#three people independently of each other used this on my work

[ultravi0lence14]

Crush

dean winchester x fem!reader

2.6k | angst, fluff

summary: operation, have you and dean actually get along. that is all sam begged and pleaded to happen. though, it worked better than he initially had hoped.

sam believed that if he rolled his eyes anymore, they’d get stuck at the back of his head. he loved you, don’t get it twisted. it’s just that when you and dean were in the same room, things seemed to get a lot more. . . aggravating, to say it lightly.

the winchester brothers had met you around three years ago on a hunt in washington. a pesky demon is what brought you all together. well, it was more or less you and sam. dean was just an added on bonus that wasn’t really a bonus because you wanted to slap him across the face every ten seconds.

you and dean winchester hadn’t gotten along since the jump, and sam could easily vouch for the statement since he’d been in the middle of the lengthy feud for many years. dean was cocky, stubborn, and always had to be right, something you couldn’t stand. as someone who strived on being independent, a man like dean was a thorn in your side.

for years, anytime sam called you to help on a case, or you three were in the same place at the same time, you and dean would always end up in some kind of fight. whether it be his idea was better than yours or dean’s constant need to blare his music in the car it didn’t matter. you would always fight and sam would always dream of cutting his eyes out with a blunt butter knife

this hunt wasn’t any different. a witch had been using the residents of a small town in mississippi as her personal test dummy’s. droppings bodies left, right, and centre. so with a call from sam, you hopped on a bus and met the two brothers at their motel in kentucky, ready to join the hunt.

dean always teased you for not having a constant form of transportation, but you weren’t a douche who rode in a classic muscle car. especially one who was attached to it as a baby is to their bottle, so his digs just went completely deaf to you.

knocking on the winchester’s motel room door, sam greeted you with a gleaming smile on his face. arms extended for a hug, you cuddled into his chest and rested your head by his shoulder, catching a glimpse of dean shovelling a mini pie into his mouth.

when the older brother caught your eye, he just scoffed. hands moving to cross over his chest as you stepped away from sam and did the same.

“we really don’t need her help sammy.” dean practically snarled, mouth tilting up in a devious smirk. “she’s probably already got plans with all her little pals on the bus.”

sam just sighed, already mentally prepared for the kindergarten level digs you two were going to throw at each other. he almost left the room as he watched your shoulders square and your jaw clench. “oh very funny dean.” you retorted, hands resting in your pockets so you didn’t choke the man. “why don’t i just go slash all your tires? then maybe we can be bus buddies.”

“don’t you dare even think about touching my baby!” dean’s finger had lifted in the air in a pointing motion at you, and sam felt his hands lift up and slap against his thighs. “oh dear god, you guys are killing me! there’s people who need are help, and you two fighting like an old married couple isn’t going to help them.”

the sour look on your face when sam mentioned you and dean in the same sentence as married couple could’ve been made as a reaction photo, yet sam and dean didn’t acknowledge it as they led the way outside and to the infamous chevy impala.

nothing could ever prepare sam for the long car rides with you and his brother. it was either copious hours of bickering or a tense silence that had sam so uncomfortable he questioned if walking was a good idea.

this time the silence was so thick, sam genuinely reached his breaking point. Years of breaking up your arguments and having to be the middleman drove him to a dire conclusion; he needed to get you and Dean to like each other.

the plan was truly fool proof. force the two of you to work on the case together and boom, all the arguing and petty fights would be a faraway memory. sam had to contain his grin when he mentioned that interviewing the families is more of a one person job than going to the morgue. his grin didn’t leave his face even as he mentioned that he was better with comforting grieving families than either you or dean.

no words were spoken between you and dean in the car ride towards the morgue. in all honesty, you never knew what to say to the man. he was always angry, finding something to get mad about and always finding a way for it to be your fault.

truthfully, maybe that’s why you hated him. he never let you explain yourself, always jumping to conclusions and blaming you for the smallest things. if it wasn’t for his quick temper and communication issues, you’d probably have a huge crush on the man.

it was dean winchester at the end of the day. and as much of a dick as he was to you, you witnessed those moments he had with sam or with a family member or victim on a case where he wasn’t an absolute dickhead. it was sad really, how much dean hated you. sam spoke up and down that you and dean would be a great duo, yet you never got to prove him right or wrong since his older brother couldn’t go five minutes without arguing with you.

although, something you weren’t aware of was that dean’s thoughts were very similar to yours. he didn’t know why you got under his skin, yet he couldn’t stop thinking about you for weeks after you would leave.

the man knew there was nothing wrong with you. he was just stubborn, and pushing people away before he got too close to them was his specialty. what if you became someone special in his life? what if because of that, you died, and then dean would blame himself for the rest of his life.

it was easier to keep you at an arms length than to get too close, and yeah sam would say he was being childish, but dean didn’t really care. you hating him and staying alive was better than him meaning something to you and that being the reason you were dead.

the trip to the morgue was awkward for the better part. you were trying to rid your mind of any thoughts you had on dean in the car and the man in question was trying his best to remain a good foot away from you. both of you could tell that something had shifted in that stupid ten minute car ride, but neither of you wanted to bring it up.

sam knew something was up when he met with you and dean again. it wasn’t even close to his end goal, but he knew that he was getting close to the feud between you and dean to finally be over.

his final shove was suggesting that you and dean check out the home of moira carlson while he goes to talk to the sheriff in charge of the murders. an argument raged on, but begrudgingly, you and dean left together to go investigate the number one suspects home.

dean had gotten to the home in under ten minutes, and now you found yourself and dean sneaking around the back of mrs carlson’s home to slip in the back door.

a scoff could be heard behind you. and as you turned around, you saw dean with an exasperated look on his face. “jesus woman, can you breathe any louder?”

the pettiness of dean’s complaint just had you rolling your eyes, turning back so you could make your way to where the sliding back door was; unlocked thankfully.

moira carlson’s home definitely screamed evil witch who enjoys killing people. occult items and witchy like items were sprawled around the living and dining room. a big pot in the kitchen alongside weird looking herbs also tipped you off. you would’ve mentioned how cliche all of this was if dean didn’t drop and shatter a statue like a dumb ass.

“are you serious!” you exclaimed, whipping around to look at dean’s hunched figure, trying to clean the broken pieces of the statue in a hurry. “can you not be a complete oaf for one damn second?”

the eldest winchester just laughed humourlessly, standing back up with all the broken pieces in his hand. “i’m not the one stomping around like an ogre. she can be home for all we know.”

“coming from the guy with the cinder blocks for shoes.” you scoffed, both you and dean looking down at his monstrous boots. “all of this complaining is really rich coming from you, dean winchester.”

it seemed that at that very moment, dean had enough of your guys’ bickering. with a wild look in his eye, dean flew off the handle in a way that you probably wouldn’t be able to describe in full accuracy ever again. he started off with a disbelieved “really!” and then ranted on for longer than you ever could’ve pictured.

“how is it possible that you think i’m the one always complaining, miss whines a lot.” your eyes buggered out of your head as you looked on past dean. “you know, i’ve been keeping my cool for sammy’s sake but you are really a piece of work. i know i’m not the best person to be around 24/7 but cmon, can you not try and be civil for once?”

he kept going. yet you weren’t focused on whatever dean was saying, for moira carlson, in all of her evil witchy goodness, was coming up behind dean with a spell on her tongue that did not look friendly at all.

“dean.” you muttered, watching as the now ghastly looking woman got closer. he didn’t listen though, just threw his arms in the air and let his hands reside on his hips like a child. “oh so mature y/n. go on and interrupt me-“

“get down you idiot!” your body smacked down to the floor just as the witch threw dean across the room. poor bastard didn’t even have time to turn around. attempting to take shelter behind the sofa, you grabbed on to dean’s sprawled body and shuffled across the floor while trying to shoot at mrs carlson.

somehow, you got the two of you behind the sofa, propping dean in a sitting position before resting your body over the couch so you could take a shot. dean was frantically texting sam, warning his brother about what danger you two were in while wheezing in the air that got knocked out of his lungs.

with a mighty wave of her hand, the witch blew the couch into two pieces. dean’s body slumped back to the floor, too bruised and in pain to allow the man to even move a muscle. a loud cackle could be heard as mrs carlson moved in on dean, ready to deliver her final blow.

she was about to, if it wasn’t for your gun going off at the perfect time and striking her right in her forehead. the woman slumped to the ground beside dean, the man in question shimmying as far away from her as possible before you rushed over and propped him up on the nearest wall.

“oh god.” you mumbled, watching as dean nearly coughed up a lung. you knew he was okay, he took worse beating than this. it was just the fact of seeing him get thrown around like a rag doll that had an emotion bubbling to the forefront of your mind. one you never thought you’d experience towards dean.

waving you off, dean sat himself up straighter and took a deep intake of air. “i’m okay y/n, it’s fine. though you probably just saved my life.” dean all of a sudden had the realization that he didn’t need to be so closed off all this time. you could easily handle your own, and having someone like you would probably be the best thing that ever happened to him.

a sheepish blush rose to your cheeks as dean stared at you longer, and suddenly, you realized that maybe the man wasn’t as bad as you initially thought. deep down, you cared about him. yeah, you two could fight like cats and dogs, but so does everyone. at the end of the day, you would always be there for dean and he’d do the same for you.

“i’m sorry for how i’ve treated you these past couple of years.” your random word vomit had dean snapping his head up, eyes wide and mouth agape as he stared at your nervous features. “i know you have your own way of doing things and i shouldn’t pester you about everything. it sucks that you probably still hate me, but can we please work on us-“

“i never hated you.” dean cut you off so quickly it was almost like he couldn’t bare hold down those words any longer. your nervous face turned shocked, and suddenly dean had the confidence to say what he always wanted to. “ever since i was young, every person i’ve ever cared about either leave’s or dies, and i somehow just knew that you were special the first moment i met you.” a somber smile appeared on your face, and you found yourself moving closer and closer to dean as he continued to speak.

“i’m sorry i never gave you a chance sweetheart, but would you give me one now?” you didn’t have to be asked twice, for in an instant you perched yourself in dean’s lap and smashed your lips onto his.

dean didn’t take long to reciprocate your actions. hands moving to go around your waist and nestle in your hair while your own gripped tightly onto his t shirt. dean’s mouth was exploring all the places he wished he could’ve kissed you sooner. your soft lips, all around your face. when he moved on to placing sloppy kisses on your neck, you felt the vibrations of his voice against your skin as he kept mumbling. ‘so perfect’ and ‘you’re so beautiful, everything i could ever dream of.’

unknown to the two of you, sam had just walked in the front door and was ready to defend you all against the destructive witch. though to his surprise — and slight disgust if he was being honest, he stepped into the living room to see you and dean behind a destroyed couch. the two of you were heavily making out and dean just put it upon himself to wrap his one arm around the underside of your ass, hoisting you further up on his body and giving it a firm squeeze in the process.

“well fuck.” sam mumbled to himself, slightly gagging up his salad from lunch as he watched dean pull your head back by a tuft of your hair and start leaving trails of hickeys down your neck.

“yeah, that’s enough of that.” the youngest winchester just silently mumbled to himself as he walked back outside the front door, leaving you and dean in the middle of a random house to sort out all of your pent up feelings in a way he definitely shouldn’t be seeing.

[maybefae]

What do you need to hear right now?

Pile 1 - Pile 2 - Pile 3

Remember, this is a general reading and it may not resonate for everyone or completely. Tarot is a tool to help guide but you are responsible for your actions and life, you choose your path.

Tips!

|Pile 1

Tarot: The Tower, Page of Pentacles, The Moon, Queen of Swords, Knight of Swords, King of Cups, Ten of Pentacles, The Hierophant, Four of Cups (bottom of the deck)

Advice: The Opossum and Peony — bashfulness, The Bear and Cedar — leadership

Mhm, Pile 1… Well, I am doing your pile second and I also got distracted for 10 minutes (and keep getting distracted) as if I was avoiding something…Much like how you are. :)

This feels more job related, but adapt it how you will. One of the things that distracted me actually feels similar to the messages I am receiving for you. My sister was trying to find her guitar tuner, which my father had previously used for his bass a few weeks ago. But she couldn’t find it on her desk so she asked me to help find it. But the more we looked, our parents ended up joining in on the search. Turns out, the tuner was clamped on her amp right in plain sight.

You are trying to achieve something but you have come to obstacles that you can’t solve by yourself. I mean, you can…but it would certainly take a lot longer. Ask for help, Pile 1. There is someone, maybe more qualified, that could help. This person could also have others join in to work on the problem as well so there is a whole team that is striving to solve whatever problem you have encountered. 

I don’t know if you’re stubbornly independent, shy, or both. But the solution is really simple and is presented right in front of your eyes that you are neglecting to even flirt with the idea. Your solution is to just ask for help. You may have that “well, that was stupid” feeling that you get when something turns out a lot smoother than expected after worrying yourself sick beforehand. For example, when I was in uni, I used to worry myself way too much over exams that I had studied for extensively and I knew that I knew all the material — I take the test and ended up with a passing or perfect score which I was then left dumbfounded that I worried so much in the first place. 

You would probably help someone if they asked so why do you think that someone else wouldn’t do the same? You’d actually be surprised that other people would extend kindness and help.

|Pile 2

Tarot: Six of Swords, Page of Pentacles, Queen of Swords, The Empress, Ten of Pentacles, The Emperor, Ten of Swords, Six of Cups (reversed), Three of Swords (bottom of the deck)

Advice: The Quail and Gooseberry — Anticipation

Hello Pile 2! I am actually doing your pile first because the energy was being really insistent and I also feel like someone’s spirit guide was pushing me to start with your pile first. It’s a more feminine energy but it also almost feels like an angel or light being in an androgynous sense. I don’t know if that was any help trying to determine who or what it could be for you.

Pile 2, I keep second guessing myself and it’s really reflective of the energies in your reading. It’s like you keep digging your heels into the ground while an energetic force pulls you in the direction you need to be going. This could honestly be the spirit guide I was picking up on. There’s, not stubbornness per say, but an unwillingness to move. You may have to move in a direction that causes a lot of emotional turmoil for you. You do know that you need to make this move but you keep saying “I don’t know” because you truly don’t want to make the decision, even if it’s what is best at the moment. 

The way I’m getting these messages is really fast and it’s really hard to grasp each one so I can relay it because it’s so much. There could be a lot of energy surrounding this (dark or light), either way, both energies are a conductor that will facilitate this movement. Or you have spirit guides that are grabbing you by the arms and dragging you in a direction because you have stalled for so long. Think of it as a pipe — you are the blockage that is backing up all the energy behind you and at some point, the force behind you will move you.  

This situation has to do with walking away from something. A partner, family, a childhood friend, something from your childhood, or something that wasn’t the best for you and you knew you should go but you stayed (leading to you getting hurt over and over again). This could be an “older daughter/sibling” dynamic that you want to break but it leaves you feeling terribly guilty. If it is, just know that your younger siblings want you to do what is best for you and to stop beating yourself up. 

I don’t really like to bring up “divine feminine/masculine” energy but I don’t have other terms to use… But there is a need to bring balance. If you’re an older daughter, that will be incredibly difficult since it’s usually harder to truly express emotions and just let everything flow, not controlling everything. But I remember hearing about “feminine rage” energy and how you can confuse it with divine masculine energy. Feminine rage energy is the act of plowing forward with endless amounts of adrenaline until a hardship is done and your safe, it’s quiet because you’re detached from emotions, it’s easier to burn out, and you endure until you're safe and then you collapse. Masculine energy is more about self discipline — you have routines and boundaries that take care of your physical body, mental health, etc, and you are more logical but your emotions aren’t ignored. 

A lot of you are at different points. Some need to make the decision to walk away from someone or something while others are told to develop a healthier balance in your life now that you’ve made said decision. Your guides want me to tell you that there is a lot to anticipate in the future (but won’t specify what…It’s definitely a surprise).

|Pile 3

Tarot: Nine of Swords, Past Lives (Death), Ten of Wands, The Vessel (The Devil), Eight of Cups, The Shapeshifter (Knight of Wands), Two of Cups, Five of Wands, Seven of Wands (bottom of the deck)

Advice: The Fox and Ivy — Adaptability

I saw The Vessel while I was shuffling and had already got a message but I ended up putting it back and just shuffling the cards out. The Vessel is The Devil in this deck that I’m using and the image is a lot less scary than the original picture we get with the devil card. It’s a drawing of a capped vase and there’s a lot of light coming from it, practically glowing. And definition-wise, a vessel is used to transport something — but it’s also contained to that space. 

Some of you have an addiction (when I saw it the first time, someone very much needs to quit vaping/smoking but it could really be anything) that has really hindered your life and has trapped you. A bad habit, substance abuse, a mindset, anything. This addiction has entrapped you…It could’ve once been something that actually allowed you to carry through life, but only so far. Again, you are stuck in the walls of this vessel. And I get the feeling that this addiction has finally reached the point where it is getting annoying to you. There’s frustration that this addiction has so much power over you and your life. You are ready to lift the lid on the vase and finally set yourself free. For some of you, this could be breaking generational trauma.

I feel like you know this, but this reading could be external validation to finally take baby steps towards your personal freedom. I want you to know that I support you. Breaking any addiction isn’t easy and it’s very easy to fall back to bad habits, but it’s the fact that you are willing to try over and over again to finally get the freedom you want that means the most. It could look like you’re lazy or not trying hard, but trust me, there’s a lot of strength and courage and willpower that you have to muster to try after failing numerous times. 

You love yourself. You are willing to try to get better and that is loving yourself, even if you are hard on yourself sometimes. Be gentle with yourself. Tough love isn’t beating yourself up — it’s willing to be disciplined with yourself. And ya know, you may have to try different ways to break the cycle. It may not land with the first way you try and it may not be in a way someone else does it. It honestly could be unconventional.

I am supporting you and I’m sending love. xoxo

Dividers: @inklore

[musaslullaby]

The night has only just begun

Max Verstappen x fem reader

Summary: Max becomes jealous when he sees you talking to another man.

Warning: NSFW, +18, you are responsible for what you read.

Masterlist

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I've always loved being around people. Parties, interviews, or simply going out to dinner were a way to clear my head from eternal melancholy.

The limousine sped through the empty streets of Monaco. The only lights visible through the tinted windows were those of the beautiful stars, shining independently in the sky. They’ve always inspired a sense of trust in me, and now, after years of hard work, I can happily consider myself one of them.

"Schatje, are you ready?" Max asked, placing his hand on my leg, covered by the expensive blue dress that sparkled under the moonlight.

"I'm always ready. Perhaps I should ask you if you are." My mischievous smile caused an adorable chuckle from Max, who gently stroked me before stepping out of the car. Like a true gentleman, he opened the door for me, and only at that moment did my eyes wander over his entire body, perfectly framed by a black tuxedo as dark as the night, which highlighted his light blue eyes.

