FOR FUCKING HYPERION CITY OHHHHH SHIT

why does this remind me of the monolouge at the end of final resting place (end of the first season)

‘it wasnt a very nice city but hell im not a very nice lady’ vs ‘this is my city. im not proud of it but that doesnt mean its not worth saving’

there are so many things this season that are setting up to be broken (probably not the right word) but like so many things that have potential for a really sad/angsty pay off. like nureyev and slip or juno telling nureyev he’ll keep following him untl he says he doesnt want him to. or juno and missing hyperion city. i’m so scared.

oh ritas so dramatic its making me so happy

HE TOOK THE ORCHIDS !!!!!

ITS THE MOTHER????

of course she had an inflatable couch in her hideout spot

ooooo its juno detective-ing explain-ing time

juno obsessing over detective stuff is so fun

a CoNfEsSiOn

‘im tired of you people…and also just tired’ skipper being way too relatable

OH SHIT NUREYEV DIDNT TAKE THE FLOWERS???

SOMEONE TOOK THE FLOWERS FOR NUREYEV WHAT IS THIS????

OH IT WAS THE GRANDFATHER WHAT???

‘he sent me up to bed early’ ma’am, you are a probably-around-40-or-something-year-old woman

the gibberish is still funny

WHAT HE WAS FUCKING IN LOVE WITH NUREYEV HUH WHAT THATS SO FUNNY

‘we know how this theif operates he grabs you by your heartstrings and never lets go’ yeah rita would know about that with all the agnsty monolouges

WHAT THE FUCK HES TALKING????

WHO SAID HE LOVED HIM??? NUREYEV???? WHAT???

OH FUCK OH SHIT OH NO OH GOD ‘he said hed come back for me he said we’d run away together’ OHHHH NO NO NO NO NO. NO LONGER FUNNY

‘well it looks like my work here…is done’ *very fast tapping of rita walking away*

OH WAIT SHE CAME BACK TO ACTUALLY HELP JUNO LMAOO

awwww they’re all back together!

A TRACKER A TRACKER HE GOT IT ON NUREYEV AHAHAHA

THEY KNOW WHERE THE DOKANA GROUP IS LETS GO

oh ok fuck i thought we were done how foolish of me there hadnt been a sad speech yet

‘i knew he hadnt done the same to me’ OH THANK GOD OKOK

‘he meant the promises he made me’ AWW YAY

wait no its sad oh god oh no

‘problems for another day, i thought’ best coping method fr fr

‘the rest we’d just have to figure out together’ yay ok happy-ish ending :D

okok so alot of thoughts. i’m so scared of all the set-ups for angst and honestly i’m kinda just waiting for the episode that it all comes crashing down and everyones really sad. but also! hopefullness! juno saying that he’ll figure it out with nureyev! yay! i honestly don’t know how the big climax finally thing with jupeter and slip and the dokana group and everything is going to go i’m just really hoping for an eventual happy ending with happy jupeter (and rita there too :D)

anyway! loved this episode can’t wait for the next one with (i’m assuming) stuff with the Dokana group!!

[asexualsoup]

GNASHING MY TEETH AND FOAMING AT THE MOUTH LIKE A FERAL ANIMAL AT THE LATEST JUNO EP

(strong spoilers below because I have feelings that must be released)

Like...........ughgghhhhhhh

Nureyev

He

And then

And then he

And like.........I had a feeling something like this was coming but that doesn't make it hurt less!!!!!

The first half of this ep was soooooo good and fun and silly. Very much a redo of the first half of Prince of Mars. Better jokes. Better security set up. SO MUCH RESPECT OF RITA AND HER PROCESS AND HER GETTING THE LOVE AND RESPECT SHE DESERVES.

And then to MAKE US THINK IT WAS A NUREYEV FAKE OUT WITH THE COLOGNE SMELL JUST TO GIVE US THE BACKSTORY AND SAY SARASWATI TO ME AND BREAK MY HEART AGAIN BUT ALSO IT'S NOT A FAKE OUT AND HE'S REALLY THERE AND I KNEW HE WASN'T GONNA BE HAPPY.

OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION THAT NUREYEV ISN'T WEARING HIS COLOGNE ANYMORE.

AND NOT ONLY DOES THE COLOGNE MEAN SOMETHING TO NUREYEV BECAUSE OF THE EFFECT IT HAS ON JUNO BUT IT'S ALSO AN HOMAGE TO SLIP AND MY HEART IS MELTING AND POURING FROM MY EYES.

AND YEAH HE'S HURTING JUNO BUT WE KNOW NUREYEV. WE KNOW HOW MUCH RESTRAINT HE'S USING ON JUNO BECAUSE WE KNOW WHAT HE'S CAPABLE OF DOING TO PEOPLE.

More Prince of Mars parallels with chasing after Nureyev, searching a vault for an odd medical thing Juno doesn't really understand, and the alarm being pulled on him. But Juno doesn't escape this time, he just lets himself be caught and AHHH.

AND YEAH THE PRISON IS SUPPOSED TO REMIND US OF INFERNAL GRIND BUT IT ACTUALLY JUST REMINDS ME OF FINAL RESTING PLACE WHERE NUREYEV GOT JUNO IMPRISONED AND BACK THEN IT WASN'T REALLY NUREYEV'S FAULT BUT THIS TIME HE'S DOING IT ON PURPOSE. AND LAST TIME, HE LEFT JUNO ALONE IN PRISON WITH THE INTENT TO COME BACK AND SAVE HIM AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN INFERNAL GRIND BUT CAN WE REALLY BELIEVE NUREYEV WOULD COME BACK TO HELP JUNO THIS TIME? YES, HE'S MADE IT SO SO CLEAR HOW HE FEELS ABOUT JUNO FOLLOWING HIM BUT AT THE SAME TIME HE HASN'T DONE THE ONE THING THAT HE KNOWS WOULD GET JUNO OFF HIS TAIL SO WHY LEAVE JUNO IN PRISON THIS TIME FOR DOING WHAT NUREYEV USED TO DO FOR HIM BACK IN SEASON ONE AND I DON'T KNOW IF MY THOUGHTS ARE MAKING SENSE ANYMORE BUT AAAHHHHHHGGGGGH.

Juno has given Nureyev so so so many opportunities to tell him to stop, so when Juno keeps on following him, WHOSE FAULT IS IT, NUREYEV???!!!

Anyway I'm fine.

Totally fine.

Not totally torn up about the next half being three weeks away.

Fine fine fine.

[sysboxes]

what are some weird food concoctions (example: m&ms on pizza) that yall like? And what’re some weird drink concoctions?

(a cultural thing that is regarded as “weird” by others counts)

and is there a backstory to why you like the food and drink? Like is it a childhood thing, something a loved one liked, something you just randomly discovered, something passed down by generations, etc

mod wonder - for weird drink concoctions, i love mixed drinks, like cranberry and apple juice or a variety of soda mixes. for food, depends on what you’d count as weird. oh except, don’t cancel me for this, i eat damp cheerios. i can’t have liquid milk, or any kind, but hard cheerios are sometimes too dry for me, so i add a little tiny bit of water to make them damp, but not full on wet. i also eat matzah with charoset or butter, which isn’t really weird, but might be to someone who’s not jewish

Mod Luxray 🐈‍⬛️⚡️- OKOK SO FOOD watermelon, Tajin, creole seasoning, and whipped cream[cool whip works best], mush it all up and freeze it, you get a sweet with a slight spice sorbet-icecream ass things its SO GOOD. Drinks have to be Lime Jarritos, brisk ice tea-lemonade, and milk/cream, creates a cream soda type thing, back story for both is my mommas friend growin up would always make these for me while i was in the hospital, which was alot, so its become something of a comfort food

Mod Avon 📖 - Lmao I just talked about wildcard sodas! Love that. But for me, I don’t tend to go too wild on concoctions (the autism texture thing goes hard for me). People get upset with me over gummy bears in blended custards though. Like those blended custards at Rita’s? Love gummy bears in those. It reminds me of the good memories I still have of my family.

Mod Jester 🖍 - Not really sure if it’s weird but we love mac and cheese and peas so much. We first thought it was weird when our mom introduced it to us but we tried and loved it. The texture is mainly why we keep going back to it.

Mod Weeping ❤️ - Mac and cheese and peas, mac and cheese and plain lays or salt and vi what lays in between bread (Mac and cheese chip sandwhich 😎), mayo on peas-, spaghetti and peas, and chicken sandwhich with mac and cheese (preferably baked mac and cheese tho?). Mac and cheese and peas was a childhood thing, the Mac and cheese and chip sandwhich was something my brother and I made up, the mayo on peas is something my hip moms family taught me and they called it “cowboy peas” and said it was a southern USA thing but I have never met another person who did this so they may have been lying lmfao, spaghetti and peas was something an upstairs neighbor did and we had to eat it or not eat basically-, the mac and cheese chicken sandwhich was bc of that Chick-fil-A TikTok hack that went around for a bit. Also, and this is a PICA thing that we just never stopped doing, those fucking paper lollipop sticks bro- also some middle eastern foods and thing that ppl generally dont like in the USA unless they’re from there? Various things we ate bc we had PICA as a kid but I don’t count those. And then drinks idk. (Fuck that was so long sorry-). Oh wait- also something a little in our Sys likes- is these wack ass snack concoctions she makes of really spicy chips plus sweet cereal (like O’s) plus something more “plain” like pretzel balls she picks the salt off of

mod plush 🌻 — unfortunately i’m a very average food concoctor. fries and milkshakes, ketchup in mac and cheese (bonus if it’s cheeseburger mac), etc. if you asked me what foods i didn’t like, well, we could be here for hours…

[broomballkraken]

Title: Perfect for You, Perfect for Me

Fandom: Octopath Traveler 2

Pairing: Osvald/Partitio

Word count: 4077

Warnings: None

Summary: Now that Osvald’s quest for revenge has concluded, Partitio takes him on a surprise date, which proves as a reminder of how much Osvald has missed, and how much he still has to look forward to in life.

Written for @hforhector on Twitter as a part of the Team Asano Holiday Exchange!

The next step of Osvald’s journey with his seven companions had taken him to Merry Hills, where the Grand Gala festivities were in full swing. The town was loud and crowded with musicians, dancers, and all different manners of performers, and Osvald was keenly aware of how unaccustomed he was to this kind of merriment. However, with his mission to defeat Harvey and save Elena completed, he was willing to try and enjoy himself, and spend some quality time with the man that he had unexpectedly yet wholeheartedly fallen in love with.

“Mornin’, Osvald!”

Throwing his coat on as he descended the stairs of the inn, a small smile crossed Osvald’s face when he looked up to find Partitio waving at him as he came out of the kitchen. Partitio crossed the room with a skip in his step, quickly closing the distance between them and slipping his hands over Osvald’s neck, leaning up to press a tender kiss to his lips.

