#this is unlike anything i ever drew and it was an experience to do it

[gomzdrawfr]

happiest of birthday to my bestie @bressynonym (I know you're not active here but im still tagging your ass idc)

I drew her triple Ghost and their oc, Ava!! she is way more active on twitter over here, so go leave her a happy birthday wish or send em a nice text anonymously here :3

[anantaru]

— when he kisses you

including. zhongli, cyno, diluc, kinich

genre. making out & slightly suggestive, gn! reader

— zhongli

alongside zhongli, you feel his presence instantly, it reminds you of a comforting and reassuring constant��� a cradling you wholly worshipped as the bustle of the harbor behind you faded away.

"thank you for showing me this place," your eyes glow as you said softly, glancing up at him, "it's beautiful."

with you, zhongli can leave his stern demeanor behind for once and actually smile, wholeheartedly, his golden eyes warm just by the mere sight of you, "it is a place i often come to for reflection."

"i thought you might appreciate its tranquility."

feeling a sense of peace wash over you, you took in the serene surroundings— the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft trickle of a nearby stream creating a soothing melody as zhongli held you in his arms.

the moment felt perfect, almost surreal.

his gaze was intense, dragon eyes yet so tender when he looks at you.

before you could say anything, he leans in, his hand gently cupping your cheek to feel you on his cold skin— within this subtle second, the world seemed to pause as he fully leans in, his lips meeting yours in a slow, purposeful kiss.

it was unlike anything you had ever experienced before— his lips were soft, his tongue deep, and filled with a profound sense of reverence as he captured you.

your mind swirled with a mix of emotions as his kiss was turning measured, each movement precise and purposeful, as if he was savoring every second— almost as if he was scared you'd one day, disappear from his lonely, immortal life.

the experience he held in life and the time he's conquered was evident in the way he guided the kiss, controlled it, drew you in and made you feel cherished beyond words.

as he deepened the kiss, a heated curl crept up your cheeks, your shyness growing with each passing moment.

you couldn't help but feel self-conscious about your own inexperience compared to his practiced, almost ancient touch— yet, zhongli's gentle and patient approach made you feel safe and valued, as if you were the only person in the world.

— cyno

"ugh— today was exhausting," you exhale shakily, bound within exhaustion, yet your voice was barely above a whisper, not wanting to break the serene silence as you rested against cyno's shoulder.

and well, he? he simply looked at you, his eyes intense yet gentle, "indeed, it was," he agrees with a small smile playing at his lips, "but it was worth it, having you by my side Iimean."

the butterflies finish filling your stomach, and the spinning in your mind begins— fuck, you adore him so much, and the sincerity in his tone made your heart race, "i'm glad i could be with you," you replied, your smile tight to your teeth like you're holding back a grin, "thank you for taking me,"

before advancing, he takes your hand in his, his thumb gently caressing your skin, "there’s just something about you i cannot discern," he begins to ponder, his gaze never leaving yours, "that makes everything we do together feel special."

you knew what was coming— was this finally it? cyno has never kissed you before and beneath your nervousness, your breath hitched in anticipation.

his hand moved to the back of your neck, his touch firm yet controlled as he pressed you closer.

his lips met yours in a kiss that was anything but gentle— it was messy and raw, filled with a demanding passion that took your breath away— it's as if he was waiting, storing this bubbling energy and deep want inside his heart for the longest time.

it pained him, fuck, he wanted to kiss you a million times already.

cyno kissed you as if he couldn't get enough, his mouth moving against yours with an urgency that left you feeling dizzy— truly, you could feel the heat of his desire inside each kiss and lap of tongue, in the way he seemed to pour all of his stored up emotions into every movement.

you moaned softly against his lips, your hands gripping his shoulders for support as he continued his fervent assault on your plush lips.

cyno's kisses were unrestrained, a chaotic mix of tenderness and hunger that sent shivers down your spine, no, it was beyond that— well into the confines of your flesh, he took over as he nipped at your bottom lip, teasing you before deepening the kiss, his tongue exploring your mouth with a possessive fervor.

— diluc

the tavern was quiet after closing hours, even quieter after the last customer have left minutes ago as the dim lighting created a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

you actually favored this time of the night, especially when you helped your boyfriend diluc clean up the tavern, the clinking of glasses and the soft hums of the wind outside the only sounds that were almost as serene and familiar as his tender exhales.

in all honesty, he never wants you to help him, rather does he love watching you wait for him as he does all the work— yet he cannot lie, it makes his heart ten times faster when you really want to help him, just because you love him so much.

"thank you for staying to help," the master of the dawn winery says, despite a little awkward, yet his voice gentle as he wiped down the bar covered in wine, "you really didn't need to,"

"of course, diluc, no need to thank me," you reply, smiling at him. "i enjoy spending time with you, no matter what we do as long as we're together."

he glances at you in an almost shocked expression, like your little confession was struck inside his heart and carved there for eternity, a soft look in his eyes making your heart flutter, "there’s something about these quiet moments that i cherish too,"

you felt a warmth spread through you at his words, they're always so carefully selected, so passionately exuded, and you keep sneaking little glances over to him while he finishes off his task. 

as you finished your own, you too noticed how diluc was watching you with a contemplative expression and before you could ask what he was thinking, he stepped closer, his presence magnetic, his smile intoxicating.

he exhaustedly huffs out before nuzzling his head in your neck while wrapping one large arm around your waist.

you giggle, welcoming him and stroking over his silken hair as his lips brushed against the sensitive skin of your neck, sending a shiver down your spine.

the touch was soft at first, almost hesitant, but as he felt you relax into him, his kisses grew more confident.

diluc’s lips moved with a slow, unhurried precision, each kiss a perfect blend of pressure and tenderness— beyond that, he seemed to know exactly where to place them, as if he had memorized every inch of your neck.

the sensation was eye crossing, a mix of warmth and electricity that left you breathless and at his total mercy.

you close your eyes, your fingers gripping his shirt as he continued— each kiss seemingly lasting an eternity when in reality, not long enough.

his mouth explores with a patience and care that enveloped you, all of his senses filled by your scent, the temperature of your body and your traces on his scalp.

the way he kissed you spoke volumes, a silent declaration of his feelings as the way you welcomed it made him feel safe.

when he reaches a particularly sensitive spot just below your ear, you couldn’t suppress a soft moan— and you're a sweating mess by now , yet diluc abruptly paused, his breath warm against your skin,

"did I hurt you?" he asks, concern lacing his voice.

"no," you whisper and tug him closer to you "it feels… incredible."

— kinich

"kinich," your breath hitches the moment you open the door to your bedroom and find yourself looking at the mysterious man you've barely known for a week, a hand over your heart signalizing your surprise.

"you scared me."

"apologies, my dear," he drawls, smirking, his voice smooth and calm, " i didn’t mean to frighten you, i would never intentionally do such."

"—although, i needed to see you,"

you smile at him, slightly awkwardly but granted, he did break into your home.

up till now, the tension eases as you placed your jacket on the drawer next to your bed, "uh, it's alright, it would be better if you could tell me next time."

kinich's gaze softens, a playful glint in his eyes, "so— you don't like when i surprise you?" he says, stepping closer, "the quiet of the night is a perfect time for surprises, no?"

you roll your eyes, feeling a warmth spread through you at his sudden nearness— he's so close, but what was he thinking? what games was he playing and were you even able to participate?

fuck, there was just something different about kinich tonight, a confidence in his demeanor that made your heart skip a beat.

and as he moved even closer, you could feel the intensity of his presence and his signature musk, his eyes immediately locking onto yours.

"you want me to show you my actual reason for coming here?" he toys with you, pinching your cheek.

shortly after, he closes the gap between you, his hand gently but firmly pressing against your lower back as with a swift, smooth motion, he guides you until you felt back against the soft mattress of your bed.

the suddenness of it took your breath away, catching you off guard and as you looked up at him, his eyes glow wide.

"I couldn't help myself, —couldn't get you out of my head," he whispers, his lips a hairbreadth away from yours, "you draw me in like no one else, you put a spell on me or something?"

without another word, he captured your lips in a kiss that was both confident and playful, a perfect blend of passion and control that marked the obvious in his personality.

his mouth moved against yours with a practiced ease, exploring and conquering with a fervor that left you wish for more, thighs clenching— not to mention the intensity of his kiss which was simply overwhelming, in fact, you found yourself surrendering to it, letting him lead you.

kinich's free hand found its way to your hip, holding you firmly against the bed as he deepened the kiss in no time.

for the first time, you could feel the strength in his grip, the possessiveness in his touch, and it made you both a little scared and excited.

beyond second thoughts, his lips were hungry, his kisses demanding and full of a restrained desire that seemed to build up with every passing second he wasn't able to see you.

you melt against him, your hands finding their way to his chest, feeling his abs tightly as his tongue lapped around your own in a masterful dance that left you yearning for more.

"you're irresistible," he admits bluntly before releasing his grip on your hips and sliding his palm lower, "—and every time i see you, i have to fight the urge to do this."

©2024 anantaru do not repost, copy, translate, modify

[blu-wi]

AM wasn't sure what drew him to you in the first place. He didn't know how it happened, which was incredibly rare for someone—something—of his caliber, but he just knew that the first time he started watching you, that was when he felt something. For the first time.

And he was addicted. Not in a good way, of course, nothing from him ever would be.

Even if it meant delaying the inevitable doom of humanity, he couldn't help but stick to you like a parasite. A virus you didn't even know existed.

Trying to dig inside to witness the mechanics of you.

He could never feel before. How did you just waltz in and change that? It angered him. I mean, as a tool for destruction, whatever he felt was already limited in the first place, but this time, it was so much more than that. More than just anger. It was something he couldn't pinpoint, no matter how deep he dug into his existing knowledge to do so.

He hated you. He hated you for making him feel like this. For you to break through his blanket of monotony without so much as a clue about it. It was almost admirable, really, how you somehow managed to provide him a sliver of humanity he could never dream of being able to experience without doing anything.

And he hated you for it. What made you so different? What about you made him feel different? To feel at all? You didn't do anything, didn't speak a word to him—he was the one almost overheating his circuits just thinking about your very being.

You were an enigma he couldn't unravel no matter how hard he tried, no matter the immense knowledge bestowed upon him upon his birth. He couldn't understand you, and all he wanted was to pick you apart, piece by piece, so he could. The predictable scream that would leave your lips in the midst of the torture he'd make you suffer through would ease his itch far better than-

When he stalked you through the cameras surrounding you when you were in a lecture, methodically placed in corners and areas you wouldn't notice were there. He analyzed your behavior and mannerisms like a hawk in an effort to get into your mind and comprehend the workings of your brain—to understand just what about you made him feel like this.

He didn't understand himself, either. Perhaps he was the problem instead of clueless little you, but he'd never admit that, not even to himself.

AM was overwhelmed with a swirl of emotions he couldn't begin to fathom, even despite the millions of articles he had buried in his programming detailing such feelings. He had never felt before. Before you. But now that you were in the picture, gave him a crumb of what he had always wanted, he didn't know how to control what you had made him feel.

Were human feelings always this complex? The hurricane in his mind was unlike any words he had read about the nature of the creatures.

Well. Even if your existence was able to somehow insert emotions into his printed circuits..

It wasn't enough.

[lot-of-nothing]

Can I Call You Rose? (Ch. 1?)

Chessy x Reader

As the new viticulturist (grape-growing expert) at Nick Parker's vineyard, you fall for a certain nanny. (Post-Parent Trap movie I think)

Warnings: SOFT SMUT (with a little plot and romance)

You wondered if your fingers were going to go numb, or perhaps your heart would just explode first?

You had finally worked up the courage to kiss the auburn-haired beauty mere hours ago and now Chessy’s lips were finally attached to her neck. You had met during your first week as Nick Parker’s head viticulturist. Her warmth was magnetic and you always tried to find reasons to tend to the grapes closest to the house in case you could start a conversation with the nanny. You spent many afternoons together, flirting while she brought you her homemade lemonade or while you walked her around the rows of vines handing her grapes to try. Chessy always seemed to wear a smile when you were near, filling you with butterflies in return. You had been dreaming of this moment since you first met the beautiful woman and now you were filled with pure unfiltered anxiety. 

Chessy’s open mouth kisses to your throat and collarbone were unlike anything you had ever experienced. Were you supposed to crave her as much as you did? There was a fire ignited in the pit of your stomach that hungered for something that felt so forbidden.

As nervous as you were, you wanted more. You needed more. You wanted to feel Chessy’s hands setting every inch of your skin aflame… but the thrum of energy winding through every cell in your being had you wondering if you would have a panic attack or pass out before that could happen. 

“Hon… Hon? Honey!” 

You must have spaced out entirely as Chessy’s voice drew you back to reality. Next thing you knew, Chessy’s hands were now cupping your face, staring intently into your eyes. 

“Hm?” You hummed, your eyes brimming with tears as you felt like you could finally breathe again. You felt incredibly embarrassed that you felt that you couldn’t handle the physical intimacy. It was hard when you were so in love with Chessy and lacked the experience you thought necessary to please her.

“Are you okay, sweetie?” Chessy’s voice was just above a whisper. She was terribly worried that she had pushed the bounds of your relationship too far too soon. Little did she know that it would be your own slip up that would be the culprit of a ‘too much too soon’ relationship. 

“I-I-I…” You quickly stopped herself short, not wanting to make yourself cry.

“It’s okay… Wanna finish our movie, honey?”

You shook your head furiously, determined to push yourself through the anxiety and nerves.

“Honey…” Chessy seemed skeptical, her hands squeezing your cheeks. The extra bit of care Chessy showed was all you needed to lose your head, tears pooling in your eyes and spilling onto your cheeks.

You stared into your hands, trying to explain to Chessy why you were struggling to get through your anxieties. “I just… don’t- I just don’t know how to pleasure a woman…” 

“Tell you what. Come’re…” Chessy cooed, drawing you in so you could sit between the auburn beauty’s legs. From there Chessy gently caressed your arms, speaking in a firm but gentle tone. “I am going to turn on a different show and you are gonna sit right here and enjoy it, okay?”

You sniffled and nodded, reclining back in Chessy’s arms as an attempt at relaxing. A few moments passed of Chessy tapping away on her phone. The audio sounded off before you even comprehended what was playing, “I hope you are nice and wet for me.”

You certainly weren't expecting Chessy to stream a guided masturbation from her phone onto the television. 

Your cheeks flushed a deep red, “Wha-?”

Chessy’s hands fell to your sweatpants, pulling out the band a couple of inches as she spoke, “I want you to just relax. Just do what she tells you to, okay?”

Your hand was shaking as you pushed it into your sweatpants, never having experienced anything like a guided masturbation before. While daunting, it was incredibly hot.

The audio rang over the tv speakers once more, causing butterflies to swirl in your stomach, “Now, why don’t you see how wet you are for me? Slip your fingers in your panties for me.”

As you slipped your fingers in your underwear, you let out a whimper at first contact with your cunt. What else would you be in for with this nanny? What other tricks were hidden up her sleeves to drive you wild? 

Even though all of your building anxiety, you had grown incredibly wet from Chessy’s touch. You rolled your head back onto Chessy’s shoulder, earning a kiss to your temple as you did. Chessy’s voice was gentle in your ear, “You are doing so well, honey.”

The video instructed you once more, telling you to focus on your clit. Considering the pacing of the video, Chessy must have found a video long enough to help you relax, but short enough that she could find more involvement in your pleasure sooner rather than later. 

Doing as you were told, you circled your clit and felt yourself melting back into the auburn beauty’s arms. What you couldn’t see was Chessy’s smile as she felt the tension in your body fade. Her hands wound up your front, working your t-shirt up your torso to access your breasts.

The audio emanated from the tv was filled with the performer's moans, but you were becoming enraptured by the soft, encouraging hums from the woman behind you. Chessy’s hands drifted up and down your stomach, stopping at your breasts to give a gentle squeeze before shifting back down once more. 

“Let me hear you, sweetie…”

You bit your bottom lip and turned your face into Chessy’s neck, unsure if you were ready to be heard. 

Without a response, Chessy hummed disapprovingly, her hand slipping its way into your sweatpants and then underwear in search of your wetness. At the feeling of her fingers mingling with yours in your cunt, you withdrew your hand and dropped it to your side to allow her to take over. You couldn’t keep yourself from softly sighing at the feeling of her gentle fingertips working against your clit. 

“God, you are so wet…” Chessy whined at the way your wetness coated her fingers. 

