#watched two men fail to win and then she comes up

[vehder]

Witnessed a mother win a giant stuffed animal for her kids with the last ball she had at one of those games at an amusement park. Very epic

[unluckiestmember]

Hey so I LOVED your X-Men x sweetheart reader and I was wondering if you could do a similar head cannon of X-Men x kind reader but their reaction to you being good with kids. I just feel like they would have various opinions or feeling if they saw you interacting with a child.

Coming right up!

X-Men '97 X Compassionate! Reader

Characters: Nathan Summers/Cable, Scott Summers/Cyclops, Jean Gray, Remy LeBeau/Gambit, Rogue, Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler, Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver, Morph, Logan/Wolverine and Jubilee.

Warning: None. SFW.

A/N: So how did you guys feel about Deadpool and Wolverine?

Cable

“Well would you look at that! Seems someone knows how to get along with the kiddies… Oh don’t mind me, keep playing.”

Cable isn’t used to hanging out with children or being around them due to his workload, but he does enjoy the presence of kids that look up to him. He hasn’t really thought about wanting kids because of his fear that the disaster of a future he’s from would be too harsh for a child to be raised, let alone he is scared that something will happen to them.

However, when he sees you being so compassionate with children, it makes him reconsider a little bit! The sight of you and the kids at the local shelter on his base laughing and playing together makes his heart sour. Whenever he finds himself down in the dumps and needs a good boost or reminder of what he’s fighting for, he will just watch you and the children happily running around and realize why he’s the famous freedom fighter the young ones and yourself admire.

Cyclops

“Huh, you’re a natural at this! Makes me wonder how things would be when you become a parent of your own kid.”

When he sees you taking care of children on and off missions, Scott can’t help but stand and watch you with the biggest smile tugged on his lips. The sight of you all happily living your lives without a care in the world makes him remember the civilians he is fighting for. And more importantly, it makes him think of giving the family thing another shot!

Can you blame him? The way you are with children makes him daydream a perfect life away from the mansion raising a family together and properly being there for your child. Though there is hesitance to it all due to the result of Nathan and his last relationship, if you assure him, then he will definitely try to be a father again. Because with you by his side, can he really fail again?

Jean Gray

“Aww! Are you playing nice? Mind if I join in? I’m sure they would love to see my powers in action.”

Jean has thought of having a family with you when everything is settled down. So before she can have this ideal world of raising a kid with the love of her life, she can get a peek into a potential future in the brief moments of you caring for children, mutant or human. Whenever she sees you taking care of a child, usually during a mission, she will assist you in any way and naturally take up a mother role she’s used to having around the mansion.

The team can always find you two trying to make sad or distraught children on missions turn their frowns upside down with some powers or just speaking to them and making sure they are heard. You and Jean are definitely the go to for young ones, and if you both around children confirms anything, it’s that you two would be great parents someday.

Gambit

“Look at you all go! Mind if Gambit takes a stab at this, mon amour? I’m sure I can win their hearts. I won yours, didn’t I?”

Gambit is used to dealing with the younger folk of the world because of his time around them back home. So when he’s around children, he can easily adapt to them by playing some mindlessly fun games, pulling off tricks with his cards or telling some jokes. That’s not surprising though. What’s really surprising is him finding out you’re a pro when it comes to little kiddies!

When he found out you were a natural, he was beyond impressed by you and even let his mind wonder on a more intimate possible future down the line for the both of you. Around children, he’ll have you both as a package deal with you as the caring caretaker and him as the funny guy who will not hesitate to flirt and send signals your way in front of the kids. With how much he’s flirted with you, the kids always mistake you two for a married couple! A married couple… That doesn’t sound half bad.

Rogue

“You got these kids all excited, running and screaming like a bunch of baby banshees! You’re a natural, babe!”

Rogue wasn’t a big kid person on missions. She simply gets the job done and if there are children that need assistance she leaves it to someone who can be more intimate without fearing they’ll hurt them. She stayed this way until you showed off innocently how well you were with younger civilians.

At first when the mission called for dealing with kids, Rogue watched you from the sideline in silent awe of your tender love and care for children that were distraught or needed a distraction. Yet with time, simply watching you gave her the courage to join in and actually help out by giving out free rides on her back or showing off her immense strength. Together you two are a happy fun couple kids love to be around as much as Rogue just loves being around you. Now whenever there’s a mission with the young ones, she’s more than excited to tag along with you and live in the moment.

Nightcrawler

“May I cut in? I can play a mean game of tag!… Really?! Then round up the kiddies because I’m it!”

Because of Genosha, Nightcralwer is just as good with children as you are! He enjoys his time with the little ones around town or during stakeouts because of how accepting they are of him and how much their laughter fills his heart with joy. Now mix your own laughter in because of your handling with them and the blue devil was sure he was getting a slice of heaven.

The both of you are so well together and with others that the team delegates you both to taking care of the children on missions and making sure they’re okay. Around you both, the kids can expect a bunch of games to be played and a lot of memories to be made. Whenever a mission calls for babysitting, Nightcrawler knows exactly who to call on to assist him in having a little bit of fun on the job!

Magneto

“The future of mutants is bright if you’re around to bring such laughter and happiness.”

Though Erik has children of his own, he’s pretty subpar for a caretaker let alone a babysitter of mutant children. He tries his best of course, but the lack of fatherhood he was allowed made him a bit rough around the edges. Luckily he can depend on you to pick up where he lacks and he thanks you deeply for that.

Everytime he takes a moment to look at you with kids just minding your own business and being giddy without a care in the world, it makes him wonder if he’d be open to trying to raise a family once again. He knows with age and with the weight on his shoulders, it may be harder for him. But if you’re by his side, he wouldn’t mind giving it another try and stepping up to the plate to be a better father than he ever was for Wanda and Pietro.

Morph

“Hey, if the kids want to see a few tricks, send them my way, alright? I can throw them for a loop and think there’s two yous running around!”

Morph is decent with children, but they mainly leave that kind of work to you. When it comes to the more emotional attachment, they need a bit of work on that, but if you’re talking tricks and jokes? Then they are the right person to work with on missions dealing with kids!

They use your connection with children to playfully throw you for a loop by shapeshifting into someone and tricking you a lot just to get some laughter in the air. Most of the time he succeeds but there have been a few times where both of you just team up in some funny interactions that are bound to leave the children happy in your presence. Honestly, Morph wouldn’t care so much, but since you’re around? They don’t know- You just bring out that side of them! And they kind of love it!

Wolverine

“Of course you’d be good with the children, what did I expect?… Don’t mind me, I’m just keeping watch. Have fun.”

Children and Logan don’t mix that well. He just finds it annoying to babysit when he already does that with the teenagers at the mansion. Add that with some crying, whining and begging and he becomes pretty livid. Which is why he doesn’t like missions that deal with kids. That is, unless you’re there to help him out.

He finds your handling of children to not only be a big help for him but also a nice change of pace. It’s adorable seeing how kids easily gravitate towards you and how you let them do whatever they want. Whenever they have you pinned down in a game or surrounded, Logan can’t help but laugh at the cute little ambush before he breaks everything up. He doesn’t like kids and he still can’t stand them. But you make them more bearable, so there’s always that!

Jubilee

“Hey, babe! Send the kids over here- I’m gonna do a mad fireworks show for them!”

Jubilee is, surprisingly enough, really good with kids! She’s a lot like a cool aunt to your nurturing parent bit! She thinks it’s cute that you’re good with children and even compliments you around them when she’s not busy with other kids on a mission. The firecracker can rely on you to assist her or even stop her from making whacky moves that could get some children hurt out of pure excitement.

It’s not hard for everyone to know you two are a couple because of how much she calls you by pet names or makes fireworks that send signals to you if not make some look like you. It’s awfully sweet of her and it makes you comment that not only is she a great girlfriend, but she’d also make a great mom. Though, it’s highly recommended to hold that because if Jubilee hears you speak of motherhood, she’ll cringe at the thought. She likes kids, don’t get her wrong! But she could never be a mom!

If you got any requests for X-Men '97 or Arcane, send them my way!

Likes and retweets are always appreciated! I love you all, stay hydrated and have a good day! <3

[unspeakable-imagination]

Not the worst || Logan Howlett x Reader

My asks are OPEN and my matserlist is HERE

Reposts and likes are always appreciated

Just a drabble because I can't get it out of my mind. I was thinking abt this all night.

Cw: Oldman logan slander/ logan 2017 slander, hyping up worst logan hype, fluffy, angst, lots of bonding, probably gonna make them fall in love now sure, cannon-typical violence, cursing

Living as Wade Wilson's favorite neighbor was something eles. You and him were best friends, commonly taking time to watch my little pony or other similarly childish cartoons when Althea was out.

You were there when we left the x-men. You were there for him when Vanessa left him, there for him when he was to lost to find a job. You were there when you helped him pick is toupee, and you were there at his birthday party when he was kidnapped.

To say that it shook you would be an understatement. You'd been through so much and it physically pained you when you realized that whatever he was gone for, you couldn't help him. And two days later, he was back. And he wasn't alone. He came with a man, a wolverine. Or as you heard in passing, the worst one.

Logan loitered around the apartment more than you'd like, given that you could no longer peacefully watch ponies either wade, otherwise a grumbling logan would throw fit and slam doors.

Eventually, you just had to pull wade to your own apartment across the hall. And then the knocks came. Every time Wade was over, without fail, Logan would interrupt your buddy time, knocking on the door to whisk wade away for their weird- platonically gay relationship.

It took some time for you to recognize that Logan was lonely, too. And soon, it became the three of you having movie nights. It was hard not to come to enjoy the presence of the clawed man, and it went from you sitting awkwardly to the side while wade would constantly fail at cuddling Logan, to you in the middle.

Until tonight. Wade wasn't going to make it to your bi-weekly movie nights anymore, to busy pining after Vanessa. She was willing to tey and mend their relationship. It broke your heart to loose your best friend, but logan was there rubbing your back, comforting you.

"Atleast we don't have to listen to him run his mouth and spoil the whole thing," he'd reason to you. "You know that he would just ruin the end for you, or tease you when you cry."

Logan was right, but you loved watching movies with them. "But it sucks, he's my friend. I mean I get it, he's gotta chase her, he loves her, but we matter, too, don't we, Lo?"

"Of course, bub. There will always be more movie nights, and even if he can't make them all, atleast you have me?" And you did. For the next three weeks, without fail, Wade would avoid you both on designated movie nights, and Logan would come to your place for them, comforting you and picking out movies.

On more than one occasion you had fallen asleep on his shoulder or lap, and plenty of times you'd even let him sleep over him not wanting to wake the angry, coked up, blind batshit Althea. You began to neglect Wade, watching him finally win over Vanessa's heart, and watching Logan slowly move into your own place, shifting out of the other crowded apartment.

As the time for tour nightly movie drew nesr, you sorted the sofand the popcorn bowl, the lights and the TV, and set up the coffee table with assortment of other snacks and drinks that would last you two through the night. Various beers and even a cigar.

Logan had just gotten home from his job and gone to shower while you set up. His shower was quick, like it usually was, and by the time he was done, you were snuggled on the sofa in a faux sherpa throw. He settled down next to you and you handed the remote to him. In the weeks that Logan had been living with you, you couldn't deny the way you began to develop feelings. He was attractive and capable, and while he seemed rough on the exterior, he was truly tender hearted and did care about your feelings.

That's what made it so hard to bring up that you knew the other, much older-looking, dead logan from your timeliness.

It was just a week after the Manchester incident when Logan and Xavier had fled to Mexico, finding you along the way. They pulled you into their group with Caliban and things took a shift in your day to day life. No longer accounting for the tracker mutant, you spent your time helping him give the professor shots and medication. You were one of the few people, one of the few humans, that had an opposite gene mutation. Instead of getting the X gene, you got something eles, something that made you invulnerable to mutant powers.

You were the perfect person to medicate the senile telepath. You were there to see far too many events unfold that traumatized you. That made you realize that Logan wasn't the person on the pedestal that everyone else thought him to be. He was a stupid drunk, hellbent on killing himself, and the only thing stopping him shifted from the professor to his daughter. And it was horrifying, the way that so many things in his life were kept so well behind closed doors. It's horrifying that the media portrayed him in such a well light, and it was dishonorable that every food company used him to poison food for all of mutant kind, and he didn't do anything to stop it.

After he died, you had found yourself at the X-mansion, being the person to relay the news to Colossus and the other surviving xmen. To show their gratitude, they let you stay there, and eventually, you met the asshole burn-victim lookalike.

Logan noticed your shift in mood, the aura around tou changing. "[Name]?" He leaned towards you and you shook your head, returning to the present. "I was asking what you were in the mood to watch?"

"I need to tell you something." It was sudden and Logan swore he felt his heart drop to his stomach. You brought you hand to your mouth, anxiously chewing on your nails as he looked at you.

"I'm sorry for keeping this from you for so long, but I knew the other logan. I knew the other you. And every time I've heard you walk about yourself being the worst logan- well, it's not true." Your eyes glossed are and you swore you'd cry. He shifted, rotating, bringing his knee up so he could face you better. Reaching to put a hand on your cheek.

"What do you mean, bub? You knew Logan?" You nodded, almost pitifully and your cheeks began to feel warm tears drip down them. He gently wiped them away. "What do you mean, though? Everybody tell me about how amazing this world wolverine was."

"They didn't see him behind closed doors, they didn't see him at the end like I did. Laura- she was just a kid. She only idolizes him because he died for her- but that doesn't make him good." You used your hand to dry some more of your tears.

"He was a peice of shit and only cared about himself until he knew he was dying. He was insistent on ending it and only found his release by getting skewered on a tree-root." Your emotions shifted from sadness to bubbling anger.

"There was an incident, when Xavier's brain began to go. I mean, a degenerative brain disease in thw worlds most powerful brain?" You paused. "He took him away, and he found Caliban and I along the way to help him. He left everybody behind, too, not just you. Maybe it's a Logan thing. It was funny, really. He was acctually planning on Leaving Caliban and I behind anyways. Saving up buy for a boat to live in the ocean where Xavier and him could just die peacefully." His face fell as he listened. "He was disgusting. Worse than you. You've proven you're a million times better. I mean- he is the reason why we have so little mutants left. Why children are pushed away into boarding schools or segregated just because they have powers."

Logan was silent as he took his time to absorb all the Information you just shoved apon him. "Wow," he breathed. "I really am a peice of shit everywhere."

"No logan, you don't understand. You, and I mean the you sitting in front of me isn't! You're amazing. You helped wade, you helped Laura leave the void. You helped me! God dammit, logan I love you. You've been nothing but amazing and so refreshing. You're somebody who acctually appreciates this life and living now. You're the best person out there."

His eyes nest buldged when you said you loved him, his heart rate picked up and by the time your final words left his lips, he swallowed them whole and kissed you. His hand on your cheek curved around the back of your neck and pulled you close, his other hand stabilizing his lean.

He pulled back just to place his forehead on yours. "Fuck, [Name], you have no idea how much a cherish your words. You've been encouraging me for so long and I've been so anxious I've taken you for granted, but I havnt. You don't understand how much you mean to me."

"I think I do, Logan. I feel the same way."

Don't get me wrong I think old man logan is attractive, but I had to look at it from a bad pov because Logan really was an ass in that. Movie was great and I'm still heavily attracted to all (even the bitchy versions) of him. Can't get over it.

[the20thangel]

Insatiable Appetites

Summary: Two requests into one: the reader is a Targaryen, and she and Aegon were lovers once. And when the reader comes to King landing for her mother's crowning (no war, please), Aegon makes comments about how they were once lovers or something, and Benji calls him a c**t. (I keep re-watching that episode just for that) Because while Benji may be jealous, he's down bad for our girl. Jealous smut ensues.

Tags: NSFW, MDNI, 18+

Word Count: 2555

(this is an x reader fanfic but just with a name)

A sliver dragon was flying in the skies, with two black-haired figures flying on top of it. As many royal family members walked out, they saw Sliverwing landing towards the dragonpit. The two figures climbed down from the she-dragon; two kingsguards came forward, one overjoyed to see them and the other not. They happened to be Ser Cole and Ser Harrold.  