It was a surreal feeling for Osvald, having somehow managed to fall in love again after losing Rita in such a horrific fashion. However, Partitio really was a man unlike any that he had ever met before. The optimistic merchant had seen his fair share of hardship due to poverty and betrayal, but that had only spurred him on in his mission to bring happiness to everyone across Solestia, and his faith in humanity never wavered, to Osvald’s immense surprise.

During his five-year stint in that frozen hell of a prison, Osvald’s social skills had taken a hit...not that they were any good in the first place. His imposing stature and stoic manner also didn’t help matters, and most people were too intimidated to want anything to do with him. Yet, in spite of that, Osvald had managed to pick up a group of ragtag strangers who had become some of his greatest friends, and Partitio had gotten more attached to Osvald than the rest of them.

Osvald really hadn’t known what to make of Partitio when they first met. His overabundant enthusiasm and unrelenting optimism were exhausting to deal with at the time, but Partitio didn’t seem phased by Osvald’s taciturn and gruff nature. They spent many late nights around the campfire together when the others had gone to sleep, and Osvald had come to find Partitio’s voice calming as he rambled about anything and everything, especially when it was nightmares keeping Osvald awake.

Over time, Osvald grew to trust Partitio completely, and he wasn’t exactly sure when his feelings had grown into love, as bogged down as his heart had been with the weight of his quest for revenge, and then to save his daughter. It was only after he had rescued Elena and made sure that she was completely safe and sound did Osvald realize that Partitio had somehow managed to dissolve the barrier that he had erected around his shattered heart, and started to help him piece it back together.

After Partitio had thwarted Roque’s plans to break his contract for the steam engine rights, and had become the president of his own company, he had decided to continue traveling with their group until all of their quests had been completed, just as Osvald had. With both of their hearts unburdened by their own missions, it hadn’t taken long for their feelings for each other to come to light, and Osvald counted himself rather blessed to be able to call this incredible man his lover.

“Hoo-ey! You’re lookin’ mighty handsome today, darlin’!” Partitio's smile was like sunshine as he adjusted Osvald’s cravat and straightened his top hat, and Osvald felt his cheeks heat up. This kind of doting affection was something that he hadn’t been exposed to since Harvey had torn his whole world apart, and Partitio certainly wasn’t one to hold back. This would take some getting used to...

Partitio gave Osvald another quick peck on the lips and nuzzled their noses together. “Hehe, that blush on your cheeks is mighty cute too!” His hand rubbed Osvald’s neck, causing him to shiver as the sensitive skin was tickled. It was strange not having the weight of his prison shackle hanging heavy around his neck anymore, but not having that reminder of those dark days dragging him down was indeed a blessing.

“That tickles, you know,” Osvald said as he placed his hand over the one that Partitio still had on his neck. Partitio laughed and wiggled his fingers, tickling Osvald again and causing him reflexively to bend his neck over their hands.

“Oh, I know,” he said matter-of-factly, and Osvald rolled his eyes as he peeled Partitio’s hand from his neck and entwined their fingers together.

“So...What were you doing in the kitchen?” Osvald asked with an eyebrow raised. Partitio grinned and shot him a wink.

“Hehe, that’s my little secret,” he said, laughing when a deep pout crossed Osvald’s face, “But enough about that! We’ve gotta get going.”

“Going...where?”

“Out on our date!” Partitio beamed as he threw his arm over Osvald’s shoulders, “We’ve got a few days until Agnea’s performance, so I wanted to take a day to enjoy the festivities, just the two of us!”

“A date...” Osvald tilted his head to one side as he stroked his beard. It seemed like a foreign concept to him. Even before Harvey ruined his life and sent him on his long stint in prison, he and Rita did not go on dates often. That, coupled with the fact that this would also be his first date with Partitio, caused a pit of anxiety to form in Osvald’s gut, and he looked at Partitio when his arm fell from his shoulders to find him frowning.

“Er, that’s okay, right? I guess I should have asked ya first before plannin’ it all...” Partitio rung his hands together and his gaze fell to the floor, and Osvald shook his head as he reached out to take Partitio’s hands.

“It’s okay, love.” Osvald smiled when Partitio looked back up at him, and he gave his hands a squeeze. “I...don’t remember the last time that I went on a date, so I’m just a little...nervous, I suppose.”

“Aw, sweetheart!” Partitio gushed as he entwined their fingers together. “Well, I’m gonna make sure that this'll be a date that you’ll never forget!” His beautiful smile took Osvald’s breath away, and a warmth blossomed within his chest as he lifted one of Partitio’s hands to his face and placed a tender kiss to the back of it.

“I am looking forward to it. Thank you, Partitio.” Osvald’s lips curled upwards when Partitio’s cheeks flushed a bright red, and he pulled the brim of his hat down before bashfully rubbing at the back of his neck.

“Shucks, you’re a real charmer, darlin’.” Partitio snickered as he jabbed Osvald in the side with his elbow before tugging him towards the door. “Well, let’s get a move on, then!”

Osvald let himself be dragged out the door, and they walked hand-in-hand down the bustling streets of Merry Hills. Musicians were playing music for the dancing masses, street performers juggled various objects and dazzled crowds with feats of magic, and merchants manned market stalls selling all kinds of food, drinks, and souvenirs. It was a lot to take in, and Osvald was a bit overwhelmed.

“Oooh, those look mighty tasty!”

Partitio tugged Osvald to a stop, and he looked to where he was pointing. It was a stall selling some type of drink that Osvald had never seen before. He let Partitio lead him over to it, and his brow furrowed as he looked at the strange drink over his glasses.

“What is it?”

Partitio beamed as he paid the vendor and took two of the drinks. “These are milkshakes! A tasty dessert drink made by mixin’ milk and ice cream together, and these ones are topped with whipped cream!” Osvald tilted his head when Partitio handed him one, and he hummed as he rubbed at his chin.

“Fascinating…”

“You’ve never had a milkshake before, Osvald?”

He shook his head, and Partitio slowly nodded and bit his bottom lip. “Ah, I suppose that makes sense. They haven’t been around for long, and, er, well...” Partitio trailed off and busied himself with taking a drink, and Osvald was grateful that he didn’t continue. Logic would dictate that Osvald had missed out on quite a bit while he was locked up, but he was glad that he now had a chance to experience what he missed, and getting to do so with Partitio was definitely a plus.

Turning his attention to his milkshake, Osvald finally lifted it to his lips and took a careful sip. It was surprisingly thick and very sweet, but not unpleasantly so, and it was refreshing on this warm, sunny day. Osvald smiled, but that smile fell from his face when Partitio suddenly burst out laughing.

“What?” Osvald asked, and Partitio’s laughter continued as he plucked a handkerchief from his pocket.

“You’re not supposed to wear it, darlin’.”

With an eyebrow raised, Osvald glanced down and could barely see some white sticking to his mustache and the tip of his nose, and his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. His face turned a deeper shade of red when Partitio started dabbing the handkerchief over his face to clean him up.

“P-Partitio, that’s unnecessary,” Osvald stuttered, and Partitio chuckled as he shook his head.

“Aw, c’mon sweetheart! You gotta let me dote on ya at least a little bit. We are on a date, after all!” Partitio pouted and placed a hand on his hip, but his face fell and the hand that was holding the handkerchief froze.

“Unless...you don’t like it?”

Osvald blinked slowly as Partitio averted his gaze, and he quickly shook his head. “...I do, er, like it...” He was relieved when Partitio perked back up, and Osvald rubbed his arm as he struggled to find the words to explain exactly what he was feeling.

“It’s just...been a long time since I’ve felt this kind...or any kind of affection, really,” Osvald mumbled as he stared down at the ground. The time that he had spent in prison was devoid of any kind of warmth, neither from the weather nor the other people that he occupied space with. Even after he had escaped, Osvald had kept his distance from others, until a certain someone managed to close that distance whether he was ready for it or not.

Osvald’s eyes went wide when Partitio suddenly wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into a tight hug. “Well, I guess I better get pilin’ it on to make up for lost time, right?” Osvald looked down at him, and the overwhelming amount of fondness that he saw in Partitio’s beautiful blue eyes made his heart skip a beat.

“But!” Partitio wagged a finger at Osvald. “If I do somethin’ you don’t like, please tell me! The last thing that I wanna do is make ya uncomfortable, okay?”

“...I will. Thank you, my dear.” A small smile crossed Osvald’s face as he hugged Partitio again and they shared a quick, tender kiss. He was always so kind and considerate, and Osvald wasn’t sure if he really deserved to be loved by such a man. Nevertheless, he would make damn sure to never, ever take Partitio’s love for granted.

They finished their milkshakes, and after Partitio had made sure that Osvald’s beard and face were completely clean, they set off to see more of the festivities. After pursuing the market stalls for a bit, they came upon a band playing music for a crowd, and many people had paired off and were dancing merrily to the beat.

Partitio turned and caught Osvald’s eye, their gazes locking when Partitio lifted Osvald’s hand to his face and kissed his knuckles. “May I have this dance, partner?”

A smile slowly spread across Osvald’s face, and he covered his mouth with his free hand and cleared his throat. “Yes...but I’m not a good dancer.”

Partitio laughed and tipped his hat as he led Osvald to the middle of the crowd of dancers. “Well, that makes two of us! Let’s show ‘em how not to do it, eh?”

Osvald let out a chuckle himself and gave Partitio’s hand a squeeze. “If you say so, my dear.”

Their laughter continued as they fumbled about together to the upbeat song, and their abysmal dancing seemed to highly amuse the cheering crowd around them. The noise seemed far away, however, as Osvald’s attention was solely locked onto the handsome face of the man that he loved so dearly.

Osvald was winded by the time the song ended, and he was glad when the beat slowed down considerably with the next one. Swaying gently to the music, Osvald let out a content sigh as the hand that wasn’t holding Partitio’s settled on his waist and pulled him closer.

“I’m having tons of fun, darlin’,” Partitio whispered, his head resting on Osvald’s chest and his free hand resting against his back, “Thanks for comin’ on this date with me.”

Osvald let out a content hum and placed a kiss on Partitio’s forehead. “I should be thanking you, my love, for planning this date in the first place. After everything that I’ve been through, I really wasn’t sure that I would ever experience this kind of happiness again. So...thank you, Partitio.”

“Aw, shucks...” Osvald smiled when he heard Partitio sniff, and Osvald gently cupped his face and brushed away his tears with his thumb, “I’m glad I make ya happy, Osvald. You sure make me happy too.” Staring deep into those mesmerizing eyes of his, Osvald slowly leaned down and kissed Partitio deeply, his chest flooding with warmth when he felt Partitio smile against his lips.

A few ‘awws’ and loud wolf-whistles reminded the pair that they were very much in public, and Osvald was quick to pull away from Partitio and busy himself with adjusting his glasses.

“Whoops, got a bit carried away there, heh,” Partitio said, his cheeks flushing beet-red as he pulled the brim of his hat over his face until the crowd’s attention moved elsewhere. His gaze met Osvald’s again, and a shy smile crossed his face.

