#well you should have SAID SOMETHING in the campaign to let them know it wasn’t going to be the same

[the-physicality]

this election discourse reminds me so much of finals discourse…. (Obviously much higher stakes but)

[augustjustice]

Crush Confessions, Part 1/?

Inspired by this post

AO3 Link

It was a totally normal, run-of-the-mill Saturday night when it happened.

The spring from hell had crept slowly into summer, and the older teens were all gathered at the Harringtons’ for what was becoming a near weekly hang out tradition–movies, music, booze and weed guaranteed. Steve had held more parties than he could count here over the years, but these quieter nights getting to spend time with their little apocalyptically bonded gang were his favorites, no question.

He and Eddie had gone into the kitchen in search of refills for their now empty beers, and somehow gotten sidetracked into an extended conversation on…well, pretty much anything and everything, from Eddie and the munchkins’ latest campaign (‘harrowing’ was the word Eddie had used to describe it, Steve committing it to memory as Eddie rubbed his hands together in glee) to how Lucas’s summer basketball practices with Steve were going (great, the kid was a natural, and only getting better by the day). 

Steve wasn’t even sure how they had gotten on the subject–some playful crack from Eddie about Steve’s high school title as ‘The Hair,’ maybe–but the next thing he knew, he was reaching out to tug on a strand of Eddie’s own long, dark mane. 

“You’ve got such nice hair to work with, dude,” Steve said sincerely, curling it around his finger, “I could style it for you sometime, if you wanted.”

Eddie had stilled as soon as Steve’s fingers combed through the locks, and he was now shooting him a baffled, amused look, like he also wasn’t entirely sure what was happening. He opened his mouth, but before he got a chance to say anything, Nancy walked by.

“Don’t let Steve talk you into it,” she warned with a giggle as she passed, following Jonathan back out to the living room, “you should have seen Dustin at the Snow Ball. He looked like the world’s cutest poodle.” 

“Hey!” Steve protested, one hand on his hip as he jabbed a finger at Nancy’s retreating back. “I’ll have you know that hairspray has never, not once, let me down.” 

As Nancy disappeared, Eddie turned to him, a dimpled smile teasing at the corners of his mouth, bright eyes expectant. 

“You gave Henderson’s hair the old Harrington treatment?” Eddie flicked at one of the locks falling artfully across Steve’s forehead, which earned him a half-hearted watch the hair, man as Steve batted his hand away. “And pray tell, good sir, when was this?”

“Like Nance said, it was for the middle school dance,” Steve explained, then launched into an entire retelling of the night as it had unfolded.

By the time he had finished, Eddie was staring at him with those rapt, dark eyes, a strand of hair pulled down over his lips like he was trying to smother his wide smile–and failing miserably at it, as it so happened.

“What?” Steve asked, brow furrowing in confusion.

“Nothing, man, nothing,” Eddie shook his head, smile never wavering. “It’s just…”

He clasped his hands together in front of him, his whole body practically doing a little shimmy, the kind Steve had come to associate with Eddie not being able to keep whatever thought had suddenly struck him from spilling out. 

“You’re just–stupidly sweet, you know? That’s all I was thinking.”

The earnestness with which Eddie said it caught Steve off-guard, and he felt a faint blush rising to his cheeks. 

Eddie was always doing that–with him, with the kids, with Robin–telling them exactly what he thought and felt, like he wore every emotion he’d ever had right there on his sleeve, out in the open for  anybody to see. And while he was perfectly capable of being a little shit when he wanted to be–Steve liked that about him, too, was always happy to have someone who could hold their own alongside his own bitchiness–more often than not, he was painfully sincere, never shying away from giving out compliments, bear hugs, and even the occasional effusive ‘I love, man’s for something as simple as remembering his favorite pop.

(Yoohoos, of course, a fact Steve could never forget–not after the long, hellish Spring Break Eddie had spent on the run. …If that chocolate nightmare could even really be called pop, that was.) 

“I mean…I guess so,” Steve murmured, rubbing a hand over the nape of his neck, not sure what else to say. It was like he was in the Upside Down all over again–Eddie showering him with compliments he didn’t entirely know how to take. “He just…he needed a ride. You know how those kids are. And I wasn’t doing anything else, so I just thought, I mean, that I’d–”

“That’d you swoop in and play big brother, and give our nerdy baby Dusty Buns a confidence boosting pep talk while you were at it?” When all Steve could do was shrug, feeling weirdly bashful and still struck a bit speechless, Eddie snapped his fingers. “That’s what I’m saying. It kills me, the way you just do shit like that, and it’s–god, you’re so cute, what the fuck? It’s kind of disgusting, to be honest with you.” 

“Wait a minute, wait a minute,” Steve waved his hands in the air, as though calling a time out, “you think I’m cute?”

This time, it was Eddie’s fair skin that flared suddenly red. 

Tugging a strand of hair down over his face, he cleared his throat. “I, uh. I’m pretty sure I said it’s cute.”

“No,” Steve shook his head, emphatic, as he tapped a finger to his ear, “no way, dude. I definitely heard what you said. You said you think that I’m cute.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, giving Steve’s shoulder a gentle shove. 

“Don’t act so surprised, Harrington, everybody at Hawkins High who liked dudes acknowledged the cuteness of King Steve at one point or another, even if it was just inside their own head. Same as anybody, I wasn’t immune to that shit. But it’s not just that. You’re just so–” Eddie flailed in Steve’s general direction again, words seeming to have left him. No small feat where Eddie was concerned.

“Alright, alright, don’t stroke out on me, man,” Steve caught one of Eddie’s wrists in his hand, the touch stilling him instantly as Eddie blinked over at him with those too big brown eyes. “I’m so what?”

“Nice! You’re so nice, it’s stupid, man, and you definitely weren’t supposed to be.”

Steve barked out a laugh.

“What, you liked it better when I was an asshole?”

“Yeah! I mean–no, of course I didn’t, I just…it was a lot easier to control some stupid high school crush when I thought you were just some hot douchebag but now you’re all–heroic and noble and shit, and I am but one measly little mortal and very homosexual man, Steve. You can’t do this to me.”

“Okay, I’m not that nice,” Steve protested with a roll of his eyes, still feeling that tinge of heat on his cheeks.

“No, you definitely are, dude. You’re like–like, rescue kittens out of trees, help little old ladies cross the street nice.”

“So I helped Mrs. Davis across the street put away her groceries one time–”

“See! You see what I mean?!” Eddie jabbed an accusing finger at him. “You are literally that nice!” Then, he covered his face for a moment, hiding it behind his hands as he sucked in a deep breath, like he was trying to steel himself for something. When he spoke again, the words came out muffled through his fingers. “I just–I like you a lot, you know?” 

One corner of Steve’s mouth quirked up into a soft half-smile, confusion clinging to the edges. 

“I like you, too, Eds.” 

“No, Stevie, I–that’s not exactly what I meant, man.” 

Dropping his hands, Eddie caught Steve’s gaze, dark eyes suddenly serious. Steve felt the whole mood in the kitchen shift around them. 

“I mean…I like you. God, that sounds so fucking stupid, like we’re in kindergarten, or something,” Eddie scruffed that hand over his face again, running it up into his hair to ruffle the very locks Steve had complimented earlier. “What I’m saying is…I’ve had this fucking–massive crush on you since high school, and you constantly finding new and unique ways to be adorable is definitely not helping, dude.”

Steve blinked, surprised.

The truth was, he had suspected that Eddie might be flirting. Steve had cultivated enough game over the years–the ‘You Suck’ period of his life notwithstanding–to recognize it when he saw it, and he had known, since Eddie had put two-and-two together about Robin’s sexuality and come out to the two of them, that Eddie was into guys.

But…Eddie was also an energetic, tactile guy. He got in everyone’s space, cracked jokes constantly. The playful borderline innuendo was mostly restricted to his interactions with Steve, but there was still enough leeway for Steve to write it off as Eddie just being like that.

Evidently that wasn’t all it was. 

And even as Steve felt that pleasant, fluttering warmth that came from knowing somebody had a crush on him…he also felt a sudden, sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. 

Because…Steve was straight. He’d never been interested in anybody who wasn’t a girl. 

Which meant that now he was in the uncomfortable position of having to tell Eddie he couldn’t return his feelings. 

Steve was no stranger to rejection, on both sides. He’d been turned down–and still blamed that stupid sailor hat for at least a third of those rejections–and though he kept his options open and played the field in high school, he’d had to let girls down easy when he started dating Nancy or gently rebuff them when he simply wasn’t interested. 

But usually those were relative strangers or casual acquaintances, people he chatted up at the mall or Family Video or in the classroom. They weren’t someone who had quickly become one of Steve’s best friends. They weren’t funny, kind Eddie, who had a way of making Steve feel totally at ease every time they were in the room together, who had slotted so perfectly into Steve’s life it felt like he had always been there.

Sheesh, was this how Robin felt, huddled on the bathroom floor at Starcourt? Knowing you had to let someone down, someone you really cared about, all because you just happened not to be compatible in this one specific way? 

The whole thing completely sucked. 

“Eddie…” he trailed off, not sure what to say. Wishing there was something he could say. 

Eddie jerked up his head, and when he caught Steve’s eyes, he shot him a sympathetic look, like Steve was the one who deserved comforting in this situation rather than the other way around. 

“Oh, no, man, don’t sweat it. I know that you are totally, 100% a certified straight boy. I just, I don’t know,” he shrugged one shoulder, smile sheepish, “you know what absolute shit I am, about keeping things to myself. So, I thought…I’d go ahead and tell you, get it out there before I blurted it out at an even less opportune moment. And I’m also here to tell you that, give me a little time, and I can absolutely guarantee I’ll get over it. Cross my heart, the whole shebang.”

He drew a little cheeky X over his heart with his fingers, the curl of his lips growing wider, much more like the Eddie Steve knew. 

“In the meantime, I just…hope we can still be friends?” Eddie blinked those wide, hopeful doe eyes at him, and Steve had never had any intention of saying no, but, even if he had, it would have been impossible in the face of that.

Steve gave Eddie a friendly clap on the shoulder, his smile soft and sincere.

“Of course, man. Of course we’re still friends. Nothing’s gonna change that, and definitely not something like this.”  

“Oh, why, cuz so many of your friends have had crushes on you in the past?” Eddie teased, but his posture had noticeably relaxed, body open, swaying in Steve’s direction like he always did.

Steve huffed out a laugh, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. 

“The opposite, actually. Before we became platonic with a capital ‘P’ soulmates, there was a period in there where I definitely had a crush on Robin.”

“No shit?” Eddie shook his head in amusement, curls bouncing.

“As embarrassing as it is to admit it now, I totally did. And I mean,” Steve gestured into the kitchen, where the other four teens were congregated around a six pack, “you know I’m friends with my ex. Just saying…I’m kinda the poster boy for crushes on your friends, so. I know a thing or two about what you’re going through.”

“Guess I’m in pretty good company, then.” Eddie nudged his shoulder against Steve’s. “You’re a good guy, Steeeeve Harrington. Which is still totally not helping with the crush, by the way.”

“You’re not so bad yourself, Eddie Munson,” Steve mimicked teasingly. 

“What are you two even doing in there?” When Robin’s voice suddenly bellowed into the kitchen from the other room, the pair of them jumped, like they had been up to something. They shared a quiet giggle at their own surprise. “Not to break up your little secret babysitter’s club meeting, or whatever it is, but could grab some chips? We’re all out up here.”

“Duty calls,” Steve said with a nod of his head.

“The host’s job is never done, or so I’ve been told,” Eddie agreed.

As Steve attempted to juggle the three bags of chips from the counter under one arm and his beer in the other, Eddie took mercy on him and took the can from his hand. 

“This one’s totally lukewarm now, Stevie. Let me get you another.”

Steve simply nodded in reply as he watched Eddie grab a fresh drink from the fridge, keeping the room temperature beer for himself. 

When they finally stepped back into the living room, Robin crinkled her forehead at him in a silent, What was that all about?

Tell you later, Steve replied with a significant look of his own, earning him a shrug of acceptance as Robin went back to cheerfully shoving the chips he had just tossed her into her mouth. 

Steve settled down into his customary seat on the loveseat beside Eddie–still close enough to the chair Robin claimed as her own that they could throw snacks at each other and share stage whisper level conversation–and Eddie handed off the cool beer can to him, tab already pulled up and everything, with an easy, “Here you go, man.” 

As he got comfortable, Steve caught the quick, relieved look Eddie shot him when he didn’t leave any more space between them than usual, their thighs pressed tightly together, close and casual. And that was enough for a swell of hope to build in Steve’s chest, feeling reassured that nothing would have to change between them. 

Surely, everything would be just fine.

[lya-dustin]

Shock and Delight

Chapter 11

Cw: mentions of childbirth, parental neglect, murder, westrosi culture is its own warning

“Rhaena has a headache, I hope you do not mind me for today, mother.” The girl poured their cups with watered down wine just as Rhaenyra did for her father before being made Princess of Dragonstone.

After Rhaenyra one of Alicent’s Hightower cousins had filled the role until Aegon was old enough to pour the cups, only Aegon took that for granted and eventually Helaena did it until she married.

Aemond had yet to master living with only one eye and by then Vicky had become her cupbearer.

Bethany had replaced her and now Aemma only had to appear to make the painfully shy girl melt into the shadows.

It wasn’t her fault, Alicent knew the girl never did it on purpose.

Much like the sun, it was merely her nature to outshine anyone beside her, even when she was born eight and ten years ago.

There had been a tourney to send Rhaenyra into her confinement and as Criston seemed to be winning his last tilt the twinging the princess had been hiding turned into a worse pain.

Criston had become distracted by the sight of his former lover clutching her large belly in pain and been knocked off his horse by his opponent, Ser Harwin Strong.

But the tourney went on so the people could celebrate the birth of the heir or all be gathered there should it end as it did five years ago.

Rhaenyra had cried for her mother and in her delirium mistook Rhaenys for Aemma, she had also cried for Alicent, but Alicent refused to go to her and claimed her children needed her.

It was a quick thing, a girl born with a bloody caul on her little head like a crown as the crowd cheered for Ser Harwin who proclaimed to crown Rhaenyra his queen of love and beauty.

The baby girl had scarcely been named Aemma when her brother was born with his plain looks. The Andal blood of the Arryn and Baratheon lines had shown through Jacaerys with only the dark Velaryon eyes to confirm his paternity.

And much like Viserys with her children, he promptly ignored the boy and held up the infant girl as the dragons roared.

The word for prince and princess is the same, he had said later as he rambled on and on about the babe he envisioned and butchered the first Aemma for.

I was wrong, it was never a prince I had seen, it was a princess, he had laughed as if Alicent hadn’t been forced to bear him child after child because Alicent just had to tell her father about the strange dream Viserys had had the day he killed Queen Aemma.

At first the queen believed he kept Rhaenyra as his heir out of guilt and shame for his actions ---murdering her mother and marrying his daughter’s best friend to satisfy her father--- but then she learned he truly believed in dreams and in the words he whispered as he looked at the plain Valyrian dagger.

Alicent had come to know that her suffering was not divine in nature no matter how much she tried to make herself believe it was.

It was then that she began to let her resentment truly take root, and if the gods would not make her suffering be for something, she would.

And now she had to make a deal with Daemon of all people to make sure her son doesn’t burn himself and them as he courts the girl filling her cup.

“Prince Daemon has requested we see if there is any way he could have the funds to support his campaign at the Step Stones. Seeing it will give us a temporary truce with Dorne and keep them from encroaching on our borders and keep the islands under our rule, the King wishes we approve of his petition.” The queen wants to get this over with and knowing her father will be against it, she had approached Beesbury beforehand and Tyland as well.

Her father believes her to be working for his goal, but they are not. As the end of Viserys’ reign comes fast, Alicent has decided they are doing things her way to achieve her goals and if Aegon wishes to keep her father as his Hand, she will make sure her father knows he is not the one with the power.

Not anymore.

There are few private yet public places in this keep, as far as people know Aemond and Aemma are merely promenading in the Godswood and not planning their false courtship to end before he goes to the step stones with Daemon.

Mother will say no, but eventually she will relent just to keep them away from each other thus giving Aemma the chance to find a perfectly suitable husband while he becomes the first of his brothers to become a true warrior.

Really if he must endure Maris Baratheon saying Baela is twice the man he is because she has fought in battle any longer, he will have to kill her.

“You haven’t sent me flowers.” The princess points out as she steers them towards a group of eligible young men.

“Didn’t you get enough this morning, there was queue outside your family’s wing of the Holdfast.” Aemond knew it was expected of him to woo a lady, but he had hoped he wouldn’t need to woo Aemma.

They knew each other already and it wasn’t a real courtship anyways.

He’d never even gotten Jena flowers and they have been involved since they met three years ago.

“If you wish for us to sell the ruse you have to look as if you are really courting me, as horrid as it might be for you.” She answered as if she was an expert on the subject.

And between the two of them, she likely was.

“Any flowers of you would like?” Aemond asks knowing she will ask for anything that symbolizes love or desire or anything like that.

“Surprise me, I’m sure all your book-reading has to help you out there.” Aemma answered with a teasing lilt.

“I could end up giving you yellow carnations, Aemee.”

[seasonal-depression-of-punk]

Ritualistic sacrifice

Chapter one:

the beginning of the end

Rating:mature

Summary:After clash at the castle, Drew McIntyre has been furious at CM Punk for taking another win away from him. With all of these emotions, he has been struggling with dreams of this man.

Punkintyre fan art based on the chapter included

Tags: @thlayli-ra @salemshotspot if you want to or don’t want to be tagged in the next chapter, tell me in the comments or anywhere else

____________________________________________

The day CM Punk came back and dared to show his face, was the day Drew knew that he’d do anything to take that taunting and infuriating smirk off of that already annoying face and never let it return there. He knew he was destined to be the reason for Punk’s misery.

Only after few months, he had already broken one of Punk’s dreams by injuring his arm. The dream he had been always talking about. The thing that would finally make people know that his worth in life was acknowledged. That he wasn’t just the bratty asshole the world tried to paint him to be. That CM Punk deserved to be in the main event of the most popular wrestling event in existence. That it wasn’t too late for Phil Brooks to finally achieve his childhood dream and main event Wrestlemania.

And Drew shattered that chance. He took that pathetic old man’s dream that was as frail as the man himself, held it in his strong hand and crushed it with all the power he had in his body. Oh the joy he felt the day after, when he heard how bad the damage had been. That day his prayers had been answered. That was the day he truly began to believe in god.

He should’ve remembered what kind of a person he had wronged. He should have known what that man would do. He shouldn’t have forgotten that, that petty old man would bite back. To talk back. To kick back! That old asshole has begun a hateful revenge campaign against Drew!

He ruined a Wrestlemania moment that should have been beautiful, joyful and unforgettable. He was supposed to be the world champion even after leaving the event. But no. That no good man, who brings even more bad luck than broken mirrors, ravens, horseshoes with their ends pointing down and black cats together. Black cats aren’t even bad luck!

