#very bittersweetly

[tutumydear]

A secret santa piece I gifted! 🤍

Prompt was: a light/more white swan-esque version of Kraehe 🦢

[bugeyedfreaks]

...y'know, after answering that last ask, I just realized, I never actually finished playing every single PPG game (starring the original girls, at least) on my Twitch streams. I think the last one that I had left was Punch Time Explosion, which I suppose isn't technically a PPG game, but the girls are in it. That said...

[kkoraki]

also for the character bingo, harrow!

thank you!!!

(for the character opinion bingo)

[noxtivagus]

ffxiv really influenced my writing huh

[skrunksthatwunk]

waiitt i just remembered the promised neverland existed. exists, present tense. i have no idea if it was actually good or if i was just like 13 but that shit scratched a crucial and oft-neglected fiction genre itch of watching small children Go Through It Like Just Having Genuinely The Worst Time You Can Imagine without any support from adults/with active hostility from adults who have way more power over them. which. is putting into perspective some of my own childhood and anyway that was probably the most tense i have ever been watching anything in my life that shit was horrifying. full body clenching my way through like 12 episodes of television. im gonna go watch it teehee

[electracopes]

forget my villain era - i’m on my absolution tour

[starry-bi-sky]

Danny hopping up to give a Jason a high five because now Jason’s a foot taller: “PETER PAN BUDDIES!”

I am loudly pushing the batdad agenda i am loudly pushing the— DPxDC Prompt

“Woah. You look like shit."

Granted, that’s probably not the first thing Danny should be saying to the guy that just bit the curb, but in his defense; he’s not running on 100% right now either.

The man -- tall, towering, and broader than Danny is tall -- whips around on his heel, black frayed cape flaring out impressively. Danny would've whistled in appreciation, but he takes the time instead to wipe the back of his hand across his mouth, smearing the blood running from his nose across his cheek.

"Sorry." He blinks widely, not even flinching as the man with the horns zeroes in on him. "That was rude of me. I have a really bad brain-to-mouth filter; Sam says its what always gets me into trouble."

And she's not wrong either, per say. His smart mouth is what landed him in this situation -- with blood blossom extract running through his veins and cannibalizing the ectoplasm in his bloodstream. Thanks Vlad.

The man grunts at him; a short, curt "hm" that shouldn't make Danny smile, but he does because he's somewhat delirious and probably concussed. The man keeps some kind of distance, sinking towards the shadows of Gotham's alleyway like he dares to melt right into it.

If it's supposed to scare Danny, it doesn't work. Danny's never been afraid of the dark; he's always been able to hide himself in it. He blinks slowly at the mass of shadows.

"You look hurt." The shadows says, blurring together around the edges. Danny squints, and licks his lips to get the blood dripping down his chin off. Ugh, he hates the taste of blood.

"I am." He says, "My godfather poisoned me. M'dying." The agony of the blood blossom eating him from the inside out looped back around to numbing a while ago, so all he feels is half-awake and dazed.

"Hey," Danny stumbles forward towards the man, a bloodied hand reaching out to him. "You-- you're a hero, right? You're not attacking me; which is more than I can say for most costumed people I've met." Maybe it's a poor bar to judge someone at, but he's already established that Danny's not in his right mind.

The man makes no change in expression, but Danny realizes blearily that it's hard to tell with the shadows on his face. He stays still long enough for Danny to latch onto the cape -- stretchy, but almost soft under his fingers.

He looks up blearily into the whites of the man's eyes. "Can you help me? I don't-- I don't wanna die." Again. He doesn't wanna die again. He blinks slow and lizard-like. "I mean- I'll probably get to see mom and dad again, but I told them I'd at least try and make it to adulthood."

There's a clatter down the street, and Danny's ghost sense chills up his spine and leaves a bitter, ashy taste in his mouth. He immediately knows who it belongs to even before the deceptively gentle; "Daniel?" echoes down the way.

"Daniel? Quit your games, badger, Gotham is dangerous for children."

Danny's mouth pulls back, and blood spills against his tongue. "Please." He rasps, and grabs onto the shadow's cape with both hands. "Please. He's going to kill me. Please--"

"Daniel? Is that you?"

His lips part, dragging in air to plead with the darkness again. He doesn't need to, the whites of his eyes narrow, and the cape whirls around him before Danny can blink. Soon swaddled in shadows, the Night lifts him up, and steals him away.

[scrompsautobotsrchives]

A prime’s promise

After seeing transformers one, it really inspired me with this story. Word count:952

Optimus has lost so so much during the war on Cybertron, Not only did he lose his home and what he stands for. He also lost his closest friend...

He saw Megatron as a brother, back when he was known as D-16, Bee knew this well, mirage only remembered bits and pieces. Only you didn't know the full story, you heard about the name and the word Decepticons.

One day, when working around the warehouse, you could see Optimus outside, hands on his hips as he looked out into the open, he seemed deep in thought. You looked up at bee. "Is he ok ??"

He beeped and whirred softly. "All... sparks... day"

Today was meant to be a celebration of all life on Cybertron, It was one of their annual holidays that they spend. Optimus didn't think he would be spending this day on a different planet.

So you went up to him after finishing your tasks. "Optimus ??"

He blinked and looked down. "Oh, hello y/n" He nodded.

"Just wanted to say... I finished the tasks you asked me to do" You swivelled your foot on the dirt floor.

"I'm grateful for your help" he nodded again and then looked out into the open once more... there was so much beauty to this planet.

You stood there in silence alongside him, Thinking about what you were going to say next. "Can I ask you a question ??"

He looked down at you. ''Go on"

"What was... Life on Cybertron like ??" You raised an eyebrow as you looked up at him.

He hummed softly and sat down on the dirt ground, the memories all coming back to him in a flash... he looked back up bittersweetly.

"Our home... was beautiful, It was prosperous, shiny and alive..." He tensed up at the last word. He really missed his home... He then felt a tiny hand placed onto his digit as you gently rubbed it, encouraging him to continue.

He chuckled a little. "The library, it was so big... so much knowledge stored in the vaults. i would spend hours upon hours diving into the archives"

"I would've liked to see it" You nodded softly.

"It was a very special place for me... we also had bars, recreational centers, homes, trains and everything..."