“I can’t really help it, though...” Partitio reached up to cup Osvald’s face and gently pulled him down until their foreheads touched. “When I’m with you, it’s like everything else is a million miles away.”

“Partitio...” Osvald let out a chuckle and caressed Partitio’s cheek with the back of his hand, “That’s...very sappy.”

Partitio barked out a laugh and shot Osvald a wink. “Yeah, but I think you like it.”

“...Perhaps.” Osvald averted his gaze with a straight face, but he couldn’t stop his lips from curling back up into a smile when Partitio stole another quick kiss and took his hand.

“Let’s get a move on,” he said, tugging Osvald away from the crowd of dancers, “before we draw too much attention to ourselves again.”

“Right.”

Osvald let Partitio take the lead again, and they spent the rest of the day enjoying the many festivities. The sun was setting fast when the two men returned to the inn, and Osvald ‘s stomach rumbled, causing him to realize that they hadn’t stopped anywhere for dinner on the way.

Partitio seemed more giddy than usual, if the goofy grin on his face and the eagerness to get inside were anything to go by. Osvald raised an eyebrow at him when he let go of his hand and nodded at the innkeeper. The elderly man offered Partitio a kind, knowing smile before disappearing into the kitchen.

“Osvald, darlin’,” Partitio said, giving Osvald’s hand a squeeze as he led him to the back door, “I’ve got another surprise for ya.”

Osvald tilted his head, watching Partitio over his glasses as he opened the door and they stepped back outside. They were now in a secluded courtyard, surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with many different kinds of flowers, and Osvald closed his eyes as he took a deep breath through his nose to appreciate the pleasant scent that permeated the air.

When he opened his eyes, they went wide at the sight before him. A small table for two was set up in the center of the courtyard, decorated with a large bouquet and a few candles. Partitio bounced over to one of the chairs and pulled it out, gesturing at it with a flourish of his arm.

“Ta-da! A private garden dinner for two!”

Osvald blinked slowly a few times, before a smile crossed his face and he finally sat down in the chair, allowing Partitio to push him in.

“This is quite a surprise, Partitio,” Osvald said as he turned to him and raised an eyebrow, “How did you convince the innkeeper to set this up?”

Partitio’s tongue poked out between his lips as he shot Osvald a wink. “I just used my natural charisma and charm, of course!...and a nice, hefty sack of leaves sure did help to sweeten the deal.”

Osvald chuckled and shook his head. “You certainly are full of surprises, love. Well, what did he make for our dinner?”

“Actually...I made dinner,” Partitio said with a toothy grin as he pointed at his chest with his thumb, and Osvald’s jaw went slack, “I was up way before the sun this morning to get everything prepped, and the innkeeper kept watch over it for me while it simmered so I could take ya on our date.”

“So, you just sit tight, darlin’, and I’ll bring it out!” Partitio rushed back inside, leaving Osvald to try and process what was happening. He had been content with their date out on the town, but this intimate dinner that Partitio had made just for him caused Osvald’s chest to tighten and tears to prick at the corners of his eyes. It was a bit overwhelming, and did he truly deserve to be treated with such kindness...?

“Yeehaw! I’m back, and it smells great!”

Osvald looked up and watched Partitio walk up to the table with two large, steaming bowls in his hands. When he set one down in front of Osvald, the smell of the contents hit his nose, causing him to be flooded with a feeling of calm nostalgia.

“So, uh, I’m not that much of a cook, to be honest...” Partitio sat down across from Osvald and scratched at his nose. “I mean, I’ve only really ever consistently cooked my famous stir fry surprise, and that’s nothing too complicated and I’ve been cookin’ it ever since I was a little chickadee, but, um...I know you’ve mentioned that goulash is your favorite, so I wanted to try and make it just for you, Osvald.”

“Goulash...” Osvald breathed, and he bit the inside of his cheek as he lifted his spoon with a slightly-shaking hand. He could feel Partitio’s intense gaze upon him, and all he could hear was his heartbeat roaring within his ears as he lifted a spoonful of goulash to his mouth and took a bite.

“How is it, darlin’?” Partitio blurted out as he clapped his hands together, “I hope it’s not too bad, but I’ve got a feelin’ that I might’ve skimped out on the salt a bit.”

“It’s...good...” Osvald barely managed to swallow and choke out those words before he braced his forearms on the table and started sobbing over his bowl. He lifted his trembling hands to push his glasses up so that he could rub at his eyes, and he saw a flash of yellow pass by his blurred vision after he heard the sound of a chair scraping against the ground.

“Well...I reckon you’re gonna over salt yours now.” Partitio’s voice was soft, and when he moved to sit in Osvald’s lap, Osvald was quick to latch onto him and bury his face into his chest. Partitio’s embrace was warm, comforting, and secure, and Osvald hadn’t felt so vulnerable and willing to show such emotion to someone in years. The feeling of Partitio’s lips pressing against his forehead and his fingers combing through his hair only made Osvald sob harder. He was overwhelmed by Partitio’s thoughtfulness and the effort he had put into making this day perfect, but Osvald felt that it wasn’t wholly deserved.

Osvald continued to cry and Partitio held him the entire time, rubbing his back and whispering words of affirmation into his ear. Eventually, Osvald managed to stop, and he shook his head as he cast his red and swollen eyes downwards.

“You...You’re too good for me, Partitio,” Osvald choked out, and his eyes went wide when light laughter hit his ears. Partitio slipped his fingers under Osvald’s chin, tilting his head up until their eyes met.

“Naw, I reckon that I’m perfect for you,” he said, pausing to pluck a napkin from the table and dab the lingering tears from Osvald’s face, “just like you’re perfect for me.”

Fresh tears threatened to spill down Osvald’s face, and he gave his head a slight shake. “Y-You’ve done so much for me, and I’m not sure if I can adequately repay you-”

Osvald was suddenly cut off when Partitio’s lips roughly captured his, and he was given pause at the amount of passion and love that Partitio was pouring into this one kiss. Clinging to Partitio for dear life, Osvald returned the kiss with equal vigor, until they both had to pull away to catch their breaths. After he had done so, Osvald opened his mouth to speak again, but Partitio pressed a finger to his lips, effectively silencing him.

“Osvald, listen to me,” Partitio said, reaching out to take Osvald’s hand in his, “Don’t even think for a moment that you have to repay me for any of this. I did this because I love you, and I want to make you happy, especially after all the hell that you’ve been through. I’d do so much more to help mend that beautiful heart of yours.”

Partitio placed his hand over Osvald’s heart, causing fresh tears to well up in his eyes. “I know that love isn’t always an equal, give-and-take type of deal anyway. We’ve got our whole lives ahead of us, and I’m sure that I’m gonna have some rough times too. But I ain’t worried about that, because I know that you’ll be by my side to help me get through it. And I’ll continue to do the same for you, again and again and again , until the very end.”

Like a fish out of water gasping for air, Osvald opened and closed his mouth a few times, until he realized that Partitio was right and that he had no rebuttal to his impassioned speech. Instead, Osvald offered Partitio a smile as fresh tears fell down his face, and he pulled Partitio into a hug and pressed his face against his shoulder.

“Thank you, Partitio...Thank you. ” Osvald’s voice was but a whisper, and his arms tighten around this wonderful man that he was lucky enough to call his.

“You’re welcome, darlin’.” Partitio’s response was just as soft, and they spent a little more time wrapped in each other’s embrace, until Osvald finally pulled away, and Partitio gave his lips a peck and his shoulder a pat before slipping from his lap and returning to his own chair.

“Well, we better get eatin’ before it gets all cold!” Partitio chuckled as he dug into his bowl and took a large bite of his goulash. “Hm, this really does need more salt...”

Osvald took a second bite of his before reaching across the table to take Partitio’s hand. “Well, I think it tastes perfect. The amount of love that you put into it more than makes up for the lack of salt.”

“Daw, Osvald,” Partitio gushed as he entwined their fingers together, “Now who’s a big ol’ sap?”

“I learned from the sappiest,” Osvald said, leaning across the table. Partitio met him halfway and they shared a deep, tender kiss. “I love you, Partitio.”

“Love ya too, Osvald, and I ain’t ever gonna let ya forget it.”

Osvald believed that wholeheartedly, and as they shared another kiss, Osvald knew that he would never, ever forget this perfect date, and he would always cherish the perfect man that he had shared it with.

[mekatrio]

gonna play a little itty bitty tiny bit before i wont be able to play for the next um 3-5 days, but before i do my thoughts on the cast so far (am 12 hours in and about to leave heliord to go to dahngrest)

yuri: okkkk so hes kinda tsundere... OKKKK 🤭... well not rly but a little bit. so his character conflict is his pride.. and his aimlessness... he kinda reminds me of zidane tbh! if zidane was less of a goof.. yuri's lack of sincerity is very inchresting.. well not sincerety but more like.. hes not very emotional, like at all. hes a Cool Guy all the way. his conflict w flynn is very interesting too.. i had more thoughts abt him but im currently hungry so i cant recall them.. woops!

estelle: yuri and rita made me feel dumb as hell for not knowing that she was a princess who doesnt need blastia like heyyyy.. i didnt know that.. anyways i love her and i love that shes a book nerd thats very cute 😁 tho ill admit her character is kinda very stereotypical shut-in princess yknow hmm... so ill be seeing what else comes from her character. and im interested in what reason she'll have to continue staying with us.. and she Better stay with us cuz gawddd i need a healer at all times! cuz i SUCK at this combat 😭

repede: i know ur a dog but i hope you'll stop making dog food.... i #Believe that you can make a salisbury steak. i believe in you

karol: MY FRIEND his introduction was kinda random but hes been nothinggg but the most helpful member so far.. except in battle where im still trying to figure out a good strategy for him (he keeps randomly doing nothing agh). but yeah hes my gps buddy... so knowledgable about the world 😁 hes so cute and sweet and his unemployment story is so sadddd.. and #Relatable... i hope he finds employment again soon!

rita: her and estelle are so CUTEEEE together 🥺 i wish they were closer in age just cuz itd be more fitting but ehh 15 and 18 is alright ig. i love how mages are researchers in this world and they can do some computer thingy on blastias... also sidetracking for a sec but im loving how this game is introducing all the blastia shits and the locations of the world, wayyyy better paced than how abyss just threw me in.. grateful for that! back to rita.. i like her too! i like all my party members tbh. shes opening up to estelle more now too which is AWWWWW so very sweet 😭 oh i remembered a thought i had abt yuri. how basically yuri and estelle AND rita will all just throw themselves into danger for the sake of something.. yuri and estelle to protect others, and rita to protect others too but also for the blastia. theyre all crazily selfless 🧐 which made them scolding each other at the inn so ijbol and interesting cuz theyre all so hypocritical lol... telling one another to look after themselves when they arent doing the same 😭 also i like that rita has this very caring and holistic approach to her passion with blastia, abt how it intertwines with people bla bla bla.. very cool!

flynn: INSUFFERABLE GOODY TWO SHOES ohhhh my god this is somebody who irritates me not only fictionally, but also irl if this was an actual persons personality... i really cant stand a person who sticks by the rules 😭 but its very intriguing to me that hes aware that nothing has changed since hes became a captain, and that hes like.. kinda? hoping that yuri, who is not bounded by all this knightly shit, will do something more.. at least thats the vibe im getting. very interested in where thatll go.. also maybe this is an insane reach but he kinda really looks like ioder.. what if that means something 🧐 tho ofc this could also just be how tales of artstyle is w their huge ol googly eyes, and anyone w the same hair and eye color will look alike.. but who knows 🤔

[bravewolfvesperia]

"What am I afraid of? I think the better question is what are you afraid of?"

