#though i have to say the way some of them choose to hide really sends me to the end of the galaxy

[azaracyy]

see woo, wubbaboos.

[monstersholygrail]

New City, New Life

5k celebration ‘Choose your own adventure’ story

Orc x fem!reader— cum eating, dry humping, fingering, voyeurism, rough sex, clitoral stimulation

Pt1

“Hey neighbor, I was just talking about you,” your hot Wolf Hybrid neighbor says as you walk over to his little group hanging out in his driveway.

His Orc, Naga, and Wolf friends all flash you a knowing smirk, their varying fangs glimmering sends a heat in your belly before you quickly stop yourself. You had to tone your horny ass self down. You didn’t wanna make a bad impression on a new city of people by being desperate for everyone’s cocks. You didn’t think that would fly here. As they stare your cheeks begin to heat up in a way you know is noticeable.

“Mentioned how I wanted to bring over a cup of coffee I made you,” he adds as if sensing your thoughts and trying to reassure you.

So he wasn’t going around talking about you to all his friends? Something tells you that’s not exactly true as his eyes gleam with arousal. You imagine it as you take the cup of coffee from his hands. Your hot neighbor sitting around with his equally hot friends, going over every little dirty detail. Raving about how good your tight cunt felt around his thick cock. All of them growing hard as he recounted the noises you made and how desperate you were to be filled while imagining it was them with you instead.

A choked whimper escapes you that you quickly try and hide beneath a pleased hum. You try your best to look casual as you subtly rub your thighs together, desperate for some kind of friction. But you’re briefly brought back to reality as your hot neighbor hands you the mug of coffee.

“Thank you for this, but—“ you say as you bring the mug to your lips only for your neighbor to brush a clawed finger along the edge of the cup and tilt it up, forcing you to take long gulps of the nicely warm drink. You meet his burning gaze, unable to look away, the tension simmering between you. And in front of all his friends. Fuck you can feel how wet you’re getting.

When he finally removes his finger you lower the cup with only a bit less than half left. Your mouth smacks as the taste bursts across your tongue. It was bitter as you expected coffee to be but also a bit sweet and… salty? It was certainly creamier than you expected it to be. You liked it. Probably more than you liked whatever blend you usually get. You’ll have to ask what his special ingredient is later.

“Thank you again but I was wondering if you guys could give me a ride? I’m in a really tough spot and I just need someone to get me going,” you say, voice strangely huskier than normal.

You clear your throat, glancing away, and look back up to all four of these damn fine men staring down at you as if they’re about to pounce. Your pussy flutters, clamping down around nothing at the thought of them actually doing just that. Their claws digging into your plush form, fangs grazing your sensitive skin, their big tongues ravaging your body to prepare you for their giant cocks.

“Work that is,” you add, voice growing husky all over again.

Your Wolf Hybrid neighbor chuckles darkly, the sound shooting right down to your core. He glances at his friends and a silent conversation passes between them. Then all of them are moving toward the car as if suddenly eager to get in.

“C’mon, sweetheart. We’re headed to work ourselves but we’ll get you off. Who are we to deny someone as cute as you?” He says smoothly, his raspy voice making that sound much more suggestive than you think he meant to.

Your hot neighbor rounds the car, taking the drivers seat. While his Wolf Hybrid friend quickly takes passenger. As if he didn’t want you getting to it first.

“You’ll have to ride in my lap though,” His Orc friend immediately says with a smirk as he hops in the backseat of the car. You follow after him, not wanting anymore seats taken from you.

“And why would I do that?” You ask, not wanting him to know how much you like the idea.

Just as you’re about to sit in the middle seat instead, the Orc’s giant hands are gripping your waist and plopping you down in his lap. Before you can argue or pretend to complain, the Naga gets in last and he curls half his long rattling tail into the middle seat while the rest takes up the remaining one.

“There’sss no more room,” the Naga says, forked tongue slipping out as he speaks and a second later his eyes dilate.

You blush, knowing he can probably taste your arousal in the air. In fact, they all probably can. The realization has you blushing deeper and growing wetter on the hot Orc. Especially as the Orc tugs you closer to his chest and you can feel the distinct bulge of his half-erect cock pressing deliciously along your clothed slit.

Hot neighbor starts on his way and you share your new place of work with them. They’ll know exactly where you are now nearly every day. It sends a strange thrill through you. Wolf Hybrid neighbor tells you that it’s on the way to their place so they’ll drop you off first but that it might take a little longer. They usually like to down the back roads.

You find that you don’t mind as you’re a lot more than just comfortable sitting in the hot Orc’s lap. That is until they actually start driving down the back roads and their… bumpy terrain.

A small grunt escapes you, eyes widening as the car starts rocking. Each jolt of the car has the Orc’s hardening length rubbing right up against your pussy. Your throat tightens as you try and choke down your moans. The Orc feels huge and he’s rubbing over every inch of your cunt. You swear you feel him rocking in sync with the rock. But what would be crazy.

Small talk fills the car and you’re grateful no one seems to be able to notice your inner torment. Small whines leave you as you practically bounce on the Orc’s clothed dick. It sends shocks through your system and you quickly grow more and more needy. The need to be filled and stuffed full itching at your skin.

“I think you’re wet enough f’me now, sweetheart. My patience grows thin. Fuckin’ need to get inside ya,” the Orc says, breaking you out of your lustful daze. It’s only then you register his panting breaths and the way everyone’s eyes shift toward you in the car.

“W-what?”

You yelp as the Orc jerks off your slacks and panties in one swift move and hooks your legs over each of his knees, spreading you wide for the whole car to see. Your glistening folds spasm as they’re exposed to the cold air.

Thoughts run through your head at a mile a minute. You should want to stop this. To scramble off this sexy Orc’s lap. But you only get more turned on, your arousal gushing out of you at the thought of him so suddenly taking you.

“Don’t act like you haven’t been wantin�� to fuck me since your fine ass walked over. That’s how this place works, right?” The Orc asks, almost mockingly.

His words wash over you, clouding your mind, as his hands explore your body. Slightly clawed fingers trail down and dip into your soaked folds. A low moan leaves you and instead of trying to get away you melt back into his chest, hips rolling with the movement of his fingers. He takes the time to prep you for his length and it slowly has you becoming an absolute mess in his lap. And you haven’t even had his cock yet.

You suck in a sharp breath as the hot Orc’s fingers leave you only to replace them with his thick angry tip. His pre-cum creating an even bigger mess of you. Your mind threatens to gain clarity again but then the Orc is pushing you down and splitting you open on his cock.

“Nngh! Ooh… Oh fuck,” you cry out, throwing your head back. The stretch of his girth forcing your gummy walls to accommodate him has your eyes rolling back. The deeper he goes the more you swear you’ve never been filled this good in your life.

The fact that you’re in a car full of men shifts back to the front of your mind and you lift your head to see them all still watching you with a fierce intensity.

Your hot neighbor continues to drive but you notice the way his eyes keep flicking back to you in the mirror. While his Wolf Hybrid and Naga friends each have all their cocks out, languidly stroking them to the sight of you stretched pretty on their friend’s cock. You whimper, basking in the attention, and a second later the Orc starts slamming you down on his massive cock.

“Fuck, dude, you were right. What a perfect pussy. They’re drenched f’me, just slipped right in. So warm and tight. Poor thing won’t get a moments rest in this place,” the Orc huffs and the car erupts into soft breathless laughter.

Aha! You knew your hot neighbor had talked about you with them. The praise is all you focus on and it has your walls squeezing the Orc’s length, wanting to make him go mad. A low growl vibrates from his chest to your back as he feels you get even tighter. His claws sink into your hips as he starts using his grip to fuck his cock up into you at a bruising pace. His thrusts syncing up perfectly with the rocky jostling of the car that only seems to be getting worse.

You cry out as the car’s movements also deepens the Orc’s momentum. You swear you can feel his dick all the way up in your throat. He’s stuffing you so full of him you don’t know if you can take it. You arch back into the Orc, putting on a show for him and everyone in the car. Through hooded eyes you watch as they furiously pump themselves to the sight of your body. It gets you so fucking hot. Their lustful eyes raking over your form. All of them wanting a piece of you, all of them jealous of the one who gets to fuck you.

The Naga flicks out his tail, the rattle on its tip moves in between your legs, wanting to do anything he can to give you more pleasure. You wait with bated breath and shriek as he rattles his tail, the vibration sending sparks throughout your body. The Orc snarls in your ear and picks up pace, jerking up his hips and meeting your thrusts in a way that has your toes curling.

“How do they look?” Your hot neighbor growls, knuckles white on the steering wheel, and sounding borderline feral. His cock aching against his slacks.

“They look so fucking sexy, man. Their tight pussy can barely take him,” His Wolf Hybrid friend moans, his hips twitching as he jerks himself off even harder.

“But they’re doing ssso well. Pretty thing will be ruined for anyone else,” the Naga adds, roughly rattling his tail against your clit. He thrusts up into each of his hands that pump at both of his dicks. You mewl, vision blurring at the intensity that wracks through you.

“Fuck, I think they’re about to cum!” One of them shouts but you’re too lost in the haze of pleasure to focus on which one it is. But then the Orc’s hot breath is curling around your ear and your mind clears enough to hear his rumbling voice.

“That’s it, sweetheart. Fuckin’ let go and cum on my cock. Squeeze the damn life out of me, you can do it.”

The cord snaps and jaw drops, fierce screams echo throughout the car as you explode all over his cock. Waves of ecstasy wash over you and you try your best not to pass out. The sight of you coming is a vision of pure art and none of the other men can hold on much longer.

The Naga lets go first, shooting his cum over any inch of bare skin he can reach. The Wolf Hybrid is close to follow in his friend’s footsteps as he cums all over you two. Seeing you all wrecked and messy quickly has the Orc slamming into you, burying himself to the hilt and shooting spurt after spurt of his cum deep inside you.

“Such a pretty slut you are, sweetheart. So easily made a mess from our cocks. You’re perfect,” the Orc rasps in your ear and you preen under his praise.

The rest of the car ride is spent with the monsters cleaning you up as you lay limply in the Orc’s lap. You take the time to regain your strength and you hope you’ll be able to feel your legs enough to walk into work.

When you arrive your hot neighbor gets out and greets you as the door opens. He helps you out and you immediately melt into his embrace. Your Wolf Hybrid neighbor laughs, leaning down and kissing the crown of your head.

“Next time, darling. Now get into work,” he murmurs intimately in your ear. Giving your butt a nudging pat.

As you walk in on wobbly legs, you glance around the lobby, looking for the headhunter that recruited you. He was meant to meet you and show you the ropes of the job. But he isn’t anywhere to be seen and you wonder what you’ll do next. You could ask the Demon Guard by the door where you could find him, head down the closest hall and hope you find the headhunter down one of the rooms, or you could head to your Minotaur Boss’ office and hope he can show you around.

[stromblessed]

Mizu's spectacles, and the levels of her disguise

In drafting some more Blue Eye Samurai meta posts, I find myself writing out the comparisons between what Mizu can and cannot hide about herself, and how that affects how she moves through the world.

Like, I get the jokes about Mizu's glasses, if only color contacts had existed back then, etc. etc., and I think (hope) that most viewers don't take the glasses jokes seriously, as in "I don't care about the suspension of disbelief because BES is a cartoon." But I wanted to write these thoughts out anyway without burying them in a text post about something else.

I think the points I'm going to lay out here are viewed very differently by different people, so please feel free to add to this post, reply, or put your thoughts in the tags!

Not only do Mizu's glasses not actually help her that much, there's surely more to Mizu's mixed race appearance than just the color of her eyes.

In my view, this was pointed out in episode 1:

I'm willing to bet most of us were expecting young Taigen to say "blue eyes," not "ROUND eyes."

Obviously this is still about Mizu's eyes, but not even spectacles can hide their shape.

I don't think the show is obligated to point out everything about Mizu's face that isn't quite as Japanese as the people around her expect. Though the creators have said that they specifically designed Mizu - and her clothes - to read both as "white" and as "Japanese," as well as both male and female. I think there's more about Mizu's features that read as "white" than just her eyes.

This is where my own headcanons start entering the picture, but it's my impression that people can just tell that Mizu looks different, whether or not they can put a finger on exactly how.

There's the little girl who looks at Mizu and then hides on the way into Kyoto:

When there's more to your face you'd like to cover up than just your eyes, big hats are a big help!

By the way, most of these examples have to come from the first half of the season, since by the second half, either Mizu is too preoccupied with fighting henchmen, or everyone Mizu is facing knows who she is already, and she therefore has no reason to hide her mixed race identity.

It's worth mentioning that the mere fact that Mizu has to hide multiple aspects of her identity - her mixed race and her sex - results in her having to choose clothes that really, really cover her up, which doesn't win her any favors either:

(Zatoichi reference, anyone?)

If it were as easy as, for example, tying her glasses to her head and wa-lah, nobody would ever know she was half-white - then (1) Mizu would've just done that long ago, and (2) Mizu wouldn't be so on guard and on tenterhooks 100% of the time the way she's depicted in the show, even when her glasses are on.

Her spectacles sure don't help her in the brothel, which is full of observant women who are trying to seduce her, meaning they get good long looks at her:

Mizu never takes her glasses off, but they still send a woman to her who has light eyes, thinking that must be what will interest a blue-eyed man:

No wonder Mizu gets mad after this, lol

So Mizu never takes her spectacles off in the brothel, it's dimly lit inside, and the women can still tell that she has blue eyes. I'm getting the sense that Mizu putting on her spectacles isn't a guarantee that people suddenly can't tell that she looks different.

And yet no one spots that she's female.

Mizu can hide her breasts, can wear her hair in the right style, can hide what's between her legs, can walk and talk and behave like a man - and she's been doing it for almost her entire life, to the point that not only is she very good at it, but the threat of being found out as female is deadly, but isn't presented in the show as omnipresent.

Let me explain.

She threatens Ringo for nearly saying the word "girl" out loud, because while she's constantly ostracized for being mixed race, being a woman traveling without a chaperone, carrying a sword, and disguised as a man will get her killed or flogged or arrested or some combination of these things.

But in addition, it's been drilled into her since she was a child that if she is discovered as female, the combination of her being mixed race and female will identify her as someone extremely specific, someone known to some bad people, and she will be killed:

I think of it as Mizu thinking to herself, "Being found out as mixed race means I'm treated badly. Being found out as mixed race and a woman means I'm dead."

Mizu's hair is cut as a child. But she isn't made to wear a big hat, or cover her eyes somehow, or anything like that. Because hiding her sex is a more successful endeavor than hiding her race.

Ringo finds out she's female by accident, but once Mizu accepts the fact that he won't rat her out, she relaxes pretty early on in the season. Because the threat of being found out as female is mitigated pretty much 99.9%, since Mizu has gotten so good at being a man. And also, because most of the time, people see what they want to see. Even if Mizu's face makes her stand out as "not 100% Japanese," no one in the world of BES looks at Mizu's clothes, her bearing, her sword, hears her voice, and will ever in a million years conclude that she is a woman, because expectations around gender roles in the Edo period were so rigid and so widely enforced.

One detail that proved this to me is after the Four Fangs fight:

Ringo takes off Mizu's clothes so he can stitch her up, then leaves her clothes off even after he's done. He doesn't even throw her cloak over her as a blanket or anything. There's a little a straw (pallet?) as a divider there on the left, but anyone could just peek around it and see Mizu and her chest bindings. (I think it's mostly there as a windbreaker.)

And Taigen is right there, but he doesn't give a shit:

Opinions probably vary hugely on this, but my impression is that because the show doesn't make any kind of deal about Taigen being in the room with Mizu here, my guess is that Mizu isn't in any danger of Taigen thinking she's female. Even when I watched the show for the first time, I assumed that Taigen had seen Mizu out of her clothes here, and that he thought nothing of it.

Eat your heart out, Li Shang (Mulan 1998). I actually do think that this scene is a direct and purposeful side-eye to that movie, lol

There's obviously some nuance to how "severe" being mixed race is compared to how "severe" being a woman is for Mizu:

After all, Swordfather can't bear to listen to Mizu confess to being a woman.

So a Japanese man can go wherever he wants, whenever he wants in BES. A Japanese woman has limited options: marriage, religion, or a brothel. A mixed-race man is an eyesore in this story. A mixed-race woman is a death sentence.

May as well eliminate the female aspect, and do what you can about the mixed-race aspect. Because that's just realistic.

Meaning Mizu can avoid the strictures Edo society places on women. But she can't avoid the repercussions that come with being mixed race. And I truly don't think that it's just because "there's no brown contacts yet."

[ellapurnellmybeloved]

fluff alphabet |clarisse la rue

author's note: Hi lovelies, please send me requests! I don't know what gave me the confidence to think I can write, probably delusion. Also, this is according to my personal views of Clarisse so don't be mad if it's different from what you've imagined. Leave a comment, I love interacting with people, xx.

warnings: I tried my best to keep it gender/race/cabin neutral for the most part but there are still some feminine coded things here and there. English is not my first language so excuse any grammar mistakes.

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

Starting off strong because with Clarisse sparring is a must. Although she doesn't like to think there will ever come a time in which she won't be there to protect you, it's still an essential part of life as a half-blood. And who better to train you than the daughter of war herself? And in case the apprentice becomes the master and you happen to beat her or pin her to the ground or even hold your dagger to her neck? Oh boy, she's done for. Actual heart eyes.

B eauty - What do they admire about their s/o? What do they think is beautiful about them?

She pretty much loves everything about you, she can't really just choose one aspect. Though, if she had to, she'd probably say she loves you for being supportive, understanding, and patient with her. You understand her better than anyone. That's what made her know you were the one for her. You can control her anger issues and calm her down when she's on the verge of exploding and she thinks that's beautiful.

C omfort - How would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc?

The art of intimacy or comfort never came easy to Clarisse. Her relationship with her mother isn't the best and hasn't been for a while now and her father is a grade A asshole. Her first instinct when you're feeling down is to fix it, to ask you who or what happened and give them a physical piece of her mind, but that's not always how it works. She'll pull you to her lap and hold you through the night or for as long as you need, wiping your tears and kissing your cheeks. She'll let you vent your heart out. You can tell her anything. Or nothing, if you prefer. She's not the best with words but her actions speak much louder.

D reams - How do they picture their future with their s/o?

She's never thought that much ahead if she's being honest. Never allowed herself to daydream too much into the future, choosing to live off the present for now. Sometimes, however, she pictures what could be only described as an utopia; to go on such a fantastical quest that the gods can't help but grant the both of you immortality, that way you'd bask in the glory of your love forever and ever.

E qual - Are they the dominant one in the relationship, or rather passive?

On the outside looking in it would seem Clarisse is the dominant one for sure. And in some ways she is; she likes that you can rely on her, she wants to provide for you, yearns to prove herself capable of such. Still, you're the one in charge. Clarisse is completely devoted to you, and your relationship means more to her than anything she's ever felt before. She cherishes it like no other, always at your beck and call.

F ight - Would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?

Clarisse is intense, that much we know. Her anger runs deep and her passion burns red. She's not perfect, and doesn't try to hide it either. She's hot-tempered, arrogant, she's got a short fuse and she holds grudges. Her fatal flaw is pride, which sometimes gets in the way of her good senses, so you'll most likely be the one apologizing first. Despite all that, she can't bear the thought of you being mad at her and absolutely hates fighting with you. It's like it's tearing her apart, especially if you're sad over something she said or did in the heat of the moment. Truth is, she is a fighter at heart so when all is said and done she'll try and make it up to you in some way, somehow.

G ratitude - How grateful are they in general? Are they aware of what their s/o is doing for them?

She is so appreciative of everything you do and are. As previously stated, Clarisse didn't get much love growing up so any semblance of that is something she clings hard to. She notices everything, every little thing you do for her and the underlying of your words. How you treat her and others is always stored in the back of her mind and she loves to be loved by you.

H onesty - Do they have secrets they hide from their s/o? Or do they share everything?

Clarisse is a very closed off person in general, she doesn't like feeling exposed and being possibly seen as weak. She'll tell you things but there's still some matters you have to pick up on your own and know how to approach them, especially regarding her feelings and personal struggles. She's very honest though, she feels like she owns you that much and appreciates you if you do the same for her. The more your relationship progresses you'll notice being able to read her like an open book because although she does her very best to hide it there's an underlying vulnerability to her behavior in certain moments you'll take proper notice of the more you know her.

I nspiration - Did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?

Clarisse has definitely become more gentle since you. It still doesn't extend to your friends and family but more so how she behaves around you and knowing she doesn't have to put up that though front all the time. Her sense of self worth has improved as well, especially when you reassure her through her insecurities and doubts (never being the son her father wanted etc.)

