#to be fair if the no option wins there is still a possibility i notice music things and post about them

[iguessitsjustme]

I have not watched it yet and won't be able to get to it tomorrow so I thought I'd make a poll.

Followers decide. If I do this then obviously I will write all about it.

[ariaste]

Hello, published author here who just noticed a thing in the s3 teaser that may help us to determine the timeline:

This is not an ARC. ARCs, aka "Advance Review Copies" or "Advance Reader Copies" are sent out in advance of the publication of a book in order for magazines/newspapers/whoever (and these days, online book influencers) to review it, and for booksellers to have a chance to read it so they can order copies for their store and hand-sell it better on publication day. ARCs usually go out around 3-4 months before publication.

ARCs are also sometimes called "advance uncorrected proofs" because they usually haven't been through copyedits yet (aka typo-finding and punctuation-checking). ARCs are always clearly marked on the front cover as what they are, to make it harder for people to sell them online and so that bookstores don't accidentally put them out as merchandise.

We know that the IWTV team knows this becaaaaause, from the end of s2e8:

*THAT'S* an ARC. You can see how it says so all over, both "advance reader's copy" and "advance uncorrected proof". It's also a paperback (as ARCs usually are) rather than the hardback that Lestat is holding -- all very typical and correct.

And here is a finished copy. And we know exactly how far after publication it is, because:

Daniel also gives a shout out to a "book fair" and Atlanta, which I take to mean the Decatur Book Festival, which takes place in October. So that means the book would have been published in June -- nice timing! Get all that good Pride Month promo for this gay-ass vampire memoir. So far we are nailing the Expected Publishing Industry Timeline And Behaviors.

So the only thing I can tell you definitively about what this means is that Louis got that ARC probably in February, aka around eight fucking months ago at the end of s2, and still hasn't even skimmed it, and that is HILARIOUS of him. not a shred of guilt on him about it either. (if you get a print ARC (as opposed to an e-ARC) and you don't even read it, it is polite to be a little embarrassed about that. not my personal best friend Louis DPDL tho.)

As for whether Daniel is a vampire during the s3 trailer -- the thing we are all clamoring to know -- I have two possible ways the timeline could be working, given the publishing industry stuff:

OPTION 1: Louis leaves Dubai -> Goes to New Orleans for Depression Hovel reunion, refuses to get back together with Lestat -> Lestat "I will woo him back with a Song, just like last time. ok that didn't work I'LL GO BIGGER. that didn't work. BIGGER" Lioncourt starts his rockstar career as a Gotta Get My Man Back tantrum -> Daniel finishes the manuscript, delivers it to his publisher, and sends an ARC to Louis (February) -> Book is published, bestseller (June) -> Daniel (who was turned at some unknown point) goes on TV about it (October) -> famous currently-bestselling journalist gets in touch with up-and-coming rockstar to get his side of the story -> Lestat has a mental breakdown on camera about how Louis is not even paying attention to all the albums he is recording, hurtful, tragic, heartbreaking

or

OPTION 2: Daniel DEFINITELY got out of Dubai alive -> [all of the above up to "Daniel sends an ARC to Louis"] -> book is getting great reviews -> already-famous Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist gets in contact with up-and-coming rockstar to do the sequel even before the book is out (slightly odd publishing choice but when you have two Pulitzers, the rules are different, so it's not implausible) -> Daniel gets his finished copies of the book (which brings us to probably May at the earliest; you don't usually get your finished copies more than a month in advance) and has one on set for interviewing Lestat -> Lestat has his sexy little rockstar breakdown on camera -> Daniel is human for interviewing Lestat but gets turned by Armand somewhere in the five-month span between finished copies arriving in May and his TV interview in October.

Option 1 gives the show writers a little more timeline wiggle room, which can be useful, but Option 2 is more Dramatic and builds extra tension if Daniel is trying to do this interview while not having a good time with his Parkinson's. Either way Louis is just out here not answering anybody's phone calls or reading the lovely ARC he was so thoughtfully sent bc he's busy redecorating his house.

THAT SAID, please take all of this with a grain of salt, i have been losing my mind over the s3 trailer and i may have missed something

this has been your war correspondent a report from the publishing industry. thank you and goodnight

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

All In 11

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, power imbalance, low self esteem, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: you meet a mysterious man on a night out with your sister. (petite!reader)

based on the winning option for this poll

Characters: casino owner!Bucky Barnes

Note: it's a new week

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

Your phone buzzes against your leg, ripping you back to reality. Your eyes widen and drift away from the stream of font. You sit up and mark the page with your finger as you reach for the jittering cell. 

You scramble to grab onto it and hesitate to hit the big green button. The screen doesn't look like usual, not that you get many calls. You tap the button and the image changes at once, Bucky startling you as he appears. 

"Hey, doll," he grins and winks at you, moving the camera to lean against something. "How's it going?" 

"Uhhhh," you drone, surprised. He can see you too. You know by the little reflection of yourself in the corner. "Hi. Fine." You put the book down with no mind to losing the page, "um, you?" 

"You busy, doll?" 

"Reading but... no." 

"Mm," he hums, "glad to see you enjoying your treats but... no pajamas?" 

He steps back and you get a view of him from waist up, the edge of a counter in the lower edge. You pout then give a sheepish smile, "sorry, I haven't... had a chance." 

"That's okay, doll, I just wanted a peek before I went to work," he undoes his shirt button by button and pulls it off, revealing his muscular torso. You gulp at the lines of his muscle along his stomach, "why don't you put them on now and give me a look." 

"Oh, uh..." you glance at the wall. It's late. You're pretty sure Roxie already left for work and your mom will probably be settling down. "Right, uh..." 

"Just want something to think of when I walk the floor," he purrs. 

"Sure, er," you nearly choke, "I'll just-- one sec." 

"I can wait, doll. I've been waiting, haven't I?" He purrs. 

You feel a pang of guilt. You place the phone down so the lens faces the ceiling and climb off the bed. He's given you a lot, too much honestly, and now you feel like you owe him. It isn't fair to take his kindness without anything in return. And he isn't asking much, is he? 

You dig in the bag, the crinkle loud as the only other noise is the subtle movement from his end. You fish out the soft pajamas and peer over, making certain the phone is still flat. You change far away from it, paranoid. 

You look down at yourself in the tank and shorts. Oh gosh. It's a lot less than you usually wear. Your legs are showing, your shoulders, and a bit of your tummy. 

"Doll?" He says and you flinch. 

"I don't know... I don't think it fits." 

"I'm sure it fits just nice," he insists, "show me." 

"Oh, uh..." 

"I'm just looking, doll, I'll only think of what I really wanna do," he snickers. 

You cross back to the bed and pick up the phone, careful to stay out of view. You turn back and prop it up on the dresser, overly aware of the unflattering angle as you do. You give a wide-eyed look and back up so you're all in frame.  

You hug yourself shyly and sway. 

"Let me see ya," he orders. 

You put your arms straight and notice how he leans in to look at the screen, smoothing his hair back. He keeps his hands over his dark strands and growls. A flutter starts in your stomach. 

"What do you mean too small? That fits your perfect," he says. 

"I... really?" 

"Sure, doll," he turns and you realise he's getting ready.  

He combs his hair stands straight. He grabs a new shirt and buttons it as he peeks again. You near the camera and move it so he can only see your face.  

"Damn, doll, I'm gonna be all over the place," he says, "you're so sweet and sexy." 

"Bucky," you squeak.  

"I don't lie. That's the one thing you should know about me. I will always let you know exactly what I want." 

You blush hotly and a tap on the door nearly makes you drop the phone. You hide it behind you and shuffle closer. You clear your throat. 

"Uh, yeah?" You call through. 

"Hey, honey, everything okay in there?" She asks. Shoot, she must have heard you. 

"I'm watching something," your heart hammers, "sorry, I'll turn it down."

"It's alright, honey. Just thought I heard you..."

"No, just a show," you wisp out.

You quickly back away and go as far from the door as you can. You look down at the phone as Bucky tucks in his shirt. Ugh, that was embarrassing. He heard all that; surely he must realise how lame you are. 

"Mom sounds real sweet," he says, "must be where you get it." 

"She's working tomorrow. Don't wanna keep her up," you explain quietly. 

"That's too bad, doll. I'll just have to keep waiting... wanting," he shrugs and pulls on a dark jacket, "what do ya think? Look good?" 

He poses for the camera. He looks great, as always. You feel smaller than ever. 

"Yes," you answer softly. 

"Yes? That's it?" He sounds disappointed. 

"Very handsome," you eke out. 

"Handsome?" He squints as he picks up the phone. 

"Er," you search your repertoire and borrow from his, "sexy?" 

"Are you asking or telling me?" He chuckles. 

You giggle. You don't think you've ever told anyone they are sexy. You've never been that bold. 

"Yes." 

"Yes?" He laughs. 

"You're, er, oh, sexy," you touch your hot cheek and look away. 

"You are adorable, doll," he growls, "that's exactly what I need to hear." He grazes his fingertips over his beard, "unfortunately I gotta get on it so... tomorrow." 

"Tomorrow," you confirm. 

"Don't worry about a thing, doll, just bring your gorgeous self." 

🃏

The next day is restless. It's worse having hours to wait around for... what? You don't know. 

You spend your time reading, or trying to. Breakfast is small, what your roiling stomach can handle, and you put on an outfit that you think is acceptable, not that you have much to choose from. It might be strange if your mom or Roxie notice the lack of uniform. You could say you change at work? 

Ugh, lie after lie. It's all so much.  

You don't get very far in the book and your phone buzzes, a reminder from Bucky that your fate is coming. You grab your purse and sit out on the stoop, the sunlight beaming down. It would be a nice say if you were so damn uptight. 

Merv pulls up in the sleek luxury car and you get up, checking over your shoulder to see if there's any curious tug on the curtain. Your mom's already at work but Roxie is puttering around somewhere. She could be sleeping or not. 

Merv gets out to greet you. He opens the door and you thank him. He sits in the driver's seat and Springsteen drones from the radio. You smile as he shifts into gear. 

"I know this one," you say. 

"Of course, a classic," he praises. "And how are you today, miss?" 

"Good, you, sir?" 

He laughs as he steers, "very good, miss. And how could I not be." He peeks at you in the rear view, "with sunshine in my backseat." 

You smile bashfully and cross your legs. You can't help the shake in your foot. You're more and more nervous with each second and turn of the wheel. 

As if noticing your unease, he turns up the music, "I like this one too." 

You sigh and ease into the drumbeat. The tempo keeps your heartbeat in check. You're thankful for his subtle comfort. 

You turn to watch through the tinted windows. You never noticed how scenic this city is. You never went many places to have the chance. 

He keeps the volume up and you let it carry you through the long journey across the city. He pulls up to the casino and steers around to the hotel entrance. You peer through then back at him in confusion. He turns the knob down. 

"Mr. Barnes says to give your name at the desk," Merv instructs, "have a good day." 

"Thanks, you too," you unbuckle the seat belt and sidle across to the door. 

You get out with reticence. Staring up at the grand facade, you're more unsure than you've ever been. You've come this far, you have to keep going. You really have no choice as Merv slowly rolls away.  

You step forward. It doesn't get easier the further you get. Your pulse hammers behind your ear as you enter the lobby and a flash of deja vu overcomes you. That night with Roxie, the morning after, and everything since. How does it all feel as if it happened so fast and yet so long ago? 

You go to the desk, feeling entirely out of place. What if Merv is wrong and you shouldn't be there? What if they just look at you and laugh? No choice, keep going. 

You stop on the other side of the desk and give a stiff smile. 

"Hello, welcome, checking in?" The modelesque concierge asks. She's stunning and you're all the more self-aware. 

"Uh, I think? My name is..." 

She keeps her pristine smile in place and her eyes lights up. She doesn't even bother typing into her computer. She flits away and returns with one of little folders with the room keys inside. Oh, this is really happening. 

You thank her and slowly back away. You make a slow advance towards the elevator and wait beside a couple with their suitcases. You step on with them, avoiding a glimpse through the transparent walls.  

You unfold the folio and read the number, pushing the floor number, then stand back on your heels. You keep your eyes on the door, the motion alone making you dizzy. 

The couple gets off before you. When it's your floor, you thankfully scramble off and take a deep breath. You once more check the number and follow the hallways to your assigned suite. 

You swipe the card several times, you still don't have the hang of it. The door opens and you enter meekly. You focus on every move. Shut the door, slip the card back in the folder, put it down on the corner table. 

You look up at last and let yourself marvel at the suite as you delve further in. The smell of pollen greets you with a large bouquet of roses. The suite is huge, even bigger than last time. Two rooms just the same and a full kitchenette and spacious bathroom. You don't go onto the balcony, not wanting to test your stomach. 

You go back inside and glance over the table draped in a red tablecloth beneath the crystal vase of flowers. There's also a tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries and various colours of macarons. You've never had the delicate cookies before but you'd watch countless recipe videos, wishing on day to try them yourself. 

There's an envelope too. You take it and run your nail along the sealed flap. You open it carefully and slip out the card within. 

'Enjoy yourself, doll. I'll join you shortly. B.' 

As if on cue, there's a knock on the door. Oh gosh, you're not ready. What does he mean? Join you? You hoped for a little long before... before... 

You stand frozen but when the door doesn't open itself, you go to answer it. You slowly twist the long handle and open it just a crack. You peer around the edge and blink in confusion. 

"Hello, dahling," the woman's affectation drags out her syllables, "well look at you, how precious." 

She presses on the door and you let her force her way in. You're dumbfounded. Who the heck is she? Another long-legged beauty you can't compare too. 

"Lovely hair," she remarks as she closes the door without a care, "oh, and your skin, yes, perfect canvas..." 

"Sorry, er, I think you have the wrong room--" 

"Mr. Barnes sent me, dahling," she trills in her way, "and I see you are very much in need of my visit so let's begin. Mm, yes, I have a vision," she struts forward, a rose gold chest in her hand, "not very much, you have a natural lustre I adore." 

You retreat as she advances on you. She lifts her chest onto the chaise and flips back the lid, revealing an assortment of precisely organized palettes and tubes. You're horrified and humiliated as you realise why she's there. Maybe you aren't as pretty as Bucky keeps telling you. 

[a-spes]

| THE SHOT YOU MISSED - One shot (3k).

| Summary - you're spending a day at the fair with your girlfriend, the sweetest mob boss that possibly exists and she makes sure that you've a good day.

| Tags & warnings - mob boss!Natasha Romanoff x fem!Reader, just a fluff writing, slight angst (?), beginning of a panic attack, guns, domestic domination (kinda), Natasha is the sweetest in that.

| MOODBOARD — ✧ — MASTERLIST — ✧ — TO REQUEST

You’re taking a deep breath, trying to chase away the tension from your shoulders. There is only one cartridge left in the gun you have been given, so you already know that you won’t have a second chance: if that shot doesn’t hit its target, the mission will be a failure, and it’s not an option. The stakes are too high for you to miss that one. 