@altosk

Probably more things than he'd like to admit, but right now it seemed like an on topic back and forth of guild discussion and jobs. Most likely, it was how he saw it in Raven so easily. Unfortunately it seemed that Raven was the same way and could easily perceive the same thing in Yuri. In various ways, really, they could probably go back and forth all day with witty remarks that dug into each other's insecurities. They didn't need to know them to know they were there.

What he was afraid of...? Death. Not for himself, but for everyone else. Dead bodies often reminded him of a time he didn't want to remember. To a very, very specific scene of covered bodies from the Lower Quarter. The day he first had real, genuine, true thoughts of taking life in revenge.

Even if answering a question like that was difficult, and by every means helped Yuri understand why Raven may not want to answer it himself, it was almost reassuring to Yuri. Sometimes the real Raven poked out. Sometimes he said things that indicated he wasn't joking around or being the guy everyone could goof on. How many times had he done that on purpose...? Faked being a fool for levity, or to hide his own fears and insecurities?

About as many times as Yuri feigned confidence in himself? Right now he really didn't know if Raven was trying to make a point, because he was at least pretty sure Raven wasn't trying to be malicious or catty toward him. Maybe he'd noticed things Yuri hadn't yet realized - like how he didn't want Raven going with them on dangerous guild jobs anymore if they could help it. How were they to know what was too much for his heart to handle?

"I get it... old man." It really may have been Yuri's trauma showing. For plenty of time Raven had been with them and nothing had happened. Once he found out about Raven's blastia heart though, the anxiety always crept up on him. In a world now without any other blastia, if something happened and they needed the immediate help, it wasn't there anymore. If something happened, they might not know how to handle it.

But should he really stop Raven from being with them? From helping them? In some way he could see how he might have been treating Raven more as sickly now since he'd found out... It wasn't intentional, but he... always did have that instinct to worry and try to shield people from any sort of danger, including health dangers. It wasn't so much about Raven's fears about himself, but about Yuri's newfound fears in wondering how much they'd pushed Raven past a safe limit.

Yet, how could he really personally identify too much from safe? When the man himself was right there and could tell them? But then... he had always mentioned being tired. How seriously did they take him most of those times? Some instances they did take him seriously, but... so many they hadn't. They had pushed him before, hadn't they? It was them who didn't take the issue seriously in the event it had been an issue, and now when he insisted he was fine instead, Yuri didn't want to listen out of worry.

Death. He was afraid of death. Of doing something that would be too much on Raven and mess with his heart. Yuri didn't know enough about a blastia heart to know how far Raven could go, and Rita didn't seem to understand intricate details about it yet either. She was learning, and relatively quickly, but... that wouldn't matter if something came up first.

"If you want to keep going with us, I won't stop you. Just... tell us if it's too much. I won't ever brush it off if you say you're tired. I'm sorry we all did that before."

[bravewolfvesperia]

Not being devious he says, yet it still left a more relaxed and familiar smile on Yuri's face. Granted, Flynn was right though that if they wanted to do this, the best way to try it would be to disguise Yuri's appearance as much as possible. Once he blended in it would be less likely people would recognize him, and at a tavern, most people would genuinely minding their own business at their own tables.

"Well, it's what we've got, so we may as well go with it. If anything does somehow come up, I'm sure we can talk our way out of it." His hand moved to Flynn's nearest hand he gave a light pat to it. "I'll get going so we have more time tonight. I know it'll be hard not to think about everything that's going on, but there's nothing we can get done about it tonight anyway. Try not to let it worry you too much."

He waited long enough for Flynn to give an affirmative response so as not to just up and leave. The sooner they split up for now though, the more time they had later. More time to stop throwing themselves neck deep into whatever mess the higher ups created.

Before meeting with Flynn to figure out what he would wear, he realized he needed to figure out what to do with his hair. Avoiding the description of his wanted poster in any way was his best option... That in mind, he considered Flynn's words from earlier, pulling most of his hair up into a bun and leaving part of it left hanging down.

Checking a mirror just to confirm, he gave it a minute to think about it. If someone really put thought into it, they could determine his hair was probably at his waist once down, but who was going to look at a stranger at a tavern and try to determine their hair length? Any free hair rested around his shoulders, so it wasn't distractingly long.

Having to change his appearance for just dinner was a bit annoying, and it unfortunately only served to remind him of the exact thing he was trying to avoid thinking about tonight. Perhaps worse, now Caer Bocram was on his mind after meeting with Raven after he'd spoke to Flynn. If those red eyes were there, would he miss them? Would they still be there tomorrow? Were they there at all? It wasn't like Raven had said it was a definite.

No, no, no. He was not thinking about that stuff right now. It wasn't solid information anyway, and thinking about the core was no good right now. As much as Yuri wanted to hurry after it, they had to rest eventually. Even Yuri himself wouldn't be able to keep up if he kept moving like this.

So after a heavy sigh, Yuri left his room and headed across to Flynn's room and knocked on the door. With any luck the lack of his presence would actually be beneficial to the others, but if anything came up he'd already let Rita know to handle it. Calmly. Without attempted murder. Or fireballs.

Thinking ahead, it probably wasn't the best idea, especially if Yuri had been recognized. But in this particular town, the knights were not plentiful. He really only had to worry about a small handful, including Sodia and Witcher. Thankfully, the last two already knew that Yuri was in town and, despite Sodia's apparent dislike for Yuri, she made no move on arresting him at this time, due to Flynn's orders.

Any other knight would likely not even recognize Yuri at first. And it wasn't like they were planning on having extended contact with the other knights. If one of them attempted to come over to speak with Flynn, Flynn could easily just send Yuri away to retrieve more drinks or something. Anything to get him out of the eye of the other knights.

They were both busy and probably had better things to do with their time but ... they could probably use something like this. They were stressed and the pressure of everything they had to work towards hung over their heads like a weight. A night off to just relax and chat with each other could help clear their heads and let them proceed forward with a fresh set of eyes.

"What, you think that I suddenly picked up an outlandish sense of style since I've been gone?" Flynn's eyebrow cocked, an amused smile making it's way onto his face. "Here I thought you always thought my fashion sense was boring."

Flynn felt a little uneasy with going into a public space without his armor but the feeling would probably be a lot worse if he went without Yuri to watch his back. Thinking back, that would probably feel a lot like they were back in the day too.

Flynn had never been one for public spaces. He could put up a smile all day and (somehow) charm anyone he met but he was never excited when it came to going to parties or crowded taverns. The small little parties that were held in the Lower Quarter were fine, but mostly because they were pretty small parties to begin with and were as rare as rare got. After all, no one really had the gald to go all out for a party back home.

Despite his distaste for public spaces, he found himself not really minding going to this one. Maybe his excitement to spend more time with Yuri overpowered it. (Or maybe Yuri just made him feel safe.)

Hearing Yuri refer to him as His Flynn seemed to confirm that maybe this was the case, while also flooding Flynn with a bunch of other feelings that left him with a sense of warmth. Almost like he were already home, despite being an entire boat trip and a week's trip away from Zaphias.

"I... wouldn't say that I'm being devious." Flynn's cheeks are warm as a nervous chuckle slips from his lips. "I just... think that it was a smart idea, is all. But, yes, I have some extra clothes that I can bring by the inn if you want... And I'll dress casually too. I think-- I hope we're both able to turn off our 'Work Mode" for the night by doing so."

Of course, that would probably be easier for Yuri than it would be for Flynn...

[happy74827]

Dusty

[Dexter Morgan x Female!Reader]

Synopsis: After getting a call to come into your apartment, Dexter realises you’re acting different than usual. 

WC: 822

Category: Angst

If you enjoyed, please don’t be afraid to comment and reblog!! Feedback is much appreciated.

『••✎••』

The sounds of Jim Croce circled around his ears, blaring from the old vinyl record. It resided on the old desk, spinning ‘round and ‘round. It was about as old and dusty as his sense of morals.

Time in a Bottle. It was a simple but emotional song. Whenever he heard the tune, he mostly thought of Harry, reminding him of how much he had risked for his sake. Yet, this time was different.

He didn’t think of Harry. He thought of you. 

He thought of your bright smile over the years, despite it being a rough couple of years. The way your eyes would gleam over the sight of a bookstore, dragging his wallet along with you. The picture of you in his mind could be the result of the fact that he was in your apartment, waiting for your inevitable return, or the fact that this was one of your favorite songs you owned.

Despite the reasoning, you were on his mind.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Dex.” Your voice came into play, an apologetic smile plastered on your face. “I really had to go take a—”

“No, that’s… that’s okay.” He stopped you before you finished that sentence. “You don’t gotta go into detail.”

You chuckled slightly, slowly walking over to where he stood. He couldn’t help but notice your slight nervousness, your slight hesitation as if you were intimidated. Granted, you were a shy-kind of girl — he knew that. But, this was different. You were friends since college… lab partners to be exact. It wasn’t like he never stepped foot in your apartment before. Hell… he visited you all the time.

At this point, you were as close to him as Deb was. You even visited Rita a couple of times, going out to brunch together, before the incident. Needless to say, you were crushed after that phone call from Debra. He remembered how you physically ran to the house, for miles, not being in any proximity of a car. The way you embraced him, as he sat there unable to think… even move…

So, that’s why this was weird. You never acted this way. Not towards him, anyhow.

“What’s up?” He asked you. Straightforward and effective.

“Oh… yeah,” You stammered, running a hand through your hair. “I just started this really… really sad book…”

Lie.

“Oh, really?” He stuffed his hands into his pockets, leaning back slightly. Maybe it would help ease your obvious uneasiness. “What is it about?”

“…about a girl losing her family. I haven’t gotten that far.”

For the longest time he knew you tended to look away when you lied. Even without that basic knowledge, your eyes and tone gave it away. He knew people very well. It’s why he was always successful in Harry’s code. Rarely ever had he been surprised. Having known you for more than ten years, he had you down right to the point.

He spoke your name in a low tone to gather your attention, putting on his best concerned face. He witnessed your face deflate as you came to the realization that he wasn’t fooled. “What's the real reason you called me over? I know this isn’t all about some book.”