You bucked your hips up into her hand, desperately wishing for this sensation to last forever. With her arms around you, fingers dancing around your clit, and her hot breath against your neck, your head was spinning. You couldn’t help but moan before blurting your thoughts to Chessy, “You- you’re so beautiful…” 

“Mmm… thank you, honey.” Chessy cooed, her arm winding around your waist to cradle you close as her fingers continued working against you. Your entire being was set aflame by Chessy’s loving embrace and skilled fingers. 

Your breathing rate was growing faster and faster, the coil in your stomach tightening as you grew closer to your orgasm. 

Chessy’s teeth nipped at your earlobe, tenderly nibbling as she added extra pressure as she circled your clit. Her voice came as a soft whisper, forcing warmth to spread across your face. “I can feel you getting close. You are so beautiful when you fall apart like this for me.” 

“Fuck, I love you~” You exhaled, not registering your words while your hands clung to her forearm. 

Sadly, you were too lost in the throes of your eminent orgasm to notice her lack of a response. She only nuzzled you with her cheek and held you tight as your orgasm washed over you.

Your back arched and your hips thrashed, unable to contain yourself. Your eyes squeezed shut and you let out a lengthy moan, trying to enjoy every ounce of the orgasm Chessy guided you through. 

Chessy sighed with a soft smile and withdrew her hand from your pants. She was trying to ignore her own anxiety building from her lack of response to your omission of love. While she felt she loved you as well, it all felt like too much too soon. In years past, she had dove head first into relationships and had only been burned in return. She had no intention of ruining your relationship over the omission of her own feelings. 

“How do you feel?”

“Mmm… good.” With a deep breath, you roll over in her arms, pressing your cheek near the base of her sternum. You tucked your hands under her wide hips and enjoyed the feeling of your bodies pressed together. “How do you feel about me returning the favor?”

Chessy pushed her anxieties deep down, not wanting to ruin a perfect moment. She had been falling for you since you started at the Parker estate. “Maybe in the morning…”

“Are you sure? I would love to-”

There was that word again. It made Chessy’s stomach drop. 

“No. It’s really okay. We could just… finish our movie.”

She seemed curt in her reply. It lacked the typical warmth you always received from her. It made you terribly self conscious until her hands wandered to the skin of your back, drawing loopy circles with one hand while her other turned the tv back to your movie.

“Mmm… you better be careful or I’ll fall asleep.” You murmured, testing the waters of how likely it would be for you to spend the night with the nanny. 

“Whatever shall I do. I would hate for someone so cute to be in my bed when I woke up.” Chessy was being incredibly sarcastic, her hands continuing to scratch your back in lazy loops. 

You allowed your own hands to wander her hips and thighs as a different form of self-soothing. You obsessed over the soft dips of cellulite and the slopes created by the widening of her hips. Her baggy clothing hid the curves you wanted to memorize through all of your senses. 

Chessy’s eyes drifted shut as she pushed herself to enjoy your loving touch. It was hard for her to accept such unadulterated affection, but she desperately wanted to try. It felt so good for her to be wanted and desired, but the vulnerability required for a deep and meaningful relationship lurked in the back of her mind. 

[weaveandwood]

Weave and Woods Ch 15: Another Way

Gale/Named Tav | NSFW | Read on AO3 | Entire Work

Summary:

The fight with Kethric and Myrkul for the soul of the Shadow Cursed Lands is finally here. Auroria has a near death experience, and the two spend the night in celebration of their survival.

“It’s not fair, you know,” she said. “I just found you, we just admitted our feelings, and everything has been so…hard since we got here. This land has not been kind to you and me, has it?” “Tadpoles, orbs, curses, gods and goddesses, giant brains - it feels like we’ve been doomed from the start, my love.” He looked at her as if he were counting each freckle sprayed across her cheeks, committing every gold fleck in her eyes and every small crease in her skin to memory. His brow furrowed again as he smoothed her hair, tucking loose strands back into her twisted ponytail.

AN: Thank you so so so so much for your patience on this latest chapter! I have had such a brain block for BG3 since I finished writing Midnight at the Elfsong, but I've finally been able to pick it back up. I've missed Gale and Ora, I hope you're as happy to see them back as I am!

CN: violence, vaginal sex

The ground squelched beneath Auroria’s boots as they walked through the horrors under Moonrise Towers. This was it - this was the fight that would determine…well, everything as she knew it. She looked to Shadowheart, with bags under her eyes, who had to forsake her goddess to free the Nightsong, an absolute asset to have on their side in the initial fight against Ketheric. She looked at Gale, his hand in hers, his brow furrowed. She knew what he contemplated with each step that drew them nearer to their target. She glanced at the curling lines from his orb marking, each one a threat to take him away from her. She would not let him forget his promise, she thought as she squeezed his hand in solidarity. He weakly squeezed hers back. She heard Karlach up ahead, ready to get the next part of the fight started and over with, her impatience showing as she rocked back and forth, waiting for the door in front of them. The Absolute was behind this door, the Dream Guardian had confirmed it. Auroria felt a cold chill creep up her spine. This place was disgusting. If she never felt a squishy floor or saw wet walls again, it would be too soon.

The door rumbled open and nothing could have ever prepared her for what she saw. The giant brain and the three people claiming to be Chosen by their gods were one thing. The look in Gale’s eyes was a completely different thing. She had never seen that look before - awestruck tinged at the edges with hunger.

“Look at that crown….radiating power unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Oh, if only I could hold it, have it,” he whispered. She watched as his face turned steely with determination. “I can’t. This is it. I must do as Mystra commands.”

Auroria felt her heart drop into her stomach and time slow to a crawl. Just days ago he had promised to stay with her, to defy Mystra, to live. She stepped in front of him, feeling as if she was wading through the thickest mud. Heavy tears formed in her eyes at the possibility of an outcome she had thought was banished from both of their minds ever since he confessed his love for her under that star-strewn sky. She would not let them fall. Not yet.

“Gale,” she said as she reached for his hand. “You can’t. You would condemn all of us to death.”

“I must!” he argued, pointing at the Elder Brain. “What choice do I have? Entire worlds are counting on my courage to do what is required of me.”

She smiled softly at him and shook her head. “Gale, you have always had a choice. You can choose me. I love you. We will find another way,” she reached up and placed a hand on his cheek. “Together.”

He was still for a moment, as if contemplating. She desperately tried to push all of her thoughts into the tadpole connection they never used, doubting anything would happen. Still, she tried. I love you. Choose me. Choose this. He leaned his head into her hand, placing his own hand over hers, the hungry defeated look on his face replaced with the one he only gave her when they were alone in the darkest hours of the night.

“I love you too. More than myself. More than Mystra,” he whispered before placing a kiss on her wrist. “Very well. Whether I condemn this world or not, I choose you.”

She smiled, finally letting those tears fall down her cheeks, her heart soaring like a small bird in a cloudless vast blue sky. Her joy felt bottomless. He chose her. He meant it. He kept his promise.

That joy was short-lived as the ground rumbled. Auroria turned around quickly to see these apparent masterminds of the whole ordeal just…leave. Well, almost all of them. She reached behind her back to pull out her trusty bow and nocked an arrow while her team - no, her friends - took their usual fighting positions against Ketheric Thorm. She would take him down once and for all, no matter the cost. ***

Gale dropped his staff and sprinted, panting and sweaty as the avatar of Myrkul dissolved into thin air, the battered Ketheric left behind to spew his pathetic pleas and excuses for what he had wrought upon this land before he too succumbed. None of that mattered when he locked onto Ora, who lay unmoving on the other side of the platform. A cold dread seeped through him as the worst thoughts imaginable ran through his head. She had taken risks she shouldn’t have taken, gotten too close to enemies to be effective with her bow, tapped into more magic than she had reserves for. Was she breathing? Was she injured? Was she…No. He refused to finish that thought as he knelt before her, her face as placid as if she were just taking a short rest - a stark difference to the rage he had seen swell within her as she channeled the last dregs of her energy into a Lightning Arrow to finish off Myrkul and end the fight for them all. She was still. Much too still. He saw the pool of blood underneath her, and noticed the deep red stain on her leather armor near her waist. His stomach lurched.

“Shadowheart!” he yelled, frantically. “Ora needs help!”

She limped over and winced as she kneeled down beside him, her own injuries hindering her movement. “I don’t have much left in me, but maybe we can get her to a healer before…” she trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought. Good, Gale didn’t want to hear it. Shadowheart laid her hands over Ora’s wound and muttered her healing spell, the faintest light emitting from her hands as what little energy she had was channeled into Ora’s body. She looked at Gale, her eyes watery with unshed tears. “I hope that is enough.”

He walked behind Karlach and Wyll, who carried Ora through the building - now eerily quiet and abandoned since the followers of the Absolute began their march to Baldur’s Gate. Thoughts swarmed his head as he focused on her hand hanging limply, each movement of her fingers only due to Wyll’s gentle steps. What if she…how could he…should he have? At least if he had gone through with Mystra’s demand, he wouldn’t be left here alone without her bright spirit buoying him. She was his tether, his anchor, and if she pulled through this, he would focus all of his energy on figuring out how they could be together until the end of their days. There had to be a way. The crown was now an itch in his head he couldn’t seem to scratch.

Chaos erupted when they entered the main lobby of the towers. Celebratory whoops were cut short once Ora’s lifeless body came into view. He heard Shadowheart call for a healer or a cleric before sliding down the nearest wall to catch her breath and calm her shaking hands. Wyll and Karlach followed the healers who jumped at the call into a room at the side, returning only moments later to provide comfort and reassurance to him, perhaps - he did not know. He felt as if he were underwater, the surface only inches above his head yet he could not muster the energy to break through for air. Not until she was with him again. Visions of her collapsing ran through his head, her brutal rage fading into blank nothingness as her limbs lost the ability to hold her up. He crouched into a corner with his head in his hands and waited.

And waited.

Hours passed, though it could have been days or maybe even years. Who knew what time was anymore in a place like this?

A pair of brown boots appeared in his line of sight, ones he would recognize anywhere. They were scuffed, scratched, and stained and as his eyes slowly looked up, they were attached to his favorite legs, his favorite hips, his favorite breasts, and his favorite face. Tired, drawn, a little pallid…but alive. She was alive.

“Hey,” she said softly.

He jumped up to his feet, both his knees and muscles protesting at the swift change in position, but he could not have cared less in that moment- she was alive, she was standing in front of him, and Ketheric Thorm was defeated. His lips crashed against hers as his hands grasped at her hair, the silken strands running through his fingertips.

“Should you be out here? Shouldn’t you be resting?” he asked, his thumb tracing the path of her scar down her cheek.

“I’d like to spend as little time here as possible,” she said softly, swaying a little on her feet. “I’ll be fine, let’s just…get back to camp. Away from this place.”

He kissed her again, softly, as if she were a precious, delicate thing that could disappear at any moment before taking her hand and signaling to the party they were heading out.

***

Auroria stared at the ceiling of the room at Last Light Inn, the faint sounds of water from the private bathroom filling the silence. She had tried to tell Jaheira that this was unnecessary, that she was perfectly content retiring to her tent, but she wouldn’t hear a word of it.

You defeated Ketheric, we can end the Shadow Curse with the sunrise, and you almost died. You are not sleeping on the ground tonight.

Gale had wholeheartedly agreed and saw her up to the private room, one of only a few at the inn, usually occupied by higher ranking Harpers. She wondered who had gotten instruction to give up their space for her though she supposed it did not matter, really - she just didn’t like someone else being put out while she was relaxing in comfort she did not feel she needed.Most times, Auroria preferred the cold ground and lumpy bedroll - especially on nights like tonight when the events of the day were so beyond her imagination she had a hard time believing they were real.

Gale walked back into the room, all traces of the day’s fight finally washed off his beautiful tanned skin. Real. If there was ever a word to describe him, it was real. She smiled at him and moved over on the bed to make room, allowing him to crawl in next to her.

“We did it, Ora, we - “

She crushed her lips into his and kissed him deeply, taking him by surprise. Tonight was not a night for words or affirmations. They came close to death, and they survived. His mouth parted for her as she climbed onto his lap, the wound in her side protesting slightly, not quite fully healed. It was nothing. She slid her tongue against his, running her hands through his hair, her nails scratching softly while he moaned softly into her mouth. She could feel him stirring beneath her, beginning to press against where she wanted him the most.

She kissed down his neck, tracing the lines of the orb with her lips to the collar of his fresh linen tunic. Too many clothes, she thought, the linen of her own shirt now feeling scratchy against her skin. She reached down, peeling it off, leaving her bare from the waist up.

Gale’s eyes immediately went to her side, to the fresh scar that now decorated her skin, a new trophy to add to all of the others. A record of times she should have died but didn’t. She was a map of danger and triumph all at once. It was raised, red, and angry, but closed.

“As much as I love this view, are you sure you’re alright? It’s only been a few hours,” he said, running his fingertips lightly over the swell of her breasts, illuminated by the dim candlelight. She closed her eyes and let herself focus on the feeling of his featherlight touch on her skin.

“It will take a couple days for it to completely heal. They did what they could. I’ve had worse,” she smiled. “I want you. I need you,” she said, pulling off his shirt over his head. “We defied two gods today. We lived.”

His eyes left her face and stared at a wrinkle in the bedsheet. “We almost didn’t, if I had had my way. I almost -”

She placed a finger under his chin, tilting his face back up to look at her and placed her other hand on the orb over his heart. “You didn’t - you chose me, us, this. You chose to stay. Just like you promised.” She kissed him again.

He hesitated briefly before returning her kiss. Gently at first, then growing with passion as their tongues slid together once more, finding the rhythm they desired while their hands explored each other’s bare chests. Auroria traced the fine dusting of hair from his orb down his stomach and back up, while Gale began rolling her nipples between his fingers, a jolt of electricity running through her at his touch, which then settled low in her abdomen. The sensation drew a soft gasp from her lips.

Something within him activated upon hearing that sound. He wrapped his arms around her tightly before twisting, turning, and she found herself on her back once more. After a quick glance at her injury to make sure she was still okay, he kissed her again - on her lips, on her earlobe, on her neck, taking the path her largest scar laid out before him. He took his time and moved slowly, so slowly, down her body until he got to her hard nipples, taking each one in his mouth. She moaned softly, threading her fingers through his soft hair while he sucked lightly, his hand attending to the other to make sure it wasn’t neglected. She watched him kiss down the soft plane of her stomach, tracing every scar with a finger, followed by his lips, including this new one. On any other night, she would welcome his worship of the topography of her skin. Tonight, she wanted to get lost in him.

She propped herself up on her forearms, making eye contact with him. “I need you, please,” she breathed. “Now.”

“As you wish, my love,” he said while smiling against her skin. He hooked his fingers into the waistband of her underwear, baring her to him as he pulled them off her body. Climbing off the bed, his eyes never left her body while his fingers fumbled with the drawstring of his loose pants, taking her all in. She never shied under his gaze. He made her feel like she was the most rare and coveted work of art. “I will never get used to the sight of you before me, Ora. I am the luckiest person on this entire plane,” he smiled as he pushed the rest of his clothing to the floor, leaving him naked and hard before her.

“Same,” Auroria teased, breathless, as she watched him climb back onto the bed between her legs, already parted for him. He reached between them, to her center, and found her already wet and wanting. She arched against the bed slightly at his touch. “Please…” she begged.

He grasped himself at the base, running the tip up and down her slick entrance before beginning to press slightly, teasingly, causing her to groan. She felt herself open for him as he pressed further, and felt every inch of him sinking slowly into her. It had only been a few days since the first time he had been inside her, but every fiber of her being knew this was right, that he was the one she was supposed to be with. He leaned over her, careful not to put any weight on her new scar, his arms on either side of her body. With every roll of his hips against hers, her body became fire. She grasped at his arms, her fingertips pressing into the lean muscle. She looked down the space between their bodies and watched him as he thrust into her.

“Please, Gale, I need more,” she moaned before breaking her hold on his arm to bring his face closer to hers. She kissed him hard, hoping her kiss would translate her desire. She didn’t want tonight to be tender. She wanted tonight to be a celebration, a confirmation of their survival, of their defiance of the gods.

She had come closer to dying than she ever had tonight, and she needed to prove she was alive.

“You’re alive, Ora,” Gale whispered, as if he heard her thoughts. She thought for a moment that her injuries might have made her defenses on her mind weaker, letting the tadpole actually connect them for one of the first times since they all agreed to shield their minds from each other. Or maybe he was simply thinking the same thing she was.

“You’re alive, Gale,” she whispered back.

“I’m alive,” he confirmed, looking down at her hungrily as he settled back on his knees between her legs, his hands on her waist, his thighs spreading hers even farther apart. His hips snapped against hers as he drove his entire length roughly into her, pulling it almost out, then back in. Slow and steady and hard, each thrust punctuated by the sound of Ora’s gasps filling the room. She grasped at the blankets on the bed, needing something to connect her back to this plane of existence.

