#trident;task

[t-u-i-t-c]

chapter xxix

[lovely-p-issues]

Everybody gangsta until the power of friendship becomes a thing and takes your trident

___

Seriously, I have this vision of hundreds of ghost hands pushing the trident in Odysseus' hands to help him defeat Poseidon

Also, do you know how well this fits with my vision of Hades throughout Epic which I made a joke about earlier in the post????

Like:

Poseidon: you want to explain to me.... why, out of nowhere... six hundred souls have come to his aid...

Poseidon: SOULS YOU WERE TASKED WITH KEEPING HERE

Hades: *calmly hides a friendship band from Polites in a drawer*

Hades: it's not like they asked or something

Poseidon:

Hades:

Hades: besides, what was I supposed to do. say no?

Or

Hades: oh no, aren't these the consequences of your own actions? How could this happen?

Poseidon:

Poseidon: are you finished?

Hades: just a moment more

OR

Poseidon: we talked about letting three of them go to encourage him to give up

Hades:

Poseidon: not his whole army

Hades: you know, I thought they might resent him for the way he ended things with Helios' cattle

Hades, spreading his hands: I underestimated how much you can unite people with hatred against you

[mydadleft471]

A Jester Indeed

Summary: You've heard tales of Messmer the Impaler from other Tarnished. They say he's a monster, that his flame will burn through your armor to the bone, and that he is not to be trifled with. So what happens when you, a not-so-serious individual, fight the Impaler and show him mercy?

Spoilers for Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree. Some warnings of violence, fighting, blood, and a stupid Tarnished.

This was a request from anonymous! They requested, "Messmer with a Tarnished reader who chose to spare him at the end of their battle, and she frequently comes by to annoy him." This was so fun, thanks anon! I wasn't sure how to incorporate the Tarnished coming back to annoy him, so I just made her a little shit whenever possible lmao. Hope you like it!

As always, thank you for reading, liking, reblogging, and commenting! I've gotten back into writing because of everyone's continued love and support and I can't begin to thank you guys enough! <3

You were so in over your head.

Traveling to the Land of Shadow was an ordeal all by itself. As you carved your path of carnage throughout the Lands Between, you’d killed many. It did not matter what they were; if they didn’t want to talk it out, you knew there was only one way it would end. No matter how many times you died, which had to be in the hundreds by now, you would come back and try again. Victory had always tasted so sweet. 

As did the amount of runes some bosses dropped.

Seeking out the Lord of Blood was certainly a task, but you had also found the husk of Miquella, Malenia’s twin brother forever cursed to be a child. Disgust must’ve been obvious on your features as Mohg appeared out of a pool of blood and referred to Miquella as dearest. You had a feeling you wouldn’t mind ending the Lord of Blood.

You did mind, however, the amount of bloodflame he threw at you. His trident could kill you in one hit if you weren’t careful, and it did, many times. Eventually though, he fell just like the rest. After you lit the site of Grace near Miquella’s cocoon and sat down, you noticed someone standing a few feet in front of you. They were donned in gold and black armor with an ornately embroidered white cloak. Carefully, you rose, ready to fight if necessary.

She introduced herself as Needle Knight Leda, in service to Miquella the Kind. She told you that if you wished to travel to the Land of Shadow, all you needed to do was touch the withered arm dangling lifelessly outside of the cocoon. Noticing your hesitation to follow someone you had just met, she tells you of her compatriots that would offer you assistance when you arrived.

You were never one to shy away from challenge and adventure, so you rested your hand upon the cold, much larger one. In an instant, your vision went white and suddenly you stood in an unfamiliar place. It almost reminded you of where you first woke up after crossing the fog, but it was more foreboding. You shrugged off the feeling of anxiety and started up the hill in front of you.

After stepping out into the open and seeing the vast landscape before you, you knew you had to explore every inch of this place. You would discover why this place was hidden, and you would almost certainly fight challengers tougher than you could imagine. The thought alone sent shivers of anticipation down your spine. With Torrent by your side, you embarked on your journey throughout the Land of Shadow.

That anticipation that had once set your soul ablaze was now fear coursing through your veins. After weeks of fighting, you had reached the Shadow Keep, home of Messmer the Impaler, who was another of Queen Marika’s children. Messmer’s guards and knights were no joke, and you had met your demise at their hands more times than you could count. But you had persisted and cut your way through his numbers, and here you were: in front of an imposing and cold metal door that would certainly lead to your number of deaths reaching the thousands.

Everything you had heard about Messmer was terrifying. You were unsure if you would actually best him. Many other Tarnished you’d met along your travels spoke of his flame, scorching and unnatural, searing them down to the bone before they were impaled on Messmer’s spear.

You tried to keep your spirits high. You had fought and beat Radahn, once known as the mightiest demigod of the Shattering. You’d killed Mohg. You even killed Miquella’s sister, Malenia, the Goddess of Rot.

So why were you standing here shaking like it was your first encounter with combat?

You sighed and knew you’d have to will yourself to open the door in front of you. Throwing caution to the wind and ignoring your nerves begging you to turn back, you pushed the heavy metal door open and stood in the doorway. You flinched and closed your eyes, expecting your death to be immediate. But you were fine.

Taking a few tentative steps into the room, you realized that it was almost entirely dark. A few candles sputtered weakly along the floor, but that was it. Perhaps the Impaler was out?

Your hopeful thoughts quickly died as the room lit up. Hundreds of candles sparked to life within mere seconds. You drew your weapon and looked around the room, your heart beating wildly against your ribcage.

“Mongrel intruder.”

A low, stern voice echoed throughout the room, sending shivers down your spine. Looking towards the center of the room, you shrieked when you saw a red snake hovering in front of you. It wasn’t poised to strike however, so you, although a stupid idea, reached out to pat its head.

“Thou’rt Tarnished, it seemeth.” 

The snake began to slink away from your outstretched hand. You saw a large towering figure sat on a throne in the very back of the room.

Messmer the Impaler.

“I am, yes. Why does that matter?” Your voice shakes and comes out weak.

He stands up, seemingly ignoring you. You realize how he towers over you.

“Mother, wouldst thou truly lordship sanction in one so bereft of light?” He does not sound amused.

“I don’t want to fight you. ” You realize that might not seem convincing with your sword drawn.

“Yet… my purpose standeth unchanged.” He saunters towards you. 

You really shouldn’t be here.

“Those stripped of the Grace of Gold shall all meet death. In the embrace of Messmer’s flame.” From his hand, fire erupts and swirls, but it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. It’s darker, a deep crimson with black tendrils dancing around like snakes. It’s beautiful, yet horrifying.

“But I can see sites of Grace! There’s one right outside your door!” You plead with him, your voice unnaturally high with fear. He pauses for a second, mulling over your words. Then his brow hardens and his gleaming gold eye narrows.

“The Tarnished, graceless and stricken, is also a liar, it seemeth.”

You were stupid and brave, but a liar? That crossed a line.

With his words as your only warning, he leaps into the air, creating an inferno of raging fire. He slams down next to you and you barely have time to roll out of the way. The explosion clouds your vision, and you don’t catch him hurtling towards you. His spear rams through your stomach as if you weren’t wearing armor, and you scream. Your hands grasp the handle where it impales you and it’s sticky with blood. Your blood.

Messmer comes closer as you fall to the floor. You have to admit, he’s quite handsome, even with your blurred vision. You don’t think telling him that would spare you.

“I don’t want to fight.” Your voice comes out weak and you spit out blood on the floor next to you. You’re beginning to fade.

His eye glows a blinding gold as he stands above you. He seethes with disgust.

“Then thou shalt run. Thine wishes are an impossibility. But rest assured, Tarnished,” he spits the word like an insult, and brings his face closer to yours. “The Impaler will see to it that thy fate never cometh to fruition. Thou shalt perish here, as many times as necessary.” 

With those words, you fade away and return to the site of Grace outside his door. You lay there in stunned silence for a few seconds before you dare to sit up. Looking towards the fog wall in front of you, you question yourself. Could you really defeat Messmer? He’s made his intentions crystal clear and you know that each time you face him, it will end in your painful death. 

No, you say to yourself. You take a few deep breaths and make a conscious effort to not give into the fear he instilled in you. That’s what he wants. He wants you to be afraid to face him, to give him the upper hand. But you won’t do that. Sure, he’s a demigod that’s launched an endless crusade on an entire race of people and has a curse that’s gotten him shunned from his Mother’s good graces, but you’re really good at fighting. And you’re persistent as hell.

Standing, you draw your weapon once more and walk through the fog wall.

He’s returned to his throne, and once he sees you, he grips his spear and stands.

“I warned thee, Tarnished. All thou wilt gain here is an acute understanding of agony.”

“I’m not afraid of you. I’ve faced demigods before and won. I’ve died countless times and came back. This fight won’t be any different.”

He is taken aback by your confidence, but he quickly regains his composure. His face hardens and he leaps into the air once again, flame encompassing his form.

“So be it.”

You dodge his inferno and sidestep him as he rushes at you. You have a feeling he uses his fire to disorient you and shroud himself. You would be wise to keep the distance between you two as close as possible.

“A spear is a horrible weapon for close combat!” You holler at him and see his eye narrow. You’ve successfully pissed him off.

He ignites his spear and soars through the air, then rushes at you with multiple jabs, and you successfully dodge all but one of his attacks. He slams down into the ground next to you, and right as you reach for your flask, a myriad of spears burst from the ground and quickly end you. As your vision fades, you see him above you once more, looking down at you with something you could almost call pity.

You re-enter his arena with little time between your attempts. Though he manages to best you over ten times, you are growing more certain in his attack patterns, and you can seamlessly dodge and punish most of his moves. On your 16th try, you’ve managed to only get hit twice throughout the fight so far, and you still have 9 remaining charges in your flask. You know he’s beginning to worry from the way his attacks grow more and more desperate. He stops charging deliberate moves and instead swings wildly at you in an attempt to kill you instantly.

After side-stepping his barrage and rolling through his summoned spears, you quickly deliver a swipe that cuts his stomach and sends him to his knees. You breathe out heavily and watch his every move with your sword at the ready in front of you.

“Bested, by a meek Tarnished…” His voice radiates with pain and humiliation. He looks at you, his eye dimmer than usual. 

“Give up. I don’t want to kill you.” You hope he doesn’t push you to deal a final blow.

He weakly stands up, using his spear to hold him upright. He turns away, facing a giant statue of Marika holding a baby. How did you not notice that before?

“O Mother, forgive me.” You narrow your eyes and ready yourself for whatever he’s about to throw at you.

He reaches towards his eye that shines a brilliant gold as his long claws near it. In horror, you realize he is about to tear out his eye. Throwing your sword to the ground in an act of desperation, you fling yourself forward and catch his hand. Your weight makes him shift uneasily on his feet and you find yourself staring into the same eye he was about to pluck out.

He glances between your hands around his and your worried expression. He cannot understand why you would stop him. “Let go, Tarnished. I would give thee a fight to ne’er forget.”

You shake your head, clutching onto his hand tighter and trying your best to pull his arm down. “I’m not going to let you tear out your own eye! Are you crazy?”

“Thou hast me at thy mercy. Strike me down or release me.”

“I’ve told you before; I’m not going to kill you.”

His eye narrows and he releases his spear. It thuds onto the ground and the sound reverberates throughout the entire chamber. His other hand wraps around your neck, and he lifts you like you weigh nothing. You do not release his hand as you struggle to breathe.

“Thou’rt foolish and weak. Thy grace is false, thy blade is dull, and it seems thy mind is shattered.” He squeezes harder and you notice black spots in your vision. He peers into your eyes for the Grace you claim to have, and he sees flecks of gold dancing in your irises.

Hesitantly, he loosens his grip enough for you to breathe, but not enough to allow you your freedom. As expected, you heave in heavy gulps of air and cough. He wonders what Mother sees in you, a mere Tarnished, too weak to kill him but not strong enough to delay their inevitable demise at his hand.

“Thank you…” You mutter. You’re still clutching his hand.

“Why didst thou hesitate with thy blade?”

You give a tired and sputtering laugh. “Maybe I’m tired of killing.”

“Nonsense. Reveal the truth.”

“Will you at least put me down?”

He grits his teeth and slowly releases you. He expects you to immediately pick up your weapon and strike back, but you simply reach for one of your flasks.

You notice him watching you with caution. “May I?” You gesture to your flask.

“Fine.”

Unexpectedly, you close the gap between the two of you and unscrew the cork from the bottle. You then hand it over to him without a second thought. 

He doesn’t move, too shocked by your sudden offer. This would heal him, and if he so chooses, he could kill you again with all his strength returned to him.

“I do not require that.” 

You huff and roll your eyes. “Would you please just indulge me? I think you owe me after how many times you killed me, don’t you think?”

Wordlessly, he reaches down and takes your flask. Tipping it back, the liquid warms him as it travels down his throat. He instantly feels better and the wounds you inflicted on him earlier dissipate. When he looks down again, he sees you smiling. He hands the flask back to you and you replace the cork, then store it away in a pouch on your belt.

“There, all better.”

“A duller foe I have never met.”

“And yet, here we are. So, what’s next? Are you going to talk with me, or do you feel like you need to kill me again?” You gesture at his spear still on the ground.

“Why wouldst thou grant me mercy?” His face pinches in confusion.

“Because you don’t deserve to die.” You answer.

“Dost thou consider themselves judge, jury, and executioner?”

“No, but I know enough to understand that you’ve been shunned and cast out by Queen Marika, just like me.”

A Tarnished who speaks ill of his mother? He had yet to wrap his head around that.

“Speak plainly.”

“Okay. I know your mother made you go on an endless crusade in her name against the Hornsent for whatever they did to her. She’s done the same with Godfrey in the Lands Between. The Mountaintops of the Giants, once a land covered in fire, now lay cold with bodies and snow as their only inhabitants. Now, she wants me to fight my way through her remaining children to claim their Great Runes so I can have the burden of becoming Elden Lord.”

“Mother chose-” he begins.

“She cast you out because of your curse.” You interrupt him and his eye blazes out of fury.

“How dare thee!” He bends down to pick up his spear. You hold up your hands and make no move to grab your weapon.

“I understand your pain. I’m cursed to die over and over again until I fulfill her wishes. She doesn’t care for me.” You keep your voice even.

“Thou will never understand my pain nor my curse.”

“Maybe not, but I understand how it feels to be cast out and sequestered without honor or glory.”

Why was he talking to you? He should’ve ended you the moment you gave him your flask. He should’ve killed you 20 times over by now.

But he hesitates.

“Tarnished. Thou hast granted me mercy. Thy reasoning I shall never understand. But thy words ring true and hold merit.” 

“Does that mean you’ll stop killing me?”

“It means I shall consider ceasing hostilities towards you. Thy safety is not yet guaranteed.” 

You groan. These demigods are always so complicated. “Then what do I have to do to get you to trust me?”

“Thou wilt tell me everything.”

You blink at him. “Okay. We could’ve avoided my painful demise many times over if you had just said that earlier.”

The grip on his spear tightens. “I shall make the memory a reality if thou dost not hold thy tongue.”

He’s met with silence. Perhaps you had finally learned when you were to speak. Or maybe you were just thinking of another clever quip that would make him doubt his decision to spare you.

The hilt of his spear hits the ground and he stands taller. His voice echoes around the room. “Thou wilt stay here, within the Keep, so that I may have eyes on thee at all hours of the day. Thou shalt be safe and comfortable in exchange for your knowledge.” 

“You’re going to keep me prisoner?”

“Wouldst thou prefer a grave to a bed?”

“Fair point. We have a deal.”

You hold out your hand and he stares at you in bewilderment. He narrows his eye.

“What?”

You gesture to your hand. “It’s a deal. We’re supposed to shake hands to make it official.”

“I shalt not touch one so depraved.” He looks disgusted at the mention of touching you.

“Shake my hand or get used to killing me. Your choice, my Lord.”

“Thou wouldst jest, even now? When death stands before thee?”

“Can you just shake my hand?”

“...Fine.”

He reaches out and grasps your hand loosely, and you shake his hand. His skin is surprisingly soft. Just as you are about to say something, he pulls away.

“Come. Thy quarters are just down the stairs.”

“Good. I’m exhausted.”

“As am I,” he replies.

You follow him. “But I gave you my flask. You should feel fine.”

“Thou misunderstood. I am exhausted of thy prattling tongue.” 

You scoff, which earns you a small smile from him. You are steeped in an uncomfortable silence as he leads you to your chambers. You walk down a long hallway lined with ornate paintings and trinkets. This is somewhere you had not been while you were fighting your way up to Messmer. You wonder if he knows how many of his men you had dispatched. Considering he granted you some semblance of mercy, you think he has yet to find out.

He stops at a large wooden door. Twisting the knob, the hinges creak like they haven’t been opened in a century. The room is full of dust and stagnant air, but is otherwise beautiful and luxurious.

“I shall have servants clean thy room, of course, but this is where thou shalt stay.”

“It’s pretty. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed somewhere so nice.”

“For once, thy countenance is agreeable.”

“Well, for once, you’re being nice to me.”

His eye twitches in annoyance. “Was I not nice when I spared thee of another woeful death?”

“Seeing as I stopped you from plucking out your own eye, we’ll call it even.”

He felt like he was dealing with a petulant child whenever you opened your mouth to speak. Even threatening you with your demise just spurred you on.

“I shalt leave thee to thy quarters before my headache worsens.”

As he walks away, you call out to him. “Just admit that you haven’t had anyone so entertaining and interesting in your Keep, it’s okay!”