“Welcome back to Kingslanding Princess Visenya, and welcome Lord Blackwood,” Ser Harrold greeted with a warm smile, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the princess and her lord husband. 

Princess Visenya, Rhaenyra’s daughter, turned to the kingsguard, smiling at the guard who seemed like another grandfather. Visenya, named after the conqueror, was a sight to behold. She did not have the typical Valyrian hair; instead, she inherited the Baratheon and Arryn genes, having long, dark, straight hair. Which combined beautifully with her inherited great-grandsire Aemon’s eye color, which was pretty lilac. She was graceful and deadly, a combination that captivated the hearts of every lord and lady in court. She was a force to be reckoned with, which made many men fall madly in love, trying to win over her hand of marriage, all failed but one. 

“Good Morrow Ser Harrold, I’m happy to see your face; how have you been?” pondered Visenya as she extended her arm to her husband Benjicot Blackwood as the two walked towards the carriage and horses.

“Overjoyed to have you back, no offense, my lord, but the Red Keep has missed their princess,” teased Ser Harrold to Benjicot, who couldn't help but grin at the knight's playful banter. 

“Then you better make the most of it while she is here because I’m afraid, Ser, she is well loved back in Raventree Hall. My people and I will not give her up so quickly.” bragged Benjicot as he helped his wife onto his horse, then climbed up and sat in front of her. 

Visneya sighed as they began to ride towards the red keep; after years, she thought her family would remember that she preferred to ride horseback rather than sit in a lousy carriage. 

As the party reached the red keep, the royal family stood there, wearing various colors: red, black, green, and blue. As everyone graces the couple with a smile, only Alicent sneered, seeing a lady riding her horse and not in the carriage. Visneya and Benji demounted their horse, letting the stable boy take it. 

“My dear granddaughter, how this castle has grown so lonely without you here…I hope Raventree Hall has treated you well,” spoke Viserys, huffing with each breath. 

Visenya smiled at her grandsire, curtsying as Benji followed with his own bow. 

“Yes, Raventree Hall has made itself a wonderful home,” explained Senya, seeing her mother smile in relief. 

“That is good. Come, let us return to the castle while we prepare for the feast and coronation of my dear Rhaenyra tomorrow,” commanded Viserys. Ser Harrold led the king back, and the rest of the family followed. 

While everyone returned to their duties or chambers, Visenya decided to give a tour of the royal family side of the castle to her husband. Something many lords and ladies could only hope to see. Walking through the hall, Visenya showed her husband all the spots she and her brothers used to run around when they were younger. As they reached Meagor’s Holdfast, Aegon exited Heleana’s rooms. Seeing his niece, he smirked, walking to greet her and her husband. 

“Well, niece, it's finally nice to see you back since your wedding. I hope your husband and his home are satisfying you; we dragons have insatiable appetites.” taunted Aegon, scanning his eyes slowly down her body, smirking at Benjicot as he left. 

Visenya rolled her eyes as she led her husband away, who gave Aegon a dirty look and walked into her old chambers. 

“I still can’t believe you slept with him,” questioned Benjicot, sitting down on the red silk chaise, staring at his wife, who groaned. Visneya sat next to him, kissing his neck before replying. 

“I was young, stupid, and very drunk. Besides, it was only once, and it is not my fault that I was such a wonderful lover that he became obsessed. I can remember that night as being mediocre at best.” Visneya explained as she turned Ben’s face to her. 

“Besides, as he said, dragons have an insatiable appetite, and you, my dear husband, have done wonders to satisfy me.” She kissed him and smiled as she felt his arms tighten around her waist. 

As the lord was about to pull her under him, a knock broke them out of their musings. Growling, the princess rose to answer the door, seeing a knight at the door. The knight told the princess that her brothers had invited her and her husband to the training grounds in the afternoon, wanting to do some practice runs together. The princess nodded with a smile, thanking the knight as she closed the door. 

Benjicot hmm as he placed one more kiss on her head, “As much I want to continue my love, if we start, I will not be able to stop until tomorrow’s feast, and then that will be breaking the promise to your brothers.” 

Visneya pouted, “Very well, but you will finish what you started, my raven; I will not be ignored.” 

Benjicot widely grinned, kissing the corner of her cheek. “As my princess commands of me.”  

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

In the training yards, grunts and playfully bantered filled the air, with men dueling each other and teaching the younger princes the way of the sword. Visenya herself was teaching her younger brother, Joffrey, how to hold a sword correctly, smiling as her brother practiced the stances. As she looked up, she grinned at Benjicot, who took a break to watch his wife with her younger brother; he could just imagine the same thing back home, but only it would be their children. 

“Blackwood, I challenge you to a duel…” the voice's owner, Aegon, stuttered towards the raven lord. 

Visenya scoffed at her uncle; he was drunk and overly confident. Benjicot glanced at his wife, wondering if he should entertain the idea. Visenya tipped to the side, thinking, at one point, this could be an excellent opportunity for Ben to knock him off his ego train. On the other hand, this was Aegon. Should he get injured, Alicent would probably start making a fuss to the king. Unfortunately, Aegon took the slight pause as Benjicot being afraid. Grinning, he began taunting the Blackwood lord. 

“Oh, are you afraid of being burned by the dragon, Blackwood? Hmmm?” laughed Aegon as he slightly swayed. 

Benjicot just smirked; this would be a piece of cake. 

“Very well, I accept your challenge, Prince Aegon,” spoke Benjicot as he took a practice sword from Prince Jacaerys, who wished him the best and put Aegon in his place. 

Aegon walked around prancing, which many would describe as looking like a peacock. Benjicot rolled his eyes as he began to turn, swinging his swords and striking Aegon on his arm. This caused the prince to yelp as he turned to his opponent. Growling, Aegon decided to attack, missing Benjicot miserably as Benji easily dodged away from him. This made the crowd chuckle, infuriating the prince as he grew more upset and reckless in his striking towards the lord. 

“Uncle Aegon isn’t good with the sword, huh, Senya,” commented Joffrey, seeing his uncle constantly missing and being struck down by his good-brother. 

Visenya hummed in agreement. Aegon is not the best swordsman; clearly, being drunk did him no favors. As she made eye contact with Aemond, she almost felt pity. Aemond looked like he wanted the earth to swallow him. He was so embarrassed by his brother’s performance that he did not want people to think his sword skills were on par with Aegon’s. 

As Aegon grew more irritated and tired from the duel, he got an idea that he believed would get the advantage of Benjicot. He crouched down, picking up a chunk of dirt and flinging it towards Benji’s eyes. Benjicot quickly backed away and closed his eyes, trying not to allow any dirt to enter his eyes and narrowingly blocking the sword that came to him. Aegon darkly smirked as he leaned in. 

“I have to give you props, lord Benjicot; not every man would be okay with having Targaryen second. Tell me, is my niece’s cunt still tight? Does she wrap her pretty little legs around you as you take her? Does she claim to moan your name as loudly as she did with me…” whispered Aegon, enjoying Benjicot’s face frown, his eyes darkening with anger. 

Benjicot pushed back, causing the prince to flatter, trying not to show his shock at the raven lord. Benjicot stalked toward Aegon, looking like a predator ready to strike his prey. 

“You have no honor to use such words to get a ruse of your opponent… you can barely call yourself a prince of the realm, you craven little cunt!” shouted Benji as he used the handle of his practice sword to punch Aegon straight in his face. 

Knocking Aegon on his ass as the Prince held his now bleeding nose. Jacaerys and Visenya quickly joined Benjicot’s side as chaos exploded, and Criston Cole took out his steel. 

“Halt!” commanded Ser Harrold as the crowd raised their sight to the balcony. 

King Viserys was shaking his head in disappointment at his son as Prince Daemon cackled heavily to the side, finding the situation hilarious. 

“Aegon was the one who challenged Lord Blackwood and used dirty tactics to win a match he was losing. Ser Cole, I advise you to teach my sons better strategies to defeat an opponent, not resulting in insults. Take Aegon to see a maester. Let this be done. Hopefully, he does not bruise for tomorrow. Daemon, cease your laughs.” commanded Viserys, growing more annoyed when his brother continued laughing. 

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

As Benjicot burst into the chamber, he angrily began to strip, wanting to take a bath to cool off, not wanting to do something drastic. Visneya followed her husband to the bed chambers, dismissing the servants. 

“Ben, what is going on? What did Aegon say to upset you?” questioned Senya, growing shocked when he turned to her growling. 

“Don’t say his name…”  growled Benjicot as he approached her. 

Visneya was shocked, having never seen her husband this fired up before. She walked towards him when he took her and forcefully pushed her to the bed. Crashing onto the bed, she gasped as she felt his body on her. He was a storm, a storm that ironically was warming her up.  

“You are mine, my wife, your body, mine,” announced Benji as he began to kiss her, hungrily capturing her lips, then her jaw, all the way down to her neck. He paused to bite and lick her neck and collarbones. Making Senya moan, feeling the assault on her neck; she would be covered in love bites tomorrow. The whole court will see them since she didn’t pack any high-neck dresses. 

As Benji continued to devour his wife’s skin, he roughly began to undress her and himself, leaving them naked as he reached down to see her cunt weeping for him. Seeing her wetness, he grinned widely, pulling her closer to him, and he started grinding himself to her. 

“Who does your body belong to, hmm,” questioned Benjicot, enjoying the sweet gasps and moans from the princess’s mouth. 

“Yours..” whispered Senya, feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace. This sensation was new but exciting. 

Squealing, she felt herself being flipped with her ass in the air as her husband pressed her face to her the bed. She jolted, feeling him slap her bare bottom. 

“I said…who does your body belong to?” growled Benjicot, giving another slap. 

“Yours! My body belongs to you!” Senya loudly moaned, closing her eyes, withering in painful pleasure. 

“Yes, your body is mine, not Aegon’s, not anybody else's. You were made to take my cock and only mine.” Stated Benji, rubbing himself at her entrance. 

Visneya could only nod, feeling excited about how rough he was being. She wanted him inside her already, but she felt another slap instead. 

“What do you want, or I won’t give you anything,” commanded Benji, his grin ever growing as Visenya sobbed, pressing her body towards him. 

“You! Ben, I want you… I want you to fuck me, Please!” pleaded Visenya, groaning in delight, feeling him roughly enter her cunt. 

“That’s my good girl; you are going to take me in so well,” grunted Benji, going in and out quickly and fiercely. 

As skin slapping filled the room, Senya felt that she would break in half as Ben pulled out and packed in viciously. Her whole body rocked as she felt her husband riding her. Gripping the bedsheets till her knuckles turned white. 

“Yes! So good, yes, Ben, you are so good.” moaned Visenya into her pillow, gasping as Benji pulled her body upright. 

Grasping her breast, he growled into her ear, “I want the whole castle to hear you moan my name; let everyone hear that you are mine. I want Aegon to wish he could make you feel this good.” 

Bouncing her up and down, he lowered his fingers down to her sensitive bud, taking the time to give attention to it, causing Visenya to moan louder than she ever did before. 

“My gods, Benji! Yes! Please fuck me harder, please, I need it!” begged Senya, feeling her release rushing to her. She knew she was so close. Closing her eyes, she reached behind to grasp her husband's hair, roughly pulling it.  

“That’s it, sweetheart…. Where do you want me to finish, in your pretty mouth or in..” 

“Inside me! I need you to fill me…please, Ben, my body craves your release inside me. Mark me, please!” pleaded Visenya, whimpering as she felt his hot release wash over her. It was so warm. 

Gasping, Benjicot finally released her, laying her down on the bed as he lay next to her, still attached. After intense bedding, the two struggled to catch their breath, Visneya placing a hand on her chest. After a moment, Benji slipped out of her and gathered her in his arms. 

“Was I too rough, Senya?” he whispered, lightly kissing her shoulder. 

Visneya inhaled deeply as she turned her body to him. Shaking her head, she pressed a kiss on his chest. 

“No, Ben, I’m fine…it just took me by surprise.” she stared at her husband’s eyes, seeing her sweet husband stare lovingly at her. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be that rough; it's just that Aegon’s words affected me, for him to make such comments about you…” 

Visneya shushed her husband with a sweet kiss. Smiling as she felt him hold her tenderly, this was the side of Benjicot that only she got to see—her sweet Ben. 

“Aegon could never compare to you; he could never make my body crave him like you do with me.” she professed as she stroked his cheek. 

“I am yours, and you are mine…” vowed Visneya, nuzzling her face to him.

Benjicot smiled, kissing his wife as he spoke his vows to her again, “I am yours, and you are mine.”

[pitchsidestories]

The Bitch is back II Lucy Bronze x Reader

a/n: based off this request.

"I'm a bitch, I'm a bitch, oh, the bitch is back Stone-cold sober, as a matter of fact I can bitch, I can bitch 'cause I'm better than you It's the way that I move, the things that I do, oh-oh-oh."

~ Elton John, The Bitch Is Back

barcelona women masterlist I word count: 1591

You always knew that your professional tennis career would be filled with ups and downs, with periods of injuries and streaks of unbeatability.

You knew you worked hard, harder than most other competitors. So it didn’t feel fair when your lowest low came; your knockout in the Olympic Games 2020 before you had a chance to take a medal home with you. Your memory of this game was very blurry.

All you really remember of this day were the tears and your girlfriends strong arms around you. Your eyes were red and swollen from crying so much when you plainly stated; “Lucy… I failed.“

“You didn’t fail, you lost. Those are two very different things.“, she had answered while trying to wipe away some of your tears with her thumbs.

You tried to push out her hug, annoyed; “Oh, and that makes it so much better?“ But Lucy had never let go, “Yes, it does.“ “Why?“ “You will get it when you get over the pain.“

Then you remembered finally losing your tenseness and sinking deeper into her hug. New hot tears were welling in your eyes; “But it hurts so much right now… Maybe I should end it here, let the younger tennis players take over.“

“And then?“, Lucy had asked.

“I don’t know. Giving up seems like the easiest way to stop the pain…“

She had determinedly shaken her head, “You’re not done yet.“ “I need to think about it…“, was all you said because it was the last thing you wanted to talk about, you wanted to get out of the conversation as soon as possible.

You just needed her to hold you. And Lucy could feel that; “Take your time before you make that decision.“ “Alright.“

With a serious face the male tv journalist was turning to the expert who was watching the game with him: “Do you think it was the last time we saw her at the Olympics? She said she’ll think about it in her post-match interview?”

“Yes, I think that’s it for her. She’s at the peak of her career. It’s only reasonable to stop playing now.”

“Don’t worry for everyone who’s watching now we’ll keep you updated on that but for now we’re heading to swimming where the next medals want to be won.”, he continued, the smile returning to his face.

Those men thought you were done but you knew better, their sureness about you giving up only fuelled your passion to keep going and try again next time.

The gold medal was in reach, closer than ever and knowing this motivated you the upcoming years.

Something you and your girlfriend had in common was the mindset of always wanting to win.

2024 The Olympics in Paris

“Will you be watching my tennis match later, Luce?”, you asked the defender.

Of course Lucy knew how important this half final was to you, so she reassured you with her reply: “ Sure. I might be a bit late. I’m coming straight from training. But I’ll watch.”

“Thank you.”

Knowing the football player will be watching made the pressure on your chest felt a little lighter.

Shaking her head softly, Lucy said: “It*s nothing.”

“Who knows, we both might end in the Olympics final of two different sports.”, you winked through the video call with your girlfriend.

A warm laugh escaped from the defender’s lips: “Who knows. Everything’s possible at this point.”

“See you afterwards.”, you told her after looking at the time.

A huge grin was appearing on the Barcelona player’s face as she answered:“ See you.”