You turn to face him, his eyes — squinting and studying yours. The dark passenger was attempting to take hold of the conversation, but he had it contained. It was getting impatient, craving more and more each passing second. Your hesitation didn’t help much either.

It was then — at that moment, he recognized it. Your eyes, your once bubbly eyes were now foggy. Dusty. He knew those eyes. He stared into those eyes for years in regard to Rita, slowly watching them form and heal. But, no matter how much they’ve healed, the scars forever remained. The terror was never forgotten.

The overcoming realization caused him to lose hold of the dark passenger. A sliver of his real self came onto the display. Not enough to scare someone away, but enough to notice. Enough to notice Dexter wasn’t exactly the Dexter everyone knew.

“Who?” His voice came out in a low growl. His eyes, dark with rage.

The on-growing terror forming on your face only proved his fears. While he was screwing around with Travis Marshall, you were cowering in fear. He was neglectful, how did he not have noticed this earlier? As friends go, he was a shitty one. You needed him — that’s why you called, you've come to that realization  —  but he wasn’t there as a friend, just an outsider peaking in. 

It was clear by your face that you noticed his change in demeanor. But, shockingly, it made you relax more. You lowered your tense shoulders, looking up at him. Your pleading, begging eyes told the story. They told him everything he needed to know. Told him what you secretly wanted. All he needed now was...

“His name was Nicholas.” 

[scarlettjohanssons-mistress]

Keep your mouth closed

Warnings: Reader is a witch and she is over 200 years old, secret relationship, a bit of internalized homophobia, fluff.

You have to watch "Doom Patrol" because it is the best series IN THE WORLD

Word count: 2.2 K

Pairing: Rita Farr x Fem!Reader

Prompt: Rita and Reader have a secret relationship, but Reader is tired of hiding her beautiful girlfriend from her best friends, it all ends in an ugly argument.

Requests: OPEN

[Main masterlist] [DC masterlist]

My alarm clock rang, reminding me that I had to train with Victor at exactly 6:00 AM. 

So, I got up, went to the bathroom to relieve myself, brush my teeth, brush my face, braid my hair, put on some leggings, a sports top, my tennis shoes and left my room, meeting Victor who was already warming up on the stairs 

"Good morning, Y/N" I only replied with a grunt "wow, someone got up with the left foot" 

“Is it really necessary to go out and exercise today?” 

"Of course it's necessary, do you want to be a great hero?" 

"Is this where I have to say 'Yes'?" 

"Forget it, just follow me, today is a hot day and the later we start, the hotter it will be" 

———————————————————————————

Going to exercise with Victor was synonymous with torture; sit-ups, squats, running long distances, carrying large amounts of weight, fighting each other, so no matter the weather, we always arrived at the mansion full of sweat, but, on a day like today, with 84.2 ° F, it was logical that we were going to arrive, sweating and wanting to have a big glass of ice water. 

When we arrived, everyone was already awake, Larry was making breakfast, while Dorothy and Rita were sitting at the table, having breakfast, Cliff was in the living room, watching as Jane finished painting a picture. 

“Good morning” Victor greeted, letting Larry, Rita and Dorothy know of our arrival. 

"They're drenched in sweat, Ewww !" speak Dorothy 

"I want to die" I let myself fall into a chair, in front of Rita 

“Do you want a smoothie?” asked Victor 

"Yes, but, I'll take a shower first" I got up slowly, until I was behind little Dorothy "but, first, I want to hug my favorite person" 

I hugged the girl, causing her to burst out laughing and did her best to get out of my arms, until I looked at Rita, who was laughing. 

"What's up, red, do you want a little hug from the sweaty lady?" I let go of Dorothy and started walking towards Rita 

"Don't even think about it Y/N" he stopped me just raising his index finger, so I stopped, but I ruffled his hair a bit 

“I leave you alone, because I want to, not because you ask me to” 

I walked to the stairs and went up to my room to take a shower. 

I opened the door and realized I hadn't brought my cell phone up so I wouldn't be able to listen to music, so it had to be a quick shower. Just wash my hair, my body and wait a bit for my body temperature to drop, so I can go out. 

Outside, I brushed my teeth, put on my face creams, dressed in a cute skirt and little crop top, put a towel on my head, and went back downstairs to the kitchen to find Larry, Cliff and Rita sitting while Victor I finished preparing the smoothies 

"Here you go" Victor handed me my glass and I gave him a small drink, thanking with a grunt "by the way, while you were taking a bath, someone called you, a certain Monica" 

I spit out some of the milkshake 

"Monica?" 

"Yes, the same" Victor started patting me on the back with a strange look "who is this Monica?" 

"Yes, Y/N, explain us, who is Monica?" speak Rita, not taking my eyes off of me 

"She's a friend, but I haven't heard from her in years." 

"Come on, Y/N, you don't react like that if it's just a friend" Cliff spoke "and tell us, are you fucking her?" 

“ Clif !” shouted Larry. 

“Come on guys, are we going to pretend we don't hear the strange noises coming from the bottom of the hall? Literally the only 2 people in there are you and Rita, and I'll bet Victor's dick that the one having fun at night is you, Y/N." 

Without giving me time to protest, Rita got up and walked to her room, while Cliff just looked, Larry looked down, shaking his head and Victor was more confused than at first. 

"You're a fucking asshole, Cliff." 

I got up to go after Rita, while listening to some reproaches from Cliff himself. I stood in front of the redhead's door and knocked repeatedly. 

"Rita, open me please" 

I was ready for some warning and to insist again, but to my surprise Rita just opened me up and sat on her bed, coming face to face with me. 

"Who is Monica?" 

"No one relevant" I sat next to she, but looking at the ground "but, something relevant was your attitude, what kind of scene of jealousy was that?, you're not being very discreet to say" 

"I'm sorry" now I turned to see her profile, and his eyes that looked at nothing "you know what my insecurities are, and my biggest fear is that…"

“I know love, I know. Hey, look at me” I took her chin between my fingers and forced her to look at me “Honey, I understand your fears, insecurities, traumas and all the pain you carry, and guess what? I love you, in spite of everything; but it seems a bit incongruous to me that you ask me to keep silent about our relationship, when you make those comments in front of everyone- I started kissing her neck tickling her and making her laugh a little- that's why I thought we should tell them now "

"Y/N, you know I can't…"

I walked away, tired of this conversation

"Rita, I understand, but I'm tired of having to hide, I hid for more than two centuries, I don't want to do it anymore" Rita didn't even deign to look at me "Is it because you're ashamed of me?"

"What? Of course not, I'm very lucky to be your girlfriend" Rita kissed my cheek "I just... I don't want them to know that I'm... this" 

That's when I started to feel my anger going to my head, so I stood up to face her fully. 

"Aren't you what?" 

“Like...Larry” 

"Come on, Rita, say the word" I started to raise my voice 

"I can't" I saw how her eyes began to fill with tears, but the fury took over me, so I ignored them 

“Yes you can, SAY IT!” 

"I'm not...g...a..." 

“Yes, you are gay, Rita, say it, you are gay, you are a fucking homosexual woman, where is the harm in that?” she didn't answer, she just tried to dry her tears "sure, do you think that of me?" My voice also began to break "Do I disgust you for saying that I am homosexual?" 

Rita just kept quiet 

"Oh, thank you. Your silence calms me down a lot” I felt my throat begin to close, as a warning of my violent crying, so I turned my back on her and started to walk to the door “you know what, Gertrude?, all this time you were right, You don't deserve even an ounce of love." 

Without more I left his room, going to mine, where I threw myself to start crying, I felt bad for that last comment I made, but anger was stronger than my reasoning. I can't believe I've been in love with such a...so...a person like Rita for a year. 

———————————————————————————

Without realizing it I fell asleep and after many hours Victor woke me up.

"Hey, you went up and didn't come back down"

"Sorry, I came here really wanting to sleep and went straight to it" I tried to laugh, but that didn't calm my friend.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes do not worry"

"Okay, get ready, because Maura and I are going to have a big party here at the mansion" I raised an eyebrow at that last one "you know, things have been a little tense regarding Niles, so we wanted to relax and have Dorothy It feels better"

“Well, it's perfect. I'll start getting ready." Victor started to leave my room. "Hey, Victor, can I call someone?"

I saw how Victor's mouth began to form a flirtatious smile "of course, you can bring your girlfriend"

"She is not my girlfriend"

He came out of my room and yelled "whatever you say captain baba"

I took out my phone and started to dial the number, while a hand went to my mouth, to realize that, indeed, I had drooled in my sleep.

"Hello? Monica? It's me, Y/N…"

———————————————————————————

The party came faster than I thought, so I simply shaped my long hair, I put on a cute black dress with straps, short, barely covering my butt, which molds my figure perfectly, with black stockings and a pair of classic red heels, with a simple but cute makeup, and I went downstairs, just in time to see my friend Monica walk in the door

"Hello beautiful" I greeted her kissing both cheeks

"My goodness Y/N, you are just as beautiful as you were years ago" she intertwined her arm with mine and we began to walk to the living room

"Of course, I'm still a murderous woman in bed" we both let out a big laugh

"Hey, now yes, tell me, what is the problem you have?"

"It is a long story…"

———————————————————————————

Narrates Rita

The party had started, and much to my regret and thanks to Larry's constant insistence, I went downstairs, trying to enjoy myself, and of course, with the intention of fixing things with Y/N, but, I didn't know how to fix things, So I plucked up the courage and told Larry the truth. 

"I already knew" he commented while trying to remove trash from his shirt 

"What? How did you already know?" 

“Rita, you are not the most discreet person on the planet, not to mention that you LITERALLY have the word lesbian written, tattooed on your forehead” he pointed to her own forehead “in fact, you were late. But I'm very happy for you, for both of us. you guys make a nice couple” 

"We were a nice couple" I corrected

"Rita, you're exaggerating, clearly Y/N still loves you" 

"How do you know?" 

"Look, I don't think they'll end up like me and John," he sighed, "but if you don't change that attitude you might." 

"So what should I do?" 

"Rita, come out, shout out to the world your love for Y/N, what's the worst that can happen? We are in the 21st century, no one says anything about homosexuals anymore, see Maura and her friends" 

Look how Maura danced, happy, despite everything she has lived 

“I remind you that homosexuality is no longer illegal. You can't get married in Ohio, but in Pennsylvania you can." 

"Do I have to work things out with Y/N?" 

"Of course, I don't want to see you alone, like me" 

"Yeah, I'm going to work things out with Y/N." 

I got up from my seat, ready to walk towards Y/N's room, when suddenly, I saw her come down, holding the arm of another girl. A blonde girl, with short hair, tall and wearing a very nice dress, with a fairly pronounced neckline, and with nice shoes, very matching with the sexy dress that Y/N was wearing, making me feel uncomfortable with my choice of clothing. 

I saw how Y/N didn't even notice my presence, and just followed her friend to the kitchen, so I sat back, staring blankly, and seeing how Victor approached us. 