"Guess Cybertron is not so different"

He looked out into the open. "Before I was prime, I was a young miner working for the primes to dig up Energon to bring up to the surface"

"Energon ??"

"it is almost similar to a coal mine, It's what keeps us alive... keeps everything alive"

"What were the workers like ??"

This was when you noticed that Optimus started to tense up at this... All those memories coming back... not so bittersweet.

"Before Megatron was the leader of the Decepticons, He was known as D-16... he was like a brother to me, He was very rules-based and always tried to stay out of trouble..." He looked down sadly as the more haunting memories came to the surface. "When he found out what sentinel prime was doing to our home... I watched him unravel with my own eyes, anger consumed him... Revenge consumed him..."

You turned sad as you stayed close to him, offering any support you could.

"Once I became prime, I banished him out of IACON... That was when I knew... we would be locked into a never-ending cycle of violence... a war I fear that will never end" He sighed sadly...

"Optimus... I had no idea..." You stuck close. "I... may not have seen it myself... But I know that you would do anything to protect them, You did everything that you could"

He nodded, looking at you. "Thank you y/n... I realise now that there is more than meets the eye with you... You have shown loyalty to the end, You would more than likely have made a great autobot on cybertron" He chuckled.

"Thanks..." You looked up at him, before growing a little concerned. "What happens if he finds you here ?? and the others ??"

"Then I will defend your home just like I would have defended mine, That is a prime's promise" He looked at you, You could see the sincerity in his eyes, you nodded and shook his digit.

The moment was interrupted when Bee came whirring like a madman, he wanted to show Optimus something incredible.

"What is it bud ??" you looked up at him as he showed the Datacard, he placed it in and soon a holoprojector appeared, It was a recording of all spark day. recorded by the lively yellow bot behind the camera, showing off the parade of metals, part of the celebration.

"Woah..."

You looked up at Optimus who was viewing the recording fondly, his optics softened as the video played.

"What is this ??"

"All spark day is the celebration of life, simply put" You both could see the hint of a smile.

"So everyone's birthday put together ??"

He nodded. "We celebrate the life that came from the forge. So all of us" The recording then showed off a giant Energon fountain.

You were completely in awe. "This is incredible"

The camera then zoomed in on a younger-looking Optimus walking with the parade, followed by Bee making a cheeky comment.

"Wait you could talk ??" You looked up at Bee, to which he nodded. "Wow, Optimus look how young you were"

"As I believe humans would say... I'm still in my prime" Haha cheeky attempt at dad humour.

Cybertron was a fascinating topic, and you hoped to learn more... Optimus was not only a leader... but he would be a dear friend to you as well.

Taglist: @callofdudes

[lanadelnegan]

My Past, My Future - Part 1

Negan x Reader x Daryl (love triangle)

Part 2 here

Summary: Daryl is in love with you, but you're in love with Negan.

Warnings: 18+, smut, love triangle, p in v, romantic negan, angst, breeding

Note: this was requested from an anon (Negan saying goodbye to Lucille and confessing his love to y/n.) I decided to spice it up and throw Daryl in there. <3

"Lucille, baby. If you were here, you'd be so fuckin' disappointed in me.... But hell, if you were still here, things probably never would have made it to this point to begin with... Turned into a fuckin' monster when the world took you from me. Hope wherever the hell you are, you weren't watchin'. Truth is? I couldn't stand seeing anyone fuckin' happy because you took all my happiness with you when you left. But baby... I think I've found happiness again... "

Negan sighs heavily as he traces the wood grain of his beloved bat.

"She reminds me of you. So carefree and down-to-earth. If you met her, you'd understand... You'd want me to be happy, right? Hell, I've done enough suffering.. even though I probably deserved it. Anyways.."

Negan brings Lucille to his lips, pressing softly as his eyes squeeze shut.

"What I'm trying to say is.. you taught me how to love, Lucille. I'm forever grateful for that. And you'll always have a part of me. You're my past. But y/n... she's my future."

He tosses the bat into the fire, watching the wood burn bittersweetly as it concludes that chapter of his life.

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

"Hey, where've you been?" Carol asks, jogging up to Negan as he arrives back at Alexandria.

"Had to take care of something." Negan shrugs. "You seen y/n around?"

"On a run with Daryl.. They should be back soon... Why?" Carol scrunches her brows at Negan and his jaw twitches at the mention of Daryl's name.

Daryl has been there for y/n since the very beginning, which is partly why Negan spared Daryl and let him live. Y/n begged Negan to let Daryl come back to Alexandria after Negan took him to the sanctuary, and he allowed it because even then, he had a soft spot for her.

Negan grunts. "No reason."

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

You and Daryl have been gone for a few hours now and you managed to find some canned goods on your run, weighing down your backpack. The sun is starting to go down just as you see the gates of Alexandria in the near distance and you grunt, adjusting the heavy bag on your shoulder.

Daryl notices your struggling and doesn't hesitate to grab your bag off your shoulder, throwing it over his.

He's been there by your side since the beginning and saved your lives more times than you can count.. helped you when you needed it. Even during the smallest inconveniences, like right now.

"You don't have to carry that."

"I know." Daryl grunts, adjusting your backpack next to his own on his back.

The rest of your walk is silent as the guilt from the secret you've kept for weeks now eats at you.

You started visiting Negan a couple weeks after he got locked up in Alexandria. The first time you did it was to curse him out.. Tell him how you wish he were dead and how your friends didn't deserve what he did to them.

The second time you visited was out of pure boredom. Carol and Daryl had gone on a run without you, and you snuck in to see him out of curiosity.

The third time was because you found that he intrigued you. The conversations you had with Negan had become like no other conversations you'd ever had. You felt like he was the only person who understood you.

Monthly visits to his cell became weekly visits. And weekly visits turned into daily visits. You'd bring him books to keep him company, sneak him snacks, and eventually, one thing led to another.

And now he's your secret boyfriend. You've been sneaking around with him for weeks now, like teenagers scared to get caught by their parents. And while it's thrilling, your feelings for Negan have grown into something much bigger that you ever expected.

"Daryl.. there's something I need to get off my chest."

If there's anyone who hates Negan, it's Daryl. But he's also the one person you trust the most, and he's going to find out eventually. So you decide it might as well come from you.