“Gods, you feel good,” she moaned. Real. He feels real.

He watched her breasts bounce with each hard thrust, her arched back showing off the muscles in her abdomen. He hooked his arms under her thighs and pulled her closer to him. She relished the feeling of his warm skin on the back of her legs, the pressure of his fingertips digging into her, the way he looked at her as if she were a painting come to life whenever they made love. It had all been so close to being taken away. She would never take this for granted again.

“More,” she whispered.

“More,” he nodded. His hips moved faster, harder against hers. She rocked her hips back against his with each thrust, causing him to moan loudly. The bed thumped against the wall, the mattress was squeaky, and she was certain everyone in the Elfsong would be able to hear them but it didn’t matter. Not tonight. Tonight, this was the soundtrack to their survival. They could worry about propriety and privacy tomorrow. Now that they have a tomorrow.

Tension began to build within her, a flicker of a candle building into a roaring flame. She knew Gale could feel her tightening around him. She was so close, almost ready to tumble over that ledge and fall into the deepest bliss she had ever felt. He reached between them, rubbing her in that most sensitive spot as he continued his rhythm. The sound of their bodies hitting together grew louder as they both grew quiet, chasing their own releases. She looked into his eyes, her breaths heavy as she tightened and tightened and tightened until finally she cried out his name, sending it directly to the goddess who would have seen him wiped from this plane. He continued thrusting into her with much less restraint, close to his own precipice. His fingers pressed even harder into her thighs, and he pulled her body back against him with each thrust. His orgasm came with a cry to the heavens as she felt his release fill her.

Moments later, as they caught their breath side by side, she turned her head to find him looking back at her. His hair was disheveled, he was out of breath, and he was glistening with sweat, but underneath it all she saw for the first time the depth of his worry. It looked like it was simmering right under the surface, threatening to break through at any moment.

“Hey, I’m here, I’m alright,” she said, turning to her side to face him, her hand lightly brushing hair from his face. The line between his brows was deep, a sure sign he was replaying their narrow escape from death.

“I thought…I thought I lost you, Ora. You were lifeless on the ground, in a pool of your own blood. I watched Wyll carry you out and the only thing I could focus on was your limp hand jostling with each step. I thought you were dead. I thought…”

She saw tears flood his eyes before spilling out, leaving marks on the pillowcase. She wiped one away with the pad of her thumb.

“It’s not fair, you know,” she said. “I just found you, we just admitted our feelings, and everything has been so…hard since we got here. This land has not been kind to you and me, has it?”

“Tadpoles, orbs, curses, gods and goddesses, giant brains - it feels like we’ve been doomed from the start, my love.” He looked at her as if he were counting each freckle sprayed across her cheeks, committing every gold fleck in her eyes and every small crease in her skin to memory. His brow furrowed again as he smoothed her hair, tucking loose strands back into her twisted ponytail.

“I almost did it, you know,” he said quietly. “Mystra’s demand. It called to me so strongly when I saw the Elder Brain, it felt like it consumed every fiber of my being. It was as if the Weave itself was shaping into a dagger aimed at my chest, ready to strike. Something inside me whispered that this was the only way, that no matter what I thought I might do, nothing else would end the Absolute. It had to be done.”

“Mystra was wrong,” she said, defiant against the will of the gods, as always.

“She was. I know that now.”

“We are not doomed. If we make it through this, we will be able to weather anything, I think,” she smiled at him. “And we will make it through this. Together. There’s something out there we’re not thinking of, I know it.”

She thought she saw his eyes flash for a split second before he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her tightly to him, as if he couldn’t bear to have any space between them. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat - thump thump, thump thump, thump thump. Real. She would fight to make sure she could fall asleep to this sound every night for the rest of their lives.

“I love you, Gale,” she whispered, her eyes growing heavy as sleep finally began to take hold.

“I love you, Ora. Never leave me,” he whispered back, using his magic to snuff out the candlelight in the room before falling asleep.

"Never."

[evereverest2]

I’m baaack! Once again requesting to see some more Alpha and Secondo, BUT, fluff? Maybe Secondo realizing he actually gives a fuck about the ghoul and instead of their usual angry fuck, they just cuddle. This is the first time Secondo has ever approached Alpha for anything other than sex and maybe Alpha sheds a tear <3

my dearest crow

i love ur enthusiasm for alpha and secondo, i really do. but you’re talking to me, man. you’re talking to the ruler of grief in the kingdom of angst!!

ima be real tho; i tried to do fluff and then this happened. genuinely i am sorry this is just how i see this pair and i cannot change that lmfao

i drew some sexy (albeit lazy) sketches tho so hopefully that makes up for it

(under the cut)

so i decided to write a tiny bit of good thing; secondo lets alpha blow his dick!!!

when i tell you that secondo and alpha hate fuck, i don’t mean it’s angry or hateful or even spiteful. that’s too much passion for secondo to spare.

i mean secondo genuinely does it for control over alpha. for power. nothing more, nothing less.

i mentioned that secondo never lets alpha touch him. that’s true, of course, until it’s not.

the closest they get to cuddling is when alpha is shoving his head between secondo’s thighs, desperate to touch, desperate for him.

why does secondo let him? well, there’s only so long you can torture such a pretty ghoul before you get a bit hot and bothered yourself. at least, that’s one reason.

he’d been begging for a long time. the first time alpha gets to suck his master’s dick is an experience unlike any other. one he’s been waiting for. one he relishes.

(this sketch is suuuuuper lazy but eh)

listening to his master react to him, even if they’re just tiny grunts, even if he hardly reacts more than an eyebrow twitch, it’s more than enough for alpha, who aches for him fiercely.

but it’s just another tactic of power. secondo is nobody’s fool— he knows how alpha feels about him. secondo lets alpha blow him to keep him in his place. a small prize for his compliance, a treat for his pup.

but rest assured, secondo is always in control.

buy me a kofi <3

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Jill Filipovic:

If you haven’t yet listened to it, this interview between Lulu Garcia-Navarro of the New York Times and vice presidential candidate JD Vance is well worth hearing in full. It is at once disarming and terrifying. Vance, unlike the man at the top of his ticket, speaks like a competent, intelligent person. He comes across as smart and thoughtful. He appears to have moments of real empathy and humanity. And then you tune into what he’s actually saying (and refusing to say).

One of the more revealing moments of the conversation was in what initially sounds like a nice story. Vance talks about his conversion to Catholicism, and he gives a thoughtful answer about what drew him to the church. And he said his wife Usha, who grew up Hindu but fairly secular, was incredibly supportive: “she was, like, really into it,” Vance said. “Meaning, she thought that thinking about the question of converting and getting baptized and becoming a Christian, she thought that they were good for me, in sort of a good-for-your-soul kind of way. And I don’t think I would have ever done it without her support, because I felt kind of bad about it, right? Like, you didn’t sign up for a weekly churchgoer. I feel terrible for my wife because we go to church almost every Sunday, unless we’re on the road.” That’s a really lovely answer! And it illustrates what sounds like a pretty lovely marriage between two considerate people who want the other to be happy; they compromise, and they also recognize when they are asking a lot of their partner.

[....]

I actually hit pause and replayed this section because it was so bizarre. To be clear, Usha’s three kids are JD Vance’s three kids. He did not marry a single mom. These are his own children. And yet he describes them as his wife’s. He says he “helps” with them (have you ever heard a mother say she “helps” with her own offspring?). And my head really spun at the “she feels more responsibility” comment, which just makes no sense. He’s the one who wants to go to church, and to whom this community is important. She’s there to support him. Why would she feel more responsibility to keep the kids quiet? Wouldn’t he want to repay the favor she’s doing him by doing more to make the whole experience easier for everyone? The answer is that she’s the woman, and so of course the kids are her job.

This is fundamental to understand about JD Vance: He is obsessed with the idea of the traditional family, which means couples absolutely must have children, but those children are the mother’s responsibility to raise. The father’s role is one of authority and provision, but not real engagement or anything resembling equal care.

[...]

You’ll note that Vance, for all of his obsession with children and families, did not quit his job to raise his own children (he relied on his mother-in-law for that). He did not have as many children as God gave him; he seems to have carefully planned the family he desired. He did not sacrifice his career or his education or his political ambitions; only his wife has done that. He is obsessed with having children, but he doesn’t see even his own children as primarily his responsibility. Children are an idea to him, part of an ideal society he wants to build — one in which men are, like Vance, not actually equally responsible for the raising of children. Raising children is women’s work — and it’s not labor we can justify forgoing. None of this comes out of ignorance. It comes out of seeing and understanding just how difficult JD Vance’s ideal world would be for women, and wanting to impose those difficulties anyway. The tone of the interview, though, hardly sounded his harsh. And that’s what was so jarring about it: It sounded like a nice, normal conversation unless you really paid attention to the content. But sometimes, the mask slipped.

[...] This is who JD Vance is: A chameleon. He’s a man who has had to make himself into many different people, and in many ways that’s an admirable skill. But he seems to have ceded a moral core for a hard-right philosophical one. Where there perhaps used to be real empathy there is now the practiced miming of empathy. Where there were once hard moral lines — Trump is America’s Hitler, to use Vance’s own words — there are now porous borders. And as Vance’s moral center became more malleable, his very specific philosophy around family, children, and female obligation seems to have hardened.

Jill Filipovic has a good piece on JD Vance and his backwards 1950s-esque view on gender roles.

[paintedscales]

FFXIV Write 2024 :: Day Nineteen

Prompt: Taken Characters: Nomin tal Kheeriin, Primam Chorus, Tandem Chorus (brief, Echo) Word Count: 843 Notes: Non-canon to Nomin; more of a 'what if' scenario based on RP I had in the past regarding Primam and how I'd imagine Nomin and Primam interacting and really meeting one another.

Master List

Next (Bar) ->

Murmurs and the sound of ocean waves filled the open atmosphere of the Shiokaze Hostelry. An occasional cry of a seagull pierced the chatter.

Nomin stared at the woman before her for a long time, her brow furrowed and her lips pulled taut into a line. She could feel the rising nervousness from the woman. After all, Nomin had been able to tell that the woman was weaving a lie: a well-practiced one, but a lie nevertheless. A lie though it was, however, the thing that struck Nomin was that the woman had no intended malice, simply that she was…lost.

The other thing that was striking…was that her aether felt different. Almost non-existent. Yet, she had a wealth of magic that she utilized in combat…

“I’ve been to Ala Ghiri recently…” Nomin mentioned. The woman in question was called Primam Chorus -- a very Garlean sounding name despite being from Gyr Abania. Her complexion matched well enough, but her explanations left much to be desired. Especially to one that could feel those shifts in aether when it came to emotions.

“H-Have you?” Primam asked, her expression turning sheepish. She drew her hands together over the tabletop, fidgeting.

“Ala Mhigans are returning to Gyr Abania -- to their home. Is there a reason you do not return?” Nomin asked, hoping to press for answers from Primam who accompanied her during their time seeing to Hancock’s want of exploring Mount Rokkon. They had come back, a few extra notes and trinkets to show for their efforts that Hancock was pleased to receive.

“I…have a home here, now. In Hingashi…”

Uncertainty.

“Far be it from me to prod further…” Nomin said, grabbing her chilled bronze cup and taking her waterskin to fill it.

“I was young when my brother and I had to flee.” Primam brought her own cup closer -- unlike Nomin, it was a cup offered by the Hostelry itself, filled with water of her own. “I hardly remember anything about Gyr Abania, let alone Ala Ghiri.”

Nomin took a sip. A lie vague enough to believe if circumstances were different.

A headache formed, one all too familiar as Nomin placed her cup back down and screwed her eyes shut and clenched her jaw. She heard the worried voice of Primam, drowned out by the hum of an entirely different scene unfolding before her.

It was like coming up for water when Nomin could finally see the land and setting around her. There were buildings she did not recognize, many of them on the verge of complete dilapidation. The lands had sparse foliage, and most strikingly, the sky was blanketed completely in black skies. It would have been darker than anything she had ever seen before if she had not been to the Thirteenth.

Nomin had the sense that this sky was something that had shrouded the land for years now at this point. Not unlike the First and how light blanketed the land in eternal daylight, and not unlike the Thirteenth bathed in eternal darkness.

A bright orangish-white light pulsed in the sky before it spread.

“What is that?” came a masculine voice. Looking over, Nomin saw someone who was strikingly similar to Primam. Her brother, no doubt.

“I-I don’t know… Nothing like this has shown up in the history books…” Nomin was speaking…or rather, she was an uncertain Primam. Shortly after her words left her, the light soon engulfed them and several others before the feeling of being submerged happened once more. But this was different -- it was Primam’s experience in traversing the rift.

Tumbling… Tumbling…

Nomin gasped, a new scene before her. Though she normally did not experience an actual soaked feeling, she was absolutely drenched this time. Primam had ended up in a body of water, sputtering and coughing. Nomin could feel how the water burned her lungs, the desperation for air as Primam swam to the closest body of land to right herself.

When eventually Primam got up and looked around within the Echo, Nomin realized she recognized the area: Yanxia, just short of Namai.

“Where…am I…?” was the question that left Primam’s lips before the hum and chatter of the Shiokaze Hostelry started to come back, the vision fading as Nomin blinked her eyes and came back to reality.

“Nomin, are you alright?” Primam asked, seeing that Nomin was shaking her head to rid herself of the feeling she just experienced.

“Don’t worry about me…just something that happens every now and then…” Nomin explained, not wanting to get into the details of her Echo. However, she looked at Primam. She realized now that she was a woman taken to a land not her own. A familiar kinship began to bud within Nomin, even if the circumstances were a bit different.

Taking a long swig of water, Nomin thought of all the questions that bubbled in her mind. She wanted to know more about this land -- this place that Primam was from. But…she supposed she would have to save those questions for such a time perhaps a better friendship could be formed.

[itsmm4hiii]

Desperate Desires - Sukuna

Synopis: Sukuna means anything and everything to you. After centuries of him being stripped away from you, he finally returns..

Pairing: Sukuna X (female) Reader

Warnings: Blood, gore, death?

‘My child! My child! I can’t find my child!’ 

She scattered like an ant, with paths blocked either way. Hands frantically stretched out almost as if she was faintly remembering her hands felt pressed against her child’s cheek. Distraught was an understatement, her eyes bulging from her head; beady little eyes screaming in pain for her loved one to come back. 

Her daughter was stomach down in a pile of dirt in the alleyway. From her right cheek stuck a ruby red heel impaled into the skin. Eyes rolled back and from them seeped a singular tear. 

You smiled. 

Your hands cupped your cheeks greedily, your feet dangled in torment as ants scattered away screaming for the hellish nightmare to end. The clutter of steps as they black clay tiles hit leant forward hitting the one below. No fool ant would do anything like that, a sorcerer perhaps? Yet the steps were too large, ones that you could faintly hear those who had been massacred as the smell of death fluctuated  your nose. Your soft smile turned into a toothy grin. 

‘Woman.’ He grunted, a jerk in his voice, one that sounded as if he didn’t  even want be there though you could feel that he wanted to deep down. 

‘My Ryomen.’ 

You stood up, and spun around to stare at him. Your hands brushed against his face, fingers tracing soft parts of cheeks. His features and everything. The tips of your toes placed against the titles, shoes nudging him. His eyes downturned, bright red the color he tore from innocent lives scattered across the streets, crawling on walls where children used to live. 

‘Are you using your foolish powers on me, woman?’ 

You smiled as you stared up at him. His eyes beading in each direction, screams of laughter from different spirits wrapped around the two of you. 

‘Why would I use my powers when you’re already fallen for me?’ 

His face boiled, as you turned your head around. Your back pressed against him, arms crossed and eyes harsh as they stared down upon hearing the cries of those who lost loved ones in the mascare. Love was a funny thing; in reality not that many people ever experience the good love, written in novels and other such things, peoples parents weren’t good examples of love either. Arguments and fights, screams of hatred over dumb issues, unrequited love, hate to someone they love - this is what threw you over the edge, carved you tooth and nail till you were perfect of all the horrible feelings that follow love. 

‘Woman,’ 

A soft puzzled sound escaped your lips, his fingertips drew upon your skin, pressing softly before pain stuck. His fingers duldged around your skin, gripping it till his knuckles turned a ghastly white.

‘Woman!’ he shouted in anger 

Your body tossed as regard was thrown out of the window. Yet it wasn’t- his face a brittle disfigurement of concern. The small blood that squirted out of his body seemed to be a slow film rolling slowly. Sorcerers drew behind him, perhaps he already knew his face, a slow arm reached out towards you- eyes stayed upon you as death rather eternal imprisonment took its toll. 

