#while none of the characters actions really have any lasting weight to them and they barely feel involved

[waywardsalt]

bc its been bouncing around in my head i think another little tiny grievance i had with totk is that i got to the end and just felt a sense of ‘well what the hell was that all for then’

[kikyoupdates]

Tears of a Villainess ⭑˚🗡️⭑ 𝑢𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟

yandere!ocs x reader

yandere, reverse harem, isekai, original characters x fem!reader, slowburn, slowburn yandere

Reincarnation isn't as great as it sounds, especially when you've been reborn as none other than the villainess. Fated to die if you stand in the heroine's way, you immediately resolve to distance yourself from the plot. As long as you have nothing to do with any of the relevant characters, surely, you'll be able to avoid an untimely death. But in a horrible turn of events, the heroine ends up wanting to get close to you. Are you really doomed to meet the villainess' tragic end? Or is there an even more sinister fate that awaits you?

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Even though your parents are furious with you for breaking off your engagement, you don't regret what you did.

After all, how could you? The relationship with Alistair was doomed to fail anyway. He's destined to fall in love with the heroine and would ultimately have ended the engagement of his own accord. But even if you make sure not to antagonize the main character, there's no telling what this universe has in store for you. It's highly likely that your death flag will activate the moment the canon plot is set in motion, and when that happens, you need to be uninvolved as humanly possible.

You made the right choice. Granted, you ruffled some feathers in the process, but you still think it's better to nip a problem in the bud rather than let it fester and screw you later on.

Your father isn't having it, though.

"The Calderwood family won't even speak to me!" he fumes, stomping around your room like some huffy preschooler. "I requested an audience with Duke Calderwood, and he snubbed me outright! What a disgrace you've brought upon this family! Do you feel no shame whatsoever!?"

Hardly any, to be honest.

You fiddle with a lock of your hair, visibly disinterested. At the end of the day, you're just looking out for yourself, and the best way to do that is to ensure none of the crucial characters have anything to do with you. It sucks if you hurt Alistair's feelings, but you'll gladly take that over dying a gruesome death. You know what your priorities are, and you intend to stick to them.

Surely your father would prefer having a living, breathing daughter over a dead one, no?

"I'm sorry, father. But like I said, I genuinely don't think that relationship would have lasted. Alistair didn't seem to care for me much either. I'm willing to bet he would have ended the engagement at some point, whether I took the initiative or not."

"Such shamelessness," your father scoffs. "Everything you say is completely and utterly preposterous. Do you really take me for a fool?"

I mean, those are just the facts, but whatever floats your boat, I guess.

He clenches his jaw. "I told you the other day that you would regret your selfish actions, but it seems like you have yet to com to terms with the weight of the situation. But don't worry. Starting today, you'll learn remorse. I'm going to put you through hell to make you wish you never acted out in the first place."

You gulp. He's saying he's going to put you through hell, and that certainly didn't sound appealing. Shit. You knew ending things with Alistair was bound to have consequences, and ultimately, you still think the safest choice, but you can't deny that you're feeling pretty nervous right now.

What is he going to do to you? Is he the type of parent to enact physical discipline on his child? Does he intend to slowly deprive you of your meals, or confine you to a small, prison-like room for days to end?

Truly, the possibilities are endless, and the more you imagine it, the more terrified you become.

Shit is about to hit the fan.

"...I want you to complete all of this by the end of the day."

You blink. There's been a change in locatioon, and you're currently in one of his offices. Your father dragged you here against your will while you screamed bloody murder. Since you're still very much unfamiliar with the layout of the manor, you were convinced he was taking you to one of the secret torture chambers.

But no, it's just an ordinary office, equipped with an impressively large collection of bookshelves, as well as the desk you're sitting at.

You watch, somewhat mystified, as your father slams a notebook down in front of you, along with a few pens and pencils.

"All of these questions," he repeats. "You are to finish every single one of them by the end of the day. And you won't be permitted to leave this room until you do. If you end up having to stay up all night to work on them, I don't care. This is what you get for acting with no regard to your own family."

...this is your father's idea of a punishment?

"I know how much you hate doing academic work," he smiles smugly. "I understand if you feel like crying. But I really have to put my foot down this time. You've simply gone too far. It's time for you to learn that you can't always get what you want."

You stare at him in disbelief.

He's either fucking with you, or you've totally lucked out and discovered that your father isn't at all the scary, strict parent you assumed he was.

"So... I have to solve all these math problems," you clarify. "And once I do... I can leave and get on with the rest of my day."

Your father snorts. "Well, sure. But we both know you won't be getting out of here anytime soon. And don't misunderstand. This isn't only a one-time punishment. From now on, you'll be expected to study every single day. Did you think I was kidding? You made a grave mistake, and you need to face the consequences."

"A-Alright," you stammer, doing your best to keep a straight face. It's tremendously difficult not to laugh, because you got a pretty good look at most of those math problems.

Needless to say, this is going to be a piece of cake.

Your father heads to the door, but he stops before leaving to glare pointedly at you. "I'm serious," he warns. "I have a servant posted by the door who will inform me if you dare to snea kout before completing your work. There's no way out of this. I'm afraid you're just going to have to suffer, my dear."

"I understand, father." You make a big show of nodding your head with a somber, repentant expression. "It's going to be hard, but I'll do whatever it takes for you to forgive me."

He shakes his head and mutters something to himself - probably that you're stupid and have no chance of finishing all these questions in time - then he finally leaves the room.

The moment he's gone, you crack your knuckles.

"Adorable," you muse. "He thinks this is a lot of work? For a modern-age university student with virtually no sleep schedule?"

Spoiler alert: it isn't.

You get down to the grindm and just as you predicted, tis may as well be child's play for an overworked student such as yourself. You're used to having to meet unreasonable deadlines, having to work with uncooperative group members to complete massive projects and earn a decent grade. And of course, you're also no stranger when it comes to cramming desperately the night before an exam.

This is, to put it simply - light work.

But it seems like the villainess wasn't exactly the brightest of the bunch (which is really no surprise), because the servant posted at the door lets out a flustered squal once you step out of the room.

"Lady [Name]!" he exclaims. "Please, get back inside the room immediately! Your father specifically told me not to let you leave until you finished all your work!"

"But I have finished," you say simply.

"You... what?"

"I'm done. I solved all the problems."

You lift up the notebook and start turning pages so that he can see every question has been completely filled in.

The servant's jaw drops open.

"U-Um," he splutters nervously. "That is... well, I mean... I-I myself am not educated enough to review these, so I will need to get your father's opinion on this matter. Please, wait right here!"

He runs off without a moment's delay, and soon enough, you hear a loud voice booming across the hallway.

"...what do you mean she's already done?"

Your father must think you're trying to pull a fast one on him, because he seems just about ready to explode when he storms up to you. He even shakes his fist in frustration. Not with the intention of hurting you, but more to say, seriously? You're really going to try this shit with me?

[Name], I'm not even a little amused," he scowls. "I thought I made it very clear that you are not to leave this room until you finish all the work I've assigned you!"

"I really have completed all the questions, though," you insist, handing him the notebook. "Here. Please take a look. I wanted you to check my answers in case I made any mistakes."

He scoffs derisively and snatches the notebook from your hands, clearly prepared for disappointment. "Just to be clear, I meant that you need to solve them. As in, answer all the questions properly. You can't just scribble random nonsense and call it a day-"

He stops rambling mid-sentence. You watch, rather amused, as his eyes dart across the pages you've filled in. All of a sudden, he isn't bitching you out anymore, and you have a pretty good feeling why.

"They're... they're all correct," he mumbles in disbelief. "But how is this possible? You're just... you've always been so..."

Stupid? Tactless? A complete waste of a character?

"...so bad at studying!" he exclaims.

Ah. It looks like he decided to go with a milder insult. What a considerate father he is.

"I've worked really hard," you state matter-of-factly. "I feel horrible about letting you down, and I want to prove I'm capable. From now on, I intend to be disciplined and driven, every single day."

Your father takes several steps back, and he raises his hands defensively, looking as though he's just seen a ghost.

"S-Something isn't right..." he mumbles, visibly pale. "You, there! Are you positive [Name] never left the room? Is it possible she snuck out at some point and got someone to solve these questions for her?"

The servant furiously shook his head. "I assure you, my lord, I was right there standing watch the whole time! Nobody entered or left the room. I swear on my life."

Even though he was clearly trying to be reassuring, it seems his words have had the opposite effect.

Your father looks even more distraught.

[Name], what's the matter with you?" he asks in a hushed, almost fearful tone. "You're acting strange. Even your mother was saying that you didn't quite seem like yourself the other day."

He's suspicious. And why wouldn't he be? You're not his actual daughter. In fact, you're an entirely different person - from a different reality, at that.

Perhaps most people would say the smartest thing to do is play the role you've been given. To emulate the villianess, [Name], and do your best to convince everyone that you're the same insufferable scumbag they've always known.

And if you had been transmigrated into virtually any other body, that's probably what you would have done.

But living the way [Name] did -by making enemies left and right- is a recipe for disaster. You've already seen her story play out, and you know how it ends.

In horrible, painful death.

So, yes. You're not exactly being subtle about your approach. People are bound to notice that you're not an abusive brat all of a sudden. They're going to be flabbergasted by your behavior, and it's practically unavoidable.

You've already decided how you want to live in this world. Here, you will completely rebrand the woman known as [Name], and you will rid yourself of this miserable 'villianess' status. It's unfortunate that your parents can't seem to recognize their own daughter, but they'll just have to come to terms with it.

From now on, you're [Name.]

And so, you smile.

"I apologize, father. I understand why this change must be shocking to you. But I realized recently that I want to build a different kind of life. I'm ashamed of the way I've behaved until now. It's time for me to grow up and start doing things differently. This is a promise I made to myself."

Both your father and the servant still appear to be visibly stunned. Well, it's not exactly the kind of transformation that's easy to swallow, you suppose. It's basically the equivalent of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

"I promise to work very hard from now on," you say. "I'll show you that I can find a respectable man to take Alistair's place, and I'll keep up with my studies as well. If I do a good job and prove I am serious about this, will you forgive me for ending this engagement?"

Your father struggles to find the words. "I-I suppose and that would be acceptable, but-"

"Great! Again, I really am sorry about what happened. But everything will work out in the end. You'll see."

Befor ehe cn even think of a response, you've already taken to happily skipping down the hallways, humming a tune as you do.

He blinks repeatedly.

"What in the world just happened?"

Since you completed all your work, as promised, your father leaves you alone for the rest of the day. It turns out that neither of your parents in this world is particularly strict. Certainly not as strict as your real parents, at least. Well, they died a few years back, which you figure is probably for the best, otherwise they'd be mourning your absence right about now.

Anyways, the Alistair situation seems to have been resolved. As long as you prove that you can excel academically, and you eventually marry some other rich, successful man, it sounds like your family will leave you to your own devices.

Now, you finally get to do the thing you've most been looking forward to.

"Let's get out of town!" you exclaim.

Fiona, who you've since learned is your designated personal maid, tilts her head to the side while folding some sheets into a drawer.

"Into town, my lady? Are you sure it would be alright for you to do that? I worry your father might get awfully upset again..."

It hasn't been long since you've awoken in this world, and naturally, she's still quite afraid of you. Still, you can tell that she's slowly starting to let her guard down. At first, she was visibly confused and probably thought that you were putting on an act, but it seems like she's starting to realize that you've geuinely changed for the better.

"I finished all the work he gave me," you beam. "He seemed really surprised I managed to answer every question correctly, and in such a short time too. I asked him if I'm allowed to leave the manor, and he said I could."

Seriously. You're definetly not complaining about it, but your parents don't really know how to put their foot down and give you a proper punishment. You figured you would basically be under house arrest after breaking up with Alistair.

It's really no surprise that the villainess turned out to be a spoiled brat.

Fiona stands up and dusts her apron off. "Th-That's very impressive, Lady [Name]. I had no idea you were so smart."

There's a pause, and then she lets out a gasp, having just realized what she said.

"I-I didn't mean to say that I thought you were unintelligent!" she insists. "I always knew that you were smart, but um... um... I just didn't know you were extremely smart! R-Right. That's what I meant. Please don't... please don't be upset with me..."

She whimpers, shoulders trembling uncontrollably. Unfortunately, it looks like you still have a long way to go before she feels comfortable around you, and doesn't live in constant fear that she'll be punished for saying the wrong thing.

"Don't worry, I know what you meant," you chuckle. "I take no offense to it. Besides, it's completely understandable that you would be shocked. My father certainly was. I have to admit, I wasn't exactly working hard before. I didn't put much effort in. But now that I'm actually taking things seriously, it shows."

Fiona lets out a sigh of relief. "O-Of course, my lady. It's very cmmendable that you've decided to put in your best effort."

"Anyways, long story short, my father agreed to let me go out. Since I want to head into town, would you mind accompanying me? Even though I have permission to leave, he still doesn't want me going all by myself. ANd I'd definitely prefer to take you over someone else."

"You'd... prefer to go with me?" Fiona blinks, incredulous.

"Of course! I know you the best out of everyone, so you're obviously my favorite," you happily state.

Fiona takes a few moments to let your words sink in, and it semms like she must be pretty flattered, because she makes a shy face and blushes fiercely.

"I-I'm honored that you would say that," she mumbles, still too flustered to look you in the eye.

Oh my god. She's so cute! I just want to hug her and squish her cheeks.

"If you'll have me, then I'll gladly accompany you," she nods. "Please let me know if there's anything I need to bring along. I'll pack everything into a bag."

"Don't worry about tht. I'm not bringing anything with me. I just want to go out for a little stroll around town and stretch my legs."

You're not really lying. It's not like you have anything specific in mind, but ever since you got here, you've been wanting to explore as much as you can. After all, it's not every day you get reincarnated into a fictional world. You figure it is time to let you inner fangirl out.

And so, with Fiona at your side, you hop into a carriage and take a quick trip to the center of town.

"... holy shit, it looks even cooler than I thought it would!"

You're so excited that you accidentally voice your thoughts aoud, but thankfully, Fiona doesn't think much of it. Considering how crazy you've been acting lately, she doesn't really dwell on most of what you say.

Anyways, you're actually here! It's kind of amazing when you think about it. There's so much of this world that you have yet to explore - all sorts of places that you saw in the game - and it's unreal that it's all right within reach.

It's not like your old life as horrible or anything, but you have to admit that this new one is endlessly more exciting.

Well, setting aside all the different ways you could die, of course.

Fiona offers you an encouraging smile. "Lead the way, my lady. You've worked really hard, so you more than deserve this break."

Honestly, you wouldn't consider doing a few pages of math problems that hard, but you'll take the praise regardless.

It goes without saying, but you don't really know where you're going. There are a few spots that you caught glimpses of while playing the game through the heroine's point of view, but this world obviously has a lot more to explore than what was shown.

Good thing you've got no place to be.

"Let's go there," you point excitedly, "and also there. After that we'll stop by there. Oh! And it looks like they've got all kinds of food stands scattered about. I want to try everything. Even if it seems like I'm about to puke, please dont try to stop me. I'm willing to take the risk."

Fiona stammers out a few protests as she desperately tries to keep up with your breakneck pace. You could certainly afford to take your time, but you want to see as much of the town as possible. There's a bunch of other places you want to visit too. It's hard to pace yourself when this is such an incredible-

"Thief! That man stole from me! Someone stop him!"

You turn around in a hurry, and sure enough, some guy is sprinting down the street as if his life depends on it. He's holding a big brown bag filled to the brim with fruits and vegetables, it seems. A petty theft, but a theft nevertheless.

Hold on, isn't this the perfect opportunity? If I step in to catch a thief, surely your horrible reputation will have to improve.

A smile spreads across your lips. What luck! It looks like you'll be able to demonstrate your endless generosity even sooner than expected.

Fiona starts pulling on your arm. "Lady [Name], please be careful. We should get out of the way and-"

"Halt, thief!"

Ignoring Fiona's protests, you step into the middle of the street and stand there with your hands squared upon your hips. You're still a noble, after al. Your words and actions carry a lot of weight around these parts. He'll have to think twice about stealing.

Except your act of bravery doesn't exactly go over the way you planned, and instead of being intimidated by your authoritative presence, the thief grits his teeth.

He also pulls out a knife.

"Get the hell out of the my way, bitch!"

Oh, balls.

It looks like you mght have bitten off more than you can chew. Fiona outright screams at the sight of the man charging straight towards you, knife pointed outwards, and she pulls you back so hard that you trip and fall to the ground.

There you lie, helpless and vulnerable, but fortunately, you are spared.

"...I'd avise you to stop running while I have both of your legs."

It takes a moment for your disoreintation to fade, but you swear you hear the sound of a sword being drawn.

Hardly two seconds later, the knife the thief was holding is knocked onto the ground, mere inches away from you.

The thief has been apprehended.

"Are you alright, my lady?"

Someone approaches you. It's a man, but the sounds of it, and the same one that just spoke earlier. You groan weakly. It certainly wasn't a pleasant fall, but you're glad Fiona acted in time, otherwise you might not have evaded the thief's knife.

"Here," the same man says, offering you his hand. "Allow me."

"Oh, thank you."

You blink away the fuzziness in your eyes and reach up to grab the man's hand. His grip is strong, and he pulls you to your feet with ease.

Finally, you meet his gaze.

And all the blood drains from your face.

"You're not hurt, are you?" he frowns, examining you for any possible injuries. "What you did just then was incredibly reckless. You never know whether or not these criminals are armed, not to mention that a young lady such as yourself shouldn't be taking on that kind of risk. Please be more careful from now on."