"How are you doing?"

"Who is the woman with Y/N?" I asked , as I snatched his drink from him and downed it in one gulp.

“ Wow , watch out Rita, it's not water. it's her old friend Monica, why do you want to know?" I got up again, now much more determined and angry than before

"Because I'm not going to let any woman get close to my girlfriend"

"Your girlfriend?"

I didn't even answer he, I just walked across the makeshift dance floor and had another 2 drinks in one shot, until I reached the kitchen, finding Y/N hugging her friend, until the friend patted her and left. walked away, making Y/N look at me

"Rita, I want…"

I didn't let her finish her sentence, I just took her hand, making her follow me to the dance floor, and making her dance with me, to the rhythm of 'Teenage Dream', Y/N's favorite song. Without giving her time to answer, I gave her a big kiss, a deep one, and showing her how much I love her 

"I love you" I kissed her cheek "I'm sorry my fear has driven us away" 

"Don't apologize love" she also kissed me, my nose and my chin "sorry for what I told you, I didn't mean to hurt you" 

“There is no need to apologize. I just want to dance with you all night and kiss you all night." 

"Regardless if anyone sees us?" 

"I just want people to see the beautiful girlfriend I have" 

And we kissed again, feeling the happy looks of all our friends, knowing that we would be completely happy, finally. 

Note:

Maybe I'll write a little more about Rita and the Doom Patrol.

I hope you enjoy this.

I appreciate the reblogs, the likes and the comments

[modernmagdalene]

Saint and Crystal Associations Part 2

Once again, I’m posting this as a potential resource for other Christian witches or Christian mystics (whatever you call yourself). These are my own personal associations, not official associations of any Christian denominations, so if they don’t feel right for you feel free to use different crystals with different saints. Thanks and enjoy.

Saint Francis of Assisi --> Amber

Francis is best associated with Amber. While not technically a crystal it still is used in a lot of crystal magic. Francis is a very complex saint who helps with a lot of different things: voluntary poverty, helping the poor, antiwar, and oneness with nature. Amber is very old and connected deeply to the earth. It helps with grounding, clarity, patience, wisdom, dissolves negativity, eliminates fear, and balances emotions. All things Francis needed to leave his life of privilege behind and follow God. I think it represents much of who Francis is and can help support the same virtues that Francis represents. 

Saint Brigid --> Opal

St. Brigid would be associated with Opal. Brigid is a saint that is very connected to the goddess Brigid. Their stories are extremely intertwined that you can’t really talk about without the other. Both are connected to fire, love, and hope and that’s all things Opal is connected with as well. I also personally tend to associate Opal with the divine feminine and Brigid connection to a goddess makes that work as well.

Saint Julian of Norwich --> Moonstone

Julian of Norwich I said in a comment that I associated with Lapis Lazuli but then relaized I was already using that crystal with St. Perpetua and Felicity. So I did some more research and decided that Moonstone would work really well for Saint Julian of Norwich. Moonstone is obviously associated with Lunar magick and the moon is also regularly associated with femimine energy. Which works wonders with St. Julian who often depicted God as femimine. One of the things that made her contraversal. St. Julian of Norwich had visions and was a prolific writer. Moonstone helps those seeking wisdom and strengthens psychic abilities. St. Julian of Norwich is also a known cat lover so have moonstone carved into the shape of a cat is even better. 

Saint Mary MacKillop --> Obsidian

(Trigger Warning Mentions of sexual abuse in this.)

Mary MacKillop is the first saint of Australia and one of my favorites! Mary MacKillop reported a priest who was abusing children and not longer after a friend of this priest used his connections to get her excommunicated. Her excommunication was eventually lifted. I have always admired her strength and resilience. That’s why I chose obsidian for her. Obsidian shines a light on the negativity and clears it away, helping us to choose the path leading towards light and love. It is also a protective stone as it used to be used for weapons. If you need to fight the devil obsidian is up there with tourmaline as an excellent crystal to clean house.     

Saint Raphael the Archangel --> Ametrine

St. Raphael the Archangel is another favorite of mine. If you use a Protestant Bible you might not have read about him. Raphael is featured in the Book of Tobit which is only in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. The Book of Tobit is an epic love story between Tobias and Sarah that also features thievery, exile, and fights with demons. Where Michael and Gabriel tend to appear to humans briefly then leave. Raphael, disguised as a human, travels with Tobias throughout the whole book. Raphael is most associated with healing and I connect him to the crystal ametrine. Ametrine is associated with healing, harmony, strength, balancing physical and spiritual life, and aids in contacting spirit guides. This works with Raphael’s connections to healing. Furthermore, Raphael’s role guiding Tobit and being a spiritual being working on earth makes ametrine perfect in helping to connect with him. Use this stone and ask him to help find balance in your practice and assist you with finding spiritual guides.

Saint Rita --> Smoky Quartz

St. Rita is the patron saint of impossible tasks. She is someone I rely on when I really need to overcome an obstacle or problem in my life. She is also prayed to when someone has a deadly illness or serious problem helping with things that seem impossible to deal with is just her jam. Because of this I associate her most with smoky quartz. This crystal is super powerful and is a great grounding and balancing stone. It absorbs negative energy like a sponge (because of this it should be cleansed often-ish use your best judgement). It’s so useful and can even cleanse other crystals. It keeps all the negativity away from you which is something that one really needs when dealing with impossible situations.

Saint Mary Magdalene --> Celestite

Mary Magdalene is one of my favorite witchy women in the Bible. She wasn’t scared away like the other disciples when Christ was crucified, she was the first to preach about the resurrection, and was active in preaching and teaching others about Christ. One of my favorite stories about her comes from the Orthodox tradition where she was preaching to Emperor Tiberius Caesar about Christ and turned an egg red to prove to the emperor that Christ’s story and power was true. I associate Mary Magdalene most with Celestite. Celestite raises spiritual vibrations, promotes spiritual growth, and aides in communication with the spiritual realm. This crystal also boosts self-worth and self-expression, all things Mary Magdalene had in abundance. Mary Magdalene also seems to be the most connected to the spiritual world out of all the apostles (with the exception of maybe John) so this crystal is perfect for her.

Saint Joan of Arc --> Bloodstone 

St. Joan is a warrior and protector. I also consider her a trans and/or genderfluid saint who will naturally protect trans and genderfluid peoples. Because of this I associate her most with bloodstone. Bloodstone promotes justice and strength, it is also good for healing and renewal, but bloodstone is probably best known for boosting spells and banishing spirits. Or as I prefer to use it, boosting protection spells and banishing TERFs.

Saint Francis de Sales --> Kyanite

St. Francis de Sales is one of my favorite saints purely because he is the patron saint of writers and I am someone who greatly enjoys writing. Kyanite is the crystal I use with this saint. It promotes creativity and also dispels negativity aka those negative thoughts that tell you that you can’t write. It’s also supposed to sharpen your focus which can be especially helpful with writing or any creative work, especially if you are easily distracted like me.

Saint Anthony of Padua --> Amazonite

St. Anthony was one of my grandmother’s favorite saints and probably the saint I use the most in day to day life. He is the patron saint of lost items. He was a devout priest and taught students from a book of psalms. He once tried to preach to people who refused to listen to him. He instead decided to preach to the fish who all started to gather near the shore to listen to him. When people saw this they decided they should listen too. So you know when in doubt preach to fish I guess. Anyway, I associate St. Anthony with amazonite. Amazonite helps sharpen the mind, aids communication and promotes good luck all of which are great attributes for learning and teaching, finding lost items (that’s the good luck bit), and aiding communication could help you talk to people or fish, your call. 

Saint Valentine --> Rose Quartz 

St. Valentine did a lot but he is most associated today with marrying couples in the Christian church during the height of Roman persecution. So naturally I associate him with rose quartz, a crystal that promotes love and fertility, dispels loneliness, opens the heart to compassion, and even strengthens faith. The perfect stone for this romantic saint. 

Saint Scholastica --> Citrine 

St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict, and was the founder of the women’s benedictine order. As someone who went to a benedictine college I have a fondness for her. If you are a storm witch in particular I think this might be the saint for you. At one point Benedict and his monks visit Scholastica and her nuns. Scholastica didn’t think she would live long enough to see her brother again after this meeting so begged him to stay the night, but Benedict didn’t want to spend the night outside his monastery and told her he couldn’t. So Scholastica prayed and a massive thunderstorm suddenly came making it unsafe for Benedict and his monks to travel. And here is my favorite bit:

“Realizing what had happened, Benedict reproached her: "What have you done, my sister?” Scholastica answered simply, "I asked a favor of you, and you refused to listen to me. So I asked my God, and He, more generous than you, granted my request.” Once again Scholastica’s pleas won the favor she was seeking.” 

With Scholastica I associate the crystal citrine. Citrine is all about manifesting change, protection, creativity, and success all things she needed to live the life she did.

Saint Dymphna --> Blue Lace Agate

St. Dymphna is one of my favorite saints and she is one I utilize often. She is most associated with mental and emotional illnesses. If you are a spoonie witch this is the saint for you. Because of this I associate her most with Blue Lace Agate, which helps people express themselves (helpful when going to therapy or a doctor) and also helps with dealing with any sorts of fears or anxiety. (Reminder: That utilizing this saint and crystal is meant as a prayerful way to ask for help dealing with mental and emotional illness. It is not a replacement for therapy or meds.)

St. Sara-la-Kali --> Jasper

St. Sara-la-Kali is the patroness of the Romani people. She is said to have helped the Three Marys of the Bible arrive safely in Gaul after she had a vision of them arriving. She used her dress as a raft and helped the women get to shore despite the tumultuous waves. She was also extremely generous and often collected alms for the poor. I associate her most with jasper. A crystal native to Romania it aids in peace and wisdom and also is particularly helpful during times of transition by providing stability and protection. It also supports perseverance and acceptance, something we definitely need Sara's help with right now.

[separatist-apologist]

Hey ! Could you write a little one-shot (or Multiple if you are feeling it) of Elain being super jealous that Lucien is getting attention from other females? I feel like she would be super territorial and I really think you could run with it!

I'M SO EXCITED! I've always wanted someone to send me a prompt! Tell me what you think!!!!

You wanted to keep this a secret, Elain reminded herself, sipping the too-sweet drink in front of her. It was her mantra; she’d live and die by those words. You wanted to keep this a secret. Everything was too new with Lucien, too fragile and Elain didn’t want a million eyes watching her every step while they very carefully courted. She didn’t need any extra opinions, especially after the heated evening they’d spent kissing in his apartment. Lucien was so rarely in Velaris to begin with that no one batted an eye when he did arrive and she just so happened to have errands to run.