J ealousy - Do they get jealous easily? How do they deal with it?

Oh, boy. Clarisse’s jealousy is very fuelled by… Well, anything really. She doesn't necessarily need a motive to go toe to toe with someone, just staring at you for a second longer than she deems them worthy of and she's ready for a fight. It's hard for anyone to get close enough to flirt with you because she's always there, by your side, kind of like a guard dog. But only because she knows how amazing you are and her insecurities do blurry some lines on what's acceptable. She's working on it though.

K iss - Are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?

Clarisse is definitely a good kisser. She doesn't have much experience, if any, but she's a natural. It sounds cheesy but the first time she kisses you was like butterflies and church bells dancing loudly in the wind. The way she cups your face so uncharacteristically soft and how she breaks off the kiss with a series of small pecks only to smile one of her beautiful smiles so close to each other's faces… Magical. It could be at the fireworks on the fourth of July or it could be in your favorite spot in the woods, soaked in lake water during a midnight swim or after a heated argument. No matter how many times Clarisse kisses you, she'll never not feel electricity similar to her spear’s sharp edge digging into her body and soul.

L ove Confession - How would they confess to their s/o?

Clarisse does not have a clue what she's doing. I feel like she'd say something in the heat of the moment; either confessing her true feelings or masking them by saying something hurtful she doesn't actually mean. In the latter scenario she'd storm off and berate herself over it but her pride and fear that you'd never look at her again made her put off her apology for some time and let it all sink in to talk to you when she's ready. That is until you start properly ignoring her and she nearly goes crazy with longing, just missing your overall presence and having her stomach turn to knots at the way things were left between you two. That's one of the few times Clarisse sucks it up and reaches for you. The apology is awkward but overwhelmingly honest and she tells you she's an idiot but you're content in forgiving her and giving her a second (actual first) chance.

M arriage - Do they want to get married? How do they propose? What would the marriage be like?

Again, Clarisse never thought she'd live to see the day she'd actually have a marriage prospect. Her life just doesn't seem complete without you anymore and the moment she realizes that she's done for. It would probably be while you're laying in bed together, your head on her chest while you play with her fingers. Your eyes are heavy with sleep but hers are wide open, thinking. “Will you marry me?” said while staring into the distance and you probably think she's joking except Clarisse is not one to joke about that sort of thing. “Not now. But eventually.” and whether you ask if she's serious or just accept it right away, she'd look at you seriously for a beat and then tackle you into a bear hug, crushing you underneath her. She doesn't see the point in a big wedding, but if that's what you're into, she won't mind.

N icknames - What do they call their s/o?

She is not immune to babe or baby but would still like to keep some variety. Things like sunshine, gorgeous, angel or others (I'm looking at you, person who created the “mama/s” HC). She does like your name very much, or probably a shortened version of it. Don't expect her to not tease you if any of these make you flustered.

O n Cloud Nine - What are they like when they are in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?

Clarisse likes to think she's good at hiding it when she's absolutely not. As Taylor Swift once said, you can hear it in the silence. Just the way her eyes soften when she's looking at you speaks millions, but people also get whiplash at how fast her mean attitude changes whenever you're around. Her love giving languages are probably acts of service and physical touch. She loves to do things for you, feeling all big and mighty whenever she can make your life just a little easier. Touching is also a must but we'll get to that in a second.

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

Clarisse is not very comfortable with public displays of affection, because she is afraid of being judged or mocked by others for being weak or soft. She prefers to keep her relationship with you private and intimate, but doesn't mind the little things. She does gloat about being with you as well as showing you off, so that everyone on camp knows you're hers. She brags about you all the time and I mean, seriously, all the time. She's not a big hand holder but she almost over compensates by grabbing at your hips and thighs, throwing an arm over your shoulder or hiding her face in your neck. She especially loves bonfires when you sit on her lap and she can hold firmly onto your waist while she's talking to her siblings or just press her forehead against yours when her social battery is low.

Q uirk - Some random ability they have that’s beneficial in a relationship.

She's very perceptive. She may not know what has changed right away but she's also persistent so she'll figure it out in an instant. If it's the way you did your hair or something that happened along your day, even if you change your usual greeting. She notices and she'll definitely ask you about it.

R omance - How romantic are they? What would they do to make their s/o happy? Cliché or rather creative?

Clarisse wants to be loved, that's all she’s ever wanted, and she has so much love to give, therefore I believe she'll do just about anything to make you happy. That includes being an absolute sap. She honestly doesn't mind how cliche it is, if it works on you, you bet she's using it. If anyone cares to say anything remotely negative about you or your relationship she will promptly glare them into oblivion or give them something to really worry about.

S upport - Are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? Do they believe in them?

She is your absolute biggest supporter. Especially if you don't believe in yourself, then she's trying even harder for you to see just how well you can do something if you put your mind to it. With something like sword training she is more than willing to help you, rewarding you with kisses and cursing you for distracting her with your pretty face.

T hrill - Do they need to try out new things to spice out your relationship? Or do they prefer a certain routine?

Clarisse doesn't mind change, she rolls with it. If you have a certain way of doing things, a routine you like to follow, that's fine by her. If you're unpredictable, even better. She just loves to see what comes next in terms of your relationship, not necessarily needing anything to amplify her love for you. It's already hardwired into her.

U nderstanding - How good do they know their partner? Are they empathetic?

She knows you like the back of her hand. Even the slightest furrow of your eyebrows or tilt of your head and she'll be there in a second asking what's wrong. She does learn to be more empathetic towards your own struggles, which was hard at first because she wasn't sure how to see things from someone else's point of view. Though road but you make it work.

V alue - How important is the relationship to them? What is it’s worth in comparison to other things in their life?

She doesn't have much to look forward to so Clarisse values her relationship with you very highly, as you are one of the few people who can see past her tough and aggressive exterior and appreciate her softer and more vulnerable side. She is fiercely loyal and protective of you, and would do anything to keep you safe and happy.

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

I actually read this one on a Wattpad story a while ago so credit to the original creator but, Clarisse has a teddy bear named Mr. Muscles she's had since she was like, nine and she cherishes it like it's her most prized possession. When she introduced this piece of information to you, you just found her so incredibly adorable you couldn't contain the giggles and she gets so hot in the face she pushes you off her bed and it's honestly one of the most memorable moments in your relationship.

X OXO - Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?

I headcanon Clarisse as your personal furnace as well as a koala bear so kisses and cuddles are a must, especially if it's cold outside. She loves to take naps with you, it gets to the point where she has trouble sleeping without you (so you give her a vial of your perfume to spray on Mr. Muscles for when you're away).

Y earning - How will they cope when they’re missing their partner?

Clarisse with you: 🥰

Clarisse without you: 😡

She gets snappier than usual and easily annoyed but she'll also get really sad because she's never had to deal with being away from you. Her siblings try to cheer her up by shoving some kid's head into the toilet but she's so disinterested in anything that does not involve you she just goes about her days training until she can see you again and show off her muscles.

Z eal - Are they willing to go to great lenghts for the relationship? If so, what kind of?

The answer is yes, one hundred percent. “Touch her and you die” trope goes so hard. Not only that but she would willingly sacrifice the world and herself for you and your relationship. She would go out of her way to make sure you are okay, that you are fed and hydrated and well rested, even messing up her own sleeping schedule in order to take better care of you.

[dira333]

In all the movies, I found you - Oikawa Tooru x Reader

for @whisperofwonder

Was it the right person at the wrong time or the wrong person at the wrong time or could it have been the right time but still the wrong person or -

Thinking about it makes your head spin. 

Like having one too many drinks, or spinning too fast on the merry-go-round, or getting up too fast after not drinking enough.

If only you could take your past relationships and send them in for a study, get the results back like you do with your blood samples.

This one had not enough love, this one was too egoistic and this one was entirely your fault.

If only you could look back at it with a smile like your friends do.

"Remember when I dated that guy? I still have the bracelets he made for me. God, I was so cringy back then."

Oikawa never made you a bracelet. And if he had given you one you wouldn't have worn it, never quite sure if he even bought it himself. Too many of his gifts had been gifted to him before.

Chocolates made by his adoring fans, that really cute notebook you thought he got for you until it turned out he stole it from his sister because he had no money left that month, and the pair of earrings a girl had basically thrown at him after he complimented them.

Oikawa Tooru, the living ghost. The only human being able to haunt you and from the other side of the earth too.

Some days you wonder if you ever loved him. Or if it was just comfortable being with him.

Not that it was ever comfortable. Staying behind after class to walk home with him, pretending not to notice when all the girls fawn over him, getting roped into helping Iwaizumi when Tooru overdid it with training again.

Tooru.

How you hate that name.

It's one thing thinking about him by last name. Like he's just a guy from class you used to have a crush on.

The way you call Semi Semi and not Eita, even though you kissed in the girl's bathroom while everyone else was still sitting through the English exam. Because he's just a guy from College you'd rather forget, a guy you flirted with because he seemed the exact opposite of Tooru.

Only to turn out a setter who'd been left in the dust by his more talented junior. Maybe it's just you who's cursed to find those guys.

-

Go on a Blind Date, they said. It will be fun, they said.

Now you're sitting across from no one other than Iwaizumi Hajime, 28, athletic trainer, who's hiding his red face behind the menu.

"I didn't know it would be you," you tell him instead of choosing a wine because, of course, Iwaizumi would pick a fancy ass restaurant for a Blind Date.

"Sure, yeah, no..." He grumbles into his non-existent beard. "I should have... I should have asked."

"I'm sure your friends would have understood," you joke without humor. "Not that it's easy to find a girl in Japan that hasn't dated Oikawa yet."

Iwaizumi lowers his menu and you regret your words.

If anyone can read you like an open book, it's Hajime. Iwa-chan. Iwaizumi-kun.

Your mind transports you back to your first year at Seijoh and you're so glad it doesn't take you to graduation day for once, you let it happen.

-

"Who do you think is cute, Iwa-chan?" Oikawa asks, his voice much too loud for lunch break. You can hear him all the way to where you're sitting. But you don't hear Iwaizumi's answer though you desperately wish for it.

He's cute. Quieter than his friend, though he gets angry easily. Yesterday he helped you carry books all the way to the teacher's lounge, not once breaking a sweat, his face red as he tried not to look at you.

If you could wish for something, you'd wish for him to like you.

Because Oikawa would only like you if you were popular or pretty or really cool and you don't think you're any of these things. But Iwaizumi reminds you of your favorite Ghibli films, of Kanta Ōgaki in "My Neighbour Totoro" or Seiji Amasawa in "Whispers of the Heart".

But Iwaizumi doesn't say who he thinks is cute. Instead, Oikawa calls your name, much too loud for the quiet room.

"I think she's cute," Oikawa says and you can feel eyes on you, wondering if anyone knows that you don't actually listen to music with those big headphones on. "I like girls with pigtails."

-

"Do you miss him?" Iwaizumi asks over forgotten menus and expensive tablecloths.

"Do you?" You ask back, never one to answer a question directly.

"Sometimes," he admits. "Mostly when I forget how annoying he could get."

You laugh, surprising yourself. "Yeah," you agree. He's like..." You try to think of a character you could compare him with but come up empty. "Maybe the Witch of the Waste?"

Iwaizumi laughs. "I don't think he'd like that comparison."

"Maybe not," you shrug. "But he deserves it for sure."

“I always thought he was more like Howl,” Iwaizumi admits. “He’s cocky and arrogant and everything else, but he cares, you know.”

You stare at him for a moment, left speechless. 

“Well,” you finally clear your throat. “He can be Howl if he wants to. I was just never his Sophie.”

-

Iwaizumi, ever the Gentleman, walks you all the way to your apartment.

“You know,” he admits against the cold of the night. “I used to think Oikawa only flirted with you because he thought I liked you.”

You snort. “That sounds like him.”

“It doesn’t,” Iwaizumi shakes his head. “He’s very loyal. He just hasn’t yet figured out how to love two things at the same time.”

“Volleyball and other people?” “Volleyball and you.”

His words cut your skin like a hot knife through butter and you wonder if he can see it, can see you bleeding out next to him on the sidewalk.

“It’s been ten years,” you tell him with a voice like sandpaper. “I think we’re both over this.”

“And yet you’re not.”

“You’re being mean, Iwaizumi.”

“You’re being a liar.”

You stare up at the streetlight above you and wish it to be a shooting star.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Believe?” He asks, like he’s not so sure himself. “Look, I’m not a Ghibli Mastermind like you, but maybe, just maybe, Oikawa needs help finding his heart too?”

You snort. “Oh, so you want me to feed him his fire heart and hope for the best? This is real life, Iwaizumi, not a fairy tale!”

“One more chance,” he disagrees, holding up his phone. “How about we post a picture?”

And though it can only mean heartbreak, you agree.

Maybe if you hurt him a little, you’ll hurt less.

- - -

The picture is a little bit blurry and not at all flattering and there’s not even a caption to begin with.

Tooru stares at it during breakfast, counts the rising number of likes, and waits for yours.

Did Iwa-chan not recognize you? Could he really, after all that time spent together?

Or is it not you and he’s hallucinating, seeing your face where it isn’t like in those first weeks after moving and after every single game.

“Find me in the future,” Sophie asks Howl and he wonders if you asked him that too, with your eyes instead of your lips, with your dreams instead of your words, when he left Japan for good.

But Tooru’s never dared to do it. Only in his dreams, only in the faces of other people, in the touch of women who aren’t you.

-

It’s midnight in Japan and midday in Argentina and he’s still not closer to any solution.

It must be you, Tooru’s sure of it, but who are you now?

Are you still the girl who sat on the edge of his bed, watching him as he watched Volleyball Matches, the quietest supporter he’s ever had?

Are you still a lexicon of Ghibli Movies, a mind that never tires to compare, to give birth to new stories?

Are you still in love with him like you used to be?

Were you even in love with him when he thought you were?

-

Tooru’s only ever dreamed of making it big, of playing Volleyball, of proving himself. 

At least until you slid your hand into his on the way home after training, rested your head on his shoulder as “Whispers of the Heart” played on his tiny Laptop Screen, as you kissed his cheek in the morning, waiting for the bus.

You’d opened a door in his heart without him knowing, a window to a world he’d never thought about.

One where he works a nine-to-five, takes the trash out before going to work, does the dishes while you cook. A life that looks so much like his parents it scares him a little, because what if he wanted that? What if he did that? What if he just gave up the first dream he ever thought about achieving?

Would you still love him if he was mundane?

-

There are no more pictures of you in Iwaizumi’s feed. 

No one with your name liked the post.

But after two weeks of stalking, he finds some guy called Akaashi whose girlfriend posts every single day, and there, sitting right next to someone he could care less about, are you.

Your hair color is different and you’re older than he ever knew you, but he can still find a home in your eyes, see memories reflected in your smile.

Tooru thinks of Sophie and Howl, of Seiji Amasawa and Shizuku Tsukishima, of all the stories you made him watch with your head on his shoulder and your hand in his.

It’s easy now to find your profile, but hard to watch the years pass by in nothing more than pictures. 

What he missed by leaving. 

And what did he gain but a feeling of homesickness?  A longing, not for a place, but a person.

-

Tooru carries you around for two more weeks, the thought of you, the memory.

He writes message after message only to delete them instead of sending them out, never once proud or sure about what he wants to say.

Because what right does he have to want you back?

What does he have to offer but a longing heart on the other side of the world?

He watches every Ghibli Movie he knows, hoping for inspiration to strike, a quote to fall into his lap.

He laments to Iwa-chan about it after he successfully figures out that you are not, in fact, dating.

“It’s not about the words, idiot!” Iwaizumi scolds him over the phone. “It’s about the effort. It’s always the same with you!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, like you don’t remember trading autographs for bracelets because you did not want her to have some subpar present from you.”

“Excuse me, that was a great idea!”

“No, it wasn’t, dipshit! It just made you look like you didn’t give a crap.”

“But I did!”

“Well, how would she know?”

- - -

“I miss you.” 

Three words and not a single, damned emoji.

You stare at them for an hour and then some more, bite your lips bloody as you consider them.

Oikawa Tooru, Tooru-kun, the first and only guy you unironically called Darling…

Is that the chance Iwaizumi asked for? 

You could just not write back. 

You could just ignore him.

But you’re tired of being haunted and tired of being hurt and tired of loving someone years after he broke up.

You’re tired of lying to yourself too.

“I miss you too.”

[swaps55]

Please I have to know! Do you have any other ‘what we choose’ multiverse first kiss scenes in-progress/in your mind/etc? I just reread the moment between them when Kaidan’s putting on Sam’s N chain and sjsksjsjsk

Apologies for making you wait, but since I didn't have the heart to tell you that I didn't have one cooking, I just wrote one. <3

This may start out looking familiar to you. Until it doesn't. :D

~

In Your Universe

02 December, 2182, Arcturus Stream, Arcturus, Arcturus Station

A steady crowd of people mill through the observation deck on the Callisto section of Arcturus’ torus ring. This time Kaidan knows where he’s going, but even though he’s a few minutes early, the buzz of Shepard’s biotic field slips under his skin before he spies the small opening in the wall just below the ceiling. The only difference between now and that morning almost four years ago is the souvenir shop where the empty storefront used to be.

Shepard pokes his head out of the alcove and holds out his hand for Kaidan to grab. No biotic energy to pull him up this time – Kaidan brings his own momentum. But Shepard’s pull is still stronger, and for half a heartbeat Kaidan winds up in his arms. He clears his throat as they disentangle, and settles beside him in this strange little architectural oddity that’s a perfect fit for two people to sit and watch the stars.

“Still beautiful,” Kaidan murmurs, looking out the window. He mostly means the view.

“Never lets me down, I’ll give it that,” Shepard admits. He pushes a datapad out of the way and stuffs a stylus in his pocket.

“Been here long?” Kaidan asks. “Didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”

“Nah. Needed some time to do a little thinking. Been a hell of a day, and it’s not over yet.”

Kaidan sticks one foot out in front of him, so it hangs just off the ledge. “Yeah. New rank, new ship, new crew. What did you think?”

Shepard ducks his head, hiding a smile behind a fist. When had Kaidan first seen him smile like that? It should stand out in his memory, but it doesn’t. Sometimes it feels like there have never been any firsts with Shepard. They’ve just always been.

“The ship’s pretty incredible. You’d have a field day. She’s got stealth tech.”

“Stealth? Really?”

He nods. “Get this. It’s a cross-species effort with the turians.”

“Huh.”

“The chief engineer threw a lot of jargon at me, but the long and short of it is, she’s got an internal emissions sink system that stores waste heat. She can run silent for close to three hours before the crew is in danger of cooking.”

“Damn. I’m guessing wherever they plan on sending you won’t be lacking for action.”

“Not from what I gather. Crew is hand-picked. She’s small, fast, top of the line, and you would hate the pilot.”

Kaidan snorts and leans back on his elbows. “Why would I hate the pilot?”

“Just trust me.”

“Okay,” Kaidan says with a wry smile. “Guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”

There must be a little more misery in his tone than he intends, because Shepard’s expression sobers, and the gravity well flips.  

“Anderson’s the CO,” Shepard says, right before the quiet that settles between them starts to get heavy.

Kaidan’s eyes widen. “Oh, that’s great, Shepard. Really great.”

“Should make things interesting, that’s for sure. I sure can drive him batshit. Wonder how long before he wants to put me out the airlock.”   

“He thinks the world of you, Shepard. You know that right?”

Shepard shrugs a shoulder and pulls the stylus out of his pocket, twirling it in his fingers. “Lot to live up to, still.”

“Hey. You’ve worked so hard for this. And you’re going to get to do it with the person who means the most to you. Enjoy it, okay? At least for a minute. This is everything you wanted.”

Shepard looks at him, right at him, eyes so clear and sharp there can’t possibly be anything Kaidan can hide.

“Yeah. Guess it is.”

Maybe the hint of regret in his voice isn’t real, just Kaidan hearing what he wants to hear. Just like the hand on his shoulder at the café didn’t mean anything, the damn crooked pin at the ceremony had just been harmless banter, and the way Shepard’s looking at him right now is just Shepard.

That’s what he always tells himself.

What if it is something? His stomach churns with a rush of exhilaration and anxiety. What would you do if I told you the truth? If I kissed you, would you push me away, or put your arms around me and tell me not to stop?

But then Shepard drops his eyes and the moment’s gone. He shoves the stylus back in his pocket, scowls, and digs something else out and holds it up to examine. It’s a chain, for a dress uniform, but black instead of the regulation gold. Just like the one Shepard already has on, linking the top button of his jacket with the gold trim of the shoulder pad. The chain worn by anyone who’s achieved N status – the only adornment allowed by anyone who isn’t N7.

Kaidan raises a curious eyebrow as Shepard rolls it between his fingers, the gaze that moments ago had only been for Kaidan now bent elsewhere.

