#this was written quite drunk tbh

[saetoru]

✩ ‧₊˚ ✩ my life with you (that’s way over now)

synopsis. some people get drunk calls from their exes, maybe even flowers with hand written apologies. you get a knock on your front door with two random kids and a murder case

length. 3.0k words (once more it was supposed to be short)

contents. exes to lovers, ex boyfriend! suguru, gn! reader, slightly deviated from canon (he doesn’t kill the entire village + doesn’t defect), slightly a fix-it fic, blood, murder, child abuse + neglect (canon events with suguru and the twins), angst to slight fluff with hopeful ending (pretty much happy tbh), mentions of family + kids, suguru pretty much being a broke and depressed lil guy lollll

notes. idk what this is but it was written for me i just wanted to write it so here. take it and look away

right before you graduate, you and suguru break up. you don’t want to, but he insists it’s only fair—he can hardly be there for you the way you need him to be, he says. something’s changed in him, it has since that day last year. but still—you don’t want to break up.

so you argue, he stays firm, you cry, he doesn’t change his mind, you break up, he leaves, and the world momentarily collapses.

it’s the way things work, you suppose. they don’t quite always go the way you planned. you graduate not long after that, leaving him behind to throw yourself into work while you toe into the baby steps of adulthood. real adulthood—the jujutsu world has a way of thrusting you into that faster than normal, anyway.

by the time it’s late summer, you get your first apartment. it’s a rundown place—the bathroom tiles look dirty no matter how much you scrub, the walls haven’t been repainted in what seems like decades, and the thermostat never works properly to feel like what the temperature indicates.

but it’s yours—you leave jujutsu high fresh into the real world, paying your taxes and buying your groceries all while you exorcise curses for a living. barely an adult, barely getting by, barely alive as you get up each day and live.

and then suguru comes knocking on your door half past midnight.

“hey,” he says nonchalantly, like there’s nothing wrong with standing there—but you know him better than that. you can hear that detachment in his voice as he stares between your eyes, but not quite in them.

“you—” you start, staring at him incredulously before you decide to give up. there are no surprises with suguru, not anymore you suppose. you don’t really know him anymore. “suguru, it’s midnight,” you sigh—and that’s when you see them: two small children that can’t be much older than five.

bruises are clear as day on their arms, even while standing in the darkness outside. there’s also the slight swollen curve of their eyes, and you can’t help but notice how they’re practically skin and bone. children who have probably not yet even lived for five winters, and you almost wonder if they��ve been through more than you have in you’re entire lifetime.

suguru clears his throat before you can stare at them any longer.

“this is nanako,” he gestures at the blonde, “and this is mimiko.” the brunette one seems more shy, curls behind his leg further as her name is uttered.

you don’t know what to say, so you settle for smiling—you’re not sure if it comes out too genuine, but you try. it’s all you can offer, really.

“hello,” you hum for a moment. and then you turn back to suguru, “it’s midnight.”

“i know.”

“you should be at school grounds.”

“i know.”

“suguru,” you sigh, eyeing the blood stained on his cheek. you don’t like where this is heading. there’s a sick feeling twisting in your gut, bubbling, bubbling, bubbling.

bile. you can taste it. something’s not right.

“where did you find these kids?”

“on a mission,” he says simply, “village heads were keepin’ em locked in a cage like animals. can you believe it?”

again, that casual tone. it almost as easy as humming your favorite tune, as smooth as your skin on freshly washed sheets, as quiet as the first day of snow when the world is still. but something about it is hollow—something’s not right.

“why’d you bring them here? instead of school? shoko should look at them—”

“i told them they’d be safe here.”

they’d be safe anywhere, you think. as long as suguru’s there too. as long they’re under his watchful gaze, nothing could hope to beat down on their youth like it already has their whole lives. but you don’t say that—something tells you he won’t believe you.

maybe not right now.

you don’t look at him. you can’t. something’s not right, but there are children present. so you throw on your best smile and open the door wider, offering them to come in.

your apartment is small, just one bedroom and one bath. there’s hardly enough food for yourself for tonight, you still have to go grocery shopping this week. the missions were lined up back to back to back—but that’s just life as a sorcerer, you suppose. most days you hardly have the energy to eat more than a few apple slices when you return home anyway.

you wave your hand at your place dramatically as you say, “come on in, ladies. your humble abode awaits.”

they giggle slightly at that—it’s the first time suguru hears them laugh. you have that effect, he knew you would. it’s why he brings them here and not there. and…well, there’s a more complicated issue at hand. but that’s for later.

right now…well, for right now, he lets you guide them to the bathroom.

“you have money on you right?” you ask. he blinks, staring at you for a moment before slowly shaking his head.

“spent the last of it on cigarettes this morning.”

great, you think, before sighing and trudging over to grab your wallet as you press a few crisp bills of cash in his hands.

“here.”

“what’s this for?” he raises a brow.

“go buy them clothes,” you look at him like he’s stupid. he might be, in all honesty. just a little. “i’m not putting them back in…those once they’re all cleaned.”

“wha—i’ve never shopped for children before,” he gapes, “and i don’t know what size they are, or—”

“figure it out, suguru,” you say tiredly. it’s half past midnight—by now, you’d be passed out from your mission. he seems to take the hint. “and bring some snacks too. should be enough.”

“fine,” he grumbles—and then he’s walking out the door.

for a second, it feels familiar watching him leave. but then you decide not to dwell on it—there are much more important matters at hand.

you turn to the two girls before crouching in front of them with a gentle smile, “who’s ready for bubbles?”

——————

nanako and mimiko have never had a bubble bath before. you decide to let them taste the first tendrils of youth by splashing in your tiny bathtub while you find suguru for some much needed answers.

he sits on your couch, shirt wrinkled and hair falling loose and blood still staining his cheek as he hunches over his legs, elbows resting on his thighs as he thinks. and thinks. and thinks and thinks and thinks.

you wonder about what—what could be plaguing his mind? a lot you’re sure, but this isn’t suguru. not the one you know, at least.

the one you knew, the voice in your mind hisses—do you really even know him at all anymore?

“so,” you sit on the opposite side of the sofa, curling your legs under yourself as you eye him from the side, “care to explain?”

“i killed them,” he mutters. you go still. “the village heads. i did it without hesitating. that’s bad, right?”

“well fuck, suguru,” you breathe, restless, “that’s certainly not good.”

“i had a reason,” he argues, “all i needed was one.”

“there’s nothing that excuses murder—”

“oh, but we can excuse locking kids in cages, is that right? why? cause they’re sorcerers? they’re not—they’re children.”

“i didn’t say that,” you rub your forehead. this is all too much. too, too much.

being a sorcerer is too much. being in front of suguru is too much.

you finish your third year with a broken heart and graduate in spring—at one point you’d hoped graduating wouldn’t change anything between you and your friends, between you and the boy you loved. everything would be the same, even if you’d leave the place that held you all together—you’d still find a way back to each other, you liked to think. but then it all changes before you can even comprehend.

haibara is dead. nanami is hardly coping. gojo is everywhere but here. shoko is in high demand. suguru is hardly present even when he’s right in front of you. nothing is the same and you don’t think it ever will be. you lose the one thing you count on being yours forever, and now, he’s right here again. but not really here—not with you so much as near you.

suguru has killed people, sitting on your couch with you while the two children he finds are bathing happily in your bathtub.

there’s some irony in that—maybe in a perfect world, suguru and you would sit on the couch, much happier than right now, though. maybe you’d be tucked under his arm and curled into his side as you both chuckle at the happy squeals in the distance. maybe in a perfect world.

but this world is cruel. too cruel, in fact. it forces children to grow up too fast during some times and lets adults continue to be children during others. it’s sickening and all too much.

but this is the world you live in. there’s not much to change in that—not much you can change. maybe sitting on the couch with suguru is what you should be grateful for, whether it’s in this world or another.

“i came here because it’s safe,” he mumbles, quieter this time, “i don’t…i didn’t trust anywhere else.”

something tells you he’s not talking about the kids. you look at him for the first time that night—really look at him. you take in the lost weight, the sunken cheekbones and the bruised under eyes from the lack of sleep. the cracked lips from being chapped and the dry hair that’s lost its normal shine.

something’s not right—you won’t be able to mend it, but you think you can keep it from getting worse.

“it is safe here,” you murmur, nodding in assurance, “but you can’t…i can’t let you do that. not again.”

“what? kill people?” he snorts in dry amusement. it’s quiet for a bit—you open your mouth a few times like you want to say something, but nothing ever comes. he finally decides to fill the silence. “i don’t know what’s right and what’s wrong anymore. people shouldn’t kill. but some people shouldn’t live.”

“i think jujutsu is supposed to save people. not everyone will deserve it, but i suppose we wouldn’t be much better than them if we used it for anything other than that,” you whisper. he looks over at you at that, peers at you deep in thought as he contemplates your words.

“that’s funny,” he chuckles, “i used to think that too.”

“what changed?”

“everything.”

“then change it some more,” you shrug, “until you think it again.” he looks at you incredulously at that, eyeing you like you’re crazy.

“you’re an idiot,” he scoffs.

“says the killer,” you scoff back. you look at him this time, in the eyes and full of conviction, full of promises you couldn’t make before but fully intend to keep now. “don’t kill anyone else and i’ll help you. with those kids, i mean.”

“you want to co parent with me?” he chuckles.

co parent—the word makes your stomach twist. even after all this time, after all the hurt and pain, suguru is easy to imagine that with. he’s easy to imagine anything in the future with, really. he’s always been perfect like that, but you’re starting to realize there’s a lot more imperfections to him than you initially thought.

but it’s okay, you think. if you didn’t stop loving him before, you certainly don’t stop now. blood on his hands or not, he’s yours—even if he doesn’t want to be.

“don’t say it like that,” you murmur softly, hugging your arms around yourself, “please.”

you let yourself be vulnerable for just a moment—not because you want to, but because he needs to know. he needs to know how unfair he’s being and how patient you are with him despite it all. you deserve that much.

“sorry,” he mutters—he has the decency to look away and drop his smile.

“you don’t kill anyone, and i’ll look for a bigger place. deal?”

“for us…all?”

“yes. just until you figure it out, i’ll help you out with them. and then you’ll responsibly use your paycheck as a full time special grade sorcerer and maybe send a few checks my way to say thanks to my good will.”

he chuckles at that, shaking his head. “i’ll repay you,” he hums, tapping his foot. he does that when he’s nervous, you still remember—you could never forget anything about him. “i…i owe you, anyway.”

it’s quiet some more. you don’t know what to say, and quite frankly, you don’t want to say anything at all. but once more, he fills the silence for you after a while.

“what if…” he starts, “what if i want to co parent with you?”

“you dumped me,” you point out, unable to hide the bitterness any longer. it cracks from your tongue through your words like honey that went dry. “remember that? cause i sure remember.”

you’re an adult now, just barely, but an adult all the same. you should handle this the mature way—but you’re still young. still hurt. still blanketed in the fresh wave of nostalgia that leaves you aching with grief.

so you let yourself be bitter. suguru can handle that much after he left you to pick up your shattered pieces.

“i didn’t want to,” he says quietly. “i never wanted to.”

“but you did.”

“i didn’t…you didn’t deserve to see me unstable.”

“you’re not very stable right now either,” you pinch your nose tiredly, “you killed people, suguru. but somehow you can manage to have two kids now. but not me.”

“they need me,” he defends.

“i needed you too,” your voice cracks.

you did. you needed him—and you like to think he needed you too. maybe it wasn’t perfect, nothing ever is, especially not when you fight curses and see their ugliness every day. but that’s the best part of having each other—having something pretty amidst the hideousness.

he left you with more ugly than you knew what to do with. it’s unfair, you think for a moment, unfair that two girls who hardly know him at all have more of him than you ever did. he’d never abandon them—that much you know for sure.

you’ve laughed with him, held him and wiped his tears and kissed him under the moon until it became the sun. you’ve seen him with his hair down and his guard lowered. you’ve seen him in every way possible but in the end, he walked away.

they’ve seen him for less than a day and somehow, he’ll be there forever. there’s something unfair about that and you hate that you’re bitter with children but the world in cruel like that.

suguru slowly inches over—it’s cautious at first, and then he fills the gap all at once. you pretend you don’t feel the way your thighs touch.

“i need you too,” he admits, voice small. there’s a small, shaky crack that eats away at your heart, trying to gnaw into the raw part. the easy to reach part. the part you shouldn’t let him see anymore. “i…i always needed you. i’m sorry.”

“we were supposed to need each other,” you sniffle.

“we do,” he slowly slumps his head onto your shoulder. you let him stay there—don’t dare move a muscle in case he pulls away. “you’re the only thing that keeps me stable. i don’t think that’s fair.”

“needing someone isn’t unfair, suguru,” you scoff.

“okay,” he grabs your hand, squeezing. for the first time, he lets it all go. lets tears slowly slip from the corners of his eyes as he slumps into your side. he cries for riko. for kuroi. for satoru and the time he lost him for a moment. for their youth. for haibara. for not being enough even when he shouldn’t have had to be. somewhere amidst all that, your arms wrap around him and he’s pulled into your chest—that familiar feeling of your fingers threading into his hair makes the world start spinning again. “i need you,” he chokes.

“okay,” you say shakily, nodding slowly as you let yourself hope, “as long as you don’t stop this time.”

he buries his face into your chest, and you kiss the crown of his head.

cruelty is an unstoppable force. your love for suguru is an immovable object. neither is going anywhere, but perhaps they can coexist.

“satoru’s gonna have a massive headache when he explains this one to the higher ups,” you snort after a while.

he laughs into your shirt, real for the first time in a long time. “i’ll buy him something sweet. should make up for it,” he hums. and then he looks up, smiles innocently as he asks, “wanna lend me some cash? i’ll pay you back when i’m a responsible handler of money.”

“you’re hopeless,” you chuckle, “but at least you’re here.”