You didn't know how to respond. Try as you might, the words just won't form.

This man... you know him. In fact, you know him shockingly well. Having played through the game for hours on end, you couldn't possibly forget his face, not even if you tried.

His name is Carmine Mortis, he's a knight, and he is yet another one of the heroine's love interests.

But if things go wrong...

He is also the man who will publicly execute you.

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🗡️ main masterlist! ♡ character appearances

[i-lost-my-heart-in-republic-city]

Only villains are allowed to be complex in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender

I had a major issue with the treatment of the original gaang in natla and I think it has to do with character flaws. As in, they don't have any.

In the case of Aang, other characters keep telling him that he can't ignore his responsibilities but when do we ever see him actually do this? When does he seek out distractions to avoid his duties, like penguin sledding, or riding elephant koi, or hiding in a cave? Hell, the reason he gets trapped in the iceberg is changed. In natla he was only going out on a short flight with Appa and gets caught in a storm. In the original he ran away, and it's understandable because he felt alone and out of control of his life. But it is still a choice he makes, to run away from his responsibilities, and he has to deal with the consequences.

In natla there is no choice to run away, it's fully an accident and it takes away his agency as a character. So when Bumi starts blaming him for the war it really rings hollow because it was all an accident. It has more weight when a random fisherman blames him in atla because at least in that version he did make a choice to runaway. Obviously he had no way of knowing what would happen and he never intended to abandon the world to genocide and war. But that's the thing about life, you never know the full consequences of your decisions, and you just have to deal with them when they happen. The war is not Aang's fault, but he did make a bad decision, and it had far reaching consequences. It made Aang's character more relatable and gave him a starting place from which he could grow as a character. He had to learn how to accept responsibility for his actions without blaming himself for the actions of other (i.e. Sozin starting the war).

I feel like in the case of Katara, they stripped her passion and anger. They explored Katara's PTSD but they take away how angry it made her. Anger is a totally normal response to trauma. While letting yourself be consumed by anger is obviously bad, anger can also be channeled into passion and energy to enact positive change. This was a big part of Katara's character in atla, learning how to control her righteous indignation and use it to fight for the rights of other. She has none of that anger here, so there is no character growth and no emotional connection to the character through that arc.

This especially falls flat in her 'feminist arc.' She fights with Pakku but there is no anger, no fire in her. In atla at the end of the fight, even though she was pinned down and had clearly lost, she was still going. She was almost feral. Even though she was worn out, her passion of fighting for what is right still fueled her. She would not give up. So I guess it's fitting natla's unpassionate Katara just falls down at the end of the fight. And they cut out the whole importance of the necklace, which serves as Pakku's realization on how his sexism has negatively impacted his own life. It's this realization that motivates him to reevaluate his beliefs and agree to train Katara. Which needs to happen because having a master's tutelage is what allows her to become a master herself. Alta makes it clear that she excels because of her hard work and determination along with guidance from a mentor. There's none of this in natla. They just start calling Katara a master because 'girlpower' I guess? They certainly don't show how she became so talented. But natla Katara doesn't need help from other people to grow. She's already a master. She's already perfect.

Sokka is also stripped of his flaws as well. Obviously we know he is not sexist in natla. I don't think this is inherently a bad change, but you have to understand how the sexism impacted his character in atla and adjust accordingly. In atla, Sokka's sexism is really the origin of his all his insecurities. He believes there are roles for men and roles for women. Protecting the tribe is a man's job. So when the men go off to fight in the war, he believes he must carry the burden of protecting the tribe as the oldest male. He sets himself up for failure because he places impossible standards on himself. He cannot protect and lead the tribe all by himself, especially not when he is a young child. This leads to him feeling inadequate because he cannot measure up to his own impossible standards or his idealized version of his father (who was an adult and had the support of his tribesmen).

I could still see a way to still adapt atla without the sexism. (For example Hakoda tells Sokka to look after his younger sister. He takes that to an extreme of being overprotective of the whole tribe. And we are back at him failing to met his own impossible expectations again). But natla doesn't do this. Instead it just throws in a flashback of Hakoda saying that Sokka isn't fit to be a warrior. This kind of defeats the purpose of Sokka's own internal conflict about not measuring up to his own unrealistic expectations. Now it's his father's expectation's he doesn't measure up to. This is not a bad story beat in and of itself. It works well with Zuko. But it's not Sokka's character conflict. In alta Sokka's insecurities, internal expectations, and sexism also cause him to lash out at others sometimes. He's not allowed to act so negatively in atla. So again there is no place for him to grow as a character, as he does not have these flaws.

Honestly it seems like they tired to removal all negative character traits from the main characters, which makes them feel more stiff and allows them no room for growth. I really wanted to like this adaptation. And I do think there are some changes they do really well. But those changes are related to the villains and they just drop the ball so hard with our main characters.

[fiddlepickdouglas]

Disclaimer: This post is an interpretation of some of the Barbie movie's themes and messages, particularly struggles men are faced with. That's its focus. It is not exhaustive of all possible takes or understandings of the film, either mine or others. If talking about men as equal human beings is a problem for you, feel free to ignore this post and then block me. Otherwise, carry on.

One of my favorite parts of Barbie is when Gloria is doing Barbie's makeup toward the end and they're talking about overturning everything that the Kens have done to Barbieland, where Barbie expresses how she just didn't expect her Ken to act out so drastically. Gloria tells her it's because he has feelings for her, hinting that creating Kendom is how he tried to express those feelings and his upset with the constant rejection he's gotten. And when Barbie starts to say she's afraid of hurting him by going behind his back Gloria stops her.

I could praise that moment alone for showing how women need to stop apologizing for the feelings of others, but this is really key: Gloria doesn't trash talk Ken. She states the bad things he did but she never equates those actions with who Ken is, because they're not. I feel like any other film would've gone the route of "He's an asshole/You don't need him/Dump the douchebag/Why do you care about him when he's treated you like this?" (and to be fair I have a huge tendency to go that way myself)

Gloria doesn't even know Ken! But she was right not to immediately act like he was garbage. I don't know if she got that understanding from Barbie herself or just from being a long-term Barbie doll lover and employee at Mattel, but it stands out to me. We even see proof that none of the Kens are truly bad! In the beginning of the film they're just dudes (Just Kens, lol, I set myself up for that)! Dudes that don't even know what they don't know and can't be blamed for it.

Because the truth is that men are not inherently trash and their actions do not come from an innately evil place. Unfortunately for men, especially in the west, society has come up short in teaching them how to deal with and properly express how they feel in favor of power and saving face. Emotions hold bigger weight than they even know, but the modes they've been allowed are generally aggression, romantic passion, and cool. Nothing outside the lines. Imagine trying to sort a giant ball of complex emotions into one of those three things and stay normal.

Gloria understands that the lack of emotional maturity and regulation is where Ken's dramatic tantrum stems from. While she has experience with the patriarchy and knows how to deal with it because of the situation in the real world, I find it fascinating that her character is the one to understand both sides because she also has experience as a matriarch. (I could be wrong, but it seems like she's the breadwinner of the household. The role of her husband I have no commentary on other than que Dios lo bendice, el pobre no se puede hablar español).

So while Barbieland agrees to barely give the Kens back any power (an extremely accurate reflection of what women get in the real world), the film and its characters ultimately don't villainize or punish them further for their wrongs. Punishment isn't always the right action when someone is wrong (insert commentary on Barbie and Ken constantly getting put in jail in the real world vs. no such thing happening in their own). Sometimes it's simply helping them understand what they're dealing with and guiding them through the ordeal step by step.

Painting the Kens as all bad would've ignored what a Ken is. He is a doll just like Barbie. Ken's issue is that he's unloved and the only form of love he has been given to accept is romantic love. What he and all the other Kens begin to discover at the end of the film is self love, which is just as important, if not more.

Now I'm going to rephrase that last paragraph.

Painting men as all bad ignores what a man is. They are humans just like women are. Most men's issue is that they are unloved and the only form of love they've been given to accept is romantic love. What the men of this world need to discover is self love, which is just as important, if not more.

[destinyc1020]

My Movie Review: "Dune: Part 2"

**Caution...May Contain Some Spoilers**

Alright alright alright y'all.....

Whew! Dune Part 2.... Where do I even begin??

Okay, FIRST of all.... FIRST OF ALL.... This movie was EPIC. Like, GRAND epic-ness. I haven't seen a movie this epic in a good while. The sound, the musical score, the acting, the cinematography, the costumes, etc... EVERYTHING was so on point! 🤯

When the end credits started rolling, I was sitting there liiiiike....

I couldn't believe what I had just seen lol... 😅 I think I was a little bit in shock and just needed to sit there and contemplate/process all that took place in this movie lol.

Let me tell you all... Love the Dune movies or hate them.... These movies are SO well-done! Idk about other Anons/fans who saw this film, but I just felt transported to a totally different world while watching it. Seeing this film in all of its IMAX glory was amaaazing! 👏🏾 I highly recommend seeing this movie in IMAX if you have the ability to.

Okay, let me get down to the nitty gritty of everybody in the film.....

The Cast First of all... Can I just say? This cast did an AMAZING job in this film as a whole. Like, EVERYONE was awesome in this. Everyone was pulling their weight, and was hitting their marks...even the background actors.... I was like, "damn!" There weren't any weak links in this film (imo).

Timothee Timothee BABAAAY....Timothee suprised me! I'll be honest, I've seen a few of Timmy's films before, but none of his roles (that I had seen) had really wowed me, you know? But Dune Part 2?? Oh...he definitely served. 👏🏾 He started off in the beginning of the movie being the same ol' Timmy I know lol....But by towards the END of the movie?? Hunny chiiiiile.... He had me believing his character was feeling his own hype lol. 😅🤣 Timothee really outdid himself with this movie. His voice didn't even sound the same towards the end of the movie. And the foreign made up language that he (and the rest of the cast) had to speak? Superb! Paul's duel at the end with Feyd was awesome (more on Feyd later). It really looked like they were fighting to the death. I'm glad the scene didn't last too long though, because it was pretty intimate and intense. Overall, awesome acting by Timothee. Loved his transformation towards the end of the movie.

Zendaya Ahhh Zendaya! 😃 Zendaya's Chani was definitely the heart of this film as most reviews say. Her character was somewhat of a cynic, but only because she wasn't a "believer". I know Z's acting has been criticized in this film online, but I actually think she did a fine job? I was impressed by her action sequences and her portrayal of Chani's anger and frustration with Paul and those blindly believing in the Maud'Dib. I was SO happy that Z had way more screen time in this movie than in the first one. I also loved how she was given some action scenes/sequences!! I think this is her first action film on the big screen? She was shooting guns, fighting, etc. I was like, "Go girl!!" 👏🏾😃 Denis seemed to have a love affair with Zendaya's face lol, because I think she got most of the close-ups in this movie lol.😅 I actually thought that she and Timmy had pretty good chemistry in the film. It wasn't "passionate" or "sexy" chemistry, but they had good chemistry nonetheless. For those wondering.....YES, there is a love scene lol.... 👀 But it was tastefully done imo.

Rebecca Whew chiiiile, let me tell you... Rebecca scared me in this movie lol. 😅 I was liiiike....

She put the "Mother" in Mother okay? LOL 😅 I always love Rebecca, she's a superb actress and infinitely amazing in EVERYTHING she's in. She had me believing she was the Reverend Mother okay? After she drank that holy life water or whatever it was, she totally changed into someone else lol. 🤣

Austin Lawwwd....this man... I didn't even recognize him onscreen okay? 😩 Austin did not come here to play, and he played Feyd Rautha beautifully. He was ruthless, cunning, yet charming, sexy, and actually had an honor code. During most of the movie, every time he came on screen, I didn't know whether to be scared or turned on... 👀🙈 The Gladiator Scene was like wow.... I always thought Austin was a good actor since "Elvis", but that Gladiator arena scene had me like: "Whoa...he's a good actor!" His acting with his eyes was amazing... Excellent job. 👏🏾 My only gripe was that he was in the movie for far too short of time! Believe it or not, I wanted more Feyd.... 😩 I'm so excited to see what's next in his career, because so far, based on what I've seen, Austin can really disappear in roles. Like chiiiile...this man.....I swear, I wouldn't have even realized it was him had it not been for his eyes and lips lol. 🤭

Florence Florence did an amazing job in the limited role that she was given. Although her role was small, her acting was on point. 🥰 Even Christopher Walken (who's the least Christopher Walken-like I've ever seen him in a role lol) was so subdued, but did a great job as well. I wish we were able to see more of Princess Irulan in scenes (I loved her costumes!), but I know she will have a much larger part in Part 3/Dune Messiah.

Javier LOL I loved Javier in this. He's always good in everything he's in. He had a much smaller role in Dune Part 1, so it was nice seeing him have a larger role in Dune Part 2. His character of Stilgar gave the film much-needed light-heartedness and some funny parts to chuckle at.

PROS

Everyone's acting was on point!!!

The movie had an EPIC vibe and really transports you to a totally different world

The music was haunting and amazing.... I LOVED "Chani's Theme"... Hanz Zimmer really created a beautiful score for this Dune World...I loved it 😊

The movie was 3 hours long, but it never felt boring to me. It was very interesting to me, and when the film credits roll, you're left thinking: "They're really gonna leave things like this???" I wanted MORE!! 😩

The film felt believable. I know it's sci-fi, but the way the film touches upon normal societal issues, it almost makes you feel that this type of world actually exists.

I loved that Zendaya had more screen time in this movie 🥰

CONS

There were just a few too many sand scenes lol... I kind of feel like Denis could have mixed up some of the scenes on different planets with the dusty sandy scenes on Arrakis. During most of the first hour of the film, I was looking at desert sand scenes like this:

ROTFL!! 🤣 Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad thing per se, and it didn't detract from the film's greatness, but if I were Denis, I would have given the audience a bit of a break from the desert scenes a little sooner in. I would have given longer breaks in btwn the desert scenes at least 30 mins in lol.

I felt like Lea Sedoux's scenes were way too SHORT! She was like the Zendaya of Part 2 lol. I don't even think she had as much screen time as Zendaya had in Part 1 lol. And Chiiiiile...I wanted to see more of her interactions with Feyd. 👀 Their chemistry was hawwwwt.... 🥵 Austin and Lea had more sexual chemistry in their 2-minute scene together than Timmy and Zendaya had in the entire movie imo ROTFL 🤣 (SORRY Timdaya fans! 😅)

Speaking of Feyd.... Denis didn't give us enough of him! I liked that he was somewhat of a complex villain. But I kind of feel like it would have been nice to have seen a bit more about his background (like, why did he kill his mother??🥴), or know what makes him tick. 🤔

I think it would have been nice to have seen longer scenes with Timmy and Austin together, but I haven't read the books, so maybe they only meet once and that's for the knife fight lol. 😅

It would have been nice to have seen more of Anya in this film, but she will more than likely have more of a role in Dune Messiah.

Overall.... Amazing film. 😊 I know I'm going to have to watch this movie at least a second time to really process everything.

OVERALL SCORE: 8/10

😁

[blackberry-bloody]

Meet my ocs: Mibium

This is going to be a new written "series" that I will be doing for each of my characters.

This is meant more to be silly and give a twist to an "into post" for ocs. So it's not meant as a "serious" whump piece.

Italics= narration and action

Regular= oc speaking

Bold= the interrogator

Please enjoy the first of several!

CW: brief implied unreality if you squint (being told something is a dream when it's not.), drugging (At the end), character death (mentioned, not described)

Mibium groaned blearily as he was slowly pulled from his sleep, reluctantly opening his eyes. Once he did though, he realized he was not in the same place he’d fallen asleep. Which, realistically, should have sent him into a panic. But he’s been through this sort of thing far too many times. Looking around he was in a decently sized, if incredibly plain, room. On the ceiling was a single lit bulb shining down on a metal folding chair. The chair was facing a wall that looked to be made of a mirror. He stood up and cautiously walked over to the seat, and sat down. The metal creaking under his weight. The sound of a speaker turning on made his attention shift to the wall.

“Hello?”

Hello!

“What am I doing here?” He fidgeted with his hands resting in his lap.

You’re still asleep. Don’t worry about it.

“Uh… No? This feels far too real to be a dream…”

You’ve had far more realistic and vivid ones though, haven’t you?

“I suppose you’re right.” A chill runs down his spine thinking about those nightmares…

So, with that out of the way. I wanted to ask you some questions. 

“Ok, shoot, I guess? An interview-” He glanced around the room. “Well… Interrogation? With my subconscious? Sounds interesting…”

Let’s start with some easy stuff. What is your name?

“Well my given name Is Mibium. And most angels don’t feel the need to have last names. But for work and socially I’ve been going by Mibium Martins.”

An Angel you say? What kind of angel?

“Two kinds actually… While I never got the chance to know them, one of my birth mothers was a guardian, and my other was a healer. Though I take after my guardian mom more.”

 And what about your adoptive parents? Your Siblings?

“Well… They were busy a lot of the time. But did their best raising me and my three siblings. Like most nests, there were three of them. But we were a rowdy, and powerful, bunch.I have one older brother, one younger brother, and one younger sibling.” He gets a pained expression. “I wonder how they’re all doing now… It’s been so long since I’ve seen them…”

Oh? And why’s that?

He tensed, shifting uncomfortably in the too small chair. “I’m a fallen.There’s no going back after that. And before that I made… A lot of mistakes.” He shakes his head. “But none of that matters now. I’m happy here. End of story.”

End of story indeed.

“What?”

What?

… “Next question please…”

Oh, right. How old are you?