While you were warming up for your match, your girlfriend was just ending her training session with her team. She took a quick shower and started to get dressed. With a glance towards the clock in their dressing room, Leah reminded her; “Luce, you got to hurry up to see your girl play the match of her career!“ “Yeah, I know.“, Lucy replied calmly, slipping into her shoes. Millie watched her in disbelief; “Then what are you waiting for?“ “Yeah, I’m basically running.“, she laughed and grabbed her bag. Before she could leave the dressing room, Jordan kept up with her; “Wait, we’re coming with you to support your girlfriend.“ “Alright, but we have to hurry now.“ Lauren James nodded obediently; “Let’s go!“

Your match was just starting when the football players reached their seats. After the first serves, Leah bent over to Lucy; “She will win it this time, Lucy.“ “You don’t know that yet.“, she shook her head, never taking her eyes off you.

Lucy watched most of your match in silence. She was too tense, hoping and wishing that this game will end in your favour and that all the hard work will finally pay off.

Again, it was Leah who spoke as soon as the last ball hit your opponents side of the court, sealing your win. “I told you so!“, she yelled at Lucy, genuinely happy. Clapping and cheering erupted from the football players.

The excitement that Lucy felt deep in her chest for you, didn’t reach her face yet, so she just stood up to leave her seat; “Excuse me, girls.“

When you saw her standing there, right between your dressing room and the court, you couldn’t stop yourself from running into her arms; “Lucy!“ “You made it!“, she finally smiled. Now that she had realized what just happened, her face could barely contain her pride and happiness.

“Yes, and you were right, I’m not done yet.”, you whispered excitedly into her ear.

Beaming the defender stroke one wild string of your hair back: “I know you! I knew there was more to come for you.”

“I’d never have been here on the way to the final if you, my coach and family did not believe in me.”, you confessed, heart still pounding loudly in your ear.

Determined Lucy shook her head: “No. This is your win.”

You knew you were required to answer some questions, so you quickly kissed your girlfriend goodbye for now before heading to your media duties: “Sorry, I got to go and give a few interviews.”

The football player knew this all too well because she was an professional athlete aswell, that’s why she released you from your hug even though Lucy would have preferred to hold you a little longer: “I’ll meet you afterwards.”

Confidently you faced the press: “Well you did not see the last of me and you all were so convinced I’d never come back but here I’m.”

“I guess we were wrong about that.”, one journalist shouted back.

A bit less cocky you announced: “So I’m ready to answer you guys’ question.”

“How does it feel?”, a female reporter asked.

Your eyes looked dreamy while you replied: “It feels amazing. I always dreamed of being in the Olympics final and I still can’t believe that this dream is coming true.”

“You’ve been waiting for this for four years now. Your opponent was the favourite in these Olympics. Does it make this win even better?”

You waited a moment to gather your thoughts before you told the journalist: “It kind of does, especially because she’s currently the number one in the world and I really admire her talent. So yes, it makes this win taste even better. And the fact that my loved ones were here to watch this means the world to me.”  

“We saw a few of the lioness’s watch. Including your girlfriend. She must be very proud.”, one of them remarked, with a mischievous smile on her lips.

“Yes, I think Lucy is quite proud. Actually, she’s very impatiently waiting behind the cameras for me to be done so we can celebrate my win together.”

For a moment you could see your girlfriend grinning about the comment you made in front of the press, Lucy was not known for her patience.

The journalist opposite you couldn’t contain a smile; “In that case, we won’t keep you any longer. Congratulations on that win again and best of luck to the lionesses for their game tomorrow as well.“ “Oh, don’t worry. Lucy will do anything to win the upcoming games with her teammates. Good night to you all. See you after the final. Hopefully smiling again.“

With a confident smile, you left your place in front of the press and were immediately greeted by Lucys hug. She carefully kissed the top of your head with as grin; “Hey.“

“Hey.“, you smiled back.

Clearly amused, she raised her eyebrows; “Advertising for our game after your own win?“

“Of course. And I’ll be there cheering for you girls in the stands too.“, you laughed. “That’s real sportsmanship.“ You nodded; “As it should be! Girls support girls.“ “What about girlfriends supporting girlfriends?“, Lucy asked with a smirk on her lips.

For a second you grimaced, “I guess they know that you’re my girlfriend now… Hope you don’t mind that.“ You could feel your cheeks flush, but Lucy calmly shook her head; “I don’t. We never made it a secret anyway. And now I can do that.“ Before you knew what she was talking about, she pulled you closer and passionately pressed her lips on yours.

You laughed into the kiss; “You could not wait for this, huh?“ “No.“ “Lucky for you, me neither.“ Lucy took that as a signal to take your hand and nod in the direction of the exit; “Want to leave? And celebrate your win?“ “Yes, please.“, you replied as you let her drag you along. “Let’s go then.“

[ben-talks-art]

Lin Beifong has no wins in Legend Of Korra

Something that always bothered me in regards to the way this series treated the character of Lin was the fact that it never felt like any of Lin's victories actually gave the feeling of being victories.

Maybe it's because it's been years since I watched this show, and I'm being selective in what I choose to remember, and I'm just unintentioanlly choosing to remember the bad over the good... but it feels like this series just felt a lot more comfortable dunking on Lin than actually trying to raise her up... And that kinda annoys me a little.

Lin is part of this character achetype that I like to call "The Antisocials", people who, because of personal events in their past, prefer to avoid or have trouble dealing with others. She's basically meant to be the "Zuko" of the team.

I really like this trope, and I really like to see the earth element getting some love, so I was really excited to see Lin getting her moments to shine and kick some ass in the series... Which... for some reason doesn't feel all that prevalent.

Now, don't get me wrong, when Lin needs to fight, she WILL fight, and she looks cool while doing it... But when it comes to her more memorable moments, her getting defeated sadly feels more frequent than her getting some victories.

Like... Let's take a moment to count her Ls:

She got dumped by Tenzin after another woman seduced him

A terrorist started to attack her city and kept getting away from her

She was unable to stop her men from getting captured and losing their powers

Eventually she herelf got captured and lost her bending

She's constantly getting mocked and looked down upon by other characters

Her own sister left a scar on her face while committing a crime and faced basically no consequences, only to years later have a life filled with success while Lin is all alone

Her own mother acts like she couldn't care less about her struggles

Neither of the two ever gave Lin a proper apology and instead just tried to pull an Mirabel from "Encanto" and tell her to get over it

She basically played no role in all of season 2

And when she tired to face her family about her problems she was simply treated as the one in the wrong

Now let's count her "wins:"

She allowed Tenzin's family to get away from Amon in season 1... At the cost of her getting captured... Only for the family itself to get caught later anyway

She saved Korra from falling, which allowed Amon to get away with her men

In season 3 she gets clobbered by the combustion woman so her sister can land the finishing blow

and In season 4 she tries to rescue her family, only to nearly fail and needing to be saved by her mother, who proceeds to give her the most bare-bones of moments of reconciliation, because God forbid we let our fan-favorite character from the first series show a little humility for her own daughter in her moment of weakness

It just felt like the show was afraid of ever letting Lin be a badass and giving her a real win moment.

It doesn't even need to be a battle win. She could have had a moment with Korra where she teaches her some life lesson, or teach her how to metal bend and listen to the earth, or she could have had some scenes where her actions save the day, like, how come she never gets to save her sister and mother but both of them end up saving her? Or even some character moments like her bonding with Mako, or Tenzin's kids or something... I don't think she even really interacts with anyone in a meaningfull way.

If you were to ask me who her best friend in the series was, I would have no idea what to say.

Her biggest "win" in the series was getting to wake up all happy after "solving" her personal demons, an act she achieved by... fighting her sister and venting out all her anger, I guess.

I don't know if it's just me but Lin's victories on the show all feel so shallow, as if they were telling us she was achieving things instead of actually feeling like she was. At times, she felt like the show's punching bag. Insted of being the Zuko of the story, she came more as the Squidward.

Someone who's there just to lose to the villains and make them look strong and making other characters look cool while they save her with her big lesson being that she needs to learn to be less grumpy.

Lin should be so easy to make cool! Like, you see her design, her powers and abilities, her personality, her verstility for several different types of action scenes and versatility for also different interactions with the rest of the cast...

But instead it felt like they were throwing darts at a wall trying to pick a different way to dunk on her every time, as if they were afraid of makiing her too cool.

I don't know, maybe I'm just being salty and petty because I wish more had been done with her and that's causing me to only focus on the negatives, making them look and sound a lot worse than they actually were, while also ignoring all the big positives about her time on the screen...

But sometimes it felt to me like the show was more interested in hyping up everyone else and giving them a moment to shine over Lin.

Like, again, her own sister got to take down one of the big members of the Red Lotus, and she basically becomes one of the main characters in season 4, while Toph gets to train and help heal Korra.

These two got to look so much cooler in just two seasons than Lin got to look in all 4, and I can't even fully enjoy them being cool because all I keep thinking when I look at them is "You two did Lin dirty."

If they had had an actual honest earned moment of reconciliation, I feel like I would be in heaven watching both of them kicking ass, cause again, I love the earth element, but instead I would just be "God, I wish this was Lin doing all this cool stuff instead."

I'm not exactly sure what the mindset was behind the way they wanted to handle her, not sure if there was studio interference, or mismanagement, or if Nickelodeon's meddling affected things, or what...

I'm just trying to say, I feel like Lin deserved better. I still like her character a lot but I can't help but feel even more could have been done with her.

[fluffyslothdragon]

Circe’s Guardian (tw: mentions of suicide)

Circe realizes that her ability to thwart men from hurting her nymph is only as good as she can prepare for them. While she wants to have help in protecting her nymphs, she doesn’t want to put her nymphs into more danger, and knows that acquiring the help of an adult human could lead to turning on her and the nymphs, so she decides to raise a guardian (read: steal a child).

She calls a favor from Helios to help her find the best possible option. 

Helios sees the ‘Odysseus failing insanity’ incident, and reports this to Circe, who decides that such intelligence and love for family must be genetic (because the gods probably have no idea of human development).

Circe pulls a Mother Gothel and kidnaps Telemachus, but unlike Mother Gothel, Circe raises Telemachus with the kind of love he’ll need to protect the nymphs. 

Telemachus sees the nymphs as his aunts and sisters, with Circe as his mom, and Circe never hesitates to tell him that he was hand selected to help protect the nymphs.

After a close call when Telemachus was much younger, he quickly picks up methods to do do this (though Circe would like to wait until he’s older). 

Methods include:

Watching the strangers on the beach to ensure they stay there

If any venture in the island he’ll try to make them turn back by moving around the trees all creepy-like (making sailors think the island is haunted).

If that doesn’t work, then he goes straight to Circe with the speed and efficiency that only a little gremlin raised on the island can have.

Circe can’t seems to talk him out of this, so these are the terms they’ve agreed on

When the Circe Sage hits, Telemachus is around 11.

Puppeteer happens like it does in canon, except Eury tells Odysseus that he opened the wind bag.

Eurylochus explains that he didn’t to cause the storm, he just wanted to let out a little bit to prove to the others that there was no treasure. Ody’s still mad because - you know - all but 43 men are left, and this happened right off the coast of home. Ody sends Eury on the patrol just to get him out of his sight while he calms down. (and by that I mean Polities calms him down.)

Either Telemachus doesn’t show up to the patrol, or Eurylochus forgot to mention him, but either way, Odysseus goes to save the men that were turned to pigs.

He runs into Telemachus (who only refers to himself as Little Cub) and the kid tries to get him to turn back, but Ody brings up the argument that Circe is the queen of the nymphs, and Odysseus is the king of his men, so the need to protect is mutual.

Ody doesn’t recognize Tel because as far as he’s aware, Telemachus is safe at home with Penelope and the girl squad.

Telemachus witnesses the events of Wouldn’t You Like, and rushes to tell Circe about it all before Odysseus gets to the palace.

Circe basically tells Odysseus that she knows about the Moly, and the two talk it out, Circe agreeing to help the men, and Ody swearing to not hurt the nymphs.

Polities and Eury take one good look at Telemachus, and realize that the girl squad is halfway through a 10/10 panic attack. They say nothing since Ody’s already in bad shape, and they don’t want to risk pissing off Circe.

Circe quickly sees the similarities as well, and after Helios confirms her suspicions, she realizes that she’s gonna lose her guardian.

Seeing as how the crew just got ravaged by Poseidon, many of the men are hurt, and everyone’s exhausted, the crew stay on the island for a while patching up the men, then fixing the ship, and planning the route to the underworld, then home.

In this time, Odysseus come to realize that this gremlin of a child is his gremlin of a child, and Done For gets rewritten in the context of a custody battle. 

Circe wins by reminding Odysseus that the whole reason he’s on this island is because he pissed off Poseidon, so a ship may not be safe for a child. Odysseus agrees, and figures out alternatives, all of which hinge on him getting home. Circe gives him extra potions to help with this, one of which more important than the others.

When the crew leaves, Circe creates an amulet that allows Telemachus to teleport to Ithaca and Aeaea, so that he can meet his birth family and stay connected to her.

Telemachus goes home, reunites with the girl squad, and informs them of the crew’s situation, which brings relief to Penelope and Ctimene, and just in time to stop Anticlea from another ending herself attempt (Penelope and Ctimene have had to stop her several times at this point)

Despite their best efforts, the suitors start to come. Telemachus, who was raised to protect the nymphs, drives many of the suitors away Kevin McAllister style (if you know, you know).

Back with the crew, the events play closer to the actual Odyssey, so the six men to Scylla were purely by random, and not by Odysseus’ doing, although the golden cow killing was more of an accident. The ship as a whole gets sent to Calypso’s island.

Despite the crew’s best efforts, Calypso takes a greater liking in Odysseus, and he slowly but surly looses his mind.

Back to Ithaca, the Wisdom Saga plays out how it did, with some slight changes in context with this version of events.

While not at 108, the suitors that remain have come to the conclusion that unruly witch Telemachus (because of course the kid’s been staying close to mama Circe) is just in need of a good father figure. AKA: they’ll slap him around for his shenanigans after marrying Penelope.

After being released from Calypso’s island, many of the men stay as they don’t have anything/anyone waiting for them back in Ithaca, they’re just done with the sailing, and they like the island.

The skeleton crew that does go home does what they can to help Odysseus get his mind back in order.

Lots of this help comes in the form of Circe’s potions (save for the special one which is used in 600 Strikes, making the water some serious level of acidic which only makes the stabbing worse.)

Finally back at Ithaca, the challenge happens, the suitors get killed, and Odysseus, Eurylochus, and Polities are finally reunited with the girl squad, and Telemachus.

[tbznewberry]

The boyz become human — part 2

Part 1

The androids have been put to work, but they can't seem to forget you. And one dark, Friday night, they finally find you again.

Genre: yandere, sci-fi, Detroit become human AU

Warnings: strip club, uncomfortable atmosphere, drunken men, fighting, spelling mistakes

Kevin looks at the little girl in front of him. She’s hugging her worn out teddy bear tightly as she sobs, wearing a pink jacket. Her mom is a few meters away with Jacob, Sangyeon and Haknyeon, drunk and high as a kite while leaning on a brick wall with a pink LED sign above her. What kind of mother brings her five year old daughter to the strip club? 

Kevin sinks down in front of the little girl with a charming smile. 

“Hi, friend”, he says and pokes the fluffy teddy bear. “What’s your name?”

“Louise.”

“I’m Kevin.” He looks at the thing in her hands. “What a cute little bear you have. What’s its name?”

“Bearie.”

Kevin tilts his head. “What a cute name.”

“He is my best friend.”

“Do you see the guys over there?” 

The little girl looks where Kevin points and nods. 

“Those are my best friends”, he says. 

The little girl's big doe eyes watch him carefully. He can’t understand why. Is he scaring her? He’s doing everything to win her over. He’s doing everything he’s been programmed and taught to do. He scans her. She’s scared, confused and interested.

“Are you an android?” she asks. 

“I am”, he answers. 

“Mommy says androids are bad … they take her job.”

“I’m a nice android. I’m here to help you.” He grows quiet. “Can I hug you? You seem like you need a hug.”

The girl nods carefully. Kevin places his arms around her and lifts her up. She puts her small arms around his neck in response. He starts to walk away from the others with his mission sounding in his head: take the little girl to the police station. 

“Where are we going?” the little girl whispers.