————— BONUS —————

“okay,” satoru starts, holding his hands up in surrender as he stands before the higher ups. damn old geezers, he thinks. “so he did kill a person or two…but—”

“there is no excuse,” a voice hisses.

“he didn’t mean it,” he huffs indignantly, “it was an accident. those can happen sometimes.”

“what—”

“he’s going through a phase, okay? let him work through it, he’ll be fine.”

“that’s not—”

“i’ll let him off the hook this time,” satoru grins, pushing his glasses up his nose as he shrugs, “he’s got a family now, y’know? kids and a spouse, and they’re looking for a home. can’t take that away from them.”

“he’s not even married—”

“it’ll happen eventually,” he insists, “so let’s all just calm down, yeah? great, thanks!”

“gojo—”

“see ya!”

he walks out, flashing an obnoxious peace sign at the higher ups as they hiss at him to return as he’s walking out. that takes care of that, he thinks, as long as suguru doesn’t make his life harder and kill more people, he can handle it—you did promise him kikufuku if he does.

satoru is babygirl defender no. 1 ain’t nobody doing it like my guy 🤞🏽 he would be loyal to you while you were in jail no doubts

[gojoest]

the one with the role play — gojo satoru

— your husband breaking character during role play after you mention the one thing you shouldn’t have

suggestive, MDNI, established relationship (you’re married), written with f! reader in mind but think i kept it pretty gn, alcohol (nobody gets drunk, just a super quick mention of it as a choice of drink at the bar), strangers at the bar role play (or a failed attempt tbh), based on this talk post of mine, wc: 1.3k

“hey, love”, satoru broke the silence while the two of you were folding the laundry one afternoon. (yes, the strongest sorcerer always helps his wife with chores)

“say, love”, you quickly responded, without looking at him.

“you know, i was thinking — we’ve never tried role play”

“that’s what folding clothes made you think of?”, glancing at him you chuckled, “interesting”, raising an eyebrow teasingly.

“we’ve done pretty much everything but that. you’re not curious?”

now was not the time to tell him that you had done this before, with your ex, and that it was fun. no need to remind him that you had other partners before him and make him lose sleep for days to come, like that one time when he found your diary from high school in the attic and read about all the crushes and boyfriends you had. it took weeks and a lot of coddling on your part (you even had to start a satoru only diary and write his name into little hearts) for him to get over it. so you figured you’d keep this little detail to yourself and take it to the grave. or it would be your husband taken to the grave due to lethal jealousy steaming from the fact that another man had laid his hands on you in the past.

“s-sure”, you stuttered, thinking back to that excruciating memory, then cleared your throat before continuing — “yea, we can do that, why not”

“good then”, he tossed the shirt in his hands aside and stepped closer to you. circling his arms around your waist from behind — one hand eventually resting over your chest while the other stopping at your navel and gently rubbing it — he possessively pressed you against his chest and hummed contently.

“someone’s very excited about this, huh?”, you placed your hand over his and tilted your head back to peek at him.

“oh? can you tell?”, he grinned, playfully pushing his hips against you.

“that giant thing in your pants poking me from behind is giving you away, i’m afraid”

“it’s your fault though”, his head craned down so his lips could reach your forehead and trail soft kisses down to the tip of your nose.

standing on your tip toes you raised your hands to cup his cheeks and pecked him on the lips. “of course, it’s my fault that you’re getting all hot and bothered in the middle of the day like some pervert”

“i always get hot and bothered thinking about you”, he pecked you back, then slowly turned you around (concerned that you might hurt your neck if you kept that position up).

“any ideas?”, you asked.

“8pm, the bar around the corner”

“we’re to enact the classic strangers meeting at the bar, huh? okay. anything else?”

“nope, let’s improvise”

[8:13pm, at the bar]

sitting alone on the stool at the bar counter, you kept playing with your now half empty martini glass, drawing circles with it on the surface. you felt a bit weird sitting here pretending to be single and ready to mingle. but oh well.

he was late. you took another sip of your drink and grabbed your phone to check the time again.

“next one’s on me”, a painfully familiar voice approached you from behind. “if you would allow me, that is”

he was late on purpose, you figured. waiting for you to almost finish your drink so he could easily start a conversation by using such a lame but still quite effective line.

“i don’t normally accept drinks from strangers”, you gazed at him, “but an exception every now and then wouldn’t hurt, i assume”

a puckish smile curved on his lips. “may i?”, taking his sunglasses off, he asked for your permission to sit next to you.

“sure”

you were quite impressed at how seriously he was actually taking this, not breaking character even for a second so far. he had made up a brand new persona of himself, introducing himself as “sato kouya” — the ceo of a leading pharmaceutical company, temporarily living in tokyo for the purpose of a big business project.

“enough about me though”, eyes focused on you, he leaned his elbow on the bar counter and placed his chin on his palm. “tell me about yourself — what’s a beauty like you doing alone?”

you giggled (he was just so cute right now). “you’re lucky that i am alone — if we had met a week earlier, i would’ve still been married”

his expression froze at your words. the smile from a few seconds ago was now bleeding into a confused, almost creepy, look on his face — his lips still stretched into a grin while his eyes told a different story.

“hmmm… how so?”, he spoke in a monotone, his grin slowly fading away.

it would be a lie to say his weird reaction didn’t concern you at all but you decided to brush it off, and continued. “you see, i just got officially divorced. my ex husband and i tried our best to keep the marriage going for as long as we could but we were simply not meant to be”, you sighed. “this was the best for both of us”

“no way”, satoru whined. “no fucking way”

“umm… excuse me?”, you tilted your head in confusion.

“i don’t like this”, his face giving you a dejected grimace — brows knitted, lips pursed into a pout and eyes filled with a mix of panic and sorrow taking over the blue in them and turning it into a darker shade. “divorced? not meant to be? don’t even joke about this”, he almost cried out. the thought alone rubbed him the wrong way, tugged at his heartstrings so intensely that it forced him out of character right then and there, putting an end to your little role play escapade (rip sato kouya, you will be missed).

“satoru”, you caressed his hand, “baby. love of my life. this is just an act, please get it together”

“oh”, he gasped in utter shock after his focus fell on your hand and he noticed you were not wearing your ring. “you even took your ring off? why would you do that?”

great, this was getting worse now.

“because of the role play”, you spoke each word slowly, stressing on the last two very carefully.

“but i’m still wearing mine”, he protested, pointing at his ring, “see? you could’ve still acted fine with your ring on and without bringing up divorce and not meant to be’s”, he cried again, a hangdog look splattered on his face.

“i didn’t want to play the cheating wife, that’s why i took it o—“, you were cut off by another dramatic reaction.

“cheating? CHEATING? you considered this scenario?”, his voice was hitting desperate notes at this point. you couldn’t believe he had lost all reason over a play pretend.

you pinched the bridge of your nose before you spoke, “okay, that’s enough. you’re being ridiculous right now. i’m going home”

he followed after you like a kicked puppy, whining all the way home. but you had to admit — part of you really loved the fact that he went completely out of his mind over something so silly, that he didn’t know what to do with himself just thinking about you possibly leaving him even in a made-up scenario, that you held so much power over him…

extra:

[later that night, in bed]

done reading for the night and ready to sleep, you placed your book on the nightstand and looked over at your husband sitting with his arms crossed next to you in bed.

“still not over it?”, you nestled your head on his chest.

“no. hurts like hell just thinking about it”, he mumbled.

“come on, stop pouting”, you pinched his cheek, “you can’t go to sleep with a grumpy face”

“yea?”, he glanced down at you, “sit on it then — it’s the only way to wipe that pout off of it”

[duc-kie]

Could you write about Lando after his p2 in Singapore and he goes full dominative on you? Maybe that you went out before with Carlos and a couple of the other drivers to celebrate the Singapore podium and you have been teasing him the whole night and he’s completely done with it?

Okay I know I took a really long time to answer and I’m genuinely sorry. I’ve been going feral over the video below. It also inspired me to make this blurb🤭

This looked better in my head tbh. Written it just feels really random and idk. Still hope you like it though!

THE FINGERS, THE RING, THE GENTLENESS, JUST HIM IN GENERAL

---------------------------------------------------------

You were enjoying yourself on the dance floor with some of your friends, while your boyfriend Lando was celebrating his podium with some fellow drivers. This whole night has been crazy, full of sexual tension and teasing touches between the two of you.

You've been craving Lando the whole day. All you wanted was his touch all over you and he knew it. You tried to seduce him but he wouldn't give in, so you decided to wear the sexiest dress you own to the after party for his Singapore P2 finish.

His eyes widened when you arrived with your girlfriends. You enjoyed a few drinks and were quite tipsy and consequently even hornier so you made your way to the table where Lando and his friends were chatting and having drinks. You greeted them all before sitting on Lando's lap and taking a sip of his whiskey. Licking your lips, you leaned down to kiss him.

When you started moving your hips and rubbing yourself against his already semi hard dick he had enough. He excused you both and basically dragged you to a just slightly more private corner and pinned you against the wall. His knee found it’s way between your legs, pressing on the spot where you’ve been craving his touch for a while. "You still wanna play games?" he asked wrapping a hand around your neck. "but what about all the people Lando?" you asked looking around to see if anyone is looking at you. "you didn't seem to care before, did you?" he asked and before you could answer he shoved his tongue down your throat.

You couldn't help but start grinding on his knee that was still between your thighs. letting our quiet moans.

You pulled away from the kiss catching your breath and looking around wondering how many people are watching you. he grabbed your chin and turned your head to face him telling you to keep your eyes on him. "these people are too drunk to care what we're doing, don’t worry" he reassured you before taking your hand and leading you through the crowd to the VIP area.

There was no one there so you felt slightly more at ease. Lando didn’t waste any time and quickly continued what you started. Pinned against the wall you felt his fingers drag your panties down your legs. He took them off and stuck them in his pocket.

His lips then quickly found their way to your neck. He knew where all your sweet spots were and he made sure he left a mark on every single one. Moans and needy whimpers left your lips from the wet and warm feeling on your neck. Your hands made their way up his arms to play with his hair.

Lando reached down to gently rub your clit, soaking his fingers in your pre-cum. "mmm so wet" he quietly murmured into your neck. "Lando please" you moaned out, desperate to have his fingers shoved deep inside you. "what do you want princess, use your words." he encouraged you, continuing to rub your pussy painfully slowly.

"I want you to finger fuck me" you said, adding a "please". That wasn't enough for him though. "beg for it" he said looking straight into your eyes. You were so desperate for at least just a little more friction in your sensitive areas, words and pleads just spilled out of you. When you were practically on your knees begging, Lando was finally satisfied.

He stopped rubbing your clit for just a minute to quickly taste you on his fingertips, humming in satisfaction. A finger quickly found it’s way into your pussy, and he was quick to add another one. They slid in with ease since you were so wet you were practically dripping on the floor from the buildup of desperation throughout the whole day.

You were clenching around his fingers, chasing release. It didn’t take long for you to reach your high and spill cum all over his soft fingers. Moaning his name you grabbed his shoulders for support, nearly collapsing. While you were trying to catch your breath he shoved a finger into your mouth expecting you to suck it clean, and you obviously obeyed.

After you regained balance he walked you out of the bar. Your cheeks were extremely red walking through the crowd of people that probably saw everything, not to mention you were in a really short dress without panties underneath.

You can probably imagine how the rest of your night went after you came home.

[hana-no-seiiki]

ALL YOURS.

tw/cw: yandere (more on the soft side tbh, barely appears), mentions of slavery. Power dynamics are whack. AFAB! Reader but GN! Pronouns. Some Aventio sprinkled in there.

HAPPY AVENTURINE DAY!!! ( thank you @rninies / @teabutmakeitazure / @harmonysanreads for informing me cause I wouldn’t have known otherwise)

“Who is this?” His eyes ran through the sight of your body, a nice and controlled pace yet swift nonetheless. You looked like a dead leaf if he was to be completely honest. Covered in soot, malnourished, fragile. Like you’d disappear with the slightest breeze. Then, his eyes paused, a mark — a branding on the right side of your neck.

But still, he was confused. What was the point of showing yet another slave to him? Was it a thinly concealed, sadistic way of reminding him that he was still shackled? That his freedom was nothing more than a mirage? An illusion?

His benefactor — owner — slowly lifted the veil that covered your face. Beautiful. He’d seen many faces by now, his own among others. But strangely yours reminded him of his past. A wave of euphoric nostalgia almost overwhelmed him.

“Open your eyes, little one.” Jade said with a wicked smile on her face. “I told you I had quite the gift. I was actually hoping to keep them as a . . . collectible. But then I found quite an interesting fact.”

You looked at him with eyes far too similar to his own. Cold, dead, empty. He could think of many other terms to use for yours. One of them including home.

“It seems that the Avgin’s blood will not be running dry all too soon. They’re all yours.”

“Quit staring at them like that.” Veritas tapped on his book. His face morphing from disturbed to mild annoyance every few seconds.

“Like what?”

“Like they’re an oasis deep within the desert. And you, a man starved for eons, waiting to drink them up until they’ve ran dry. Stop it. It’s disgusting.” Dr. Ratio gestured at you. You were practically a walking ‘owned by Aventurine’ signal at this point. From head to toe, covered in expensive objects. It was a statement to say the least, a warning to those that looked closer.

“You exaggerate. I am simply . . . deliberating.”

“Is it really this one?”

“Hm?”

“This reality.” Dr. Ratio placed the corner of his book on the blond’s forehead, “The reality where someone like you actually had the mental capacity to deliberate.”

“Oh don’t be too mean at this hour, Doctor.”

“Or what? You’d force me to find and get you from whatever hole you got yourself drunk in? Unfortunately that is something you’ve already burdened me with far too long ago.”

“I can take care of Mr. Aventurine, Doctor.” You appeared from behind the two. Your signature monotonous voice in tow.