You’re doing your best to ignore your surroundings, a difficult thing to do when you’re used to paying attention to everything, especially when being in a crowded place. You could hear the conversations of those around you, the screams and laughs alongside the footsteps of the children running on the asphalt. They were meters away but it was still piercing your eardrums. Even your own breathing started to be unbearable, it was fast and loud because of the anticipation and stress.

The weapon is stable, you’re maintaining it with a firm grip despite the slight trembling of your hands. You have been in this position for several minutes, and your muscles are starting to ache. 

You have to do it, now.

There is nothing left to divert your attention, and you are eventually able to forget about everything else. For a moment, you can’t hear anything, you only see the target that is right in the center of your sights. A pressure from your finger, a clatter that rings in your ears, and just like that the bullet is gone, straight toward your target.

“Fuck!” you screamed, and it takes all the control you possess to not throw the plastic weapon when you see that you missed it. 

You ignore the way the showman glanced at you when you screamed, a mixture of annoyance and satisfaction. You have been here for almost half an hour and you didn’t move an inch, refusing to go back to your girlfriend with empty hands. But sometimes determination isn’t enough, all you’ve managed to do is to pop a balloon or two, but you need more if you want to get that coveted prize.

When your hand reaches into your jacket’s pockets, you’re unpleasantly surprised to find nothing. The desperation with which you are now searching isn’t enough to reveal one last coin and you realize that you’ve spent everything you were given by Natasha, which means the fun is over for tonight.

It is already over and you weren’t even good enough to win a little something.

You had no other choice than going back to your girlfriend with nothing to give her, which you find embarrassing because she will obviously ask what took you so long and you didn’t want to admit your failures, not in front of the woman you love. The second she saw you, she stopped talking with the rest of the group to focus all her attention on you, noticing the way you were avoiding her gaze. As you are trying your best to get over your frustration, she is running her finger over your furrowed brows.

“What's happening, sweetie? You’re tense,” she told you, she knew something was wrong the moment she glanced at you, there is nothing that could escape her gaze.

“I lost, again,” you mumbled, not really wanting to talk more about it, especially because you knew she would react that way: you wanted nothing more than to rip that smirk off her face.

“Oh, baby … come here” she cooed, trying to hide her smile - but she just can’t help it.

She opens her arm and you wait no more than a second before throwing yourself into her embrace. The moment she wraps her arms around you, pulling you into a tight hug, all your frustration is gone.

She is good when it comes to ease your worries: she spent the next hour dragging you everywhere, and you’re sure you’ve tried every ride at least twice. She even bought you cotton candy despite her strict rules about sweets, just to make sure you smile again.

At some point, you were separated from her, you let go of her hand for one second, just enough time to drink some water, but also for your girlfriend to disappear. She probably told you where she was going, but you hadn’t heard because of the screams and those missed words are the reason you’re now panicking.

You are turning around again, and again, and again, but it’s useless, you are lost without her at your side. Every time you think you spotted her red hair in the crowd, it turns out that it isn’t her and the minutes start to feel like hours.

You're being manhandled by the crowd, trying to sort out your thoughts until a hand comes to rest on your shoulder and pulls you out of your torment. You turn sharply, but fear is replaced by relief when you realise it's only her. 

She doesn’t like to see you like this, with tears in the corner of your eyes, and she hates it even more knowing that she caused this. She wasn't expecting you to react that way, as she only left for a few minutes and this view almost makes her feel bad. Almost, because she knows that what she has brought you will make up for her mistake.

“I got a surprise for you…,” she said, but it was not much of a surprise as you could already see the stuffed toy she was trying to hide behind her back.

It is a black dragon that is almost your size, you saw it at the stand where you were playing earlier. You’ve spent dozens of minutes and dollars in that game without winning anything so you can’t believe that it took her less than five minutes to come back with the biggest prize.

“How did you do that?! It was impossible to win anything!” you exclaimed as the woman hands you the stuffed toy. 

You immediately hug it, squeezing the dragon as tight as you can. It is the fluffiest and you’re already loving it. If you are a bit surprised that Natasha got you something that big, you’re trying to not think too much about it. She always tells you no for everything that could ruin the aesthetic of her house so you want to enjoy the plushie as much as you could before she changes her mind and takes it back.

“Thank you, I love it so much,” you told her, not letting it go, which made her laugh - the prettiest sound you’ve ever heard. 

Even her knows that she’ll eventually regret it, but for the moment the smile on your face makes it all worth it. It became even more important than her house’s décoration.

“But?” she asked, frowning when she heard your tone, knowing that something else was keeping your mind busy.

“There is not but,” you replied, and this time it is your turn to frown at her question.

“I know when you’re lying, love,” she said, her hand brushing your hair away from your face so she could admire every feature of your face.

“... god, I hate when you do that, you’re so annoying,” you mumbled, perfectly knowing that she was right. You bury your face in her shoulder, trying to hide your embarrassment. 

Even when you try your hardest to keep your thoughts for yourself, you are unable to do so. There is nothing you can hide from the woman because she is too good at reading people, her eyes seeing everything.

“Then tell me what’s in your mind, and maybe I'll stop being annoying,” she said, trying to hold back a laugh. She won’t say it because she doesn’t want you to be mad at her for real, but she finds it cute when you’re angry.

“I-didn’t-want-a-stuffed-toy-I-was-trying-to-win-one-for-you,” you replied, talking as fast as you could in hope she won’t retain anything of your rambling - which was doomed to failure.

You are a bit embarrassed by the situation because she succeeded so easily where you didn’t. For once, you wanted to be the one to give her a present, something you rarely have the chance to do because she is always the one who spoils you, but somehow she managed to turn the situation around once again, and you hate it.

She chuckles, relieved that it was nothing too serious. She gently grabs your chin to lift your head up and watch your expression. The moment she saw that hint of sadness in your eyes, she understood how affected you are by the situation, and she finds it surprising how something so insignificant in her eyes could be so important to yours.

“Then I could keep it and we’ll pretend that you won it for me, what do you think?” she asked, trying to cheer you up, not wanting to see that look on your face anymore.

“But that's not the same,” you whined, starting to complain about the unfair situation.

“Oh gosh, you're such a child,” she said, rolling her eyes at your answer - but even if she acts like your attitude is annoying her, deep down you know that she loves it. “Come,” she added, pulling you by the hand to guide you through the crowd after she handed the huge dragon to one of her men.

“Where are we going?” you tried to ask, but of course you don’t get an answer from the redhead. 

When you eventually get to the stand where Natasha won the dragon and you lost your money, the showman looks at you with a wry grin. He recognizes you as the one who spent dozens of dollars in his game without winning anything and he is probably hoping that you are back with more money.

But as soon as his eyes landed on the redhead at your side, his face completely changed. He knew he messed up the second he noticed how her hand is resting at the bottom of your back as she guides you toward his stand. She puts down a bill, which the man takes with caution, probably thinking that there is a trap somewhere. 

“We won’t need that,” she told him the moment the man made a move to give her one of the plastic weapons.

If he is about to protest, one glance from the woman is enough for him to understand that he would better keep his mouth shut. Instead, he watches her carefully as she takes her own gun out, a real one. 

You are a bit confused when she puts the gun in your hands : it is the first time it happens. She has never let you touch anything that could be dangerous, and it obviously included her weapons. It has nothing in common with the fake guns you are used to, it is heavier and more impressive.  

“Go on,” she said, trying to encourage you when she noticed you still haven’t made a move.

“What? With your gun?” you asked, unsure of what you are supposed to do now, “b- but I don’t know how.. I mean, I’ve never-,” you added when she nodded as an answer to your question, but she doesn’t give you time to argue. 

“I know,” she cut you, already knowing what you were about to say, “but I’ll help you, don’t worry about it,” she added, putting her hands on your shoulder to turn you around so you’re facing the targets instead of her.

She stands behind you, and if you can’t see her, you could feel her hands roaming over your body. You’re barely listening to the advice she is whispering in your ears, your mind being entirely focused on her hands. She moves your shoulders and legs in the right position, then she wraps your hands with hers to be sure that you won’t miss this time. It requires even more concentration than earlier to not let yourself get distracted by your proximity with the redhead, so close that you could feel her breath on the back of your neck. 

Even if it doesn’t feel right to do that, you shot. Three times, and you didn’t miss one, all the balloons popped under your eyes, granting you the victory. She immediately snatches the weapon from your hand, not wanting to leave it to you for more time than it’s necessary, but you don’t care, too happy about your victory.

“Theirs are rigged, you never stood a chance,” she simply said as if it was obvious, but it wasn’t. If she understood what was the problem in one shot, why didn’t you after you’ve tried countless times?  

You start to feel a bit stupid as the realization sinks in ; you blamed yourself for something that wasn’t even your fault, something you should've noticed on the first shot. You now understand why the showman was looking at you that way, he must have been happy to see someone that was dumb enough to spend all their money in his stand, from the beginning he knew you wouldn't win because no one that plays along the rules does. 

 “I am so proud of you, malyshka,” she added, the sound of her voice pulling you out of the spiral of your thoughts - a deadly one.

The lower part of your back is now pressed against the stand, she turned you around so she could admire every feature of your face.

“Stop lying,” you mumbled, the expression on your face not matching the smile on hers - she is smiling but you want to cry, fearing that you might have disappointed her because of your mistakes.

“I am serious,” she immediately said, not leaving you a chance to argue. Her hand gently grabs your chin, lifting your head until your eyes meet hers. “It even makes me want to see you try with live targets now, you must be so hot…,” she continued, her thumb brushing your cheek as she gets lost in the pleasant scene her mind is playing.

But you are not enjoying it as much as she does. A shiver of disgust shakes your body at this simple image, the one of your hands covered in the blood of your victim.

You are not a murderer, nor a monster.

Even after meeting the redhead and being dragged into her chaotic life, you’ve never done a thing that was illegal. If you know about her activities, she always makes sure that you are nothing more than a witness. She likes her women to be innocent, she used to toss them as soon as she felt their souls started to be corrupted, but she was slowly changing her mind. 

For the first time, she wants to see her sweet thing with blood on her back. There is nothing that could please her more than to see the glimpse of darkness in your eyes growing until you are too deep in it to step back. 

For the first time she wanted to fully introduce her girl to her reality.

She wanted to corrupt you as much as she wanted to protect your innocence. There is no word to describe how much she appreciates this oblivious expression of yours and, right now, she is not missing a thing about the one on your face. She revels in the mixture of fear and disgust she could read on your face.

“I was joking,” she sighed, “so don’t worry your pretty little head with that, okay baby?” she said and you believed her, nodding.

You couldn’t see the smirk on her face - the only hint that she was lying - because she leans forward to kiss the top of your head, her hand brushing your temple one last time before she pulls away. You immediately whine, trying to grip on her arm so she wouldn’t leave but this only makes her laugh. 

“Go get your prize now, so we can get home,” she said, ignoring the pleading look you’re giving her to gesture towards the showman.

You turn around and, indeed, you see that the man was impatiently waiting for you to make your choice, he probably couldn’t wait to get rid of you and your problematic girlfriend. You immediately point to one of the biggest stuffed toys, similar to yours, but before the showman could make a move, Natasha shook her head, showing that she disagrees with your choice. She takes your arm and gently moves it so you’re now pointing at the shelf where the smallest plushies are displayed.

“It’s one of those or nothing,” she said, her stern tone leaving no room for discussion. 

She obviously doesn’t care about the pout on your face. She considers that she has already been pretty nice by gifting you that giant stuffed toy, so she definitely won’t bring a second one home.

“Fine …,” you replied, frustrated that you couldn’t freely choose, but it was the perfect opportunity to make her regret her decision.

You missed nothing of her expression when the showman took the strawberry bunny that was on the shelf. She rolled her eyes, obviously you choose the most childish of all, but she decides that the smile on your face as you’re handed it to her is worth everything. She gladly takes it, and even if she tries to pretend she doesn’t like it, you don’t fall for her lies. The kisses she lays on the top of your head, then on your lips, are enough to convince you to keep your sneaky words to yourself, enjoying the moment the two of you were sharing.

| MOODBOARD — ✧ — MASTERLIST — ✧ — TO REQUEST

[chaosfairy18]

Newsiestober Day 7 : Soulmates

Fall days could be anything from nice and warm when you’re wearing your cool looking coat to freezing in your cool looking coat because someone thought it was a good idea to make a Spring/Autumn coat without pockets – no matter how nice it looked. Luckily, when Race went out in his nice coat after being forcefully taken by his friends, it was the first option and he’d not die because he wanted to look nice for the Fall Fair they were dragging him to.

The only saving grace was that his friends weren’t going with their soulmates. Yet. Mush and David would come in a few hours, so until then he had Jack and Blink all for himself and didn’t have to feel like a fifth wheel just because he hadn’t found his soulmate yet. He was happy for them, obviously, but it was just annoying to see how centred Blink had gotten with Mush around, who would be the only one to be able to talk him out of punching someone. Or how Jack finally had someone who could match his wit and mouth, who wouldn’t let him get away with talking and talking and telling five different stories over the course of it.

They’d all just seen the colourful footprints on the ground in school one day, followed them, and met the universe-chosen love of their life.

And that was fine, his friends deserved to be happy and, well, at least Skittery and Pie Eater weren’t hitched yet, he wasn’t the only one, but the more it got – especially the more found their other half in school or clubs – the more he thought about finding his own soulmate. If he ever would.

But he wouldn’t start to see footprints that he could follow that were left behind by his fated match if he just sulked at home, so he’d agreed to go with Jack and Blink to the fair.

It was still sunny and warm when they arrived, people bustling around stalls and booths either selling food, trinkets, or offering some games. It wasn’t really Halloween-themed as it was still early October, but there were some stalls selling jack-o-lanterns or ghost plushies and the like. It was fun.

He and Blink laughed over some poor guy shooting all his loads he paid for to win a rose for his girlfriend in the completely wrong direction, he and Jack bought roasted almonds and only threw them at each other once and the all together went into a haunted house that was still a bit early in the season, but it had been fun and scary.

He didn’t even think about their other two friends – his friends’ soulmates – arriving later, he was too busy dragging Jack to the bumper cars and tag teaming him with Blink to always bump against him as fast as possible.

The first time he noticed something bright on the ground, he almost dismissed it, thinking it was just some flyer, or decoration that had fallen down, until he did a double take and saw that it was footprints.