“Angels age a little differently than humans, but I’m in my early 30s. But If I have to give a human age, I say I’m 32. And I celebrate my birthday on October 1st.”

How would you describe your gender and orientation?

“I’m a cis man. And I do tend to prefer masc presentation, but I’m not uncomfortable with a more feminine presentation. And I use he/him pronouns.” He took a breath before continuing, “As for orientation, I am gay.”

Any significant relationships in your life, aside from family, you feel like sharing? Romantic or otherwise?

“Oh geez… Well, there’s really three major people who’ve had an impact. One for the worse, one for the better, and one without even knowing.” He reached up to his feather earring and tenderly ran his hand over it. “Azzie, was my first crush and childhood best friend. But… I made a mistake. And it cost him his life.” His hand drops back into his lap. “Which led to me ending up as Octavian’s guardian. And that man… Has had far too much an impact to briefly discuss… But on the other hand, I am now in a place where I am happily in a relationship. With another demon named Dayzel.”

What do you do for work?

“I work as a teacher! I work at a highschool teaching French, and helping run the drama club. Though of course I disguise myself as best I can.”

How would you describe yourself physically?

“Um…” He glances down at himself. “I guess most noticeably, I’m pretty tall. I’m 7-foot-2, which tends to raise some eyebrows. I am a bit more broad shouldered, and a good bit of muscle. I have blonde hair down just past my shoulders. Um… I have purple eyes? Some facial hair… And, while I usually keep them covered, I have a few tattoos.” He looks back into the mirror. “Does that suffice?”

Yes. Thank you for your time Mibium.

Mibium nodded into the mirror and closed his eyes, waiting to wake up after such a weird dream. But he cracked an eye open again, hearing an odd hissing sound. Before he could locate the source, he felt a sharp jab in his shoulder that made him jump with a shout. He reached behind him and pulled out a small dart. Then he was hit with another. And another. Before he could even register what was happening. He suddenly felt woozy and his movement slowed, before he slumped back in the chair, yet again unconscious.

[cagedchoices]

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. STATS - REVAMPED

NOTES: Based on the stat system used in Fallout: New Vegas.

STRENGTH - Strength governs how much weight can be carried as well as how effective melee attacks will be. I put Caleb's strength at a 5 because he can carry about average weight (200 if I remember right?). Melee weapons are definitely not a specialty of his.

PERCEPTION - Perception covers the skills of Explosives, Lockpick, and Energy Weapons (i.e. laser & plasma pistols/rifles) and determines the range that red compass markings show up on the HUD to indicate enemy threats. Caleb's perception is decent but it's not something he invests a ton of attention into.

ENDURANCE - Endurance is a measure of overall physical fitness, providing bonuses to the number of Health Points, Environmental Resistance, and the Survival and Unarmed skills. Caleb was former military and so remembers the importance of staying fit and using his body efficiently. He’s also resilient in that he can take quite a beating before it really starts to slow him down. Unarmed fighting, it’s not his preferred style of attack but he’ll just about get the job done. He's also not human so none of that stuff I said about being fit *really* matters anymore but. Yknow. Not like he knows that.

CHARISMA - High charisma will increase the base disposition of other characters, and governs the Barter and Speech skills. I put Caleb's at a 6 because he demonstrates quite a few characteristics that people find desirable and as a result he can often persuade or reason with them. However, he’s not all that good at lying or deception so I figured I shouldn’t put it *too* high. Because he is bisexual, he takes the Confirmed Bachelor & Lady Killer perks, collectively dealing +10% damage to any human opponents in combat and opening up unique speech options.

INTELLIGENCE - Intelligence is tied to the Science, Repair, and Medicine skills. While Caleb is frequently the last to know something in terms of raw intellectual conversation and he’s not about to spit out some super scientific word salad the way a typical player character would, he is more intelligent than a lot of wastelanders in the world and possesses a lot of pre-war knowledge lost to the sands of time. He’s well-versed in repairing weapons and administering first aid when necessary. Can’t hack computers for shit, though.

AGILITY - Agility affects the Guns and Sneak skills, as well as the number of Action Points (AP) available in V.A.T.S. Caleb generally doesn’t use V.A.T.S, but he does use Guns a lot with his preferred weapon being a 10mm Pistol or an Assault Rifle for a little heavier firepower.

LUCK - High luck increases all skills slightly and improves the chance of scoring a critical hit with all weapons. Both of these factors are why Caleb's luck is his highest stat.

STRENGTH: 5

PERCEPTION: 5

ENDURANCE: 6

CHARISMA: 6

INTELLIGENCE: 5

AGILITY: 6

LUCK: 7

SKILLS (at level 1 & [level 5])

Barter - 18 [28]

Energy Weapons - 16

Explosives - 16

Guns - 33 [51]

Lockpick - 16

Medicine - 31 [44]

Melee - 16

Repair - 31 [44]

Science - 16

Sneak - 18 [20]

Speech - 18 [28]

Survival - 18 [20]

Unarmed - 18 [20]

Tagged Skills: Guns, Repair, Medicine

PERKS

Confirmed Bachelor - In combat, you do +10% damage against male opponents. Outside of combat, you'll sometimes have access to unique dialogue options when dealing with the same sex.

Lady Killer - In combat, you do +10% damage against female opponents. Outside of combat, you'll sometimes have access to unique dialogue options when dealing with the opposite sex.

TRAITS

Logan's Loophole - No one's going to put you out to pasture 'cause you're going to stay young (and level 30) forever! You'll never again become addicted to chems, and they'll last twice as long... but after 30 you can kiss experience, perks, and skill points goodbye!

[sneakysmediacorner]

WOW i had no idea there were SO MANY dune books. the audiobook folder i downloaded only contains the first 6 books that i understand had been fully written by the original author... i don't know if i'm up to the challenge of even those first six, but i'll give book 2 a chance now that i've finished book 1. some thoughts below:

first of all, i have to make a note of how the phrase "tried to swallow in a dry throat" showed up two or three times more after my last post, lmao. i'm genuinely wondering if herbert intentionally reused it so much or if he thought it wouldn't be so noticeable.

i find it interesting how much of the novel concerns itself with emotion, supressing emotion and mastering over your instinctual/emotional impulses in order to take the "logical" course of action. the test which opens the book defines humanity as the ability to accept short-term suffering for the sake of long-term benefit, and specifically the ability to withstand pain, to master your body's instinctual reactions... and this ability is the most prominent trait of both paul and jessica, who both come across as emotionally repressed to the extreme - or maybe it would be more accurate to say they are able to repress or release their emotions at will, putting their grief off for a more convenient time. i suppose this mastery of mind over body gels with the way baron harkonnen's flesh is consistently emphasised. when alia meets him she comments on his body being growing so much it is unable to bear its own weight any longer, which in this framework would be - well, not really a mastery of body over the mind, but rather a perversion of the body's function? it goes without saying of course that this usage of fatness as shorthand for self-destructive lack of self-control is extremely fatphobic and harmful

but i suppose my biggest frustration while listening was that no theme really carried through the entirety of the narrative. this "mind vs body" dualism certainly rears its head a lot when it comes to various characters, but it's not really expanded or elaborated on enough to make any concrete statement or observation. The same can be said for the way herbert stresses the importance of envinvironment - the concept of "desert power" is obviously a crucial plotpoint, and there IS a very compelling statement being made about how underestimating groups who live in extremely difficult conditions on the basis that "they cannot have achieved anything noteworthy in these circumstances" is a foolish thing to do. the point is very well made when non-fremen groups are routinely overwhelmed by fremen technology, stategy and battle prowess, but again - this isn't really developed in the book past that initial subversion of expectations.

the treatment of fremen is a mixed bag for me in general. on one hand, they give off an air moral purity or at least nobility, with their ironclad codes of honour and the claim that rape supposedly isn't a thing in their society?? (i'm not sure how much the reader is intended to take this at face value and how much it's just supposed to be stilgar making a vague statement to ease jessica's mind). but on the other hand, they're shown to be violent and proud beyond reason, and it takes paul's rousing speech to make them give up on an ancient custom that would be incredibly pointless and self-injurious in the given situation. i wonder if this was meant to show the fremen in a balanced way, as a society with its own faults and benefits, but to me at least, it lacks depth and just comes across as two different stereotypes at once*. i think i would have been more convinced if we got to know any individual fremen more extensively and got a feel for how they think, why they act the way they do. none of the fremen characters really get much of an internal life - if i remember correctly, the most we get is a brief look into chani's POV.

this is a complaint i have with most of the characters though, even paul and jessica, whose inner lives are explored the most. those two are simply so logic-driven that their choices reveal very little about who they are as individual people. paul especially is an odd main character. so much of his person seems to be meant as a look into how a long-foretold messiah would function on the personal level, but he is so focused on his goals that, really, he isn't much more than the messiah mask. the pretty huge timeskip in the middle of the narrative doesn't help - he falls in love, has a child and rises to fame and power off-screen, when those experiences, had they been shown on paper instead of told in retrospect, could have been a much-needed glimpse into the emotional, human side of him. his love for chani feels particularly unconvincing, given that it seems to be founded entirely in visions of the future where they are together.

one more thing about the emotionless, perfect beni gesserit logic that drives paul and jessica - it's that well-known writer's dilemma having to convince your audience that a character is very, very, very very smart. this intelligence (in all the smart characters, not just paul and jessica) often manifests itself in a character picking up on the subtle implications of another's speech. i'm not just talking about the intonation and inflection of voice - here, herbert has an easy time because it's very easy to just write that someone's voice betrayed hesitation only to the finely trained ear - but of characters picking up on each others' phrasing, omission, the inclusion or lack of titles, formalities and so on. this is a bit more tricky - the readers are given the same information as the characters, so we the readers are able to directly judge the accuracy of the characters' judgements. i do think herbert does a good job of writing these subtle dialogues and actually including these hints of meaning, but i can't say it was totally convincing a hundred percent of the time. there were definitely conversations where i ended up thinking jessica or paul or whoever was making a huge reach in reading into the way something was phrased.

i'm very intrigued by the scene herbert chooses to end book one with - that of jessica affirming her and chani's importance despite their official titles as concubines. this was always a prominent part of jessica's character, but it didn't feature much outside of her private thoughts - but the choice to end on it implies that it's an important theme. i have to say though, i can't really see how it would connect to the story at large. but i am intrigued.

i also love the writing by princess irulon beginnning every chapter. a few chapters in and you realise that this woman must have written dozens of books at least - it feels like she must have written a book about muad'dib for every stage of education! it serves to build up the anticipation with regards to paul's growing legend of course, but it also makes you curious about this princess who doesn't show up until well towards the end of the book - only to find out that this prolific outpouring of writing stems from her being privately abandoned by paul. another big point in favour of the final scene.

all in all, i think the worldbuilding of arrakis and the way it's slowly revealed - the worm riders, the fremen plan to change their planet and the social customs resulting from water scarcity - is dune's strongest suit, though the epic political conflict is also pretty interesting. i'm compelled in principle by the story of paul the muad'dib, by his rise to power and by the tension between his identity as an individual and his ever-expanding legend, but this plot thread doesn't really deliver on its own premise.

*this isn't even getting into the loaded way herbert uses arabic or vaguely arabic or arabic-adjacent phrases and aesthetics. the use of "jihad" rings as particularly problematic in light of how american and world politics developed decades after herbert's death

[pastelwitchling]

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

⭐⭐.75 stars

Wow. I'm struggling to remember what I just read. In all honesty, I thought I'd be furious after I finally finished, but I'm just tired.

So here's what I liked about the book:

- The main characters. I really loved Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas.

- Silas. I know I mentioned him earlier, but he deserves another note all to his own.

- The action scenes. They were really well-written and exciting, and I like that Elisabeth wasn't some master swordswoman from the beginning. It felt like she really earned the weapon throughout the story.

- Silas.

- The friendship between all three of them.

- Silas.

- Also, the climax at the end in the library. The books, all the sacrifices from so many characters, even the whole scene when Valentine summoned Raziel, this glowing otherworldly being, as our badass teenage female main character fought to stop him, and then the way Raziel scoffed at Valentine for being a weak mortal, way in over his head and tried to kill him was pretty cool...

Oh. Sorry, that's The Mortal Instruments. I don't know how I got those two mixed up. I meant the whole scene when Ashcroft summoned Archon, this glowing otherworldly being, as our badass teenage female main character fought to stop him, and then the way Archon scoffed at Ashcroft for being a weak mortal, way in over his head and tried to kill him. My bad.

- The epilogue.

- Silas as a cat. Favorite thing.

Things I hated:

- The COMPLETE lack of world-building. Name it; the libraries, the towns, the manors - we don't get more than two chapters in every place, and NONE of them are properly described in a way that feels remotely immersive or real. I have no idea what the library in Summershall looked like, and when she goes to the city? That's a laugh; it's Victorian London. There isn't a single difference. The time setting is all over the place, the only magic happens occasionally in the sorcerers' homes and the final climax, and while the grimoires were clearly inspired by the ones in the Restricted Section from Harry Potter, which could've been amazing, there is NONE of the character. We're just TOLD what the books are like and what they do instead of getting to see or hear any of them, and for a book that FOCUSES on these grimoires, it seems like if you were going to put any extra effort in giving life to one aspect of the book, it would be the libraries.

- Nathaniel and Silas are the sole sources of comedy we have in this book. Everything feels very much like, "This sounds funny, doesn't it?" and no, it doesn't. It's a good thing Elisabeth is such a brilliant, brave character because my god, her humor makes me wince.

- This book clearly should've been a series, because there are waaaaaaaaaaaay too many plots going on, too many places that we don't spend any time in, too many characters that we don't get to know before they're gone again, and that's what's so infuriating about the book as a whole. There is so much potential for every one of these places and relationships, but instead of establishing any of them, we're there for a chapter or two, and then we leave. When Elisabeth kept referencing past events in the last third, I was struggling to remember any of them because there were just way too many inconsequential characters and places that were never thoroughly described anyway.

- Nathaniel and Elisabeth's romance. Here's the thing. The author apparently came out with a disclaimer on goodreads that the romance was only a subplot, and not the main focus. Fine, you can do that, but if that's your plan, you have to a) establish all the other places and characters Elisabeth runs into. All of them have to be immersive, have to feel real, have to have some meaning instead of just something else on the page so that we feel the weight of her journey as an individual. And b) you have to understand then that the romance can't be rushed when it does come. You can't have an entire 2/3rds of Nathaniel and Elisabeth never talking, never even really being around each other, and then have them willing to give up the world for each other. And guess what? You didn't do either of those two things.

You had them barely have any conversations, and then Nathaniel was ready to give up "everything, anything" for her, and it doesn't make sense. They didn't have any chemistry. If you insisted on having a romance, you could've cut out the cringey kiss and all the "tension" that wasn't even there, and kept everything else. Then at the very end, in the epilogue, they could've kissed and THAT would've been the start to their relationship, which would've felt more earned because they were clearly close friends first that went through a lot together at fought at each other's side. As it stands, it felt like you either wanted the romantic storyline but didn't know how to build up to it, or didn't want it at all but figured it should be there because... guy and girl. I don't know, it didn't work.

- The whole thing about the libraries demonizing all sorcerers makes no logical sense. They have grimoires on EVERYTHING. How do they claim to be the "wardens" of literal knowledge, and yet feel so differently than an entire town does? I mean the town clearly is indifferent to them at worst and idolizes them at best, and yet even the library IN THAT TOWN has archaic beliefs about magic? Even with all the access they have to history books and the truth? It just felt like plot convenience.

- The weird man vs woman thing that came up a few times when it clearly didn't make sense either. Like in the scene with this physician. She gets him alone, rambles about how the owner of the house and the town's most highly-esteemed sorcerer is actually plotting something evil, she catches sight of her reflection and ADMITS she looks sick and unhinged, violently grabs his arm and hisses at him, and then when he doesn't believe her and says she's suffering from delusions, she says "yes, of course, this was just another man unwilling to hear what he doesn't want to hear from a girl."

Ummm. NOOOO? He thinks you're crazy because you LOOK and SOUND crazy. You didn't present the truth well at all. And I know that this is a legitimate issue of the time (I'm assuming, since again, the book does such a terrible job at presenting whatever time period we're supposed to be in; I know it's the 1800s, but what does that mean in a high fantasy, WHICH IS WHAT THIS IS?), but the author didn't show the right scene for that at all. This isn't a guy unwilling to listen to you because he thinks you're a stupid girl. It's a guy unwilling to listen to you because you look sick and you're throwing claims around about a highly-respected person in society. AFTER YOU'VE WOKEN UP FROM SUPPOSEDLY PASSING OUT. It's just a weird addition that comes in maybe two more times in the whole book, and no, neither of those scenarios make any sense for it either.

- The books gets weirdly more poetic in the second half, and it just makes things sound confusing.

- The weird attack when the grimoire gets damaged and Nathaniel thinks it's his fault when it very clearly isn't? This isn't a matter of me defending him, this is a matter of me legitimately not understanding how he even kind of came to that conclusion. It just felt like a poor way of revealing to him that he was having nightmares again. That's the whole book in a nutshell; good intentions, but terrible executions.

I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting, but like I said, I'm tired. I'm done, I'm glad it's over, onto something else now.