This hasn’t been enough for Punk. Of course not! Punk would never be satisfied and Drew knew that way too well. The people in other companies and his own experiences pointed to that. That petty man could find something to be mad about in everything. No matter what, there was always something that could be better.

It wasn’t enough that Punk had taken credit for ruining Drew’s Wrestlemania moment. He also needed to ruin Drew’s homecoming. The moment where he was supposed to win back what he lost. But instead, he lost it again because of the same reason.

The smug grin of acknowledgement on Punk’s face made Drew’s emotions shoot through the roof. Pushing him in the corner, wanting to rip his face off then and there. But the older man had expected a reaction like this from him. Of course he had. The kick to his crotch happened so fast that Drew only could register it when he was on his knees, trying not to get affected too much by the pain. It took him so long that Damian Priest had recovered enough and took advantage of the situation, making Drew lose again.

After all of that, Drew was ready to give up. He was ready to quit. He had gone to RAW and said “I quit” in front of the crowd only two days after Clash at the Castle. Everyone tried to stop him. “What do you mean you quit? Drew you can’t!” Guys like Adam Pearce and Hunter had said to him. “No. I’m serious,” he had told them and walked out of the building. Ready to never return.

Drew had locked himself in his house and decided to become a hermit. He deactivated all of his social media, made his distance to other people lengthen and decided to dedicate all of the energy he used to use on social interactions to his cats. All of them were so happy he was staying home, purring and nuzzling against him no matter what he was doing. It was very comforting. To just pretend that everything was fine and his life goals hadn’t been destroyed. Everything was fine until he felt himself fall asleep.

~

Drew was at home in his bed when he heard something. He wiped his eyes and got up to see what was going on.

He walked to his living room and looked at the direction of his couch. He could see a shadowy figure sitting on it. This made him really concerned. He looked around for his cats. Why none of them meowed or let any sounds?

“Oh Drew. What are you looking for?” He heard a smug very familiar voice speak to him. Drew quickly turned on the light and saw exactly what he thought he’d see. “Phil wha-“ Drew started but was stopped by a finger in front of his mouth. “Shhhh… no need to open your mouth. I know anything that comes out of it is just bullshit” the man who proved to be Punk whispered into the taller man’s ear. He could feel the hot and moist breath next to his face. He felt his ear being licked which sent shivers down his spine.

This made Drew quickly push Punk away from him, making him fall on the floor. The tongue hadn’t felt like a normal tongue. It was slimy like a reptile. It disturbed Drew. Nothing felt real. The man fallen on the floor had a sinister smile across his face. His pupils were like snake’s. Drew stared at him with wide eyes and started to walk backwards further away from this creature.

This wasn’t a human. This was a demon. A succubus. A devilish creature from the deep depths of hell. The laugh of the creature that tried to look like Punk continued to get more loud and sinister. A guttural laugh like a horror movie villain-

And that’s when Drew woke up and sat up panicked.

It was all a dream…

Drew sighed in relief and wiped his hair away from his face. And that’s when he noticed…

He was hard.

Second chapter

[goldenlaurelleaveswrites]

I've Got These Friends...

2. Hug

I've Got These Friends (AO3)

Aimée - aged 18 Luka - aged 18

_____________________________________________________

"And remind me why Bri and Mari aren’t helping us with this, again?” Aimée asked as she squinted at the miniature she was holding, before delicately dabbing a bit of silver paint onto the dagger it was wielding. Once satisfied, she looked up to glance at Luka. 

He was staring intently at the dragon miniature he was holding as he delicately brushed bronze paint onto the spikes on its back, seemingly blissfully unaware of the streak of paint on his cheek. “Bri has a shift-‘

“Which I know, but we could have waited until she was done-”

“And you know she would have spent the rest of the week messing with Dingo and Darrel, and about how they’re going to get their butts kicked during the next session,” he said, not once looking up from the dragon he was staring at so intently. It was a little worrying, how intently he was staring; it couldn’t be good for his eyes. “And Marinette…” 

It was like a switch had flipped the second he said Marinette’s name. 

He finally looked up from the dragon as his entire face softened, and a small, dopey grin slowly curled itself across his face. The one Juleka was always calling ‘disgusting.’ She had thought he had had it bad before he and Marinette had even gotten together—how it had taken them this long to actually get together was still a mystery to her because, well, it was them—but he was somehow even more lovesick now that they were together. Normally, she would blame it on the honeymoon phase, but they had been together for months at this point. It didn’t really feel like the ‘honeymoon phase’ label still applied… 

“I don’t want to spoil the campaign for her,” he said as het gently set the dragon down on its stand, and sat back a little to look at it before turning his attention to her. “She’s been having so much fun since she joined- you’ve seen her costume.” 

“I’ve more than seen it,” she laughed. Marinette had begged her to take some pictures of her in it. 

“And you should have seen the way she figured out the puzzle I set up for our last session! See, there were all of these chests, some of them were filled with treasure but the rest were traps that would detonate different spells…”

She set the miniature she had been working on back and its own stand, and sat back as Luka regaled her with stories from the last D&D session, and how brilliant Marinette was, both in D&D and in general. 

His eyes were lit up with a light that was usually reserved for when he was playing music. His music, not the music he was asked or told to play. The funny thing about Luka was that he was a quiet kind of guy; he tended to let his music speak for him. He wasn’t what she would call shy, but he was… reserved. People were always so shocked when she—or anyone else for that matter—mentioned in passing what an enormous dork he was. It took him a while to fully open up to people. 

But around Marinette… heck, even just talking about Marinette was enough to bring him out of his shell. 

And according to Juleka, it had been that way between Luka and Marinette right from the start. 

She liked seeing Luka like this. It wasn’t really that he was different. He had always been a dork. He was just more forthcoming with it now. More open. Lighter. 

Happier. 

He deserved it. He was always looking after everyone else. Keeping Dingo from being… well, no one could keep Dingo from being Dingo… But Dingo was still alive and in one piece, so that had to count for something. And he had kept Bri sane all these years and always had her back. He was always there to comfort and encourage Nadine when she was being too hard on herself. She couldn’t count the number of times he had been a shoulder to cry on when she had gotten her heart broken. And he was always there, ready to pull them out whenever any of them got themselves stuck in a creative slump. 

To say nothing of the way he was his family’s anchor, keeping them steady. 

He deserved someone who made him light up like a kid on Christmas morning. Who supported him in his music and dorkiness. Who sewed him custom guitar straps and brought him his favourite pastries to split at lunch and be disgustingly cute with. Who was sewing him custom dungeon master robes for his birthday— not that he knew it. 

“…and because you know how Darrel and Dingo get when there’s gold around-” She reached over, cutting his words off as she pulled him into a hug. “Aimée…? Is everything… ok?” 

“Yeah. I’m just happy to see you so happy.” 

Luka was silent. But only for a second. And then she heard the chuckle in his exhale as he returned the hug. 

“Thanks, Aimée.” 

“You’re such a dork,” she murmured. “And you have paint on your cheek.” 

[the-himawari]

A3! Promotion Event Translation - Haunted Western-style House (9/9 Epilogue)

*Please read disclaimer on blog; default name set as Izumi

---

Horror House Talk

Tsumugi: Ah, Masumi-kun. Are you heading to the rehearsal hall right now?

Masumi: Yeah. The same as you since we have an instelive.

Tsumugi: I can’t wait for the stream.

Masumi: What a pain…

Tsumugi: Now, now. Don’t say that. Let’s announce the next issue of “VELUDO” to our fans.

Masumi: …I guess I have to.

Tsumugi: Ah, that’s right. I’ve been wondering this for a while…

Masumi: What?

Tsumugi: What did you think about the Horror House as a date spot with Director?

Masumi: Well, I think it works. But when were trying out the Horror House, she went along with all three groups, so I decided I’m not going to invite her.

Tsumugi: Right, I suppose after going around three times, she’d know where and what all the tricks are…

Masumi: Exactly. That’s why I’m searching for a new spot now. Let me know if you know of any good places.

Tsumugi: No problem. I’ll tell you if I come across any information.

-pause-

Tsumugi: I wonder if everyone else is already here… Oh, there’s a bunch of drinks?

Izumi: Ah. Masumi-kun and Tsumugi-san.

Tsumugi: What is this about?

Izumi: We’re promoting a special drink campaign that’s going on at a café near the Horror House in our stream today… I just went to pick them up with Kazunari-kun.

Kazunari: You can get a drink from their limited Halloween menu for half price when you show them your ticket to the Horror House!

Tsumugi: I see. I’m sure the visitors will love that.

Masumi: That’s not fair. I wanted to go to a café with Director too.

Izumi: You were out during the day though, weren’t you?

Masumi: I would’ve went if you called me.

Izumi: That wasn’t something to call you over!

*door opens*

Tsuzuru: Hey, guys.

Kumon: I can’t wait to do a stream with nii-chan!

Juza: I’m lookin’ forward to it too.

Izumi: Ah, it looks like the whole gang is here. Everyone will be having these drinks in today’s stream. Are you all ready?

Kazunari: Yessiree!

Izumi: Alright, pressing play! Start the stream!

-pause-

Tsumugi: Hello, everyone.

Troupe Members: It’s MANKAI Company!

Tsuzuru: Woah, a flood of comments came in…! We’re happy that you all came to watch us.

Kumon: The main topic of today’s stream is… TAH DAAAH! It’s about “VELUDO”!

Juza: We’re gettin’ more comments. “I can’t wait”, “yaaay”… “Is it a special feature”?

Kazunari: The next issue… will be special feature on a Horror House! All 6 of us here were part of the photoshoot!

Masumi: Kazunari and I are on the cover. I think we fit the vibe well enough.

Kazunari: Our costumes popped off. Check us out when it’s announced, ‘kay~!

Kumon: Me, Masumi-san, and Tsumugi-san were wearing the same clothes as the staff members at the Horror House. It'd be awesome if you could check that out too!

Tsuzuru: Lots of comments are saying they’ll take a look for sure. Great to hear.

Tsumugi: Moreover, in order to take the pictures that are going to be published in the special spread… We were asked help out as staff members on the Horror House’s opening day.

Kumon: I wonder if anyone who happened to be guided by us are watching right now?

Masumi: …Ah. There was someone.

Juza: Where?

Masumi: The comments are flowing too fast, I lost sight of it.

Juza: I see… Thanks to that person who came on the first day.

Kazunari: Hm? It looks like everyone’s curious about the drinks we’re having~? Glad you asked. These are original Halloween drinks from a café next to the Horror House!

Juza: Do they taste good? Mm… yep, they’re tasty. They’re a bit sweet, but even those who don’t have a sweet tooth should be able to drink them no problem.

Masumi: If you show them your Horror House ticket, you can get these limited drinks from that café for half price.

Kumon: Wait, really!?

Tsuzuru: Is that why these drinks were prepared today?

Tsumugi: That being said, please do drop by this café after you visit the Horror House.

Tsuzuru: By the way… starting today, videos of our own trek through the Horror House will be uploaded to SNS one by one for the next 3 days.

Masumi: Watch them if you’d like.

Juza: There’s comments sayin’ they’ll check all three days.

Tsuzuru: There’s also lots of comments saying they can’t wait! Thank you, everyone.

Masumi: It looks like it’s about time.

Kumon: Eh, we’re wrapping up already!? The time totally flew by!

Masumi: Alright, our instelive today will go up to here.

Juza; Thanks for tunin’ in today.

Kazunari: Make sure you pick up the next issue of “VELUDO” with Massu and I gracing the cover!

Tsuzuru: Thank you very much for watching until the end today.

Troupe members: That’s all! It’s been MANKAI Company!

Tsumugi: Please tune in again.

---

previous |

[rahadaddy]

What's the biggest curveball your players threw at you? Or just something wild/funny they did?

I talk about both of my campaigns, but in reverse order here. First, Blood Countess (ongoing) and then Remix (completed). Spoilers ahead!

The party was ambushed by Anstrasya and some of her lieutenants in the Barovian army. It was in the Svalich Woods. We have three PCs (Tam the ranger, Theo(dora) the warlock, and Alistor the cleric) and they were traveling with two NPCs, Ireena and Ismark. The Barovian soldiers effectively cut off Ireena and Tam (the pair they are trying to kidnap) and surround Alistor and Theo. The only one remotely safe was Ismark (who suffers from Ismark Curse: failing his rolls and being forgotten by the DM). 

Madi (Tam’s player) goes, “Can I pick up Ireena as my item interaction?”

I thiiiiink there was a roll involved (Athletics) but verbally, Tam turned into Aladdin. “Do you trust me?”

I need y’all to know he and Ireena have just found out they are the reincarnations of Sergei and Tatyana. They aren’t lovers (they still aren’t. They’re trauma-bonded besties.) The only person who Ireena trusts more is Ismark. He scoops her up.

“For my bonus action, I cast Zephyr Strike on myself. For my movement, I run with Ireena as far as you’ll let me go.”

Okay, sixty feet.

Except, based on where they were on the map, I didn’t have enough space. I didn’t have more enemies lurking and it felt like a dick move to add more. Bewildered, I watched as Madi, Tam’s player, yeeted Tam and Ireena off the board to safety. Meanwhile, the others are embroiled in battle. That means that as they are resolving this, on his turn, Tam is going double his speed with Ireena in his arms. I had him make a survival check or perception check, but he’s in his favored terrain. Nothing is stopping this man. He is aware of all the dangers. 

Alistor is downed at one point. Theo brings him back from death. The two of them and Ismark flee.

Tam and Ireena? Already at Argynvostholt, which was supposed to be a big reveal for Alistor because it’s his childhood home. Oh, well. Tam and Ireena are there alone until the others lose the Barovian soldiers in the woods, now trying to figure out what to say to Alistor about the state of said childhood home. I’m trying desperately to get the party back together. Oof.

I should know better.

This is actually the second time I’ve run CoS for Madi (Tam) and Clare (Alistor). I know the two of them. In our last game, they lassoed the roc’s leg, and anchored the other side of the rope to a boulder and the fighter (Madi’s character, Dorinn) ziplined down it while the paladin (Clare’s character, Victor Trevor) climbed up it because even though the players were talking to each other (and playing all four PCs) the characters weren’t and the characters were big of heart and dumb of ass. They crashed into each other and fell into the ravine, but it wasn’t as far a fall as I anticipated after the three of us deliberated over the map. 3d6 of bludgeoning damage isn’t all that much for a fighter and a paladin at level 9. 

Originally in that game, a third friend had been playing a druid and the thing that stymied me about her character was the moment she gave away all of her husband’s blood to Doru (aka some random vampire kid the party just met). It inadvertently shone a light on some out-of-game issues I’m not about to blast on here, but I worked tirelessly to make it work out in a way she would find interesting and favorable for a month and it still went to hell. There were out-of-game conversations, spoilers provided, you name it. Her playstyle - and that of the rest of the party - didn’t end up jiving. 

My players seldom stump me and more often than not, when they do, they surprise and delight me and it makes for a better game for everyone involved. Even when it doesn’t work out, I try very hard to communicate and keep things fun. 

[madalice31]

It’s funny how when this Blake Lively shit went down, you got folks coming out with the “there’s good people on both sides” energy lmao. There’s no bad and good guys. It’s not so black and white.

Y’all love saying that shit when your faves are involved. Blake has clearly been problematic for a while. It’s not a smear campaign when the behavior has been documented. Ain’t nobody making anything up about her mean girl behavior. If it was a man getting exposed, y’all would be all for it. But since it’s y’all fave white girl being called out on her shit, suddenly it’s misogyny.

When you’re CLEARLY pregnant and someone congratulates you and instead of a simple thank you, you congratulate them on their bump when they are clearly not pregnant. Like who does that? You don’t know if that woman even has the ability to get pregnant and how saying something like that would make HER feel. Blake could have easily said, thank you but I don’t want to draw too much attention to the lil bump right now, or something along those lines. Just to show that she doesn’t want to focus on her pregnancy. Anyone would have understood. Well…let me not say anyone. Not with the way yall dragged Halle Bailey when she was going above and beyond to not show her bump since she didn’t want to draw attention to it. But I think that interviewer would have understood. And instead Blake got nasty for no reason.

So say it ain’t “all black and white” all you want to, but when someone shows you who they are, believe them!

Also, can we put to rest the whole “you’re more than a victim” bull shit. I was molested as a child. I was a victim. And I’m not ashamed of that because there’s NOTHING to be ashamed of. It wasn’t MY fault. Am I more than that moment in my life? Yes. But should that moment still be called out for what it was? YES! This whole “nothing can phase me” mess is bullshit, especially when it comes to any form of abuse. It leaves a mark on you. And yes it’s beautiful when we can accept and kiss our scars rather than try to cover them up or hide from them. Therapy works. Denial does not.

Just my opinion.

*edited

[kidgetrash]

Monsters and Mana 2 - Save The World, Get The Girl - Chapter One

Character:  Keith Kogane, Pidge Gunderson/Katie Holt, Lance McClain, Hunk Garrett, Shirogane Takashi, Coran, Princess Allura, Matt Holt

Pairings:  Keith/Pidge

Warnings!:  This is going to be one looooonnnggg fic! I think? So far I'm barely into the plot and I have four chapters, so let's see how far we go! I'll add warnings as they come up!

Summary: After many battles, the war is over, and the team have finally got some well-earned downtime! Having noticed that Pidge and Keith had feelings for one another but hadn't yet acted on them, they decide to have Coran run another campaign, this time with the two as betrothed royalty!

A/N: Here you go, guys! This is chapter one of my Monsters and Mana follow up which is basically a fantasy story involving or rather leading up to some Kidge romance!

Also! The title is actually something my brother has as a tattoo!

Chapter One

‘Keith, you’ll love this!’  Pidge bounced up and down beside him, walking down the corridor to where the rest of the team were waiting in a large booth in the garrison rec room.  ‘We all have our own characters and everything!  I’m a tough warrior!  With a huge axe and full plate armour!’

Keith smiled down at her exuberant explanation.  He had been away with the blades when they last played and each of them had mentioned at least in passing how much fun the game was.  ‘Meklevar! Best axe fighter in three lands!’

‘I can’t wait to see you in action, Meklevar.’

‘I can’t wait to see what you choose to play.  Just, not a paladin, okay?  It’s meant to be an escape, not art imitating life.’

‘Who chose to be a…’

‘I want to be a paladin.’  Shiro argued, leaning on the game table and giving Coran a firm look.

‘And like I said, this is a one off adventure and you all have prewritten characters to fit in with the plot.  Here’s your character, master thief.’  He slapped the datapad with the character information on into Shiro’s chest.  ‘This will be a good exercise to get everyone out of their comfort zones and utilise your imagination while you’re at it!  You have to work with what you’ve got in the field and this is no different.’