“Yes, my Keep hath never held a jester such as thee.” He replies over his shoulder, not caring if you heard him.

Smiling to yourself, you think that, yes, he does need a jester.

He’s much more handsome when he smiles.

[targaryenluvs]

MISS OFFICER

pairings: finnick odair x fem!officer!reader

summary: you’re tasked with training finnick odair for war and to fight in the captiol. only problem? he’s completely enamoured with you.

warnings: war mentions, combat, flirting, inappropriate jokes, kisses, short

a/n: was aiming for nazeera x kenji as in grumpy x sunshine

his smile was blinding. or at least finnick liked to think so. he always relied on his charm and wit to get him through whatever. but for once he was dumbstruck, only around you. whenever you walked past he’d throw a joke your way but he could barely ever get a rise out of you and it annoyed him to no end.

but you certainly had no plan to indulge in his comedy. and you didn’t have the time. coin has appointed you to the training program and much to your chagrin you weren’t assigned to a group. rather one victor.

today was your first day with finnick. in closed quarters. just the two of you. alone.

this was going to be hell.

“soldier.” finnick jumped up to his feet once you entered. “y/n.” you stared at him, crossing your arms. “are we friends soldier?” finnick smiled, “i’d like to think so, we could be good friends yknow. if we weren’t already.” you took a step closer, “you’re not family, you’re not my friend and i barely know you. i am your commanding officer and trainer as of now, you will treat me with respect and announce me as such.” you were stern and angry and for some reason it only fueled him on.

“of course miss officer.” he saluted you as you rolled your eyes. “it’s one thing to be in the games and fighting for yourself but here, with me you’ll learn how to fight with a squad. you are protecting others as well and your squad is your family. do. you. understand. me?” he nodded and you walked away, picking up a staff you turned to him.

“now, let’s get to training.”

he was good you’d give him that.

he’d actually managed to get a few hits in but you were obviously better trained. this was your turf in a matter of speaking. hand to hand combat. you were sure if this was in the water or if he’d had a trident in his hands he’d have the upper hand.

“that’s enough for today.” you told finnick as you finished packing away the equipment. “you’re kidding right? it’s only been two hours.” you laughed for once. “it’s been four.” finnick turned around surprised, “you’re kidding.” you shook your head before getting up, “you’re good finnick. just a few more sessions and rifle training and you’ll be cleared to enter.” finnick leaned against the doorway, blocking your exit. “as great as entering the field sounds, i’d much rather spend some sessions with you.” again you rolled your eyes at his words before shifting to the side as finnick moved the same way.

“you’re kidding me. soldier move to the side.” he shook his head, “not until you call me by my name.” you bit your lip and rocked on your feet. “or i could do this.” you pushed him to the side and pinned him to the wall, your arm on his throat. “move or be moved soldier. you chose wrong.” he gazed into your eyes and couldn’t help but smile at you, “for your information i quite like the position i’m in right now.” you scoffed and released him before twisting his arm behind his back and throwing his legs out from underneath him.

“i don’t like repeating myself, finnick.” you teased before picking up your bag and exiting the training room.

and as he laid on the floor, recalling all the times you battered and bruised him, he couldn’t help but laugh. he’d get beaten a hundred times as long as it ended up with you ontop of him.

the next few sessions were similar. you’d enter, not knowing he’d been waiting for over an hour, you’d train he throw a million dirty jokes your way with a bunch of stunning smiles and you’d shake them off as if they did nothing to you. you had an image to maintain and you tried your hardest not to let him in. but a girl can only hold out for so long.

special privileges are earned and somehow finnick managed to weasel his way in.

the lake was calm and you were so close to falling asleep. but, per usual, he came along. whistling of all things. “yes please disturb my quiet time finnick, i’d been waiting for you.” finnick sat down next to you, “of course you were. you can’t resist me.” you turned to him and pouted, “am i that transparent? i want you, i need you, oh baby, oh baby.” finnick beamed as you smiled back involuntarily.

“i see a smile.” you shoved him in the arm, “no you didn’t soldier.” finnick laughed, “soldier? am in trouble now?” you nodded, “yes you are. i’m going to tie you up-” finnicks eyebrows shot up as you groaned, “not like that, why do you always think like that.” he shrugged his shoulders, “you tell me. i see the same gorgeous woman every single day. how can i resist?” this time he wasn’t joking, you could tell. “you think i’m pretty?” he shook his head as you feigned shock.

“i think you’re breathtaking.”

and that was all it took for your defences to come crumbling down as he moved closer, and you let him. his hand on your cheek and his soft kiss. you felt as if you were floating and you’d finally given in.

a girl can only hold out for so long.

[bonesandchalamet]

in this world, it’s just us — Finnick odair

masterlist | pairing: Finnick odair x reader

summary: in a world where hunger games don’t exist anymore it’s just you and Finnick

warnings: fluff

a/n: finally writing for finnick 🤭

you can hear his breath escape his lips, it’s faint, but it’s all that matters. he’s alive in your arms and in your bedroom.

nights were never the same, consisting of some form of him muttering incoherent words, legs thrashing, and thick sweat glistening against the sheets. the hunger games haunt him, even in a world where he’s safe.

there’s no president snow, there’s no more kids being hunted by others. the odds were in everyone’s favor, and people could sleep well again. except those in their respected districts victors villages.

the soft grunt that escapes his lips indicates he’s awake now. he rolls carefully onto his side, almost like he doesn’t want wake you, but you’ve been awake for some time. reflecting on what the nights could’ve been if finnick never was picked at such a young age.

“you’re doing it again.” he mutters, you feel him shift closer to you, his warm clammy skin pressed against yours, “you’re thinking about the if’s.”

he tsk’s you, and yanks the covers off your bodies to reveal the cool air of the house. it feels nice, after tossing and turning in the heat trapped sheets, you allow yourself to stretch out against the mattress and watch finnick rise for the day.

no day was ever the same, but finnick needed a new task everyday, or else he’d go insane. he needed to occupy himself from the loss and maybe even the ache. you never knew, he was a closed book about his experiences.

you watch him gather around to fish, a typical morning routine despite the overflowing amount of food in your house. you never objected or asked him not to go, it was the one thing finnick enjoyed and he could now do so freely. who were you to stop him?

“can I join you?” the words slip your mouth without a second guess, and he’s stopping in his tracks. you’ve never taken up much of an interest in fishing, not since you didn’t have to do so anymore, but you loathed sitting around waiting for him to return. plus, it gave you something to do as well.

“you better hurry.”

scurrying out of bed, you find yourself rushing with the sunrise and finnicks personal clock, but by the time you’re down by the water, no one else is even there and the sun is just starting to rise.

“what’s the plan?” you ask, turning to face him he’s got a trident in his hand, his typical choice of weapon that somehow made it back to district four along with him.

“we hunt, we go home, and then we eat.” he says offering a small smile before moving carefully and slowly into the water. he moves with such precision, careful not to alarm the fish. any movement and they’ll scatter along. you watch him hunt for awhile until it’s your turn, you don’t come up as lucky as he does, but he still applauds the three fish you killed.

“now we eat and save some for dinner.” he smiles, content with the couple hours of work done. without telling, it’s most likely noon and your stomach was reminding you of the lack of food in your stomach.

the hike home doesn’t take long and Finnick is cooking while you shower. the warm water trickles down your back, soothing away the morning worries. you take longer than you normally do, just to enjoy the silence your mind finally gives you before turning off the water.

emerging from the shower, he’s leaning in the doorway. a cocky smile against his lips that if it weren’t for his beauty, you’d attempt anyway to erase it.

“you think about me in there?”

“never in a million years would I think about you in my shower.” you pick up a soft towel, running the fabric all across your body and through the ends of your hair. out the corner of your eye, you can still see that smile. the smile that every girl falls for when finnick would enter a room. he’s easy to like, bright eyes, beautiful smile, golden blond hair, and an ego so big sometimes it’s adorable, other times? not so much.

“you’re awful at lying. it’s actually one of your worst traits.”

“and you’ve got an awfully big ego, it’s one of your worst traits.” you fire back with a smile on your face leaving him to roll his eyes and tell you lunch was waiting for you.

In this world, it's just us

You know it's not the same as it was

[doormatty3]

Onions and Orgasms (Orm Marius x Reader)

Masterlist Ao3

Ocean Eyes Masterlink

Summary

[Orm Marius x Female Reader] [Orm Marius x You] Being in a relationship with Orm is interesting, to say the least—he’s loving, kind, and undoubtedly overwhelmed by human customs. To help him adapt, you often cook together, showing him human traditions through the joy of making delicious food, something you have both grown fond of. Typically, his lack of kitchen knowledge and skills isn’t a big issue, but you soon discover that some food items need more explanation than you initially anticipated. OR: You laugh about Orm’s horrible kitchen skills, and he shows you with what he *is* skilled.

Wordcount: 7,362

Warnings: 18+, unprotected sex, creampie, vaginal sex, fluff, smut, dirty talk, fingering, orgasm denial, anal fingering, oral sex

A/N: I don't know what it is about Orm that just doesn't let me go... I had to write another story about him (I know exactly what it is - it's Patrick Wilson)

This is set after my Ocean Eyes story—you don't need to have read it, though. The only thing you need to know is that Orm and Reader-Chan are in a happy relationship, and Orm—well, he isn't that good with surface dweller stuff, but he tries.

You know that Orm doesn't understand much about humans and their customs—you'd been living with the man for quite some time, and his antics are nothing new.

Though he tries and makes an effort for your sake, sometimes he even does it so well that you forget he is the former king of Atlantis. But other times, it is all too obvious that he is still a stranger to this world.

"Why must everything be cut into such small pieces, honey?" Orm asks, his tone filled with genuine curiosity as he concentrates on cutting vegetables. The two of you are cooking together, an activity that has become a cherished routine of your everyday life. It is in these quiet moments that Orm's sincere attempts to integrate into your world were most apparent. And not only did his efforts shine, but so did the love between you.

You look at him, a fond smile playing on your lips.

His brows are furrowed in deep concentration, and his unruly blond hair nearly reaches his nose now. His piercing blue eyes are focused on the small kitchen knife and the bell pepper he is meticulously slicing. The knife seems almost comically small in his large hands, and he grips it with such strength that you are surprised it hasn't broken yet.

It is somewhat amusing, considering how skilled he is with his trident compared to the struggle he faces just holding the knife properly.

"Because we're going to fry it, sweetheart," you explain gently, appreciating his efforts to learn. "Cutting the vegetables into smaller pieces helps them cook more evenly and quickly."

Orm nods slowly, processing the information. He glances at you, his expression a mix of determination and puzzlement. "Fry… that means to cook them in hot oil, right?"

"Exactly," you confirm, guiding him through the process. "It gives them a nice texture and flavour."

As he resumes cutting the bell pepper, pleased with your answer, you can't help but admire his dedication.

Orm, the fierce warrior who once ruled an underwater kingdom, now stands in your modest kitchen, struggling with the simple act of slicing vegetables. It is a testament to how much he cares about adapting to your world - about making a life with you.

You watch as he continues his task, his concentration unwavering.

Despite the awkwardness, there is just something endearing about his efforts. The way he holds the knife, the careful precision with which he makes each cut, and the slight furrow in his brow all speak of a man determined to master even the most mundane aspects of human life for the sake of the one he loves.

"You're doing great," you encourage, stepping closer to him. "Just a little more practice and you'll be a pro."

Orm glances up at you, and a small, sweet, appreciative smile tugs at the corners of his lips.

At that moment, you are once again mesmerised by how much you love him. The depth of your feelings seems to swell within you as if you are seeing him for the first time all over again. The love you feel for him is a constant, ever-growing force that never ceases to amaze you.

"Thank you," he says softly. "For being patient with me."

You reach out, gently brushing a strand of hair away from his eyes. "We're in this together, Orm. Every step of the way."

He smiles brightly at you, his eyes crinkling at the corners and sparkling like the smoothest water in sunlight before he returns his focus to slicing the last few pieces of bell pepper.

When he is done with the paprika, Orm hands you the bowl, his eyes meeting yours with a look of accomplishment. You take it from him with a grateful smile.

"Thanks," you say, putting the bowl away so you can use it for cooking later. "Can you cut the onions, love?" you ask, gesturing towards the small pile of onions on the counter.

His puzzled expression tells you he isn't sure which vegetable you mean, so you point at them and specify. "You have to peel them—the brown skin has to go. Then, dice the white part in small pieces."

Orm nods and grabs an onion, examining it closely before starting to peel. You watch as he works, his large hands moving slowly and carefully. It is kind of cute - the way he approaches this simple task with such determination.

He peels away the first layer, the dry, flaky skin falling away to reveal the smooth white beneath. As he begins to slice, his concentration deepens, his brows furrowing just as they had with the bell pepper.

After a few cuts, however, you hear him mutter a curse under his breath. Glancing over, you see him blinking rapidly, his eyes beginning to water.

Orm wipes his arm over his eyes, confusion etched on his face. "Why do my eyes hurt?" he asks, blinking more frequently now. Before you can warn him, he uses the same hand he had just cut the onion with to rub his eyes.

"Orm, no—" you start, but it is too late.

His eyes widen in pain, and he quickly withdraws his hand, the irritation clearly intensifying. Tears stream down his cheeks, not from emotion but from the sharp sting of the onions.

"Why… why am I crying?" he asks, bewildered, as he tries to blink away the tears. He brings his hand up again, clearly frustrated, and you quickly grab his arm to stop him.

"Sweetheart, you're making it worse," you say, unable to help the laugh that bubbles up. "Let me help you."

You grab a piece of tissue paper and go to the sink to dampen it. Then you dab it over his eyes, gently cleaning his hands as well.

He grumbles, clearly in a bad mood from the sting and the tears, and you can't help but laugh again. "The mighty Orm, taken down by a humble onion," you tease lightly.

Orm's expression darkens slightly, a mix of frustration and embarrassment, his brows knitting together in a grumpy frown. "This is ridiculous," he mutters, his pride clearly stung, but your laughter only intensifies.

Acting a bit condescending, you pat his cheek. "It's okay, sweetie. Onions can be tricky. Maybe next time I'll handle them - we'll find another battle for the fine Atlantean warrior."

His eyes flash with a mix of frustration and something deeper. Before you can react, he roughly presses you against the counter, his grip firm but not painful.

Orm's lips crash down on yours in a heated, possessive kiss. You gasp in surprise but quickly melt into the kiss, your hands coming up to rest on his broad chest.

When he finally pulls back a bit, his breathing is heavy, his eyes dark with unresolved tension. "Don't mock me," he says, his voice low and husky.

You look up at him, breathless and a little dazed from the unexpected kiss. "I wasn't—" you begin, but the words catch in your throat.

"You think this is funny?" he murmurs against your lips, his voice a low growl as he interrupts you. "I may not be skilled in the kitchen, but I'm skilled in getting you off."

Before you can respond or comprehend what he said, he kisses you again roughly, his hands roaming your body with a fervour that makes your heart race. You bury your hands in his blond hair, pulling him closer as the kiss deepens.

It is intense and devouring.

You feel his tongue against yours, the insistent pressure of his lips sending shivers down your spine. Orm's kiss is demanding, almost punishing, and you meet it with equal passion, losing yourself in the moment. The sensation of his lips on yours, his hands exploring your body, is intoxicating. You cling to him, your fingers tangling in his hair, feeling the world blur around you.

His tongue teases and explores, sending waves of heat coursing through your body. You moan into his mouth, the sound muffled by his relentless assault. He growls in response, the vibration travelling through you and making you tremble.

Orm's hands slide down your back, gripping your waist with a possessive strength that leaves you breathless. His fingers dig into your hips, pulling you against him, the hardness of his body pressing into your softness. His tongue explores your mouth with an urgency that makes your knees weak, and you moan into the kiss again, your body responding eagerly to his touch as you clench your thighs, feeling yourself growing wet.

When Orm finally pulls back, his eyes are smouldering with renewed intensity. He doesn't move away from you; instead, he tightens his grip on your waist again, pressing you firmly against the counter. The heat of his body radiates through your clothes, and you can feel the raw power in his muscles as he holds you there, trapped between the cool surface of the counter and him.

"You drive me crazy," he murmurs, his breath hot against your ear. His hands roam over your sides, tracing the curves of your body with a possessive hunger. "You laugh at me, but you have no idea what you do to me."

You shiver at his words, a thrill of excitement coursing through you. "Orm…" you whisper, your voice trembling with anticipation.

He silences you with another kiss, rough and demanding. His tongue explores your mouth with an urgency that causes your eyes to flutter closed as you respond eagerly, your hands clutching at his hair, his shoulders, anything to ground yourself in the whirlwind of sensation.

Orm's hands move with a new purpose, sliding under your shirt to caress the bare skin beneath. His touch is electric, sending shivers down your spine as he explores every inch of you. His fingers trace patterns over your back and sides, each touch leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

He tugs at your shirt, lifting it over your head and tossing it aside, exposing your bare skin to his hungry gaze. His eyes darken with desire as he takes in the sight of you, his hands roaming over your now exposed breasts, his thumbs brushing over your sensitive nipples.

The sensation is almost too much, and you arch into his touch, a soft moan escaping your lips as you respond in kind, moving your hands from his hair over his broad shoulders and biceps, feeling the strong muscles beneath his clothes.

He lifts you onto the counter with ease, his powerful hands gripping your waist firmly as he keeps his lips connected to yours.

He breaks the kiss just long enough to look at you for a second before his mouth descends on your neck.