[girl-of-many-fandoms]

Hiiii, i was wondering if you could write a pratrick dempsey imagine where y/n is pregnant 7 months (his wife). She is allora part of the cast of greys anatomy. although she is very pregnant she works hard, because she has a lot of fun being with her colleagues. but one day y/n forgets to take her vitamins and passes out. Thanks <3

{Ps you are great, keep gong!!! love you}

Blackout

Pairing: Patrick Dempsey x Reader

Warnings: None

MASTERLIST

-----

Working while pregnant was a challenge of it's own. You had to pee almost every five minutes, your feet would get so swollen and tight from the strain of being on your feet all day. Your back hurt from carrying the weight of twins inside of you but yet you never complained because you loved every aspect of your job

Being casted as a resident surgeon on Grey's Anatomy was the best thing that happened to you. Your husband had been apart of the Grey's family since it inception as one of the lead males in the show so when the producers approached you asking if you'd be interested in auditioning for the part you said yes

Now here you are almost four seasons later, seven months pregnant getting your hair and make up done to start shooting your scene in the 'pit'. The babies inside of you kicked and stretched as they turned to get more comfortable

"Buddy you can't kick mommy's ribs" inhaling sharply you rubbed the spot where you felt your son's feet jabbed into your ribcage, he eventually moved and settled elsewhere giving you instant relief

"Filming starts in five" one of the set directors alerted us in the trailer and the stylist finished up her touches and sent you on your way

"Look at your cute waddle" Ellen announced your presence to the group that sat waiting to get started with the scene. Smiling you walked over to your husband and squeezed his shoulders

"Hey mama, how are you three?"

"Me, tired, them, wide awake" he frowned slightly knowing that you barely got any sleep last night because of them kicking up a storm and he knows that you'd been giving it your all to push through the last few days of filming

"This is the last scene for the day, we'll be out of here soon"

The director called out to us and we made our way into the hallway that the scene is taking place. Basically yours and Eric's character are having a lovers quarrel which got the staff's attention in the hall

Standing on your marker you took a few deep breaths and the direction yelled action

"I'm an idiot!" throwing your hands up you turned to face your partner

"After everything we've been through Mark I thought you changed but I was wrong!"

"Savannah it's not what you think" Eric held onto your arm and you pryed your arm out of his grasp, for a second your vision became blurry but you quickly brushed it off ans stuck to your script

The hell?

"Really Mark because it seems to me like you still have feelings for Lexi" you pointed to Chyler and everyone looked over at her as she buried her face in the book she was holding

You head felt a bit light as you took a step forward to poke Eric in the chest

"You really are a piece of shit Sloan" your voice lowered as you walked off and the director yelled cut. He came over and told us that he wanted to run it one more time so we got back into positions to do just that

Head getting lighter by the second, Eric noticed the change in his co-star as she swayed a bit on her feet. Reaching out he ended up catching her before she could hit the deck

"Y/N's down, she fainted!" medics rushed in from the sidelines and they attended to her

Patrick knelt down by her side and held onto her hand, scared shitless at her collapsing

They'll be alright, that's the tune he kept singing in his head

----

Grogily you opened your eyes and blinked a few times to focus your vision. The first thing you noticed was the ceiling of your trailer. Confused you moved to sit up but Patrick stopped you

"Hey, you're alright" kissing your forehead he rubbed your stomach

The last thing you remember was being on set getting ready to shoot the scene again before passing out. Which now had you thinking about why you passed out

"The medics said that you passed out most likely from too much stress on your body and you not taking your prescribed vitamins" the sealed bottle of chewable gummies sat on the table mocking you

"You didn't take any yesterday and today, I know we've had crazy schedules lately but I need you to promise me that you'll take the time to take care of yourself and the babies" you could see the traces of worry still swirling in his eyes as he stared down at you, reaching up you ran your fingers through his scruffy beard

"I promise"

[husbandohunter]

Moments of Despair #1 [Genshin Impact/Diluc x Reader]

Synopsis: “The man who was on fire and realized it too late.”

(A series of works where the boys deal with the passing of their beloved).

Albedo's despair

Warnings: angst, tragedy, major character death, graphic depictions of violence perhaps

(A/n): Had these ideas for a while after reading @/serensama To Mourn series of another fandom. So much sorrow and feeling I just was inspired to write 😫

_______________________________________________

The moment you fell lifeless in Diluc's arms, he wanted to disappear.

It was raining again, he had always despised the rain. How it trickles down the slope of your cheek, like tears falling from the heavens. The sight of it mixing with your blood creating a thin stream of red rivers flowing beside him. They patter down obnoxiously because time didn't care, the gods don't care, the world didn't care. You were just a small fragile person to their eyes but to him you were his light. A candle that used to shine in his dark world was now dissipitated by the waters of reality.

Many droplets have passed and he was still holding you. Diluc could do nothing but stare. He hadn't shed any tears nor could he make a coherent sound. Perhaps it was because his tears have long run out when his father was held in the very same way. Or it was because he was heartless. He's usually told for being cold and indifferent. But the pain clenching in his chest was proof that he still had one (proof that it was still beating), much to his dismay. It would be better if he didn't.

So why can't he just look away? Your wounds, your bruised features, everything now etched so deep into the back of his conciousness that is was starting to awaken his worst nightmares. They were the source of the bile growing in his stomach. The irony stench filling up his nostrils felt so sickening. He couldn't turn away. You're dead. You're dead. You're dead. As if reality had yet to register, or maybe he refused to accept it, Diluc helplessly gazed down your body with blank and empty eyes.

"Master Diluc..."

Jean's voice called out to him pitifully. He rises up with his back turned, ignoring the stares given to him, "Leave. The knights of favonius are not needed here."

"But she's a Mondstadt citizen," The anemo user retorts, slightly taken aback by his impassive reaction, "It's my responsibility to ensure this case doesn't go unnoticed."

Unnoticed. Diluc scoffs in his mind, what a tasteless joke.

"It seems you weren't listening," he announces as his head was turned ajar so they could see the deep hatred glowing red in his eyes, "Leave. Now."

Jean's lips trembled before barely being able to say, "Alright" and retreating her knights back to the city. Kaeya narrows his gaze at his bother, the sorrow was evident through his pupils. He steps forward until he was arms length away from his brother. Too little too late, another failure was added to the belt.

Kaeya was a man of many words but for once he was at loss of what to say. No underhanded suggestions, no ideas taunting him to spill his thoughts, he simply asks Diluc, "What are you planning to do now?"

Silence. Kaeya couldn't predict what sort of expression his brother was making as he looks at your corpse. It brought a heavy weight of unsettlement upon him and here he thought he had already grown used to his brother's quietness.

Slowly, he turns around while letting the water pour down his face. Kaeya tightens his jaw as Diluc drags his feet towards him, stopping when their shoulders were parallel, "It's none of your concern."

"You're just going to leave her here?"

There was a slight pause which was enough of an answer. The Cavalry Captain sighs when he watched him walk away, what was the point of asking when Kaeya knew Diluc so well? He glances at your form before swiftly shutting his eyes.

It was his concern.

-------

A week later, the staff of the Ragnvindr household could hardly recognize their Master's appearance. They knew not to bother him when he decides to lock himself in his chambers. Diluc drowns himself with work from hours to no end as he connects the findings of the person that took your life. As expected, it was one of his enemies- a fatui member. The question was, which one?

"Master Diluc, I beg of you, please take care of yourself," Elzer pleads.

The pyro user didn't bother to spare him a glance or look at the tray of food he carried.

Food...you always brought them whenever he had to work overtime.

"I do not remember specifiying anyone to be allowed in my office," he voices aloud, "If it's related to business affairs simply leave that with Adelinde and I'll take a look at it tomorrow."

"I understand. But you've been working all day and night yet refusing to take any breaks in between. At this rate, you'll harm your health."

The feather pen in his grip kept dragging it's course, "This is beyond the duties assigned to you Elzer."

"That's because it was a request sent by your father," he adds, knowing that stepping over his boundaries may cost him, "If Master Crepus was still here, I'm sure he would have said the same thing."

Taking a deep breath, Elzer lays out his last card, "And also your wife."

The pen slows into a halt.

No one had brought you up until now. Elzer anxiously watches his Master shifting in his seat, his red bangs covering half of his face but he could still see the frown pressing firmly on his lips. It wouldn't be a surprise if Diluc suddenly bursted at him for mentioning such a sensitive topic, all that matters was his master's well being and Elzer was willing to risk everything for it. But nothing. Diluc turns his attention ever so slightly at the tray he carried.

"Fine, but I'm not eating that."

"What? Wasn't this was her favourite-"

"Do I need to repeat myself?"

Elzer furrows his brows before sighing, "...No, Master Diluc."

He exits the room while carrying the fresh dish of Once Upon A Mondstadt that you loved so much. The door closes with a soft click and he was alone again.

People found it strange how Diluc seemed so vacant to your passing. He didn't even show up at your funeral. Instead, he continues his duties as a Mondstadt nobleman like usual while taking care of business matters associated with the winery. Except those who were close to him could see the difference in his actions. Apathy, he was so mechanical in every task he did. Like a marionette attatched on strings, a doll without a soul. After all, his soul died the moment when yours did too. What remains was a shadow of Diluc and a being existing solely for revenge and duty. He was nothing but a remnant.

Fatigue begins to wash over him and he fights to stay awake. Because once he gives in it will all be over. Once he closes his eyes, he would see your face with a multitude of images from the past. He would hear your voice calling out his name from a distant space as it echoes off the walls of his mind. He would fall into a dream where you were still with him and as always, waking up to see that it was never real.

I should have pushed you away.

Because what hurt Diluc the most wasn't that you were gone, rather, it was how you were still here.

Then you'd still be-

Something breaks and it turned out to be the pen he was holding so tightly. Only now Diluc realized how fast his heart was thrumming as beads of sweat began rolling down his forehead. Focus. Don't waste time. He won't grant himself the liberty of anything when your murderer was still on the run. Every wound they inflicted on you was going to be returned in tenfold. He'll make sure of it. That's why, he refuses to think about you at all. Diluc occupies his mind with other matters since at this point, work was the only efficient method of keeping his sanity in tact.

She needs you to focus.

The door opens and Kaeya enters the room while holding a document, "We found the guy."

His reaction was immediate, "Where?"

"Hm, now that we meet, it's actually quite debateable," The captain notes wryly, "When was the last time you've gotten proper rest?"

"I don't have time for this, either you tell me or I'll do it by force."

Kaeya couldn't help but sigh, "Apologies but you don't seem to be in any state for a fight. I'm sure you know how it would end up if you were to face your enemy right now."

"..."

"Diluc, this isn't healthy," Kaeya asserts, it's been a while since he sounded so sincere, "I'm not here to prevent you from doing what's necessary however, perhaps it would be better if I finished it in your stead."

"No," Diluc stubbornly answers, "Hand that over."

"...Heh, then there's really nothing I can do to stop you it seems," he whispers with a sad smile, "At the very least, be careful."

"I intend to," The pyro user snatches the paper parchment out of Kaeya's hands before opening the window, "Also, if Elzer returns, tell him there's a few errands I have to take care of."

The night was a full moon and the sky was empty, Diluc leaps off the edge and disappears into the darkness. There was no telling of what could happen next. Since you weren't here, it was up to Kaeya to watch over him.

-------

The claymore dropped to the ground with a clang as it soaks up the blood of the fatui he just killed.

Diluc was tired, so tired.

He slumps down against the wall from pure exhaustion, all that adrenaline and hatred went up in fumes, leaving behind whatever was left in his heart: nothing. Two hours, not even that far from Mondstadt, the fatui hid in an abandoned building as he cowarded for his life. When Diluc arrived, he never expected this monster to be so weak. This was the person who murdered you? A pathetic nobody that was simply following orders? This was the reason why he lost you forever?

In the end, the only one to blame was himself, for being weak and unable to protect you. He was supposed to be your hero ("Darknight hero," you'd always tease), the rock that shields you just as you had been the warmth he longed for many years, did he give you enough? Was this enough? He thought avenging your death would grant him a peace of mind and the justice you deserved but deep down, he knew it will never be enough when it comes to his love for you.

"Diluc."

He closes his eyes, he hears your voice. He was so tired, it wouldn't be a surprise if he started hallucinating.

"Diluc."

"I'm sorry..."

The man lets out a trembled breath as he apologized to the image of you in his mind. I'm sorry I failed you. They were repeated like a mantra in hopes to reach you somehow. Of course that was impossible, his feelings, his emotions, love and sorrow altogether will never reach you again. And your arms that once comforted him and brushed his hair with a soothing voice, saying everything will be okay, where are they now?

"Diluc."

"Stop," he didn't want to hear your voice.

"Diluc, I'm here."

"Stop..."

"Diluc..."

He jolts his eyes open and lets out a yell, what was he saying? He doesn't know. All he needed now was to drown out the fake voices mocking in his head. Diluc grabs the nearest object and shatters it against the floor, the dam was broken and it flooded uncontrollably, breaking everything in it's way. The abandoned house was filled with loud cries of a man sobbing with agony like a broken-hearted child. He crumbles to his knees and falls to his side, lifting his forearms while clutching his face.

And screamed.

Archons, what did he do to deserve this? Why do the people he cherish get taken away from him? Diluc never wanted to be the Darknight hero if it meant having his father perish in his arms. He didn't want the feeling of stabs against his chest with every breath he took. He didn't want to feel cold while knowing it was because you weren't here to hold him. He didn't want your voice, your pictures or your memory.

He wanted you.

"(Y/n)..." he chokes. Rolling to his back, Diluc moves his arms to cover his eyes, letting the tears run down to his ears, "(Y/n)..."

For who knows how long, he lays there in the abandoned building and mourns. Diluc doesn't have the strength to move from his position, he found himself staring mindlessly through the cracks of the roof when his voice had gone hoarse. The corners of his eyes still burned and his head was throbbing with so much pain. Maybe he should just stay here but the thought of being in the same room as your murderer was unfathomable.

Picking up his claymore once again, Diluc drags himself out of the door. Where would he go? It's not like he had a home to return to because home was when he was with you. A doll without a soul, the marionette moves as if the strings have commanded him to do so. Where ever it takes him, he didn't care. He just knew he had to go.

[leviiattacks]

Hi, you're a very talented writer and your works are very beautiful. Can I request one where Levi's fem s/o does the ignore your boyfriend prank? Thank you so much and take care of yourself ❤️

author note :: thank youuu i’m glad you think that anon !! this isn’t good at all bc i’m just very sick and yeah,,, i’m sorry if this doesn’t live up to your expectations but i needed something to do and ended up finishing this. hmmm what is this is it fluff?? idk it’s captain levi and survey corps member reader though :-) requests are open so feel free to drop by if you’d like :D word count :: 3.4k 

you should NOT be bothering levi as much as you are because he understands you need your own space to relax sometimes

but come on... you’ve been ignoring him for an unreasonable amount of time now??

and he’s not talking about groggy ignoring, it’s not the type you do when you’ve just awoken from a restless night’s sleep

no. you’re talking to everyone apart from him.

and it’s driving him up a literal wall

did he do something wrong???

has he made a mistake so large that you’re too scared to bring it up???

are you finally sick of him??

will you break up with him?

levi winces when thinking of that specific question

but he’s the type to silently keep his worries to himself as soon as he sees any indication of a bad omen

currently, he’s mentally preparing himself for you to break the news to him any day now

but little does he know you’ve just pulled a prank hoping for him to whine and complain a little

the point of this all is to elicit an out of character reaction

;-)

the idea came from historia at first

her playing such a foul trick on ymir didn’t go unnoticed and little by little ymir’s resolve crumbled away throughout the day

she went quite literally ballistic trying to get historia’s attention

and watching it all play out made you want to try it out with levi

you’d be a FOOL not to

WELL!!!! the fun part about this is that you’re a bit actually, no. a lot, more stubborn than historia!!!

and instead of committing to the prank for a day you’ve chosen to see how far you can stretch this out

if you have to drag it out for two days so be it

you have good reason to

levi isn’t the most affectionate man, your relationship is kept a total secret from all of the cadets

meaning pda never happens

and,,, listen you would love to kiss him before expeditions without having to drag him behind your horse for cover

to be frank the back of a horse does smell rather unpleasant and it’s not as romantic as you’d like for it to be

honestly you’d rather have everyone stare and gawk in awe watching the two of you make out

seeing them put two and two together realizing what it is that’s going on between you and the captain would be hilarious

especially since reiner said last week he could never picture levi dating anyone

AND!! he even had the audacity to say he thinks someone like him would never date someone on the team

is it really not that obvious to them?

do you and levi lack chemistry?

silently fuming you walk away and even then none of the cadets get the hint

but you do think mikasa has known for a while. her senses are sharp and whenever she sees you and levi together she makes a u-turn heading in the opposite direction away from the both of you

but even if she does she isn’t going to tell anyone about it unless she’s directly asked so it’s not like the cat will be out of the bag any time soon

it’s silly getting worked up over reiner’s comments but it’s kinda disheartening having the relationship be kept a secret

and you thought even if it was there would be at least a hint of a rumour, like it should be decently obvious it’s been months since the two of you began to see each other

ESSENTIALLY, this is your plan to “accidentally” let the cadets figure it out

eventually levi will have to get restless enough to do something bold

that’s what you think will happen

but then the reality of the situation hits you at the end of the first day

he seems to be dealing with it just fine ?????

after giving him the cold shoulder he shows no signs of returning at all

...