“We are going somewhere warm so you won’t freeze”, Kevin answers. 

He can’t feel the cold, but she can. Along with the scan of her feelings, he also saw her body temperature. Minute by minute it drops and if they stay out here in this cold any longer, he’ll fail his mission. His body is heated like always and he relies on it to keep her warm for now. 

“Mommy!” the little girl shouts, but her mother doesn’t react or respond. “I want to go to mommy!”

Kevin’s brain stops. Should he lie or tell her the truth? After this, her mother won’t ever have custody over this poor little girl again, but he can’t tell her that, can he? That’d be cruel. But he shouldn’t lie. He’s programmed to have morality. 

“She’ll come too”, he says. “We’ll go first. You have to warm up.”

He sits down in the backseat of the automatic car and it starts to drive. He holds the little girl in his lap, keeping her close enough to warm her up. 

“Look out the window, can you count the streetlights for me?” he says, pointing out the window. 

“I can count to twenty”, she says proudly. 

“You can? What a good little girl you are!”

“How high can you count?”

“Not as high as you!”

Of course he can. He can count infinitives, but his duty comes before bragging. He has to bond with the little girl. 

She eventually falls asleep on him in the car. Kevin turns to look out the window until they reach the police station. His human colleagues are in their office, talking to each other when he enters with the girl in his arms. 

“Here’s the kid”, he says. “Louise.”

“Where’s her mom?” one of the humans asks. 

“She’s with the others. I brought the kid here.”

“Stay with her until we’ve come up with what we should do.”

A new mission. 

“Understood”, Kevin says and sits down in an armchair with Louise in his arms. 

She sleeps soundly, hugging the teddy bear. He sits there for two hours before the others come with the mother in tow.

“Then it’s done”, the human male says, taking Louise. “We don’t need you anymore today. You can go charge.”

“And the girl?” Kevin asks. “What’ll happen to her?”

“She’ll get placed in a foster home and a nice family will probably adopt her.”

“Probably? Aren’t you sure?”

“You can never be sure.”

“What if no one adopts her?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not your job. Go charge now.”

The man leaves. Kevin gives the sleeping five year old one last gaze before reuniting with his friends.

——♤——

A protest against androids is occurring on the town’s square and the police send the eleven androids. They can’t understand why. Won't this only upset them more?

They reach the square and see how people with big signs are yelling in a choir. They're dressed in thick jackets with hats and gloves. The androids all around them are dressed in their workers suits. All androids are categorized and can be identified based on their outfit. Like the eleven androids, they're wearing gray suits.

"Leave!" a woman shouts at the androids that just came to the protest.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but we can't", Sangyeon says. "We're sent by the police. We're obligated to be here to make sure nothing happens."

"Oh, fuck off!" the leader yells into a megaphone. "No one wants you here!"

"We're not going to stop your protest", Changmin says, holding his hand in front of him to show that he’s not a threat. "We're here to make sure that no one gets hurt. We'll just watch."

"If you don't hurt us, we won't hurt you", Sunwoo says. “Fair?”

The man with the megaphone scoffs and goes back to yelling about how androids are stealing real humans' jobs, how they're untrustworthy and that they're too expensive to produce. That the money should be given to humans in need instead. Kevin remembers the little girl. People like her could need some money.

They stand around, watching. 

After a while, something catches Juyeon’s eyes. He recognizes that beige coat. Y/N? Juyeon moves his head to the side to see the face before she disappears. It is Y/N! She's carrying shopping bags and walks towards the bus stop. Juyeon stares at her before putting his hand on Younghoon’s shoulder and moves his head. They both look at Y/N without saying anything, but they know that both of them want to walk over to her. She shouldn't be walking all alone like she's doing in this hateful world and those bags look awfully heavy. She hasn't seen any of them, but they wish she would have. They can't go against their mission, they're programmed to follow orders. But if she could come over here … then they could talk! He wants to leave. He wants to go over to Y/N and bring her home safely, carrying the shopping bags for her. 

But he can't.

He scans her to make sure she's alright at least. If she isn't, he'll have to try to break his programming somehow. She's calm, neutral. 

"These dirty scams are separating families!" 

Juyeon looks back at the man. He has pulled up an article about their rescue mission last week on a holographic ipad. About the drug addicted mom and that five year old daughter. 

"We saved that little girl", Kevin says. "Her mother wasn't suitable."

The humans refuse to listen. The androids want to leave, they don't want to be standing here and listening to these airheads complaining about their people right in front of them. But they can't. They can't break the invisible wall.

——♤——

A friday night. Something is bound to happen. They wait in the police station, sitting down on chairs, staring in front of them. 

“Hey”, a male coworker says as he walks over to them. “There’s a fight at a concert … a few drunk men. You need to go there.” He shows the coordinates on his holographic ipad. “Go.”

The eleven androids stand up and make their way out to the cars. Drunk, fighting men is not unusual. 

When they reach the concert hall, they can see that the fight is occurring outside. They hurry over to the group, separating them. 

“Hey, guys, this is not how we should be spending a friday night”, Jaehyun says and grabs one of their arms. 

“Fuck off!” the one he holds growls, trying to rip it from him to no avail. “Let me go, asshole!”

“No, I can’t. Do you have children, sir?”

“Why the fuck od you care?”

“To succeed with my mission, that information can be vital.”

“God, fine. Yes … yes, I have. Why do you care?”

“Do you think your kids would want to see their father come home all bloody, knowing what he’s done? I can tell that you are angry. Imagine if you accidentally kill one of these men you’re fightingg. You’ll never see your children again. And they’ll resent you.”

Chanhee and some of the others start checking up on girlfriends to the ones involved. The ones that had to watch something so unpleasant. His eyes wander around after more people that seem affected. A woman stands by the wall, wearing a brown shirt and blue jeans. She hugs herself, crying. Chanhee can tell who it is right away. 

New mission. 

“Y/N?” he asks, running over. 

He scans her quickly, finding fear, disgust and stress. She’s cold and tired. 

The woman looks up, meeting Chanhee’s eyes. The LED on his temple quickly flashes to yellow before going back to blue. Why is she crying? What has happened? He places his hands on her shoulders. 

“What are you doing here?” he asks gently. 

She wipes her tears. 

“My stupid friend asked me to join him … that he had an extra ticket to whoever is playing tonight!” she sniffles. “And now he’s fighting with some strangers he’ll never see again … and he ruined the night for both of us.”

“It’s okay”, Chanhee whispers and hugs her in the only way they’ll ever hug her. Protectively. “Don’t cry. You’re not hurt.”

“Not physically”, she sniffles. “But I don’t know if I want to be his friend anymore.”

Chanhee follows her eyes to the bloody man in Jacob’s hold. 

“Good”, he says shortly and glances down at her tear stained cheeks. “I’ll take you home. You shouldn’t be here. You’re freezing and you’re tired.”

He removes his gray blazer, placing it around her shoulders. 

“N-No, you need that”, Y/N says and is about to remove it, but he stops her. 

“For what? Stylish purposes? I don’t feel the cold. You’re shivering.”

“I’m okay, Chanhee. My jacket is somewhere indoors-”

“I don’t find it safe for you to walk inside again. You should be taken home.” He fixes the blazer to make sure it’ll keep her warm.

“Before we go, I need to get my friend …”

“No, you don’t. He’s going to the police station. He’s a threat for you after what he’s done tonight. He’s still very aggressive, see? He’s fighting with Jacob and Sunwoo.”

“I hope he doesn’t hurt them.”

“He won’t, don’t worry.” Chanhee places his arm around her shoulder. “Come on now, let's get you home.”

He walks with her to one of the automatic cars and helps her get into the front seat. She sighs out before telling her address. Chanhee looks at her the entire car ride, knowing that he’ll have to leave her soon. She’s tired, he can tell. That friend shouldn’t have dragged her out to that concert on a friday night. 

“Is your life good?” he asks. 

“Yeah, yeah … it’s good”, Y/N says. “I’m working and sleeping.”

“Eating?” 

“Yeah, I cook.”

“Your health and safety is my number one concern.”

“Why?”

“You’re our creator. We have to make sure you’re alright.” 

“What are you going to do after you drop me off?” 

“I’ll continue my mission.”

“What’s your mission?”

“Right now it’s to get you home safely. But actually, it’s to stop the fight. I’ll go back there after I’m done.”

Y/N nods carefully. 

“Are you happy with your job?” she asks after a while with her gaze down at her fingers. “Is it fun?”

“Fun?” he asks. “I don’t understand what you mean, but it’s my duty. I’ll do it.”

Y/N doesn’t say anything, but she’s visibly thinking. She dozes off for a few seconds before waking herself up and apologizing. 

“You don’t have to apologize”, Chanhee says. “Sleep. I’ll protect you.”

She gives him a careful gaze before shutting her eyes. He watches her minute after minute, not looking away for even a second. They’ll be separated soon, he has to take in every detail, every flaw and perfection, every little piece of her.  

When the car stops, he finds himself not wanting to wake her up. She’s sleeping so soundly, waking her up will be cruel. He could just carry her … 

Carefully, he walks out of the car, around it and opens her door. Slowly, he places his arms under her and picks her up, carrying her over to the front door of the villah. She looks so small and fragile in his arms, wearing his blazer on top of that. He doesn’t want to leave. She needs him there to protect her. 

He starts looking through her small bag before finding her keys. With her in his arms, he unlocks it and walks inside. It's dimly lit.

"Welcome home, Y/N", a voice says.

A female android walks into the hall. A housekeeper.

"Y/N?" she repeats and hurries over to Chanhee. "What happened?"

"She's just sleeping", he answers. "Are you her housekeeper?"

"Yes, I'm model AX400, she has named me Liv."

Chanhee glances down at her name tag, just below her right shoulder. When you name an android, their serial number disappears and gets replaced with the name. It's not fair that it hasn't happened to him and his friends. It's best that not everyone knows their names.

"Yeah, I can read", Chanhee answers.

"Let me take Y/N to her bedroom", Liv says.

"No, back away. I'll do it."

His grip on the woman grows tighter. If she comes closer, he’ll fight. Liv shows him the way to the woman's bedroom. Chanhee walks with a straight back and places Y/N down in her bed, tucking her in gently. 

"I recognize you", Liv says. "You're one of the ones she designed, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Follow me."

Chanhee watches the android leave the bedroom. He fixes the covers for Y/N. Something in him calms down at the peaceful expression on her face. Such a precious human being. Carefully, he makes sure she's sleeping soundly and comfortably before following Liv into a small office right next to the bedroom. Drawings and sketches of him and the others are plastered all over the room with measurements and features the papinter "can't forget" as it’s written all over the papers. He studies every inch of every paper, mesmerized. 

"She worked on you for quite some time", Liv says behind him. "Day out and day in, never taking a break. She almost got burned out because of how much time she spent on the eleven of you."

Chanhee walks over to the messy desk and starts looking through all the stuff that lies scattered. He finds a self portrait of Y/N she drew two months ago. Carefully he picks it up and lets his fingertips follow the outline of her face. 

The sketches and paintings he finds of himself interests him in a way he can't understand. It's himself he's seeing, why is he so attached to them? The thought of her putting down countless hours designing him, doing her best to make him beautiful … it warms his artificial heart. Putting her heart and soul into him and his friends without even knowing she was getting paid is something not a lot of people would do. She wanted to create them voluntarily. He has to protect her. It’s the least he can do back for everything she’s done for them. Without her, they wouldn’t be who they are — they might not even exist. 

“I think it’s best that you leave now”, Liv says. 

“I’ll go in two minutes”, he says. “I have to make sure that Y/N is okay.”

“She’ll be alright, I’ll take care of her.”

“You haven’t given me any evidence to trust you.”

Liv doesn’t answer. For a few seconds, Chanhee wonders if he should kill her. She could be a threat towards Y/N. He doesn’t know anything about this housekeeper android. He has no idea if there are any defects that could harm her or if it’s plain evil. No one knows what’s going on behind closed doors. Nothing should harm his creator. In this world of evil humans, she’s a pure being. The world doesn't deserve someone so unselfish. 

Chanhee walks inside Y/N’s bedroom and picks up his blazer with his eyes fixated on the sleeping woman. He shouldn't leave. He really, really shouldn't. His mission is to protect his creator. It's his law. But she's not showing any signs of being in danger. What should he do? 

He has to go back to the concert. That mission isn't done yet, he can't break the invisible wall that tells him to continue his mission. But he wants to. He doesn’t want to leave. Gently, he pets Y/N’s head. Her hair is so soft, so human, so lively. Everything about Y/N grows and changes. It’s interesting to him. He’ll stay the same for years and years until he no longer can function. HIs memory card will easily be put into another new and improved body, but Y/N will change and mold to fit herself. Her organs will grow weaker and weaker over the years and so will the rest of her. And he’ll be there to protect her. 

“Please leave now”, the android behind him says.

“I will”, Chanhee says. “But I will be back. I’m going to check up on her tomorrow morning to make sure my creator is okay.”

“You’re more than welcome to come, but for now, I want you to leave before you wake my owner. I don’t want an android I don’t know and have never seen to be here when she isn’t conscious. Please leave.”

“Fine. But I’d never hurt her. Don’t even imply that.”

Chanhee looks down at Y/N one last time before being escorted out of the house. He looks up at the house, taking a mental picture of both the house and the address on the street to remember for later. He will be back.

The car ride back somehow feels longer than the ride to her house. He can still smell her scent on his blazer. Sweet like honey. 

He reunites with the others outside the concert hall. People are going home and the situation is under control by now. They’ve separated the men into four corners where they’re interrogating them about what, how and when the fight started. 

“Where have you been?” Changmin asks him. 

“Y/N was here”, Chanhee says. “She is friends with one of the guys involved in this mess. She was shaken up. I had to take her home.”

“She was here?”

“Yeah, she was crying.”

“You didn’t tell me.”

“I had to get her home.”

“Yeah … yeah, you’re right. Good job.”

“I know where she lives. I’m going there tomorrow to check up on her.”

“I’m coming with you.”

Chanhee nods. Together with Changmin he walks over to the man that supposedly is Y/N’s friend. He’s bloody and drunk.

“You’re coming with us”, Changmin says. “We’re taking you to the police station.”

“I can’t leave”, he slurs. “I have to get Y/N-”

“I’ve already taken care of her”, Chanhee cuts him off. “Get up.”

The man whines annoyingly. Chanhee wants to tell him to shut up, but he knows that an android shouldn’t be disrespectful to a human. They drag him over to the automatic car he and Y/N were sitting in just thirty minutes earlier. Her scent still lingers in the confined space. The two androids sit down in the front and lean back in their seats as the automatic drives. 

“You’re a friend of Y/N’s, aren’t you?” Chanhee asks shortly. 

“Yes, we’ve known each other for two years”, the man slurs. “Love her, but she’s such a prude.”

The two androids glance at each other. How dare he?

“I don’t like your wording”, Changmin says warningly. “You should watch your mouth.”

“No, no, no, no, no” the man slurs. “Don’t get me wrong! Love her, love her lots, but she only thinks about work and never wants to hang out with me. I’m trying to get her loosened up but she never opens up.”

“Stop trying then”, Chanhee says. “She's not interested.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about”, the drunk man continues. “You don’t know anything about human feelings … she’d like it … she just doesn’t know it yet. Humans do that. They lie to themselves. I know that if she just gave me a chance and actually let loose for once, she’d see how fun and cool I am. But she never wants to go out, never wants to meet people … took me hours to get her to come with me tonight and she doesn’t even dress appropriately! Who shows up to a rock concert in a white, knitted shirt and jeans?! We weren’t going to fucking grandma’s for thanksgiving dinner! You come in appropriate clothing!”

Chanhee turns on the radio to drown out his annoying voice. 

——♤——

The word spread. By Saturday morning, everyone knows about what Chanhee did last night and what he plans to do today and they invite themselves in. They check with their supervisors to make sure they don’t have any missions. Upon hearing that they’re free until lunch, they set off for their cars. Chanhee gives the others the address before they close their doors. The villah is a fifteen minute car ride away from the police station. They pass by LED signs, people chatting and androids pushing strollers. A normal Saturday morning. 