He kisses and nibbles at your sensitive skin, his hands continuing their exploration of your body. His touch is both tender and demanding, a combination that leaves you aching for more. His breath is hot and tantalising, making you let out a breathy moan as your hands come up to touch his shoulders, feeling the hard muscles beneath his skin.

"You drive me wild," he murmurs against your neck, his voice a husky growl.

His hands move to your breasts, teasing them with a touch that sends shivers down your spine.

His fingers expertly trace circles around your nipples, each caress making them harden under his touch. You gasp, arching into him, your body responding eagerly to his ministrations, and you feel your pussy growing wet as arousal pulses through your veins. He growls appreciatively, his mouth moving lower, leaving a trail of kisses down your chest.

"Orm," you breathe, your voice a mixture of frustration and need.

He smiles against your skin, his lips trailing down to your chest. "You think it's funny to laugh at me, don't you?" he murmurs, his mouth closing over one nipple. He sucks gently, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peak, drawing a moan from your lips, your nails digging into his shoulders.

A whimper escapes you as he switches tactics, using his teeth to graze over your flesh with a delicious roughness, sending sparks of electricity coursing through your veins and making your clit throb. But then, just as quickly, he soothes the ache with a soothing stroke of his tongue, leaving you trembling with desire.

Your hands find their way to his hair, fingers tangling in the blond strands as you pull him closer, unable to contain the overwhelming need for him. "I'm sorry," you manage to gasp between ragged breaths, though your words are lost in the haze of pleasure.

"I'm not," he growls, lifting his head to look at you, his eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and desire. "You drive me mad."

He switches to the other breast, his mouth and hands working together to drive you wild as he sucks and nibbles on your sensitive nipple and kneads your tit with his hand. The sensation is overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and anticipation that makes you tremble. You can feel the heat building between your legs, your need for him growing with each passing second, slick against your underwear.

"You're mine," he whispers, his voice filled with a possessive intensity that makes your heart race. "All mine."

With that, he captures your lips in another searing kiss, his hands moving down to your waist, leaving your breasts aching as the cool air hits your wet, hard nipples. It's deep and consuming, a mix of hunger and tenderness that leaves you breathless and makes you moan into his mouth again.

You cling to him, your fingers tangling in his blond hair, pulling at the thick strands to drag him even closer as you lose yourself in the sensation of his mouth on yours.

Orm's fingers trail over your thighs, his touch light and teasing, driving you wild with anticipation. He spreads your legs wider, his eyes dark and predatory and a smirk on his lips as he takes in the sight of you.

"Orm, please," you whisper, your voice a desperate plea.

He smiles, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "Patience," he murmurs, his lips brushing against your neck, sending waves of pleasure through you. "I want to savour this."

His hands roam over your thighs again, caressing and teasing, driving you to the brink of madness as his long fingers draw intricate patterns through the fabric of your clothes. Each touch is electric, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. His fingers dance closer and closer to your cunt, but he never quite touches you where you need him most.

You can't help but whimper, the sound a mix of frustration and desire.

There's a part of you that wishes you hadn't teased him so mercilessly about his lack of knowledge of cutting onions and kitchen skills in general. You know he's going to drag this out, making you suffer and beg instead of just giving you what you want.

Orm spreads your legs further, positioning himself between them. His large, calloused hands cup your face tenderly, guiding your gaze to meet his. You lift your hand to touch his stubbly cheek, running your thumb over it, and gaze into his blue eyes that are now dark and reflecting desire.

He closes his eyes, his impossibly long lashes resting against his cheeks as he lets out a sigh. He leans forward, pressing his forehead against yours. The sweet gesture makes your heart flutter in your chest, your love for him threatening to spill out.

"I love you," he murmurs, his breath warm against your lips. The sincerity in his voice makes your chest tighten with emotion.

"I love you too," you whisper back, your voice trembling with the weight of your feelings.

Orm's hands move from your face, trailing down your neck, over your shoulders, and coming to rest on your breasts again. He squeezes them gently, his thumbs brushing over your sensitive nipples, sending shivers down your spine.

He kisses you again, deeply and passionately, his tongue exploring your mouth with a hunger that matches your own. Every stroke of his tongue, every brush of his lips, is filled with an intense desire that makes your head spin. It's intoxicating, making you dizzy with want.

You feel his hard cock straining against his pants as he presses himself against you, making you whine with need. The pressure against your cunt is maddening, and you're sure you're wet enough to leave a spot on his pants, were you naked.

Orm's hands move with a deliberate slowness, heightening your anticipation.

He chuckles softly at your response, a low, rumbling sound that vibrates through your body. Pulling back just enough to gaze into your eyes, his hands begin their journey lower, gliding over your stomach until they reach the waistband of your pants.

He pulls them down slowly and with agonising patience, taking his time, his eyes never leaving yours. The anticipation is almost too much to bear, your body aching for his touch. Every inch of skin he reveals feels hypersensitive, exposed to the cool air and the heat of his stare.

Orm's smirk deepens as he slides your pants down, leaving you in just your underwear. His fingers continue their torturous teasing over the fabric, pressing and rubbing in just the right way to drive you wild. Your hips buck against his hand, seeking more friction, more contact, more anything , but he holds you steady, keeping control as you soak your panties even more.

"Do you like this?" he asks, his voice a low growl. "Do you like being teased ?"

You shake your head, unable to form words, your body writhing with need.

He finally slips his fingers beneath the fabric, touching your cunt directly, and the sensation is almost too much. You cry out, your back arching as his thumb finds your clit with practised ease and drags the rough pad over it in circles, finding a slow and perfect rhythm.

"You're perfect," he whispers, his voice filled with awe and adoration as he slows his movements even more before halting completely and pulling his hand from under your panties, making you whimper in protest.

You feel a blush creeping up your cheeks, but before you can say anything and protest properly, his hands are on you again, his fingers trailing over your thighs, spreading your legs wider. He leans in, his mouth hovering just above your skin, his breath hot and teasing.

He starts to kiss his way up your inner thigh, each touch sending jolts of pleasure through you, and you slump back onto the counter, keeping yourself upright by your arms.

His lips are soft and warm, his tongue darting out occasionally to taste your skin. The sensation is exquisite, making you squirm with need.

"Orm, please," you beg, your voice barely more than a whisper. "I need you."

He looks up at you, his eyes dark with desire and a hint of mischief. "Patience," he murmurs, his voice a deep, velvety growl. "I want to savour this."

He continues his slow, torturous journey up your thigh, his mouth finally reaching the apex. He pauses there, taking a moment to breathe in your scent, his hot breath ghosting over your panties and sending shivers down your spine.

Then he begins to kiss you through the thin fabric of your underwear, his tongue flicking over the damp cloth, tasting you in the most maddeningly indirect way possible. When his tongue finally presses against your neglected, throbbing clit, even through the fabric, you gasp loudly, your back arching off the counter.

His groan of appreciation reverberates through your pussy, sending vibrations that intensify the pleasure to dizzying heights. You can feel the heat of his mouth and the wetness of his tongue seeping through your panties, creating a delicious friction that has you moaning his name.

Desperate for more, you grip his hair tightly, your fingers tangling in the blond strands as you try to pull him closer and prevent him from stopping. But Orm maintains his torturous pace, teasing you mercilessly.

"Please," you plead, your voice breaking with desperation. "I need more."

He grins against you, the vibration of his laughter sending shivers through your body. "As you wish," he says, his voice low and husky.

Orm pulls back slightly, prompting a whine of protest from you as you tighten your grip on his hair, too caught up in the haze of arousal to grasp why he wants to pull back.

"Honey, you need to let me move a bit to take off your underwear," he says, his tone affectionate yet teasing.

Blushing furiously, you release your tight hold on his hair, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and desire flood through you. His gaze meets yours, his eyes dark with need and amusement.

"My needy girl," he murmurs, his voice low and husky with desire.

Before you can respond, he leans in quickly, capturing your lips in a fierce, passionate kiss. His mouth moves hungrily against yours, his tongue exploring every inch with a fervour that leaves you breathless. The taste of him is intoxicating, filling your senses and leaving you craving more.

When he pulls back and settles between your legs again, you're dazed - by the pleasure he's providing and his closeness. It is as if you can never get enough of him.

With a deft movement, he hooks his fingers into the waistband of your underwear and slowly slides them down your legs. He pauses for a moment, his eyes drinking in the sight of you, completely exposed and vulnerable. His gaze is intense, filled with a mix of love and desire that makes your heart race.

Orm leans in, pressing a soft kiss to the inside of your thigh, then another, moving closer to your now bare cunt. He looks up at you, his eyes locking with yours, as he leans in, his breath hot against your most sensitive area.

His hands grip your thighs firmly, keeping you in place. "I'm going to give you something to laugh about," he murmurs, and then his mouth is on you.

This time, there is no barrier between you.

The first touch of his tongue is like a shock of electricity, making you gasp and clutch at the edge of the counter, your fingers curling around the edge as you brace yourself for the onslaught of sensation.

He licks a long, slow path up your slit, savouring your taste with a low, appreciative groan. His tongue swirls around your clit, flicking and teasing with a skill that has you moaning. He alternates between gentle licks and firm strokes, driving you to the brink of madness.

Your hands find their way to his hair, fingers tangling in the blond strands as you pull him closer and try to ground yourself. He hums against you, the vibration sending shivers of pleasure through your entire body.

His mouth works in perfect harmony with his hands, his fingers parting your slick cunt to give him better access to your most sensitive spots.

He plunges his tongue inside you, tasting and exploring your pussy with a fervour that makes you moan loudly. He moves with a rhythm that is both precise and unpredictable, keeping you on edge, never knowing what to expect next. Each movement, each flick of his tongue, brings you closer and closer.

Just as you feel the orgasm building, he pulls back, denying you the release you crave. The sensation is exquisite torture, leaving you gasping and trembling with need. He watches you, his blue eyes dark and intense, enjoying the sight of you teetering on the edge.

"Orm, please," you beg, your voice a desperate plea. "I need to cum."

He lifts his head just enough to speak, his lips glistening with your arousal and his blue eyes dark. "Not yet," he says, his voice a low growl. "I want to hear you beg some more."

With that, he slips two fingers inside you, curling them to hit that perfect spot. His thumb finds your clit, rubbing in slow, deliberate circles. The dual sensation is almost too much to bear. You writhe against him, your body on fire with need. Every nerve ending is alive, screaming for release.

But he isn't done.

His free hand trails down, his finger thick and calloused, pressing gently against the tight ring of your ass, the sensation foreign and electrifying.

You tense instinctively, unsure of what to expect, but the gentle pressure of his touch is surprisingly comforting as he explores your puckered hole for the first time.

He circles the entrance slowly, teasingly, his movements deliberate and controlled. Each touch sends a shiver of anticipation down your spine, the unfamiliar sensation stirring something deep inside you.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this," he murmurs, his voice husky with need.

Your breath catches in your throat at his words, a mixture of anticipation and excitement flooding your senses. You cling to him, your nails digging into his skin as you surrender to the pleasure of his touch.

Orm's fingers press against the tight entrance, the sensation foreign yet undeniably arousing. He moves slowly, carefully, easing his finger past the resistance with a gentleness that belies the intensity of his desire, making you gasp as a mixture of pleasure and discomfort floods your senses.

"Relax, honey," he whispers, his breath hot against your cunt. "I'll take care of you."

You nod, your body trembling with anticipation as he continues to explore you, his touch sending shockwaves of pleasure through your body. "Orm," you gasp, unable to form coherent words as pleasure washes over you in waves.

Orm eases his finger deeper inside you. The stretch is intense, the feeling of being filled in a way you've never experienced before, both overwhelming and exhilarating.

He chuckles softly, the sound sending shivers down your spine. "That's it, honey," he murmurs, his voice filled with dark amusement. "Let go, and let me take care of you."

You moan in response as you adjust to the feeling.

You can feel every ridge and contour of his finger within you, the sensation, unlike anything you've ever felt before. As he begins to move his finger in and out, the feeling builds, pleasure mingling with the slight sting of discomfort until you can't tell where one ends and the other begins.

The sensation of being filled in both holes at once is overwhelming, desire flooding your senses as he sets a rhythm that drives you wild with need.

Orm's voice is a husky growl as he speaks, his words sending shivers of anticipation down your spine. "You like that, don't you?" he murmurs, his breath hot against your ear. "You like feeling my fingers in your tight little ass."

You whimper in response, your mind clouded by desire and undeniably overwhelmed by everything he's doing to you. His fingers move within you, stretching and filling you in a way that leaves you gasping for breath.

Orm's touch is possessive, almost primal, as he drives you closer and closer to the edge. "You're so fucking tight," he groans, his voice thick with desire. "Someday, I'll take you there too."

His words send a jolt of heat straight to your cunt, the idea of him taking you in your ass sending waves of desire crashing over you as you clench around his fingers.

"You enjoy that?" he growls, his voice low and guttural. "You enjoy being filled up like this, don't you, honey? Having both your holes stuffed?"

His dirty talk only serves to heighten your arousal, the words sending flashes of pure, hot want through your body as he works you with his fingers and mouth. You cling to him, your nails digging into his skin as you ride the wave of sensation, your body writhing with need.

Orm is relentless, his fingers moving with a skill and precision that leaves you breathless. You can feel the tension building inside you, a coil wound so tightly it's about to snap.

The combination is almost unbearable. Your body feels like it's on fire, each touch and movement pushing you closer to the edge.

"Please, Orm," you whimper, your voice breaking. "I can't take it."

He grins against you, his teeth grazing your sensitive flesh as he pulls back slightly, his fingers still working in and out of you, the sound of your wet pussy loud and obvious. "Not yet, sweetheart," he says, his voice a dark promise. "You can, and you will take it,"

His fingers in your cunt curl just right , pressing against your G-spot while his thumb continues its torturous circles over your clit, causing you to clench and whimper.

Meanwhile, the finger in your ass moves in and out, the tightness around it making Orm groan with satisfaction. "You're so tight here," he mutters, his voice filled with dark pleasure. "I love feeling you like this…And I think you need more to clench on."

Orm adds a second finger to your ass, stretching you slightly, the sensation both foreign and thrilling and even more intense than before.

He pumps his fingers in and out of both your ass and pussy, curling them to hit just the right spots while his tongue flicks over your clit with maddening precision. The pressure builds inside you, each touch bringing you closer to the edge, but he pulls back just before you can tumble over, denying you the release you crave driving you wild with frustration.

Your entire body is a tight coil of tension, every nerve ending on fire as he denies you your release again and again. Your breath comes in ragged gasps, and you cling to him, your nails digging into his scalp as you try to pull him closer, but he keeps control, maintaining that perfect, maddening rhythm.

"Please, Orm," you sob, tears of frustration pricking at your eyes, your clit throbs almost painfully, and you feel your cunt twitching around him - you feel ready to snap.

He looks up at you, his eyes dark with desire. "Beg for it," he commands, his voice a rough whisper.

"I beg you," you cry, your voice hoarse with need. "Please, let me cum. I need it. I need you ."

Orm's expression softens just a fraction, and he increases the pressure, his mouth and fingers working together to bring you to the brink once more, driving you higher and higher until you finally explode.

This time, he doesn't pull back.

The wave of pleasure crashes over you, and you scream his name as you finally find your release, your voice raw and hoarse with need. Your body convulses, every muscle tightening as the orgasm rips through you.

But Orm doesn't stop, his fingers and tongue continuing their relentless assault, prolonging your orgasm until you're shaking and breathless. He flicks his tongue rapidly over your clit while curling his fingers inside you, hitting that perfect spot again and again.

The pleasure is almost too intense, your body shuddering as another orgasm builds, crashing over you in powerful waves before you've come down from your previous high.

Your vision blurs, your mind slipping into a haze of ecstasy as your senses are overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the experience.

Your legs tremble, and you clutch desperately at the counter, your breath coming in ragged gasps. "Orm, oh God," you moan, your voice breaking with the intensity of your release.

And then, just as suddenly as it began, it's over.

You collapse against the counter, your body spent and trembling with the aftershocks of your earth-shattering climax. The world swims hazily before your eyes as you struggle to catch your breath, your heart pounding in your chest.

The overwhelming intensity of your orgasm leaves you disoriented, and before you can fully comprehend the moment, everything goes dark, and you black out.

When you come back to your senses, you find yourself cradled in Orm's arms, his touch gentle and reassuring. His eyes, filled with love and concern, lock onto yours. He kisses your forehead softly, the warmth of his lips soothing and tender. "I love you," he murmurs, his voice low and full of adoration.

"I love you too," you whisper back tiredly, still shaking from what happened. Your body still tingles with the aftershocks of your intense release, and you feel an overwhelming sense of contentment and love.

Orm cups your face with his large, warm hand, his thumb gently stroking your cheek as he looks into your eyes. Through the haze in your mind, you can't help but appreciate how his blue eyes sparkle with emotion and how wet his chin, cheeks, and neck are from pleasuring you.

"You okay, honey?" he asks, his voice low and gentle, filled with genuine concern as he checks in with you.

You nod and bite your lip, your body still trembling with aftershocks of pleasure. "Yes, sweetheart, I'm okay," you manage to say, your voice breathless and shaky.

Orm's thumb slides over your bottom lip, sending a shiver down your spine. He leans in to kiss you, and you taste yourself on his tongue, the sensation causing you to clench around nothing and whine into the kiss.

The feeling of his residual wetness on your skin and the hardness of his cock pressing against your bare cunt only heightens your desire.

The fire in you, which had dimmed to a soft glimmer, now flares back with full fervour, threatening to consume you whole. Every touch, every breath, feels like it's adding fuel to the inferno raging within you.