WHY IS IT NOT WORKING???

mayday mayday mayday....?!??

red alert....?!??

you are about to bang your head against a wall he’s the one who’s meant to be suffering over this not you

but again, you’re stubborn and won’t give in easily

by the end of day one levi has approached you two times

two...

each time you’ve given him completely blunt responses

it’s frustrating you that he’s just dealing with it as it comes

and when he does speak to you it’s not to ask what’s wrong

the first time he approaches you is to ask if you’ve seen petra around which makes your blood boil a little because everyone knows petra has a big, fat, MASSIVE crush on him

you know he won’t ever reciprocate or anything for a number of reasons but you can’t help but feel annoyed

the second time he speaks to you is to ask if you’re willing to help hange out with some paperwork

??????

he doesn’t even look interested in asking you what’s wrong

honestly you would drop this plan but you’re in too deep now

may as well keep it up.

the second day rolls around and it’s not your best day

you burn breakfast

trip over a broom and hit your leg rather hard against the dining table

spill an ENTIRE cup of tea over hange’s important documents

and you haven’t slept a wink after overthinking your relationship status for hours on end

maybe this prank wasn’t a great idea

you’re hunched over the documents close to tears not knowing how you can save them now

there’s nothing you can do and even though you know hange will be okay with it, (they’ve never cared much for paperwork) you just don’t want to inconvenience them with this mess

“y/n?”

looking up you see eren standing by the doorway of the kitchen watching with a humored expression as you place paper towels over the disaster you’ve created

“captain’s looking for you.”

perking up a little internally you make sure to remain as disinterested as possible on the surface

“what does he need?”

“i don’t know he didn’t say.”

“tell him i’m busy.”

and that’s all that occurs during day two

you pass by levi and occasionally his gaze flicks to you but he doesn’t take any action to address you in public or in private

you end up going to bed even more disappointed than you were the first night

the prank definitely isn’t going the way you want and instead of it leading to levi cornering you in front of everyone and dipping you into a dreamy swoon worthy kiss it’s led to you developing doubts.

many doubts.

but you aren’t giving up any time soon, now more than ever you want to be reassured levi even wants this relationship because he’s not acting like it

it’s admittedly a bitch move on your part for pulling this prank in the first place but you expected him to ask how you were doing it has been forty-eight hours after all

if the roles were reversed you’d force him into a room until he would tell you

so you can’t explain his weird behaviour at all

maybe he doesn’t like you as much as you think

that thought makes your eyes sting at the corners

he’s always been reserved and a little lost when it comes to opening up but you’re beginning to lose hope if he finds it this hard to ask if you’re okay

drifting off to sleep before you can wallow in your thoughts any more you wish tomorrow is better

it’s the third day and to say you’re exhausted is an understatement

midday and you’re training in the sweltering heat

the lack of sleep you’ve had recently paired with your stress isn’t doing you any good

a little dizzy you attempt to hold onto a nearby tree for stability but end up somehow missing the mark by a MILE??

tumbling to the floor painfully you hiss at the collision and rub the back of your head which is now sore

footsteps approach you in a hurry and for the first time in days you’re face to face with levi

“you okay?” concern is very much evident in his voice and that eases your nerves

without you even responding he’s turning you around just to check in case

nodding wordlessly you try to get to your feet when you feel a shift.

your ankle without warning gives out on you and you’re sent crashing back down to the ground

closing your eyes and bracing for impact you’re pleasantly surprised when levi catches you by the waist

your weight is leaning onto him and you’re looking down to the floor

hange is yelling from across the courtyard telling levi to drop you off at the infirmary but he doesn’t need to be told that

his instincts do the talking for him and he’s already slung you over his shoulder and begins carrying you towards the base

“levi. put. me. down. this position’s embarrassing.”

he doesn’t respond and you can hear sasha and connie cackling at the compromising situation

swatting his back you’re huffing and puffing yet he’s still ignoring you

you’re being given the silent treatment but you suppose you do deserve it

sighing you deal with the stares you receive on the way there

this is levi and at this point nothing is seen as abnormal when he does it

you can’t really look behind you to see levi’s expression either but when a cadet walks past and mouths “y/n, what the hell did you do??” you know you’re in for it

eventually he reaches the infirmary and without even letting you get a word in he plops you onto the bed albeit a little rough

“what’s with the cold shoulder?” he places both his arms by your sides leaving you trapped

“i-”

“if you want to break up you can just say that instead of beating around the bush.”

you’re stunned by the harsh tone of his voice, he doesn’t have his usual soft timbre and your eyes glaze over in defense

“you want to break up?” your question hangs in the air

chewing at your lip anxiously you know if you bite any harder you’ll draw blood

“i don’t care. if that’s what you want, sure.”

oh.

oh no.

this isn’t going how you planned

nails digging into the flesh of your palms you hang your head low

he doesn’t care at all

if that’s what you want????? really???? that’s his response??? he won’t even fight for you???

it’s silent as he bandages your ankle and you’re burning in a mix of embarrassment and fury.

“i was just pull-” choking up in the middle of your sentence you feel yourself automatically frown

“i was just pulling a prank on you. you know how historia did with ym-“

really you’ve always been terrible at holding back your tears and a few spill over the edge and you sob

why are you like this why why why why why?????

yeah,, you get why everyone calls you overly emotional from time to time but really you swear you feel your heart shatter a little at how levi’s acting

shielding your eyes with your sleeve you cower away from him

lord have mercy.

levi wants to curl up into a ball and die from the wave of embarrassment that hits him

a prank.

a trick.

and he didn’t catch on.

and now you’re crying.

because he thought acting tough and cold in case you wanted to break up with him made perfectly logical sense???

spoiler : it didn’t make any sense...

but now it’s made him look like he hates you??

but he doesn’t hate you

no, no, no. not at all.

he could never hate you.

you’re always willing to help anyone out, you’re genuine, always say sorry even when you don’t need to, unapologetically yourself at any moment, you’re fearful yet push it all aside to be courageous and most of all he loves your little hobbies because who in their right mind actually enjoys gardening??

he’s convinced people who say they like gardening are looking for something unique to make themselves stand out but really you enjoy it and it’s quite cute

ok, ok no more getting side tracked whilst talking about your love for plants

he could name so much more he admires about you but he’d be here all day

“i tried to talk to you yesterday but after you refused i thought you hated me and wanted to break up. that’s why i was acting like that just now.” he slowly tries to explain his point to you

“i know i’m hard to love so when you began to ignore me out of the blue i figured you didn’t want to-”

cutting him off without giving him the option of finishing his sentence you’re wide eyed in horror. he was NOT meant to interpret the prank this way.

“levi?? for as long as i’m alive i’ll never get tired of you. i promise.” his heart rate shoots and the intense magnetism between the two of you becomes stronger by the second

you pause for a second gathering yourself.

“and i’m sorry i should’ve thought about how you’d feel. the reason i did it was stupid.”

levi kneels by the bed and takes your hand in his, he graciously lifts the sleeve of your uniform and ducks down to press a soft kiss onto your wrist.

your heart flutters seeing him be so careful and gentle with you and bashfully you look away

guilt overwhelms you at that moment because you really are horrible for putting him through all of that.

levi cares for you he does

he may be silent about it and not the best at being public with it but you know how he feels.

you feel it in the way he looks at you

you feel it when he helps you mount your horse

you feel it when he double checks your harnesses before expeditions

you feel it when he tends to your injuries

and, you definitely feel it right now when it sinks in that he was acting like he hated you just so you wouldn’t feel bad if you really did want to break up with him.

he’s always been bad at picking up on hints and cues so you now understand why he interpreted it as you wanting nothing to do with him

of course he wouldn’t ask how you were if it looked like you wanted to skin him alive

“what was the reason for the prank?” he inquisitively asks genuinely wanting to know what it is he can do for you

“i...” you’re wandering off and suddenly don’t want to tell him

“i wanted you to kiss me.” you whisper in a rush

he cocks an eyebrow up even more lost. “i kiss you all the time?”

“i mean, in front of everyone else.”

he blinks and his mouth forms into an “O” shape

it’s a little awkward now

he doesn’t bring it up again so you assume he doesn’t like the idea of letting everyone know just yet

and that’s okay!! you respect that!!

after all, you can’t get mad at him for it, it’s the best choice.

you don’t want people to accuse him of having bias towards you and it’ll probably upset petra and hinder her performance if her crush just suddenly starts dating out of nowhere

your gaze is back on levi and he’s now double checking the bandage on your ankle after tending to it

“you can’t walk for a few weeks.” he tsks

“be careful next time.” he’s always been blunt when he does show he cares and you warmly smile after not talking to him in days.

you feel the need to apologize again

“to make it clear i really am sorry, i should have thought more about you.”

he scoffs and rolls his eyes

“i’m overjoyed that my beautiful girlfriend doesn’t want to break up with me. now, stop moping around about it i’m over it.”

he scoops you up effortlessly and you wrap your arms around his neck.

“y/n, for the record, i’ll work on not jumping to the worst case scenario first.”

you love this aspect of your relationship

being able to understand how your flaws impact the other and choosing to make changes or adjustments

it’s sweet and you must be smiling like an idiot when thinking of it because levi blows a puff of air onto your forehead knocking you out of your daydream

feeling a little less light headed than before you notice he’s walking back out towards the courtyard

why is he doing that...?

“you’re walking in the wrong direction?”

“no i’m not.” he replies with a smug grin

oh my god

no he isn’t

oh my god

is he???

you’re bright pink in the face as you turn to look at him panicking when you hear hange’s group returning

eren can be heard arguing with jean as per usual and now you’re smacking levi’s chest even harder

“you don’t have to do this no, no, no. it’s okay really.” it’s funny how you’re begging him not to do what you’ve been waiting on for three days

but you really don’t want him to feel like he has to do this

as if he’s read your mind he replies. “i’m doing this with my own free will.”

he gives you one last grin and pushes you up against the wall, your back is against the cold yet solid surface and you tense up

oh god. it’s happening he’s diving down and it’s as if everything is moving in slow motion.

gradually you feel the familiar feeling of your heart jumping out of your chest

both of your lips mould together, he’s hoisting you up again preventing you from slipping away. hungry hands grip at your thighs and a knowing smile twitches across his mouth.

nipping at his bottom lip he groans and you nearly forget why it is he’s kissing you

that is until you hear a SCREAM from your right

“eren what the fuck are you yelling at?” jean’s voice can be heard scowling in the distance but you’re too distracted by levi’s mouth to care

eren must be speechless because nothing is heard until jean reaches the scene

“OH. MY. GOD.”

“WHERE IS REINER??? HE’S NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS.”

“you’re both overreacting.” mikasa makes her appearance and you’re not sure if she’s seen you and levi yet because your eyes fluttered shut long ago

“Y/N AND THE CAPTAIN????? WHY ARE YOU JUST STANDING THERE MIKASA??” eren’s voice sounds so distressed you guess you’re right for assuming he may have had a crush on you at some point

“it was obvious, i don’t know how no one else knew.”

finally levi pulls away and you’re panting practically gasping for any traces of air

“what you looking at brats?” levi snaps in their direction and mikasa nonchalantly shrugs and walks away

jean and eren however, dash away at LIGHTENING speed probably on their way to let everyone else know of the shocking new development

levi pecks your forehead and you nudge your nose against his.

since that day you and levi have been able to get away with a lot more pda

you can hold his hand and stare at how pretty your hands look laced together

you can nuzzle your face into his neck without any questions 

you can loop arms with him and even if he acts like he doesn’t enjoy it he genuinely does like walking around with you latching onto his bicep

although he still prefers the privacy of his office he’s more than happy to give in once in a while

and at the end of the day you’re ecstatic because there’s no more kissing behind your horse!!!

GONE ARE THOSE DAYS

wooHOO

honestly, you’re over the moon about it 

and so is levi

:-)

[iamanartichoke]

I wasn't sure if I was going to post this, but I may as well.

I keep starting to reply to things and then stopping bc the words just aren't there, and I suppose I figured out the core of what bothers me so much (and is making me have such a rollercoaster of a fan experience) about the show.

(cut for length)

It's not well-written. My opinion is my opinion, so I'm saying this subjectively, take it or leave it, but ... I feel that it's not well-written. The overall story is fine, and the plot is fine, but I don't know if it's because of the limited number of episodes not being enough to house the story, or because of the relative inexperience of the writer/showrunner+director, or both, or something else, but -

In an earlier reaction post to episode 4, I mentioned really wanting to sink my teeth into all of the subtext I picked up on. That was what made me initially enjoy the episode so much - there were a lot of little moments that I initially felt revealed so much about the characters and about Loki, and I wanted to analyze them. But at some point, as I gathered more information, my perspective changed and now I no longer want to analyze the subtext bc ... subtext = good. Subtext w/out payoff = not as good.

I'll go into more detail in a moment, but I think the tl;dr of it is that I feel like the narrative requires the audience to work way too hard to put together all of the moving pieces here and, like, I kinda just don't want to do that work? Not so much of it, and not in vain. A lot of the enjoyment of Loki's characterization is coming from fans who are rationalizing why he's behaving as he is, but the narrative never actually confirms those rationalizations. It's asking us to figure it out and maybe our conclusions will be correct but maybe they won't, though. At some point, subtext isn't enough without explicit follow-through.

I thought my issue was with the lack of character development - that is, not having enough narrative space to really earn the big things that are happening now, like Loki/Sylvie or Mobius turning against the TVA. And that's still true, to an extent; I still feel like the pacing is all very off and it seems like most of these things kinda came out of nowhere (but are not unbelievable - just undeveloped).

But, yknow, it is what it is, it's a limited series, and I can excuse some things. Ultimately, my issue isn't a problem with what the narrative isn't doing, it's a problem with what the narrative already failed to do and probably cannot recover from at this point.

The narrative has left out significant details that should at least help us do some of the work here. If a person turned on Loki and started episode 1 and had no background knowledge of the character besides that he tried to take over New York - how would that person interpret Loki? Would that person say, oh, well, he's been through X, Y, and Z, and plus A happened, not to mention B, C, and D, so really, it makes sense that he seems off-the-rails, or that he'd want to get ridiculously drunk at the worst time ever.

Maybe we'd like to believe they would, but how would they be getting to that conclusion? The narrative hasn't led them in that direction so, no, they would not say well we have to consider this, this, and that. It would be impossible to really understand Loki as a character from just what we've gotten in the series. The general audience would probably interpret Loki as being out of his element and so it becomes, I wonder how this character is going to get the upper hand here. And, while that's not wrong, it's just so limited.

The narrative at face value does not address Loki's identity crisis from Thor 2011. It does not address his hurt and devastation at being lied to, nor does it address how complicated his self-image is (bc it sucked to begin with and that was before he found out he was part of a race of "monsters," as he'd been taught his entire life). It does not reference Loki being so broken at the end of Thor 2011 that he deliberately let himself fall into the void of space (aka tried to kill himself). It does not reference that he was tortured by Thanos or even that he went through a seriously dark time in between Thor and Avengers, and it absolutely does not reference or address any influence or control of the mind stone.

These are all things that we, the fan audience, know because we've already invested our time into this character's story. But tons of people, the general audience, wouldn't know these things. Or if they did, bc they saw Thor and Avengers, they wouldn't be thinking about them as deeply as we would, nor contextualizing them with how Loki is behaving now, or why it would make sense that he needed to get drunk, or why it's understandable that he needs to keep going-going-going in order to not have a spare second to think or feel.

They'd probably look at Loki, again, as a character who was a villain and is now getting his comeuppance in a place where he has no power or control, and no literal powers, and even when he manages to escape and catch up to the variant, he proceeds to fuck up their plan for seemingly no real reason except that he wanted to get drunk bc he's hedonistic. Which Sylvie even berates him for! I mean. This is not exactly a complex character breakdown, nor a very flattering one, but that's what the narrative has given us.

(If the narrative has addressed Loki's mind control, his torture, his mental breakdown, his suicide attempt, and his general shitty self-esteem as a result of his upbringing, please point it out to me. If the narrative has explicitly acknowledged and referenced these things anywhere and I am missing it, please show me where. Please explain to me how the casual viewer would know any of these things that they need to know in order to actually understand what's happening in this story.)

So I mean, okay, we have a narrative that doesn't paint a full, accurate picture of Loki. Fine, sure. But because the general audience starts out on the wrong footing, they're not going to get out of the overall story what the writers probably intended them to. For example, in episode 3, a lot of us theorized that Loki had some kind of plan - that he broke the timepad on purpose, for some reason, bc otherwise it wasn't believable that he'd be such a failure. But episode 4 revealed that no, there was no bigger plan, Loki just plain old messed up. Which is fine if, again, one is only considering the surface-level portrayal here, but it's not true to Loki's actual characterization.

I mean. Loki is not perfect and Loki actually fails a lot, this is true. He fails for a lot of reasons, but incompetence has never been one of them. Usually it's that either things grew beyond his control, or there ended up being too many moving parts, or he had to change his plan at the last minute due to some roadblock or another being thrown his way, or even that he got in his own way - whatever the case may be for his plans' failures, he was always at least shown to know what he was doing.

That wasn't the case here. The "plan" to fix the Timepad failed as a direct result of Loki's actions, which were careless and made him seem incompetent, like he couldn't even handle this mission. "You had one job," etc. And there were pretty big consequences for this; they were not able to get off-world in time and would have been killed had the TVA not shown up at the last second.

And maybe none of these things matter bc the writers never intended any of this to be a reflection on Loki's character, positive or negative. The situation exists solely because the writers needed to put Loki and Sylvie together in some kind of hopeless scenario so that they could get closer, and thus the narrative could set up their romance. I get that - but, there were other ways to do it that didn't require Loki to look foolish.