‘A…thief?’  Shiro looked at the datapad in despair.  This wasn’t what he had been hoping to play.

‘Here you go, Princess, as discussed.’  Coran handed them each a datapad.  ‘Matt should be along in a few doboshes too.’

They each took a seat around the table, Keith and Pidge side by side as they always seemed to be these day and it hadn’t escaped anyones notice.

‘Hey, no peeking!’  Allura pulled her datapad away from Lance who was trying his best to get a look.  ‘This has sensitive information pertinent to me and me alone!’

‘You just got it, how do you know what’s pertinent and what’s not?’  Lance leaned in closer.

‘Coran and I have spoken at length about my character’s background, and if you don’t stop I will move seats!’

‘Fine.’  Lance sat back in his seat, arms folded and pouting.

‘Now, I want you all to go around the table and introduce yourselves.’  Coran began.  ‘Character descriptions are on page two.  Keith?  As a newcomer, why don’t you go first?’  He passed him his datapad.

‘Alright.’  He scrolled hesitantly.  ‘It says I’m Prince Theophilus of Qiomend, Theo for short.  My country is in negotiations to ally with the neighbouring country of Ephbe, who we have a trade deal with but it’s delicate at best.’

‘Hey, how come Keith gets to be the prince?’  Lance argued but a well placed elbow and glare by Allura silenced him.

‘I agree.’  Keith replied.  ‘Lance is much better suited for this kind of role.’

Coran stared at Keith, his left eye twitching.  ‘I have spent a lot of varga making this campaign and you will stick with the characters I have designated.’

‘Just do as he says, Keith.  It can’t be as bad as being a thief.’  Shiro scowled more than he should have, given it was only a game.

‘Princess, if you will?’  Coran asked without taking his eyes off both Shiro and Keith beside one another, evidently unimpressed by their disappointment.

‘I am Mylaerla.  A beautiful, mysterious woman from the exotic tribe of Daquin.’

‘Yes you are.’  Lance grinned at her, which she easily ignored.

‘Shiro?’

Shiro sighed.  ‘My name is Airdan Swifthands, a master thief for hire.  I come from Ephbe and have a reputation for retrieving lost things with the least amount of casualties.’

‘That actually sounds rather heroic for a thief.’  Pidge commented.  ‘More like a bounty hunter or…’

‘A bailiff?’  Hunk suggested.

‘Moving on.’  Coran passed Hunk his pad.

‘Oh, wait, no, I’m a bounty hunter.  Lore Greyarrow.  I come from Snagrore, a mutual enemy of both Ephbe and Qiomend.  Cool.’

‘Lance?’

‘Let’s see what main character sharpshooter gets to play.’  He scrolled with a smug smile on his face, until he reached his background.  ‘What the quiznak is this?’  He waved the pad at Coran.  ‘You have to be kidding me?’

‘Not kidding in the slightest.  You are Billy, Prince Theophilus’ loyal servant.’

Keith burst out laughing as Lance continued to complain.  ‘Oh no, I’m not being his servant!  I don’t even have a last name!  I may as well be a slave!’

‘Not a slave, per se.’  Coran twirled his moustache thoughtfully.  ‘But your family do owe a debt of honour to Prince Theophilus’ family, which is why you’re completely devoted to him.’

‘Remember, this is a good team building exercise.’  Shiro interrupted before the arguing could get any worse.  ‘And the way you’re delaying things we’ll never get to the story.’

‘Well, said, master thief!  Lastly, over to you.’  Coran handed the second to last datapad to Pidge.

‘Okay, I’m Princess Quieta Ambrossia of Ephbe.  I’m the sister of the newly crowned king who wants to make peace with neighbouring Qiomend.  I spend my days…’  she looked up at Coran.  ‘Seriously?’

‘You’re a princess.  Your pastimes include embroidery and dancing.’

Pidge narrowed her eyes at him.  ‘I’ll bring your research to the top of my list if you let me make ten changes.’

Coran stroked his chin thoughtfully.  It was a tempting offer.  He had been wanting to know the results of his research into the correlation between the amount of the Earth beverage coffee related to the number of times he had to expel his waste water and until now he had been held to the longest of waiting lists while so called more important projects got the go ahead.  ‘Two changes.’

‘Eight.’

‘Three.’

‘Five, and I throw in a coffee gift card I got for my last birthday that I haven’t used.’

‘Done!’

They shook hands across the table.  ‘Great.’  Pidge pulled up the rulebook and started making changes.

‘No fair, how come she gets to make changes?’  Lance complained yet again.

‘Because she drives a hard bargain.’  Coran straightened his posture as though he had won some great moral victory before opening his own datapad.  ‘Our story begins in the great hall of the castle of Ephbe kingdom.  You have all been summoned here by King Z’opetes the Just, older brother of Princess Quieta.  Oh, except you, Princess.  You’re not here.’

‘Got it.’  Allura nodded.  ‘Then, where am I?’

‘Not you, Princess, Princess Quieta.’

‘Me?’  Pidge looked up hearing her, in her opinion, stupid character name.

‘Yes, you’re not here.’

‘I’ll just keep doing this then.’  Pidge turned back to her pad and Coran continued.

Masterlist

[mrs-monaghan]

Thanks for sharing and confirming that my instincts were right. I always tend to trust my gut feelings about people but sometimes I wonder if I should. Well, once again, it seems that I, indeed, should. Now I have to be honest, I never gave much credit to wsj, I ended up unfollowing cause I wasn’t interested in her posts anymore at some point, I really don’t trust people claiming they know stuff about celebrities and posting it on the internet, everybody can pretend to be xyz, unless there’s some solid proof I chose to remain skeptical (I did see a few stuff, tough nothing groundbreaking, from the k-side that I trust though, so maybe she was right). That being said, it’s Tumblr, it’s more private that Twitter, we’re a smaller community, so I don’t see any harm in people sharing what they want to share on their own blog. Just move on and ignore if you don’t like. The campaign against her and other bloggers was disgusting. Let ppl speak on their own tiny corner ffs, if don’t agree you can expose your arguments, have a discussion or unfollow and block. As long as they don’t cross a line I don’t see the problem. I’m seriously done with the holier than thou woke bs attitude. It’s all about virtue signaling these days, showing how you’re so much better and morally pure, and you know everything better than the rest of the plague… give me a break. Also the discussion around jealousy and constant dismissing of k-army and korean dating culture was quite something… because as someone who comes from a country where the dating culture differs a lot with the American/western perspective, where a drop of jealousy and possessivity is considered as a normal display of affection - I’m not talking about excessive and toxic behavior obviously!! - the blatant ignorance and constant undermining of korean dating culture that is quite similar to mine in that regard really annoyed. me. so. freaking. much. It’s deemed as a big no-no in your culture, okay, I get it, but you’re not better than us who thinks that in many cases it’s not that big of deal and, in Jikook case, was quite revealing in the past. Sorry I’m going all over the place, I’ll shut up now!

Ha ha haaa... no, dont even worry about it. Its fine. Thing is though, the Jeonlous/Jimlous thing IS indeed quite exergerrated. Most of the compilations are rubbish. And I can see why most people hate it. Including Regina George. I get that. But it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Especially in the case of other people who are not members. My mind immediately goes to the Sean Mendez interaction. 🤭🤭🤭

(TT is accurate has not been manipulated in any way)

JK almost bulldozed RM and downright ignored him in his rush to get to Jimin. It's actually hilarious 😂😂 Now this can be classified as jealousy. But when it comes to members I don't think that's what that is at all. Annoyance, Irritation, maybe? because he can't do to Jimin what others can. But definitely not jealousy. Either way whatever it is, it happens and denying it is stupid.

As for WSJ I don't see why the notion that an Army personally knows BTS is so hard to believe. Normal people know celebrities all the time. That being said, my issue with everyone who went after her was the hypocrisy. WSJ was very careful not to tell us anything incriminating. And everything else she ever said were things we already knew.

-Jikook is real

-Jikook live together

-Vminkook have issues

Etcetera, Etcetera. These are things we already know. She was just confirming. And she wasn't even worse than us Jikookers. And i said as much to Stormie when she made that shady post. We are the ones talking about Jikook 18+ moments and posting about them. So anyone thinking they have a leg to stand on are being hypocrites. 🖕🏽

[druidx]

Find the Word Tag - Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan - Part 2

I have a lot of Find the Word tag games. So I decided to put them all together to make me edit the Alexis Dalliance vs the Evil of Titan, a NaNoWriMo novel from 2012 based on the first TTRPG campaign I participated in the Fighting Fantasy World of Titan setting.

There was a total of 145 words to find so I've split these into batches of ~50. I've not removed any duplicates, and where there's not an exact match I've used synonyms instead.

I've grouped the words by the original tagger - though some of these are old enough the tagger has changed URLs...

Fair warning before you click:

I have tried to keep the snips short, but at ~8,320 words, this post is 'colour of the sky' long.

Well, if we're sitting comfortably, I'll begin.

➤ @autumnalwalker

Advice (Instruction)

The group once more reached the gates of Castle Dire “Ho there!” Richard hollered up at the guards stationed above. “We return on the instruction of Corporal Janz, bringing the gift from my lord, Zharradan Marr, to his Lordship Balthus Dire.” A cautious face popped up over the battlements. “Good Gods,” said Janz. “Is that it?” Alexis clenched her jaw at his tone. “Yes, it is,” Richard yelled back. “Now let us in, if you please.” “Alright, alright. Keep your pants on.” Janz vanished from view.

Alright

Alexis woke from where she’d curled up under a table. As she crawled out from under the table, she found Victor still drinking, helping himself to a barrel of ale with its top stoved in. “I’m going a-bed,” she declared, her words slurring together. “You should do the same.” Victor grinned, singing something unintelligible in an off-key warble. Alex waved a wagging finger at him. “You better pay for that barrel you’re draining.” “Course!” Victor beamed at her. “We were ordered t’see Yazty and the Cap’n. You better be at Townhall by noon. Got it?” “Aye, aye, sir!” Victor gave her a lazy salute. “Well, alright. I’m going t’bed,” she said and left him to it.

Bite

Back at the inn, Alexis hitched the horses outside and went in, finding Richard in the middle of breakfast. As soon as he saw her, he unfolded himself from the low seating, and they met in the middle of the carpeted space. “Alexis-” Brown hair flopped into his face as he bowed his head, his shoulders slumping with relief. “I… I thought you might have left us.” Awkwardly, he places a hand on her shoulder. “Psh. Never,” she said. “You’d trip the first trap you found and get yourself killed if I wasn’t here.” Despite her flippant words, Alexis squeezed his hand and grinned. He smiled back. “Probably.” “Definitely.” Together they returned to his table, and Richard took a bite from his flatbread. "I’ve sent Bast and Victor to get trail rations and other supplies. Um. I’m afraid Goregut won’t be joining us. He’s decided he’s quite fond of the desert and has joined a mercenary band. He left with a caravan at first light.” His brown eyes regarded her over the bread, lips pursed in a silent question. “Oh.” Alex’s hand found the necklace of bone Gorgut had given her. “A shame. I should have liked to have said goodbye. I guess this means we have an extra horse then.”

Connection

Victor turned away from where he’d been poking at the bottom of a wall and grinned. “Why, Rock to Mud, of course.” “And what is that?” Richard asked. “A spell. If I use it on the base of the walls, the unworked stone here, see? The foundations will collapse, the temple will fall in on itself, be swallowed by sand, and we can be on our merry way.” He dusted his hands off with a grimace. “I don’t know about you, but the heat and dust and significant lack of beer is becoming increasingly tedious.” "I don’t see any other options,” Alexis said. “All right then, let's do that.” Bastet stood, walking over to the tunnel connecting the chamber with the outside, and Alexis joined her. “Whenever you’re ready,” Richard said, motioning the other two up the tunnel to give Victor room to work.

Duck

Victor continued, unfazed, “It seems we were expected, presumably by Yaztromo’s mysterious source. The chappy over there said he would only speak to us together." "Let’s not leave him waiting then," Richard said, leading the way across the street towards the man in question. The man lifted his chin as he saw them cross and ducked down the alley behind him. He led them, keeping his distance, as the alley jinked back and forth, past the occasional body or sack of detritus. He stopped, finally, next to an unremarkable wooden door. Alexis squinted. In the gloom opposite the obvious door was another of dark metal, recessed into the dank brick.

Initially (Introduce)

"Where in the hell are we?" Alexis asked. Despite the guard, Bastet stood up and went to the bars to look around. "What are you doing? Get her back from there. Do you want to get us all in trouble?" came a new voice, hissing from the corner. Alexis turned. In the faint light of the torches, she could just pick out the pale, emaciated form of an elven woman. Her wide, fearful eyes were fixed on Bastet. “You’d better come away,” Alexis said, poking Bastet in the leg. “I’d guess we’re in some kind of drow-run mine,” Bastet said as they sat next to the woman. “Yes,” she said. “We’re on the outskirts of the Darkwood Forest. They have us mining for moonstones.” Alexis held out her hand, introducing herself and Bastet. "I’m Nassurae Talloth," the woman said, ignoring Alexis’ hand. "Now, please, you must get some sleep. Don’t make the guard come back.” Alexis and Bastet glanced at each other as Nassurae moved to the back of the cell, cuddling down with her fellows. “I can’t do anything without my tools,” Alexis said. “We may as well get some rest then,” Bastet said. “I was never stationed at a place like this, but I’ve heard the rumours. We’ll need all the strength we can muster to survive.” So saying, she laid down. Alexis followed suit, trying to get comfortable on the cold, stony ground.

Not

As Richard paid for their meal, Alexis rolled the map up, stuffing it into her pack. “Let’s see if we can drag those two away from their entertainment,” Richard said dryly. Alexis glanced out. The tiles had been put away in favour of a pack of cards and a bottle of pale golden liquor. Bastet now sat, engaging in a drinking contest with a burly half-orc woman. Alexis snorted, and they left the tent. Richard was ahead of her, striding over, no doubt with an admonishment on his lips, when Alexis felt the back of her neck prickle. She stopped, looking around, as twiclings shifted around her. The crowds parted, just for a moment, and she spotted people in what appeared to be clerical vestments. She squinted. Except, something wasn’t quite right… One of them twisted, looking straight at her. “Shit…” He nudged his companion and pointed. “Richard!” she yelled and ran. Today was a day when being small worked in her favour. Alexis shot through the crowds, darting this way and that, winding through the legs of people and animals alike. But though it might help her lose the cultists, she’d also lose her backup. Eventually she was going to run out of legs to hide behind and have to face the cultists on her own – a prospect she did not look forward to.

Once

The blanket of night was once more drawing over as the group approached the flickering lights of Castle Dire. A blanket was thrown over Three and coin exchanged with the duty guards to smuggle him through the gates and into the city. While Richard and Victor stayed in a shadowy nook with Three and their mounts, Alexis and Bastet ventured into the bustling city to find a place for the night. They followed the smells of late-night street food stalls to a place where the cobbled road turned to dirt and the pub signs creaked and flaked as they swung. Two men, in the midst of a fight, tumbled out of one of the myriad drinking houses, followed by a small cheering crowd. In Thieves Cant, Bastet signalled that it advertised stables as well as room and board. A female orc came blundering out after the two humans, grabbing them by the collar. As the pair watched, the orc slammed the two men together, dropping them in a lump at her feet. Their coin purses were removed, the orc yelling for them to never darken her door again. Alexis tilted her head towards the establishment, eyebrows raised in question. Bastet gave a shrugging nod. Silently, they split up – Bastet into the inn, and Alexis to retrieve their fellows.

Pass

“So, how are repairs going?" she asked as the barman began to draw their drinks. "Good. Very good," he replied. "We’ve been one of the first they’ve set to work on. Can’t think why.” He winked as he set Richard’s beer on the counter and moved to draw Alexis’. “Now the pub’s passed to me after old Finnley lost his life in all the troubles, I’m thinking to rename her. Fresh start and all.” He put Alexis’ drink down. “That’ll be a silver bit for the beers and meals then.” “Oh really?” Alexis gave a puckish smile and slid a gold piece over the counter. ”Are you taking name suggestions?” The bartender gawped. Then his hands flashed, hurrying to hide the coin. “You keep tipping like that, love, you can name her yourself.” Alexis grinned broadly, sending another gold after the first. “I think The Plot Hook has a nice ring to it myself. How about you?” “Aye, my lady, aye,” the barman said, eyes wide, pocketing the coin. “I’ll have the sign writers in first thing tomorrow.” “Excellent,” Alexis said, still grinning, and jumped from the counter. The barman passed down her beer. “Food’ll be out in a jiffy.”

Recommendation (Charge)

Richard came back in. He took one look at his empty plate and Alexis rubbing her full belly, and sighed. With a wave to the server for more food, he took his seat.

"Those are fine-looking beasts. Well kept and well trained," he said. "The trader must have charged you a fortune." Alexis gave a small, secretive smile. When Richard raised an eyebrow at her, she laughed, a rare tinkling sound. "Actually, no. We, ah…” Heat rose to her cheeks, and she glanced away, still smiling. “He enjoyed our conversation and cut the price on that account." Both of Richard’s eyebrows shot up and he gave her a long, incredulous look before laughing. “I’m glad you’re on my side,” he said with a grin.

Sat

Richard knocked on the Captain’s door From within came Hengar’s voice, "Come in." Inside the cramped office, Hengar was sorting slates on his desk, Yaztromo behind him, looking out of a window. Hengar looked up from his slates and grinned. "Ah, just the rabble-rousers I was hoping to see. You did a very thorough job of giving half the town a hangover. The other half seem to still be inebriated." Hengar gave them a smirk. "I trust that you, my elite squad, are feeling fit as fiddles, and are keen to continue your duties?" The group glanced at each other, sharing trepidation looks. Alexis nodded carefully. "Ye-es?" The Captain sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers and his expression sobered. "Good. Because I’m afraid I have some troubling news for you. The demon Myurr is as tenacious as he is evil. The Eye of Myurr cult has risen again, this time in its ancestral homeland – the swamps of Silur Cha. I’ve had word from the local militia in the area that there has been unusual activity concerning the lizardman population. This has been confirmed by Yaztromo’s colleagues, who’ve also provided intel about a temple in the depths of the swamp which may be used as another portal staging ground. I’ve agreed to send you down there as you’re the only ones in the militia network with the skill and experience to tackle this.” Hengar sighed. “I don’t suppose you’ve kept hold of that nifty little device that you told me about?"

