#we'll see if this is a forever situation or just a while longer

[asteracaea]

Damn, 10 days from now will make 5 years of J x K getting "married." Ugh, the way I didn't think it would be this long withouta seperation. She is now attached for life to the Kush*** family.

🙄

Blows my mind every time I think about it.

i look at it as the bunker they built to hide and protect their real lives and real families

[deandoesthingstome]

Labyrinth Fantasy

Pairing: Minotaur!Sy x Reader

Summary: There's a new hotel in town. You now know it's for real and you need more.

Word Count: 5.7K

Warnings: 18+, NO MINORS, cunnilingus, p in v (standing and reverse standing cowgirl), monster fucking (right?).

Fantasy Hotel Masterlist

You'd recounted enough of the details to convince your online benefactors that the investment was worth it, but kept enough to yourself to make the experience truly special.

Like, you didn't mention the time stretch at all. Though you had been wondering why the hotel even offered longer booking sessions if the hosts could just snap a finger and keep you satisfied forever. You felt only mild guilt about keeping the image of naked human Walter to yourself. They didn't need to know how good he looked NOT as a monster. You were keeping that for you own private thoughts. But you were bemoaning your current funding situation.

sendmeanangel: ugh, I'm never getting back there!!! MNstrluvr: Listen. There's a way. sendmeanangel: how? I can't get any more shifts at the restaurant. MNstrluvr: let us open a Patreon for you sendmeanangel: I'm NOT giving a recount of this event to total strangers darkgothnightengale: you have no idea who we are sendmeanangel: you are NOT total strangers. I know your favorite coffee and what you're studying at uni and your top 10 comfort movies. I know how you got that scar on your hand. darkgothnightengale: yeah but you didn't know that until you asked. Up to then we were total strangers who loved your work. Just like everyone on Patreon will be only they'll be paying MNstrluvr: yeah and you don't have to tell it to them like you told us. Put a different spin on it. Don't make the story from the perspective of the hotel. Make it a true fairy tale. Red riding hood in the woods and shit. Make him your boyfriend, The Woodsman, who's ready to show you his secret this fine full moon evening. sendmeanangel: oh my goddddddd!!! darkgothnightengale: yeah, but put all the most important details of him in Sendmeanangel: you just want to read about his massive cock splitting you open again darkgothnightengale: i have my needs. Besides, I just mean those details you only know now because you experienced it. You have something to draw from, something to make it real for everyone MNstrluvr: seriously, meana, do it. You will make so much money. You should have been putting your other stories out there long ago but this you can post and sell cause it'll be completely your own content with no re-imagining of existing characters sendmeanangel: okay, but you gotta beta the shit out of this for me. I can't have it sounding like I'm just recounting the whole thing from last night's fuck session with my partner MNstrluvr: 😆 🤣 😂 😹 darkgothnightengale: oh my goddddddd!!!! MNstrluvr: anyway we already created an account. We'll add your email and send you the password reset so you can run it and transfer the money to your bank whenever darkgothnightengale: and as always, no pressure on timing other than knowing you need the money to get back to Walter but I can't wait to read this! sendmeanangel: what if he's not available?

As you clicked Reserve something caught in the back of your mind.

Would Walter care you weren't coming back to see him?

How could he? You spent two hours (or was it more? You could never figure out the time swap calculations) together. You weren't even sure if that was his real name. Sure, you fantasized about him when you got home. You'd been in a fog of post-orgasmic bliss when you saw him in his human form, but that didn't stop you from cataloging every inch you could. Imagining snuggling next to his enormous and furry body wasn't hard.

It was this domestic bliss scene you'd eventually settled on as the opening to your "boyfriend's werewolf confession during an evening walk in the woods" fic that you posted on Patreon. The feedback had been a dream come true.

While the income wasn't as plentiful as you'd hoped, the wages and tips from your extra shifts allowed you to book another stay the following month. Walter was indeed not available on your only open day of the week so you sought out another option and found a four hour time slot with a new-to-you creature.

The listing called him Captain of the Guard.

Something about this fantasy made you select the box at check in specifically requesting your host enter in form. You had missed this at your previous visit, and as you thought back to meeting Walter, you appreciated the gentle way he eased into the scene. But you wanted a little more…mystery? Suspense? apprehension this time. The front desk clerk told you your host's name was Sy, and sent you down to a lower level of the hotel. The only key he provided was the code you punched into the elevator number pad to allow you to press L3. 

When the doors opened, you entered a small, rustic room with a hard dirt ground and cool stone walls. You only saw one other door besides the elevator you just stepped through and your mind did some mental gymnastics. Was that the exit to the maze or a bathroom? If it was the bathroom, where was the maze?

A few benches were scattered around and sitting on one was the Offering Tray you purchased, along with a note telling you to dress or undress to your level of comfort and step out into the hall through the door opposite the elevator when you were ready. Okay, door to maze then. But your nervous pee sensation was building. Where was the bathroom???

You knew the elevator was locked after you exited the car, but the note also contained the return code you were welcome to use any time, even before your reservation was over. And the note also revealed the secret to locating the washroom around the corner of one of the walls that you now noticed didn’t quite reach the next wall, causing a little optical illusion that the room was a simple square with no other space. Clever. It reminded you of a scene from a fantasy movie you’d seen when you were younger.

You peed and then undressed for a quick rinse in the surprisingly warm shower. You had imagined the temperature of the liquid streaming over the mini waterfall in this rock room would be ice cold, but it was as if the water was heated to a constant, perfect temperature from a thermal spring. The floors were warm on your bare feet too. You almost had to tear yourself away. There was a fantasy to be had.

You hung your street clothes on the garment hooks and pulled your red cape from your bag. You had researched a few different costume options and came across a clever way to fashion a toga of sorts from the material, albeit a slutty red toga with a giant slit up one thigh. You didn’t bother with underwear this time either. After one last look in the mirror to make sure your nerves weren’t showing too badly, you gathered up the offering of cured meat and stepped into the hall.

The rough hewn stone walls were at least three feet higher than the room you’d just exited. You noticed shelves jutting out occasionally at various heights and made a mental note not to run into them. Not that you planned on running. The ground was soft and sandy, rather than hard packed earth. Even in bare feet, this was going to make running hard. Again, not that you’d planned on running. 

Now, which direction? Left was always your gut instinct so you followed the path in that direction, choosing a left turn anytime you came to an intersection. After dead-ending twice in about five minutes, you began to rethink your approach. While you figured it had be wise to build in some extra time to find your treasure, you didn’t want to spend four hours in a fucking maze alone. 

As soon as you made the next right, the air shifted. The hairs on the back of your neck stood at attention and a ripple of goosebumps grew up on both arms. You made a few more turns before you began to hear snorts and huffs in the distance. For a moment, you froze, unsure if you wanted to move toward or away from the beast. Not because you didn’t want to meet the beast. But only because you truly couldn’t decide how. Sneak up and surprise him? Or let him chase you?

A new roar announced he was getting closer and you made a snap decision to turn away. Let him find me.

You maybe delayed the introduction by a few minutes. He was adept and clearly knew this maze inside and out while you were still trying to find your footing. You were just about to turn a corner that looked surprisingly familiar when you felt a rumble and the sand shift beneath your feet before you heard a snort and few stamps on the ground.

“Turn around.” Though a command, it came out like a question and you knew this was yet another opportunity for you to provide your consent to the game. Keep walking forward and it would all be over. As a matter of fact, you were convinced your next step forward would take you to the hall where the door to your changing room was. Your turn was deliberate. So was the flash as the cape swished around your legs and settled back into place. Give him a show, you smiled inwardly to yourself, before you wiped that grin right off the face in your mind and dropped your jaw instead.

Before you stood a monster of a man/beast, which explained the rumbling of the ground. You noticed the hooves which explained the stamping sound. As you drew your eyes up his solid and thick legs, you were a little disappointed to see he was wearing a heavy pleated leather skirt which hid any hint of what might be hanging underneath. His biceps bulged and thick veins trailed down each forearm. His chest was broad and teeming with unbridled strength, bare and full of the fur you were hoping to find.

Walter wasn’t the first hairy man you’d been with, but he definitely made you appreciate it more and this beast sported a similar amount. As your gaze met his, you took in the visage of a bull’s head, noticing the ring you expected to see in his nose was not there, but the horns near his ears were. They were massive as well and you had plans.

“Who dares enter my labyrinth?” he demanded as he sauntered ever closer to you. “What little bird has been flitting through these halls?”

You gave your name as you held out the tray in front of you, but he simply stood before you, motionless, save his eyes which roamed over every inch of you. When he returned his gaze to yours, he cocked his head to one side.

“And what am I supposed to do with this?” he roared, obviously unsatisfied with the tray of meat. Did the hotel make a mistake? “Maybe you’re playing a game with me? Is that it? Interrupt my peaceful solitude and taunt me with a delectable offering only to hide it behind a curtain of fabric and an offensive tray of inferior flesh?”

“I … I didn’t know… I didn’t think…” you stammered. Your heart was beating furiously, though he hadn’t taken another step toward you and you weren’t exactly trapped. You were more convinced than ever that if you wanted to escape, the entry room and the elevator were just around the corner. He was giving you time to acclimate to your decision to stay, making sure you weren’t having second thoughts. Though he commanded this hall in this maze, he was letting you call the next shot and you knew you were in no danger. Well, none that you didn’t want.

You set the tray on a ledge nearby, and grabbed fistfuls of your robe in both hands, lifting the material enough to give you the feeling of freedom around your lower legs. Just in case. Not that you were planning on running.

“In this labyrinth, the offerings are usually a little more respectful. Would you like to try your offering again?” Something about his words, the way he cocked his head again, the subtle pawing at the ground, as if he was about to rear up. He wanted you to. 

You licked your lips, and nodded. Took one more beat. Then turned and ran. Past the door to the changing room, up the hall to the right, left down the next corridor, then right again. Left. Left. Left. Right. For a moment you imagined he wasn’t right on your tail and then you hit a dead end and he descended on you as you turned to try to escape the hall thinking you might have enough time to head in another direction. Well, around you really. His arms caged you against the wall behind you.

He was so close. His musk was intoxicating and the scent added a little more fuel to the fire already burning in your loins. You peered up into his eyes, which you now noticed weren’t jet black, but rather a deep, dark azure. 

“That’s better,” he chuckled. “The offering is always sweeter after a little vigorous activity.”

“I’m so sorry,” you spoke. "I had no idea the offering I was given wouldn't be to your satisfaction. I should have anticipated better for a creature who commands such obedience and reverence as you."

“The tray isn’t the offering, little bird,” he huffed near your ear as you felt a hand drop from the wall beside you to your shoulder and then down to the pivotal point on your costume. One little tug, and, yep, there it went. The makeshift dressing had held up surprisingly well on the chase, but it was designed to come off easily and that it did. He made an approving sound, tracing a finger over one breast and down the valley between both, nearing your apex before he dragged the back of that hand up your belly and around your waist, ending with a firm grip on the meat of your hips.

“What…what is the offering?” you asked, with feigned timidity, as if you didn’t know what he meant. His arms moved to circle your waist and his hands slid to the creases beneath both now bare cheeks.

"I'll take this peach instead," he snorted with what you perceived to be a wink and a grin. He jiggled the flesh of your ass and grinned wider as he caught the moan of pleasure you tried to suppress. "You don’t need to fight it little bird. This is why you're here. To let go of inhibitions and feel free to express your feelings and desires with no judgment. If you like someone paying attention to this luscious cake, you shouldn't have to feel like you have to hide it."

The exchange felt a little out of character for the scene, but you didn’t mind. The chase was fun, but it was going to be even better finding out how this man would take care of your needs. So you let him know.

"Fuck. It feels good to have you touch it. Most men just go straight for the pussy and ignore the pleasure I get from the tease, the idea of you..." you trailed off, uncertain if you wanted to broach that subject here.

"Oh, it's just an idea, huh? Nothing you want to try? Isn't that why you're here?"

You thought about Walter and wondered if Sy was as well endowed under the fabric covering his loins. Surely the beasts at this hotel were all inordinately adept at providing pleasure; that was after all the entire theme. And maybe there were other ways to pleasure a person, and maybe this hotel had them too, but you couldn’t begin to imagine that the size of Sy’s cock wasn’t proportionate to his stature. You weren't quite ready to feel that in your ass.

"It's alright, little bird. We're here for whatever you'd like,” he answered without you even saying a word.

“Can I call you Sy?” you asked, unsure how committed to the bit he’d be.

“Of course, darlin’.” That was an odd Texas drawl that had just overridden the previous enigmatic accent you assumed was meant to convey ancient Greece. He kept the twang when he saw your surprised eyebrow quirk. “We can take this play anywhere you want to go. Though I’m going to make one choice for us.”

He bent to scoop you into his arms, cradling your legs and back as he held you against his chest. You could feel his heart pounding and wondered if he could feel yours, too. You took some slow deep breaths to try to calm yourself.

For a brief moment, you nestled your head against his neck, relishing the feel of the fur against your cheek. Then you turned your head to pay attention to where he was taking you. You figured you would need to make your way out of this maze alone after being well and thoroughly fucked and somehow you imagined you'd still have enough brain cells to remember the path he was taking.

But Sy wasn’t going backwards to any open hall. Instead he was making his way directly into what you took for a dead end. Before he crushed you against the wall, as you were sure he was about to do, Sy stepped through the wall. Sort of. Through another optical illusion that proved the dead end was actually a T intersection.

Sy took the left branch and in a few short strides, you found yourself in a room filled oddly with accouterments of pleasure. A platform bed covered in softness in the middle of the space was an inviting contrast to the sandstone walls you'd acclimated to. In a few spaces, what appeared to be fur rugs hung against the walls. Straight ahead, covered in dozens of warm glowing candles illuminating the room along with hanging oil lamp pendants, sat a wooden altar. Bowls draped with mounds of luscious looking fruit and plates of cured meats and cheeses were nestled in between the candle holders.

As you looked around, you noticed no other entrance to the room, though you kept missing the non-obvious openings, so who knew? The markings on the wall and other accompanying furnishings led you to believe you were not just in some other hall of the maze. You were now in Sy's sanctuary. You’d found, or rather Sy was going to show you, the treasure at the middle of the maze. 

Sy set you on your feet and stepped back, as if judging your temperature again. 

“Is this where I meet my fate, then?” you asked, with a shy smile.

“You’ll die a thousand little deaths in here,” he promised, returning to the previous accent, and you noticed now a tail swishing behind him. You hadn’t seen that before, but it seemed…excited.

“Sounds amazing.”

With that he rushed you as if you still held the red cape as a target. In what felt like one fell swoop, he bent to capture your hips and swing you forward over his shoulder as he turned and took a few steps toward a fur-lined spot along a wall and none of those movements jostled or startled you. It was as if he was picking up a piece of cloth, the ease with which he maneuvered you and held you stable so nothing hurt. Not his fingers in your hips, not your hips over his shoulder, not your back as he held you captive, pressed against the wall of the hidden sanctuary.

“Walter said you smelled delicious and tasted even better,” Sy huffed with hunger.

Did they talk amongst one another? That hardly seemed ethical. And yet, you’d gossipped and dished about this place and the man you’d met previously. Why would you assume he wouldn’t do the same?

“So that’s the first thing we’ll take care of here,” he continued as he dug his massive thigh into the moist heat between your legs and huffed breath onto your neck. His hands traced the length of your body, down both sides, over your belly, onto the sensitive skin of your inner thighs.

In a heartbeat, he had you off the ground, legs spread wide as he continued to trap you against the wall. You tried to hold onto his beefy shoulders for stability, but soon realized he wasn't done lifting you up as you lost purchase.

You were sure you'd be tumbling forward onto the sandy ground in front of you as soon as you cleared another foot of his body, but somehow you remained upright. Well, ‘somehow’ was known but you were still amazed at the raw strength and power Sy possessed to hold you aloft and continue to elevate your body.

With one final shrug, he had your naked form where he wanted it. Legs over shoulders and pussy right at his face waiting to be devoured. You'd had men, including Walter, in between your legs before. A few times when you were upright, and that always put a nice checkmark next to their names in your book. But never while hoisted six feet in the air.

The thick swath of muscle that ascended through your folds filled you with a warmth you had been craving for weeks. Sy somehow managed to manipulate the shape as well, so that he alternated between targeted tight circles with a tip and wide saliva drenched passes that were soon mingling with your own juices.

You had the distinct impression that the wall behind you was for your benefit only. A way to make you more comfortable and secure in the knowledge that he wouldn't let you fall while he was feasting at the altar of your thighs. That he had the ability to hold you upright all on his own while he ate you out.

He made you come at least three times with your back arched against the wall and crying out for relief as you pressed into his head to hold yourself steady, even while he supported you with a hand cradling your ass and another secure against your side. You had wanted to grab his horns, but something told you to stop and wait until you could ask permission. It didn’t seem polite to just grab at them without warning.

“Please, Sy. Please fuck me now,” you pleaded and he skillfully obliged, though he took his sweet time getting there.

He took a few more licks, sucking in the moisture dripping from your pussy before he began to ease your legs off his shoulders, down his body, and around his waist. He settled you there while he reached back to unhook his skirt and drop it to the ground. Then he knelt, still holding you against the wall, and shifted your legs down to rest on his thighs. This gave you an opportunity to peek down and see what he was working with, and not that you were at all surprised but it was still a bit of shock.

A strap of leather remained wrapped around his waist, traveling down both sides of his Orion's belt with the ends connected to a ring that sat stuffed behind his cock. While you contemplated just how long it would let him last, he worked an especially large condom onto his massive member, drifting a knuckle through your folds at every opportunity, given the proximity. He grunted and grinned each time you rolled your hips against his fingers, eagerly seeking more pressure, more depth, more everything.

“Patience, little bird. We’ll get there soon enough,” he warned as he finished affixing the rubber. You watched rapt as he held himself firm in one hand, tugging with the same languid pace he also used to trail his fingers from the other hand around your entrance, flicking at the hidden pearl up top and pressing his thumb deep inside you. It was killing you, but this was not one of the little deaths he had promised and you contemplated telling him so. 

As if he could tell just how impatient you were becoming, he finally spread your puffy lips wide and began to nudge the tip of his cock at your soaking entrance. A gasp was all you could manage as he moved to standing at the same time, easing your legs back up around his waist again.

Sy moved into you inch by glorious inch, pausing every so often to make sure you were comfortable. It was certainly not something you were accustomed to, but the feeling was familiar and you knew now he was at least as large as Walter. This was going to be fun. When he was almost seated you asked.

“Sy?”

“Yes, little bird?”

“May I touch them? Hold … hold onto them?”

“Yes, little bird, you may.”

You used the leverage of your grip to drive your hips down the rest of the way onto his colossal cock and willed your inner walls to ease around him. A heat filled you, a desire to grind against him, but he stilled you. Made you sit with the enormity of the situation for a moment while he palmed a breast, rolled a nipple.

“Please, Sy, please. I want you to move. I want you to fuck me into this wall. Please.”

He didn’t make you beg another time. He was slamming into you and somehow rotating his hips in such a way that you felt him in every muscle and nerve in your body. It felt electric and vibrant and you wanted to explode. Sy let you. Fucked you right through it and into the midst of a second one before you could open your eyes again. 

You were grinding against him, pulling your body up and pushing back down using his horns to guide you and you were coming hard around him again. His laugh was infectious and you let one out with the third little death in this position. 

Suddenly, he spun you away from the wall. For a moment you thought he was heading for the bed, but he lifted you off his cock, then turned you around. He held you against his chest with one arm around your waist as his other hand guided his throbbing member into you once again.

You threw your arms behind you to grasp at his neck as if you needed to somehow participate in keeping yourself steady against him, but he could handle you all on his own. He had your legs splayed wide, an arm under each knee, and he drove up into you as if it was nothing. And while you didn’t need to, you absolutely wanted to slip your hands up a little higher, off his neck, over the back of his head and right back onto those epic horns. 

You smoothed your fingers over the bone, into the curl, and held on. It could have been your imagination, but his grunts and snorts seemed to magnify as you did so. Maybe he really liked it? Before you had a chance to consider dragging your fingers along the form again, he hit you with another deep wave of pleasure that had your eyes rolling back into your head as you slumped against him.

And it was like he knew how much more you had in you, because he just kept fucking you right back into consciousness, at which point you did gather your wits and give his horns a few more sensual strokes. It was his groan that told you he was close and you were helping him along. It only took a few more thrusts before you were coming hard around his dick and it seemed like he was letting loose with a roar, too.

He eased his phallus out of your sweaty, quivering body and moved forward to deposit you on the bed, admonishing you to stay put before he disappeared behind another secret wall. You heard water rushing and the sound began to lull you into a light sleep that only the warm, wet cloth pulled you out of.

“Don’t open your eyes just yet,” he spoke, his voice a little less gruff than before.

“I was promised a thousand little deaths,” you teased, unable to move your eyelids or anything else for that matter. His laughter lifted your heart.

“Oh, you want more? Looks like you’d scatter in the wind like a dandelion if I put my cock in you one more time.”

“I wish you weren’t right,” you joined him with a light laugh of your own. “Maybe if I could get a little nap…”

“Unfortunately, time has been flyin’ while we’ve been having fun. Don’t think you’ve got enough left for that.”

You peeled your eyes open, curious about his statement. You hadn’t meant to imply he should give you more time and you were embarrassed that he might think you were being pushy, demanding. You were not prepared for the sight of the man in front of you.