Plaster immediately covered the man in question’s head. “Did anyone teach you manners? You don’t just silently approach someone—“

“I’m sorry.” You replied. Your face empty as a canvas an artist was yet to touch. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”

For once, Kakavasha took his time, let his eyes wander and behold your form. One feature at a time.

“All mine.”

a/n: this was rushed and written in one sitting, but i wanted to release something at least for our boi ! will be back to hsr fics once penacony’s entire story/lore is out. i miss aeon of dreams! reader so much…

[chqolan]

SFV Luke boyfriend headcanons (sfw + nsfw)

A/N: i was cleaning out my notes app and happened to find this. this was probably written sometime before sf6 came out, but i still agree with everything my past self wrote here tbh

TW: fem reader, very self indulgent hehehe, luke is submissive and inexperienced, experienced reader, oral (f)

sfw

V luke is young , naïve and just absolutely adorable overall

he would be such a cute boyfriend , but shy at the same time

he mostly likely has no experience with relationships, let alone girls in general, so bear with him please

he’s almost like an average teenage boy. messy and ignorant at times

with his father passing away so early in his life, he probably still enjoys letting his inner child out considering he was forced to mature quickly

v luke is just an absolute geek !

he collects comic books and plays tons of video games

luke also enjoys showing off his interests to you a ton

days off for the both of you would consist of you and him on his bed looking through his collection of comic books as he gives an in depth explanation of what it is

he’ll stop every once in a while to see if you’re even able to keep up or not

whether you do or don’t keep up, he won’t mind

he’s just happy that there’s somebody he can talk to about his interests

as for video games, he’s probably amazing at them

even if you’re not a gamer, he’d be more than welcome to show you thee basics of all his favourite games in hopes that you may like them

even if you don’t end up playing video games that much, he’d be more than happy if you sat with him while he played

similar to the comic books, he’d go in depth with the lore and gameplay of his favourite video game while you're around

you’d probably just giggle at him once he starts rambling

that’s when he stops and blushes most of the time

"heh… sorry about that, i was rambling, wasn’t i?"

just make sure to reassure him that you were only giggling over how adorable he is and he’ll turn completely red

he also loves to cuddle you at any moment he gets

either of you could be the big spoon , he won’t mind

he just loves being around you !

nsfw

this poor boy is a virgin, that’s for sure. as mentioned before, he’s very inexperienced. he’ll be very nervous , so try to ease him a little bit

it’s also quite clear he’d be more on the submissive side

one kiss and he’d be red as a tomato

you’d most likely have to initiate these sort of things

the first time you guys go at it, you take it slow and try to make it enjoyable for him

you’d kiss him all over, rub his crotch through his pants/boxers (which would drive him crazy). stroke his hair and tell him how good he is

for his first time , you would settle on riding him

he probably wouldn’t know what to do while just laying there, but it would be painfully obvious that he wanted to touch you

"don’t be shy, baby. you can touch me wherever you’d like” you continue to bounce on his cock slowly while making direct eye contact. luke would slowly move his (shaking) hands to rest on your waist as you’re still riding him

once luke gets his hands on you, he would start wandering around more to your breasts and such

no matter the size, he’s just in love with groping your boobs

unfortunately he doesn’t last too long (especially on his first time) and will embarrassingly say it's your fault for being "too hot"

however , after a few times , you introduce him to more things

let’s just say that teaching him how to eat you out was the best decision ever. luke still wants to make you feel good too , so he’ll feast on you down there until you confirm and tell him you’re satisfied

he’s definitely the type of guy to get pussy drunk after one sample

at first it started off as an experiment to see how comfortable he was with giving oral , but then it became something he enjoyed quite a lot

you’d find it so cute every time he ate you out. his cheeks and the tip of his ears are flushed pink while he’s between your legs

he’d be lightly panting over your pussy with his mouth open every once in a while

you’d stroke his hair and look straight at him , admiring how adorable he was as you’d pet him/stroke his hair

he would look up at you with puppy eyes and his lips still parted , showing a glimpse of his braces

don’t forget to praise the boy too ! he absolutely loves being called a ‘good boy’

calling him a good boy while he eats you out sets him off immediately

or just any dirty talk at all riles him up

oh lord … pls protect this boy <333

[irllyroundballs]

Meeting genshin men at your local grocery store?!

Childe, Itto, Kaeya, Alhaitham, Ayato x Reader

To be honest, the job itself wasn’t too bad. Pretty normal actually. Aside from the few weirdos that have been walking in lately..

Inspired by @abyssruler’s 7/11 Diaries! (One again written in the depths of night, so I apologize for the errors and tbh it’s kinda bad 😰)

Childe:

You could do this! Self belief! Stay awake! Your shift was almost done, 2am on the clock and two more hours to go. Everything was pretty mundane, occasionally mopping the floor, checking the stock, handling the (basically unused) register— all mundane with the lack of people. But today a real odd ball walked in: ginger hair, roughed clothing, tussled hair, and oh- the massive nose bleed dripping down onto his clothes.

He walks through the store so calmly - it’s almost startlingly - he strolls through the isles putting random items, then walks up to the counter. He grins, "Well hello there, I didn’t know such a pretty thing would be working at a time like this." He says, all while blood is still dripping down his nose.

You blink once, you blink twice, you take the basket and start scanning, "It’s too early in the morning for this.." You mumble, tired eyes fumbling with the unreasonably items. The prices of each individual item would send you into cardiac arrest, but all in all? Fucking nuts. How does he even have money? Have you seen the economics state of the world?

Your words only make him laugh, as you look up at him your gaze fuses on his bloody nose, "You’re bleeding."

"I know." He smiles.

"O," You blink slowly once more. "Want a tissues or something?”

He raises a brow, "Ha! You’re pretty funny, you know! Most workers get scared!" He laughs, watching intently as you pack away his items handing them to him.

You look him in the eyes, "I don’t get paid enough."

From that day since he’d often come to the store chatting with you, all while buying odd products. At this point you were starting to think it’s all to speak with you, I mean— Instant rice and pickles? You raised a brow, almost like a mind reader he spoke,

"My friend dropped his phone in the toilet so we’re doing the rice method, and the pickles is for me, nice snack."

Isn’t the rice method supposed to be bad? “Why don’t you just go to a repair shop?"

"Hes quirky like that."

"Just leave."

At some point you started seeing him outside the shop, he also goes to the same university as you. Which did make sense seeing at though he looked your age, but what surprised you the most is that he’s pretty well know. So now you started to wonder how you hadn’t heard about him. Maybe it’s because you have no friends— that’s a problem. You’ll need some of those.. you guess. Now that you think about it, you never got his name. How odd.

Itto:

It was very much valid for you to assume that the man before you was drunk. He was awfully loud (so much so you could hear him from five blocks down), he talked funny, and so did he act the same.

As you tiredly rub your eyes you to try shake yourself awake, there was still so much time until work was over. And with the shouting going on outside it was actually quite easy, most would be worried of a murder being what’s taking place outside but it was awfully normal for such screams, also the sound of drunk laughter easily disproves the thought of murder. A man -easily 7ft tall, White hair, super buff, his hair oddly whisked - trudges in, panic written all over his face. "WHERE IS YOUR RICE?" He asked anxiously.

"Excuse me?"

"I NEED RICE FOR MY PHONE." He jumped around in place, you point him towards the section and he runs off, few of his friends snicker while some look worried.

You wait around at the counter, it takes him a few minutes to gather what he needs, next time he comeback he has at least four small bags of rice and bandages. As you ring him up you hear the man speak with his friends,

"Do you think it’ll work?" One of his friends ask.

"I think so! I got the premium rice, and I think the bandages will work too!" He smiles.

"For.. your phone?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Nothing.." his friends mumble, stifling a laugh.

You simply shake your head at such idiocy, but then again you can understand, repair shops are unbelievably expensive and half the time it gets even more broken. But your action seems to have caught the man’s attention, gawking he turns to his friends, “THEYRE SO HOT.”

From that day forward he constantly visited the shop, goofing around in the store in attempts to get your number.

"So, you like jazz?" He has this odd smirk on his face, almost as if that was his attempt to finesse you.

"Yes."

"Ah. You were supposed to say no."

"Sorry?"

Soon, Itto (his name, he had written it on a piece of paper and whilst paying for his newest purchase slipped it in) started being able to spot you on campus, following you around like a lost puppy. Perhaps you’ll slip in your number next time you give him change.. perhaps.

Kaeya:

To Kaeya you were hot, really fucking hot. Though you were kinda invisible that added to your charm, that or he just had a thing for total losers, he couldn’t tell. And for the most part you weren’t entire invisible, often seeing your name on the first board after grades come out, or even seeing you enrolled in competitions, or he’d see you studying in the library - looking so adorable- writing away at your notes. He thought you were utterly ethereal, and the need to get to know you was insatiable. His friends quite literally needing to hold him down from running up to you and scaring you away. So come to find out lovely ol’ you works at one of his favourite convince place he already had a plan brewing.

You drearily watch the clock, your body feeling as if it's numb. Your hands lazily drawing circles on the counter, starting to regret the fact you decided to work the graveyard shift. The ringing of the store bell waking you from your hazziness, a man dressed nicely came in: blue hair, blue eyes (odd combo, to be completely honest), dressed in what looked like ballroom clothing, his expression of.. smugness? Unyielding.

As you wait to ring him up you take out your phone and start scrolling through it, but soon you here light steps approaching placing your phone back in your pocket and take the items and start scanning. All as you do so the man watches you intently, and little too much.

”Can I help you with something, Sir?"

He raises a brow, "Sir? You don't think I'm that old, do you?!" He cried.

"No, Sir. I'm required to do this."

"So you think I look nice?"

"Sure."

"Would you go out with me?" Was that really his attempt at rizzing you up?

"Please just take your items and leave, Sir." (I'm saving you the embarrassment -and myjob-)

He couldn't stand it, no, he was determined-- he will rizz you up. You have to give him a chance! And so whenever you had a free moment you would see him walk up to you, it’s not that you minded his unbreaking tenacity, it was quite admirable actually.

"Hey!" He ran up to you, waving his hand. He stops in front of you weaving, "Trying to run away from me?"

"No. I’m hungry."

"Ah! The allow me to do the pleasure and buy you lunch."

"If you have money, sure.”

You were oh so happy, free food truly did taste the best. So while he got to know you you got full - and happy - tummy. Maybe you’ll actually let him take you out.

Al Haitham:

See, typically you were fine with customers, but this time you were utterly enthralled by this.. this asshole with a stick up his ass. You’d love to hop over the counter and give him a wack, but you refrain from doing so— he looked rich, and he was buff, you most definitely could not take him in a fight.

"It’s 14.55."

"I’m aware."

"I am in a rush, please let me pay already."

"Im sorry, Sir. I’m required to ring this all up."

"But I already told you, it’s 14.55." His eyes looked a bit agitated, his arms crossed.

"Sir, I am just doing my job."

"K."

To be honest, you didn’t really know what was coming out of his mouth after that, nor did you care, you simply nod, most of the “conversation” you looked at his.. uh, breast(s) pocket. You’d never see him again, what’s the harm?

You were wrong, so undeniably, unbelievably, wrong. Exactly 5 hours later you’d see him at the gym, staring at you, approaching you- wait, approaching you?? You look around the room, what do you do? How do you seem like you’re busy? Pull out you pho-?!

"Hey."

"Hello..? Do you need something?"

"Do you need help?"

"No."

"I’m helping you anyway."

"O."

And workout buddies you came to be, often meeting him during your workout sessions. You never really needed his help, but with his insistence you agreed. Sometimes even studying together.

"Are you stupid?"

"I think so, I’ve been talking with my doctor lately and-"

"I didn’t mean it literally."

"Ah."

With exams coming up you’ve been seeing each other a lot more, and the study areas have been a lot more.. romantic? Close, cool mood lighting, cold- sometimes even his own house. But then again, maybe it’s just you.

Ayato:

This was absolutely fucking nuts. This guy was decked out— SO BAD. The Ayato Kamisato, one of the richest bachelors was before you, you couldn’t help but be a bad bit taken back. But regardless you tried your best to scan all his odd items.

For a hot bachelor his grocery items were really weird, and so fucking expensive you felt your heart clench.. you’ll need a break after this, maybe even a smoke (you’ve never smoked in your life and if you were to you were pretty sure you’d have an asthma attack).

His gaze wondered you curiously, has you handed him his groceries he smiled, leaving a.. 100$ TIP?? WHAT THE FUCK. WHERE DOES HE GET THIS MONEY? I THOUGHT WE WERE IN A RESCISSION. WHAT. Your eyes were massive, looking back up at him, "Uhm, Sir. I think you misplaced this bill.." as much as you wanted to keep it, you had morals (sadly), holding yourself to high principle.

"Oh, that was no mistake. I appreciate the fact someone like you is working at such an hour. Have a lovely morning." He waved and left.. someone like me? Is that an insult? Does he think I’m poor?

As you pondered what he meant you started seeing him more, and more. Always leaving a massive tip, does god.. love me? Your reactions always brining a smile to his face, and conversations with you always left him with a swelling in his chest, you were awfully funny.

"Here, a tip."

"Am I.. in more debt?" You tilt your head, "Do you want something from me?" Your eyes widen, "Is this perhaps your way of buying me? Is that what rich people do..? That’s what’s I heard.." mumbling the last part you look into the floor, bringing your hand up to fumble with your lip- in deep concentration.

He was so weird, people said he was cool. From what you can tell all he is a weirdo. Who tips this much? Who buys this much weird stuff? Isn’t he rich? Why doesn't he just get someone to get him groceries? Why does he look at you weird? Honestly, if he kept giving you this much money you might as well become his sugar baby (not that you would mind).

[wetcatspellcaster]

I saw you respond that you a very much not an SJM fan 😅 fair enough but I did want to ask what books/series you did like or would recommend that are of a fantasy/romantasy vibe!

lmfao, i am destined to become known for my parasocial enmity with the wingspan lady on this hellsite.