Furthermore, the whole reason they needed to set up the romance is to show Loki eventually learning to love himself (like, figuratively but also literally). The audience is supposed to gather that Loki and Sylvie fell for one another, possibly due to the high emotional aspect of, yknow, being about to die (in addition to the variant-bond). The intent is clear: Loki and Sylvie almost die but get rescued at the last minute, having now created an emotional bond --> Loki and Sylvie team up and the narrative further establishes that Loki, at least, has caught feelings --> Loki might confess them but is pruned before he gets the chance --> he somehow survives, he and Sylvie are reunited and don't want to lose one another again, and the combined power of their love is enough to break the sacred timeline and spawn the multiverse, and the reason that the power of their love is so, well, powerful is because it's about self-love and self-acceptance as much as it is about having the capacity to love someone else. The end.

I get all that. The writers more or less said all that. And, I mean, it's certainly not the way I would have chosen to go about it, but it's a fair enough arc to explore. I don't really have an issue with the intent - but my question, however, is this: if the narrative has so far not addressed Loki's background issues (as outlined above), and has furthermore kinda gone out of its way to portray Loki as hedonistic and narcissistic, among other things (like kinda incompetent), and the context the audience starts with is that Loki's this villain who deserves what he gets -

- my question is 1, why should the audience care whether or not Loki gets to a point of loving and accepting himself (thus to make the theme of self-love, via the romance, hold weight) if they don't know that he hates himself to begin with and 2, why should the audience root for Loki to reach that point when so far the perception of him is that he's "kind of an asshole"? if he's a hedonistic narcissist, he probably already has a pretty inflated sense of himself, right? A misplaced inflated sense of himself, at that, because, again, the narrative has made him out to be not that capable of much of anything. (And it didn't start out that way! It seemed to start out with Loki being capable and intelligent but it's like episode 3, in trying to set up the romance, just jumbled it all up somewhere. I think this is why I'm harping on the Loki/Sylvie aspect so much - it's frustrating bc it kinda messes up the whole story and can't even accomplish what it's supposed to anyway.)

Anyway, that's beside the point. What I'm ultimately getting at is, at what point is the audience supposed to get invested in Loki's personal growth journey?

They can't, not really. Without understanding and having the context of everything Loki has been through up until now, and why he hates himself, and why it's so important that he learn to love himself, then the "payoff" becomes kinda pointless bc the significance of it is lost in translation. So suddenly we're left with this romance that comes off as either "Loki loves Sylvie bc of Reasons" (best-case scenario) or "Loki loves Sylvie bc he's vain, narcissistic, and kinda twisted" (worst-case scenario). Neither of these conclusions are what the writers intended or were going for, I'm positive, but there we are, regardless.

In order for the writers' intent in these storylines to land, they need to address the context of what makes these particular stakes high for Loki. So far, they haven't done that. They're asking the audience to pick up on all of these things, and they're showing things that subtextually make sense and are relatively in-character - but only if you realize there's subtext in the first place.

But you can't expect the audience to do all of the work for you. If you don't want the audience to think that Loki is a narcissistic asshole and instead you are trying to convey that, worst-case scenario, he thinks he's a narcissist but is an unreliable narrator, then you have to address that. If you need the audience to understand why you're going the selfcest route and why it's important to explore Loki's capacity to love himself and others, you have to address where that exploration is starting from and why it matters. Etc etc etc.

The narrative isn't doing any of that. And it isn't like it'd be that hard to do it. They don't need to reinvent the wheel here; a lot of the pieces are already there. A few lines of dialogue for context, a brief scene here or there addressing the issues, a little more care and consistency in how Loki handles things - these are all little things that could go a long fucking way in making the narrative stronger.

I'm rambling. My basic point is that my rollercoaster of emotions with this show is because

- as a part of the fan audience, not the general one, I can contextualize and analyze the subtext and come to the conclusions the show wants me to, and thus find the story and the characters more or less enjoyable,

- but I am also going to be using the subtext to come to conclusions that aren't there but probably should be (I think it would be a better story, for example, for Loki to confuse platonic love with romantic love bc it would pave the way to explore just how fucked up Loki's understanding of love - whether of other people or of himself, and the different forms it can take - actually is)

- and when they're ultimately not there, then I think, okay why am I bothering doing all this work just to ultimately feel very unfulfilled? They don't even have to write it the way I would, I'm not saying that, but they do have to do something to make the story feel rewarding.

If we don't get some confirmation of what Loki's been through, and where his headspace is, and why it matters for him to love himself, then the story remains pretty shallow and, for me, it's not fulfilling enough. It's not engaging enough. There isn't actually anything to sink my teeth into, so it becomes kind of boring. Maybe it's rewarding to other people, and that's great for them, but like - I need more than whatever this is.

So I'm just like - well, I had a lot of worries about this show, but my being bored wasn't one of them and now there's only two episodes left and am I really not going to get anything out of this, in the long run? No new canons, no new depths or layers, no new information on Loki's experiences? This is it?

I don't dislike it. I didn't start out disliking it, and I probably wont end up disliking it. I mean, there are a lot of good moments, and good things, and fan service-y things that I appreciate. As far as inspiration for fic goes, it's a goldmine, both plot-wise as well as aesthetic-wise. All of that is great. I don't dislike this show.

But I am disappointed in it, and I feel like I'll be watching the next two episodes lacking the sense of anticipation that would make it exciting. I'll still enjoy them, probably, if for nothing else just the sheer Loki content, but whatever it was I felt watching episodes 1 and 2 is gone and I'm sad about that, too. Because I really wanted to feel fulfilled by this series; I wanted it to fill up the void that Loki's death in IW created three years ago. And I just ... don't feel it. Maybe, maybe that'll change over the course of episodes 5 and 6. I don't know.

Everything that I end up enjoying long-term, I think, will come about as a result of my own interpretations and analysis and while theoretically there's nothing wrong with that, if I had known all I'd get out of this series was more headcanons or support for my current headcanons then, well - that's fine, I suppose, but I'll definitely a little bit robbed.

[butwhatifidothis]

Who on your side is going to call you out? Literally every recruitable character except Bernadetta and Lindhardt? And you CAN'T objectively say that the route leaves an objectively worse off Fodlan. A lot of the characters have the exact same single endings they do in other routes. Meaning a lot of their endings are nice and happy and hopeful despite the fact they aided in the conquest of a nation. Hell, some single character endings specific to crimson flower STILL end happily despite this. Alois happily moves to remire and becomes a farmer with his family. Mercedes opens up an orphanage. Also you can't really use Felix' single ending as a mark against Crimson flower, seeing as that's also his ending in all his non blue lions endings.

Those quotes aren't actually addressing Byleth's actions beyond said characters being pissed at Byleth. 

The demonic beasts are never mentioned. The fact that you are aiding in conquest and genocide isn't talked about, just the fact that you are on the opposing side. And some of those characters that are pissed at Byleth and questioning them ALSO *conviently* forget those grievances once they're recruited. Suddenly everybody's all for blindly following byleth in their aiding the conquest of fodlann and the potential genocide of the last few nabateans.

So what, is edelgard "im going to assassinate my classmates and immediately get murdered by bandits in that attempt and nemesis did nothing wrong!" Adrestia suddenly master manipulator? Are all the characters just so blindly loyal to byleth that they're willing to ignore their morals? a

You broke down exactly why, no matter how you look at it, villain route or not, CF falls flat! Because inconsistent writing dictates that 3H can't go all the way with making CF/Edelgard too bad! The full scope of Edelgard's actions never being addressed, even off of CF (the Demonic Beasts are never called out, but the use of them is very clearly villainous given what they are, to use one of your examples)! This is why I have issues with CF - not because oh shit you're the bad guy, but in this regard they don't go far enough! This is exactly why my feelings are mixed towards CF, because of these exact flaws within it.

But even with that, there are still some things of what you said I don't quite agree with?

Like, Edelgard's and Hubert's endings apparently don't point to CF being a villain route, but Alois and Mercedes' do point it to not being one? Why are the latter's endings being given more weight than the former's?

"Those quotes aren't actually addressing Byleth's actions beyond said characters being pissed at Byleth."

...Um... yeah they are? Because they're pissed at Byleth for siding with Edelgard and the Empire? They're not just randomly mad at Byleth for no reason - the characters know what Edelgard and the Empire have done, they don't have to go down the laundry list when they express their anger at Byleth joining her/them. When Ignatz says “We can’t place the future of Fódlan in Edelgard’s hands. If you’re allied with the Empire, I have no choice but to fight you," him not specifically laying out every single crime Edelgard has done does not suddenly mean that those crimes aren't what he's referring to. Shamir saying “You still align yourself with the emperor? What a shame. Let’s make this quick. I don’t want the loser to suffer," doesn't mean that she's just peaved at Byleth for no reason. Ingrid’s quote, “You have chosen to assist the Empire, even while knowing of their deeds. I am truly disappointed in you, Professor. Prepare yourself, heel of the Empire! A wretch like you will never be qualified to rule over Fódlan!” very clearly lays it out that it is all that the Empire has done that is the reason why she’s mad at you and why she thinks you’d be a shitty ruler (and if Byleth is shitty for choosing to side with Edelgard, then that inherently means that Edelgard is also shitty).

Why are they mad at Byleth? Why are they criticizing you specifically joining the Empire? Why are none of them saying “Gee Byleth, it’s pretty ass of you to join Claude’s side, you heartless bitch” on VW? Or similar statement towards Byleth on AM and SS? Why is the Empire unique in being called evil, bloody, savage, etc.? It’s because the action of joining the Empire - joining Edelgard - is a bad one, one that throws away morals to chase the false image of “revolution” Edelgard posits. 

So what, is edelgard "im going to assassinate my classmates and immediately get murdered by bandits in that attempt and nemesis did nothing wrong!" Adrestia suddenly master manipulator? Are all the characters just so blindly loyal to byleth that they're willing to ignore their morals?

The answer? Yes. The same way that Byleth is blindingly loyal to Edelgard and throws away their canonical hatred of TWS to follow her, the other characters throw away themselves to blindingly follow Byleth. Byleth places their trust in Edelgard despite all of the horrible things she’s done, and their character becomes worse for it - the same thing happens to the cast that foolishly decide to continue placing their trust in Byleth despite siding with the villain Edelgard. They either stagnate in their character progression or outright regress, the exact same as Byleth, because CF as a route is all about regression. That’s Edelgard’s whole motivation. It’s not moving forward to a new future, it’s going back to how Fodlan used to be - back under complete Imperial control, with a Hresvelg as the one ruler of Fodlan. 

And Edelgard having one shitty plan and being wrong about history doesn’t mean she doesn’t know how to make others look worse than her, how to prop herself up as the hero of the story - we see this from Ladislava, someone who is genuinely completely loyal to Edelgard specifically, that characters genuinely fall for Edelgard’s words. We see this in how she makes Dimitri and Rhea and Claude into these targets that must be destroyed “for the good of Fodlan,” that she can easily shove any and all responsibility for her actions onto her victims. We see this in how she’s just “taking back humanity’s freedom” when she slaughters a heartbroken and maddened Rhea - maddened due to her actions - only to shove humanity under her actually tyrannical rule. Hell, her being ignorant of history again falls back into how CF is partly about ignorance - you’re always ignorant to the depths of your horrific actions due to blind loyalty, so being wrong about history and never being corrected is par for the course.

Where CF falls short is the following: 

the aforementioned endings that always remain the same even on CF, 

where certain characters aren’t given enough attention despite being on CF (Ingrid definitely needed a Felix treatment for specifically this route, since she’s going after the Kingdom directly, for example), 

where even with the idea of the BE getting influenced by the regression of CF they still way too easily side with Edelgard (Ferdinand is by far the worse victim of this), 

where the end result of Fodlan is unification no matter what route you do (more the game overall that suffers from this tbh), 

where the characters don’t mention the depths of Edelgard’s actions off of CF (which is partly why the BE staying with Edelgard on CF comes across poorly, because they never really delve into her actions so them not doing so on CF doesn’t come across very well) - VW is the worst offender of this, as while it makes some sense to have Edelgard be a sympathetic villain on the other routes, doing the same here makes literally no sense (you only know her as a warmonger trying to murder you).

I know this isn’t like, the most popular opinion, but I don’t find it to be an intrinsically bad idea to have the player initially think that they’re not playing a villain route until they go back over the numerous, frankly loud undertones of villainy and evil you help participate in and realize “oh shit wait a minute.” Dragging down characters with you on your path of ignorance and regression? Sounds cool! Playing the other routes and seeing what you essentially look like to all of the people you fight on CF - a heartless conqueror stamping down on all opposition - as you play from the infinitely more heroic POV of the other two lords (+ Byleth’s independent POV) and see Edelgard in the light of a villain (that light the non-recruited/non-CF characters see you in)? Neat! Realizing that you’ve helped a lying, racist, imperialistic warmonger get exactly what she wants as she drags down Fodlan in darkness and tyranny? Interesting! The water is just muddied by poor writing decisions/oversights, but it is very much still (villainous) water. CF is flawed, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t what it is.

But I will ask you this nonnie, if you don’t mind! If you don’t think CF is a villain route, what is it to you? Genuinely curious! 

[iambilliejeanok]

🤎A Break With My Lover.🤎

Part One

Pairing: Might Guy x Tenji( made up character)

Summary: Tenj is back from her two month mission and is so excited to spend time with her new boyfriend Guy, who pampers and adores her. Just a cute little short story for all my Guy sensei hoes to enjoy.😊

Warnings: 18+, language, fluff, SFW and NSFW, smut.

Tenji now stood at the entrance of the Hokage mansion, grateful to have been granted a full week's rest after her team worked tirelessly for a full two months. Another breeze blew a curl that dangled from her loose bun into her face, not caring in the slightest to put it back in its place. Her main goal was to reach her beloved apartment and take a much needed cool shower to wash away the grim, sweat and blood that clung to her aching body. With her eyes closed she inhaled a deep long breath, forcing herself to take the first step. Her body felt so heavy and her mind fuzzy, a sudden wave of fatigue ripping a whine from deep in her throat. “Oi, Tenji,” a sharp flick on the side of her neck immediately snapped her out of her sluggish mood. “Tch! Genma what the fuck,” a sly smirk appearing on his smug face as he took pleasure in her frustration, relishing the irritated look he managed to put on her face. “Well hello to you too Tenji, it's been too long, glad that you're back and in one piece it seems,” he spoke as he gave her a quick once over, ensuring that she was really in one piece and he hopefully hadn’t spoken too soon. He noticed the dark circles under her eyes as he inspected her obviously fatigued face, a hint of sympathy pulled at his heart realising she would probably have to walk all the way home on her own despite how tired she was. Tenji noticed the slight worry in his light brown eyes and instantly thought of a plan. Maybe she could convince him to carry her home after seeing the state she was in. “I’m okay I guess, I’m so tired, just wish i had help getting home Genma,” she whimpered as she stepped closer, leaning her chubby cheek into his broad, muscular chest, she looked up at him, hopeful that her long time buddy would show even the tiniest bit kindness he claimed to have, pulling her best puppy face while looking into his light brown eyes, her darker eyes needy as her full lips curved into a pout that he almost gave into until he realised what she was up to. Now, it’s not that he didn’t want to help(maybe a little) but it was also that he had already been summoned by the Hokage and couldn’t afford to be later than he already was and also because he knew Tenji could be such a spoiled brat sometimes and he was not in the mood to baby her today. He averted his gaze and placed two long, slender fingers on her forehead before gently nudging her off of him. “Geez Tenji” , his words almost sounding empathetic until he opened his mouth again, “Good luck finding someone who will help you with that”. Tenji’s mouth hung open in utter defeat as Genma walked right past her, not missing how he unashamedly took in the gorgeous sight of her full, round ass, her uniform gracefully complimenting it with the way her pants clung desperately to the curve of her hips and hugged her ass in a way that he would always appreciate. “Tch”, Tenji scoffed as she turned fully to face him, his soft light, brown eyes slowly climbing up her body taking in her front, failing to hide the disappointment in them, missing the blessed sight she turned away from him, reluctantly looking back up into her darker orbs to wink at her, disappearing into the Hokage mansion. She blamed herself for expecting anything from that perverted bastard, as she hesitantly began her dreadful walk down the busy streets of Konoha.

Tenji kept her eyes glued to the ground, drowning out the sounds of the happy village folk all around her, as she continued on replaying how good it would feel to walk into her apartment and pamper herself to a nice shower and some well needed rest. A low growl from her tummy dirsturbed her train of thought, reminding her of her deep hunger for some delicious, warm food. The divine, savory smell of Ichiraku’s ramen, not helping her best attempts at ignoring it and heading home, her fatigue too overwhelming for her to entertain her hunger as she stood in front of the little ramen restaurant. “Tenji sensei!,” a loud voice erupting out of nowhere pulled her attention directly in front of her. A young and enthusiastic Lee stood in her path, the biggest grin spreading on his face, clearly excited to see her. A mini Might Guy, always bringing a deep nostalgic feeling in her heart, he was far too adorable for her to not smile at him, despite the exhaustion that tugged at her eyelids, with his little green jumpsuit, “Lee-san, so good-,” she was suddenly cut off as two large hands tugged at her waist, lifting her up and tossing her high into the air, she squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the one sensation she absolutely despised, punching her deep in her gut as the fall back downwards came shortly after. Landing right into none other than her boyfriend, Might Guy’s strong arms. “Precious!”, she shuddered as he spoke way louder than she would have liked; “After so long you have finally returned from your mission! Wow I’ve missed you'', Guy was basically roaring right in her face at this point, which she normally wouldn’t mind, but the fatigue she couldn’t shake off any longer made her highly irritable. “Guy!, put me down right now, baka!”, she blurted, his big, pretty grin never leaving his face as he gently complied. “My precious flower, how was your mission” he spoke in a much calmer voice, now sensing her irritated mood as he shamelessly inspected her entire body, not bothered by the irritation in her tone, making sure his eyes and hands didn't miss a single spot, hoping she wasn't injured as she replied, “It was a success. I just reported to Lady Hokage and I get a full week of rest as a reward so i'm going home now” , the tone of her voice growing more and more annoyed as she noticed Kakashi and his team all standing there, watching Guy fiddle with her body, the embarrassing display of care leaving a light blush across her plump cheeks. Everyone knew they were dating, despite the fact that their relationship was still very new, it didn't take a scientist to figure out they had been in love with one another even as friends. “Guy!” she whined, pushing him off of her hoping he was now pleased with his inspection. “As expected of my lotus! Always glowing in the light of her youth!”, he continued with his over enthusiastic praise. Tenji was now very used to his overly positive attitude that he was apparently born with, considering he was just as loud now, as he was when they were still children. Kakashi looked at her with a knowing look of second hand embarrassment as he nodded towards her “Yo, we‘re going inside Ichiraku’s now, join us whenever you’re ready Tenji-chan” he spoke in the warm, familiar manner, he always spoke in when talking to her. “Kakashi-san, I’m too tired. Next time?”, she replied, her eyelids noticeably droopy as he nodded in understanding, walking into the restaurant.