You wanted to keep this a secret, she thought a third time as Mor dropped beside her, sweaty from dancing. They’d all gone to Rita’s and though both Elain and Lucien had tried to make their excuses, Feyre was not taking no for an answer, and Rhysand and Cassian had somehow convinced Lucien to join them. She could see Lucien across the room, leaned up against the mahogany bar holding a glass between two fingers. She’d noticed how well fitted his dark pants were, giving the whole bar a perfect view of his thighs, his ass, his everything if she was being honest. He’d removed his cream-colored jacket to drape it over the back of a nearby chair, revealing a hunter green shirt that was just as well-fitted, tucked neatly into his pants and buttoned politely up to his neck. The color off-set his thick, red hair that fell down his back, framing lovely, golden skin and a too wide smile.

A smile not directed at her, but a blonde woman who was standing just a little too close. She was laughing at whatever Lucien said, head tipped back. Elain bit back her scowl. He wasn’t that funny, she grumbled.

“Want to dance?” Mor interrupted Elain’s musing, unaware of her thoughts. “You look lonely.” Elain tore her eyes from Lucien to look down at the pink drink in her hand. “This isn’t my kind of dancing,” she admitted.

Feyre joined Mor, wiping her sweaty hair off her flushed face. “Have you seen Rhys?” She asked, swaying slightly despite being seated. “I lost him on the dance floor.”

“He’s right there,” Mor replied, gesturing in Lucien’s direction. Elain turned again, irritated to see a brunette had joined the laughing blonde and was touching Lucien’s arm. Elain’s vision went red for a moment. Touching, her brain screamed, demanding retribution. Elain looked back at the wood grain table, allowing the thrumming music to wash over her. To calm her.

You wanted to keep this a secret.

“Lucien’s popular tonight,” Feyre giggled, drawing Elain’s attention back to the bar. A third woman, another blonde, was at his side, her finger practically in his drink. Lucien seemed utterly oblivious to the attention. What was he talking about?

Mor waved a hand dismissively. “Rita’s is always a little too excited when Lucien comes in.”

Feyre giggled wildly. “Because he’s Autumn Court?”

“You hush right now,” Mor warned, her brown eyes flashing. “But yeah, I think so.”

Elain blinked. “Why would it matter if he’s Autumn Court?”

Feyre burst out laughing while Mor choked on her drink. Elain didn’t dare look back over at Lucien even as embarrassment flooded through her. She was obviously missing something, some kind of insider knowledge about Autumn Court or Lucien that everyone else knew.

“Rita’s doesn’t see a lot of Autumn Court, that’s all,” Mor told Elain kindly even as her red lips twitched with amusement. Feyre was laughing so hard she slid from her chair, drink sloshing all over her tight, black dress. Mor sighed, exasperated, and hauled Feyre back into her seat.

“What’s got her in such a good mood?” Cassian grinned, sitting beside Elain, one muscular arm draped over the back of her wooden chair.

“Lucien,” Mor replied, nodding her head in Lucien’s direction. Cassian looked over Elain’s head, his grin widening.

“Good for him.”

Elain bit back her scowl, practically double-taking when she caught the fourth woman resting her forearm on Lucien’s shoulder. All of them were laughing like they were in a comedy club. She clenched her hands so hard her nails bit into her palm.

“We were explaining to Elain that Lucien is always popular at Rita’s, right, Cassian?” Mor asked, though Elain barely heard her over the roaring of blood in her ears.

“Oh, right. Yeah, I think it’s the—”

“The fire in his blood?” Feyre interrupted, choking on her laughter. Elain looked up at Cassian just in time to catch him roll hazel eyes.

“He’s hot, no fire needed,” Mor swept in quickly, cutting off whatever Cassian planned to say. “Which is why there are five females—” “Five?!” Elain screeched, furious at the red head touching his hair.She stood abruptly, nearly knocking her chair into the people sitting behind them. Cassian caught the furniture smoothly with one broad hand.

“Pay up,” Cassian demanded from behind her. Elain didn’t stick around long enough to see what, exactly, Cassian was collecting on. She was seething as she stomped up to Lucien, dripping in women.

“He has a mate,” she informed the group, waving her hands around as though to shoo away birds. Lucien turned, surprise etched into his features, mouth parted to ask her what, exactly, was her problem.

You wanted to keep this a secret. Not anymore, she decided, lifting up on her tiptoes to kiss him, both to illustrate her point and stake a claim. Lucien wrapped an arm around her waist, his other hand still holding his drink, his kiss enthusiastic if not a tad confused. Elain didn’t care; for a moment she forgot they were in Rita’s at all. Something about him always melted the world around them, made her surroundings an afterthought.

“What happened to keeping this a secret?” He asked, mouth inches from her own.

“I changed my mind,” she told him primly. Lucien arched a brow, both russet and metal eyes roaming down her body slowly before coming back to her face. The women were gone, intimidated by Elain’s possessive show. Good, she thought with satisfaction. She was tempted to stomp towards the front of the dance floor, cut the music, and announce to everyone that Lucien Vanserra had a mate, and the bar needed to stay away from him. Perhaps she’d hang flyers just in case anyone forgot or became too tempted. He was handsome, too handsome for shabby Ritas, she thought smugly.

Mine, she declared, kissing him again.

Lucien peered over her head, a smile dancing on his lips. “I don’t think we were ever a secret, Elain.”

“What? Why do you say that?” She demanded, whirling on her heel when Lucien gestured behind her with his head. Standing beside a card table was Rhysand, grinning like the devil as he handed five women little bags of coins. When he caught her gaping, he smiled, too, holding up his hand to indicate it had taken five women to crack her. Elain narrowed her eyes.

It is so on, she thought loudly, well aware he was listening. Rhysand tipped his head back to laugh.

“Want to get out of here?” Lucien murmured, his lips pressed into her hair. A shiver of anticipation slithered up her spine.

“Yes,” she agreed breathlessly.

Lucien brought his glass to his lips, intending to swallow what remained when Elain asked, “Why did Feyre say you were so popular because you were Autumn Court and had fire in your blood?”

Lucien choked, holding his glass away from his chest as he turned to face her younger sister.

“She said what?” He wheezed, hair falling in his face. Elain thumped him on the back.

“She said you were popular with women because—”

He held his hand up to stop her, gulping down air. “Let’s get out of here…I’ll show you what she meant.”

Elain looked up, surprised by how dark his expression had become. Realization dawned. “She meant—”

“Yes. C’mon. Let’s get out of here.”

[angelasscribbles]

Savage Love Chapter 10: Not a Date

Series: Savage Love

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Riley x Liam, Riley x Drake

Rating: R

Warnings: Mature themes

Word Count: 2,545

My other stuff: Master List.

We didn’t head back toward the capital. Drake pointed the bike in the opposite direction. I wrapped my arms around him tighter than absolutely necessary. I could keep my balance on a bike just fine, but I liked pressing into his back as we flew down the roadway.

My body was still thrumming from the adrenaline rush of the skydive and the vibrations from the bike underneath us rumbled through me as I felt his body through two leather jackets. But I didn’t have to imagine what was underneath, I already knew, and when the image of his naked body snaked its way through my mind, I suddenly really didn’t care about dinner.

He hit an exit ramp and we wound our way through the countryside. I pulled back so I could watch the view, my hands lightly gripping his hips for balance. I distracted myself from the closeness of his body by watching the greenery rush by. We had slowed down now that we were on twisty back roads, and I enjoyed the sight of the trees in bloom all around us. The blur of colors as nature rushed past us reminded me of the Sunday drives my grandmother used to enjoy so much.

We slowed down even more as the bike glided through a tiny village, older clapboard houses and streets filled with laughing children. It was a stark contrast from downtown Cordonia City with its tall buildings and high-end boutiques. It was more muted, less hustle and bustle. The town square was quiet, most of the businesses already closed for the day.

Drake guided the bike into the parking lot of a small, unassuming building and came to a stop. A small metal sign reading “Mama Rita’s�� was visible from our parking spot. We both removed our helmets then he hopped off the bike, turning to place his hands on my waist as I slid off after him. My feet hit the ground and I looked up to find myself basically in his arms, his eyes boring into me with an intensity that told me he was just as affected by our proximity as I was.

The moment our eyes met, the desire I saw there disappeared as he blinked and that unreadable expression he sometimes got snapped into place. Giving me a smile, he stepped back, dropping one hand away from my body to motion toward the building while the other slid all the way around my waist, “Hope you like Spanish food.”

“Um, hello, I love it! You know I’ve spent the last couple of years in the states and most people there don’t know the difference between Spanish food and Mexican food.”

“Or Tex-Mex, which is different from both.” He added.

“Right! I’m not a fan of the overly spicy ingredients, I find Spanish food more flavorful and aromatic.”

“Yeah, it’s definitely a Mediterranean cuisine, as opposed to Mexican, which is more a blend of native Mesoamerican and European with Spanish influences.”

I shot him a surprised look as we reached the door and he pulled it open for me.

He returned my look. “What? I know things.”

“You sound like someone who knows how to cook.”

He shook his head as he responded, “I know how to cook, Brooks.”

“You do?”

“Why is that so surprising?” He raised his eyebrows at me, “Are you making a sexist assumption right now?”

We were interrupted by an older man with black hair, greying at the temples, who rushed forward to greet us, “Drake! So good to see you, I didn’t know you were coming tonight! And who is this?”

“Matias, this is Riley. Riley, this is Matias, he and his wife run this place.”

The older man gripped my hand and shook it vigorously as he grinned at me, “Nice to meet you, Riley. It’s about time Drake brought a woman here to meet us! Does this mean it’s serious? Where did you two meet? How long have you been dating? Where has he been hiding you?”

“I-“ I started to reply.

Drake interrupted, “Matias, stop! We’re not….I mean…this isn’t….not that I wouldn’t…ok, maybe it is-“

I stifled a giggle at his discomfiture and decided to rescue him, “Drake and I just met last week. This is our first date, we met through a mutual friend, and I don’t think he’s been hiding me.”

“A week ago? It’s only been a week and he’s already bringing you here, to his favorite restaurant? Ah, it must be love! Come this way! Come! I’ll show you to our best table!”

“My usual table will be fine, Mat. Come on. Don’t make a big deal out of this. Please.”

“Pah! You want the best table, right Riley?”

I looked around in amusement. The tables all looked the same. I shook my head, “I’m fine with whatever the usual is. I’m not picky.”

“Fine, fine. Here then.” He showed us to a table and handed me a menu, “I see why he likes you. You like hiding in the back too.”

“I’m not hiding, Mat. I just don’t need to be the center of attention.” Drake told him.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Hold on, I have to tell Rita!”

“No! That’s not-“

But it was too late. The man ran toward the kitchen, “Rita! Rita! Drake is here and he brought a woman with him!”

From the kitchen a woman’s voice cried out, “What? A woman? Drake? Ohhh, I have to come meet her!”

“Oh my god.” Drake muttered under his breath. “Why is everyone in my life freaking out over this?”