Where Walter’s shift had given him just a little extra height and bulk, not that he needed it to maneuver you around the room, Sy’s return to human form was dramatic. And not that he wasn’t massive in his own right, but the size of the beast that had just fucked you senseless was even more apparent comparatively. You could see he was solid, tree trunks for thighs and branches for arms. His shoulders were wide, chest broad. All the things you’d noticed of the bull, but just scaled down. And still incredibly daunting. 

“S’okay I shifted back?” he asked with concern.

“Of course, whatever you… I mean, this is all so new to me. I have no idea what’s allowed. And how much time…” Was what you were thinking about within bounds? “Has it really only been almost four hours? How much time is left? I think I assumed…”

Sy gave another chuckle as you trailed off.

“Yeah, he musta really liked you from the get go.” At your quizzical gaze, Sy continued. “We don’t all have that gift. Walt’s one of the few. And he uses it sparingly. It’s not really a sanctioned hotel offering. If everyone could and did, we’d get nothing but two-hour bookings.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to… I mean, I hope that didn’t sound like I was demanding any special treatment or anything.”

“You honestly still don’t look like you have enough strength left to demand a deep breath,” Sy teased. “Here, lemme give you a hand. We’ll get you cleaned up for real.”

He scooped you off the bed and carried you into the bathroom, outfitted similarly to the entry room. He placed you gently under the warm, rushing waterfall before sudsing you up with a shower gel that smelled surprisingly like something you already owned. You watched as his hands slid over your body, easing the soap down your legs and guiding the water to rinse you off. 

“Sy,” you began, wondering if you should even bring it up, but as he stood to grab a towel for you, the shape you thought you’d seen as he washed you was even more apparent. “Is it allowed? Do we have time … Can I…help you with this?”

You reached for him, circling a hand around his obvious erection and tugging gently. His eyes closed slowly as he dropped his head back with a deep sigh, before he wrapped his arms around you and drew you to him. He put a palm against your cheek and tilted your head to train his beautiful blue eyes on yours as he spoke.

“It’s technically not allowed.” Your heart sank at his words. “But Imma make it good for you one last time anyway.” 

You let the towel drop to the floor as he lifted you to move back out to the bed. He set you down and you watched him climb onto the mattress, expecting him to grab a condom and crawl over you, or flip you over. When he settled himself between your legs, it wasn’t his cock that penetrated you. Sy put his mouth over your pussy again and the moan that escaped his throat had enough vibration you were sure you could come from that alone.

He was better. He was unbelievably better than Walter at this. It wasn’t something you were particularly proud to be thinking, but truth was where you found it and this was the truth. Sy was skilled and all the tricks he used in Minotaur form, he used here as well. You were squirming within moments, grinding up into his face and grabbing onto his freshly shaved head to help keep him where he’d do the most damage in the quickest amount of time. Not that he needed your help, because he was fucking good at this. He knew how to use his tongue and lips and, yes, teeth, gently, and yes fingers, deep and deft. And if you weren’t mistaken, he was squirming, too. 

You could see his ass wiggling and humping into the bed and if you weren’t losing your own damn mind you’d have noticed his hips stuttering as he came into the mattress right around the time his fingers landed back on the spot that, in combination with the movement of his tongue, had you screaming his name.

He let you linger in bed a moment, catching your breath while he slipped on a pair of white, slouchy linen pants before he held out his hand to help you off the bed. 

“Here,” he pulled the sheet around you with a soft chuckle and a grin. “This’ll be more comfortable than traipsing back to the elevator naked. I’ll show you the way.”

Sy led you back to the entry room, stopping along the way for a small detour to find your discarded cloak down the dead end hall. You swapped material with him as he deposited you outside the changing room and wished you a wonderful day.

“Come back and see us again, sometime. It was a pleasure,” he tilted his head at you as you stepped backwards into the room.

“The pleasure was all mine,” you replied.

“Don’t be too sure about that, now.”

Bonus Edit: Absolutely GORGEOUS headers made for me by my wonderful friend in fic @geralts-yenn:

Everything HC Taglist: (as always, let me know if you want on or off)

@sillyrabbit81 @mayloma @geralts-yenn @raccoon-eyed-rebel @fvckinghenrycavill @kebabgirl67 @beck07990 @itsrubberbisquit @sweetdreamsofgelato @liveoncoffeeandflowersss @alexakeyloveloki @marantha @aireraume @angelmather1 @lizzystuffsthings @enchantedbytomandhenry @omgkatinka @littlefreya @avengersfan25 @just-chirpin @thesaucynomad @valacirca @henryownsme @summersong69 @foxyjwls007 @peyton-warren

Special tag: @kittenofdoomage (cause sometimes you love my stuff and this one's another monster fucker lol!)

Tags from Werewolf!walter (if you commented):

@ellethespaceunicorn @juliaorpll78 @martha-oi @cardierreh15 @cinnamoroll-things @caramariehurst @zombicupcake3 @openup-yourmind @shellyshellshell @nickfowlerrr @greensleeves888 @misshinson @thelastsock @princessaxoo @augustsprincess @justjulie1105 @minimin1993 if you asked and aren't here, Tumblr won’t let me tag you. Sorry!

[yanderes-galore]

Hello can I request a yandere concept between ennard (hope I spelled it right) with a reader who finds out the truth about them that they aren’t actually Micheal? It can be platonic or romantic I’m not good picking ( I hope you have a nice day btw!)

Sure! So sorry for the long wait, I hope it was worth it :(

Read this as a supplementary concept to this one

Yandere! Ennard with Darling realizing they aren't Michael

Supplementary Concept

Pairing: Platonic/Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Manipulation, Stalking, Body horror, Disturbing descriptions, Clingy behavior, Isolation, Implied kidnapping, Blood, Vomit, Forced companionship.

Let's be honest, at a certain point you can tell when Michael isn't Michael.

As his friend, you know him.

You've known his trauma and might have even been a childhood friend.

So when he disappears for a few days... and returns acting strange... you originally think maybe he's just sick or upset.

He doesn't seem to remember much about you... and while he looks like Michael for the most part...

It all feels too uncanny.

There's various issues going on that's described in the previous concept.

Multiple personalities, twitching, odd smells, purple skin, glowing eyes, mechanical whirring....

Ennard is unable to replicate Michael completely.

There's always something off.

It doesn't help that Ennard becomes obsessed... often stalking and visiting you in their tattered disguise.

Honestly, it won't take you long before you learn the truth.

You can figure it out yourself.

At first you had just been keeping an eye on Michael to make sure he was okay after his absence.

But now... as you notice the smell and uncanny nature... there's just no hiding it.

Ennard is aware of their time limit.

They just thought they'd have more time.

However, Ennard nearly freezes when you pull them aside.

They see the concern in your eyes, along with the fear when you're met with a glowing gaze.

"Michael... what's wrong?"

Ennard struggles with a response, doing their best to replicate Michael's speech once again.

"Nothing's wrong...?"

"Don't you dare lie to me!"

Ennard pauses at your sudden... assertive tone.

If they could sweat... they would.

"What do you mean?"

"You never went to the hospital to get checked, you don't seem right... and that smell! You smell like a... corpse."

Ennard twitches, making you jump a bit.

Corpse... you poor thing, too smart for your own good.

"... we thought we could enjoy you a little bit longer..."

"Michael" murmurs, looking saddened.

"We? What do you mean 'We'?"

"We aren't Michael... but we wish we were so we could stay."

Mechanical whirring echoes in the room as you notice Michael's purple skin tear.

You back up, nausea setting in as the smell gets worse.

Sickening snaps and rips echo in the room... blood pooling down and staining the... thing.

The sight makes you lurch over and vomit, the stress and smell squeezing your stomach in an uncomfortable vice.

Like some sort of stomach churning alien... Ennard emerges from the skin of your friend.

You nearly lose your stomach again as the mechanical beast stumbles forward... an amalgamated circus clown of robotic parts.

"We don't want to say goodbye..."

The robot murmurs sadly, stepping forward as you scramble to stay back.

"Maybe we don't have to...! Maybe you can stay...."

You go to try and leave, only for the mangle of parts to pounce.

Wires dig into your skin like claws... situating you in place like a trap.

Ennard's many mechanical eyes stare down at you.

They take in your scared expression and giggle.

"You're our friend now... we're so much better than Michael."

The robot coos towards you, grip tight and unrelenting.

"We'll be your friend forever... you just have to come with us."

You struggle the best you can, but the wires dig too deep.

"Your fear is funny... but don't be scared...."

You're walked towards the backdoor of your home, the robot giggling.

"We'll take you away... so It's just us and you! If you fight us..."

The robot hisses... turning you so you stare at their bloody face plates.

"We have other ways of keeping you with us forever..."

Your mind flashes to thoughts of Michael... and you learn it's better if you cooperate.

[annymation]

The Kingdom of Wishes- A “Wish” Rewrite

Chapter 10- The Thanks I Get

Chapter 9

(I bet ya'll see the title and think "oooooh she's gonna adapt Magnifico's song" yeah, actually no, sorry to burst your bubble, but that song is beyond salvation... I'm doing something else with it.)

“Then let’s go! Last one there is a dusty nebula!”

Aster exclaims as they run to the castle to get her wish. Probably not the most sneaky way to… sneak in a castle.

But Asha can’t help but laugh with his contagious enthusiasm, as he's literally doing some cartwheels as he runs, laughing to himself.

She’s confident they can do this, as long as they stay together.

Aster is way ahead of her, while Valentino is hoping after her.

She smiles with a passion in her eyes, as she runs and-

Asha is stopped.

She feels a large hand made of green magic holding her whole body.

Her smile instantly replaced by terror... The king got her.

She tried to scream for help.

"A-AST- HMM" But one of the hand's fingers covered her mouth to shush her.

Aster didn't look back.

Asha is pulled all the way back to the plaza, flying through the air. And before she knows it she's back on the ground. She opens her eyes... The king and queen are smiling down at her.

"Hello again, Asha. We got a little surprise for you~" Magnifico says in a singsong voice, holding a green wish bubble.

(The image above doesn't represent where they are in this moment, but that face Magnifico is making just SCREAMS the same vibes my rewrite's Magnifico has)

Her heart was beating like a drum... The king was no longer holding her with his magic but she still couldn't move, she was frozen in fear.

The king turned his attention to the crowd at the plaza as he spoke

(Detail: The whole kingdom is not here watching, this is like, a gathering of dozens of people that were casually walking around the plaza minding their business. But it's still plenty of people though.)

"My people! Give a big cheer foooor... THE NEWEST PRINCESS OF ROSAAAAAAS!" He announces with the charm of a show host, as he turns Asha around to the public.

He raises her wish bubble, revealing inside the image of her wearing a white dress similar to the queen's and a crown.

The whole crowd gasps in surprise, but no one is as surprised as Asha's 7 friends, all of them look completely shocked... They KNOW Asha wouldn't wish for that.

Asha looks like she's gonna pass out... Has Aster noticed she's not behind him yet?

The king continues as if the girl next to him doesn't look scared out of her mind

"YEAH I know, we were just as surprised as you all. Little miss "I just have a simple wish" here just did a FULL 180 and wished to be ADOPTED by us. I mean haha I'm sure now you understand why we were gonna deny this wish, right?... But then again..." The king places a hand on Asha's shoulder, tightening his grip "I won't stay on this earth forever, and we're yet to be blessed with an heir to be my apprentice... SO if Asha shares the same love for Rosas that we have, then how can I say no?!"

The people, now understanding the situation, cheer with joy at the news that the kingdom will have a princess.

(Hey hi it's me, just wanted to let y'all know the whole time I'm writing this scene my mind is going "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH" in a bad way, like, this is literally the part of the story I was dreading the most, if this is freaking you out then imagine how I'm feeling.)

Asha for the first time since she landed on the stage starts trying to speak, emphasis on trying because her voice almost doesn't come out.

"I- I didn-"

The queen brings her in for a hug.

"Ooh Asha, I just know having you in the palace will bring so much joy into our lives." The queen holds her so tightly the girl can barely breathe "We've heard that you came out of the castle crying last night, and we felt so AWFUL that we made you go through the sadness of losing a wish" Her sharp nails are digging on Asha's back as she says "But don't worry mi rosa. From now on, we'll make sure no more tears run down those pretty little eyes... Ever again."

In the eyes of the people, this is a sweet moment...

But Asha knows full well what the queen really means. This is a threat.

They want to take everything away from her. Her interests, her voice, her free will. Everything because she dared to speak up to them, she dared to call them out on a problem that she had with the system...

And now, they thought she would just LET THEM take it all from her? So they could use her as a way to make THEM look holier than thou in the eyes of Rosas?

... No...

Like she told Aster, she was DONE running away from them.

All these thoughts are going through her mind as the king speaks, raising the wish into the air and using his staff to grant it, he speaks in a smooth calming voice:

"That's right, now just hold still my dear, this will feel just like waking up from a pleasant drea- WAHH!"

The crowd gasped.

Asha kicked the staff off his hands, stopping the spell.

The staff ALMOST falls on the ground, but Magnifico grabs it clumsily just before the green gem hits the floor.

The king's blue eyes are wide. His previous charismatic persona vanishes in an instant.

"yoU LITTLE- IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THIS I-..." He stops himself, remembering that they are in public. It's almost unnerving how quickly he switches back to his calm demeanor "Hahaha *ahem* apologies, got a bit jumpy there haha It's just that... You REALLY don't wanna find out what happens if this breaks." Magnifico says warningly.

The king and queen were surprised that Asha fought back...

But they were even more surprised by the fact she didn't even flinch at the king's yelling.

As they look at her, they realize she's not that same meek little girl they met the previous night.

She was standing up proudly, still holding her Saba's mandolin in one hand, and her mother's cloak hood was down.

Her legs were no longer shaking, and her head was held up high.

(The way he always taught her to? :3)

She spoke loud and clear so EVERYONE could hear

"That is NOT what I wished for!"

...

Magnifico wasn't expecting that.

After taking away her wish the girl should've lost her spark. But here she is shining brighter than before... Something changed... She got a new wish.

The plan was to just put her in a situation where she'd be in danger, so that the star would come to save her, revealing it's power, and Magnifico could capture it...

Sure, they just saw said star a few minutes ago, but hey, he wanted to make a spectacle out of it by having the star come out of it's human disguise in public. That's more his style...

... This is fine though, after all Magnifico always liked to improvise...

...

The king throws his head back as he lets out a huge laugh.

"HA- Ha ha ha Ooooh I see, you're just confused because you don't REMEMBER that you wished for this, right?" He asks Asha as if he's giving her one last chance to just play along and accept her fate "I know it's hard to believe, but this IS your wish. Then again, it's quite common that some doubt that they wished for something-" He turns to the crowd as if he's casually going to start telling a funny story "Ya know, there was this one time a lady wished me-"

"NO!"

She interrupted him this time, which got even more gasps and shocked looks from the crowd.

Magnifico now turned his face to her with a fake puzzled glance, really what he's thinking is "Oh she's ACTUALLY going for it?"

Asha takes a deep breath. They'll definitely throw her into the dungeon for this... But better thrown into a dungeon than locked in a tower as a mindless princess... Besides, Aster can unlock doors, he can get her out...

"I am NOT letting you decide what I deserve... Nor what ANYONE ELSE in Rosas deserves!" Asha says determined, pointing at the very confused crowd.

Magnifico is... How can I put this? Intrigued? Amused? Impressed?... Nah, I think the word I'm looking for is: Excited.

He NEVER had someone challenge him like this before, and although having these peasants kiss the ground he walks on is pretty fun, it does get kinda dull after 25 years... Getting to SHOW this little brat just how much control he has over them? Now that's new.

And so... He accepts her challenge, by playing dumb:

"Huh?" He looks at her with one arched brow, tilting his head to the side, a very slight smile forming on the corner of his lips "Now what on earth are you talking about, Asha?" He asks innocently, pretty much daring her to go on.

And so she does. Ready to go past just dipping her toes in, she's diving in.

She looks at her people as she exclaims without fear:

"Everyone, PLEASE listen to me, Magnus and Amaya are not who they claim to be!" She begs them to listen.

The crowd is dumbfounded, mostly by the fact she just addressed them by their first names.

Now, any other king would've probably called in the guards to arrest the girl at this point.

But King Magnifico ain't no normal king, he instead just jokes about it like this is a stand-up comedy.

"WOOOOAH first names!? Really? We're going with first names? Hahaha okay- calm down "miss Lucero"! We've just met yesterday." He's talking like she's just a kid misbehaving.

Asha ignores the king's comment and continues "Magnus claims to grant our wishes, but last night I've seen it with my own eyes what he REALLY does. He CHANGES our wishes, turning them into curses. That's what he did with MY wish, and he has been doing it for years with many if not ALL our wishes." She explains as clearly as she can.

The people look at her in disbelief, some laugh it off like she just lost her mind... Her friends though, seem to actually be listening attentively.

Magnifico approaches her and talks in a more reprehending tone, but still smiling like he just finds this all really amusing "Oh Asha, I know that because of your father's ideals you're not the biggest fan of how I do things, but yelling deranged lies about me REALLY doesn't help your case."

The king makes it seem like Asha is just acting this way to enforce her "Achieve your wish by yourself" ideals. And sure enough, some people seem to agree that's what she's doing. It has to be right? No waaaaay the king would actually be a bad person.

(They think, as they watch this grown man verbally bully this 18 year old... Please don't hate the people of Rosas too much y'all, they're like partially brainwashed and victims of the situation too)

Asha doesn't care what anyone thinks though, if she can open the eyes of at least ONE person, then it'll be worth it, she has to at least try.

"The only liar here is YOU" She says now glaring at him.

"Oh-ho REALLY? Alright Asha, I'll play along..." He leans down to look her dead in the eyes "Prove it." He challenges her, and then starts walking away from her, pretty much giving her the room to state her case "Go on, humor me. Show us a SINGLE proof that anything you say is a fact." he uses his staff to create a fancy chair made of green light for him to sit on, as he crosses his legs "Would you like one as well, my love?" he asks his wife that is just standing there

Oh yeah, the queen's there too, I haven't really mentioned how she's feeling about this have I? Well let me tell ya she's not enjoying this ONE BIT.

Actually the whole time she was in the background looking at her husband with the biggest "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Face you can imagine.

YEARS of maintaining a squeaky clean persona in public. YEARS of her teaching him how to act like a selfless person. And now he's just casually inviting this girl to destroy everything they've built?!

(Amaya, sweetie, you deserve better than this idiot, go to the Wish Movie universe and turn that Magnifico into your boy toy)

She tries to put some sense into him, as in, tell him they should just quit while they're ahead and throw her in the dungeon:

"Umm darling, don't you think she already crossed a line?" The queen asks him with a concerned look.

"Oooh she did, all of them in fact. But let's hear her out, ya know? After all, I'm always there when my subjects need to vent." The king gives his queen a confident look, as if to say "I know what I'm doing"

See, that's the problem with Magnifico, he's way too confident that his people would NEVER actually turn against him. Yes, he got worried when Asha raised her voice asking about her Saba's wish that one time, but that was different, back then Asha was saying something that could possibly be passed out as truth, that Magnifico doesn't grant all the wishes... Now though? Now she's saying that he CHANGES the wishes and turns them into curses, that's ridiculous, not to mention that now she has a bad reputation. He's confident that his people would never believe a word she says.

... That's what he THINKS.

Asha is given the room to open their eyes.

So, she takes it:

"The proof is literally ALL AROUND US!" She says pointing to the paintings on the walls around the plaza, the statues, the drawings on the floor. Everything illustrating the king and queen "Has anyone ever wondered WHY everywhere we look, every piece of art, every song we hear, every celebration, it's ALL dedicated to them?" She says pointing to the king and queen.

"It's called being grateful kid, you should give it a try." Magnifico says pridefully.

Some people in the crowd look around... Some of the younger ones, as in, younger than 18 have a thoughtful look.

Asha ignores the king's comment again and continues like she has been holding in these words for years "Our kingdom has people from all around the world: Africa, Asia, Arabia, Europe, so much diversity, but you could never tell by looking at the way people dress, all in one style. Our food is not diverse. Our music is not diverse. Our art is not diverse. Has anyone ever wondered why?"

We see a glimpse of Dahlia's reaction to that comment... That got her attention.

"I'll tell you why: Magnifico CHANGED the most beautiful part of ourselves, what makes us unique, making us all the SAME."

Magnifico chuckles at that as he says "And THAT, my dear, is what we call E-QUA-LI-TY" He claims proudly, thinking that the crowd agrees...

The queen seems concerned... He's getting carried away, again.

He's not looking at the crowd yet.

Asha looks directly at him, her eyes have a burning rage "THIS isn't equality! Equality is what Rosas used to be. Before YOU, this kingdom was colorful, full of variety and self expression-"

"Oh for crying out loud!" He cuts her off, now sounding annoyed as he rolls his eyes "You JUST turned 18, what do YOU know about how things were before ME?" He asks with a grin.

"I may be young, but I know A LOT. I've read about the kings that came before you! And by the way, there's a reason they didn't grant all the wishes!" She speaks boldly.

"OoOooOOoh would you look at that ladies and gentlemen, we got a little scholar in our midst!" That's the most formal way one can call someone a nerd "Alright then, ENLIGHTEN ME, why would those idio- I mean- Ideal kings not grant all the wishes?" He almost slips up.