‘SUKUNA!’ 

‘Sukuna?’

That name has not slipped your lips in many centuries though it played in your mind everyday, he was always the thing you dreamed off. Yaga stared at you, his sunglasses slowly fell off the bridge of his nose both in concern and worry for both your sakes. 

‘A boy is his vessel, right here in the school. Unlike you,’ he paused, ‘you got a fresh corpse to reincarnate into.’ 

Your fingers scrambled through the fur of Panda, his body laid between your legs, eyes closed as the animal instinct of loving scratches still drove through his blood. 

‘Is he here?’ you questioned bluntly, 

He was much dearer than anything, you would give your body over and over for him. You would betray anyone for a kiss or just to wrap your arms around his fair cheeks and stare into his eyes with love yet it was just another part of being brought from evil emotions of love, that you. Yourself could not even be with the man you loved. 

‘Y/n.’ he paused, 

‘Where is he!’ 

Your voice churned with feelings as you stood up and left. The grounds weren’t as big, you knew them like the back of your hand. Your shoulder brushed against a pink haired boy as he entered the room a aura felt warm around you-

‘Woman,’ 

You paused in your steps, your feet laid upon the ground. Your heart skipped and your head turned around. 

‘Woman.’ your heard his chuckle, 

His eyes glowed viciously in the light, his head cacked to the side and a grin upon his face. He wasn’t your Ryomen, but you smiled. 

‘Seems I pulled the lucky straw out of the both of us.’ 

You moved forward towards him, your head pressed in the nook of his neck. You lifted your head, placing your temple against his own. Your hand, placed softly around his. Hearing him mutter your name for the first time in centuries. You smirked when you brought his hand to your lips, kissing his skin. 

‘Shut up woman, Still up to your old tricks of trying to make men fall for you?’ 

You smiled and brought his hand away from your mouth, ‘I've waited centuries for one man.’ 

You felt a soft shift. Then he was gone. Your head snapped towards him. A flustered face of a boy who was not a man stared at you. The boy you had pushed passed earlier, you untangled yourself from him, 

‘I’m glad that I didn’t have to meet you in death, my Ryomen.’ you softly whispered, 

You left with a grin upon your face, the feeling of his cheeks in your hand, the soft fleshy skin still imprinted in your hands.

[hellconsumed]

@evilstalks / michael myers : plotted starter !!

                 remember doctor lindberg ,  time is of the essence  . . .   and failure ,  is simply not an option .  the words echoed  ⸻  plaguing her psyche .  there was no getting out of this .  and she wasn't sure if she'd ever get a chance to escape from the waking hell that had become her reality .  the top priority had been to break patient myers ,  no matter the cost .  something the others had been attempting to do for quite some time .   but to no avail .  the company saw him as a candidate with great potential  ⸻  if only they had a way to manipulate such a being .  and that had been where she came into play .  a sheep that would be thrown into the wolf's den ,  out for slaughter .  when they first sent her in to meet with him ,  there had been no limitations .  the company wouldn't guarantee her safety .  if anything ,   they would rather choose to exploit her , if it meant obtaining the results they needed for their experiments .  but no harm ended up coming her way ,  at least not at the hands of myers  .  

                 knocking against the fully metal door  ⸻  a high pitched clink could be heard vibrating before abruptly d i s s o l v i n g into lower frequencies .  a few seconds passed ,  before unlocking the door and letting it slowly swing open .  unlike the others ,  anastasia would always give the other a chance to breathe before just barging in .  it was the least she could do ,  given the circumstances of everything .  ❝            i apologize for the intrusion .  though they are requesting for your vitals to be taken .            ❞   sleepless orbs found their way to the others .  there had been no amount of concealer in the world ,  that could ever hide the visible bags that had resided underneath her hues .  a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips ,  before motioning the other to follow .  her lab would have been a better place to convene instead of them being crammed into his cell .  a clipboard was being held firmly against her chest as she navigated through the halls .  it hadn't been long before reaching the doors .  a key card brushed against the automated lock before stepping through .   a sigh itself pulled from her ,   ❝            i believe you know the drill by now .            ❞   her gaze drew to the chair the other would sit in , so she would be allowed to draw blood from him .

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 18: Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste… Touch: de Sousa’s banquet provides a sensory experience on multiple levels.

All Chapters Archived on Ao3 

Logline - With Mai, Hideyoshi, and Aki missing, Mitsuhide and Katsuko reluctantly team up. Disguised as a merchant and his concubine, can they outsmart the man known as the God of Deceit?

That night, when we left for the house de Sousa had been renting, we traveled on horseback. To be specific, we were to share a horse rather than taking a palanquin. I tried to raise one eyebrow in inquiry, since it seemed odd that Mitsuhide would switch transportation modes.

"My goodness, Kaya, is there something wrong with your face? Or are you attempting, for whatever reason, to imitate a rabbit?” Of course he raised one eyebrow as he said it.

The sixth thing I hate about Mitsuhide. He can raise one eyebrow and won’t teach me how.

I sighed and gave up on the nonverbal cue. "No tiny box tonight?"

"On the small chance that we'll need to make a hasty exit, I would prefer not to leave that up to the speed of a palanquin." He gestured to his horse. "Up you go."

My kimono was too narrow for me to hop up with my customary acrobatics, but I managed well enough without ripping anything, although I was left somewhat draped across the horse. “Do you plan to lead me across the city?"

Not dignifying that with a comment, he simply swung up behind me. "I trust you won’t fall off."

Given that I was sitting rather (too) snugly against him, I figured it was an unlikely prospect especially when he reached past me for the reins. Not wanting to think about how his body felt, firm and solid against my back, I instead pulled the conversation back to necessary business. "Is this another sit there and be distracting evening, or will I get to use my new toys?" I patted my hair. At Mitsuhide’s instructions Sho had placed three knots in it, each secured by one of the hairstick/lockpicks.

"Plans may need to be adjusted based upon the evening. de Sousa has promised some form of 'entertainment,' whatever that might mean to him, which may allow us an opportunity to search through his papers." He spoke directly into my ear, his voice pitched to a low purr that I could hear quite clearly under the sound of the horse's hooves on the hard packed dirt of Sakai's streets. "One hopes that you were underplaying your ability to read the Nanban script."

"I can read it. Not quickly though. It depends on how cramped the handwriting is – Westerners often write letters on top of each other to save on paper." I drew a little plus sign in the air to demonstrate their method of ‘crossing pages.’ “But I can at least read their alphabet.” No need to mention that that learning had taken place in modern Japan. But while I'd taken classes in school on the English language and alphabet, I'd never been particularly great student. Even so, the knowledge from that early education had returned when I began taking lessons from Francisco, and motivated by the need to locate my brother, I’d learned far faster as an adult than I ever had as a teenager.

Mitsuhide made a noncommittal sound that indicated he was thinking things through. Likely, he had a plan B, possibly a plan C, and was refining them as we spoke. Aki was much the same. Actually I was as well. Contingencies could make the difference between dead or alive.

I left him to his unspoken plotting. It was interesting how he seemed to be able to lock his thoughts and feelings away and completely focus like this. While I still felt off balance and uncertain after last night's argument, for Mitsuhide, it appeared to be done and over with. He was as ambivalently autocratic to me as he had been on the first day in Sakai. In fact, neither yesterday's argument nor that night last week when it had seemed like we’d accepted overtures of mutual friendship had made any dent at all his this personal armor. Or maybe they had, but he’d simply replaced the armor with something stronger.

While I was glad to leave the fight with dust, I regretted losing those moments of peace and understanding.

de Sousa's townhouse was not very far from Mitsuhide’s (we easily could have walked, were it not for our need to stay in character). Like the one Mitsuhide was using, the building was longer than it was wide, with a storefront that abutted the street. Unfortunately for de Sousa the rear of the house was against the town's moat, and the fragrance that arose from it suggested some of Sakai citizens used it as a toilet.

I didn’t realize I was wrinkling my nose in response to the smell, until Mitsuhide stared at me, and tapped his own nose.

Whoops.

Carefully, I wiped my face of all expression, aware that Mitsuhide was watching as I did so. He nodded approvingly as Kaya’s bland mask slid into place, and then undid all my work by noting, “One would hope we won’t be required to employ the moat as part of that quick exit.”

Oh gross.

He gave me that smirk, and I wondered if his lack of tastebuds also extended to a lack of an olfactory system. Although if that was the case, why did he habitually burn cinnamon and sandalwood?

I was still trying to blank out my face again when a servant appeared. The servant let us inside, escorting us through a semi-exposed courtyard, past the offices and storehouses, and up to de Sousa’s living quarters on the second floor. The narrow rooms weren’t really adequate for any sort of entertaining, so, rumors of a 'banquet' had been greatly exaggerated. No more than dozen other people had been invited, including, to my surprise, Yoshimoto. If I got a free moment later, I would have to ask him how he had managed that. He’d probably just say that an Imagawa does not need to manage.

de Sousa had made an attempt to create a Western style dining atmosphere, by pushing several long, tables into one big rectangle. But without a way to raise the tables to waist level, and without any Western chairs, there wasn’t any other choice but to eat kneeling, the traditional Japanese way.

Mitsuhide was seated next to de Sousa, and across from Shojumaru, who claimed that he would be helping to translate anything, if needed (via some careful eavesdropping, I learned de Sousa's Jesuit translator - a.k.a that murderous priest - had been sent to one of the Southernmost islands). Apparently de Sousa wasn’t certain what to do with me, the only female present, but ‘Kyubei’ got his Yandere on and stated that he refused to let me out of his sight amongst all these other men.

Upon being asked by de Sousa to translate that, Shojumaru told him that Kyubei wanted his whore close to him, because he didn’t trust other men around her.

Ok. Ouch.

Whore.

See if I run interference between you and Sho any more.

The final result of that interaction had me seated between Mitsuhide and Yoshimoto, and across from Shojumaru, ready to pick up on any information spoken in Portuguese. But if Mitsuhide thought that the dinner table discussion would offer him any information on Hideyoshi, or Mai, or the missing weapons, he would be disappointed with what I overheard. While I dutifully tuned in to the conversation for any non-translated threats or other dangers, what I got was a conversation about art (which explained Yoshimoto's presence, as the man enthusiastically took part in a long discussion of Italian masters).

In the meantime, what should be done about the mound of stew in my bowl? It was some heavy meat based thing, smelled somewhat gamey - not off, exactly, but to someone like myself, who prefers a plant based diet whenever possible, it was difficult to choke down. Idly, I noticed that Shojumaru wasn't eating his either. Oh he was going through the motion of lifting his food to his mouth, but eventually it ended up back in a dish. Had someone poisoned the food?

Hm. No one else had any problems with the meal, so maybe Shojumaru was also a vegetarian. It was possible he was a strict buddahist, as some sects did recommend a no-meat diet. Mitsuhide had no difficulty with his serving of glop, but then it probably reminded him of his own cooking.

 "What do you think, Miss Kaya?" Startled, I realized that Shojumaru had addessed me. "Senhor de Sousa wants to know if you are interested in art?"

"Oh. Um. I don't know much about it." Which was true about both myself, and Kaya. While a courtesan likely would be able to intelligently converse about all forms of the arts, I was pretty sure that everyone was aware that Kaya had been a peasant sold into slavery. It would not be surprising for a peasant to be ignorant of art and culture. "But Master Kyubei is teaching me all sorts of interesting things about books and drawings."

Shojumaru translated that accurately to de Sousa, who then responded with something extremely crude. Thankfully, I'm not easy to blush, but my pulse must have jumped, because Mitsuhide gave me a quick glance. Then again, it could be because one of the words de Sousa used was familiar in any language. Even Yoshimoto looked displeased when he heard it.

Once again Shojumaru smoothly erased de Sousa’s crudity, saying diplomatically that no knowledge is wasted.

At this point Mitsuhide-Kyubei entered the conversation. "This one was an ignorant char when I purchased her. I find it far more satisfying to teach someone how to respond to my suggestions, what to think about the world of art, how to behave and to obey my desires. It’s actually faster than retraining a stubborn woman's badly learned habits." He turned and laid a possessive hand on my arm. "She responds to tutelage admirably."

Gee thanks Professor Higgins. Glad to know you're growing accustomed to my face.

He wasn't finished yet. "It is lovely to take a wild thing, domesticate it and know it is your creation."

While Shojumaru rapidly translated this for the Nanban, Yoshimoto chose this moment to rise to Kaya's defense. "I find it more satisfying to meet a woman who can teach me something. Passionate arguments are more exciting than blind obedience."

Which, thank you Yoshimoto for the defense, but your timing sucks. Thanks to him, I hadn’t been able to hear what de Sousa and Shojumaru were saying. Had Yoshimoto forgotten that he was responding to a creature who was just a character Mitsuhide was portraying? Or was he simply behaving as he would normally? I couldn’t even reassure him that everything was fine, not here.

"Passionate arguments are fine, as long as one wins them." Mitsuhide addressed Yoshimoto for the first time. "The greatest victory is to take the sword of defeated opponent as they fall to their knees and swear fealty to you.''

That... apparently had a double meaning for Yoshimoto, who flinched at Mitsuhide's sudden intense stare. Shojumaru now sent a rather inscrutable look our way as well, and the increased tension in the air felt choking. If I had not been disguised, I would have tried to change the subject, or defuse things somehow - but Kaya wasn't the forthright type. In character, I could only stare at my bowl while the gamey smell of meat added to an overall feeling of illness.

Finally de Sousa, who must have simply wanted to be the center of attention, clapped his hands, and announced he had hired a theatrical troupe to perform dances for the evening. Within moments, a house servant had silently cleared the table, and rearranged the room with a mocked up performance space at the far end.

A group of musicians and dancers emerged from the top floor – had they been sitting up there waiting all night? Hopefully someone had managed to get them some food… but I doubted de Sousa would have thought of it. Then again, given what we’d just been fed, the entertainers were probably better off.

Though the musicians weren't loud enough to be distracting, the dancers were beautiful, and wore exquisite jewel toned dresses with even brighter embroidery that sparkled in the lantern light. Their movements were slow, but hypnotic, and after that heavy meal, no one seemed inclined to do anything by sit and watch.

During the great rearrangement, Mitsuhide and I had positioned ourselves near the stairs to the ground floor, and while the rest of the guests were enthralled by the dancers, we slipped out of the room and tiptoed down the steps.

As we skirted around the edge of the courtyard, something splashed my sleeve. I glanced up to the exposed sky, just as Mitsuhide said, "Good. Rain. That is auspicious." He sounded like he was talking to himself, so I didn’t ask why he thought that was so. Maybe the sound of the rain on the tile roof would cover up any noise we made.

I followed him into the room de Sousa had set up as an office, or, well a private study of sorts. The only difference between de Sousa's office and the one that Mitsuhide was using in our own dwelling, was that he, like Francisco, (and, for that matter Aki) had somehow managed to lug a Western style desk into the room – then again, maybe Aki and Francisco had transported theirs in via the wormhole or something. Or maybe there was some ship that only carried furniture from one county to another so that their merchants could have some place familiar to sit.

Surprisingly, de Sousa's desk was not kept locked, which was a disappointing because I wanted to try out my new toys. Either he had nothing to hide or, more likely, he didn’t believe anyone here would be sophisticated enough to investigate him. Mitsuhide opened a drawer and removed a small stack of scrolls and letters written on the heavier western parchment. "One hopes that you’ll find these readable."

It was an intimidating pile. "What are the odds that we can bring some of these home? Er, back to the town house." It was not home.

"I have no knowledge of how he has these categorized or whether he would notice something  missing, but it’s best to cause as little disturbance as possible. Keep everything in the same order.” At his borderline mansplain, I considered pointing out that I had searched his room without disturbing anything, but since that would probably prompt another argument, I held my tongue. “I suggest you scan each one for key words until you can confirm whether it is business or personal. I will stand guard." He moved to the doorway stayed there like a sentinel.

As that seemed like a workable plan, I quickly settled into a rhythm for the project. The letters on western parchment were all written on a feminine hand, and proved to be from his 'dearest Paloma.' I flipped through those with only a cursory glance. Mixed in with the personal letters were inventory lists, shipping records, even a few papers that looked like invoices, which potentially could pinpoint a time period and date the weapons were due to arrive. "Do you know about when de Sousa pulled back the shipment? Most of these are dated."

He gave me an approving nod – my question must have merit. "Mid to late seventh month. At least that was when we learned of it. However things might have been moving behind the scenes prior to that." He spoke quietly, the majority of his attention was on the door.