Guy stood in front of his new lover, feeling like his heart would explode with the surge of joy he felt to be near her after not getting to hang out much, especially in the past two months. Tenji stood before him and let out a deep sigh, knowing that she wouldn't have to worry about the dreadful walk home because her best friend and now lover would go to the ends to make her happy, as she would for him. Tenji looked up at him, her deep brown eyes never leaving his onyx ones as she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his large build, gripping on the back of his green jumpsuit, sighing heavily into his chest. Her heart fluttered, remembering that she could now hold him like this. He was hers now. Guy’s flak jacket draped her arms as he engulfed her in a warm embrace, strong arms wrapping firmly around her, pulling her impossibly closer. Her eyelids fluttered shut, comfort washing over her as he began to rub his large hand soothingly up and down her back making her eyelids feel like a ton of bricks as she finally gave in to keeping them closed. She relished in the heavy slumber that quickly crept up on her feeling like she was sinking deeper and deeper into her lovers addicting hold, but it was cut short as she was abruptly interrupted by the rumbling of Guy’s hard chest, a deep chuckle leaving his lips as he felt the weight of her body dip further into his. “Someones ready for a nap I see?” he spoke placing a soft kiss on her forehead, “Mmhmm”, was all Tenji had the strength to say, too tired to move her mouth into actual words, revelling in the pleasant warmth Guy’s soft caresses provided—despite the afternoon heat—bringing his fingers to brush the coily strand that escaped the loosely tied bun at the nape of her neck and tucked it back into place. Attempting to tuck the one strand in, the whole bun began to fall apart and Guy being the sweet bean he was,decided to fix the whole thing for her. Speaking to her, he continued to work on it, gently detangling her hair from the scrunchie that failed to keep her thick, dark brown coils neatly bundled up. “How about I take you home and help you wind down?” , he continued, finally able to pry the scrunchie from the last little coil that wouldn't let it go, careful not to hurt her. “Miss you”, she sounded muffled, snuggling further into his chest, a pang of happiness filling her chest at the action, taking in her favourite faint scent of lemon and a much stronger earthy smell. Guy began to softly brush her hair back with his palms, making sure to pull all escaping strands into the ponytail he was forming in his fist at the nape of her neck, now securing it all with the scrunchie. “Well let's get going precious”, he sighed out, gently prying himself free from her tight grip around him, quickly silencing her whine, turning around and gently tugging at her arm, easily pulling all her weight onto his back. A move that she was all too familiar with, Guy always treating her like the ‘precious flower’ he always described her as ever since they were younger. Her heart leaped along with him as he jumped up onto the nearest rooftop, maintaining a firm yet gentle grip on her thighs, a faint sigh leaving her lips and excitement bubbling up from the pit of her tummy, pleasantly spreading around the rest of her body as thoughts of the cuddles and attention she was going to receive clouded her mind. Why didn’t they get together any sooner? Not only did she have a whole entire week off, but she also scored time with her lover. It couldn't get any better than that.

[libradusk]

Touch Starved | Jesse

Word Count: 6.8k

Pairing: Jesse x Reader

Summary: A night in a Coruscant hotel gifts you plenty of quality time with your lover (and a few noise complaints as well)

Warnings/Content: Explicit smut, mention of alcohol, AFAB reader (though no gender is explicitly mentioned), established relationship, some playful sexual power play, petnames galore, 69 action, a few light spanks to the backside and some tender shaaaaaaaggin’. (And Libra’s frequent overuse of italics.)

a/n: dedicated to the one and only @morganas-pendragons​, congrats on finishing your third year of uni Kayla, I’m so proud of you! <3

And of course, a huge thank you to everyone who has continued to support my writing. It’s been a really horrid couple of months for me, but slowly, things are starting to improve. Thank you all for being understanding while I take a much-needed continued break from social media.

CT-5597

Jesse

Jesse who is infamously cocky and funny, if not dangerously outspoken and headstrong during even the most tense of situations. Jesse who is renowned for caring so deeply and so fiercely for what he believes in, and loving even fiercer than that. Jesse, who will never hesitate to be the first on the dance floor at 79’s and the last to leave.

Jesse, the soldier, the brother, the undeniably charismatic individual. The man whose smile would warp the lines of the tattoo draped across his cheekbone with how widely it stretched.

Jesse, who everyone knew would continue to belt out barrack-born anthems that sung of the glory of the Republic, even after he was turfed out of the bar and sent stumbling through the neon maze of Coruscant’s streets until the rising sun inevitably forced the migraine from within his skull.

Though no soul who met him could ever even hope to deny that Jesse was a character, these descriptions and stories told fondly over the shoulders of comrades and acquaintances alike barely scratched the surface of the Jesse you knew.

You can see him now, slipping out of the bravado and bellowing laughter even as he throws it back alongside Fives on the dancefloor, a drink in his fist and a grin that doesn't quite light up his eyes the way it usually does. His gaze stumbles under the weight of the lights and music until it gives way to an expression that looks more detached than enraptured towards the music and movement enveloping him. Within another beat however, it has dragged its way over to you, and finally (and perhaps mercifully), Jesse appears to bloom more into himself the longer it rests on your seated form.

You throw him a pursed smile over your drink, knee bouncing underneath the table. Anticipation and concern peppers your nerves and drives the way your fingers twirl your straw between them. All around you, his brothers continue to laugh and joke between themselves, none the wiser to the energy crackling unspoken across the stretch between the booth and the dancefloor, simply grateful for the fresh taste of decompression bestowed upon their squadron by recently granted leave. Beside you, Kix’s elbow knocks into your side as he adjusts his posture to spread out into a more comfortable position. The medic is quick to apologise, but he needn’t have bothered; your attention is firmly glued elsewhere and as he follows your stare, he soon sees why.

You miss the way Kix smirks warmly into his pint as he turns to recount another tall tale to the troopers sharing the table, ensuring that he unravels the story in such a way that he sweeps up the remnants of their attention with a timed wave of his wrist and a comically timed jab at Hardcase’s expense.

It only takes a matter of minutes more until the other Jesse, your Jesse, steps out of his boisterous skin and slinks over to you.

The surface of his bare hand feels scorching hot as you rise to meet him halfway and grasp it with your own. Your palm is chilly from nursing your drink, the same one that now sat barely touched and long forgotten atop the crowded table. Jesse’s appears to radiate with the heat of a sun in comparison, clammy and blistering as it engulfs your own whilst its twin all but throws his half-empty glass of liquor onto a nearby waitress droid’s tray.

It teeters for a moment before tumbling over and sending a sticky cascade spilling over the side of the metal disk towards the floor below.

There's little time left to waste. You're not content to simply sit back and sweat out the minutes until you can have him completely alone this time, done with sitting back until the alcohol burns your throat and the flash of lights drowns out the grainy buzz in your temples.

Grabbing him more firmly by the hand now, you move to tug him past the straggling group of wide-eyed troopers that have congregated in the wake of Jesse’s stride. You’re not sure you can bring yourself to care anymore if they talk, not while your pulse is twisting louder in your ears with each brush of his thumb against your wrist.

The moment the chill of night time air hits his lungs, the hidden Jesse emerges completely, eyes honeyed but focused as the last few curls of boyish laughter die on his tongue. He shifts his grip to lace his fingers with your own as you weave between the lingering bodies outside. Most here pay little attention to the pair of you, too concerned with casting their own troubled gazes towards the city skyline as they smoke contraband cigarettes and turn over glass bottles between bruised knuckles.

You try to choke down the strange feeling rising in your throat at the sight, focusing instead on the warmth that continues to radiate from Jesse’s body as he trails down the street closely behind you. Despite the charged air that surrounds you both, it suddenly dawns on you that you’ve yet to actually speak a word to him since entering the bar, his late entrance alongside Fives meaning that you had already been swamped with the attention of familiar faces, all of whom were equally eager to unwind and catch up.

But now, as you sneak a sideways glance at him and catch just how tightly his blacks seem to cling to the defined muscles of his torso, you feel that if you were to open your mouth in anything more than a smile, you wouldn’t be able to trust what your brain would make you say, or do for that matter.

Your chest feels so tight with emotion that even breathing feels like a strained action. It had been a tough few weeks, and right now all you wanted, all you needed, was your Jesse all to yourself in the self-made sanctuary only privacy could help you build. A squeeze of your hand assures you that through his tipsy intrepidity, he most certainly feels the same way.

Jesse remains uncharacteristically silent as you hail down an air taxi, though you can clearly feel his eyes on your face in your peripheral vision as you lean forward to speak to the driver through her open window. You attempt to flash him a smile once you finish relaying the last of your directions, but it comes out more strained than you intend, even as you squeeze his hand back in reassurance. Tired is truly an understatement, and for a moment, it dawns on you that there’s a real possibility you might end up falling asleep mid journey.

That is, until you feel the wide, warm expanse of Jesse’s palm deliver a gentle pat to your backside. The action succeeds in ushering you into the back of the cab, and having you feel very suddenly awake again in one fluid motion.

You don't need to shoot him a raised eyebrow over your shoulder to know that he's smirking.

A sharp, very clearly fake cough from the front of the taxi cuts down the heat spreading downwards from your face before it can settle deeper. In the reflective surface of the rear view mirror, you catch the disgruntled glare of the now very unimpressed Twi’lek cabbie. The twitch of her pursed lips accompanied by the dull tap of her blunt, painted fingernails against a bright red sign that sits mounted on the dashboard.

Your stomach flips in embarrassment as you scan over the bold printed words that are listed upon it.

NO EATING/DRINKING

NO SMOKING

NO SASSING THE DRIVER

NO WANDERING HANDS

Where Jesse was smirking before, he now struggles to suppress on a snicker as he stretches to practically lounge across the backseat, clearly unbothered by the stink eye currently being thrown directly his way now by the woman in the driver’s seat - even daring to throw up his hands in mock-innocence in return. For a moment you’re concerned she might actually throw you both back out onto the curb, but instead, you’re just met with another exaggerated roll of her eyes before she throws the well-loved vehicle into reverse and takes off down the neon-painted highway.

With a ghost of a sigh, you lean back slightly into the worn leather seat as the streets of Coruscant rush past your window in a blur of colour and noise. Your gaze slips past the glass, to the apathetic, focused expression of your driver, and finally to your lover once more. Whilst dizzying to watch through the smeared windows, you find yourself helplessly bewitched with how the sharp glow of the city lights splash and dissipate almost rhythmically across Jesse’s face and body. Red, fuchsia and blue drip down his skin before disappearing into the void of his blacks each time you pass under a particularly bright stretch of neon-signage. Whilst beautiful, the glow also highlights just how deeply cut the bags under his eyes are now.

A not-so-subtle squeeze to your thigh unravels the grip twisting around your heart before it can truly poison your mood.

The tenderness in Jesse’s eyes cuts through the dark interior of the cab more brightly than any streetlamp could ever hope to, lips cocking into a half-smile as his attention shifts completely to you once more.

“You okay, mesh’la?” his voice is barely above a low purr as he finally speaks, but it vibrates down to your stomach as though he’d growled it in your ear, his thumb rubbing a mindless, but soothing pattern just above the joint of your knee all the while.

“Yeah... are you?” you shift slightly to face him better, the bottom half of your body twisting somewhat awkwardly against the grasp of the seatbelt clamped across your middle. You reach downwards to curl your own digits gently over his wrist, eyes momentarily darting back towards the driver’s mirror on instinct. There's a brief second where you’re certain you catch her tattooed brows furrowing further and those sharp eyes dart to catch yours in warning, but now at least, they remain focused on the busy road ahead, and you risk leaning over closer towards the trooper beside you. His smile gives way to a subtly weak grin in response.

“Just peachy.” 

Half lies from both of you, but there's little time to dwell on them as the air taxi finally pulls into a stop outside your destination.

There's somewhat of an awkward pause as Jesse struggles to get the door open, the lock jamming with his first attempt and sending his shoulder barrelling against the window with an inelegant thump. You cringe a little at the sound, but the Twi’lek leaning over the shoulder of her seat seems unphased as she silently holds out her hand, stony face sporting the same cocked eyebrow and deadpan expression that you’ve become uncomfortably familiar with.

Your strained thank you is met with little more than a grunt of mild disapproval as she turns to fiddle with the radio embedded in her dashboard, effectively ending your transaction and ordering you from her car as she throws your handed credits into a worn-looking box perched on the passenger seat.

“Well she was cheerful.” Jesse’s voice is playful as he moves to grab your hand in earnest now as you approach the towering building in front of you. Despite the lightness of his tone and the way you exhale through your nose in mock-exasperation towards his joke, the air between you is more charged than ever now that you’re so close to finally being alone together for the first time in weeks.

Or was it months? Time had a funny way of twisting away from you as of late.

Nevertheless, all that stood in your way was a brief check in and elevator ride up towards the room you had hurriedly booked for the occasion.

The hotel itself was modest, sporting simple, clean architectural design and minimal decoration just short of clinical in nature. Not that you cared for the details, all that mattered to you was that it provided a temporary sanctuary for you and Jesse to retreat to for the night, far enough away from the pulsing heart of Coruscant that, for a short time at least, you could pretend there was no war, no constant presence of fear, pain and suffocating army regulations.

Just you and Jesse. Your Jesse.

His resolve winds and snaps the moment your feet cross the threshold of the elevator.

“Mesh’la,” his beloved nickname for you rolls off his tongue almost salaciously as he all but collapses against you, pinning you to the cold stretch of corridor with the press of his body. He groans it against your skin again as his lips meet with your pulse point, grinding against you with an overspill of passion that has you mewl and almost drop your keycard with the force of it. Through the building fog in your mind, you wonder if the fact he can finally announce his affections for you aloud and so openly here is what has finally pushed him over the edge.

Or perhaps it's the way you writhe and claw at him desperately in response, half of your mind seemingly determined to have him take you right here and now before you can even hope to complete the last few steps towards your awaiting hotel room.

“Jesse-” you’re not sure if the drawl of his name that slips from your tongue is meant to be in warning or wanting, but it's quickly swallowed up by the trooper as he finally kisses you.

Maker, does it feel good to taste him again. His unrelenting passion, his warmth, you can’t help but want it all, and he’s ever happy to give it to you - groaning into your open mouth, all teeth and tongue and heart as he hurriedly caresses your thighs, your hips, the back of your neck in turn - fingertips mapping out your body with an agonising familiarity that has your knees buckling and restraint crumbling even more.

Jesse practically growls as you break apart to gasp for air, though your panting does little to deter him from continuing his barrage of kisses, as he angles his head to trail them across your jaw and down the junction of your throat, mouthing his desire against the thrumming beat of your heart.

“Missed having you like this - in my arms - all to myself…” 

Each part of his confession is broken apart by the scratch of his stubble and the nip of his teeth against your skin until he trails off into something intelligible - burying his face into the crook of your neck with a sigh that sings as much of exhaustion as it does longing.

It's the briefest moment of weakness amidst the suffocating heat of his passion towards you, but it's just enough to allow you to scrape back some semblance of clarity with a shuddering breath of your own.

Delicately, as though he was crafted from glass and not the corded muscle you knew to hide beneath his clothes, you run the fingers of your left hand down the length of his spine, relishing in the shudder that ripples through him in turn.

“Jesse,” your voice already sounds hoarse as you turn to place a kiss against his temple, “let’s get inside of our room and you can have all of me, all night.”

He almost wrestles the keycard from your hands at that.

---

The room itself is as modestly decorated as the rest of the hotel. A brief glance around tells you there’s a basic vanity, a desk, what appears to be the seam and switch of a built in wardrobe, and to the right of the doorway: the entrance to the refresher.

But what truly captures the attention of both of you is the king size bed in the very centre of the room, as well as the open stretch of Coruscant skyline that shines in through the expansive window to it’s left, dappling the navy-coloured sheets with milky diamonds of light.

Jesse grants you mere seconds to appreciate the view before he’s all over you once more.

You find yourself stumbling clumsily backwards against the newly closed door, attempting several times in vain to get the locking mechanism to work through Jesse’s onslaught of kisses. A gasp of what you’re not sure is relief or pleasure (or maybe both) leaves you when you hear it finally click into place just as his lips fasten themselves to suckle at a particularly sensitive spot just above your collarbone.