The cars stop by the side of the road and the eleven androids jump out and make their way over to the white front door. Chanhee warns them about Liv. Sangyeon knocks. Hoping for Y/N to open, only to get disappointed by seeing Liv at the front door.  

“You’re back”, she states. “And you brought the others.”

“We want to see her”, Sangyeon says. 

“I’ll go ask her, wait here.”

Liv closes the door again and they wait. Strong November winds roar through their hair and clothes, but they don’t feel it. Humans are hiding in their thick jackets, prepping gloves and hats for the winter season but for the androids, it’s just another Saturday. 

The door opens again and the android steps aside, letting them walk in. Carefully, they step inside the hall, looking around. Liv disappears into the kitchen and they notice how Y/N hides in the end of the hallway, wearing a pink satin robe with her arms wrapped around herself. Their eyes fall onto her. She’s confused … scared. 

“Good morning, Y/N”, Jacob says. “I hope we didn’t wake you.”

“No … no, I’ve been up for an hour …”, she says quietly, fixing a strand of hair that falls out from behind her ear. “What are you doing here?”

“We wanted to visit you”, Kevin says. “We haven’t seen you in quite some time.”

“No … I know. I thought it was supposed to be like that. I told you …”

“Don’t you want to meet us?” Eric asks. 

“Well … of course I do, but … it’ll just make me sad and I’ll start to despise you so I think it’s better if we don’t meet. If we meet accidentally — like last night — then yes, sure … but you shouldn’t come here.”

“Why would you despise us, Y/N?” Sunwoo wonders. 

“I told you before. I don’t want to grow attached to you. I’ll only get hurt from that. Besides … I didn’t make you for myself. You’re not mine anymore. Our … our collaboration is over. It’s for the best if we don’t speak too much.”

“Don’t say that”, Younghoon says. “You’re our creator, we still need you. We’re yours.”

Y/N smiles slightly. 

“I really do wish the best for you, guys”, she says. “I hope you know that.”

“Miss, your breakfast is done”, Liv says. 

“Thank you, I’ll be there soon.” She turns back to the androids in her hall. “I was about to ask if you want to join me for breakfast, but you don’t eat.”

“We’d like to sit and chat”, Juyeon says. 

Y/N nods slowly and starts to walk towards the kitchen. They follow like dogs. She sits down by her table where Liv has placed out a plate of waffles and a cup of coffee. 

“You don’t drink coffee, do you?” Y/N asks and gets a negative answer back. “This is my kind of charger. You have electricity … I have caffeine.”

“You’re not shaken up anymore”, Chanhee states. 

“No, I’m not, thankfully. Just tired … and very confused. Did you choose to come here by yourself or did someone tell you to come here?”

“We wanted to visit you”, Sangyeon says. 

“Voluntarily?”

They nod.

“Are you supposed to be able to do that?” Y/N asks, voice now cautious.

“It seems like it”, Sunwoo answers. “We can anyway.”

Y/N picks up the coffee cup with a shaking hand, spilling the burning liquid on herself. For a second, her entire mood shifts into the danger zone. They rise quickly and hurry over, taking the cup out of her hands and start to check if she’s alright.

“Stop!” Y/N almost shouts. “Stop it!”

When they don’t, she gets up from the chair and backs away, over to Liv. 

“Please leave”, the human begs. "Something isn't right with you. I'll have to contact Cyberlife and see. Something isn't right."

"What do you mean?" Kevin asks. "We don't have any malfunctions."

"W-Well … something must have gone wrong. You're not supposed to want to visit me. You're supposed to follow orders. D-Do you have human emotions?"

"No, we don't comprehend human emotions", Sangyeon says.

"Then why do you want to visit me? How is that working?”

"You're our creator", Jacob says. "We just … want to. We can't explain it."

"It's only you though", Changmin says.

That doesn't seem to calm her down. Her anxiety is rising second by second. They want to walk over to her and comfort her, but her body language tells them not to. They can’t break the invisible wall.

"Alright", she says sternly. "I'm very flattered that you wanted to check up on me. I'm doing just fine. But now I think you should leave. I'll call Cyberlife later today."

The androids give up and make their way over to the front door. 

“I’ll wash that robe for you, miss”, they hear Liv say. “Are you hurt?”

“No, no, I’m fine”, Y/N answers. “Don’t worry about it.”

The androids look at each other, with the same thought in their artificial minds. They’ll be back. 

[two-white-butterflies]

Coaxed You Into Paradise - c. 2

Description: The life of Saera Targaryen told in four acts. She was her father's forgotten daughter, cast aside as she looked nothing like her mother. Her younger days were spent beside her uncle. Years following her marriage with Ser Harwin Strong, she catches him in an affair with her older sister. She returns to seek solace in the arms of her uncle, that she's loved all her life.

(Coaxed You Into Paradise and High Infidelity Rewrite.)

masterlist for this series

Chapter Two: Dragondreamers

When Aemma Arryn was heavy with her second-child, Viserys would speak about a dream – that this child would come out and wear the crown of Kings. When Saera Targaryen was born, her father expected a little boy, but received another girl. 

There were no feasts or tourneys. 

Visiting lords would wear black, and offer their deepest sympathies. Saera's birth was a tragedy – another failure of siring a son. Her mother tried again, she promised to bear a son – but she will fail. The Queen will not birth sons, rather dragons of impunity. 

Aemma Arryn's first daughter, Rhaenyra was bold and forged of fire, her hair was the lightest shade of ivory – she walked around court with a fiery aura, lighting the realm on fire. She was called "The Realm's Delight" and all that saw her, claimed that she was the most beautiful maiden in all the seven kingdoms. 

Her youngest daughter, Saera was the opposite – she was demure and quiet, naive to the world around her. Her hair was a darker shade of white, her eyes were a lighter shade of purple – she was hardly noticed around her father's court. They provided no title, nor songs filled with admiration – but she was the white dragon. The blood that would save the realm. 

She leaned slightly at the rim of the royal-box. Saera dreaded tournaments, they were more akin to plays rather than real warfare. It was men making their own problems because their minds are incapable of elaborate thought. "Bored?" Daemon leaned on her shoulder, taking a casual sip of his wine. 

"I wish to lay in my bed." she complained, holding the goblet tightly in her hand. She was going to be forced to stay another hour – or two. "The tourney bores me." she huffed, leaning into him naturally. 

Daemon was about to open his mouth – mention a few more words of rebellion, but Saera wasn't like that. She listened to her father, and followed all of his rules. To do something – to mention anything would mean changing her. And he loved her as is. 

"The tournament is a proper way to meet knights. One of them could be your future husband." he chuckled. She likes spending her days with her uncle. He treated her like an equal – a person who wielded the same power as him. "Knights bore me," she yawned while watching Criston Cole win another fight. 

He grabs his chest, acting like he was in great pain. "I am a knight, my dragon – you hurt me." he joked. She smiles slightly, before turning her attention back to the tournament. She was not a fan of violence – but her uncle craved it like a wanton whore in heat. There was fire in his veins, with coal to fuel it. 

She touches the pendant of her necklace, fiddling with it for comfort. With her sister's neglect and her father's cowardice – Saera has been alone in King's Landing. No one was truly by her side, not until her uncle returned. She wasn't alone. She had him now. 

Then his eyebrows merged together, his posture shifted slightly. Her hands that were once wrapped around the necklace that he gave her, was now free of its hold. Ser Harwin Strong enters the match, with his brazen charisma and broad shoulders. He looked every inch a southern lord. 

Saera stands up as he draws near. He halts in front of her, holding a lance in his arm, smiling at the young princess. "Ser Harwin," she greeted coyly, and he looked up. 

She was a splitting image of the maiden. Cheeks slightly tinted pink, pure and chaste, a perfect maiden and no doubt would become a perfect mother. "My princess," he answered in a sweeter tone. Daemon cringes, and he clenches his fist. "- may I have your favor?" Harwin requested, and she nodded. 

She walks towards the table which holds their favors, she takes a small wreath filled with white roses, giving it to him and earning a cheer from the crowd. Her gaze alternates from the crowd and Harwin. There was no doubt that the Princess found him attractive, his muscular physique, his kind smile and defined face. 

His reputation matched his personality. He looked kind – a white knight to a white princess. "I shall await your victory, ser." she leaned closer. "With your favor, my princess. It is guaranteed." he flirts before trotting away. 

Daemon clenches his jaw, he rises to his feet and stands beside Saera. He's seen this scene unfold far too many times, with young maidens gushing over handsome knights. He hated it, because she should be swooning for him. It should be his lance holding the Princess' favor, and his words causing the scarlett tint on her cheeks. 

"Shall we return to our seats, Saera?" he asked through gritted teeth. His niece obeys, although she chooses to sit beside Queen Aemma, who was heavy with another child. "Ser Harwin would make a fine husband for our daughter, wouldn't he?" Aemma tilts her head, awaiting her daughter's reaction. But Saera remains silent, as she always does. 

"- Lord Lyonel would be delighted as would the Riverlands." Aemma smiles, rubbing circles on her swollen stomach. There was a creature of doubt inside her heart, telling her that this was going to be her last pregnancy. There was a cold feeling in her chest too, an absence of life where it should be. 

"Our daughter needs someone of Valyrian blood." Viserys responded softly, continuing to look at his wife with happiness. 

"I agree, my king. We should not sully our good blood with the likes of the Andals." Daemon agrees, allowing his vitriol to seep through the cracks. Aemma gives him a soft glare, enough to spread chills down his spine. 

"I am of the Andals, brother." she warned, and he knew what it meant. Aemma told him to be careful with his words. "I apologize," Daemon takes a deep breath. 

Since the start of the Queen's pregnancy, tournaments have been held in her name. Viserys was sure that it would be a boy. The entire realm held its breath. Daemon and Saera return their attention back to Harwin Strong. 

The knight was a fucking bull – taller than Daemon by an inch, but Daemon bested him in his skill with weapon. "Why didn't you join the tournament, kepus?" Saera asked innocently, head tilting in Daemon's direction. Viserys laughs loudly, almost mocking his daughter's lack of knowledge. 

"This tournament is not for the likes of Daemon. He will crush them in half a second. Saera, this tournament is held for squires and low knights." Viserys explained in a condescending tone. Saera opts to ignore her father, and Daemon like he's always done – explains the situation with a gentler point of view. 

"I wish to join, my darling, but they don't stand a chance." Daemon teased, watching as Harwin Strong dominated his opponents with ease. 

The knight had potential, if they had met under different circumstances he'd be handed an invitation to join the gold cloaks. But Harwin made the mistake of attempting to woo Saera, and thus Daemon had a personal vendetta against the man. 

"Everyone is weak against you, kepus." Saera continued, watching Harwin with stars in her eyes. A certain curiosity and intrigue. Daemon chuckles, his eyes not leaving hers. There were indeed constellations in her eyes, sparks that only her touch provided. He loved her and she loved him – though both remained unaware of this love. 

When Daemon thought of home – he did not see his older brother, nor his family, but he sees Saera, and he knows that he has something to fight for, now. "Worry not. When the time comes that I join a tourney. I promise to ask for your favor." he smiles, aware of Queen Aemma's gaze. 

— 

The footman announces their arrival, and everyone stands up. 

Lord Corlys was first to sit down, and the lords followed quickly in suit. "You called for this meeting, Lord Corlys?" Viserys asked tired of all the occasions he had to attend. The man nodded his head, clearing his throat and straightening his back. "My informers tell me that a resurgence is about to emerge in the stepstones. The crabfeeders are growing in number." the man informed, pointing at the map in-front of him. 

"They have been attempting to rebel for decades, yet none have ever been successful." The Hand argued, thinking of all the different ways that gold would be drained out of the royal storage. "If we spend more gold and men in attempting to vanquish an impossible happenstance, then our people will starve." Otto exasperated. 

"The Crabfeeders and the Free-Cities have had their discussion –" 

"Do we have delegates in that discussion?" Daemon inquired curtly, body flowing with rage at their pure stupidity. They are fighting for their lives, and the very foundation that their legacy stood upon. 

"No, but –" 

"So we are here to assume that they are discussing for our benefit? When we are not there to ask any questions?" Daemon interrogated, almost standing up due to his pure rage. "I apologize, Lord Corlys and Otto – but this meeting would've been avoided if one of you used your brains." he insulted, and Viserys raised his hand – stopping his brother from spluttering more insults. 

"Prince Daemon, control yourself." Viserys scolded, and his brother returned back to his seat. "The Rebellion in the Stepstones should not be disregarded. We must defeat them before they grow in numbers." Daemon advised, and Lord Corlys stood up. 

"We have a few more years until they reach their full strength. I advise us to think wisely. Where to put our gold and men." Corlys provided, and the Hand was quick to apprehend. "I disagree, my lord. We should ignore the Stepstones, the men are weakened – still in fear of Maegor's reign. We shouldn't spend our gold and rations towards a problem that may never happen." he argued, causing Daemon to anger. 

"It is not a problem, yet." Daemon corrected, earning the approval of Corlys Velaryon. "We should crush them while they are low in numbers. Their reinforcements from the free-cities may arrive soon." he added, preparing to fly to the Stepstones. 

He stands up again, eyes searching the room for his Dark Sister. 

"I disagree –" 

"I think not –" 

The lords around the table were not agreeing to his idea. They didn't want to throw their taxes upon something that will never harm them. Sure, a few hundred may die but what was the worth of a hundred peasant lives? Nothing. Nothing compared to the life of one lord. 

A lone squire walks inside of the room, whispering a few tones to the Hand. "The Crabfeeder has invaded the Stepstones." he announced in a low tone, embarrassed of his mistake. Daemon chuckles, finding the situation to be bitter. Viserys turns towards his brother. "The war is in your hands now." he responded, making Daemon's laugh louder. 

"What do you want me to do? Talk to them peacefully?" he mumbled sarcastically before getting up to leave. 

— —

Otto sighs, briefly furrowing through the small book in his hands. "Prince Daemon is going to be a problem for us." Lancel Hightower, his brother, commented while taking a brief taste of his wine. 

"How do we get rid of him?" he asked, thinking of ways to assassinate the Rogue Prince. 

His younger brother stares up at him with a scoff. "We can't, and we won't." Otto replied, looking back into his journal – scribbling a few notes down. "Why not? It is not hard to kill a man in these parts." Lancel argued, wanting the thought of the Prince off his head. 

Viserys will not send his men to the Stepstones, but Daemon will come there alone, if needed be. 

"Have you ever tried to catch the wind?" Otto could only reply. 

next chapter>>

taglist. @sweetybuzz25 @newtsniffles @loveandlewis-reads @lovecleastrange @julkaamazing @schniiipsel @mirandastuckinthe80s @areaderinlove @i-yam-awesome @ladystardvsts @gracielikegrapes @sweethoneyblossom1

[minty-playhouse]

Who Victorian AU let's gooo

I finally decided to write down proper info on this yay! I also have a very vague outfit post here!

Anyways, here's the character rundown:

John = His mother was a renowned teacher of manners to young women so he kinda went on the same “path” aka he tutors and mentors young men, in particular more problematic and unruly ones that seem to be “beyond help”. Methods are quite… unorthodox but you can’t argue with results. Is assigned to put Roger on the right path after his popularity increases due to being able to tame Keith’s wild behaviour. Is friends with Pete.

Roger = He likes two things: pick up fights and pick up girls. Pretty boy, son of aristocrats who are just so so tired of his behaviour can’t he just not? He hears the hushed rumours that go on about John in the slightly seedy parties he attends to, growing both nervous and curious when his parents announce he would be his new tutor. May or may not catch actual feelings for John down the line.

Keith = Troublesome son of nobles turned model child by John’s tutoring. Actually playing the part of a good son in exchange of getting his sinful ways covered up for John. It’s a win-win for both. Keith gets to continue living in hedonism and John can brag that he “fixed” young Lord Moon. Thing is, he’s truly beyond help. Everything John tried just emboldened him to push things further, so John decided to compromise. A little tooooo into John.