When the kiss breaks, your hands move frantically to Orm's shirt. You tug at the fabric, desperate to feel his skin against yours. He chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrates through your core and obliges you by pulling his shirt over his head and tossing it aside.

Your breath hitches as you take in the sight of him, his muscular chest and chiselled abs glistening slightly from the exertion. The light catches on his body, highlighting the hard lines and contours that speak of strength and power.

The prominent vein running down his biceps stands out starkly against his skin, leading your eyes down to the rest of his strong arm. You trace its path with your gaze, marvelling at the sheer strength contained within.

His pecs are firm and inviting, his nipples hardening slightly in the cool air, a contrast to the heat radiating from his body. His chest, broad and sculpted, rises and falls with his heavy breathing, the rhythm hypnotic and alluring.

Your eyes travel down to his abs, each ridge and valley inviting your touch, a landscape of desire that begs to be explored. The lines of them lead your gaze downward to where his hard dick strains against his pants, the sight making your pulse quicken and your mouth go dry with longing.

You can't help but run your hands over his firm muscles. The contact sends a jolt of electricity through you, a reminder of just how much you want him. His skin is warm and smooth under your touch, and you can feel the tension coiled in his body, ready to be unleashed.

"God, you're so hot," you murmur, your voice filled with awe and desire, your mind still hazy from the orgasm he gave you as the words slip out without thought.

He chuckles lowly at both your words and behaviour.

"You find this amusing?" you ask, breathless, as you trace the lines of his body with your fingers.

Orm's eyes darken with a mix of amusement and desire. "I find it amusing how needy you are," he says, his voice a low growl. "But I can't deny that I enjoy it. Don't think I have forgotten how you laughed at me with those onions."

He steps back slightly, his hands moving to the waistband of his pants. With a fluid motion, he pulls them down, followed by his underwear. His hard cock springs free, standing tall and proud and glistening with precum. The sight of him, fully naked and aroused, sends a fresh wave of desire coursing through you.

You reach out, your fingers wrapping around his cock. Orm groans, his head falling back as you stroke him, his muscles tensing and rippling under your touch as you pump him a few times.

He opens his eyes, the intensity of his gaze piercing through you. "I need you," he murmurs his voice a low, gravelly whisper that sends shivers down your spine.

He leans in to kiss you again, his hands roaming over your body, reacquainting themselves with every curve and dip.

His hands trail down from your face, caressing your neck and shoulders, before moving to your breasts. He teases your nipples, rolling them between his fingers and sending jolts of pleasure straight to your core. You arch your back, pushing your breasts into his hands, your body responding eagerly to his touch.

"Orm," you murmur, your voice filled with need. "I want you."

He steps closer, positioning himself between your legs once more. His hands grip your hips, pulling you to the edge of the counter. "Then you shall have me," he says, his voice rough with desire.

As he presses against you, you feel his thick, hard cock sliding against your cunt, the sensation sending sparks of pleasure through you. He doesn't enter you yet; he just teases you, making you gasp and moan with each movement.

"I'm going to fuck you so hard," he growls into your ear, his breath hot against your skin. "You're mine, and I'm going to make sure you never forget it."

You whimper in response, the anticipation driving you to the edge again. "Orm, please," you beg, your voice a desperate plea.

He chuckles darkly, a possessive gleam in his eyes. "I know, honey," he murmurs. He continues to tease you, his tip brushing against your slick folds, the sensation almost too much to bear. You moan, your hips bucking in response, desperate for more.

Finally, when you think you can't take it anymore, he positions himself at your entrance, his eyes locking with yours.

With a gentle yet firm push, he slides into you, stretching and filling you completely. The sensation is overwhelming, and you cry out, and your body arches into his, a mixture of pleasure and relief as he buries himself to the hilt, the fullness making you feel complete.

Orm pauses, giving you a moment to adjust to his size, his eyes never leaving yours. "God, you feel amazing," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.

He moves slowly at first, savouring the feel of you around him, each thrust measured and controlled.

His hands roam over your body, caressing your breasts, your waist, your thighs. Every touch sends sparks of pleasure through you, making you arch and writhe against him. His fingers find your nipples, pinching and rolling them gently, sending jolts of pleasure straight to your cunt, making you moan wantonly.

"You're so beautiful," he murmurs, his lips brushing against your ear.

You cling to him, your nails digging into his shoulders as he begins to move faster, his thrusts deep and powerful. The rhythm is intoxicating, a dance of passion and desire that leaves you breathless. His cock fills you completely, hitting all the right spots with each powerful thrust.

He leans down to kiss you again, his tongue exploring your mouth with the same fervour as his hips.

"You feel so good," he groans, his voice rough with pleasure, each word punctuated by a powerful thrust. "So tight, so perfect." His breath is hot against your ear, sending shivers down your spine.

"Orm," you moan, your voice a desperate plea. "I'm so close."

He smiles against your skin, his movements growing more urgent. "Not yet," he growls, his voice still carrying a hint of grumpiness.

He slows his thrusts, pulling back almost entirely so only his tip is inside your pussy before pushing back in with agonising slowness. The deliberate pace keeps you on the edge, your body begging for release. His thumb finds your clit, rubbing in slow, teasing circles that make you whimper.

"Sweetheart, please," you beg, your voice trembling with need. "I can't take it."

Your body trembles with the intensity of the sensations, each stroke of his cock pushing you closer to the edge. You can feel every inch of him, every vein, every ridge, and it's driving you wild. His touch is everywhere, his hands roaming over your body, caressing, squeezing, sending sparks of pleasure through you.

"Orm, oh God," you moan, your voice breaking with the intensity of your need. "Please, let me cum."

His eyes lock onto yours, and he sees the desperation there.

His expression softens, and he increases the pressure, his thumb circling your clit more firmly while his other hand grips your hip, pulling you even closer. His thrusts become deeper, more powerful, each one sparking that fire inside you. The tension builds, a tight coil of need that threatens to fracture at any moment.

His hips start to snap against yours with a rhythm that is both demanding and precise, his cock hitting that perfect spot inside you with every thrust. He leans down to kiss you again, capturing your lips in a searing kiss, his tongue exploring your mouth with the same intensity as his thrusts.

You cling to him, your nails digging into his broad, muscular back as you meet each thrust with equal intensity. The feel of his bare skin against yours, the play of his defined muscles under your fingertips, adds to the intoxicating pleasure. His chest, hard and chiselled, presses against your breasts, the friction against your sensitive nipples like adding fuel to the fire in your veins.

You moan in response, your hips bucking against his as the pleasure builds higher and higher, an unstoppable crescendo. The slick friction of his cock inside you, the pressure of his pelvis and thumb against your clit with every thrust, drives you mad with desire.

His movements grow more urgent, his thrusts faster and harder. The sound of your bodies coming together, the slick heat of your arousal, fills the room.

You wrap your legs around his waist, pulling him deeper inside you, needing him closer. "Orm," you moan, your voice a desperate plea.

"Do it," he growls, his thrusts becoming more erratic, the control slipping as he nears his peak. "Cum for me, honey. Let me feel you." His words are a command and a plea, the urgency in his voice pushing you over the edge.

You scream his name as you shatter around him, your orgasm ripping through you with a force that leaves you breathless once more. Your body convulses, every muscle tightening around him, your cunt gripping his cock in a vice-like hold that draws a guttural moan from deep within him.

Orm continues to thrust into you, prolonging your orgasm and driving you to the edge of madness.

His movements become frantic, his rhythm breaking as he succumbs to his own release. He thrusts into you one last time, deep and hard, and you feel the hot, pulsating rush of his cum filling you. His body shudders, and he holds you close, his breath ragged and his heart pounding against yours, his head buried in your shoulder.

As the last tremors of pleasure fade, Orm pulls back slightly, his eyes softening as he looks at you. He looks utterly spent, his body drenched in sweat that glistens in the light, and his hair plastered to his forehead. You reach out to brush it from his eyes and cup his cheek, feeling the warmth of his breath on your face. He smiles at you, a sweet, loving smile that makes your heart flutter, before leaning forward and pressing a long, tender kiss to your forehead.

He pulls back and lifts you from the counter, cradling you in his arms. "Let's get you cleaned up," he murmurs, carrying you to the bathroom with a tenderness that makes your heart swell with love.

[chemerr2]

eyeless jack headcannons :O can be sfw or nsfw <3

thank you anon I NEED THIS MAN. i need all 4 of his legs in front of my face. -SEXYPAPINOQUE

SFW !!

ik this is probably one of the most popular headcanons but he’s warm. He’s THE heated blanket everyone needs during the middle of winter. He’s usually warmer in places people wouldn’t normally touch or go near. Like his armpits for instance but that’s ok cause he’s comfortable with you being THAT close to him and on top of that he’s not musty!! yay!

best head massages known to man. those longs nails of his make you foam at the mouth when he slides them through your hair, on your scalp and the back of your neck.

very clean. like VERY. he cannot stand having a cluttered space especially when it’s his work area we’re talking about. he doesn’t go batshit crazy tho if his room has like 2 socks on the floor 💀 just doesn’t like to be surrounded by complete filth. Even tho he can’t work well in small spaces given his physical appearance and amount of equipment— he reminds himself to clean as he goes.

responsible but only for himself and you ofc. His reasoning for this is because he’s grown, toby is grown and so is jeff plus the others so he shouldn’t have to tell a 23 yr old to clean up after himself or wipe the toilet after he pisses cause he didn’t aim in the toilet.

always pampers you and chooses you over anyone else. sometimes he end up favoring your priorities over his own and forgets to do important things for himself. You wouldn’t even have to tell him because he’ll snap back to reality once he realizes he hasn’t done a chore or task he told himself he’d do.

like the cool older brother or the older brothers cool friend who takes you to the store and buy things for your mom when she’s cooking dinner

speaking of cooking, he can’t make anything past a traditional american breakfast dish (eggs, bacon, toast, grits or rice) other than that he’ll warm up a corn dog or reheatable pancakes in the microwave

if he has tomatoes on his burger snd he knows u like tomatoes he’ll give them to you. He’d give you a whole jar of pickles and drink the pickle juice (vice versa if u love pickle juice as much as me)

he stands in front of the tv likes he’s made of glass💀

DRAGS you by your arm, shirt, or ear if he even slightly thinks ur gonna get into an argument with anyone, For the sake of you and himself because 1. doesn’t want u to fight anyone AND 2. don’t want you to get ur feelings hurt. yep

NSFW !!

rmbr when i said i need all 4 of his legs? 🤭 yeah he’s got 2 FATASS DANGLING COCKS.

ok let’s keep it realistic, he’s inexperienced but he’s not a vulnerable virgin, he knows what boojaina is, he knows what ur cervix is— he knows all of it and how much the female body can take.

his dick is wide so 1 inch of his demomic- hybrid 8inch cock takes up the full capacity of ur hole ifykwim.

it looks like he’s always had a boner but it’s just his thick and heavy cocks finally getting a good nights rest when you aren’t around.

Loves when you trace the veins on his cock and kiss his ugly circumcised scar on both his cocks. See i can get all into detail about the scar but y’all probably would get turned off. ANYWAYS

humps you. dry. all night, every night. Your smaller than him, even if someone says your big— to HIM your a delicate feather in his hand and he tosses you like a salad gently. He proceeds w caution when he gives you the nasties backshots

idc idcccc ur butt may not be big but when he gives u backshots it sounds like poseidons trident causing hell on sea.

horny dog?? nah horny bear. He literally locks you both up in his room or office and breeds you heavily like he’s trying to form a football team.

[seoulmatez]

꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ 𝒜𝒩𝒢𝐸𝐿ﾉ𝒟𝐸𝒱𝐼𝐿

info ⭑ suna rintaro x reader. 1.4 wc. sfw ﾉ fluff ﾉ alcohol 

note ⭑ repost from last halloween :3

suna.

you can’t count the number of times you’ve heard that name in the past thirty minutes and it’s really starting to bother you. you haven’t been able to go from one room to the next without someone stopping you to bring up this suna figure. did you and suna come together? i didn’t know you and suna were so close. oh my gosh, you and suna are the cutest! every mention of the name confuses you because 1) you have no idea who suna is and 2) what the hell does he have to do with you?

it was easy to brush off at first but the more you drank and the more his name came up, it was beginning to get a little harder to quietly sit back and ignore. after all, it’s difficult to enjoy a party when every other person that passes you is asking you about some guy you don’t know. so, in an attempt to save your fun, and in the holiday spirit, you decide to take on the mystery that is suna.

you quickly learn that the task is a lot easier said than done.

firstly, you aren’t even sure of what you’re looking for. you’ve never heard of this guy’s name before tonight so it’s a safe bet to assume that you don’t know what he looks like. and on top of that, the large crowd and your tipsy state don’t make your search for the elusive man any easier.

running into suna’s friends seems to be much more likely than actually coming across the man himself. when you canvas the game room, you meet atsumu who tells you that suna is probably tucked away (by himself, on his phone) in a corner of the living room. you don’t find him there but you do find komori who suggests peeking into the bedrooms upstairs—parties have never really been suna’s thing, he tells you. the rooms that aren’t locked on the second floor are vacant and with no new guide appearing to hand over a helpful clue, the last thing you can do is check the growing line for the bathroom.

shocker—he isn’t there either.

after this wild goose chase that has yielded absolutely nothing, you’re beginning to think that everyone at this party came together to play an elaborate prank on you. suna must be a ghost or not exist at all because it’s impossible to have not found him after looking for so long. you’ve never considered yourself to be a quitter, but it’s starting to sound like a pretty tempting title as you sit at the counter in the mostly empty kitchen sipping from your solo cup.

maybe i should just give up, you think.

yes, it’ll be annoying to spend the rest of halloween as the package deal to some random dude but as soon as you come to the realization that he’s probably putting up with the same strange treatment, you think it can’t be that bad—at least there’s someone to share your suffering with. the thought is meant to be reassuring but it only makes you want to find this guy even more. though, at this point, it would take a miracle from an angel for you to run into him before the night is over.

“there’s my angel.” the unfamiliar voice (and the seemingly telepathic abilities of its host) causes you to stiffen before you regain your composure and turn around to see who’s addressing you. if the descriptions you got from atsumu and komori were accurate, this has to be suna. there are plenty of guys on campus with dark hair but you doubt any of them have eyes similar to the gray-yellow ones currently staring you down.

you’re about to ask if he’s the suna you’ve been hearing about all night when you get a look at what he’s wearing. atop his thick strands of dark hair sits a headband with red curved horns and you can just barely see a matching pointed tail sticking out from the waistband of his pants. he’s even spinning a trident lazily in his hand. it’s only then that you realize why he called you angel; you’re decked out in white with a pair of wings attached to your back and a fluffy halo hovering over your head. you click your tongue. “you’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.”

“woah,” he raises his hands in mock surrender, a smirk pulling at his lips, “this angel has quite the potty mouth.”

the furrow in your brow deepens with his remark which only makes suna’s grin widen. he has to admit, the unwarranted assumptions of his “new relationship” he’d been hearing about all night piqued his curiosity. he couldn’t have imagined the reason everyone kept approaching him with questions and their congratulations was that the two of you wore an accidental couple’s costume. suna finds the fiasco and your reaction to it hilarious. you, on the other hand, aren’t as entertained.

in fact, you’re a little irked that you wasted a chunk of your night away because someone just so happened to wear a costume that complimented yours. if you had been a little less inebriated, you would have apologized for your uncalled-for outburst and tried to enjoy the rest of the party but the swimming feeling in your head brought on by the punch you’ve had a little too much of has other plans.

you swallow down the remaining contents of your cup, licking your lips to collect the sticky liquid that lingers. your eyes find suna’s before you ask him, “where have you been? i was starting to think you weren’t real.”

“around,” he replies with a shrug and then smiles upon seeing the way your lips part in annoyance at his answer—or lack-there-of. he clears his throat to keep the laugh bubbling up from spilling out. there’s a wobbly smile plastered on his face as he continues, “it was kinda funny, watching you roam around looking for me.”

you’re beginning to question whether or not the horns and tail attached to suna really are fake because he truly is devious. “you chose a fitting costume.”

“thank you,” he says despite your statement not being a compliment. he purses his lips in deep thought, spinning the triton in his hand. “you’re not really living up to your angelic image, though. are you sure you dressed appropriately?”

that, you can’t help but laugh at. in all honestly, you think that this exchange would have been a lot more pleasant on your end if you had run into suna earlier—before you started drinking, before people made the connection that you two were matching, before he had time to play that game of cat and mouse with you.

you have a feeling you might regret this decision tomorrow when you’re sober, but after putting so much time and effort into finding him, it wouldn’t make sense not to give suna a chance to get to know you. for the first time since you’ve seen him, you smile at suna. “stick around and you’ll find out.”

hihi~ manon here :3 ! thank you for giving this a read! if you enjoyed, please consider reblogging and/or leaving a comment! much love from me to you ❤︎

[ivys-garden]

Life Series Session Recap and Alliance Report: Session 5.

I can't believe they added mettaton to the life series.

Another week means more chaos in the block. This session has the wild card of… morally dubious trivia robots falling for the sky? OK?

It did mean we got more Life Series Oli and we got to find out how little our idiots actually know about their own series. So that's something

But hey lots of stuff that will affect the future of the season happens here, so let's stop dilly dallying and get to it.

The Final Girls (Cleo, Scott, Pearl, Impulse… Bigb!?)

Apparently Scott's desire to keep the team together is stronger than we thought, as despite having no good reason to, he allows Bigb to come back into the crew. Bigb does later try and fail to abandon them for Renwood, but it's the thought that counts.