I don't read stuff with the same vibe as SJM all that often anymore. I used to read a lot of paranormal romance but the heteronormativity of SJM clones was upsetting me, so I've turned more towards the romance genre or just straight up fanfic these days.

So these recommendations might not be the perfect overlap but-!

Books with Fey Romances that are good

Holly Black, for all your fey needs. Tithe is the OG (and if you like sad men with white hair, have I got a blorbo for you!) but The Cruel Prince is her most popular series, that most people have read. The Darkest Part of the Forest is also an amazing standalone novel with a bit more creepiness than the other two. Not very explicit sex.

Olivia Atwater's Half A Soul and Ten Thousand Stitches are regency romance novels with fey associations, the first book is about a girl under a fairy curse and the second is about a fairy himbo trying his best at being a fairy godmother. No sex, that I can remember.

Heather Fawcett's Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Fairies. I've talked about this book a lot. If you like my fanfic, you will like this book, because this book was written for Me specifically. Not very explicit sex.

The Falconer series by Elizabeth May. This is the closest in this list to what SJM writes, only this is. um. better. Much sex, but also just... 'what if we started an apocalypse together, and the guilt meant I was scared to touch you, but we've got nothing else to live for now so why shouldn't I just do it?'

Fantasy Books with Good Romance

T Kingfisher's Swordheart and Nettle & Bone - both standalone novels. Swordheart is just Howl x Sophie dynamics, if Howl was a martial class, and also. A sword. Some sexiness.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik (if we count the love interests as both the hot sexy wizard man AND the protagonist's gal pal). Some sexiness.

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. If you like your immortal/mortal romances, this is a pretty stellar read tbh. Some sexiness.

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan. This is such a fun book just generally but the slowburn of a 7 year high school romance sent me a little feral actually. Some sexiness.

Daevabad trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty. Now, this one is a little bit evil bc its an epic fantasy trilogy that is quite dense, and the romance is amazing but it takes a WHILE. *I* can write an evil slowburn, but there is nothing more evil than what happened in these books bc everyone is so fucking repressed. Alternatively, The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by the same author, which cut to the chase a lot quicker, romance-wise.

Fantasy Books that are 😌😌 sexy 😌😌

The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman. This is my favourite paranormal romance I've read in recent years, and they don't even have sex but I'm putting it here because um. they did. to me. That's what happens when you write a regency romance where if a woman takes of a man's coat they have 37 horny thoughts about it in real time. Imagine if Darcy and Elizabeth for P&P were also fighting demons at the same time as falling in love (not metaphorically. literal demons.)

Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert. Talia Hibbert's books in general fucking slap but I wish she'd written more paranormal romance than just this ONE story bc um. This was. um. Good.✌️

A Marvellous Light and A Restless Truth by Freya Marske. Freya Marske is also a popular fanfic author, and it shows with the way she writes sex.

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming. This author is the one who went briefly viral bc she accidentally has a book cover with Astarion on it lmao. This book was the first in that series, and unfortunately it wasn't for me (dragon shifter porn, I did *not* know going in) but the sex was really, really well-written, if that's something you could be into.

[n0t-vzin1s]

I read your Bf Chuya and Dazai fics and they are so cute! Could you do one of each of them getting married officially to their s/o. What would each of the weddings look like and how would their s/o react to them meeting either Dazai or Chuya at the wedding?

of course i can!

---------------------------------------

chuuya/dazai marrying their s/o (seperately)

---------------------------------------

dazai would definitely go all out

i'm talking matching suit/dress, everyone he's ever known, and the fanciest shit you can imagine.

would probably get one of his friends to officiate

chuuya would be the flower girl.

he wouldn't have some song that you'd normally hear. nono-

he's gonna play something stupid. probably his song about suicide

when the wedding was over, he would probably either have a whole ass jet or a horse drawn carriage to escort you to the airport

yours and his favourite flowers combined

a large blue theme, i feel like he really likes blue tbh

the two of you would probably get extremely drunk, sneak off into a bathroom and get high together

written 👏 vows

he wanted to be original, but his ended in "join my for the most extravagant of double suicides"

you just had to scoff at him for being such an idiot

but he was YOUR idiot

he would probably take you to italy for your honeymoon (or anywhere you wanted to go)

the two of you would wear a pin on your shirt, of the first words he said to you

"marry me"

because

he quite literally

married you

lol

you would shove his face in the cake

dw he laughed it off

chuuya was vv respectul to you, and you took a good liking to him!!

but he did ask one question

"why are you marrying this dumbass?"

which even YOU weren't sure why but here we are

imagine:

dazai stood at the alter, waiting patiently for you. everyone he knew looking up from the crowd as (probably) kunikida officiated, he was rather nervous. of course, not to marry you. he had been waiting for this day since he met you. he was nervous for life after marriage.

but he heard the music start playing, and suddenly everything went silent as you emerged from the large double doors at the end of the walkway. his eyes finally got to meet yours as he had been waiting for since eight last night. you looked beautiful, there was no denying it. nor was there anyway in hell his eyes were coming off of yours.

you grinned at him in response, walking up as you felt all eyes on you, but that didn't matter at this moment. because the love of your life was waiting for you at the end of this excruciatingly long walk. and you were excited. chuuya was behind you, throwing petals rather aggressively while mumbling things under his breath.

his hands gripped yours hastily as you reached the alter, the cold metal of your promise ring against his hands as kunikida began speaking,

"kenji, can i have the rings?" and on cue, kenji brought the rings to him, the both of you putting them on eachother as you smiled ear-to-ear.

(idk how weddings go so i'm skipping to the vows.)

"i will love you until the day i die, [f/n]. i have since the day i met you, and i will until i take my last breath." he spoke softly, "now, will you join me in a double suicide?" you could only smack him in response.

"alright, go on. kiss her."

he didn't hesitate as he grabbed your face, his lips soft against yours as he mumbled something. "i love you."

as did you.

---------------------------------------

chuuya has a red themed wedding.

no doubt, he's wearing the most lavish of red and black suits tailored to fit him perfectly

whereas you wear something similar. dark themed colours

alcohol at every corner

black out drunk at your wedding. no denying that

surprisngly, no after party. he wants to get drunk in his own home

small venue, maybe about 50 people

violin music playing, some classical songs that he loved as a teenager

would carry you bridal style out to the car

actually scrap that

it's probably his motorcycle.

the exhilarating feeling after his wedding relaxes him

he would have a red flower to put in your hair

or he would wear his hat and put it on your head as he carried you out

as well as dazai, he wrote his own vows

but his were all based around the future

like how much he loved you and how he wanted to start a family n stuff

the flower girl would be elise

his best man would either be dazai or no one else

you had gin and higuchi

he bought you the fanciest ring you can imagine. i'm talking REAL diamond. you only deserve the best after all

this was your first OFFICAL time meeting dazai and you can understand why chuuya hated him.

his first words to you were

"10/10 would bang" which resulted in him getting punched

imagine:

chuuya watched the doors to the venue open up slightly, everyone in the room started to stand as the music of his favourite musician played in the background.

when you came into view, he was certain he was going to die on the spot. you looked amazing in his eyes, and he couldn't wait a second longer to be your husband. he was excited for you to take his last name, it made him feel accomplished.

when you stood in front of him, he finally felt happy and at peace. the way yours eyes shimmered, the way you smiled at the site of him had him melting. you had him wrapped around your finger and both of you were aware of it. but he loved every second of it.

when everything began, he accidentally let out a tear. he was just so happy that he could finally call you his. he had dreamt of marrying you for over a year, and now, that dream became a reality.

the red lights around the place dimmed slightly as you began reading out your vows. the ones you'd spent three and a half weeks writing. but how was he supposed to focus when you looked this good infront of him?

when it was his turn, he said-

"fuck it, just marry us already."

but he told you his when you got home.

---------------------------------------

i feel like this really sucked! the only wedding i've ever been to was when i was four years old so i don't really understand them haha

thank you for the request! hopefully i did a decent job lol

[juniper-c]

Folks from the US getting condescending about people not from the states has to be my least favourite genre of posts. Like, i swear every other week I see some shit written in half baked (british) english slang about baked beans or jellied eels or rotten teeth and it drives me up the wall. Just a bunch of fundamental misunderstandings about a place they've never been too with little to no curiosity about what life might actually be like there.

Im only coming at this from a UK angle so cant speak for anywhere else but a quick rundown on all this shit states side people get wrong about our food specifically because thats what winds me up the most.

Beans on toast is a cheap staple breakfast food, not the cornerstone of our cullinary tradition.

In most urban city centers you get a complex mix of diaspora informed food stuffs, primarily indian and east asian because of all that colonialism we did. Relatively large muslim populations also bring in middle eastern influences.

Even what you might think of as a classic british pub will sell you a basic curry unless you're in the arse end of nowhere. This is not niche shit. Our whole food culture is shaped by this.

What you could call 'classic' british cooking like full roast dinners with Yorkshire puddings, propery gravy, sruffung, and all the other fixings are fucking great actually. Bit of lamb with mint, bit of pork with apple sauce, cut of beef with mustard. It goes hard.

Even if you are in the arse end of nowhere stuff like pasties, proper pies, stews with dumplings, fish and chips, and other sea side holiday basics that make you think of little coves in north devon are also good, actually. Yes its not spiced to all hell and back, but they incoperate herbs and vegatables and stocks in ways that give it a unique depth of flavour distinct from cultures informed by a more spice heavy tradition.

Say what you will about our shit (complimentary) chicken shops and rubbery high street donner in years of nights out blind drunk in student bits of the city they've never once given me the gastric distress y'all describe post taco bell.

Of course our mexican food isn't particularly authentic, the countries half a planet away and we dont have a large mexican diaspora. What we do have is tuned for mass market appeal by largish chains or sold out of artisinal taco food trucks that we all find a bit wanky tbh.

Spicy food exists, and we quite like it. Yes even pasty white tony who turns the colour of jam when he eats a medium hot vindaloo. Indian food is a cornerstone of our national diet of course we know what chilli powder is.

And finally nobody eats fucking jellied eels it was a victorian era poverty food and even then only in london.

Also our chocolate is better than yours because we dont put the weird chemical in it that makes it taste like sick. Eat a kit kat and die mad about it.

[ellie-s-list]

Light in the Darkness (5)

Abby Anderson X Fem!Reader, College AU, Part 5

Tbh this is my favorite chapter, basically the best thing I’ve ever written. Also this series is going to be 8 parts, and since I have it all written out now I will be posting at least once to twice a day (twice if there’s a short chapter).

Schedule:

Chapter 5, 4/22/23

Chapter 6, 4/23/23

Chapter 7, 4/24/23 tbd

Chapter 8, 4/24/23 tbd

There might be short blurbs to add on to round things out because I am not a perfect writer, and there’s hella holes.

TW: Anxiety, over thinking

Chapter 5–> Pinch Me, Young Friend, Week 13

Lyrics: “On my own, so alone

I can’t tell if this is real

Someone pinch me, wake up.”

After Abby puked on you, you pushed her away. You cleaned yourself up, changing into pajama shorts. Coming back into the living room, you saw Abby laying on the couch, facing the back cushions.You went and got an Ibuprofen and a glass of water, going back to the living room.

Abby turned to watch you as you set the painkiller and water onto the coffee table. “Hey,” She said your name as you sat down on the carpet, back against the couch. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” You ask, not looking at her. A headache was developing behind your eyes, all of your thoughts fighting each other. It was hard not correlating the kiss with her puking on you. She puked because she was drunk. She kissed you because she was drunk. She never really liked you.

She must have been drunk every time she flirted with you. She had to be.

Before you could delve any further into your thoughts, Abby was talking again. “For puking on you.”

“It’s okay, go to sleep.”

Abby was silent, probably hoping you wouldn’t have been so dismissive. She made a noise, probably repositioning herself, “Okay.”

You awoke to someone calling your name. Your neck was stiff, your legs feeling like stone as you tried to open your eyes. A hand was on your shoulder, lightly shaking you.

You opened your eyes, turning and looking up to see Abby. She was peering down at you, sitting on the edge of the couch. You were huddled up against the couch, legs pressed to your chest..

“What happened?” Abby asked. Of course she wouldn’t know. Of course she wouldn’t remember her puking on you, her kissing you. You searched her face, somewhat hoping she was playing a trick on you. You were relieved that she was asking you what happened, but you couldn’t help but feel a slight twinge of disappointment at her bout of amnesia.

“What do you remember?”

Abby rubbed her eyes, humming. Her hair was now fully out of its braid, falling into a curtain of waves around her face. “Everything until I went to the bathroom.”

Nodding, you briefly fill her in on what happened next. You left out the kiss, and the compliments. But after learning she puked on you she seemed to get quite embarrassed. Good.

Gesturing to the untouched medicine and water on the coffee table, you say, “Those are for you.”

“Thank you.”

Abby left about an hour later, not until after she promised to take you to coffee after classes on tuesday. She insisted it was both a “thanks” for taking care of her, and as a “sorry that I puked on you and ruined your pants.”

Abby took you to a quant cafe underneath a bookstore. The inside was full of green and brown patterns, giving an earthly feel to the shop. You two picked a small two person table. You tried to forget about the kiss, you really did, but it was always on your mind.

Abby, if she did end up remembering something, seemed too chill. If she didn’t, then she was acting normal. But she could feel how you’d get awkward at random things, if she’d get too close, you’d stiffen. Some words she would say you might make a face about. She would back off, not getting too close, watching you closely when she spoke. But now, after class, she seemed to have regained some confidence with you, now testing the waters.

“What were you thinking of getting?” Abby asked, following you to the register.

You shrugged, “I don’t know.” You played with your hands, biting your lip in thought.

A barista walked out from the back room, greeting the two of you. For a second you didn’t even recognize her, having to take another glance. But it wasn’t a dream, or just a weird trick of the light. Clare, an old friend,and your first ever girlfriend and ex girlfriend, was standing in front of you.