Pete = Outcast member of the clergy due to his “controversial” views and sermons, had the funds to his small church cut by the higher clergy and now relies on donations from the townsfolk to keep things running. Close friends with John, is both appalled and fascinated by John’s tales of debauchery. John helps him with keeping the church going by giving him money, even if Pete doesn’t know if money acquired in such way is the right type of money to fund a church.

((they all look vaguely as they do in the RnR Circus era because they were al dumb gorgeous during that))

Also, basic (but very spoilery) storyline under the read more!

Roger’s parents had enough of their son who keeps getting into fist fights and keeps chasing after girls (even the ones already taken!) so they get in touch with John, who recently got renown for helping the Moon family put their crazy son back in the right track. He for sure can help fix their mess of a son.

And yes, John is very good at fixing young men who are problematic, but also I’m not saying he’s banging these young men into obedience, but he definitely is. And it works like a charm. Until it doesn’t when he meets Keith.

Keith is just too much to handle. No matter how much John pushes boundaries or punishes him, it’s never quite enough. But if John could “fix” him, everyone would know him, and after all, he has his mother’s reputation to keep, she never failed once, and he isn’t about to.

John and Keith strike a deal where John will help him keep his unruly behaviour under wraps IF he agrees to play along and keep a good behaviour for appearances. Keith accepts. After all, it’ll take the load out of his parent’s breathing down his neck all the time, not to mention is an excuse to keep him and John connected, and Keith would take any opportunity to see him he can.

Naturally, since Roger likes brawling and sex, the parties he attends to are a little on the sleazy side, and he hear stories from other men about what John does to his protégés, and colour him surprised when his parents tell him that John is coming over to be his tutor.

John becomes very interested because Roger actually pre-emptively pushes his buttons. He clearly knows what’s up. He wonders just how much Roger knows though. He can’t help but worry that he heard about his “failure” with Keith, but it soon becomes clear he simply heard about his methods, and seems more than a little eager to witness it.

But if he just gives in to Roger then it doesn’t really make him learn anything now, does it? So he holds back, watching Roger bent over backwards to get a reaction out of him, but no, it’s gonna be under his own terms. He still punishes Roger plenty for misbehaving, but never gives him what he really wants, and Roger is going crazy until he realizes, “OK, fine. I’ll just… do it”. John really knows how to hold his ground.

Meanwhile John’s still meeting with Keith here and there, to help with their ploy and also so they can bang. Keith slowly growing to realize he can’t feel truly satisfied unless he’s with John, while John becomes strangely fascinated by Roger. A big recipe for disaster.

Roger and John begin to grow closer, which starts shifting John’s attention from Keith to Roger, which Keith Does Not Like™. Him and John had a deal right? They have something. He is his crowning achievement, isn’t he? He wouldn’t replace him now, would he??

Cue Keith’s jealousy kicking in and him becoming obsessed with John being his like it’s bad enough Keith had to witness John discipline other guys before this, but now this is too much.

((never thought of like where this leads to but at some point Keith becomes unhinged and begins hunting John and Roger because fuck it, he’s just gonna end this, and he knows about Pete being John’s friend and goes to Pete’s church to threaten him to get info on where John and Roger are like an insane person))

[crumbsssscookie]

i adore girl! logan, like if she has zero fans then i'm dead! so seeing the update made my day amidst midterms season, so thank you!

but yes, i looooooove hearing logan's thought process and i also love how quickly she soaks in all the information that she is given. because logan isn't taken seriously and probably doesn't get the same attention from other people as her male counterparts. so i feel her hunger this chapter— that hunger for good advice especially from someone like jenson; that hunger to get her name out there by taking a chance with an upstart hire and her hunger to be on top of the podium. god, i am so excited for her to take the world by storm (even more because she is already an icon).

and also, having logan have the (potentially but probably) backing of nico and jenson is perfect. especially nico, who has been an advocate for women in sports and a certified girl dad. i think having them, two world champions, as an immediate well of knowledge is making me so giddy. i think nico will be her biggest defender (besides her family and sister ofc), will not let journalists or the hosts to doubt or discredit her in typical rosberg energy.

ALSO THE TRIO <\3 MY BELOVEDS </3 liam and yuki coming to her defences ):

and yes, i can imagine yuki's excitement at the arrival of L² in f1 esp since he probably mentions them like ... all the time ... (which he does with liam which is so sweet). but NOT TO MENTION THE PREMA TRIO ??? very excited for oscar to give the heart eyes energy towards logan; her being blissfully unaware ("omg new bestfriend!) and fred being an unwilling third wheel.

thank you again for this new chapter because ugh its so good. also are you surviving the break or are you also going insane? AND ALSO LOGAN TO INDYCAR POTENTIALLY? a win for us i think

— sunnie ☀️

Sunnie, I missed you ♥️ So happy, that I could brighten your day :3

If I didn’t have fem!Logan I’d probably gone completely insane tho, but the break is generally treating me well. Nevertheless I’m ready to watch this gaggle of men drive in squiggly circles again. Also manifesting for Logan to get an Indycar seat, I was sooo happy when he finally posted on Instagram again today about his whereabouts 😍

You’re right, if boy Logan felt kinda lonely and starved for attention, it’s unfortunately ten times worse for fem!Logan. She has to be a sponge in that regard, because even though she knows the future, she cannot say if the people that helped her along the way the first time, will do it this time around too. That’s why she hit up Nico, because she knew that since he’s that champion for women in sports, the likelihood that he would help her, would be high.

I don’t want to diminish the role he’ll play in the story, but he was a kinda fail-safe for Logan in the case Jenson would’ve said no. Again, with Jenson too, she knew the likelihood would’ve been high that he would help, but this Logans fail-safes have fail-safes have fail-safes. The prerequisite for her taking revenge at James is getting into F1 which is currently her highest objective.

Also, on the topic of Logan’s grid parents. You’ve nailed it completely. Nico has birthed Logan himself and he will not accept slander of any kind towards her. That’s his daughter for all he is concerned, the heir to the Rosberg dynasty, nobody will discredit her 💅And Jense is the quintessential proud father. He’ll do anything to make his daughter happy. Also he’d definitely put Mark and Nando on babysitting duty if he’s off racing Le Mans or something 🤭

2020 will bring the rise of the Prema Trio™️ and probably a little bit of jealousy by our resident Kiwi bc social distancing bans him from seeing Logan as much and Yuki’s off to F2 (so he doesn't even have anyone he can cry to in person about it). But I’ll make up for it with them trying their hand at streaming, since the pandemic will still be a thing

[svtminji]

❪ 🫂 ❫ MINJI'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE 96 LINE ->

minji + junhui + soonyoung + wonwoo + woozi

❪ 💛 ❫ junhui ❪ jun ❫ & minji -> junmi

❪ popularity rating: 86% + type of relationship: close friends ❫

part of THE cat trio. as foreigners, they became close because they could relate to not being the best at korean and being away from home. minji tries to speak to him in mandarin & cantonese but definitely fails. jun definitely teaches her the wrong words and finds it hilarious whenever she goes up to myungho and repeats what jun had told her. since they are apart of the performance team, they definitely try to give each other, or the other members, different ways to do a certain move and expand from that formation/move. minji always finds his cat aegyo poses adorable. jun is DEFINITELY part of minji’s #cariño line.

when it comes to being on variety shows, she definitely doesn’t hold back from helping him win (by telling him the correct answers). minji wishes she could be as cool as him, meanwhile, jun wishes he could have the same level of dance expertise as her.

occurring moments between them include: minji practicing her mandarin/cantonese with him, going over choreography with him, cute cat poses, being confused with the korean jokes.

a song that represents them: cariño - the marias

❪ 💛 ❫ soonyoung ❪ hoshi ❫ & minji -> soonmi

❪ popularity rating: 91% + type of relationship: compadres ❫

though soonyoung is the official leader of the performance team, minji helps him along with the choreography as they are both main dancers. when the pair first met, they felt a connection and passion for dance and they expanded that into their relationship now. whenever he needed tips to improve, he would go to minji and she would give him a few pointers on what he was missing. though minji has had her worst moments from dancing, he's always quick to put her in check and to make sure those feelings do not affect on what she's trying to do. it may seem harsh but minji has always felt grateful by what he's done for her. a cute moment was that minji revealed was that when she first had met hoshi, she mentioned how much she had missed her good friend key and minho. soonyoung, a very huge shawol, was very surprised and asked her if she was friends with shinee. ever since that moment, when minji's phone rings and it's one of the shinee members, hoshi is the first to say hello.

during their promotion era / variety shows, behind every single cut of hoshi is minji. when he's accusing mingyu of being the mafia, she's right behind him. when he's drunk and needs to give someone his affection, minji ❪ unfortunately ❫ is the one to receive it. he doesn't want to admit it but he looks for her comfort like a child would to his mother. with familial comfort, minji promised him that he would be the godfather of her child once minji baptizes her child. minji would never say this out loud, but she is a full supporter of the horangehae movement.

occurring moments between them include: resting bitch faces while going over the choreography, clingy drunk acts, insane hoshi + sane minji, minji babying him ❪ on occasion / when he's drunk ❫, producing the most difficult choreographies known to man, horanghaeing whenever, jamming out to shinee together.

a song that represents them: ditto - newjeans

❪ 💛 ❫ wonwoo & minji -> minwoo

❪ popularity rating: 92% + type of relationship: gamers ❫

part of THE cat trio & the gamer crew. the aura these two have is very introverted. both of their personality test came to a conclusion that they have the same personality type ❪ infp ❫. while standing next to each other, carats realized the adorable height difference between them. minji had always felt safe under the watch of her members, but she felt even more safe when she had the two tall men ❪ wonwoo & mingyu ❫. to say that wonwoo never had a crush on minji would be false, and in fact, he had been caught staring at her multiple times when it wasn't needed. just like seungcheol, he feels better when he places a protective hand on her shoulder when navigating through tough crowds or through men. other than that, these two have a gaming livestream through weverse and play a huge range of video games. wonwoo prefers his action based video games and minji prefers her safer calming games.

with the amount of craziness every single gose episode has, these two keep to themselves and maintain a calm composure. it takes the rest of the members to figure out that they aren't adding much to their conversation and push them forward to start talking.

occasional moments between them include: playing games together, sitting down together / standing together, visiting museums

a song that represent them: starboy - the weeknd

❪ 💛 ❫ jihoon ❪ woozi ❫ & minji -> jizi

❪ popularity rating: 91% + type of relationship: close friends ❫

woozi and minji's relationship is quite hard to explain. both of them have passions that include music and minji is mostly the background vocals in most seventeen songs. though woozi had produced most of minji's solo work, he does feel a bit disappointed when she comes out of the studio with other producers work. obviously he cannot control who she works with, but he feels important enough that she comes to him with the final piece. when it is time for the group to start working on the vocals, woozi always feels joy when he gets to work with minji. due to minji's extensive training at sm, jihoon was blessed with the vocal cords that minji had and doesn't have to ask her to do anything, she just does it.

jihoon always usually lives in his studio, universe factory, and barely makes any social contact ❪ other than bumzu and staff ❫. when there's nights that jihoon cannot make an effort to leave, minji is the first one at his door ready with food, snacks, drinks, and company. she knows the feeling of separating yourself from other people to pursue your career. jihoon won't say it but he feels very grateful that minji can pick up on certain moods or certain clues. the times she does stay as company, she stays quiet and see how deep woozi goes into the producing world. minji was never a great producer but woozi always gives her a chance to try. there are times that minji believes that she isn't meant for seventeen, though, woozi is very quick to bring her back into reality.

"producing doesn't mostly make up what a song is about. the lyrics and feeling can always mean so much more; and you, minji, is what you are to this team. don't ever doubt yourself because of it."

occurring moments between them include: spending their entire day in silence as woozi composes, minji being unsure about certain things and expressing them to jihoon, jihoon asking her to do a certain vocal technique and minji nailing it on the spot.

a song that represents them: 7PM - bss

[lou-struck]

Love Is Pain

Wakatoshi Ushijima x Reader

Soulmate Au!

~ People who share the same heart are led to each other by their pain. The pain gets more intense the closer the two of you get to each other. 

~ Imagine how you feel going to a Schweden Adlers game only to feel a blinding pain in your fingers when their Ace makes a block.

This is my Submission for @portfolio-of-dreams's Love Me Like XO Collab which can be found HERE

You’re not sure when you started feeling someone else’s pain. Children tend to trip, fall, and bounce up again like nothing ever happened. Any mysterious scrapes on your knees could be explained because of an untied shoelace, or slippery pavement. 

It wasn’t until you got to middle school you knew for sure that you had a soulmate. 

Every day without fail, after school, your wrists, hands, and fingers would begin to sting something fierce. The pain would linger for a few moments, dull, and come back again. It felt like you kept hitting something over and over.

Through the pain and the swelling, you cracked a smile.

It is not your own pain that you are feeling; you have a soulmate. 

A true love…

Most mornings when you roll out of bed you are hit with a soreness in your muscles. The kind that occurs when someone pushes themselves hard during a workout the day before. 

It’s a nuisance, yes, but you feel a sense of pride directed at your soulmate’s consistent work ethic that makes you feel this way. 

The pain doesn't hurt the way it once had, it just fills you with curiosity. What on earth is your soulmate doing with themselves to make your muscles ache so terribly in the mornings?

~

After winning a raffle at work, you find yourself sitting in club seats you’d normally never be able to afford and watching a Pro Volleyball game. 

You’d never been to an Adler's game before, but as you watch the gorgeously fit men spike ball after ball down on the court, you can safely say that you are more than willing to become a fan.

The only thing you wish for is that you were sitting a bit closer to the court. The view is amazing, but you can't see anyone's face.

The intensity in the stadium is so electric that when #11 for the Adler’s goes up for a spike, he hits it so hard you swear you can feel your own hand stinging from impact. The graceful brutality the player moves with is fascinating, and it has you reaching for the roster sheet that lays neatly folded on the table in front of you.

Scanning the list, you read his name aloud, “Wakatoshi Ushijima.” you murmur, your eyes finding his roster picture. You had never seen such a gorgeous man in your life. With his strong face and serious olive eyes, he looks as if Pygmalion had sculpted him out of clay.

Throughout the match, your gaze tracks Ushijima as he plays. He scores point after point till his team is only a point away from winning the match.

His teammate sends a weak-looking serve over the net and the opponent sets up for a counter. With his other teammates out of position, you watch as Ushijima himself goes up alone for a block. The ball hits the tops of his middle and ring fingers before being sent back over the net and onto the gym floor.

The crowd erupts in cheers, but you feel something strange, something painful.

Your fingers feel like they have been slammed into a car door. It hurts so bad you gasp and clutch your already swollen digits in pain, not noticing that the Ace, while still standing tall, is holding his as well.

Leaving the VIP box behind you, you grab your things and head down toward the concession stand. Maybe they’ll have some Ice you can use to soothe your fingers.

The lady at the concession stand is older, but she has a kind face. When she sees you, she gives you an almost motherly smile. “What can I do for ya, Honey?” 

“Could I please get a bag of Ice,” you ask, placing your injured hand on the countertop for her to see. "I think I jammed my finger in the seat during that last point."

 But when the workers see your swollen fingers slightly bruising already, their eyes widen.

“Ice isn't gonna cut it,” she says worriedly. “Let’s get you to the trainer's office so he can get a look at that.”

“Are you sure that's okay?” you ask. "I’m not an athlete or anything like that."

“Of course it’s okay. If he says anything, I'll tell Hajime I won't be sneaking him snacks anymore,” she says mischievously, grabbing your wrist and leading you past the marked door that says staff only.

Once inside, you breathe a sigh of relief. There are no players in the training room. The only person you see is a young man close to your age. He wears a well-fitting trained shirt with a black and white collar. currently wrapping up some sort of large bandage.

"What seems to be the issue?" he asks, walking over to the two of you.

The elderly concession woman holds your hand up to him. “This one had a bit of a jam.”

He looks over at you curiously, eyes stopping to rest upon your injured hand. “That looks painful,” he says, walking over to you. “What happened?”