A woman about Matias’ age came hurrying from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron as she walked. She had long black hair that was just starting to streak with silver. It was pulled up in a bun on top of her head. A huge grin broke out across her face as she spotted us. She swooped down and us and before I realized what she was doing, she bent down and flung her arms around me.

I returned the hug in surprise. “Oh! Um, hi. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m sorry dear, I’m just so excited to meet you! I was beginning to think that Drake here was never going to settle down!”

“Jesus Rita! I’m not-“

She completely ignored him and continued to talk to me, “You must be very special. I’ve been asking Drake for years why he doesn’t ever bring his dates here and do you know what he told me?”

I couldn’t suppress my smile as I watched Drake drop his head into his hands as I leaned forward and eagerly asked her, “No. What?”

“He said that he doesn’t date! I mean…who doesn’t date? How else is he going to find a wife, I asked him. And he said he’s not doing that either! Can you believe that? And so I asked him what about children? And he said he didn’t want any and the I asked-“

“Rita! Please!”

“What?” She finally turned to look at him, “I’m just getting to know her!”

“You haven’t asked her one question about herself! You’re just talking about me!”

She cut her eyes back to me, “I’m sorry, he’s right.” She pulled out a chair and sat down, “I want to know everything! Where are you from? Do you have a lot of brothers and sisters? Where are your parents? What do they do? What do you do? Will you stop working when you get married, or wait until the first baby? You do what kids, right? You’re going to convince him-“

The door jangled as another customer came in. “Oh! I need to get back to the kitchen! Don’t leave without saying bye, ok?”

I glanced back to Drake in amusement. He looked like he wanted the floor to open up and swallow him. “I am so sorry! I should have taken you somewhere else, anywhere else! Somewhere no one knows me!”

“It’s ok.” I laughed, “She’s just excited. She obviously cares about your happiness.”

“Yeah, she’s good person, her and Matias both.”

“How do you know them?”

“I’ve known them most of my life. Before my dad was head of the Royal Guard, we lived here. After we moved to the palace, he would still bring us here sometimes. He sold the house in town, but kept the cabin in the woods near here, by the lake I showed you earlier.”

“Oh, that’s right, I know about your dad.”

His eyes snapped up to meet mine, “How?”

“I read your file.”

“You read my file?”

“Are you telling me that you didn’t read mine?”

His eyes flicked away.

“Of course you did, because that’s what any good agent does. Never take anything on faith.”

“I read yours before I ever met you. Standard procedure before we bring an outsider in and give them security access. Why’d you read mine?”

“I wanted to make sure you were what you seemed to be.”

He gave me an appraising look, “Oh yeah, and what’s that?”

I shrugged, “A genuinely good guy.”

He looked at me like he wanted to say something but just then Matias popped back up to take our order. Well, my order. Drake didn’t even have a menu.

“Don’t need one.” He told me. “I know what they have.”

We gave our order and Matias took my menu back. “When you get married, you could have the reception here.”

Drake gave him a glare, but he just smiled in return, “I’ll go put your order in.”

“Jesus. One damn date and everyone has us married.” Drake muttered as Matias walked away.

“So now it is a date!” I teased him.

He groaned, “Oh, not you too.”

“I’m just interested in the whole, you don’t do dating thing. Why not?”

He looked at me in surprise, “You don’t do the whole dating thing either!”

I shrugged again, “I know. But you’re not me. Even though your job can be dangerous, you’re here. You’re not undercover. You’re never going to get a call in the middle of the night and have to disappear with no notice and leave them feeling ghosted while you go pretend to be someone you’re not to catch bad guys.”

“Is that why you don’t date?” He studied my face with interest while he waited for my answer.

I looked down the water glass in front of me and watched my fingers twirl it around as I answered, “It’s certainly part of. Seems pretty valid to me. The job doesn’t leave much room for it, and I love my job. You start dating a guy and suddenly he wants you to quit because it’s ‘too dangerous.’ Not that I can even tell most people what I do for living. It’s easier to date other agents, but that has its own set of issues.”

“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.” Drake was looking at me with curiosity when I glanced back up.

“My job is pretty demanding. I don’t get out much, so the only people I meet are other agents and bad guys. I certainly don’t date the bad guys.” Fucked one here and there, sure. But I didn’t feel the need to mention that. I gained a reputation as having a heart of ice because I could tumble into bed with a guy one night and slap the cuffs on him the next. But I knew when I slept with them what they were, there was no chance I was getting emotional over them. I can separate sex and emotion.

“What about you?” I asked him.

“I don’t have any reasons as good as yours. Relationships just feel like a lot of work for very little payback.”

I laughed, “That too!”

“I’m not that deep. I just never met anyone that I wanted to pursue anything beyond sex with before….” He trailed off as his eyes searched mine for a moment.

I drew in a breath to respond, but just then Matias showed up with the food. Saved by the bell.

“So, tell me about your father.” I prompted and we traded stories about our childhoods over dinner.

He had such clear affection in his voice when spoke about his parents and his sister, the same affection he had when he talked about Liam and to a lesser extent, Leo.

“So…a cabin in the woods, a ranch in Texas…I’m beginning to see a pattern.”

He laughed, “Yeah, I like the outdoors, but I can’t take credit for either of those things. The cabin was my dad’s, and the ranch has been in my mom’s family for generations.”

“So…how close is this cabin?”

“It’s about fifteen minutes from here, why?”

“You wanna show it to me?” I asked in a suggestive murmur.

His eyes traveled slowly up my body until they met mine. He held my gaze, his copper colored orbs darkening to deep amber. Several beats went by before he dropped his eyes to my lips and back up again. He nodded, “Yeah.” He said thickly then cleared his throat.

Matias appeared again to ask if we wanted dessert. Oh yeah, we did. Just not the kind he was offering.

“No thanks, Mat. We’re good.”

“Don’t forget to say bye to Rita before you leave.” He remined us, “It was so nice meeting you Riley. I hope we see you again soon. Don’t be a stranger, Drake.”

“I won’t.” He gave the man a smile then pushed his chair back and stood up.

We popped into the kitchen to say bye to Rita. She gave me that smile that lit up her whole face again as she pulled me into another hug. While Drake was busy talking to Matias, Rita whispered to me, “Take good care of his heart.”

“Rita, we’ve only known each other for like, a week.”

“That’s enough. He’s completely gone on you, I can tell.”

I just shook my head and hugged her back. I chalked it up to her generation. Like Drake said, one date and everyone was ready to marry us off.

After he hugged Rita goodbye, we walked out of the restaurant, and he took my hand to lead me back through the parking lot. When we made it to his bike, he stopped but he didn’t let go of my hand. Instead, he spun me around and pulled me against his chest.

I laughed, “What are you doing?”

“This.” Then he was kissing me. I pressed myself into him as my hands ran down his chest. He had one hand splayed across my back and the other buried in my hair.

I found the bottom of his shirt and slid my hands underneath it. I closed my eyes as my palms slid across the warm skin of his stomach, finally touching what I had been imaging on the ride there.

Drake groaned and tightened his grip around me before pulling back with a deep breath. “Damn it, Riley. Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

“Yes please.” I breathed out.

My phone dinged, l pulled it out and looked down at it, “It’s Leo. We have to get back to the palace.”

“Why? What’s happened?” He asked in concern.

“The Via Imperii have made contact.”

[slyttherins]

Bloody Rita Skeeter | Fred Weasley x Reader

Summary: Fred wants to sleep in and have a lazy morning, but Rita Skeeter ruins his plan

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Reader

Word count: 737

-

''Ron is working this morning so I don't have to come in until noon. Isn't it great?'' Fred shuffled closer and kissed your shoulder, half awake. ''We can sleep in and perhaps-''

''We?'' You pulled away from your boyfriend's hold. ''Sorry to break it to you, love, but I'm not staying in bed with you. I got to get ready for work.''

Fred opened his eyes and whined, not happy with the news you dropped on him. ''Do you really have to go?'' He tried to cuddle into you, but you didn't let him, knowing that he wouldn't let go of you if he did.

''Yes, I do. Unlike you, manager Weasley, we, mere employees, can't skip work just because we feel like it.''

''Can't you call Hannah and ask her to cover for you? Just for the morning.''

''What am I gonna tell her? Hey, Hannah, can you cover for me this morning? My boyfriend wants me to stay in bed with him.''

''Yeah. I'm sure she'll understand. I bet she's done it a few times.''

Hannah was a bubbly and fun girl, but she and Neville had a very different relationship than you and Fred. They were more private. You doubted she'd ever skip work to sleep in with her boyfriend. Plus, Neville's new teaching job at Hogwarts didn't allow them a lot of mornings together as he was residing at the castle during the school year.

''Unfortunately, I can't do that.''

It was difficult to resist a sleepy and messy haired Fred Weasley who demanded cuddles, but calling in wasn't an option today.

''Rita Skeeter is releasing her new book about the families who fell from their pedestal after the war. She claims to be revealing their deepest, darkest secrets. The Malfoy family is among them and people are eager to read about their secrets and how poorly they were treated when Voldemort returned. I personally doubt the Malfoys gave her any interviews, she most likely invented everything that's in her book, but people are still gonna buy it. It's gonna be madness at the book shop,'' you explained.

''Bloody Rita Skeeter...'' the redhead grumbled. ''She ruined our lives with her lies when we were at Hogwarts and now she's ruining my morning.''

You rolled out of bed and began changing out of your night clothes, switching them for a blouse and tailored pants. It was plain and unflattering, but you worked at a bookshop, not Madam Malkin's.

''Are we still going to the Leaky Cauldron tonight?'' you asked, just checking in.

Fred hummed, still snuggled under the covers. Lucky bastard. ''George and I have to close the shop, but Angelina will probably get there before us.''

You grabbed your Flourish and Blotts Bookseller red pin and put it on your blouse. ''Is Ron coming too?''

''I doubt it. Hermione finally found time for him in her busy schedule. I think he's gonna spend the night with her.''

''Ooh. He must be on the moon. Hermione is so busy at the Ministry with her internship. I haven't seen her since Harry's birthday. We're in September.''

You finished getting ready in the bathroom, applying some makeup and fixing your hair - looking put together helped with the sales. When you returned, Fred was surprisingly still awake, watching as you searched for your shoes.

''Tell your boss to get new uniforms. Those pants makes your ass look flat.''

''Excuse you?!''

''Sexier uniforms might make their sales go up. I know I would buy more books if the salesperson's uniform was sexier.''

You rolled your eyes, knowing he hadn't picked up a book other than an instruction manual since Hogwarts.

''Or attract creepy men. It's a book shop,'' you reminded him.

''Lucky for me, I know what's under there,'' he said smugly, grabbing a handful of your ass through the fabric of your pants as you bent down to tie your shoes.

''Fred!'' you squealed, biting back a laugh. That boy...

He laughed, pleased with himself.

''You know, I was planning on coming here to change after work, but now I think I'll keep my work clothes.''

''Wha- No!'' Fred protested, sitting up on the bed.

You quickly left his room and headed to work, laughing to yourself.