Clare changed after the two of you broke up. She used to have shoulder length, wavy dark brown hair. She used to wear clear rimmed glasses, and bright colors. She didn’t have any piercings, or tattooes. Clare was very much straight-passing, not showing too many hints at being on the same team you were. But now, her style clearly screamed, ‘I love women’. She was masc, her arms full of tattoos. Her hair was short, her ears having multiple piercings. Clare also now wore contacts, no makeup on her face. She had a nose piercing, a hoop on the left side.

Clare’s eyes squinted at you, she even said your name. “Is that really you?” What a dumb question, you didn’t even change that much. Maybe you were wearing a different style, one you were more comfortable in. You mainly changed after high school, but you were dating Clare out of high school, so she knew you after your transformation.

You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms. “Says my social security card.”

Abby, seeming to feel the situation tensing, moved slightly closer to you. She was more polite, nodding to Clare, “I’m Abby. Are you one of her friends?”

She was dumb. How the hell did she not notice the glare you gave Clare, or how awkward Clare was? She should have noticed Clare flinch at her own question, looking at you with pinched eyebrows.

Clare blinked slowly at Abby, “She’s my ex.” She clarified, the brunette then turned to you, obviously just being polite since she was getting paid. “How’ve you been?”

You narrowed your eyes, but played along. “I’ve been. Anyways, can I get an iced caramel latte?”

Clare bit the inside of your cheek, probably hating your indifference. She’s always seen how quickly you cut people out of your life, how easily you went from having in-depth conversations to just one worded answers, never initiating anything when you didn’t like the person. She may have thought she would never be on the other side. But she was the one who ended the relationship, even after you chose the same college like she wanted. Clare watched as you faltered to save a failing relationship that she helped bring down, and you fell into a trap, disillusioning yourself into believing it was salvageable.

“Size?” Clare asked, her words now clipped.

Who was she to be mad? To be bothered by you? You let her leave after she stomped on your heart, leaving you to pick up the pieces of her empty promises. Maybe she was jealous, maybe she thought you were on a date with Abby. She had no right to be jealous, you didn’t care who she got with. Whoever had the blessing to be with Clare was also cursed with someone who hadn’t grown up one bit. But Abby could easily be coded as more masculine than any girl you’ve seen. She was muscular, wearing a muscle shirt as well. Abby had defined features, and she stood with an air of confidence that just screamed masculinity. The blonde even took a step towards you, slightly shielding you from Clare’s piercing eyes.

“What price is the medium?” You asked, tone steady. You weren’t going to let her mess with you, you couldn’t do it to yourself anymore.

Clare went to answer, but Abby beat her to it. The blonde grabbed your wrist to get your attention, “Price doesn’t matter to you, I’m paying.”

Squinting, you decided to let Abby take charge, knowing Clare will think into the action. Maybe you were petty, but you weren’t going to clarify anything to someone who didn’t deserve it. Also, things happen, people move on. And who knows who Clare has kissed? Who she hooked up with? It may have only been thirteen weeks since she broke up with you, but she’s always been extroverted.

Clare bit her lip, you didn’t miss the way she quickly glanced down at Abby’s hand, which completely engulfed your wrist. Clare looked back up at Abby, “Is that all?” She deadpanned, face going blank. But you knew, she was always so easy to read for you.

Abby didn’t seem phased, “I’d like a medium hot mocha.” She ordered, smiling. She slid her hand down your wrist, warm fingers meeting your own as she held your hand. The blonde wasn’t dumb, she knew Clare was jealous, and she was happy to play along. PDA wasn’t easy for you though, heat creeping up your neck as you pulled out your phone to distract yourself.

Abby exchanged money for the drinks, being sure not to let go of your hand. Their voices were muffled, your mind a loose telephone wire. Abby, the hurricane that caused it, led you to the end of the counter to wait for your drinks. Why did she do that? Of course she helped you out, but she didn’t have to. She obviously knew there was some history, and she didn’t seem to mind acting like your girlfriend. Abby’s grip on your hand increased, you looking up to see her looking at you.

Was it just you, or were her hands sweating too? She was giving you a reassuring grin, but you couldn’t help staring at her lips. They were just on yours a few nights ago, and the memory resurfaced. Abby said something, but you didn’t listen, still entranced. Abby gently took your phone out of your hand, causing you to blink rapidly. She had gotten closer, real close. Leaning down to look you in the eyes. Concern was written all over her face, her forehead creasing as her eyebrows pinched together.

“Are you okay?” She whispered.

You noticed just how hard you were gripping her hand. How fast your heart was beating. You should have ordered decaf. Releasing the death grip you had, you gave her a small smile. She didn’t let go though, giving your hand a squeeze.

“Yeah,” You didn’t elaborate. Not too close to Clare, no, she didn’t need to know what you and Abby were talking about. Clare didn’t need to know the emotions you were desperately trying to hide. “You can let go,” you whisper, looking at your intertwined hands.

Abby didn’t let go, she placd your phone into her pocket. She took her other hand, placing it on your chin to guide your face up to hers. God, was she always this brazen? Your cheeks were on fire, heart threatening to beat out of your chest. Why was she doing this?

“I figured she looked jealous,” Abby whispered. She tried to meet your shifting eyes.

“Here I thought you were a dumbass,” You whispered back, deciding to look at her eyebrows.

“We can go back to the dorm after the coffee’s done,” She offered, not letting you go. Why did you let her take charge? She seems to love playing with Clare. And you, she always teased you.

You shifted your eyes back to meet hers, searching. Surely she was annoyed at having to go back to the dorm. Back to your safe space. Maybe she was disappointed. Having to leave because you can’t handle this situation. To be honest, you had it together until you realized Clare thought you and Abby were together. Well, you really never had it together.

Abby wasn’t disappointed though, no hints of annoyance gracing her features. Just concern, care for you. It warmed you, grounding your mind for just a moment so you can think.

“Yeah, that would be great.”

When you and Abby entered your dorm room, Max was playing video games with Tatum. They were obviously talking about you, maybe even how you always talked about Abby with them. They looked at the two of you with such guilty faces, you just knew they were.

“Hey,” Max greeted the two of you as you passed them on the way to your room.

You waved back, Abby deciding to speak, “Nice see you two again.” She smiled, right behind you.

Opening your bedroom door, you wave for Abby to go in first, closing it behind you. Before you closed the door, you looked to see Max and Tatum smirking at you, and you gave them a warning glare. Yet, you knew they were going to gossip, maybe even make up fanfiction.

Abby was standing in the middle of the room, glancing around. To your left was your twin bed, random blankets and cat stuffed animals scattered acrossed it. To the far end of the room was a desk full of books, a mini fridge with a microwave sitting on top of it, sitting to the right of the desk. To your immediate right was a coffee table with a small tv, your PS4 hooked to it. The one in the living room was Max’s, since he plays more often. The lighting was dim, only a cat lamp sitting on your desk gracing the room with a pale yellow light.

“Are you okay?” You ask, not liking how quiet Abby had gotten. Given any other situation it would be fine, but you basically let Abby play as your pretend girlfriend.

At your question, Abby turned to you. Worry was etched onto her features. “I’m sorry,” Her voice was soft, hesitant.

“For what?”

Abby bit her lip, not looking you in the eye, “For making things awkward. For taking advantage of you in front of your ex, for taking you out for coffee.”

Blinking, you were quiet. She didn’t really take advantage. You knew if you told her to stop, she would. Also she couldn’t have known about Clare, hell you didn’t even know.

“She broke up with me,” You say, sitting on your bed. You leaned back fully, laying now on the bed. “You didn’t take advantage. I let you, also you did me a huge favor.”

The bed dipped beside you, “Did you a favor? I triggered your anxiety.”

“Not really,” You tap your fingers together. “It’s always there. A bird hitting my window could do the same thing you did.”

Abby went quiet for a few minutes, only the sound of your heartbeat returning to your ears to soothe the silence.

“Me touching you is the same as a bird dive-bombing your window?”

Choking out an incredulous laugh, you cover your face with your arms. Smiling, you huffed with laughter.

“God, Abby,” You say breathlessly, “No, I meant that as in convincing my ex we weren’t ‘just friends,” You managed to catch your breath, sitting up to rub the tears from your eyes. You looked over to Abby, pausing at the way she was looking at you. There was such fondness in the way she looked at you, a small grin at the corners of her lips. Her eyes, usually indifferent to the world around her, now looking at you with a tenderness usually reserved for a lover.

“Just friends,” Abby hummed, breaking the stare you both were holding. She looked down at her lap, fingers picking at her nails.

Tears were drying on your cheeks as you stared at her. Was she now embarrassed at the way she acted? At your words? Did she not want to be just friends? You were frozen, yet your heart was beating fast. Too fast.

“Thank you,” You whisper, causing her to look back up at you.

It was her turn to say, “For what?”

“For being so damn determined for me to talk to you,” You say, still whispering. You were afraid that if you spoke any louder she’d leave, “For being so annoying that I gave up tolerating you and decided to become your friend.”

“I was annoying?”

You rolled your eyes, pushing her shoulder lightly. She barely moved, licking her lips.

“Yes, you are annoying.”

Abby rolled her eyes this time, looking back at you with a smirk. “Thank you for allowing me in.”

“You seemed safe.”

Posted on: 4/22/23

WC: 2,670

[cowboyfromh3ll]

College au, for some characters that not everybody talks about

Bill would probably also be drunk the whole time just like sean and get kicked out of school and end up joining the military instead

PEARSON WENT BACK FOR HIS CULLINARY DEGREE

If she's in it, abigail maybe had a one night stand and had jack as a result

Abigail goes to class with jack most of the time and works very hard alongside school. Probably in a sorority with the other girls.

Karen and Sean are probably dating, but they're off and on that they're most likely not. Karen is a party girl at heart and ends up showing up to class late most of the time. Lowkey feel as if she wants to join the army either before or after she graduates

Lenny is a lit major

Mary beth is a lit major hands down. Sits outside under a tree during her free time just writing. Will go to the store for a new notebook,and it will not be added to a collection of unwritten in notebooks (i do this...)... it will abeolutely be fully written in by the end of the week.

Tilly is unsure of what to do, so she's most likely just doing her general studies while she figures herself out. Got married to her hs sweetheart and lives off campus with them.

MRS. GRIMSHAW SORORITY MOTHER/ history prof.

Molly 100% is a cosmetology major but took a minor in lit because she thought the teacher was hot

Micah high key doesn't even go to the school but i feel like he'd quite honestly try to shoot the place up for fun

YALL ARE GIVING ME SO MANY IDEAS

Tbh I can see Bill going straight to the military after highschool, but definitely a drunk

AND YESSS PEARSON DEFINITELY GETTING THAT CULINARY DEGREE. I get so giddy thinking about him going back to school.

Abigail definitely such a hard working mother and student! Unmatched determination by anyone else. I ADMIRE HER SO MUCH.

Karen and Sean being on and off is so funny I can see it so well. One day Karen is sobbing to her sorority sisters about what a dumbass Sean is and the next she's inviting him over and dragging him to her room. AND EVERYTIME HE COMES OVER EVERYONE IN THE SORORITY JUST GLARES AT HIM HAHAHAH

Lenny W. And Mary Beth is me and I am Mary Beth. Except I prefer typing everything online to have it in one place. DEFINITELY A COLLEEN HOOVER AND HANNAH GRACE ENJOYER LMFAOOO

I can see Molly being a cosmetology major SOOO WELL SHE TOTALLY WOULD. She's the type to show up to her 8 AM with a full face of makeup dressed head to toe in designer. Also probably has student/professor fantasies about Dutch 😭

And Micah 💀💀💀

[kingkat12]

SUB!ROMAN RETURN OMGGGGG IM SO READY also never think we wouldn’t want long chapters I was so happy when I saw that’s it’s at 10k like I actually squealed in excitement I am so excited to read the new chapter!!

Okay tbh all of the flavours weren’t even fruity so I don’t even know if you’ll like any that much honestly but my fav was blueberry, I know many people like lychee too. Also I just saw that it was ur birthday before HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY I hope you had the best birthday ever 😻😻😻

-drunk anon (you also have my heart lol)

DRUNK ANOOOOON!!!<333

sub!Roman DID come through in the newest chapter (have u read it yet babes? don't want to spoil here) buuuut i didn't make him super sub? because in that fic he's still always in a place of power because reader is too crazy about him to ever ACTUALLY oppose him, and ooop i could go on about that for hours so i might just have to stop here ahahha🙈 it became 11k in the end, the longest chapter i've ever written, so i'm quite proud of that!!! just hope it wasn't 11k of nonsense AHAHHA hope you'll like it drunk anon!!<33333

AND THANK YOUU!! my bday was fun and i spent most of it writing and it was chill and AHH so good!! andddd i will try the blueberry next time then!!! and maybe also the lychee because i LOVE lychee!!

drunk anon pls come back my dear, love to hear from you!!

[malulurivers]

Brook and Fountain | Caitlyn x Musician!GN!Reader

Word count: 6.5k Request: Hello since u write for zelda and arcane can you do caitlyn x reader who is extremely musically talented but was born in zaun idk maybe they met when she was with vi in the undercity ~ Anon Warnings: very slight mentions of parental death (reader's mother is alive, no mention of another parent)

AN: a long time coming! sorry for the wait, Anon! I've edited it honestly so many times, and I'm still not quite happy with it, tbh. too much plot and not enough soft this is the first piece I've ever written for Arcane so I might've gone a little crazy. it's also the first piece I've written for our girl Cait, so I just hope I've done her justice! {Gender neutral reader.}

☾ ₊ ˚ ✩ ˚ ｡ ☽

a ragged breath shuddered from her lips as Caitlyn leapt from one rooftop to another. lights dazzled far below her as she collided roughly with the edge. groaning, she hoisted herself up as fast as her aching arms would allow.

scaling down the heights of the base of Piltover to the crest of the Undercity had worn her muscles out more than she had expected; especially after watching her new friend fly from creaking pipe to bar and beam—without breaking a sweat. she had figured Vi was strong, sure, but her agility had caused Caitlyn to rethink the not-so wonderful possibilities she'd tried to gloss over in her mind.

and they quickly became a lot more plausible, as she finally pulled herself up onto the rooftop. wincing at her ribs which were most likely bruised, Caitlyn realised she could no longer see the darting shadow that was her accomplice.