Think

“I’ve not had chance to scout this level completely,” Alexis told the group as they gathered in the stairwell, “but I’m confident there’re no patrols. We should remain quiet and vigilant all the same.” “Agreed,” Ithanor said. With that, Alexis led the party out and along the long dim corridor. Here racks of equipment lined the walls. Alexis steered clear, but Victor, close to the back, paused next to one. “I could do with a sword," he muttered and tugged at a shortsword. The rack toppled and fell. Metal hit stone in a cacophonic tangle. Everyone froze, hands on weapons. The last sounds of spinning metal tapered off and their breath rasped harshly in the silence. Alexis strained her hearing. “I think we’re in the clear,” she whispered. Ithanor shot a glare at Victor. "Do not do that again.” Victor backed away from the rack, the sword still in his hand. "Sorry! Sorry," he said. “At least I got a weapon?” “Could we please continue?” Nathardrin asked, gesturing to Alexis. “Dalliance?” Alexis nodded. “C’mon.”

Under

Presently, the Captain was refreshed and began speaking. "I have a proposition for you all," he told them. "As you may know, we have started this recruitment drive on information that Firetop Mountain, a dwarven settlement a few leagues away, has become overrun by goblins under the leadership of an evil wizard named Zagor. However, I am reluctant to lay siege to this place or approach it under the banner of war without knowing what I am sending my troops into. "You four have recently come to my attention as potential candidates for a special mission, especially you, little one." He stopped and looked pointedly at Alexis before continuing. "The basic is this: I would like you four to infiltrate Firetop Mountain and gather reconnaissance. This is completely voluntary and if you wish, you may leave this room now."

Wake

Morning – or what Alexis presumed to be so; it was impossible for her to tell from underground – came, and Alexis was woken by Nassurae. As she came awake, scrubbing tiredly at her eyes, she saw that Bastet was being woken by another elven woman. "Come, little one. You need to wake up now," Nassurae said, encouraging Alexis to stand. "They will be bringing food soon. If we do not eat it quickly enough, they will take it before we have finished." Alexis nodded. "Will we be able to see our friends when they take us down to the mine?" "Yes," said Nassurae. "But you will not have any opportunity to talk to them. The work is gruelling. You won't have the breath for talking, if you can even get close enough without the guards seeing. They're very strict – if they see the slightest flagging, they will whip you" Alexis nodded. "I'll have to manage. My friends and I have to find a way to escape. We have people relying on us." Nassurae looked like she was about to say something else but then the guards banged on the bars of their cage.

➤ @oh-no-another-idea

Black (Blackguard)

"Why?" he asked. "What did I ever do to you? For that matter, what did the people of Toreguard do to you?" The Blackguard laughed. "In answer to your second question: nothing. But it got your attention, did it not?" He took another step towards them and Richard did the same, drawing his sword. "As to your first question," the Blackguard continued. "You killed my master and mentor. Twice no less! I should thank you for that, but there was still so much I had to learn. And you took that from me!" So saying, Alexis saw rage cloud his eyes and he launched himself at Richard. Their swords clashed and Alexis found herself moving. "Just because he’s here for Richard, doesn’t mean we can’t help our friend!" she yelled, reaching for her crossbow. Bastet put her hand on Alexis’ arm. "No, we shouldn’t interfere. This is a personal journey. Richard needs to do this by himself." "Screw that!" Alexis said, loading her bow.

Deep

"My lord," the steward said, dipping to one knee and bowing. "I present to you emissaries from your brother in wickedness, Zharradan Marr. They bring you a gift of Marr’s design." "Oh ho?" said Dire, standing to stride down the dais towards them. Where Zagor had been the husk of a man long since departed, and Zharradan covered in so many bodily modifications he was more machine than person, Dire was the direct opposite of his brothers. He wore a well-tailored and debonair robe of azure and gold, cinched at the waist with an exquisitely tooled belt; the robe skimmed the ground as he walked towards them. His neatly trimmed hair and beard were a deep, shimmering black, and the nails that traced his cheek in a thoughtful brush were even and manicured.

Hair

"Hail and well met, fair maiden," came a voice from her left. Alexis glanced over to see an elf come from a small, brightly coloured tent. For a moment, she could only stare, jaw slack. The elf was stunning. Hair like golden honey dripped down his back and shoulders, partly plaited and ornamented with beads of turquoise and lapis. Eyes, the deep green of herbs, smouldered from behind pale lashes. His chest was bare, water droplets caught in soft curls of hair shimmering like dewdrops across his tanned skin. Alexis sucked in a breath, biting her lip and the elf flicked a skein of hair over his shoulder, revealing solid biceps cross-crossed with scars. "Hail and well met," she managed to murmur.

Hands

"I shall be sending an extra man with you," Hengar said, waving forward a human with coppery hair. "Since you’re to make your final approach to the fort on foot, Corporal Durnin here will bring your mounts back to town." "We’d best get going then," Nathardrin said, swinging himself up onto a blue roan. Yaztromo stood next to a chestnut mare, speaking softly to her before mounting. Ithanor cupped his hands, helping Alexis to mount up in front of the wizard, before swinging himself onto a handsome grey charger. Richard stood in front of the mount assigned to him, looking at it with some distrust. The bay shook her mane at him. Richard nodded and, with some difficulty, mounted up. With everyone astride, they set out, leaving Toreguarde in the dust.

Ink

Mess

The clamour of the wake-up bells drilled into her skull. Cursing and groaning, Alexis dragged herself to the Mess Hall, wishing her mouth didn't taste like a desert. She dropped down onto an empty bench, resting her head on the rough wooden table. A cup of strong chicory coffee and a plate consisting mostly of grease, with a side of bread and meat, landed in her eyeline. She rocked her head, following the arm to the amused face of Richard. "How do you not have a hangover?" she asked, glaring up at him through one squinting eye. "Because I didn't drink nearly as much as you or the others," he said smugly. "But you were wasted!" Alexis said, wincing at the loudness of her own voice. "I saw you." "No, you only saw what your wobbling vision allowed you to see. Now, eat up. We’ve got a busy day ahead of us, and we still need to go and wake the other two."

Midnight

Once they were all seated, with a small glass of brandy each, he addressed them properly. "What has my elite squad been up to these past months?" Captain Hengar asked. “I send you off to gather intel about the Eye of Myurr cult, and hear nothing of you until you show up in High Creek.” Alexis took a breath, sharing a side glance with Richard. “It’s, ah. Been a… bit of a time, yes. Port Blacksands then…” she said, and between the four of them, they launched into the full tale. Food was brought as morning turned to afternoon, and again as the evening turned, along with fresh bottles of brandy. Each added their own words to the winding story, and even after the tale was done, Hengar asked follow-up questions, having them retell parts he wanted clarity on. By the time they finally finished, it was gone midnight. “Thank you,” Hengar said, “for your patience in explaining this extraordinary affair. I’ve got a lot to think about with this information. Please, get some rest. We’ll talk more about our next steps on the morrow.” With that, they were ushered from the office and back to the barracks, to collapse into deep and dreamless sleep.

Murmur

The sun had barely risen by the time Richard was waking Alexis. After breakfast, the cook handed them packets of prepared trail rations, and they made their way out to the courtyard, where they found the most unusual sight. Next to a pair of horses, there stood a large dog and an oxen. The stable hand saluted them, as Bastet and Victor came sauntering into the yard. "Sirs," said the stable hand, "I took the liberty of sending a runner to wake your friends and bring them here. I have also prepared mounts for you all." Alexis nodded. "Very good, Private… ah?" "Keld. Ceri Keld," said the stable hand. "Thank you, Private Keld." Alexis put her hands on her hips. "What I would like to know, however, is what the hell is that cow doing here?" "Ah…" Keld paled. "I’m not sure, ma’am. It just… sort of… trotted in, and lowed every time one of the other mounts was saddled. So we saddled it, and it went quiet." Alexis raised an eyebrow. "Richard…?" "Umm, yes. This may be my fault," he said. "I do seem to recall, fuzzily, that I left last night and, umm, called for it. I had a feeling, I needed a mount for my paladin-ness. And, well. Oxen are good strong beasts." He walked over. Cow and elf regarded each other, then Richard reached out and gave it a pat on the head. "I shall call him ‘Benevelor’ because he is a holy cow." Victor sniggered a bit before Bastet elbowed him in the ribs. Alexis sighed and shook her head. "Well, it’s nice to meet you, Ben," she said and patted the cow on the leg. it looked at her curiously and then turned away. Richard frowned at her, as she and the others took to their mounts. "It’s Benevalor," he murmured grumpily. "Shall we get this show on the road, lady and gents?" Alexis asked and with that, Richard mounted, with some difficulty, and the four of them set out to Trolltooth Pass.

Sass (cheek)

The pair made their way to the bar – a simple plank supported by several barrels – and were greeted by a rotund human with a thatch of whitening hair. “Ah! ‘Tis our heroes. Welcome home!” he greeted them with a beaming smile. “And what can I get for you fine folks this evening?” Alexis used Richard’s arm to bounce onto the counter. “Dinner and an ale each, if you please.” The barkeeper frowned, his gaze flicking between Alexis and Richard. “A bold little one you’ve here, sir, eh? Though she’s a mite-” He trailed off catching sight of Alexis’ deepening scowl and Richard’s frantic head shaking. His mouth worked as a tense air filled the pub. “I’ll just be getting that for you then.” “You do that,” Richard said, tapping the counter. Alexis blew out her cheeks as the barkeeper turned away.

Shark (Astute)

"Why don't we take this discussion into my tent?" he asked. "It seems so gauche to discuss business out here." "Ah… I would rather not. No offence, but one can never be too careful. You’re charming and beautiful. But so too is a dryad before it strikes." The elf pursed his lips and, with a small sigh, looked away. "Ah, so astute and practical." He turned back. "Very well. Four fine steeds and one fine pony to go to the Pagan Plains." The elf reached behind his head, putting his full chest on display, and bundled his hair into a bun as he walked to the corral. With an unnecessary leap, he vaulted inside, causing a horse to wicker and shy away.

Smile

In the silence, every displaced rock sounded like a boulder, and every tinkle of the picks in the lock sounded like the rattle of chains from the Pit. Alexis breathed slow and even as she felt her way around the inside of the crude lock. But as seconds seemed to stretch for hours she struggled to keep the wave of anxiety from overwhelming her. Bastet was keeping a lookout, but Alexis found little comfort in that fact. What if she missed a signal, what if she couldn’t move fast enough? Never before had so many relied on her skills. Never before had it meant the difference between life and death. The sudden clunk of the lock seemed to reverberate through the darkness. Alexis glanced over at where she knew Bastet stood. The drow flicked a skein of white hair as she turned, her hands flashing the all-clear. Alexis let out a controlled breath and pushed open the cell door, once again waiting for Bastet’s hand signals. When the corridor remained still and silent, the pair slipped out. Nassurea pulled the cell door closed behind them, and Alexis gave her a reassuring smile. Bastet nudged her arm, and Alexis nodded. With one last look at Nassurea’s wide eyes, Alexis took off down the corridor towards the other cells.

Son (child)

CW Slavery

"Bastet, what is the meaning of this?" Richard said, tone hard. "This is Brian. I bought him," Bastet said, preening with the satisfaction of a cat who’d gotten the best bit of fish. Alexis shot Richard a look, trying to convey with the out-jutting of her chin, Now do you believe me she’s Pit-spawn? Richard’s jaw tensed. “You bought him.” “I wasn’t, y’know, gonna keep him,” Bastet said with a derisive huff. She shot Alexis a cold look. “That would be evil.” She returned her attention to Richard. “I was gonna let him go.” Richard crossed his arms. “Alright. Do it now then.” Bastet opened her mouth. “I assume they gave you a key? Get him out of those chains.” “Fine,” Bastet whined like a petulant child. From her brassiere, she plucked a key. The man looked at her with unrestrained hate as she unlocked the heavy manacle around his neck.

Sprint (dart)

The main corridor of the fort was dark, filled with dancing shadows from the smoking torches. From the side passage, the corridor marched both left and right, sharply turning away from her at either end. With a glance, Alexis noted the corridor as empty. Cautiously she padded out to the left, passing under each puddle of light with quick, light steps. At the corner, raucous laughter drew her attention towards a door on the outside of the corridor. With another swift check that no patrols were about to discover her, she darted over, peeking through the wide keyhole. The room inside was well lit by large windows, filled with all manner of green-skins at banqueting tables, hurling food and sloshing ale, tormenting each other with good-natured abandon. Though she wrinkled her nose at the waste of good food and beer, Alexis was pleased to see they were off-duty, and thus less likely to chance on her or her companions.

➤ @spacetimewraithwrites-archive

Cord

Ithanor set to searching the body for Zagor’s phylactery, while the others investigated the room. "Do you think this is it?" he asked, holding up a tubular object on a leather cord. Victor set down the book he was flicking through and walked over. “May I?” Ithanor nodded, holding it out. Victor took it, holding it by the cord as he muttered something under his breath and snapped his fingers. “I think so," he said, handing it back. “It does have a magical aura. We should destroy it anyway. If it was around that abomination’s neck, it can’t be anything good.” “Right.” Ithanor scratched his chin. "How?" Victor opened his mouth, took a breath, and closed it again with a frown. He walked around Ithanor, stroking his chin. Eventually, he stopped and looked at Ithanor. "Hit it with your hammer," Victor said, tone faintly questioning.

Fail

Night was falling by the time they reached Coven, coating the squat buildings in shadows. People – humans and dwarves both – hurried past with suspicious eyes as they made their way up the main street towards the Inn, a tall edifice carved, like the other buildings, from the sharp rock face of the Moonstone Hills and advertised by a swaying sign of a long, greenish tooth. If the outside had been impressive, the inside failed to live up to the standard set. It stank of stale beer and stale bodies, the villagers speaking in hushed tones. Richard went straight to the counter, ordering them rooms and dinner, with Bastet and Victor trailing behind him to order beers. Alexis veered away to read the noticeboard, keeping her ears pricked for any conversation about the fort spanning the pass, or the monster therein. After they’d eaten, Victor took to wandering between the tables, showing off his prestidigitation and other parlour tricks. Alexis trailed behind him, collecting the odd coin and listening hard for any gossip they may help them, but all she heard was related to the daily lives of the villagers. Not long after Victor wrapped up his ‘show’, she headed to bed.

Fault

(Word edited out for better prose)

CW screen readers, unusual dialogue punctuation

Alexis and Bastet approached the door, swaddled in the armour of their enemy. Two goblins stood on either side. One was picking his nails, the other humming some kind of ditty. ⟨Hey up.⟩ The goblin picking his nails stopped, twitching his ears. ⟨What’re you doing here?⟩ Alexis puffed out her chest, summoning her courage from her boots, and prayed she didn’t forget a word or trip over her tongue speaking the goblin’s language. ⟨Whaddya mean, what are we doing here?⟩ she asked, as brazenly as she could. ⟨What’re you two still doing here? It’s your break, innit? Go on, skedaddle.⟩ The goblin lifted his chin, narrowing his eyes. ⟨You’re early.⟩ ⟨Yeah?⟩ Alexis put her hands on her hips. ⟨Dunno what to tell you, mate. Bigboss sent us up here. If he got the times wrong, then that’s on him, innit?⟩ The goblin titled his head, red eyes still narrowed, but the one humming the ditty had stopped, and was leaning forward, twitching his ears. ⟨You really wanna quibble a few extra hours free time? I was you, I’d just take it, mate. 'Specially since they cracked a cask just as we left.⟩ The ditty-singer smacked the nail-picker. ⟨C’mon, lad. S’better than standing around up here. Anyone asks, it ain’t us what’s gotta sort it out.⟩ The nail-picker sniffed, his long nose wobbling. ⟨Fine.⟩ The two left their station and headed down the stairs. Alexis almost felt sorry for what was waiting for them. Almost.

Favour

The ship lurched. Bastet looked up from where she was stowing her pack, gazing out of the porthole. "It looks like we’re on our way," she said. “I’m gonna go check on the boys.” Alexis hummed and Bastet left. Even though Alexis had always been a wanderer with no real home since she’d left the Forest of Night, she still felt a pang of sadness as she watched the quayside slip away. It was going to be a long time before she saw Toreguard or Allansia again. Alexis climbed up on the chest, pressing her hands on either side of the porthole and gazing down at the jumping white flecks caused by the boat’s movement. “Greg,” she whispered. “I’m finally travelling on your favoured domain. No, I know I’m not skating the waves as you would. But, since we’re here, please keep an eye on us during this long journey. Thank you, amen.”

Glow

Alexis and Nathardrin stepped forward, loosing off a round of arrows each, then fell back to let Richard and Ithanor charge forward. The fighters began to pound the hell out of the drow, dropping three before they moved out of the way to let Victor, his hands glowing ferociously and chanting like the wind, cast a sphere of flame that levelled the remaining two.

Make

The wind whistled through the cracks in the door. "A what?" asked Alexis. "A lich. It is an undead creature who has crafted unholy and powerful magics upon itself, removing its soul from the confines of its Titan-bound shell, and placing it inside another item. Until this ‘phylactery’ is broken, the lich can not be truly killed." The group looked at each other. "I had heard of these such beasts, but thought never to encounter one," Ithanor said. "How will we know what the phylactery is, what will it look like?" Alexis asked. "I do not know, I am afraid," Yaztromo said. "They come in many forms, often some item that is important to the owner. It should be on his body, however. All you must do is destroy it and we will be free of his tyranny. Come. There is much to do. We should make ready."

Mark

They waited in the late afternoon sun, Bastet leaning back in her saddle, and Victor playing with a pack of cards. The groaning of wood reached them, quietly at first, then louder as the great gate began to creak open. A platoon of guards appeared in the arch. One, his open helm decorated with curling markwork, stepped forward and saluted. “Ma’am. We’re here to escort you and the gift directly to the castle and Lord Dire.” He looked up at Three. “Is that it?” “It is,” Alexis said, her voice dripping with ice. “And it is to remain in my custody until we are met with Lord Dire. The guard nodded. “Very well, my Lady."

Minute

“You know, we could leave them here?” Alexis suggested. “They still give me the heebie-jeebies, and I just think that maybe-” “Alexis,” Richard snapped, his face creasing into a ferocious frown. “There is nothing wrong with either Victor or Bastet. They’re perfectly normal people. Besides, we need them and their blades. Don’t bring it up again.” “O-okay,” Alexis said, leaning back in her seat, surprised by the vehemence in his voice. “Jeeze, I was only thinking out loud.” His hand landed on the table, rattling the crockery, as he leaned in, still scowling. “Don’t.” Alexis stared, open-mouthed, as he stood. “You have twenty minutes to finish your breakfast, then I expect to see you in the barracks.” With a sharp about-turn, Richard strode off, leaving Alexis hunched into her seat, and reaching for her coffee to calm her frayed nerves. She took a slug of the drink. It had to be the lack of sleep making him crotchety. She dug into her breakfast. Yeah, that had to be it…

Miss

Crackling stacks of papyrus, held down by painted stones, and rolls of parchment lay across the stall’s table. Idly, she picked up one of the rolls, peeking at its contents – a map, of some kind. “Can I help you, little miss?” Alexis looked up to see she was being addressed by an elf, skin and hair like roasted bark, dressed in a squat hat and brightly patterned robe “Yes. I’m looking for a map of the desert. I need to find a particular temple.” “Oh ho! Treasure seekers! Adventurers!” The man grinned widely, spreading his arms to gesture at the stall. “You have come to the right place, little miss. You will not find better maps of this dry and dusty land, than at Hassan’s World of Treasure!”