He extended his hand toward me with an elegant gesture while a brilliant, sincere smile adorned his features. His expression was relaxed, genuinely happy, and it made me smile involuntarily. I loved seeing him so at ease, especially because it was rare—during races, he often showed his worst side.

I gently placed my hand in his, which was larger than mine. It felt reassuring as we walked down that red carpet; his presence was warm and calm, in stark contrast to the continuous flashes of the journalists' cameras blinding us. Even the sky seemed to hide its beloved stars from those equally bright machines.

When we entered the venue, the lights were dim, a soft murmur lingered in the background, and waiters constantly passed by with glasses of sparkling wine. Occasionally, you could notice a dark wooden table surrounded by Ferrari-red couches.

My eyes darted around, scanning every person, and they casually caught sight of blonde hair. In an instant, I left Max's side, diving into that ocean of important people, dressed like kings and queens. When I got close enough, I recognized that boy. I knew my eyes weren’t deceiving me. "If I’m not mistaken, this is the scent of…" I said, stopping, resting my hand on my chin as I pretended to think. "Ah yes, it’s the new Giorgio Armani fragrance?"

The boy turned to me with wide eyes. "I can’t believe it, Y/N, how long has it been!"

"Too long!" I whispered, laughing, as we hugged, fearing we’d lose each other again.

"So, how’s it going?" he asked, his bright smile so contagious that I felt a facial paralysis coming on.

"Everything’s fine, thanks," I replied kindly, my voice slightly sweetened.

I had no idea how much time had passed since we started talking, but the only thing I knew was that he hadn’t changed: he was still the same goofy boy as always, and in some ways, that was reassuring. As caught up as we were in the conversation, I completely ignored the phone going crazy with calls and messages. By then, my handbag was vibrating every three seconds.

A laugh erupted from the back of my throat; I loved his humor and jokes, but I didn’t even have time to reply before I felt a deadly grip on my wrist, being yanked from the conversation without realizing it.

"That's enough," Max whispered through clenched teeth, his jaw tight.

"Stop it!" I yelled, trying to resist, drawing the attention of those around us, who suddenly stopped talking. Couldn’t they mind their own business?

"Will you explain what’s wrong with you?" I asked, stumbling as he let go, shoving me violently against the bathroom wall.

"What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with me?" His anger was evident; I could see it in his eyes, but beyond that, I saw something else… sadness? Melancholy? No, that wasn’t it. Something deeper, perhaps?

"I’m not the one who was eyeing another man," he continued, almost shouting, his voice filled with frustration and repressed feelings.

"What are you talking about? You know I only have eyes for you," I whispered, a slight sense of guilt starting to weigh on me, causing me to lower my gaze.

"Good, liefde, then prove it," he said, pressing his face against mine. I felt his warm breath brushing my lips and his mischievous grin. Ah, that’s what had been in his eyes earlier: lust.

With my cheeks flushed pink, I made the first move, throwing myself onto his slightly chapped lips. Max knew me too well; I would never back down from his provocations.

His hands gripped my hips in a firm hold, pulling me against his body. His teeth sank into my lips, asserting his dominance.

Involuntarily, I let out a sharp squeal, which earned an approving sound from Max. His kisses moved down to my exposed neck, biting and sucking the sensitive spots he knew all too well.

When he pulled away, I ran my hand over the purple and red marks he had left on me. A shiver of excitement shot down my spine as Max seductively licked his lips.

"Kneel," he ordered in a firm, authoritative voice, as he unbuttoned his pants.

With a subdued nod, I knelt before him, noticing the bulge in his pants. When I saw his member freed from its restraints in front of my face, I felt a sharp pang of pleasure deep in my core. Without hesitation, I took him into my mouth, swirling my tongue around him. I could hear his muffled grunts under my touch, and the heat he caused throughout my body was heavenly.

"Damn…" His hands found a grip in my hair, tugging to push deeper into his sex. My cheeks flushed red as he completely controlled the rhythm. Gag reflexes took over my body, feeling his member contract and the veins growing rigid. Suddenly, I noticed the pace increasing, although sloppier, and after two more thrusts, Max released himself into my throat.

"Swallow it all, I don’t want to see a drop," he whispered, pulling me up by my hair. His cheeks were flushed pink, and sweat dripped down his forehead.

He was incredibly sexy. With a seductive movement, I placed my hands on his chest, letting his expensive jacket fall to the ground. The white shirt clung to his body from the sweat, revealing his sculpted abs.

Max dropped the authoritative act for a moment, planting a sweet, wet kiss on my lips, tasting himself, before returning to the Max from before.

Without effort, he lifted me into his arms, playing with the edge of my panties, slightly pushing them aside, brushing against my swollen, already wet lips.

"You're already ready for me, schatje? Pathetic," he whispered with a mischievous laugh on my lips, and his closeness definitely wasn’t helping.

Quickly, he aligned himself with my entrance and penetrated me, our ragged breaths mingling together. I could feel every part of him inside me, every small movement and his overwhelming heat. He didn’t wait a second before hammering into me at an inhuman pace. I was sure my screams could be heard throughout the club.

He was consistent, hard, and fast. No second thoughts or hesitation, his movements were precise and sure. I buried my face in his neck while he grunted, throwing his head back in pleasure.

The tip of his member hit my g-spot, making me melt like cream in his hands. I could no longer think straight. A warmth crept into my lower abdomen, and with each thrust, it became more intense and taut until it finally snapped, accompanied by a scream carrying his name in a vulgarly melodious way.

"He would never make you scream the way I do," he said between grunts, pushing even deeper, losing energy as he went.

After a few more thrusts, he reached the height of pleasure and came inside me with a stifled groan, muffled by a kiss full of sweetness and lust, mixed in a perfect cocktail.

Sweat dripped down his face as he lovingly pressed his forehead against mine.

"I love you, schatje," he whispered against my lips in a soft voice, planting a few kisses on my face.

"I love you too, especially when you're jealous," I said with a playful smile, grazing his earlobe with my teeth, making him shiver at the contact.

"Ready for the next round?" he said with a mischievous smirk, running his fingers down my back, exposed by the low cut of my dress.

"The night has only just begun..." I whispered, laughing softly as I gently caressed his cheek, my heart beating faster knowing what awaited me.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

The Holiday Spirit

Warnings: non/dubcon, and other dark elements. Not all kinks or triggers are tagged. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Summary: You don't have much reason to enjoy the holidays until a generous man walks in the door.

Character: Captain Syverson

Day Thirteen of the December Daze Challenge.

Prompt - i just can't wait until the holidays are over 

Note: As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

You watch the snow gather at the corners of the large window pane with dread. The longer it falls, the more your anxiety rises. How on earth are you supposed to get home? Not too mention the more important question, how are any customers supposed to get in the store? 

Your phone jingles at the very thought, your manager calling as if she could hear your silent plea for rescue. You grab your phone but don't answer until the fourth ring. You don't want her to know you've been doom scrolling the weather forecast. 

Gloria greets you without formality, "what's it look like there?" 

"Um, bad," you answer honestly. "Snowy." 

"I mean customers. What are the numbers?" 

"Oh..." you blink and look around the empty shop. "I think most people are staying home. There hasn't been anyone since I started." 

"What about the walkway? Have you shoveled it?" It's as much an accusation as a question. "They won't come in if they can't get in." 

You wish you had the courage to mention that it isn't just the sidewalk, you haven't seen car drive by in over an hour. Those you can see are parked and not going anywhere as the snow piles over their windows. You frown and again, look at the windows in horror. 

"Go out and clear it and maybe you'll sell a few pieces. No point having the lights on if you're not doing anything," she snips. 

"Meredith closed up across the street--" 

"I don't care what that old crone did. Get out there. The shovel's in the back room." She commands. 

"Okay," you agree meekly. 

You know you shouldn't be such a pushover but you need this job. Even if it isn't much. It's a small independent shop that sells candles, lotions, and random nicknacks. You're not really sure what to call it. 

You hang up and go into the backroom and grab your coat. It's not the best. A sherpa thing you go used at the Good Will. Your boots are a couple years old and you can tell. You wear three pairs of socks just to keep your toes from hurting as bad. 

You pull on your thin gloves and grab the shovel. You approach the front door and gaze through the glass. Look at it! You'll be lucky if you don't get lost. 

You go to push through the door. You have to shove your shoulder into it just to get outside as the wind blows angrily. The door slams behind you and you plant the shovel into the thick snow as you look around. Ugh, where do you even begin? 

This time of year is always too much. Who decided the holidays needed to be in the middle of winter? It's not fair, but life just isn't. 

You scoop up the snow bit by bit. Your muscles ache as you try to heave into out of the way but as the powder builds, it's only more and more difficult to do so. As you final get clear of the door, you look back and see a new blanket of white. It doesn't matter, you'll be outside all night if you try to keep it clean. 

You work your way across the store front as the sky continues to dim. It never really got light as the sun stayed hidden in the clouds. You put your head down against the swirling flakes and you grip the shovel tight. You groan and grunt each time you lift it. 

"Now what they got you out here doing all this for?" A grizzly voice draws your head up and you bat your lashes as snow catches in them. You stare up at the burly man in his heavy brown coat and black toque. His beard is sparkling with flakes. 

"Um, I... work in there," you nod to the store. "Gotta make sure people can get in." 

"Y'all should be at home," he tuts. 

"It's just me," you shrug. 

"That's a shame. Damn big shame," he shakes his head, "lady like you shouldn't be out here in the cold." 

"Well, it's my job, I guess," you say. 

"Here," he puts his hand on the handle of the shovel, "you go in. Get warm." 

"Oh, no, I couldn't--" 

"Do you know what my mother would do if she knew I just walked on by a little lady like you struggling in the snow?" He argues. 

"I... thank you, that's too kind. But, you probably have somewhere to be." 

"I'm just walking," he assures you. "I like the snow." 

"Oh, right, uh..." you let go of the shovel reluctantly. "Thanks, I... I feel bad." 

"Don't. I feel bad seein' ya shiver your nose off. Go on." 

You scrunch up your mouth guiltily and push your shoulders up. You back away step by step as you stare at him. It's been a while since you met a single person who wasn't demanding or just downright rude. Maybe holiday cheer isn't dead. 

You retreat inside with a sheepish smile and let out a brr as the door swings shut behind you. You rub your hands together then peel of the wet gloves. You tuck them into your pocket and unzip your jacket. You go to the back room and chew your lip. 

You're not the Christmassy type or whatever other special occasions are going on. You hate it all. It's too shiny and loud. Too greedy the way people will argue over something as simple as a three-wick candle or face scrub. 

What family you do have aren't very cozy. You haven't talked to either of your parents in two years and your sister never really answers your texts. It's just you and it isn't so bad. Other people just make things complicated. Without them, you have the control. 

You put your things away and tramp back out to the till. You can see the snow flying through the windows. The man effortlessly throws chunks of it out of his way. Somehow, he looks even bigger from there. 

You feel awkward, especially with no one else around. You go to a shelf to distract yourself, turning the jarred candles label out to appear busy. The bell above the door jingles and you look over your shoulder at the man. He pauses before he enters to shake the shovel off then leans it against the wall. 

He looks around as you retreat from the candle display and watch him. There’s not much for him here. You’re sure he’ll be off soon enough. He rubs his hands together then strips off his mitts. He slips them into his pockets and gives a curious glance over the table of bath bombs and salts. 

“You know,” he brushes his fingers over his beard so some of the melting snow falls away, “I’m looking for a gift.” 

“Oh? Well, we have lots here,” you keep your distance. You’re not sure you believe him. He’s probably just humouring you. “Thanks again for shoveling. You know, you don’t have to stick around. Actually...” you peer through the windows again, “should probably head out sooner than later.” 

“I got time,” he argues. “She’s real pretty. Girl I’m buyin’ for. So she probably wants somethin’ smells pretty too.” 

“Right, uh...” you twist your fist around a finger. You might as well get a single sale. It’s more than you hoped for. “We have some nice seasonal candles. Apple crisp, or candy cane, oh, the fruitcake is kind nice.” 

“You like candles?” He asks. 

“Sometimes. I don’t get the big ones.” 

“Ah,” he comes closer and you make room for him to browse. He picks up a smaller one and sniffs it. It looks tiny in his beefy hand. All of him sticks out among the dainty aesthetic of the boutique. “Mm, caramel brulee.” 

He reads the side and his eyes scan the shelves again, “what else do you like? Think maybe you know best.” 

“Oh, um, I...” you have to stop yourself from saying you don’t shop here. It’s too expensive. You get the discounts on dupes down at the mall. “Bath bombs are popular right now. Especially these snowflake ones. Oh and, we sell hot chocolate bombs. Those are edibles, these ones aren’t.” 

You point to the table as you pass him. He follows. You laugh nervously at your own lame joke. 

“Makes sense. I like hot chocolate. It’s the perfect weather for it, huh?” 

“Yeah, it is,” you agree. 

He comes to stand beside you as you gesture to the merchandise. You’re not used to that. The rare customer is a bit oblivious to physical space but more often they stay around the other side of the table. He’s right there. 

“Face masks too. It could be a little self-care kit if you wanted,” you suggest. 

“Mm, it does sound nice,” he says. “You think it’s a good present?” 

“Well, I get paid to sell this stuff,” you shrug, “but yeah, it’s hot bath season.” 

“Makes sense,” he nods. 

You step back and give him space. He hums and circles the table as you go back to the counter. You check your phone. *Extreme Weather Warning*. You should call Gloria back and let her know. If the county says you should go home, you’ll insist on doing so. 

“Cherry blossom or... vanilla coconut?” The man asks. 

“Hm, vanilla,” you smile at him then quickly look at your phone again. You type out a text to Gloria.  

He surprises you as he approaches and puts down a selection of items. The candle, a few bombs, some face masks, a shampoo bar, one of the little lotion and balm kits, and a spa headband. It’s a lot and it’s all very cute. 

“Think that’s good, don’t you?” He asks. 

“I think so,” you scan each item. “A very special lady indeed.” 

“Sure is,” he taps his fingers on the counter as his eyes bore into you. “I’m Sy, by the way...” he reads your name tag aloud and you’re surprised until you remember you’re wearing it. 

“Sy,” you repeat back. “Need a bag? Sorry, we’re all out of wrap or I’d offer that.” 

“Bag is just fine, think my girl’s easy to please. She appreciates the simple things,” he grins and grips the edge of the counter. 

“Alright,” you unfold a paper bag and gently place the items inside. “I hope likes it all. I’m sure she’ll love it.” 

“Me too,” he takes out his card and swipes. 

The machine dings and the receipt prints. You tear it off and hand it over, sliding the bag across the counter. He takes the slip of paper but leaves the purchase as it is. 

“Um, did I forget something?” You search the countertop, worried something rolled away. 

“It’s for my lady,” he gently nudges the bag back across the counter. 

“What?” You frown, confused. 

“S’for you, sugar. So you can warm up tonight.” 

“Tonight? Sir--” 

“Sy,” he insists, “best get home before the storm gets worse.” He turns to look out the windows. “No one coming out in this. Might as well close down.” 

“Sy, this is very nice of you but I’m fine. My boss wants the store open--” 

“Your boss?” He turns back to you and tilts his head, “ain’t a good one if they aren’t thinking about you gettin’ home safe.” He stares you down and looms over the counter, “’sides, a lady’s only boss is her man. So you go get your coat and things and we’ll be off.” 

“Sy, that’s... that’s not—I'm not your lady--” 

“Not?” He narrows his eyes. “I know you ain’t got another man, you wouldn’t be here if ya did.” 

“I-- no—but--” 

“You come with me or I stay,” he crosses his arms and leans his elbows on the counter. He plumes a snarl out of his nose, “up to you, but you’re not goin’ out in this alone, sweet thing. Need me there to dig ya out, don’t you?” 

You flinch and shake your head, “I don’t-- I don’t know you--” 

“Sure ya do, I’m Sy,” he grins. “And I know you. You’re the most pretty girl I ever seen.” 

You stare at him. He’s as formidable as the heaps of snow building outside the shop. As dangerous as the patches of ice forming on the road. He is a storm in man’s clothes. He’ll bowl you over just as easily as those winds.  

Just like the blizzard blowing in the street, you can’t escape him. 

[sabertoothwalrus]

I dunno if this is asking too much of your time/being obnoxious but, what sort of study/practice would you recommend for someone who wants to do comics professionally but can't go to college for it/is financially strapped?? Thank you for reading this!

well, considering I’m not going to school to do comics and have never done comics professionally, I definitely think it’s something you can teach yourself! I’ve thought about doing graphic novels, but haven’t done much research. I can share what general information I know.

The skills you’d use to make storyboards stronger are VERY transferrable to the ones that make comics stronger. It’s best to have a good sense of perspective, storytelling/pacing, visual clarity, action, etc.

Comics have a fun little quirk where you can really play with time in a way that storyboards can’t. In a storyboard, if two characters have their mouths open at the same time, the animator will assume they’re speaking at the same time. But in comics, you can have multiple moments in a singular panel, and time will “pass” as the reader’s eye moves across it.

There’s lots of different ways to arrange comics. The webtoons-style scroll comics are very popular right now, and they’re nice in the sense that you spend less time worrying about how an entire page is arranged, BUT it makes it harder if you ever decide to sell a physical version. Spending the extra time at the beginning to set up your formatting will save you trouble in the long run.

Also consider time. Making a comic can be a long term commitment. Figure out how frequently you can produce finished pages without burning out— daily? Three times a week? Once a week?— and calculate how long it’d take you to fill up a volume. Would it be your full time job, or would you be working on top of that? A lot of serialized comics can be a 10+ year commitment!!

There’s also publishing independently, or working for a studio. Indie comics will give you more freedom for what your story/art direction/deadlines will be, but comics are very oversaturated and hard to get readers looking at your work. A studio will help with that kind of thing, but depending where you go, you may be illustrating based on a concept someone else has written (which— that can be preferable for some people!).

But regardless, the best way to study comics is by reading comics! Pay attention to art styles you like (and if it has an entire team of assistants helping it look that way), pay attention to speech bubble arrangements, how value is used, how panels are shaped. And pay attention to when you’re confused too! You can learn from other artists’ mistakes.

and draw a lot. I started doing “comics” ~2016 by drawing all the panels on a page in my sketchbook, and then taking pictures of each part zoomed in with my phone, and then posting the panels as individual images. At some point that translated to me doing digital comics where I draw on one canvas, and make a new layer for each panel. I do this a lot still! And more recently I’ve been putting an effort into doing paneled comics. It’s not as hard as it used to be for me, but now I have almost 10 years of comic experience under my belt!! So keep drawing!!! Just do it a lot and you’ll get better

[phoenixyfriend]

Hey, so I wrote another email to Colourpop about the issue I have with their participation in the appropriation (and bastardization) of Quileute culture by doing a New Moon collection, especially one whose marketing leans into the 'wild' vibes.