"Hm?" Daryl grunts, scuffing his feet in the gravel as he walks.

"Promise it won't make anything... different between us?"

He slows down, looking at you suspiciously. "Nah, ain't promisin' nothin'. But now ya gotta tell me."

You sigh, hoping you're not about to make a terrible decision.

"There's... someone I have feelings for..."

His brows scrunch together as he glances at you. When he doesn't answer, you hesitantly continue.

"I... I think I might even love him."

Daryl looks at you again, a softer look in his eyes this time as you continue on rambling.

"I haven't told anyone else. I don't want anyone getting upset with me... Or... judging me."

"Who is it?" Daryl quickly cuts you off as the Alexandrian gates open for the two of you.

"It's.. um.." You sigh as Negan's name stops on the tip of your tongue.

"Y/n.. hey, there you are. We need to talk." Negan is already on the other side of gate as you enter. Daryl stops beside you, refusing to leave your side as he glares at Negan.

"Uh, yeah.. let's go talk over there." You say, widening your eyes at Negan, confused that he's talking to you like this in front of Daryl. You've both done a decent job of keeping your interactions with each other private, so this is out of the ordinary.

"No..." Negan cuts you off. "I'm done hiding. I'm gonna talk and you're gonna listen."

"Negan.." You warn him, noticing the death glare that Daryl is giving him.

"I love you, y/n."

Your mouth drops open slightly at his confession. You want to say it back, because... you do love him. But something stops you.

Negan brings his hand up to rest against your cheek. "That's okay, baby. You don't have to say it back right now. I've waited for you for this long, I've got all the time in the world.. I just.. I needed you to know."

He takes you in his arms, hugging you tightly and resting his chin on top of your head.

"You can't be fuckin' serious." Daryl finally interrupts. "Him?" He asks, looking at you with hurt in his eyes.

You nod, the side of your head pressing into Negan's chest as your arms wrap around his waist. "Daryl... I was gonna tell you sooner. I-"

"Doesn't matter." Daryl grunts, spitting at the ground in front of him. "Whadaya want me to say, y/n? Congrats?" Daryl glares at Negan before angrily walking off.

You glance around, noticing others watching the scene before them. "Negan.. we need to take this somewhere else."

"Okay.. yeah, I know." He drops his head. "I just - I'm so tired of hiding from everyone. I want them to know you're my girl. I fuckin' love you, y/n. More than anything... Why is that so wrong? Why should I have to hide that?"

You search his eyes as a single tear falls from yours. You know you shouldn't want him. You know all of the awful things he's done, but you've grown to know him on such a deeper level over the past few months and you can't help but feel so strongly for him.

If being with him means the rest of the world is against you, then so be it.

You wrap your arms around him and slam your lips to his, kissing him desperately. You're too caught up in the moment to notice the shock on everyone's face around you. You deepen this kiss, savoring the taste of him as your tongues mingle together.

"Negan.. I need you." You say in between breaths as he lifts you up into his arms by your thighs and your legs wrap around his waist.

You can't take your lips off of him as he leads you into your house nearby, not paying attention to the hateful glares around you.

Negan kicks your front door open with you still in his arms and you slam it shut as he presses your back into the living room wall. His lips travel from your lips to your neck as he presses his erection into you. You whine, frustrated at the material separating both of you.

"Negan.. please, I need you.. now."

He carefully lets you down as both of you tear away at each other's clothes until you're naked and he's left in just his black boxers.

He picks you back up, leading you to the couch and sitting down with you straddling his lap. You pull away from his lips long enough to look into his hazel eyes, letting your hands cup his face before running your fingers through his graying hair.

You can't deny that you're head over heels in love with this man, as wrong as it may be. He's changed so much since he was leader of the Saviors, mentally and physically. He's a perfect example that people can change, and you hope that the others and Daryl can finally see that one day too.

"You're so fuckin' beautiful, baby." His cock springs free from the hole in his boxers as he takes your hard nipple into his mouth, sucking lightly.

You hover over him, lining his tip up with your entrance. You slide down slowly, inch by inch until he fills you completely and you feel the tip of him pressing against your cervix. You moan out at the satisfying pain as his fingers dig into your hips.

"That's it, sweetheart. God you feel so fuckin' good." He praises you.

You wrap your arms around his neck to support yourself as you bounce up and down on him and he groans out, looking up at you through his lust-filled eyes. You press your forehead and nose against his own as you continue riding him slow and hard, making sure he hits as deep as possible each time you come down on him.

"I love you too, Negan. So much."

"Yeah? Fuck. Say it again." He says, his breathing unsteady.

"I love you Negan... I'm in love with you."

"Fuck, baby. I'm so fuckin' crazy about you."

You crash your lips to his again as a tear falls from your cheek.

"Baby, don't cry. It's okay, we're gonna figure this out. Fuck everyone else." He wipes your tear away with his thumb as you continue grinding on him softly.

You nod. "I know.. I just.. want them to accept you."

Negan gets up suddenly, laying you down on your back before positioning himself between your legs.

"Only one I need acceptance from is you, darlin'." He says before sliding inside you in one quick motion. He fucks you fast and deep, interchangeably moaning filthy sounds in your ear and sucking at your neck.

After moments of thrusting, he pulls back, settling on his knees as he lifts your leg, placing it on his shoulder. From this new angle, he hits your g-spot perfectly over and over.

"Negan.." You breathe heavily. "I'm -"

"I know baby. Just fuckin' let go."

You come apart at the sound of his words, moaning out his name as your juices rush out of you. Negan looks down between the two of you, watching you soak his cock.

"Goddamn baby, look at that." His voice is low and raspy when he leans over you again. "So fuckin' wet." The sound of his voice right in your ear sends a chill through your body.

"Want you to cum in me.." You breathe out.

"Yeah? You sure, baby?"

You've never let him before, but now that your relationship is public and you've both confessed your feelings to each other, you crave him on a deeper level.

You nod desperately and he kisses you hard, spilling deep inside of you as his hips stop abruptly. He groans into your mouth as his dick pulses over and over and you feel his warm liquid paint your walls.

After a few minutes of snuggling and kissing, he finally pulls out of you and the two of you get dressed.