“Did you bring an extra this time?” Kaidan asks, trying not to smile. The last time Shepard had taken that dress coat off, after the N7 ceremony, he’d forgotten to undo the chain first and snapped it in half.

He shakes his head. “My mom gave it to me today. It…was my dad’s.”

Oh.

“Why today?” Kaidan asks. “Why not when you made N1?”

His laugh is bitter. “She didn’t know she had it. She never went through his things.”

“Oh,” Kaidan says softly. “I’m sorry, Shepard.”

“It’s just a chain,” he says with a shake of his head, and starts to shove it back in his pocket. “Never been the sentimental type, anyway.”

Kaidan stops him, leaning in close enough the sharp hum of their mingled fields leaves him a little lightheaded. Shepard’s lips hover close, too close while Kaidan detaches the chain on his uniform. When he drops it in Shepard’s open palm and takes the one that belonged to his father, an electric shock passes through their fingers. Kaidan swallows, makes the mistake of glancing up at those eyes that may as well hold the depth of the stars inside, then fastens the chain carefully in place. Throughout, Shepard watches him in silence that feels like it means something.

“Thanks,” Shepard says softly.

Kaidan traces the chain with a finger, lump growing in his throat, all the times Shepard had nearly killed himself chasing N7, carving the path that’s now leading him away from the ‘Yang to Anderson and the Normandy flashing in front of his eyes.

They’re sending you somewhere I can’t protect you.

Like a reflex, he splays his hand against Shepard’s chest. There’s still an undershirt, dress jacket and dress uniform between them. Sometimes it seems like there’s so much standing between them, even when they’re side by side, and that space is about to become so vast.

But he can still feel Shepard’s heartbeat. Not a number in his HUD. Just a steady rhythm under his palm. He draws in a ragged breath.

“I don’t want to lose you.”

The words are out before he can stop them.

He curls his fingers against the fabric of Shepard’s uniform, trying to break the spell, trying to pull away while he still can, but instead Shepard cups his knuckles, trapping them in place.

He’s always been trapped in Shepard’s gravitational pull. There’s never been any other star he’s wanted to orbit.

“Hey,” Shepard says. “Kaidan, I…”

Without giving himself time to think about what it could cost them, he hooks Shepard’s neck with his other hand and erases the space between them.

Kaidan does little more than brush their lips together, so quick and reckless he almost misses. It’s nothing like what he's imagined in the rare moments where he let himself imagine anything at all. But when they part it’s only by inches. He can’t bring himself to move farther away.

But Shepard doesn’t move either.

They hover nose to nose. Shepard sits still as a stone, breath warm against Kaidan’s cheek, gaze unfocused, like the galaxy has just reordered itself around him. When he finally manages to speak, it's with a voice Kaidan's never heard before.

"Oh."

Kaidan inhales, the reality of what he’s just done setting in hard. “I’m sorry,” he says hastily, trying to scramble away, trying to think of a way to fix it, but Shepard tightens his grip on Kaidan’s hand, keeping it pressed against his chest. His eyes glitter like the stars in front of them, though reading his expression is like being on the wrong side of a two-way mirror. For agonizing seconds, he doesn’t say a word.

“Oh,” he repeats, softer this time, eyes dropping to Kaidan’s mouth. The gap between them narrows until it doesn’t exist.

The kiss starts awkward, hesitant, like they’re a flickering candle that can’t get enough oxygen to catch. But then Shepard’s head tilts to the left ever so slightly, and suddenly…it does.

Shepard’s lips part wider, drawing Kaidan in, before returning to something chaste, like he’s testing what it means, how it feels. Kaidan goes with it, he’ll go anywhere Shepard leads, so long as they go there together.

The gravity well swirls with a gentle hiss of static. Shepard’s fingers curl around the hand Kaidan still splays against his chest, like an anchor locking them together. Kaidan traces the back of Shepard’s neck with a thumb, catching the stubble of freshly shaved hairs at the base of his hairline.

In the space of heartbeat, kissing Shepard is as effortless as breathing. Soft, slow, with only the stars as a witness. They take their time, letting it grow around them, taking its own shape, until it feels familiar. Theirs. Callisto buzzes with the sounds of conversations, life, and laughter taking place below them. But here, in this little pocket of time and space Shepard has carved out for them, there is only the warmth of his mouth, the hum of his biotic field, the beat of his racing heart.

It’s racing for me.  

Kaidan grips the front of Shepard’s uniform, black chain tangling in his fingers, still trapped under Shepard’s hand.   

I was made for you, Kaidan thinks as Shepard slips an arm around him.

But that isn’t true, is it? There is nothing predestined about it. Nothing written in the stars.

Only what they’d spent four years writing themselves.

When they finally part they rest their foreheads together, breathless. Shepard’s eyes flick to Kaidan’s. He reaches a hand up, hesitates, then gently runs his fingers through Kaidan’s hair. Kaidan closes his eyes and breathes deep.

“That felt…like something we should have done a long time ago.”

A laugh slips out of Kaidan. Not quite the reaction he’d planned, not that he’d had anything planned. But at the sound of it, Shepard’s face lights up like the sunrise.

“When, um. When the hell were you gonna tell me you could kiss like that?”

A flush builds at the back of Kaidan’s neck. “Didn’t, uh. Didn’t think it was relevant to your, uh, interests.”

“My fucking interests.” Shepard’s turn to laugh. “You dick.” He wraps Kaidan up in a tight embrace. Kaidan hooks an arm around his neck, the way they’ve done so many times for helmet checks, always with armor in the way.

No armor now.

“I’m sorry,” Kaidan says, head buzzing with a mix of euphoria, elation, and dread. In a matter of hours, Shepard is supposed to report to a new ship. “My timing for this is really terrible.”

“Epically terrible, are you kidding me?”

Kaidan huffs. “Well, I planned to take it to my grave, but it turns out going back to the ‘Yang without you wasn’t…something I could do.”

Shepard pulls away from him, expression turning solemn. Kaidan tries to look away, but Shepard catches his chin in his fingers and holds his gaze.

“You weren’t going to tell me. You were just gonna let me walk onto another ship and not say anything. Why? You’re—” His face scrunches up as several different emotions pass across it at once. “Why.”

“And risk losing you, because I wanted something you didn’t?” Kaidan scoffs. “No. You’re the best thing I’ve ever had in my life. I just wanted to…be in your universe, I guess. Whatever that looked like. Whatever that meant…to you. If it didn’t mean, well—”

“Making out with me.”

Kaidan rolls his eyes. “Fine, if it didn’t mean making out with you…so be it. We part ways here, and I hope like hell you call me every now and then so I can still hear your voice.”

Shepard waggles an eyebrow. “So you’re into my voice, too, huh?”

“You know what, never mind,” Kaidan says, stifling a grin. “Forget it. I’m finding another hiding spot where I can spill my guts to someone who isn’t the actual worst.”

Shepard seizes hold of him with a laugh that’s light as a bell and pulls him in close until his back is pressed against Shepard’s chest, and presses his nose to Kaidan’s ear.

“You idiot. You are my universe.”

A shiver runs down his spine. Shepard might have a point about the voice thing. The low resonance of it in his ear is…well, it’s fucking exhilarating. He grips Shepard’s arm, closes his eyes, and exhales. “Kinda feels like we’ve been saying that to each other for four years now.”

“Maybe it’s time we finally listened to ourselves.”

Kaidan turns his head and kisses him again, deep and slow.

“Fuck, I’m a great listener,” Shepard murmurs when they part. Kaidan laughs, and Shepard’s grin gets even wider.

There is no star that shines like you do.  

Shepard’s omnitool flashes. He dismisses the notification with a grunt, using the opportunity to rearrange his limbs into a more comfortable shape. A shape that includes Kaidan. His head spins.  

“Something you need to deal with?” Kaidan asks, nodding to his omnitool.

“Later. Don’t worry about it.”

“Come on, I worry about everything.”

“Yeah, I love that about you.”

Shepard’s eyes widen the moment the words are out of his mouth. Kaidan’s heart does a somersault.

“Um,” Shepard stammers. “What I meant was…” He stops. Shakes his head. “No. That’s, uh. That’s what I meant. I think I love a lot of things about you. Everything, probably. You’re—”

Kaidan cuts him off. Continuing to exist in a galaxy where the words haven’t been said out loud is something he can’t stand anymore. 

“I love you.”

It’s the truest, boldest, most honest thing he’s ever said in his life.

Shepard gazes at him, poleaxed, then chuckles weakly. “Well. We’re just having revelations all over the place today, aren’t we?”

“Figured a few more couldn’t hurt.”

“No. I…think kind of the opposite. It’s, ah.” His face relaxes a little. “It sounds kind of amazing. Something I didn’t know I wanted to hear.”

“I love you,” Kaidan repeats, softer this time.

Shepard holds him tighter, resting his head on Kaidan’s shoulder. For a few minutes, they just sit in each other’s arms and watch the stars.  

So many stars, home to so many worlds. Humanity had ventured out into the night sky and found new life, new constellations, new technology that had taken them to more stars, where they built new homes in alien frontiers. And somehow, through it all, I still managed to find you.

Some days the galaxy feels so big. Other times…it doesn’t.

“You know,” Shepard says quietly. “The day I first brought you here…I almost didn’t.”

“Oh?”

A wistful smile tugs at his lips. “I thought if I didn’t say anything, maybe you’d give up and go away and I could be left the hell alone. It was a miserable day for me. Last thing I wanted was someone else to see it.”

“What…changed your mind?”

“I knew you. You’re stubborn as hell and never give up when you’re set on something. I was doomed to never know peace.”

Kaidan chuckles.

“And you were—” He hesitates. Kaidan gives him space to put his thoughts together. “I grew up coming to this spot. Never told anyone about it. It was mine. No one could find me when I came here. But then…you did. And I realized…I wanted you to. Felt your field and was actually relieved that maybe I wasn’t going to be miserable…alone.” He laughs weakly. “Yeah, looking back, this is pretty obvious and I’m kind of an idiot.”

“I love that about you,” Kaidan says softly.

Shepard presses a kiss to his temple, but that’s not enough. Kaidan turns his head and kisses him like he means it. Shepard makes a sound that goes straight to Kaidan’s groin.

Which is when reality sets in. Kaidan pulls back and drops his gaze, fingering the black chain on Shepard’s uniform. “So…I just, ah. Made things a lot more complicated.”

“We. Team effort, here.”

“We,” Kaidan repeats. “Guess it could be worse. Could have done it while you were still my superior officer.”

Unease flicks past Shepard’s face. He shifts restlessly. “Yeah, that would, uh, make things a little more complicated.”  

Kaidan gives him a wan smile and traces the line of his jaw with his fingers, something he’s never done before, and hopes to do a thousand more time. “What do we do now?”

“How about we worry about now later? You’re the one who said I should just enjoy things for a minute.”

This is everything you wanted.

Kaidan settles back against him and exhales. Shepard wraps his arms around him. A few hours ago, the future had felt so bleak. As empty as the space between all those stars.

Leave it to Shepard to shine bright enough to fill up the gaps.

“Thanks,” Kaidan murmurs.

“For what?”

“For not turning me away that day.”

The gravity well hums as Shepard leans in and kisses him again, the way it only does when their fields collide.

“Thank you…for staying.”

[440gallery]

Jealousy

Summary:: Neteyam must choose a mate. The girls from the village are fighting for him, and you're jealous. It ends in angry sex.

Pairing:: Neteyam x f!omaticaya!reader

Authors note: Characters are aged up around twenty

Content warning:: smut, violence (not much)

Word count:: 3.5k

Additional tags:: smut, jealousy, throat kink slightly, fist fight, angry smut, p in v, begging, riding that dick babessss

Coming back from the hunt with Neytiri, we gather the animals to the cookers across the hut, before approaching the Sully nest together, as she had invited me for dinner. Neytiri smiled lightly before our eyes fell away to two figures standing outside the nest. I raised my eyebrows, thinking it was only Lo’ak or Kiri but as we come closer, I recognized a female. And Neteyam. My brows furrowed as I felt the now familiar twinge of jealousy pulsing through me, the second Jake as Olo'ektan announced that his son was old enough for a mate. The girl stepped closer to him and i pushed my feelings down, making my way over to them, gollowing after Neytiri.

Shortly before the nest, Neytiri smirked and reached to tousle my hair before greeting her son.

My eyes fell on Neteyam, his figure strong and lean against the fading light of the day, eclipse nearing but making his features strong and in contrast to his soft voice. He leaned against the entrance from the Sully hut and whilst Neytiri spoke to him shortly, barely glancing at other female accompanying him, he certainly saw me, eyes glinting as he listened to his mother whilst his eyes were on me. She went inside and his attention was brought back to Liat, as she drew closer to him, bending her body in weird angles to show off her curves, leaning into him. His laugh echoed through the dim air as he seemed oblivious to her hand ghosting along his biceps.

Wariness coursed through my veins, seeing them together, knowing Neteyam could choose her and not me as a mate, since he was now of age. Every female knew and it was clear that now the hunt after him had begun. And even though I thought we were end game, sometimes it just didn’t seem that way. It made me realise that I wasn’t allowed to feel anything else but joy for him, and I hated that I couldn’t be happy for him when he so clearly deserved it. Gosh, but her hand! It made me itch with anger every time I saw another female tip toing around him, making their moves. Knowing Neytiri went inside already, I knew I should probably follow her, having taken the invitation to eat with the Sully family, knowing it was the best for me to just let this slide, since even when Neteyam was my best friend, he sure wasn’t feeling the same about me or even considered me his mate. Still, I couldn’t shake the annoyance from my features as I went over to them, giving Liat a glare before saying my greetings to my best friend.

“Teyam.” I nodded in his direction, seeing a smile bloom across his features, striking his beauty and once again taking my breath.

“Y/N” he said, moving his arm to slip it across my waist, pulling me into him, making me hide my smirk into his shoulder as he embraced me. Surely, I crashed Liat’s little show to get him to woo her. Sad, really. Neteyam’s fingers dragged leisurely against my back, sending a small shiver down my spine. I pulled out of his strong arms, still seeking the touch of his and the warmth but still trying to at least get some decency into the scenery. His smirk made my stomach drop, his arms still around my waist, his hand pressing flat against my abdomen, leaving me breathless, especially when his thumb began to draw little circles around my skin.

“How was the hunt?” He asked, his warm breath brushing my ear. I leaned into his body a little more, him taking the support in steading me, whilst I felt his muscled thigh against my backside.

“Good.” I said, before smiling and greeting Liat.

“Hello Liat.” She just threw me a glare, her eyes betraying her, showing every emotion she didn’t voice out.

“Hello, Y/N.” She said, faking a smile before bringing her attention back to Neteyam. “Nete, didn’t you want to bring me back to my nest?” she said, blinking her lashes up at him, trying to make her look sweet but to me she just looked stupid. As if Neteyam would find that attractive, but on the other hand, I didn’t know what he liked and what not. Neteyam sighed, quietly and only for me to hear, but it made me smile.

His hand squeezed my hip, before leaving me bare from his contact all together, only light touches before he turned back to me once more.

“You’re staying?” he asked and I smiled, whilst nodding to answer his question. His eyes glinted as he smiled, before sending me a wink.

“Oh, Y/N stays? Why can’t I stay too?” Liat asked, batting her eyelashes again making me want to rip them out slowly.

Neteyam looked conflicted but shook his head. I bit my lip to master the laugh that wanted to escape my throat because of her look in my direction.

“It’s better if you go back now.” He said, smiling, always the gentleman in front of others. Liat looked so disappointed that a laugh bubbled out of my chest, making her head snap into my direction, glaring daggers into my skin.

“Sorry, sorry.” I managed, before half turning to the nest, hiding the amusement across my features whilst facing the wall.

“Stupid bitch.” She muttered and I turned, raising an eyebrow at her hiss in my direction. A smirk grazed across my face as I neared her, but she stood her ground, which made me a little proud despite our dislike for each other. Many women cowered away from me, once they went vulgar but she stayed where she was, awaiting.

“No need to get mean.” I said lightly, my eyes ragging across her body, looking at her stance trying to predict her next move. She hissed at me, her eyes a burning fire.

“Liat.” Neteyam said strongly but I held my hand out, making him back off.

“Nete.” She said with pleading eyes, whisking over his body with a heady gaze, making me fume with jealousy. “Help me with her. She is just so disrespectful and interrupted our conversation. Why does your family even like her when she is so rude? Does she even know she is ruining your chances with an honourable mate of the clan?”

“Excuse me?” I said, offended that she considered herself already as his mate and disrespected not only me but Neteyam’s choice of a mate.

“You heard me.” She said, eyes fierce, making me want to lash out. “You are just a useless side piece of Neteyam which he occasionally uses to have fun with.” She cackled, before my fist collided with her face.

“Fucking bitch!” I said, my fist slashing across her face again, making her stumble to the ground, crying out.

“Oh, now you want to cry? God you little pathetic whore.” I whispered into her ear, tugging at her hair, hissing at her tears, lashing out of the corners of her eyes.

“Y/N.” Neteyam called out and I was on my feet on instant, fury transporting onto him, hissing as I stomped to him, his face stern as he looked at the situation.

“Stop it.” He said, and I lashed at him, my hand gripping onto his throat, pushing him backwards. He let me, his eyes colliding with mine, as a smirk plastered itself across his face, his eyes dark and deep, making me fight a shiver. His hand came to my face, as he caressed my cheek, his finger drawing along my lip.

“We both know you would win, but she is still a member of our clan.” He whispered, gripping my hand lightly which still clutched around his throat, not hard, but enough to show him I had control over the situation. “And as much as I love to see you fight, babe, use your energy for something else instead.” He said huskily, this time really producing a shiver down my spine. Breathing deeply, I let go of his throat, making him smirk, as I turned back to Liat, who still lay on the ground clutching her face.

“Move.” I commanded, looking at her in pity. “Before I come at you again.”

With a last hiss in her direction, she scrambled away, whimpering as she stumbled before disappearing. Still fuming, I took a deep breath, trying to still my insides. Neteyam’s hand pressed against my lower back, his breath hot along my neck.

“Come on, my fyole, let’s go inside.” He mumbled, drawing smoothing circles along my back, his fingers warm and gentle. I nodded, letting a breath escape my mouth, before going inside the nest with him.

“Well, that was a show.” Lo’ak said, chuckling as we came inside and I glared at him, before breaking slightly, dragging a hand across my face, groaning.

“I’m gonna be in so much trouble when she snitches.” I mumbled and cowered under the heavy gazes of Neytiri and Jake, sighing.

“‘Itetsyìp” Neytiri said, making me look up into her eyes. Her hand caressed my jaw, tapping along my nose, before she pinched my ear, making me yelp out of her reach. She just shook her head, but a small smile was on her lips, as she looked away. I bet I heard her say something like: “Never liked that Liat anyway.”

Jake sighed but said nothing as his hand drove through my hair and I settled between Neteyam and Kiri for food. Neteyam’s foot nudged mine and I smiled as our eyes met.

After dinner, Jake took me back, as Olo'eyktan it was his duty to put me into line. I had expected as much, still it wasn’t pleasant to hear that I needed to apologize to Liat for hitting her. I sighed before nodding my head, recalling what she had said. I wasn’t a stupid side-kick of Neteyam, was I?

Dragging my feet across the nest, I said my goodbyes and headed for our family nest. But I was still fuming inside at the words Liat had said, therefore I made short progress and went into the woods. It was probably not a good idea, time being after eclipse but I couldn’t care less.

Making my way into the forest I kicked the stones around, trying to let my fury out but it didn’t help really much. Clashing my canines together I tried to not let her words get to me, but it was hard, when I had nothing to get my mind of off things. Walking for a while I ended up at one of the little rivers and sat against the nearest tree, watching the water flow along the green ground.

“What’re you doing out here?” Neteyam asked, making me jump from my spot in surprise. I hadn’t heard he had followed.

“Nothing.” I grumbled before sitting back down onto the ground, pressing my back against the hard tree. Neteyam sat next to me, his body pressed up against mine, making me shiver at his warmth, not realizing how cold I was. He noticed of course, as he always did, and his hand came around my waist to bring me onto his lap. I bit my lip as our pelvises made contact, but enjoyed the warmth and comfort.

“Are you still angry because of Liat?” He asked as his hand came around my chin, holding my face in place so I couldn’t look away.

“No.” I lied, looking at him with all the fury that still pulsed in my veins. He knew it was a lie, everyone would. He smirked as his hands came around my thighs, squeezing the flesh underneath his long fingers.