“I’m not sure,” you say, letting him examine your swollen digits.

“Oh?” he says in a tone you don't quite recognize. Clearing his throat, he regains his composure.

“Go sit down and ill get you some ice. I want the swelling to go down to make sure you haven't broken anything.”

“Thank you,” you say with a nod. You sit on one of the padded taping tables holding a bag full of pebbled ice to your injured fingers.

“Alright dear, I’m going to go close up shop,” the woman says. "I hope that hand of yours feels better.”

“I appreciate it. Thank you so much for all your help,” you say as she leaves you alone in the room.

Silence surrounds you as you begin to wonder what exactly happened to your hand. It could’ve been the seats, but it seems unlikely that only two of your fingers would be harmed.

Now alone, you wonder what exactly happened to your hand. Just as you are about to place a bit of pressure on them, you hear the sound of footsteps coming toward the training room.

 “Hajime,” a voice calls from the doorway. The rich, smooth, sound pulls you effortlessly from your thoughts.

Glancing up at its owner, you know exactly who he is. The strong physique, lightly tanned skin, and piercing olive gaze that glimmers even under the harsh fluorescents of a training room. This man is Wakatoshi Ushijima. The very man whose photo you had been shamelessly ogling from the roster printouts.

Just looking at him makes your body heat up so much you are afraid you are going to melt the ice in the bag that's resting on your hand. You force your eyes away from him and focus on the floor in front of you so he does not catch you staring.

“Wakatoshi, I thought I told you to come by right after the game.” The trainer says, coming back from around the corner.

“I had to shower first,” the player says

“You showered?” he says exasperation lacing his voice

The thought of this man in the shower makes your skin heat up more.

“It was a cold shower.” he says plainly, goddamit “Can you look at my fingers, I think it's just a jam but it’s quite painful.”

With a shrug, the trainer goes to get another bag of ice from the ice room, leaving you alone with this paragon of a man, who finally notices you’re in the room.

Your eyes meet and this feeling of familiarity washes over you. The muscles in your legs twitch as if they are calling you to move toward him. 

The resistance you feel, however, is one-sided and Wakatoshi Ushijima moves towards you as if he is in a trance, never taking his intense stare off of your form

He stops right in front of the raised table you are sitting on. You can smell the Sandalwood from the shampoo that he had just used. 

“You,” he breathes, eyeing the bag of ice resting on your hand. “How did you hurt your hand?”

“I-I don’t know. I was watching the last point, and they just started to feel as if they were on fire."

“These two fingers?” he asks, holding his own for you to see. You nod and remove the ice bag to show him your matching injury. He stares between the injury and you. 

The silence is defending. You can’t even move. It’s almost as if he is a predator, staring down his prey before he pounces.

“Are you my soulmate?” he asks, breaking the silence.

“I think so,” you whisper, your heartbeat going wild in your chest as if it was screaming at you ‘yes, he is the one.’

Curiously, he raises his hand and presses slightly on one of his bruised fingers. The touch is strong enough to be felt through the ice and you wince. 

At the sight of your wince, he stops immediately. “I apologize,” he says. “I had to make sure.”

“It’s okay,” you say softly, “I’d want to know for sure.”

“Even so," he says, reaching out to gently grab your wrist. His large thumb moves over your jammed fingers cautiously. “This is my doing. Let me make all of this pain up to you.”

“I-it not that big of a de-” you protest, but he cuts you off politely.

“We are soulmates, Even if you don’t accept me as yours. I wish to make up for this and all the other pain I have caused you. “

Not accepting him? The prospect of your soulmate discussing this within minutes of meeting you is terrifying. 

The thought of losing your other half before he even knows your name makes your heart-rate increase exponentially. Your chest feels like it’s being pricked with needles every time you breathe.

He flinches and looks down at his chest with a frown. He feels this pain, too.

Boldly, you curl your uninjured hand into a fist. “What makes you think I wouldn’t accept you?” You say softly.

His features soften and he looks at you warmly, the trace of a smile forms on his lips. “I apologize,” He says. "I just assumed that would be the case. But if you wish to get to know me better, I would very much like that.”

“I would,” you say, looking up at the man next to you. Although it's feint, a pink blush takes over his olive skin. It's crazy to think that someone so strong and ferocious on the court can look so bashful and boyish with just a few words.

“Then we shall,” he says, clearing his throat. “If we are to pursue this, I think I should know your name.”

“It’s y/n,” you giggle. "It’s nice to meet you, my soulmate.”

[clickerflight]

Fallen: Part 11 - Apple Slices

Author's notes: SUP I WRITE FOR I AM IN PAIN! This story is so fun. I'm so excited everytime I get to write in it. We're getting Ivan whump for the next few chapters for surrrre.

Masterlist - Part 10

Content: Henchman whumpee, scientist whumper, dehumanization, fighting, kick to the ribs, mentioned scars, creepy whumper, intimate whumper, brainwashed, weapon whump

.....................................................

Dr. LeAnne, now free of two failed projects, could focus all of her attention on this one, and it was going very, very well. The only problem she was having with it was that she had to share. She could put up with Dr. Ortega who watched Alpha-2 with polite disinterest. He was here for the technology and processes, He didn’t care about breaking some random man into the perfect slave weapon. 

Dr. Anthony, however, watched Alpha-2 with hungry eyes and Dr. LeAnne had a suspicion that he wanted what she wanted. A perfectly loyal dog to do his bidding. She had to really keep herself in check around him, knowing this. She would win this fight, she knew it, but she needed to stay on top of the game at all times if she wanted Alpha-2 to be completely hers. 

Today was the fourth day of his training. She had missed the day before because of a lost asset, but she didn’t have time to linger on that problem, considering the fact that Dr. Anthony would take her weapon from her if she didn’t stay very involved. 

Alpha-2 was a little shaky on his feet still from how long he had been in information training, though he had taken it very well. He did what he was told, if a bit slowly and with a dazed expression, like he didn’t quite know where or who he was. Dr. LeAnne would fix that soon. He would know who he was exactly. He was hers. 

His right arm was inflamed and rashy from the dose of Alpha-1’s blood that had been given to him this morning. Hopefully he would show signs of the powers properly developing. For now, they would need to get his muscle mass up so he could fight hand to hand. 

“Alpha-2,” Dr. Anthony said into the intercom, making Dr. LeAnne grind her teeth together. Who was this guy to order her weapon around like that? She was the one who made the acquisition so she should be the one leading the project. 

Alpha-2 straightened up, facing the wall with the one way mirror, arms folded behind his back and back straight. If it weren’t for that dazed expression, Dr. LeAnne would have thought him the perfect soldier already. 

“You will not stop fighting until I say so, understand?”

Alpha-2 gave a singular nod. 

“Good.”

He pressed another button and doors opened up, revealing 4 men hired for the training. The scientists had a good idea of Alpha-2’s fight prowess as the henchman of a powerful villain, but they had been testing how much of that knowledge and power had survived the mental training. 

A good deal of it, it seemed. Dr. LeAnne couldn’t stop grinning as she watched Alpha-2 deal with the four men very well. Sure, he was too weak to actually win against them all, but he was skilled enough to keep them all at bay for long enough that it had Dr. LeAnne salivated just thinking about how well he would be fighting when he was well fed and rested again. When his feet no longer shook under him and when his body really began to accept the blood he’d been given.

And then she looked at Dr. Anthony and saw the exact same expression. She would need to kill him soon, maybe by Alpha-2’s own hands, but for now, she would have to satisfy herself with undermining him. 

She leaned forward to press her own intercom button and said, “You may stop fighting now, Alpha-2. Units, back down.”

The fight summarily stopped and Dr. Anthony’s face reddened as he realized she had completely proved that her voice could stop a fight that he commanded to continue. 

“Alpha-2, you will keep fighting and-”

“Oh, come now, Dr. Anthony. He’s unsteady on his feet and we’ve seen enough. We don’t want the project hurt before it can come to fruition, do we? I will take it from here.”

“No, I-”

But Dr. LeAnne had already left the office and entered the arena. 

Alpha-2, who had stopped and returned to his waiting position facing the mirror, slowly got to his knees, hands folded in his lap and head bowed when he saw her coming. 

“Good boy,” she crooned. “I brought you a treat.”

She loved that little tremble through his shoulders when she offered him kindness. He was still sweaty, bruised and cut up, but she ran her head over his freshly shaved head and reached into her pocket for the apple slices she’d brought along. 

She fed him by hand as the door opened and Dr. Anthony stormed in, on the verge of a full on fit. 

“You can’t do that! He is on a strict dietary plan and-”

“Oh, come now. You can’t treat him like a machine. He’s a sweet little animal. And he performed well so he gets a treat,” Dr. LeAnne cooed. “Aren’t you just, Alpha-2. If you’re lucky, we might even give you a name!”

Alpha-2 didn’t respond, but his trembling was all the confirmation she needed that he was ecstatic about the praise. 

Dr. Anthony’s voice took on a low and threatening tone as he said, “You are trying to take this project for yourself entirely. I will bring this to the board and they will have you removed. You failed once already, and-”

“Oh, hush. Alpha-1 wasn’t a good subject for the training. Not like Alpha-2 here. No. You are much better than him, aren’t you. You can take orders and still be so strong for us.”

Alpha-2 was trembling with so much excitement that Dr. LeAnne wondered if he was going to wet himself. She almost wanted him to, even if it would be a mess. 

Dr. Anthony clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. “I will have you kicked off this project, LeAnne.”

“You can certainly try. And if you do, good luck synthesizing the blood substance correctly. I didn’t write everything down.” She gave him a cheeky smile, still rubbing Alpha-2’s head. 

Dr. Anthony opened and closed his mouth several times before throwing his hands in the air, clearly too angry to argue before storming off. 

“Come, Alpha-2. Let us go to the cleaning room.”

Alpha-2 stood and followed her like a dazed duckling, and when they got there, she sat on a bench and patted her lap. 

“Come lay down. You’ll be needing your rest, but I do need to speak with you before you sleep.”

He sat on the bench and slowly lowered himself down, putting his head in her lap where she could stroke his head, massaging his forehead. His eyes went even more out of focus, trembling even more fiercely now. 

“You are doing really well, and you’ll do even better for me, won’t you? There’s a task I will need you to be ready for, you know. An asset that escaped. I need him back soon. Not right now, but soon. His blood is necessary for making you powerful, you know. So you will help me when the time comes, yes? You’ll do so good, won’t you?”

Alpha-2 nodded eagerly. “Yes, Ma’am. I will.”

“Oh, aren’t you just the sweetest. You don’t even know who the asset is anymore, do you.”

His confused expression delighted the scientist and she laughed, moving her hand to cover his eyes. “Oh, don’t you worry, dear. That’s perfect. You are doing so well. And if you are very good, I will let you kill Dr. Anthony yourself.”

He tensed up at that. “I can, Ma’am? I’d be-” he yelped as she shoved him off her lap and onto the floor, kicking him in the ribs. He moved quickly to kneel for her as she’d trained him to. 

“You do not talk unless given permission,” she said sharply. 

He nodded once and froze into a perfect statue again. 

She took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes. I will. But only if you are good. If you prove your training isn’t wasted on you.”

He nodded again, keeping his eyes on her shoes. 

“Good. Now. Did you want the rest of these apples?”

Usually, a question would be good enough to allow him to speak, but he simply nodded, not wanting to anger her again. 

“Come here, then.”

Soon, his head was laid in her lap as he knelt by her feet, slowly eating the apple slices with half closed eyes. While he did so, Dr. LeAnne looked over the freshly healing scars on his back. Most of them were markings to help identify details about him, and she traced over them. They had been made in a way so as not to stress him out, but she decided that she would make it hurt when she took him for herself and marked her name into his skin. He would always be her perfect project. 

“You must not speak a word of what I have told you to Dr. Anthony or Dr. Ortega, understand, Alpha-2?”

The project nodded faintly. 

“Even if they torture you.”

He nodded again, this time more firmly. 

Satisfied, Dr. LeAnne was quiet and content as she fed him the rest of the apple slices. 

Part 12

Fallen taglist: @looptheloup @kira-the-whump-enthusiast @snakebites-and-ink @starsick1979 @galaxyofwhump

[chaewandz]

ROSE — chapter 11: mc sakura ftw!

synopsis: after she turns 18, y/n’s parents arrange a competition for young suitors in her town to compete for her love, a family tradition that brought about her parents’ marriage. twelve men are selected, but who will win her heart?

“this round was a terrible idea.” y/n whispered, her hand placed fearfully on her forehead.

“relax! it’ll be funny!!” Sakura said elbowing y/n and giggling.

“no it’s going to give me the ick.” y/n declared, making the other girls burst into laughter.

“you know y/n… if all else fails I’m still single!” joonie announced, earning a jab to the side from y/n.

“oh I don’t know if I can watch.” y/n whispered, peeking between her fingers as the first group of suitors began posing.

“oh please don’t make us suffer alone!” isa interjected, prying y/n’s hands away from her eyes.

the purple team composed of heeseung, sunghoon, jay, jungwon, hueningkai, and soobin went first.

as the 6 suitors stood in dramatic poses, jungwon signaled towards a guard, cueing him to play the music.

the music in question, was super shy by new jeans. upon hearing the first note, the girls all gasped.

“oh god this is…” youngeun whispered, laughing.

the five girls sat there with their jaws dropped, giggling as the boys started dancing.

“I’m super shy, super shy, but wait a minute while I make you mine, make you mine, y/n ur so cool!” heeseung sang, pointing to her and clutching his heart.

“man I forgot he could sing…is there anything this man doesn’t do?” isa whispered, defeated and shocked.

“I’m not really sure how to react to this.” y/n whispered, lips pressed into a thin line as the boys all shot her finger hearts.

“come on y/n! aren’t you swooning? aren’t they seducing you!!!” sakura teased.

“oh shut up.” y/n laughed, shifting her focus back to the performance.

the suitors had stopped singing along to the music and instead all broke into their own dramatic monologue.

“ah princess. you are so pretty!” jungwon yelled, dancing around the field.

“this has to be some form of medieval torture.” y/n mumbled, making the girls giggle.

“Ah but it’s so cute!!” isa leaned forward grinning.

“princess, your smile lights up the room!” soobin yelled, making a heart with his hands three different ways, earning an embarrassed chuckle from the princess.

after each suitor had their mini declaration of love they sang the chorus of super shy again, except this time they freestyle danced all over the field in circles, making the girls fall over laughing.

once they finished, Sakura stood up and clapped.

“well purple team, you definitely weren’t shy about your admiration for our princess! we will take that into consideration when judging. thank you for such a wonderful performance! now please welcome the blue team composed of jake, sunoo, niki, beomgyu, yeonjun, and taehyun!!” sakura cheered into her mic and then sat back down with the girls.

“do we think it will get worse from here?” joonie whispered, giggling.

“are we sure that’s possible?” youngeun replied, trying to mask her giggles.

“the sooner you two shut up the sooner it ends!” isa giggled, glaring at the two.

as the five girls quieted down, the second team signaled for the guards to click play on the speaker, twice’s “what is love?” bursting through the speakers.

“NO WAY??” sakura cackled.

“oh this is deranged.” y/n snorted.

“BUT I LOVE THIS SONG!!” joonie whined.

extremely excited for the performance, the girls leaned forward in their seats and eagerly watched the boys.

instead of singing “TWICE!” as the intro of the song usually sings, the boys all shouted y/n’s name instead, earning laughter from all girls.

“this is like your favorite song ever???” joonie announced, shocked.

“OH THATS RIGHT!!” isa agreed, now enjoying the performance even more.

“It won’t be for much longer…” y/n whispered, causing the girls to burst into laughter.

the suitors began to strike different “cute” poses around the grass, even choosing to make hearts with each other. then they all ran around in a circle and instead of singing the beginning verses of the song, each started talking about y/n similarly to how the first team did.

“our princess y/n, have I mentioned you look stunning today? you’re making my cheeks blush as pink as your outfit!” sunoo declared, making the girls gasp.