"Vi?"

she got back to her feet, immediately coughing. what she had learnt about the Undercity's air had been an understatement: it was thick and claggy, sticking to her tongue, the roof of her mouth, her teeth. and she wasn't even in the belly of the beast yet.

"Vi!"

she had to shout to hear herself over the twisting of cogs far off in the murk that was the air down here. Caitlyn ran to the opposite end, following the sooty footprints that marred the rooftop. she'd expected to see Vi waiting below, readied with a quip about her uniform. she would've been very right—it offered no protection at all, and her protesting ribs were proof of that.

but there was nothing. the outline of another level below was either eluding her, or didn't exist at all.

Caitlyn scoured the surrounding pipes and wires and buildings veiled with smog. she assumed this man-made canyon of sorts was a street. somewhere far, far down. though who was to be sure?

she sighed, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "guess i'm making my own way down, then.”

choosing the most robust-looking pipe further back—right by the cliffside that made the border between the two cities—she slid her way down another level. and then another. as she descended, the cogs grew distant but the cries and yells of the people below grew ever louder.

when the pipe ran out she spotted a lopsided ladder. scraping her knee to reach it, she began to descend a few more levels. there were walkways now, suspended in the air. some were covered in spray paint, or marked with intricate graffiti. the levels were surrounded by fog and populated by loitering shadows of people. however, her path did not seem to lead to any of them. only further downwards.

taking care at every wrung, Caitlyn managed to remain upright for most of her descent, and only fell a short distance once. she had landed on her feet that time, which could barely be said for when she finally touched the ground.

losing her grip, she had scuppered into a puddle, much to the entertainment of some haggard man opposite her. he was garbed in very little and by the way he staggered and lilted, was clearly very drunk.

she barely turned an eye towards him, and instead focused on the immense shadowy walls around her. she was in a stout alleyway of some kind, still near the cliff-face, but she could no longer see it. even the neon lights couldn't permeate into the shadows of the Undercity.

the smell was stronger now, completely inescapable. it was a cacophony: smoke, smog, the slight tinge of sewage, some alcohol, some oil, grease. it was far from the delicate candle wicks of home. and much like the smell, the sound was loud and roaring.

with a final sigh, as deep as she could manage, Caitlyn stepped out across uneven concrete and made her way towards the smokey glowing lights and hubbub.

‎

the people in the thick of the Undercity were not what she had imagined. they were garbed in patches of colour, dyes, augmented with metal or wraithed in it. she could see how they differed from those in Piltover; they were bolder, brasher, and she found herself gravitating to the edges of the street.

though she could not traverse without watching her step, her eyes stole glances everywhere.

the walkways above were strewn with people staring down below, debating and drinking. on either side of the road, with every other step there was an alleyway, obscured and smokey, haunted by shadows. the neon lights emblazoned shops, establishments like tattoo parlours and bars and brothels. one building billowed violet and haze far thicker than smog. there were the yells of a fight far off to the left, raucous laughter somewhere right, greasy food stalls aglow with flames and and a scent that permeated all the way up to where she was. the street was flooded with sensations.

it was rich—not in money, but in a new, unfamiliar way.

Caitlyn found herself in a plaza, and if she had to guess, she was in an entertainment district of sorts. the crowds were squeezing, abruptly shoving. they appeared to be queuing for a club lit with red haze and neon bars. though 'queue' perhaps wasn't the right word, as it was the opposite of orderly. the question of why they would wait so long to enter one particular place didn't occur to her, however, as her mind was preoccupied elsewhere.

through the throng was a flash of pink.

in an instant she was out of the shadows, in the thicket of people.

and even quicker was she out of them, confronted with a lanky man with fuchsia-dyed hair.

Caitlyn pressed her lips into a fine line as the man swaggered his way up to the bustling club. the dripping neon crimson glinted off his snarl as he bustled against the two heavy-set bouncers stood on guard. one look at their scowls was enough to indicate what was to follow, so hiding her head in her hood Caitlyn turned tail.

her thoughts raced. she had made sure to travel in the rough direction Vi had been sprinting in. checking the dim patterns of graffiti above she was certain she hadn't been turned around. but even after making her way so far in there was still no sign of her.

"i can't believe i was stupid enough to fall for this," she muttered, side-stepping just in time as a woman sashayed straight through the line and caused a butterfly effect. "i'll help you find Silco! the Undercity will eat you alive—well! i'm doing just fine, thanks!"

as if on cue, a ginormous figure lumbered out of a back alley. his skin looked as if it was hewn from rock, and he had an unwavering stare to boot. in a desperate attempt to avoid getting squashed, Caitlyn flung herself out of the way. her back slammed a wall as she stumbled several feet.

she cursed, staring up at the sky dejectedly. with a glance either side, she caught sight of a metal box attached to a series of pulleys. perhaps her luck had changed.

however, before she could make her way towards it, her ears caught a strange sound. at first she thought she had imagined it, as it was quickly swallowed by the noise of the crowd. but as she stilled and listened carefully… there it was again. a long tremolo note riding across the chatter and the smoke.

a violin.

of course the note wasn't strange in itself; it was a sound she recognised well, from the galas that she had attended with her parents. but it did not belong here. it was smoother and warmer than any part of this city, to the point she couldn't believe it was real, even as it lilted and flowed once more.

it sang from a place not too far from where she stood, a good few paces but mostly clear of people. as she approached she found the building was smaller and squatter than most, with round windows alight with auburn gold. inside there were many figures, murky in the condensation on the thick glass.

Caitlyn stood there for a moment, reasoning whether it would be wise to look for Vi or stay put.

stepping past a bickering couple, she searched for the door to find the iron-wrangled sign above it entirely mangled, as if it had been hammered and molten.

the door itself, however, was perfectly intact. manning it was a small creature with copious furry ears and a twitching curled tail. although, that was all Caitlyn could see as it was otherwise entirely hidden behind a large newspaper.

before she could debate with herself any longer, another note rang. this one was higher, before it dipped into a deeper hum. it was as if it was readying itself for a melody to come.

she headed straight to the door. looking to the 'guard' she waited for a response, but it did not peek out from behind the newspaper. and so she simply stepped inside.

a bell rang above her head as the door swung open with a lot less resistance than she expected. the glow of candlelight flickered in her eyes as the heat of the large main room engulfed her, and she added yet another reason as to why her uniform did not suffice. but quickly her attentions were enraptured by the tune that had brought her here.

there you were.

at the focus of the gathering, upon a tiny risen stage, you were robed in golden light. the sleeves of your white blouse—mocked up to look like the ones from the theatre—feathered down your arms to where you held your violin, poised. a single one of your fingers tapped a string as you levied your bow with a single graceful sweep.

your smile was bright, gleaming, magnetic. Caitlyn stared in awe, hanging onto your silence, your playful promise of a song to come.

your boot stomped onto a nearby stool, and you leaned into a bow. you admired how the bar erupted into raised pints, your eyes keen and glittering.

"shall you have it tonight?" you goaded. "shall i sing to you the tale of the bishy barnaby?"

"yes, please!" Caitlyn found herself calling through the crowd’s cheers, pleading you’d give everyone what they wanted. she didn't know what it would be, the song title was completely foreign to her, but she knew she needed to hear it.

in that moment, as you straightened and readied your bow, your eyes met brilliant blue. for a moment you were stunned. hidden amongst the crowd, stood between two regulars at the pub, was an unfamiliar face. but a very welcome one.

the newcomer was tall and slender, and by the way she held herself, very much not supposed to be here. but her gaze was caught on you, on your violin, and it was wondrous. you'd never seen someone so genuinely excited in your audience. her lips waiting in awe, waiting to smile. even beneath her small hood, she was as radiant as the full moon.

you grinned. you met her eye bravely, making sure she didn't look away. "if you want it, then you shall have it!"

and with a strong sweep of your bow, your melody began.

the words couldn't come to Caitlyn to describe what she was hearing. beautiful? vibrant? it wasn’t enough. the tune itself was unlike anything she’d ever heard, but the tone was of another world entirely.

your song was lively, whip-fast and brought the room to life—you animated what was already a roaring fire into something wild. your fingertips didn't miss a note, your bow not a single beat of the complicated rhythm that you wove.

your audience was cheering, stomping the beat, and your eyes glanced across to them, your smile never dimming, but Caitlyn found you returning to her every time. she couldn't help but smile, clapping along and praying that the heat of the building masked the heat on her cheeks.

you didn't sing once but your violin truly did. and Caitlyn was glad that you didn't, as she wasn't entirely sure if she could handle your singing voice.

as the crescendo built and a goblin-esque creature leapt onto the counter and began to dance, Caitlyn was overcome with laughter. and upon the sight, an acute sense of pride flooded your system.

you increased the vigour. with two electric notes your fingers danced into the final verse of your tale. you watched as the newcomer who had caught your attentions laughed even more, while several others began to dance too.

so you upped the tempo. you laid it on thick. those crystalline eyes returned to you, alight with glee and glorious wonder and in that moment you only played for her. notes spun while your bow flew. you added in double strings, extra vibrato. Caitlyn wasn't clapping anymore, simply caught in your song.

across the strings, straight to fourth as swift as the wind. one final strong note and a final stomp of your own. and there you finished.

the pub might've flooded with all the ale spilled as metal glasses clinked like drums. but you didn't care.

you raised you violin like a toast. "to all the good folk here at The Golden Coin, goodnight!"

as soon as you stepped off the stage, Caitlyn snapped out of her daze. her thoughts whirled but she couldn't bring herself to stop smiling. the dancing goblin creature yelled from the counter, "oi! y/n! when are you comin' back?!”

she searched the room where you'd just been, hoping to hear an answer, though you were nowhere to be found. she was about to head towards the bar counter when beside her, through the clatter of drinks and chatter, came a voice.

"want to get out of here?"

turning, her eyes widened. there you stood, a patchwork jacket and a large satchel over your shoulders. a violin case in one hand, the other offered to her.

Caitlyn wasn't sure what possessed her to agree with such vigour, but your smile indicated you didn't seem to mind.

"come on, it's easier to talk upstairs."

⌖˚‎٭ ﴾﴿ ⌖˚‎٭

within an instant you had scooped her hand into your own. your grip was firm, your fingers callused against her smooth skin. you weaved through the clientele like a snake, footsteps as well-practised with dodging drunkards as your hands were with your instrument.

Caitlyn was initially shocked but inevitably glad that you had hold of her as you made your way to the stairwell. after being bolstered about by several large bodies losing sight of the walls she would've gotten immediately lost for sure.

soon the two of you were on the narrow stairs, which were free of people. you glanced back at her, letting her hand go rather suddenly. "sorry about that," you chirped, "not dizzy, right?"

"not yet, though it is very hot!" she fanned herself as if you weren’t going to believe her. and then she shoved her hand back down to her side, feeling rather silly.

"tell me about it," you chuckled, shaking your head. "no open windows in this place. not that it would likely make a difference. come on."

the two of you reached the top of the staircase. Caitlyn expected you to lead her round onto the rickety landing and into one of the rooms, but instead you came to a halt barely round the corner of the banister. too busy looking at the tears in the pinkish paint on the walls, she bumped into you.

"evening."

confused, Caitlyn peered over your shoulder to find a lanky man standing in the nearest doorway. he was shrouded in dark greys and reds, his waistcoat too big on his frame, and a little too dark for his skin tone. he looked as if he had emerged from a grave, pallid with unblinking sunken eyes that stared into her soul.

the sound downstairs muffled as he leered, face twisting into anger.

she knocked her head down.

she hoped she passed it off as out of respect, but she knew too well it was not. she levelled her breathing as best she could as the man silently passed her, letting the door slam shut behind him. his eyes bore into her skin as he stalked down the stairs.

his footfalls were too heavy for a man so light. and his eyes flashed in her thoughts: harsh and dark and glimmering with something akin to malice.

unsettled, she swallowed thickly, deciding to work up some courage to turn around and face him as he descended. but before she could look upon him once more, you snorted.

"well that was rude!"

Caitlyn's attentions whipped back to you. you weren't even sparing the man a glance, just looking at the door and then back to her, eyes wide. "slamming the door like that? Pen is not going to let him board in here again, that's for sure! some people, honestly..."

as you muttered, you reached up and tugged a chord hanging in the corner. a flap in the ceiling opened, and an ancient ladder complained endlessly as it unfolded.

when it clanged against the wall, Caitlyn couldn't help but flinch. you must have caught it in the corner of your eye as you immediately offered her a reassuring smile. "you alright? honestly, don’t worry about him. those types aren't worth your time."

“i've dealt with worse...” Caitlyn nodded, slowly making her way to the ladder. “is this going to break on me?"

you pursed your lips. "probably not?" seeing her fold her arms you insisted, "no, no it won't! i promise! but, you gotta go first, it's cooler if you get to see it without me standing in the way."

"what's up there anyway?" Caitlyn cocked her head playfully. "and why should i trust you?"

"what's up there? a somewhat hidden gem, which i promise is worth it! as for why you should trust me," you pondered for a moment, "obviously because this face is too memorable to forget! which means if i did get in trouble, i would be so incredibly easy to track down! you'd have no issue seeking your revenge."