He hit Blink in the arm until he stopped talking to Jack. “What?”

“Please tell me you don’t see that on the ground.”

“See what?” Blink looked and only kicked a pebble to the side, evidently not seeing the prints, so they couldn’t just be from someone stepping in actual paint.

Race took a deep breath, not sure if he was excited or terrified. “I see footsteps.”

“For real?” Jack grabbed his shoulders, grinning widely. “Then go get’cha boy… girl… well whoever they are.” He turned Racetrack around and shoved him forward, evidently immediately wanting him to search for a stranger.

“That’s not even the direction, Jack.”, he groaned, but he did follow the footsteps. It was to where they hadn’t been before, and even if he knew his friends would most likely follow because they were nosy and couldn’t keep to themselves, he had to know now. If he didn’t find them, who knows when he’d get a chance again?

It wasn’t really easy to tell, at first, how fresh the prints were. After following them for a while he did think they got a bit brighter than when they’d started, but it might just have been his imagination. There were a lot of people and some stood right where he was trying to go, but the footsteps always went on, further through the masses of people and snaking through the fair, sometimes building little circles where his soulmate had been at one place for longer and walked in one place basically, sometimes farther spaced out where they could walk faster.

And somewhere they had to end, with someone he was destined to be connected to one way or another. Still a scary thought, but he was getting more excited now that it was here.

His search led him back to the haunted house, seeing footsteps go in – he wouldn’t go in there again, even for that – and then also out, luckily. And they led to a person this time, not just to another corner and another walk.

The boy was his age, a bit taller – if not much – and leaning against a booth selling pendants and candles where a girl and a boy were looking at everything. The boy – his soulmate, probably – was also staring at the haunted house, and Race just stopped in his tracks, suddenly self-conscious. The other boy was cool in his leather jacket, hands in the pockets, piercings on his ear glinting in the late fall sun, blond hair falling in his face, and it just made Race aware of his own looks, his short stature, the way everyone always appeared horrified when he said he wanted to study physics and math.

Should he really go? What if his soulmate was an asshole the moment he opened his mouth, what if he wasn’t even interested-

Race intended to just go, turn around and flee when he saw Jack and Blink badly hiding a few booths behind him, knowing they’d never let him. Now or never.

Racetrack went up to the blond, up until the other noticed him. “Uh… hi. I don’t want this to be- well it’ll be weird anyways, but I followed your footsteps here.”

The other looked him up and down, then at the ground, also seeing the footsteps, most likely. “Huh.”

What did he mean ‘huh’??

When Race just looked confused, the boy started to talk again: “Saw your steps in the haunted house and meant to go after them, but my friends over there talked me into at least waiting until they got done with their candle shopping.” He grinned and held out his hand. “I’m Spot.”

“Race.”

Spot snorted. “At least it don’t sound like I have to explain the nickname thing.”

“Nah, my friend group got more than enough of those.” Race laughed awkwardly, but well… he liked Spot. Not romantically or anything, they’d just met, but he was nice to talk to. That was probably good. “So, what are-“

“Wait, Sarah?”, the way too loud voice of his now ex-friend Jack sounded before they could talk more, the cowboy-obsessed idiot coming to them just as the boy and girl from the candle booth got there too, Race recognizing her as David’s sister he’d seen once or twice.

She looked to Jack, then Spot – and with it Race – connecting dots in her head. Almost throwing her bags at the other boy with her, she twirled around Race to Spot, throwing an arm around his shoulder and messing up his hair. “I told you, you shouldn’t run off and just wait here, I knew it. And it’s even someone I know; oh you’re going to be insufferable.”

“Sarah, stop it-“

“You’re going to be so cute!”

“Wait you know him?”, interrupted Jack, getting next to Sarah. The whole thing with him and her had been complicated anyways, since he first dated her before noticing her brother was his soulmate – though they separated in a friendly manner – and they still riled each other up, soon forgetting about Race and Spot.

That left Spot to clean up his hair again, moving closer to Race. “So, can I give you my number? So we can keep in touch?” Spot waited for a nod until he got out his phone, holding it out to him with a new contact.

Race quickly typed in Race – gambling addict soulmate as well as his number and gave it back, earning a small laugh from Spot.

“Think you’re funny, huh? Just saying, you can’t get a lot of money from me.”

“Wasn’t looking for any.” Race was glad they were already bouncing jokes off each other, feeling comfortable with each other. Maybe that was normal with soulmates, he wouldn’t know. “Though I am kinda looking for a kiss.”

Spot scoffed and rolled his eyes, but he did lean down and kiss him on the cheek. “You won’t get anymore.”

“Already got more than I thought.”

They listened a while more to Jack and Sarah’s bickering until David and Mush found them – as well as the two soulmates of Sarah and the other boy they’d been with – before exploring the fair more as a big group, Spot and Race joking and teasing almost the entire evening.

And every time he looked back he could see colourful steps they’d left behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope this was cute, I just couldn't think of anything to draw so I spun a wheel to see what ship I should write and well I looked around a long time for a soulmate AU that wasn't too terribly cliche. Hope you had fun reading!

@newsiestober2024

[apple-orchards-writings]

M!Angel!Kylar x Gn!Reader x M!Angel!Sydney

TW: voyeurism, exhibitionism, somnophilia if you squint, non con, kylar and sydney are two little freaks and i love them

Angel! Kylar that’s been watching you for ages, enamored with the way you simply are, from your smallest mannerisms to your strongest beliefs, he loves it all. Really, he does! He just wishes he could watch you all the time, but he’s so unlucky, stupid prim and proper Sydney got assigned to you instead of him. It’s not fair, Sydney doesn’t even know your schedule or what kind of porn you watch ! Only Kylar knows that, so that proves that only Kylar is qualified to watch over you, and take care of you, and cherish you and take you away only for himself- Ah but he’s getting ahead of himself there. 

Really, Sydney’s just getting in the way. There’s no way that he can make you happy. And, worst of all, ever since Kylar lost his chance at being your guardian angel, he seems to have lost his ability to find your underwear. Weird, they usually aren’t so well hidden, Kylar would know. Did Sydney somehow warn you, the little snitch? But you don’t seem to notice Kylar much more than usual, so what’s going on ?

Kylar ultimately gets his answer when he one day spots Sydney running past him in a hurry. Usually he would take this chance to observe you even more closely, but something tells him he should at least take a glance at what’s got the poor perfect angel in such a hurry, who knows, it might be good for blackmail. 

He’s suddenly so glad he took this chance, because what else should he find but his colleague hunched over a familiar cloth, huffing at it with his hands moving furiously down his pants. Now, Kylar has two options here. He could barge in, rip the underwear out of a shocked Sydney’s grasp and flee back to his own quarters or… He could use this scene to his advantage. As much as he doesn’t want to admit it, having the not so pure angel on his side could help him secure your love better. After all, who would ever suspect immaculate Sydney? 

No no, Kylar unfortunately can’t afford to make Sydney an enemy, so he’ll play nice for now. So, after a few days of keeping quiet, Kylar approaches his maybe soon to be ally. He proposes an alliance, to “keep you safe”, because, really, Sydney’s only one angel, he can’t possibly watch over you all the time, and Kylar can help with that! Surprisingly, Sydney agrees, and here starts a tentative partnership. 

Both angels soon find out they have more in common than they initially thought. Who knew that Sydney also knew what you liked to watch in the dead of night ? Usually, Kylar would be undeniably jealous, but something about Sydney eagerly reporting back to him all he found out during his “shift” makes him more trustworthy, like he’s slowly proving himself capable. This is more of a win-win than Kylar thought! 

And, when Sydney approaches him one night, while you’re asleep and he’s intently watching over you, Kylar doesn’t know what to expect. Truly, nothing could have prepared him for Sydney’s proposition to “train” together until the day they can take you. Kylar is rendered speechless, and, after a few seconds of shocked silence, he vanishes himself back to his room, still flabbergasted at Sydney’s depraved idea. Kylar’s saving himself for you, he can’t just give that away to Sydney! But the more time passes, the more he thinks about it. Sydney’s not a human, so it’s not like he’d be giving himself away, it’s just like a friendly study session, right ? And this could be beneficial too, he wants to be the best possible lover to you so… He can do it, right? He’s not betraying you, it’s just some training, it’s all for you ! 

That’s how the two angels start meeting up in your room, keeping silent while exploring each other’s bodies and learning what they can, all just for you. It’s a blessing you can’t see them or even perceive them beyond a muffled feeling yet, but they can’t still act as if you could, it’s more fun, this way, and they can’t wait until they actually get to take you for a ride.  You don’t even react when their “pure essence” lands on your sleeping face.

Spending almost every night like this is both a blessing and a curse for Kylar. On one hand, he’s closer to you (and Sydney, though he won’t admit it) than ever before but, on the other… He wants to touch you already, feel you shiver against him, make you melt into him, become one with you… But he can’t yet ! He has to wait until you ascend, and this wait is really getting to him. He’d do anything to have you here, now. He can tell Sydney feels the same. They’ve waited long enough, it’s time they reap their reward for being so patient, no matter what happens to them. A little damnation never hurt anybody, did it?

You wake up one day, definitely not in your bed, where you thought you laid down last night. No, you’re in a dimly lit room, surrounded by candles and a cold liquid that you don’t want to think about the origins of. The rest of your environment is a bit blurry, but you can make out two people(?) smiling down at you, with some deep black appendages (wings, fins? You’re not sure). You’re not sure what they want from you, but judging from their heavy breathing, and the hands converging towards you, you know it can’t be good. 

Their fingers brush all over you, and it’s only then that you notice your lack of clothing, which makes the last alarm bells in your mind still asleep ring like hell. Upon touching your bare skin, one of them audibly moans, making you shiver (of disgust? excitement? You don’t know), which seems to make the other one grin even wider, if possible. A glance towards them reveals they’re not wearing anything either, and another further down makes your jaw drop in shock, from how, well, big these two are. They’re visibly proud of this fact, as one preens at your surprised face. The other is still seemingly in a trance, determined to caress every crevice of your body. With what freaks have you landed ?

(As promised, here it is. I finally got past the 1k! This is the longest thing I've written so far, and i hope you liked it!)

[sweaterkittensahoy]

Throuple request for jean/crosby/bubbles? Something like Jean realizing through Crosby's letters that not only did her husband go off to war, he also got a boyfriend?

Just before she becomes Mrs. Jean Crosby, she notices a change in Harry's letters. They arrive as regularly as they always have. But he's gone from basic training to navigator school. And there's a name.

Joe.

Over and over.

I should call him Payne, I suppose, writes Harry. But he's not the sort of fellow who seems right for a last-name nickname. He's...well, I'm not sure how to say it, Jean, but he reminds me very much of you.

Before she was just a few short months away (leave permitting) from becoming Mrs. Jean Crosby, she was the daughter of proud and loud bohemians.

And she still is.

And they taught her that love is an ever-expanding option, not one that shrinks.

Harry grew up in much more "respectable" (Jean hates that word) circumstances. As intellectually curious as Jean, but he thinks and thinks and thinks (and thinks) where Jean does not. Harry weighs every possible option and makes a first decision, then checks that against every new possible option he's conjured.

Jean makes a list of "probable" and "probable but not possible" and makes a final decision from that alone. Harry says she's like opening the windows on the first warm day, clearing the musty air from his head.

She sits down and writes him back, disguising her response halfway into her letter after paragraphs about apartment-hunting and cleaning tricks she's learned.

If this Joe reminds you very much of me, I would love to meet him. But perhaps you can judge him with a kiss, the way I did you. The first time I kissed you, I felt lit up from the inside. If you feel this way for this Joe, I may be convinced to call off our engagement. But maybe not. I suppose it depends if you think he can win against me in a fair boxing match.

The next letter from Harry does not mention this passage, but there is a postscript: Joe says hello.

Jean makes sure to include a postscript of her own: I say hello to Joe.

Harry does get leave in time for their marriage. He brings this Joe Payne with him. He's blonde as can be, with a kind face and a sweet drawl. Harry can't quite meet Jean's eyes when he makes introductions.

"Joe, would you care to wash up?" Jean asks, gesturing towards the bathroom.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Joe replies. Jean doesn't bother to tell him to shove the ma'am. It can wait until later.

The moment the door latches, she grabs Harry by the collar and kisses him hard. "Does he kiss as well as me?" she asks, laughing in his ear.

Harry twists in her grip but also holds onto her waist so she can't get away. "You know I have no idea how to find out," he says.

"I told you how to find out," she replies. "It was clear as day in my letter." She makes a consoling sound when Harry winds up his face. "Oh, you couldn't do it. But you wanted to."

"I did," Harry admits. He opens his eyes and looks into hers. "I do," he says, and he doesn't sound ashamed. Jean's so proud she kisses him again.

"Shall I take matters into my own hands?" she asks. "I could just kiss him myself."

Harry pulls her in tight and buries his face in her neck. "You're trying to rile me up," he says.

"What's the point of loving if I can't?" she replies.

The bathroom door opens. Jean hugs Harry tight so he can't get away. Joe comes up short at the sight of them.

"Sorry," he says. "I'll just--"

"Joe, you ever look at Harry and think about kissing him?" Jean asks.

"Jean!" Harry shouts, but it's muffled against her neck.

Joe shifts back and forth on his feet, then settles and shrugs, giving Jean a sweet, deep smile that makes her feel glad to know him. "Well, sure," he says. "Would you mind?"

"Not in the least," Jean says. "As long as you mean it."

"I would," Joe says. "I look at him, and it's like I've got bubbles running through me."

Harry lifts his head from Jean's neck and looks at Joe. "Really?"

"Bubbles," Jean says. "That's what we should call you."

Joe shrugs. "Best nickname anyone's tried so far, honestly."

Jean holds out a hand. "Come here, Bubbles," she says, trying it out.

They all three chuckle as Joe walks over. Jean steps back and leaves Harry and Joe hand in hand.

"Well," she says to Harry, "you had enough nerve to propose to some odd bohemian girl. You must have enough to kiss Bubbles."

Harry looks at her like she could solve every problem in the world. She curtseys to make him laugh. She laughs as he does kiss Joe, quick and careful, and she covers her mouth with her hands when Joe chases him to get another kiss.

"Yeah, okay," Harry says to Joe. "Jean's right on the money."

"From the way you tell it, she usually is," Joe says. He kisses Harry again, then looks at Jean. "Can I kiss you, too?" he asks.

"If you have an interest, sure," she says.

He kisses her too, and for Jean it solidifies his nickname. Because his kiss feels like Harry's like there's bubbles up under her skin.

She and Harry get married, and they have one night together before he has to leave again. Bubbles comes to get him the morning after, and she makes breakfast for the three of them.