Also established in the opening to this session, Scott is fully enabling whatever Pearl wants to do… provided what she wants to do is not hide a death pit from him.

No, what Pearl wants to do is murder people, and she has plenty of options since everyone wants to antagonise the girls this session. First Mumbo shows up to mace Cleo in the face, then Gem lures Cleo into a death trap & then Martyn explodes everyone but Pearl.

Naturally Cleo wants to get even with these pesky killers, and when Cleo wants to get even the flames are soon to come. Gem's Barn and Martyn's home are burnt by Cleo & Scott, and yet somehow everyone ends up chilling in the end, with everyone actually agreeing that they're even and that they should stop trying to kill each other. So yeah, no harm, no foul….

Except Ren, he got his house burnt down for no reason.

On the topic of revenge on martyn, Pearl tries to avenge her team by putting Martyns crystal trap back on him… only to blow herself up in the process. What follows might be Pearl's most pathetic showing in the life series as she repeatedly fails to trap Gem or kill Lizzie, still ending the session in red. Scott and his martyr complex come through in the end though and Scott gives one of his life's back to Pearl in a way that mirrors the powdered snow torture or yesteryear, only much wetter.

Oh yeah Impulse was here too. He was trap building’, he was bot nappin’, he was beepin’ N’ boopin’, and he gave up a Trident to acquire a new member… we'll talk about that washout later

Also congrats on Bigb finally getting diamonds, took you long enough.

Also also congrats on Cleo for getting the most difficult question in Trivia correct!... it was 50% a guess and they had help but shhh

The Family. (Gem & Joel)

Yeah I'm calling them the family now. Not because that's a good name, but because while Joel continues to be fast, Gem is no longer furious.

Yes, in this episode the Gals-Fam drama begins to sorta maybe kinda possibly come to a close. It starts with Gem admitting the drama was made up for the sake of having drama and being funny, something most of us guessed since if you think about the drama for more than five seconds you realise how silly and ultimately inconsequential it actually is.

The real amend making starts where all amends are made, in the smouldering remains of your home after the prison you lured into a trap burns it to the ground. Yes if they had not been interrupted by exploding, Gem and the Gals would have called each other even right here. Luckily Gem gets another chance to do this later as Pearl failing a task and having her mouth removed stops her from trying to eat Gem alive for long enough for the two of them to have a chat. In this chat that Pearl has literally no say in, it is agreed that once the two of them go red, they'll “have some fun”. Sp yeah, in the future we are looking at meminiun at a temporary alliance between Pearl & Gem.

(Also Gem and Joel try to get Pearl to betray Scott, which marks the second time this has happen this season)

In other stuff Gem builds possibly the worst tower I've ever seen. So I'm happy Cleo burnt that down. Of more consequence she also builds their very own Creeper spawner. Very dangerous in the hands of Joel.

Speaking of Joel he has a rollercoaster this session. He has many notable successes such as creating two hidden cow spawners, a chicken farm and braving the never to get Potion ingredients. But he also got his ugly car exploded by Skizz and got smashed and banged by Tango.

He did manage a three block jump over Etho's head though so I'd say this was his best session of the entire life series.

Renwood (Martyn & Ren)

Rambert last session when I said Scott probably regrets being teamed with 3 little chaos goblins? Yeah translate that to Ren this session. Martyn is an absolute menace and there is no way Ren will achieve his goal of “extinguishing the evil within this man”. Martyn is tricking folks into messing up Trivia, he's killing Gem with creepers despite being allied, he's killing The Gals right after seeing Cleo burn down Gems entire base, he might be the most chaotic one here.

That isn't to say Martyn doesn't get his narrative comeuppance, he gets ravaged off his own base and exploded by Pearl, but Ren still gets a lot of bad vibes his way due to Martyns actions. At least he can still rely on Jimmy to be his friend and not burn his house down on accident.

Speaking of burning, good luck doing that now. The mound has officially been flattened, no longer teh Ren Mound it is now In-The-Little-Lake and has been flooded with water in a rare showcase of a Ren plan working and being a big brain move overall.

However, while creating the lake, the most important discovery was made

THEY FOUND THAT STUPID HORSE! WOOOOOOOOO

anyway.

The Tuff Guys (Tango, Bdubs & …Etho?)

Bdubs starts the episode being objectively wrong about a game he's played for decades.

Due to his bad leadership last session, Etho takes over and immediately starts try harding, requiring everyone to get stacks of food, iron, the souls of the damned and probably other stiff to tbh I wasn't listening. Luckily neither were Bdubs or Tango so we're good

Speaking of Tango, despite getting of to a rock start of sucking and being pathetic, he does manage to get two pretty impressive kills on Joel, once with a mace and another with creepers. He also manages to stick a snail on Skizz by botnapping him while he was distracted by his, Impy and Pearls robot voice. He failed every other single trap he tried but it's something.

Now, more important horse news, Bdubs got his!... Etho immediately killed it since it was better than his. But bdubs got a new one! He needed 3 people to help him on it since he acquired the big curse at the time but he got the horse!

While he wasn't being a try hard, horse killer, or stunt ramp, Etho was off performing a very important task, Betrayal! But is it betrayal if they openly admit they won't help you or share their stuff? Yep Etho has made moves to leave the Tuff Guys, being the second member to do so, only with more success than bdubs. So, did he go off to his family? Nope. He went off to become one of the Final Girls. Etho officially joins that team and all it cost them was a Trident. How will this go over with the Family and the Tuff Guys? Who knows. That's the growth thing about the life series: everything is stupid and nothing is predictable, so don't worry!

The Bamboozelers (Jimmy, Scar, Lizzie)

Everyone says these 3 are doomed… including me I said that. But we all are wrong, these 3 are being extremely big brained and brave.

Let's start with Lizzie, she helps the team come up with a safety code word to bring people back up the mountain. She braves the Nether. She builds an ender porter to bring people to Bam Mountain safely & she survives several attempts on her life, including one from Pearl. She only falls into two traps, being killed by Skizz and having her Bot hidden resulting in the return of her snail. She also had one failed plan, a Drowned spawner plan to get Trident Drowned to kill people for Jimmy, but not a bad showing.

It's a toss up between Gem, Joel and Impulse for who will win, but I'm gonna go all in and sat Lizzie wins, just because I want her too.

Then there's Scar who makes some great diplomacy plays. Despite a rocky start to their relationship that might have actually caused the desertduo side of tumblr to explode, Scar and Grian are able to work out a peace deal between them, Scar gets a mace and in exchange they don't kill each other. Scar gets a lot more than just a mace though, he gets what he's always wanted: Friendship.

He also manages to get the Enchanter back and finds a great hiding spot for it. On top of this Scar also strengthens pre existing alliances with Gem, Martyn and Skizz, even helping Skizz in a Fast Na Furious style boat race to reclaim his out bot.

OK, Jimmy… yeah tbh Jimmy kinda underperformed compared to last session. He got toured by trivia bot, died to the ravager instead of checking his hotbar for his pearls, failed repeatedly to kill Scott and also killed himself in Impulse's lava trap. He got no kills this session and all his traps failed. He did blow a massive hole in the side of the Final Girl's tower for no reason tho.

Gem, seeing this utter failure tried to help Jimmy kill Scott, only for him to sacrifice himself to Pearl. Now Jimmy is in the hard possession of killing his family or his teammate. But hey, as long as he isn't first out, he's won

And on that note…

The Spanners (Grian & Skizz.)

…Let's start with skizz. He was really good! He got a good kill on Lizzie and one on Bigb too. Bigb wasn't Dark green but he's certainly got the spirit. He should also be kept away from the Bam Lands from now on, he gets spotted there way too easily. Scar isn't even that observant, it's kinda embarrassing.

Skizz does also do some alliance work, vowing never to kill Lizzie again due to how much he hates doing it. Lizzie repays him by literally babying him and dumping him on Ren.

Then there's Grian, he and Mumbo were able to collaborate revenge on Scar, even though he was too big and Mumbo couldn't speak. They buried Scars Bot Super low and neither he now Ren could find it.

And than, somehow, eSCARgot returned.

Feeling bad for an incredibly cheap kill, Grian did work with Scar to set aside there differences and create an alliance. Now with revenge off the agenda, all that was left was getting Mumbo a life.

Grian built a great tower, and within it built two super speedy tnt launchers. These were incredible basketballs for destroying the tower bdubs spent all session building, but in terms of netting kills for Mumbo… not very good.

Mumbo fell off that tower trying to get a kill.

Mumbo, desperate for a kill, begged Gem to die.

And when Gem was walking down the stairs with Jimmy, Mumbo got too desperate.

Mumbo died in a machine made to save him. Mumbo died in front of grian. Mumbo died and everybody just watched. Hell, Jimmy celebrated. He laughed. Because now there was no denying the curse was broken.

Skizz will mourn all of the next session. Grian will not. He will be consumed by the Dark rage within him. Jimmy should watch his back…

Kinda like Mumbo should have watched his back for that minecart, Amiright?

[catacropolis]

Twisted wonderland Fear and hunger Au

Azul time !!

Azul Ashengrotto, The mafia man, he is dressed in a business suit with his hair half-gelled back . His cane can double as a weapon in combat if attacked by the player.

Azul moonschorching

Greed

Azul grew up in a small coastal town. Othered from his peers, Azul struggled to find a place where he belonged. That was until he was approached by The Family. They offered him power, protection, and comradery. Everything that he lacked. Over the years he amassed great wealth and power. But it wasn't enough. As his wealth grew he desired more and more now that he had everything he lacked. The family was demanding, however. Azuls life was constantly filled with tasks given to him by the family. His time with them forced him to do things he never would have wanted to do. The family cultivated his talents and he became a successful businessman. As such he was also tasked with handling Other business endeavors for the family. His main and longest-running task was securing trade and business relations with the Kingscholar family. 

It had been going well until their younger son found out about Azul's little business deal with the Kingscholars. The younger son fled and Azul thought that his job was done but when he reported back to the head of the family he was furious. Since that day azul has been tasked with tracking down the son to “ repay the family for their kindness” and “ take care” of him. The family held everything over his head. His wealth, his life, his family, everything. Everything the family gave him was to be slowly stripped away from him till he took care of the son. It had been years but finally he was able to get a lead on where the kingscholar son was heading towards. He and his associate boarded the train headed to Prehivil following in his footsteps. 

Greed is a manifestation of Azul’s desires and what he fears he has become due to his time with the mafia.  A warped hunching form , Greed grasps at whatever is left of the life he has built for himself. 

Greeds design is inspired by Azul’s overblot form in the sense of his form being an 8 limbed hand octopus. It holds up Azul’s head like a prized pearl . Azul's backstory and moonschorching was loosely inspired by Caligura and Marcoh .  similarly azul will ambush the player if they play as leona and demand answers and attack him . 

Unlike Caligura, Azul will not ambush any other character .  

Azul will moonschorch on the afternoon of day 2 if the player fails to intervene with an interaction between azul and leona. 

Greed can be found creeping around the sewers crawling towards its next victim . 

In combat, Greed has a coin flip grappling mechanic where if the player fails the coin flip a Chagunar head grasp will occur causing an instantaneous game over. Wielding no weapon initially greed attacks with non-slashing attacks first. he carries a unique ability to steal items and weapons during combat and render your party defenseless If not defeated after 3 turns of combat greed will find a trident amongst the filth and can now attack with slashing damage that inflicts an infection. However, once the trident is wielded it will no longer be able to use the coin flip grasp insta kill.  To balance the fight greed can be easily blinded and has a lower hp. 

 If Greed isn't killed before day 3 and Leona was prevented from moonschorching  or isn't within your party, greed will track down and kill leona before tracking down the player. If Leona is within the party and greed manifests but isn't killed before night day 3  then Greed will track down and encounter the player.  

If the player defeats greed they will have to search the body to retrieve any stolen items. If the body is not searched before it is decapitated the player will be unable to retrieve the items. Once the head of greed is decapitated the body will dissolve into seafoam and disappear. 

for more information ?

Au explaination

[atopvisenyashill]

Harwin being sent by his liege lord on what was always meant to be a quick if difficult task, just stop the Mountain from reaving on the King's justice, that turns into this nightmare of a life where he spends years away from home, away from civilization, away from safety and stability and sanity, to watch everyone die around him, to watch magic he barely understands bring the man he's sworn to serve back to life again and again, because there's nothing else to do but keep fighting and hope you're making a difference and not fucking everything up and making it worse-

and then Arya shows up and she's just as precocious and wild and underfoot as she's always been, and she's alive and mostly safe and traumatized sure but she's in one piece, she's fared not that badly compared to some of the little girls he's seen, and I imagine it felt like a small miracle to have her there, just for a moment, proof that he can do what he was tasked with and keep people safe BUT

then Arya escapes and barely any time later, he's coming across Catelyn's naked, water logged body on the Trident and there's a direwolf guarding the body so it's not nibbled on that leaves the moment it hears them coming, and he's begging Thoros to bring her back, bring his liege's lady back, bring Arya's poor mother back, but all he can do is cry and watch as Beric kneels besides her, kisses her awake like something out of a fairy tale, then falls to the side, dead at last, as something much worse that wears Catelyn's face rises in his place. What can Harwin do?

He continues to serve.

[httpiastri]

PERFECTLY FINE – OLLIE INTRO

series masterlist

the middle of a season is not an ideal time for a heartbreak.

you would know.

but the season went on, and you had to push through it. you were never one to let anyone – especially not a boy – stop you from fighting toward your goals.

the round in barcelona was really rough, with a crash in qualifying and then no points in either race. austria wasn't a lot of help for the championship, either; you had to retire due to an engine issue in the sprint, and in the feature, you were shoved into a barrier by a trident driver and damaged the car too much to continue.

at least your home race was a better weekend. after having spent the week leading up to it at home with your family, you were recharged, relaxed, and focused on the task ahead. the weekend left you with a sprint race podium and valuable points in the bag – and more hope than the weeks before.

‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎ ‎‎

somewhere in the midst of it all, ollie came into the picture.

it was on the way back to your hotel one day after media duties in the prema factory that ollie popped the question. he did it so calmly, like it was no big deal.

"do you want to have dinner with me tonight?"

but when you thought about it, it wasn't just "in the midst of it all"; ollie hadn't just materialized out of thin air. he was always there.

back in the day, he was there to help you out with the prema simulator when you struggled. he was there to give you tips ahead of your race weekends. and now, here he was, helping you get through your baggage with paul – intentionally or not.

you met him for the first time in late 2021, when you visited your dad in maranello for the fda scouting finals. then, you got to know each other more properly in 2022 when he first joined prema. even at 16, ollie was a gentleman through and through. even at that time, he was gorgeous; with a smile that could light up the whole world, freckles appearing on his sun-kissed skin when he had been exposed to the southern european sun. although you were in a series below him in both 2022 and 2023, you would see him around occasionally, and you always loved his company.

had you been too busy focusing on paul that you hadn't truly noticed ollie and how great he was?

here he was now, the truly perfect gentleman, standing right before your eyes. and he was asking you out on a date? how could you ever pass down that opportunity?

‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎ ‎‎

his offer seemed casual – and yet, you had a feeling it was anything but casual.

that's why you spent about an hour stressed in your hotel room, digging through your luggage to find something perfect to wear. something cute, but casual. gorgeous, yet simple. if ollie didn't think of this as more than two friends just getting some food, you didn't want to be overdressed – but you also dreaded the thought of being underdressed in case he also thought of this in the same way you did.

a date.

your first date since paul – well, your first date ever, really – and it was with this beautiful, heartthrob of a man. you and paul never really went on dates, you didn't go through that giggly first stage of a new blooming relationship; you were just thrown straight into the passion, like getting on a roller coaster that starts with a massive drop. this was completely new territory for you.

the second ollie complimented your outfit (well, he said, "you look beautiful", and you chose to assume it was because of your clothes), all of your stress flew out through the window. he looked great, too – but for some reason, that didn't make you too nervous. in fact, you were calm as a millpond all evening. you felt like you could relax with him, be natural around him; you didn't need to fake anything or pressure yourself to be your most extreme self. his coolness made you chill and unwind, too.

ollie was a fresh breath of air. he was a cool wind, a slight breeze in your hair. it was refreshing, a nice contrast to the hurricane paul had been.

sure, paul had also been sweet, warm summer days. but sometimes, a slow and steady climate is easier on the heart than a crazy, unpredictable one.

dating ollie was hard.

with him still living in maranello, and your time being split between milton keynes and the prema factory in vicenza, you didn't have a lot of chances to see each other. sure, you saw each other in hungary and spa, but both of you were way too focused on your own performances to do anything else.

besides, you hadn't even defined your relationship to yourselves yet, so acting like anything other than regular teammates around the track was a no-go zone.

‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎ ‎‎

but when you did find time to be together, dating ollie was so easy.

it was a walk in the park, a piece of cake. he respected your opinions, he took care of your needs. he said just the right things, the things you needed to hear. he was never late, he always kept his promises – and most importantly, he seemed to really like you.

at least that's what you translated his actions into. the way he squeezed your hand when he held it; the way he held you in his arms protectively when you watched a horror movie; the way his lips brushed your forehead when parting from you after a date night. all of the things he did were ways to express his feelings for you.

he didn't just use his body to show you. he loved to tell you.

he said it right before he kissed you for the first time. it was like he asked for permission, waiting for your smile and "i really like you, too" before leaning in and gently pressing his lips to yours.

he said it when you parted in the airport, going off to your respective homes; followed by a short "i'll miss you a lot" and "i'll call you when i land, okay?", telling you just how much you mean to him.

and he said it in a handwritten note hidden in the huge bouquet of roses that stood on the table in your hotel room when you came back from the last day of racing in belgium, the text followed by a heart and a simple cartoon bear.

‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎ ‎‎

maybe love isn't supposed to be hard. maybe it isn't supposed to be complex, confusing, difficult. maybe the love you had with paul wasn't what you needed; maybe the simple love you have with ollie is just right.

your summer break was long, though not empty. the days were filled to the brim with workouts, millions of hours spent in the sim, and quite a lot of boring strategy meetings.

when your racing abstinence became too big, you went to zandvoort to hang out in the paddock. ollie was still busy with racing, but you were free from responsibilities – and like this, it was much easier to watch him do his thing.

you'd always admired ollie's skills as a driver, but these last few weeks, you'd also gotten the chance to open your eyes to other sides of him. how focused he is on his performances, how good he is at switching between his friendly and professional moods, how ambitious and determined he is when it comes to his racing.

but also how sweet he was to you behind closed doors, and how good the kisses he pressed to your forehead felt when you wished him good luck for the races.

maybe you needed to work on those good luck-wishes, though.

while paul had taken most of your firsts, ollie got the ones he left out.

first coffee date.

first picnic date in the sun.

first time staying over at a boyfriend's family's house.

first night spent on the back of his dad's pickup truck, cuddled up in pillows and blankets while watching the stars.

first double date with one of your old friends from back home.

the first boy to give you that teenage type of love; the one where you feel butterflies in your stomach every time you make eye contact, the one where every brush of fingers sends a shiver down your spine.

the first one to make you feel like you're the center of the universe, like his world revolves around you.

‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎ ‎‎

being with ollie is so sweet. it's exchanging subtle yet meaningful glances when the room is filled with people who can't know; it's soft laughter in the middle of the night when discussing the most bizarre subjects; it's a rush of affection flooding your heart every time you hear his voice.

he makes you feel just the way you should; giddy, nervous, excited. like a thirteen-year-old girl thinking about her crush. but still, it isn't enough.

in every way, he is a great boyfriend.

so why don't you feel as much as you did with paul?

balancing a relationship and a race weekend was more complicated than you'd feared.

when monza rolled around, you were trying your best to keep your eyes on the price; although the championship win was out of reach, you were technically still in the battle for second place. you knew you needed every ounce of strength and focus to be able to get it.

your focus wasn't exactly helped by having your handsome boyfriend lurk around in the paddock and prema truck whenever you tried to get ready for your races.

sneaking around without letting anyone know about your relationship was hard. obviously, you couldn't keep yourselves completely away – you were both only 18, after all – but you had to be discreet. carefully intertwining your fingers underneath tables, shared giggles around other people who had no understanding of why you were suddenly laughing, secret kisses when everyone else had left the truck.

you did end up taking that second place, with both you and ollie winning a feature each; a great weekend. and you even managed to sneak around without anyone noticing, which was yet another win for you.

except, someone did notice. that someone being the only person you really didn't want to know.

paul.

‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎ ‎‎

abu dhabi meant yet another race weekend where ollie was supposed to focus, but he easily got distracted by his lady. at least this time, you weren't racing, so it was only half the trouble of monza. you were just there as support for your team of four years and both ollie & fred, but trying to steer clear from paul as much as you could.

unfortunately for paul, he didn't steer clear from you as much. having you there was actually more of a distraction to him than to ollie. every single time he saw you, he wanted to leave the paddock – and every time he saw you with ollie, he wanted to flee the country.

you pretended like you didn't notice him, acted like you didn't care. but in reality, you felt as bad at the mere thought of paul being near again. you'd been away from him for almost two months, not even accidentally bumping into him at the prema factory between monza and abu dhabi. and now that you saw him again, you wanted to cry, because...

he looked even better than he usually did. his laughter was just as intoxicating as ever. his entire aura pulled you closer.

but at the same time, seeing him brought back all of the bad memories and emotions too. the arguments, the rage, the exhaustion. and when that happened, you felt perfectly fine about being with ollie instead.

‎‎ ‎‎‎‎ ‎‎‎ ‎‎

ollie's final race of the 2023 season ended in the worst thinkable way. the car shut down, and he lost the rookie championship. completely awful and worthless – until he finally got to be with you again after the race.

and there with ollie in your arms, his face nuzzled into the side of your neck as you comforted him, you couldn't have cared less about paul watching you as he strolled past the prema paddock.

the paddock that had once been his home, with the girl who had once been his comfort. the arms that had once wrapped around him instead.

how did he screw up this badly?

[crimson-and-clover-1717]

I think @daria-meoi’s post regarding how we talk about Merstede as the goldfish is very interesting.

I read the ‘sweet little goldfish’ as the fandom’s celebration of the show’s rebuttal of Stede’s masculine dream sequence, and I too love cooing over his adorableness here. But I agree, it doesn’t always take into account Stede’s needs, nor how I think Ed actually sees Stede during the vision. It shapes Stede as something performative for Ed. But Stede is not an emotional support pet, and Ed doesn’t see him as such.

Ed alters his comment from mermaid to merman to merperson. Stede is definitely not a mermaid. I am forever grateful they chose to give Stede a trident which is carried traditionally by mer-men. Merstede is presented as the perfect mixture of theatrical whimsy and a certain masculine strength - which is everything Stede is; and it’s clear this is what Ed wants, though Ed does appear to focus a little more on the ‘orange sparkle’.

What Stede possibly takes, however, from being imagined as a merman is a little different. Stede almost certainly has a classical education and is well-versed in Greek mythology. I think the ‘Sea God’ comment could be interpreted as a through-line from his conversation with Ed that morning.

Stede might be equating himself with someone such as Triton, a fish-tailed, demigod, symbolic of a more traditional masculinity, including a beard. The attention over Ned Low and Ed’s merman comment meld together for Stede into a new hubris. And this causes Ed to panic.

Stede possibly goes too far in the opposite direction in 207, forgetting the ‘orange and sparkly’ parts of himself, and focusing instead on traditional masculine identities and behaviours.

The thing is Merstede, or let’s say Stede, is neither the sparkly goldfish nor the sea god. Or he’s some combination of both in the middle. Importantly, Ed’s vision is also that combination - Ed sees a Merman.

Merstede is orange and sweet and sparkly, and muscly, and self-assured, and carries a big spear. He’s incredibly complex, and it’s making sense of those seemingly-contradictory traits - the goldfish/sea-god, gentleman/pirate - which I guess is some of the season 3 work we need to see Stede undergo. Stede deserves to have all aspects of himself fully actualised, as does Ed.

If we do call Stede a ‘sweet little goldfish’, we maybe need first to recognise that he is being himself for himself, not for Ed. Else we’re wanting Stede to perform for Ed, as Ed was tasked with performing for Izzy. Just as Ed’s right is to simply ‘be Edward’ for Edward, so it’s Stede’s right to ‘be Stede’ for Stede. And it’s in that freedom to be themselves truly for the first time that their relationship can grow.

And second, we should try to remember Stede isn’t simply a goldfish. An important aspect of his true self is he can, should, and will stab you with his metaphorical giant fork to protect those he loves. Ed doesn’t want a pet. And whilst Ed doesn’t actually want Stede to kill, I do think he wants someone capable of it who usually chooses not to.

[cherrrydragon]

➤ the art of stealing (a heart)

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read it on ao3

SUMMARY ↳ As a thief, you've always been attracted to shiny things. There’s a glow that catches your eye. It’s almost enchanting, designed to catch your eye and reel you in. Sidon. He’s glowing. The spots that adorn his crest and his blue and yellow fins, are glowing, bioluminescent. “Have–” you stutter, completely enraptured by the sight of him. “Have you always… glowed?” pairing: sidon x fem!reader warnings: almost smut but nada tags/notes: hylian!reader, courtship rituals, eventual romance, based on the hc that zora's are bioluminescent/this tumblr post wc: 7.9k - "cherry stop yapping so damn much" challenge (i never plan such long fics but i keep getting carried away help)

Perhaps you are in over your head.

You wouldn’t say you were a rotten individual, not at all. You don’t do the things you do for mere pleasure… well, most of the time. Even when it is, you steal from people who don’t need it.

Like Prince Sidon of the Zora.

At first it was for necessity. You learned early on that playing by the rules left you vulnerable. So, you adapted, honing your skills and leveraging your talents to carve out a niche where you could thrive. Your family needed stability, and you delivered. You are proud to say they are living quite comfortably now.

Now, however, it is more for the thrill. You like the challenge, find the risk of getting caught almost exhilarating. It’s not just the high stakes or the chase anymore; it’s the game itself that has become intoxicating. The thrill of evading capture, the adrenaline rush from outsmarting the authorities, it’s all a part of the allure now.

You find yourself standing in the grand hall of Zora's Domain, your heart racing as you look around. The opulence and splendor of the place draws you in like no other, with the intricate coral designs and delicate water sculptures. It’s a stark contrast to the more modest lifestyle you grew up in. But that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? Stealing from the rich, from those who hardly feel the loss, and bringing a little bit of that splendor back to your own life.

It’s been quite some time since you scratched that itch. You notice the glint of a finely crafted trident on display, its surface shimmering with a light that seems almost ethereal. That would fetch a high price from some more… degenerate folk, but more than that, it would be a trophy, a testament to your skills and daring. The thought makes your heart race faster, your fingers itching to reach out and claim it.

But you can’t afford to be reckless. The Zora guards are vigilant, their keen eyes always on the lookout for intruders. You need to be smart, to blend in and bide your time until the perfect moment presents itself.

As you move through the hall, you catch sight of Prince Sidon himself. He’s tall, imposing, and radiates an air of authority that’s hard to ignore. Yet, there’s a kindness in his eyes, a warmth that makes you hesitate for just a moment. You shake off the feeling. You can’t afford to get distracted now.

With a deep breath, you slip into the shadows, your mind focused on the task at hand. Every step is calculated, every movement precise. You’ve done this a hundred times before, and you know you can do it again.

As you make your way closer to the trident, you hear footsteps approaching. You press yourself against the wall, your heart pounding in your chest. The guards pass by, oblivious to your presence. You let out a silent sigh of relief and continue on.

Finally, you’re there. The trident is within reach, its beauty almost mesmerizing. You reach out, your fingers just inches away when a voice stops you in your tracks.

“I would kindly ask that you don’t, if you wouldn’t mind.”

Your heart leaps into your throat as you turn to face the source of the voice. There, standing with an air of calm authority, is Prince Sidon. His presence is even more imposing up close, but it’s the gentle firmness in his eyes that truly holds you in place.

For a moment, you consider bolting, but something in his gaze makes you pause. It’s not anger or hostility; it’s understanding, maybe even compassion. “My prince,” you hum, a false air of calm masking the panic racing through your veins. “I assure you, I meant no harm. Simply admiring the craftsmanship of this exquisite piece.”

Prince Sidon raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but not hostile. “Admiration does not typically involve reaching out to take something that doesn’t belong to you.”

You smile, a touch of charm in your expression. “You’re right, of course. Forgive me, it’s a terrible habit of mine, getting too close to things that catch my interest.” You take a careful step back, hands splayed to your sides. “I only wonder why the wealthy take to much care to display their prized jewels so much.”

Prince Sidon regards you with a mixture of curiosity and wariness, his sharp eyes never leaving yours. "The trident is not just a prized jewel," he says calmly. "It is a symbol of our heritage and a beacon of hope for the Zora people. It belonged… to my dear sister, Mipha.”

Ah, the champion of the Zora said to have fell in battle 100 years ago. “It belongs here, in Zora's Domain, where it can inspire and protect,” he declares.

Prince Sidon's words hang in the air, and you find yourself caught between the desire and understanding. The trident isn't just a valuable artifact; it's a piece of his heart, a remnant of his sister's legacy. For a moment, your resolve wavers, and you feel a pang of guilt.

“My apologies, my prince.” It is sincere.

Prince Sidon's expression softens slightly at your sincere apology, but his guard remains up. "I appreciate your understanding," he says. "However, I'm afraid I cannot overlook this incident."

“Well, I’m afraid I can’t exactly stay and chat about my transgressions,” you reply with a half-smile, trying to mask the anxiety in your voice. “I would hate for your hospitality to be marred by my presence.”

You’ve been inching closer and closer to the window ever since the handsome Zora entered the room. Prince Sidon's gaze follows you with a mix of concern and resolve. “You don’t need to make a hasty exit,” he says, his voice calm but firm. “I’m not here to pass judgment hastily. I only wish to understand your intentions and perhaps offer you a chance to explain yourself.”

You pause by the window, the moonlight casting a soft glow on your face. The cool night air filters in, a welcome contrast to the tense atmosphere inside. You weigh your options quickly. Run away, and face no consequence, or stay, and chat with the very attractive prince?

Yeah, you’ll take the first option.

“Sorry, hun, but I’m not one to stick around.” And with that, you allow yourself to fall out of the window and out of sight. Sidon races to the opening and looks over the edge, but you’re nowhere to be seen.

Here’s hoping to never seeing him again.

You stare at Link in barely concealed disbelief. “You want to see me suffer.”

“ Zelda wants to see you succeed,” Link corrects with a wry smile. His fingers move in tandem. You need to be a normal functioning member of society, and to do that you need to be civil and not steal things from people, he emphasizes with a pointed look.

“But I didn’t even steal it,” you whine, referring to the trident. Zelda knew just by looking at you that you had gotten up to no good, and refused to leave you alone until you confessed. You give Link a look of frustration, hoping that your silent plea might convince him to relent. But he’s unwavering, his gaze steady and expectant.

You huff, taking your pack and heaving it over your shoulder. As per Zelda’s request, you and Link will set out to Zora’s Domain, a little bit of royal business and a little bit of “community service” on your part.

As you approach the grand gates of Zora’s Domain, the grandeur of the place takes your breath away once more. It’s all so… shiny . And shiny things have always attracted you. The guards at the entrance recognize Link immediately and allow you both to pass without question. You feel a pang of discomfort as you cross the threshold.

“Link, my dear friend!” you hear, and you immediately recognize the voice. Shimmering red floods your vision as the very prince that’s plagued your thoughts approaches. His arms are out as he wears his grin well. “It’s good to see you!”

Link smiles and waves at him, but Sidon pays his bland greeting no mind and gives Link a generous hug, lifting him off the ground. You shift uncomfortably beside Link, trying to stay out of the way while Sidon’s exuberant greeting continues. The prince’s gaze shifts to you, and you almost laugh at the way his eyes widen.

You raise a hand. “Yo.”

“Link,” Sidon blinks, “ you… do know who you are with right now?”

You snort. “Nice to see you again.”

This is [Name], Link signs. She’s here per Zelda’s request.

You sigh and walk up to Sidon, patting his arm, feeling his muscle briefly. “I’m reformed,” you grin.

She helped me get back an heirloom of the Gerudo. Since then, most of her crimes have been pardoned, and she’s been working to give back to the community. Link explains as he’s finally let down, and the knight turns to you. And you were reformed, until you tried to steal again.

At first, you weren’t too keen on helping anyone but yourself and your family. Wasn’t your problem, but then you got thinking. The Lightning Helm is a precious heirloom to the Gerudo, and you’ve been inside Gerudo Town a couple of times (never to steal, those women scare you). Vain as it may be (it is) you requested that you receive a Radiant Shield in exchange for your help. That jeweled treasure now sits on your back.

Prince Sidon’s gaze remains fixed on you, a mixture of curiosity and cautious optimism in his eyes. His initial surprise seems to be giving way to a guarded interest. “You’re the one who returned the Lightning Helm?” Sidon’s tone reflects a hint of admiration now, though he’s still processing the situation. “That’s quite impressive.”

You shrug casually, trying to play off the compliment. “Just a matter of finding the right opportunity, and the right incentive,” you say, patting the Radiant Shield on your back. “And a little persuasion never hurt anyone.”

She’s very sorry for trying to steal the trident, Link signs.

“I’m very sorry for trying to steal the trident,” you nod, half in jest, half serious.

She’ll help in any way she can as atonement. You grumble under your breath at the notion, but you reap what you sow.

Sidon nods. “Very well. We’ve had some recent issues with a horde of Octoroks disrupting our fishing operations. It’s affecting our community, and we could use some help in investigating and addressing the situation.”

Zora’s Domain, as you’ve come to find out, is very humid. It’s almost stifling, a constant reminder of how different this place is from your usual haunts. The air is thick with moisture, clinging to your skin and making every movement feel just a bit heavier. Still, your complaints will not be appreciated, so you keep them to yourself as carry in large boxes of shipment in.

Your hands are already sore from carrying the heavy boxes, but you focus on the task at hand. You cringe at the dryness and blisters you’ll probably find in your hands later. The sun is setting over Zora’s Domain, casting an ethereal glow over the shimmering coral structures and tranquil waters. Every now and then, you catch glimpses of Prince Sidon overseeing things, ever the vigilant prince of his people.

Link waves for your attention. “You’re doing good,” he says softly. He’s been helping out alongside you, a silent partner in your atonement. It’s nice to know you’re not the only one in this.

“Just doing what I can,” you reply, wiping sweat from your brow. “I didn’t expect the humidity to be this intense, though. Feels like I’m swimming through the air.” You shudder at the sweat clinging to the back of your neck. “I feel gross.”

Zora’s Domain does have a way of making you feel like part of the water. You’ll get used to it, he nods sagely.

“Here’s hoping,” you mutter, struggling with another heavy box.