She smiled knowing she already won, as she accepts the challenge.

"Gladly."

Magnifico is taken aback by that. His expression goes slightly serious.

"They didn't grant all the wishes because they knew the importance of not letting the people DEPEND on them to achieve their dreams, that it's something for YOU to do by yourself." Her voice is full of passion.

"HA! because THAT'S waaaaay better than what I do. You know Asha, maybe you're right, maybe I did change your wish, clearly you don't wish to be a princess, you're way more of a COURT JESTER! Isn't that right Rosas?!" The king expects people to agree.

...

Silence.

He turns to look at them and...

They're listening to her.

... That's... NOT how he thought this would play out...

He thought that at any moment the people would start booing her, disagreeing, insulting, anything...

But nothing happened.

... They actually DOUBTED him?

And all it took was ONE LITTLE GIRL?!

He thought they loved him unconditionally... But after everything he did they just...

Ignored him?

...

He had to shut her up.

But she still had more to say:

"They understood that wishing isn't something you should feel pressured to do when you turn 18. It's something that is YOURS and you should decide if you want to give it away or not-"

Magnus stands up from the chair he created as he speaks firmly:

"Alright, now you liste-"

She looked directly in his blue eyes as she interrupts him with no fear:

"You RUINED Rosas and everything it stood for."

His eyes widen at that comment. That one hit a nerve.

"That's ENOUGH-"

"You shouldn't even be KING in the first place! YOUR BROTHER WOULD STILL BE OUR KING! BUT YOU KI-"

Asha is shushed.

Magnus uses his magic to hold her whole body, including her mouth.

The people in the crowd gasp.

He's looking at the girl with an expression she hasn't seen from him before... There's no feeling in his eyes... It's like he's soulless.

He turns to look at the people bellow his feet.

They look... Scared.

...

He could do some damage control later. Nothing that a wish ceremony here and some festivals there don't fix... The people would forget this eventually.

This girl though?

He would never let her forget who was their king.

Asha's eyes look terrified.

His face remains emotionless as he says in a whisper:

"You want me to be the bad king? Fine, now I'm the bad king."

There's the rumbling sound of thunder, alerting that it's gonna rain soon.

At that moment, King Magnifico just kinda forgot the whole reason they did all this was to capture the star...

OH YEAH SPEAKING OF THAT STAR! WHY DON'T WE CHECK ON HIM???

So we cut to Aster near the entrance of the castle, oblivious to the fact Asha was not racing with him at all for the past (I don't know how many) minutes.

The star hits his hand on the wall as he says

"HA HA I WIN! Alright, now how should we distract the guards? I was thinking mayb-" Aster turns around and realizes...

Asha isn't with him.

"... Huh... I know I'm fast but I was trying to run about the same speed of a human... Could she have tripped on the way or something?" The star ponders, trying to see if he could spot Asha in the distance

But then he hears some very desperate cries... Of a certain baby goat.

"MAAA! MAAAA!" Valentino was hoping as fast as his little baby goat legs could take him.

"Oh hey Val! Did you see-"

"MAAA!" The goat explained.

The smile on Aster's face deflated into horror.

"... W h a t?" Aster's voice was shaking, he didn't know such guilt was even possible...

They left her. After he promised he would never leave her side.

Aster grabbed Valentino, running with the goat in his arms twice as fast as he ran to get to the castle, and all he could say was:

"NONONONONONO I'M OFFICIALLY THE.WORST.WISHING.STAR IN.THIS.SIDE.OF.THE.GALAXY!!!"

Sooo we cut back to Asha... Who's not doing so great right now.

The king is using his staff to make her float, so they're on the same eye level. As he begins to speak with his voice sounding uncharacteristically monotonous.

Not faking kindness, nor passion, not even sarcasm, just a serious and emotionless tone that sent chills down her spine.

"I don't know what could've possessed you to speak such lies, Asha. After everything I've done for you... Since the day you were born to the day that we've met... I give and give and give and give" He tightens the spell around her with every "give" making her face contort in pain "And all I ask in turn... Is just a little respect." He sighs "But that's too much to ask from you, hum? You want things to be your way, to change centuries of tradition because YOU so happen to not like how things are... And to think I actually considered making an apprentice out of you.” He says… looking at her wish bubble that he's holding “So, this is the thanks I get? For wanting to go above and beyond to grant your wish? I mean, what MORE could you possibly want from me?” He asks even though she obviously can’t answer with her mouth covered by his magic.

“I think she made what she “wanted” painfully clear, mi rey” the queen, that has been dead silent this whole time, as she usually is when they’re in public… comes in with her voice sounding full of pain and sorrow…

Magnifico turns around to his queen, she has the most believable crocodile tears running down her face

… Oh how he loved this woman. She always knew just what to say to turn the odds in their favor.

He lets go of Asha, knowing his wife’s words alone were more than enough to trap her.

And so, the queen began to speak:

“You came in with that whole “I don’t know what to wish for” nonsense, as if someone that lives HERE of all places could not know what to wish for… We opened our hearts to you, offered to help you, and you gave us THIS WISH…”

Asha tries to defend herself:

“I didn’t wish fo-“

“Silence.” The queen said raspy, as she walks towards Asha slowly “I know what you wanted… You wanted to destroy everything we’ve built… By stealing the crown from us.”

A few people in the crowd, mostly older people, gasp.

Asha get's nervous, realizing people are believing what the quenn says.

“What?! But I didn’t-“

“You tried to manipulate us into giving you the title of PRINCESS in a silver platter, but after we denied you, you decided to change your approach, didn’t you? You wanted revenge, you tried to spread these HEINOUS LIES about our King. You tried to TRICK our beloved people to put them against us.” The queen keeps walking closer and closer to her.

The people that were before agreeing with Asha… Now see her as a traitor.

Asha is panicking.

“But- But I never wanted to be-“ Asha shuts her eyes as the queen gets close to her face.

“But you miscalculated, my dear, because you CAN’T hurt our reign, for we are mighty, and you? You are all alo-WAH“

Something pushes the queen away from Asha.

The crowd gasps.

She falls on the kings arms.

…

Asha opens her eyes.

Aster is standing with his back turned from her, his arms are open trying to shield her away from them.

He turns his head to look at her behind his shoulder

"Sorry I took so long, you okay?”

Asha looks at the faces of the civilians of Rosas, they all look concerned… With the queen.

“No.” She answers, hugging herself, scared beyond words.

“… I gonna get us out of-“

“GUARDS! Cease these traitors!” The king exclaims with his voice full of rage.

Aster just turns around to Magnifico in shock.

“EH?! TRAITORS?! WHAT DID I MISS-" Aster barely finishes his sentence before a guard bellow the stage grabs him by the cape and pulls him down "WOA HEY-”

"OH! I don't knoooow, maybe you just missed that you TOUCHED THE QUEEN, BOY!" (took all my will power to not write him saying "Mah wife") Magnifico yells at the star boy while holding his wife in his arms, she's making a whole scene like Aster hurted her really badly when in reality she barely felt anything. "And YOU" Magnifico turns to Asha, who's just petrified with fear as some guards get up the stage to get her "... I don't think I have to explain what you did wrong, do I?" He simply shrugs.

Asha is looking around desperatelly.

There HAS to be someone who sees this is wrong, right?

She looks to the crowd and sees... Her friends.

They all look scared, but they have to believe her right? After everything she said.

She manages to avoid the guards grasp, as she jumps down the stage and rushes to where her friends are.

"DAHLIA, GUYS! Come on, you KNOW I'd never make that wish, PLEASE you believe me, right?!" Asha says as she holds Dahlia's hand.

... Dahlia doesn't hold her hand back... She looks at Asha with tears in her eyes... Not knowing what to do.

It's not like they don't believe her, most of them do...

Most.

But they're just a bunch of teens, what are they supposed to do?

The 7 can see the king glaring at them, waiting for their response.

Dahlia can only stutter:

"... Y-you... You did say the king wouldn't grant your wish..."

Asha's heart sinks... They're too scared of him.

"... I- I lied, I'm sorry, I should've told you but-"

"Why wouldn't you tell us?" Dahlia asks.

Asha feels Magnifico's hand on her shoulder.

"Because all she did was lie."

He pushes her aside, throwing her to a guard.

Asha and Aster are both captured and dragged away to the castle.

"Honestly, Asha? Trying bring your friends down with you? Now that's just pitiful." Magnifico turns to the 7 teens, they all look terrified of him... Good... "Such betrayal must hurt a lot, huh? But pay her no mind children... She will deceive you no longer." He says with fake pity in his eyes.

Suddenly, he feels something kicking his legs.

He looks down and sees Valentino angrily hitting him with his little baby goat horns, it doesn't hurt at all.

He holds himself to not just kick the little baby goat, and grabs him by the collar of his little sweater.

"Here, you can keep her pet." He says, handing the goat to Dario.

The king turns around to go on his way but-

"KING MAGNIFICO! WAIT!"

Simon exclaimed... To the surprise of all the other teens.

The king turned to him slowly, looking at him coldly.

"Yes, O'Donohue, what is it?" Magnifico calls him by his last name, so Simon knows that HE knows who his father is.

Simon hesitates for a moment, but continues

"W-we've been Asha’s friends for YEARS, we know she'd never mean any harm to Rosas... There HAS to be a misunderstanding, she doesn't deserve to-"

"I'll be the one deciding what she deserves, Simon." The king cuts him off

Simon goes quiet, with no choice but to watch Asha being dragged away.

...

It starts to rain.

...

Well, this was a disaster.

And that's not your narrator speaking (although she agrees). The line above is what Magnifico is thinking.

They planned on making the star show his true form in public...

BUT HERE IS THE GOD FORSAKEN BLONDE.

STILL PRETENDING TO BE HUMAN, STRUGGLING TO ESCAPE THE GUARDS GRIP.

WHAT GIVES?!

Well "what gives" is that Aster already broke a rule today. Rule number 1 was that he'd never leave Asha's side... And he did that.

So the star is now pretty stubborn on not breaking rule number 2: Never use magic.

Aster is just letting himself be carried away by the guards... But the star does have plan though.

He can open locks, once they get in the dungeon they can just escape... This is fine.

But this isn't fine for the king...

He wants to make people SEE him as he captures this star's power, to come on top as the hero who stopped the "Threat to the kingdom"... But how can he do that if the star won't show itself?

...

He would make it show itself... He just had to do what they planned...

Put Asha in danger.

The king looks at Asha's wish bubble... A wicked smile forms on his face.

Doing what he's thinking in public will surely be harder to justify in the future... But desperate times call for desperate measures.

"GUARDS!... Wait a moment."

The guards taking Asha and Aster stop. The two teens look at him.

Magnifico is holding Asha's wish on his hand as he walks towards them slowly.

"I believe that such crimes as the ones displayed today deserve a more... Unique punishment" He approaches her and looks her in the eyes as he says to everyone watching "May this serve as an EXAMPLE of what happens to those who wish harm on our kingdom... This might sting a little." He warns her with a smirk.

The grip on the wish bubble tightens until...

A small crack appears.

"aaaAAAAAAAaAaaAaaaaAAAAAAAA!!!"

Pain. That's all Asha feels.

Like grief, heartbreak, anguish and guilt just washed over her like a tidal wave all at once.

Asha lets out a painful scream and her legs go weak.

The guards holding her get startled, they didn't expect the girl would start yelling bloody murder out of nowhere.

The sound is music to Magnifico's ears though.

Aster is beyond terrified. Not only by the scream, but also by what he sees.

Her light... It's fading.

The king is killing her star.

"S- STOP! YOU ALREADY GOT ME! I'M THE ONE YOU WANTED RIGHT?? JUST LEAVE HER ALONE!"

The king continues tightening his grip on the bubble, as he turns to look at Aster with the same smile he had when he played dumb to Asha earlier:

"Huh? Now what on earth are you talking about, lad?"

He asks innocently, pretty much daring Aster to show his powers.

Aster knows what the king wants... But if he does it, not only will he be breaking the promise he made to Asha... He's gonna be breaking the most important rule for wishing stars: Don't show yourself for any human that isn't your wish maker.

If he breaks this rule... What happens to him? Will he be able to-

Asha screams again, the bubble cracks more.

Aster suddenly doesn't care about the consequences anymore.

"I SAID...

LEAVE

HER

ALONE!!!"

Aster's whole body starts glowing

As the guards holding him down let him go in surprise.

The boy is now back to being animated in 2D... But not how he was before

Before Aster's animation was usually smooth and fluid, like something animated by James Baxster.

Now though? There's nothing smooth about the way he's drawn, it's like whoever was holding the pencil on the animation table had a fit of rage while doing every single frame.

I think the best way I can describe it is this scene from "Tale of Princess Kaguya"

(Eyyyy look at us referencing a ghibli movie to talk about Aster again ahahaha- This is not the last time I'll mention Princess Kaguya in this rewrite, she's actually a big inspiration for Aster's character... If you know, you know)

The king sees this apparition that would probably strike fear in the hearts of anyone...

But his face read as if he was thinking "Thereeee it is" with a huge evil grin.

Aster doesn't really care what the king is thinking though.

The star moves so fast the rain drops start falling slower.

He reaches out and grabs the wish bubble from Magnifico's hand.

Then he runs to Asha and takes her in his arms.

Before they leave, he runs to grab her Saba's mandolin that fell on the floor.

And with all three in his arms, he runs up the walls of a building, leaving after images of himself behind like these:

The king just blinks and suddenly the girl, the boy and the wish bubble are gone...

"... WEEEEELL Would you look at that, ladies and gentleman! The traitor, and the wish stealing star are in CAHOOTS! Now who could've eveeeer seen this coming???" The king asks obnoxiously to the now panicked and screaming crowd, that is barely paying attention to him.

... This really isn't his day, and now his cape is all wet.

He just sighs loudly, at least capturing that star will brighten his day

"Okaaaay then! I'll go kill a star boy now, not like any of you ingrates care to watch." He yells to everyone around, not hiding how frustrated he is that he's not being the center of attention at the moment.

(If you're wondering where Amaya went, bruh honestly Idk. Rethinking her marital choices probably. I can't think of anything for her to do here and I kinda wanna give the spotlight to Magnifico in this chapter... Because Amaya is getting her own spotlight reeeeeally soon my friends, just you wait.)

So we cut to Aster and Asha. They're on the top of a building.

The rain is pouring down.

Asha is laying down, her head on Aster's lap.

She still looks weak and deeply in pain, Aster doesn't know what to do as he just trips over his words in a panic:

"I- I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry! I promised I'd stay w-with-with you but I- wasn't there- I shouldn't have let go of you-your hand-"

He's holding her wish bubble with one hand as he continues to apologize...

Asha suddenly feel slightly better... Like a little bit of the pain left her.

"A-Aster" She tries to tell him, but the star is lost in his own guilt.

"This is all my fault- I-If I had looked back- b-but I got distracted- be- because I was just so excited- I'm so sorry"

Asha notices something... The wish on Aster's hand... The cracks are healing.

"...Aster..." Asha repeats, trying to get the star's attention, to show him what's happening

"They were right about me... I really don't know what I'm doi-"

"ASTER!" Asha calls his attention, no longer feeling pain at all, she sits up looking at the wish bubble.

The star looks at her confused.

"Look!" Asha points at the bubble on his hand...

It's no longer cracked... And not only that...

It's changing.

The image of Asha as a princess inside the bubble morphs to what it originally was... Asha as herself, happy and being accepted by everyone in Rosas.

The bubble turns from green to blue.

Asha smiles in amazement.

"... You fixed it." She looks up to Aster's face with a smile, she looks thankful.

Aster is looking down at the bubble in his hands.

"... I didn't know I could do that..."

A smile finally returns to the star's face.

Asha takes the wish from his hands... And brings it to her heart.

And as it sinks in her chest she can feel a sense of peace she never experienced before. She's whole again.

She lets out a sigh of relief.

"... Aster... I just wanted to say that it's not your fault, I know that you'd never mean to leave-" She was going to explain to the star how she's not mad at him, but then she actually looks at his face and realizes... They're looking at her differently... He's in awe, like he's gazing upon a wonder that he never thought possible "... Eeeh... You're ok?" She looks at him kinda weirded out.

Aster in, in fact, gazing upon a wonder he never thought possible.

He sees Asha's star. Her glow outshines all the stars that he has ever seen, and he has seen QUITE a lot of them living in the sky. It's like a flower blooming with rays of purple, yellow and white shinning from it.

Aster is speechless for a moment... But then he simply says:

"I can see you."

"Huh? You... Didn't see me before?" She asks them.

He looks her in the eyes with a smile full of admiration

"I see you... ALL of you."

His voice sounds relieved.

Asha doesn't fully understand what he's talking about, but she smiles back.

...

Her smile fades away instantly when she notices the figure floating behind Aster.

"A-ASTER WATCH O-"

"🎶OOH STAR LIGHT~"

CLANG

Aster's right wrist is trapped by a chain made of green magic.

The star barely has time to react before the singsong voice behind him continues

"🎶STAR BRIGHT~"

CLANG

His left wrist is trapped by another green chain.

"NO!" Aster tries to fight but he's already being pulled away from Asha.

"🎶FIRST STAR~"

CLANG

Now his right ankle is trapped too, as he's dragged towards the king.

"HOLD ON!" Asha tries to hold his hand.

"🎶I SEE TONIGHT~"

CLANG

One last chain locks itself on his left ankle. Aster is completely trapped.

"ASHA! RUN!" He let go of her hand, and just pleads for her to leave.

"🎶I WISH I MAY~"

The king keeps pulling the star teen with his staff, his voice sounds deranged with glee.

"🎶I WISH I MIGHT~"

Aster is trying to fly away but the chains weaken his powers, he's being pulled closer and closer to Magnifico.

"🎶HAVE THIS WISH I WISH TONIGHT~"

Aster and Magnifico are now face to face. The star looks at him furious, while the king just gives him a smug grin.

"Oh I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?" Magnifico asks sarcastically.

...

The rumble of thunder becomes a lightning in the distance.

Chapter 11

Final Thoughts

Yes Mag, you are, like always.

WOOOOOH this was a long one wasn’t it? Hehehe and the emotional rollercoaster ain’t over yet! I like to call this chapter the LYRICS REFERENCES chapter. Like seriously, referencing This Is The Thanks I Get in a way that was actually SCARY was so much fun!

Okay, now DO YOU GUYS UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH I LOVE ASHA???

This girl literally just made the people question everything BY SPILLING FACTS THAT SHE ALWAYS QUESTIONED HER WHOLE LIFE!

Magnifico was like: “lol go ahead, prove to them I’m evil” and then she spoke some facts and he was like “wait! That’s illegal!” even tho that’s literally what he asked her to do.

SHE ATE HIM UP AND LEFT NO CRUMBS!!! IM SO PROUD OF MY BABY GIRL!!! LOOK AT HER STARTING A REVOLUTION THEY GROW UP SO FAST!!!

And like, yes that new found confidence is majorly because of Aster’s influence, by showing her that even with just music she can inspire others and make a difference… SO ASTER’S PLAN OF PLAYING MUSIC WASNT POINTLESS! HA! But like, that confidence was always deep within her, she just needed to let it out.

Also, I may have made a liiiiittle change while developing the story, see, before the reason why Asha was so out spoken in this scene was because she didn’t have her “I want to be accepted by others” wish inside her, so she kinda cared less about what others thought of her while speaking in public, which kinda is still what happened here, but I also added the factor that she created a NEW wish inside her, that’s why she wasn’t acting so weird like Simon for example.

Speaking of Simon BOY how am I gonna write him betraying the others after this??? Like, dude is waaaaay too DEEP into the propaganda to see all this take place and be like “nah the king definitely is right” YOU DENSE SLEEPY BOY HE LOOKED AT YOUR BEST FRIEND LIKE HE WANTED TO SNAP HER NECK.

Speaking on the king now… I love writing this dude, I’m sorry, it’s fun as heck, became my new addiction even. Like, the man is the whole package, he’s funny, pathetic and stupid sometimes, but also menacing, powerful and manipulative. And that’s not to mention THE ANGST of his past. You may have noticed how what really got him nervous was the mention of the past kings and how he was the one who ruined Rosas.

The tragedy behind this is that Magnus as a kid WANTED to be a good king, but he was told he had to do it the same way all the other ones that came before him did, he had to learn magic and grant the people’s wishes, but he didn’t want that, he wanted to be king his own way, and not have the people DEPEND ON HIM… HMMM. But then his parents just replaced him for his little brother as the heir, and he was forgotten, unloved and ignored. He realized he could NEVER grant his own wish of being king his own way, so he decided he would FIGHT for that wish… So now he makes sure NO ONE fulfills their dreams, the same way he never could, and he makes sure everyone remembers him, everyone loves him, and no one ignores him… So yeah he’s a brat, right? What a loser.

I STILL can’t put Amaya’s backstory into words BUT ILL WORK ON THAT!!! It’s kinda more complicated!

Oh and of course we can’t forget to talk about Aster… Boy sure can run can’t he?

Now about the people of Rosas, I’m sure y’all noticed how this is the second time we had a scene of the royal couple and Asha in front of a crowd, right? Yeah remember back then when we were on chapter 3? Good times. So ummm I mentioned that I don’t like writing scenes with crowds watching… And I still don’t, so why do I keep doing it? Well there’s a reason why this rewrite is called “The Kingdom of Wishes” and it’s not just because it’s a generic name, the second reason is because THE KINGDOM itself is A CHARACTER, and is in fact the character that needs rescuing. Like, those people are all victims, they don’t know they’re having their cultures erased from their minds or their interests twisted, and even their lives ruined by being turned into animals sometimes.