She kisses them both before they leave, making Bubbles promise to write her himself.

But on every letter back to Harry, to remind him of what they have, she adds a postscript. Tell Bubbles 'Hi' for me.

[nokingsonlyfooles]

DO SOMETHING

Let me get this out of my brain, it's been there for a few days, festering:

Pregnant people are becoming "radioactive." A pregnant person might have a miscarriage or need an abortion to save their life, and either of those things could send a doctor to jail now. So it's easier to just not treat them. Lack-of-treatment means more miscarriages and deaths. This, from the right-to-life folks.

And the response:

Let the corrupt Supreme Court make it worse...

...and demand voters elect a congress "that supports their right to choose"...

...because we can't do anything now. And there's no plan in the works to fix the filibuster, so he'll require THIS congress. Biden needs you to deliver the Blue Wave of Obama's first term, for Biden's second term, minus the Manchins and Sinemas who'll jump ship at a whisper of progressivism, while there's a genocide going on that he okayed, and THIS TIME, democrats have learned their lesson and will fight for your rights instead of fighting each other so the conservative ones still get elected in their purple districts. (Gee, we could theoretically pass anything... How 'bout Romneycare?)

And if they don't deliver a law that gets past both houses of congress and the same Supreme Court that struck down Roe v. Wade in the first place, the consequences will be...? What? I know a lot of people will die, but I mean the consequences for the politicians and their power. 'Cos I'm seeing a long string of elections where the only option to "save democracy" is to Vote Blue No Matter What. So what are we gonna do? Egg their houses? Even that's uncivil!

We're still operating as if the system is fair and functional and we can fix this by working within it at the most apathetic level possible.

Pregnancy is notoriously time-sensitive. In many cases it may be as urgent as Palestine's need to eat. People will die while this issue is being shunted into the future as an excellent way to get votes. People have already died. Some people will need to die for the sake of the win, and this time they may be near enough for you to see them, and care about them as individuals. It's been like this for two years and we had advance notice the Supreme Court was going to do it to us. Please tell me what's going to change. Something more than "if you don't elect THAT MANY democrats, its YOUR FAULT."

I can't fix this on my end. I'm distant and small. We couldn't come up with any better way to stop being complicit than to take our money out of the system, but the cost is that I'm easier to ignore. I don't know what to do. But I hate how it is.

I hope something, somehow, falls into place and fixes this. But I don't trust it to just do that because they say they want it. To have hope, I need to see ideas for change, not more of the same.

[cosmo-watches-movies]

Heartlands (2002)

Summary: A Road Movie about kind hearted Colin (Michael Sheen), who has his world turned upside down when his wife Sandra (Jane Robbins) runs away with a policeman. He sets out on his moped and starts the journey through the country to bring her back home.

No spoilers watch the movie This movie feels like a warm hug, a cozy blanket and hot cocoa on a crisp autumn day. It’s a delight. I’ll do things a bit different this time, I won’t go in too deep because I want as many people as possible to just experience this film. Because that is what it is, a experience. It has some very beautiful shots, great humor and very charming characters. And it takes it’s time when it needs to. One might say it’s a bit artsy but I like it for just that.

Okay maybe some spoilers there are a few things I’d like to talk about

Colin is THE Cinnamonroll, he doesn’t deserve any of Sandras bs, but it does provide the incentive for the journey of his life so it’s fine in the end.

I love how when Sandra tells Colins friends, that she will leave him for the Police Captain (JIm Carter), they are just as irritated as I am while watching. The worst part is, that the Captain proceeds to throw Colin off the Darts Team (they are set to compete in a turnament the following weekend) and with that he robs our poor guy of the two things he loves the most at the same time. WTF I’m mad, what an asshole do you have to be? And Sandra just tags along? What did Colin ever do to you? Poor man is sitting in his shop balling his eyes out, they just robbed him of everything that was important to him.

A good friend of Colin convinces him to follow the darts team to Blackpool to win Sandra back, and although at this point I would personally think "fuck her actually", he didn’t even have the chance to talk to her about this, so fair enough. What else should he do now, sit in his store and mope? This is the better option.

Enter beautiful shots of the english country and small towns coupled with folk music, I’ve never felt this comfy in my life. I can’t even imagine how this movie hits if you actually grew up in the UK.

This movie is beautiful

Colin's first overnight stop is at some kind of cottage Inn in the middle of nowhere. There he meets a lovely couple, who are the first people so far who treat him nicely. Or rather like a normal human being. Up to this point I noticed two things: First: Colin is framed by the movie like he is still a bit of a child inside. He’s not immature I think, but a bit naive, very quiet and a bit socially inept, like he hasn’t quite arrived in the real world yet. Second: Other characters in the film notice this and some tend to treat him a bit lesser because of that. Doesn’t hit close to home at all, noooo… Buuut our boy Colin doesn’t really care about that, he just does his thing and is his most sincere self, even if he’s still on the way to finding out who he really is and what he wants from his life. I love that for him.

Anyway the guy (from that couple) gives Colin a haircut and a new shirt so now he looks like a whole different person. (This visibly kicks his character developement journey off and I love that visual language, plus the haircut really suits him, dude did a really good job)

Cue a shot of Colin being sad, listening to a folk band playing in the Inn and my heart is melting this is movie is so precious.

I don't want to spoil what happens in one of the following scenes, my thoughts are confirmed, Colin is a kid and I love him for that.

Colin, I’d like you to please stop doing and saying things that make me go: “Ha, I do that!” Thank you very much.

I won’t go into much more detail from this point on I will just say he eventually gets to Blackpool, talks to Sandra and makes the best decision of his life. He really learned a lot about himself in those few days. The ending fills my heart with butterflies everytime.

A pure, lovely, gentle and genuine performance by Michael. I don’t know how, but his acting in this feels like a hug from a very good friend. It’s so warm and sincere. Of all the films and shows I’ve written about until now, this one is by far my favourite. This is the kind of movie you turn to when you're having a hard time and want to work through it.

If you can, watch it in autumn. With a nice cuddly blanket, a person you love and a nice tea or hot cocoa. But however you do it, if there is one film from my blog you should watch, it's this one!

PS: If you should ever have the chance to meet Michael Sheen in person, please tell him a random guy called Cosmo on the internet loved this movie very much and would like to thank him for this extraordinary genuine and heartfelt performance. This film will stay with me for a long time <3

[xavier-elrose]

Once upon a time, war made sense.

Don't get me wrong, it was still horrible, awful, and generally a pox upon humanity as a whole. But, for the winners, war made sense. They would fight, and they would win, and they would be better off thereby. The state grew, became more powerful, and therefore had a stronger tendency to win wars. Lather, rinse, repeat, out to the technological limits of a society to maintain a large empire.

But something began to change.

Factories started happening. Productivity was less and less about the sheer volume of near-subsistence peasants you were taxing, and more about factories, infrastructure, and the base education level of the populace. It was, in short, no longer about how much land you had, but how much you had put into it.

War stopped making sense, even if you won, sometime around 1900. It was far, far cheaper to get a new factory by just building a new factory than it was to go out conquering. Not least because of the excellent odds that conquest would destroy the factory you were after in the first place.

Naturally, it took governments and societies a fair while to notice this. World War I was, in all honesty, an understandable mistake. A tragic mistake, a massive mistake, a clear and undeniable demonstration of the fundamental futility of war and conquest, but you can forgive governments for being a bit slow to recognize that the game, after unknown thousands of years, had fundamentally changed.

Not readily, not gladly, but it is an understandable mistake.

World War II less so. It really did take a movement as idiotic as fascism to drag humanity into that abyss. And, of course, as you march further along, for every new war you have to set a new marker: "This leader was this much stupider than the man who had his army invade Russia in winter, on the grounds that he used to wander around in his shorts sometimes during the winter."

War didn't stop. War never really stopped. But it did, slowly, change.

There were still reasons for war, or at least the threat of it. War can still be the least awful option (if you're being invaded, say), and there's always going to be a powerful compunction for sabre-rattling.

There ended up being a confluence of factors leading to the new way of war.

Shrinking budgets, for one. Every dollar spent on blowing things up is a dollar not spent on infrastructure, education, healthcare, or anything else that makes a nation stronger in the long term. Long-term competitiveness demanded a military budget as small as possible (while still maintaining readiness). To say nothing of political pressure. People have a tendency to want their infrastructure to not fall apart on them.

AI was another. Setting loose a fully-independent AI that was allowed to kill people was, everyone agreed, a Bad Idea. Creating an existential threat to answer a minor political threat is bad threat management. You'd have to be a real idiot to think that was a good idea. But, on the other hand, AI did eventually get good enough that, while imperfect, it was just better than any human pilot could be. The solution was an AI that was allowed to kill...other AI.

And, finally, limited scope. War became, less and less, war, and more...a brief, violent interlude in the normal diplomatic process. Limiting the destructiveness of a conflict was in everyone's interest.

It was sort of like the old days, only instead of men dying in fields, you had kickass mechs getting blown up in agreed-upon areas.

The benefits were manyfold.

First and foremost, it gave countries a violent, destructive way to escalate conflicts without anyone dying. Every death on the battlefield is a wound to the nation, and no matter how absurd the new way might seem, it was in everyone's interest to play along.

Second, it was cool as hell. "Hearts and minds" took on a new aspect- it quickly stopped making sense to just focus on winning- you needed to look badass while you did it. Clever tactics, superior logistics, and destruction-focused ammunition were out. Rad paint jobs, heroic charges, and ammunition designed to make big, flashy explosions were in.

States could 'war' with each other and not lose the factory. Conflicts could escalate to the point they imposed significant costs (combat mechs are expensive) without even one person dying. "War" became a conflict more purely focused on propaganda, and it was not uncommon for families to sit down and eat dinner together while they watched the Six O'clock war.

Humanity had an outlet for its destructive urges and dysfunctional political systems. Perhaps, in the end, that was all we really needed, from conflict.

Making giant robots to fight the enemy isn’t economically viable, nor is it all that effective, but all the countries of earth have agreed that it would be absolutely rad to watch.

[redwineconversation]

I'll fight their doubts and give you faith (Coupe de France Postgame Thoughts)

Same disclaimers as usual. As I said before, I really don't care if you post it elsewhere, just please hyperlink if you do.

Coralie Ducher was with Lyon before Lyon was, well, Lyon. Not that many people were, because no one really took this team seriously for a long time. Not that many people would stand around in the rain for a team the rest of the world wouldn't care about for another 15 years.

But Coralie Ducher was there, and she talked about an anecdote concerning Aulas. When Lyon was still playing at Gerland, the women's stadium was a bit of a hike from the men's stadium. It was raining, Ducher said, and Aulas made the trek from the men's stadium, where they had just played, to field No. 10, where the women was playing.

It was raining. I think they won. But the scoreline and the weather isn't what's important, is that the President showed up to watch a team the rest of the world wouldn't even talk about it for another 10 years because he wanted to be there for them. He cared about them, and wanted them to understand that he knew saying he cared wasn't enough, that loyalty happens when you are seen as dependable, when you still show up for someone when you have other options.

People talk a lot about the "Lyon DNA". It's not so much about their academy but more about the values Lyon believes are so fundamental to their players. Loyalty matters to a team like this one.

People like to make digs at Lyon's fan attendance - which, like, fair, but one team has won eight Champion Leagues and last time I checked fan attendance doesn't correlate to a UWCL title. Anyway. You can bring up the lack of fan attendance if you want. But there's a flip side to it as well. It means Lyon players notice who is there.

Aulas traveled with the team as much as possible. Part of it is a creator simply being in love with his creation, but part of it was, too, a sense of loyalty. As I said before, if you want to discuss loyalty, a lot of it just means being ... there, really.

Louisa Necib brought up the concept of loyalty, too, about how often Aulas would put himself in the media's crossfire in order to protect the club and the players. If the blame was on him, then the players could just focus on their jobs.

Michele Kang might have money but she does have a way to go. I think there were some good parts today - she did show up, which I mentioned in a previous post was fundamental in gaining the players' trust; she waited until after Aulas took part in the trophy ceremony before lifting it herself; she celebrated with the team but let them have their moment.

Bompastor said that Kang will spend next week with the team, which is also fundamental in getting to know how that team operates. I asked, once, whether Lyon is a team you'd want your friend to be around.

I'd want this team around, who is so fiercely loyal to the club whose values they hold so dear.

Moving on to the actual game - Lyon got the job done. Some teams know how to win games ugly, and this is one of them. It'll stand out in the history books because of the context surrounding this game, but in terms of quality, I've seen better. I've seen worse, too, but I've seen better.

I saw things I really liked. L'Equipe gave Hegerberg an 8/10 and van de Donk 7/10, which I think is fair. Gilles and Renard were solid as well. Carpenter didn't do a whole lot and I mean that in a positive way - she played well, kept her head down, and just did her job as a defender. Endler was bored in the first half and was put more to work in the second. I don't know what would have happened if it went to penalties but I'm also glad we didn't have to find out.

We don't know what, exactly, this team will look like next season. There are a lot of contract situations up in there. Hopefully things will be sorted out after Kang has hung around this team for a week.

They'll be back at practice tomorrow, albeit probably a little hungover. And they'll get back to work again, because they still have to play PSG again next Sunday, and they can't afford to lose that game because of the H2H goal differential.

[findingjoynweirdstuff]

Dream SMP Recap (June 1/2021) - All Roads Lead to Rome

Ponk tears down one of the towers of L’Llamaburg for overshadowing his supreme fridge.

Tubbo creates a new outpost just outside Las Nevadas to overlook the country.

Techno has a birthday party with the Syndicate and Quackity comes over to bring a message. 

Quackity speaks with Foolish in Las Nevadas about his future plans for the country and roads.

Niki finds out about Wilbur’s revival. 

Bad asks for Techno’s help with destroying his enemies, as he’s upset about L’Llamaburg violating the buffer zone agreement. Puffy confronts Bad about the brewing war.