Later, when the sun has long passed the horizon, you’re making your way back to your quarters, a gleam catches your eye. You pause, squinting in the dim light, as you spot a glimmering object partially hidden among some rocks near the edge of the water. The way it catches the moonlight reminds you of a precious gem, and your curiosity gets the better of you.

As you get closer, you realize it’s an old, tarnished box. The once-bright metal is dulled by time and neglect. You kneel beside it, brushing away some dirt and algae. The box seems ancient, and the craftsmanship is intricate.

You carefully open the old box, the hinges creaking softly as you lift the lid. Inside, nestled in a bed of faded velvet, lies an assortment of trinkets and curiosities. Among the items are a few old rings, a weathered journal, and a few delicate trinkets that might once have been quite valuable. The most intriguing piece, however, is a small, ornate pendant with a shimmering blue stone.

You carefully lift the pendant from its resting place, examining it in the moonlight. The blue stone catches the light in a mesmerizing way, almost like it has its own inner glow. It’s an exquisite piece, seemingly out of place among the other trinkets.

…Technically this isn’t stealing, is it? You just… found it. All on its lonesome by the shore. Of course it once belonged to someone, but these items are old, and probably long forgotten. You tug your lip between your teeth, pondering.

As you continue to examine the pendant, a voice startles you. “Found something interesting, I see?”

You glance up to see Prince Sidon standing a few paces away, his imposing figure softened by the moonlight. His tone is light, almost playful, but there’s a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

You glance back and forth between him and the box in your hands, noticing the way he eyes it too. “Believe it not, I really did just find this on the shore.” You hold out the items. “See? They’re all old. They’ve probably been moving in the waters for a long time.”

Prince Sidon steps closer, his gaze fixed on the box and its contents. His curiosity is evident, but there's also a hint of skepticism. "You have a knack for finding interesting things, it seems," he remarks, his eyes lingering on the pendant. "That piece is quite beautiful."

Sidon’s eyes narrow slightly as he inspects the pendant more closely. “The design… it’s familiar,” he murmurs, more to himself than to you. “This pendant resembles some ancient Zora craftsmanship, though it’s not one I recognize immediately. It could be a relic of our past.”

You frown, suddenly aware of the gravity of what you’ve found. “Really?” Does that mean you have to give it back? Bummer. “Ancient as in, long ago even for a Zora, right?”

Sidon gently takes the pendant from your hands, examining the gem held in it. Prince Sidon holds the pendant up to the moonlight, the stone casting a soft blue glow. His expression shifts from curiosity to one of deep contemplation. He nods, humming, “Yes, quite. This design is more on the simpler side of things.”

“So, I can’t keep it?” you can’t help but ask.

Sidon averts his gaze to you as you poutily finger through the rest of the box. Your eyebrows raise as you spot something. “Oh, hang on.” You hold up a ring, its engraving similar to that of the pendant. “I think this is a matching ring, or something? It’s got the same gem and everything.”

Prince Sidon’s gaze shifts from the pendant to the ring in your hand, his eyes widening slightly. His own comes up to gently grasp yours, turning it this way and that study the ring. “Yes, that does seem to match,” he says, taking a closer look.

Your brain stops working at his proximity, but you shake your head and focus. “How about this? I trade you the ring for this–” you grab the pendant from his hands, replacing it with the ring, “–your guys study that, and I get to keep this.” You’re already clasping the pendant around your neck. “Sound fair?”

Prince Sidon’s gaze lingers on the ring you offer, and then shifts to the pendant now clasped around your neck. He examines your proposal with a thoughtful expression, clearly weighing the offer.

“They’re obviously from the same set, right? Everything you can figure out from the pendant you can figure out from the ring.” You're mostly talking out of your ass, but that’s your specialty. You sigh at his hesitancy. “If it comes down to it, I’ll give it back. But unless this thing is going in a museum I want it back!”

Prince Sidon’s gaze remains thoughtful as he considers your proposal. The moonlight reflects off the pendant around your neck, casting a soft glow that seems to enhance the item’s allure. His pupils seem to dilate as he gazes upon it. The moment feels tense, and you can almost see the gears turning in his mind.

“You make a convincing argument,” he hums.

“I have a way with words. I kind of have to.”

Prince Sidon’s lips curl into a slight smile. “Very well. I’ll accept your proposal.”

You grin. “It’s been a pleasure, my prince.” You hand Sidon the box with the rest of the trinkets in it, not having any interest for it, and head back to your room to catch some rest. As you walk back to your quarters, the pendant feels warm against your chest, a reminder of your little victory.

The following days blur together in a routine of hard work and moments of unexpected community. The Zora people, initially wary of you, gradually warm up as they see your efforts to help. Your tasks vary, from assisting in the market to helping with maintenance and repairs around the Domain. You learn a great deal about Zora culture, their history, and their ways of life.

Many of the female Zora compliment your new accessory. They marvel at its beauty and craftsmanship, asking where you got it from. You just shrug and tell them you found it one day.

After a particularly sweaty day of work, you find yourself relaxing in one of the many pools around the Domain. The cool water soothes your skin. You sigh and lean your head back, closing your eyes in relaxation. the sound of gently flowing water surrounds you, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The tranquility of the moment is interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. You lazily open one eye to see Prince Sidon walking towards you, a neutral expression on his face. “I hope you’re finding the Domain to your liking,” he says, his tone light and conversational.

“It’s definitely grown on me,” you reply, not bothering to move from your relaxed position. “The humidity is still a pain, though.”

He hums, coming to sit next to you. His eyes find the pendant, staring at the way it dips between your breasts. “Our historians have… theories. On the meaning of the ring.” You can’t help but feel a bit self-conscious under his scrutiny. You shift slightly, adjusting the pendant, noticing the way his eyes follow the movement.

You raise a brow. “Do tell.”

His hand slowly reaches out, gently taking the gem between his fingers. His touch is gentle, almost reverent, as he examines the pendant. His pupils dilate again.

“Nothing important. Just some personal jewelry,” he says after a moment. You’re not quite sure you believe him, but you decide not to press the issue. 

“Then there’s no need to put it on display, huh?” you chuckle. “Good for me, then.” There’s something about the way he’s looking at you, a mixture of curiosity and something else you can’t quite place.

Prince Sidon’s expression softens as he releases the pendant, his hand lingering for just a moment before pulling away. “Yes, good for you.” His voice is low, almost a whisper.

You clear your throat, breaking the tension. “So, what’s next on the agenda? More heavy lifting, or do I get a break?” You smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Sidon chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I think you’ve earned a break. But if you’re looking for something to do, there’s always more to explore in Zora’s Domain. Perhaps you’d like a tour? There are parts of the Domain most visitors don’t get to see.” He seems almost hopeful, eyes eager.

A tour sounds intriguing, and you find yourself nodding before you can think it through. “Sure, why not? Lead the way, Prince Sidon.”

He stands, offering you a hand with a grin. You take it, feeling a jolt of electricity at the contact. As he guides you through the Domain, you’re struck by the beauty and intricacy of the place. Sidon shares stories and histories, his voice warm and engaging. You can’t help but be drawn to him, his presence calming and reassuring.

As the tour progresses, you find yourself in a secluded area of the Domain, a quiet garden with a small, tranquil pool. Sidon stops, turning to face you. “This is one of my favorite places,” he admits, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the water. “It’s a place of peace and reflection.”

You take in the serene beauty of the secluded garden, the gentle ripples of the small pool creating a calming effect. The lush greenery and the subtle glow of bioluminescent plants cast an enchanting light over the area, making it feel like a hidden oasis.

“This is beautiful,” you say, genuinely impressed. “I can see why it’s one of your favorite spots. It sure might be mine.”

Sidon’s eyes light up with a hint of pride. “Then you may come here as much as you’d like.”

With a little bit of teaching from Link, you think you’ve gotten the hang of fishing.

Link, the chaotic mess, prefers leaping and snatching them up with his hands, but you don’t, so he showed you how to carve small spears to throw at them. They work just fine, and you can do less work.

You’ve already acquired a good haul, but you still have some spears left, so a couple more won’t hurt. You’re crouched near the water’s edge, eyes focused on the shimmering surface as you try to spot any movement that might indicate the presence of fish. The evening sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the water. The tranquility of the moment is a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the Domain during the day.

That peace is broken by a giant figure leaping out of the water in front of you.

You gasp, grip tightening on your spears to jab it into the creature, but a firm hand stops you. Your hand is gently held as you stare into familiar golden eyes.

Your jaw falls open. “Sidon?”

He looks just as shocked as you, eyes flipping between yours and your tightly held spear. It is then you remember yourself, and drop it. “By the Goddess, Sidon, you scared the shit outta me!” you admonish. “What are you even doing?”

Sidon still holds your hand in his, failing to find the right words. “I–... I sincerely apologize for scaring you. It was not my intention.” He looks a little sad at the thought of scaring you, and you kind of feel bad.

“Aw, it’s okay big guy,” you coo, other hand coming up to pat his crest. Sidon’s head pushes up against it. “Seriously though, what are you doing here? I don’t imagine Zora’s swim in the same waters as their prey.”

Sidon’s expression softens as you pat his crest, a faint blush tinting his cheeks. He releases your hand slowly, the warmth of his touch lingering. “I was… fishing.”

You blink. “Really? Me too.”

Sidon blinks up at you, so you gesture to the basket of fish to the side. “I was catching some for others too. Y’know, being a helpful and normal person.”

“I see,” rumbles Sidon. He looks back at you, eyes roaming up and down. “You are a good provider.”

You shrug. Sidon continues on, voice lighter and imploring for your attention. “I, too, am a good provider.”

“I’m sure you are, you’re a prince after all,” you smile kindly.

“I will prove it to you.”

You wave your hands. “I already believe you–”

Sidon sinks back into the water, cutting you off. You huff and rest your head on your hand, content to watch him. You’ve seen Sidon and other Zora swim before. They are all graceful and artistic in their ways, but Sidon… seems to be extra showy today. He performs flips and turns, all seeming to be part of a grand dance.

You can’t help but be mesmerized by Sidon’s performance in the water. His movements are fluid and powerful, a testament to his strength and agility. As he dives and twists, the setting sun’s light catches on the droplets of water, creating a sparkling effect that only enhances the beauty of his display.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Sidon surfaces, holding a large fish in his hands. He swims over to you, a triumphant smile on his face. “Is it to your satisfaction?”

Your laughter bubbles up before you can stop it, echoing across the water. "Very impressive, Sidon. It’ll be a good meal.”

Sidon beams at your praise, his smile wide and genuine. He places the fish in your basket, the catch even more impressive than any you’ve seen today. “I am glad to have impressed you,” he says, his tone warm and sincere.

You pick up the basket and make your way back to the Domain, Sidon on your heels. You look back at him. “I already think highly of you, Sidon. You didn’t need to do that.” When did he become just Sidon?”

Sidon’s pupils go big. “I am content to prove myself to you, my dear.” When did you become “my dear”?

The two of you make your way back to the Domain, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the water and the surrounding landscape. Sidon seems to be lost in thought, his gaze occasionally flicking to the basket of fish. You can’t help but notice the way his demeanor has shifted, becoming more relaxed and at ease.

When you finally reach the entrance, you turn to face him. “Thank you for the fish, Sidon. It’s a wonderful catch, and I’m sure it will be appreciated.”

Sidon’s eyes twinkle with satisfaction. “It was my pleasure. I am glad you enjoyed the demonstration.” He pauses for a moment, his expression becoming more serious. “I… I wanted to ask if you would join me for a meal later. We could… share my catch.”

Your heart skips a beat at the invitation. It sounds like a lovely opportunity to spend time with Sidon, but there’s also something else in his tone that makes you feel warm inside. You nod, a smile forming on your lips. “I’d like that. I’ll see you later, then?”

Sidon’s smile returns, and he bows slightly. “I look forward to it. Until then.”

As he turns to leave, you head towards your quarters, feeling a mixture of anticipation and contentment. The day has been full of unexpected moments, and you can’t help but feel that there’s more to come.

Later that evening, you find yourself in a cozy dining area within the Domain. The table is set with simple yet elegant dishes, and the aroma of freshly cooked fish fills the air. Sidon is already there, waiting with a warm smile and a casual, relaxed demeanor.

As you sit down, he gestures to the dishes. “Please, make yourself comfortable. I hope you find the meal to your liking.”

You take a seat and serve yourself, the fish proving to be as delicious as it smelled. The conversation flows easily as you both share stories and experiences, and you find yourself growing more and more at ease with Sidon. A glint catches your eye, focusing your attention on the neck piece Sidon wears.

You raise a brow. “Did you clean your jewelry?”

Sidon’s eyes follow your gaze to the pendant he wears. His face splits into a satisfied grin. “No, it is a new piece. Quite eye-catching, yes?” The bastard is teasing you, but you can’t help being drawn to the allure of shiny things.

Sidon’s grin is playful, and he seems to take delight in your reaction to his new accessory. “It sure caught my eye,” you admit, fidgeting with your own pendant.

He picks up a juicy crab leg and holds it out to you. “Try this.”

You try to take it from his hand, but he gently bats it away. You spare a look at him, but all he offers is an innocent smile. You huff playful and humor him, letting him feed you.  The tenderness of the meat and the rich flavor make your taste buds dance. You savor the bite, nodding in appreciation.

“It’s good,” you affirm, feeling a dribble of sauce slide down your chin. You lift a finger to wipe it away, but you’re beaten to it by a rough touch wiping it away for you. You stare, ensnared as his claw gently pads at your lip, lingering unnecessarily.

His touch sends a shiver down your spine, and you find yourself momentarily speechless. His gaze is intense, and the proximity of his touch feels oddly intimate. His eyes search yours, as if trying to read what’s going on in your mind.

The moment stretches between you, a charged silence filling the space. You’re acutely aware of his presence, the closeness, and the way your pulse races.

Finally, Sidon withdraws his hand, his gaze softening as he smiles gently. “Thank you,” you manage to say, your voice a bit shaky as you break the spell. “You didn’t have to–”

Sidon’s expression softens, and he retracts his hand slowly, his gaze still holding yours. “I wanted to,” he says quietly, a genuine smile gracing his lips. “It’s not every day I get to share a meal with someone as special as you.”

The compliment catches you off guard, and you feel a flutter of emotion at his words. You smile back. “Well, I appreciate it,” you reply, trying to keep the tone light. “The meal is wonderful, and the company is even better.”

The conversation continues, but there’s an underlying current of intimacy between you. The evening feels enchanted, each moment spent in Sidon’s presence creating a stronger bond. He’s attentive and caring, making sure you’re comfortable and enjoying yourself.

Eventually, the conversation wanes, and the two of you sit in companionable silence, savoring the last of the meal. Sidon leans back, looking content and relaxed. “I’m glad you enjoyed the evening,” he says softly. “It’s been a pleasure to get to know you better.”

You nod, feeling a warmth in your chest at his words. “I’ve enjoyed it too, Sidon. Thank you for everything.”

He stands, offering you a hand. “May I accompany you back to your quarters?” he asks, his voice gentle. “It would be my honor.”

You take his hand, feeling the familiar jolt of electricity as he helps you up. “I’d like that,” you say, smiling.

When you reach your quarters, Sidon stops and turns to face you, his expression serious yet tender. “I hope tonight was as special for you as it was for me.”

You can’t shake the feeling that you’re missing something, so you’ll ignore it for now. You look up at him, feeling a surge of affection. “It definitely was, Sidon.”

Sidon gently takes your hand and lays a heart fluttering kiss upon it. The kiss lingers on your hand, his warm lips sending a flutter through your entire body. You feel a mix of exhilaration and nervousness as he releases your hand, his gaze never leaving yours. The intimate gesture is a clear declaration, and the softness in his eyes speaks volumes.

“Goodnight,” he says, his voice a low murmur. “I look forward to our next meeting.”

You nod, unable to suppress a shy smile. “Goodnight, Sidon.”

As he turns and walks away, you watch him go, feeling a sense of contentment mixed with anticipation for what’s to come.

Well, you’ve always enjoyed a thrill.

The next day, as you resume your activities around the Domain, you notice a subtle shift in how the Zora people interact with you. There’s a newfound warmth in their greetings, and a few even offer small tokens of appreciation for your hard work. It’s clear that your efforts are being recognized and valued, and you can’t help but feel a sense of pride.

Sidon makes it a point to interact with you as much as possible, and people are starting to notice. You get some side-glances from those of Sidon’s “fan club”, but you pay them no mind. You still find it hard to believe that someone like you could be something with someone like Sidon. Even so, the Domain feels more like home with each passing day.

You're helping with a community project near the main plaza, and you spot Sidon approaching with a more determined look than usual. His expression holds a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

“Good evening,” Sidon greets warmly, his eyes lighting up as he sees you. “How are you today?”

“Alright, thank you.” You flap the collar of your shirt to cool yourself. “What can I do for you, Sidon?”

He holds out a hand for you to take. “Please, come with me. I’d like to show you something.”

You raise an eyebrow, intrigued by the look on Sidon's face. Without hesitation, you take his hand, and he leads you away from the bustling plaza. His grip is firm yet gentle, and you can't help but feel a sense of excitement as you follow him through the winding paths of the Domain.

He keeps you close to him during your walk, his body language protective and attentive. Sidon’s pace is steady, and his demeanor is almost bubbling with enthusiasm. The air is cool and refreshing, and the setting sun casts a golden hue over the landscape, making everything seem even more magical. He guides you into a grand room, designed with splendor in mind, fitting for a prince.

Ah. A prince. Like Sidon.

…Is this Sidon’s room?

Your heart skips a beat as you realize where you are. The room is adorned with intricate carvings, beautiful tapestries, and delicate water features, all exuding an air of regal elegance. You can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the grandeur.