Here's the text. Modify as you see fit, but don't copy word-for-word, please. You too can send an email to colourpop here, or you can comment on one of the New Moon posts on their instagram.

(Here's the one I wrote back in January.)

Hello,

I wrote to your company January 19th, and received an email that I would get a response in 3-5 business days, though there may be a bit of a backlog. Given that it has been three weeks, and so fifteen business days, I assume that my email was deemed less urgent than those of customers with missing packages or similar issues.

However, this is a topic I feel quite strongly about. When I look at your collection, which leans so heavily into the 'wild' nature that Meyer emphasized so heavily about the wolf pack, naming shades after things that draw so directly from the Quileute people, a federally recognized tribe, and marketing with 'wolfish' imagery that continues to use a parody of indigenous culture to sell a product, it is concerning.

I understand that your contract with Stephenie Meyer may preclude addressing the issue of what is owed to the Quileute peoples in direct relation to this franchise, but that does not make the damages they have suffered at her hands, if indirectly, any less real. If you are unable to address them in relation to each other, I urge you to state independently, but publicly, that you plan to donate to Move to Higher Ground, or more generally to an indigenous foundation of the PNW if you feel that it would come to close to a contract violation.

Were you a small creator or a lone celebrity, or just sharing a Twilight cosplay someone did with your products, I could dismiss it as a lack of knowledge. You are also not, yourselves, responsible for what Stephenie and her works have done to the people who influenced New Moon and the subsequent books so much. However, by collaborating with the franchise, by spending months on these palettes and glosses and liners, you have voluntarily stepped into the conflict that is between those who are concerned about the real impact of these books, and those who are not. You've had months, even a year, for your people to work on these products, and so I imagine it was impossible for you to have not come across, in your research of fan preferences, the movement of fans who want to see these wrongs righted.

You can continue to look away, but it reflects poorly on your brand, and I am not the only person whose view of your reputation is being tarnished. You have the opportunity to do a great good, for the sake of people who have been, and continue to be, harmed by the actions of Stephenie Meyer and her franchise. In engaging with this collaboration, you are now party to that harm.

I want to buy the New Moon eyeshadow palette. I really do. But until you make a public statement on this subject, I cannot.

Thank you for your time.

[georgeplease]

i’n the one who needs to know your headcannons pleaseee, what do you think are the differences between dating fred and george? i love them both and honestly i’m more of a fred girly but george too is something to me. thank uu

a rose for you ����

So I have a few off the top of my head, this is just a few of them and I’m so willing to get into more specifics of them or tweak some of these if yall don’t agree.

I think George is a little more reserved than Fred. He’d prefer a night in over a party with his s/o. Not all the time, he does enjoy a good night out every so often, but maybe like three times a month he wants to stay in. He also will avoid being the complete center of attention, usually lets Fred do all the talking, he’s not introverted by any means tho.

Neither of the twins are introverted. But Fred is more extroverted than George. Fred is willing to go up to his crush and ask them out. George can talk to his crush, but he would rather see if it will come naturally than ask outrigh, see if there’s a connection and get to know them.

Fred is so useless with Muggle technology it is actually insane. Give him an iPhone and some AirPods and be entertained. George is a little less helpless, still baffled by it but is willing to understand it more. George puts on an effort if you are muggle born to know your world, while Fred sees magic as a better solution. Still both use magic as a crutch.

HOWEVER, Fred would be so tiktok addicted. Does he understand it? No. Does he spend most of his time scrolling? Yes. Cares deeply about his streaks.

I think Fred is a bit oblivious to things. Doesn’t realize his actions have consequences, so he might say something rude and not realize he shouldn’t have. If something he did or said made you upset he does apologize and tries to do better in the future.

George is careful with his words, he doesn’t accidentally say anything rude. Which can often mean, if he does anything rude he usually meant it.

George is organized chaos, yes his office is a mess but at least he knows where everything is. He has a system and it works for him. But he knows how to tidy things up.

Fred is just messy. Leaves things in random spots, never knows where. He needs AirTags for almost everything but he is stubborn and swears he knows where he put it.

I feel like both the twins are quite independent. They love their mom and dad, but they aren’t a mommas boy or anything like that. They have so many siblings that they kinda just have each other to ask for advice.

BOTH WOULD DATE WEIRD GIRLS/BOYS. Like during their time at hogwarts they were popular, but once they are adults they would love to have a weird partner. Fred would probably really like a more goth/alt/emo partner, like sure put the 7 hour fnaf deep dive on babe. While George would love a whimsigoth crystal partner, like sure let’s get the 4 foot tall amethyst statue.

I think Fred is more open with the type of people he dates, he’s adventurous with who he dates. If he thinks you are hot, he’s gonna wanna try.

I think George is a little more reserved about who he dates. Probably not into party girls, but likes someone who he can relax with.

☃️CHRISTMAS HP HEADCANON PARTY☃️

[shibaincubus]

How to stop being a doormat.-

-> . . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ [By a healed people pleaser] ࿐ྂ

Being nice to others is not a bad trait, but becoming THE NICE GIRL is.

Excessive people pleasing brings you nowhere and makes you vulnerable to becoming a doormat, disrespect, and sacrificing yourself.

People pleasing isn’t just about being nice to everyone all the time; it actually messes with your head and how you think about yourself deep down. 

We can look at people pleasing from an conscious and subconscious side.

Conscious People pleasing

This is what we typically associate with people pleasing:

You can't say no: Every request feels like an obligation.

You prioritize others over yourself: Your needs take a backseat.

You apologize for everything: Even when it’s unnecessary.

You avoid conflicts: Peace at any cost, right?

You make yourself small: Shrinking your presence to fit in.

Subconscious people pleasing

This is the impact people pleasing has on your mindset and behaviours

While breaking people pleasing one should focus here more

Servant mindset -> catering to others drains your energy.

Emulating others ->  You lose sight of who you truly are.

Seeking validation: "I need to be ... to get validation 'love' from others

Ignoring your feelings: Suppressing your emotions to keep the peace.

Feeling judged: Worrying about what others think of you.

Anxiousness about acceptance: "Do they really like me?"

The Why of People pleasing

The first step in breaking free is understanding why you engage in people pleasing.

Here are some common reasons:

You might be people pleasing because of...

Anxiety: fear of disappointing others or rejection

Low self esteem: "pleasing others is the only way to get acceptance and love"

Past trauma: can link others' needs to safety and affection

Cultural or family expectations: Pressure from those around you.

Perfectionism:  The need to be flawless in the eyes of others.

Insecurity: Doubting your own worthiness.

Avoidance of Conflict: Preferring peace over confrontation.

To get the exact cause you should also utilise journaling.

Use 15 min. for three or more of these journaling prompts each

Does People pleasing really help me? How do I feel when I please people? Happy or drained?

Do I get something back by pleasing people. Is it one sided?

What is my earliest memory of people pleasing? Why did I decide to please people at that time?

How do I perceive the people that I please in reality? Do I even like them.

What is the thing I really want in this situation that I might feel too scared, vulnerable, or ashamed to ask for?

What is one thing that I'm scared people will think of me, and how is this actually true and useful for me?

What do I want to change about my people pleasing habit

This reflection makes it clear why we do it and what caused people pleasing to be ingrained in us in the first place.

Recovering from People pleasing

Start small.-

Begin by setting boundaries in low stakes situations

declining invitations to events etc.

declining requests that you don't have time or desire to do

Gradually work yourself up to more significant situations practicing assertiveness along the way.

Learn to tolerate discomfort

Recognise that asserting yourself and setting boundaries may initially feel uncomfortable or cause anxiety

Embrace the discomfort as a sign of growth and remind yourself that it's necessary to prioritize your own well being.

Strengthen your sense of self

When we are people pleasing we are placing our self worth on another person

With journaling, self care, setting personal goals and new hobbies, you can construct and identity independent of others opinions.

The Intention Interrogation

Ask yourself a specific question before agreeing to a request:

"Am I doing this because I genuinely want to, or because I'm afraid of potential consequences?" 

This can delay automatic people pleasing reflexes

Cut toxic people off

If someone is using you for their gain, it’s time to create distance.

Limit your availability and emotional investment

Create space between yourself and toxic relationships

And Trust your instincts

The 24-Hour Rule

Make it a commitment to not immediately respond to requests.

Give yourself a full day and then decide if you actually want to do this.

Get therapy

If people pleasing has a deep impact socially or otherwise on you consider therapy

It's really helpful against people pleasing if nothing else helps

That's it lovelies

People pleasing is a destructive social mechanism of ours that we developed in young years.

Unfolding these behaviours and taking a stance against pleasing others frees ourself for positive change and levelling ourselves up

[basketonthedoorstepofthefbi]

Spencer Reid x Read fic. Reid and Reader are friends, like best friends. Reader is always offering Reid donuts and listening to his fun facts and info dumps. It's one of those, they both like each other, but also are convinced the other doesn't like them.

Spencer is taking care of a slightly drunk reader whose grandmother called and asked why they're not engaged when they're younger sibling is married and expecting a child. At some point Spencer makes his ever classic comment about how it's safer to kiss and drunk reader, before being able to think, kisses Spencer. I hope that made sense.

OOPS I DID EXACTLY THAT

Safer to Kiss (Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!Reader)

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!Reader

Word Count: 2899

Warnings: Mentions of food, drinking alcohol, mild cursing, outdated expectations of women, and lots of pining

A/N: Hi I wrote this in 2 hours and was extremely entertained, please enjoy and if you send me a fic request I'll probably do it bc this is my hyperfixation hobby right now and very much keeping the demons at bay xD @bxm-1012 thank you for dropping by my inbox! I am VERY tempted to make a part 2 of this, I hope you enjoy! c:

-----

The whole expiration date thing that women faced was, in your humble opinion, complete and utter bullshit. Here you were, slowly approaching thirty (definitely still told people you were twenty-five, when, in fact, you were actually twenty-eight), and the biological clock was ticking. No, you didn’t want kids. Not right now, anyway. Not when you were only two years into your career as a profiler for the FBI’s prestigious Behavioral Analysis Unit. Not when you still had tons of things to check off your bucket list - go to Europe, visit an independent bookstore in every state, pilot a helicopter. 

And you didn’t buy into that whole ‘once a woman hits thirty, her stock plummets’ crap. Not usually, anyway. 

But Nan’s phone calls always left you questioning your existence. 

Back home in Ohio, your little sister, Kendra, had just announced her pregnancy. Three years younger than you (ironically, the age you told everyone you were), and married to a power plant manager, Kendra was living the dream of a woman from the 1950s. You tried your best not to look down on it, to wish for more for her - but Kendra was happy. She’d always wanted to be a mother, and you couldn’t imagine anyone better suited for the role. There was nothing wrong with wanting to be a wife and a mother, to devoting one’s life to it. You reminded yourself of that every time you spoke to Kendra. You especially reminded yourself of it every time you spoke to Nan. 

That sympathetic tone your grandmother used when she said, “Oh, Button, you’ll find someone eventually, and you’ll be just as happy as Kenny” was like nails on a chalkboard. You resisted the urge to gag into your speakerphone and simultaneously rip your grandmother a new one. You wanted so badly to explain to her that you were perfectly fulfilled with your life. 

You helped lock up bad guys on a weekly basis, you wanted to remind Nan. Your brain was one of few that had been chosen for a task force that caught criminals based on their behavior. It was amazing, working for the BAU, bouncing ideas off of your colleagues, finding a family within this small group of people that spent more than forty hours a week together. 

Nan didn’t see it that way. She wanted you to be just like Kendra. She wanted you to have that white picket fence in the suburbs, with a broad-shouldered husband and two little tykes running at your feet. Domestic bliss just wasn’t in the cards for you, you’d decided. And that was okay.

You were still reeling from your conversation with Nan the night before when you walked in to work on Monday morning. It was Derek who caught the raging RBF first. “Woah, pretty girl. Pump. Your. Brakes.” He said, halting you just as you entered the BAU’s bullpen, holding a hand up to stop you. 

“Good morning to you, too, Derek,” You flashed him a phony grin, and he rolled his eyes. 

“And you’re grumpy this morning… why, exactly?” Derek asked, turning to walk beside you, essentially escorting you to your desk. 

“Because I’m allowed to be?” You proffered, shrugging your shoulders, not really wanting to talk about it with him. You loved Derek - hell, you loved all your coworkers - but he was not the person you wanted to go to with these thoughts. You didn’t really want to talk to anyone about it, actually. You just wanted to ride the cranky train until it came to a complete stop. 

Emily was returning from the kitchenette with a fresh mug of coffee and decided that the conversation concerned her as well. “What’s going on?” she asked. 

“Y/L/N’s wearing her cranky pants this morning,” Derek filled her in. 

“Oh, those so don’t match your blouse, Y/N,” Emily teased, winking at you with a smirk before looking at Derek. “Cut her some slack. No one likes Mondays.” Derek held up his palms defensively. “Alright, alright. Forgive me for being a concerned citizen.” 

“It’s appreciated,” You told Derek genuinely before setting your bag down at your desk. “But unnecessary.” 

It wasn’t until later in the morning, around ten, that anyone bothered you about your obvious bad mood again. This time it was Spencer, the one person you couldn’t possibly be annoyed with. He rolled on his desk chair around the partition that separated your workspaces, holding his hand out expectantly, like he usually did this time of day. 

Without speaking, you opened the bottom drawer of your desk and pulled out the white bag of mini powdered donuts that you always kept in stock. They were your guilty pleasure snack, and one of the first things you and Spencer bonded over when you started at the BAU two years ago. That, and the fact that you were the closest agents in age, was how you got along so well so quickly. Over several cases, varying in degrees of intensity, you and Spencer became really great friends. Best friends, actually. 

There wasn’t anyone else in your life that you trusted more than Spencer Reid. 

You opened the bag of powdered donuts and shook one haphazardly into Spencer’s palm, then grabbed one for yourself. Silently, you cheers-ed your donuts together, and ate them simultaneously, making weird-but-comfortable eye contact as you did. 

“Derek says you’re in a bad mood today,” Spencer pointed out with a teasing smirk on his face. A smirk, and white sugar blanketing his upper lip.

“Derek’s full of shit,” you grinned after swallowing your snack, the smile on your face totally facetious. “I’m extremely happy.” 

“I can tell,” Spencer snickered as you set the powdered donuts back in your snack drawer, closing it with a clank. You watched as he brought both of his legs up into his desk chair, crossing them like a kindergartner. 

The action made your stomach flutter. You’d felt strongly about Spencer for a really long time, probably a year and half, if you had to try and pinpoint it. But there was no use in going down that road with him. For one thing, he was your best friend, and you didn’t want to risk flushing the best relationship in your life down the toilet. For another thing, you knew it was one hundred percent impossible that he could feel the same way. 

“What’d you do this weekend?” Spencer asked, and you could tell by the question that he was trying to discover the source of your poor attitude. 

“Stayed home, caught up on chores,” You said, crossing your knees and leaning back in your seat, your expression telling him that you knew exactly what he was doing. As much fun as playing mind games with Spencer was, you decided to throw him a bone. “Spoke to my grandmother on the phone last night.” 

Spencer nodded understandingly. “Say no more,” he said with a chuckle. “She gave you the whole ‘when are you going to get married’ spiel again?” 

You nodded. “Unfortunately. I usually don’t let it bother me, but for some reason it’s just, like, lurking in the back of my mind today.” You shrugged your shoulders and exhaled through your nose. “What about you?” You asked. 

“What about me?” Spencer arched a brow, and you rolled your eyes playfully. 

“What’d you do this weekend?” 

“Oh,” Spencer began, pursing his lips for a moment, like he was hesitant to tell you. “I actually went on a date.” 

Your stomach flipped. “Oh yeah?” You choked out, forcing a smile. “Who with?” 

“That girl, Lisa, from the coffee shop, the one you told me wouldn’t stop ‘ogling my boy band hair’,” Spencer held up air quotes when he repeated your words from memory.

You recalled the cute barista from the coffee shop just down the highway from Quantico, a popular morning stop for agents on their way to work. You tried to stop the jealousy from turning your blood into fire. “How was it?” You asked, trying to resist the urge to sit on the edge of your seat, trying not to hang on his every word. 

Spencer shrugged his shoulders. “It was okay. She was very nice, but there just wasn’t…” he trailed off, gesticulating as the words failed to come to that supercomputer brain of his. 

“It was like a donut without powdered sugar on it?” You suggested with a small chuckle.

“Yeah,” Spencer agreed, nodding, meeting your eyes and smiling, mildly amused. “Exactly.” 

Spencer went back to his desk a few minutes later, and the rest of the day went on. It was quiet, especially for a day at the BAU. There were, weirdly enough, no open cases right now, so you spent the day catching up on paperwork, which there was always plenty of. 

You caught the elevator about ten minutes after five with Spencer in tow, and you held the door open for him. It was just the two of you as you made the descent from the sixth floor, and Spencer leaned against the back wall. “Plans tonight?” He asked. 

“Not really, no,” You said, shaking your head. “Why, you want to do something?” You asked. 

Spencer nodded. “There’s this landscape and nature photography exhibit at one of the galleries downtown,” he said. “Might be fun. There’s this artist, Milton Harvell, who takes photos of renowned locations around the world but zooms in on an obscure detail and gives the framed photograph to the person who correctly guesses the location.” 

You smiled slowly at that. You loved it when Spencer went off on one of his tangents. You found it completely adorable. “It’s actually quite fascinating,” Spencer went on, an amused tone lining his voice, making it sound lighter. “Kind of like a Where’s Waldo, but in reverse. There was this one photograph he took of the Louvre in Paris, but he zoomed in really tightly on a young boy enjoying an ice cream cone. He even went so far as to edit the photograph to make it look like it was a different time of day. The four thousand and eighth person to view the photograph was the person who guessed the correct location.” Spencer’s head bobbed and he was smiling like an idiot. 

God, you were down bad. 

“Was the four thousand and eighth person… you?” You asked, narrowing your eyes at him scrupulously and allowing a teasing grin to cross your face. 

“The photo’s hanging in my living room,” he confirmed. 

You laughed softly. “Will there be alcohol at this function?” You asked him, and he nodded. 

That was all you needed to hear. 

— — —

You and Spencer went straight to the art gallery from work, sharing a cab rather than bothering with your cars. You immediately bought a glass of red wine, and began to follow him around the gallery. You weren’t an art aficionado, not by any means, but you enjoyed looking at beautiful things, and you especially enjoyed spending time with Spencer that wasn’t hunched over a dead body or trying to map out a killer’s comfort zone. It was a rare occurrence, so you tried to soak it all up as much as possible. 