So we have like 3 scenes with a crowd in this story, the first was on chapter 3 when the whole crowd agreed with Magnifico and Amable 100%, then the second was this one where they just agree 50% if not less, and the last one will be the climax when they realize OH DANG YALL WE’VE BEEN BAMBOOZLED! THESE TWO MONARCHS ARE CRAZY AND NOT IN A WHIMSICAL WILLY WONKA WAY! So yeah, look forward to that…

If you’re wondering how close we are to the climax… Uuuuuuh let’s say we’re in the middle of the second act… This story is long.

One more thing, every single time I imagine the scene Asha is pulled back to the plaza while Aster is running all I can think about is this:

Anyway, see ya next time for more angst!

Thank You For Reading!

[star-writr]

Promise

Yay!! Another 10th Doc fic!! This one is a little longer than the last one luckily. Also school starts in four days for me and I'm terrified. Reader is gn. This will be up on my Ao3 in a sec. Enjoy!!

After yet another draining adventure, the TARDIS welcomed you and the Doctor with its warm lighting and buzzing noises. Closing the door behind him, the Time Lord huffed. "Well, that was a hell of a jog", he spoke, "even for me. Are you alright?"

You smiled and nodded. "Yeah. I think I'm going to take a nap. Do you mind?"

"Not at all," said the Doctor, making his way over to the console. "I'll be here if you need anything." You walked away, grateful to get a break.

The Doctor ran his fingers through his hair, already spiky and messy enough as it was, sighing. He fiddled with a couple buttons, trying to keep his hands – and thoughts – focused on the TARDIS rather than anything else. The spaceship seemed to find his troubled look quite funny, and her engines snickered.

"Laugh a little more, would you?", grunted the Time Lord. The machine didn't hesitate to do so.

The Doctor had been pining after his companion for a while, but had admitted these feelings to himself quite reluctantly. After all, he knew that you wouldn't be any different to his prior companions. He knew one day he wouldn't see you again; everyone left the TARDIS sooner or later, whether they wanted to or not. Even if you somehow reciprocated what he felt, the situation would've been just the same, and it would've been even worse when it ended. The Doctor was a time traveller, he couldn't focus only on the present; and thinking of the uncertainty of the future – which could've put you in danger in a hundred million different ways without him able to do anything – sent him off the rails like very few things could. He couldn't have you hurt because of his carelessness, feelings or no feelings. However, he still didn't know what to do. Maybe he should've told you the truth. But why bother? Again, it would've meant nothing. Destiny had the tendency to laugh in the Doctor's face, making his every move have the worst consequences possible; if you got involved by staying by his side, who knows what could've happened. There was also the possibility of you being uncomfortable once the Doctor confessed his feelings and leaving the TARDIS even sooner. So the Time Lord kept his mouth shut.

This went on for quite some time. Nevertheless, the Doctor couldn't keep carrying such a burden forever. And, against every last one of his intentions, he didn't.

It was rare to see the Doctor truly scared. It had been a long night, and an even longer adventure. Going deeper and deeper into the darkest of tunnels, holding onto his sleeve, the both of you running for your lives, you saw an expression that the Time Lord had never worn in front of you before then.

The enemy had taken his sonic, leaving the Doctor without his second most powerful weapon, and the first most powerful – his wits – didn't seem eager to respond at the moment. It was true that most times he worked well under pressure, but fear was a beast he didn't quite know how to make abide by his rules.

"Doctor, what do we do? We can't keep running forever," you reminded him, pulling onto his shirt. He stopped in his tracks and took one good look at you.

"Are you hurt?" he asked. You didn't answer. "We have to think of something else," you insisted, "or we'll be stuck here forever."

He said your name with his voice breaking. It was the first time you saw him that worried. "We can't do anything. We can't fight. We can only run", he stated.

You lowered your eyes. The truth was that you couldn't run anymore. As much as you didn't want to admit it, your feet were killing you and you had sprained your ankle.

"You're hurt", realized the Doctor. The sound of metal clanging coming from the tunnels behind you stripped you of all the hope you had left. The Doctor looked at you with wet eyes. "I don't have a plan", he said, "I'm sorry."

He couldn't give up so easily, you thought. The noise was getting closer. The pressure you felt crushed your lungs, leaving you almost breathless.

Even so, the Doctor wasn't the only one who worked well under pressure. You had a sudden idea, and all at once you felt like you could breathe again. A smile crept its way onto your lips. "Well, I do," you said.

The Doctor raised an eyebrow. "Really? What are you going to do?" he asked. His question remained unanswered, at least for the moment, as your lips crashed together with his. "Stay put", you ordered him, then going straight towards the noise of metal. The Doctor – quickly pulling himself together after the sudden kiss – tried to stop you, but it was futile. As soon as you disappeared from his sight the noises suddenly stopped. A few moments later, you came back with his sonic screwdriver in hand and a smirk plastered onto your face.

"Holograms," you explained, "holograms and recorded sound effects. They took your sonic because it would've messed with their systems."

The Doctor's mouth was agape as he grabbed the screwdriver, inspecting it and occasionally shifting his eyes onto your figure. "How can a hologram grab anything?", he asked.

"They were projected onto an endoskeleton", you replied. "Fool proof disguise."

The Time Lord smiled. "You're a genius."

"Save it for when we're out of here, pretty boy," you teased, grabbing him by the tie and leading the way. Needless to say, the Doctor didn't protest. He was too impressed to complain.

You made it to the TARDIS only hours later, exhausted as per usual. The Doctor was still lingering on the kiss. He couldn't tell whether your sudden realization had made you so excited as to kiss him, or if it had been anything else. He was still unwilling to talk about his own feelings, but now that you had made what seemed like a first move, he decided to confront you about it.

He plopped next to you on the seat near the console. His palms were sweaty against the white leather and his eyes darted between the ceiling, you, and the pavement.

"What is it?" you asked, preceding him. The Time Lord suddenly found his shoelaces to be very interesting, and didn't bear to look at you.

"Just thinking", he whispered.

"About?"

"About the kiss."

You tilted your head. The Doctor was still looking down. A sigh escaped your lips. "Okay, listen."

"I am listening."

"Look at me, Doctor."

He didn't turn his head, and just peeked at you from the corner of his eyes. You later found his flusteredness to be quite adorable. For the moment, however, you wondered if the kiss had made him uncomfortable. In any case, it was best to tell him your reasons. All of them. No holding back. You wouldn't have hid anymore.

"I meant that kiss," you admitted. "I'm sorry if you weren't okay with it."

The Doctor went back to staring at his shoes. "I was okay with it." Your eyes lit up. "Frankly," he added, "it would be simpler if I wasn't. But I'm actually glad you did it first."

"Are you?" you questioned him. "You don't look so... happy."

"I know." The Time Lord bit his lip mindlessly.

"Then what's wrong?"

He was finally able to look at you. You deserved the whole truth, he thought.

"I've told you. My companions always end up leaving. Most of the time it's not planned. They end up endangered and the only solution, if there is one, is leaving me behind. If I get too attached I can never get over it."

You took his hand in yours. "Have you considered, even for a second, that it doesn't always have to end that way?"

"But it does."

"I'm still here, though."

The Doctor's eyes darted across the room. As much as he wanted to believe everything would've ended up being okay, he couldn't bring himself to. Each time he did, everything slipped away from his grasp leaving him alone once again.

"Doctor," you pleaded, "if you won't believe it can end differently, then at least let me promise you it will. At least believe in me."

The Time Lord pondered over your words for a couple moments. Then, he cupped your cheek with his free hand and kissed you. It was a desperate kiss, and it made the both of you scoot closer to the other, wrapping your arms around each other for support and clutching at the cloth on your backs. It didn't last for more than thirty seconds, and left you lingering for more.

"Promise me", he begged, "promise me."

"I promise", you whispered.

"Again. Say it again."

"I promise", you repeated.

His lips brushed onto yours. "Again." You smiled reassuringly, your voice a whisper.

"I promise." You kissed him again.

The night had just started.

[see-arcane]

Having Bluebeard/Arabian Nights thoughts about our good friend Jonathan Harker and his cordial host today. The parallels have already been drawn elsewhere, but today's entry really hammered home certain points that were only hinted at previously.

The key one being Dracula going out of his way to talk about how he plans to acquire other solicitors for various needs once he's in England, implying Jonathan will be replaced. This means

A) Jonathan's services will no longer be needed and he can go home!

Or:

B) Jonathan's services will no longer be available, because he'll be dead.

Harrowing enough to consider with 50/50 odds of hope versus horror.

And then.

Then.

Dracula insists Jonathan stay with him another month. No reason given. Sure, the whole 'English lessons' thing might be an excuse he could throw in. But it's flimsy at best; he knows Jonathan is of a lower class. He wouldn't be trapped by his work obligations otherwise--Dracula doesn't want to speak like a humble English solicitor. He doesn't care that much about linguistic tutoring. Maybe there are a few odds and ends of business he feels like dragging out, perhaps, but why drag it out rather than be done with the work so he can sink his teeth in?

He's keeping Jonathan there because he can. Because he wants to.

(And, as we'll see in later entries, he's also going to the effort of keeping Jonathan safe and alive despite Other perils.)

Which leads to the obvious follow-up: Why does Dracula want to keep Jonathan around? I'd say it's because the Count is no more oblivious than Jonathan is. Dracula knows Jonathan knows the peril of his situation. And the fun of it--the 'I'll let you go on being alive/human a while longer if this is the entertaining payoff' of it--is that Jonathan can still mentally entice Dracula and maintain the act. Jonathan engages his ego. His sadism. His too-close intimacy. His attention, period.

I imagine there have been other menial workers or unfortunate visitors to the castle over the centuries who failed this particular trial, either out of fear or ire or bluster. Their bones are likely turning to dust in one of the rooms.

Regardless, Jonathan is already aware he's in danger and is t h i s close in the narrative to realizing that there's a fate even more unthinkable than death waiting for him around the corner. One that doesn't end with him just dying, but going on, bound to that castle forever. Yet the fact that this un-ending is even on the table, on top of the Count's decision to keep him locked in with him like a pet, still marks him as the clever, the endearing, the entertaining, the lucky-worthy Bride figure compared to anyone else before or after him who proved themselves unworthy of Dracula's patience or interest. A fatal offense.

Jonathan has been right all along. Because if he were not so appealing as a Scheherazade, so careful of a final Bluebeard bride, he would already have been muscled through his usefulness as an employee in a blink.

Right before Dracula, bored and bloodthirsty, slaughtered him like a lamb.

[matthew-gray-gubler-lover]

Sex With Spencer Reid All Seasons (season 12)

If you are under the age of 18, please do not read this story. Thank you.

This will cover what I believe sex would be like with Spencer Reid from season 1 to 15. Warning contains adult situations, Sex. Dirty talk, Orgasms, Crying, Spoilers for all seasons and Spencer Reid being a sex God.

Also includes fingering and oral sex. (Female receiving only.)

These are a little bit longer than I anticipated them to be because I wanted to give a back story as to why the sex is the way that it is for each season. To give it in depth feeling of why Spencer was the way that he was in bed that season.  So I will be posting them by each season rather than all at once. I hope this gives you something to look forward to, and please leave comments,  I will be leaving links to the next season below.

You are a new agent at the BAU and Spencer Reid's girlfriend, the one who takes his virginity and has sex with him for all 15 seasons and beyond.

Spencer Reid knew the first time he saw you walk through the doors of the BAU that you were the one that he was going to love forever. The first time you smiled, he knew it was the only smile that he ever wanted to wake up to. The first time he touched your hand, he knew yours was the only hand he ever wanted to hold. The first time he kissed you, he knew your lips were the only ones that he ever wanted to have pressed against his own. and the first time he made love to you, he knew you were the only one he ever wanted to do this with, and he also knew he would never be the same you or his life now, his love and his only desire.

Masterlist for these stories

Season 12

***Spoilers. If you have not seen season 12, please do not read this story.***

In season 12, we all know what happens. In season 12, Spencer is in prison and it was a horrible experience. It was very hard for me to watch these episodes, but I have seen them.

It was a wonderful night with Spencer. The two of you managed to get warmed up and dried off after getting caught in the rain coming home from the grocery store.

"It wasn't supposed to start raining in until midnight" Spencer said, ringing out his hair. "it's only 6:00"

"Well sometimes the weather can be unpredictable, honey. But yeah, I am sopping wet. I'm going to go take a shower. OK, unless you want to take one first, you should take one first" you told spencer.

"Nonsense. The lady gets the first shower. Now go warm up. That rain is cold."

"ok i will be fast" you tell him giving him a kiss before taking a quick shower.

You take a quick shower and come right out, still wrapped in your towel. You find Spencer sitting on your wooden dining room chair with his head hung just looking at the floor.

You're not really sure that you should bother him at this point. He has been having a hard time the last few weeks with his mother's condition getting worse, and you know how much he worries about her.

You slowly approach him in the chair and he looks up at you and smiles. "Hey sweetie, you look beautiful" he tells you.

You appreciate the compliment and you know that he really means and it's coming from his heart, but you can also see the tears that are filling his eyes. You want so badly to help him.

"thank you for thinking so, are you ok?" you ask him softly.

"Oh yeah. Just stressed, you know, a little worried about my mom. And wet and cold. Very, very cold" he tells you.

"well why don't you go and take a shower and warm up and then we'll have something to eat ok?"

"Yeah, that sounds good. I'm going To, I'm going to go warm up and uh, can we eat in bed?" He asks you.

"yeah anything you want honey"

Spencer walks into the bathroom and you hear the shower turn on. You hope that this shower will help him feel better. You put on a pair of pink pajamas, ones that you know the Spencer loves on you.

And then you walk back into the kitchen. You'll see that Spencer had put the groceries away while you were in the shower. You make a Turkey sandwich with Turkey, lettuce, tomato, black pepper and mayonnaise on wheat bread.

and you take it to the bedroom and place it on the nightstand next to the bed.

You then get into bed and wait for Spencer. He comes out dressed in black pajamas with a skeleton on the shirt. His Halloween pajamas. You love it.

Spencer gets into bed and eats his sandwich. You have one as well. When you two are done eating, Spencer looks over you and notice this for the first time that you're wearing his favorite pink pajamas.

You see the lust building up in his eyes as he looks at you.

"My favorite Pj's, huh? You wore these just to make me happy?"

He asked as he traced his finger down the V-neck of your pink pajama top.

"yes i did" you answer..

"Well, you know how much I love you in these, but you know how much I love you when you're out of these?" He says. Is He starts to unbutton the pink top.

You both quickly remove each other 's clothes and Spencer's on top of you and no time. He loves spending time with you and making you happy and you love the same. you both do everything you can to make sure the other one is happy.

Spencer is kissing you passionately as he slips inside with no resistance. 

You both are moaning and kissing each other. You can't get enough of each other at this point. No matter how many times you two have sex, it's always so magical. There's something about Spencer Reid that just makes everything a life magical.

The slow thrusts coming from Spencer is he finally releases your lips from his and looks deeply into your eyes before whispering the words. "I love you so much".

It's definitely not the first time that Spencer has told you this while he was making love to you, but there was something about the way that he said it tonight. There seemed to be a sadness behind it more than the love and passion that's usually behind the words.

Being a profiler, Spencer can see that you notice the change in him, so he quickly buries his head into your neck as he continues to thrust slowly into you.

After three orgasms, you're both completely spent.

Spencer holds you cuddled in his arms as he runs his finger up and down your arm, telling you once more how much he loves you. You can't help but still notice the sad tone behind it.

"i love you too spencer, are you sure you're ok?" You ask him, not wanting to bother him, not wanting to upset him, or even make him have to tell you anything he doesn't really want to. You just want to make sure that he's ok.

"No, no, not really. I... I have to leave again to do some medical research for my mom. And you know how much I hate leaving you. And I'm so sorry that I have to do it, but my mom's not getting any better. I just want her to get better. I mean, she's my mom and I just want to help her. I feel like I have IQ of 187 and I can't even fix my mom. And then I feel bad, because I means 

having to leave you. But I know how boring it would be for you to be at these research labs hearing all of this medical mumbo jumbo." He tells you, tears starting to fall from his eyes now.

"Hey, hey. Hey, Spencer. It's OK. I know how much you love your mom and how much you want to help her. That's one of the things that I love about you is how devoted of a son you are. I understand. And I'll be here when you get back. Of course I miss you like crazy when you're gone, but you call and check in and we video chat, so it's OK. It'll only be what, two days like last time?"

"Yeah, it'll only be for two days and I promise I'll make it up to you just like I did last time. We'll stay in bed the whole day if that's what you want to do."

"OK then Spencer, just calm down baby. I'm going to be here for you no matter what. I know that you'll find a way to make your mom better."

you fall asleep in his arms he is holding you like he might never feel you again, he can't make himself go to sleep he wants to keep watching you sleep and keep feeling you, he doesn't know 

why he is feeling this way, maybe the World is trying to tell him something. Maybe it's trying to tell him don't go, don't do this research. Stay here. This is where you should be. But Spencer's 

heart is in the right place, and he knows that he has to try to save his mom. He also knows that he should not go and he should stay here with you.

Spencer got up at 6:30 in the morning and packed his luggage for what he thought he was going to need for the trip to the medical research. Not before waking you up with a round of passionate morning love making. Love making in the morning with Spencer Reid really wasn't all that unusual. It happened quite often, in fact. But again, there was something different about this time.

you could still sense is sadness and unsureness that he should be leaving.

After three orgasms, once with oral and two with penetration, Spencer reluctantly got out of bed and got dressed.

"i love you so much" he tells you as he kisses you good bye.

"i love you so much spencer" you tell him.

Spencer picks up his two brown suitcases and walks out the door. You can both feel that there is something wrong, but neither one of you knows what it is. He's done this before, twice in fact, so you know he'll be back. He'll be OK.

You closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a heavy sigh, knowing that the love of your life was walking down the hallway and leaving you for the next two days You begin to cry a little, knowing that this feeling was not right.

you look at the clock on the living room table and see the bright red numbers reading out 8:45. You know by 11:00 you'll be receiving a call from Spencer and he'll be in Texas and safe.

It was 11:07 when the phone rang With your heart racing, you pick up your phone and answer it. "Spencer, you made it there."

Spencer chuckles at how happy you sound when you answer the phone. "Yes honey I made it. I'm safe and I'm just going to go in and start talking to some doctors now, OK? I love you." he told you before ending the call.

You begin to relax now that you know that Spencer is safe and sound. That night he calls you and you two talk for at least an hour before you both fall asleep.

The next day Spencer calls you and tells you that everything is going well. It's looking good for something to help his mom. You're very happy about that so that he can finally calm down a little bit.

that night Spencer calls you and says that he's going to be returning home in the morning. You're both so excited to see each other again.

You could barely sleep that night. You got up early and put on one of Spencer's favorite outfits of yours, a purple top and some black shorts.

Over at the BAU, they received a phone call that they never thought they would. Spencer was in Mexico and arrested in a high-speed chase. No one wants to be the one to have to tell you, but Luke offers to be the one.

You sit on the tan sofa in your living room, surfing through cable channels, trying to find something to keep your attention while you wait for your husband to come back home.

While you're doing that Luke Alvez walks down the hallway of yours and Spencer's shared apartments. He comes upon your door and it's like the mahogany wood burns. Lukes knuckles as he knocks upon the door.

You look over at the clock and it says that it's 11:47. It's not time for Spencer to be back home yet, but maybe he arrived early and wants to surprise you.

You run to the door and open it quickly. Luke's stomach drops as he hears the locks unlocking, not wanting to tell you the horrible news he has to tell you.

"Spencer you're early!!. Oh my gosh. I'm so glad that you're home. Oh Luke, hi Spencer's not here. But if we have a case, I'll come in and help you. He's going to be coming back today, 2:00."

"y/n I know that Reid's not here, and that's what I'm here about. We... we do have a case, but I need you to sit down. Can I come in?? Luke asks with a sad tone in his voice.

"yeah sure come on in, what's the case about?"

"y/n Something happened. I'm here because the case that we have is about Reid. He was arrested in Mexico, a high-speed chase under the influence of an unknown substance."

You can't believe what you are hearing and tell Luke that he has to be wrong, but eventually he talks you into coming with him and the rest of the team to see Spencer in Mexico.

You sit there in a daze on the jet in your own little world, not believing what's happening right now. You go into fantasy memories in fact, remembering the wonderful day that he came home the last time that he went to Texas.

Flash Back

You were taking a shower, eagerly awaiting the return of your husband Spencer.

You got out of the shower and put on your pink fluffy robe. Not expecting Spencer to be back home for at least an hour and a half, if not two hours.

While you were in the shower, Spencer had returned early. He heard the shower and knew that you would be getting ready for him. He was eager and ready to make up for the time that he had been away.

He put his suitcases down at the bedroom door and started to remove his clothes from his body.

When you exited the bathroom the room still steamy from the hot shower that you took.

You looked and saw suitcases at the door, but that wasn't the only thing you saw. You turned your head to the left and saw Spencer standing there with his arms wide open, naked, ready to greet you.

"Spencer!" you shrieked out not only because you were so happy to see him, but it never hurts to see him in the nude.