“Use it for something else instead.” He said, letting his hands wander to my ass, cubbing the cheeks. My breath was heavy but I knew Neteyam and I therefore knew what he hinted at. And I was so damn furious, not only with Liat but also with him. Because he was supposed to choose me. So, I decided I would show him what he would miss, if he didn’t.

Straddling Neteyam’s lap, I kissed him hard, our mouth clashing against each other’s, his canines digging into my lip instantly, as if he had been waiting for it, making it bleed. Neteyam sucked on it, making me whine into his mouth, pushing my pelvis against his, rutting along his stiffening erection. Neteyam’s hand around my ass grabbed the flesh as he pressed me against him harder, grinding into me, making both of us groan out in pleasure. Seeing where this was going, my gaze went heady, but I wanted nothing more than this right now. Making him mine.

Flinging my cloth away from my pelvis and breasts I guided his head to my nipples and he sucked on them eagerly, wetting them with his warm mouth, salvia connecting with my skin, making me shiver. His other hand kneaded my breast, taking its weight into his palm, cubbing it roughly. My fingers whisked away his cloth covering his crotch and I gripped his heavy dick in my hand, spreading the pre cum along it’s tip, making Neteyam stiffen under my touch, his head sinking onto my shoulder, hands digging into my flesh as I stroked him hard and fast. But today wasn’t a time for pleasantries and we both knew it. Making sure he was hard enough I lined his dick up with my pussy before gliding onto him, welcoming the burn of the stretch it caused, making me hiss softly. Neteyam’s hands came around my hips, his fingers pressing into my skin, leaving marks as he held me on his cock for a moment, making sure I was comfortable with his size. But I wasn’t having any of it, wanted it to burn and stretch and hurt, as I pushed myself down on his cock, making him whine with pleasure the second I started, his head thrown back, sweat glistening across his chest, as my hands grabbed his shoulders, feeling the flesh tense and move under my touch. Ramming my pelvis against his, I enjoyed his moans for more, letting my fury ebb away into something else. Riding him furiously made me forget what everyone thought and talked by pushing all my frustration and anger into riding him senseless, letting me feel the moment, and just be with Neteyam, having him all to myself and being able to make him whine and writhe under my touch, letting him beg for more. No one else could do that and I took my satisfaction from it as I took his cock deep, my thighs meeting his with slapping movements, the slick sound of sex filling the forest air, body’s rutting against each other’s as I took his cock inside my pussy, as his hands explored my body, twirling my nipples, his fingers dragging a heady muster across my skin.

“Baby.” Neteyam murmured, thrusting his dick up, meeting my thrusts down onto his cock with force, letting him sink into deeper levels of me making me gasp. He smirked, hands grasping my hips, as we fucked each other with deep clashing kisses and forceful thrusts, that left my flesh read and heated. His balls slapped against my pussy but I couldn’t care less as I moved along his shaft, clenching it under my pussy, wanting him to surrender to me, wanting to see him giving in to me and the pleasure I would bring over him. I wanted to win. His whines turned more needy and he stopped my thrusts with a hand on my stomach, pressing down.

“Slow down baby girl. Otherwise, I’m going to cum way to soon.” He mumbled, breathing deeply to get control, but I wanted him to lose it, wanted to see him at my mercy, how he lost every fucking thought to my pussy and the way it felt around him. Slapping his hand away I moved swiftly around his cock, smashing our abdomens together, whilst pressing his body against the tree he leaned, trapping him in between it and my body, crushing down on him with every thrust, every stroke to show him who was in control. He groaned, his face one of pleasure and bliss, as he bit his lip to hide the groans escaping him. But I wanted to hear everything. How good I made him feel and no one else.

“Fucking moan if you like it Neteyam.” I pressed on, making my pussy clench around his cock, milking him inside of me, electing a deep purr from his chest as it heaved against me. “Let me hear how good you can take it.” I mumbled, laying a hand across his throat, squeezing. His eyes shot open, their half-lidded state dark and heavy now, creating a fire between us that was new and exciting. His grunts grew louder as I managed to move faster across his dick, my thighs burning with the muscle work but I couldn’t care less, wanted to see Neteyam tip over the edge and lose himself inside me.

“Come one Tey.” I murmured as my nails dug into his shoulders, making sure he felt every inch of me, taking him so damn good. My body felt hot and heady, my thoughts minimised down to searching the pleasure frizzing through my veins, feeling the blush stretch across my cheeks and boobs, sweat traveling down my spine.

“Give me what I want.” I said, inching him closer to release, as I rammed down onto his cock, sucking him in as he groaned and writhed underneath me, but I held him there, making him lose himself in his own pleasure, showing him how helpless he was.

“Babe, my fyole, please- “he begged and I bit my lip to hide the moan that wanted to escape my throat, as he begged. His hips snatched up to meet my thrust and our eyes locked onto each other’s, each of us powering us higher, pushing more and more, so that the other would come, seek release before the other. I smirked as I felt Neteyam twitch under me, his thighs shaking as he took deep breaths and his thrusts slowed, realising he would come any second. His groans grew louder and I took a final spurt, pushing along his cock, riding him heavy, letting my weight drop fully onto his cock, skin ramming against skin, as his dick glided inside of me without any resistance.

“Come on.” I hissed as I rammed down on him, making him whine and struggle underneath me with desire and the nearing orgasm I needed from him.

“Baby girl, please, I-I can’t- I”

“You can’t what?”

“Please- “he groaned and I felt him twitch again, making me clench around him, hard and long. He groaned loud and I felt himself pulsing inside me, his thrusts stopped completely as I rode him, feeling his white cum spurting inside me, marking me as his and his only. I smiled as I slowed on his cock, thighs burning, breath puffing out of my chest as I watched his face, scrunched shut with pleasure, his throat releasing tiny noises making me needy all over again as his hands dug into my hips with a bruising hold. Kissing along his chest and up his jaw I realised how much I enjoyed having the control over him, showing him I could give him so much bliss and pleasure all on my own, what he would miss when he would choose someone else.

His breathing slowed down as he opened his eyes again, a heady look in them as he kissed me with fierce emotion. It took my breath away as he pulled out of me, before sticking his fingers inside of me, making me whine into the kiss.

“Good Eywa, baby.” He breathed; his gaze held so much possessiveness that it made my heart flutter in my chest. With a swift motion he laid me onto the ground, kneeling over one of my thighs, heavy cock grazing my skin and he hissed softly. His fingers moved inside me, as he pressed his other hand on my abdomen, before he smirked. Biting my lips, my legs twitched underneath him as I felt the steady wave of headiness wash over me, the biting cool of the ground a nice distraction. His fingers moved fast, in and out and I felt myself arching off onto the ground and into his touch, moaning out his name as he let his talented fingers work inside me, digging and pressing and working till I felt warm all over.

“Teyam.” I moaned, heavy breathing escaping my chest as I reached my high and he smirked, pressing down harder against my stomach, making me squeal as his fingers pressed against my sweet spot. My orgasm came and I felt myself gushing out around his fingers, creating a wetness onto the forest ground, leaving it damp. My legs twitched underneath Neteyam as he rode me through my orgasm, before laying his body atop mine, fingers still anchored inside my pulsing pussy. Catching my breath, I laid my arms across Neteyam, breathing him in, dragging my nose along his neck, kissing it softly.

“God baby, you’re amazing.” He mumbled and I laughed lightly, moaning at the friction of his fingers still inside me.

“Better than Liat, I take it?” I asked and face palmed as I noticed how it came out. But it was true. Maybe her words did have an effect on me. Neteyam looked down at me, his eyes open and loving.

“I would’ve always picked you. She never stood a fucking chance.” He said, before connecting our lips together softly, sighing into the contact.

Finding myself nodding into the kiss, I smiled.

“Okay.” I breathed.

“Okay.” He repeated and in that moment, everything was just fine.

[alienaiver]

Hello Love, I would love to request a reader with IBS with Bakugo crushing on them

hi my love !!! i hope you'll enjoy this, thank you for sending in a request! <3

warnings: none, fluff + sfw wordcount: 1.3k notes: kept the specific IBS triggers as vague as possible. we all know bakugous a big fan of organizing and planning. impressing you is no less meticulous than his entire career plan. timeskip, semi-early prohero bakugou under best jeanist's agency!

Bakugou prides himself in his cooking, always has. So when Best Jeanist gave him his own department in the agency with various heroes, sidekicks and support under him, he decided he’d build up trust in various ways.

One of them was to cook for his colleagues weekly, gathering them for lunch in the open office at the center of his department floor, only asking them all to provide their own drinks.

It’s popular immediately, everyone gushing over the homemade food by a rising hero like Dynamight. He takes the praise in stride and it motivates him to surpass his own dishes every week. There’s only one issue.

You don’t eat any of it.

It’s not like you choose to be anti-social when this particular lunch break rolls around. You just always bring your own bento box, even if he keeps insisting it’s all free and that he always makes more than needed so that no one needs to hold back.

He makes a variety of dishes; Asian, European, even American styled foods, and whenever he goes directly to your seat to personally present the dishes, you just give him this wide smile that turns his knees into jelly before you say, “that’s so kind of you, Bakugou! Thank you.” before you stab your chopsticks into your own lunch.

It ticks him off, but mostly, it makes him deflate. Of course Bakugou’s not cooking for eight people once a week only to impress you, but it had been part of his 12-step plan to make you fall in love with him. Though he won’t ever admit that he has specific steps set in motion.

First was to get noticed by you in the agency as a whole. Then, to be promoted by Best Jeanist from newly hired sidekick to established hero, and third's to get his own secretary – which you became, because you got along so well by the water cooler. After that was to get this department. A minor step in the right direction was also to get you a new desk that had more space for your trinkets.

His current step, the food, seems to be his Achilles heel. He hadn’t even considered the possibility that you’d have the audacity to be uninterested. You’ve gotten along so well for years now, it’s strange that you don’t even want to taste. He can’t find it in himself to see it as rude, because as earlier established, you dutifully show up and socialize.

He’s in his office, boots on the desk as he contemplates his next move. His food was supposed to have given him an in into your life outside of work, inviting you home to teach you a few cooking tricks, have a nice wine and fluid conversations that’d make you laugh and weak in the knees.

And yet, here he is, dateless.

For a few weeks now he’s been taken peeks at your lunches whenever he passes your desk, but it’s not like anything specific glares at him, like a heavy gluten allergy or lactose intolerance. There’s dairy some days, he’s seen peanuts in your bento, too – and meat. Your diet really doesn’t exude vegetarianism or like you have any other food restrictions. Before weekends, he’s seen you taste the cakes that Himiko, the support secretary, brings with her. But you declined the baked goods he was given once from a rescue mission on a Tuesday. They were both the same type of cake.

Are you just incredibly picky?

He shakes his head and hides his pout in the collar of his suit; he needs to go on patrol soon. He doesn’t have time to think about this all day.

//

A few more grueling weeks of grumbling and groaning over how to make you eat his food, he notices a pattern in your lunches that’s taken him a while to put together. Certain items are never in the bento, like eggs or pineapples.

The other night he ate out with his parents, and his mother loudly talked about her colleague’s stomach issues, not caring that everyone in the restaurant was turning their heads to the conversation; Masaru kept trying to douse her noise level. Not only was the topic sort of awkward when everyone around you is eating (though husband and son were no strangers to such subjects during dinner at the Bakugou household), it’d be a bother if a patron recognized Bakugou.

Of course, Mitsuki paid no heed to anyone else but her family at their table, and explained about the condition she’d just learned about. About certain food triggering reactions even if no official allergy was involved; luckily, the healthcare provided by Mitsuki and Masaru’s company covered some very expensive allergy tests, and she’d then told Mitsuki that she had been diagnosed with IBS.

After being dropped off at his own apartment, he’d sat by his computer and googled IBS, which he learned stands for irritable bowel syndrome. He sucked up all knowledge available on the internet, scientific papers and healthcare provider’s talk about certain diets, testimonials from affected people and watched tons of videos from influencers creating awareness on TikTok. If the bags under his eyes were visible at work the day after, no one commented on it.

//

Now his heartbeat’s through the roof as he puts out the food like usual on the center table, everyone gathering and complimenting him on the smell. His hands are sweaty; more so than normal. He keeps wiping them off on his pants, swallowing excess saliva. In the thermal bag, at the bottom, is a dish specifically made with you in mind. He wonders if you’ll hate it.

You walk in next to Himiko, laughing about a joke she made. You part when you go directly for a seat and Himiko comes up to the make-shift buffet, patting his back in praise.

While everyone is busy filling their plates, Bakugou grabs the last bento box and goes straight to you. He puts it on top of the bento you’re just about to open, “here.”

You freeze for a second, eyes locked on the box. Then you smile up at Bakugou, “that’s so sweet Bakugou, but I brought my own food.”

He almost rolls his eyes before he squats down to lean his arms and head on the table and look up at your eyes. Gently, he says, “it should be safe.”

He hopes his voice doesn't sound as raw as it feels.

The comment takes you back as your eyes are locked onto his. He searches them, drowning in the richness of the color. It’s like he’s at the deep-end of the pool, entranced by a spell, only able to keep himself floating. You raise your brow, “safe?”

He turns away from you with a pout, “I often put pineapple in my curry. And eggs in my bibimbap. This is curry without all the things I’ve noticed you avoid.”

Your eyes travel between the lunch and him, comically back and forth like a cartoon character. “That you’ve noticed I avoid?”

Bakugou blushes; shit. He’d really hoped you wouldn’t catch on to that part. He hides his face in the arms that’s resting on the table edge. “Yeah,” he mutters out, muffled by his hidden face. The silence stretches out, and he’s holding his breath.

After what feels like entirely too long, you let out a small laugh and he hears the lid clicking open. You inhale deeply, and let out a satisfied sigh, “this looks delicious, Bakugou. Did you make it all for me?”

He lifts his head, his eyes still locked to the side. His ears are burning, “mhm,” he nods. You almost coo at him, as you pick up your chopsticks, “this is very kind of you.”

Neither of you notices your colleagues standing around you, various expressions of awe and admiration. You’ve both been the office gossip for some months now.

Bakugou looks at you as soon as you’ve taken the first bite, determined to see your reaction through his embarrassment. Through your chewing you can’t help but smile, stars emerging glittering and shimmering in your eyes as you reach a hand to your cheek, “Bakugou, this is amazing!” you say, taking another mouthful as fast as possible. He loves the way his name sounds when it comes out from your lips; you use it so often it makes him dizzy.

“Can you teach me how to make this? Please?”

Step six completed.

He smirks, “sure. It’s a date.”

check out if my requests are open here ✨

[scarletwinterxx]

start of something new - jaemin scenario

so.... i still can't believe he sent this on bbl😂 my whole tl was in chaos and now we're here

if you have a request or scenario you want me to do, just send me a message I'll see what I can do😊💌

For my other works you can check them out here, and for my other story series’ you can check them out here.

All works are copyrighted ©scarletwinterxx 2024 . Do not repost, re-write without the permission of author.

"Hey come look, do you think I should send this?" Jaemin taps his phone on your back, calling your attention.

You didn't even think twice before looking over at what he's showing, but it's Jaemin. You'd be a fool to expect anything normal from him.

"What the fuck, Jaem. Why would you show me that?"

"Why not?" he asks back

"I'd rather not know what you're sending to your latest conquests, thank you very much" you mumble, going back to what you were doing but failing to focus.

Only a fool would not notice the change in Jaemin's physique. He changed from being this lanky quiet guy to his sexy muscular mysterious dude.

Damn Na Jaemin and his sexiness.

But it's Na Jaemin, the very same Jaemin you've been friends with for forever. Sexy would be the last thing you'd call him.

"But I trust your opinion, of course I'd ask you. Isn't that what friends are for?"

You're seriously three seconds away from smacking him on the head, turning to look straight at him again. "Exactly, we're friends. Everyone already thinks we're sleeping together" you mumbled

He hears you though, turning his phone off to give his full attention to you. It's true he heard the rumors going around the two of you, even though he's seen in public with other girl or girls. A lot of your acquaintances still thinks something is going on between the two of you.

And he may or may have not also said you're the prettiest girl on campus. It happened during a party and Haechan asked the question to which he answered with your name loud and clear without even missing a beat. You didn't know about it until now, he'd probably never tell you because he's too scared to ruin what you have.

Does he think about kissing you? yes. Maybe once or twice, but that's still too many times to think about kissing your bestfriend than normal.

"Earth to Jaemin" you wave a hand infront of his face

"Does that make you uncomfortable?" he asks, crossing his arms. He didn't miss the way your eyes look at his arms for a quick second, smirking but quickly hiding it.

"What?"

"That people think we're sleeping together"

You choked on air, hitting your chest a few times while trying to process what he said. The words sleeping and together is not something you envisioned ever talking to Jaemin about.

"I- uh- like- the fuck am I suppose to answer to that?"

"Yes or no, I can tell them to stop if it's making you uncomfortable" he tells you

"And if I say no, what would that even mean?

He raises a brow at you, chuckling at your flustered state. "Alright, I'll stop now" he laughs, earning a hit on the arm from you.

"I hate you" you grumbled, throwing the closest thing to you which was a cat plushie he gave you.

From that moment on something changed. At first you thought it was just Jaemin being Jaemin but he's been more touchy with you. Of course he's still very respectful, but he would always have a hand on your back when you're in crowded places. Like that time you attended an event on campus, he was standing right behind you the entire time. At some point you felt his hands rest on your waist, choosing not to say anything about it.

You also noticed he's on his phone less, and if he is he's just talking to Jeno or Renun or texting you really. You haven't heard any new news about his latest conquest.

"Okay, something's wrong and you're not telling me" you told him

Currently, the two of you are in his room hanging out.

"What do you mean?" he asks, "You, something's wrong. Are you sick?" you ask back, putting your hand on his forehead

"And why would you think that?"

"Because you're not being very Jaemin right now, I haven't heard you speak about any other girl for weeks. Just last Friday night during the party you said no to that girl who was offering you a drink. The Jaemin I know would've charmed her pants off but you just brushed her off" you told him,

He smiles, resting back on the headboard as he listens to you

"What? Why are you smiling like that?"

"I was with you during that party, I got you drinks remember"

"I do remember, you won't leave my side. Are you sure you're okay?" you ask again, this time leaning closer to look at him straight in the eyes. Jaemin gulps at the close proximity. Right now your hands are resting on each side of him on the bed, he's trying so hard to keep his focus on you but he can't help but glance at your lips.

"I'm ehem I'm good"

You take one look at him again before going back to sitting beside him, Jaemin releasing the breath he was holding.

"You'd tell me if something was wrong right?" you ask, this time your voice was softer. Jaemin takes your hand that was closest to him, holding it in his. "Of course, I promise"

"I think he's in love with you"

"No he's not"

"Well either that or he's going celibate, because I have not seen that man with any other girl besides you. Like literally" your friend tells you, her statement making you even more confused.

If it really is the truth, you refuse to face it until he's literally screaming it at you. You'd rather live with the what ifs than make things awkward between you and Jaemin because of your wrong assumptions.

Just then you get a text from him, speaking of the devil. He's telling you to come over for dinner and to help him with some coursework.

"Is that him?"

"What? It's just Jaemin. He texted" you mumbled, gathering your things

"Yea exactly, you have this smile on whenever he texts you"

"No, I do not"

"Yes you do, but we can argue about it later after the two of you finally kissed then I can tell you I told you so" she says then bids you goodbye.

You then make your way to Jaemin's apartment, knocking a few times and when he didn't answer you punch the code in letting yourself in.

"Jaem?" You call out, when you didn't get an answer you walked to the kitchen to get yourself a bottle of water. After you closed the fridge door, your soul felt like it left your body

"What the fuck" you shouted, getting scared by Jaemin

"Sorry" he laughs, holding both hands up "I didn't hear you, I was in the shower"

You can tell, he's literally shirtless in front of you. Your eyes wander before snapping back to his eyes, "Shirt, is that not a thing now?" you ask him, passing by to sit on the living room couch. Jaemin laughs before walking back to his room to get a shirt.

"What are we doing again?" you ask when he takes the seat beside you

"I just need help revising my paper, then we can get dinner then maybe make out"

"Sure sounds good- wait what?!"

You look over at Jaemin, seeing the big smile on his face. You hit him with the pillow a few times while he laughs, "You're so dumb" you grumble, slumping further on the couch.

To be honest Jaemin didn't mean to say it outloud but he missed you today, you're wearing your usual casual clothes but you look so pretty in his eyes. The overwhelming feeling of wanting to kiss you is winning, disolving any remaining restraint he had.

Not like he was putting up a fight anyways. The moment he knew he liked you more than a friend, he surrendered. You had him wrapped around your finger and you didn't even know.

"How about a kiss on the cheek then?" he asks,

"Did you even need help or am I here so you can mess with me" you frown at him and Jaemin almost grabbed you by the face to kiss you.