More

“It’s too powerful. There would be Titan-shattering consequences if it were to be destroyed. And I mean that in its most literal sense.” Victor wrapped his arms around his shoulders. “No. You keep it for now. We’ll give it to Yaztromo. He’ll know what to do with it.” Alexis looked down at the dagger in her hands, eyes widening, breath coming in little gasps, and slowly moved it away from herself. “Richard?” she said in a panicked voice. “It’s just an item,” he said soothingly. “Just... pop it in your pack for now.” Fighting the urge to drop the thing and run, Alexis shucked her pack and buried the dagger the furthest down she could manage. Once she was satisfied, Alexis rose, slinging her pack on, feeling as if it were a hundredweight heavier. “What now?” she asked. “Now, we need to get our mounts and get the hell out of here,” Richard said, moving to help Bastet bring Victor to his feet. “There’s bound to be more dirty rotten cultists running around this place, and I do not want to run into them.”

Morning

Over breakfast the next morning, Richard set down his mug and cleared his throat. “Um. I heard a worrying rumour about my home village last night,” he said. “Would anyone mind if, before reporting back to Captain Hengar, we took a trip to High Creek. I found someone with a bit more information about the rumour, and I’m very worried that something isn’t right there.” Alexis shook her head. “That’s fine with me,” Victor said. Bastet nodded. “Me too.” "Thank you," Richard said with a smile.

Old

When Richard, Bastet, and Goregut showed up at the stables, Victor explained what Bloodbeard had told them about their mounts. Goregut had walked, and Bastet sold hers the moment she could find the stable master. Richard stood stroking the neck of his ox. “Benevelor, my faithful friend, I must send you away for a little bit.” The ox lowed disconsolately, butting it's snout into Richard’s shoulder. “I know old friend, I know. I will call for you as soon as I can. It won’t feel like any time has passed at all, I promise.” The oxen lowed again, and with a heavy sigh, Richard stepped back. He straightened his back, and held his hand out, palm up. “Benevalor,” he said, “I bid thee away to the celestial realms, until a time when I can call for you again." The ox was surrounded by a suffusion of golden light, and with one last dismal moo vanished in a flash of light.

Out

(Edited the word out for better prose)

The pub was looking a lot better than the last time Alex had seen it. The charred wooden pillars had been sanded down, patched up, and varnished. The barrels and haybales masquerading as furniture had been replaced by sturdy chairs and tables. The floor was now stone flags, and the counter was a lovingly crafted piece of art. "Roderick!" she called to the barman as she vaulted up onto a freshly upholstered stool. "Beer me up, man!" Roderick grinned and pulled her a jar of the house special. "Well now, if it isn’t our very own hero. How have you been, milady Dalliance?" he asked, handing her her beer. "Oh, you know.” Alexis flipped a hand. “Running around, saving the world, drinking substandard ale." She took a sip of her beer and smacked her lips. “Damn, but it’s good to be home.” Roderick blushed. “Thankee kindly, m’lady.” Alexis winked. "And you, my friend? How has business been? Did you find a lass to let you be her husband yet?" "Oi you," he said with a blushing smile. Over his shoulder to called into the kitchens, “Nadia-Rose? Are you free a spell?” A woman appeared at the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. “Yes, love?” She had coppery skin and shining eyes under a cloud of wispy brown hair. “I’d like you to meet someone,” Roderick said, waving her over. Nadia-Rose smiled as she came to the counter, her cheeks dimpling, bringing with her the smell of bread and stew. "Alexis, this is my lovely new bride Nadia-Rose. My darling, this is Alexis Dalliance. When she can, she’s one of my best regulars."

Salt

“Don’t just stand there, ye daffies!” Bloodbeard called, waving them up the gangplank “Come aboard, my lovelies.” Richard led the way, carrying the heavy pouch of money they’d pooled together. “Your payment, as promised, Captin.” “Thankee kindly, lad,” Bloodbeard said, making the vast pouch vanish into his greatcoat. “Mate Arts!” A man with bronzed skin bringing with him the scent of salt and tar appeared with a snappy salute. “Aye, Cap’n?” “Arts, show these lubbers to their quarters, then report back to deck. We’ll be setting the sails in half a turn of the clock."

Scream

Once more Merickson coughed, breath rattling now. “Ah, child. If only it were that easy.” He cupped her face. “I betrayed everything for my own selfish need. That can never be forgiven.” “It can. It can!” Alexis cried, twisting to look at Richard. “Tell him!” Richard looked down at them, face impassive as a stone, eyes like gimlets, trained on Merickson. "You are forgiven, if you want to be," he said, voice flat. "I am beyond forgiveness," Merickson said, and before she could do anything, he put his hands over Richard’s and plunged the sword deeper within himself. "No!" Alexis screamed. "No!" She shook the Blackguard. "No…" Richard withdrew his weapon and wiped the blade. Gently he pulled Alexis away from the body. "It was his choice," he said softly. "But it was wrong and you could have stopped it!" Alexis sobbed. The rain mingled with her tears. She swiped at her face, pushing wet strands of hair away. "It may not seem like it," Richard told her, "but he returned to himself in the end. You had a part in that. In your own way, your forgiveness of his terrible acts let his spirit move on. You should be proud."

Sing (Song)

Richard stood and clasped Ithanor’s free hand. "Of course we’re not upset! I wish you all the best with your new life. We shall see each other again, I am sure of it." Richard grinned, clapping Ithanor on the back. Alexis stood up on her stool and walked along the bar counter to Ithanor. "Fair fortune, my friend," she said and hugged him. "Now finish the goddamn speech!" Laughter rippled through the assembled townspeople. Ithanor guffawed and raised his glass again. "To Toreguard! Fair fortune attend her and her people!" he cried. "Fair fortune!" the crowd called back. The room settled back into laughter and eating, snatches of song stirring as the beer flowed.

Sink (sunk)

"I hit my head as I fell," Victor said, indicating the poorly wrapped gash. "I don’t remember anything." Richard nodded. "I found him unconscious, draped over a bit of wood. He’s lucky though – a moment later and he would have sunk. I managed to drape him over a lost barrel, and swim us both away from the ship."

Smile (Beam)

Alexis blushed and bowed back. "The pleasure is mine, I can assure you. How’s business, Roderick? While I was out shopping earlier, I noticed the town’s starting to look like its old self again.” “Oh aye, things are booming,” Roderick said. “I’d dare say that fire did us a world of good. Everyone has been getting upgrades. You may’ve noticed the town hall and library are stone-clad and tile-roofed now.” “I did indeed. And there’s so many more shops and services.” “There’s been many folks moving in from the villages around, lots of new talents too. Your mate Ithanor’s been struggling to get housing up fast enough. Nadia and I have been helping out with getting the new folks settled, and all this cash flow means we’ve been able to expand the pub too. Your investment’s doing the town right well, milady.” Alex beamed. “I’m so pleased to hear that. From what I can see, everything is working out great. I’m really happy our home is doing so well.” “Oh aye,” Roderick lifted his chin behind her. “Looks like we’re not the only ones who want a chinwag.” Alexis turned to see Ithanor waving. “Ah, yeah. I’d better go say hi,” she said to the couple. "Congratulations again on your marriage.” “Thank you, milady.” Nadia reached across the counter to clasp Alexis’ hands. “You've done a world of good for our town. I hope your luck stays just as strong.” Alexis ducked her head. “Thank you. I try my best.” With that, she slid off the stool and went over to see Ithanor.

Soak

Mid-way into the journey, the clouds covered over and the Captain looked anxiously at the sky all the long day. The seamen were jittery too, making distracted mistakes, and dropping their tools. Mid-afternoon Bloodbeard ordered everything to be tied down and the sails to be furled, except for the main mast. It wasn’t until evening chow when the winds picked up, large globs of rain hammering into the deck and soaking anyone foolish enough to not have an oilcloth.

Sour (Acidic)

(Edited the word out for better prose)

“Those who would come to Atlantis need to prove themselves worthy of our time,” the apparition said. “Ahead you will find three tests: one of your wits, one of your knowledge, and one of your courage.” “Oh, great,” Alexis muttered. “They bring us here and they still make us fight our way to them.” Richard shot her a look, but they carried on. Alexis went ahead followed by Richard and Victor, then Bastet and Goregut. Their going was slow, as Alexis paused them several times, studying the path and disarming traps. They were so close to the end of the Test of Wits when Alexis made a mistake. The trap she was disarming instead triggered, sending an enchanted arrow to strike her down. Alexis staggered to her feet. “I think I’m-” The arrow dripped a viscous green slime, the leather cuirass smoking where the slime touched. “I’m… Ung!” Alexis doubled over and dropped to the floor.

Tree

They stood on the edge of the swamp, gazing into its shadowed depths. The stench from the mire rose high in the air, followed by clouds of tiny biting insects. “We’ve got to go in that?” Bastet asked, grimacing. “Unfortunately so,” Richard said. “Does anyone have any ideas?” Alexis wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t like it here,” she said. “But it’s full of trees,” Victor said from where he was investigating a large fallen log with Gorgut. “Aren’t those kinda your thing?” “It doesn’t feel right,” Alexis said with a shake of her head. “It’s a swamp. What were you expecting?” Bastet said. “There’re swamps back home. They didn’t feel like this. This feels… sick. Like it’s being poisoned.” “Indeed it is, little maid.” The group jumped at the voice, soft and sad. The treetops rustled and from a low branch jumped a gnome in a pale green robe.

Trick

The next day went the same. The drow woke them early, they received their slop and were taken down to the mine in chains, the menfolk not long behind. Richard was stationed several people down from where Alexis stood at the end of the women’s chain. Through a game of whispers, she shared the plan with him. “It could work,” he sent back. “If she can distract them long enough for you to get our weapons, Ithanor and I can deal with the rest.” “The tricky part will be finding our equipment,” she sent back. The line went quiet as the guards made their patrols. Once they’d left, a message came back, “The men have prepared shivs. They know the guards' rotations. We strike in the early hours, before feeding time. Just get us out – we’ll manage until we have our weapons.” “How will I know when that is?” Alexis asked. The man in line next to her smiled. “Ask Nassurae. She’ll be able to help you with that.” “Right. One last thing – Bastet will need a shiv. She needs to be able to protect herself while ‘entertaining’.” The man nodded, sending the message up the line. A few moments later he said, “We’ll get one to her.” Alexis nodded. Perhaps they’d pull this off after all.

Try

(Word edited out for better prose)

"We need to get everyone out now," Ithanor said, panting. "Before they send more troops." "Nathardrin, Bast and Victor,” Richard said, “go retrieve the rest of our equipment." “Aye,” Nathardin said, and the three of them took off. "All the cages are open," Alexis said. "I’ll go on ahead, make sure the way is clear." “Be careful!” Ithanor said as she set off.

Behind her, Alexis could hear the murmurs of her friends encouraging the other prisoners out of their cells. She ignored them, putting all her efforts toward finding the way out. So far their jailbreak had gone unnoticed, but it couldn’t remain so for long. She kept her ears open listening to the corridors ahead for sounds of discovery, and a watchful eye for the glint of metal from a guard’s blade.

Young

(Avoiding the 'red shirt' issue)

"This acolyte will transport you back to the temple, and assist you in sealing this portal forever." A young man stepped forward. He wore dusky rose robes which stood out starkly against his dark skin and dark hair. His eyes were like birchwood, and he smelt, incongruously to Alexis’ newly-remade nose, like fresh snow. "What’s your name, Acolyte?" Bastet asked. The boy stuttered. “I don’t have one, Miss. Acolytes give up their names on admission to the order.” “What was your name, then?” “I do not recall it. Our names are returned when we reach a high enough proficiency to be worthy of them.” “Well, we have to call you something. In my culture, not having a name is bad luck. If you don’t have a name then you’ll die a gruesome death the moment you’re in peril. Such as,” she flipped a hand, “entering a temple to a demon filled with murderous cultists.” The boy paled. "It’s fine. We won’t let that happen," Bastet said. "We shall call you… Cee Jay." The young man sighed. "Very well, miss. To you and your friends, I shall be Cee Jay.”

[anxiety-banana]

have you ever gone through your drafts and found something that made you cry, not because it was good or well written or any of that but because you remember. you remember what life was like. you remember how the comments your friends left you made you feel, and you just want to hug that little girl who wrote that fic and tell her things will get better.

yeah so this is that fic @ljbrary and @ashgryff left a bunch of comments on it even though it was probably kinda terrible fic but i love them so much and i want to hug them. so to ash and lily, ily, i found this and cried a little and want you to know that you are loved and even if we aren't the same teenagers who wrote bad fic and shared it with each other because we were too afraid to share it to the world, we can still appreciate those kids who loved each other and didn't quite know how to live.

that was all very deep for a fic about pizza, but here's some emotional whiplash for you <3

“I really want pizza right now, think it’s open?”

Obi-Wan had made the comment casually, in passing as he guided his new Padawan down the temple hallways.

Little did he know what he was in for.

“What’s pizza?”

It occurred to him suddenly, that Anakin had come from a planet where good food included gamey meat and dry rations. And that this child had never experienced what must be the staple in anyone’s childhood: a trip to a pizza place.

“I guess I know where we’re going for dinner.”

With a smile he hadn’t really seen on himself in a while, Obi-Wan led Anakin down the temple steps and to the nearest diner that might sell pizza. 

========

“I really want pizza right now, think it’s open?”

If he thought Anakin was a handful before, he was certain of the fact now.

“Now isn’t really the time,” Obi-Wan responded, walking the hallways as they came back late from a mission. Frankly, he just wanted to sleep, even though he was already certain he wouldn’t get any. Watching his former apprentice almost lose his life half a dozen times in as many days was enough to make a man stay awake.

But that was the key, wasn’t it? He was awake either way. And Anakin knew it.

Obi-Wan eyed the now-knight who was asking his former master for pizza, of all things. It was one of his fondest memories, though, watching the look on the boy’s face when he took a bite of the ‘delicacy’ for the first time.

“You know you want to,” Anakin said with the look that reminded him so perfectly of the teenager he had become accustomed to before the war.

“I’m going to regret this.”

And they walked out the temple doors, to where a greasy diner was waiting.

(It was worth it. He didn’t regret it.

Because time spent at a pizza parlor with Anakin was still time spent with Anakin. And he didn’t know how much more of that he’d get.)

========

“I really want pizza right now, think it’s open?”

Sometimes he wondered how he ever survived raising Anakin and lived to do it again. Because Ahsoka seemed to test him. Not always in temper; in fact, not often in temper. She had one, but unlike Anakin she knew how to control it. No, it was the ideas that made him sigh, like getting pizza at what was much later than either of them should even be awake.

Remind me again why we gave Anakin a Padawan?

An imprintable, immature child who learned everything she saw. But apparently not poetry. He’d tried. “Padawan, it’s two in the morning.”

“So?”

Yes, those were the kinds of comments that tested him.

“I have many things I could say right now,” Obi-Wan responded with a grunt as he stood, abandoning the reports they had both agreed to finish that night before they realized they had an entire extra stack of them from their most recent campaigns.

“If ‘let’s go get pizza’ isn’t one of them then I’ve probably stopped listening.” Ahsoka leaned back in her chair. “No offense, obviously.”

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. “Obviously.”

Although, he couldn’t deny the fact that he would do just about anything to stay awake right then. And pizza didn’t sound awful.

So with a sigh, he grabbed his robe.

“Don’t tell Anakin.”

Her smile lit up as she crossed the room, silently thanking him in the only way she knew how; with a hug that couldn’t reach above his shoulders. It made him laugh and reminded him it was all worth it.

========

Obi-Wan Kenobi was alone.

He had little Luke, a presence so bright in the force it was a wonder Obi-Wan had held himself together, and the bartender in Mos Eisley had gotten pretty familiar with him, but they didn’t make the loneliness go away. It wasn’t a matter of people, it was a matter of presence.

Loneliness was not healed by being around anyone and everyone. It was healed by gentle hands and whispered words. It could not be healed by a little boy he rarely saw or a bartender that he saw too much of.

And maybe she didn’t heal it. But when Ahsoka came knocking on his door at such a late hour, he sure felt better than he had in a… long time.

“I really want pizza right now, think it’s open?”

The words tore a watery laugh from his throat as he flung his arms around the girl- woman. The woman. It had been too many years for her to be considered the girl he had become accustomed to. The girl who loved pizza (and still did). The girl apprenticed to Anakin, but the lines had become so blurred it hardly mattered anymore. Some said she had two masters and she never argued.

Now she had none. But she still had Obi-Wan. And he wouldn’t leave her.

“I have never seen anywhere that sells pizza on Tatooine,” He answered as they hugged. “But I’m willing to look.”

For you. Anything for you.

[camaro-and-smokes]

Let Me Be the One

Chapter 1: Hysteria (When You're Near)

Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Billy Hargrove, Eddie Munson Tags: Mungrove, First Time, Lot of firsts actually, Friends to Lovers, OR IS IT, Gay Billy Hargrove, Bisexual Eddie Munson, Genderfluid Billy Hargrove, First Time Bottoming, Anal Sex, Safe Sane and Consensual, Angst, Fluff, Emotional Hurt, Billy Hargrove Needs a Hug, Modern AU, Unrequited Love, Pining

Summary: Billy chuckled at Eddie's enthusiasm. Whatever Eddie got into, he was into it one hundred percent and he wasn't ashamed of it. Which was why Billy had unexpectedly developed a crush on him. Or maybe it was something that would've happened eventually anyway.

Notes: This is my entry for Mungrove Week 2023 @mungroveweek for day 3: Firsts

Chapters: CH 1 [CH 2] / 2

::::::::::

Somewhere in the outskirts of Chicago in mid-2000s...

Billy and Eddie were laying on their backs on the picnic table in the forest, sharing a joint. It had become a habit to hang around in the forest, because no one really went there for picnics anymore once a word got out that someone sold drugs there. Well, the one doing the selling was Eddie, so... They had a quiet place just for the two of them.

Billy took a drag and held the smoke in as he handed the joint to Eddie. Eddie glanced at Billy as he took it. “You’re quiet today.” Billy stared at the sky and the grey clouds that were hanging low. “Yeah... “ he started, then bit his lower lip as he tried to find the right words.

Get your shit together man, he’s your best friend, just ask him he told himself. The words had been so clear to him when he rehearsed them at home. All he had to do was to ask if Eddie wanted to go to a concert with him. One Eddie had wanted to go for months but couldn’t get tickets to. Tickets he had. Simple.

Yeah, if it had been anyone else but Eddie. His best friend. Who he had developed a massive crush on.