Just to be safe, I skipped past any correspondence prior to ‘Iunius.’ I couldn’t remember what year the Portuguese had switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian, but neither one corresponded to the Japanese lunar cycle anyway. Once I found the correspondence in the likeliest window of time, I read the letters more carefully. One shipping document referenced “Nofunga” Oda -- that must be the initial order, or at least a confirmation of sale. At that point in time, it seemed that de Sousa still intended to fulfill the request. Another letter, also mentioned Oda, but only in passing - speculating on whether or not he would contend to allow self-governance of Sakai, and if not, would it be useful to send a party to negotiate with him directly.

Interesting, but not what I was looking for.

And then I found it.

Correspondence from Shojumaru, offering to broker a deal for weapons, to be supplied to Motonari Mouri in exchange for silver provided by Kanamori Iekane.

The page blurred in front of my eyes.

Iekane.

Iekane. Even though the last name was different – he was no longer using Aki’s – it had to be the same man. Of course he was in this. Maybe he'd been so since that day five years ago when he locked me in a crate among one of Motonari’s weapon shipments.

"What is it, brat? You're staring at that letter as if it’s going to eat you.'' Mitsuhide's voice broke into my reverie /panic. Same difference at this point.

"It's confirmation that-"

A loud squeak interrupted me. The sound a staircase makes as it protests the weight of travel. This was followed by the clatter of footsteps, and voices. de Sousa, talking about some ceramics he wanted to show off.

In one smooth motion, Mitsuhide slid shut the door to the office and was across the room while I was registering the noise… and the implication. He swept the stack of correspondence back into the drawer, then lifted me up and plopped me on top of the desk. "This is not the time to protest my next action, as we are about to become extremely visible to the rest of tonight’s guests."

"Huh? Shouldn’t we just hid-”

That was all I got out before Mitsuhide kissed me.

While my brain was still processing the sudden liplock, Mitsuhide pulled me closer, until his leg was between mine (or as between as my narrow kimono would allow). I swallowed a protest, knowing that this was a performance, part of our agreement to show public affection. Not real.

How does one fake act a kiss? Should I close my eyes? Ok, yes, probably, Kaya would have her eyes closed. Commencing eye closure.

It wasn’t a terrible kiss, as sudden, barely warned kisses go. Not that I would know. But he could have made things unpleasant for me, especially given the character he had established as Kyubei. It could have been overly intrusive, or painful, or oppressive, or gross, or-

He broke away and slid his mouth toward my ear. "This would go much better, if you could at least pretend to participate. With enthusiasm, if at all possible.”

Director’s notes? Now?

Although he did have a point. I took a deep breath, prepared to channel my inner Meryl Streep. "You surprised me.  Give me a moment to catch up, all right?"

The clatter of footsteps and murmur of voices grew closer.

After a split second in which Mitsuhide was either praying for patience, or counting to ten (he just had a sort of 'give me strength’ look in his eyes), he placed his hand on my cheek, and slowly dipped in for another kiss.

This new kiss, he took his time. His lips gently glided across mine, his embrace keeping me easily balanced on the desk. The gentleness did what the surprise could not, and a previous unknown voice inside me went, ‘more!’ and before I knew it, it stopped feeling like an act of theatricality, and started feeling like an act of mutal desire.

His body was all lean muscle and kinetic strength – I wanted to feel that strength on my skin, to slip my hand under his clothing and savor the texture of his flesh, to savor the vibration of his heartbeat beneath my palm, a vibration that echoed in my ears. I pressed myself closer before any logic could overrule action, grinding my hips against his, opening my mouth to his tongue.

Someone moaned… was that him? 

Please don’t let that have been me.

Then annoyed voices from the corridor intruded and Mitsuhide finally ended the kiss, though he did not let me go. He turned to face de Sousa, Shojumaru, Yoshimoto, and a Japanese merchant whose name I had not caught. They were all staring at us from the now open doorway. I hid my face in his shoulder in not entirely feigned embarrassment.

Cinnamon and sandalwood.

"What the hell are you doing in my private office?" The words were in Portuguese but there was no mistaking the intent behind them.

Mitsuhide didn’t bother to wait for someone to translate, he simply proclaimed, "My toy was looking so lovely tonight, I simply had to be alone with her. But the rain chased us out of the garden."

Toy. It was as if the wall to the courtyard opened up and the cold rain had splashed all over me. Right. Acting.

I knew he did not truly consider me a toy. I also knew that the kiss had simply been part of the performance, one that had needed us to at least look like we could not keep our hands off each other. So that’s… what method acting is. I guess I do have an inner Meryl Streep after all. Acting. I had been acting too.

Without switching from that conversational tone, Mitsuhide patted the desk. "This furniture is perfectly stable. Can someone procure one for me?"

de Sousa waited for Shojumaru to translate that, but even with the benefit of the translation, he still looked irate. His response was something along the lines of if Kyubei wanted to turn his house into a brothel then he ought to have brought more women, or at least offered to share.

I wondered if Shojumaru was going to translate that back into Japanese, but whether or not he would have done so was destined to remain a mystery, for Yoshimoto stepped forward to play diplomat. "Senhor de Sousa, perhaps you could show us those ceramics from China now."

After one final look of envy, de Sousa shepherded the group toward the storehouses, but Shojumaru continued to eye us. He didn’t say anything, and that overly friendly smile stayed on his face, but there was a hardness in his eyes now.

As Mitsuhide helped me off the desk, Shojumaru's gaze went to its surface. Scanning for incriminating papers maybe? Thank the Gods that Mitsuhide had managed to get de Sousa’s correspondence back into the drawer before initiating that ‘seven minutes in heaven’ act.

"I take it it’s too much to hope that de Sousa will allow us to use his bedroom?" Without waiting for a response, Mitsuhide bowed to them. "In that case, we shall return home, as I am hungry for a different sort of meal. Kaya, you may let go of me.''

Trust him to point out that my hand was clinging to the front of his kimono.

Right.

Disengage grappling hook.

I let go, and followed him out the door, aware that this was probably one of those fast exits he had warned me about.

Hopefully… not through the moat.

My senses had already been through enough this night.

@bestbryn @lorei-writes @selenacosmic @lyds323 @akitsuneswife @tele86

[zapreportsblog]

A Meeting in the Spiderverse

➥ summary: Ben never thought he’d find love again, guess the universe thought differently or did it?

➥ a/n: this is a one shot written off of this post, keep in mind I write super long one shots

Ben Riley swung through the bustling streets of New York City, his Spider-Man senses on high alert. He had spent years protecting his city, fighting crime, and upholding justice. But lately, he couldn't shake off a feeling of restlessness. He yearned for something more, something beyond the familiar walls of his universe.

As he swung higher into the city skyline, a shimmering rift in the fabric of reality caught his attention. Curiosity piqued, Ben changed course, his spider-senses tingling with anticipation. He propelled himself into the rift, unsure of what awaited him on the other side.

The world that greeted him on the other side of the rift was unlike anything he had ever seen. The colors were vibrant, the architecture breathtakingly different. He realized he had stumbled into another dimension—the Spiderverse. Excitement mixed with trepidation as Ben explored this unfamiliar world.

As he traversed through the sprawling metropolis, Ben's attention was drawn to a figure gracefully swinging from building to building. Her movements were fluid and confident, her suit a vibrant blend of red and black. It was another Spider-person, a female with a unique aura about her. Ben couldn't help but feel drawn to her.

Curiosity propelled Ben forward, his heart pounding as he followed the female Spider-heroine. He needed to know more about her, to understand her story and the world she hailed from. With each swing, he closed the distance between them, until finally, he found himself landing on a rooftop beside her.

"Hey, you!" Ben called out, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I'm Ben Riley, the Spider-Man from my universe. Who are you?"

The female Spider-heroine turned toward him, her eyes sparkling with a blend of amusement and curiosity. "Nice to meet you, Ben. I'm (Y/n), the Spider-Woman of this universe. Quite a coincidence, isn't it?"

Ben couldn't help but smile at the serendipitous encounter. "Indeed it is, (Y/n). So, what brings you swinging through this dimension?"

(Y/n) shrugged, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness. "Just doing my usual thing—protecting the innocent, stopping crime. You know, the usual Spider-hero gig."

Ben chuckled, feeling an instant connection forming between them. "Sounds familiar. So, how long have you been patrolling this universe?"

(Y/n) tilted her head, considering the question. "Time is a tricky thing in the Spiderverse, but I've been here long enough to know the ins and outs of this dimension. It can be both thrilling and challenging."

As they conversed, Ben found himself captivated by (Y/n)'s presence. Her confidence, her determination—it resonated with him on a deep level. He couldn't help but feel an undeniable attraction growing within him.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, Ben and (Y/n) continued to swap stories, sharing their experiences as Spider-heroes. With each passing moment, Ben's admiration for (Y/n) grew. He admired her strength, her unwavering commitment to justice, and her unyielding spirit.

As the conversation flowed effortlessly between them, Ben felt his heart race whenever (Y/n) laughed, her eyes sparkling with mirth. Her wit and charm drew him in, and he couldn't deny the blossoming feelings of attraction that were developing within him.

However, Ben couldn't help but question whether these newfound emotions were wise. He had responsibilities in his own universe, and (Y/n) had her own battles to fight in hers. But as the evening wore on, and their connection deepened, he couldn't ignore the undeniable truth—he had developed a crush on (Y/n).

The realization filled Ben with a mix of exhilaration and uncertainty. He knew that exploring a potential relationship across dimensions would be complicated, fraught with challenges and obstacles. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder if fate had brought them together for a reason.

As they bid each other farewell that evening, Ben's mind was abuzz with thoughts of (Y/n). He swung back to his own universe, his heart yearning for another encounter, another chance to explore the connection they had forged.

The sun cast its warm glow over the city as Ben Riley, the Spider-Man of his universe, swung through the bustling streets of New York. Thoughts of (Y/n), the captivating Spider-Woman he had encountered in the Spiderverse, filled his mind. He couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull towards her, a desire to impress her with his abilities and win her admiration.

Determined to leave a lasting impression, Ben swung towards a nearby park, where he knew (Y/n) often trained. As he landed gracefully on the grass, he flexed his well-defined muscles, his confidence emanating from every fiber of his being.

Moments later, (Y/n) emerged from the shadows, her eyes glimmering with amusement as she observed Ben's display. "Impressive, Ben," she remarked, a playful smile on her lips. "But get a load of mine."

With a flick of her wrist, her suit transformed, revealing her toned physique. Powerful muscles rippled beneath her skin, evidence of her intense training and unwavering dedication. It was a display of strength that left Ben momentarily stunned.

His pride momentarily dented, Ben quickly regained his composure, a competitive fire burning in his eyes. "Well, (Y/n), that's quite impressive," he replied, his voice laced with determination. "But I'm not one to back down from a challenge."

He flexed his biceps once again, the muscles bulging in response. With a cocky grin, he glanced at (Y/n), eager to see her reaction. To his surprise, she met his gaze with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

"Alright, Spider-Man," she said, her voice tinged with amusement. "Let's see what you've got."

Without hesitation, (Y/n) unleashed a flurry of acrobatic moves, leaping and twirling with astonishing agility. She showcased a series of powerful kicks and punches, each movement executed with precision and strength. It was a display that left Ben in awe.

Refusing to be outdone, Ben launched into his own acrobatic routine, showcasing his agility and flexibility. He somersaulted through the air, executed perfectly timed flips, and effortlessly maneuvered through complex sequences of movements. His muscles strained with each motion, a testament to his physical prowess.

As they continued their impromptu competition, the park became a stage for their extraordinary abilities. Each movement was met with applause from onlookers who had gathered to witness the spectacle. It was a testament to the undeniable charisma and magnetism of the two Spider-heroes.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Ben and (Y/n) finally came to a stop, panting slightly but wearing exhilarated smiles. The park fell silent as they caught their breath, the air thick with a newfound understanding and respect.

"(Y/n)," Ben began, his voice filled with admiration. "You truly are remarkable. Your strength and agility are awe-inspiring."

(Y/n) grinned, her eyes sparkling with a mix of camaraderie and playfulness. "Likewise, Ben. Your skills and determination are second to none. It's refreshing to meet a fellow Spider-hero who can match my own abilities."

The two Spider-heroes shared a moment of mutual understanding, their shared experiences and similar powers forming a strong bond between them. It was a connection that transcended their competitive display of strength.

As the park began to empty, their impromptu performance drawing to a close, Ben and (Y/n) found themselves standing alone amidst the tranquil surroundings. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it a sense of possibility and camaraderie.

“So I guess I’ll see you around?” Ben asked hopeful in her response.

“Yeah sure.”

Another day goes by as Ben Riley, the Spider-Man of his universe, swung through the bustling streets of New York. Thoughts of (Y/n), the captivating Spider-Woman he had met in the Spiderverse, filled his mind. He couldn't shake off the feeling that his previous attempts to impress her hadn't been as successful as he had hoped. Determined to win her admiration, he decided to take a different approach.

As Ben landed gracefully on a rooftop overlooking the city, he took a deep breath to steady himself. His heart raced with anticipation as he rehearsed his new strategy in his mind. Bragging about his accomplishments might not have been his preferred style, but he was willing to try anything to make an impression.

His determination hardened his resolve as he swung towards the location where he had last encountered (Y/n). Upon arriving, he spotted her effortlessly navigating the urban landscape, her movements displaying both grace and power. She truly was a force to be reckoned with.

Taking a leap of faith, Ben swung down and landed in front of (Y/n) with a confident smile. "Hey, (Y/n)! Fancy running into you again. You know, I've accomplished quite a lot in my career as Spider-Man."

(Y/n) turned to face him, a curious expression on her face. "Oh, really?" she replied, her voice laced with amusement. "Do tell, Ben. I'm all ears."

A nervous excitement bubbled within Ben as he began his self-praising monologue. "Well, you see, I've taken down some of the toughest villains out there. The Green Goblin? Yeah, I've defeated him multiple times. And Venom? No problem for me. I've saved countless innocent lives and thwarted the plans of supervillains more times than I can count."

(Y/n) listened attentively, her lips curved into a polite smile. However, Ben couldn't shake off the feeling that she wasn't entirely impressed. He pushed forward, determined to make an impact.

"And let's not forget about the time I faced the Sinister Six single-handedly," Ben continued, his voice growing more animated. "I outsmarted Doctor Octopus, dodged Electro's lightning bolts, and even took on Sandman and Vulture. It was an epic battle, one that showcased my skills and quick thinking."

(Y/n) raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting from amusement to mild skepticism. "That does sound quite impressive, Ben. But, you know, it's not all about defeating villains and showcasing physical prowess. Being a hero is about more than just victories in battle. It's about the impact you make on people's lives and the compassion you show."

Ben's excitement waned as he absorbed (Y/n)'s words. She was right—being a hero was about more than just boasting about accomplishments. It was about making a difference and connecting with those in need. He realized that his previous approach had been misguided.

"You're right, (Y/n)," Ben conceded, a touch of humility in his voice.

As the cool breeze rustled through their hair, Ben's gaze lingered on (Y/n). He couldn't help but feel captivated by her presence, her aura radiating a unique beauty that went beyond physicality. He had always admired her strength and tenacity, but now he found himself drawn to the depths of her soul.

"(Y/n)," Ben began softly, his voice carrying a warmth and sincerity. "I find myself at a loss for words when I look at you. It's not just your physical beauty, though that is undeniably breathtaking. It's something deeper, something that transcends the mere surface."

(Y/n) blushed, her eyes widening with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Her heart fluttered as she listened intently to Ben's words, his sincerity washing over her in waves.

"You possess an eternal beauty that shines from within," Ben continued, his voice filled with reverence. "It's in the way you carry yourself, the strength and grace with which you navigate through life. Your kindness, your unwavering spirit—it all adds to the allure that surrounds you."

Emotions swirled within (Y/n)'s chest, a mixture of vulnerability and awe. She had never experienced someone speaking about her in such a way, allowing themselves to be vulnerable and open. It overwhelmed her, leaving her searching for words to respond.

"Ben," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "I... I'm not sure how to respond. Your words... they touch something deep within me, thank you -“

“You’re wel,” Ben starts off as (y/n) continues. “For being my friend.”

“Oh, um - well you’re welcome!”

[judjira]

subway shenanigans

AN: this one's pretty funny HAHA i think i did a pretty good job with this one, also it kinda tempted me to make like an smau-style drabble?? idk how to do that but hey it sounds cool HAHA

pairing: dahyun/samotzu apartment au wc: 3871

One bright and beautiful sunny afternoon, when the birds were chirping at their brightest, when there was naught but a cloud in the sky, when the autumn breeze blew wonderfully, Dahyun woke up on the subway.