But instead he just smiles, shaking his head "No, and a little kiss won't hurt anybody"

"Friends don't kiss, Jaemin"

"Then I don't want to be your friend"

"What?" you whisper

From the playful vibe, it's now more serious. Did you really hear him say that? Or was it the voices in your head

"I said maybe I don't want to be just your friend anymore"

"Maybe?"

"Let me rephrase that. Fuck being friends, I want to kiss you and hug you and hold you. I want to do all things friends aren't suppose to do" he says while looking straight at you

"But why??" was all you could reply

"What do you mean why? Because I like you, I've liked you for a while now but I didn't want to say anything because we're friends but I don't think I can keep telling myself that's all I'll ever be to you"

"But you can have any girl you want, any girl would kill to be in this place" you tell him, he shakes his head before answering you

"I don't want any girl, I want you"

There isn't really any manual or textbook that taught you what to say when your friend confess to you. Nothing really prepared you for this moment. Hell you never thought this moment would even come.

"Jaemin, do you even know what you're saying?"

"Yes, and I know it's hard to believe with my trackrecord and all that but I swear I haven't talked to any girl in like months. How could I even try when you're all I can think about. At first I though I was going crazy then I realized I wasn't, I was just falling inlove with my bestfriend. Maybe I am crazy" he mumbles the last part making you laugh lightly. This made Jaemin smile

"Do you hate me now?" he asks

"No, I just don't know what to say. I knew something was up with you I didn't know it was this"

"Just me being in my feels for you" he says, this made you laugh.

"So.. can we make out now?" he jokingly asks, "Ha you gotta take me out on a date first and I don't even know if I'm good at kissing you might not want to go out with me after"

When he didn't reply, you look at him again only to see him staring at you. "What?"

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"I think I've told you before but I kissed a total of two guys, like one way back in high school then that dude from that party way back. Don't make me say the whole story again, it's embarrasing"

"So like technically I'll be your first kiss?" he asks

"I don't think that's how it works"

"We can make it that, I bet it's not because you don't know how to kiss they just didn't know how to kiss you"

You can feel your cheeks get red upon hearing his words

"Shut up"

"Kiss me then" he tells you, turning sideways to this time he's facing you

"What?"

"Kiss me"

"Didn't you hear me, I don't know how. This is em-" you didn't finish your sentence because his lips are on yours. One hand on the back of your neck while the other holds you from behind, pulling you closer to him.

Jaemin waits for you to kiss him back, each second making his heart drum harder in his chest. Just when he's about to pull away, he feels your lips move against his and he swears you just sent him to his own heaven.

He lets you lead kiss, whatever you're comfortable with. When you pull away from him, he takes this chance to pull you on his lap. Your hands automatically going on his shoulders

"See, that wasn't so bad. They just didn't know how to kiss you" he whispers while staring at your lips, this time it's you who kisses him first. From the quick pecks, the kisses turn into something more. The two of you getting breathless but he can't bring himself to stop. It's like you're his air.

When you pull away to catch your breath, Jaemin takes this chance to kiss your jaw down your neck. Grasping your waist to hold you down, you tilt your head to the side to give him more access.

"Okay we need to pause for a sec or else I'm not going to stop" he tells you but he also still had his lips attached on your skin. Like it was torture to pull away. With one more kiss on your lips, he leans back to look at you.

"Go on a date with me?" he breathes out, you smile at him. Nudging your nose against his and giving his lips another peck, "Only if you say please"

"Pretty please"

You smile down at him then you kiss him again

"Since we're not friends anymore, I'm gonna kiss you again"

[alexxncl]

‼️NIGHTBRINGER LESSON 40 SPOILERS‼️

masterlist | all lessons | season 2 | season 3 | lesson 39 | lesson 41.1 | lesson 41.2

the end of an era (season 2)

normal and hard spoilers

oh baby :(

see every time i remember how sheltered diavolo is it makes me hate his father that much more. he grew up with everything in the world, but practically nobody to share it with.

diavolo had to have been smart enough to have caught onto the reason behind mephisto's attachment to him at an early age. he might be dense, but he's not stupid. even if he and mephisto did end up becoming really good friends, diavolo knew early on that their proximity was for business and royalty purposes only, and that friendship and a genuine relationship was second to their professional relationship

i feel like this is why he initially thought of the brothers as treasures in regard to status rather than as people, and the mindset shifted to seeing them as treasures in regards to the relationship he formed with them. he wanted genuine connection, but forming a professional connection before a genuine relationship was so deeply ingrained in him that he defaulted to it without even realizing it

...he can't be fucking serious

GET HIM OUT I BEG

he would've done this regardless of the option we picked during the angel's trial i hate it here...can't he take a class or smth instead of experimenting on us

i'm gonna kill him /j

i'm a whore in the game so i technically date everyone at once. but why does he NEVER say i love you back ????? not even in the first game ????????

like ok you're a time demon who shouldn't get attached to anyone and you choose to stay unattached bc you'll lose everyone anyways blah blah blah but at least indulge me a little bit 💔

SOBS UNCONTROLLABLY I LOVE THEM

i feel like they know this is their last goodbye yk? obviously barbatos does, but this feels very, very final on their part. maybe it's a different version the feeling they have when they go into mc's room, like they can feel mc being pulled away from them physically

what if the end of the lesson or the story in the hard part of the lesson is them portalling back to their timeline and the brothers getting a glimpse of their alternate selves? and then everything clicking into place after mc leaves?

the fact that simeon has as many doubts about his father's intentions as lucifer and his brothers did really solidifies my belief that he wanted to, in the worst case, fall with the brothers. and if he didn't fall, he'd at least have begged for answers as much as lucifer did before the war. he was demoted after the war for helping the brothers in canon, and i feel like he still beats himself up about it because of the side he chose. him and raphael both, but raphael is better at hiding it

(i have a whole post about simeon and michael before the war here)

i've said this about a million times but...

the brothers ever 🫶🏽

they're such shitheads but also extremely concerned i love their dynamic sm

SEE I TOLD YOU ‼️ HE MASKS HIS FEAR WITH ANGER (even though i'm pretty sure this was confirmed in canon in the og game and in nb s1)

him admitting that he was scared though? putting his pride aside and actually talking about his feelings for once? this is proof of how much he trusts mc, how much he loves and cares for them, even if he can't explain why the feelings he holds for them are so strong

it also shows that he's thankful to have someone who will care about and protect his brothers as much as he does, and some of the weight of the "oldest brother" mantle has been lifted. it allows him to be vulnerable and at least a little more carefree, which is why he's seen joking and laughing with his brothers so much more often in the later lessons in comparison to season 1 and early season 2

i feel like i'm SUPOOSED to reach bc why would he phrase it like that ??? i don't think he knows...but he's really intuitive

or maybe this was a way of the devs using him to unofficially-officially send us off and into our original timeline. idk. i'm reaching but they made me

THEY DID NOT

oh i'm really gonna cry...they took what we wrote in season 1 and showed it to the boys

i COMPLETELY forgot we even did this 😭 god i'm gonna cry i love this game sm

I KNEW NO TIME PASSED THANK GODDDDDD

i don't think i'd be able to handle it if the same amount of time passed across realms

i also think this is why they emphasized "time soup" so heavily, you can be put anywhere at any time as if nothing had changed

...i can't believe it's over

...for now at least

well time to read the HDD story and catch up on devilgram

[beamtori]

𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐝 (𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐢)

nonidol!eric sohn x rem!reader

2.3k words, smut (minors dni), p in v sex, reader is on birth control for convenience of hitting it raw, swearing, kissing, fingering, creampie (such an interesting word...), my weird ver of aftercare cuz how tf do u do aftercare post-getting railed at a party 😭, pet names (baby, sweetheart, hon, pretty boy), he's sweet, i think i got it all skfnksndkd

a/n: this is a second part to this fic occupied on my main writing blog! reading part one is not mandatory at all !! for @mosviqu <3 i hope it's not cringy skdnksjd also special thanks to @ethereal-engene and @winterchimez (i feel like there's always a thank u section to these 💀)

You were wearing his cap—a muted red with a rip in the fabric on the side. It was nearly impossible to miss as you clinked your plastic cup against Han Jisung's and toasted to a night of whatever was to come. (Hopefully you.)

Just about an hour ago, you'd come to find your best friend at this party after departing ways with your university baseball team's shortstop, Eric Sohn. He had obligations and an emergency to attend to, so you were biding your time around the place in case he ever wanted to pick up where you two left off. Along the way, you'd found the red cap he was wearing somewhere on the floor and put it on. Maybe it could be a beacon or some shit.

"—that's crazy, man," Jisung chuckled, shaking his head from over the rim of his cup. "I know I said I didn't wanna cockblock you, but I really didn't cockblock you this time."

You rolled your eyes. The liquid in your cup was a bit of tequila watered down with orange juice for a makeshift margarita. It was a little liquid courage in case you needed it. "Yeah, yeah. It was important, so I don't blame him." Though, you could hardly hide the disappointment behind your words.

Your friend gave you a sideways grin. "Well, the night is still young, my friend. Plenty of hot people around to scratch your itch."

"Well, I hope out of all of them, you still choose me."

Startled, you swiveled on your heel and came face to face with one sheepish-looking Eric. He had his hand clasping the back of his neck, brown hair a little more mussed from whatever emergency had arisen. His white shirt was still clinging to only a couple buttons—you had both been in a bit of a rush earlier.

"Felix? What's that? You need to tell me something—?" Jisung made a very swift exit, shooting a pair of finger guns at you.

You arched your brows as Eric came closer. "I think I'm scoping out my options," you teased, lifting your cup to your lips and draining the last bit of the spiked orange juice. You placed your empty cup on the table behind you, watching his eyes trace the path your tongue took along your lower lip.

The corner of his lips curled upward and he set his hand on the table. "Any way I can sway your judgment?" He asked. "I'm getting a bit of déjà vu."

"You have previous references," you shrugged. "I think I can trust that you're the man for the job." Despite your nonchalance, your heart was throwing itself against your ribcage like it was ready for a prison break.

Eric's other hand caged you in, his low chuckle sending a zap down your spine. "Well since my previous references check out, I'll just make sure you like what you saw."

He leaned in closer to you, and you met him in the middle. Your kiss tasted like oranges now, with the slight sharpness of the alcohol. His brows creased as he cupped your jaw and massaged his tongue with yours, trying to figure it out.

You pulled away, and he lifted the brim of his red cap to see your eyes better. "This looks familiar," he grinned.

"Does it now? Well, I'm sorry to say, but finders keepers," you said, switching the cap from front-facing to backward.

His eyes gleamed in the low lighting, and there was a smug sort of curl to his smile. "You're way hotter in it anyways."

Heat rushed to your neck. "If you keep complimenting me…"

"Then what?" He asked, voice dropping. He was in your space, front pressed to yours, lips a teasing hairsbreadth away. The back of his knuckles found your cheek in a gentle caress, a lover's purr. "If I keep complimenting you, then what?"

This was the second time you both lost the hat. You couldn't remember if this was the same room or not—you didn't really care—but you were fumbling for the lock behind you with your brain turning to mush by the way Eric was kissing you. Clearly, you couldn't multitask. His hand slipped down where yours was to twist the lock and entangle his fingers with yours.

His shirt came off a lot faster this time, your fingers used to the slim buttons, but also because he literally only had two of them to undo. The shirt went missing, and Eric's hands roamed from your waist over your backside and to the backs of your thighs. Waiting for something.

"There's a bed," he said between breaths, kisses, laps of his tongue—

"Good to know," you mused.

He scooped you up, your ankles locked behind his back. Your back hit the cool sheets and you found yourself peering up at one beautiful man. Eric Sohn was a marvel in himself to look upon, but this was a nice angle.

He kissed you again, enough to drive you up toward the headboard, his body following after yours like a shadow. His arm dented the mattress beside your head to brace himself over you, the other tucking itself beneath the hem of your shirt to grab your side.

You gasped something sharp. His mouth latched onto the side of your neck, suckling the hot skin there until you were seeing stars. Your fingers tangled themselves in his hair until they were messy, messy, messy—

"Eric," you exhaled, the sound like a whimper.

He hummed against you. "Yeah baby?"

Your fingers tapped against the nape of his neck. "Let me get my shirt off."

"Good idea." He unattached himself from you for the split second it took to rip your shirt over your head.

For good measure, you reached behind yourself and unclasped your bra, tossing it over the side of the bed. Eric's eyes glued themselves to your chest, rising and falling with the breaths you were trying to regain. He licked his lips, and you found yourself smiling.

"What?" You asked, a nervous laugh bubbling up from your throat.

He swallowed and shook his head. His hand smoothed over the back of your head in a soothing manner. "You're just so pretty. Can I…?"

You might as well have gone into cardiac arrest. "Yeah," you nodded.

The last thing you saw was the glint of his grin. He ducked beneath your chin and you lost your breath at the feeling of his lips wrapping around your perked nipple. You clutched at his hair—swore something colorful when his hand came up to squeeze your other breast. It was the rough pads of his fingers against your skin, the nip of his teeth, the bite of the cold rings on his fingers.

He lifted his lips off your chest, your boobs glistening in spit. He gave them an affectionate squeeze and pressed his lips against yours. "You can say no," he murmured against you, "whenever you want. This train stops whenever you want it to."

"Okay," you said. You appreciated that from him. "I want you to keep going."

"Mmmh, atta girl." You could feel his smile against your lips.

His body pressed down against you, the weight present but comforting in a way. You moaned as his hips grinded into yours and you raised yours in a desperate attempt to gain friction. Both of your movements were frantic now as you fumbled for buttons and zippers and kicked away pants—out of the way.

You reached your hand between your bodies and cupped the outline of his cock through his boxers, drawing a sharp inhale from Eric's lips. He pressed his sweaty forehead against yours, rutting his hips into your palm. "Ugh, baby."

"I'm on the pill," you said and squeezed him.

His eyes screwed shut, and his fingers found the wet spot on the underside of your panties. "You're—you're on the pill? Fuck, you're so wet."

He pressed a hurried kiss to your lips, yanking the hem of your underwear down. Cool air hit the wetness clinging to your pussy, and you shivered. He lost the boxers, your underwear following suit.

"Spread wide for me," his voice rumbled. "There you go, baby." He swiped the pad of his finger down the middle, drawing a shuddering breath from you. "Sounds pretty, looks pretty—mmh, tastes pretty." His finger popped out from his mouth, and he used that same one to draw enchanting infinity signs over your clit.

"Fuck," you swore, your hand digging into his shoulder.

Eric ground his hardened cock into the mattress as he watched you fall apart. He bit his lip, replacing his index with his thumb and dipping a finger into your hole.

"Oh god—"

He curled his finger inside you. "C'mon, pretty girl," he drawled, lazily pumping his finger in and out of you. The ring adorning his finger bumped against your lower lips in greeting. "Say my name."

"Eric, please," you said and pushed your hips toward him, wanting and wanting and wanting more—needing more.

His kiss was softer this time. When he leaned over, you felt the heaviness of his hardened cock over your thigh, the precome beading at the tip dripping onto you. "Yeah, baby. I got you."

He pushed another finger into your weeping folds and dug his thumb down into your puffy nub. You felt the tension mounting in your stomach, the knot winding up.

Before you could reach a precipice, he withdrew his hand clean from you.

Your eyes shot open. "Eric."

"Yn," he teased. He adjusted himself slightly, then took the hand he'd been fingering you with to slicken up his cock with a couple pumps. The sight made your tongue dry. A muscle in his jaw feathered and he braced himself over you to line his cock up with your entrance.

His tip rubbed against your pussy lips and collected the juices dripping out—you held your breath, wrestling yourself onto your forearms to watch him sink into you, inch by inch.

Eric swallowed your moans with his mouth, your fingers digging into his bicep to anchor yourself. Your brain was melting and you grasped the back of his neck as his length filled you up, a muscle feathering so attractively in his jaw.

Once he was seated to the hilt, he guided you to lay flat on the bed again, his arms braced on either side of your head. "You good, baby?" He asked you, breathing shallow.

You nodded for him.

He buried his face in your neck and his sweat-matted hair tickled your chin, his hot breath against your skin. You fucking mewled when he started moving in you—at first, a gentle rocking of his hips to test the waters, his cock pulling out halfway before thrusting back in again. His breathing was heavy in your ear, the sound turning into grunts as his strokes lengthened.

"Let me hear you, sweetheart." His hand found purchase with the soft flesh of your ass, hiking your leg up and around his back. "Feel so good around me—squeezing me just right."

His knees angled his hips upward, and you swore you saw stars when his tip curved up slightly and hit a sensitive spot inside you. You cried out, "Shit—holy fuck."

"Is that the spot, baby?"

You clenched down on him and a sluice of curses engraved themselves into your skin. "Eric, that's the spot. That's the spot. Pleasepleaseplease—" Your nails dug into the muscles of his back as you held on for dear life. The headboard of the bed knocked against the wall in tandem with how he drove into you.

Pressure mounted in your lower belly like molten fire, begging to be fanned and fueled to erupt, goddamn it. You were begging to be pushed over the edge and you could taste it with the salty sweat on your tongue.

"Can you come for me, hon? You're close aren't you?" He grunted.

You nodded, head bobbing vigorously, arching further into him. "Close, Eric. So fucking close."

Eric reached down between your bodies and kneaded the pad of his thumb down over your clit. Your breath hitched as the stimuli crested over and you were crying out for him. He coaxed you through it, his strokes becoming more desperate as he fucked his way to his own high.

You squirmed from sensitivity and whimpered. "Eric, Eric, Eric—"

"Fuck, baby, where do you want me?" He rasped.

"Inside," you said while gasping for air.

His head hung until he came, swears tumbling out of his mouth as fast as his cum flooded into you. Your thighs trembled from the sensation, and he braced his forearms on either side of your head to thank you in a sloppy kiss.

Your bodies were slick and sticky with sweat and cum. His cock softened inside you, and you winced as he pulled out. Eric smoothed a hand over your hair, nose nuzzling against yours.

"You did good, baby," he murmured. He wrapped his arms around your body and rolled over onto your sides, holding you against him.

You gave a little laugh and shoved your face between his pecs. "Thanks, pretty boy," you said. "You too."

He chuckled, biting his lip. "Cute… say, Yn?"

"Hmm?"

"I know we've got it backwards, but can I take you out sometime?"

You smiled to yourself and your heart kicked up. "Sure, I'd uh—I'd like that."

Eric's expression lit up, and you got to see that beautiful smile of his. "Thank god," he said. He brushed the hair from the divot in your shoulder, ringed knuckles running down the lines on the side of your neck and over your clavicle. "Hey, you tired?"

Your eyelashes fluttered at the question. "Not super."

"Round two?"

"Round—" Your words cut off with a shriek as he yanked you back under him. And though you started off giggling, he had those sounds melting into moans again just as swiftly.

This room was going to be occupied for a while.

a/n: the amount of times i yelled while writing this... how do people write smut all the time, i need to know ur secrets 😭

tbz m.list

[threeletterslife]

36 | Legends of Darlaria

⨰ summary: You wake up in yet another unfamiliar place. This time, however, these strangers seem to recognize you. With your previous judgments and aspirations thrown out the window, you're now forced to face where your loyalties really lie. Who will you betray? And which General will you choose to stand by his side?

⨰ pairing/rating: yoongi x reader & jungkook x reader | PG-15

⨰ genre: 70% angst, 30% fluff | war!au & magic!au

⨰ warnings: profanity, brief mentions of blood and injuries

⨰ wordcount: 3.4k

⨰ join the taglist! (pm/send in an ask/reply/reblog)

⨰ previous | series m.list | next

⧖⧗Many, Many Circas Ago⧗⧖

Fighting for your nation should be an honor. And after training in the castle grounds for nearly five years, you were supposedly more than prepared to go to war. Graduation was only a week away.

You hoped it was normal to feel nervous about serving your nation, but then again, your level of discomfort seemed to surpass any ordinary level of nervosity. You’d been unable to get up from your bed, calling in sick from training for the past two days. Any food you consumed didn’t want to stay down. You were constantly ensconced in your thick covers, alone with your thoughts and as a result, spiraling quite intensely. 

When the covers managed to suffocate you more than your thoughts, you allowed your head to peek out momentarily to breathe in fresh air. Before you slipped back under your sheets, however, you caught sight of the swirling canvas up on your ceiling. The shades of purple thread undulated in hypnotic movements that you could not discern. It was frustrating, knowing that the readings of the future were just above you, yet in a language you were unfamiliar with. The threads mocked you, reminded you of your lack of skill in divination, and evoked memories of your disappointed parents. 

Hajin sensed your low spirits, and though she wasn’t sure why you were so upset, she thankfully didn’t ask any questions. Instead, she did her best to cheer you up.