It’s alluring, and just to your liking.

Sidon glances at you from the corner of his eye, satisfied to have captured your attention. He leads you to a large, ornate chest against one wall. With a flourish, he opens it to reveal an assortment of items: delicate jewelry, fine clothing, and intricate artifacts. You gasp at the sight, clearly impressed.

“I’m supposed to be good, Sidon,” you gape, staring at all the luxury you’d love to wear.

Sidon’s smile widens, clearly pleased with your reaction. “You may take whatever you want.” And, fuck, if that doesn’t get you going.

He reaches into the chest and pulls out a stunning necklace. It is similar to the accessories he wears, but somehow it is even more showy. In its grasp is a large tooth, catching the light in a mesmerizing way. It’s even more exquisite than the jewelry he wore during dinner.

“This is for you,” Sidon says, holding the necklace out to you with a touch of shyness in his voice. “It holds… my tooth.”

You stare at the necklace Sidon is offering, its beauty leaving you momentarily speechless. “I... I don’t know what to say,” you manage, your voice barely above a whisper. Surely, this doesn’t mean what you think it means?

Sidon’s eyes are warm and earnest as he watches you. “It’s a gift, to show my appreciation for everything you’ve done. I thought you might like it.”

Oh, okay, so it’s probably not what you’re thinking. Still, disappointment pools in your gut. He steps closer, gently placing the necklace around your neck. His fingers brush against your skin as he fastens it, the touch sending a shiver down your spine. “I’m glad you like it,” he says softly. “It suits you.”

As he adjusts the necklace, you catch a glimpse of yourself in a nearby mirror. The necklace compliments your pendant, and perfect match, and you feel a sense of elegance and grace that you haven’t experienced before.

“It’s stunning,” you say, turning back to Sidon with a grateful smile. “Thank you–”

There’s a glow that catches your eye. It’s almost enchanting, designed to catch your eye and reel you in. Sidon. He’s glowing . The spots that adorn his crest and his blue and yellow fins, are glowing, bioluminescent.

“Have–” you stutter, completely enraptured by the sight of him. “Have you always… glowed?”

Sidon chuckles softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yes, it’s a trait of our kind. The bioluminescence only calls for… certain situations.” He seems a bit bashful admitting this, his usual confident demeanor softened by a touch of vulnerability.

The soft glow emanating from Sidon’s body casts a gentle light around the room, making the already beautiful setting even more so. You find yourself drawn to him in a way that feels both new and familiar.

“It’s beautiful,” you say, your voice filled with genuine admiration. “You’re beautiful.”

Sidon’s blush deepens, the glow intensifying for a moment. He looks at you with a mixture of gratitude and affection. “Thank you,” he says quietly. “It means a lot coming from you.”

The moment feels intimate, the air charged with unspoken emotions. But as a thief, you’ve been known to run away.

“I… thank you for your gift, Sidon. I think I should get some rest now.” Your smile is one of false bravery.

Sidon’s expression flickers with disappointment, but he nods understandingly. “Of course, I understand. Rest well,” he says softly, stepping back to give you space. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You offer him a small, reassuring smile before turning to leave. The hallway outside feels cooler, the grandeur of Sidon’s room fading as you walk back to your quarters. The new necklace feels both heavy and comforting around your neck.

Sidon’s touch haunts you as you fall asleep.

You could’ve sworn you saw a familiar ring on his shoulder as he left.

“Yeah, he’s definitely courting you,” hums Link casually, munching on a fish.

It’s as if he is ignorant to the storm brewing inside of you. Perhaps you should’ve kept your turmoil to yourself, but Link is more knowledgeable on normal people things than you are. Even if only by a little.

Throughout the day, you’ve noticed Sidon watching you from a distance. His presence is comforting, and you find yourself stealing glances at him, your heart skipping a beat each time your eyes meet. There’s a newfound warmth in his gaze, a silent promise of something more.

You stare at Link, your mouth hanging open in disbelief. “You must be mistaken.”

You seriously didn’t notice? Link raises a brow.

You groan, covering your face with your hands. "I thought he was just being nice! Look at how he treats you!”

He doesn’t lavish me in jewelry or give me his tooth, he snorts.

“It’s not like I knew Zora courting rituals,” you groan. “So… what do I do?”

Link shrugs. Do you like him?

“I’m a thief, and he’s a prince.”

That’s not what I asked.

You bite your lip, thinking about all the moments you’ve shared with Sidon, the way he’s made you feel. “Fuck… I think so?”

Sidon’s a good guy, he’ll understand whatever you choose, Link advises. As his best friend, you have my blessing.

You snort, hitting him softly. You pause, thinking. “Zora courting’s all about showing off, right?” Link nods. “Okay. I think I have an idea.”

The secluded garden that Sidon showed you before is as beautiful as you remembered. The lush greenery embraces you as you shed your clothes and settle into the pool. The soft glow of the surrounding plants is all that provides light at this time of night.

You let yourself relax as the water touches your skin. It is neither too cold nor too warm. You let out a sigh of contentment, closing your eyes as you let the gentle ripples of the water soothe your tired muscles. The tranquility of the garden envelops you, and for a moment, you let yourself drift away from the turmoil's of your thoughts and emotions.

The serene ambiance is interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. You open your eyes to see Sidon emerging from the shadows. His gaze falls on you with a mixture of surprise and admiration.

“[Name], I didn’t expect to see you here,” Sidon says, his voice soft and soothing. He pauses at the edge of the pool, seemingly hesitant but clearly intrigued.

You look up at him with a playful smile. “We have much to talk about.”

Sidon’s eyes twinkle with amusement as he steps closer to the pool. “May I join you?”

You nod, gesturing for him to come in. With grace, Sidon enters the pool, his movements smooth and fluid. He swims towards you with a relaxed, yet purposeful stroke, his scales lighting up, his bioluminescence creating a stunning visual effect as he moves. As he approaches, the water around him shimmers with the light of his glow.

He settles in front of you, his presence adding to the already enchanting atmosphere. His eyes trail your figure barely concealed by the water’s surface. “You… tempt me.”

“You’re one to talk,” you huff, gesturing to him in all of his glowing glory. You stand, revealing your body as the water drips off of you.

Sidon’s eyes widen as he takes in your form, his bioluminescence seeming to intensify in response to your display. The way the bioluminescent plants reflect off your wet skin and the water creates a mesmerizing effect. His gaze lingers on you, and you can sense a shift in the air.

He swims closer, the water parting around him as he moves with the grace of a dancer. “You truly are enchanting,” he says, his voice low and earnest.

“You should’ve told me your intentions. I didn’t know you felt that way.” You pause. “You… do feel the same, right?”

“Of course,” he promises, hand coming up to clutch your necklaces. “You’ll never need to doubt that.”

You reach for his hand, taking in the ring on his finger. The very one you found in that box with the pendant you now wear.

“I was not truthful earlier,” he admits, voice breathy as he speaks. “This ring and your pendant, they were a part of an ancient courtship ritual.”

The gentle ripples in the pool seem to echo the rising tension between you and Sidon as he reveals the significance of the ring and pendant. The soft glow of your environment illuminates his face, highlighting the earnest expression in his eyes.

“The pair would craft the jewelry, one the pendant, and one the ring. Then, after they were certain of each other, they would exchange the items, signifying their status as newlyweds.”

You raise a brow. “Newlyweds.” You stop holding back, approaching him and entering his arms. They wrap around your waist, holding you up. Your hands land on his crest, inspecting his glowing spots. “So, we technically exchanged them, back then. Are we married now?”

His tail wags at having you so close. He closes his eyes and sighs into your chest. “It is ancient, dear. Not so valid in this age.”

“Unfortunate,” you mumble, taken by his scales. “So then, the other stuff?”

He hums. “Other stuff?”

“The fish, the tooth.”

“Showing you I am a good provider, a good match,” he states. His claws draw gentle patterns into your skin. “Giving you my shed tooth is one of many courtship gifts. To make jewelry out of one's own self is a sign of deep commitment and affection. I fully intend on having you.”

You sigh shakily at his words. “If you’ll have me, of course,” he shyly adds.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t the case.”

“I certainly wasn’t expecting this from you.” He squeezes your naked body. “After last night, I thought I was too forward…”

“I was confused,” you whisper. “And scared. I didn’t believe that we could be a thing, but…” You rest your head on his. “I’m glad it’s true.”

You lean back, finally having had your fill of his glow. “Zora courting is all about being bold, no? Is this not bold enough for you?”

Sidon’s eyes twinkle with a mix of mischief and affection as he gazes at you. He buries his face into your neck, laughing softly.

“Then you accept? You’ll take me as yours?” His voice is filled with barely concealed glee.

You chuckle. “Yes, Sidon.”

Sidon’s laughter is light and melodious, resonating through the tranquil garden as he pulls you closer. His tail wiggles even more fiercely than before. The warmth of his body against yours is comforting, and you can feel the intensity of his affection in the way he holds you.

He shifts slightly, staring at you, and you understand. You lean in, pressing your lips to his in a long awaited kiss. His kiss is tender, filled with all the emotions he’s conveyed through his gestures and gifts. The world around you seems to melt away, leaving only the sensation of his lips on yours. The warmth of his affection surrounds you, and you can feel his heartbeat echoing in sync with your own.

Sidon deepens the kiss, his hands caressing your back with a reverent touch. You respond eagerly, wrapping your arms around his neck as you lose yourself in the moment. 

When you finally pull away, breathless and with hearts racing, Sidon gazes at you with a mixture of love and contentment. His eyes are filled with profound happiness.

“You’ve made me the happiest Zora in all the Domain,” he murmurs, his voice soft and filled with affection. “I am honored you have chosen me.” Sidon’s grin widens, and he gently pulls you back into his embrace. “I promise to cherish and honor you in every way I can. You are my heart, my everything.”

You rest your head against his chest, listening to the soothing sound of his heartbeat and feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breaths. The tranquil garden, the glowing water, and the enchanting atmosphere all seem to conspire to create the perfect moment.

“That’s it then? We’re together now?” you ask, voice quiet in fear of breaking the atmosphere.

“Yes, dear,” he sighs, content. He then smirks mischievously, leaning back to look at you. “Of course, there are other ways of… sealing the deal.”

You smile at Sidon’s playful hint, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “And what might those be?” you ask, your voice carrying a hint of teasing curiosity.

Sidon’s grin widens. “I’d be delighted to show you,” he purrs, voice rich with promise. He lays you against the pool's edge and sinks underwater. You think back on how you started, never would you have thought you’d end up here. Though, you don’t think you’d change a thing.

His sinks lower, situating between your legs. And then–

And then you don’t think much at all.

notes: hope i wrapped that up well enough. its hard to remember all the points to mention when i yap so much LOL

[argyrocratie]

"Catastrophe for somebody, salvation for others. Desertion is flooding Ukraine" by assembly.org.ua

"Imagine: the rulers start a war, and no one goes to it!"

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(...)

The article "In the long hot summer, Ukrainian and Russian soldiers broke records for the growth of desertions", which was published by us on the first day of autumn, turned out to be just in time. (It is available in Russian, in English, in Spanish, in Italian.) A number of feedbacks came from both sides of the front. From discussions in local chats of Kharkov:

"I have a small observation, several busified ones, who haven’t been very critical of the authorities all this time, now quite console themselves with the thought that those at the top know better. While you are "free", your thoughts are within the framework of social currents and have the opportunity to wag. As soon as you get into a collective with outlined tasks, in most cases, your thoughts are in the same tunnel as everyone else. A busified, getting into a collective of previously busified, but already resigned to the situation, mentally assimilates with them, accepts their point of view, creating a comfort zone (swimming against the current is always uncomfortable). There he’s drawn into the topic and also begins to think that everyone else is a scoundrel and an evader, motivation appears. Until he gets into slaughter. There comes awareness and often SOCh [desertion]."

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"I have three – a godfather and two deceased acquaintances who went voluntarily from the first days, but when they came to Kharkov, we drank together, no one shouted that I’m an evader, but on the contrary, that there’s nothing to do there. One, a volunteer too, is already abroad. He went for 2 weeks and has been there for half a year already. He said that just to take a rest..."

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"A guy worked nearby, and he had a dog. So he dressed it up in a camouflage vest, a yellow and blue leash. And he himself walked around with all sorts of patriotic bracelets and tridents on his backpack. On the way to work, he was accepted by the TCR and he went to training. Then I see after 2-3 months he is hobbling. I thought he was drunk, but everything turned out to be much more interesting. After training, they were taken in tarpaulin trucks somewhere to the front line. And right when unloading the personnel, they got hit with something cassette-like. So, he wasn't drunk, his legs were cut up by shrapnel, and they hadn't pulled out all the shrapnel from the body yet. They sent him home from the hospital to finish his treatment, but didn’t write him off due to his wounds. And the guy said during conversation that he f*cked all this, he was going to go into SZCh. That's how quickly his surge of patriotism passed."

On September 9, we received a letter from Gorlovka, controlled by the far-right "Donetsk People’s Republic" since 2014:

"The saddest thing is that if you start telling people that soldiers need to desert the army and turn their weapons against those in power, people will widen their eyes and say, "Do you want 1917 to happen again? For brother against brother again, and for people to swell with hunger? It's better if we endure, otherwise it will get worse." We have photos of those wanted for escape on our streets. And the inscriptions: "Betrayed the republic, betrayed comrades, betrayed himself." I’ve heard the opinion that we have a lot of SOCh. But "a lot of" is a flexible concept. And their captures aren’t published here."

We will not cite the name of the person who spoke out.

(...)

Alas, after the end of the Vietnam War, such a type of anti-war activist as a military serviceman engaged in agitation and propaganda among his colleagues was practically forgotten. This is exactly what a Russian leftist who introduces himself as Sergey Thälmann wrote to us about on September 2. In addition to other important inside information, his letter helps us understand why there was no widespread desertion among Russian conscripts in the Kursk region, despite the fact that this seems to be the most logical choice for those poorly prepared for battle:

"I’m a conscript, there was no distinct choice. I actively educate soldiers and explain the injustice of the conflict. Of course, I’m not very fond of anarchism, but I believe that there’s no way without anarchists. Anarchism is the heart of communism, and Marxism is its mind.

I’ll say right away that there’s a strange atmosphere among conscripts – for some reason everyone wants to see the war. And when you start explaining that war is not a shooter, not a computer game, their desire immediately disappears. However, there are even such young people who defend Russian capital. They speak in the paradigm of "friends – foes" about Ukrainians and Russians. This is truly frightening. Many sign the contract, but... Taking into account both material and superstructural values. That is, with the desire to see the war. Consumer society has washed away the human brain so much that 19-year-old guys in Balashikha [near Moscow, – Ed.] want to go to Kursk. And it seems to me that such an atmosphere is not only here.

Well, and interesting observations: many officers are outright Nazis. For example, I talked to the communications chief of the mortar division of the 4th regiment. And he told me that I need to read... German thinkers of the 1930s. And there are hundreds of such ones here. Although there are adequate people... On the faces of the mobilized you can see more fear, despair. I talked to so many mobics here – not a single one wanted to fight. Some worked in a plant, some as an electrician. But conscripts are the opposite. Maybe because many are from the provinces, where life is boring and there are few bright emotions. Or maybe because in a consumer society, the consumer can consume absolutely any product provided. Even war becomes a commodity for sale.

In the companies there is also such a concept – military-political information. There they say absolutely terrible things. About how Ukraine almost burns people alive, and almost exclusively hits peaceful cities, ignoring military objects. As if the AFU isn’t an army, but... some small bandit who shoots at everything in sight. The main thing is that they hush up how in Russia, too, they pack people and forcibly send to war.

What can we get here, two concentrated capitals clashed with each other. Their most loyal dogs came out of their kennels)) Ukrainian capital is just as chauvinistic and concentrated in the form of financial capital as Russian. No government can be defended, they are both criminal, both thieves. And war is a war of slave owners for the strengthening and reinforcement of slavery. To support one of the slave owners in it means to be against the oppressed, that is, against the slaves. Against the serfs. Against the proletarians.

By the way, to those who say that Ukraine is a victim. Supporting a young and inexperienced robber in a fight with an old and fat one is supporting robbery as such and further robbery of one of them."

...

[meep-aaa]

Hi guys remember that sneak peak wellllll the designs are all done and dusted :33 I'm very giddy abt this if you can't tell. I present to you..

The CCCCMC au :3 [or C4MC depends on if I can be bothered to type out all the cs]

That's right !!! Minecraft!!!!

Individual designs under cut [plus short notes] [<- I lied, they're not very short]

That is right !!!! Mind is an enderman, Soul is a blaze and Heart is a warden, each tasked to watch over their respective dimension !!!

Whole is a character too I just haven't decided on a design. He's gonna be the player tho !!!!

Idk if I wanna roll out my story bit by bit depends if I can actually commit to that so just incase I want to in the near future I'll only discuss my fav design details from each one :33

My fav thing from mind is his skin splotches because silly ‼️ the silly ‼️ also the flower because I took it from the chorus plant block texture :3

My fav thing from soul is his trident and his half cobble thing he's got going onnn ough and the hair because it took a million years to figure out. The trident is hand crafted from his own blaze rods :33 I swear the half an half is like.. significant and not only aesthetic ill explain that at some point probably.

As for heart I love his nose thing cuz I just love love LOVE them kind of noses recently. And omg his wings ‼️‼️‼️ He's all overgrown with sculk n stuff and instead of having the souls of the dear or whateva he gets a pretty purple heart :33 that's all !!!!