Plus, your Nan’s words were still lingering in the back of your head. It’ll happen for you someday, Button. Men just don’t find you strong, career types attractive. Maybe you should soften up your look a little. 

You downed your first glass of wine within ten minutes, and caught one of the catering staff passing out champagne almost instantaneously after. The champagne fizzled down your throat as you strolled with Spencer through the art gallery, listening intently as he went on about each piece, rattling off whatever contextual knowledge he had. But you were a little bit biased; you could listen to him list different types of soil and find it interesting. 

After the glass of champagne came another glass of champagne, and by the time you made it to the main exhibit Spencer wanted to see, your cheeks were flushed. It wasn’t that you couldn’t hold your alcohol; rather, it just made you a little bit silly. Your inhibitions were lowered, just like it would affect anyone. But with your arm looped through Spencer’s and your Nan’s nagging message still in the back of your mind, you were perhaps a little more loose than usual. 

As Spencer examined the exhibit, you tapped your foot, unable to keep still, and scanned the open space. Your eyes landed on another patron of the gallery, a conventionally handsome man about your age, and you found yourself unlooping your arm from Spencer’s, subconsciously not wanting to appear taken. 

“Are you gonna go talk to that guy?” Spencer asked, and you snapped your eyes back to his. “Because you can, if you want to. Don’t let me stop you.” 

It was almost like he was daring you to. Spencer’s jaw seemed tense as you examined his expression, the way his gorgeous brown eyes darted from the man and back to you. “You don’t mind?” You asked, arching a brow, almost like a challenge.

Spencer shook his head, his lips pursed. “Not at all. I’ll wait here for you?” 

You nodded, and turned towards the man. There wasn’t any harm in getting a guy’s number, right? Your feelings for Spencer were a lost cause, anyway. Plus, as Nan liked to point out, you weren’t getting any younger. 

The man’s eyes locked on yours and he seemed to understand that you were about to speak with him. He met you halfway, and you shook his hand. “Malcolm Greene,” he introduced himself, and you spouted off your own name in return. “You’re not here with that guy?” He asked, jerking his chin over to Spencer. Your eyes followed Malcolm’s, and you saw Spencer with his body turned towards the photography exhibit, but his head turned to the side, as if he were keeping an eye on you with his peripheral vision. 

“Yeah, I am,” you said, and Malcolm’s head inclined to the side. “I am. I’m here with that guy,” you panicked, suddenly realizing in that moment that you weren’t interested in speaking with Malcolm. No, you had absolutely no interest in spending your time with any other man but Spencer Reid. “I just, uh…” Your cheeks flushed, and you stifled an awkward laugh, anxiously trying to come up with some excuse. “I came over here to tell you that your shoe was united.” 

Your eyes followed Malcolm’s down to his shoes, which were loafers. Laceless loafers. Malcolm’s mouth opened as if to point this out to you, but you managed to stammer words out first. “Ok, well, have a great night, goodbye!” You turned on your heel and marched back over to Spencer, your cheeks red as you reached out for his arm. 

Spencer furrowed his brows down at you as your arm gripped his. “I need another glass of wine,” you confessed. 

Twenty minutes later, after two more glasses of wine and a very watchful eye out for Malcolm, you and Spencer left the art gallery. You were awfully giggly on the cab ride back to your place, cracking puns and humming along to the radio intermittently. Spencer seemed to be amused, but more so concerned with getting you home in one piece. 

As he walked you up the stairs to the door of your apartment building, he was teasing you about your conversation with Malcolm, which you still hadn’t told him completely about. “I still can’t believe you didn’t get his number. You were talking with him for exactly two minutes and twelve seconds. What, in that short of an amount of time, could have turned you off to him so quickly?” He pondered aloud, a playfully mocking tone lining his voice. 

“Listen, I shook his hand! I had my fun!” You exclaimed, bursting into laughter as you leaned against the handrail of the stairs that led up to the door. “Good, clean fun!” 

“You know, the number of pathogens that are passed during a handshake is staggering. It’s actually safer to kiss someone,” Spencer rattled off, and your eyes snapped to meet his. 

You don’t know what took you over. Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was the way the street lamps reflected in the irises of his eyes, or how you stood just a few inches away from him. Maybe it was his stupid tweed blazer, how he looked like a tenured art history professor despite barely being thirty years old. Maybe it was the way he smelled like pine and printer ink, a combination you wouldn’t have ever thought was attractive. 

But when Spencer said that, you stood up on your toes and kissed him. It was slow and innocent at first, until it passed the border into lingering, and Spencer’s hands found your hips, pulling your body closer to his. There was a cool night breeze that filtered through the space between your bodies, and by the time you pulled your lips away from Spencer’s, and slowly opened your eyes, you were completely red in the face and breathless. 

No, that certainly wasn’t the safest choice you could have made.

——

read part 2 here

[skookyumi]

Lets calm down

Ran x Reader x Sevika You and your partner Ran work hard to stand beside your girlfriend and support her standing at the council. After a rough meeting Sevika and you can't seem to stop fighting with each other. It gets to a point where no one can go to sleep so Ran decides to take care of the situation themselves. WC: 8,495 AFAB reader They/them pronouns ! MINORS DNI !! NSFW WRITING Contains : Slapping , hair pulling , restraints , toys Realized i can post my works on here too not just AO3 haha! Enjoy ~! __________

This day could’ve gone ten thousand times better if Sevika wasn’t such a fucking control freak. She was the one who asked you to go to her meeting in Piltover for your ‘Direct Opinions’ on the matter of Enforces in Zaun’s neighborhoods. Your passion for the increase of policing and brutality against the poorer people was fiery and consistent. 

Bringing it up to both of your partners when political talk was amongst the house. With Sevikas newer position as the chairholder in Piltover for Zaun , You and Ran were often helping your partner in her endeavors. All three of you being politically adept with the time spent with the Late Silco and the time spent away from him cleaning up his messes.

It was rare that either of you got to go to Piltover and speak, Ran had been a few times and you only once. Here you were being asked again to speak on something you're passionate about and you wouldn’t give anyone of these rich fucks time to dismiss your grievances. Starting pleasantly, you stood beside Sevika in her chair that saddled in the middle of a large gear shaped table. Many familiar faces appear to take their own seats , some you’ve never seen before. 

Pleasantries are exchanged as seats are taken and Caitlyn stays standing as she announces your presence and the topic of discussion. When Sevika speaks it only takes minutes for the conversation to get a bit heated. Many of the older chairs stated that with Zaun’s new independence that heavy policing was necessary; with more freedom comes more problems. Sevika harshly disagreed, palm slapping forcefully on the table, Caitlyn agreeing with her with stern words. 

She brought up her time forcefully controlling Zaun and how it made the people bitter and hateful, how the reprimandation for those actions will take longer to heal and cause more outrage against Piltover. Counselor Shoova also added that with the recovery from the Arcane incident over a year ago, that resources were still spread thinly and little was available for the shadowed city. “If i may-” you move closer to the table from behind Sevikas chair. She doesn’t look at you , silver eyes dancing across the counselors, daring them to not let you speak.  Caitlyn raises her hand to you to speak. “ A year after Zauns ‘Independence’ the people still fear the wrath that Enforcers bring, they still hold prejudice against our people. Falsely arresting citizens, Frequent stop and frisks, Unlawful entry and confiscation of money and items. Surely Piltover has no need for such things when wealth flows generously here-”

A older man with long white locks cuts you off “ Surely the enforces are just doing their job, Zaun is known for its crime you can’t expect us to think after a year of new leadership that those people have changed” 

“ Those people haven’t changed, but you have never thought of us anything more than roaches, Is it us that really need to change?”

He sneers and a short older woman pipes up “ I have lived many years girl and I must say those people have never changed, and we do not want that sort of violence stemming its way up here.”

Your hands grip tightly behind your back trying to keep it together “ You’ve lived many years over an oppressed city who could only survive on violence and whatever scrap you threw to them. You all are talking about things that were projected onto the lower class because you are to involved in your own well being then that of others”

They don’t say anything giving you squinted looks of disgust, so Sevika speaks “ So, that's why we want to discuss creating our own law enforcement” she spits gruffly. 

The table erupts into discussion making your body prickle with anxiety, Cait cuts in with a stern voice “ I have already offered my services to Councilor Sevika , Her partner Ran and I would only need three to four months to train an eligible force” 

Small old woman brings a small fist down on the slab of cold marble “ Are you seriously thinking about this Caitlyn? Putting power into the hands of the people that killed your mother? Who produced that ‘Scientist’ , who I will say corrupted Jayce and took him from us?!”

Cait snaps her head to retort but you speak up faster “ None of those things would have happened if you people would shut the fuck up and listen” both of your hands are on the table as you lean to scream at her “ You’ve sat back lavishly while our people have suffered , seven year olds DYING ON THE STREET because you want to sit up here and complain about how horrible we are.” 

Sevika has her organic hand on yours , and she's looking up at you from her seat and warning in her eyes. She wants you to calm down, but you rip your hand from hers with and snarl in your lip. Looking back to icy stares you point around the table “ You fear improvement because you know your time is numbered, Brilliance lies in the dark and you know you're nothing more than diamond colored coal” 

‘That's enough’ you hear Sevika whisper.

“Watch your tongue !” the white haired man hisses 

“See Caitlyn?! Rabid dogs in waiting ! Waiting to come here and take over our livelihoods!” the older woman shifted in her seat to look at the eyepatched one. 

Caitlyn shakes her head and sends you a firm look then takes her eyes back to the older woman “ They do not want that , they want a stable form of protection without the intervention of a different city”

“More like  keeping the filthy hands of their oppressors far away from the political power they used to hold on our city” you say after her “Our people crave normalcy, and having officers that don't understand our neighborhoods only insights violence and prejudice. Giving people the leg they need to take charge of their own communities is all we are asking for” Sevikas hand touches your wrist and you step back as the council bicker over your words. You back up and jiggle your leg anxiously, watching as Sevika takes charge of the conversation. 

You're mellowed by her firm and decisive vision, explaining it thoroughly to the others, they seem to settle a bit with her steady voice. She was always good at holding a room's attention, her speech tranquil where yours was filled with passion and spite. This is exactly why she held this seat, combing through the political decorum like she was almost born a Piltie. She knew how to work them, after many trial and error periods she figured out how to get them to hear her. 

The meeting was adjourned about an hour later, most voted for the training of Zauns own task force , even the old women voted yes. Though she didn’t leave without a stern glance at Sevika “ You should learn to train your tyke better, acting like a hound in a room full of bulls “ 

Sevika stiffens beside you and opens her mouth beside you brow’s pinched in fury, but you beat her to the punch “ I’d watch my mouth you fucking fossil” 

She blanches and storms over to you poking a ridged finger into your gut “ You’re nothing but a mongrel, I don't even know why Sevika brought you here, you’re a sorry excuse for a representative and a disgusting example for your ‘People’ ” 

Sev finally stand up behind her placing a firm hand on the older woman's shoulder “ They are here because they have an incredible understanding of the political workings of Zaun, and because they are my partner and i asked them to come support me” she says smoothly, but you can tell from the strain in her neck she's trying not to lash out. 

You’re fuming that she’s not , but you don't say anything else as she deescalates the situation. The two women walk out together and you follow behind a few feet thinking about how you want to take the granny out. How dare she?! She's been spoon fed her whole life and she has the audacity to look at you like you just stole her kid. Caught in thought you don’t see her walk away and you also don't see the furious look Sevika lands on you.  You follow her shoes all the way to her office still thinking, you're finally out of your head when she slams her door closed. 

Looking up you meet angry silver eyes “What?” “What?! Really ?? I brought you here to speak about the task force, not start fights or embarrass me !”

Your face heated as she spoke, watching her as she collected all of your things and some paperwork. Pulling your lips down you could feel your eye twitch at the last word. “ Oh so sticking up for our people is embarrassing okay” “No, you losing your cool and not taking the hint you should shut up and stop talking to them like that is”

“Sorry i haven't started talking like a proper piltie like you”

She turns to you teeth bared and angry “ To get what we need for Zaun certain things are required “

“Like letting that old bitch walk all over me? I’m not going to sit back and just take it, I'm going to defend myself!”  

She slides her bag over her shoulder and walks over to you angrily “ Just stop being so fucking sensitive you almost ruined this for us” she bites out, head tilted down to you “ That ‘old bitch’ almost revoked her vote because of you”

Your heart squeezes with an ache and you look away from her, tears sting threateningly at your eyes but you bite your cheek to stop them. Guilt made a heavy blanket on your shoulders and sadness settled in your gut from Sevika’s words. 

She took a deep breath rubbing her fingers on the bridge of her nose “ Look babe I-” she moved to put a hand on your arm, but you moved out of its range and cut her off. “ Let's just go before I embarrass you anymore” you say under your breath, turning to the door and making your way out of her office. Walking down the hall before she comes out it doesn’t take her much time to catch up with you. She grabs your wrist and you yank it from her “What?!” 

“Let’s just talk babe” 

“No, fuck off” 

She groans in frustration as you take off again.

The trip back home is tense and quiet, you refuse to look at her and she keeps looking at you. The whole forty-five minutes you sit and stew. She was right about you being out of line, these were snobs who liked prim and proper manners even if they didn’t give you them back. It pissed you off more that she was right and then followed her correctness with words that triggered the fuck out of you.  You had always been a loud and passionate person, often driving off others with your vigor. Your feelings were bold and you had to be deaf and blind to not be extremely aware of them. 

Most of the time you kept a happy demeanor encouraging joy through your actions and the people around you. When you were upset though it sapped the light out of the room, the poor disposition was a palpable force around you often making people uncomfortable. Your extreme emotions were cause for many fights and lost relationships in your youth, but now you usually had them under control. The sting of the past though was harsh and made you want to run around and scream. 

Sevika knew of your insecurities about your high emotions, you had been dating for years for Janna’s sake, but she still threw the sensitive knife at you. On top of that she said you embarrassed her, what the fuck , you had been a bitch but you didn’t do anything wrong. Standing up for what you thought was right without backing down shouldn’t be something she's embarrassed about.  A cold wave of anger ran over your body and you crossed your arms tightly. You weren’t a child having a tantrum ! You were a tired mid-thirty year old who was exhausted of seeing people beg for food and shelter then being beaten for it.

When you both finally make it back to your house Sevika opens the door for you , you storm in without saying anything to her. Ran’s laid back on the couch , peeking at the both of you as you walk in. They wear just an oversized shirt with a cute Cerberus on the front, hair choppy and spiked from where they were laying. They watch as you stormily take off your shoes, looking back to a Sevika who watched you warily. “So… it didn’t go well?” they ask as they made their way to the both of you. 

You feel your eye twitch and your fists clench harder “ It went great , I’m taking a shower” You state making your way past them. Ran gapes a bit, casting a glance to Sev who is rubbing her face with her hands and groaning. She makes her way to the kitchen dropping a small kiss on Ran’s head “We got the votes, Caitlyn should be here in the next couple of weeks”

She grabs her whiskey and a cup out of the cupboard, Ran follows wrapping their arms around her middle as she pours. They bring their cool metal hand to her tummy and trail it in small circles “ So what's with grumpy?” 

Sevika grimaces and downs her first drink, silence filled with the soft sounds of the shower. She turns to face her partner rubbing the back of her neck “They got really angry today, which is fine and warranted, but wouldn’t stop picking fights with that old hag” 

Ran nods and pours her another drink.

“ They put the goal at risk and i got mad, so i said they were sensitive “ ran raises their eyebrows “ And that they… embarrassed me” 

Ran frowns at that, slapping a judgemental hand on sevika’s shoulder “ Why the fuck would you say that?”

Sev sneers hand gripping her cup hard “I was pissed off! And there's a certain way we have to talk to those shit heads to even get them to look our way” 

“ I'm sure there was a better way to say that to them”

“I was trying, but they don’t want to even look at me” the large woman slumps against the counter sighing. Ran puts their hand on her cheek rubbing soothingly with their thumb “ Well after their shower talk to them okay? They shouldn’t have blown up and you shouldn’t have talked to them that way”

She nods stiffly and Ran tips their head to kiss her softly. They share a soft smooch before dipping away towards the bathroom. Opening the door Ran peeks their head in, the room is steamy with the lack of a fan , smells of cedar and balsam are heavy in the air. 

They slide the shower curtain open watching you as you angrily scrub your curls. 

“Hi baby” they say sweetly 

“Hello lover” you reply coldy keeping your eyes closed.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, why would i? I’m just being too sensitive ” the word curls out of your mouth like venom.

Ran’s full lips pout “ You know she didn’t mean that baby”

“Well SHE can go fuck herself, I don’t know why she even fucking asked me to go. I’m not going to apologize for being myself and she’s not going to get me to sit like a good little dog as those Pilties spit on us!” You slam the shower off, sliding the curtain all the way open.

“No one’s asking you to do that-”

“No, but she wants me to be someone else. I'm too much of an embarrassment for her” the words are sour on your tongue and Ran looks sad “ She should’ve just taken you, You're the one working with the goddamn task force anyways”

“But I'm not a talker, not a passionate one like you anyways”

You wrap your towel around your body “ Well I’m obviously not the right kind, Maybe i should just shut up like she says-” you walk past Ran into the hall “ Or maybe i should roll over and bark too” you say louder glaring at Sevika as you walk to your room. 

As you dress in a big shirt yourself you hear stomping coming to the room and a small ‘sev’ from Ran as she blunders into your space. Sliding on your briefs you pull your arms to your chest to cross them defensively, staring up into those angry silver eyes challenging her. 

“Are you ready to talk now? Or are you just going to bitch around the house all night?” 

Ran sighs and holds their head in their hand as you explode into action. Pushing your hands against Sevikas firm chest, she stumbles back surprised by your sudden action and spilling her liquor all over her shirt. Which was still her nice work shirt you thought ,pleased.

“I'm not talking to you if you’re going to treat me like that , which i KNEW you would because you have the emotional capacity of a ROCK ” you yell. 

“Treat you like what?!  Should treat you like a fucking tyke since you’re acting like one?”

You want to hit her, you’re close to doing it but you know it won't solve anything “ If you like hearing that old bitches words so much, go fuck her and sleep in her bed instead” you spit lowly. Whipping away from her you crawl to your side of the bed and curl under the covers, slamming your head on your pillow facing away from them. Watching the wall as you listen to your partners talk. “ See “ sev hisses directing her hand to your covered shape. 