"Did you mean it?" He asks, pulling his pants up.

"Mean what? That I love you?"

He looks to you, waiting for your answer as you pull your shirt over your head.

Your eyebrows scrunch. "Of course I meant it. Why would I say it if I didn't mean it?"

He shrugs. "Dunno. You coulda been caught up in the moment."

You laugh, walking over to him and sliding your hands around his waist, pulling him in for a long hug. You look up at him to find him grinning down at you.

"Nope... Still love you." You reassure him.

He nods towards the door. "You ready to tell the world that?"

"Fuck this world. It doesn't care about us. Why should we care about it?"

Negan chuckles, kissing your forehead.

Your face grows serious at the thought of Daryl's reaction earlier. "Actually.. I need to find Daryl. Make things right.. He seemed really upset."

Negan nods disappointedly, dropping his head.

"Oh, stop. Don't be like that... You know his opinion is important to me."

"He'll never give us his blessing if that's what you're after, y/n."

"I don't need his blessing, Negan. I just don't want him to hate me. He's been there with me since the beginning. If we want a future together, I need to make things right."

Negan's brows come together as he lets go of you. "If we want a future together? ... So, if he's not okay with us being together, that's it? You're just gonna kick me to the fuckin' curb?"

"Negan.. I didn't say that."

"... but you did." He says.

"Negan, please just.. I didn't mean it like that." You say frustrated, reaching for him again. Your heart drops when he pulls away.

He nods, sliding his hands into his pockets as he waits for your explanation.

"I care about him, too. What he thinks.. matters to me. That doesn't mean I'm going to let it dictate our future. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have worded it that way."

"Okay." He whispers, but the hurt is still clear in his voice.

"Stay here, okay? I want you to sleep here tonight. I'll talk to them.. get them to agree to it. Just give me some time and.. don't leave the house, okay?"

Negan nods as you reach to hold his hands, standing on your tip toes to kiss him. "I love you Negan. This is going to work, I promise."

Part 2 here

[genderfluid-insomniac]

Good morning, Ashe. When I saw requests were open, i came running. This is my first request for the day. When Lucifer drops in for a visit to the Hazbin Hotel, he finds Charlie has recruited a new bartender. Upon further inquiring, Lucifer finds out that Vaggie had bumped into you drowning in your sorrows in a nearby bar after your ex-fiancé eloped with your sister on your wedding day and your unsupportive parents insisted you 'let it go because they are in love'. After finding out about your brief stint as a bartender, Vaggie drags you back to the Hazbin Hotel and puts you under Niffty's care.

Morning!

Lucifer x new bartender!reader

You were taking over for Husk since he wanted to nap when Lucifer popped in for a visit and saw him excitedly talking to Charlie and Vaggie while you mixed drinks for Angel Dust. Sir Pentious was sitting on a stool beside him and discussing how his current invention was going as you failed to realize the king of hell was looking at you very intrigued.

Charlie of course noticed her dad staring and before she could say anything besides “Go talk to them!” she was dragged away by Vaggie who quickly said “They had a difficult and rough life/afterlife so don’t bring up their exes” which didn’t help since when he started talking he accidentally spouted something about your exes.

Of course, he didn’t mean to but Vaggie mentioned not bringing it up when he was already nervous talking to the mysterious attractive new bartender so of course his mind immediately said the thing it wasn’t supposed to.

You sighed but laughed bittersweetly and told him the whole story which by the end Lucifer is clutching his glass full of whisky so hard it shatters. He quickly picks himself back up and agrees that your ex-fiancé is a dick, offering to hang out showing you his large collection of ducks and having a movie night with a lot of snacks to drown your sorrows in. He’s not exactly that good at hiding his affection/love during the date but you can tell he means well so you tell him they both have to take it slow seeing as you just got out of a marriage disaster.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

girl on fire 3

Warnings: this fic will include elements, some dark, such as cheating, neglect, noncon/dubcon, and other untagged triggers. Please take this into account before proceeding. It is up to curate your online consumption safely.

Summary: neglected, you find comfort in another home.

Characters: Jonathan Pine, Loki

Author’s Note: Please feel free to leave some feedback, reblog, and jump into my asks. I’m always happy to discuss with you and riff on idea. As always, you are cherished and adored! Stay safe, be kind, and treat yourself

“Chardonnay, simple but classic. Versatile,” Jonathan declares as he uncorks the bottle, “a fine match for this delectable looking salmon.” 

He’s plated the meal nicely and set the patio table for the dinner. It isn’t the one you planned but better than the one you’d been about to resign yourself too. He pours you a healthy glass and you can’t help but admire his profile. He’s younger and fairer, but does he ever remind you of your husband. It’s like a cruel joke. 

He fills his own glass and sits, his elbow close to yours as he leans it on the arm rest. He reaches for his wine and raises it, awaiting your cheers. You cling the crystal and try not to show how flustered his gaze makes you. You were prepared for your unloving husband but not an intent neighbour. 

“Thanks, this is all very nice,” you smile. How long since you did that? Genuinely. “You really didn’t have to humour me.” 

“Humour you? Not at all. I have to confess, it’s rather lonely. Hattie’s great fun when she’s not in pain but I’m afraid she’s been rather lethargic with all the sedation.” 

“She is? I didn’t think she’d had her surgery yet,” you perk up and take a cautious sip. The chardonnay is oaky and bold. It must be expensive. 

“Not as yet, no, she’s due soon,” he explains as he slices into the flaky salmon, “but I’m afraid she is not handling the pain.” He hums before he tastes the fish. He tastes it very deliberately, “that is perfectly cooked. You must have training, yes?” 

You laugh, not meaning too, but it’s a compliment you don’t expect. 

“Oh no, no, I... I worked at the deli in a grocery store, a long time ago, but I wouldn’t call it culinary school.” 

“Very long ago? You don’t seem that old,” he says, “not that I’m guessing your age. I am aware it’s rather uncourteous to mention it to a woman so I suppose I’ve already said too much.” 

“Thirty-three.” 

“Spry,” he comments with a grin. “I enjoyed thirty-three. And thirty-four. It was all rather merry until forty.” 

“Now I know I have a lot to look forward to,” you kid and take a more generous mouthful, “this wine...” 