"i made it home early" he smiled.

"i'm so happy to see you" you look down to see he is naked "and so happy to see you" you giggle.

 Spencer chuckles and wraps his arms around your waist to pull you close to him before kissing you. "I'm so happy to see you too honey"

They kiss becomes deeper and Spencer finally has to pull away to untie your robe. "But I'd love to see more of you" he tells you, looking at the tie on your robe.

Once he gets it untied he opens it and looks at you. "You're so beautiful. I can't believe that I get to come home to you. I can't believe you're mine".

 "i am all yours" you tell him.

Spencer drops your robe to the floor and it pools around your feet before he lifts you up and wraps your legs around his waist and carries you to the bed.

He laid you down and kisses a trail from your lips down to your core.

"missed you so much, i can't wait to Taste you, feel you spend as much time with you as I can going to make it all up to you, I promise." He told you before licking your clit Causing a loud moan to escape your lips as he did so.

Once he was done licking and sucking you, causing you to orgasm twice from his mouth alone, he kissed a trail back up your body to your lips, kissing them and looking into your eyes before saying "I love you so much"

He pushed into the greatest of ease. You always accepted him so well to your body. Never any resistance, not even the first time.

He thrusted slowly as he threaded your fingers with his holding your hand the whole time, kissing you, telling you how much he loved you, looking into your eyes.

you hear you name being called But you are still in your fantasy thinking that it's Spencer that's calling out your name as you remember the passion of that day.

Till you hear it two more times and you realize it's JJ asking if you're OK.

You didn't realize that during your memory you started to cry, tears streaming down your face. The whole team noticed it. Everybody so worried about you, they're worried about Spencer, but they know that Spencer needs you to be strong.

you visit Spencer as often as you can. Penelope even. Make sure that you're the first one on the list to visit him, You visit him every chance you get. This time is hard for both you and Spencer. But you know that Spencer is strong and he will make it through and you will be together again once more, just the way that you have been for the past 11 years.

Everyone on the team made sure that you were OK, but Luke seemed to pay you extra special attention, something that would have raised a few eyebrows on the team if they didn't know you so well.

They know Luke as well would never try to take you away from your husband, Even with the late night check-ins, making sure that you were eating, drinking, getting enough sleep, And the night that you couldn't stop crying when he came to check on you and you both fell asleep on the couch while he held you. the team knows that Luke sees you as a little sister and Reid is his little brother And that that night came from the purest of heart on Lukes and your part.

[d1xonss]

Desert Rose

Chapter 50 ~ Bring me to Life

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 4

✧ Word Count : 7.5k

In this chapter ~ When all hope seemed to be lost and the sickness only getting worse, the group finally returns with the meds after a very close call. With her newfound freedom, Rose decides to take full advantage to spend it doing something exciting. Although, nothing can last forever, and just as she was finally feeling happy again, it all came crashing back down.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ROSE POV ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The sound of coughing bounced off of the walls around the three of us as we tried to help a man named Henry who was currently fighting for his life. Glenn and I panted heavily as we tried to hold him down on the ground as he continued to squirm, while Hershel was attempting to lower a tube down his throat so we could get air in his lungs.

"Henry, we need you to calm down. We're trying to help." Hershel said through the man's coughs and heavy breaths.

He kept fighting the feeling of the thick tube slowly slipping down his throat, and I honestly couldn't blame him, it probably felt awful. I wanted to gag just looking at the scene. But we needed to do this in order for him to live, clearing his lungs for him because his body could no longer fight and do it himself.

Eventually, Hershel got it down far enough and attached the airbag on the other end, squeezing it quickly so air could flow into his lungs, and the man stopped struggling almost immediately as his eyes fluttered closed. Glenn and I both sighed in relief as we pulled our hands away from his chest, continuing to cough and try to catch our own breaths after watching him struggle for so long.

"Drink some of that," Hershel nodded to the cups of tea sitting next to Glenn, "Both of you."

Glenn lazily handed one of the mugs to me as he lifted the glass up to his lips as well. Hershel just continued to squeeze the bag for Henry every few seconds as he watched us breath, drinking the tea he continued to provide.

"Some council meeting, huh?" Hershel asked, his tone sounding as if he hoped to bring light to the situation.

I huffed out a breath, "We're a few members short."

"I think we should make some new rules before they get back." the old man announced, "I hereby declare, we have spaghetti Tuesdays...every Wednesday." he joked. The two of us just looked at him blankly. "But first we have to find some spaghetti."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I let out a dry chuckle, "You know what, I would love to live to see spaghetti Wednesdays."

The two men both gave me a look, staring at me with disapproving eyes, "Oh, what? He can make a joke, but I can't. Hypocrites."

Hershel chuckled lightly, "You okay to take over?" he asked holding the airbag out to me and I nodded, "Every five to six seconds, squeeze. You start feeling lightheaded, grab somebody else to take over. We'll take it in shifts."

I nodded again and began to squeeze the bag like he instructed me. I was determined to keep him alive for as long as I could, hoping that the group would be back any minute now and save the man's life. We had already lost too many people in the time that they were gone, I wanted desperately to avoid another. I could feel that everyone else was holding on by a thread.

Not only that, but my worry for the ones who went out was only growing more by each hour that they hadn't returned. In the back of my mind I knew that they were okay, they were smart enough to make a trip like this. But I couldn't help but think it was too far of a trip to make in such a short amount of time. It really hit me then, and only then, that I truly might die before Daryl came back.

I was racking my brain as I continued to keep Henry alive, thinking back to the last thing I said to him before he took off. Until I remembered I just told him I loved him, and felt myself sigh in slight relief, knowing that if I were to die, at least my last words to him was something meaningful.

About an hour passed and I was starting to feel tired, my hands growing weaker by the second as they started to cramp up. Keeping someone breathing really was a lot of work, I didn't know how Hershel was holding his shit together so well. Glenn took notice and offered to take over, allowing me to take a break as I slowly waddled my way out of the cell, wanting to check on a few others in the space. But Hershel seemed to read my mind, coming up to me the second I left the room and asked if I could make his rounds with him.

We walked down the stairs silently and looked in to check on who was still alive. We passed by a few breathing people before Hershel stopped suddenly at a cell and saw a man with blood coming out of his eyes, and I peered down at his chest to see he was completely still. I closed my eyes when I saw him, and Hershel was quick to set his light down to fully walk into the room. I knew what I had to do, and I slowly took out my knife with a breath, but Hershel placed his hand on top of mine.

"No. Not here." he whispered.

He then walked back out of the room quickly while I watched the deceased man, making sure he didn't come back at the wrong time. The old man returned only a few seconds later with a stretcher so we could roll him out and put him down without anyone else having to see.

"Help me get him on this." he whispered.

I sighed as my mind began to wander, "But what about in a couple of hours, when Henry's dead,-"

"Rose." he whispered sternly.

"How are we going to get his body down the stairs and across the cellblock without anyone noticing?" I asked, "It's hard enough to do that when they're on the ground level."

"If that happens- if- you're going to help me." he responded.

I took in a breath as I looked at him seriously, "And what if I'm gone?" I asked quietly.

"Shut up," he whispered harshly, not even wanting to think about my words, "Help me get him on this."

Letting out a heavy breath, I moved to grab his legs to help pick the man up, setting him down on the stretcher gently without making too much noise. We then slowly tried to make our way out of the cellblock without too many people noticing, not wanting them to be aware of the amount of people we were taking out. Though right as we were about to make it up to the door, a child's voice suddenly cut through the quiet cellblock.

"What are you doing?" Lizzy asked.

The two of us whipped around to see the younger girl standing there with a tilted head as she eyed the covered body. I hesitated for a moment, but Hershel was quick to think of something that wouldn't scare her, walking over to bend down to her level.

"We're taking Mr. Jacobson to a quieter place," he said simply before raising his hand to feel her forehead, "Why don't you go get my copy of Tom Sawyer from my room. I want you to read it by tonight."

She coughed into her hand harshly before looking back up to him with a shaking head, "I won't finish it."

"Why?" he asked.

"It's going to get too dark." she replied.

Hershel only nodded in understanding, "Well, give it your best try." he said calmly, hoping to distract her.

I watched as she slowly nodded and walked away, but not without looking back at us a few different times, before completely disappearing back into the darkness of her cell. To be honest that kid always creeped me out.

Though once she had gone back to her room, we quickly ushered the body out of the cellblock and took him down the hall a bit so we could keep this as quiet as possible. The stretcher came to a stop as we glanced around for a moment, pulling out my knife again as I stood up near the man's head, glancing back up towards Hershel with heavy eyes.

"You haven't had to do this yet have you?" I asked him.

He quickly shook his head, "There was one late last night, Glenn did it. People don't need to see it; I don't want them to."

It seemed as though as soon as he finished his sentence, the man beneath the sheet began to groan and try to sit up as he came back to life. I brought my hand down on his chest to keep him still before plunging my knife into the side of his head, ripping it out harshly as his blood began to seep through the white cloth. I mindlessly placed my knife back on my his securely as I looked down at his dead body, hearing Hershel recite a few words from the bible like some kind of funeral.

But my vison slowly began to blur, feeling myself begin to break out into a cold sweat as I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. I blinked repeatedly to try and stay awake, steadying myself with my hands on the stretcher, but the darkness was slowly consuming me, and I knew I couldn't last another second as I fell to the floor.

The last thing I managed to hear, was Hershel's panicked voice calling my name before it all went quiet.

My face scrunched up a little as I could see the dim light behind my eyelids, feeling a soft touch running across my head. I grew confused the longer my eyes remained closed, finally peeling them open again as my vison was still just as blurry as before, trying to allow them to adjust as I woke. Eventually my gaze focused on Glenn who hovered above me, his head facing down and his hand resting against my head, gently stroking my forehead with his thumb.

But once he lifted his head to look at me again, seeing me returning to consciousness, he sighed in obvious relief. "Oh, thank God," he muttered as he placed a kiss on my forehead, "Jesus...you've been out for hours." 

My mouth parted in slight shock as I glanced past his head and noticed it was now dark outside. The day completely vanishing it seemed like. I shook my head and tried to think of the last thing I remembered before passing out, "What happened?"

"After you left to put that guy down, you just passed out cold. Hershel had to bring you back in here and lay you down, he said it was probably from exhaustion, dehydration..." he rambled on before sighing again, "God...I thought I was going to lose you." he finished sadly.

"I'm okay." I whispered in reassurance, resting my hand on top of his own as I slowly came back to reality.

He nodded, "Okay, good... just sit tight for a second, I'll be right back. I've gotta check on Henry quick, he's just in the next room."

"Okay," I agreed as he gave me a small smile, shakily standing back up to head outside, leaving me alone with my thoughts as I stared back up at the ceiling.

I laid there perfectly still as the minutes passed, trying to gather my thoughts as I leaned over, reaching for the cup of water conveniently placed right by my side. I knew I needed to get up, find Hershel to let him know I was okay, wanting to know if there were any signs from Daryl. But I paused suddenly when it hit me then that Glenn had yet to return, causing me to realize the area had grown oddly silent. A chill ran up my spine as it didn't sit right with me, slowly sitting up on my cot to try and listen for any noise, even so much as someone walking. Anything.

Lizzy's familiar voice then suddenly called out for Hershel in a slight panic, and that alone made my ears perk up. I slowly got out of bed while wincing at my sore muscles before someone else then started to scream. I tried to push myself to move faster out of the room, looking over the balcony to see that there were walkers everywhere, some killing the people who were still alive, while others fought with everything they had to try and defend themselves.

I had watched this familiar scene before, the sight taking me back to when the illness first started. A pit formed in my stomach as I knew we couldn't let it happen again. 

My eyes widened as I turned to rush and find Glenn, but when I made it towards the next room, Henry was nowhere to be found, and Glenn was laying flat on the floor. I instantly dropped to my knees in a panic, turning his head to see he was choking and could no longer breathe, his eyes rolling to the back of his head as he struggled.

My stomach dropped, "Hershel!" I called out as I laid him down on his back, beginning to press firmly on his chest to keep his heart beating, performing CPR.

My hands pumped up and down on his chest at a steady pace as I counted to thirty in my head, pinching his nose and tilting his head back so I could breathe into his mouth, before counting all over again. I felt tears forming in my eyes when I saw he still wasn't responding, only growing worse as he fought for his life.

"Come on, Glenn please!" I cried, "Hershel!" I called again over my shoulder, desperate for the old man's help as my vision began to blur.

I repeated the actions over and over again, I wasn't going to stop until he had a heartbeat. My back was still facing the doorway as I hovered over him, barely even hearing the sound of a walker slowly making its way closer before I finally turned around it face it. It was just about to grab my leg until I reached for my knife and stabbed its head harshly, not even bothering to pull it back out as I faced Glenn again.

My arms began to shake as I cried, pushing down harsher and harsher as I refused to believe that this was it for him. I couldn't let him die, not when he was so sure that the two of us would make it out of this together. There was no way in hell I was going to give up on him.

Just as I was about to lean down and breathe into his mouth again, he was dramatically gasping for air, leaning over to spit out a bunch of blood that were once filling his lungs. I sighed in relief as my cheeks were wet with tears, patting his back to try and help him get it all out and clear his lungs.

Hershel then frantically turned the corner with wide eyes once he saw the state we were in, "He stopped breathing." I informed him, trying to catch my breath.

"You saved his life." he replied, "Hold on, we're going to need that airbag." he said before turning back around to find it.

"Wait!" I called out, seeing him stop in his tracks, "I'll go find it. Just keep him breathing, I don't think I can do it anymore." I said as I continued to try and catch my breath.

The man nodded frantically, quickly switched places with me as I walked out of the cell to try and find the airbag we had made. I racked my brain for where it could be, thinking back to the last person who had it. Before I stopped dead in my tracks once my eyes landed on a certain figure that I recognized quite well.

Henry had turned and was now trapped over the balcony, his body lying on the netting that kept him from falling down towards the bottom level of the cellblock...the airbag still attached to his bloody face.

"Son of a bitch." I cursed quietly, before slowly pushing myself to move forward.

I kicked each of my legs over the railing clumsily, falling to my knees in an instant on the flimsy net that was now struggling to support both of our bodies. He noticed me quickly as I gasped for air, taking it to his advantage as he crawled over toward me in an instant, not giving me a chance to balance. He hovered on top of me as his teeth chomped right near my face, my arms struggling to keep the dead weight off of me as my jaw clenched. I could feel my muscles shake wildly as I turned my head away from his face, gritting my teeth as he attempted to sink his teeth into my flesh.

I tried to maneuver his weight slowly, reaching for the airbag from where it was latched onto his face, keeping his teeth away from me as best as I could. I cried out suddenly, not being strong enough to handle it on my own as I was only one step closer to death, before a sudden voice called my name from below me.

My gaze snapped down to see Maggie with wide eyes, aiming her gun towards the walker's head as she saw it was about to kill me, but my screams of protest stopped her. "No! You might hit the bag we need it for Glenn!" I yelled as I continued to struggle with the walker.

I groaned as I continued to fight with the dead, my arms nearly giving out as I tried to reach for the bag one last time. But the weight suddenly subsided in a split second as it collapsed on top of me dead, looking back down to see Maggie lowering her gun.

I nodded quickly in appreciation as I shoved the thing off of me, tugging the airbag from its mouth before trying to stand up on the wobbly net. My heart was racing in my chest and my limbs had never felt weaker as I fought with everything I had to try and make it back up to him, steadying myself on the railing.

"He's turning blue!" Hershel's urgent voice called out, only pushing me to move faster as I lifted myself back onto the second level in a not so graceful manner.

The moment I reentered the room, I handed the airbag to Hershel and couldn't pull my eyes away from his face as he continued to struggle. He was wheezing and gasping for air as blood continued to pour out of his mouth and my breath caught in my throat. I felt tears slip down my face effortlessly once again as Maggie held him down so Hershel could place the tube down his throat to get him breathing again.

My eyes never moved away from him the entire time, standing there like a goddamn statue, not allowing myself to relax until I knew he would be okay.

Once he successfully got it down his throat, he started to squeeze the bag, and Glenn finally stopped struggling as the room went quiet once again. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and plopped down onto the floor in exhaustion, my hands shaking from adrenaline. I wiped the sweat off of my forehead staring down at him as his chest rose and fell with steady breaths. I could barely process the fact that I almost lost him so easily, I didn't want to think about it too much. He was almost ripped away from all of us, and it scared me so badly.

Maggie then noticed me struggling to catch my breath and placed a hand on my leg as she glanced back at me, "Ro? You okay?" she asked.

I tried to form some kind of reply but nothing came out as I started to cough again, blood beginning to pour out of my mouth. I heard Hershel instruct Maggie to keep squeezing the bag for Glenn as he quickly moved over to me, switching places as they both frantically moved. He gently pushed me over to the side so I could get all of the blood out of my mouth, but it just kept coming, a never ending cycle that I couldn't escape from nor prevent. My eyes started to get heavy again and he visibly noticed as he patted my back harder.

"Come on Rose, stay with us." he pleaded as he slowly lifted me up and onto the nearby mattress I was in front of.

I was trying, but I couldn't stop coughing as I struggled to stay awake. I kept trying to tell myself that Glenn needed the airbag, he needed it to stay alive and I needed to pull through for him. But I felt so tired and Hershel's steady voice started to fade again into almost nothing as it was replaced with a slight ringing. I felt myself slowly slipping away again like I did once before, knowing in the back of my mind that this could be it.

Until I suddenly heard the cellblock door slam open and a familiar voice calling my name.

The life was instantly brought back into me as my ears perked up hearing the sound of his sweet voice, however I didn't open my eyes. Though I knew that I was conscious, my eyelids felt as if they weighed a thousand pounds, the feeling being almost painful for me to open my eyes again.

"Up here!" Hershel yelled back, hearing heavy footsteps echo around the place before they were suddenly right in front of the entrance, a small gasp leaving his lips.

"What happened? She pass out?" he asked frantically.

I mustered all the strength I had left in that moment, opening my eyes slightly to see Daryl standing right above me with a bag hanging lazily from his grasp. He noticed almost immediately that my eyes squinted open, not wasting another second before he was kneeling at my side.

"Rosie? Baby?" he whispered softly, the pet name just slipping right out to prove how scared he was, raising his hand to run his thumb over my cheek.

I cleared my throat roughly before nodding my head, "I'm here." I breathed heavily.

There were sighs of relief all over the room upon hearing the sound of my strained and tired voice. I then felt Daryl lean down to place a kiss on the top of my head, "Thank God yer okay." he whispered against my hair, "Yer okay." he repeated.

I smiled weakly at him and saw Bob lingering in the doorway, hesitantly making his way inside to hand out the medicine we needed.

"We need to get her an IV to get the meds in her." Hershel said, beginning to stand.

I sat up quickly upon hearing that, "No." I protested before a cough cut off my words, "Glenn," I breathed, "Help Glenn first."

All eyes were on me in question, but everyone seemed to understand as I laid back down, resting my eyes again. Relief filled my entire being now knowing that Glenn, Sasha, and anyone else who was left was going to be okay. I was going to be okay. A weight was lifted from me, knowing now I could finally relax as everything was falling into place.

Opening my eyes again to look at Daryl, his gaze had never left me, "You're back." I said weakly.

He smiled, "Yeah m' back, angel. And yer gonna be okay." he said quietly, pushing some of my hair back and out of my face.

"You know I'm too stubborn to die."

He chuckled lightly, "Damn straight."

It had been about a week before Hershel would even let me step outside. He wanted me to recover fully before being around everybody else, and I haven't had any human contact other than him in a whole seven days. I had briefly seen Maggie and Glenn since they were in the same cellblock that I was in with Glenn still recovering, but that was it.

After Daryl and the others came back with the meds, he wouldn't let us see each other for the soul purpose so no one else would get sick. So now I was anxiously waiting for his approval, so I could see everyone again after what felt like an eternity. He held the stethoscope up to my chest, telling me to take deep breaths as he listened to the sound of my lungs. But once he was done checking nearly everything under the sun, he didn't utter a word, silently knowing I was dying for him to say something.

I rolled my eyes at his silence, "Oh, spit it out please!" I exclaimed.

He chuckled before slowly nodding his head, "Well it looks like you're in luck...you're free to go, dear."

I squealed in excitement before quickly wrapping my arms around him in a hug, feeling him laugh again before squeezing me back tightly. I wanted him to know how much I appreciated him always, how I noticed how hard he was working to save not only my life, but everyone else's. And how I knew he would still look after me even though I was completely in the clear.

When we pulled away from one another, he kept his hands on my shoulders to make sure I wouldn't rush right out, "But take it easy, you hear me? Doctor's orders." he said.

"Oh please, I've been taking it easy for a whole week. I think I'll be okay." I assured.

He nodded, giving my shoulders a soft squeeze, "I love you...I just want you safe and healthy. I'm allowed to worry."

My eyes softened as he voiced his concerns and his adoration, leaning back in to hug him once more as if I couldn't help it, "I love you too..." I whispered, "Thank you for just...everything."

"It's my pleasure, dear." he said as he held me tight, before pulling away again to keep his hands securely on my arms as if he was scared to let me go. It warmed my heart at the thought, knowing that he's always cared for me like a daughter, and I couldn't have cherished it more.

"Why're you acting like we're never going to see each other again?" I laughed, "I'm just going outside for a bit."