He took a deep breath and kept his eyes on the sky. “You got plans on Friday?” “I was thinking of planning a new campaign... Why?” Billy’s heart was thundering in his chest so hard he was afraid it would burst out. “Wanna go see Dio?” Eddie sat up so fast he almost fell from the table and fumbled with the joint, saving it from falling down onto the ground at the last minute. “What?!”

Billy grinned and looked at Eddie. “I got two tickets. Wanna go?” “Wanna go?” Eddie parroted. “Of course I want to!” he said, shaking his open hands in the air. Then he frowned. “How much?” Billy looked at him, confused. “How much what?” “The tickets, how much for them?” “I’m not selling them,” Billy retorted. “Not what I’m asking, Hargrove. The entire tour has been sold out for months. Who did you have to bribe to get them?” Billy smiled slyly. “I bought them the day they came on sale.” Eddie tilted his head as a stunned expression spread across his face. “Dude, seriously?! And you said nothing earlier!” “Well, I thought that if you got money, then I could tell you...” Eddie’s smile vanished, and he looked at Billy like a long-lost puppy. “You thought that I wouldn’t have money for them?” “I don’t know what I thought, okay?” Billy huffed. “I have the tickets. Do you want to go or not?” “Dude, chill. I wanna go. Of course I do.” “Okay. Great.” “Okay.” “It starts at seven. I’ll pick you up at half-past five, so we should make it on time.” A wide grin spread across Eddie’s face, and he jumped up to stand on the table. “I’m going to see fucking Dio! Yes!” he shouted and played a riff in the air with an invisible guitar.

Billy chuckled at Eddie’s enthusiasm. Whatever Eddie got into, he was into it one hundred percent and he wasn’t ashamed of it. Which was why Billy had unexpectedly developed a crush on him. Or maybe it was something that would’ve happened eventually anyway.

Billy had originally sought out Eddie for a few grams of forget-your-shitty-life-for-a-moment, but he’d found someone he actually could forget his shitty life with for a while longer. They originally bonded over listening to Metallica, but when Billy heard one of Eddie’s own songs and Eddie told him he wrote all the lyrics to his songs himself, he learned Eddie was also an avid reader of fantasy and horror literature and loved movies - just like he was. So they started hanging out more often and it didn’t take long until they were spending countless nights just talking or debating over whatever was on their minds at any moment.

Which was why the crush was awkward. They were best friends, doing everything together, sharing the shit in their lives with each other, supporting each other when life kicked them in the head. If Billy confessed to Eddie that he had a crush on him, he was sure it would most likely destroy their friendship. He knew he should just ignore the feeling, but it was so damn hard when he was always around Eddie. Because with him, life was a bit more tolerable.

The worst was that Eddie had never shown interest towards Billy in any other way than just as a friend. He always talked about just chicks, and he’d even gotten on second base with some, maybe even third - but they never talked about that. There was no way Eddie would be interested in Billy, no matter how big of a crush Billy had on him.

When Friday finally arrived, Billy was as antsy as he’d been when he’d had his first date. One that had been with a girl he thought he’d had a crush on. Thinking that if he tried to date a girl, something inside him would click back to place and he would become normal. But it had turned out that Heather wasn’t really interested in him either and that she was faking it as much as Billy. They’d ended up being good friends, though. And Billy didn’t have too many friends, so she was more than a welcomed addition. She also was a convenient help for Billy to appear normal, especially in front of his dad - just like he was for her.

Billy and Eddie had never been into a big concert like Dio’s was, so it was a first one for them both. It should’ve been just a fun night out at a massive concert with his best friend. But Billy couldn’t help but think that it was a date.

And it broke his heart that by the end of the night, even if everything went well, he wouldn’t be able to kiss Eddie nor to touch him the way he so much wanted. So he had to settle for this next best thing. Still, he made sure his hair was on point, wearing the Metallica shirt he’d ordered from a mail-order catalogue, his best cologne on. It wouldn’t hurt to look good anyway.

When Billy got out of the house, he drove until the part of the road that was sided only by trees and pulled over. He opened the glove-box and took out the mascara and the lip-gloss he’d nicked from Walmart a while back. Eddie had caused a mess on another aisle by leaning into a pile of mp3 player boxes, making it all crumble on the floor, allowing Billy time to do what he needed to. The concert would be the first time he would wear make-up in public. He would go out for the first time looking a bit more the way he always had wanted to look like. And he was happy that it was going to happen with Eddie.

He had barely parked his Camaro in front of Eddie’s uncle’s trailer when Eddie was already jumping out from the door. “Eager much?” Billy asked, amused, when Eddie plopped on the passenger’s seat. “It’s fucking Dio, man! Shit, yeah, I’m eager. Lessgo!”

They drove past the city limit, towards the highway that would take them to the city, talking about stupid shit. Until... “I don’t know how I really feel about her,” Eddie said, leaning his elbow to the door and his head to his fist. “I mean, I like her. Sure, she’s fun. And she’s cute. But she’s not that smart, not really. Whenever I try to talk to her about anything deeper, she ends up laughing at me like I said something stupid.” “Hey, the town is small as shit. The girls only need to look good enough to have someone marry them and have kids,” Billy replied. “It’s not like you’ll find anyone smart in there.” Eddie glanced at Billy. “I found you. You’re smart,” he said earnestly. Billy’s stupid heart leaped immediately into conclusions it shouldn’t and he scolded himself internally for it. “Uh, yeah, but, you know, I’m different. I’m a guy.” “I know. But you’re smart. The smartest guy I know - apart from myself, of course,” Eddie said with a smirk. “The only one I can have deep discussions in the early morning hours.” “Sure you’re smart, but you can’t pass Mr. Evans’ physics class,” Billy teased to make the discussion lighter. “Hey, not all smarts are equal!” Eddie said defensively. “You struggle with maths - despite killing it in English. It’s not like I’ll ever need to understand how circuit diagrams work. I will not be an electrician!” Billy glanced at Eddie, amused. “Yeah, yeah, you’re going to be A Rockstar. I know.” “Well, I am going to be that. Fuck school! All I need is to pass that one fucking class and I’m done with the whole studying shit.” He was silent for a while. He looked at Billy and his face softened. “And you’re going to be a writer. I just know it. You have a lot to say.” Billy could feel his cheeks heating. “It’s fucked up that you see through me like that,” he heard himself blurting out. But somehow saying it felt right, too. Though he wondered if that was so easy for Eddie to see what else he might’ve noticed. “I know you’re not like anyone else,” Eddie replied. “You’re one of a kind.” Billy bit his lower lip and could feel a lump swelling in his throat. “Thanks man. Right back at you.” “Shit, look at us. Getting all deep and it’s barely six pm,” Eddie chuckled. Billy barely managed a forced smile. “Sorry, man,” Eddie said suddenly, “for laughing.” He was silent for a long while. “But I mean it. You’re my fucking best friend.” “Same,” Billy replied, his cheeks burning. They both ended up swallowing hard. Billy staring at the road ahead, and Eddie looking out the side window.

They drove the rest of the trip pretty much in silence, listening to Dio sing about rainbow in the dark.

Both of them got excited when they got to the place where the concert was held. Eddie was almost bursting from his seams. Seeing him so excited made Billy happier that he’d been in ages. The tickets hadn’t been cheap, but they were definitely worth every cent. They bought t-shirts and listened to the other bands while waiting for Dio. Billy knew only a few songs from The Scorpions and Eddie got a bit heated about him absolutely having to listen to Deep Purple because apparently Smoke on the Water was a metal anthem. Who knew? But Eddie’s excitement was contagious and when Ronnie James finally took the stage, they both were pumped.

“Fuck! That was epic!” Eddie gasped when they sat back in the Camaro and started the trip back home. “Thanks, man. I’ll pay you back.” “Nah, no need,” Billy said, smiling. “It was a good gig. I gotta borrow some of your LPs tomorrow.” “Oh wow! Not just wanting to copy some of my mp3s?” Eddie asked, amused. “I guess I have to hear the earlier stuff from a record. Old school, you know,” Billy smirked. “Good, you’re finally gaining some healthy respect for the art. Just don’t scratch them.” Billy laughed. “Have I ever?” “No. Nothing I’ve ever burrowed to you has ever been returned in nothing but pristine condition.” Billy smiled. “Yeah, well, I like you. Don’t want to lose that.” Billy froze at the words he heard himself say. “I mean, I don’t want to make you feel bad. Ever.” Shut up you idiot he told himself, you’re just making this worse..

Eddie fidgeted with the chain that was hooked to the links on his jeans and looked at Billy, a smile tucking the corner of his mouth. Billy tried to keep his eyes on the road, but he couldn’t help glancing at Eddie from the corner of his eye. “What?” “Nothing. You just look really nice tonight. You’re wearing that mascara you nicked. It suits you. Brings out your lashes. Not that they really need that. They’re pretty as they are.” Billy had to bite his tongue. He could hear the blood rushing in his veins. “Thanks,” he said breathlessly. “What I said earlier, about you’re not being like the others...” Eddie paused. “Heather... She’s not your girlfriend, not really, is she? She’s just a friend. Right?” Billy swallowed. “What are you getting at?” Eddie looked out the window for a while, then he turned to look back at Billy. “You don’t really like girls. Not like that. I mean, I’m cool with it. It’s part of you, it’s who you are. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Billy could feel tears pooling in his eyes and he couldn’t help sniffling. “Hey, dude, pull over,” Eddie said, concerned. “It’s not safe to drive when you’re emotional. Your old man isn’t expecting you home any time soon, right? And Wayne goes to work early. He said I should be at home only by the time he gets home. Just...pull over. Please.” Billy did as Eddie asked. He couldn’t help but to let out a massive relieved breath.

His secret was out to the one person he wanted to tell for so long, but couldn’t find words how to.

Of course Eddie had already known.

Billy let out ugly sobs, and he could feel the mascara stinging his eyes when it washed away with the tears. Eddie placed a hand on his back, stroking it gently. “I...Ho—how di—did you know?” Billy stuttered when the sobs eased enough to allow him to speak. “I just could see it in you. Though you’re really good at hiding behind the facade you’ve built.” “But you saw through it,” Billy said quietly and glanced at Eddie, ashamed of his teary eyes and the mascara that was surely smudged all over his face. “Yeah. A while back, something changed, and ever since...the feeling just got stronger.” Eddie pulled his hand away and turned in his seat to face Billy. He fidgeted with the chain again, counting the links like a rosary. “Do you like me? I mean...not just as a friend. But more.” Billy squeezed his eyes shut, ready to fight another wave of ashamed tears. But the tears didn’t have time to fall before Eddie cupped Billy’s chin in his hand and leaned in for a kiss.

Billy could feel something warm and fuzzy swell in his chest. He was seen as who he was for the first time and that the one who saw him was Eddie.

And now Eddie was kissing him.

Billy set his palms on Eddie’s cheeks and pulled him in, deepening the kiss. Their position was awkward, the center console forcing a gap between them and the gear stick uncomfortably pushing against Billy’s side, but he didn’t care. Eddie’s lips on his were all he could think of.

Eddie pulled back a while later, and Billy leaned in to chase the lips he’d waited to kiss for so long. He opened his eyes with a sigh, with a sinking, horrified feeling that he’d done something wrong. Eddie looked confused. “I...I, uh,” he started. “I’m sorry.” Billy felt an ice cold chill running up his spine. “Don’t be,” he gasped desperately. “Never be,” he whispered. Eddie smiled a small smile before he pulled Billy into another kiss, this time into a hungry one. They were kissing sloppy passionate kisses, tongues lapping against each other, arms tightly wrapped around each other, hands trying to find a desperate grasp. “Fuck, I’ve wanted this for so long, you have no idea,” Billy whispered into Eddie’s mouth. “Yeah, me too.” The words made Billy’s heart sing. Eddie wanted him too. With those three simple words, all the darkness of his life was washed away.

Billy climbed over the center console, trying to fit in to Eddie’s lap. “Fuck this crampy piece of shit,” he said, making Eddie laugh. “Should we get on the backseat?” “Do we fit in there any better?” Eddie asked and kissed Billy. “I guess not,” Billy chuckled. “What if we...” Eddie looked at Billy with his brown doe eyes. “Wayne doesn’t mind you coming over, you know that. We just have to be quiet until he leaves for work. Unless you really want to do anything in here. But...it would be nicer in bed. Don’t you think?” “You won’t change your mind by the time we get there?” Billy asked cautiously. Eddie smiled and shook his head. “No.” “Okay, hang on for twenty minutes. Ten if I step on it.” Eddie smirked. “Better get stepping on it then.”

When they arrived at the trailerpark, they sneaked into the trailer, taking their shoes off already outside. Eddie took Billy’s hand and lead them into his room in the darkness.

When Eddie closed the door behind them, Billy was all over him, curling his fingers into Eddie’s hair, pulling him close and kissing him like it was the last thing he had time left to do in this world. Eddie found the waistband of Billy’s jeans and pushed his hands under it, drawing a silent moan out of Billy as he squeezed Billy’s ass. “Fuck, your jeans are tight,” he let out, making Billy snort. “I better take them off then,” Billy said, pulling away and started to undress. Eddie pulled off his own shirt, revealing his heavily tattooed chest. Billy could never get tired of looking at the intricate details of Eddie’s tattoos. Seeing them now, though, was somehow different, like he saw them for the first time.

Everything was different now.

When they had undressed, they looked at each other and suddenly Billy felt naked. Not as in not-wearing-any-clothes, but seen. Eddie took a step towards Billy, and wrapped his arm around his waist, pulling them against each other.

Billy reached his hand up and traced the lines of the black rose tattoo on Eddie’s chest with his finger. It was on Eddie’s skin because he’d asked Billy what kind of tattoo he should get. Billy had told him to get a rose, just as a joke. When Eddie had showed him the tattoo, he’d almost choked. Not because it was a rose, he had no doubts about that, but because it was drawn as a wreath around the demon that was on Eddie’s left pec. Over his heart.

“You got that for me, didn’t you?” he asked whispering. “Of course I did. You told me to get a rose.” “No, I mean the location.” Eddie smiled shyly and leaned his forehead against Billy’s. “Yeah. You mean that much to me.” Billy blinked fast to keep the tears that pooled in his eyes from falling. Eddie leaned in, peppering Billy’s cheek with tiny pecks, moving towards his mouth. When he brushed his lips gently against Billy’s and finally kissed him, Billy could taste the salt of his own tears on them. "I’m a fucking sap,” Billy whispered. “You’re perfect,” Eddie replied, and kissed Billy again, this time pushing his tongue between Billy’s lips, and Billy let him in.

Eddie moved them against the bed, and Billy sat down, breaking the kiss only for the moment he pulled back further on the bed, reconnecting their mouths when they were both on it. He welcomed Eddie on him by opening his legs and allowing him to settle his hardness against his own, that was already throbbing painfully. “You’re beautiful,” Eddie whispered, and kissed Billy so gently that he could feel the tears prickling in his eyes again. “Even though the mascara is all over?” Billy asked quietly. “Especially because of that,” Eddie smiled, and kissed Billy again. The kisses were now slow and tender, and Billy could feel himself drowning in each one. Even if this would the only time he could feel Eddie’s skin on his, his lips against his, his hardness heavy against his...all of it would be tattooed in his heart for forever.

“Tell me how to do it,” Eddie whispered. “Do what?” “Have sex with you.” “Aren’t we already doing that?” “You know what I mean. That. Billy’s eyes widened. “You want to do that? Not just...” “Well, I thought you wanted that.” Billy was speechless. “I mean...” Eddie continued when Billy said nothing, “I wanna do it. But just if you’re cool with it.” When Billy didn’t reply but just kept staring at Eddie, he asked: “Are you cool with it? Because we don’t have to.” Billy could feel himself blush and a smile forced its way onto his face. “I’m cool with it.” It was Eddie’s turn to blush. “Uh... Do you know how to do it? And before you start laughing, I know what goes where. I just...if it’s that simple, I don’t know that.” “Well, yeah, I know how, but I...” Billy felt suddenly shy and awkward. Eddie was surely far more experienced than he was. “You’ve never done it?” Eddie asked. Billy looked away. “No,” he whispered. “I’ve never...” “It’s okay,” Eddie whispered directly into his ear. “Me neither.” When Billy turned to look back at Eddie, surprised, Eddie looked back at him, smiling. Billy couldn’t help chuckling a little. “I thought you had...” “Nah. Wanted to save myself for someone special.” Billy could feel his whole face burning and he chewed on his lip. “I think it has to be prepped. It hurts otherwise. I tried...you know, with fingers.” “Okay,” Eddie nodded. “Just tell me how.” “Lube. A lot.” “Coming right up,” Eddie said, and leaned up to his nightstand. He rummaged through the drawer for a while allowing Billy to admire his naked body and tattoos.

Billy still couldn’t believe he was here, Eddie between his legs, ready to actually have sex with him. He had hoped for making out at best but instead, they were doing this. It was a dream come true, and Billy was so turned on that he was afraid that he’d come already when Eddie put the first finger in. When Eddie found the lube, he got up and squeezed the lube to his hand generously and laid on his side next to Billy. They kissed again as Eddie let his slick fingers wander down to Billy’s abdomen, brushing gently the trail of curls leading down to his crotch, and stroking the skin around Billy’s cock. Billy could feel the coldness of the lube raising his skin on goosebumps. “Go ahead,” he whispered, and opened his legs wider. Eddie brushed the sensitive area around Billy’s hole with his fingertips and gently pushed his index finger in. He stopped immediately when he saw Billy grimacing. “Don’t stop,” Billy said breathlessly. “I just need a moment.” “We’re not in a rush,” Eddie said, and kissed Billy. He continued pushing his finger further only when he felt him relax around it. “I’m not a girl who you need to sweet-talk to get her to let you fuck her,” Billy sighed. “I’m already here.” “No, you’re not a girl and yes, you’re willing alright. But you deserve to be sugarcoated a bit,” Eddie grinned. “Fuck you,” Billy said, blushing. “Planning on fucking you,” Eddie couldn’t help quipping, making Billy’s blush deepen.

They kissed the whole time Eddie opened Billy slowly. “I’m three fingers in. Do you think it’s enough?” Eddie asked. “Eddie, I haven’t had sex before. I don’t know,” Billy said, ashamed. “Okay, but...” “Let’s try. If it hurts too much, then...” “But I don’t want to hurt you. At all. I want you to like it.” “Eddie,” Billy said, pulling Eddie into yet another kiss, “just get the fucking lube and a rubber before I change my mind.” Eddie reached for the nightstand and rummaged through the drawer again, this time pulling out a condom. He put it on and lubed it. “How do you want it? I mean, I know we can do it in a few ways...” “I want to see your face,” Billy whispered. Eddie leaned on his other arm and positioned himself at Billy’s entrance. “Tell me if it hurts at all, okay?” Billy nodded and winced immediately when Eddie pushed himself in. “Hey, Billy, relax. I just barely got the tip in.” “You’re fucking big then,” Billy said and looked up at the ceiling, gritting his teeth. Eddie looked at Billy, chewing his cheek. “Are you sure you want to try this? Because, honestly, we don’t have to...” Billy was silent for a while, trying to relax. “Yeah. Let’s just get this over with.” “No, Billy. I want you to really like it. I really do.” Billy looked at Eddie and his soft gaze. “Go super slow. Okay?” “Yeah. Wouldn’t dream of anything else,” Eddie whispered, and kissed Billy again, thrusting further and stopping. “You okay still?” Billy closed his eyes tight, furrowing his brow, but after a while he let out the breath he’d been holding, opened his eyes and nodded. Eddie pushed further, bit by bit, again and again stopping and making sure Billy was okay. When he bottomed, he couldn’t help gasping. “Oh god, you’re so tight.” “I’m so fucking full,” Billy replied, still wincing. He wrapped his legs around Eddie and looked at him. “Go slow.”