“Hey, let’s check out the tunnels again before we leave! Ooh, I know! Then, we’ll have a delicious deviled egg feast! Come on, come, Y/N, let’s go!”

Through the tunnels, she took you to the 1st city, which was really the last place you wanted to go, yet you didn’t have it in you to tell her.

“You see all those soldiers?” Hajin asked, giddy with excitement. “We’re going to be one of them! We’ll get to wear their fancy uniforms! And you’ll get to be closer to Jungkook,” she teased with a wink. 

You tried to smile, but out of the corner of your eye, you spotted a soldier limping away on a bandaged-up leg. Fresh blood seeped through the white gauze, and more spots blossomed with each pained step they took. You saw a soldier vomiting up her lunch as another soldier held her hair out of the way. Both were holding back tears. A crowd of medics passed by in front of the bush you and Hajin were hiding behind, carrying an unrecognizably burned person on a stretcher. Something told you that they weren’t on the way to the infirmary. 

You looked away.

Hajin frowned at your silence. “You’re nervous,” she said.

You nodded, though nervosity was only scratching the surface.

Hajin grasped your hands, squeezing them tightly. “It’s okay,” she said in her most soothing, grownup voice. “You and I are in this together! I’d climb Guseul’s Hill for you, Y/N. Without hesitation and a thousand times over if I had to.” She grinned. “We’re going to march into this damn city next week, and we’re going to kick some Solarian ass! Are you with me?”

You couldn’t say no, not to Hajin’s face, so you faked a smile. “Of course I am,” you said, squeezing her hands back. “I’d climb Guseul’s Hill for you, too, Hajin. I’ll always be with you.” This was the truth.

“Damn right!” Hajin said, letting go of your hands to pump a fist in the air. “Now, come on, let’s get back to the 12th city. Our deviled eggs are waiting!”

With Hajin’s coaxing, you managed to stay out of sulking in bed for the next few days. It was easier to pretend things were okay when you realized you couldn’t possibly screw up your best friend’s dream of marching into the 1st city with you. So you ate deviled eggs and explored the tunnels and kept a pleasing smile on your face, though you felt like crumbling on the inside.

Jungkook wasn’t so easily fooled by your mask of emotions. When he came back to the 12th city under orders from General Son, you greeted him with a wide smile while Hajin gave him an annoyed eye roll, but she failed to hide the grin on her face. Jungkook’s gaze shifted to your fingers tugging frantically at your necklace. 

Something wrong? he tapped discreetly in monocode.

I’m fine, you tapped back.

But you weren’t. Because it was three days before graduation. And now there was another thing to worry about.

You’re not fine, Jungkook responded. You’re nervous about being called into the throne room.

He could read you so well.

Don’t worry. I’m sure General Son and the king have nothing but good news for us.

You hoped that was true.

You always knew Jungkook had nerves of steel. You wished you could learn a thing or two from him in that regard, but it was difficult to, considering that yours and his presence have been requested by both the Darlaean General and King. Even now, you weren’t sure how Jungkook wasn’t nervous, standing before these two men weathered and wisened by tragedy and the burden of leadership. You couldn’t imagine this being about good news.

But perhaps it was the divinist in Jungkook who knew all along what this conversation was supposed to be about. 

“My daughter, my near son-in-law,” Hoseok said. “Thank you for coming at such short notice.”

General Son stood behind him, watching quietly.

“I do hope we did not make you nervous, calling for you at such an odd time, only three days before your graduation, Y/N,” Hoseok continued. “But time is of the essence. In three days, I will be alone in this grand castle, with the last of my family 11 cities away.” Hoseok paused, only to smile quite proudly at you and Jungkook. You tried hard to hide the confusion from manifesting in your expression.

“Taegi tells me that the two of you are quite talented,” Hoseok said. “He has called you time and time again, the future leaders of the army, though he wouldn’t approve of the fact that I’m now sharing this with you. He prefers to keep his compliments to himself.”

General Son gave no discernible reaction, though you noticed a slight twitch of his left eye.

“You must be puzzled with where I might be going with this,” Hoseok said. “But I am humbly asking you for a favor.”

“A favor,” you repeated quietly. This time, you couldn’t hide the confusion on your face.

“Yes, my dear,” Hoseok said. “I am beseeching the two of you, not as a royal subject but as a father.”

Hajin’s face immediately flashed in your mind.

“You’d like us to protect your daughter,” Jungkook said. 

But of course. It made sense now.

Hoseok smiled. “Hajin is… eager,” he said. “Sometimes a little too eager, and I must admit in confidentiality that she is not quite up to par with the two of you yet.”

That hurt hearing this come from Hajin’s own father.

“We’ll look out for her on the battlefield, Your Majesty,” Jungkook said without missing a beat. “I’ll do everything in my power to protect the Princess of Darlae.”

As much as you thought Hajin was perfectly capable of protecting herself, you didn’t want to risk losing a friend you considered a sister. Her father was only doing this because he loved his daughter—the last heir of the Jung Dynasty. He’d do anything to ensure her safety, even if it meant deploying Hajin’s two closest friends to secretly protect her, despite that might hurting her pride. It would truly break Hajin’s heart if she found out. But she’d still be alive.

“I’ll protect Hajin as if my life depended on it,” you said. “I promise.”

Hoseok looked relieved at your and Jungkook’s overwhelmingly positive responses, yet the relief failed to erase the dark circles sagging under his eyes. It pained you to think that he lost sleep over worrying about his daughter going to war.

“You don’t have to worry,” you said. “I’ll ask her to write to you often, and we’ll come visit when we can.” Somehow, attempting to solace another helped you momentarily forget about your own worries.

“That would be lovely, my dear,” Hoseok said, smiling at you with kind eyes. “Thank you. Both of you. But remember, though I ask of you to protect Hajin, never cease to protect yourselves. The two of you are the future of Darlae.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Jungkook beamed brightly next to you. “We won’t disappoint you.”

You could only smile nervously.

“Ah, well, that was what I wanted to discuss with you today,” Hoseok said. “Although Taegi has a few things he wanted to say that he believed would sound better coming from him than me.” 

You’d nearly forgotten General Son had been in the room. But here he was, stepping out from behind Hoseok, his face neutral despite the king’s teasing. “You heard from Hoseok what I think of the two of you.” He gave you and Jungkook equally long looks. “This means that I will train you even harder. I will expect even more of the two of you. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir!” you and Jungkook chimed in unison out of habit.

“Good, good,” he said. “I’m sure you already know, Private Jungkook, that the war is not a playground.” He stared at you, though it really felt like he was peering into your soul. “Cadet, there are no ranking boards out there and surely no second chances. You must do things correctly the first time or die. That is the reality of the war. You will shed your youth as you shed your cadet title in three days.” 

Suddenly, your worries rushed back. A deep, hollow pit began growing in your stomach.

“Oh, Taegi, don’t scare your best soldiers, now,” Hoseok laughed, but General Son didn’t respond. He only stared at you, which made you want to shrink, run back under your covers and stay there until graduation.

Even after you and Jungkook had been dismissed, you couldn’t stop thinking about General Son’s words, replaying them in his gruff voice over and over again in your head.

You must do things correctly the first time or die. 

You recalled the limping soldier, his face twisting in pain every time he dragged his injured leg forward, new splots of dark red blood appearing on the snowy white gauze.

That is the reality of the war. 

This time, you saw the vomiting soldier on the verge of tears. She was holding her stomach, doubled over as she hacked the contents of her breakfast.

You will shed your youth as you shed your cadet title in three days.

The vision of the completely incinerated body on the stretcher flashed in your mind.

You couldn’t bear it, and so you covered your face with your hands, pressing your fingers hard against your forehead as if that would erase the vivid images from your head.

“You have a lot on your mind,” Jungkook said softly. You were lying on the bed, face covered, and he was sitting at the edge, flipping the page of a strategy book he’d picked up a couple of hours ago. “Was it what General Son said today?”

“I guess…” You kept your face covered. “I’m just… I’m so nervous.”

Jungkook set his book down. “You have nothing to be nervous about.”

But that wasn’t true at all. Most of your life—ever since you began your studies at Botswana—you’ve been told that you were talented. So much so that you were beginning to believe it. But being talented didn’t mean you were invincible. If you were set on fire, you would still die a slow, painful death. Just like everybody else. Just like the soldier burned to a crisp on the stretcher. And if it wasn’t you on the stretcher, you’d still have to witness the flames on the battlefield kill your comrades. You’d come back to the 1st city vomiting and never being able to keep your food in your stomach. Or you’d come back with scars, an unwalkable leg and trauma that would never go away until you were inevitably scorched to death.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you out here,” Jungkook whispered as if reading your thoughts. 

You shook your head, your hands coming away from your face. “You’re going to be a hell of a lot busy then, Private, protecting both me and the crown princess.”

“I can handle it, cadet,” he said with a gentle smile. 

There was a small pause.

“I know you’re scared,” Jungkook said. “You shouldn’t be.” He leaned back to place a gentle hand over yours. 

He knew. Perhaps he knew all along. It was fear that ate your insides, that made you unable to climb out of bed, that made you want to stay in the security of the 12th city. It was fear that was holding you back from becoming your nation’s pride. It was also fear that made honoring your nation simply not worth the trouble. He knew you so well that there was no use hiding it anymore. 

“I can’t help it,” you replied, feeling your insides twist. “I’m not like you, Jungkook. I can’t just… go to war because my superior told me to. I mean, I have to, and in three days, I will… But I…” You had to stop yourself from speaking because you could feel tears welling up in your eyes.

“Don’t cry,” Jungkook said, using his free hand to wipe away your tears before they rolled down your face. “Sometimes I think you’re too kind for the war, Y/N.”

“Maybe I am,” you whispered. “No,” you said, shaking your head. “I’m a coward. I’m scared of death, Jungkook. No, I’m scared of the process of death on that battlefield. I’m scared of being in pain. I’m scared of living the last few seconds of my life in panic, in agony, in fear. I-I… I think I’m more scared of getting hurt than inflicting that pain on someone else. I haven’t been sleeping and eating because I’ve been so scared. I haven’t even graduated yet! It’s so pathetic.” More tears rolled down your face. You caught them with the sleeve of your gown. “I don’t deserve to be a soldier.” 

Much less be the future of Darlae.

Jungkook didn’t respond for a long time. But you knew he was only thinking of the right thing to say. He wasn’t the best at sugarcoating his words, but he tried very hard to do it for you. He held onto your hand tightly, rubbing his thumb over your skin. Finally, he spoke.

“Well, we need you.”

Your lips parted, but no sound came out.

“The army needs a talented alchemist like you,” Jungkook said, gently. “You think others aren’t scared?” he asked. “They march into that damn field despite their fear, despite their cowardliness, despite their wishes to run back to safety. They do it for their nation, for their loved ones, hell, even for themselves. So do it for something, Y/N. Do it to make a difference. Maybe to fucking win the war once and for all.”

Your eyes sparkled with tears. “Jungkook…”

“You’ve always been altruistic,” he said. “Let that fuel you. Feel the fear but don’t let it consume you entirely.”

It was moments like these that made you realize you were talking to the future General of the Darlaean Army. 

“Do you ever get scared?” you asked.

“No,” Jungkook said—short and simple.

“Not even of death?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know what will happen after I die, but I don’t really care,” he said. “So I might as well live without fear.”

You wished you could share that sentiment. But the truth was, you were a coward. You couldn’t understand what General Son saw in you to think you could be a future leader of the army. Even if you were a decent alchemist, it didn’t matter if you could barely hold yourself together even thinking about the atrocities war could bring. Your fear of pain was rooted in conceited self-preservation, which had no room in military leadership.

“I know you’re doubting yourself again,” Jungkook said.

Your thoughts halted.

“You shouldn’t,” he said gently. “The Y/N I know is resilient. She always finds a way. And besides, I’ll be your extra pair of eyes, though I doubt you’ll need it.”

Just a bit of your anxiety began melting away. “Jungkook…”

“You and I both know that you’re the best alchemist the Training Corps has seen in decades,” he replied. “The nation needs to see your talent. And if you’re too shy for that, then at least know that one day your talent will change Darlae for good.”

You glanced nervously upward at the swirling pools of thread on the canvas above you. “Did the divination charm tell you that?”

“No.” Jungkook smiled. “I can just feel it. Can’t you?”

You weren’t so sure.

As if to make matters worse, the day before graduation, General Son found you staring up at the night sky in the castle orchards. You hadn’t expected him to be taking a nighttime stroll, much less around the orchards, but then again, you weren’t really a divinist.

“You don’t seem very excited about your graduation, cadet.” General Son broke the silence.

You didn’t know how to respond. Instead, you rose from the grass and saluted. “Sir.”

“At ease,” he said. “A lot on your mind, I presume?”

You weren’t sure how to respond without lying or going down the rabbit hole of your embarrassing fears.

“I did tell you six circas ago that things will only get harder from here,” General Son said, quirking his brow. “I hope it hasn’t already started.”

“Just a bit, sir,” you managed to say. “Though most of it’s self-inflicted.”

General Son did not pry. Instead, he allowed silence as he stared up at the fruit trees, his silver epaulets shining in the moonlight. Then, he spoke. “Do you know what it takes to be the General of an entire army?”

You stared at him. “L-Logistically, yes, sir. B-But… I also know that no book can ever teach me what it is truly like to be the General of an army. So no. I admit that I do not know what it takes.”

General Son raised an eyebrow. “You will have private lessons with me every other day now, cadet,” he said. “I will be at my temporary office in the 1st city for most days of the week, and on the weekends, we will travel to the 12th to continue your studies. I hope that this will help you understand what it takes to run an army.”

You completely froze in place.

Was he saying what you thought he was saying? It was too much to digest. In fact, it was simply impossible. There was no way he could ever think that you could become the Darlaean General. Not when someone like Jungkook existed. Somehow, he’d predicted this, too. You remember so clearly now: I may have the traits, but I’m not what General Son is looking for. He had been strangely… jealous? disappointed? that ostensibly, General Son was more fond of you than him, which you didn’t even think was true… Until perhaps now. But it didn’t make sense. How could you be what General Son was looking for? You, who cried uncontrollably at the mere thought of war? You, who Jungkook had to console?

“S-Sir, I’m still just a cadet—” 

“I was a cadet once too,” General Son said. “But talent is talent, it doesn’t matter who wields it.”

But what about Jungkook? you wanted to say. Forget about me. He would be so much better.

“Train like you’re already the General of the Darlaean Army,” General Son told you. His cold, black eyes stared you down. Clearly, denial was not an option. “Fight like you’re already commanding thousands of soldiers,” he said. “Do you understand?”

You couldn’t, but you said yes anyway.

⨰ previous | series m.list | next

⨰ a/n: it's been a while! thanks for getting to the end of this much-delayed chapter. in terms of updates, there will be one every month/every two months. sorry for leaving for so long :') hope you enjoyed <3 it starts getting pretty real from here on out

please consider telling me your thoughts with a comment, an ask or a reblog :) i love hearing readers' impressions/rambles/predictions! if you want to join the taglist, send in a private message, ask, reply to this post or reblog with your request!

[diresquid]

I finished The Acolyte and i noticed some things that really got me and made me go crazy over that I’ll share with you all cause why not

(Warning spoilers)

Ok first of all watching the finale for the second time made me realize even more things than I did the first time like how in the beginning osha said she had a vision of Mae holding a lightsaber but not using it with her hand outstretched killing Sol and originally I thought she meant when Mae is holding the saber and then throws it aside (and maybe I’m stupid for not realizing the first time)but then I realized that the vision is actually her killing Sol herself but she thought it was Mae and I thought that was really amazing

Also how she went to the planet to save sol but that was the very thing that led to his death ( which is also like almost an exact parallel of Anakin which is beautiful)

I thought it was really interesting how at the beginning both sisters are angry and struggling with what happened on Brendok and Mae chooses to hunt down and kill the Jedi as revenge and in anger and osha tries to bring Mae to justice but at the end when the whole truth comes out Mae refuses to kill Sol and wants him to be brought to justice and Osha is the one who kills him in cold blood out of anger which really shows how the sisters have switched places over the course of the show

(Which is mirrored by the way at the end it is Mae wearing Osha’s white clothes showing her turn to the light and justice while Osha wears Mae’s black clothes and gives into her anger)

Also I love how perfectly they set up her killing Sol like they specifically have her say that she failed at being a Jedi because she couldn’t control her negative emotions and couldn’t cope with what she’d lost and she was attacking Mae with clearly a lot of emotion and then when she finds out it was Sol and that he lied to her all this time she once again couldn’t control those emotions and ended up killing him even though he was her master and she went to the planet to save him

(Also adding on that they way she choked him as she was saying how much he loved her and the way he told her it was ok basically forgiving her as she was killing him I mean he obviously made a lot of mistakes but no one can deny how much he loved her which just makes his death so much sadder cause really everything he did was for her even if he was also somewhat selfish at times)

Another thing is just how on Brendok the Jedi blamed Mae both for Osha’s sake and to hide their own actions but it all came out later and really hurt them all but now Vernestra is doing the exact same thing which is probably going to send everything into a huge downward spiral

Alright a couple things to finish up

what is Plagueis doing there??? Honestly I don’t even want to know but that’s slightly scary for season two

Also can we all agree that Vernestra’s purple light whip is cool as hell? Cause I feel like it doesn’t get enough recognition

Alright last of all rip to my favorites Sol Jecki and Yord the three of them deserved better and I wish we got to see more of them (especially jecki and yord in that manner)

Alright sorry this post got really long and it’s honestly just my ramblings that no one needs to hear but you’re getting them anyway

Enjoy

[vickyvicarious]

Jonathan's description of the Romani people is certainly full of racist stereotypes. But it also reads to me as something he's reciting; as he says, he has notes of them "in my book." His words here seem to be him copying down something he's read in a book (whether here or in his research before he left). It's completely uncritical, but aligns with his earlier notes about history.

Even though he writes that they "attach themselves as a rule to some noble" he's not certain that they will turn him in to Dracula. He guards against the possibility of course, with his shorthand, and does mention that possibility of "should [the letters] not send," but he still willingly took the risk. Of course, it's really the only thing he can do, so even if he fully believes the stereotypes he's got to try anyway. Certainly though, I think he would be willing to alter his beliefs should they act in a way that contradicts what he has heard.

From his perspective, they... don't, at least today. Dracula coming back with the letters could easily be explained by them taking his money and then giving him up. But I choose to believe that they really did try to help him. They might have brought Dracula the letters because he's the only one who knows English. Or, more likely if they know he is a vampire and work for him at least partially out of fear, they intended to hide it but Dracula heard Jonathan calling down to them/saw him throwing something and asked about it. Or so on. There are several different ways they could have wanted to help Jonathan but still have been forced to give his messages to the Count. There's no evidence against such an interpretation, and it is not only better because it's not a racist stereotype, but it also fits the themes of the story and the pattern of humans trying to help one another as well.

However, I can't help but note that Dracula also calls them "Szgany". I didn't know this for a long time, but at some point last year I heard that term is not referring to a specific group of people. Instead it appears to be a phonetic spelling of a slur:

Cigan/Tsigan      Term used to describe Roma. Amongst most Romani communities this is a highly offensive racial slur. It originates from the Greek word "atsinganoi" meaning "untouchable". (from the European Roma Rights Centre)

This is awful, but perfectly in character for Dracula. He looks down on humans in general, and is clearly dismissive of 'peasants' at other times. It also would make sense for him to intentionally reinforce negative stereotypes about them in order to degrade any trust between Jonathan and other people. He did something similar when he called the other locals superstitious peasants.

It's possible that at least some of Jonathan's information about these people comes from Dracula himself, or at least has been 'confirmed' by him. Even if that's not the case, it makes sense that Dracula would be aware of any negative reputation and I could see him playing into it in any conversation or potentially in any interactions he thinks Jonathan can see.

[jq37]

The Report Card – Fantasy High Junior Year Ep 19/20

Blinded By Rage

Welcome back for a final time this year to Fantasy High where we’re covering both parts of the finale in one go! 

Last we left off here, the Bad Kids had gotten control of the Hangman post dragon fight on election night and were flying back to a much changed Elmville, sky turned an angry red in the process of becoming the divine domain of rage. 

When we return, they’re running out of clouds to ride on and need to pick a place to land. Fabian is concerned about just plopping a chunk of his house randomly in town but time is of the essence so they land at school on the Bloodrush field. It’s 10:20 PM, so they have less than two hours until the polls close at midnight. All the non-Bad Kid students get the hell out of Dodge because they’re useless in a crisis as always and all the brave and competent students (read: The Seven) have graduated. 