“Ah, yes, I’m a bit of an enthusiast. Hattie only had cooking sherry when I moved in. I had to stock up for my stay though I admit I’ve found it rather glum to drink alone. I opened a single bottle of merlot and couldn’t finish.” 

“Mm, I... think I know what you mean,” you admit bittersweetly. 

“Yes, I’ve not seen the husband yet. Elusive? He must be busy.” 

“All the time. Eleven years... well, the flame gets dimmer,” you swirl the chardonnay and watch the golden cyclone, “I’m sure you don’t care. I’m boring. Tell me about you,” you put the glass down and pick up your fork, “when you’re not caring for elderly women, what do you get up to? It must be something exciting. Does your wife miss you?” 

“So many questions, I’m afraid I might disappoint,” he mulls his response as he chews. “I can’t help but repeat myself. Absolutely delicious.” 

“You’re not answering,” you goad. Your heart is fluttering. You can’t help it. He just seems so sophisticated. 

“I manage several hotels for a luxury chain. Though I am looking into slowing down. I’ve invested in the brand so I have a cushion. I tire of all this running around,” he says forlornly, “I didn’t realise it until I arrived here. Hattie, bless her, she’s helped me realise how much I’ve missed out on,” he shifts and sits straighter, “so to your point, no, I’ve not a wife to miss me.” 

You laugh, “I’m sorry. I’m so nosy. It’s just... this place, well, we have gossips but it’s always the same stories.” 

“I’m flattered, truly. I’m truly not very exciting.” 

“Look who you’re talking to,” you scoff. 

“I’d counter and say I find you rather interesting,” he insists, “I wonder how any man could keep away from you.” 

“Oh, you really know what to say,” you giggle. 

“The truth is always the best policy,” he winks, “a woman who cooks like this, she must be something special.” 

Your cheeks burn and bulb and you smile even deeper. There’s an edge to your delight. The nagging voice in the back of your head; he isn’t your husband, though not for your own negligence. You wish he was Loki. You have yearned for your husband to look at you, to speak to you like this.  

It’s fine. It’s nothing. He knows you’re married. It’s only dinner. You’re not going to do anything.  

❤️‍🔥

“I’ve some sorbet in the freezer, would you like some dessert?” Jonathan asks as you empty your glass. The third. Like everything else, he is generous with the bottle. 

“I’d love dessert,” you preen and set the glass down, cupping your chin in your hand as you lean in to marvel at him. You angle your foot to touch his leg, “but I’m not in the mood for sorbet.” 

He tilts his head and his blue eyes flash. He takes a breath and you sense his reluctance. Oh no. Why did you do that? Why did you say that? It’s the wine. 

“Ah,” he reaches to touch your knee, squeezing, “I am entirely flattered but... you are married.” 

“Oh god,” you pull back and cover your face, “please, forget that happened. I’m drunk.” 

“It’s rather fine. It is a rather strong vintage,” he removes his hand, “please do not be embarrassed.” 

“How can I not be?” You whine. 

“Truly, I... I would. I cannot say I invited you in without the whim and yet... you are married.” 

“I know,” you whimper. 

“And I wouldn’t want to put you in such a compromised position.” 

You nod and gulp, hiding still behind your fingers, “I’m so sorry.” 

“Please, I should be. I’ve been... misleading. I must admit I would leap at the chance and yet I find it difficult knowing that it would be only a fleeting deceit.” 

“Ugh, please, I’ll go,” you sit up and grip the edge of the table, about to stand. He catches your arm, and holds you there. 

“Darling, you are one of the most immaculate woman I’ve met. That man, whoever he is, is a fool. I’ve not met him and even I know it,” he trails his hand down your arm and takes yours, raising it to kiss your knuckles, “please, know I do not reject you out of repulsion, only out of consideration. I wouldn’t dare put you in that position.” 

“I...” the touch of his lips makes you tingle. You tear your hand away and get to your feet, “I have to go.” 

“Darling--” 

“No, you’re so sweet,” your voice quavers, “but I can’t... I can’t hear lies from another man. I understand, okay? Please, just forget this all.” 

You clamour around his seat and across the deck. You take the two steps to even ground and wobble to the gate. You leave it open as you barrel through and across the street. You slow as you approach your house, the moonlight high above its peak. You stop short as Loki’s car sits in the driveway. 

What timing he has. 

[onceinawhilemoon]

The Tale of The Empty House Quest and The Power of Imagination

There's something that I haven't noticed before in the ending credits of SHCO.

The credits show Stonewood Manor in a “past vs. present” sequence. We see the rooms as they were in the past: vibrant, warm, and beautiful, before they transform into the present: dark, cold, and ramshackled.

But the present here isn't just the present; it's Sherlock’s present while he was staying in the manor, and we can see ALL THE AUCTIONED PIECES THAT WE'VE BEEN BUYING THROUGHOUT THE GAME and even that sketch of Ms. Nini's fugly thief in Sherlock's room.

Like, I did wonder how Sherlock managed to refurbish and repaint every room and make them look as good as new all by himself with just a scant few items of furniture, but I never really gave it much thought, simply attributed it to game logic and rolled with it.

BUT THAT'S THE THING. He never really did.

I did wonder how Sherlock put his hand through the lit fireplace to retrieve Mycroft's key, and didn't give it much thought either because again, game logic, but that fireplace was never lit to begin with.

To Sherlock, when he set to “refurbish” the manor–which entailed him buying whatever auctioned items he could find still being sold around Cordona because like a decade had passed–and to us playing as him as we progressed in the Tale of the Empty House quest, the house started to look warm and colorful and beautiful:

In reality, though, they were just those items that he restored here and there and everything else HE WAS SEEING IN HIS OWN MIND and the ending credits show us what the manor actually looked like while we were in it:

Which means that the entire time that we were running around the house with Jon and that beautiful soundtrack as we reminisced and lovingly renovated and decorated it with trophies and case memorabilia, we were running around that same dark, cold, decaying building from the start of the game, except for those little additions here and there...

And if you look at the restored items, you’ll notice how the family portrait is still unveiled, the carpet isn't fully rolled out, Jon’s bed isn't positioned against the wall like it should have been, and there's a covered painting atop the closet in Sherlock's room that didn't originally belong there.