Eddie was slow. Achingly so. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Billy. I don’t know why I never saw it before,” he whispered as he tentatively picked up the pace a bit. “Still sugarcoating me even though you’re already in,” Billy gasped. “Nah, not coating, just stating facts.” “Fuck you, Muns...” Billy’s sentence was cut short as he grabbed the sheet with both hands, his eyes wide open and his mouth opened into a silent gasp when Eddie brushed against his prostate properly for the first time. Eddie smiled, surprised, and repeated the movement. Billy moaned. “Shh, quiet,” Eddie chuckled. “You’ll wake up Wayne.” “Oh god, please do that again,” Billy begged. Eddie obeyed, thrusting in and pulling back just a little, keeping the friction on the sweet spot that made Billy writhe under him. “Does it still hurt?” “No...Eddie, I’m...I’m coming soon,” Billy gasped. “Yeah, come for me,” Eddie said breathlessly and started thrusting, carefully picking up the pace. It didn’t take many thrusts before Billy could feel the orgasm being released inside him. He wrapped his arms tightly around Eddie, who was now breathing heavily, chasing his own release. They kissed, and that made Billy spill his orgasm between them while groaning in Eddie’s mouth. Eddie followed him a moment later. They were breathing hard, still riding the high, Eddie resting his head on Billy’s shoulder. “Was it good?” Eddie asked. “Better.” “Yeah, for me too,” Eddie whispered into Billy’s ear and gave a peck on his cheek before he pulled out carefully. He helped Billy clean a bit, then he fell back on the bed.

They looked at each other, and Billy turned on his side, tracing a tattoo on Eddie’s ribs with his finger. It was the grim reaper, and Billy had always thought that it was, well, grim. “Why do you have this tattoo?” “The reaper?” “Yeah.” “To remind me I’m not immortal. He could wait behind any corner, and there’s no running away from him. Sooner or later, everyone will meet him face to face. So I want to live my life as full as I can before I meet him.” Eddie stretched his arm above Billy’s head on the pillows. “Come’ere.” Billy snuggled under the arm, his head resting on Eddie’s chest, sighing contently as Eddie wrapped it around his shoulders. “It’s why I’m here with you,” Eddie continued, laying a kiss on Billy’s head. Billy couldn’t believe what had just happened was real. “Was it really your first time?” he whispered. “Uh-huh,” Eddie replied sleepily. “I’m glad it was you and no one else.” “I’m glad you were my first too.”

In the morning, Billy woke up to the sound of something breaking and curses that followed it. The ceiling was lit red by the sun that shined through the red and black curtain that covered the window. He recognised the room immediately. Because the curtain was actually a Dio flag. He’d slept countless nights in this room and passed out on the bed he was laying in at least as many - but never like this.

He turned on his stomach and pressed his face against the pillow to inhale Eddie’s scent. Butterflies filled his stomach, and he couldn’t help chuckling a bit. He’d kissed Eddie. They’d had sex last night. Eddie had wanted him the way he wanted him.

He got up and grimaced immediately when he was reminded of what they’d done the night before. Of course everything would hurt afterwards. He should’ve known that. He pulled his jeans up carefully one leg at a time and headed for the bathroom.

When Eddie heard him coming out of the room, he peeked from the kitchen nook, grinning. “Hey.” Billy could feel his cheeks heating. “Hi,” he replied shyly. “I, uh, made some breakfast.” “You? Made breakfast?” Billy asked slowly, in disbelief. “Just leave it raw rather that burn it, okay? And leave at least one plate intact, please.” “Asshole,” Eddie muttered, but loud enough for Billy to hear that the tone was affectionate. Billy laughed - and winced. It would take some time for him to get used to the soreness, even though the reason was so worth it.

When Billy finally came back to the kitchen, Eddie was already eating. When he saw Billy, he beamed. “I made scrambled eggs. Only one plate was harmed in the process, but unfortunately, all the eggs were butchered in the raid. The ones that were left, I mean.” “You hardly can serve cereal to a bowl for yourself, so I’d say this is an achievement unlocked,” Billy grinned. “Hey!” Eddie retorted mid-chew. “I can still make your eggs vanish in the same place where the other eggs ended up if you’re not careful,” he continued, pointing his fork at Billy. Billy chuckled, lifting his hands in the air in a placative gesture and sat down, grimacing. Eddie looked at him, concerned. “Are you okay?” Billy took the fork meant for him and shoved it into the eggs. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m just a bit sore, that’s all.” Eddie’s eyes widened. “Oh. Right.” He swallowed the rest of the eggs he’d been chewing. “I never thought of that.” He shuffled the eggs he had left on the plate and whispered: “I’m sorry.” Billy stiffened and raised his gaze to Eddie. “For what?” “Hurting you. I said I didn’t want to do that, and I did.” Billy looked at Eddie with a lopsided grin. “You also made me feel really fucking good. I don’t mind if this is the price.” Eddie blushed and looked down at his plate bashfully. “I’m glad that you liked it. I liked it too.” Billy was floating in the air. “What happens now?” he asked cautiously. “What do you mean?” Eddie asked. Billy looked at his plate. “What are we now?” “We’re best friends, right?” Billy frowned. “Yeah, sure.” “Does that have to change?”

Billy could feel his stomach sink and he lost all his appetite. He tried to find words for his astonishment for a while. “Is that it? Just friends?” he asked, hoping that he sounded less desperate than he felt. “Even though what we did last night?” Eddie stared at his plate and chewed his cheek. “Billy... I liked what we did. But...” He paused and dropped his fork on his plate. “I don’t know how to feel about... about being with a guy. In a relationship.”

Billy stared at his plate. He knew he should feel something, but he just felt numb. Because this was what always happened to him. Life gave him a taste of something good. Made him think he was worth something and then slapped him in the face just like his old man. With vengeance.

Without a word, he got up and headed towards the door. “Billy! Don’t go, please,” Eddie said, and tried to grab Billy’s arm to stop him. ”It’s not that I don’t want to be with you…”

Billy whipped around and shouted: “Don’t!” Seeing Eddie flinch made Billy deflate and he could feel the bitter tears of disappointment in his eyes. “Don’t bother,” he said with a quivering voice and left.

[casliveblog]

Custom Toonami Block Week 149 Rundown

Spy X Family: So yeah Anya’s got midterms and if she does really well she gets a gym badge but if she fails she gets an anti-gym badge for every subject she flunked so wiping out means she’d be halfway to failing entirely. The family gets Yuri to tutor her and makes some feigns towards plot progression from the dog arc but honestly I kinda really like the Yuri/Anya dynamic, like they’re both completely unhinged in the exact opposite ways so one of them is always saying something crazy as soon as the other comes back to sense. Though even though he manages to give her some motivation, Anya’s basically the opposite of a Mary Sue and is terrible at everything and can never improve so it doesn’t really work. They also mention that she loses her powers during a New Moon like she’s fucking Inuyasha or something but she hasn’t really been reading minds during tests in the first place, like initially she said she just didn’t know who was good at what subject yet so she wasn’t sure whose mind to read but it’s MID-TERMS I feel like she should probably have a good idea by now but even on other tests where she has her powers she’s doing crappily. Also there’s this weird little skit where Loid’s following this guy that’s a terrible spy trying to break in and change the grades while he’s ALSO trying to break in and change the grades and it just kinda makes everything more difficult. This guy strikes me as the kind of guy that thinks he’s a Rogue in a D&D campaign and he can just bluff and duck his way into top level shit completely ignoring the reality of how tight real security is. The guy’s ego’s so big he just lets Loid go as a witness and Loid just undoes the work he was doing to make the Desmond kids fail (which Loid theorizes was done by a political rival but I’mma say it was Desmond himself kicking his kids in the teeth because he’s an asshole and is like ‘failure will make you stronger, try sucking less’ because it would be more dramatic) Loid’s about to change Anya’s grades but he finds out she just barely passed everything so he lets her keep the mediocre score she earned because if he suddenly made her good enough to get a gym badge it’d be hella suspicious and not getting any anti-gym badges is best case scenario really. Though they show her grades and they’re in… the 30s? Like they show they’re still on a 100 point scale so like, how is a 30 passing? Everywhere I’ve been under a 60 is an F and some are more strict than even that so what kind of education system for this snobby prep school lets kids get away with 30s?

Inuyasha: So this episode is basically the fallout of everyone being like ‘wait was that fucking Kikyo?’ last episode, Not!Kikyo wipes out all of Abi’s birds and just kinda runs off and we get the usual ‘oh gosh Kikyo was mentioned so Inuyasha’s gonna be wistful for three episodes and Kagome’s gonna be mildly annoyed at everything because neither of them can make up their damn minds’ which to be fair they kind of curtail the period of it at this point in the series but after seeing it so often it’s really getting old, especially since her supposed death at Mt. Hakurei had its own little mini-arc, like we keep giving Kikyo closure and she keeps just coming back. But yeah they head off to meet her and Inuyasha’s kinda wishy-washy about wanting to go so he separates from the others to down some mook demons that only take him like five seconds anyway and he meets Kikyo’s avatar and her new attendants and turns out they’re all just Shikikami and Kagura’s happy to see Kikyo’s probably still alive because that pisses Naraku off but she gives up because she’s definitely not ten feet away in a Minority Report pool. Kagome gets through a barrier to see the REAL Kikyo who’s in a Minority Report pool trying to sleep off the poison and… death I guess.

Yu Yu Hakusho: This one’s a super exposition-heavy episode and spoilers but at the end we learn that part or all of it might be bullshit so it feels like one of those Attack on Titan episodes where they spend the whole episode planning a thing and then it just goes tits up at the very end of the episode and they have to wing it anyway. Essentially the three bald men that visit Yusuke are guys basically as strong as him and Hiei/Kurama but they’re using demonic pacemakers to put them on mook level so the barrier lets them through. In Demon World there’s three kings, the ‘let’s not eat humans’ guy, the ‘let’s maybe eat humans in moderation’ guy and the ‘let’s eat all the humans’ guy, and luckily Yusuke’s ancestor is the first one and not the last one but that also means he’s dying because he’s essentially been on a GOOP diet of bullshit for the past thousand years and that means war’s about to break out thanks to the power vacuum in Demon World. Now basically most of what Yusuke heard of all that is these bald-headed freaks think they’re stronger than him so he demands a fight. Turns out the leader’s ability is basically Luffy if he was in Parasyte the Maxim and he does some bullshit to tie Yusuke up and stab him in a despite still wearing his demon pacemaker and neither me or Yusuke buy that shit and he just fucking breaks the guy’s neck and asks if they love their king so much how come they still eat humans against his wishes. It’s a pretty good moment of Yusuke putting on his Phoenix Wright hat and actually outsmarting the bad guys while they’re still in the ‘we’re the new arc villains and we’re stronger than you’ phase so yeah he calls out them lying to him and puts them on the spot for how much of the story is exactly true.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Megumi and blind archer guy are having their fight and there’s more clan rich people eugenics bullshit and blind guy has the power of Gear Second and Deadman Wonderland and just wants his slutty mom to be a slutty happy mom Megumi’s just like ‘fuck you and your slutty mom you’re not killing my friend’ but uhh yeah I’ve been comparing this arc to the Chunin Exams and we’re officially at the Sand Village attacking part because the big boss spirit and all the other spirits they were supposed to be hunting get wiped out by the one-armed spirit’s Wood Style and they erect a specifically anti-Gojo barrier to keep his overpowered ass out of this fight. So yeah Scar-sensei and old dude go in to help and apparently old dude wields the power of Goofy Goober Rock which makes that one scene in the opening make a lot more sense in retrospect. Megumi, Blind Dude and Sushi Boy get swept up by the one armed cursed spirit and turns out they’re basically the reverse of a Captain Planet villain and just want people to stop polluting and shit and they’ll kill them all and more surprisingly a GIRL, I mean this is why cartoons give everything female long eyelashes because I couldn’t fucking tell and I guess she’s just got her tits out all the time but she’s got enough muscle that it doesn’t matter. So yeah we’ve got one of the main boss henchmen dropping in to say hello and judging by the preview and the opening she’s gonna head to Yuji next time, weird since I thought their plan was to trap Gojo in a Hyper Cube and you’d figure literally isolating him from everyone else would make a great time to try that but we’ll see I guess.

Zom 100: So this one’s kind of a rough one, like I’ll probably get to it at the end but there’s a lot of good points for this episode but also some stuff that bugs me a bit. Akira and Kencho have made a little mancave on top of the roof from last episode and inexplicably the power STILL works, like my god whoever’s keeping the electricity on during the zombie apocalypse deserves a raise. Kencho finds Akira’s bucket list and starts adding his own stuff to it, saying he’s going to see Akira’s journey through to the end now. They talk about the list a bit and how Akira has dating a flight attendant on the list because I guess that’s a fetish? But turns out Akira has never had a girlfriend at all and stupidly tells Kencho he’ll have one by the end of the day. So shelving that they decide to go shopping for a big-screen tv and end up trapped in a department store with one shady guy and three ladies who happen to be… flight attendants! Like I joked at the beginning of this show that Akira’s just had a mental break and there are no zombies and he’s just insane but if this world is real it really does seem to be bending to fit his crazy ideas. So yeah, the oldest and objectively coolest flight attendant gets drunk and bitten by the shady guy when he turns into a zombie and Kencho just straight up bangs the other one in the mattress department while Akira has a tender moment with the moe-est of them right after she makes it super clear there’s no romantic connection. Still they talk and Akira gives his usual deal about not letting your dreams be dreams and gets this girl excited to continue living her dream… just in time for her to die by getting bitten by the shady guy. Now notably they don’t make Akira mercy kill her, this is still mostly a comedy series and we’re not trying to heap Carl Grimes levels of trauma on our genki protagonist bur yeah she admits she’s content with the fun date they had and got to make people feel better during her job so she’s okay with Akira and Kencho getting the hell out of dodge, with Akira wanting to find out what his childhood dream was since Kencho has one and the moe attendant girl gave a pretty good speech about her own motivations and Akira admits to himself that his advertizing dream was just him getting caught up in a drive for success rather than something he really wanted to do. So yeah, cool story but like it’s hard to ignore this whole episode is just a long drawn out way to fridge these three girls, like straight up SAO Saki traumadumping by making these girls as moe as possible without giving them too much character development so we feel just bad enough when they die and it feels a little manipulative for a series that zig-zags how serious the zombies actually are so it leaves a slight sour taste in my mouth, like I can see the cogs of manipulation turning but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still effective cause damn it was sad to watch those girls die.

Ranking of Kings: Daida!Bosse is telling Snake Guy about how Miranjo’s family is from a kingdom that is the origin of magic and as such they were like ‘man fuck the gods’ and went to the Asshole Kingdom to recruit assholes to help them fight the gods but the Assholes of Asshole Kingdom were, shocker, asssholes, and turned on them and killed Miranjo’s mom as soon as things looked bad. Also all the gods are giant dudes that wear masks similar to Ouken’s, not sure if that’s relevant.Hilling meets back up with Spear Guy, Sword Guy, and Kirito and gets hyped for Bojji’s new powers while healing Spear Guy and sending the three of them off to help Bojji who is meanwhile still fighting Ouken. Despa and the Guard Captain show up because Bojji’s got this but he’s basically fighting that one round of the Seath the Scaleless fight where he just heals infinitely and it sucks. Though it turns out Despa has no practical power of his own and was calling in an airdrop from Desha this whole time so I guess he related to Bojji a lot more than we thought. Ouken’s figured out how to get around the lightning spam and stabs both Despa and the captain to let them bleed out because that’s his favorite thing to do despite killing anyone in this series already being hard enough without your main technique being ‘death monologue sword’ like I get it’s basically a pacifist series that promots Bojji’s kind-heartedness as the way of the future but people keep dodging these bullets so often I don’t have any confidence anyone’s actually going to die. Anyway Ouken goes after Kage next and manages to stab Bojji in the leg when he goes to protect him so now Bojji can’t dodge which is like his whole thing, but Kage turns into a giant shadow creature and eats Ouken so there’s that I guess.

Vinland Saga: So Thorfinn fights Thorkell in earnest and I think they just straight-up reuse some of the stuff from the opening but it’s pretty cool so it’s okay. Thorkell’s armored and huge so even though Thorfinn can dance around him all day he can’t really do more than give him papercuts. Thorkell makes fun of Thorfinn’s skill with a blade since he’s fast and strong but he basically just punches shit with daggers in his hands and Thorfinn calls him out on lecturing someone that’s fighting evenly with him and Thorkell tells him he wants to find his missing link too and hopes to find it through battle so he asks Thorfinn what it means to be a True Warrior which reminds Thorfinn of his dad’s death and how he’s currently in the process of fucking up his dad’s dying wish royally so he gets pissed but manages to not throw the whole fight like when Askeladd did it but still gets launched through the fucking air by one of Thorkell’s foot. Now as cool as all that shit is, it’s a lot to say that the most interesting stuff in this episode happens with Canute. Canute has a death dream about Ragnar and they get to say their goodbyes despite Ragnar saying ‘this is in your head bro but go ahead and let it out’. He wakes up and Bjorn is still fighting like ten dudes while hopped up on mushrooms so Canute and the Priest have a little chat while they wait for that to play out. He tells the Priest about his cool Ragnar dream and the Priest is like ‘that’s cool bro but that’s not real love’ and they have a big long speech about how loving a specific person precludes compassion for all people like how Ragnar would let people die to protect Canute and that the only things truly capable of love are those that can’t hurt anyone, ie nobody who’s alive, that’s probably a little bit of a minimalization nitpick to narrow down all compassion as simply favoring one person or group of people over others but I get what they’re going for. So the fact that Canute comes to the realization that people are incapable of loving each other unconditionally and universally yet it’s clearly the meaning of life to try fucking awakens his Conqueror’s Haki and he’s able to stop Berserker Bjorn with a hug and it may be the coolest damn thing in this series thus far. Bjorn gets stabbed by the other brother dude but Canute tells them to heal up because they’re going back to Thorkell so he can stop all this fighting and that he’s going to fucking start doing King shit and put an end to the pointless wars, so that’s pretty dope.