---

VOD LINKS:

Ponk

Foolish

Tubbo

Technoblade

Nihachu

BadBoyHalo

Captain Puffy

---

- Ponk tears down one of the towers of L’Llamaburg

- Ponk sends Foolish through the labyrinth he built

- Afterwards, they visit the turtle sanctuary

- Ponk shows Foolish that he tore down the tower for overshadowing his supreme fridge. Foolish points out that he and Puffy don’t have the best history. Ponk is still bitter over Puffy destroying Sacrifice’s shrine

- Tubbo creates an outpost on a mountain just outside of Las Nevadas to keep an eye on the country

- Quackity comes over and asks what Tubbo is doing. He says he’ll speak with Tubbo later

- If anyone asks, Tubbo will say it’s just a cookie outpost from Snowchester

- Foolish comes over as well and tells Tubbo that he sent Punz on the mission to find the nuke

- Tubbo asks why Foolish has left Snowchester. Foolish says he’s trying something new -- he’s joining Las Nevadas, actually

- Foolish takes Tubbo on a tour through Las Nevadas. He asks if Tubbo would want to join Las Nevadas, but Tubbo declines

- Techno starts off in his house. He walks outside to find Niki, Phil and Ranboo launching fireworks for his birthday! They also set up a table outside the house with some cake

- After they eat some cake, Techno asks what he’s missed. He’s gone off into the wild to train, while Phil thought he was hibernating. Techno asks if they found out Tommy actually died. Phil tells him he did, but Dream brought him back

- Speaking of things brought back...Wilbur is back too. Niki and Techno are both shocked. Phil tells them that he’s actually living in Phil’s house currently. He tells Niki Wilbur’s changed for the better

- Techno brings Steve out

- He notices the new forest, which the others say sprouted up. It just appeared

- The subject returns to the revival book. Niki says, if Wilbur and Tommy have been brought back, there’s one person left that can be brought back that they don’t want back: Schlatt

- Niki asks if there are any new governments. Phil says no, Snowchester is still there but nothing much has happened that they need to step in on

- They solved the government issue with brute force. Techno says it was “mild property damage,” but Phil disagrees, saying it was mass destruction. They agree to just blame everything on Dream

- While he was away, Techno studied the blade. He suggests a training session for Niki and Ranboo

- Techno has something to do. He leaves, noticing Quackity standing on a hill nearby

- Quackity says hello. Techno tells him it’s his birthday (he’s not sure how old he is, though) and Quackity thanks him for helping with the Egg. He asks if Techno has visited Dream (Techno hasn’t)

- Techno went to the Dream SMP equivalent of Italy on vacation

- Quackity tells Techno he’s been visiting Dream, and that while in prison Dream seems to be a completely different person. Techno asks if Dream’s been treated well, and Quackity says he’s fine 

- Just a few days ago, Dream told Quackity that he wanted Techno to visit, that he finally wanted to call in a “favor”

- Techno explains that the “favor” is that he has to get Dream his favorite meal at some point, since they were at a restaurant once and Techno forgot his wallet

Quackity: “He’s changed a lot. If you walk in there, he doesn’t seem like the person he’s always been, which is weird, how a person can change just like that.”

Techno: “It’s strange what five months of near total isolation can do to a person...as we know, it’s always a positive effect.”

- Sometime during this weekend, Techno will visit. Techno asks if Quackity has any written message from Dream, and Quackity says he can probably get one. He only has notes right now

- Techno asks if Quackity is telling the truth. He would hate to be lied to on his birthday...Quackity says he’s not lying, and as he said, he’s glad they set aside their differences

Quackity: “At the end of the day, scars fade away, Techno...”

- Quackity says goodbye and leaves. Techno wonders if he can trust him

- He returns to the others and they celebrate some more

- Phil takes them all down to show off the training arena he made in the basement

- They go back up and talk some more

- Meanwhile, Quackity meets Foolish at Las Nevadas. He asks about Tubbo’s outpost, and Foolish says it’s a cookie outpost. Quackity tells Foolish not to trust it, realizing he actually hasn’t talked to Tubbo recently

- Quackity is bothered by how clear the view of Las Nevadas is from the outpost and questions why Foolish didn’t stop Tubbo from building it

- He asks the last thing Foolish did in Las Nevadas as they walk over there, and then whether or not he’s already discussed the possibility of a “contract” of formal citizenship

- Quackity wants to get to know Foolish better. He makes sure that he can trust Foolish, confide in him certain information

- Foolish remarks that Quackity seems like the kind of guy who would make a lot of enemies, and gives him a set of Netherite armor

- Speaking of making enemies, Quackity takes Foolish over to the lake to look out at Wilbur and Tommy’s headquarters. Someone paid them a visit

Quackity: “Have you ever met...Wilbur?”

- Foolish hasn’t. Tommy told him a bit. Quackity points out an empty spot in Las Nevadas where he wants something done. He tells Foolish he just paid a visit to an old friend and he went unprotected, so the Netherite is a good idea

- Only two people have just given Quackity armor, and one of them is Quackity’s “right hand man” at the moment: Sam. Foolish mentions Sam screwed him over with L’Sandburg

- Quackity points out Eret’s cobblestone ocean pyramid. This country needs more citizens, more things built

- He shows Foolish the gambling machine and gives him diamonds to try out. Foolish wins Linda! 

- Their objective with Las Nevadas is to build the biggest, most powerful country, and Quackity’s read his fair share of Sun Tzu. He’s actually helped run a country before, which Foolish is surprised to learn (countries are before Foolish’s time)

- Quackity says he’ll talk to Foolish soon and leaves for a couple minutes before returning. He asks for PVP lessons, but Foolish hasn’t done much fighting for a while

Quackity: “I do all my fighting through dialogue, if you haven’t noticed...That’s my biggest weapon, Foolish, it’s the way I say things, everything, all that. But I think, you know, given what could come of all this...”

Foolish: “I was gonna say, I don’t know if that will work forever...unless you’re very, very good with your words, eventually you’ll say the wrong words.”

- Quackity suggests they make their own lookout outpost 

- Quackity has some plans to show Foolish, a project he thought of when he was thinking about making Las Nevadas. His first plan was to build a highway system

Quackity: “They say all roads lead to Rome...in this case, all roads lead to Las Nevadas.”

- He shows Foolish some sign ideas and Foolish says it would be no problem to build up some roads

- Quackity shows Foolish an old idea for a path with rail lines on both sides, layouts for advertisements

- The first place Quackity thinks the road should go is the Spawn area, for when someone joins or dies. Quackity is annoyed that Tubbo blocked the route, but they can go around it

- They plan out the path of the road. Foolish asks if Quackity wants the road to go to Kinoko Kingdom. Quackity goes silent before saying he wants to focus on the main attractions right now

- Quackity leaves again to go check some things

Foolish: “When you choose a side, there’s always other sides...which means I can’t be buddy-buddy with everyone forever.”

- Foolish does the boat slime jump. Quackity comes back with food and continues to discuss plans. Besides connecting everyone, they also need to make cash off of this highway, so he wants to make sure there’s plenty of advertisement

- L’manburg is destroyed, but it also has a lot of history. Quackity’s noticed no one’s really claimed that area. Wilbur and Tommy are neighboring them now. Foolish asks if they’re enemies...Quackity says he’ll explain that in a bit

Quackity: “We can make L’manburg a main tourist area.”

- Foolish knows a few people might be against that. Anyone from L’manburg, maybe. Quackity reminds him he was in the cabinet, and proceeds to tell him the story of Wilbur:

---

When Quackity joined the server, L’manburg was the biggest nation. Quackity asked to join, and he was declined because he wasn’t British -- the one requirement. He didn’t like this, he felt left out, he wanted to be a part of something.The election rolled around, it was SWAG vs. POG.

(They walk over to the ruins of L’manburg)

Wilbur was going to run a “democratic” election with only one option available to vote for, which Quackity didn’t think was very democratic.

(Quackity gets interrupted by George calling him)

Each party had a Vice President. Foolish assumes that Wilbur’s was Tommy...and Quackity’s was George. Quackity points out King’s Court to Foolish in the sky, the place they had their debate. After their debate, Quackity and Wilbur had a talk, a conversation that stuck with him for a very long time.

Then it was Election Day. What happened was, each party had sponsors. Who endorsed Tommy and Wilbur?

Vikkstar.

Tommy accidentally posted the Vikkstar endorsement video in the Discord before deleting it seven seconds later, but that was still enough time for George to get the link and send it to Quackity, and Quackity needed the one person who could match that endorsement: KSI.

Unfortunately, KSI never replied, as it was quite last-minute. 

That’s when the turning point happened, and Quackity calls it the worst day of his life. George slept through the event. Quackity had no endorsements, no Vice President. The other party was going strong -- but they made a mistake. Their second endorsement was Schlatt. However, Schlatt arrived drunk, and instead of endorsing Wilbur and Tommy, he made his own party on the spot. SCHLATT2020. Not only this, but Niki and Fundy also made their own party too: COCONUT2020. 

The votes go out. POG2020 wins. But, Quackity had an idea, to pool votes with Schlatt. They ended up with 1% more votes than POG, and that’s how Quackity ended up as Vice President of the country. However, this was a big mistake. The policies Schlatt enacted were to exile Tommy and Wilbur, took down the walls, changed up things -- and to be fair, Quackity did join him on this. He was down with taking down the walls. Everything started going downhill. Schlatt would constantly undermine Quackity’s Vice Presidency, his policy ideas, and he did the worst thing to Quackity -- took down the White House that Quackity, Wilbur and Tommy built together. 

Schlatt didn’t care. He started teaming up with bad folks like Dream, other people, and the rest is history. Imagine everything that had to happen to lead to this...

(he gestures to L’manhole)

Foolish: “Do you regret it all?”

Quackity: “...No.”

Foolish: “So, you would’ve let it all go the exact same way, down to Wilbur blowing it all up?”

Quackity: “I wouldn’t have changed a damn thing, Foolish...And let me tell you why...All these mistakes, all these things, have made me the person I am now, Foolish. All these experiences, all these bad moments in my life, have made me the man I am today.”

“And you never...you never mess with history. Because everything happens for a reason, Foolish. Everything happens for a reason. You don’t ever pander with history, you don’t ever try to turn it around or change it, because the way things happen are the way things happen at the end of the day. And that’s how we build character. I wouldn’t have Las Nevadas if not for all these...for all these...mistakes, maybe.”

After that, something happened with Wilbur. Quackity didn’t know much about it, but he changed. He was so obsessed with his country that if he couldn’t have it, no one could. He blew up the entire thing, and in that process he ended up dying, and that’s when Ghostbur came to be.

So many more things happened (Foolish finds out that this crater isn’t just from Wilbur), but...it is what it is.

“And if you dwell in the past, you’ll live in suffering your entire life. So take it from me, Foolish. Take in all the experiences you’ve ever had, and apply them to something greater than what you used to be. Take one last gander at...the country that never was.”

---

- Quackity shows Foolish his old house under Karl’s. He’s not seen Karl in a while. He sees that it’s been blown up, and there’s an old message to him from Sam. He’s not sure what happened.

- Quackity shows Foolish the message. Just as he’d said, Sam had given him Netherite armor once. Sam has a good heart. It’s in the right place, he just needs some guidance.

- He leads Foolish down the Prime Path, showing him the other buildings. He takes Foolish over to the museum. 

- They look at the maps and discuss routes again. Foolish asks about a road to the prison, and Quackity says improving his “commutes” would be nice 

- Quackity is glad Foolish is taking the chance on Las Nevadas. Quackity has to leave to address some business, but he’ll get on to help Foolish build the roads later. 

- Foolish goes back to Las Nevadas, looking out over at Wilbur and Tommy’s headquarters.

Foolish: “It’s kinda been a while since I’ve really had enemies enemies...but I have the feeling that is gonna change soon enough...Maybe not even enemies, but certainly not friends. Kind of a shame, though, I’ve yet to really meet Wilbur...”

- He gets out his shulker box from an Ender Chest and looks inside. There is a stack of TNT.

“It’s been a while...”

- Niki is at the Arctic. Wilbur is back. She thought she got rid of him and doesn’t know why he’s back now, in the only place she feels safe

Niki: “Who are you going to manipulate next, huh? Because it’s not gonna be me this time! It’s not gonna be me this time.”

- Tommy? Tubbo? Jack? Jack wouldn’t fall for it. Niki is upset that Wilbur didn’t check up on her. Why would he change? He never changes or cares

- Why would Dream revive him? Dream was his enemy, but at the end he was pretty fond of him

- Niki heads back through the Nether to her secret city. Now the world revolves around Wilbur again

- She still hasn’t finished her city and hasn’t been able to sleep. She goes to a chest to find the diamonds Wilbur once gave her

- Niki saw the TNT when she broke the wall, but she didn’t tell anyone, covered it back up. But Wilbur still blew it up anyway

- Niki puts the diamonds in a chest buried deep in the wall and covers it back up

- She goes back to the main area, to L’manburg. When she was in Manberg, Wilbur promised that he would get her out of there, and she waited weeks. And then Wilbur wasn’t the same person anymore

- Niki thought maybe while Wilbur was still alive, he could still be rescued, could still be happy

Niki: “But you will never be happy, because all you want is what you can’t have. And when you have everything...what will you fight for?”

- Niki wants to see him, ask why he never came back to her. She walks back to the Nether portal and the stream ends

- Bad shows up to L’Sandburg and notices L’Llamaburg next door. He’s upset about the new castle and wonders why Foolish would allow this, as it violates the agreement

- He reads the purpose of L’Llamaburg and is enraged. There’s only one option, and that’s war. He sets fire to the walls of L’Llamaburg, builds an extension on top of his tower to make it taller than Puffy’s build, and builds a giant sign saying “LIAR” 

- After visiting the main area to get some resources, he meets Antfrost on the Prime Path, who has a new skin for pride month! 

- Bad goes to the Arctic to bake a cake for Technoblade’s birthday. After finishing it, he leaves a letter requesting Techno’s assistance:

---

Dear Technoblade,

Greetings on this fine evening. I hope this letter finds you well and I hope your polar bears are doing excellent. It is with my sincerest apoligies that I disturb your peace but I must inquire about possibly obtaining your services. 

Important matters aside I have built a delicious giant cake for you in honor of your birthday. I hope this cake finds you well and may you have many excellent birthdays to follow. If you would be interested in possibly destroying my enemies for me and salting the earth they call home so that they never find happiness again that would be most kind. If you would like to discuss this matter further you know where to find me.

Kindest Regards BBH

---

- Later, Captain Puffy hears of this brewing war and comes online. She confronts Bad about the missing tower from her castle. Bad insists it wasn’t him, it was Ponk

- Puffy reminds Bad of Puffy and Ponk’s conflict from a while ago in which they destroyed each others builds, and says it’s only fair that, if Ponk really did destroy the tower, then she should destroy Ponk’s fridge

- Bad tries to reason with Puffy to not retaliate, while Puffy thinks tearing down the fridge would be doing the place a favor

- Bad brings up the buffer zone violation and they start arguing with each other over Foolish’s land, the turtles, Puffy blames Bad for killing her son, one thing leads to another and soon enough Puffy tells Bad that his L’Sandburg llama citizens are all into BDSM

- They go to the turtle enclosure and see Ponk’s ransom note. Bad says Ponk has to die. Puffy points out they could start with the fridge, and Bad says they should take his other arm. Ponk stole Shelly, they have to kill him

- Puffy gets angry at Bad not wanting to take down the fridge and brings up the death of her son again, how she thought Bad was going to turn over a new leaf at the Banquet and then that leaf ended up covered in blood instead

Puffy: “I should have taken your goddamn arm, Bad!”