Everything that we reclaimed from the shops looks messily and hurriedly put together–Sherlock is a one man after all and a very busy one–and yet, his creativity and imagination were powerful enough to fill in the rest.

All this time we spent in the “refurbished” Stonewood Manor, we were simply living inside a memory. We were in Sherlock's mind seeing a product of his imagination so vivid that it created a real sense of presence in the revived manor–as real as Jon was to him–despite the actual state of disrepair.

I don't know why it never occurred to me before. It's pretty obvious now, and it makes so much sense; there was no way Sherlock was going to find everything that was auctioned still being sold and intact (and he didn't, the items he found were like 10 or 13 tops) and make the house look like that all by himself. He could have hired people to repaint and clean and bought similar furniture, I guess, but that's just far-fetched to me. He barely even spent time in the manor to put all of this extra effort on renovations.

I sobbed uncontrollably when I realized this sgsjiwise (the ending credits already make me so weak, especially with that damned music UGH).

I don't know. There's something so bittersweetly pure about him trying to reclaim the space that was once his own with whatever minimal resources he had available. Whatever he couldn't find, he simply substituted with creativity and imagination, and that was enough to imbue the space with warmth and a real sense of home sweet home. It's almost reminiscent of the way a child plays make-belief. I think it's a beautiful testament to the power of imagination, how it has the ability to transform environments and create a sense of belonging.

And then, just like 10 years ago as if he still lived there, he went around and put up posters and trophies and memorabilia, despite knowing that he wasn't staying there for long, and that once he left, it was forever. It's like he wanted to experience what it was like living in the manor one last time, leaving one last imprint saying, “I was here.”

I wonder what Mycroft thought of it all when he came back later to check on Sherlock. He must have at least gone through the entire ground floor in order to get to the back garden, so he must have seen all the restored items and the very personal traces of his brother's short-lived presence scattered among the junk and clutter of their dilapidated old home. I imagine they starkly stood out not just because they were not supposed to be there, but because of how they were like little touches of life in an otherwise dead and quiet space that'd been dead and quiet for a long time..

I really admire how FW managed to set up the sense of nostalgia in this game. Not just nostalgia, but “vicarious nostalgia”. I kept having that wistful longing for places I haven't personally been and experiences I haven't personally lived but felt very connected to through Sherry's (and Jon's) memories and stories (there's like a German word for this phenomenon I'm pretty sure but I forgor) but I guess SHCO does tab into something for all of us, right? Childhood innocence and memories, imaginary friends, leaving your childhood home and coming back years later... There's a little something there for everyone to relate to, I think.

[euijoosorangeslice]

Sk8r Boi p.1

- w.yx x reader

eventual smut ahead!!! Pretty long compared to most my works, Kissing strangers, oral sex with somewhat strangers, tell me if I missed anything

Great. Your annoying little sister is making you drive to the skate park for the millionth time this week. Why? "I wanna hang out with Yuma again! And I don't have my license yet." Her annoying voice made you want to crash the car. But, you didn't. Maybe there would be some new creative trick for you to learn, since you brought your own roller skates.

As you pulled up to the park, your little sister let out an annoying squeal. “Oh my god, he looks so hot!” She said, giggling as she stared at her soon to be boyfriend through the car window. “Well, go get him. I’ll be around, just call me and wait by the car when you’re ready.” Your sister barely listened (as usual), and hopped out of the car.

Swing your bag over your shoulder, you walked out of the car and locked it behind yourself. Walking over to a bench, you sat down and tied on your skates. It had been a while since you last practiced on them. You started with a few slow circles, getting the motion back into your memory.

You fell a few times, but luckily you had put on some knee pads to save you from scarring. You were dressed in a loose jersey shirt that was tucked into a light grey skirt, with calf-length socks and converse.

The wind outside felt nice against your skin as you sped down the ramps. A small group of young men started to accumulate around the park, getting out of their pickup truck and heading towards the section of the park you were in. You ignored them, going to work your way up the ramps at the park.

When you got to the tallest one, the group of boys started cheering. In particular, one blonde boy with a beanie on his head and headphones around his neck started calling out for you. “Hey, wait for me!” He used a running start to skate up the backside of the ramp, kicking the bottom of his board when he was standing next to you. “Nicho. And you are?” The man spoke, making you chuckle. “___. Nice to meet you, Nicho.”

“Hey, I’ve got a bet for you. If you beat me to the other side of this ramp, I’ll let you slap me. Square in the face.” Nicholas stated, a smirk on his face. You couldn’t believe what you had heard. Hit him?! “Sounds like a deal.” You responded, Nicholas’ eyes lighting up. “Wait! There’s more.” He interrupted. “If I win, I want a kiss.” He smiled, making you roll your eyes.

“On the lips, preferably.” He specified, making you scoff. “Prep your face. I’ve got pretty hard hands.” You shot back, tightening your helmet. He chuckled in response. “On three, alright?” “Mhm.”

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

You pulled your body forward, your skates kicking up as you began flying down the slope. At the same time, Nicho flew down the slope at a similar, but slightly faster speed. You heard the shouts of the crowd below you, pushing harder to build momentum. As you approached the peak of the ramp, you found yourself unable to stop. You were pretty rusty, and you blanked on how to stop.

Bittersweetly, Nicho was already on the other side waiting for you. Putting his arms out to stop you, you slid up the ramp and smoothly into his arms.

“You okay? Let’s get you down sweetheart.” Nicholas spoke softly, a smile across his face. He lifted you in his arms, walking down the slope with you in a princess hold. “Nice one, Xiang!” His friend shouted, making him laugh. Nicholas leaned in close to your ear, whispering.

“You’ve got some cute panties on.”

Flustered, you came to the realization you were wearing black lacy boy shorts with stars on them. The way Nicho was holding you, anyone walking by could see. “It’s like looking at the night sky.” He teased, you quickly prying yourself out of his arms. “Very funny.” You said, bitter as you pulled your skirt slightly down.

You took off your helmet, holding it under your arm. “So, my highness. I’ll be wanting that kiss at your earliest convenience.” Nicholas declared, smirking at you with his teeth caught on his bottom lip. “Fine. But right now is not that.” You snapped back, skating away into the whirlpool shaped ramp. Nicholas watched as you vigorously skated around the track, focused on the way your hips swung with your every move as well as your arms.