[anonymousfiction211]

You just have to believe: 11

You just have to believe masterlist

Another distraction It has been weeks since Steve Rogers had died. Loki was able to make Rachel forget all about it. The two of them went to several events, Rachel really started to show her merit. Acting like a proper future wife. Still, it was all for show. A fact the two of them had to remind themselves of more and more.

One morning, Loki almost slipped up.

‘…Look, I don’t have time for this. Just make it look like an accident if something happens’ he hissed through the phone. Rachel, who just was about to ask if he would like to have coffee with her, heard.

When Loki turned around and saw Rachel standing there, he knew he had to be more careful in the future.

‘Everything all right?’ she asked. But Loki knew that in her mind she was wondering what the conversation was about, and that that was the question she really wanted to ask him.

‘It’s about Jane’ he told her.

‘The ex-girlfriend of your brother?’ she asked.

‘Well, ex is a bit of a stretch, they only knew each other for a weekend. But yes. She is not doing well, so I am trying to convince Thor to come and say goodbye to her’

‘I didn’t know you could still contact him’ she replied.

 ‘Sometimes I’m able to, it’s a long story. Still, I try to look out for her. But I don’t think there is much I can do at the moment’ he said.

‘But what did you mean when you said…’ Rachel started to ask. But Loki decided to quickly change the subject.

‘I am in desperate need for a break, so I booked a house in Norway for the weekend. Want to come with me and look at the Northern lights?’

‘Wait what?’ Rachel asked excited.

‘You, me, little house in the middle of nowhere, Northern lights?’ he smirked at her. He really could use a break. Besides, after the guys interrogating him and the call he really hadn’t explained, he needed her distracted.

‘Yes, but Loki’ she sighed. For a moment Loki was afraid that she had figured something out. ‘I can’t accept all of this. I don’t know how I’m ever going to pay you back’

‘Is that what you worried about? Darling, you have given me so much in return. You are really helping me with my numbers. Besides, the whole thing might not be real, but I do enjoy your company’ he said.

Loki had to admit that she looked cute, almost jumping up and down in excitement. Before he knew it, she had wrapped two arms around his neck and hugged him.

‘ooh thank you, I’m going to pack immediately’ she squeaked a little.

‘Go do that’ he laughed. ‘I’ll just finish up some work. We will leave tomorrow morning’ he said.

After that Rachel hadn’t seen Loki for the rest of the day. She spends her day packing and researching things to do in Norway. She was wondering if Loki would want to go to the city with her for a night, or what in general he had planned for the trip.

She wanted to ask him, so she went to his office. The door was open, and she let herself in. He wasn’t there at the moment. There was a light burning on his desk, papers were scattered around. She could hear him on the other side of the wall, discussing something about his campaign. Rachel decided to wait for him at his desk.

Glancing down at the papers that were scattered around, she saw some familiar names. She picked up the papers to have a closer look. To her shock she saw ‘Captain America’ written on the header. After that a list, car accident, missing person, shot by radical etc. What was she reading?

She was startled when she heard the door close.

‘Rachel...’ Loki was a bit surprised at seeing her. When he saw the look in her eyes, he scolded himself for bringing the papers upstairs. He should have left them in his office in the basement. He shot her a genuine smile, he needed to play this just right.

‘What a lovely surprise. What are you doing here?’ he asked. Pretending he had nothing to hide, it would only make her more suspicious.

‘I ehm... wanted to ask you some things about the trip... but what is this?’ she held up the paper with all the ways for Captain America to die.

‘Research’ was all he said. ‘Now, what did you wanted to ask me?’ he tried to change the subject. But this time, she wasn’t as easily distracted.

‘Why do you have a list of horrible ways to die... or kill someone?’ she asked. ‘Someone, who just died’ she added.

‘Are you accusing me of something?’ he asked with as much hurt in his voice as he could master. She wasn’t, not yet at least. He hoped that his remark would make her feel guilty, before she starts actually accusing him. By the shock on her face, it had worked.

‘No, no, no! Of course not. I, I just don’t get it’ she stammered.

‘We have been researching ways Captain America could have died, there are more in the Avenger initiative, and we want to make sure they’re safe’ Loki walked towards her. Taking the papers from her hands and cleaning up the scattered papers on his desk.

In a quick flash, Rachel saw another name she recognized. It was Tony Stark, she didn’t know that he was a part of the Avenger initiative. ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have looked. And I didn’t mean to accuse you or insult you’ she apologized. She felt guilty for some reason, she didn’t think he killed him. But it she did think it was suspicious. And how could she even think that, after everything he has done for her?

‘Darling, I didn’t tell you, because I don’t want to frighten you. Try to let it go, if you sleep you feel better tomorrow. And by then we will be on a plane to Norway. How does that sound?’ he smiled at her.

The two of them talked a little bit about the trip and everything they could do. After that Rachel went to bed, while Loki would still work for an hour or so. When she was in their bedroom, he quickly gathered all the information that would link him to anything and stored it in his office in the basement. He made a mental note to be less reckless. He was starting to get close and didn’t want to ruin it for himself.

Taglist: @benaddictcumberpatch @joyful-enchantress @harlequin-hangout @eleniblue @misunderstoodself @lokisgoodgirl

Story taglist: @assemblingavenger

A/N: I don't know why, but I forgot to post on monday. But here you guys go :) Hope you like it!

[overplannedbutunnamednpc]

legacy playlist

it’s that time again. I have made another playlist and everyone must see it. like glade’s playlist, a lot of this is vibes only, but there’s also reasoning in there. to be played in no particular order! have fun! lyrics/descriptions under the cut!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2uqUCCdbCOZWnL4njmJOhc?si=db04fc3757894567

1. Metaphor by The Crane Wives

I've gotten good at leaning on metaphors I've gotten good at living on someone else's page I cut my teeth on secondhand sentiments You can't trust a single thing I say

I keep my closet free of skeletons 'Cause I'm much better at digging graves But I always dig up bones in your sympathy I can't trust a single thing you say

One of the first things that I thought about Legacy was that she is a liar. For fun and pleasure. And also a little bit for necessity but don’t worry about that. She’s genuinely kind of gotten used to just not telling the truth about herself, because why would she? She’s at three people TOTAL who know EVERYTHING (mostly probably), and she kinda hates it, and isn’t used to it, and will one day be forced into getting used to it. But for now she’s a lying liar who lies, which works for her! And no one else.

2. What’s a Devil to Do? by Harley Poe

I was born from an angel And she raised me properly I knew what I wasn't to do I knew what I wasn't to see But when you reach a certain age Your destiny, it comes to life So don't you bite the hand that feeds you Or it may cut you with its knife It permeates all through my bones I let it live, I help it grow I said my cup, it runneth over? Well I'm gonna let it flow So I shot a man in Kokomo Just to watch him die My mother asked me if it pleased me And I couldn't tell a lie

This is a song about being a devil and not being able to deny or change your nature. I like the impermeability of both the roles of “angel” and “devil” in this song, and you better believe I think about it with respect to legacy A Lot. like you are born from an angel! she raised you properly! you can’t tell a lie! it pleased you to kill him!!! what’s a devil to do!!!! like. tbh even without legacy i’d be a little obsessed with this song. what is a devil but the rigidness of an angel with the “wrong” moral code?? thank you! lawful good and lawful evil still have lawful in common! food for thought!

3. Devil Devil by MILCK

Devil, Devil Clever Devil, Devil How quickly they do sell their souls For the feast and the promise of gold But devil that won't be me Devil, Devil Bones of metal metal You torture saints with a single glance Make them think they ever stood a chance

Won’t you believe it I have more than one song about devils on here. Anyway this is like. I see this as Legacy seeing the Evil of her grandmother, like she knows there’s something evil there, and going “but that won’t be me.” Because it isn’t!! Baba may be evil, may be a devil, but she’s only ever been kind and good and generous to Legacy. (at least. as far as legacy knows.) Legacy isn’t ignorant of devils and what they/baba do. She just doesn’t really care. You won’t make a fool of her! She’s sold her soul and it was actually a really good deal! Rip to the other contract-bargainers in hell but she’s different, thanks!

4. Fire With Fire by AlicebanD

Which is why the music died And we're living out our lives in this hope one day our lives will straighten out And we will leave town And we'll get down to business now will someone tell me who I am

It's always been a little hard I wish that you could meet her This woman that you have become, you know that she's a keeper Except you keep her under wraps in case someone should break her It's dirty in this world, it's true I wish I could and she does too

There’s a couple of songs on here about Legacy’s inner machinations. Maybe not actually that many? Considering? And there’s a reason for that. Legacy doesn’t really. know. who she is? And that’s something I’ve actually talked to Lily a little about especially at start of campaign, because I didn’t know Legacy well and she didn’t know herself well either. She still kinda doesn’t, though she’s gotten better and I’ve definitely learned her way better too. Anyway this song is partially about not knowing who you are, and keeping the part of you you DO know under lock and key. and I think that fits legacy very well. There’s this core of Badness to her that she knows her way around and knows she has to keep quiet from the good people she’s surrounded herself with, and then there’s this confusing Goodness that isn’t even so much Good as wanting-to-be, and legacy doesn’t even know the SHAPE of that yet. she’s not even sure if it’s her or just the influence of her friends who ARE good.

5. Stars and the Moon by Sutton Foster

I met a man without a dollar to his name Who had no traits of any value but his smile I met a man who had no yearn or claim to fame Who was content to let life pass him for a while And I was sure that all I ever wanted Was a life like the movie stars led And he kissed me right here, and he said

"I'll give you stars and the moon and a soul to guide you And a promise I'll never go I'll give you hope to bring out all the life inside you And the strength that will help you grow I'll give you truth and a future that's twenty times better Than any Hollywood plot" And I thought, "You know, I'd rather have a yacht"

So the narrative of this song is about how this chick gets offered the stars and the moon and says no and is finally offered what she thinks she wants, and she accepts it, and then she never dreams again, and then she wakes up and realizes she’ll never have the stars and moon. Which makes me feel normal in relation to Legacy. Most days, Legacy is okay with having sold her soul. Like, she wasn’t doing anything with it, and honestly it’s probably better off with Baba accruing Hell Points than it would be if it was just Legacy’s, who would still be accruing Hell Points but like. in a much shittier tier. But. but but but. Legacy sold her soul....... pretty young, actually? I don’t think I’ve ever decided on an age but it was.... low double-digits. Maybe 12 or 13, even if I don’t think she actually took advantage of that pact until older. So Legacy kind of kneecapped her options early on. She doesn’t know who she’d actually. Be. if she’d said no to Baba back then. maybe she’d have the stars and moon! probably not, but who would ever know?

6. Mile Magnificent by molly ofgeography

Plants with singing petals, women with long, long legs Demons drinking water and angels drinking kegs The light behind the buildings as we sip sunlight to the dregs We are animals of love, the city never makes us beg And it feels like a good, good omen Never been much of a good, good woman But good things are coming Good, good things are coming

For one, I like this song, it fucks. For another it mentions demons and angels sometimes. Anyway, this one’s sort of celebratory, like, partying with the angel and devil on your shoulder, enjoying yourself doesn’t mean good things won’t come to you, etc etc. This one’s mostly vibes, there isn’t a whole lot behind it.

7. Seven Devils by Florence + The Machine

Holy water Cannot help you now See, I've come to burn Your kingdom down And no rivers and no lakes Can put the fire out I'm gonna raise the stakes I'm gonna smoke you out Seven devils all around me Seven devils in my house See, they were there when I woke up this morning I'll be dead before the day is done

This song is evil AU legacy. so just regular legacy, you ask? depends. The idea here is like. I’m giving into my devils, it’s a little bit of revenge it’s a little bit of sexy, in my head this is evil legacy going on a righteous cleansing fire type rampage. and it’s awesome.

8. Jackseye’s Tale by Daniel Pemberton

This one’s an instrumental, and came recommended as one of the songs GD plays to inspire legacy!!! I like it for friends reasons but I also really like the energy behind it!

9. Kill Of The Night by Gin Wigmore

The street's a liar I'm gonna lure you into the dark My cold desire To hear the boom, boom, boom of your heart The danger is I'm dangerous And I might just tear you apart, oh, woah-oh I'm gonna catch ya I'm gonna get ya, get ya, oh, oh-oh I wanna taste the way that you bleed, oh You're my kill of the night

I think Legacy should get to bite people in a sexy way. Also, there’s a lot of jokes in the server about like. I/Legacy is like “legacy’s evil” and I get sent messages such as “no she’s not” and “[screenshot of legacy telling her friends she loves them]” and the like. but what I/Legacy don’t think people get is like. That’s just people legacy likes. In another world she WOULD just bite and kill. It’s only the luck of the draw that she was born to a family/society with a moral code and that she was raised, like, Normal, because she SO EASILY could have been an aleksandra. she can’t do anything WRONG. she doesn’t care that much about randos! she just knows the rules of her society and follows them, when they’re not in the way of things she Wants.

10. The Devil In The Kitchen by Ashley MacIsaac

Another instrumental! Another GD inspiration song!!! Sometimes you just need to get DOWN to the bangers your friends associate with you!!

11. Devil’s Dance Floor by Flogging Molly

Well she took me by the hand I could see she was a fiery one Her legs ran all the way Up to heaven and past Avalon Tell me somethin' girl, what it is you have in store She said, "Come with me now On the Devil's dance floor"

Well swing a little more, little more o'er the merry-o Swing a little more, little more next to me Swing a little more, little more o'er the merry-o Swing a little more, on the Devil's dance floor

This is another rec! And if I remember correctly another GD inspiration song! This one doesn’t have a lot behind it beyond MAYBE the fact that legacy once danced her way into the bed of a princess. that’s fun.

12. Confessional by Janet Devlin

There’s a secret on the tip of my tongue And it’s burning a hole between my lungs There’s no grace for what I have done But I must face what I’ve become Hiding six feet under has always been my way And though the honesty hurts The lying was worse Can’t take it to the grave This is my confessional Of things that I have buried low

Legacy HATES telling the truth about herself. It’s just not fun and sexy and mysterious. But unfortunately. To have friends. They kind of have to know who you are. And like. Legacy doesn’t like that! That’s why she lies! but she also wants to be known! because she knows these people and loves them! does it suck that in order to be loved you have to be known??? yes. do you have to put on your big girl pants and do it anyway? unfortunately,, yes. She’s doing her best.

13. Trust by Neon Trees

You, you got your head in a sling Yeah, and I, I'm trying to give you salvation You appear as a devil Like a wolf in the woods But you're acting exactly as we expected you would I said you, you hear the words that I sing, it's a shock to the system Falling down can feel strange No one remembers your name You’re losing the game That’s the thing about trust It’s always the same Sad story again You lose all your friends That’s the thing about trust

So okay. So. The thing about trust. The THING about trust. is that Legacy doesn’t really do it. She has to try SO hard. She knows better than to think that people will like her if they knew everything. Her friends notwithstanding, mostly, because they’re weird, people don’t. LIKE. to hear about these things with legacy. like if devils were real, you wouldn’t WANT to hear that one of your besties had sold her soul to one. like that’s just true. So Legacy’s trying very hard to trust that her friends still like her like they say AND trust that they’d STILL like her if they knew everything. and that’s why we got into the whole brouhaha about her lying about her old friends. because she never trusted Those friends, and look at what happened there.

14. Temptress by S. J. Tucker

Fallen angel, beautiful thief, pretty little vampire cuttin' her teeth; regardless of the lady or her level of disgrace, you just can't say no to a pretty face. The city is sleepin' safe and sound. "Nevernever" never had it so fine. As for me, I can be patient 'cause some day, you are gonna be mine.

Oh, honey, I know that it's been a long time. Your cloak's gone a little bit gray. I can help you out with your troubles, but you have to let me stay. You already gave me permission to slip beneath your skin. Why bear the weight of the whole damn world when all you gotta do is let me in?

So this isn’t exactly how Legacy’s deal went down. the song is about vampires so it’s sexier than it perhaps should be to fit legacy and baba well. HOWEVER. the idea is here about like. further tempting into some sort of Power and there’s an idea too about like. “wouldn’t it be so much Easier to just go along with me?” and the answer is yes. it’s so much easier to just. not pay the price of goodness. baba would love legacy either way. and yet. and yet.

15. Chasing Twisters by Delta Rae

I was born with lightning in my heels Set a spur onto my ankle Bit a horse under the steel And I lost hope when I was still so young Had an angel on my shoulder But the devil always won So kiss me now This whiskey on my breath Feel the lives that I have taken What little soul that I have left And oh, my God I'll take you to the grave The only love I've ever known The only soul I ever saved

More angel and devil imagery. It’s a disease. Anyway this is Legacy leaving home young to do whatever, trying to figure out who and what she is, and she doesn’t know until she’s lost probably most of her soul who she is, or at least who she wants to be. plus also it’s a vibes song.

16. Raise Hell by Brandi Carlile

I've been down with a broken heart Since the day I learned to speak The devil gave me a crooked start When he gave me crooked feet But Gabriel done came to me And kissed me in my sleep And I'll be singing like an angel Until I'm six feet deep

I found myself an omen and I tattooed on a sign I set my mind to wandering and I walk a broken line You have a mind to keep me quiet And although you can try Better men have hit their knees And bigger men have died

Love the vibe here of like. Right now for me the best thing is to be bad. it’s vibes but it’s also kind of how Legacy is thinking!!! she is keeping her pact, not because of power anymore, but because she doesn’t think she has another choice! Barring the idea of Baba being redeemed, because that’s far in the future, like... Legacy isn’t changing. Legacy isn’t giving up her pact. She’s gonna raise hell!!!!

17. Take Me to War by The Crane Wives

All of the fire I've swallowed All of the sparks that went dark in my gut I am always burning up Dress me in red and throw your roses And I'll rankle the beasts with words It's a graceless dance of epithets We learn to make someone hurt They will consume your sweet resistance And they'll carry your heart in their teeth But I am always feeding them The ugliest parts of me

Another crane wives due to my diseases. The idea here is kind of wolf in sheep’s clothing, kind of hidden depths, stuff like that. And it’s very vibes.

18. Shake It Out by Doll Skin

And I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't So here's to drinks in the dark at the end of my rope And I'm ready to suffer and I'm ready to hope It's a shot in the dark aimed right at my throat 'Cause looking for Heaven, found the devil in me Looking for Heaven, found the devil in me But, what the hell, I'm gonna let it happen to me, yeah Shake it out, shake it out Shake it out, shake it out, oh-woah Shake it out, shake it out Shake it out, shake it out, oh-woah And it's hard to dance with a devil on your back So shake him off, oh-woah

Haha shake the devil off... yeah I bet you can’t guess what this one’s about. If it was about Legacy and Baba you’re right! This is a hopeful song in a way! Devils can be redeemed!! waugh!!!