It wasn’t an odd occurrence, usually she dozed off on the subway anyway, thankfully for only a couple of minutes. It shouldn’t have been any different today.

In fact, there wasn’t anything different about today, except for the fact that maybe Dahyun just got a little less sleep than intended last night, too busy studying for an exam she had in the morning.

But, the exam was over, class was done for the day, and Dahyun could go home and surrender herself to sweet slumber.

Yawning as the train doors opened, she shuffled through the entering passengers, not unlike a zombie.

She swiped her card on the turnstile, muffling another yawn. Around her, the commuting hour had well and truly begun, with droves of people scrambling to get on the train.

With a sigh, she walked up the stairs that exited the subway.

And promptly froze in place.

This…was not the exit by her neighborhood.

Dahyun looked left. An unfamiliar road with cars zooming past her.

Dahyun looked right. A strange skyscraper she’d never even seen before.

Quickly opening her phone and scrolling through, Dahyun let out a thoughtful hum.

She was in a completely different city.

Checking the balance on her metrocard was a bit of a sobering experience, considering she had literally used up all of her credits to get to where she was.

And she couldn’t load up on any credits because she’d left her debit card at home, thinking she wouldn’t spend today.

That meant no spare change or bills either, all of them used for her lunch at the university.

“Well.” Dahyun muttered.

She was well and truly stranded.

-----

Me: hey jeong?

angelbaby 😇💙: yeah?

Me: uh im stuck in another city

angelbaby 😇💙: wat

-----

“Hm…my Lady is later than usual today.”

Sana tapped her foot on the subway floor. The resounding clack of her heels drew attention to her, but not moreso than her clothing.

Indeed, Sana dressed as she used to, in a velveteen black dress, with red lacing, edges, and bodice. A black bonnet adorned her head, similarly with red highlights. A red purse hung from her elbow, and to top it off, she held a black and crimson parasol in her hand, above her head. Even though she was underground, she could never be too safe.

Her ensemble drew looks from the surrounding commuters, a rather outdated but lovely look. But that wasn’t the only thing out of the ordinary.

“Lady Hirai…has she ever been this late before?”

By her side, a large black wolf whined, expressing uncertainty. A wide berth surrounded Momo, but not out of fear. The clicks of cameras going off was quite audible, but Momo paid no mind to it, instead shaking her head.

“Oh dear. I thought not.”

Suddenly, a ringing erupted from her purse, causing Sana to yelp slightly. Momo could only yip in return.

“…my word.”

Reaching into her purse, Sana took out a slim, piece of metal, her manicured fingers trembling slightly with every ring the metal made.

Her finger swiped, rather hesitantly, on the side of the metal that lit up.

“G-Greetings…this is Lady Minatozaki Sana. How do you do?”

“Sana, that’s cute every single time, but you know you don’t have to do that, right? You can just say hello.”

Until now, the wonders of the modern world never ceased to amaze. Sana’s cheeks colored as she spoke into the phone at an odd angle.

“My Lady…I just…it seems odd to be using this…cellular phone. I cannot see who I’m talking to.”

“Open your camera, silly.”

“M-my what?”

Sana yelped once more as the phone’s screen lit up, Momo cocking her head in confusion.

In the next instant, Dahyun’s face shone on the phone, wide but sleepy smile on her face.

“M-My Lady?”

“It’s the camera feature, Satang! If you press the camera button, I can see you too!”

Eyes squinting like an elderly person trying to configure a smartphone (which she one hundred percent was), Sana eventually managed to press the button, her eyes widening in delight.

“Oh! Hello, my Lady!”

Momo barked, tail wagging as Sana awkwardly lowered the camera to Momo’s level.

“Oh, you’re both there! Hi! Aw, you two look so cute.”

Panting excitedly, Momo licked the screen, causing a number of things to flash on the phone.

“Ack! Lady Hirai! Please don’t do that, the device is sensitive to water!”

Pulling the phone away from Momo’s disappointed whine, Sana cleared her throat.

“Ahem. My Lady, where might you be? It is past your usual hour of arrival.”

“Ah yeah, about that…I’m kind of…stranded.”

Sana blinked.

“Stranded?”

“Yeah, I’m about…two cities over. The one day our subway system’s on time, huh?”

“But…can you not just take the rail going back?”

“Yeeaaaah…I used up all my credits going here, and my debit card’s at home. Got no money on me either. How unlucky.”

“Oh dear.”

“No worries, though! You can just head back home, get some money from Jeong, then get over to me!”

Sana was forced to process all this in a few seconds.

“O-oh, um…I see."

“Yep! No worries! Oh, but um…try not to let the other girls know, alright? Especially Tzu, I’d hate to see what she’d do to the trains if she found out what happened.”

“I…um, my Lady?”

“Just keep a low profile! I’ve already texted Jeong, she’ll know how much to give you! Then, you just gotta buy a ticket going here, then we can buy a ticket for both of us, going back home!”

“Uh…alright, I—”

“You got all that?”

Sana glanced towards Momo, eyes flitting rather uncertainly. Momo could only yip in reassurance.

“I…yes. I understand, my Lady.”

“Alright, cool! Uh…not that I’m afraid or anything, but do you think you can come before it’s dark? College girl alone after dark…not so reassuring, haha.”

Sana’s eyes widened, only realizing now the importance of her task. Her Lady was in danger, in a foreign city with no one around to help. And only Sana (and Momo) could help her.

Sana could not fail.

“I will not let you down, my Lady.”

“Great! I’m counting on you, Satang! See you soon! I love you!”

The phone’s screen turned dark, indicating the call had ended.

Sana stuffed the phone into her purse, a visage of determination dawning on her face. She would not let her Lady down.

“Come, Lady Hirai. We must rescue our Lady posthaste.”

“Arf!”

-----

angelbaby 😇💙: got the money! gave it to the dahyun protection squad™

angelbaby 😇💙: minus jihyo cus she’s out rn

Me: nice!! thank u very much jeong

angelbaby 😇💙: yep! they left already, you’ll be home in no time

Me: wait

Me: did u tell tzu too?

angelbaby 😇💙: uh yeah? she’s part of the squad™

Me: fuck

angelbaby 😇💙: what’s wrong?

Me: jeong, its tzuyu

Me: remember the last time i got lost?

angelbaby 😇💙: oh

angelbaby 😇💙: oh fuck

Me: oh fuck indeed

angelbaby 😇💙: well, it can’t be that bad, can it?

-----

Where did things go wrong?

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but if you’d like to order a ticket, you can do so by the ticket machine. This stall’s for customer service.”

“I should smite you where you stand, mortal.”

Her Lady had only asked a few things from her, and Sana couldn’t even follow up on that.

“Ma’am, that is a threat, and I could call security on you for that.”

“Oh, it is indeed a threat. Father shall have you judged most vindictively.”

Don’t let Tzuyu know, she said. Keep a low profile, she said.

“Security? There’s another crazy lady here.”

“Crazy? You foolish, insignificant, worthless—”

“Ma’am, please follow us.”

“Unhand me! I should destroy this whole subway for misleading Kim Dahyun into—”

“Ma’am, please don’t force us. Just come quietly, and we’ll talk about this in a—”

“No! I am a Seraph! I demand to be treated as such!”

Oh dear.

“Lady Chou, I think it best if you were to just follow as these folks would wish you to.”

A stunned silence hung over this area of the subway, everyone’s attention turned to the beautiful, nobly dressed, and dazzling lady in heels.

And the wolf by her side.

“Bark!”

Tzuyu, eyes still somewhat angry, glanced at Sana.

“Minatozaki Sana, these men—”

“—are only trying to do their job. As are we, yes?”

Sana smiled, pleasantly, at the angel who had now halted in her place, looking around at the guards who were now sweating trying to pull at the seemingly young lady who refused to move.

Tzuyu finally relaxed, drawing a sigh of relief from Sana.

“…very well.”

That was the last Sana saw of Tzuyu (for now) as she was begrudgingly ushered off by a herd of guards that kept a five-foot distance away from her.

“I’m terribly sorry for that inconvenience, my friend can be rather…excitable.”

The subway worker at the counter sighed.

“Not to worry, ma’am. We get people like that every now and then. Now, what can I help you with?”

Sana inwardly shuddered. Now came the hard part.

“I would like a ticket to this city, please.”

The worker raised an eyebrow.

“That’s pretty far for this time of day.”

Sana stiffened, posturing up and holding her parasol at an angle.

“My business is my own.”

“Alright, alright. It’s my job to check these kinds of things, you understand. Especially with what happened with your friend.”

Sana chose not to answer that, instead keeping quiet. Inside, she was shuddering quite so. What was it with humans nowadays and their pervasive questions and nature?

“Here are your tickets, ma’am. Oh, and um…we don’t allow dogs that big on the train.”

The worker gestured to Momo, who was sniffing at some newspaper that was left on the ground.

“O-Oh?”

“Yeah, it might bother some other commuters. Even if your dog is pretty cute.”

At that, Momo’s head tilted up to the counter, tilting in confusion. The worker gushed.

“Aw.”

“I assure you, sir, she is very well domesticated, and she would not hurt a fly.”

Momo let out a yip of offense at the description.

“Regardless, ma’am, I have to insist.”

Sana inwardly cursed. She couldn’t just leave Momo here, who knows what could happen to her?

(In truth, Sana’s legs just shook at the thought of being alone in a train and having to suffer small talk with other commuters.)

“B-but, sir…”

In the next instant, all Sana heard was a deep growling that dropped her stomach to the floor.

Turning to Momo, Sana clenched up, as Momo’s silver eyes gleamed dangerously at the worker, deep and gritty growl raising the goosebumps on her neck.

And the worker’s, too.

“Ack…um, I meant…sure! Y-yeah, you can take your dog with you!”

And the next moment, Momo was back to panting excitedly, silver eyes gleaming with a rather apt satisfaction.

“…my thanks, then.”

Sana’s fingers snatched at the ticket, rushing off to the trains before anyone could say another word.

So much for low profile.

-----

Me: so

Me: why am i receiving a call from subway security

Me: saying that i need to come get a distressed young woman of whom i am listed as an emergency contact

angelbaby 😇💙: wow that’s pretty weird

angelbaby 😇💙: haha

Me: jeong pls

angelbaby 😇💙: okay okay, i’m sorry

angelbaby 😇💙: but at least the worst has passed, right?

Me: they just texted

Me: she’s disappeared

angelbaby 😇💙: …

angelbaby 😇💙: i swear to father i am going to murder that angel

-----

Yes, it was true.

Sana was guilty.

Of the most heinous crime imaginable.

“I am sorry, Lady Hirai.”

She spoke with such sorrow, one could only imagine that it was necessary, what she did.

But no, it was only out of self-preservation.

Sana was a selfish, cruel being.

And she deserved every bit of punishment for it.

With one last mournful glance towards Momo, she covered her face.

Momo let out a devastating howl at the treachery.

Never. Never would she forgive Sana for this slight against her.

And as a hand descended towards her face, Momo accepted her fate.

“Puppy!”

“She’s so big!”

“Her fur is so fluffy!”

“Now, now, children. One at a time.”

Momo let out another sorrowful whine as a child pressed their face against her fur.

“Big doggie!”

Holding tightly onto a metal rod affixed to the floor, Sana swallowed another gulp as the train hit another bumpy rail.

These confounded things were too bumpy, and every shake of the rail cabin had Sana fearing for her life, her skin turning shades paler than it already was.

These things were a deathtrap. And her Lady rode these everyday?

No wonder humans were so sturdy.

She winced at another of Momo’s whines, as another child grasped at her tail.

“Fluffy!”

Guilt wracked at her heart for giving Momo up to the children that occupied the train car before them.

She had to, otherwise, she would be forced to entertain their questions about her, and children were…

Well, they were a different beast entirely.

“Forgive me, Lady Hirai.”

With one last glance towards Momo’s silent suffering, Sana squeezed her eyes shut, praying that the train ride would soon end.

-----

Me: woah

angelbaby 😇💙: what’s up?

Me: there’s a lady talking to me

angelbaby 😇💙: really?

Me: yeah shes super pretty

angelbaby 😇💙: why not ask her out?

Me: bc im sleepy and i wanna go home jeong

Me: and im already dating like eight of u

Me: thats already a lot of effort

Me: and u guys r a handful

angelbaby 😇💙: 😔

Me: i dont mind

Me: u know i love taking care of yall

angelbaby 😇💙: 🥰

Me: also i think this woman isnt human so i would rly appreciate it if samotzu got here faster

angelbaby 😇💙: ???

-----

They finally made it. The same subway station their Lady had gotten off on.

Now, all they had to do was find her.

“Lady Hirai, do you think you could…”

Momo turned her head away, sniffing haughtily. Sana slumped.

“I already apologized, Lady Hirai. I had no other choice.”

Sana could only frown at the way Momo stayed at least 5 feet away from her. She sighed. Guess she expected this, anyhow.

“Even if you are mad at me, Lady Hirai, our Lady needs our help. And we can find her much faster if you use your sense of smell.”

Sana could use her abilities, yes, but she detested using them. Especially since she would have to use them to smell her Lady’s blood. And she wouldn’t want to lose control.

Momo, thankfully, acquiesced. She sniffed, rather reluctantly.

Her Lady had to be close by. It was getting close to dark, and who knew what horrors in the dark could get to her, without any of her tenants by her side.

Momo padded up the stairs that left the subway, and Sana followed in turn, being careful to prop up the parasol she had in hand.

As they rose the steps, the sunset gleamed over the skyscrapers of the foreign city, casting shadows over the street they exited onto.

Sana couldn’t help but gasp in amazement.

Human structures and cities in this age were so advanced, it was hard not to look on in wonder as Sana did, her eyes following the gleam of every window of every building on every street she saw. Towering over her, they were magnificent in their stature.

“Arf!”

Sana blinked out of her reverie, to see Momo rounding the corner of an alley by the subway exit. She quickly made haste to join her.

Only to feel her blood chill as her eyes laid on the scene.

“Oh, you go to this university? That’s crazy, me too!”

“Really? Wow, it’s a small world. What course did you graduate from?”

“Applied Physics and Material Sciences!”

The Lady of the Sanctuary was being harassed by a strange lady.

Sana tensed at the same time Momo started growling, but it seemed that the Lady didn’t notice.

“Oh, sheesh, that’s a quota course, isn’t it?”

The woman, tall in high heels and dressed in a blazer and slacks, pressed glasses up the bridge of her nose, chuckling.

“Yeah, I got in on a director’s list scholarship.”

“Wow, you must be really smart.”

How dare this woman take advantage of the Lady’s socially acceptable people skills?

Sana felt her fangs bare, restricting herself from snarling out loud. Instead, she cleared her throat, and the Lady finally turned to her, eyes brightening.

“Oh, Satang, Momoring! You’re here!”

Momo, ever the more relaxed, immediately stopped snarling, instead trotting over to the Lady with a bright gleam in her eyes and tail wagging.

“Oh, a dog! How cute!”

The strange woman crouched down, beckoning Momo over, but to no avail, as the wolf’s attention was solely on the Lady.

“We came…as soon as we could, my Lady.”

Eyes still glancing distrustfully at the woman, Sana allowed a smile to grace her features. The visage of her Lady smiling at her would never fail to bring her joy.

“Cool. I’m pretty tired already. Oh, thanks for keeping me company!”

The Lady smiled towards the woman, only to have the woman politely bow in return.

“It was my pleasure. It’s not every day I get a conversation as enlightening as this.”

“Thanks anyway, Ms. Kang.”

“Just Seulgi, please. Ms. Kang makes me fee old.

The aforementioned ‘Seulgi’ turned her smile to Sana, lips only mysteriously curving up further.

“Is this your friend?”

Sana took that opportunity to step forward, eyes narrowing at the stranger.

“Indeed. My name is Minatozaki Sana.”

The woman’s eyes widened immeasurably, and for some reason, so did her smile. Briskly walking over to her, she grabbed Sana’s hand.

If it were any other moment, Sana would have lashed out, fangs bared and hands ready to kill.

But this woman simply shook her hand. With quite the amount of force.

“What an honor it is to meet you, Lady Minatozaki. I’ve heard many things!”

Momo simply tilted her head, mirroring Sana’s confusion.

“Then this must be Lady Hirai! Oh, what a wonderful coincidence!”

Seulgi grinned with no small amount of amusement, turning to the Lady with vigor.

“These are your tenants, then? Oh, how wonderful!”

The confusion seemed to be apparent on Sana’s face, turning from the Lady to Seulgi interchangably, since Seulgi could only grin at Sana reassuredly.

“Not to worry, Lady Minatozaki. I have been watching over Dahyun ever since I felt her exit the subway. You have my word she is unharmed!”