Ran looks at her incredulously “ Oh yeah they’re really gonna open up and tell you how they feel when you call them a child “ 

They slide in beside you and move some of your wet curls out of your face, warm body pressing up behind yours “ It’d be better to talk it out now, it's not good to go to sleep angry with each other”

You grit your teeth knowing they are right and your shoulders hunch in agitation. Their arm wraps around your midsection as they get closer to your face with theirs. Kissing your temple to your nose they wrapped a hand around your own clenched ones. Tilting your head to look at them they stared back with loving dark eyes squinting with a small smile. For the first time that night warmth filled your heart replacing some of the anger with love. 

They brought their lips to yours with the softening of your eyes. Soft lips caressed yours gently, hand leaving yours to cup your jaw delicately. A breath you didn’t know you were holding left through your nose as you moved closer to them. They departed from you, kissing down your jaw in a way that made your tummy burn. “You can have more once you guys talk” they griped departing your space. 

Huffing you sit up in your spot and glare at Sevika “Say what you need to say Oaf” 

She starts stomping over to the bed and reaches like she's going to choke you but is stopped by Ran’s firm hand in her chest. Ran points at you with their other hand “Stop, both of you” 

Squinting your eyes at her until she settles into a criss-cross, as she does you reach and snatch the cup out of her hands downing the rest of the harsh liquid. Smiling impishly at her as she growls and Ran leans back with an irritable look  your way. 

“You should know by now that you can’t talk to them like that! Don’t get all fucking beat up cause i called you out on it “ Sevika says angrily eyes narrowed.

“Call me out on all you want, but you’re the one who brought me there and you know I don’t back down! Why bring me there so I could act like myself all for you to turn around and say you're ashamed of me !”

You’re shaking a little bit with anger, crawling a little in front of Ran to get closer to Sevika’s face. Unwillingly angry tears crept from your eyes but you refused to blink meeting Sevika’s , now wavering, angry stare with your own. “ I’ve worked so fucking hard to stand up straight and fight for what I believe in, and for you my fucking girlfriend , to turn around and play my insecurities to get me to stand back down is fucked up. I know i should’ve simmered down but you can tell me that without making me feel like shit” 

Tears fell hard now and you back up wiping your hand roughly across your face “ I’m sorry for almost fucking it up, but my feelings are valid and i won’t feel bad about those” 

Ran looks horrified as you start to cry and Sevika blinks awkwardly, mouth opening and closing not knowing what to say first. After a moment she moves across the bed on all fours, raising her organic hand to capture your face “ I have never been ashamed of you, I shouldn’t have said what i said or how i said it” her tone is soft like velvet. She wipes your tears away and you swat her hand with a pout. 

“No you shouldn’t ‘ve” you mumble, holding your head low and away from your partners. 

She dips back onto her haunches with a sigh “ How can i make it better sweetpea?” 

“Have an actual discussion with me instead of being a mean prick” you throw at her. Ran elbows you as Sevika throws you a look.

With gritted teeth she exclaims “ that's what i'm trying to do” 

You two talk for a little with Ran sitting in the middle making sure neither of you lunge. Sev lights a cigar and you roll a joint while Ran turns on some shows for all of you to watch. Things settle , but you and Sev sleep on either side of Ran on account of them knowing that both of you were stubborn assholes. They laid with the hand draped in Sev’s hair playing with the dark locks languidly as their other rubbed cool circles in your thigh. The repetitive movement starts making you sleepy , so you get up on the bed standing to reach the dangling clicker on the light. 

A large foot tapped the back of your knee hard, making your legs bend automatically. You let out a small wail as you lost balance and tipped over, basically somersaulting off the bed, knees hitting the ground hard. Chuffing of laughter made you whip your head in anger to a pair of glittering silver eyes. She held her mouth in a bubble, smoke puffing out as she tried not to laugh at you. Standing you jumped into her lap at an alarming rate and snatched the cigar out of her hand “ You are such a BITCH ” you hiss throwing the whole cigar in a lone cup of old water on the side table.

“Guys can we just-” Ran started

You looked sternly at them “ Guys?! Shes the one who fucking started it”

Your sentence is finished with a large hand gripping your throat and a low growl in your ear. It sent a chill down the side of your neck, but it didn’t hinder your anger. You and Sevika rarely physically fought anymore especially since all three of you had started committing to each other. The itch was still there though to bruise and maim each other, one that both of you seemingly needed to scratch. 

Ran and Sevika both opened their mouths at the same time to speak, Sev to curse you and Ran to stop you seeing the fire in your brown eyes. Taking your planted knee you  harshly into the side of your girlfriend making air leave her lungs and her hand leave your neck.  You move your fist to jab at the area again but she catches it throwing it to the side. She bucks you off of her with ease making you bounce on your ass, she captures the sides of your face with one hand caging you in with the rest of her body

 “ Sure you wanna do this babe? ”

You answer with a puppy dog face , feigning defeat , when she leans in with a smile you take the chance to practice a move she showed you. Canting your head back a bit then meeting hers harshly with a crack, a sharp ‘fuck’ rings out and you cackle pointing and laughing at her. She bares her teeth and moves to hit you back, organic fist clenched and aimed at your gut. “That's enough.” Ran states harshly besides both of you. It makes you both stop, it's rare Ran ever spoke out of a pleasant tone even when they were upset. 

“Sevika, hands up on the headboard please” they cast their dark glance to the large woman. She balks and tries to say something but falters when Ran’s lips pull in a thinner line and their brows raise.  Rolling her eyes she throws your held head back harshly, moving to her upper back against the headboard and raising her hands above her head. 

“And you, between her legs now” they direct towards you moving themselves off the bed. 

“Ran-” 

“If you insist on pushing my buttons I promise you-” their threat trails off as you shuffle hurriedly between your girlfriend's thighs. Propping  yourself on your haunches and crossing your arms, you and Sevika glare daggers at each other. Ran makes their way back to the bed placing some things down then moving to stand beside Sev and tying her wrists with a thick opalescent  ribbon. 

Their hands move with such precision it makes you watch them instead of the silver orbs below. After a second they bend down and ask “How does that feel darling?”

She just grunts and nods.

“Now, I can see we have some building tension. We are going to solve this here and now and then go to sleep Peacefully ” they say, tucking a stray hair out of sev’s face then turning to look at you. 

The two of you weren’t new to Ran’s ‘lets calm down’ sessions, but it was something they were very good at and a thing they only did when both of you needed to be ‘punished’. The sessions did work well, but you hated to admit it. You draw your lips up in anger and furrow your brow as your partner rounds behind you taking in your folded arms harshly. They wrap another silky ribbon around your own wrists tuting as you flip the bird from behind. 

“What are our safe words, cuties?”

“Poison” Sev answers.

You glower and say nothing. Ran waits a beat and after a minute they straddle Sev to face you, taking their metal hand to caress your face. Leaning in to brush their plush lips against your quickening pulse point, hovering and letting soft breathes make their way up to your ear. A small baby whispers in your ear and Sevika’s eyes are burning into yours, bottom lip being furled between teeth. 

You let out a small breath is resignation “ Snake” 

They kiss below your ear gently and you can feel their smile. Leaning back onto a taut tummy they catch your eyes, looking for a second before they bring their flesh hand back and slap you harshly across the cheek. The sting in your eye makes it water and the impact makes you suck in a shaky breath “ Apologize” 

You sneer “ For what?!” 

Another smack has you reeling, heat starting to prickle down your limbs , hands flexing in their binds as the pain leaves. A whine leaves your lips as their hand soothes the area gently. They move from atop Sevika and behind you , grabbing your hair with their metal fingers tightly. They hold your head steady, dipping your body with the force of your hair hold , so you're face to face with Sev. 

She's smirking at you, with a shit eating glint in her eyes and raising her eyebrows as if to say ‘Go ahead’ 

Anger and heat roll around in your stomach, being intertwined with embarrassment as a groan leaves your lips. Ran’s hand clenching and tugging your hair painfully “Apologize” 

Their hips are pressed against your bottom , breasts hugging your back softly while their head dips to your ear. Organic hand moving to your front to glide over your plump belly , dipping softly into the front of your underwear. Sevika watched their movements like a hawk, eyes flicking back up to yours as they expanded. A small pink tip darting between dark lips, want starting to seep through her features. 

Warm fingers dip below your clothing, brushing your pubes softly making your breath hitch. Shaking your head you refused to submit, fuck Sev and her stupid stupid face. With a sharp tug of your hair and a tantalizing brush against your clit, your thighs clench with a shaky moan.

“ I - I’m sorry Sev” you say shakily. She nods slowly, trying to lean closer to you but being held tightly by the headboard. It wouldn’t be hard to break out of, but she respected Ran’s actions and only strained slightly against the restraints. 

Ran rewarded you with slow circling motion, gathering slick that started to pool onto your folds. You sucked your bottom lip in your mouth, brows pinching at the stimulation. Moving their fingers lower to shallowly dip into your entrance, only to quickly move back to their ministrations, now gliding quickly with extra wetness.  

“Now you Sevi” their voice sends chills through your brain. 

The older woman twitches below you , anticipation making her hands clench and unclench. Your eyes are half lidded now, mouth opened slightly as soft puffs of air make their way out of you. She was looking at you like she wanted to eat you, it made you crave her rough touch. 

 “I’m sorry baby” comes out like a purr, making you close your eyes, getting overstimulated by her gaze.

Your hair is released and you're pushed down into Sevikas body, cheek resting on her chest as Ran lifts your ass up. Their fingers leaving your clit make you gasp, their hands pulling your briefs down make you wriggle. Sevika is looking down at you taking in all of the small movements your face makes. You're both in a position where you can’t touch or kiss each other and with the building heat it gets increasingly frustrating. 

Her breath tickles your forehead, you can hear her heart beating faster as Ran moves behind you. Fingers dancing between your folds pushes a harsh breath from your lungs, face scrubbing against the rough material of Sevikas shirt. Your hips cant up higher trying to follow the soft touch, wanting more, and you cry out softly as the fingers leave. You're pushed up, knees going weak as a sharp crack of hand lands on your ass making you moan.  “Be patient , you’ll get what you want” Ran warns from behind, smoothing over the searing skin with a cool metal palm. 

Their strong hands move to either side of your hips, lifting you so you straddled Sevi’s midsection. Your face tucked closely to her neck where you began leaving soft bites and kitten licks. Sevika hissed turning her head to capture your lips only to be stopped by a fierce hand in her hair “ No ma’am” 

She grunts at the force in which she's pulled, neck straining and giving you more room for your lips. You look up to Ran who is looking back at you, dark eyes heavy lidded and a smirk playing sweetly on their lips, they nod for you to continue. You start by biting the taunt tendon of her neck harshly, licking over the tender spot when she bucks against you. The rub of her abdomen against your desire has your head spinning and you thank her for the stimulation by sucking a dark hickey over her collarbone.

The devouring of her neck has her squirming under you, you want to kiss her but know Ran won’t hesitate to punish you. “Behave” they say sweetly to Sev, kissing her lips gently. She follows after theirs when they leave to take position behind you again now sitting between Sevikas legs. They grab her boxers and slide them off, taking in her glistening pussy with delight. She loves watching you get punished and touched, she wouldn’t admit it outloud but she also loved when Ran took charge. They always did even when they bottomed but they were a calculated and amiable dom where sev was sporadic and sadistic. Making her bow easily to their will knowing they’d take it from her one way or another. 

Ran places a single finger gently on Sevikas cunt, teasing the dripping hole before bringing their thumb to smoosh her clit harshly. Her head hits the back of the headboard hard, a groan leaving her mouth. You bite your lip and nuzzle your way down her chest, biting the edge of her tank top to bring it under her breast. As you took her perked nipple into your mouth Ran started pushing two slender fingers into her easily. She opened beautifully for them, hips stuttering down on the intrusion. 

“F-fuck” she moaned head leaning back between her arms. You nibbled the pebbled flesh , sucking and licking the dark skin while Ran pumped into her lazily watching as your arousal dribbled onto sev’s hard ab’s. Watching you move to her other breast with hurried grace then bringing their eyes to dark irises plated with a ring of silver. They smile sweetly, pushing their fingers to the back of her cunt and rubbing with deep pressure against spongy nerves, thumb gliding cooly over her clit.

Her moan reverberated through her chest making you close your eyes and grind against the tensing muscle below.  Your cry out, unlatching from Sevika’s chest, as a warm tongue dives between your folds. A cold nose dipping into your entrance as Ran’s mouth suckels your pleasure between their lips. Their metal hand holding your thigh bruisingly makes it hard for you to push back onto them, their tongue flattening against your clit in a flick upwards . 

Your forehead sits between two warm breasts as you try and steady yourself, breathing harshly as heat collects in your core.

“S’feel good?” you hear sev ask from above you. You nod pathetically , sweat starting to build on your temple.   

“Answer properly” Ran takes their mouth from you and you whine loudly.

“Yes sir, it feels really good” you mutter looking up at her face. 

Her eyes keep yours, pulling you into some kind of spell, your head feels lighter and your eyelashes flutter. She smiles wickedly, eyebrows scrunched in pleasure as your other partner fingers her thoroughly. 

Ran makes you cum like that, slowly eating your pussy until you're shaking on top of Sevika. Their name leaving your mouth in a long moan, they hum digging their face into you as your thighs shutter against their hand. Their tongue doesn't stop though making you grit your teeth in over-stimulation , sharp pain combined with pleasure making you scramble to get away.  They finally release you with a sultry pop making you collapse wholly onto Sevikas chest. 

Sev makes a long groaning sound as they remove their fingers from her, moving to your sides “Open up” they say politely.  You turn to them and open your mouth taking in Sevika’s musky slick , the taste making your tongue happily swirl between their digits.  After a few moments they turn their wet coated face to Sevika and smile “ Clean me please” 

You watch them eyes burning into the sides of their faces as Sevika takes her time to lick and kiss all of your remnants off your partner's face. The sight makes you hungry for more, the concern of oversensitiveness from your orgasm being thrown out the window. 

They back away pleased with both of your actions, stepping away to round the bed to get something they placed there earlier. Watching them you see them work leather strips around their hips, tightening them and adjusting the ring that sits in the middle. They trade it out with a much larger one, it holds a new toy they bought not too long ago.  The piece is huge , holding two phallices instead of one, the base spreading widely covering most of the leather that shaded their pelvis. You noted the wetness that bloomed onto their underwear as the leather straps pushed against their lips tightly. 

Gathering a pillow they tucked in neatly under Sevikas hips, kiting you both higher on the bed.  They moved you back onto here until your clits brushed gently , making you moan softly into Sev’s chest. She tipped her hips to grind against you more, seeking the wet glide of your heats together. A metal hand pushes your back down so you're completely flush with Sevika, thighs spread more as Ran moves Sev's legs up, bending her knees in a way that lifts you higher. 

Your arms strain as Ran takes hold of your binds from behind, gliding one tip through  your fold gathering their spit and your release. Your head jumps just as Sevika does and you assume that Ran is doing the same to her with the other cock . The back of Ran’s knuckles brush your thighs as they grab Sevika’s, knees positioning themselves under her. They don't give either of you a warning before they start breaching your entrance with a firm snap of their hips.

The girthly length is taken greedily by you, walls constricting tightly as it has no problem reaching your end point at this angle. Your breath leaves you like you’ve been punched in the gut being quickly replaced with cut off moans as Ran doesn't hesitate to start pistioning their hips. Sevikas mouth hangs open with her eyes closed and dark brow furrowed deeply, soft fucks and Rans leaving her lips, wrists straining hard against her restraints. 

As they pound into both of you the friction from the movement sets a steady rhythm between your bodies, clits rubbing between each other. Your arms bend in pain as they push down to lean over you two better, their heavy breath cooling the sweat on the back of your neck. Wet slapping makes a rhythm timed with your high moans and Sevika’s grunting making Ran smile with effort. 

“You two look so beautiful” they state shakily “ Taking my cocks so well, so well behaved” 

The praise has you invigorated and pushing against their wicked thrust. You tilt your hips up just a little higher so you could get them to fuck you right where you wanted it. Noticing, their hand slips from your binding to the supple flesh of your hip guiding it up the way you wanted. Their sharp thrust has you seeing stars behind your eyelids, making you pant and drool “ Yes! Just like that , please!” crying as small tears leave the tips of your eyes. 

Sevika lets out a guttural groan at your words, you turn your head to catch dark eyes “Harder please, fuck me harder” 

Ran smiles, dropping your hip, grabbing both of Sevika’s legs and throwing them over their shoulder, both of you moaning at the change of position with the cocks still inside you both. She's almost folded in half with you perched on her lap, Ran wraps their arms around either outer side of her thighs gathering in the middle to hold onto your restraints tightly with both hands. Your nose is touching Sevika’s, eyes staring deeply into each other. Her eyes were lidded beautifully , scar shining making the sweat that dripped down that side glisten with a blue hue. 

“Go ahead darlings” ran says sweetly then begins to fuck into the both of you with the ferociousty of a starved man.  

“Oh f-uck” you yell the assault on your insides making your body quiver. Sevika captures your lips with a hard bite and you whine as she moans into your mouth. “I’m sorry baby, I love you so much” 

“I- ah- i love you too sevvy “ you groan into her mouth. Your tongues dance until you have to back off to take some stuttering breaths.

Ran watches the both of you, head tilting to one side in excretion , eyes dropping to your connected sexes. The image makes them groan and fuck both of you with as much as they could muster. The way both of your course hairs intertwine in curls soaked with both of your juices, the wide stretch of you both around their cocks. Sticky lines of cum and spit starting to build between all of you. Sevika’s head falls back between her arms with moans being punched out of her, the glide of your clit over hers building a hard weight in her back. 

Her legs shake fiercely on Ran’s shoulders as her orgasm is fucked out of her, making their hips stutter from the tightness of which she constricts herself around their length. “ God- fuck Ran” she growls back bending to a tight arch against you. Her hair cascades infront of her face as she puts her forehead against yours, her hot breath meeting your lips. You bite your lip and try not scream as Ran’s organic hand releases your silk to  place a now buzzing wand between your cunts. 

They fuck both of you sloppier but its more than enough as the vibrations shake your core. Sevika thrashes with the sensory overload, teeth bared as she looks into your eyes. 

Deep pressure sizzles in the base of your gut , building into something more than an orgasm. Shaking your head, small tear fall onto sev “ I - ran please , im gonna-” All they do is hum, adjusting their hips so they could push into both of you slower and focus on the position of the toy.  With one last deep push from them and a high pitched noise leaves your mouth. A white hot flash ripples down your spine, your clit being buzzed into numbness as they pull out quickly. They curse softly as your cunt flutters now empty of them, clenching around nothing as you start squirting. “That's it”  they whisper watching the hot liquid spill from you onto the wand and sevika’s own pulsing cunt. 