He nodded, "I know. But be careful, alright. Don't push yourself too hard."

I rolled my eyes slightly, "Yeah, yeah." I muttered while giving his hand a squeeze and standing to my feet, "See you later, old man." I said over my shoulder, hearing him chuckle to himself as I made my way out of cellblock A.

As soon as I stepped outside the prison walls, I instantly felt relieved as I breathed in the fresh air. I always loved being in the sun because of how much happiness it brought me. Being inside for that long didn't exactly do me any good, feeling like an actual prisoner most of the time as I could hardly even stand up on my own without Hershel scurrying to make sure I wouldn't fall on my ass.

"Rose!" 

I turned around when I heard the brief call of my name, seeing Carl and Beth rushing over toward me quickly with excited smiles. My face broke out into a grin of my own when I caught a glimpse of them, opening my arms for them as they both collided into me to give me a giant hug. I hung onto them tightly, slowly realizing how much I had missed them the longer I held them again in my arms.

"Oh, I missed my babies." I muttered as I squeezed them tighter, hearing them both laugh happily.

"We missed you too." Carl said seriously, beginning to pull away.

"I was so worried about you." Beth said as she looked at me now, clear sadness filling her voice as her features contorted in concern.

I shook my head quickly, "Hey, I'm okay. You don't have to worry about me." I said while placing a hand on each of their cheeks.

Whether they realized it or not, they both leaned into my touch the second I reached up, my heart warming at the sight. I knew how concerned they were, but I would rather go through that a million times over than have them be the one to catch the illness. I would have been a nervous wreck, so I was silently grateful that they were perfectly healthy, and not the other way around.

"So, what are you guys doing?" I asked as I pulled away.

Carl shrugged, "Just taking a walk, do you want to come?"

I went to answer, but then my eyes briefly landed on where Daryl and Rick were standing, leaning against a few of the cars as they spoke. "How about I take a raincheck?"

The two of them turned to where I had been staring before giving each other a certain look, Beth starting to make kissy faces at me which caused me to roll my eyes while Carl snickered to himself. "Oh, shut up." I muttered as I pushed her shoulder. "Bye you two!" I called over my shoulder.

"Bye!" they yelled back as they made their way to the field side by side.

I had a bit of pep in my step as I made my way over toward the vehicles, a part of me a bit surprised that they were talking in the first place considering how they left things. But right on cue, as if they could hear my thoughts, they both turned at the same time when they heard me walking up to them, and Daryl wasted no time jogging over the rest of the way.

He quickly picked me up into a hug, leaving me squealing in surprise as I squeezed him tightly around his shoulders. I felt him sway me back and forth a little as my feet still couldn't quite touch the ground, before lowering me back down with his arms still secured around my waist. I had missed him like crazy, wanting to spend every single second with him until the sun went down to make up for the lost time.

"I missed ya so much." he finally said, pulling back slightly to look me in the eye.

"I missed you more." I whispered.

Rick clearing his throat from behind us is what made our heads turn to look over at him at the same time, "You have an audience." he reminded awkwardly.

I huffed out a small laugh before pulling away from Daryl, making my way over towards him to wrap him in a hug as well. He rested his arms across my shoulders as he squeezed me once, "Hey, Rosie." he whispered.

"Hey," I smiled, "Um...since when did you and Daryl make up?" I whispered in his ear.

I heard him chuckle a little, "Well it took a lot of talking, and me telling him I apologized to you and all that. But we're okay."

"Good." I muttered while finally pulling away from him.

"So, how do you feel?" he asked.

"Refreshed," I said simply, "I can't wait to actually do something." I rubbed my hands together excitedly.

Daryl came closer to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, "Well, why don't we get outta here and do somethin. Anythin you wanna do." he suggested.

I raised my eyebrows, "Anything?"

He nodded his head, "Mhm."

I thought about it for a few seconds before a slow smirk was brought onto my face, and I could tell that it made both men a bit nervous. "I don't like that glint in her eye." Rick said.

I smiled as I turned towards Daryl, "I know what I want to do." I spoke confidently.

"Shoot." he said.

"Teach me to drive your motorcycle." I stated without any hesitation.

He stared at me in slight disbelief for a moment, trying to decipher if I was being serious or not before shaking his head, "Nah, no way."

My mouth fell open slightly, "Oh come on! You said anything; that's what I want to do."

"That's really what ya want?" he asked hesitantly, watching as I surely nodded my head.

I had no idea why, but lately I had been itching to get out and ride on Daryl's motorcycle again. However, I wanted to be the one to drive. Though it made me a bit nervous, I couldn't deny that I was excited too, figuring now was a perfect time to learn. I was practically imprisoned for a week straight and I needed to do something.

He sighed and thought about it for a few moments before eventually giving in, "Alright."

I smiled brightly, kissing his cheek as a thank you before moving over towards his bike that was just a few feet away. In all honesty I didn't really know what compelled me to want to learn, but it sounded almost freeing. Although I thought it was funny that I wanted nothing to do with motorcycles in the beginning, and now I wanted to learn how to drive one. My guess could only be it was Daryl's constant bad influence on me. 

Being cooped up in a cell for a week made me realize how much I take for granted. I missed being outside in the sun, I missed having the wind whip me in the face, and I especially missed my family the most. I knew I hadn't taken the time to see all of them yet, but I knew I would eventually when the sun went down, all of us usually gathering around for dinner. My mind wandered to Sasha and Glenn, knowing that he was still recovering as he had a bit more trouble bouncing back. But Maggie was practically glued to his side so I knew he was just fine.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I felt Daryl begin to slow the bike down to a stop in the fairly open road, shutting it off briefly before turning back to look at me over his shoulder, "Alright, this ain't a toy. Ya gotta take this seriously."

I blinked, "Okay, dad."

He narrowed his eyes at me, "M' serious." 

"So am I." I smiled.

He huffed at my sarcastic state, before getting off the bike as I slid myself down to the driver's seat. He then hopped on the back as I glanced down at the handles, trying to get the feel of things before he started to instruct me. I grabbed the two of them hesitantly, knowing already which was the brake versus the clutch from what I've seen Daryl do in the past.

He placed his hands on top of mine and gave me a quick kiss on the side of my head before I felt him pause. I then glanced up in the rearview mirrors, seeing him looking at the back of my head in slight confusion.

"What?" I asked with a tilted head.

He pointed to the small purple clip I had my hair pinned back with, "Where did ya get this?"

I subconsciously touched the back of my hair, "Oh, Maggie gave it to me a few weeks ago. I thought I would pin my hair back today; you like it?" I asked.

He nodded his head, "Mhm, it's pretty." he approved, watching me smile as I turned my attention back towards the bike, hearing his voice become a little more nervous, "Mkay, start it up." he said hesitantly.

I paused momentarily as I tried to remember how, but quickly picked up on it as it roared to life, nodding to myself as I heard Daryl mutter good under his breath. "Alright, ya remember which one is the clutch?" he asked over the sound of the bike. I nodded my head and motioned towards it, "Good," he said again, "So, when ya wanna go, ya let go of the brake slowly and lift the clutch a little."

"Okay," I said to show that I understood, though he could quickly tell by the slight shake in my voice that I was nervous.

He kissed my head again, "It's okay, just trust yerself...and don't kill me."

"Yeah, that's helping." I spoke sarcastically.

He chuckled, "I'm kiddin, you'll do great. Just let go of the brake, lift the clutch a little." he repeated.

I took a breath and nodded before doing exactly what he told me to do. He removed his hands from mine and placed them around my waist to hold on while I slowly let go of the breaks to ease myself into it. The bike began moving pretty slowly, but it was moving. I smiled and got a little more confidence and sped up just the tiniest bit to try and slowly get more comfortable.

But whilst I was speeding up, I accidentally hit the clutch a little too hard and it sped up a lot faster than I wanted it to, and I could feel Daryl fly off of the back at the impact. I gasped in surprise and tried to get control of the bike to check and see if he was okay, but I couldn't turn around to look back without it turning the whole bike right along with me.

Though the seconds of panic didn't linger for very long as I could hear him laughing loudly from behind me, his heavy footsteps following shortly after to try and catch up with me. He hopped back on the second he was close enough while the bike was still going, placing his hands over mine again to get me to hit the brakes slowly to bring it to a stop. We were both laughing wildly as it finally came to a halt, causing me to turn around to glance at him with apologetic eyes.

"I'm so sorry." I breathed as I let out another laugh, covering my face in slight embarrassment.

He chuckled as he gently moved my hands to kiss my forehead, "Don't be sorry darlin, it was yer first time. Ya just gotta practice some more."

"Okay." I sighed, turning back around to try again.

It took some time, but eventually I was driving the bike at a normal speed and didn't kick Daryl off of it in the process. In just those few hours, I had laughed harder than I had in what felt like forever, and it felt good. He really brought out the best in me in ways that I wasn't able to describe.

I couldn't help but notice the way he was looking at me as I drove by on the bike by myself as he watched me from on the grass, with his arms folded over his chest and a proud smile on his lips. But I also didn't miss the lovesick look on his face every time I passed him, but I liked it, and I was pretty positive I looked at him the same damn way. I was glad we got to spend a few hours just enjoying each other's company, while we laughed at the few times I made an ass of myself in the process of learning how to operate the thing that he knew best.

Eventually we headed back to the prison and to my surprise, he let me drive back on my own. To him I was going painfully slow, but I wanted to be careful, cautious as if I would somehow knock him off all over again. 

Once we made it through the gates and up towards the prison, I hopped off first and saw that Daryl was about to follow my actions, but I stopped him. "Ah, wait." I said before holding my hand out for him to take.

He looked confused at first, but then seemed to realize what I was doing and rolled his eyes, taking my hand nonetheless. "I do that for a reason, so ya don't fall on yer ass." he said.

I smirked, "I thought I would be the gentleman for once. Plus I was the one driving, it's only fair."

He rolled his eyes again at my words, placing a kiss on the top of my head before we both turned to see Rick jogging over toward us with a small smile upon seeing our return.

"Hey, how was it?" he asked.

"Good. I didn't crash it." I responded while gesturing to the bike next to us dramatically.

He chuckled, "Good." he spoke with a nod, only turning more serious a second later, "I'm uh...I'm glad you came back when you did, I was actually going to ask your help for something."

Daryl narrowed his eyes a bit in concern, "What's wrong?" 

"I was on my way to tell Tyreese about Carol, but uh... I wanted to have some kind of backup. I don't think he'll freak out again, but just to be safe."

I could feel Daryl tense from next to me, "So, yer willin to put my girl at risk of gettin her ass beat, again? Nah, no way."

I turned to look him in the eye, "Hey, it's fine, I'll do it. Nothing's going to happen. Plus, Rick came by and apologized for everything, we're good." I reminded him.

"Yeah, he told me, but that don't mean I want ya in there." he said.

I shook my head at him, "I'll be fine."

He thought about it for a second, and then probably came to the realization that he couldn't stop me, nodding his head reluctantly in agreement. We then followed Rick, making our way through the prison to try and find Tyreese to break the news to him about who actually killed Karen and David. I didn't know how he would take it, but I hoped that since she was gone, he would be a little more relieved.

My mind went back to Daryl and how he was taking the loss of Carol. I knew that they were closer friends, and I could only imagine how hard it was to hear that she was gone. But he never seemed to mention it, to an outsider he didn't seem to be affected by it at all. Though I knew him better than that.

I gently nudged his side as we followed behind Rick, "How are you doing...about Carol?" I asked hesitantly, keeping my voice down.

He only shrugged, "Sucks...but I'll be alright." he said as he nudged my shoulder in return.

I nodded in understanding as I could see he didn't want to talk about it much. I knew he was hurt about what Rick did, I could see it in his eyes, but at the same time I knew he understood too. Otherwise he would be on his bike as we speak looking for her to come back.

The three of us made our way down to the tunnels now, Rick calling out into the space, "Tyreese! You down here?"

There was a moment of silence before he heard him call back, "Rick? That you?"

We all then followed the sound of his voice, seemingly at the same time he started to come out of the darkness. He was taken aback a little when his eyes landed on me, probably shocked that I was out of cellblock A as I hadn't seen him since he had taken me.

He smiled warmly, "Hey Rose...you feeling better?" he asked.

"Yeah, Hershel finally let me go." I smiled.

He nodded, "Good," he said before looking back to the two men beside me, "Look you guys gotta see this." he said, pointing behind him.

"Can we take a beat? There's something we need to talk about." Rick said.

"It can wait, come on." he said urgently while heading back the way he came.

We all looked at each other cautiously before following the man back into the room where he came from. It was dark and the men had to raise their flashlights for us to see what he wanted to show us, but once my eyes landed on it, I couldn't help but let my mouth fall open a little. There was a dead rat up against the wall, with its insides spilling out of it.

I heard Daryl mutter, "The hell?" as he stepped closer to get a better look, shining his light over the bloody surface.

"I was just looking around, I needed...answers. Then I found this," Tyreese explained while pointing to the dead rat, "Same person who killed Karen and David did this. Remember the rats at the fence? They show up the same day she was killed, we got a psychopath living with us. We gotta find him Rick, and I'm not going to sleep until we do."

I almost wanted to laugh a little at Tyreese's detective skills, but I didn't. The rats had absolutely nothing to do with Karen and David and at this point I think he was just trying to find something, anything to lead him to who was responsible for killing them. None of us knew who was doing this with the rats, it was all too weird.

"Tyreese," Rick started calmly, "Whoever did this, I don't think that's who killed Karen."

Tyreese looked at him confused, "Why?" was all he could ask.

But before anyone could say another word, a large booming sound rang out from right outside the prison walls and the concrete around us crumbled a little at the impact. I jumped in surprise at the sudden explosive sound, growing confused and uneasy as my heart started to beat out of my chest. My eyes panned up to see Daryl who was already looking at me with the same panicked expression and I knew we both seemed to have the same sinking feeling.

"No..." I muttered.

~ Thanks for reading!

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[maple-the-awesome]

We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Chapter 33

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x GN Reader

Words: 3,712

Overview: Given your old-fashioned personality and obsession with all things 1940s to 1980s, it’s no wonder that most people refer to you as an ‘old soul’ who would’ve rather lived back then than in the modern era. Little do they know, you already did, but with your previous life as Hollie Stark cut short, you’ve been left with some…unfinished business, to say the least. Top of your list? Finally getting to marry your thought-to-be-lost fiancé.

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CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: SILENT TREATMENT

"You could at least try to be civil, you know."

Rolling his eyes is the only attention Bucky spares Sam, not that it helps his own case any. His lack of response and attempt at still pushing past the other man actually has the opposite effect, only adding fuel to the latter's annoyance which has been building ever since Madripoor.

Sam forces Bucky to stop against his outreached hand, "Are you really that upset over the whole Hollie thing to be acting like this?"

It's no surprise that he eventually found out about your 'little' argument back in Madripoor; it was pretty damn easy to put the pieces together after your sudden disinterest in confronting Nagel and Bucky's beyond sour mood. Clearly, he said something to piss you off during Sharon's party - likely even hurt you judging on the redness of your eyes Sam spotted this morning.

Bucky's shameless avoidance of you has already been picking at his nerves, although he can no longer stand turning a blind-eye to it. It's unwarranted, out of character, and above all childish - at least that's what he feels like saying right now, but he realizes anger won't solve anything, especially if coming from his mouth.

Maybe if Steve were here, expressing disappointment would cut deep enough to reach common sense, however Sam isn't Steve. He lacks any meaningful, nostalgic history to fall back on with Bucky or you, therefore any accusations on his part are more than likely to just be met with defensive responses. Instead, he needs to try the friendly approach.

Inhaling away his exasperation, he looks to Bucky with genuine concern, "...Alright,look: I don't understand what it's like to be in your guys' situation and I'm not going to pretend that I do, but obviously this game of giving the silent treatment is hurting both of you - you're hurting them...You can see that, right?"

Bucky dodges Sam's stare, hating the reminder his words serve as. Of course he knows your previous argument hurt you! He isn't stupid! ...Okay, maybe just a bit, but it's not like he meant to make you feel shitty back there! He just didn't want you in harm's way - not over something like the super soldier serum and not while in Madripoor.

Yes, there were better ways he could've asked you to stay behind. He fumbled the bag, and he wishes he could apologize for it - to clear things up so that you can, at the very least, be spared from taking any blame regarding this entire hole he's now dug under you both - however what's he exactly supposed to say? Is there even a nice way to cushion what he's truly thinking inside? What good would an apology be if it's promptly followed by telling the receiver he still doesn't want to be around them anymore?

"I know it's going to sound cliché and probably like some bullshit your counselor has already tried throwing at you, but I think if you could just sit down and talk to each other about how your feeling - be honest and get everything off your chest - it might -"

"- This doesn't involve you," Despite Sam's careful efforts, his interference only adds fuel to Bucky's internal fire exactly as he had tried to avoid. The super soldier easily shoves past his hand and stubbornly ascends the stairs, "The Dora Milaje want Zemo. I managed to buy us some time, but they're not going to wait forever."

"You're changing the subject -"

"- To something that matters. The fate of the world is at hand, Sam. Don't you think you should be more concerned with that than with me?" Bucky responds condescendingly, not allowing for any more objections before they're inside the safe house.

Not much has apparently happened in their absences. It didn't take Zemo long to get comfortable, having treated himself to a nice shower in the time that it took for Bucky and Sam to make their entrance. While the former goes to plop down on the couch alone, the latter joins you in the kitchen where, having been left unsupervised, you've taken the liberty of raiding each cupboard in search of the most expensive alcohol present.

"Wanna glass? Mendis Coconut Brandy~ Made from the nectar of a borassus flower then matured for ten years in wood casks," You make a show out of pouring yourself a generous amount, however your 'tempting' offer goes denied by Sam who takes a seat at the bar counter with a lack of amusement written all over his face.

"We need to figure out another plan of action. Not just sit here lounging around while getting drunk."

"This is how I get my neurons firing," You assert before shamelessly taking a long swig of your loot.

Aware of how difficult it would be to take alcohol away from a Stark, Sam elects to ignore your behavior in favor of getting on with business anyway, "Nagel was our best lead before someone killed him."

"Must we litigate what may or may not have happened?"

"It's not up for debate. You straight shot the man!"

"Might want to come up with that plan faster," You interrupt. With your brandy glass balanced in one hand and your phone in the other, you scroll through the latest relevant newsfeed, "Our little superhuman buddies just bombed a GRC supply depot."

"What?" Sam whips his attention back to you immediately, then asks more solemnly, "...What's the damage?"

"Three dead. Eleven injured; doesn't list conditions, but judging on these pictures, I wouldn't be too optimistic...They made some demands, plus a promise for more attacks if they aren't met."

"She's getting worse," Zemo points out rather nonchalantly while sauntering over, "Now I, for one, am still willing to see our efforts through. Are you?"

"She's just a kid..." Sam sighs with a shake of his head, yet this information falls short of presenting a proper argument.

"You're looking for something in her that isn't there and you're allowing it cloud your judgment. Karli Morgenthau is a supremacist," Zemo's quick to chastise, "You see, the very concept of a super soldier will always lead to trouble. It's that warped aspiration towards one's goals that led to the Nazis, to Ultron, to the Avengers -"

"- Hey, you're talking about our friends."

"The Avengers, not the Nazis."

You roll your eyes after Bucky's needless correction. At least he's finally found the balls to leave his social isolation long enough to partake in the discussion at hand, however he still does so while maintaining his physical distance, collapsed on the couch with a deadpan expression that lacks any meaningful engagement.

"Yeah, Karli might be radicalized, but that doesn't mean there can't be a peaceful way to stop her," Sam counters, although Zemo once again lets these words roll off his shoulders, remaining stubborn to his own stance.

"The desire to become a superhuman cannot be separated from supremacist ideals. Anyone with that serum is inherently on that path. She will stop at nothing and, worse yet, she'll continue to escalate until you eventually kill her...Assuming, of course, that she doesn't kill you first, God forbid."

"Yourview of things is too black and white," This rebuttal is made to sound as if you're pointing out the blatantly obvious which is enforced by your lack of eye contact as you swirl your alcohol in a jaded fashion, "It's like I said on the flight to Madripoor: corruption is always a risk where power makes someone feel that they're invincible to typical consequences which is why you have to be careful who you grant that power to. Steve was chosen to become the original super soldier. Those abilities - They didn't change his heart. He wanted to protect innocent people from a war spiraling out of control and he did just that while staying true to his nature."

"In other words, the serum never corrupted Steve," Bucky concludes proudly, almost amused to see how Zemo's unknowingly poked the hornet's nest through his accusations.

Fortunately for him, you're being civil right now, all things considered. Bucky hasn't forgotten your true temper and the passion you hold towards your work. One wrong step on Zemo's part - one ill-worded insult regarding Project Rebirth or the achievements it set out to make - and there's no doubt in his mind that you'll have your hands on that Sokovian bastard faster than Sam can stop you. Is it bad that he wants to see that happen? At least watching Zemo get his well-earned broken nose might make him feel a little better after such a bitter past few days.

"Touché," Zemo admits, before selecting a cookie from the bowl in front of him and looking back to you with his next opposition, "But there has never quite been another Steve Rogers, has there?"

"Not with that attitude, there won't be," You scoff, finishing your brandy then giving him a pointed glare, "What I'm trying to get at is: to assume corruption will always be the case with superhumans will only ever shoot down the possibility of there being a variation. Karli might not listen to reason, or maybe she will - we can't be sure until we try - but treating her like a lost cause from the gates will only promise her to become the very enemy you're concerned with."