Each kiss unravels another layer of the Jesse you know and love, each desperate touch and whispered endearment only stoking the fire helping him flare to life in his full glory once more. It's intoxicating and overwhelming in the best way possible, and as he gifts you another taste of the sickly-sweet cocktail that still lingers on his tongue, you’re reminded of the very first time he’d kissed you:

It had been a night not too unlike this one, in which you had finally related to his begging for you to accompany him and the boys on a night on the town. He’d gathered you up in his arms the moment you’d finally relaxed enough to join him on the dancefloor of 79’s, and not long after, you’d backed each other into a corner of the dingy nightclub, with Jesse keening into your open mouth and rutting against you as though struck with the fear that he would never be given another chance to touch you, and the eager remorse of a man that wished he’d done this a long time ago.

Of course, the night had ended with you dragging the drunken tonne of him back to his bunk - though even through his stupor, he’d managed to drag you down after him before passing out at the snap of a finger, face buried securely in the crook of your shoulder the entire night.

And from that point, you couldn’t imagine a future without him at your side ever again.

Jesse’s passion for all he does burns hot, but it's in stolen moments like these, that his touch seems to burn hotter than anything else.

You feel it now as his hands begin to wander once again, tugging at your clothing and gripping at the skin beneath with such a need that it borders on bruising - though you struggle to shrug off how his fingers carry a gnawing tiredness beneath their eager twitching.

The revelation causes a different kind of pang in your stomach, but you force it down and away.

This man deserves to be spoiled.

Shoving half-heartedly at his broad chest, your command only wavers slightly with the struggle to catch your breath as your lips break apart with an audible pop.

“Strip.”

Your head feels light as you step backwards and straighten up your posture as best you can, dishevelled clothing and panting aside. You attempt to give him your sternest face as you issue the demand, but you’re certain you hardly look the part with what you know to be kiss-swollen lips and a chain of love bites adorning your neck.

Jesse hardly fares any better, face ruddy with a blush that creeps down past the high collar of his undershirt, and pupils blown so wide and glassy that they resemble the depths of space itself. His eyes had always stood out to you, even long before the two of you became an item. Though he and his brothers may share the same eye colour, the fire in Jesse’s was everything, it was something you never, ever wanted to see fade.

Those same eyes blink owlishly at you now as you stand firm in front of him, his hands still comically half-raised as though frozen mid-caress. It doesn't take longer than a second for him to whir back into action, however.

His movements are inelegant and rushed as he begins to tear away his shirt from his heaving chest. There's no overt striptease like he’s performed for you before, just pure, unfiltered desperation to feel your bare skin against his own. But even through the clumsiness, you catch the way the muscles in his arms and shoulders flex with thinly-veiled intention - a reminder to you of the strength he possesses - as well as just how easily the role of dominant could be flipped against you with his slightest change of whim.

The knowledge of this only excites you more.

You decide to follow his example and quickly shed your own garments until you’re both down to your underwear. The walls of the room are practically sweating with the desire that thrums between you now, and you both take a shared moment to admire the other in the dimmed glow of the lighting. Your mouth waters involuntarily as you sink into the sight of him, the reality of finally getting your lover alone and bare after so long settling warmly into your core, twisting delightfully tighter with each second that ticks by.

Jesse can’t help but glow with an obvious pride under your hungry gaze. A familiar smirk blooms across his face, spreading in a way that warms his expression further until the mirth crinkles at the very corners of his eyes. You can't help but smile right back despite the distraction of thrumming in your ears and the slickness that's gathering between your thighs.

It's a sensation that's only amplified when his eyes stop raking over your body to lock with your own, staring you down with an energy that's so charged that the breath skips in your throat.

“Shocked you speechless?” his voice sings with a smile as he taunts you, head tilted in a way that highlights the juncture of his throat.

You scoff in response, but step even closer all the same, noses practically touching now as your lips brush together.

“In your dreams, lover boy.”

He raises a thick brow at the cheesy nickname, but you note how his breath catches as you reach out to push lightly at his chest, palm spreading warmly across his pectoral.

“I dream about you a lot, actually,” Jesse’s long eyelashes tickle the apple of your cheekbones as he lightly presses his mouth against yours in a chaste kiss, “in fact, I had an especially lovely dream about you last night.”

Your stomach flutters a little more at the implication, but you press on, edging him gently further towards the bed until the back of his calves hit the edge.

“Yeah?” your fingernails claw down the ladder of his abs, marvelling in the way the muscles flex and tense with your caresses, “why don’t you tell me about it?”

You kiss him again, catching his bottom lip between your teeth with a tug that leaves him melting against you, the heat of his arousal peaking past the waistband of his underwear to graze your stomach as you press even closer.

“Well,” his voice is as strained as his breathing now, strong hands moving to stroke gently over your upper arms before his grip suddenly tightens, “I think it's better if I show you.”

The sound of surprise that leaves you as your back hits the mattress is more of a squeak. In the briefest of moments, Jesse has successfully managed to flip the situation to place himself in control once more. A heavy, yet careful weight pins you atop the silken blue sheets by your hips, a reignited, boyish gleam twinkling in his eyes as he grins up at you from the lower half of your body.

That cocky, gorgeous, bastard.

It's frustrating, but you can’t deny he looks good between your thighs.

“Ah, ah, ah~” he tuts at you, effectively cutting off any grumble of annoyance before it can leave your lips, “it isn't polite to cut someone off mid demonstration, mesh’la.”

Maker, give you strength.

His mouth and tongue are dangerously hot as he trails a haphazard stream of kisses over your hips, the sensation is at once too much and not quite enough, leaving you panting and bucking towards the smirking lot of him to no avail. When he begins to all but purr in contentment as he mouthes over your clothed sex, you have to quite literally bite back a scream of frustration.

“Jesse-”

“Shhhhhh…”

You let out a sob as your head falls back to hit the pillow, the hot rush of air against the dampness of your underwear too much to bear. Jesse chuckles in response, thoroughly enjoying inflicting such a sweet agony on you.

“Don't act so mad at me, cyar’ika,” Jesse pouts as he bats those dark lashes up at you, intent on sucking a bruise into your inner thigh as he does, “just tryin’ to appreciate how gorgeous you are.”

There's no sign of joviality in his confession this time, and your heart warms at the sincerity that glows in those heavy-lidded eyes of his.

A quick snap to the band of your underwear parts the lovesick fog accumulating in your head, forcing your attention back to the man currently toying with the elastic of your undergarments once more.

“Focus, mesh’la~,” his tone is purposefully playful, but his eyes dark with challenge as he flashes you another winning grin, “I need your full attention to tell this story, you want to hear how it ends, right?”

Another kiss, this time placed just against where you ache for him most, the fabric posing as the final barrier to your hard-won reward. Fuck, this man was going to kill you.

You’re torn between searching the fog of your brain for another retort, or giving in and letting him wreck you completely and honestly. Jesse doesn't seem too keen to grant you the time to weigh your options, fingers tapping impatiently against the curve of your hip with an inquisitive hum as you agonise over your choices.

The throb in your core wins out, and you relent, albeit a little bitterly,

“I want to know-” you cut off with strangled gasp as he lathes his tongue against the very inner pocket of your thigh, “please Jesse - fuck - please I want you, I need you.”

The man in question stares down at you with satisfied affection as you buck up to chase a phantom touch once again, groaning in annoyance when you find nothing but the weighted press of his forearms caging your thighs open to his mercy.

“...All right.” 

A sigh of relief leaves you at that before you can reign it back, and he chuckles warmly at the sound, stroking tiny circles across your flesh.

“You’ll always have me, mesh’la,” the sincerity in Jesse’s tone makes your breath hitch further as he edges towards where the seam of your underwear meets your left hip, his hot breath causing yet another flurry of goosebumps to rise in its wake, “but let me show you how much it means to me to have you.”

Keeping his eyes locked onto yours, Jesse ducks to catch the side of your underwear in his teeth before dragging it slowly downwards. The material tickles slightly as it catches over your thighs, though it's a mere whisper of a sensation compared to the throb that hits you as your dripping core finally is bared to the chill of the air.

Jesse hums appreciatively at the sight of you spread out beneath him as he leans back to finish pulling away your underwear, haphazardly throwing away the offending garment to join the other scattering of clothing that now decorates the carpet. You bite your lip and raise your eyebrows in response, taking advantage of his momentary lapse in focus to nudge your knee against his hip.

“You too, mesh’la.” You roll the nickname over your tongue, delighting in how the blood rushes to his cheeks with a fervour at having his nickname for you thrown right back at himself. 

He scoffs a little at your cheekiness, but indulges your command all the same, practically  leaping from the edge of the bed to stand and unceremoniously yank down his boxer briefs. You attempt to hook your legs around his midsection as he rejoins you atop the bed, but he stops you with a slow shake of his head, caging your thighs open with his arms once more.

“So eager!” he sighs in mock-annoyance as you huff and roll your eyes beneath him, simply chuckling as you edge further into frantic desperation.

Little do you know it's taking every ounce of his own willpower to stop from delving into your cunt like it's his last meal.

Though the groan that leaves him as his eyes flicker down once more gives you an indication of how he's really feeling beneath the bravado. In that moment, the sight and sound of him has you feeling on top of the world despite being pinned from the hips down.

You’ve little time to bask in this feeling for long though, as in a moment, Jesse dives forward like a man starved. You throw your head back with a cry as the hot, wet push of his tongue hits the sensitive folds of your pussy, lapping open-mouthed kisses across the seam of your opening as his nose grazes your clit. Stars above, your head feels heavy as you buck shamelessly, chasing the heat of his mouth as he tilts his head to tongue-fuck you deeper, the burn of his flesh against yours as he holds you down the only thing truly grounding you at this point.

To his credit, Jesse takes your writhing in stride, accommodating the frantic movements of your hips with firm, but loving caresses as he places a particularly heavy kiss right against your clit that leaves you breathily calling out his name. He lets out a particularly needy groan at the sound, one that vibrates directly across your thrumming bundle of nerves and hits you like a shock of cold water to the face.

You shudder back to reality, head still spinning with the promise of a quickly approaching orgasm, but enough renewed sense to prop yourself up onto shaking elbows to take in the sight of him. Jesse looks just as wrecked as you feel, eyes closed as he revels in the taste and feel of you beneath his tongue and fingers. A single jewel of sweat beads down the prong of his tattoo that reaches his temple in what you're not sure is overexertion, or the strain of keeping his own pursuit of pleasure in check to focus on yours.

He’s all but thrusting desperately into the air as you reach forward to gently grasp his jaw with shaking digits.

“Jesse…” you trail off as you catch the way his chin glistens with what you’re not sure is saliva, your essence, or a lewd concoction of both, “let me make you feel good too.”

He’s slack jawed and glossy-eyed, but his body is oddly pliable as you tug him up towards your face for a sloppy kiss that leaves you both moaning and grasping for the other. You’re the one to break away first, shooting him a wobbly grin as you pant to regain your breath. His fingers find your face this time, cupping your cheek as he gazes at you with such wonder that it leaves you blushing once more. He remains speechless even as you break apart with a kiss to his open palm, positioning your body to crawl down his torso until you’re face-to-head with his arousal. Jesse seems to catch on quickly to your intentions, grasping hold of your hips to position your lower half over his face - even gracing your backside with a light slap that causes you to jolt in surprise. You attempt to flash him a glare, but the feeling of his broad palm soothing over the swell of your ass reduces you to hissing in pleasure instead, spine dipping before you can stop yourself from sinking lower towards his waiting lips.

Determined not to be so easily outdone, you move to flatten the length of your tongue against the head of his cock, delighting in the broken groan that shakes his chest as the taste of precum hits your taste buds. You let a moan of your own vibrate against the length of his cock as you hollow your cheeks and take him deeper into your mouth, the feeling of his hot, panting breath against your cunt spurring you on. Jesse indulges in the feeling of you for a few moments longer before delving right back into eating you out. You can feel his smirk at the squeak of surprise that leaves you as he roughly pulls you back down to sit on his face, tongue lashing skilfully against your clit in a way that forces you to pull him from your mouth with a gasp for air.

It all falls away from you quickly after that, even as you pump at the slick length of his cock and attempt to focus on the way he twitches against your lips. In mere moments, your vision is stolen from you in a sudden rush of pure pleasure that has you half aware that you’re screaming Jesse’s name towards the ceiling. The trooper continues to lavish attention on you through the waves of your orgasm, tongue firmly lathing against the most agonisingly sensitive part of you as he holds you against him with a determinedly steady hand.

He gently drags the grip of his right hand to pet your thigh as you come down in shuddering gasps, the white slowly ebbing from your vision with the effort of a few slow blinks.

“Welcome back.”

Even in such a compromising position as this, he still has the gall to run his mouth. 

A calculated squeeze to the base of his cock has that taunt trail off into a hiss.

“You’re unbelievable.” Despite the impassive tone of voice you attempt to force out, you still curl into his touch as he slowly maneuvers your spent body to rest against the pillows once more.

“Yep, but you love it.” He winks as he shifts to support himself above you, those powerful forearms of his now caging your shoulders at each side as he places a chaste kiss against your clammy forehead. You can't help the laughter that spills from you as he moves to suddenly nuzzle into the crook of your neck, stubble tickling your already oversensitive nerves until you're pushing at his chest for him to release you.

“Because I love you, Jess.”

His expression melts at your confession, chest rising and falling in time with your own as he stares at you with such a tender longing that part of you almost feels like crying.

If you could block out the world and just stay like this with him, forever, then you would in a heartbeat. You'd tear down every star in the sky a million times over if it meant keeping him safe and loved.

If only you could.

“I love you, so much, cyare.” The sunny warmth of his grin spreads across the entirety of his face then. It's contagious, and instantly lifts you into giggling alongside him as he nuzzles the tip of his nose against your own.

“...Is this how things went in your dream?” Your heart turns to honey as you reach up to trace the lines of his tattoo where they drape over his cheek.

“This is even better.” He whispers the affirmation against your lips before stealing them in another deep kiss.

He grinds lazily against you as the kiss deepens, threading you ever closer together with a moan that has your hand frantically searching to loop your fingers through his own.

“Jesse,” your voice is strained with desire as the tip of his cock grazes against your entrance once again, “as wonderful as this is, I really want you inside me now.”

That pulls a genuine splutter of laughter from him, but he slips his free hand down to wrap one of your thighs around his waist all the same, shifting to his knees to brace himself against you whilst simultaneously keeping you pinned to the pillow with one hand gripping your own.

“Your wish is my command, my needy little love.”

Your breath leaves you with a sudden yelp as he finally snaps his hips forward and eases into you with a deep thrust, his public bone nestling against the swell of your clit as he buries himself to the hilt in your warmth. You catch his smile split even wider at your reaction before he begins to fuck you in earnest, never one to hold back for too long. The stretch of his cock has your eyes rolling and your free hand clawing at his shoulder for something to grip on to, but your body opens up to him effortlessly. 

You’ve danced with him like this so many times now that being connected to him feels as natural as breathing, despite the rolling cries that drip from your parted lips. Jesse drinks them down greedily with a barrage of kisses and growled praise between each thrust.

“That's it baby - keep making those pretty sounds for me.”

He's making plenty of pretty noises of his own, each of them peppered with sigh-like breaths that catch in his throat every time his hips stutter with the threat of losing his last semblance of control.

Hot tears of pleasure begin to gather behind your lashes as you fight to keep your eyes trained on the sight of him pounding into you. Even with the way your mind spins with pleasure, and how the light spilling from the window appears to cling and dance across the deep bronze of his skin in an ever shifting pattern, the thick lines of his tattoo, and the burn of his eyes remain steadfast - streamlining your focus towards the feeling of him grinding upwards against the sweetest spot inside of you again and again until all you can do is babble his name incoherently.

The sight of you coming apart beneath him only pushes him further, though you’re so overwhelmed at this point that you fail to notice how his fingers release your own to dip down between your bodies until the rough pad of his thumb collides with your clit once more.

A second orgasm rips through you with little extra warning - the coil in your stomach snapping so violently that it robs you of any remaining coherency and has you tightening around Jesse’s cock with a silent scream. You hear and feel him hit his peak right behind your own as he tenses with a shout of your name, barely catching himself as he folds over you and buries his cock as deep as he can reach.

And then, warmth: one that spreads across your insides before spilling down the innermost part of your thighs and onto the sheets below.

For a moment, there is only heavy panting as you both struggle to come back down to the present. Jesse breaks whatever silence has crawled between you with a dry-throated chuckle. The hand that had been twisted in the bedsheets beside your head moments before now moves to stroke the back of your head with a clumsy kind of care only Jesse could deliver.

You're still stuffed full of him even as he lifts himself to avoid crushing you, his thumb dipping across the apples of your cheeks to wipe away the loose trails of tears that streak your skin. He clears his throat before speaking, voice tired, but clear enough to reach you.

“You okay?”

You nod in reply, limbs heavy as you raise your arms to loop around his neck and bring him close for a prolonged kiss.

“Need anything?”

You hum in acknowledgment of his concern, but only snuggle closer in response before whispering against the thump of his pulse.

“Only you.”

He chuckles at that before chastely kissing the top of your head and slowly lifting to withdraw from you. You both groan at the loss of contact, but Jesse’s quick to flop down beside you and gather your body up in his arms once more.

“I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me, cyar’ika.” He traces over the marks left on your skin with an air of sentimentality, dipping his head to kiss over the particularly dark ones left across your neck and collarbone. They're reminders you’ll grumble about when you’re back in the right frame of mind, but you’ll find yourself cherishing them all the same for as long as they decorate your skin.

“Forever then.” You mumble sleepily against the protection his body extends to you, thoroughly spent in every way.

“Forever it is.” 

He’d already made that promise to himself long ago.