He loved how rehearsed you were, and it was nice to see you so dedicated. Suddenly, he watched a little girl run up to you.

“___! Can me and Yuma have some money to buy some snacks?” Your younger sister begged you, making you roll your eyes. “Fine. Take 20 and do not bother me until the end of the night.” You tossed twenty dollars at her, making her giggle and run off. Nicholas approached you again, this time in shock. “Your sister is hanging out with Yuma?!”

“Yeah? Is that a problem?” “No, just- Yuma is my brother.” You two laughed at the irony of the situation. “Hey, give me your number so we can talk later. Ive got to run some errands with my friends.”

-

You ended up dropping your sister off home after the skatepark, sitting in the car as she walking inside. “You’re not coming?” She questioned, flustering you again. “I’ll probably be back in the morning.” You stared at your phone reading the message.

nicho:

I can’t wait to see you at my place. make sure you’re ready ;)

“Ooh, who’s texting you?” Your sister peeked into your phone, making you push her face away. “No. Get out of my business and go to sleep.” You demanded, your sister whining as she left the car and went inside the house.

Finally, you could mentally prepare for what was about to happen. After you had left the park, you and Nicho had been talking quite….suggestively. All of the sexting had gotten deep, as far as Nicholas asking what kind of things your were into, and what your favorite positions were. The thing that got you the most was Nicho asking you

nicho:

are you flexible?

cuz I can’t stop thinking of you with ur legs behind your head.

As you pulled up to Nicholas’ apartment, you took a deep breath. After you left your car, Nicholas came downstairs to walk you upstairs. “Hey, ___.” He was wearing a lazy t shirt with just his boxer, in contrast to you wearing a sweater and a skirt.

In silence, Nicho wrapped his arm around your waist and walked with you back into his apartment. “Ignore the mess.” He whispered, as to not cut the atmosphere you two had created. As you made it to his bedroom, he shut the door behind you two. There were a few beats of silence, until Nicholas attacked your lips. You moaned in shock, hands flying behind his head.

He laid you down on his bed, pulling your sweater off over your head. Nicholas admired your body, staring at the bra you were wearing, a push up bra with black and white stripes that matched your panites. “So pretty.” He mumbled, planting a kiss between your breasts. Nicholas pushed his face into your breasts, taking in a deep breath. “And so soft, fuck. Can I take this off?” He asked, playing with the straps of your bra.

“Yeah, but don’t break it.” You replied, Nicho scoffing. “Trust me, this isn’t my first time. I’ve unclipped many bras in my lifetime.” He snapped back, hands awkwardly fumbling behind your back. “For someone who’s done this many times, you seem to be struggling.” You teased, making him grumble. Finally, he unclipped your bra, a smirk on his face. “Close those pretty lips and lay back.”

You followed his instructions, letting him attach his lips to your nipple. You gasped, using your hand to grip the sheets below you. Something about how practiced his tongue was made you wonder how often he does this. “Nicho, stop wasting my time.” You whined, pushing his head farther south. He complied, diving his head under your skirt and pressing his lips against your panties.

You hummed in satisfaction as he pulled your panties away and directed his tongue towards your wet folds. Nicholas dragged his tongue up to your clit, making electricity spark between your legs. Without warning, he harshly sucked on your sensitive nub, making your close your legs around his head. “Nicholas! A w-warning would be nice.” You squeaked, feeling his smile against your core.

“Brats don’t get warnings.” He quipped, pressing his thumb into your hole. He pushed farther, making you gasp as you clenched around his thumb. “Especially since I shouldn’t, you know, waste your time?” He whispered, swiftly thrusting his finger in and out of your hole.

You reached for his wrist but your hand was quickly swatted away as he added another finger. Your head bounced against the pillow as you grinded against Nicholas’ hand in hopes to reach your approaching climax. The movement soaked his hands in your liquids, only making him more eager to keep making you feel good as his fingers sped up inside you. His thumb rubbed over your clit, making your body seize as your orgasm crashed through it, moaning with every breath.

“Nicho!” You shrieked as he attached his mouth to your core, lapping at your juices as they constantly flowed from you. Your fingers were tangled in his hair, your body lifting off the bed as Nicholas used his perfect tongue to overstimulate you.

You finally pushed him away successfully, Nicholas looking up at you with a smile. You looked down, realizing you had soaked his grey sheets with your liquids. Your face showed a horrified expression, your pupils blown as you realized how big of a mess you made. “Hey, it’s okay y/n. I can just change my sheets. Plus, it was pretty sexy in the moment.”

You swiftly closed your legs, curling them close to your chest. “I- can I shower at your place?” You asked nervously, Nicholas chuckling. “Yeah, just ignore my roommates.” You stood up, pausing in your steps. “R-roommates? You should’ve told me , I was moaning like a wild animal!” You scolded. “Don’t worry, they won’t mind. Here, take my hoodie and my boxers.”

-

That night, you sat against his chest, bundled in his clothes covered in his scent as you two talked the night away. “I really enjoyed your company, y/n.” Nicholas quickly said, stopping you from leaving his apartment. “Maybe I’ll see you again at the park, Nicho.” you replied, a soft smile across your face as you shut the door.

He flopped against his bed, burying himself in his sheets since they still smelled like you. “I can only hope.” Nicholas whispered, bathing in your scent.

————————————————————————

a/n how would we feel about p.2?

[marcelshorjian]

hi. I saw your coming out post. Big congratulations!!!!

I, bittersweetly, relate very much. I'm 23. I started suspecting I was trans around 15/16. I can generally repress it for a good long while (a couple months at a time), so the dysphoria comes in waves of "oh I can tolerate this forever, it's fine, its not that bad, they're just words/names/pronouns."

I think I am very soon reaching that point of "oh god this is inevitable, and I can't live as a woman anymore."

But I also know I have successfully bottled it back up when feeling like this before. And likely will again because I'm about to go into my first career, corporate job.

If you can even answer this... how did you get to the point where you felt ready to come out publicly?

Congrats again, truly.

Hi there! I usually don’t publicly reply to the more personal messages I get on here, but yours really struck a chord with me. Thank you so much for sending it.