When they finally pull away your muscles finally release the ridged hold they had on your body, your head hangs low on Sevikas shoulder. You both settle lower as Ran removes themselves, the clinking of buckles let you know they’re taking off their strap. “Up baby” they grab your wrist and you hiss with soreness but get onto your knees and move. Taking in deep breaths between sev’s knees you watch your lovers kiss. It makes your soul thrum vividly with burning light, you wished you could crawl between them and seep into their pores.

Sevika leans in hungrily at the others touch, while delicate fingers run a small trail down her abs.

 “I'm going to untie you, and you're going to put this on okay?” they point to the discarded strap, which now you’ve noticed they have switched the toy with Sevika’s favorite. It was an average size, but the girth was almost too much. Even though you felt spent heat bubbled up into your core as you wondered if she was going to fuck you or Ran with it.  They start untying the pearly strip, casting a glance your way. They stopped and moved their finger around in a circle, indicating that you should turn around. 

Huffing you do as they say turning to face the wall that held the T.V.  , its staticy glass reflecting your disheveled state. The bowing of the bed made you jump in anticipation, eyes being caught by a now standing Ran. They walked in front of you cupping your cheek with one hand gently brushing through thick locks with the other. Strong arms wrap around your middle and pick you up making you yelp, Sev chuckles as she settles you above her lap. Perked breast press hard against your back,her head dipping down into the crook of your neck to give you a rough bite. 

Whimpering as her cock slips clumsily between your labia as she settles her knees, kissing the indentations she left. The hand in your hair tightens, turning your attention back to Ran’s cool gaze. Their mouth is hung open slightly, wet and darkened by bites, and though their face was schooled you could see the restlessness behind their eyes. With their free hand they finally pull their underwear down, a low groan leaving your mouth as built up secretion spiderwebs from their trimmed mound to their soiled briefs. 

“That's all for you baby” Sev rumbles in your ear, grinding against you “What do you say?”

She shifts you in her grasp, the tip of her cock pressing deliciously against you, while Ran guides your mouth closer to their rigid bud. Licking your lips you gaze up haughtly into their eyes “ Thank you sir”

Their lips tug in a lopsided smirk “You’re welcome baby” 

Moaning loudly as they drag you roughly by your hair and affixing your mouth to their clit. You gladly opened up, licking a hot line from their core to swirl with expertise , taking in their heady taste committing it to memory. They grunt gripping your hair tighter, pulling you until your nose is flush with coarse dark hairs. You get lost in the rhythm of their stuttered breaths, pursing your lips to better suck on their desire, preening as they let a quiet moan leave their lips. 

You forgot sevika held you until your walls tensed as she started to enter you, a startled groan making Ran’s thighs quiver from titillation. Sevika kissed and bit the span of your shoulders, slowly stretching you out on her cock , whispering dirty nothings into your ear. When she bottoms out Ran spreads their legs more, planting their feet firmly into your comforter. You hum into them feeling raw and used , but  also feeling held and worshiped. The way they look at you makes your heart stutter, your eyelashes fanning down as you nuzzle your face as close as you can.

Seeing you ravage their sex passionately Sevika growls, squeezing her arms around you and balancing her knees, she fucks into you. The impact of her vicious thrust causes your face to grind against Ran's heat at a brutal pace. They start letting out consistent moans of pleasure and your scalp feels like it's on fire as they double down on their grip. 

“God- you take cock like a slut” Sevi hissed. Bringing her organic hand down to spread your lips and rub against the sensitive bud that awaited her. Her pace is brutal and sloppy ,but it's no less effective and you sob shallowly into Ran’s cunt. Their smooth composure cracking as they closed in on their own release, mouth whispering praise. ‘So good’ 

‘Just like that’

‘Taking us so well’

“Look at me” they growl. With lots of effort you opened your scrunched eyes meeting dark orbs that almost vibrated from your attention. You look pitiful below them, most of your face glistening from the powerful face riding Sevika is pummeling you into.  Her eyes are on theirs too, breath almost whistling through gapped teeth from effort . Her large frame covering your back, shoulders jumping as she hugs you down onto her thrust. When tears start brimming your eyes Ran’s face grimaced exquisitely, their hair falling in their face as they arched into you. A beautiful chime of a moan rolls through them, and you worship their clit as their orgasm ripped through their body.

They pull you off of them a sultry snicker leaving them as your sounds become unmuffled by them. Loud and punctuated ‘ahs’ and ‘fucks’ floundering out of a gaping mouth, your head hanging low as they released your hair. Dropping to their knees they cup your moist face smiling at your unfocused eyes, placing a tender kiss to your swollen lips. You let out a small hiccup of a sob, all of your nerves on fire , tears dripping onto the sheets as Sevika doesn’t let up. 

You break the kiss suddenly, head slamming on to  Ran’s shoulder shaking it back and forth as your third orgasm is pulled out of you.  Shoulders shaking with meager wail as Sevika slows and helps you ride out the final tremors of pleasure. When she finally stops, she's fully seated inside you kissing softly down your jaw and back to your forehead. Ran rubs soothing circles into your tear stained cheek smoothly and brings your head to their chest. 

After a minute of catching your breath Sev rubs your tummy “ I'm gonna pull out now okay?” 

Nodding your head as it's held you whine as the large piece slips out of you. Sliding back now that your free Ran pulls you down so your face lays on the bed and they start untying your wrist, massaging the worked flesh as they go. Grumbling a thank you against the sheets as you roll your wrists in freedom , thankful for the final relaxation of your muscle. You Are rotated and gathered in one swift motion by them, being held in a princess fashion as they scoot of the bed. 

Your head is feeling heavier by the second, sleep calling your name, but you resist as they walk both of you into the bathroom, Sevika following behind. You all shower together, it's intimate and slow, taking the time to properly clean and take care of each other. Afterwards Sevika stands, arms wrapped around you as you make the three of you a post orgasm snack while Ran finishes changing the sheets. 

They make grabby hands at the two of you when you walk back in, making your heart flutter and a blush touch your cheeks. It was easy for your limbs to intermingle as the three of you cuddled close to each other. Now taking the middle spot of the bed you doze quickly off laying your head on Sevika’s lap. She plays with your hair lazily  as her and Ran share the final cigarillo of the night.  Ran’s hand lays intertwined with yours as their arms stretches over your side, small kisses being placed on your temple. 

“Love you” you mumble sleepily 

“I love you too” they smile against your skin. 

The smell of sweet smoke and the embrace of your lovers quickly coax you into gentle sleep. 

[roosterforme]

Covering the Classics Part 11 | Bob Floyd x OC

Summary: When Anna hits rock bottom, she knows she needs to figure out how to put herself back together. But she also knows that leaving Kevin behind once and for all will require her to give up the only thing she wants from him. Maybe a shot at happiness with Bob would have been worth it.

Warnings: Fluff, angst, adult language, 18+

Length: 4400 words

Pairing: Robert "Bob" Floyd x Female OC (this story is part of the Beer Boy/Sugar and Jake/Jessica universe)

Covering the Classics masterlist. Check my masterlist for more!

If this wasn't rock bottom, Anna didn't want to know what was. She spent Sunday night laying on the floor next to her bed alternating between crying and hyperventilating. Apparently she couldn't do both at the same time, because her body kept giving each activity its full attention before switching again. When she finally started to fall asleep around three o'clock, her ribs were aching so much, she didn't see how she would be able to teach in a few hours. But it didn't matter. She wouldn't be going to campus anyway.

When she woke up at six, she crawled to her computer and emailed everyone in her classes, informing them that she would not be in today and to work through the syllabus independently until their next class with her. All of the other professors pulled this kind of thing all the time, but she still felt guilty which triggered more tears. If Kevin somehow cost her a full time tenure position along with her happiness, she didn't know what else she had that he could possibly take from her.

When she thought about Bob, it hurt so badly she had to run to the toilet. And when she thought about Advanced Calculus and Advanced Physics, it hurt almost just as much. She was in love with so many things in San Diego, but she'd dragged her past here along with her even if she didn't want to acknowledge that fact. She'd brought this dark shadow along that tainted everything and left her wondering if she could fix any of it at this point. If she could even figure out how to start.

As she hiccupped alone in her bathroom, she knew she needed to mentally backtrack to New Jersey for the first time in a long time before she could focus on San Diego. When she crawled back toward her bed, she located her phone and found the contact information for her lawyer's office. It was late enough on the east coast that someone answered after one ring, and soon Anna had to use her scratchy, raw voice to try to communicate.

"When will my divorce be final?" she managed to ask as she propped herself against the wall. She left herself hungry every day, and she was living in this tiny room simply so she could pay these people to help her sort out her life, but the response she got was not ideal.

"Ms. Webber... your husband still has three days left to comply, but he has not done so yet."

Anna wanted to scream, but her throat felt like it was constricting. Why wouldn't he just let her have the one thing she wanted? She wasn't asking for anything extra, just the thing she worked so hard to make her own. She didn't even care about all of the money. But he wouldn't let her have it. Even though she didn't want to fight for anything else in the house, he still wouldn't comply. He was making hundreds of thousands of dollars now, and she wanted none of it back, but he knew that her manuscript was the one thing meant something to her. He would happily drag this out until she had nothing left.

She knew she needed to wait it out. It was her fault she hadn't filed sooner. She let Kevin's words destroy her even when she knew he was sleeping with Alyssa. She let him convince her that she needed him for way too long. "What happens in three days?" she finally asked.

"If he doesn't comply, then you can restructure your end of the divorce agreement, and we can try again."

Anna knew what that meant for her, but she didn't know if she could pull the trigger. Restructure it? There was only one thing she could remove. Kevin would come out clean as a whistle, and she would lose everything she hadn't already.

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

When Bob knocked on the door at seven in the morning after barely sleeping at all, Jessica looked concerned when she opened it, and Jake looked annoyed. "What's wrong?" she asked, reaching out and running her hand along his stubbled cheek. "Why haven't you shaved? Why do you look so upset?"

"Why are you even here?" Jake called from the kitchen where he was cooking breakfast in his uniform.

"I need to talk to you," Bob croaked, and Jessica pulled him inside and gently guided him toward the couch. She rubbed his back and didn't rush him as he sat there, and Jake even stopped turning to glare from in front of the waffle iron.

"Did you know Anna's married?"

Bob could tell by the sharp intake of breath and the way Jessica's hand came to a screeching halt on his back that she had no idea.

"She's what?"

"Married," he repeated without any feeling whatsoever. The handful of hours he'd spent around her were some of the best of his life, but he would have never let his friends try to push them together if he'd know. He should have let her keep him in the friend zone when she tried to let him know that's what she wanted. Mutual attraction be damned, she'd made marriage vows to someone else. He just wished he would have known.

"No," Jessica said adamantly. "How? She's got no rings, and she said she lives alone. She mentioned an ex before, but I'm virtually certain he's still in New Jersey. She... struggles with certain things, and if she was married, someone would be helping her make ends meet. I don't know where you came up with this, but no."

Bob took his glasses off and set them down on the arm of the couch while he ran his hands over his exhausted eyes. "Jessica. She told me she was."

"Well," his friend said as she wrapped her arm around his shoulders, "I'll ask her about it at lunchtime today. There must be some sort of miscommunication."

"I don't think so," he groaned softly. "We... slept together, and those were her parting words as she ran out of my house."

"You slept together?!" Jessica practically shrieked. 

"It's about damn time!" Jake called from the kitchen, clanging his spatulas together and whooping loudly.

But Bob was shaking his head and staring at the floor through his slightly fuzzy vision. He had his phone in his hand all night, trying to decide if he should call or text her, wondering if she went home to climb into bed with her husband. Scared that this was the reason why she squeezed herself into her apartment door before closing it abruptly when he drove her home.

"I should have backed off when she friend zoned me the first time. I should have never believed that I could be with a woman like her." A woman that inspired the best poetry he'd ever written in his life. A woman who made him want everything.

It finally dawned on Bob that there might be an irate husband in his future, and he would just have to take whatever came his way. Because there wasn't a chance that Anna didn't have her spouse wrapped around her fingers. Even if she had a lapse of judgement when it came to Bob, Anna's husband would know how good he had it and want to fight for her. Bob would just have to take it on the chin.

When Jessica kissed his cheek and whispered, "I'll try to sort this out," he just nodded with his shoulders slumped and his elbows digging into his thighs. But there was nothing to sort out. Anna would never be his, and now he would have to pay the price for the way she told him she was married about an hour too late to take it all back. Honestly, he never thought accidentally sleeping with a married woman was something he would ever have to deal with in his wildest dreams, and now that he was forced to do it, he was getting pretty mad.

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

Anna managed to give her Classics lecture on Tuesday morning with a sore throat after screaming into her pillow off and on for most of Monday afternoon. She hadn't eaten in days, and if anyone noticed her puffy, red eyes, they didn't mention it to her. She had quizzes to grade and reports to read, but when she went back to her office, the overwhelming scent of bread from the cafeteria made her gag.

There was a pack of peanuts in her desk along with a room temperature can of ginger ale, but she had no appetite yet. She was just in survival mode until she decided what to do when Kevin's time was up. Until she worked up the courage to talk to Bob and apologize.

He was the sweetest man she had ever known, and her lapse of judgement was going to cost her any chance with him in the future as well as her friendships. In fact, none of them were ever going to want to speak to her again, and that's what she deserved. If she would have just been honest with Bob, she wouldn't be in this mess. But San Diego was like a balm for her senses, making her feel normal where she knew she wasn't. Maybe Bob would have been willing to wait a few more months until she figured out her next steps. Maybe he would have accepted that she was legally separated from Kevin if her husband would just sign the fucking paperwork.

Tears were burning her eyes again just as someone knocked on her office door. She sat perfectly still, silently begging them to go away, praying that everyone would leave her alone until she could sneak out and go home later.

"Anna?"

She knew that voice so well, and she was shocked to find that it sounded more concerned than angry.

"It's just us," came the second voice, and without another thought, Anna was on her feet, wrenching the door open as she started to sob. "Oh, Anna," whispered Jessica as she collected her into her arms.

Anna stood in the middle of her tiny office and cried and cried in Jessica's arms while her other friend studiously locked the door and dimmed the lights before reaching for the box of tissues on the shelf. "Here," she whispered, and Anna accepted a wad of tissues from her.

She tried to mop at her face, but it was a lost cause. Jessica pushed the loose strands of her red hair back from her eyes as she said, "Anna, we're here for you, but I think we need to talk. For real."

"We have some... concerns."

Anna tried to take huge gulps of air into her burning lungs as she gasped, "I'm really not okay. I hurt Bob."

Her friends looked at each other before Jessica said, "I think it's time you backtracked a little bit. Maybe all the way back to New Jersey."

"I hated it there," she told them immediately, wiping at her eyes as she sat on the edge of her desk, bracing herself for the interrogation to come. 

Advanced Calculus eyed her sympathetically before a look of steel locked in her gaze. "Are you married?"

Anna nodded slightly, cringing as she pictured Kevin's face. "Technically, yes."

"Anna!" Jessica exclaimed. "You slept with Bob!"

They knew. They knew everything. Bob told them, and they knew what she'd done. She cradled her forehead in her hands and said, "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I hate Kevin. I don't think we were even married two years before he started cheating on me. I'm trying my best to divorce him, but he just won't fucking let me."

"What do you mean he won't let you?" Advanced Calculus asked, cutting off Jessica before she could screech again.

"He is ruining my life," Anna whispered, finally starting to feel more anger than anything else. "Like an idiot, I've let him ruin my life. I put him through medical school. I dropped out of Princeton to work two jobs to put my husband through medical school." Her voice faded into a soft yet harsh whisper. "Kevin promised he'd take care of me after that so I could finish my Ivy League PhD. But then he started cheating on me because I was always tired and boring and no fun. Because all I was doing was working to pay his tuition for four years straight while he fucked another medical student between classes. I caught them having sex in my car."

"No," both women gasped at the same time. But she just nodded as the memories she had tried so hard to keep at bay since she moved to California came roaring back.

"That's not a marriage," Jessica practically growled, reaching out for Anna's hand that she hadn't even been aware was shaking. "Not really."

"You're right," Anna agreed. "I'm a joke." She honestly felt like one. Images of Bob's face and the memory of his kind voice flooded her system. The way he looked at her and touched her felt like love. The things he wrote about her had her almost convinced he could love her back.

"You're not a joke, Anna," her friend told her. "You're a smart, capable woman who should have come to her friends months ago with all of this information."

"I hate Kevin!" Jessica shrieked before biting down on her own fingertips, and it was so comical, Anna might have laughed if she was in a better frame of mind.

"Yes," Advanced Calculus agreed. "Kevin sounds like an asshole. But you know who isn't an asshole? Bob. But right now, he kind of feels like one."

Anna closed her eyes as the tears started welling up faster. "I tried so hard. You have to believe me. But Bob is perfect. And he didn't think I was boring. But I wasn't planning on falling in love ever again."

"You love him?" Jessica snapped loudly. "You love him? Because Bob thinks you are in a loving marriage with your spouse!"

"Jessica, go sit in the desk chair and calm down," the other woman commanded, and Anna watched the petite, bespectacled blonde stomp around her desk. "Now, Anna, why didn't you explain this all to Bob before you rocked the man's whole world and then ran off into the night like Cinderella?"

"I freaked out," Anna whispered, swallowing hard. "He's the perfect man. He did everything exactly right, and he was exquisite." She looked down at the floor as she said, "I haven't been touched like that in years. Like I was worth something. I'm not even thirty yet, and my husband ditched me for someone else while actively bankrupting me." She was mortified by what she was telling them, but she couldn't stop herself now. "Kevin always said I should dye my hair, and he loved it when I wore makeup. But Bob... he likes my hair and my freckles. He likes the books I read. He thinks I'm smart." She felt her face warm up as she thought about his poems. "We had sex, and then he was looking at me, and he started talking about us. I can't be an us with someone when I can't shake Kevin."

Anna could practically feel Jessica freaking out in the chair behind her, but she kept her eyes on the floor. "If you need help with Kevin or money for a lawyer or something-" Jessica said, but Anna cut her off.

"No. I'm fine. But he's going to force me to decide if I'd rather have my freedom or my self worth. And right now, I can't decide what I want to let him get away with when he already took so much."

"Hey," her much calmer friend said softly, and Anna finally met her eyes. "We're here for you. Anything you need, okay? But I need you to promise you'll talk to Bob. The sooner the better." Then Anna watched her reach for her tie dye lunch box which she apparently brought in with her and pulled out one of her fancy containers. "Bradley made you some hummus, and I packed you crackers and veggies to go with it. Please make sure you're eating. And please talk to Bob. I need to go teach Differential Equations, but I'll text you later. Jess, you have Physics III in fifteen minutes."