- After talking more, the two finally work together to take down the supreme fridge

- Once finished, the two write a return note to Ponk. Bad wants to discuss things with Ponk, and there’s a place in Las Nevadas that he thinks would be good to meet

The note reads:

---

Dear Ponk,

It has come to our attention that you’ve been responsible for some heinous crimes!

Not only did you completely demolish Puffy’s original mushroom house which she let slide. You now have destroyed a tower of her sand castle. BUT IT DOESN’T STOP THERE!

WHERE IS SHELLY PONK!? You’ve not only commited crimes against Puffy but Bad as well! You’ve kidnapped Bad & Sheldon’s dearest Shelly for ransom!

So me and Bad decided to return the favor and give you a taste of your own disgusting medicine!

YOU’RE FRIDGE NO LONGER SUPREME! YOU’VE MESSED WITH THE WRONG MUFFINS AND TAKEN OUR KINDNESS FOR WEAKNESS TOO MANY TIMES!

We all need to talk immediately before this escalates more then it already has.

Leave a book back giving us a time and a place and we will try to attend.

You’ve been warned!

With love, BBH & PuffDaddy

---

- Bad still wants Puffy to move L’Llamaburg, but Puffy wants to stay and protect her son. Bad suggests an alliance: what if L’Sandburg and L’Llamaburg simply combine their territories? It would be beneficial for both nations

- Puffy is skeptical about Bad’s idea and decides that relocating is probably the smartest idea, as Ponk will probably retaliate against her

---

Upcoming Events:

- The final Egg lore stream

- Technoblade’s visit (this weekend)

- Puffy’s lore

- Tales From the SMP: “Space Race”

- Ponk’s lore stream

- Dream’s lore video

- Sapnap’s possible lore stream

- Awesamdude lore stream

[fandomlovingfreak]

Glacial Passion (4/?)

Regulus Black/Reader

Rating: Lemon, 18+

Trigger Warning: Arranged Marriage, talk of potential pregnancy

Word Count: 2576

MasterList Link I AO3 Link I Wattpad Link

Summary: Glacial, cold, icy… all words that described Regulus Black’s grey eyes. Was there truly no emotion behind those eyes, or did a caring man exist beneath? Could she defrost those glacial eyes?

Disclaimer: Regulus Black (Walburga Black, Orion Black, and Sirius Black) is a character from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. Reader or y/n is not owned by Rowling. This work has not been created for profit or financial compensation, and is a transformative fair use work in accordance with Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.

Notes: I felt bad because I haven’t updated in centuries... so if it sucks SORRY </3

Enjoy

The restaurant was a suggestion from his father. How Orion knew about this particular restaurant, Regulus hadn't a clue. Well, he had some ideas-- but they were ideas better left unexplored in his opinion.

Despite being aware that his parent's marriage had always been a farce, it still stung a bit knowing they hated each other and his father sought comfort in others. A restaurant as... sappy as this one wasn't something his mother would enjoy. Orion would never even dream of bringing Walburga to a place like this. 

Everything about the restaurant screamed romance, from the candlelight to the rich reds of the chairs. Even as this type of dinner wasn't his cup of tea, Regulus hoped that a romantic setting like this was something (y/n) would appreciate.

Not like he would know, as she had hardly spoken a word to him the entire night. 

She looks beautiful, and momentarily he wonders if he should tell her. On the one hand, it could get her to talk to him, but on the other, he felt like it was inappropriate in a way. Like he was feeding her false ideas about his emotions because he wanted her attention.  

He can't help it, though. She looks ravishing; the color of her dress complimenting the glow of her skin in combination with the flicker of candlelight was something only a poet could describe in perfect, heartwrenching detail. And Regulus was no poet.

Merlin’s beard, wouldn't it be easier to let oneself fall completely in love instead of keeping the carefully constructed guard up.

Instead, he opts for a dumb, "You look beautiful tonight."

Her (y/e/c) eyes flicker up to his. Regulus burns under the stare, thankful for the near darkness of the restaurant. 

"Thank you." 

"Are you-- do you like the restaurant?" Yikes, when did he become so--

"It's nice." (y/n) smiles, taking another sip of her white wine. 

Regulus scowls over his own drink. Why was this so difficult?

"My father suggested it. I don't know how he knows about it--" Merlin! Now he's just blurting out things to fill the awkwardness he felt.

"Oh really? I can't imagine that your mother would be interested... in all of this."

"She's not."

(y/n)'s eyes widen before pity settles in her (y/e/c) eyes. "Oh-- I--"

"Don't-- I didn't mean to make my father's-- personal life the topic of our conversation." 

"So..." (y/n) looks down at her plate. They couldn't be worse at this; Regulus is convinced that the conversation couldn't be more painful. 

"Was there anything you wanted to see around the city? I don't have much planned--"

"Wasn't this your idea?" (y/n)'s lips are pinched, displeased suddenly. Regulus feels the tension build under that subtle pinch of her lips.

"No."

For a moment, she just stares, until suddenly, a small fluttery laugh seems to spill from her lips. She tries to cover her laughter with her delicate hand, but it's uncontrollable quickly.

Tables turn towards the sound of her laughter, trying to see why his wife has erupted into furious giggles.

"I-- I don't understand why you find this humorous?" Regulus tries not to notice the people as they continue to stare at their table.

(y/n) attempts to control her amusement by taking another sip of her wine. The giggles don't secede, though, even with the glass pressed against her mouth.

"I'm sorry," she says, pressing her napkin against her lips, "It's just that you suddenly dragged me to another country, and it wasn't even your idea to do so! Isn't it a bit ridiculous, Regulus?"

Again, he feels the burn of embarrassment across his pale cheeks, "You are not having a good time?"

"What do you want me to say to that? We don't spend any time together besides having sex, and you've brought me to a restaurant your father brings his whores to... Not exactly the honeymoon many women dream of."

Maybe this restaurant wasn't the best idea--

"What do you want me to do?"

She sighs, "I don't know."

If he was not flustered before, he surely could say he is now. How do you please someone who doesn't even know what they're asking you for?

He exhales slowly, trying to calm the irritation he feels with her, "If you told me what you want from me, I could possibly make it happen."

(y/n) stares back at him, "You already told me what I want was impossible."

Regulus feels the coldness radiating off of her, "(y/n)--"

"This really isn't a conversation for public ears."

No, it really wasn't.

***

Even as our conversation wasn't exactly satisfactory, I still wanted what I wanted and was willing to go to any lengths to get it. Seduction seemed to be the option with the most success. That and hoping he'd be distracted enough by the suddenness to forget certain charms.

***

(y/n) disappears into the closet the instant they step into the room after dinner. Everything had been tense and uncomfortable after their conversation. He could practically feel his wife's annoyance with him the rest of their silent dinner.

Regulus sits down at the desk, running a hand through his black curls. Admittedly, he could see why she was upset with him. All she seemed to crave from him was emotion, and he was adamant in keeping her at a comfortable distance from him emotionally. It was a battle both desperately wanted to win, and there didn't seem to be a clear winner in the near future.

Regulus searches the desk for a distraction, landing on his quill and ink. Writing a letter to his parents could be a good distraction-- except nothing of real interest had happened in their short time away from home. Besides, distracting himself from the woman behind the closet door by writing about her seemed counterproductive. 

Anyways, Walburga would write back to him immediately upon receiving such a letter. He wasn't sure he wanted a written explanation of his duty as the sole heir of the Black family alongside her continued talks at home. It seemed just as uncomfortable as talking to his mother face-to-face about such matters.

Instead, he addresses the letter to Sirius, who was probably still unaware that his younger brother had gotten married. He would write to Sirius on occasion, hoping his brother had some secret insight into life that he did not possess. If Walburga knew her favorite still corresponded with the 'blood traitor,' he was sure he'd be disowned alongside Sirius, or at least hexed to hell and back. Not like it really mattered at this point. He was sure he was being punished in his current situation anyways. 

When Sirius left, he was devastated, scared even of living alone in Grimmauld Place with his parents. Regulus had also been furious, but missing his older brother had overshadowed any anger he felt towards Sirius. Their correspondence had been less frequent in the past year, but Regulus thought he ought to share the news of his marriage with Sirius. 

He's just about to start the letter when (y/n) walks into the room wearing lace lingerie that leaves little to the imagination. He soaks in the image of her alluring body wrapped up like a present for him.

"Regulus," his name sounds luscious, dripping from her lips like honey.

"(y/n)," he stands, taking a step towards his bewitching wife. The half-written letter to Sirius is entirely forgotten on the desk as he stands.

She does a little turn, showing him the entire outfit, "do you like it?"

He nods dumbly, eyeing the small bow resting against her spine.

"Do you want to touch?" The sultry smile on her lips is like a magnet, pulling him closer to admire the way the lace accentuates her beauty.

"I want to take this off," he reaches out, intending to pull her closer to his body. Instead, (y/n) shoves him back towards the bed, the backs of his legs hitting the plush mattress. Her hands run up his torso, eye contact never wavering as she pushes him gently on the bed. Regulus's eyes widen at the boldness of his wife.

Crawling up onto the bed after him, she settles on his lap. 

"Weren't expecting this, were you?" Her fingers grip his chin, forcing him to keep eye contact.

Regulus grips her hips, fighting the urge to press her down on his aching cock. Instead, (y/n) rolls her hips. "Merlin--" Regulus groans, throwing his head back against the pillows.

(y/n) grins wickedly down at him, repeating the motion a few more times before he can't take it anymore.

"I need to be inside of you." He tries sitting up to control the situation, but (y/n) pushes him back down on the bed.

"Patience. I think it's only fair that I take charge tonight."

He frowns, conflicted because he doesn't hate this sudden change in his wife's sexual confidence. 

She pauses another moment, gauging how certain she is that he won't continue to fight her for dominance. (y/n)'s fingers slip down from his stomach to the buckle of his belt. Regulus swallows hard, trying to fight how he wants to push her back on the bed and bury himself in her tight heat.

"If you don't hurry up--" Regulus practically snarls as her fingers trail down the front of his pants.

"Patience, Regulus." 

Damnit, woman... 

Slowly, (y/n) tugs his pants down his thighs. 

"C'mon (y/n)--"

(y/n)'s fingers begin to slowly unbutton his shirt, ignoring his pleas. 

Her smile is wicked, "you're so good, letting me do what I want."

Regulus frowns but doesn't respond. He won't beg for her, won't beg to feel her tight heat. Won't beg to hear those little breathy moans she lets escape when he fucks her just right.

"Do you want me?" 

"Obviously, woman." This technically isn't begging, he rationalizes as he eyes her barely covered tits. 

"Tell me how badly," she guides his hands up to her chest, encouraging him to squeeze the flesh.

Regulus pinches her left nipple, enjoying the way it peaks under his touch. "I've never wanted a woman the way I want you."

(y/n) pauses, her eyes focused on his as she looks at him with shock written across her features. Regulus fights the blush that creeps up his neck, suddenly feeling shy over his words. There hadn't been an intention to reveal anything of the sort to her. 

(y/n) bites her lips, "really?"

Regulus sighs, feeling insecure at the moment as (y/n) watches him with stars in her eyes. He runs his hands up her thighs, collecting his thoughts, "Yes."

She smiles, leaning down to press her lips against his. Regulus cradles her face in his hands, pulling her closer to continue the slow and sensual kiss. 

"I don't have patience for your teasing."

For a moment, he's sure that he's regained some dominance in their exchange as her face softens substantially. But before he can get his wicked hands on her, she's up and off of him, removing the lace from her body.

Regulus watches her hesitate for a moment, looking suddenly insecure in her actions.

"Well? Was this not your game of seduction, darling? Finish what you started."

She looks down at the ground for a moment before climbing back to sit on his lap. (y/n) whimpers slightly, rubbing herself against his length.

Finally, she engulfs him in her heat. Regulus grits his teeth, the warmth of her practically chokes him. (Y/n) plants her hands on his chest, her lips slightly agape as she stares down at him. At her work.

"Do you want me to help you?" He rolls his hips against her, fingers itching to grasp the flesh of her ass.

(y/n) doesn't slap his hands away but shakes her head no, moving tentatively up before sinking back down. Regulus can't help the moan that spills from his throat. It just feels so good.

Regulus pushes himself up on his elbows, so their chests prest together. Her arms wrap around his neck as she grinds against his lap.

"Merlin--" Regulus kisses her before maneuvering her to her back. His hips are quick to piston against hers.

"Regulus!" 

He shushes her gently, "let me take care of you."

"No more contraceptive charms," she brushes away hair from his forehead. He wants to 

"I'll cast it when you're asleep," He frowns down at her, hands gripping her waist as he buries himself savagely within her.

"You wouldn't dare. I made this happen, initiated it." She looks magnificent beneath him, tits bouncing, lips slightly open as she argues.

"I said no."

(Y/n) stops her movement, looking up at him with a blank expression. It unnerves him how... blank she looks.

"What are you doing?"

(Y/n) scowls at him, "I'm done with this." She pushes him away by his shoulders, getting up and off the bed to cross the room where her robe hangs.

Regulus stares at her in disbelief. "Wait!"

"No! I'm done."

"You can't just walk away!"

"Watch me." (Y/n) walks into the adjoining bathroom.

He throws his head back in frustration, "you're really going to leave me like this?"

"I don't care!" She pops her head out angrily from the bathroom, "I don't care if I leave you in any way!"

He leans his head on his hand, looking at her, "c'mon darling…."

(Y/n) looks at him with sudden rage, "No! Do not darling me. You do not love me; you don't even know me! You have no right to use such language with me."

He gets up from the bed, walking closer till he's inches from her face, "I'm sorry—"

"No!" She pushes him away, "this is why I wanted a child! You will never love me, but maybe…" she looks away for a moment before looking him directly in the eyes, "maybe the child would."

A conversation with his mother when he was small is thrown to the forefront of his memory. Walburga had sat him down on her lap, back when he was a child when she was a loving mother to both Sirius and Regulus. Always patting his small curly head or lovingly stroking his plump cheeks. She had admitted that her sons' love was once something she thought she could replace the love a husband should give a wife. 

When the pain of being in a loveless marriage completely caught up to her, she lost her loving touch. Her heart became cold, and her love a distant thing of the past. 

And now he was doing the same thing his father did to his mother to his own wife, making her heart bitter. Bitter enough that she already sought something to numb the pain that their marriage was causing her.