"you're just that famous around here, huh?" she laughed, shaking her head. she turned to make her way up the ladder. the metal protested eagerly, but did not break. as she headed up she knew it was going to take a while for her eyes to adjust due to just how dark it was up there. even so, she peered downwards as she climbed to check on you. and there she spotted you glaring towards the stairwell. it was quite jarring seeing your face laden with such a frown.

soon enough Caitlyn ran out of wrungs and was up on the roof of The Golden Coin. it was an enclosed space. the building seemed to be squeezed between two towering walls of stone and iron sheets either side. pipes littered the edges, shooting steam and dripping questionable liquids. several beams lead to who knew where, and above was the dark shape of another level. the edge of the roof was lined with a rusted railing, making it a sheltered balcony.

or a secret hideout, Caitlyn mused. as she noticed the small lopsided stools and old gas lamp off to the side, she realised you'd had the same idea. she stepped forward, coaxed by the a stack of crumpled papers secured by a stone on an upside down box, when she finally regarded the star of the show.

the wall on the opposite side of the street was a vertical gallery. upon its dominating face stretching high into the cityscape, drapes of colours cut through its cold demeanor. there were streaks of names and taglines, faces etched in dripping paints, abstract symbols. some were hasty, others crude, many calculated and one or two effortless. hundreds of different styles and merging into one, swirling into one storm of art.

she approached the edge, as far as she could go. she pulled down her hood, transfixed.

"pretty, right?" you said, coming to stand beside her.

her hands felt across the air until they rested on rest on the rail. she couldn't summon the words to describe what she was witnessing.

as she couldn't draw her eyes away, that sense of pride filtered through your chest once again. "nothing like topside, i bet."

finally she tore herself away, but only for a moment. "when you said upstairs, i figured you meant up... stairs, but... this...!"

"you really aren't from round here are you?" you giggled, dropping your violin case at your feet to admire the view for yourself. you traced its familiar lines in your head, taking in a few of your favourites in particular. you wondered which ones your newcomer marvelled first. "i'm y/n, and you are?"

"Caitlyn."

when she was finally able to tear her eyes away from the sights properly this time, she found you grinning rather proudly. "that's a lovely name. you take after it well."

Caitlyn couldn't help the bubbles that fizzed in her chest. she huffed, regarding the masterpiece opposite her once more. "not as lovely as that, i would argue. what... is it?"

you tutted, leaning against the railing. "it's The Big Eastern-Side Mural, as named by me. though if you want to be more technical, it's a patchwork of hundreds of graffiti. the canvas: an old crusty factory—it's repurposed now." you pointed off to the corner of the building. "that's the only walkway to get up there. takes a lot of balance. not my sort of venture, though. these fingers are made more music, and i quite prefer the view here."

you eyed her up carefully, smile faltering ever so slightly. the wonder in her eyes was making your heart skip, but also the worry creep in. the man downstairs flashed into your mind. "what brings you here? to the old Coin, or should i say the Undercity in general?"

"well," Caitlyn hummed, "it's a bit of a long story."

"i've got time."

it was her turn to eye you. you were relaxed, your back to the railing and elbow poised gracefully upon it. you exuded a gentleness she hadn't expected down here. she came forward to lean against the railing, returning to the city below.

and avoiding your gaze, she explained everything to you. well, not everything—she skipped the major details such as names, the prison and her reason to be down there. but enough that you hummed in acknowledgement.

"as for here specifically, that's you. i heard your violin outside." finishing with a shrug, she then grimaced. "wait, is it really that obvious? that i'm not...?"

you laughed apologetically. "don't want to burst your bubble, but the uniform isn't exactly subtle..."

"it was a very quick turn around! i was able to grab this small cloak-thing before i left but—" Caitlyn sighed, running her fingertips across her arm wraps. "i don't even know what this uniform is good for at this point. it doesn't keep me cool or warm, doesn't protect me from getting bruised, it's truly—"

"are you ok?"

your question was sudden, so sudden it took Caitlyn by surprise. "oh. yes. a little bruised but—"

your face was still crumpled in concern. "bruised? what happened?"

"the journey down, the Undercity parkour," she tried to joke, but you didn't laugh. "it was an... experience. i just messed up a jump."

the tension loosened in your jaw. "oh, i see! i thought you'd gotten jumped! was wondering if i needed to have words with someone."

"well, there was this old drunkard who laughed at me when i slipped in a puddle..." the smile returned to your lips, and Caitlyn had to ignore how it sparked the corners of her own too. hesitantly, she asked: "hey, i'm glad that you showed me this, it's a pretty sight. but... why?"

a moment passed.

what to tell her, what not to tell her... you spun the ideas around in your mind. you didn't want to disrupt her wonder; you couldn't name a single time you'd witnessed a topsider admire your home with lights in their eyes. but you knew your home all too well, too.

you took a deep breath. "like i said, you're not from round here. and people can sense it from a mile away. remember that creep downstairs?"

"yeah. why did he act like that? who is he?"

"i have no idea. but there are many like him. i figured someone like you wouldn't be down here without good reason, as you've put yourself in a pretty precarious position, but... i just... wanted to tell you to be careful, really." you offered her a playful wink. "and introduce myself properly, of course. gotta be welcoming to newcomers, right? or they'll never come back and give you their dime again!"

she scoffed. "but i didn't even give you any money!"

you feigned horror, pacing away from her in your facade. "how dare you! Caitlyn, I cannot believe—!"

"i'm sorry! i'm sorry! you absolutely deserve it, hang on." she began to fish about in the pouch at her hip, but you quickly stopped her with a waggle of your hand.

"no, no, i'm only teasing. you don't need to pay me."

"i know you are, but you can't just play for free!" she huffed. "please, i insist! your music is... unlike anything else i've heard."

as soon as you returned to the railing, you were presented with her. there were those bright blue eyes once again, transfixed on you wholly. this time they were firm, unwavering in a whole new way.

and in your mind, a few harmonic notes played.

you tried to look elsewhere, but you only ran into her silky dark hair, bangs framing her delicate face; then her hand, fingers slender and offering several golden coins. the dim light did only did you a single favour, and that was not reflecting her face to fluster you any more.

you shook your head, feeling your cheeks heat up. you tilted your head ever so slightly so that it was shadowed, and gently furled her fingers back over her money. "you're too kind, Caitlyn. but i can't accept that."

she let you close her hand, and push it back to her. but her stare didn't let up. tucking the money away, Caitlyn cocked her head, before levying it on her palm. "fine. can i see your violin?"

"of course!"

leaping to your case you brought out the instrument. the wood had a mottled grain and a rich hue. the bridge was dusted with rosin that you'd not yet swept away, and on the underside of the chinrest you'd strapped several folded shreds of cloth for extra padding. it was well-used, tuning pegs darkened with only two strings that matched in exact colour. but Caitlyn could tell it was made with a talented hand; it looked no different to the ones she'd seen at the balls she'd attended with her parents.

and once more you were struck with her wonder.

"it's beautiful."

you sighed bittersweetly. "last one my mum ever made."

"Janna, y/n, i'm so sorry!"

you blinked at her until the penny dropped. "oh! no, she's not dead!" you chuckled, placing the violin back in its case and locking it shut. "she just had to give up the trade because materials became too scarce. and, you know, gotta afford to live."

"even so, that's quite sad," she said slowly, "which is exactly why you must let me pay you."

you sucked in air as you bit your lip. "oh, you are stubborn...!"

"wouldn't have ended up in this uniform if i wasn't."

a laugh bubbled up before you could stop it. you drew nearer, squinting into the haze far off to the left. "listen, one day i'll be performing up there."

Caitlyn followed your nod upward, finding the top of the crevice that formed the multi-level street. at the crest there was the blooming pale glow of the city far above. her home. the sheer distance abruptly stormed into her mind, and Caitlyn suddenly felt rather small. she kept a straight face, watching you, making sure you didn't notice.

no, you were caught up in your musings, a smirk on your lips. "once i'm up there, money won't even matter at all. and my mum can go back to making violins, violas, damn she may even be able to make a cello! and we'll get to live comfortably." and now there was a teasing glint in your eye. "perhaps... if you really want to help... you keep the cash on you, and instead put in a good word for me!"

"me?!"

you laughed, mirroring her in leaning on the railing, brushing her shoulder with yours. "yes, you! you're from up there, aren't you? or are you just some strange kiss-o-gram?"

"a what? no! how could i be—?" she laughed incredulously. "do people do that down here? dress up as—? to—?!"

"well, not that i've seen, but then again i'm not exactly one to buy their services." you couldn't hide your grin. "that being said, i think you'd be successful!"

"oh, stop it...!" she batted her hand, "this uniform is definitely not for protection that's for sure, but it's not... it's not good for that either—"

"i wasn't talking about the uniform, Caitlyn."

silence fell across the balcony. Caitlyn's eyes widened as her heart lurched. her thoughts swirled as she replayed what you'd said. as she blushed, she hoped the lights obscured it. meanwhile, the confidence that you had dripped from your smirk had dissipated in a moment.

"sorry, i didn't mean like, you would should go into that job or anything, i just meant that you are—um." you cleared your throat, readjusting your jacket hem.

as you did so Caitlyn caught your own flushed cheeks and looked away, biting her lip to keep herself from teasing you. "i know what you meant. thank you. and you're not too bad looking yourself!"

"that's good to know!" you fixed your hair. "i'm a performer, not just the musician. a double-threat! that's what makes me... successful." you trailed off again.

as quiet settled over the two of you, Caitlyn turned back to the sights below for a distraction. she opted to have another look for Vi in the crowds, though it was ineffective as she kept finding herself checking the corner of her eye, seeing what you were up to. your expression was rather plain, the tinge of awkwardness still there, but otherwise lost in thought. you were absently playing with your fingers.

cute, she thought. and in a desperate attempt to stop those thoughts from running their course, Caitlyn broached the silence. "so, these are your streets, right? the person that was leading me around, her name's Vi. do you know her?"

your brain leapt back into the real world, and straight into gear. you muttered the name a few times, before, "the name does sound familiar, but i haven't heard it in a while. a long while, now that i think about it."

"seven years? or so?"

you looked surprised. "well, if i had to give a more exact guess... but it's really hard to tell because a lot goes on down here. place changes more than the weather." you scratched the back of your neck. "sorry, i can't give you any more than that. i would like to help out if i can. do you know where you were headed?"

"um... no, she didn't say." Caitlyn avoided your gaze, scouring the passing crowds below instead once again. not that it was very effective, as she felt you watching her. wondering if she'd been caught out, she found herself glancing back to you. "what?"

"have you got a plan?"

she exhaled. "wait? i guess. easier for her to find me if i stay in one place. if she decides to look for me, that is."

you thought for a moment, folding your arms. "she'll come back for you." your words were firm.

"you think so?"

you snorted. "if she doesn't, well, she's pretty dumb. and i'll tell her that, if i run into her, how's that? ooh! i could write a song about her! at what a bad decision it was leaving you behind—!"

"there's no need for that! she's not... i'm not..." Caitlyn rolled her eyes, spinning round so that she had her back to the view. the lights only illuminated her back, now, and her face was cast half into shadow. as she tried to find her answer, searching for words that didn't seem to want to come together, your mind was spinning. your fingers itched to play. a new melody was finding its feet in your head. she was like the moon.

"i think i'd much rather have a song about me than the time i got left behind for not running fast enough...! as that would be embarrassing," she finally said, but soon after mumbled, "though would a song about me be any less?"

"absolutely." you knew she meant the first part as a joke, but your fingers were tapping the railing in a search for a rhythm. it was beginning to fall into sync with the first few bars of the new melody.

your eyes were sparkling. at first Caitlyn thought it was just the neon lights below, but there was something more tinging them.

"it wouldn't be embarrassing at all, Caitlyn. having a song about you is inevitable. it happens to all of us, eventually." you chewed your lip as the melody paused for a moment, waiting for more input. you mumbled, "it's doable. it's very doable..."

Caitlyn wanted to ask what you were talking about, but decided not to. cogs were turning in your head, and she didn't want to disrupt them.

the two of you had your backs resting against the railing. the glare of the lights below could only be reflected in your cheeks now, and even in the dark Caitlyn glowed. the melody sparked by her continued, while unbeknownst to you, she came to the same conclusion about you.

having to look upon her again to find the next part of the tune made you realise she was waiting. you hushed an apology, explaining, "what i mean is, inspiration can flow from many, many places. some flow like a brook, others like a fountain. occasionally you get the odd stone. but people aren't any different. and well, you..."

before you could continue, a cacophony of discordant loud shouts stomped over the melody as well as your peace. you recognised the sounds all too well: a fist cracking a bone, a body hitting the ground. you whipped round and peered down as she did. her brows furrowed until her expression melted into a sheepish grimace.

on the street was a scrap, though it was rather one sided. the stony man from earlier Caitlyn recognised, and he was trying to hold another man back, while a woman with pink hair shoved someone else to the ground.

"is... that your Vi?" you asked, bemused.

"well, i really wouldn't say she's mine. but yes, that's Vi."

you nodded in understanding, standing a little taller. "told you she'd come back."

she agreed with a small smile. although she pulled away from the railing, her feet came to a quick halt. "i should go down, shouldn't i?"

"probably, yeah."

"before she knocks someone out. or gets knocked out. most likely the first one."

"most definitely."

your eyes met. you distinctly wondered if she struggled to hold your gaze as you did hers. "come back here, sometime."

she paused, eyes narrowing. "will you be here?"

"well, i do have other places on my 'grand tour' if you will, but uh..." you trailed off, fake grandeur dissipating. "yeah. most likely. on the off-chance i'm not though, you can ask the bouncer, Po. they usually know where i'm headed."

there was a moment where you weren't sure she was going to agree.