I know what you’re going through. I have been stuck in similar patterns for many years. I started suspecting I was trans when I was 15, asked my closest friends to be called by a male name and pronouns when I was around 19, but only decided to transition medically and publicly this year, at 26. It takes time.

Every year I would get an intense few months of feeling like I needed to transition, but always decided against it, for the very same reasons you named. Feeling like I could survive just like this. Feeling like if I could do without it, then it wasn’t something I had to « put myself through ». That it also wasn’t something I had to put others through. I intellectualised it to the point of finding many material reasons not to do it, focused on my fears and the vulnerability it would bring, just to occlude that very simple question: what do I want?

Delaying doing it, thinking it’s fine, it’s just a discomfort, is because you’ve lived with it for so long it doesn’t register as pain anymore. But it is pain.

Why should you settle for survival? Why would stating what you want be selfish? What are you really putting others through? Some tweaks in the way they address you, maybe some confusion and questions they’d never asked themselves before, that can only broaden their understanding of human complexity. The hostility often comes from defensiveness, but it's not your problem anyway.

You don’t have to do it all at once. Hormones can be started, stopped, picked up again. The changes are gradual. You don’t have to come out to everyone right away, just a select few you trust. But you’ll see, freedom is addictive.

I got to this point after years of unease by being around my amazing trans friends, and seeing them thriving and caring for each other, and them telling me: you love us like this, so allow yourself the same grace.

[delusional-and-angsty]

I picture this scenario where somebody asks cardan who is he with. Send help.

Cardan : This is Jude, queen of elfhame and also a human but she owns my heart most bittersweetly and I would like to-

Jude : just say that I'm your wife

Cardan : (totally a simp and very much crushing on her internally, proudly) I'm her husband.

[rima-niki]

Another Fable thought that could become fic, but nahhh

Just a silly what if Rae went into Icarus's mind to help them Characters: Icarus, Rae, Sherbert, Ashrill

Now imagine Rae going in their mind to try and save Ic, and it's either gold or a rainbow. There is no fully just Icarus, only the person that others made them.

There are different versions of ic in there, like how Rae had a different him, but at the same time, they're not Icarus. The first one Rae meets is a fully corrupted Sherb; it's how they, themselves, see them. They are corrupted, they are making the same mistakes no matter what, thats what they are. This corrupted version leads them to a patch of a rainbow, more specifically purple, where once Rae enters finds a version of ic that's an elf? They're kind, offering to help Rae with his journey, but Rae can tell the elf is lonely. There is no other building around outside if the sherb tm build style. The elf gives Rae a bead, then rae is back in the normal plain of gold and rainbow. The corrupted version of Icarus is there again, laughing at Rae, trying to actually help them; they're just like this, there's nothing you can help with. But Rae moves along, finding a new colour, one he hasn't seen before, a dark red; he goes in. The Icarus that Rae finds is another bird but very different, a roadrunner. She was admiralty put in alarm at the sudden appearance of Rae, someone who he thought they would never see again. Rae reassures her that he means no harm and is looking to help someone. The roadrunner says they'll help, and they look around the floating island that they've made a house on. Rae noticed something while they were talking this Icarus seemed to always be on edge, like they were ready to run or fly at any second. Was every version of their brother in some form of pain? They don't know. But after a moment of looking, the roadrunner found another bead and handed it to Rae with a goodbye. "Wowie, you're really trying this," The corrupted version spoke as Rae entered the field again. "Yes, I'm not giving up on you, Icarus." "You should, not like you'll find the last 2 that you need." "So there's two more."

"w-what no!" the corrupted one stuttered out as Rae continued to move forward, finding an almost fully broken part the gold on it was faded, but Rae entered. It's their childhood home, but it was a bit dirty it seemed like someone had just been baking. Rae walks around looking for Icarus. When they hear a thud coming from upstairs. He quickly makes his way over and finds a much younger Icarus on the floor, it seems they had fallen off. They quickly spot the much older Rae.

" Who are you! I'm real good with a sword" they say as they jump up to their feet. "I'm Rae. I don't mean you any harm. I just heard you fall and got worried." "Oh… you share the same name as my brother! That's cool. My brother is really small right now. Mom says I was that small once, too, but I don't believe her. Don't tell her I said that, tho." Icarus puts a finger to their mouth in a hushing motion. "I won't tell your mom, but are you okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine. I fall ALL the time, this new home, Mom allows me to go outside, and I can climb the trees, and Dad's not here to- To, I don't really know, but Dad wouldn't let me." "You fall a lot, you always do" Rae says a bit bittersweetly. "You're my brother, aren't you?" Rae just nods. " You're all big. You get such a cool horn? Do I get one? Is Mom still with us? Do we find Dad? Do I become real good at the alcemy?" Rae giggles softly." You don't get a horn, but you do get wings." "I GET WINGS!!!!!" "Yes, you do… um, Mom isn't with us right now, but I'm looking for her. You do become really good at making potions, and um, Fable is back, but he's done a lot of bad things, and he forced you to think some not-good things and a lot more." "Oh… Are we still brothers?" Icarus is saddened. "We are, and we always will be." "O-okay," Icarus nods. Icarus looks through their pocket and brings out another bead. " Then save me." "I will." Once Rae grabs it, they get brought to a different room, but one they are very familiar with, the cell that housed Icarus back in the endstone reset. "So, for some reason you still think I should be helped? Despite everything I had done to you, you really think that Icarus is worth saving?" "Despite everything you've done, you, Icarus, are still my brother. Even if you fall to Fable time and time again, I will still be there. I will still be your brother because I love you, Icarus and nothing you do will change that. You ARE my brother, that can sometimes be a bit rude and a bit harsh but you never failed to care for me. You could have left me there when you through that potion, but you didn't. You stayed and made sure I was okay. When I was turning into a beast, YOU were there. You were there when we had nothing but each other. I know Fable is promising you to bring them back, but Icarus, you'll lose so much more; please, I don't want to lose you too." When Rae looks up to Icarus, they aren't corrupted. Their ears and wings hugged close to them. "I-I don't want to lose you either, But Rae, I've gone too deep." "Then let me help you up." Icarus signs and walks over to Rae, and places the final bead in his head. "You win, Rae." -The end-