Brennan rules that, despite how crazy it was, the K2 Divine Intervention was technically buttoned up and allows Kristen to choose a special effect. She wants K2 back to help with spellcasting which Brennan grants (and will live to regret). 

Elmville is NOT doing well. It’s like 107 degrees and they can hear sirens and gunshots. There’s some real The Purge energy. Mazey has the duffel bag of votes but says she’s not allowed to count them until midnight so they all take a short rest to get their stuff back. They send Jawbone and Ragh to make sure Lydia is OK. They also strategize and throw on a bunch of buffs. Gorgug drinks his crazy strength potion he got as a present from Riz that takes him to a 25 Str. Adaine casts Rary’s Telepathic Bond so everyone can communicate telepathically plus Fly on Fabian, Gorgug, and herself. Kristen handcuffs the duffel bag of votes to Mazey for safekeeping. Perhaps, most crucially, Kristen has K2 cast Ice Feat which has ascended from a mistake to a bit to a homebrew spell with the following effects:

Every creature targeted by this spell takes a level of exhaustion and 1d12 cold damage.

The targets are cured of all disease and poison.

All creatures targeted by this spell make constitution saving throws with advantage and their hit point maximum and current hit points increase by 2d10.

The targets gain immunity to fire damage and the stunned condition.

Remember that last one for later. 

Anyway, there’s a lot more that they do but I’ll mention stuff if they come up in a big way. For now, let’s bust into the gym where Porter plus Jace and the Rat Grinders are trying and failing to do the ritual because they never got the proper name (highlighted by Buddy who in his same blind earnestness from before he was rage star’d thinks Bakarath is the true name and they’re just not believing hard enough).

Porter is furious that he was tricked into using the wrong name and grows to an enormous size, doing the foot stomp stun thing from earlier in the season but Ice Feast gives immunity to the stun condition so with a successful “Loser says what?” from Gorgug, it’s time to roll for initiative! 

To set the scene, the gym (and all of Elmville really) is breaking apart. Team Porter has invoked all this energy but can’t do anything with it so it’s kind of like a ticking time bomb ready to explode. The floor of the gym is cracking and there’s bubbling lava underneath–lava that is actually the carcass of Ankarna and the rage domain is spilling into the material plane. 

I also want to mention that even though several people have abilities/spells active that allow them to see Invisibility, no one can see Kipperlilly. We learn later it’s because she’d never been truly invisible, she’s just that good at hiding. 

As always, I’m gonna just hit highlights for the fight but ooh man, there are some highlights:

Riz on his first turn does a super clutch casting of Slow which gums up the works for the Rat Grinders for a big chunk of the fight. 

Just as they planned earlier (both in game and as we learned during the AP, out of game) Oisin is the top priority to deal with. A tag team of Fig and Gorgug gets him off the board in the first round before he can even cast a single spell. 

Ivy attacks the Hangman on her turn and Fabian returns the favor by brutally one-shotting her his next turn. Like, *extremely* brutally. He has low key had it out for her since she was mean about Mazey way back at the top of the season. But even Mazey (who is joining the fight because they can’t actually kill her, logistically speaking since she needs to count the votes) is like hmm, don’t know if I *love* that. (For the record, Ivy is killed first but Oisin is attacked first. That’s why I have them in this order). 

After Ruben hits everyone with a 9th level spell (highest level a spell can be for anyone not familiar) Fig gives up on the dude. Once the 9th level spells get broken out, the time for talking is over. In disguise as Wanda, she rips a very confused Ruben a new one for not being receptive to any of her attempts to coax him onto a redemption arc. She eventually blasts him into hell which sounds brutal until you remember that it’s functionally just her office. 

Because the Rat Grinders are clustered together in a very non-strategic way, Adaine is able to hit them all with Synaptic Static which not only does damage but also forces a bunch of their spellcasters to lose Concentration on spells. Everyone but Buddy I believe. 

Kipperlilly gets Riz with 8 points of damage but he gets her with 21 damage on his Attack of Opportunity as she escapes which is almost triple. That’s crazy! 

And I wanna pause here to make a quick point. The Rat Grinders are kind of bad at this. Like, they have all these high level abilities–and we know Brennan can be brutal in how he runs NPCs cause we’ve seen them in Neverafter and ACOC. But the Rat Grinders are just seriously dropping like flies. And that’s due to a combination of three things. One, the Intrepid Heroes and by extension the Bad Kids are just really good at this. They’ve had a lot of practice and they’ve had time to strategize. They read the rules. They’re making clutch decisions. Of course they’re good at what they’re doing. Secondly, they got some great rolls. For instance, initiative worked out that they had the opportunity to merc Oisin before he could start slinging 9th level wizard spells. And finally, as we learned in the AP, the Rat Grinders had level 20 abilities but they were still very squishy because they didn’t level up properly. 

Anyway, back to the fight.

Jace splits himself into 4 copies and finally gets Ankarana’s name with a Detect Thoughts on Fig. That’s not the only road block for the Bad Kids. They’re doing really well considering but also taking some Ls. Fabian drops (as does Fig later) and Adaine gets caught with Flesh to Stone.

Riz tries to find Kipperlilly and, when he can’t, he goes under the gym floorboards, shoots at Porter, and introduces the last big element to this combat: with his last 5 feet of movement, he jumps into the lava to hide. Because, as Emily mouthed to him a few minutes earlier, because of Ice Feast, they’re all immune to Fire Damage. Brennan forgot to account for that. The lava is only a hazard for his NPCs. The Bad Kids are all immune. Kipperlilly is so baffled that she goes, “What the fuck?” and gives away her position. 

From this point on, utilizing the combo of Fly and fire immunity to stay out of range of enemies–either in the sky or below the gym floorboards in/near the lava–becomes a major part of their strategy. For instance, Kristen goes under there to do some Mass Healing without being a target.

Porter in this fight is very fearsome. He has Legendary Actions and he can attack so hard that you get hit just from the air moving so fast before his weapon even hits you. Later on in the two-parter, he stops on Gorgug’s skull and gives him two death saves. It’s a whole world of hurt. 

But, the Bad Kids also are no-selling him at every single turn. He insults them but they just say he was a shitty teacher. He tries to activate their rage crystals but, guess what? They all avoided taking a rage token all season so it has no effect. He even tries to give them a speech about how the school sucks and they should be on his side but they’re like, my brother in Ankarna, YOU’RE a big part of why the school has been sucking. Adaine and Fig have great back to back lines. Fig accuses him of having no principles, just pride. And Adaine says the school didn’t MAKE them waste their summer on the Night Yorb quest. That was their mistake and they fixed it. He seems a bit surprised and confused that they won’t engage with his philosophy but that’s really on him if he thought THIS would tempt the Bad Kids at all. They’re great at getting mad all on their own. All he’s offering is the destruction of their homes. 

Riz on his next turn sets himself up in a purposefully clumsy hiding spot where he will be easily visible to anyone looking for him but they will have to get in melee range to hit him and he readies an action to catch a spell. 

On Fig’s turn, she gets away from Porter to get in position but that earns her a nasty attack of opportunity from him that's so powerful it starts carbonizing her blood (which is what happened to Yolanda you'll remember so now we know for sure who killed her). But once she gets away from him, she is safe in the lava (which is also Ankarana’s body). She tells Ankarna that she needs to choose her own path and then does a huge Fireball (which is the actual killing blow on Ruben btw). The Fireball also breaks Buddy’s concentration on the spell he’s been holding all fight which was a Banishment on the ballot box. They now have a way to get the votes delivered! 

This is where part 1 ends but we’re rolling this all together for the recap so let’s keep going! 

(I also have to note that for part two, everyone but Brennan is dressed in emo gear. Do with that info what you will.)

Fabian pulls out Bakur’s gem and throws him out like a Pokemon. He doesn’t break out right away but Brennan takes the opportunity to intro a new mechanic where portals open and on a high enough roll, the Bad Kids can call allies to help. 

Fabian ALSO has the idea to push Jace (well, one of the 4 Jaces) into the lava which, surprise surprise, the fighter/dancer is stronger than the waifish sorcerer. And that’s 18d10 damage so yeah. This fight largely becomes the throwing people into lava challenge. And can you blame them? That’s so much damage!

We get a little bit of elucidation about how the rage crystals work. Porter is a kind of hive queen and he can exert influence over the people with crystals in their chest. We see him do it to Jace and we see crystals leave the chests of Oisin, Ivy, and Ruben (well not his chest cause he’s in hell but from where he was standing). The crystals are parasitic and jump ship to try and find new hosts. 

Mazey gets rage star’d. Bad! K2 Banishes Buddy. Good! (Extra good bc K2 is Invisible and can’t be Counterspelled) 

Porter chugs some devil’s honey and calls to Ankarna that he’s trying to rez her so he can worship her which we know is a lie cause his real goal is to usurp her. Fig and Kristen treat her like a friend who’s getting back with her shitty ex and are like girl he’s lying to you! 

In one of my fave moments of the ep, Kipperlilly falls for the trap Riz laid in part one, going to attack him where he’s awkwardly positioned and not realizing that he was actually forcing her to jump over a pit of lava. The moment she does, he hits her with a Hold Person which stops her in her tracks and causes her to fall straight into the lava. Riz gets in the last word in this one-sided rivalry, “Very good on paper, but no practical application.”

She sinks into the lava and, as she does, we see she doesn’t have a visible rage crystal (only a symbol) because, unlike the others, she is a full willing participant. (Note: She DOES have a crystal to be clear, Brennan mentions that later, it’s just put in a different way).

Mary Ann fully jumps into the lava to attack Fig, tanking the damage and downing a very injured Fig in one hit. 

Adaine gets a very clutch move next, whisking all her injured friends to safer parts of the battlefield and drawing a legendary action from Porter even though she’s one of the least tanky members of the group. But with her Mirror Images, she gets off scott free! Adaine, Battle Wizard! 

Since Mazey is under rage control, Porter tries to make her disband the school but a Clippy style pop up of Arthur Aguefort shows up to say that mind controlling the class president to make them do stuff doesn’t count, you have to win fair and square. The things that this man plans for vs what he overlooks is baffling. 

Not only that but with Kipperlilly dead (and no cleric to heal her since Buddy is banished) their plan is kind of screwed. Even if they can rig the vote, their candidate is dead. 

When Jace and Porter are squabbling about plan logistics, Porter says, “Figure it out Stardiamond or I’ll kill you again,” which confirms that Jace got roped into the plan that way. Maybe Porter knew he needed someone with spells?

Gorgug gets a Nat 20 to pop up (from Porter downing him and giving him 2 death saves as I mentioned earlier) and then destroy another Jace clone, again with lava. 

Gonna pause again to say that I am really skimming over a lot here. Battle episodes are just not conducive to straight up recaps when they’re this long and involved. I’m gonna steal a trick of Adaine and quickly reposition everyone so you know the state of the battlefield where I’m jumping back in with the plot-forward part of the fight. Bakur has busted out of his gem but isn’t sure which side to join at first. The Bad Kids eventually are able to roll high enough to get some allies on the field–Ragh/Lydia/Sandra Lynn/Jawbone/Gorthalax plus  Squeem and Balthazar (but don’t worry too much about them. The most notable things there are Lydia does a sick wheelchair jump assistant by Ragh to get an attack in and Squeem heals everyone with cortados). Mary Ann goes down to lava. Fabian is able to break Mazey out of her rage with The Power Of Getting Your Kisses In and they make it official vis a vis boyfriend/girlfriend titles. 

Fig and Kristen try to tag team to tell Ankarna that Porter is lying to her but they don’t make the Dispel Magic roll to get rid of the Devil’s Honey. You know who does though? With a crit? As she farts and days Blimey?

Yeah, I told you Brennan was going to live to regret letting her live. Zac takes over again and Brennan just says, “No,” and leaves for a bit while everyone else howls with laughter. 

Brennan is so over it that he rules that, after this fight, K2 will be granted true life (Pinnochio style) and then banished to real life actual England. (Which seems dangerous considering Unsleeping City takes place irl but dig your own grave man). 

ANYWAY, All Of That aside, the Dispel Magic does work and Bakur is able to see the lies despite the Devil’s Honey. He joins the fight on the BK’s side. 

Also the bird cop shows up to shoot the last Jace. Don’t worry about it. 

OK, so going into the endgame of this fight, All the Rat Grinders are dead except for Buddy who is Banished. Bakur is there, and fighting with our heroes. Some of their allies have arrived. Mazey and Fabian and both down. All but one Jace (the one who got shot) is fully off the board.  And they still have to convince Ankarna that Porter is a big liar. 

OK, pieces repositioned, let’s finish this fight up. 

Having just been brought up by Sandra Lynn (like I said, I skimmed a LOT), it’s Adaine’s turn and she decides to do something uncharacteristic for a wizard. She takes a leap of faith. She uses her earworm present from Fabian to cast Detect Thoughts on all of her friends in range (Kristen and Fig) plus Bakur and Porter. 

According to the wording of the card (which I assume has been partially homebrewed for the setting bc it’s a bit different than the one in the official book), using the earworm to cast Detect Thoughts sends the information gleaned to the nearest extraplanar creature. Which in this case is Ankarna.   

The Devil’s Honey is dispelled now so it’s just up to if Porter makes his save or not (Adaine tells her friends to fail on purpose). He makes it, but Gorgug throws one of his inventions–a flashbang grenade–at him with another great line. He goes out of his rage and says, “Hey. Don’t be blinded by rage.” FLASH! The grenade goes off and he’s distracted enough to fail the save. His thoughts get broadcasted right to Ankarna. 

Adaine says, "Is this justice? Is this a new dawn?"

In this moment, Brennan lets everyone roll as a cleric of Ankarna for Divine Intervention. I cannot BELIEVE he lets K2 roll but, thankfully, she doesn’t actually get it. It’s Fabian, unconscious and appropriately in a kind of liminal state that’s able to do it (Note: Mazey is supposed to be down at this point so I don’t know how this next thing happens–whether it’s just a continuity blip or in his head or whatever but I’m just reporting what happened at the table, OK?). In his unconscious state, Mazey is really emotional about Fabian going down. She says that he's a really great and caring person even outside all of the things that make him traditionally cool and she wishes they could have lost their V Cards together. Ankarna, goddess of justice, will NOT let such an injustice stand. That’s enough to make her emerge from the lava, fully formed (and Fig, who has the keys to her domain, of course lets her in). She pops up and immediately slices Porter in half with a huge ass god sword. Sayonara Porter! Maybe you can be a boat in hell with Goldenhoard. 

Things start to calm, but it’s still all weird and liminal as Ankarna’s domain is being reestablished. Everyone is separated and Brennan asks them all for a moment of something unfair that they regret accepting. What follows is a bit similar to the American Dream sequence in Unsleeping City where Ankarna offers each of them a chance for vengeance/justice but is turned down. 

Gorgug thinks of Porter unfairly writing him off. Kristen thinks of her bio family. Adaine sees her parents pitting her against her sister who she could have been loving this whole time. Riz sees how hard it was to connect with people but also how he pushed Fig and Kristen this year and sees a bit of Kipperlilly in himself. Fig sees all of her internal conflict from the past year from not being able to make a pact with herself to not being able to act for help. Fabian sees the burden of living up to his father's legacy. Ankarna heals everyone of their wounds but then sadly sends them to a Twilight Forest (presumably Cass’s domain) when they politely say that they appreciate the offer but don’t need vengeance.  

Fabian does have a moment come from this however as Gorthalax and Bakur tag team to bring Bill in for a little heart to heart with Fabian where he says that he’d love his son even if he wasn’t a Maximum Legend and he’d give up his legacy for one more day to spend with Fabian. 

(Also, Lydia and Bakur are cool now. They talked it out off screen.)

With all of that, everyone is now together and Cass is holding Ankarna who is badly injured. Ankarna kind of has the attitude that Cass had at the end of last season where it was like, it doesn’t seem like anyone really needs me and all I’ve done is cause trouble so maybe I shouldn’t be here. The Bad Kids reassure her that she’s more than just her usefulness and that contrary to her declaration that she has no followers, she has at least six in the six of them. Ankarna cries happy tears.

Cass and Ankarna are about to leave to have a well deserved reunion but Kristen holds them up to ask about where the hell Kalina is. Ankarna gets all agitated because she’s NEVER trusted that cat and she’s damn near about to go on a crusade to find her as soon as Kristen brings up her suspicions. Before they leave, they have some business to attend to. 

They raise Rat Grinders (sans Kipperlilly since she was a willing participant) and Ankarna takes her name off of Lucy and Yolanda’s bodies so they can be raised. Then, Cass takes a selfie with Kristen and Ankarna and drafts a social media post to send to Craig to post because Kristen may be great in a foxhole, but she’s not the most organized person in Spyre. 

With this all wrapped up, Aguefort (and Ayda!) finally show up but the Bad Kids absolutely refuse to let him take credit for their victory. Mazey counts the votes. Adaine gets Aguefort to remove the bit in the bylaws about drugs being illegal (he calls it “narc shit). 

Riz pulls Kristen aside to make sure she actually wants to be president and that she’s not just doing it for his sake and she says yeah, (though she later says she wants him to be VP with her which he is very down for). 

Bobby Dawn tries to leave town (without even taking his grandkid!) but Fabian is chasing his ass down for all of his bullshit against his friends. 

Lucy is brought back and confirms that her friends killed her but also says that Ruben was one of her best friends before this started, implying that he was fully personality changed by the rage stars (unlike Kipperlilly who was maybe made more extreme but was rageful from the start). We see this in action when Ruben is brought back, basically tabula rasa. He has no memories of his emo persona and is really stressed to have lost his puka shell necklace. Ivy and Oisin seem like they have more memories and are ashamed of what they did but there’s not an explanation given of why the difference in effect. 

Mary Ann is basically the same and has a very abrupt conversation with Gorgug where she asks him if he has a girlfriend, much to everyone’s delight. Gorgug is so baffled and frustrated but finally lands on, “She’s so hot,” to everyone's further delight. 

Time for epilogues y’all! 

Kristen decides to be a cleric for not just Cass but Ankarna too. She even talks to Tracker (who is on a break from both Nara and Nara's money) about maybe poaching Galacaea from Sol’s pantheon. She also drops Gertie for the possibility of getting into a situationship with Tracker, earning herself a nemesis. 

Riz decides to try and chill out a little and switch from coffee to tea. He still thinks change can be scary but he recognizes that without change, he never would have met his friends. 

Aelwyn delivers a letter from the Court of Stars to Adaine which they open over ice cream sundaes at Basrar’s. Apparently, some wizard is starting shit in Sylvere–their mother. They’re both ready to plan a road trip to go kill that bitch, but before their sister murder quest (a normal thing for sisters to do) Aelwyn says that she hopes she and Adaine can eat ice cream and do magic together forever, and that if the price to have Adaine was suffering their shitty parents, it was a worthy trade. Adaine happily agrees. 

Fabian gets the Tornado to put his house back and rolls for his first time with Mazey. The dice are not on his side but luckily Mazey likes him for his personality, lol. His mom and Gilear show up and announce that they’re expecting…a dog…to guard the new baby. Also Telemaine is moving in. Fabian is distraught, even moreso when he gets a ping on Nemesis Alert. The unborn baby has already declared themselves his nemesis. At least Cathilda is also back! 

Like Riz, Gorgug also takes some time to relax since he's no longer taking 4 classes at once. He hangs with his parents and gets some presents for Fig since she was such a big help to him this year. He also makes things official with Mary Ann. Aguefort asks if he's considered being a teacher after he graduates and Ayda boasts that she always knew he was special. Aguefort also stops just short of saying he might be the bad guy next year and disappears into a flock of birds when questioned. Maddening as always. 

Fig gets some time with Sandra Lynn who is very supportive of her (which is saying a lot considering Fig has Porter’s literal balls on a chain, do not even ask). She decides school isn’t for her and drops out which she is a little concerned Ayda might judge her for since she’s so studious but Ayda says that learning isn’t confined to a classroom and starts a spell to link Leviathan to her domain in hell. Ageufort is also OK with her dropping out personally, but he does warn her that attack robots WILL be tracking her down for dropping out. Insane, but she’s not too worried about that. She just wants some alone time with Ayda. 

And finally, two bits of unfinished business. Unseen to the Bad Kids, Buddy pops out of his Banishment, still a true believer in Bakarath. He believes SO HARD that a baby god comes into existence. Then, out of the shadows KALINA appears and says, "Buddy, we gotta get the fuck out of here. They are coming for us. Your grandfather is not gonna fucking believe this."

And that’s it! End of season. Class dismissed! 

Plot Post Mortem 

OK y’all there was a LOT going on this season and not everything was neatly wrapped up but I’m gonna take a little bit of time to try and put together what we do know. 