Grabbing her, he pulls her into his arms, hugging her close.

"Regulus?" She sounds alarmed.

"I'm sorry."

She doesn't say anything for a moment, "for— what?"

He pulls away just enough to see her face. Cupping her jaw in his hands, he presses a kiss to her lips.

"Regulus—"

"No. I understand what you're telling me, and I want you to give me a chance."

"Give you a chance… you already said you can't."

"I— I can try."

"I don't want you to pretend to love me."

"I won't pretend. I'll figure it out, I promise."

(y/n) looks alarmed for a second, "you shouldn't promise things you can't do, Regulus Black."

He stares back, "give me a chance."

The silence is deafening as she watches him.

[helloalycia]

lose you [one] // leigh shaw

summary: after Leigh ignores your existence for a few days, you decide to force her out of her room and spend the afternoon with you, but it ends up leading to something more

warning/s: mentions of grief and implied death

author's note: this was requested and I finally got around to watching Sorry For Your Loss (which is so good by the way! i'm so mad it got cancelled), so here is a little Leigh Shaw imagine! It's a three-parter so stay tuned :)

part two | part three | masterlist | wattpad

"Where is she?"

Jules, her sister, pointed up at the ceiling, referring to upstairs, as she finished chewing on a grape. "What did she do now?"

I refrained from rolling my eyes at the reminder that Leigh had been ignoring my calls and texts for the past few days.

"Nothing," I mumbled before leaving her in the kitchen to eat her fruit.

I'd been friends with Leigh long enough to invite myself into her house and let myself head upstairs. When I reached her room, I knocked on the door and tried to hide my impatience with a sigh.

"Jules, I'm not in the mood," her voice grumbled from the other side.

Ever since losing her husband a year ago, Leigh's personality had become more... erratic, if you will. Understanding her mood changes and temper tantrums was a skill in itself, but I was determined to stick by her if it meant she'd be okay. Like now, for example.

"It's not Jules," I called back. She didn't reply, so I said, "You better have clothes on, I'm coming in."

Without wasting a second, I opened the door and found Leigh laying on her bed, thankfully dressed, and looking up at the ceiling. Her room was slightly messy and the curtains were half open, like she'd been in the same position for the past few days. I wouldn't have put it past her.

When I entered, her eyes glanced my way before she continued to stare a hole into the ceiling. I breathed out, unsure what to say.

"Don't look at me like that," she said quietly.

"I wouldn't have to if you'd replied to any of my texts," I retorted, though my tone was anything but harsh.

"I've been busy," she mumbled.

My eyes raked the room once again. "Yeah, I can see that... it's two in the afternoon."

Suddenly, she sat up and narrowed her eyes at me. "Look, if I wanted a lecture, I'd have let Jules in here. If you've not got anything nice to say, you know where the door is."

Rolling my eyes, I ignored her flippant attitude and went to the set of chest drawers pushed against her wall. I rifled through them, earning complaints from behind me, before pulling out some clothes and throwing them at her.

"We're going out," I told her sternly, crossing my arms.

She removed the clothes from her face and gave me a disapproving look. "No, we're not."

"I'm not leaving unless you come with me, so..."

She could be a bitch when she wanted to be, but she knew I could be, too. Our stubbornness was our weakness, since neither of us could back down in a fight. Nowadays, it usually ended with me giving in because I pitied her, but not today. Today I was adamant on cheering her up.

"Fine," she said through a sigh of defeat. "Just get out already."

I smiled victoriously. "See you downstairs."

After waiting for Leigh to get ready and out of the pyjamas I was sure she'd lived in for three days straight, we got in my car and I began to drive.

"Where are we going?" she asked, glancing over at me with mild annoyance, like she'd rather be anywhere but here.

"Not sure yet," I admitted, ignoring the disbelief on her face.

"Then why did you make me come?!" she asked, her attention fully on me now.

I shrugged. "Thought you could use the break." Shoulders relaxing, I added, "I also thought we could spend some time together since we haven't in a while."

I didn't want to say it was because of the fact that she'd been avoiding me, or at least been making no effort to talk to me. I also didn't want to make her feel bad because of those facts, but she seemed to take it personally anyway, resorting to a good old-fashioned Leigh-specialty eye roll.

"I'm not sorry for grieving," she said knowingly, getting comfortable in her seat and looking out the window.

I gripped the steering wheel harder and tried not to let her words make a difference. She had a bad habit of twisting my words or making things seem worse than they were and I knew it was a coping mechanism of hers. She only tried to cope when things got too much, which only confirmed my reason for taking her out today.

"You don't have to be," was all I said, before focusing back on my driving.

—

Halfway through our drive to nowhere, I pulled the roof of the car down so we could feel the wind in our hair and the sun on our backs, since it was a nice day. I also put the radio on, hoping it would ease the tension on Leigh's end of the car.

Pop songs blared through the speakers, some that I knew and some that I didn't. Of course, the ones that I knew I immediately sang along to. Leigh definitely didn't like that, opting to roll her eyes and pretend I wasn't there. But eventually, I knew she wouldn't be able to resist and she began to hum along, making me smile.

On the road that led to nowhere, I noticed a public footpath leading into the forest and decided to take a pit stop, utilising the car park nearby. When Leigh noticed what I was doing, she straightened up and looked around with confusion.

"What are you doing?" she asked, eyes falling to mine.

I tried not to laugh. "We, my friend, are going on a walk."

"You're kidding."

"I'm really not."

I felt her eyes on me as I parked up and turned the engine off. Unbuckling my seatbelt, I opened my car door and met her judgemental gaze, noticing she wasn’t making a move to leave.

"You coming?" I asked with a raised brow.

"Do I have a choice?"

"Of course," I said, not quite stepping out the car but hanging my feet out. "You can either come with me on a nice walk through the forest, or you can stay here and roast to death in the car because of the heat whilst you wait for me."

"Or I can steal your keys and drive home without you," she offered as a third option, smiling bitterly.

Grin on my lips, I hummed in agreement. "That's also an option, yes."

Letting out a sigh through gritted teeth, she wordlessly got out the car and I smiled with satisfaction, knowing she'd give in. Getting out the car, I stretched my arms before locking the doors and joining Leigh's side. She sulked like a child, but allowed me to lead her to the trail ahead.

It was a lovely day out, warm but with a slight breeze that cooled our skin as we walked. Sunlight peeked through the tall trees, reflecting off the greenery and filling me with a sense of awe as I appreciated mother nature up close and personal.

Glancing over at Leigh, I noticed how she fell into step with me but remained closed off. Hugging herself, she focused on the path ahead and stayed quiet, jaw clenched and lips pursed. Streams of light that shone through the trees shone onto her, spotlighting her and making her hair look golden, blinding but in the best way.

I'd never admit it aloud, but I always loved the way her green eyes sparkled in the light, and even when she turned to glare at me, I felt my heart rate speeding up at how beautiful she looked.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer," she said dryly.

Not letting her mood get me down, I pulled out my phone and snapped a photo, making her smack my hand away. I laughed and, for her sake, pretended I didn't see the ghost of a smile on her lips.

"That's one for the books," I teased, putting my phone away.

"It's fine, I have plenty of you," she mumbled.

I smiled to myself but said nothing. We continued to walk through the woods, following the trail and myself remembering every turn we made so we could make it back the right way. There were a few other people out, but we passed them with a quick hello (from myself since Leigh was still sulking) and moved on.

Twenty minutes into our peaceful walk, I noticed a wooden footbridge up ahead, possibly built over a stream. Excited, I stopped and looked to Leigh who noticed I wasn't beside her and turned around to see what was up.

"Why d'you stop?" she asked, pulling her hair up into a ponytail impatiently.

I smiled eagerly. "I'll race you to the bridge."

"Y/N," she breathed out, raising her eyebrows. "We're not kids."

I walked forward slowly, smile fading into a frown. "Fine. Sorry for trying to liven things up."

She rolled her eyes and continued to walk beside me in silence. But my pace picked up, as did hers, and I exchanged glances with her, realising she was walking faster than usual. Before I knew it, we were breaking into a run, trying to reach the bridge before each other.

"Thought you didn't wanna race!" I said between heavy breaths.

"I don't!" she called back, her pace picking up as she managed to get ahead.

I sucked up a breath and pushed on, tailing her as she reached the bridge. When she got there, she began to cheer and point at me obnoxiously.

"Ha! I win!" she said with a grin, as I slowed down and bent over to catch my breath. "Sucks to be you."

Her laughter filled my ears as I straightened up, hands on my hips. She looked so happy, even if it was momentarily, and I watched her with adoration, not even caring that I'd lost. She was stunning when she was smiling and I could only hope she'd do it more as time went on.

"I let you win," I joked, waving my hand dismissively.

"Sure you did," she played along, leaning on the bridge's railing as she watched me with amusement.

"You literally exercise for a living," I told her with a shrug. "S'not fair."

"Whatever," she said with an eye roll, smile still dancing on her lips as she turned around to look over the bridge. A gasp escaped her lips as she said, "Wow."

I joined her side, holding the railing to see what had taken her breath away. Then I saw it. A stream ran beneath us and was framed by some beautiful flowers and tall, transcending trees whose branches curled outwards and were covered in green leaves. The sun's rays filtered down through the leaves and made the water look like it was sparkling, rippling with every rock it pushed past.

"Looks like something out of a children's book," I said with disbelief, smile of amazement on my lips.

Leigh hummed in agreement and I glanced at her, seeing a similar expression on her face. Glad she was in a better mood, I looked back to the picturesque view before us and leaned on the railing, merely appreciating the sight.

"This is nice," Leigh said quietly, after a moment.

I tilted my head to get a look at her. She was already looking my way, leaning on her arms and meeting my gaze.

"Thanks, I put it all together myself," I said playfully, making her nudge me with her elbow as I chuckled.

"I'm serious," she said, before looking ahead again. "It is."

Knowing that was her way of saying thank you without actually saying it, I nodded in agreement. "It is."

We admired the sight for a few more minutes before deciding to head back, taking our time as we followed the route I remembered. Leigh was a little less tense this time, seeming to relax into her surroundings a little more. She even had a smile on her face at times which was all I wanted.

"You hungry?" I asked when we reached the car park.

"I guess I could eat," she said with a shrug.

"Well, according to this sign," I said, pointing to a board beside the start of the footpath, "there's a café a little way down the road. Wanna go?"

She motioned for me to go first. "After you."

Green eyes shone bright with amusement as she looked to me with a suppressed smile. Losing my words, surprisingly startled by her gaze, I cleared my throat and took the lead, making her laugh.

I sometimes wondered if she knew the effect she had on me or if she just liked catching me off guard. Maybe it was both.

—

After having a late lunch, or early dinner depending on how you saw it, Leigh and I got back in my car and I began to drive us back to hers. It was quiet, just like our meal was and just like she'd been for most of the afternoon. I was fine with that, I guess, but I felt like she was holding something in.

Turning off the radio, I earned her attention.

"You should try screaming," I suggested casually.

"Excuse me?"

I felt her eyes boring into me with confusion as I got comfortable in my seat. Looking in the rear view mirror, I noticed there were no cars behind us or in front of us. The road was empty as I drove on the edge of one of the many beautiful cliff-sides in Los Angeles.

"Scream," I repeated to Leigh. "It'll feel good. Watch."

Wasting no time, I began to scream at the top of my lungs, being sure to stay focused on driving at the same time. My voice flew into the air as my car sped down the road, leaving me feeling liberated.

"Geez, a warning would be nice!" Leigh snapped, uncovering her ears when I was done.

I laughed. "I did say to scream." Giving her a sideways glance, I added, "Come on. Try it with me. On the count of three."

"This is stupid," she decided, leaning back into her seat and pushing her hair from her eyes as the wind blew it about.

"No, it's not," I said with certainty. "Three."

"Y/N."

"Two."

"Stop it."

"One."

"Y/N!"

I looked to her with a grin before screaming at the top of my lungs. When I didn't hear her join in, I stopped and pouted.

"You gonna leave me hanging?" I asked, looking between her and the road. "C'mon. Last chance."

"Y/N–"

"Three. Two. One."

This time, to my surprise, she joined in and we screamed together, our voices echoing into the hills around us. It was exciting, thrilling and freeing all at once. Once we were out of breath, we stopped and caught it back.

"Felt good, right?" I asked with a grin.

She began to laugh, quietly, slowly, then loudly and hysterically, making me join in. Though, when my laughter faded, I realised she was still laughing, and then I looked over to her and saw tears streaming down her cheeks. With concern, I reached over to comfort her, but stopped when I realised it was weird to do, even for a friend.

"Leigh, I'm sorry, I–"

"No, no, it's fine, I'm fine," she cut me off, wide smile still on her lips as she wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her jumper. "They're happy tears. Y/N. They're happy tears."

I furrowed my brows with confusion, eyes flickering between the road and Leigh. "Are you– are you sure? Because it's okay if–"

"I'm okay," she promised, resting a hand on my arm. "I am. And the screaming helped. You were right."

I almost made a joke about how I'm always right, but my concern for her, despite the smile she wore, was still present. Teary eyes watched me with reassurance and she squeezed my arm gently before getting comfortable in her seat.

"Okay, if you're sure," I said, still uncertain.

We continued driving when I noticed the sun setting and decided to stop the car off to the side of the road. The hills were the perfect place to watch the sunset since it had a perfect view of the city whilst leaving enough space to see the sky in all its glory.

"Now why are we stopping?" she asked, though her voice didn't carry the same venom it did earlier.

"Isn't it obvious?" I asked rhetorically, getting out the car and motioning to the view before us. "We're gonna watch the sun set!"

I thought she'd put up a fight or complain like she had with everything I'd been recommending today, but to my ease, she simply got out the car and joined me. The two of us leaned against the car door as we watched the sun dipping into the horizon, casting an orange-pink hue across the skyline and the few clouds in the sky. It always reminded me of a watercolour painting, like someone had dipped their paintbrush in water and dragged it across the sky.

"Thank you for today," Leigh said, pulling me from my admiration. "I actually had a really nice time. As in, the part I spent with you and not the part where I moped around in bed."

I gave her a half smile. "Anytime, Leigh."

She winced, shaking her head in disagreement. "No, I mean it, Y/N. For everything, not just this." She paused, and I tried to ignore the way the last of the sun's rays made her skin glow and eyes shine brighter than anything I'd ever seen. "You've been here for me, even a year later when other people would have left."

"That's what friends are for," I reminded her, and her eyes flickered to mine, holding a million questions that I couldn't decipher.

"I'm not the best company," she admitted.

"You're not that bad," I said dismissively.

"I wouldn't want to be around me," she continued.