“princess, I need sunglasses to shield myself from the brightness of your smile! truly mesmerizing!” beomgyu, stated, pretending to be blinded by the sight of y/n.

“THAT WAS HORRENDOUS-“ sakura said through laughter.

“it was so silly it’s cute!” youngeun defended.

four declarations of love later, the chorus of the song arrived and all six suitors began dancing to the song’s chorus in a heart formation with niki at the center. this was because the other suitors had voted him “best center” upon seeing his dance moves during practice.

the girls sang along, isa and joonie even stood up and began dancing along with them, mainly to make y/n laugh.

as cringey as y/n thought the challenge was, she couldn’t hide the bright smile painted across her face as she watched the suitors dance. it was comical and also unironically good at some points.

once the song finished the boys all ran together and formed a heart with their arms, all doing their best out-of-breath ending fairy pose.

the princess couldn’t help but stand up and clap for the boys for dancing to her favorite song so elegantly and humorously.

“oh my goodness… blue team you gave us the answer to the grand question ‘what is love?’. your stage presence did not go unnoticed. now if you will excuse us, we must now fulfill our duty as judges and decide on a winning team!” sakura gleefully announced into her microphone. “reminder: the current score is 1-0, blue team, BUT! this round is worth double points meaning it’s anybody’s game. once again, the winning team will be invited to a special party tonight at the castle with our lovely princess while the losing team will have to return to their rooms alone. good luck!”

sakura handed her mic off to one of the guards on the stage and the girls all stood up and made their way to the benches behind the stage to discuss.

“I feel like we have a clear winner here…” isa confidently stated.

“I agree!” joonie announced, smirking at isa.

“y/n, what do you think?” sakura asked.

“i want to hear your guys’ thoughts first!!” y/n laughed.

“okay on three we will all say what team we think deserves to win…” youngeun suggested, earning nods from the rest of the girls.

“three… two… one… BLUE TEAM!”

“BLUE TEAM!”

“PURPLE TEAM!”

“PURPLE TEAM!”

the girls all yelled at the same time creating a jumble of words.

“wow we really never agree on anything.” joonie giggled.

“blue team IS the obvious winner!!!” isa replied, defensively.

“you’re only saying that because you love twice!!!” youngeun argued.

“who doesn’t??” sakura countered.

y/n couldn’t help but laugh.

“I was the only one who didn’t vote!!” she revealed through laughs.

“come on y/n!!! who in your heart deserves to win!!” isa encouraged.

“I mean both teams picked very good songs…” y/n thought.

“yes but who performed their song the best?” joonie interjected.

“I guess… if i HAD to choose..”

“which you do.” sakura laughed.

“be quiet!!!! SINCE I have to choose… the better team was… blue!” y/n declared.

isa and sakura cheered, while youngeun and joonie jokingly shook their heads.

“alright well we better go tell them!” sakura grinned.

the five girls stood up and made their way back to the stage, y/n in front of course. sakura once again picked up her microphone and cleared her throat.

while the girls were judging the boys began playing around and talking to the opposite team, complimenting and also teasing each other. now that the princess had returned they all quieted down and pretended as if they weren’t just running around and giggling with each other.

y/n caught a glimmer of mischief in heeseung’s eyes and sent him a small smirk, used to his antics. he of course returned a very shameless smile.

“hello again everyone!” sakura began. “now after a heated discussion over which team had the best performance… we have come to a consensus. it was a close call! the losing team only lost by ONE person’s vote!!” sakura turned and teasingly stared directly at y/n. “with that being said… DRUMROLL PLEASE! the winning team is…”

the suitors were all quite nervous and excited. some were confident in the fact that they won and others were a little nervous, not wanting to lose time with the princess. as the drumroll intensely increased, sakura raised her hand as a signal for it to stop.

“congratulations to the BLUE TEAM!” sakura yelled, grinning from ear to ear.

those in blue jerseys immediately began cheering and high fiving each other while the purple team looked slightly disappointed but also understanding.

“good job to both teams, you worked incredibly hard and your efforts have not gone unnoticed! do not fret purple team, there are many fun activities planned for tomorrow! but as for tonight… those on the blue team better get a move on if they want to be ready for this party! dismissed!” sakura announced, almost too gleefully.

as the suitors made their way off the field and into the castle followed by guards, the girls turned to each other smiling.

“you enjoy being an MC way too much for my liking…” y/n giggled.

“she thought she was dumbledore during the sorting hat ceremony…” isa teased.

“its called CHARISMA!” sakura defended herself, earning more laughter.

“cmon y/nnie, we need to get ready for the party!” joonie winked, linking arms with y/n, the other girls doing the same.

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author’s note: hey guys… I KNOW ITS BEEN A WHILE!!! my bad yawl. please I’m sorry I’m terrible at updating bye. I just rlly wanted to post this so here <3 love ya !! Also since I haven’t updated in FOREVER my taglist has gotten saur messy bro idek what happened … plz my apologies if ur not there and ur meant to be just comment and lmk if u wanna be readded 😭

taglist: (open!!) @dahyvnz @emoworu @strwberrydinosaur @flwrsforriki @deafeningballoonnacho @faiirybread @captivq @bigtoewinwin @yeletbz @palajae @sd211 @shinsou-rii @nomurahayami @viagumi @sfthyuka @byvrn @hyunsllvr @sickandtired129 @2kool4yu @geniejunn

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synopsis: after she turns 18, y/n’s parents arrange a competition for young suitors in her town to compete for her love, a family tradition that brought about her parents’ marriage. twelve men are selected, but who will win her heart?

[johaerys-writes]

Hi! I'm not sure if you do requests, but if you do, could I please have a short fic about the fight Achilles and Patroclus had over Briseis, where Achilles got into that fight with Agamemnon and allowed Briseis to get dragged off by him? could I have a fic of that part from Achilles's pov where he eventually acquiesces to Patroclus and steps in and saves Briseis? Tysm in advance :) your writing is amazing

Thank you for this prompt!! I had a lot of fun writing this. I hope you like!

Achilles/Patroclus | 2k | T | angst, h/c

The spear snaps in Achilles’ hands in an explosion of wood, the two halves of it now useless. He flings them away, then tosses the ewer on the table across the tent— the sound it makes as it shatters against a chair is sickening. 

Achilles’ rage is hot, incandescent. He can feel nothing beyond it, think nothing, see nothing. He’s choking on it. He's drowning. 

“I will kill him,” he swears. “I will kill him.”

Patroclus follows him inside the tent. He stands there, silent, gaze solemn and forlorn. 

“I should have killed him. I almost did, there. How dare he? How dare they all?” 

Agamemnon disrespected him, tore his honour to shreds and tossed it at Achilles’ feet like a filthy rag, and no one lifted a finger to oppose him. He ordered Achilles’ prize taken from him, and for what? For what? For speaking up, for telling the truth, for forcing him to finally see reason and spare them all—and himself— from the terrible fate Apollo’s wrath promised? 

Achilles’ hands ball into fists, his nails digging into the meat of his palms. 

“He will pay. They will all pay. They have doomed themselves. Let them find a way to win this war without Aristos Achaion. I shall watch them try and fail and fail again, and I will laugh.” His lips peel back in a cruel smile. Vindication twists in his gut, thick and heavy, making him ill.

“Achilles,” Patroclus says. His voice is breathless and urgent. “We must do something.” 

Achilles barely hears him. “I will speak to my mother.” Thetis will surely know what he should do. The gods have surely been watching; she must know what the gods plan next. She will go speak to them, and come back to tell him, and Achilles will watch it all unfold soon enough. 

He is almost at the exit of the tent when Patroclus’ hand on his arm stops him. “We don’t have time. They will have taken her by the time you return. We must do something now!”

“What are you talking about?”

Patroclus stares at him in question. “Briseis.” 

Achilles blinks. The name, spoken out loud, knocks the breath out of him. His rage is right there, blurring the edges of his vision, making his blood boil, but there’s a coldness creeping up on him now that he has no words for. 

Briseis. 

Briseis, with her laughing eyes and her timid smiles. Briseis, with her soft Anatolian accent and her slender hands, constantly working her spindle. Briseis, bringing his men food and wine and medicine when Apollo's plague rendered them incapable of doing it themselves. The very men that killed her family and burned her home.

“Achilles, please,” Patroclus whispers. His hold on Achilles’ arm grows stronger. “Please.”

“I can do nothing for her,” Achilles says, and it is as if someone else has spoken the words, not him. “Agamemnon made his choice. He must bear the consequences.”

Patroclus stares and stares. He looks at him like he doesn’t understand, like he doesn’t even know him. “You can’t let them take her.” 

“There’s nothing I can do. Agamemnon chose this.” 

“You know what he will do to her!” Patroclus is shaking. His skin is sallow and his eyes are dark in their despair like bottomless caverns. “You will not help her? After—everything?”

How many years has she been in their household? How many times has she poured the wine in Achilles' cup, tended to his guests? How many nights has she sat close to the fire with him and Patroclus after everyone was gone, laughed at their jokes, sung to the tune of Achilles’ lyre? Small moments, mundane and inconsequential—but a part of their life there nonetheless. The life they have all built there for themselves. 

Achilles thinks of her, torn away from that life and tossed into Agamemnon’s care, afraid and friendless, and shivers. 

“I can do nothing for her,” he says again with finality, in an effort to convince himself, to shake free this cold uncertainty that’s taken hold of him. “It has been decided.”

“She is one of us. How can you just let Agamemnon take her?” Patroclus’ eyes are brimming with tears and his voice is raw, but his gaze remains on Achilles’ unflinchingly, carving him to the bone. “Where is your honour? How can you let him defile her?” 

Achilles clenches his jaw so hard his teeth ache. It is his honour he’s trying to safekeep—his own, Patroclus’, all of the Myrmidons’. If Agamemnon does go through with it, if he does take Briseis, the rest of the army will see him for the petulant, greedy, thoughtless tyrant he truly is. They will lose respect for him, and once battle after battle is lost, he will come to Achilles, begging for forgiveness. They will all see that Achilles was right, after all, and that without him the war can’t be won; order will have been restored. It is what’s right. It is for the best.

Then why does it all feel so, so wrong?

He averts his gaze and turns away. He can’t bear to look into Patroclus' eyes any longer and see the anger and disbelief there.

“I have to go,” he says. 

Outside their tent, the slaves are milling about, tending to their work. Briseis is sitting outside the servants’ tent, a mortar and pestle in her hands. She glances up at Achilles, and Patroclus following behind him, and smiles. 

She does not know what is to come.

Achilles strides swiftly towards the shimmering sea in the distance, but the sight of men across the long stretch of beach pins him in place. Their polished bronze helmets shine bright in the scorching sun, their red plumes tremble with each step. The Myrmidons guards glare at them as they draw near. 

They stop before Achilles, eyes cast down, stuttering a greeting. “We have come to take custody of the girl,” they tell him, needlessly— he knows why they are there.

Agamemnon hasn’t wasted a moment before sending his dogs to do his bidding. Achilles struggles to hold back his temper, to keep his hand from reaching for the sword at his belt. He wants to see them trembling with fear and cowering at his feet, begging for mercy. He wants them, and Agamemnon, dead. 

Patroclus is beside him. He is taut like a bow string; Achilles can feel the tension radiating off of him like heat. He turns to him, the request already at the tip of his tongue: Bring the girl.

The words die there, the moment he meets Patroclus’ bloodshot eyes. Achilles knows it then, deep in his heart, that he will never be able to face him again if he orders him this. 

Automedon is near, waiting. He catches Achilles' eye and nods; his charioteer goes to Briseis, bringing her forward.

Achilles looks away. He cannot bear to watch, but there’s nowhere to hide anymore, no way to escape this predicament. The game has started, the pawns have all been set, and now they must all play. Every single one of them.  

Briseis glances from Achilles to Patroclus and back. She hasn't understood yet what's happening; only when one of the men, Eurybates—who has eaten and drank with the Myrmidons in many a feast—steps towards her decisively, does panic settle in.

She is one of us. 

They grab her by the arms and drag her forcefully away. She struggles in their hold, while the rest of the camp watches numbly on. 

You will just let them take her?

Achilles can feel Patroclus’ eyes on him, willing him to say something, anything, to put an end to this. They burn him.

You will not help her?

When the men reach the edge of the camp, Achilles' voice slices through the shocked silence like a knife. 

“Release her.”

A few gasps, then murmurs through the gathered crowd. Agamemnon’s men stop to gawk at him in curiosity.

“She is mine. She was given to me by Agamemnon in acknowledgement of my contributions to this war. He shames and dishonours himself, he who sends his underlings to take back a gift he himself has given. If the High King—such that he is—wants his war prize back, he’d better come and claim it, and face me.” 

Achilles takes a step forward. His sword hilt is a cool, familiar shape in the palm of his hand.

“I will be waiting for him. Make sure you tell him that.” 

Fear darkens the men's countenances; Achilles knows the sight well. They let Briseis go and leave the camp after a hasty salute. She falls to the ground; her braid has come undone, and in her struggle, one of the buckles of her belt has given way, letting the fabric of her dress pool at her feet. 

"Go to her," Achilles tells Patroclus softly, who jolts, as if coming awake from a dream. He rushes to her and helps her up, then takes her towards her tent, to tend to her skinned knees and elbows that have already started to bleed. She leans on him gratefully, brushing the tears from her cheek with the back of her hand. 

Achilles lets out the breath he has been holding. It comes out shakily; though the messengers are gone now, the threat he has issued for Agamemnon seems to loom over him like a poised blade. He heads towards the beach, leaving the camp that buzzes noisily behind him like a kicked hornet's nest. 

~

"You stopped them."

Patroclus' steps are almost soundless, the sand yielding beneath his weight with a whisper. Achilles glances at him over his shoulder; the sunset warms Patroclus' features, brings out the amber flecks in his tired eyes. 

"Of course I did. She is important to you." 

Patroclus draws near. His hand, when he sets it on Achilles' shoulder, is warm and gentle. 

"She is part of our home," he says softly. "I know she's important to you too." 

Achilles doesn't respond. He turns back to gaze at the vast expanse of sea before him. It shames him to think that had it not been for Patroclus, Achilles might have let her be taken, lost in his wrath, without sparing a thought to what would happen to her. 

"Is she alright?"

"Frightened, but sound. More than a little grateful that she'll be sleeping in her own bed tonight, and not Agamemnon's." Patroclus' arms come around Achilles' middle to hug him close. The relief in the sigh he lets out is palpable. "You stood up for her. You stood up for us. All of us." 

"I just didn't want her to suffer," Achilles whispers. "Neither her, nor you. I know you care for her. As do I." 

Patroclus' lips graze the side of Achilles' neck. Achilles leans into his embrace, and the knot of tension in his throat eases. Their earlier argument is but a faint echo; Achilles would gladly let it be forgotten. Nothing is worth Patroclus' distress, nor his tears. 

"What do you think Agamemnon will do now?" Patroclus asks. "Think he'll send more men for her?"

"He is welcome to try, if he dares. I will not give her up without a fight." 

Patroclus hums his assent, nodding thoughtfully. He stares at the waters silently for a long while before he asks, "What do the gods think of all this? What did your mother say?" 

Achilles shifts in Patroclus' arms to face him. His philtatos gazes back at him calmly, the salty breeze combing through his dark curls. Achilles brushes them away from his brow with his fingers, and leans in for a kiss; he revels in this peaceful moment, this quiet that's theirs alone. Though before Patroclus joined him at the water's edge Achilles' mind had been crowded with questions, fears and concerns, now he can see the path ahead of them clearly. 

"The gods do as the gods will," Achilles says. "Humans also. It is no use worrying about them, anticipating their actions. I am tired of dancing to their tune. I have done so for too long. Way too long." 

He steps backwards towards the sea, drawing Patroclus with him. The waters are pleasantly cool when they touch their feet. With the open sky above them and the sea below them, and Briseis safe in their camp tonight, Achilles couldn't care less about what tomorrow may bring. 

"All that matters is this," he murmurs against Patroclus' lips, pulling him close, "here, now." 

~

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