Anna received two hugs that she barely returned, and when the two women were gone, she sank into her chair and managed to eat some of the hummus without gagging. Then she texted Bob, because if nothing else, she needed him to know how sorry she was for running out on him. How sorry she was for all of it.

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

Anna wanted to talk to him on Thursday evening. Bob had to fight the urge to offer to pick her up on campus and save her from having to take an Uber to his house, especially after the few details that Jessica told him about her finances. She confirmed that Anna was married. She also promised him that there was no angry spouse waiting to jump him in the In 'N Out parking lot. She also told him that he needed to give Anna a chance to clear the air. So he agreed. He was free on Thursday. It wasn't like he'd been doing anything except going to work and coming straight home all week, even avoiding Suzanne as much as he could. And he wasn't going to break his promise to Jessica, even though Nat told him to delete Anna's number.

Bob sat in his living room, staring at his new bookshelf in disgust. He'd let himself fall into a fantasy where he imagined someday Anna's books would get mixed up with his on the shelves. Where all of her dog eared novels would live alongside his pristine ones. He'd been subconsciously thinking about it since he met her.

His insides were churning with anxiety. Part of him wanted to scream at her that none of this was fair to him, but the other part knew that no matter what, he still didn't want to see tears in her brown eyes. He couldn't let her take all of the blame for this anyway. He'd even told Jessica that she pushed a little too hard and that she shouldn't do that again in the future.

When there was a knock on his door, it was hard for him to stand up. How was he supposed to do this? He dragged himself across his living room to his front door and carefully opened it to find Anna with the saddest expression imaginable on her face. She looked somehow smaller and paler than she should. She looked like she hadn't slept. And that's when Bob realized he must look the same way to her.

"Hi," she whispered, brown eyes darting around his face nervously. She held out a small bouquet of blue flowers and the books she had borrowed in his direction, and Bob noticed her hands were shaking. "Um, I got these for you. They look like the flowers on the cover of the Whitman poems, and I thought of you when I saw them at the store."

"Anna," Bob groaned as he took them from her along with the books. He moved out of the doorway so she could come inside, and somehow he still couldn't decide if he was angry at her or not.

"I'm sorry," she gasped, turning to look at him once she was halfway across the room. There were several feet of space between them, but he could smell her hair. She was wearing the jeans she wore last time she went to the Hard Deck. He knew what that shirt felt like between his fingers. He could tell she was trying not to cry as she said, "I'm just really sorry."

"Why didn't you tell me you're married?" he snapped, unable to hold back. He knew his tone was harsh as he added, "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

"Because I should have been divorced by now!" she practically shouted, and Bob was instantly more soothed by that sentence than he should have been. "You think I want to be married to the worst man I know?" He had so many questions already, but something told him to just let her keep going. "That's why I'm here. In San Diego. He was supposed to sign the papers so I could get on with my ridiculous life, but he won't!" She sucked in a deep breath before she said, "And it's eating me alive knowing what I kept settling for when you exist! Knowing that I could have been with a man like you."

Her lips were moving like she was shivering, and her eyes were wide and watery. Red blotches covered her freckled cheeks, and Bob just knew she was going to panic again. She made a helpless noise and rushed forward, ready to run, but this time he caught her in his arms, the books and flowers falling to the floor. He let her struggle for a few seconds as she cried, but he held on tight.

"Anna," he said softly. "You can't keep running."

Her body slumped against his. She looked up at him as he held her, and a few seconds later, she let her cheek come to rest against his chest. She nodded against him as she whispered, "I don't really have anywhere to go anyway."

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

Bob kept his distance while also somehow always being nearby. Anna knew he was probably expecting her to vanish again if he turned his back for too long, but she was too mentally and physically exhausted to move from his living room couch while he fixed some tea. It was getting dark outside, and it was nearly impossible to try to think about anything other than Sunday night when she felt truly free for the first time in years. 

Similar thoughts must have been on Bob's mind, because he was still occasionally looking at her like he used to. Then his cheeks would turn pink, and he'd duck his head before showing her a completely neutral expression. She took the mug of tea he handed her and whispered, "Thank you," as he sat down as far away from her as he could. She cleared her throat as she looked into her drink and said, "You're one of the kindest, most generous people I've ever met." She forced her gaze to his face. "I'm sorry I took that for granted. And I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you and the ladies."

Bob nodded but didn't speak for a minute. His voice was as gentle as always as he eventually said, "I'd like it if we could talk."

"Yeah," she agreed softly now that she felt like the fight inside her was gone and the tears had finally dried up.

"Where's your husband?"

She pictured Kevin standing in the perfect kitchen in the beautiful house on the cul-de-sac. "In New Jersey."

"Right," Bob replied in a reassuring tone. "You said you should have been divorced by now, so does that mean you don't want to be married to him?"

"I hate him," she whispered, back to staring into her mug. "And I'm sure he hates me, too. No, I don't want to be married to him any longer."

"You're separated?" he asked softly.

Anna shrugged, wishing more than anything that she could scoot a little closer to Bob and feel his hand on hers. "Not legally. He won't sign anything."

"Right," Bob repeated again. "Would it be too much for me to ask what happened? Because I really don't understand. I'm trying, but I'm still so confused, Anna."

Her brain was screaming at her to start crying again, begging her to fall apart or hyperventilate, but she didn't even have the energy for it. She took one long sip of her perfect cup of tea before setting it aside and turning to look at him. Even now, he had sympathy in his eyes. Whether that was because he now knew she and Kevin weren't really together or because he was always this sweet, she couldn't say. But he was everything she wanted and would never have again. 

"The short version is that I put him through medical school while he cheated on me. The long version is that he used up every bit of my money, let me work myself ragged, prevented me from finishing my PhD at Princeton, belittled me, and flaunted his extramarital relationship in my face. It was humiliating knowing he was cheating. It's humiliating eating sandwiches and peanuts for every meal now. But the worst thing is that he is holding my manuscript hostage, and no matter what I do, he won't let me have it back."

"Jesus, Anna," he gasped, making the slightest move like he wanted to reach for her before pulling back.

She slowly stood, and he looked up at her, trying to gauge what she was going to do, but she just looked down at him as she tucked her shaking hands behind her back. "You're perfect," she whispered. "You're Sky Writing. You're the handsome man from the bookstore who smells like tea and soap. You're Bob, the guy my friends knew I would fall in love with as soon as I met them." She took a step back, barely able to handle how he was looking at her like she still mattered. "But I don't know how to be an us with you. I know that's what you want, but I never wanted to fall like this again. I tried my best not to. I can't do this with Kevin's shadow behind me all the time. And I'm just really sorry I let it go as far as it did. Because now that I know so much about you...."

That's when the tears arrived, and that's also when Bob stood up. "Anna, I feel like-"

When he cut himself off, leaving the sentence hanging in the air for a few seconds, she took one long, last look at him and whispered, "I'm going to go." He didn't stop her from stepping over the flowers, walking out the door, and heading to the end of his street where she waited for a ride as the night air made her shiver, and her tear streaked cheeks finally started to dry again.

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

Oh, they both fell for each other. I'm not sure if Bob feels better or worse now. Kevin is an absolute dick, and we will hear from him in the next chapter. Keep fighting, Anna. Thanks @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 12

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[idekwthmuistb]

Ok so I got started on dog breeds for the batfam and I know that there have been thoughts abt it before so here are mine! (Also fair warning I go off a mixture of vibes, looks, and basic breed temperment AND im not a dog breed specialist or anything like that, im pretty much just using the akc website for these breeds)

I'm gonna start with Alfred, honestly I was at first thinking a burmese or standard poodle but they just weren't really clicking right. Eventually I settled on him being either a schnauzer or terrier which helped narrow my options greatly! Looking through them all I decided the Giant Shnauzer suited him best in the end. The breed is very loyal, hard-working, and can be quite the guard!

Alfred - Giant Shnauzer:

I saw a post saying Bruce would be a Belgian Sheepdog and at first I completely agreed due to their looks but when I learned a bit more about their personality i was like hmmm so I went looking for something more in line with how I see him. Belgium Teruven popped up right after, and though similar, I thought it fit him better. Honestly could have just been due to the different wording but I like them better for Bruce regardless lol

Bruce - Belgian Teruven:

Dick was surprisingly a LOT harder than I thought he'd be. There were three breeds I got stuck between: the Dalmation, Mudi, and Norwegian elkhound. All very different dogs by all means yet each fit him quite well. I dismissed Dalmation first, though they're agile, they weren't quite friendly enough. Mudi was next for much the same reasons. It was around this time that I had also started considering a Great Pyrenees for him, seeing as they are known as both loving and vicious–though I ended up not going with it because they're a bit too calm (hm maybe alfred should be a Pyrenees instead?). That left me with the Norwegian Elhound. The breed is very dependable, friendly, and just fits his vibes looks-wise.

Dick - Norwegian Elkhound:

I know most people give Jason a mixed breed or just say he's a mutt because he came from a lower-income household but honestly that doesn't sit well with me, especially when we're giving the others their own breeds. As soon as I found the Anatolian Shepard I was like YES THATS HIM!! They're a large breed that is fiercely protective of their herd and are very loyal and independent. They'll protect what's theirs and are surprising nimble!

Jason - Anatolian Shepard:

Cass was honestly quite difficult for me. I quickly crossed out any typical herding breeds (Shepards, Collies, ect ect) and sight-hounds because she was raised to be LETHAL and I know that any breed can be deadly if trained right (or wrong) they just weren't what I was looking for. I played around with a few breeds like the akita, or a basenji, but they weren't quite right. But then, I came across a breed named Kai Ken. They're a medium sized dog, originating in Japan and used for hunting a wide range of animals in Japan's mountains. The Kai Ken are extremely versatile (they're known to CLIMB TREES) and loving of their family. They are also born completely black but develope a subtle brindle coat that helps them camouflage and I just think that's SO COOL???

Cass - Kai Ken:

Now, I'll be real with yall, I don't know much about Duke and wasn't really looking for a breed for him because of that but I came across one that clicked with him in my mind? The breed is called Large Munsterlander which is just a wild name BUT they're very cooperative and calm. This breed is very versatile and are meant for hunting–they're sense of smell is impressive and they're quite determined when it comes to hunting and retrieving any game.

Duke - Large Munsterlander:

Tim Tim Timothy, though high-class, I honestly thought at first that he'd be a Border Collie. However, as I was perusing dog breeds, I realized that the Collie was only representing half of him, as it didn't really match his looks or vibes, merely his personality. So I thought and thought and then–BAM, my brain gave me two choices, the Ibizan Hound or the Pharoah Hound. After figuring out that they were quite similar in personality, I decided to go with the Ibizan Hound. Funnily enough, they can be very attached but not prone to overtly showing it!

Tim - Ibizan Hound:

Now, Damian is a little trickier because I could fully see him taking after Bruce in having the same breed both bc they're blood related and just the vibes but, though I couldn't find much information on them, based on my personal experience with them I do think the Black Mouth Cur would be a good match up to Damian. They can be very territorial of people and things they think is theirs if not properly socialized. Otherwise they'll be very loving and protective of those they've deemed family and are built for hunting large game that are common around farms.

Damian - Black Mouth Cur:

And then here's some miscellaneous people

-Talia and Ra's I could see being Salukis

-Stephanie is perhaps a Portuguese Podengo, scrappy

-Barbara is a Redbone Coonhound all the way

-Roy is a Finish Spitzin my eyes

-Clark gives Dogo Argentino

-Diana feels like a Leonberger

-Oliver is possibly a Berger Picard

-Hal is definitely a Ridgeback, stubborn lol

[nokillbananashelter]

THE NEXT ZELDA

Things I Think The Devs Are Thinking About

This is going to be a series of posts digesting what Zelda has done/is doing recently, namely, with EOW, TOTK, BOTW (& AOC/AOI) and how that relates to the fandom and their responses to reception of these games and where the devs have clearly shown interest with their whims. I was originally going to post this as one thing, but we don’t need to be that insufferable and I’m still formulating some thoughts on the other ones. And please remember- This is speculation!

PART 1: DUO PROTAGONISTS

I think we are at the point where dual protagonist structure is on the doorstep. Echoes of Wisdom was almost that already and they seem very keen on addressing giving Zelda space to be the protagonist. It would be absolutely incredible to have this open format where you are either journeying through as Zelda in one part and Link in another, or you are actually united and have to figure out how Zelda or Link’s toolset fit into the puzzle in front of you.

It’s been a minute since we’ve had a narrator companion. Zelda has already been in that role so I think this time they have the opportunity to simply just have her be… a voiced protagonist. I’m not saying she needs to have a voice actress this time (she probably will) but it would be interesting to have dialogue happening in a more tangible light. Link DOES talk in BOTW/TOTK, but also….Imagine how they could play up the characteristic of being kind of quiet. Maybe link does not interact with NPC’s in the same way that Zelda would. Maybe he says things that are a little more simple, functional, and Zelda does a lot more negotiation and investigation. Imagine the comedy, drama, and development that can happen by having link reserving his words more and Zelda speaking very freely and openly.

Idk, I think they are trialing the interest of zelda with the voice memories too- do players have interest in Zelda lore dropping on us, as we explore the world? I think the answer to that is a resounding yes. Imagine as you’re exploring as Zelda, or with Zelda, and it gives you the option to let her lore drop if you wanna hear it. It’s not forced on you, it’s not required, it doesn’t stop you from doing what you’re doing. It’s there to engage in if you want. I think people would want that & the new totk content is probably gonna be wanted in the base game next time.

And I also think they already kind of trialed this in the BEGINNING of TOTK too. Link is there to make the path safe for Zelda so she can interpret ruins and offer context for what you’re going through. I think my only complaint about that beginning section was how she ripped attention away from moving forward to demand the player pay attention to what she was doing. It was necessary as an opening act in a video game where you wouldn’t necessarily know to not skip past that, but in a more sustained capacity, the ability to skip over it would be right in the heart of how they’ve been developing these games- and I think a lot of players would appreciate that.

Further on teamwork, EOW’s last dungeon felt like a prototype for swap-between puzzles. I honestly really liked it. And while I didn’t really like sword mode for EOW, a game starring both Zelda and Link has a lot of potential for that kind of switching dynamic to work out really cool and feels like a fertile ground for creating challenge and interesting puzzles. I genuinely wanted more puzzles where Link & Zelda got split from each other in a room and had to independently figure out how to solve it. That fucking owned, even though it was only like three rooms.

It also defines and reinforces their skillsets a little bit more. Narratively speaking, Link is not credited for all of the creative adventuring you do that often, despite you showing a lot of wit and creativity and wizardry as link. He’s credited as a swordsman most often, and Zelda is the priestess. It makes sense for her to have the wacky powers and being more oriented towards creative wizardry and sleuthing and for him to be a audacious Fliptastic acrobatic fighter. Obviously, they are also defining Zelda as being insanely capable in combat, as we see in EOW & soon AOI. Combat = Link and Puzzle = zelda do not need to be mutually exclusive to each other- they both can be forces of nature and creativity and wit. But I think it gives them a lot of space to be defined and complement their skill sets in navigating solving puzzles and doing combat. Dungeon items can be made to be more Linky or more Zelday. Link could get a hookshot, Zelda could get a superpower. It just makes sense to me. I would love it if Zelda retain some of her summoning power from EOW, and Link retained a lot of his cool adventuring gear. They both can be capable in every aspect of gameplay, but one is tinted more magically and the other is tinted more adventurously.

And although the Sages in TOTK are sloppy implementations, they are 100% a trial of what it feels like to have people follow you around, and how you may possibly interact with them to engage with their abilities. I think there’s a lot of successes and failures learned from the way that they were implemented. A second pass on reactive companions could work out in a really cool way, and it’s not like there aren’t 1 million other examples in other games that worked better that they can learn from. They’re thinking about this and I don’t think they’re done with it!

i know a lot of people probably wouldn’t like this, but the notion of having to look out for both characters & make sure that they can complete their task while you do yours is fascinating to me. Imagine you can even choose which character you want to use in a fight or troubling situation. When you’re link, you gotta keep the baddies away from Zelda, disarm bosses through their various phases, and deal the finishing blow. When Zelda, you gotta maintain and complete seals/spells, keep baddies away from link, and change the shape of the battlefield in your favor. You may even have players that end up preferring one or the other in the challenges that come from being one or the other. It could make the game more accessible in that way. Imagine sometimes you get separated, and have to find the other one and break them out of a situation. This is something that could happen in particular story beat points, or be a consequence/complication of exploration that entice you to solve puzzles or explore areas you may otherwise miss or skip over.

And Imagine how dual protags opens up the possibilities for co-op! I would love an open world Zelda, where my partner can just drop in and drop out however we please. Imagine one of you exploring one end of the map while the other explores the other end. It would be so insane if that flexibility was a primary feature of the next Zelda. I wouldn’t even mind if the game was relatively conservative structurally if that was the primary gimmick. I really think it’s worth exploring.

And this isn’t even to mention four swords and what they may have learned from that experiment.

Genuinely, I think this duo protagonist concept is eminent. Out of all the things that are going to happen next, this one feels like the idea they are coming around to most. It could please a lot of people and it could be done in a way that doesn’t require you to sacrifice Link’s or Zelda’s importance in the story, or even your capacity to play the whole game as just one of them if you really wished that.

[missingscript]

I am going to talk about my favourite things from chaos theory and of course, the downsides, and my personal opinions!! (Opinions based around the benrius/yasammy topic) So major spoilers ahead under the cut!

Goodsides :D

While chaos theory is a kids show, it definitely displays more mature content, something camp cretaceous did not show! This includes blood, and visual character death (Daniel Kons was specifically gruesome), and description of mental issues, this is specifically PTSD, implied depressive states and breakdowns, the show dives deep into the world of surprise, watching it i was shocked in a good way when a scene came up. Kenji's breakdown was perfectly animated and portrayed.

Each character never faded into the background and they were all equally focused on throughout the season. The show also focused on relationships between the campers, and their families. Specifically Sammy's. Each character has their own comical relief line even when in a dangerous situation. The campers never matured, only grew, they stayed themselves and still act as a group! Same way they did on Nublar.

The plot twists are bonkers, I was not expecting the DPW to be up to sketchy business, nor did I expect suddenly blossoming romance between characters. The budget is definitely higher than it was with camp cretaceous, I couldn't tell if some scenes were animated or real. Beautifully portrayed landscapes.

Overall, the show deserved every amazing rating and my personal rating is an 11/10.

Downsides D:

My first itch was the one-sided romance with Darius and Brooklynn. It certainly was a plot twist but I feel that it was absolutely unnecessary and could've been kept platonic. I feel it would be more heartbreaking and deep if Darius sent her voice messages as a friend, telling her that he's sorry and telling her things about his day. That one scene threw me off on the episode, not because I'm an angry benrius shipper but because it very much could've been kept platonic and felt unnecessary, but was written and played into perfectly. I have absolutely no criticism of the actual writing.