"Perhaps you have a point, however what happens if she already is a lost cause, hmm? Are you willing to take that chance in the time that it takes for you to confirm her intentions - even at the possible risk of your own life and those of the innocent?"

You cross your arms with your weight leaning to one side, "For one, I'm not saying that we just rush in to make friendship bracelets with them. We can attempt a conversation while still being cautious. Second, aren't you the guy who got a bunch of innocent people killed just so that he could get back at the Avengers? Are you really going to stand here acting like you live on some moral high ground?"

"Maybe we should just give him to the Wakandans now," Bucky suggests, suddenly acting exhausted with his spectator role in all of this. This leads you to redirect your glare his way, addressing him directly for the first time since Sharon's party.

"Excellent idea. Why don't you escort him there and stay awhile? Wakanda is where you were happiest, after all."

Bucky doesn't risk eye contact for long, swiftly looking away to avoid the sting felt by your response and that mocked smile you wear which drips sarcasm. This would be an amazing opportunity for him to be less of a jerk and deny your accusation. All he has to say is that he didn't actually like Wakanda that much, he doesn't even have to add that he didn't like it because it kept you two apart...yet he keeps his mouth shut instead of saying a single word. 

Sam, tired of all this clashing, promptly rounds the conversation back to more pressing matters, "Alright, let's just assume we have a consensus here and agree to talking with Karli. It sounds like Donya Madani was a pillar of the community here, right? ...You know, when I was a kid, my TT passed away -"

"- Your TT?"

"...Yeah, my TT."

"You're 'TT'?"

"His aunt," You sigh at the back-and-forth.

"Thank you! When I was a kid, my aunt passed away and the entire community got together for this ceremony to celebrate her life - I swear, it lasted like a full week. Maybe they're doing something similar for Donya."

"We can use it as an opportunity to get more information on the Flag Smashers. Maybe even get an audience with Karli herself," You finish his trail of thought, "She likely wouldn't want to make a scene in front of anyone connected to her, so it might be our best shot at a civil conversation without her trying to bash in our skulls."

"Exactly!" Sam smiles, looking back to Bucky who shrugs in response.

"...It's worth a shot."

"Your TT would be proud of you," Zemo, having used your distraction to sort through the cupboards, turns to Sam and tosses a wrapped candy his way before dumping the rest of the container on the counter in front of you, "Turkish Delights. Irresistible." 

Perhaps you've simply become biased after spending so many years in Europe, but you really must say, you admire the grand beauty behind European architecture even when worn down after many years of resident traffic. The buildings here in Latvia are no different in their ability to catch your eye, being much more deserving of your attention than the flashy neon lights that lined Madripoor.

Sadly, it seems your appreciation isn't universal. While you remain silent in your observations, Zemo is quick to voice his annoyance the moment your quartet steps foot in the courtyard of the refugee enclave, "Shame what's become of this place. When I was young, my family would come here for fabulous dinner parties. Although I knew nothing of politics back then, I recall it being beautiful. Now it is this..."

"I'm gonna take a look upstairs. See what you can find out down here - and keep an eye on him," Sam excuses himself almost immediately, not waiting for a reply before he's gone from sight. It's possible that he just wants a break from dealing with Zemo's nonsense, although he could also be trying to escape the tension between Bucky and you, too.

The first thing Sam did this morning was try questioning you on what happened at Sharon's party to which you simply replied that he should be asking Bucky instead. You weren't - and still aren't - in the mood to recap anyone else on your argument. You received basically zero sleep last night thinking about it, Bucky's words constantly playing on repeat in your mind:

"I think you should stay here while we go talk to Nagel ourselves."

"It wasn't a suggestion."

"...You're a liability if you go..."

Who does he think he is?! He's been making it perfectly clear since your confession that he wants absolutely nothing to do with you, but now he wants to play nanny - to act like he's oh-so concerned about your wellbeing? Pick a side, damnit! He either cares for you or he doesn't!

Just thinking about it gets you all riled up again, especially since you have yet to receive any kind of apology even after Sam confronted him, too - You know Sam must have because why else would he have waited outside for Bucky after reaching the safe house? Your theory could further be supported by their sulking that followed. Sam finally said something to Bucky himself, however even that had no success in making him grow the fuck up.

It seems your plan of giving Bucky space to process his feelings isn't working. Despite trying to keep your head low, you still manage to cause him grief while he insists on treating you like an asshole by playing this stupid back-and-forth game of 'do I, don't I'...Well, he's an adult, isn't he? You suppose he can make his own decisions on how to behave, but that doesn't mean you have to keep putting up with it yourself. Two can play at this game and you're done taking the nice route.

"I'll stay out of your way," Zemo promises, holding his hands up and taking a few steps away from you both. Whether he senses the tension as well or is simply being smart, you don't care.

You only bother to spare Bucky a glance - which is more of a less-than-amused glare that he mirrors - then turn your focus to the courtyard. There's lots of people going about their days here, none who show any of you much attention. If anything, it seems like they're trying to ignore your group between cautious glimpses; behavior that Bucky apparently fails to read as he walks right up to an older trio doing laundry. He attempts to awkwardly ask about Donya, yet as anyone could've predicted, they wordlessly turn their backs to him before gathering their belongings and walking off.

"Maybe if you actually smiled, you'd look more approachable," You make a point of noting smugly, all too satisfied to earn a frustrated grumble.

"Let's see you try then since you're such a people-person."

"I'm not a people-person. I just know how to work people," You hit back before eyeing the rest of the courtyard. There's more adults busying themselves with different projects, but chances are they're aware of the dangers outsiders might bring to their beliefs here, so it'll be harder to pry information out of them. Kids, however, have much smaller filters, and it just so happens that there's a young pair sitting alone at a fold-up table nearby. Perfect.

"Hey. May I see what you guys are drawing?" You ask kindly, inviting yourself to slowly take an open seat at the table with them. The little boy hesitates and looks to his sister who is equally wary of your presence, but he ultimately pushes his drawing towards you anyway. You gasp, gently turning it to get a good look, "Oh, this is beautiful! ...You drew this? ...You did? No way!"

The boy nods, his sheepish smile turning into a quiet giggle after your mocked disbelief.

"This is incredibly well detailed! It's a dog, right? ...Wow...You're waaay better at drawing than I am. I couldn't draw a dog to save my life. Whenever I try to, my nephew says it ends up looking more like a cow instead."

"Now that's someone who knows what they're doing," Zemo whispers to Bucky as they observe your efforts from afar. He isn't wrong. It doesn't take you many more compliments before the siblings are eagerly showing off each of their art pieces, even taking you up on your request for them to show you how to draw yourself.

To anyone else, it may seem like you're simply playing the long game, but Bucky can tell when your smile is genuine and when it isn't. Right now, it's definitely genuine. Just listen to the way you laugh at the siblings' jokes, and watch how your eyes sparkle in delight when triggered by their childish excitement. He imagines that this is what you were like when Tony was little...and what you would've been like had you had any children of your own. Maybe it isn't too late for you in that regard, yet that's quite the bittersweet pill to swallow.

Bucky finds himself inching closer to the table, his steps awkward and slow as if his feet are stuck in a giant glue trap. His presence immediately makes the siblings fall silent as they keep a fearful eye on him, however you're quick to reassure them with a careless shrug of your shoulders, "Oh, don't worry. That's just my friend, Bucky. I know he looks real scary, but he's harmless...Do you see his cool arm?"

"No?"

"Well, he'll have to come over here and show it to you then," You wave him over, smirking at his reluctance.

"I don't -!"

Not accepting that answer, you stand and take his wrist in hand before leading him the extra few steps over to the table. There, you pull him down to kneel between you and the curious children who watch in awe after you slide his glove off to reveal the bright shine underneath.

"- Isn't that awesome? I mean, how many people do you know who have a metal arm like this, huh?"

Bucky keeps as steady as humanly possible, practically suffocating himself out of concern that one wrong move on his part will send these children off screaming. Pressing his lips together nervously, he watches like a hawk as they gather closer and brush their little fingers against the cold metal of his forearm with bouts of excited giggles. You, meanwhile, keep his hand in yours while eventually locking eyes, your smirk remaining as if to say 'this isn't so bad, now is it?'.

"Hisarm makes him really strong. He can lift a whole lot of cool stuff with it...Just like our friend Karli. Do you know her, too?" The siblings nod, too distracted by Bucky's arm to face you, "That's actually why we're here. We came to town for Miss. Donya's funeral, but we've gotten a little lost...Maybe you two could help us? Do you know where it's going to be?"

They consider your question while glancing between both Bucky and you timidly. After a second, the sister finally motions for you to lean in which you do, allowing her to whisper in your ear.

"...Thankyou. We really appreciate it - and thanks for your drawing lessons, too. Maybe now I can finally draw my nephew a proper dog," The siblings match your smile before happily returning to their doodles.

"For your occupation, you are pretty good with kids," Zemo compliments and it's only then that you realize he had technically been left unattended for a few minutes there. Thank goodness he didn't take the opportunity to slip away, having instead spent that brief time passing out candies to children playing around the courtyard. That must be why he stuffed his pockets with those Turkish delights earlier. It seems you had similar plans of befriending them in exchange for information.

"What can I say? I got a soft spot for 'em," You shrug casually while keeping a close eye on him as he gifts the two siblings with the remainder of his candy stash since they missed out earlier.

"So did she tell you where the funeral is?" Bucky asks rather impatiently in your opinion.

"Yeah, because I actually smiled to look friendly," You chide, barely looking over your shoulder to face him, "She gave me an address, but we still have some time before it starts, so might as well go back to the safe house and wait. I, personally, could use some lunch in the meantime."

"Might I recommend: there is a wonderful restaurant down the street that makes exquisite cold borscht and sorrel soup," Zemo pipes in, following you as you slip right past Bucky. Neither of you spare him any more attention than his pouting deserves, which may be petty, but as far as you're concerned, he can feel the burn of being ignored for once himself.

"Sounds great. Now let's find Sam and be on our way. Our work here won't finish itself."

NEXT CHAPTER ->

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Taglist:

@arunabrak

[neo-nymph]

Johnny and Jaehyun going 50/50 to adopt Bunnyhybrid!reader. A sweet and shy bundle of sunshine and cuddles who opens up little by little to unveil a bafflingly perverted nympho-maniac with an exhausting and insatiable sex drive.

She was never good at hiding how horny she was. It showed obviously in her body language and facial expressions from the first time she began to experience arousal. Something about her first kiss, done with purely innocent intentions, woke something within her that she simply couldn't hide. Jaehyun could see it when he pulled his lips from hers, opening his eyes to see her brows scrunched together and her nose twitching with nerves. The fluffy ears on her head were flat against her hair and she stared at him somewhat scared, confused at the sudden presence of an aching and throbbing on her private parts.

"Are you okay, baby?" He asked her with a slight smirk.

It was hard for her to get the words out of her drying throat.

"I don't know. It feels.. weird.."

Jaehyun leaned his body forward, letting his nose brush hers as he continued with a whisper. "What feels weird?"

Unable to convey the thoughts she couldn't really understand herself, the bunny opted to grab her owner's hand and move it to the warm, throbbing spot between her legs. His fingertips barely grazing the middle seam of her denim shorts. He let out a puff of air, smile growing subtly at the situations he's found himself in.

"Do you want Daddy to make it feel better?"

She's had a non-stop craving for cock ever since that day.

When she's alone, both her daddy's asleep or out of the dorm for a schedule, she sits naked on Johnny's bed and uses his laptop to quench her undying sexual curiosity. She'd hump pillows while watching hybrid porn she found in Johnny's search history, or rub her cunt on table corners while reading smutty fanfiction and wearing Jaehyun's sweaters. When she wanted to be filled, she'd use anything to stuff her little pussy, desperate to find something that could satisfy her like her Daddy's cocks. They caught her one day on the bed fucking herself with an empty beer bottle, and that's when they decided they should probably buy her some toys.

Bunny was always bashful to ask anything of her owners, but the two men were forever ready to give their little bun anything she could possibly ask for. You want Johnny to feast on your pussy while Jaehyun eats your ass? You got it baby. You want your Daddy's to wear bunny ears and a fluffy tail just like yours while they fuck you? We'll do it tonight. Hell, they even let Mark jerk off to you giving them blowjobs in the recording studio because "you want him (specifically) to see what a good bunny you are". There's literally nothing the pair wouldn't do for her.

Still, they were just a little bit shocked by the next sinful request floats out of her pretty mouth.

"...can I watch you rub your parts together..?"

How could they ever muster up the audacity to deny her? Or make even a feeble attempt to pretend that her nasty requests, growing more and more vile with the passing days, did anything other than fill their cocks with blood.

Her hips gyrated in the air, working against her plained fingers swiping violently across her clit. Her pussy felt so empty it was almost painful, but she could deal with it if it meant taking in this sight a little longer. She watched them from the couch in the living room with her eyes trained on the men's hips rutting together, thighs and abdomens squished and sliding around with nothing but a mess of cum and sweat between them. The skin on their hips was red from their hands grabbing at each other in frustration. Both men were so used to grabbing their bunny's tiny body and forcing her still that the uncontrolled movements of the other's hips became an irritant fueling the speed of their thrusts. The tips of their cocks were flushed and leaking after edging themselves for an hour, trying their hardest to stretch the performance until their baby decided she was satisfied.

Her whiny voice grew louder and transitioned to pained, gasping cries as she gazed upon her Daddies actions. Their bodies were so muscular and toned, always making her feel safe and small and helpless under their grasp. Her tight hole winked at them spilling liquid across her folds, encouraging the panting men to continue. Johnny's dominant hand reaches down between himself and Jaehyun, taking hold of both their twitching girths, halting the stutter of their hips to pump their members simultaneously in his fist. Jaehyuns head rolls back with a groan, raising his face just in time to watch the bunny on the couch begin convulsing with pleasure. Her face contorted, mouth agape, and thighs shaking as they clamped shut. The added pressure on her clit further shocked her, a mess of liquid squirting out of her, reaching far enough to land on the cocks of the men before her. Such a filthy and irreplaceable sight.

Johnny's fist squeezed harder and pumped faster as he stared at his precious whore falling apart in front of him. Her glossy eyes opened as she began to calm down, returning Johnny's loving gaze. The bunny bit her lip as a smile broke onto her blushing face, giggling before she slipped off of the couch to crawl over to her owners. She took comfort kneeling between their bodies, tilting her head back with her eyes half open, sticking her tongue out just inches beneath their jerking cocks. Her lovers looked at her in awe and allowed their bodies to relax, deep grunts of pleasure emitting from their chests when their hot cum finally released, spurting across their bunny's happy face.

[intimidating-fettuccine]

I don't even know if I'm allowed to request something like this since he's technically not a main character in your blog… but I guess we'll see!! Based on that one anon’s request asking Candy’s Dark Side to hang out and if he'd go… could we ask him out on a (platonic or romantic. Or in the middle) date?? 🤭 Either to dinner, a walk around town, or just inviting him outside to watch the stars with him, or something he'd enjoy. It could be anything really. (you can choose how long they've known each other). Hope the request gets through to ya. (scenario or hc, doesn't have to be long either, whichever is easier :))

god this took forever

You can request stuff with Night Terrors! ^^ It's like asking for something Sully specific, or Masky/Hoodie. I'm very happy to write for him, and I hope you enjoy :)

I wrote this assuming Y/N has been with Candy for a while, and Terrors is starting to become infatuated with them. You told me it didn't have to be long but, uh... I couldn't help myself.

When you ask him to accompany you on a date, specifically HIM, he's surprised, and if anything a little flustered. He's witnessed all of your affection for Candy since you two started dating, and while at first, he had no interest in it himself, he's found himself longing for the same types of attention, he just never expected to be given a chance to experience it himself. He finds himself hesitating, but the longer you look up at him with those adorable pleading eyes, he finds he truly can't refuse you. He agrees to accompany you wherever you think would be best, and he's a bit alarmed at how excited that makes you, confused at how you could be so excited to spend time with him of all people, but he decides to just let you take charge as he's never exactly been on a date before.

You take him out on a crisp but warm night, knowing he's not one for being around large groups in the public eye, and take him to one of your favorite restaurants in the Underworld. It's casual enough that the two of you can relax in peace but nice enough that the food has a more high-class feel to it. Terrors sits across from you a bit awkwardly, legs crossed and hands clasped on the table, unsure of how to conduct himself on one such occasion as this, and you can sense his anxiety even if he's not voicing it. You begin making conversation with him to relax the atmosphere, and as you converse with him, asking him a bunch of questions and answering any he asks you in turn, he finds himself growing more content in the situation, relaxing his posture and opening up more. Once the food is brought out he's truly enjoying himself, as it's much more delicious than he was expecting, and when you gush in excitement, explaining that's why you love coming here, he finds himself smiling at you endearingly, letting out a few chuckles at how adorable you can be. He finds it endlessly amusing that someone as sweet as you wants to grow closer to a man like him, but he's not complaining.

By the time you finish eating, he's fully relaxed and content, becoming the most casual he's ever been in your company, something that's honestly a bit shocking to both of you. You offer to pay for the meal, as you invited him, but he refuses sternly, saying that he's more than happy to cover it, especially considering how wonderful you're making the experience. When you ask if he'd like to accompany you for a walk as you begin to leave, he agrees readily to the idea. He holds the door for you like a gentleman as you leave, holding out his arm for you to hold as the two of you walk together. As you cling to him happily, escorting him around town, he finds himself looking down at you affectionately, a smile resting upon his lips. He's never experienced something like this before, having never cared about relationships before his fusion with Candy, and he must admit it is quite nice. Perhaps it's because he's seen you and Candy go on so many dates, or just because of how cared for you make him feel, but it feels quite natural to be out with you like this. As you continue to walk, you find yourselves resting on a bride, a river flowing peacefully below it. 

As you turn and look up at the stars, Terrors finds his eyes still trained on you. You say that the sky is gorgeous tonight, and he responds that any sky in the world pales in comparison to your beauty, something that flusters both of you, but he means it wholeheartedly. He brushes one of his hands across your cheek, moving it to hold the back of your head as you gaze up at him, and he finds himself leaning down as you move upwards. Your lips make contact with his, and he has to hold back the noise he wants to let escape at how nice it feels. As you separate, he runs his fingers over his lips, blinking at you as he processes his first kiss, telling you it felt wonderful. When you cheekily smile at him, asking him if he'd like another one, he can't hold back the laughter that booms out of him as he scoops you up into his arms, pressing another kiss to your lips as he cradles you. Standing below the shining stars of the Underworld, Terrors feels a deep affection and happiness blooming inside of him that he never thought he'd ever experience. Perhaps sharing his life with Candy wasn't as bad as he thought if it could bring him blessings like this.

[not-totally-a-wizard]

This might just be me, but I feel like there are some similarities between Fire Punch and I Saw the TV Glow.

I think the way that they portray media and transness is actually quite similar. In Fire Punch, societies are unknowingly built on the media of the past. Surya's driving motivation is to continue a series of media, to finally see how it ends. Agni is shaped into a god in the image of those within the movies. He is then immortalized in that film forever, even when he cannot remember. Media has become reality, and people have forgotten that.

This feels similar to how Owen, and especially Maddy, experience the Pink Opaque. In the same way that Agni is, they are living characters from the screen. While Owen and Maddy are characters from another plane trapped in ours, Agni is forced to build his identity around his character onscreen. In both, cinema is more "real" than reality. And like Surya, Maddy tries to bring someone into a self-sacrificial situation in order to continue watching (living) a piece of media. Media transcends life.

Togata was the character I began this comparison around. Like Tara and Isabel, he lives his life in the world on the other side of the screen. His regeneration forces him to live in a body that is not his, and he does not want anyone to know his true identity. He runs away when Agni finds out. Just like how Isabel flees from Tara after being told the truth about their lives. Neither of them feel able to change; they are stuck, and being reminded of that is the most terrifying thing of all. It's easier to pretend, to play a character, than accept reality.

We go to the cinema when we die. We watch our lives play out in front of us. We see our other selves, our true selves, die on the other side of the screen. And we watch. We watch them cut out our heart. Maybe in the next life we'll get it right.

Or maybe we'll sit under the stars late at night, preparing to crush ourselves under layers of earth. At least we're no longer burning alive.

[doshmanziari]

While returning to a piece I've been working on since last year on the question of what constitutes a reasonable challenge in game design, I've been thinking about the “perennial” discourse on difficulty FromSoftware's relatively recent titles resurrect each time a new one comes out — in particular, this idea that the difficulty should always be “intuitive." The idea seems to be a way of applying a sort of hindsight bias, casting every prior game as both The Hardest Game Ever and yet eminently predictable (with Dark Souls 2 as perhaps occasionally situated as an outlier in this regard). I was reminded of this contradictory sentiment while viewing the video above — which, just so you know, is not a 2.5-hours monologue, but a condensed, boss-centric playthrough of Dark Souls 3, done with the purpose of answering the question posed by the video's title.

Said differently, the contradiction we find is that people want these titles to be able to evolve in the challenges they present, but they also don't want them to be "unrealistically" hard. There is this notion that there is a kind of pure way to play, which stems from a purity of design, and that playing this way should come easily, intuitively, upon each new challenge. But! — you actually can't have all of those things. And with each new FromSoftware release, so many people seem to forget how the prior release, once lambasted for having finally crossed the threshold of absurd difficulty, has since been resituated as more or less reasonable, with the newer release now being so unfair that baby must cry, and may cry forever.