"Who likes to be left alone with themselves anyway?" I said jokingly, making her sigh discontentedly. Smile fading, I lost my humour for the moment. "You're not as bad as you think. And even if you were, I'd still stick around."

She locked her jaw, looking down to her shoes silently. I crossed my arms and looked back to the sun, it lowering into the horizon further and further as each second passed.

"I didn't mean to force today onto you," I said hesitantly. "I just– you didn't reply to any of my messages and I was worried."

She scratched the back of her head awkwardly. "I haven't really checked my phone."

"I figured." Finger playing with my shirt mindlessly, I said, "I got a promotion at work. That's–" I cleared my throat. "That was why I called you the first time."

She looked up, eyes wide with apology. "Oh my God. Y/N, I'm so sorry! That's amazing! I should have–"

"It's okay," I reassured her with a small smile, dropping my arms to my side. "I just wanted to tell you because, well... I just wanted to tell you."

I wanted to tell her because that's what we did. We told each other everything. She was the first person that came to mind when anything good happened in my life. Of course, with everything going on, it was hard to tell her the good stuff when she was going through so much.

"I'm so proud of you," she said softly, and I looked her way when she grabbed my hand. "You worked really hard for this promotion and I knew you'd get it."

A smile crept onto my lips at her words. "Thank you, Leigh. You know that means a lot."

She nodded, mirroring my expression, before squeezing my hand gently. I wanted to look away after a few seconds, but she was still holding my gaze, eyes piercing mine as if conflicted. I suddenly became hyper-aware of her hand in mine, fingers gently tugging mine subconsciously, and the way her shoulder brushed against mine, the contact so natural I almost didn't realise it was there.

When I finally decided to break our staring contest, deciding I'd never know what was going on in her head, she took me by surprise and pulled me forward before kissing me. Her lips pressed to mine quickly, hand letting go and resting on the back of my neck dominantly.

It happened so quickly, my mind working overtime as it tried to decipher Leigh's soft lips against mine, the shiver that ran down my spine from her hand on my neck, the tenderness of her cheek as it came into contact with my nose. I didn't even get chance to react, to kiss her back like I wanted, as she pulled away in an instant.

Seemingly startled by her own actions, she let go of my neck and took a step back. I already missed the contact, my lips feeling cold as she pulled away. I, myself, was taken aback, still frozen with shock at the fact that she'd just kissed me.

"Th– that was a friendly kiss, obviously," she stuttered out, eyes avoiding mine.

I licked my lips awkwardly. "Yeah, obviously..."

"To say thanks," she added unconvincingly. "Y'know?"

"Mhm."

Neither of us looked up as we stood apart trying to understand what happened. Why did she do that? Did she actually want to? Was she caught up in the moment or was she just seeking comfort? I wasn't sure. But I knew I wished I had reacted quicker than I had.

"We should go home," she mumbled.

I nodded in agreement. "Right. Yeah. Home."

The two of us got back into my car, neither of us saying anything as I drove her back to her place. The radio played quietly in the background, filling the uncomfortable silence that formed between us, and I hated that a good day had ended on a bad note.

Pulling up outside her house, I chewed on the inside of my mouth with discomfort. She cleared her throat and still didn't look my way as she spoke.

"Thanks again for today," she said, before opening the door. "I'll, er, see you whenever."

I nodded, eyes focused on the steering wheel. "See you. I, erm–" I wanted to say something about the kiss, but she clearly didn't and I didn't want to piss her off. So, I said, "Tell Jules and your mum I said hi."

"Will do..."

With that, she got out the car and headed to her front door, leaving me sat there for a moment as I tried to comprehend the situation I was now in.

Why did Leigh have to be so confusing?

[theodora3022]

"Friend"(Yandere! Kazuha)

Genre: Dark fic

Summary: You trusted him, thought of him as a reliable friend. But it is too late to relise your mistake. Jealousy is a deadly poison indeed.

A/N: Wohoo it is finally here! I just got out of my writer’s block. To celebrate him coming home I am writing some short drabbles. There is more to come in the future, so stayed tuned if that interests you!

Content warning: Possessive and obsessive behaviours, drugging mention, implied female reader(no pronouns) General Yandere content, not proof-read or edited

Word count: roughly 1k

“This hurts me way more than it hurts you.”

The silver moonlight that flows from a narrow window compliments his light-coloured hair nicely, but you could not care less about his looks at this moment. Letting out a quiet sigh, the foreigner started to toy with a chain of keys.

The keys that could unlock the cuffs on your wrists.

“Ironic for you to say that when I’m the one being restrained.” Refusing to meet his eyes, you turned to the wall. Your parents were right, you are indeed too foolish, too naïve to take over the family business.

Kazuha knows you are upset, and you have every right to be. Anyone would feel horrible after someone abuses their trust.

Not to mention said person even locked you up in chains. He knows this is wrong, he does feel remorseful. But he simply cannot just let things carry on the way it was. The samurai has to do something, even if that means being questioned by his morals in his dreams.

The young man still remembered the day he first saw you; it feels as new as yesterday.

The Crux is currently restocking their pantry while Beidou is on business in Liyue, and you are here to discuss the prices of a couple of essentials.

Fair prices, polite tone, even greeted him with a smile when you noticed his curious gaze.

Which is something merchants seldom do.

So when the first mate assigned him with the task of managing the transportation from your shop, Kazuha was looking forward to carrying out his duties.

Even his once-noble family has fallen into obscurity, Kaedehara Kazuha got some aristocratic pride left in him. He knows an affable appearance must be kept up if he wishes to get along with the rest of the crew but to say, friends... Kazuha never considered any of them as potential options.

A well-educated induvial who seems to be interested in literature such as yourself piques his interest quite a bit.

From what Kazuha can tell (by listening in to your conversation with other crew members), you seem to admire their leader Beidou a great deal. So he took advantage of that without guilt; after all, that is how anyone would make friends right? It worked fantastically well, as you would invite him to stay for tea after the errands are finished, just to listen from a "insider".

The way your eyes light up like lanterns at dusk is mesmerizing. There is always the way you lean in slightly with interest, frowning when he wants to save the ending for the next meeting.

Is it so bad to leave you wanting more?

He has to admit that he enjoys your company. You are well-spoken, willing to indulge his poetry rambles, even completing unfinished ones from time to time.

Not that he has any idea how much until later.

“Kazuha, you are no fun.” Filling his teacup once more, you said with a petty pout. Just why wouldn’t he ever finish telling the whole story? He’s for sure doing this on purpose just to mess with you.

You two are friends, not close ones, but on amicable terms, nevertheless. Your merchant parents understand the importance of relations and connections well, so they never said anything against it.

That is what both of you believe until the Samurai suddenly feels this unreasonable urge to be violent when he sees you laughing with another man. As he was feeling indisposed that particular day, so the first mate sent another sailor to cover for him.

If gazes can do damage, the poor sailor would have been in shambles within seconds, from Kazuha’s stares alone.

He wants you to smile at him, acting all lively and cute with him only. Oh dear, that is a selfish thought. But Kazuha cannot help it, not that he wants to suppress it anyways.

The self-control that he took pride in almost shattered instantly. Luckily, Kazuha could excuse himself from Beidou’s questionable eyes by repeatly stating how unwell this cold makes him feels.

Wandering Samurais likes him would never settle down for anyone when they still got the strength to travel with a blade in hand. It is simply the illness that is getting to him, yes. That must be it.

Until the string of restraint snapped, when he sees you walking into the Liuli Pavilion with a suitor your parents approved for you. Despite you acting somehow overly polite and distanced with the man, Kazuha feels as if he has been threatened.

How joyous would it be, if he were to leave a few marks on someone who dares to tamper with what is his?

Even if he gets rids of this one, there will be more in the future. You had already told him how your parents wish you to use your marriage to booster your influence.

He needs a solution. A permanent, clean one.

It would be too much of a hassle and trouble to target every single person that comes near you. So, the best option is to target you instead.

When Kazuha had Beidou invite you to a dinner occasion on the crux, you did not think much of the situation and came with a few gifts in hand. He hesitated before giving you the beer that contains few extra ingredients, but he knows it would be worth it before long.

“I should have never trusted you.” You spit it out word by word, expressing them in spite as much as you can. You should have known that he is up to no good when he tried to approach you with legendary tales of Lady Beidou. How could he do this?

Now you are stuck in this tiny room in archon knows where after blacking out suddenly, the only clue being you are on a moving ship.

With his current occupation and status, there is little to no chance that he could ever win your parent’s approval. This way, what they think they do not matter.

The fact that you are his spouse would be set in stone by the time you could return to them. It would leave them no choice but to accept him as a son-in-law to save faces.

Kazuha kneels down near you, trying to reach for your cheeks as if he wants to caress them gently with his fingers. The ruby eyes of the young man darken unnoticeably in the darkroom when you decided to distance yourself away from him, as far as possible. But he understands.

You will come around, hopefully. You did like him back then, so why not once more? Even if you never do, he cares too much for you to ever leave you be. Selfish as it sounds, Kazuha would rather sees you unhapplily stuck here with him, than go roaming freely, be happy in someone else's arms.

[of-hopes-and-daemons]

Fuzzverse Assorted Lore

Crystal Hosts • Lacedrace and Sanya: differing opinions • Concerning Inquisitor Guy

Everything you didn’t want to know about the Fuzzverse also known as my midnight ramblings. Three topics to cover today.

Crystal Hosts

So about these crystal "hosts" Fuzzes use.

As far as I know, being in realspace is really hard on daemons, especially Greater one, if they can even manage it in the first place, so Fuzzes use these crystal-based bodies to loophole around the laws of the universe. They do limit what unreasonable daemon stuff they can do, but pretty useful regardless. Originally invented by Lacedrace, but eventually adopted in some shape or form by all four.

They all also put their own unique twists on the formula, so in the end we have: - Lacedrace has classic, but refined option of this pure warp-infused crystal. Good conduit for magic, easily reassembled in case it gets shattered and gives her easy opportunities to temporarily manifest in her true daemon form, but very bad at providing sensory input and very obviously a crystal on close inspection, unless glamoured specifically and heavily against this. Also due to how heavily infused it is with magic it is far easier to notice and pick up. And it also chips.  - An'Hangra has one with pretty significant traces of metals and especially good old brass. It is very durable, dense and strong, surprisingly heavy, harder to repair on the fly, but it is still possible to an extent, specifically made to actually bleed, because Khornate shtick, so-so at providing sensory response, aside from basic stuff. It is surprisingly (or not so) resistant to any kind of “witchcraft” as well, making An’Hangra a nightmarish opponent for any psyker.  - Balthrag is semi-amorphous and squishy, her take on the thing is having host to be, probably assembled from either semi-fluid crystal or smaller particles or whatever. Squishy blob. Has its own ecosystem of fungi and ferns and flowers, all growing, wilting and rotting in an endless cycle. Somewhat complicated to repair on the spot. How solid she is seems to be closely related to her emotional state or how much conscious effort she puts into it. And yes, she can squish herself into ridiculously tiny openings.  - Shanakay is extra, putting unreasonable amount of work in perfecting each of hosts used to be an ideal representation of yours truly. Most refined and detailed of the bunch, almost ideal mimicry of how things would feel with an actual body, definitely has greatly enhanced senses for the ideal enjoyment of stuffing her face with sad soggy fries from McNurgle. Some bits are created and added purely for aesthetic perfection, where other Fuzzes tend to go for more practical and utilitarian approach. Due to it all - incredibly hard to repair and so any damages do piss her off. Where her host luck in sturdiness or reparability, they however do win in agility, finer control and sheer speed.

Lacedrace and Sanya: differing opinions

So, few notes I wanted to share about their relationship is that, despite the fact that they absolutely do get along amazing, there are quite a bit of points they do struggles to find common ground about. 

One of those being the fact that Lacedrace is still a pretty ruthless being, that would not hesitate to bring down entire worlds to achieve her goals. This being said, for the time being their goals seem to align and they both work hard to make sure their little rowing band of renegades (and some other stuff in Lacedrace’s case) survives and prospers, but the amount of collateral damage each of them is willing to tolerate is very different. 

More or less it can be summed up as Sanya being of the “we must do our best to help others or at least do not cause harm” and Lacedrace seeing things more along the lines “this hope’s survival is paramount, I will not hesitate to bring doom to ensure it” when it comes to achieving their goals. 

In the end they mostly try to find some kind of compromise and so it would be fair to say, that in the end Polaris is, indeed, not intentionally causing any sort of stuff, for the most part, but their arrivals tend to stir things far too strongly here and there, And for better or for worse is entirely subjective. 

Another fun example of their opinion differences is after the “Severed Hand” when it becomes apparent that Sanya by using athame against Erebus did ended up signing for untimely end due to rancid Chaos vibes. Well, untimely in this particular case being “a few decades if he would survive initial trauma of being slapped around by a Dark Apostle and would get adequate amount of wards, bionics, medicine and rejuvenat” which he did. 

And Sanya was largely okay with it, as long as Polaris would be alright after his passing and would continue to grow, into a tiny nomadic fleet perhaps. Lacedrace however was largely not okay with this and was very much ready to go and gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss Sanya’s way into survival by any means necessary, and I am still not sure how they figured that out, especially given how all Sanya’s buddies largely split 50/50 on the issue and certain someone even found the napkin with the description for the Davin ritual. Because it worked so well back then.

Concerning Inquisitor Guy

So, pretty early on I figured that during the events of the main story of Fuzzverse there will be some kind of daemon-hunting crew on Lacedrace’s tail. Pun is not intended. And initially I assumed to represent them as classically outrageously evil Inquisition. 

But then I got a thought - wouldn’t it be more interesting, to give this group a central character, who can be understood and in who in different circumstance could have been a protagonist of his own story of hunting a dangerous daemon, who might cause a lot of problem for the Imperium, you know. Guy is just doing his job based on the information he has and is not being too much of a prick about it.

Because, seriously, to an outside observer whatever is going on with Sanya and his fun found family of daemons, renegades, xenos and one c’tan shard would probably be pretty horrifying. And expanding on what was said before about Lacedrace not concerning herself with collateral damage all too much - Sanya might be genuinely well-meaning and trying his best, but they do end up stirring up a lot of shit. 

So they have this Inquisitor Guy (yet to be named) always on their tail and trying his damn best to save the Imperium from the dreadful Alexander the Accursed and Crystal Sage, the vile Lord of Change being the seeming mastermind behind the despicable heretic, who have turned his back on the light of the God-Emperor. And Crystal Sage also being indirectly responsible for Inquisitor Guy’s family demise. 

All meanwhile Sanya is having a grand old time making dumplings for all his new friends. If they would ever meet face to face it is going to be hilarious.