We know that Porter was the ultimate puppetmaster of his plot and everyone else was an underling of his to some degree. Jace had a visible rage star in him so it seems that he was forcibly drafted rather than being a fully willing participant. 

The Rat Grinders formed a party (at that time called the High Five Heroes) Freshman Year. They went to the Mountains of Chaos for Spring Break. Near the end of Sophomore Year, all of her friends killed her. 

The Rat Grinders are on record as just grinding rats which seems to be a half lie because we know from talking to rats that they WERE doing that for a time but eventually Porter recruited them and started farming XP for them.

And we know that Kipperlilly was a willing participant of the plan but the other Rat Grinders were forced. 

So my best guess for the series of events here are as follows. In Freshman Year or so, Porter forced Jace into having a crystal so he can have a minion with spells (again, Porter does explicitly say he killed Jace). He spends the year scouting for a good candidate for his plan and finds an already naturally aggro Kipperlilly. 

He starts showing an interest in her and lets her in on his plan. She’s super down because she’s already bitter about the perceived injustice of the system. He feeds her unhealthy thought processes. This is why she starts having more rage outburst in Sophomore Year.

Now it’s never made clear when the other Rat Grinders join the plan and how that goes down. The popular theory is that they all died in the Mountains of Chaos but that doesn’t quite make sense. The only way that works is if everyone died except for Lucy. Why would she leave Lucy alive though? Because she was the closest to her? Was it just happenstance? Another possibility is that once they got there, Kipperlilly was the only one willing to get rage star’d and everyone else got cold feet. So, once they got home, she started putting the pressure on everyone else and eventually started killing them one by one to forcibly recruit them, ending with the dogpile on Lucy. This is all speculation of course, I’m just trying to square the info we know to be true with the bits of lore we have. Kipperlilly expected Lucy to come back like the others and they didn’t. With her dead, they needed a new cleric for the plan which is why Buddy Dawn was drafted. 

Kipperlilly DID have a rage star–it just wasn’t put into her by force. She chose to take it on. It’s not entirely clear how much it affected her–or anyone’s–actions or personality. Emo Ruben still spoke fondly of Lucy and seemed sad about her death. Kipperlilly was more unhinged in Junior Year but it’s not like she was super hinged before. 

It’s also not clear how much autonomy you have when you’re rage star’d. It seems to me that the rage star doesn’t really mind control you so much as play up the rageful thoughts you already have–for instance Adaine when she almost gets rage star’d saying that if she was consumed by rage she’d destroy Falinel and Sylvaire looking for her mom. It CAN mind control you if Porter uses an action to control you but most of the time you’re just an angry version of yourself (though Ruben’s complete personality swap raises questions). 

Anyway, that’s the best I can figure. No need to keep spinning wheels now that the season is done. 

Honor Roll

Adaine Abernant for Some Unorthodox Wizardry 

I am biased towards Adaine but I think she deserves her props this episode. 

A Wizard putting themselves in a position where they have to tank damage is so risky, but she cares about her friends enough to Scatter them to safety and hope her Mirror Images do their job.

A Wizard getting in melee range with a Pally/Barb seems like a recipe for disaster but Adaine was able to parry Porter with her sword. 

And having faith isn’t really in a Wizard’s wheelhouse but she has enough faith in her friends to try a big swing in reaching out to Ankarna. 

(Big Honorable Mentions to Riz trapping KP and Gorgug using his grenade on Porter in the climax). 

Detention 

Kipperlilly for Being a Bad Rogue

I’m not even giving her this spot for being a bad guy. I’m giving her this spot for being a ROGUE and not HIDING when the plan hinged on her SURVIVING TO THE END. Girl, what were you doing in melee range??? You have a crossbow, bitch, use it! Frankly she shouldn’t have even been on the battlefield, but I know for story reasons she had to be. But if she had to be there she could have played it waaaaaay smarter. 

Random Thoughts

Oisin was rage star’d but I have to assume his grandma wasn���t, right? I mean she was buddies with Kalvaxus so she probably just is OK with pillaging and evil. From her POV was it just like oh thank Helio my nerdy-ass grandson finally got cool. 

The way that gods work in this world always kind of trips me up. Because gods have been established to not be autonomous individuals in the way that people are. Saying, “Choose your own path” is nice, but it doesn’t really make sense when your personality is literally decided by your followers. They’re more mirrors than they are people. Same thing with morality. If it’s not Ankarna’s fault that she was made into a rageful conqueror, it’s also not Helio’s fault that he’s a fratty college boy (allegedly, I still think that’s more what Kristen felt than what was textually there). Unless we’re saying that each god has a “true self” and anything that pulls them from that is anomalous, then it’s hard to have conversations about gods while viewing them as people with direct agency. 

What was up with the vision Adaine kept having? Was that a trick to get them to have that party? Because they probably wouldn’t have done that without her visions. Who did that? Was it a Dream spell like Fig was doing to Ruben?

I didn’t mention it but it was very funny for Adaine to pull a Brer Rabbit: Ohhhh noooo. Please don’t throw me in the laaavaaaaaa. 

Who was watching Fig/Wanda “die” in the window, Brennan????? You never told us!!!! 

I thought it was sweet when Kristen was like I do wish I had a sister and Adaine was like, I’m your sister :)

I’ll prob make a longer post on this later but I really do not understand why the Ankarna plot is what was picked for this season when it’s so similar to the Cass plot from last season: Goddess of a concept that can be good but people find scary/are skeptical about is changed by the actions of their followers into something monstrous that is being manipulated by bad actors in the current day who the Bad Kids win over to their side and one of them becomes the prophet/champion of. It even has the beat of the goddess, post-rezzing, being like, “Idk if you really need me.” They’re even married! I don’t have a problem with Ankarna the character but she does feel a bit like a rehash of Cass’s storybeats, just in orange instead of purple. 

I still have some thoughts but they’ll get answered over the next week as I go through the remaining asks in my ask box and I’ve been working on this for hours so I’m gonna cut this short. As a whole, I thought this season was so much fun! Plot-wise it was probably the muddiest of all the Spyre seasons and I would def have changed stuff but it didn’t hinder my week-to-week enjoyment and it’s always a good time hanging out with the Bad Kids. (Also you all know that the #1 thing I’m here for is Abernant Sisters content and I was extremely catered to in this regard, lol). 

Thanks for following these recaps this season! I really appreciate everyone hopping into the tags or asks to talk and theorize and stuff. 

If you wanna engage with more of my writing, you can check out my podcast: Absolutely No Adventures or my visual novels on itch.io. It would mean a lot!

[romanoffsbish]

Never Alone With You

Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

Prompts

Requested by: @mostlymarvelsstuff

"I feel your absence in everything that I do alone, in every place I go without you." (27)

Warnings: None, just fluff.

A deep, persistent ache settled within Natasha's chest as she entered the quinjet; this dreadful assignment of a week long undercover mission—something that once brought her joy in the form of a multitude of adrenaline rushes, now only serves to bring her immense pain. Her mind anxiously searches, a bit pointlessly, for the reason, a saddened smile eventually covering her face when she reaches it; you.

——————————————————

You were to blame; had she just never entered that coffee shop in Manhattan on the third of October five years ago then she'd likely still be joyfully kicking ass, but now she fights with resentment for her good deeds; anything that keeps her from you seems rather pointless. There's hundreds of agents Fury could choose from, but he still sends her on the simplest of recon missions, it's honestly offensive, they're below her Avenger pay grade, and she quite frankly doesn't have the time for such frivolity.

Not when all she wants is to spend every waking minute with you, making all your rambled about dreams come true, and in a way many of them have become hers too. If you'd asked her what her dreams were before you she'd always say she had none, even when that wasn't close to true, she just didn't feel deserving enough to entertain them. Now that she has you though, her answer—always relayed with a lopsided smirk, is that she doesn't need to dream anymore when her wildest one already came true. Boasting about you to anyone will listen is her favorite thing to do, and in turn it's your favorite to evade. Natasha always winds up laughing wildly when you tug on her hand, or hide away in her chest, but she does it whilst rubbing a soothing hand up your back, quelling your persistent anxiety.

The former assassin lays her head down on her pillow that first night, with your lived in hoodie on the pillow beneath her head and your photo clutched tightly to her chest, falling into and out of one of the most restless sleeps of her life. The week continues on just the same too, she enters the jet without anything but getting to you on her mind. With bags in her hands, and under her eyes, she settles into the cockpit.

T-minus two hours, and she'll have you in her arms again, where you belong always.

—

You'd been worried sick all week, as you always were when Natasha had to leave for a mission, and when said mission was no contact your anxiety was made that much worse. Natasha was an Avenger to the world, but to you she was so much more than her given title; it had always rubbed you the wrong way how the world only treated her as if she was a machine. As if she wasn't allowed to have flaws, because if she did then she'd be of no use to them, and in theory to the world, but that wasn't the case.

Natasha was the sweetest person you'd ever met, all the media told lies about her being a stone cold assassin went out the cafe window when she first smiled at you. Caught in the widows web you always joked, but it wasn't a fable, Natasha had your heart from day one.

Today was the day she was meant to return to you, you'd spent all of yesterday cleaning the house in preparation, and now you stood with a warm mug in one hand, your phone in the other, and a smile on your face once your phone pinged. Looking down to see the one emoji'd text from her— a home, the sight alone had the power to make your anxiety melt away.

Before leaving the house you made sure to pet Liho., "Mommy will be home soon sweetie.," you coo'd while scratching his chin, and he meowed, almost as if he knew what you said. You reckon he did on some level, this sequence was a familiar one for him as you grabbed your keys and set off to meet your lover at the base.

—

Once the jet landed Natasha was already at the back of the jet., "You really missed her, huh?," she turned to her mission partner with a sad smile., "More than I ever imagined possible.," Wanda placed a comforting hand to her best friend's shoulder., "You know, you could always retire from Shield.," Natasha furrowed her brows at the younger woman words, the thought had crossed her mind, but she didn't ever make any moves to do it., "Just tell Fury you'll be available for the end of the world nonsense, but that it's only fair you have off time off like the others do for a family."

Natasha ponders her wise words, family standing out to her the most as she daydreams. A soft smile taking over her face at the idea of you waddling around your shared place with a protruding belly, to eventually aiding you in all things baby related, and she was so caught up in the magic of her mind she didn't register the door opening, or the tears running down her face, but you sure did, and it wasn't more than a seconds time before you were at her side.

"Natasha, honey.," you softly lifted her head by her chin., "Are you okay baby? Are you with me?," your hands slid to cup her cheeks, part of you trying to comfort your distraught lover, while the other was assessing her face for harm. The redhead looked at your face through hazy eyes, rapidly blinking away her tears in the hopes of finally seeing you after a long week, and once her vision was clear she smiled gratefully., "Hi.," you chuckled at her meek greeting, then pulled her in for a hug., "Hey."

Natasha's arms were tightly around your waist, her bags now dropped on either side of your conjoined bodies, while her head rested on your chest, an ear over your calming heartbeat. The crying while staring at the ground was a bit different for you, normally she runs into your arms with a wide smile, but this softer part, where she allows your heart to bring her back to a simpler headspace is generally expected. After what she sees when she's gone, or what she's made to do, she finds that just this simple hug remedies her mind's harshest demons.

"Ready to go home yet love?," you query after a half hour of silent embracing had passed, you wouldn't willingly admit it, but the rigid stance was hurting your back., "You are my home.," the way she clung to you tighter while declaring you her home warmed you entirely., "But yes, we can get out of here.," as soon as she pulled away you dropped your lips to meet hers in a surprise attack, her squeak of pure shock left you to pull away without her reciprocation to giggle wildly., "Detka, stooop, I'm tired."

A whining Natasha was secretly your favorite, her feelings were hardly ever filtered, and her usual teasing fell by the wayside. Every part of Natasha is your favorite actually, you wouldn't change anything about her, but this little niche of hers held a slightly elevated space in your heart, because her thoughts were purely her. What she says is her desire, it's how you were proposed to, and that's still one of your most fondest memories to date., "Let's go then."

After you settled her bags over your shoulders Natasha clambered right into your open arms, clinging to you adorably, like a koala, sighing at the relief that being off her feet and in your arms always seemed to bring her. She wasn't ever worried about the judging stares, because everyone knew to avert their curious eyes from you, not wanting to end up on the agents list.

—

Once you made it home, in a similar position as you previously were you carried her straight into the kitchen. Where you'd set her down on the counter with the already prepared peanut butter sandwiches that she instantly reached for. Natasha hummed appreciatively at the simple flavor, you giggled at how easy she was to please, and again when she tried to speak. Due to the glue like texture of the peanut butter she was clearly struggling. The pout she gave you was enough to crack your heart, looking as if she were wounded, so you passed her the prepared thermos of coffee, and she beamed.

"Thank you detka.," You nodded, smirking as you went to take a bite of your own sandwich, made with jelly because you weren't crazy like your wife., "You're welcome love, even if it did pain me to make the favored atrocity.," your wife groaned, but her eyes were swimming with amusement. Silly moments like these were what you always offered her after her missions, even when she could see you had a tough week of your own, nothing seemed to matter more to you than tending to her.

It overwhelmed her a lot of the time to see just how deeply your love for her truly ran, she felt undeserving, but then you'd smile at her, just like you were now from across the kitchen, and she was reminded of every single reassurance you've ever whispered to her in the past.

"You're not your past Natalia, you never were the monster they tried to make you out to be. You're an angel actually, just gotta spread your wings, and I promise you'll sore."

"I love you today, I'll love you tomorrow, and I'll love you for every foreseeable day after."

"I'm yours Nat, wholeheartedly so, please never forget that."

"You, my precious girl, deserve the world, and I can't wait to give it all to you."

The comfort of your previous words washes over her as she gazes at your focused features. Peeling the orange she knew was about to be hers, your usual attempt to fight off any of the germs she likely brought home., "Catch the citrus, not the cold.," she mocked you in the same moment you tossed the peeled fruit her way, receiving a heatless glare from you that earned you that deep melodic laughter of hers.

Natasha saw you moving about, cleaning the mess you made preparing the lunch earlier. She admired your persistence to keep a tidy home, but she always hated the space between your bodies, so she hopped down from her spot on the counter and made her way over to you. A content breath flowed from her nostrils as she was now laying her cheek against your back, while her arms wrapped securely around you from behind., "I missed you.," she tiredly sighs, as if her clinging to you wasn't already an indicator of her spoken words., "Yeah? I hadn't noticed.," you joked, laughing softly when she groaned against you., "I missed you too love, are you ready for a shower?," lazily she nodded against your back, and without any warning you spun around in her hold, splashing her with the residual water on your hands, and removing yourself from her hold for safety.

"Oh my gosh, Y/N!!!," she gasped, which slowly faded into a tired scolding of your name. All you could do was laugh at her, so hard in fact that you were clutching your stomach and started to cry. The sight of her genuinely shocked face with water droplets spread all about was priceless. Usually the two of you had your routine, but on rare occasions like today you enjoyed stirring it up, and it appears Natasha does too, the smirk taking over her face as she approached you a telltale sign., "You're the actual worst.," she humorously lies., "Yeah, I know, I'm just the devil."

The both of you made your way upstairs after sharing a moment of laughter, and a soft kiss. Natasha immediately undressed once crossing the threshold of your bedroom, you followed behind her, tossing her discarded clothing into the bin, and following it up with your own. Stood outside the shower your wife looks to you expectantly, your eyes then begin to wander her body, taking note of how careful she had to have been to be free of markings., "I'm so proud of you Natty, coming home to me safe and sound like promised.," she beamed at the praising, then within the next she was melting into your hand that held her cheek., "Always my bestest, bravest girl.," she hummed when you leaned in to kiss her deeply while your other hand waded beneath the water.

Natasha was in the most serene state as your fingers carded your woodsy scented products through her tangled red tresses, humming as you promptly rinsed them out just before washing her body just as intently. Though you'd always protested, she made sure to at least return the favor by washing your body just the same while you handled your own hair. Calloused fingertips would trace over your skin as her hand ran the soaped up loofah over every part of your body. Her heart always felt elated, it filling her with immense swirls of love and pride to be able to share such a tenderness.

All her life she'd been made to use these hands of hers to bring harm, but with you they only ever offered soft, comforting touches, and it's in moments like these she's reminded that she is more than all her forced evil's of the past. That she's done bad, but she isn't a bad person. It's in these subtle moments of intimacy shared with you, that transcend a carnal need, that she finds the most peace, feeling all that love she was meant to have all along, and knowing now without a single doubt that she indeed deserves to move beyond being any agency's weapon.

"Natty, I am almost positive I'm clean.," the amusement in your voice settled the worry in her chest as she took notice of your agitated skin. The loofah had clearly run dry of suds while she was lost in her thoughts, and for some reason you just allowed her the moment., "I'm fine love, it's just a surface level scratch.," you immediately disregarded the 'injury,' and leaned down to kiss her deepening pout away., "Follow me now angel, time to melt away all the worries that are plaguing your mind.," Natasha accepted your extended hand, an unreadable expression was on her face, and it worried you ever so slightly, but you were also hopeful your massage would help to calm her.

Natasha's eyes pleaded with you to stay close when you went to briefly leave her on the bed, the subtle pain in her eyes as she worked to let go of the life she once knew, for the one she desperately wanted to acclimate to present. Sadly though, you weren't trained to read her the way she could you, so all you offered was a kiss to her nose, and a whispered reminder that you'd only be but a minute while collecting your warming lotions.

A groan of relief left your wife's lips as your hands settled on her shoulders, you watched her eyes flutter closed expectantly before moving even further down her tense body. There was nothing sexual about the way your hands grazed over her breasts, you only had intentions to melt away all the stress that had accumulated within her body this past week. Unfiltered groans of appreciation left your wife's lips as soon as you kneaded her mounds, it's not something many people would ever consider, but a lot of the time her breasts are sore from spending so much time in those restrictive suits, and your expert ministrations always find a way to relieve the tension.

With every ache in her muscles you'd relieved, it was as if it was being displaced to her heart. Wanda's words were weighing heavy on her, and she couldn't stop her mouth from uttering her deepest pains., "I feel your absence in everything that I do alone.," your hands stilled on her calve, the shake in her voice making your heart drop into your stomach., "...in every place I go without you."

In a seconds time you were face to face with your wife, hovering over her with a concerned expression etched into your features. Natasha smiled up at you, using her hands she urged your body to lie on hers, then she continued., "It's like, my heart doesn't beat right without yours within a comfortable distance.,” you gave her a look of understanding, causing her heart to ache at the thought of you being equally as hurt every time she left you to aide the world, the same one that you felt didn’t deserve her.

She gently cupped your cheeks, smiling at you while tears filled her eyes in direct contrast., “I’m done living a life that doesn’t serve our future detka.,” she chuckled lightly, using her thumb to massage out the furrow in your brow before returning her hand to your cheek., “This, right here, these moments are all I need. You, detka, are my past, my present, and my future, and with that being the case I’ve quit.”

“I’ll still Avenge from time to time, but the rest is history, Fury wasn’t thrilled, but he said he understood, and wished us well.,” your bright smile, and teary eyes made your wife’s choice that much easier, there was no room for doubt when you were this excited over the prospect., “Time for you and I to start that family, yeah?,” Just as soon as you went to nod your approval a loud, clearly offended meow rang throughout the bedroom, and your face flew right into your wife’s neck with unbridled laughter to follow., “To continue our family, my apologies Liho.,” your wife corrected herself with faux sincerity, then she joined in with the obnoxious laughter as yours had failed to cease.

After the both of you calmed down enough you pulled back to look into your lovers eyes once more, wanting to see if the prior words spoken were the whole truth. Natasha didn’t need to ask what you were doing, she just laid there, allowing you your silent bout of observation., “So this is it then Natty?,” she nodded softly, her hand once again was caressing your cheek, and pulling you in for a tender, yet deep kiss., “We’re going to be mommies.,” you giggled against her lips, and your excitement led to a new wave of tears for the former assassin.

Never in her life had she thought she’d find someone willing to love her, let alone be willing to start a family with her, but everyday she thanks the stars above that you challenged every misconception she had about love. There was nothing to really fear when you scooped her fragile little heart up and into your hands, using your abundance of free flowing love to fill up all the deep cracks, and now, because of you for the first time ever she’s been made whole.

“YA lyublyu tebya.,” her wavering voice filled the little space between you, your lips pressed to hers in a reaffirming manner before you pulled back to look into her eyes., “I love you too Natty, with all of my heart; I’m all yours.,” she melted at your words, and you pressed a kiss to her forehead before continuing to return to massaging your wife. Observing her face, a bittersweet feeling settled in your chest when you realized this was the last time you’d likely be performing this post mission sequence, so you made sure to make it a memorable one.

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3,289 Words

❤️ Kaitlyn 🥺