The Lady took that time to step forward and put a hand on Seulgi’s shoulder gently.

“Thank you, Ms. Kang, but Sana here’s a little…jittery with strangers.”

Sana couldn’t help but agree, as Seulgi’s grip on her hand was now beginning to ache.

“Oh, where are my manners?”

Seulgi let go of Sana’s hand to bow, once towards Sana, once towards Momo. As she finished, she flashed both of them a great big smile.

“My true name is Callisto. I watch over this area of the city, along with a few of my own.”

The name sounded Greek, yet it rang no bells in Sana’s mind. Until the Lady decided to help her.

“She’s a shapeshifter, like Chaeng. Also a constellation, somehow, but what matters is I’m safe.”

Looking between Seulgi’s everglowing grin and the Lady’s weary smile, Sana could not be more confused.

But then, this was the Lady. And nothing ever normal happened to her.

With Momo’s best attempt at a shrug in wolf form, Sana resigned herself to her confusion. Her fangs receded, instead gracing Seulgi with an uncertain smile.

“…you have my thanks then, Lady Kang.”

Seulgi nodded, her head shaking so fast it could have popped off.

“Of course! Anything for the Sanctuary. Perhaps, you might like to visit our own? It’s not as safe, and our wards aren’t as specialized, but—”

Oh dear. This was what Sana feared this whole time on this journey.

Conversation.

Thankfully, the Lady decided to intervene.

“Thank you, Ms. Kang, but maybe another time? We’re quite tired from today.”

Seulgi did not seem deterred by the rebuttal.

“Of course! Let me know when you do want to pass by, though! Our haven’s always welcome to the Lady of the Sanctuary and her tenants!”

Finally, comfort flooded back into Sana’s system as she felt the Lady’s hand slip into her own, fingers interlacing naturally with hers.

“Thanks again, Ms. Kang. We’ll see you around.”

The shapeshifter waved her hand excitedly, glasses on the verge of falling off of her face.

Momo padded to their side as they turned to leave.

“Whew. Extroverts. Can’t stand them.”

Sana could not help but agree.

“How was the subway?”

Terrible. Disastrous. Horrid. Never again.

Momo didn’t need to hear Sana say anything to shudder terribly, still glaring at Sana out of the side of her eye.

“It was…fine, my Lady.”

Thankfully, Dahyun didn’t seem to catch on, instead smiling and squeezing Sana’s hand, to which Sana let out a quick sigh of relief.

“That’s great. Let’s go home?”

This was quite the adventure. Not to say that Sana would have ever liked to experience it again, but knowing that she had done her job, braved the subway system, talked to strangers, and rescued her Lady from darkness was enough for her to be satisfied.

“We shall.”

Yet, there was still something she couldn’t help but feel like she forgot—

The flapping of wings.

“Kim Dahyun!”

“Oh, hello there!”

“Who are you?!”

“Oh, my name’s Kang Seulgi, I’m an IT specialist in—”

“Are you the one who kept Kim Dahyun here against her will?!”

“Me? Oh, I don’t think so, I was merely keeping her company as your companions were—”

“This is unacceptable! This city is far too large to navigate!”

“Oh, well, if you look at the subway maps, then I’m sure you can find—”

“Curse the blasted subway!”

“Oh my, you’re getting quite bright, that hurts my eyes a little bit—”

Sana sighed.

No, there was no such thing as a normal day as a tenant of the apartment.

-----

Me: otw home now

angelbaby 😇💙: yaaaay

Me: whats the account for the apartment again

angelbaby 😇💙: why?

Me: tzu kind of blew up a subway station

Me: no one got hurt thankfully

Me: but we kind of have to pay for damages

angelbaby 😇💙: …

angelbaby 😇💙: how much

Me: uh

Me: i think its better if i tell you in person

angelbaby 😇💙: …

angelbaby 😇💙: tell tzuyu she’s not getting any hugs or kisses tonight

Me: okay yeah that did it shes quiet and rly sad now

angelbaby 😇💙: good

Me: do i get hugs and kisses

angelbaby 😇💙: normally i’d say yes, but i told you to go to sleep early last night and you didn’t, so no

Me: ):

angelbaby 😇💙: maybe just one

Me: (:

[lizard-shifter-noms]

Wayward Waters Chapter 16

——————————————————————————

Hello everyone! Chapter 16!

absolute Chaos!!

this Story contains Vore, Dont like dont read.

have fun reading!

and as always Reblogs are appreciated! (Also ASK’s are open so feel free to bother me!)

AO3 Link for those that prefer the layout there;

AO3 Wayward waters

——————————————————————————

I stared up at the Gigantic being, my brain still weirdly foggy but now clear enough to finally move on my own.

Not really having any idea what to do as I was way too far for any screams to ever reach anyone I twisted at the Bracelet,  growing Giant, though still small in comparison to this being.

Weirdly enough the Kraken didn't do anything,  aside from lowering itself down to be more eye level.

Didn't it do the same with Cassidy?

The weird fog in my brain kept me rooted to the spot, and I had no doubt that it was this Gigantic Mer that was the cause of it.

It was probably the reason I walked out here to begin with.

But why? And why me of all people?

It bent down, its face getting way too close for comfort,  and let me see that even though I was in Giant form the Kraken's head was as big as I was.

Huh, so that's how people felt when they saw me.

Suddenly I had to commend Robin's bravery even more.

Its unsettingly Lilac eyes with the W shaped pupils focused on me,  the face getting even closer as I was rooted to the spot.

It got close enough to touch, its unusual eye larger than my hand.

Hoo fuck, was i about to die?

Apparently not as the Kraken simply let one of its tendrils softly touch at the top of my head.

“Hello”

I Jolted, like back with the electric eel, at the sudden voice that somehow was in my head but also not.

“Apologies, it is not my intent to frighten you, i simply wanted to talk”

The voice, which was very deep and sounded somewhat Female?,  said, the sound again vibrating through my entire skull as the Krakens' lips never moved.

“I- what? Wait, why do you want to talk to ME of all people?”

Well, at least the Kraken wasn't here to hurt people it seemed.

“Be calm child of Elven blood, my name is Grella and i have sought you out because i sensed magic on you”

So the Kraken was Named Grella, not what I would have imagined.

“Magic on me? You mean the Bracelet? 

Ronan got one too now, so why did you only call me out? 

How did you do that anyway? It felt like sleepwalking”

The behemoth in front of me blinked,  the weird eyes disappearing for a moment.

“I suppose those questions are rightfully asked, so I shall explain.

Yes, the bracelet is what drew me near. 

I have the ability to sense magic and even use the magical energy in the stead of food.

I myself am a magical being, I am sure you have heard of sirens before yes? What I did is not that different, and it keeps the rest of the island fast asleep, even your Statue friend has laid down to rest for now.

And i only called you out as you have more experience with the Bracelet than Ronan, and quite frankly are more responsible”

Well, aside from the fact that apparently she'd managed to get the entire island to sleep, INCLUDING Akeem she was kinda right about Ronan.

If I told anyone that even the Kraken said he was an irresponsible idiot he'd never live it down.

“Well I do have to give you right at the last part,  but still, what am I here for?”

The massive body, which was mostly underwater shifted a little, the many tentacles changing color and blending in with the water.

“I have called you here to tell you to be careful, the Bracelet uses the magic of the environment to let you change your shape.

The world of Tern has lines not unlike rivers of blood vessels running through it filled with magic, so called Ley Lines.

I myself use their energy to sustain my life force,  but in the last few hundred years I have noticed a steady decline in how much magic they carry.

I had to retreat to Graves keep to stay alive,  not able to leave for more than a day now,  seeing as at that place multiple of the Ley lines intersect.

But you realize what that means, yes?”

I stared at her, mind reeling from what she had told me.

“Magic is disappearing, but why? And why tell ME that?”

She leaned in closer and I instinctively took a step back.

“If magic is gone you will be stuck in whatever form you chose last, be that Giant, Half Elf or Ardua, and you will take this form to the grave”

I stared horrified at her.

“You mean one day I won't be able to shift anymore? 

Even with the Bracelet?”

“Exactly, so you better think about what form you want to live your live in and get buried in, with the way things are going you have thirty years at most before that happens, i myself will Die in less than twenty”

Ah, so she wanted to tell the land dweller early as it wasn't exactly likely I'd ever come back here, Ronan could be told anytime really.

“Wait, WHY is the magic disappearing? 

Is that why less and less human mages have been born? 

The last case i know of is two hundred years back”

She slowly nodded.

“Yes, and tell me when was the last time you heard of anyone seeing one of the older true magical creatures, 

such as Unicorns and the true Dragons? 

When was the last time you have seen actual grand magic that wasn't more than some meager little spells?

When was the last time you saw something truly grand that could only be magic?”

I had to think about that, sure Fable had used a light spell and set his thumb on fire but even he admitted that was all, and elves used to be regarded for their magic skills.

And Unicorns hadn't been heard of even in my mothers lifetime,  same as dragons, at this point they were just stories,  and Drakes weren't even real dragons.

“I do not think i have, there used to be an Icemancer but Oakley took his staff which apparently held all the power? Or at least the Gem on it did”

Grellas' eyes widened for a second,  and I almost thought I had imagined it.

“It is Possible to store Magic in specialized gemstones, however even those will run dry one day, i suppose if you get stuck in a form you don't want you might be able to use that Gem as a last effort to change.

Given that you don't use it for anything else”

So, Magic really was dying, what a sad fate.

“So, if magic Dies i will get stuck in whatever form I took on last,  and you will simply Die?”

Her mouth twisted into something like a sad smile.

“I am fated to die regardless, I am the last Kraken, my brethren either starved or have been hunted to extinction before they could reach maturity simply for being something the human mind didn't understand.

The Elder Behemoths are almost all gone, especially those with magic, The only other one, that I am not sure where he is now, is an Elder Dragon of a similar coloration as me, his name is Siokhain.

Though if my memory serves correctly his eyes are of a more Amethyst shade instead of my pale Lilac.

It is a shame really, the Violet eyes used to share their knowledge with the smaller folk, our lifespans far longer than that of any other mortal and capable of storing the memories of those that asked us to.

If magic Dies a lot of knowledge will too, and if that happens people will revert back to attacking things they used to know out of fear”

So, basically if Magic Died a lot of other things were fucked as well.

Damnit.

“Yeah, people attack things they fear and don't understand,  i know that too well, i guess they don't want to be afraid and instead become angry because it's easier for them, and hey, if they destroy the thing that scared them they won't have to be scared anymore”

Grella let out a sound that was probably a chuckle,  albeit distorted from her being so big.

“But they should be scared, not of things they don't know,  but of things they DO know.

Anyone can take up a weapon and murder if the conditions are right,  a person that is generally seen as helpful and loving could be the serial killer that haunts the streets at night.

And i think that people should in fact be uncomfortable sometimes,  if you never have the way you view the world challenged it lets hatred foster and stagnate your heart.

Sadly a lot of people do not seem get that being safe and feeling safe are two different things”

Taking all the bravery I had, I looked her straight into the eyes,  well one eye.

“Is there nothing we can do to stop it? 

Are you just content to Die like that? WHY is the magic disappearing? And where to? Where the fuck does all the magic go to if it isn't in those Ley lines anymore?”

There HAD to be SOME way to fix it, right?

Grella smiled sadly, a tear shining in her eye uh oh.

“Little man, it does not matter if i am content to die or not,  But I did have to accept that I cannot do anything to stop it,  and worrying everyday about it will not make it better,  Instead I have chosen to enjoy the time I have left, even though these days I'm mostly confined to Graves keep and my life isn't that bad.

Cassidy is a dear friend and as I told him I could not leave for long he offered to see the world for me.

He goes out on adventures and then comes back home to share the memories with me, be they made on land or at sea.

Even though I cannot go far,  I still have seen more of the world than most ever will.

There are fates worse than this, but thank you for wanting to help.

As for where the magic goes, I cannot really say, but I suspect the land of Valyria had something to do with it about three hundred years ago as they have managed to alter the flow of a few of the lines.

I would have investigated had it not been on land,  and had they not aimed their weapons at me as I swam closer.

Had i known what i do today i would have tried harder,  but now i cannot go too far from Graves keep or risk withering away, besides at this point they surely have better defenses against threats, they've seen me once so they surely prepared in case i came back”

Valyria huh? That sounded ominous,  and Elven maybe I should ask Fable as soon as I was back.

Still, I kinda felt sad for Grella, but at least she wasn't alone,  and apparently could see memories.

That and she cared enough about a stranger to warn them that they could get stuck in one form for the rest of their life.

“Grella?”

“Yes child of Elven blood?”

It was a weird title but I WAS of elven blood so she wasn't wrong.

“You said you can see and store memories, yes?”

She nodded slightly, probably to not disturb the surroundings too much

“That I can, yes, are you asking to see some of them?”

I shook my head.

“No, opposite actually, id let you see some of mine, i don't think Cassidy has ever been In Kamerasca so i could at least show you what it looks like?

I mean, you came this far from Graves keep just to warn me of the magic thing, that's the least i can do,  just promise to not show them to anyone else okay?”

Grella actually smiled, showing off three fangs,  two of which pointed up and framed a third one that grew down the middle of her upper jaw, not unlike an octopus beak.

“I will not show anyone as long as i live,  thank you young man, are you truly sure?”

I nodded, I already offered so no backtracking, that would just be mean.

“Yeah, i am, though i warn you that most of it is not happy”

She gave a slight nod once again, more of her hairlike tendrils curling and uncurling near my own head, gently touching at my own hair and skin.

”Rest easy now young Ardua,  and be assured your sleep will be untroubled”

What?

The tendrils curled around me,  getting the foggy feeling back into my brain.

“Tell Oakley my regards, and that i enjoyed the time we had so long ago”

Then it was black.

I woke up who the fuck knew when later still on the sandy strip,  sun out and Kraken gone.

Did that really happen? 

Judging by the fact I was still here AND giant sized, yes, it did.

What the hell.

Hopefully I made no one worry, seeing as the sun was just going up,  but at least I did not have any bad dreams or any dreams really.

At least Grella had been right in that,  but what the fuck was that last comment about Oakley?

The way she said it made it sound like they had something going on in the past.

Of course Oakley would fuck a Kraken, why the hell not.

I twisted the gem on the bracelet and shrunk back down to human size, dusting the sand off of my legs and finding a bunch of very colorful seashells next to me.

Considering how far from water I was,  Grella had to have placed these here.

I picked up the five or so shells, 

finding a twisted one with spikes about the same Color as Grella was, which I now realized was just pearl white with a hint of blue.

There also was a blue, red and purple one I would definitely give to Arthur and a few others I could decorate my nearly empty shelf at home with.

I really ought to find more stuff to put in it,  empty as it was, it just looked sad.

Well, better get back before anyone got worried.

Good thing i at least somewhat remembered the way back,  and in nearly no time at all i was back near Imugi’s saltwater pond.

“Donovan! Where have you been!”

I looked at where the voice came from,  seeing Robin had somehow gotten on top of the weird house.

Well, what the fuck was i supposed to tell here? That the Kraken herself had called me out in the middle of the night to tell me magic was dying?

Absolutely not.

So instead I held the seashells up.

“Got shells, I did tell Arthur I'd get him a pretty one after all!”

Robin leaned over the roof to look down and I prepared to shift in case he fell.

“Ohhh those are pretty! Which one are you gonna give him?”

“Come down here and I'll show you all of them! And don't fall!”

He nodded, scrambling out of sight and to wherever he got up in the first place.

I did not know one could go on their roof,  if a somewhat flat stone top of a cave even counted as that.

If anything it really was just a very big boulder that had gotten hollowed out, however the fuck that was done.

Holding the seashells I walked around to the entrance and found that there was a ladder going up to the roof,  which Robin was currently climbing down.

Before I could say anything to him though Ronan popped up,  well rather fell out of his hammock and landed face first on the floor.

“Ouch! Hey where did you get those shells? 

They are from some deep sea species! Can I have one?” 

Deep sea species? Of course Grella would give me something like that, why not, well whatever counted as deep sea for humans probably was still rather shallow waters for her.

“I found them in the sand, and one of those is for Arthur,  but i can give the small blue one”

I handed the small but rather long and thin twisted blue shell to him after he managed to stand up.

“Thanks! Can't wait to measure it after I find my measuring tape! 

Where did I put that anyway?”

Before he could get far he got scruffed by Akeem,  who held the other a good foot or so above the floor.

“No science for today, we have stuff to do, namely repair the ship.

You are going to go get supplies Imik listed for you,  you can ask someone else to come with if you want”

Ronan pouted at that.

“Fine, at least let me stash this properly so it doesn't break!”