(this was talked about on the discord) - It feels like Brooklynn used to be independent and a baddie in camp cretaceous until she started becoming the love interest, and then it felt like she just became dependent on Kenji and unable to do things herself, so I am hoping that if we get a season 2, that we really get to see Brooklynn not be the love interest and work independently. And I genuinely hope that it won't turn out into another klance situation with Brooklynn, because she was super overhated before, and some angry benrius/benji shippers WILL hate her for "getting in the way of a mlm ship", which is not the case.

My last point was with Darius' health. Darius never got that shine through and we really never got to see how he coped with Brooklynn's death or after the island. They show little cracks but never unpack his full health, which I do hope we get to see in future seasons.

Other than those three points, I really do have nothing to criticise because it was perfect.

Personal opinions/hopes on ships :3

I really do hope we get to see more yasammy content specifically how they build up their relationship more, especially comforting scenes like we got in Ben's soggy van. And Sammy telling Yaz about her family not being in contact, and I would really love to see their relationship play out further and elaborate on the family situation!! :)

-

As I autismed a little too hard and have had a hyperfixation on Benrius since 2021(?), it's not to say I didn't have my hopes up for their relationship in chaos theory, but I also can't say that I expected them to be canon. What maybe the directors could've done is provide that teeny bit of fan-headcanons, because from what I've seen, alot of people from the fandom headcanoned Ben as a gay man, so instead of a girlfriend he would've had a boyfriend. Or they could have Ben lie about the girlfriend because he may have worked out he likes boys, and has internalised homophobia. But back to benrius, they had ALOT of chemistry in camp cretaceous, and for me it was a little disappointing that their relationship dwindled down a little. What I am hoping (manifesting) is that Ben realises his feelings for Darius, and has issues coming out to him and confessing.

Despite my opinions and criticism, the show is definitely worth the watch and deserves every thumbs up from the viewers. I thank everyone who worked on chaos theory and put their best effort into it. 11/10 show. Thank you.

[mirai-e-jump]

Animage November 2024 Issue ft. Miyazawa Yu Interview (translation below)

Publication: October 10, 2024 (between episode 32-33)

A Cleaner Style

The 3rd Lap is a chaotic development, where the intentions of various people will blend together. Among them, Sakito Homura is attracting the most attention.

Sakito lost both of his parents at an early age and had no one to rely on. When he was around 10 years old, he encountered Byun Diesel, also known as Byundi, and set off to space, where he lived a dangerous life as a cleaner. Although Sakito initially said that he had "abandoned Earth," ever since he bonded with Taiya Hando and the others, he now fights to protect Earth from the Hashiriyans.

Sakito has changed through these new encounters, and it's because of them that he has friends that he can rely on, but he can't ignore Genba Bureki, who's walking his own path of loneliness out of a desire for revenge against Disrace, the one who seized his home planet of Bureki. Sakito, who works on his own as a cleaner, uses this position to approach Genba and attempts to pull him back to the Boonboomgers, sometimes by expressing his own feelings to him.

As a result of Sakito's actions and his interaction with Nijino Akira of Ressha Sentai ToQger, Genba's stubborn feelings begin to change.

The day when the six Boonboomger members once again fight side by side isn't that far off. _

-The distance between me and Byundi isn't the same as close friends or brothers-

"After passing through the 2nd Lap, Sakito's become a familiar face, and we think his personality and position, which is independent of the other Boonboomgers, make him a unique character in the show."

Miyazawa: Even before filming, I wanted Sakito's character to find a balance between those three - the calm Taiya and Ishiro and the mysterious Genba, and those cheerful two - Mira and Jou, so that he could go either way. So, I tried to make him two faced, or rather, it was important to give him the calmness that comes from having nearly 20 years of experience working as a cleaner in space, and the childishness that comes from having left Earth at the age of 10 to live freely. I still have trouble raising and lowering the excitement between those two roles, but I'm trying to make that part of my performance bring out Sakito's best qualities.

"We were impressed by how child like you sometimes act, but that was a conscious part of your performance, right?"

Miyazawa: That's right. He knows about space, so he acts as a commentator, but he also screws around, so it's convenient for the comedic parts (laughs). Lately, I've been trying to express that kind of growth in him, like how he's looking at things more calmly now that a few months have passed, compared to how excited he used to be when he first came back to Earth.

"In the 3rd Lap, Sakito has more scenes with Genba, who had left Boonboomger."

Miyazawa: Sakito has Byundi by his side, but I think that because of his past experiences, he's lived his life without relying on others, believing that he has to do things on his own. In the fight with Taiya in episode 18, he also spoke about his disillusionment and resignation toward adults. This overlaps with the current Genba, who's outlook has become narrow due to wanting to take his planet back. Sakito himself felt that he could grow with the help of the Boonboomgers, and in his own clumsy way, I'm sure he wants to pass on his experiences to Genba, even if only alittle, and do something about it. For Sakito's reaction to hearing Genba say, "This is my only shot," after sumo wrestling with him in episode 32, I wanted to express the conflict of, "Is it really impossible to persuade him any further?," so I consulted Director Nakazawa-san about it.

"The Suit Actor for BoonViolet after the Change is Tsutamune Masato-san."

Miyazawa: Not only do I talk alot with Tsuta-san, but we also copy each other's performances. We've never had the opportunity to perform our roles together before, so I was abit worried, thinking, "Is this gonna be okay?," but the fact that we were able to build a good relationship right from the start was good for creating Sakito's character.

"Something indispensable for Sakito is the existence of his partner Byundi."

Miyazawa: Byundi's his partner who's been through some difficult times together, Sakito can talk to him about anything, and if something happens to the other, they immediately rush over. Figuratively speaking, he's like an older brother to Sakito, so while I'm conscious of their brotherly relationship in my performance, in terms of the distance between them, he's not his brother, best friend, or even a parent. Having a relationship like these two where you're together all year round is unusual, isn't it? That's why I think Byundi's existence is unique and special.

"What kind of conversations do you have on set with Takada Masashi-san, Byundi's Suit Actor, when it comes to expressing the relationship of those two?"

Miyazawa: I wanted to realistically portray the perfect harmony between Sakito and Byundi, or rather, what it's probably been like since Sakito was little, so I've talked about alot of things with Takada-san. Like, when he sat on Byundi's tire as a chair in episode 24, or when he watched the battle between the Aori Family and the Hashiriyans on Byundi's legs in episode 29. For improv like that, I consult with Takada-san, who tells me places where I can hop on with, "This is a good spot," but also adds more ideas.

"What's your impression of Hanae Natsuki-san, the voice behind Byundi?"

Miyazawa: I've watched Hanae-san do post recording multiple times, and have also had the chance to talk with him. Hanae-san always manages to skillfully "train" for my performances, and he improvises quite abit. In the baseball scene in episode 23, when he was cheering for Sakito, he kept saying, "Sa-ki-to!" (laughs). During recording of the scenes between BoonViolet and Byundi, when I record first, I'll think about how I'll interact with him, and when Hanae-san records, I think about how I'll respond while watching Tsuta-san's movements. I thought a relationship like this was wonderful. It's not often that you get the chance to work so closely with tokusatsu professionals like Tsuta-san and Takada-san, and Voice Actor professionals like Hanae-san, so I've been taking in alot from them through this experience.

-A decisive battle with the Cannonborg, I also carried Tsutamune-san's feelings on my shoulders-

"In episode 32, the most recently aired episode, from "Ressha Sentai ToQger," Suzuki Right's Shison Jun-san and Nijino Akira's Nagahama Shin-san made guest appearances."

Miyazawa: I worked with Nagahama-san during filming and Shison-san during post recording, and while both of them are senior Sentai members, above all else, they're senior actors, so it was a great honor for me to costar with them. Still, I also thought, "I absolutely can't lose." Sakito himself isn't the type to get carried away just because some seniors came along. Both of them took on all of our acting, so I went into it with the feeling of "I'm gonna give it my all."

"In a positive way, there was a sense of rivalry."

Miyazawa: Yeah, it was one sided though (laughs). I did feel alittle frustrated because I could see the difference in our abilities, but I also received tons of positive encouragement.

"So far, which episodes are you particularly attached to?"

Miyazawa: It would have to be episode 25, that was one of the turning points for Sakito, and it left a deep impression on me. How would I show the change in Sakito, who used to say, "I'll give this planet to Hashiriyans," through his involvement with Boonboomgers? While doing it I was thinking, "If Sakito and BoonViolet can't liven things up, then this episode will be ruined." Just from the script, I was especially excited about him using the weapons everyone gave him in the battle against Cannonborg, and I thought Tsuta-san would definitely do some cool action, so I went to observe filming to get a better idea of what to expect during post recording. On set, Tsuta-san was speaking BoonViolet's lines, and I could really feel his emotions through them. In order to convey Sakito's feelings for the Boonboomgers and Earth, I tried to use my voice with as much passion, if not more, as Tsuta-san's actions, and for the first time ever, I was sweating during post recording. I also wanted to show Sakito's innocence in the fireworks scene at the end.

"It truly was a scene that showed Sakito's gap."

Miyazawa: I was like, "You were so cool defending Earth, and now you're all hyped up about some festival!" (laughs). Still, I believe that the build up of those efforts has led to his current development.

"Are there any situations you'd like to play as Sakito in the future?"

Miyazawa: I personally feel like, "Please let me do whatever I want!," but if I were to list them all in detail, there'd be no end in sight……However, I wonder what'll happen to Sakito at the end of Boonboomger's story. Sakito's current goal is crushing the Hashiriyans, but unlike the other Boonboomgers, he doesn't have a goal like competing in the Big Bang Grand Prix. I also wonder what kind of answer he'll give on whether he chooses to stay on Earth, to which he's grown increasingly attached to, or to return to space where his cleaner acquaintances are. I'm really looking forward to the moment when I find out how Sakito feels after achieving his goal. _

Q: What's your favorite manga/anime?

I've watched a variety of things, like "Kimetsu no Yaiba," which features Hanae-san in it, but if there's one work that I really like, it's "ONE PIECE." I've read the original story in Shonen Jump magazines, and have participated in the card game tournaments (laughs). For characters, I like Eustass Kid and Charlotte Katakuri so much, that I put them in my card game deck. Kid is cool in that he's a madman with a surprisingly passionate side, and Katakuri, despite being a villain, is very compassionate…….Perhaps it's because they both have something in common with Sakito that I'm even more fond of them. (-Miyazawa) _

Transcript of a Cleaner

Sakito, along with Byundi, have been cleaning up trouble as the best cleaners in the universe. Here's a glimpse of how they've been taking care of things on Earth.

Delivery of the Legendary Sword Client: The Hashiriyan Family His delivery to Cannonborg was his first job on Earth. Later, in order to pay off his debt to the Boonboomgrs and allow Byundi to meet Bundorio, he disposed of Sword Grumer, the legendary sword that had mutated.

Disposal of the Boonboomgers Client: Cannonborg He was left with no other choice but to take on the job after his precious trading cards was stolen. However, he withdrew from the request because Cannonborg involved Kakeru, his old friend and the owner of the card, and his family.

Fighting with the Boonboomgers Client: Taiya Hando Out of anger for putting Kakeru in harm's way, he accepted this request from Taiya immediately after breaking things off with the Hashiriyans. Since then, he's rushed to join the Boonboomgers in their battles against the Hashiriyans.

Disposal of Cannonborg Client: The Boonboomgers The only way to prevent Jackie Hoi Hoi's reactivation, is for Sakito, the fastest of the six, to stop Cannonborg. Sakito hunted down Cannonborg with the weapons entrusted to him by his friends.

Support for the Spy Job Client: Ishiro Meita At the request of the ISA, Ishiro was trying to retrieve an item from the Aori Family. Sakito took things upon himself to help out, and together with Byundi, they attracted the attention of the Aori Family and assisted him in his work.

[spaceprincessleia]

Rebels with(out) a cause

Here are some points I want to talk about regarding Vel, Cinta and storytelling:

It’s Vel’s story, not Cinta’s (Intention)

Vel in season 1 – and Cinta

What kind of story did we get?

The mess (Outcome)

The impact of queerness and race on the story we got

The story we should have got (Fix)

My conclusion

Feel free to dive into 1269 words of analysis. Good luck if you do.

Disclaimer: This is just an opinion and doesn't consider every aspect ever. Also, I don't read (many) interviews with people involved in the show or listen to/watch analyses. I really just had an itch to write down my thoughts, and they turned into ... many thoughts.

Also, this is an analysis that points out storytelling flaws. I love Vel and Cinta deeply, their story overall makes much more sense than the parts that could/should have been better, and I'll forever be happy that we got these characters and their relationship.

It’s Vel’s story, not Cinta’s

Andor introduces us to characters at important moments in the rebellion. Backstories are often reduced to minimal context (except for Cassian’s, because he’s the main character).

One of these stories is about a “rich girl” who walks away from privilege and wealth to fight the Empire directly – unlike a politician working from within the Senate. That’s an angle we haven’t really seen before, and we explore it through Vel – why did someone with her background join the fight?

To tell that story, Tony Gilroy created Cinta as Vel’s narrative foil, aka a marginal role and not a fully independent character. So, she wasn’t written for more screen time or deeper development; we were never meant to learn how she joined the rebellion, where she came from, or how she and Vel met.* Also, Cinta’s angle isn’t one we haven’t seen before.

* If anything, we do know why Vel and Cinta are (were) in a relationship: to contrast the protagonist, Vel, to highlight her choices, conflicts and growth. That’s not the in-character explanation for their love that we want, of course, but a meta explanation – the relationship exists for the story’s structure, because that’s how Tony decided to tell it.

Vel in season 1 – and Cinta

In season 1, we see two sides of Vel: she’s trying to become a leader and find her place in the rebellion (emphasis on trying), and she’s in love with Cinta. She wants both, but clearly struggles to find balance. Cinta is the opposite: she knows exactly why she fights and puts the rebellion first.

After the Aldhani heist, Vel and Cinta are worlds apart, both literally and figuratively. Vel ends up on Coruscant, no longer looking like a ground soldier, while Cinta returns to her role on the frontlines. Their priorities contrast as well: Vel becomes more caught up in her emotions, while Cinta remains focused on the rebellion.

We learn a little bit more about Vel, too, through Mon, Cinta and Perrin (for example that she’s Mon Mothma’s cousin, that she comes from a life of wealth and privilege, and that she grew up in a conservative, possibly homophobic society).

By the end of season 1, the focus is very much on Vel and Cinta’s relationship, and not on just Vel and her “why.”

What kind of story did we get?

Instead, Vel’s relationship with Cinta became the main point of her character – and the exploration of her “why” disappeared. The story focused almost entirely on their dynamic, and as a result, Cinta evolved into more than “just” a narrative foil. She became a character, and the one with more narrative clarity.

Therefore, many of us expected to see both of them grow/change individually in season 2 as well as a conclusion to their relationship.

And we did get both in season 2: they changed, and they found balance. They could love each other and still work well as a team dedicated to a common cause.

So far, so good, right? *record scratch* Well ... no, actually.

The mess

There are three points here that add to the mess of Vel and Cinta’s arc, in my opinion:

Firstly, all of Vel and Cinta’s character growth happened off-screen during the time skips. There’s no build-up to the conclusion of their arc, it’s resolved in minimal screen time. Vel’s core motivation is still unknown and it can’t be explored through her relationship with Cinta, since Cinta is killed off in episode six. Wasn’t exploring Vel’s core motivation the whole point of her character though?

Secondly, If Cinta’s death was supposed to become Vel’s “why,” the missing part in her arc, then that doesn’t work. Vel isn’t a new recruit, motivation doesn’t come after you’ve already committed, and if Vel only really starts fighting because of Cinta’s death, it reduces everything Vel did before.

And thirdly, things get even more complicated when we address what we haven’t yet: Vel and Cinta are a queer love story, with Cinta portrayed by a queer woman of color. And all of this matters, whether it was intentional or not.

The impact of queerness and race on the story we got

Tony tells a story here that generally works regardless of gender, sexuality or race. There’s nothing wrong with creating a marginal role (like a narrative foil) and even killing them off to advance another character’s arc.

But stories don’t exist in a vacuum. Even if the focus isn’t on identity, they become part of the story, and should be considered within the story (the vacuum) as well as the context of the real world.

Andor touches on queerness beyond just the portrayal of a same-sex relationship: for example with the line “Everyone has their own rebellion,” delivered by a queer character from a conservative, possibly homophobic society.

While the line refers to people from different backgrounds who join the rebellion for different reasons, a queer audience will pick up on a more specific meaning in that context, too. Because to many, being queer is a “rebellion” against the norms of a heteronormative society.

Additionally, the marginal character whose primary role is to support the development of a protagonist is portrayed by a queer woman of color, and the protagonist is white.

Considering both of these aspects, Tony Gilroy tapped into a long, painful tradition in media: queer women of color are often sidelined, underdeveloped or killed off to serve the arcs of others.

The story we should have got

Now, could the pain over Cinta’s death have been avoided? No. It would always have hurt fans who were invested in her and Vel’s relationship. But could the mess around that pain have been avoided? Partially, yes. Better storytelling choices regarding both Vel and Cinta could have made it less frustrating. Still, with so much character development skipped over through time jumps, some level of dissatisfaction may have been inevitable.

For me, the best fix would have been to

stay true to the original narrative purpose of Vel’s character, and

show Vel and Cinta’s development on screen, over time, in season 2.

The reveal of “why” Vel chose to fight the Empire should have been the primary focus of her arc. We’re shown her commitment, but not the core reason behind it. And that’s not a small thing: Vel would feel much more complete as a character with a defined motivation.

That missing “why” could have been explored through her contrast with Cinta. Vel is portrayed as someone who chooses to join the fight. Cinta, meanwhile, had no choice: her life was destroyed by the Empire, her “why” is clear.

Vel and Cinta’s journey to find balance in their relationship is a story I love with all of my heart. It could have grown alongside Vel’s personal arc, not replace it, and it could have honored Cinta’s character with more narrative space.

Conclusion

There’s still much more that could be analyzed and debated – but the bottom line is:

In my opinion, Tony Gilroy lost sight of his original intention with Vel: exploring her perspective and the reasons she chose to join the fight against the Empire.

Additionally, his casting and writing choices needed to be handled with more awareness.

Because of this, Cinta deserved more screentime and narrative space in season 2, even if she was always intended to be a foil and her death planned from the start.

And due to the timing of Cinta’s death in the storyline, it could never have meaningfully served as Vel’s “why” anyway.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.