"then i'll make sure to do that."

you barely hid your shaky exhaled breath as your heartbeat returned to somewhat-normal. you were somewhat grateful for the chorus of shouts that picked up again for bringing you back to earth. you searched vacantly for the source below, giving yourself an excuse to look away. "you really need to go. best of luck handling everything!"

she thanked you, hastily making her way towards the ladder. when you heard her footfalls you instantly turned away from the light of the street. seeing her back, you cursed yourself out. that was your last chance to take in her features before she left—because who knew what the future held? you certainly would be praying to any god that would listen that she would find her way back so you could talk to her again, but this was the Undercity. and she was from Piltover. she was an enforcer. the realisation of how much luck had swayed in your way that night sunk in and winded you. as well as the confusion.

but right then, before your very eyes, she stopped. she was stood next to the ladder. and then she was a step away from it, her back no longer turned to you. it was dark in the shadows but there was her smile. and you were enraptured.

"i just wanted to say, y/n, i really enjoyed your song."

her voice, too. you committed it to memory—her sweet tone, her accent. you barely registered the high words of praise she was giving you.

"you deserve to have the grandest stage in Piltover."

Caitlyn watched you fumble for words, your mouth hanging open like a fish. she would've laughed if she hadn't felt just as silly doing such a dramatic turn around. she felt as if she was in one of those flimsy romance books. regret washed over her until she remembered that they always had happy endings. and considering the street she was about to run into again, the leering not-quite-man from earlier, the trail she was following, and the light-hearted nature of this moment coming to an end—that idea was rather comforting.

once your brain had thoroughly short-circuited, you mustered up: "thank you. that means a lot. especially from you."

her smile was small. "i'll see you soon."

she said it with such certainty that despite everything, you believed her.

"we'll see each other again, Caitlyn." you gave her a wave, which she mirrored.

and before you could register it, she had dipped down the ladder and was out of sight. she was gone.

well, she's not gone just yet, you reasoned, she's just a level below.

but then you waited, counting the seconds. she was likely down the stairs by now, you guessed. and then out of the door. you heard the bell ring, you could've sworn it.

but your feet didn't move. you just stood wordless in the dark. her laugh replayed in your thoughts, and the first thing you looked at after she left was your violin.

her melody began to play in your head.

☾ ₊ ˚ ✩ ˚ ｡ ☽

masterlist | buy me a hot chocolate <3

[thecouchsofa]

20 Questions For Fic Writers

Thanks to @sweet-s0rr0w for the mention! Side note: Nor All That Glisters is beyond brilliant, I can't believe I only found it last month!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

14 - somehow this feels like heaps and nothing at the same time!

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

476,709! Half of those are from one fic though

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Only HP at the moment. I'm very much a 'one fandom at a time' person!

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

The Lesson of You (65k, E) - kidfic, family feels, featuring my favourite tag of all time: accidental child acquisition. I saw that tag on a Sterek fic and it was like a lightning bolt of inspiration - I wrote this fic based on that tag alone!

Walk the Line (16k, E) - Draco sees Harry in the Mirror of Erised but doesn't know what it is and asks Harry about it.

Tales of Apparation Gone Awry (12k, E) - humor, Draco in denial, sometimes accidental drunk Apparition.

Potter's Snake Removal Services (3k, E) - humor, misconstrued texts, tent sex, Goyle being traumatised by said tent sex.

Slytherin Eighth Years are Shit at Potions (or are they?) (4k, T) - Draco's friends slip him a love potion and think they've poisoned him when he acts the same towards Harry.

Side note: my top 3 by kudos are 3/5 of the fics I put in an ask response about my favourite fics of mine - apparently my opinion is the same as the general consensus!

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I do now, but I didn't used to (social anxiety is a bitch). I make an effort to respond now because I read all of them and they genuinely do make a massive difference. I don't respond to comments on things I posted before this year - there's so many now on certain fics that were posted so long ago that it would feel beyond awkward for me to respond to them now. I wouldn't want to start responding to new comments on those fics without then doing the same for the earlier comments either. So 2023 onwards at this point!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Nothing that's been posted, mine all tend to be very fluffy. I don't really fuck with unhappy endings, life is angsty enough as it is! I like nice cliche endings tied up with brightly coloured bows. That said, a short fic that's going up sometime this month does have an ambiguous ending, so that'll be my answer then.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Most of my stuff tends to be pretty fluffy at the end. The ending of The Brightest Constellations of Our Souls is pretty bloody saccharine though!

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not in my comments section, thankfully. I did see one of my fics get rec'd on tik tok at one point and the teens in the comments section were warning others away from looking at my account because of a certain PWP that's on there, which did make me laugh quite a bit!

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Definitely! I find smut the easiest thing to write. If I feel writer's block coming on I sit down and write a smut scene or crank out a PWP! I've got quite a few completed ones that have been sitting in my docs since 2018!

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

Nope, crossovers definitely aren't my thing!

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I'm aware of. I don't even know why you would tbh.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I've been lucky enough to have multiple fics be translated!

The Lesson of You has been translated into Russian and Korean, Potter's Snake Removal Services and Silent Night have also both been translated into Russian!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nope, but it would be an interesting thing to try!

14. What’s your all time favourite ship?

Drarry for sure! I have major brain rot for this ship.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

The very first fic I ever started writing for this fandom! It was a soulmate AU about seeing colours that I wrote around 8k for and then moved on to something else. I read through all of my half-finished fics when I started writing for this fandom again this year and was like 'hey, I quite like this' and then - shock horror - it got pushed to the wayside again. Maybe it'll get done eventually, who knows!

16. What are your writing strengths?

God, I don't even know. Sometimes it's humor, sometimes it's descriptions. Depends on the day, I reckon!

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Pacing, probably. For Brightest Constellations I tried to combat this by literally drawing up a table and writing for each location exactly what stage of their relationship Draco and Harry would be at. I did manage to stick to it with only a few changes, but it was properly hard!

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I don't do it because I'm embarrassed I'd get it wrong! I don't mind reading it though!

19. First fandom you wrote for?

One Direction (lmao). Fourteen year old me wrote a Harry/Louis fic in the notes app on my iPad that will never, upon pain of death, see the light of day!

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

The Brightest Constellations of Our Souls. I wrote this because I wanted to read something like it and I didn't think there were nearly enough road trip fics in this fandom. I also wanted to do a character study on Harry, since many fics focus on Draco's trauma. I absolutely adore this fic and I'm thinking about getting it bound so I can see it on my bookshelf. I'm so heckin proud of it!

I don't know who hasn't been tagged at this point so if you're reading this and want to do it, consider this me tagging you! Feel free to tag me in your post, I'd love to read it!

[lovelykhaleesiii]

I think this is the best I've ever written tbh 🤭

Tw - mention of violence, cursing, stabbing and attempted stabbing. I think that's it!

-🔥

The young princess couldn't sleep, eat, or even think. After her and Aemond's talk and he said those words to her, she began getting weird feelings in her stomach. People say they are butterflies born out of affection but she knew they were hairy creatures crawling around in her insides. She absolutely hated the feeling.

How could she ever be feeling anything for the one-eyed prince who hunted down and killed her brother? Especially with how his family was also responsible for taking her family away?

As the months wore on, she had let her self be more open with Aemond and he had kept his word to not bed her until she asked him to. But it had come to mind to consummate the marriage before rumors start, even though Aemond had made sure to lightly cut her foot to get small droplets of blood on the sheets of the blood, which he had done so gentle and careful, she didn't feel anything.

"Are you sure? He had asked.

The young Velaryon nodded. "We don't need rumors going around, your mother and brother already dislike me. So, yes, I am ready."

The one-eyed prince had simply nodded before slowly undressing the young princess, kissing her shoulder tenderly, his lips trembling as he does, almost like she would break under his touch like a glass doll. He then finally removed his eye patch and the princess gently gasped as she took in Aemond's sapphire gem that stood in his missing eye's place. The sapphire gem that she had gave him. A matching gemstone that had resided on a chain belonging to her.

The next morning had been proven relaxing as Aemond had gently woken her up by kissing her arm and shoulder, which tickled her awake. Aemond also had been uncharacteristically happy that week, as he believed the woman he had loved since he was thirteen had began to love him back. And as the Velaryon got more relaxed, she had still made plans to take revenge, she had no change in mind for that. She had even recruited Layana, her lady-in-waiting to help her and the women had became quite close.

"This is a dangerous game, my lady."

The princess simply replied with, "I am as good as dead here. Besides you, I have no friends, allies, or family at court. So, I have nothing else to lose."

As she and Aemond sat in their chambers, he had brought up the topic of names for their future child. This had set her off, though of course.

"Wouldn't you like to have an actual child born from you instead of a bastard like your brothers?"

While rash, she couldn't control herself. She had grabbed the knife that sat on the table beside them, only for Aemond to swipe it away. The Velaryon had hissed in pain and Aemond's eye grew wide with worry.

"Oh, i'm sorry. Did that hurt?" He had asked sincerely.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry. But let's be honest, you're heart wasn't quite in it. I can't kill you, you are a good person."

"I could kill you, you are a bad person."

Their little lovers quarrel continued at a feast that night, ending with a fight between multiple drunks and Aemond snatching the young princess up, throwing her over his shoulder, and carrying her away to safety.

She pushes his away. "I didn't need your help!"

"I agree."

"Do you love to taunt me? Is that it?

"No, of course not."

"Then don't ever do that again." And as she walked away, she says, "I don't need your help."

Over the next five months, she and Layana worked together to gather allies still loyal to Rhaenyra targaryen and began working on a plan. That is...until her nineteenth name day. The dress she had picked out was snug around the waist and foods that she loved wasn't smelling or tasting good to her anymore. A trip to the maesters confirmed her worst fear. She was with child.

When she was informed, she felt like she couldn't breath. Her worst nightmare come to life. And as the weeks passed, she avoided Aemond so she wouldn't have to tell him the news but as she sat in her chambers, reading, a knock came to her door. But she had no energy to answer it, so she simply said, "come!"

No one entered though. Weird. But a voice came through on the other end. It was Layana!

"Layana? What are you doing out there? Come in!"

"I think it is best if I remained out here, my lady."

By now, the princess had closed the book before walking up to the door."

"Why would that be?"

"My lady, I told Aemond."

Her eyes widen with shock and horror. "Please tell me you didn't!"

"I did! I'm sorry! He had managed to find our plans and told me he wouldn't kill me if I told him the whole of it, so I told him. And I told him you were with child. We cannot win, i'm sorry."

"Fuck you! I thought you were my friend!"

"I am your friend! Which is why I told him! He adores you, loves you! And you have his baby inside you! He won't kill you."

"He'll be coming for me now."

"He won't"

With that, she heard Layna's footsteps walk away.

The Velaryon had not planned for his but she must act swiftly. She spots the knife she almost used on Aemond months ago, grabbing it she rips her dress in the middle, exposing her stomach.

Just as she had predicated, Aemond barges in, eyes filled with fury.

"I thought we could name him after my brother you killed."

"You bitch!" Aemond turns her around, pointing his dagger toward her throat. "I will slit your throat!"

"Aim for the stomach, it will work better."

"You think a child would stop me?!"

"No," she states plainly. "But your child. Our child. A fucking son. Viserys's grandchild and no doubt a cutie like his dad. Now, say hello." She then puts his free hand on her stomach, letting him feel the baby's heartbeat. She couldn't see it, but Aemond already loved the unborn babe and was happy he was going to be a father.

"No."

Silence.

"He's really in there?"

"Just under your hand. Under the skin."

He lowers the dagger from her throat. "You don't know it's a boy."

"He feels dumb, so I suspect it strongly."

"I loved you..." Aemond's good eye starts to get watery and she notices it's already red. Like he had been crying prior to this confrontation. "Why don't you love me?"

"I do," she admits, "in a way. But you have to know, we aren't lovers. We will never be lovers. But you love your son. Our son."

"Any woman can give me a baby!"

"So kill us then."

Silence again.

"I just need a second-" without hesitation, Aemond bends down and places his ear to her stomach and as he hears the heartbeat, he feels that he could burst out crying from happiness. He then finally stands back up. "Fuck. I can't do it. I can't kill you."

A guard suddenly enters, in his hand a brown holder with something round it it.

"Which is why I come to give you this."

"What-"

"Leery's head. Your dead mother's allie. Considering it your doing."

The guard simply puts it into her hands and he and Aemond take their leave.

To get the last word, she shouts, "next it will be your head! I'll be waving your decapitated head on a stick in front of your weeping mother!" And as they leave. she lets the holder drop, thankfully it was tightly closed.

That night, she still is angry and ready to tear Aemond apart. She gets her chance in their shared chambers, his back turned and not noticing her entering. Grabbing her knife, she plunges it into his shoulder and before he falls down, she stabs him not once. Not twice. Not even three times. But six times. And he finally falls to the ground. Dead.

As it sinks it, the young princess gets flashbacks of her and Aemond. Not the bad times but the good times. How he was gentle with her the first night. How he had written love poems to her that honestly made her tear up, and their friendship when they were children before everything got messed up. Before he became Aemond one-eyed. Before she lost everything.

She covers her mouth in shock and horror before reaching down and sobbing into Aemond's shoulder. Just then, she hears the door open and when she turns, she sees Aemond, his gaze soften at her crying, understanding what had happened. "Wrong person," he simply says.

No more words are spoken as she stands up and rushes over to Aemond. "Don't ever scare me like that! Damn you!" And she pulls him into a tight hug, never wanting to let go.

-🔥

AHHHHHH TWIN THE ANGST SENSATIONAL AND A BUBBA ON THE WAY YES PLEASEEEEE

[manufactured-pleasantry]

Hi! This is rlly random but I was feeling kinda overwhelmed because life's been quite hectic, with a major change for me; but then I read your excerpt for 'The Hundred days curse' (the one you posted here last yr, with alfred & bruce) and it helped me feel better. Tbh, your fics are smt that I rlly treasure in general and have reread quite a few times (shoutout to ur puppy eyes bruce in ur sick fic and drunk fic haha). There's smt so comforting abt ur fics to me ❤️❤️ So thank you so much for all the fics u've written & I hope life keeps treating u well! <3

Thank you so much! Writing these stories bring me comfort so I'm really happy to know that it brings you comfort to read them.