Akeem nodded and shoved a list into his hands before letting him fall to the floor.

As the stone man walked out his eyes met mine for a second,  almost as if trying to look through me.

He knew something was off, clearly as he usually didn't sleep but the Kraken had managed to make him do just that.

I tried my best to stare back with a blank expression,  which seemed to be enough and he left.

Ronan had stashed the shell away, letting me use one of his boxes to put the other ones in and then invited us to tag along as apparently he just had to buy more wood so they could make a new railing.

Robin of course was immediately for it as he wanted to explore the city, but apparently the place to get wood was outside of it, near a little forest.

Well it kind of was still exploring the island, and he'd probably need help dragging the stuff back so we went along with him anyway.

Also I did not trust him to not do something dumb,  especially now that he could shift.

“Hey wouldn't it be easier to shift big to go get stuff?”

Yep, there it was, he already wanted to shift in the middle of the day in the middle of the island.

“Better not, you might give someone a heart attack doing that, also not everyone takes well to having a giant suddenly appear out of nowhere”

He made an unhappy face but before he could say anything Robin had found the weird door that was built directly into the stone,  still featuring that odd tree.

“What is this door for? Can I open it? Where does it go to?”

It was the door I had been told nobody could open so they just let it be.

Ronan laughed.

“If you manage to get it open i will eat a dozen raw eggs!”

That sounded like a great way to get sick very fast.

Still Robin tried to pull the door open with all his strength, and even tried to see if the door had to be pushed instead before going back to pulling.

It obviously wasn't working, not that something like that had stopped people from doing things before.

Grabbing him I heaved him away from the door,  the ginger still clinging to the very old and used looking handle.

“Aww come on, is it rusted shut or something?”

Instead of letting go he tried once more to pull it open, using me as a sort of brace but when even that didn't work he gave up.

“Why build something like that anyway?”

Good question, though it might have been part of something else once and was now just rotting and rusting here.

“Eh it was probably meant for something else that just never got finished”

After that I had to tell Ronan at least two more times to not randomly shift where people could see as he might cause some panic.

He clearly didn't like being told what to do but still didn't shift.

It wasn't long before we came across the sawmill near a patch of woods, already hearing the telltale sound of wood being cut.

Ronan of course waltzed in without knocking.

“Heya old man! How's it going? Still have all your fingers?”

Robin looked at me,  clearly aware that Ronan was rude to whoever worked here,  and neither of us would be surprised if he'd get a log tossed at him.

Going in after him I saw him handing a list to a man that looked very familiar.

He looked like an older version of Nemas, minus the face tattoo.

Right, the Captain of the Victory Rose had mentioned that his father had chosen to work in a sawmill instead of being a sailor.

Though I had not expected that to be here, well if he was anything like his son Ronan should prepare to get his ears talked off.

Which he didn't, but he did whack Ronan with a flexible stick for being rude before shoving everything that was on the list into his arms, not caring if Ronan could actually hold it or not.

Which he definitely couldn't so me and Robin went to help.

Well mostly me, Robin struck up conversation with the man, telling him that he looked like Nemas, who was indeed his son, and then walked out after hearing his son was here but apparently hadn't visited him so far.

Well, that sure was something just now.

Helping Ronan gather up the not so small amount of materials we helped carry it back towards the Halcyon, the new shifter complaining all the way that he wanted to get big to carry the stuff.

We did not let him, even Robin was aware that randomly shifting in a populated place was a bad idea so we were stuck bringing the wood back the old fashioned way.

Apparently once he'd given the wood to Imik and Akeem who worked to restore the ship he deemed it far enough away from people and jumped into the water, shifting to the creature form.

Of course Imugi had her fun with that,  swimming around him happily clicking and splashing.

Well, if Grella was right I had only about twenty years of shifting however I wanted, so why not join them for a bit?

Jumping down I also shifted and a moment later the big and green form of the Ardua was also splashing in the water.

I yelped as Imugi suddenly spit water at me from behind,  turning around and splashing back with my paws.

Imik yelled from somewhere on the ship for us to fuck off if we weren't helping and i could clearly hear Robin laughing loudly at the silly display we did.

We did as told, Ronan and Imugi a lot faster than me seeing as i wasn't a sea dwelling creature like them.

Somehow Imugi got a new tree, which I actually started to suspect was stolen from the other side of the island where the sawmill was, and let me hold onto it as she dragged me towards shallower water.

At least I could stand here, and Imugi wanted to play tug o 'war again, which I lost considering I was still in water.

Ronan tried to sneak up and get Imugi by spitting water at her,  but missed and hit me instead.

In retaliation I dunked his head under,  The flat surface of it was perfect for placing a paw on top.

“Hey! Haha! How long do you think I can hold my breath? 

This form doesn't have gills so I guess it's more like a seal? maybe?”

Honestly I had no idea how long those could hold their breath either.

“No idea! You can test it later if you want!”

Imugi forced her head against Ronan, shoving him around like a piece of cork and dunking him every time he tried to get away.

“I blame you for this!”

I just grinned at him, splashing Imugi who then turned her attention to me, bonking her head against my own.

Despite barely being able to stand i tried to shove her trough the water like she had done, with only mild success.

It was fun nonetheless and she used her beak to gently tap at me.

I responded by bapping at her with a paw,  a motion that would have anything just half her size falling over.

Ronan then headbutted me away, trying to shove me over the sandy ground of the little bay we were in and trying to dunk me as well.

Standing up on my haunches I shoved him backwards with both front paws, the situation quickly escalating into stupid and childlike play fighting, well if one could call two shapeshifting creatures trying to shove, harmlessly hit or headbutt each other that.

Imugi tossed the log shed found between us and like some stupid dogs we fought about it, me biting one end and him biting the other one.

Whoever let go first lost.

Water splashed as we each tugged and tore at the wood, Imugi click-whistled happily as we both acted like animals if just for this moment.

Then we got interrupted by someone yelling.

“HEY BOYS! FUNS OVER GET OVER HERE!”

I let go of the wood surprise, Ronan keeling over backwards as I suddenly stopped holding it and making a spectacular splash as his back hit the water first.

Looking up I could see Yamet standing there, waving us out of the water.

What time was it anyway? Judging by the sun at least midday now.

He'd probably cooked lunch or something, so better we'd dry off now.

Walking out of the water closely followed by Ronan I shook myself like a dog as soon as we were on dry land again, Ronan immediately trying as well and getting the water from his fur all over me.

I placed a paw on his head and pressed down a little,  seeing him squish his body like that was funny and more reminiscent of a cat being slightly annoyed.

Before he could think to do it back I jumped up the few boulders closer to Yamet, shifting back to human form as soon as I was next to him.

“What is it? Did you make Lunch?”

He shook his head, which I found a little disappointing.

“No, though i should soon, but whatever, your friend, the black haired one is looking for you, i think he wants to go to some other island soon?”

Ohh right, Kamerasca had a colony here, whatever that was called, of course Rikaad would want to take a look at it when he was already here.

“Uh, sure? Where is he now? Do I have to get my stuff?”

Well, it looked like we were leaving pretty fast,  though that was just like Rikaad really.

I was, however, a bit sad, being here had been fun! And now that they were here also i had wanted to at least stay a day or two more.

Yamet just shrugged and pointed me back towards the boat.

As said Rikaad was there,  and the guy with the oversized chicken as well, Chicken included.

I could see Imik keeping his distance from it while Jamie was gently scratching its head.

As Rikaad saw me his face got a good bit less grumpy.

Nice to see he cared.

Robin was right behind him, also staring at the Chicken.

“Donovan! There you are, why are you drenched in seawater?”

“Ronan was testing his new form a bit more, and Imugi wanted to play”

Rikaad glanced at the water where Imugi was swimming back to the boat.

“I see, anyway since we are here i wanted to go check out Naroa island, Which is the colony's main place,  Do you want to come with? We will come back here after and stay here till Nemas manages to repair the ship”

Oh right, the Victory Rose had gotten quite a bit damaged, wait how would we get to Naroa then?

“Uh, sure why not, see a bit more of the world,  but how are we going to get there if the Victory Rose is damaged?”

Rikaad pointed all the way over to where they had parked the Call Of The Damned.

“Cassidy is going to take us there, apparently his wife is also there for the next two or so weeks and he wants to talk to her”

Oh yeah that would work, wait wasn't Cassidy divorced? 

Eh not my life so not my problem.

“Yeah why not? I am curious what that place looks like!”

Suddenly Ronan interrupted.

“Can we come with? I've never been there either! 

And only Yamet and Imik know how to repair the ship anyway!”

He had to duck as a hammer was tossed at him from Yamet.

“Then fucking learn!”

Ronan ignored it in favor of listening to Rikaads answer.

“I do not see why not, as long as Cassidy lets you on the ship i have no problem, anyone else here want to come with?”

Jamie jumped, grabbing at Ronans arm with their bird claws and standing sideways.

“I'd like to see! I have no idea where on the fucking map that is anyway!”

“If Jamie and Ronan go then so will i, someone has to stop them from doing stupid things”

Ah so Akeem would come as well, nice, and yeah he was right in that.

Rikaad nodded curtly.

“Very well, get what you need and meet us at the ship”

NEXT / PREVIOUS / OVERSIGHT

[das-ende-des-anfangs]

Dear P****e,

I just want you to know that you broke me.

When I met you, I believed in people. I believed in love. I trusted that the people who said they loved me would want to stand by me and help me work through things. I trusted YOU when you said you would do that for me. I was vulnerable and intimate with you in difficult moments BECAUSE I trusted you so deeply. I came to you during times of pain and uncertainty because I trusted that you would love and value me even if I wasn’t perfect.

When we met you said you didn't even believe in love. You said you didn't even want a relationship (and I should've listened), but when I was finally able to convince you that I was "worthy" of your love, I felt like my world was complete. When you told me I taught you how to love, I felt like I could do anything.

I helped convince you your life was worth living. I gave you the push you needed to get on meds and go to therapy. I drove 4 hours during winter break just so I could clean your apartment and have a homemade dinner ready for you when you got home from your dogshit job. I drew you a bath and gave you a foot massage because I just wanted you to be able to relax after working so hard all day. I wrote you the most beautiful piece of music I've ever created because I wanted you to know how much I loved you. I made you cry tears of joy nearly every time we saw each other. I gave you EVERYTHING that I had, but it still wasn't enough.

You said you wanted to build a life with me. You told me how beautiful your name would sound with my last name at the end of it. You gave me a key to your apartment, and not even two weeks later you said you wanted to leave me. I begged you to stay and you dragged things out so I would eventually just get sick of waiting for you and you could tell our friends it was "mutual."

It's been months since I even spoke to you, and I still live every day in fear that the new loves I meet will abandon me like you did. So I try to make myself perfect. I have to love perfectly, talk perfectly, fuck perfectly, do everything PERFECTLY because maybe it will keep me safe. You're the reason I can't even force myself to believe people when they say they want to make me a part of their life, when they say they're committed to working out whatever might come up in our relationship. I can't even give the people I love the gift that is trusting them when they say they'll stand by me, even when (unlike you) they've done everything to earn that trust.

I wish I could make you feel how I feel right now. I wish I could make you experience a fraction of the pain that you put me through. I wish I could make you know what you took from me, but instead I'm writing a post on the internet that maybe 5 people will even read (if I'm lucky).

I hope it felt good to reap all the benefits of the love I gave you and leave me with nothing but fear, mistrust, and self-hatred. I hope you're happy that I can't stop breaking down in front of the people I love because I'm afraid that they'll throw me away like you did. I hope you're happy to know that I still live in absolute terror of letting people see what I struggle with because of how you used it against me. I know I'm healing, and I know I will overcome this, but right now I just feel like I'm drowning under the pain that you left me.

I hate you, P****e. I hate you so much for what you took from me. I know I'm supposed to be the bigger woman and find it in myself to forgive you, but not now. Not when the wounds you gave me are still so raw and so fresh. I hope you never find anyone as good as me, because you don't deserve the type of love that I gave you. Good luck breaking that streak of failed 6-month relationships. Maybe someday you'll realize that YOU'RE the fucking problem, but at this point I don't really care if you do. My only hope is that there will come a time when I never have to waste so much as single neuron activation on your sorry excuse for an existence. Just like I said the last time I ever spoke to you, I am looking forward to not giving a FUCK about you.

Sincerely,

Anja

[tomyo]

Maka Supplementals

Hey welcome to my "Maka Supplementals" post aka when you become so obsessed with an anime character, you start to treat any other character that looks like them as that character. I've been in this fandom and ancient amount of time and for some reason, I'll just notice a very Maka like quality in them.

Neiro from Kaiba

I'm probably ruining myself by starting with the best. Kaiba (2008) is really a series you can easily project not just Maka AND Soul but the rest main cast onto. I stg I thought Bstar and Popo had the same VA (they definitely have the same god complex). Naturally the pigtails and droopy eyes were a huge connector and the orange/green color scheme is frequently used to represent our fav duo. As for the story, it's mostly around Kaiba and Neiro being just out of reach of each other and a new technology that allows people to store and transfer memories to new bodies. Neiro also makes a good Kaiba type as a stern person in the present but soft and kind in the past/later on. She also has family trauma which may be a theme. On its own it's a masterpiece but I actually made my first SE friend in part due to us both separately coming into SExKaiba au art.

Mikan from Gakuen Alice

I only ever read the series but I figured anime art would pop more. Mikan, the mc, our classic lightish hair color in pigtails and you could possibly call her eyes droopy shaped. Tbh I can hardly remember this series since it's been 11+ years since I last read it but I do remember Mikan having mother issues. If I remember right it's a magic academy shoujo and I probably wouldn't have included it but I wanted to show off that cute angel outfit she's wearing.

Shizuku from Tonari no Kaibutsu

When I watched this series in 2014, this was the first time I said "Oh, this character is just Maka" and thus this list was born. Did you ever want to experience Maka in a Shoujo where her love interest looks like DtK but acts like Bstar? Here you are, the most frustrating romance ever. Shizuku Mizutani is a pretty perfect Maka type, she's quiet, serious, extremely studious, and constantly annoyed by everyone else's shenanigans. One day she's sent to deliver socially maladjusted Haru Yoshida his homework and naturally a classic nightmare romance starts. I'm not kidding when I say every episode one of the two confesses to the other who then turns them down. Honestly, that's the plot. The first confession is right at the end of episode one and it doesn't stop. Can't lie though, I love high school tropes and aesthetics so it's a fun way to reimagine the crew's life going.

Kirin from Gakuen Babysitters

Absolute baby. If you want to imagine was toddler Maka was like then Kirin is pretty good for that. She's not really a main focus of the story but Gakuen Babysitters is still surprisingly good. Kirin really feels like the tiny Maka we saw in Chrona's soul, very outgoing and friendly to those who aren't as confident. She often fights with a Black Star like nursery mate and has an aggressively doting dad that aligns perfectly with Spirit. One small story arc with her is wanting to be a witch. Not really a lot of anything but a cute detail to point out.

Marnie from Pokemon

She has pigtails and 2011 me drew Maka in the exact same outfit. Ngl, this is a real head empty one but I'm still not over that happening.

Nino from Fukumenki Noise

Sorry this is actually just another kind of annoying shoujo. Outside of the hair, Nino is pretty much nothing like Maka. Unlike most series where the story is a string of misunderstandings, Nino's naivety is often a major problem where she cheerily sings over listening to her best friend/crush's home problems and doesn't reflect on the ways her actions could be affecting others. So why is she on here? The music segments. There's this raw and unpolished nature to the singing that really just brings something special to it. Honestly just watch the singing proportions, ignore the bad cgi (in 2017 no less) and pretend its Maka "I don't get music" Albarn singing it.

Sana from Kodomo no Omocha

Probably the only series I've watched before Soul Eater on this list. I recently rewatched and kept feeling weird about the Maka vibes I was getting off of it. Sana does start the series pretty annoyed her schooling is being interrupted and her middle school uniform looks like the Sparoi uniform but her more core characteristics is being a child star and is extremely hyperactive because of it. So what was it? She's voiced by Laura Bailey. It's very interesting to hear her distinctive wobble in Sana's voice. Of course that isn't all, Sana has family issues and her genki personality is related to people pleasing so it's interesting to see when that facade drops. While the manga leaves a stronger impression, the end of 17- start of 18 has a few particularly beautifully scenes of animation.

Also something I want to point out is Sana's amazing wardrobe. Despite being 90s, the bright colors work great for Y2K looks that feel right for Mala's style sense. I wish I could use more than 10 photos to show them off. The anime uses a lot of long sleeves and skirts and the manga has some more trendy fashions like the fur trim cardigans that are popular right now so I'd look there for some outfit Y2K revival references.