Is it not strange to go onto the Fextralife wiki and see comments about how Elden Ring's larger opponents are "unrealistically" fast? or to hear, in a video about Malenia, anger over bosses not conforming to imaginary symmetries of allowances? — as if it's just way too mean when a boss introduces an asymmetrical mechanic (despite the player being able to introduce their own asymmetries which far exceed any one boss')? And this persistent belief that the game is full of "unavoidable" attacks — obviously, this would forbid the possibility of perfect all-boss playthroughs; yet, even if there were some unavoidable attacks, why would that be unforgivable? A lifebar exists to make room for error, or the unexpected. Hypothetically, it also makes room for more malicious and surprising sorts of design. I think that the inability to enjoy cruder and nastier situations — such as those in Dark Souls 2 (especially Scholar of the First Sin) — implies a humorless prudishness rooted in prescriptive expectations. In fact, I think that Dark Souls 3 suffers from a lack crudities and inconveniences. Immaculateness is spread over the game like a waxy sheen, and one senses a loss of struggle and texture.

We have to be careful when we say that this or that thing is a "betrayal" of core design principles, because a closer examination may show that either those design principles never really existed, or that, if they did (to certain extents), a strict maintenance of them would only lead to a stagnation of design. In some cases, we may find that what is taken to be an aspect of one of these games is in fact an effect of the surrounding culture, which reinforces a kind of perception of the relevant media. Certainly, this remains powerfully at play for the first Dark Souls, such that, for instance, Demon's Souls tends to be excluded from the picture. Elden Ring came out when I was no longer compelled to spend much time learning its bosses' particularities for very long; but I suspect that the loudest whining about Elden Ring being the coffin of FromSoftware's Core Design Principles has mostly come from people who were soundly put in their place after thinking that the ability to own Dark Souls 3's (mostly brain-dead) bosses would automatically transfer over to a new game of similar build. Maybe we'll have to wait for this Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for FromSoftware to "finally" transgress (again), and for Elden Ring to, like all the ones before it, be seen as just fine.

[cottoncandy-cult]

Babification Pomefiore

Vil (Ft Rook)

It had been about a week since (Y/n) was brought to him, he initially cleared out 2-3 days in his calendar to stay home and watch over his little sweet potato but on day 4 he realized it may take longer than expected. So, he decided to rip the Band-Aid off, rather than risk his fans spreading rumors that he had a secret child he laid out the circumstances on magicam. He explained that the girlfriend they saw in his pictures at times had been turned into an infant due to a class accident, and so he has decided to take care of her until she can be returned to normal. The male had almost expected some sort of outlash, some fans seemed to expect him to be single forever just for the sake of their personal fantasies. Instead, he was met with a large amount of support, many fans finding his dedication to his girlfriend beyond romantic as some celebrities would have hidden the accident and had someone else to take care of their significant other. After that day Vil went about his usual appointments, though everywhere he went he took the little girl. He never let anyone else hold her, but that proved problematic as sometimes the little girl became uncomfortable with all the attention she got. Often hiding her little face in his chest, she'd cling to him and occasionally whimper when she felt crowded. Vil would often excuse himself, wanting to do his job but not willing to sacrifice the girl's comfort especially given the situation she was in. It was because of this that Rook began accompanying him, the blonde male being one of the few he'd let hold and handle the little girl. Anytime the girl felt overwhelmed, or if he needed to film, he'd hand her off to Rook who would then take her to get a snack. She was around 3 and was quite shy, hiding her face in the hunter's shoulder anytime someone approached her. He'd often take her to a quiet corner where she could still see Vil but would be more comfortable and willing to come out of hiding.

For those times Rook would dig out her coloring book and crayons from the baby bag he proudly wore over his shoulder, it was these moments that he became aware of the fact that her older self is still in there. She seems aware but unable to really do much to control herself, often trying really hard to color within the lines of her pictures while also trying not to break the crayon. That was why Rook didn't baby talk her, it felt rude since he was aware of the fact that she still had that more mature thought process even if she couldn't properly express herself. Currently the popular trio had been at one of Vil's photoshoots, today had been a calm day but the little girl had been especially needy for attention. She did her best to sit quietly, but she couldn't help pausing her coloring in order to check for Vil's location and occasionally pouted. Of course, Rook had noticed, he hadn't done anything yet because he didn't want to interrupt Vil but also found her pout the cutest thing in life. He fawned over her more than ever now, she was his favorite little marshmallow bunny. Proven by the pastel bunny onesie they'd put her in before bed.

Vil had been adjusting his pose and had turned his head towards the pair, noticing how (Y/n) stared at him with a soft pout. Sometimes he wished she'd just cry out already whenever she wanted something, gives him an excuse to take a break anyways and he doesn't mind. The photographer noticed Vil was distracted and followed the blonde's gaze to the little girl, being a father, the older man knew what the little one wanted. "You know Mr. Schoenheit; we do have a new kids line we plan to advertise soon. If you'd like to look at the clothes and bring the little one up you can, we'll give you a bonus of course since the little lady would be the one wearing them." The older man smiled kindly to Vil when the blonde looked at him, Vil thought for a moment and glanced back at the girl who went back to coloring but still wore such a cute pout. "I don't see why not; she might have some fun getting to dress up." Vil chuckled a little, following the older man to a nearby wrack of kids clothing to look for a few outfits he thinks would look cute on the little girl and would match well with his outfits. Of course, the duo had noticed when the 2 males moved to and stand by the wrack, Rook could hear their conversation of course so he couldn't help but chuckle as he moved over to kneel next to her. "What do you say we clean up and go see what Vil's up to, ok mon petit trickster?"

The tall blonde gazed down at the little girl, watching her quickly nod her head as she began putting her crayon back where she got it. She was particular in how she used them, only getting one out at a time and putting them back as she went. Something Rook felt only supported his theory that she was still conscious within herself, or at the very least she was an oddly orderly toddler. Rook held the bag open for her, letting the girl place the two items back within its confines herself before she reached out for him and made grabby hands. A gesture that never failed to make the blonde male melt, he was quick but gentle as he scooped her up and cradled her safely to his chest. Afterall his dear Vil had made his desire to see her safe quite clear when he originally ranted about the idiots that caused this problem, not that Rook would do her harm anyways she was much too cute for him to even raise his voice at much less neglect her care and safety. Vil had noticed the two when they approached, chuckling at how the little girl smiled and reached for him. "Hey there sweet potato, I need you to help me with something alright." Gentle hands swapped her between male's chests, Vil cradling her tiny body as she snuggled into him immediately. "Oh? Is our wee trickster getting a taste of the limelight?" Rook smiled curiously, looking at the small pile of outfits that the photographer held on one arm. "Mhm, I saw her pouting at me anyways." The pomefiore prince kissed the little girl's cheek, listening to her happily giggle when he'd occasionally gently blow into her soft little cheeks. "Why don't you go ahead and get both of yourselves changed, I'll adjust the lights, so we don't sweat the poor thing out or blind her." The older male passed the clothes to Vil, going to get things ready for a photoshoot Vil was actually excited about. It was the first time in a while since he's had a reason to look forward to a particular shoot, but how could he not be at least a little excited to take pictures with his baby sweet potato.

-

-

-

The first outfit Vil tried was a dark grey button up, black dress pants and a loose-fitting red tie. Meanwhile (Y/n) was dressed in a black long-sleeved romper that hung off the tops of her shoulders for freer movement, it was decorated with a cute red floral pattern on the front with matching leg warmers. Her soft baby hair was brushed back, a red hairband with an attached flower sat cutely on her head. The two were matching despite the different designs, Vil's favorite part was the little flower headband that complimented her complexion and gave her a more doll like look. The blonde was planning to save the money from the bonus for trying on the kids' clothes for her, that way when she was back to normal his sweet potato would be able to afford some good food and fix up the bedroom back at her dorm. He wanted to fix up the whole place a while back, but (Y/n) wouldn't let him spend that much money on an entire dorm meant for 2. Vil's second outfit looked similar to his dorm leader uniform, though rather than being a long robe it had been a silk long-sleeved shirt with looser sleeves that fell to around the middle of his hands. The collar was V-shaped and dipped past his collar bone, corset style strings tied neatly in the front at the bottom of the V. Meanwhile he had put the little girl in a cute violet sundress, the sleeves matched his own and beneath she wore some black lace legging and a cute pair of purple strap shoes. A wide cut gold ribbon wrapped around her waist and tied in the back; a red apple charm was sewn into the center of the ribbon on her waist. It was an outfit Vil wanted to get for her in a more adult size, despite not being part of Pomefiore he'd love to match clothes with her for the next social event or school dance.

The photoshoot lasted for a while, Vil had chosen several outfits and they needed multiple pictures with each. By the time it was done her little tummy had started to growl, making her pout up at the male when he started giggling at her little noises. "Just a few more minutes and we'll be done. Why don't you sip on this, you can have some blueberries to hold you over until we get home." Vil handed the little girl a snow-white sippy cup that had some of the apple juice from Epel's family farm, the blonde knew how much she liked it as she would drink it in the mornings when she'd visit Pomefiore before classes as she would talk to the first year while he did his morning routine when Vil was busy helping some of the other dorm members do their own. Her cute little pout dissolving at the taste of the juice, her body relaxing against his chest as she'd occasionally reach a tiny hand into the little bag of blueberries he held while Vil discussed which pictures he'd like to post on his magicam to help with publicity. Rook smiled from the side, having snapped several of his own pictures during the shoot for the little album he had been making for (Y/n) and Vil. He had been confident from the start they'd marry one day, so he had started this album to fill with as many memories as he could for them. He was gonna be the greatest best man, and his gift of years' worth of pictures compiled into one beautiful album would be his proof.

Rook

"Wow, is that really (Y/n)?" Kalim looked at the little girl in Rook's arms in amazement, there had been a meeting for dorm leaders and their vice dorm leaders. The main portion of the meeting was already over, the little girl having napped comfortably during most of it thanks to the sleep schedule Vil helped the blonde male set up. The meeting had fallen into her usual nap time for the week, but Rook could feel his internal clock counting down as he knew she'd start to rouse soon. "Indeed, Roi d'Ore, she is quite the jolie petite fille no?" Rook chuckled softly; the sleeping infant was nestled in the crook of one of his arms unaware of the little crowd that was drawn to observe. Of course, the dorm leaders had been made aware of the situation, being reminded to drive into their underlings about not messing around in class. "She's definitely cute, her little cheeks are so red." Trey chuckled from Rook's right, several pairs of eyes looking at the little girl as they saw her stretch and yawn. "Heh, she looks just like Leona in the mornings." Ruggie snickered, he and Leona standing to directly across from Rook. Leona's ears twitched as he shot the male beside him a glare. "What was that runt?" He was softly growling his words; everyone had kept their voices down now that she was awake in fear of startling her. The blonde smiled and resituated her, holding her up some so that she was sitting up a bit more and was better able to look around. The group watched her tiny (E/c) orbs flutter over the faces before, cutely cocking her head. To some people she'd giggle, making Kalim fawn over her.

"Rook we should head back soon, (Y/n) needs to eat and its gonna get cold soon." Vil walked over, ever the mother hen. His voice made the little girl light up, her hand patting Rook's chest as if to get his attention. Making the large male chuckle, as if already knowing what she was trying to convey. "Yes, I know, our dearest Roi du Poison is here isn't he." He gently bounced the little girl, kissing the top of her head as she giggled some more. For once there was no tension in the group, an energy filled with both curiosity and fondness had started to form. "A few more minutes would be ok, wouldn't it? Our petit trickster has only just woken up." His green eyes locked on Vil, watching his house warden look back and forth between the two before sighing softly. "I suppose, proper socialization is necessary for a growing child." Vil sighed but gave a reserved smile, coming to stand by Rook as one of the little girl's tiny hands reached out to him. Vil was casual in letting the little girl hold onto one of his fingers, something the confused some people. "So, it's been a week since she turned, correct? How have you guys been handling it?" Riddle stepped beside Leona, trying to get a better look at his friend turned infant. "It's been quite easy, when you know what a baby needs it certainly helps but (Y/n) hasn't been fussy really. She cries sometimes, but it's never loud shrieking. More like quiet whimpers really, honestly it's heartbreaking." Vil smiled a bit at the thought, the first night they tried to put her to sleep in the pitch black and halfway through the night Rook woke to hear quiet whimpers from the bassinet nearby.

Luckily it had been a full moon, so all he had to do was open his curtains to let the light in. He felt so guilty, not knowing how long she laid in the dark and softly crying to herself before he woke up. He wanted to believe his sense of hearing was keen enough that he caught her at the start since they made sure she was sleeping before they shut out the light and that she had just woke up and got scared when he woke up. But the idea that it could have been literal hours made him feel so bad, first thing in the morning he told Vil that he needed to get a nightlight before recounting the events to him. 2 days later Vil was watching her for Rook while the blonde went to science club, since some of the demos had to do with potion making, he didn't want to risk another accident. Vil had placed her in a little buckle seat, having Epel gently bounce it to keep her occupied while Vil fixed her a sippy cup with some fresh juice in it. While he was in the dorm kitchen, he heard a commotion from the common room, he was quick to get there as he was the dorm leader after all but most importantly because that was where he left little (Y/n) and Epel. When he arrived, he found a couple students on the far right flat on their backs, it seemed while working on an alchemy project a mistake had been made and caused a small explosion. There was minimal mess, just a little goo here and there, it was more noise than anything. After lecturing the group on their mistake and reminding them to take such things outside he told them to clean everything up and take their project to the garden. It wasn't til he approached Epel, watching him clumsily try to soothe the whimpering child that Vil realized she had been disturbed since she hadn't started screaming as most infants would. Vil understood Rook's description now, her soft cries were somehow worse than the ear-splitting cries someone often thinks of when remembering an infant's cries. "Here, I'll take her to the kitchen with me. You go and do any homework you have."

There hadn't been any incidents since that had made her cry again, it was something they were actively avoiding, it was such a miserable little cry they'd hate for anyone else to hear. "Well, I suppose as long as she aint screamin' the herbivore aint to bad for a baby." Leona leaned forward, hand on his hip as he watched the little girl tilt her head some to get a better look at him. What nobody expected was for her tiny hand to teach out, lightly poking his nose with a soft "Bawah" sound. Ruggie had dropped to the ground near immediately in laughter, his dorm leader just got booped by a baby. Some of the others snickered, but soon everyone was laughing at her giggling shriek while she pulled her hand back when he playfully nipped at her chubby little fingers that had been in his face. Rook couldn't help but chuckle, if she was still aware in there then she was certainly taking advantage of the situation. Oh, his little trickster, no matter what form she is in she would never truly change would she?

The group had continued talking for a bit, only stopping once Vil reminded everyone they needed to get back to their dorms and get ready for curfew in a few hours. Once everyone had gone through the mirrors to their own dorms things had settled down, the little girl in Rook's arms took to playing with his hair as he walked. Both he and Vil discussing how he'd handle her during flight class the following day, Rook was confident he could handle flying with her in his arms, he just needed a suitable outfit to fend off the cold while flying that he could change her out of without problem so she wouldn't overheat. Vil had recommended a cute long-sleeved top with a bright skirt, some leggings and light beige fleece sweater that had cute bunny face buttons on the front. The two had went shopping together, wanting to make sure she would be comfortable while in this vulnerable state and to spoil the poor girl since it was the first break she had in a while since she was always working or doing something for money to live off of. He wished she'd let him help more, but she didn't like the idea of him bank rolling her because she felt that she should earn at least some of it.

They ended up settling on letting him pay for her meals and occasionally help with any big necessary repairs to her dorm, and she'd focus on paying for the rest. Granted the hunter still wanted to do more, and so he'd get her gifts that could be useful. He even got Vil to help design a new ramshackle dorm uniform so that they had an excuse to replace the scrappy one she was wearing, after all it was unfair that the other dorms received new uniform designs at the start of the year, but she had to wear an outdated uniform barely patched together. At least that was the argument they used against Crowley to get his pass on the new uniform, convincing him it was a good chance for him to show his benevolence and make up for how little he can assist her monetarily. "Roo…" Her little voice called up to him during a lull in the conversation, she had yet to speak, and they almost thought she couldn't, so it quickly drew their attention. Emerald eyes looked down at the little one's curious face, a smile crossing his own when she started giggling and gently tugged his hair. "Don't worry Mon petit trickster, we're almost back to the dorm. You wanna play with your toys for a bit before your bubble bath?" Rook tilted his head, kissing at her palm gently as her tiny fingers patted at his cheek. Her only response was a giggle before she pulled her hands to her chest and nuzzled into his shoulder, rubbing her face against the fabric of his dorm uniform as both male's chuckled at her cute antics.

[vylad-romeaves-autism]

Dude same! I will fully admit Laurence shouldn’t have killed all those people at the wedding. I will absolutely agree that he should face repercussions for that. What I WON’T say is that Laurence is a bad person for it. Laurence is not a somehow fundamentally bad person for responding violently after being held prisoner and being forced to watch the woman he loves be forced into a marriage all while knowing he is going to die if he does not do something.

There is a huge difference between “this person did something bad because they could/they were cranky” and “this person did something bad because they were under extreme duress and didn’t have another feasible way out”, even ignoring EVERYTHING with shadow knights and all that. Saying what someone did was UNDERSTANDABLE is not the same as JUSTIFIED. Mass murder is bad! Mass murder is very very bad! But with his characterization, I fully believe that if Laurence knew of another way to get out he would have taken it.

Laurence did not choose to do that because he wanted to kill all those werewolves, because he was throwing a fit that the lady he loved was marrying another person, because he was a little upset. He did not do it because he is evil or a villain in some way. He did it because he was going to die and he likely did not see any other choice.

I could go on for ages but I’ll stop here for rn so the ask isn’t super long

EXACTLY, also extremely sorry for waiting FOREVER to respond. I needed time to be able to sit down to respond properly BECAUSE YOU GET THIS. (warning me rambling about this below beware!!!)

Laurence doesn't get a free pass from repercussions because of any reason you can think of(ie. is a shadow knight, is in love with aphmau or whatever). But he might never face them unless it is brought on by aphmau/Katelyn because even though i just finished watching MCD season 3, the werewolves shifted the blame for the mass murder/genocide onto aphmau instead of Laurence. So probably by this point unless someone was there, the blame is no longer on Laurence(at least as far as were aware since season 3 kinda got put on hiatus) so we'll never know if Laurence will face repercussions from the werewolf tribe directly.

I genuinely semi get annoyed with people that dont like laurence and this is their main reason, but are die hard aphmau defenders when imo the murder she did at skystead was kinda worse again imo. Aphmau was in no danger other then being held hostage. Lo might’ve been also threatened to be executed but I think they were just also held hostage as well, you can correct me if I’m wrong. But aphmau barely knew Lo, she imo has very little reason to murder for them. I think she was possessed by Irene as well, but I’m not sure. But even then that’s not a good excuse.

Laurence killed because he didn’t want to die, and aphmau killed because she was possessed by Irene(?????)/ wanted to stop an arranged marriage. Their a bit similar situations but still very different but you can’t defend aphmau and hate Laurence for what he did at the werewolf wedding at the same time.

[kayssweetdreams]

The Perfect Finale Ch71

While Yang was buying time, the group now needed to find a way to show Yin that they didn't show hopelessness in their situation...the problem was: How were they supposed to SHOW that?! "Maybe just mock Yin?" Fortie suggested. "All that would prove is that we see him as a joke. And it is a spot to Yin we shouldn't poke." Cal reminded.

"How about a sneak attack? Probably somewhere near his back." Jose suggested. Yuri shook her head "But there's nowhere to hit or harm. Yin's body is stronger than your fortified farm." She said. "Maybe we can strike his own heart." Jett said, still miffed that Yin didn't have anything to fear "But what will that do? Don't forget Prim is still a problem too." Mei said. Even without Yin, Prim was still the acting "Yang"

The bright light of the heart was seen again as Kaylo held it above her hands, and watched it float. Her eyes were fixated to it, almost like she was in a deep conversation with it...and she was. The heart was telling her, strangely enough, to SING. This confused the girl, but the heart was insistant. With a raised eyebrow, she turned back to the others. "Um...I talked to the heart, and it said to me. To sing a Wonderworld melody. It said if I sing, hopelessness will disappear. And with it, The End of Yin is near." She said.

Everyone shared a collective look of confusion at the girl. What would SINGING do against Yin? "Um...Not to sound rude or anything...BUT HOW DOES THAT HELP US?!" Purrla asked. Kaylo revealed the heart again to everyone this time. "Yin follows the heart like a moth to a flame. To him, this is his sick and twisted game. But if we still have hope, the heart will grow stronger. And it will hold him off much longer." She said. "And singing is going to do that?" Hooverton asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well. It's worth a shot. Otherwise what other options do we got?" Kaylo asked. The group looked at each other. She did have a point. Yang couldn't keep herself "alive" forever. "Alright. Well then let's make a plan. Sing first, and we'll attack where we can." Mei said. Kaylo nods before shooting up into the sky and landing on the the Timeville Clocktower, and a microphone appearing in her hands.

It was Showtime...

Mei belongs to @sundove88

Jett belongs to @jettthespeeddemon