#whoops got very long until i got to the point of the prompt lol

[revasserium]

Hi! It's me, I'm the problem Jazz again 🤣

Ikemen Prince ask for either Leon or Silvio with prompt number 88 please 🙏 ♥️

send me a number and a character :)

priceless (88. This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you.)

silvio; 1,374 words, fluff and... fluff LOL this is only tangentially inspired by the prompt u__u whoops

01.

when you break his heart the first time, he doesn’t really know it’s real. he presses the lips of a dozen priceless wine bottles to his mouth and imagines every one to be yours — he drinks until the world is spinning, the way it spun when he asked you to dance for the very first time.

he gets drunk on the sound of your remembered laughter.

he makes a mess of the sheets, of his silk-lined robes, of all the richest furs in the corners of his closet — he falls asleep wishing that this were all but a dream.

he wakes up and has to deal with the realization that it is not all just a dream and that for the first time in his life, this isn’t something he can buy his way out of because what is the price of heartbreak? the tag on the pieces of a shattered wish — he screams into every single pillow he owns and falls asleep at noon.

02.

the second time you break his heart, he catches your arm before you can leave.

“what d’you want?” he asks, desperate and imploring, with a shudder in his voice that he’s never truly heard there before but —

you shake your head.

“i — i don’t want anything from you.”

he feels his fingers slip from around your wrist as you purse your lips and stumble back half a step. but that’s all he needs. he’s needlessly reminded of a story he’s heard a long, long time ago — about a genie and a girl who accidentally summons him. about the genie who asked the girl what she wished for and she told him she didn’t. the genie stayed with that girl for years and years and years, and in the beginning, whenever she asked him to do anything, he’d ask if that was her wish but she’d shake her head no. she’d tell him that he didn’t have to if he didn’t want to.

and yet somehow, he always found that he wanted to.

silvio wonders what he really wants, and the answer comes — clear and quiet as a winter stream —

he wants… you.

03.

the third time, he thinks he can get used to this.

04.

the fourth time, he’s ready for it —

“no,” you say, shaking your head, frowning at something he’s demanded of you.

“alright then,” he says, shrugging.

you blink, watching him as he turns away. watching him as he takes three steps away from you before you reach for him, tugging him back by the sleeve.

“what — that’s it? you’re… not gonna force me?”

he chuckles, “what’s the point if you’re just gonna snark at me? and anyway — i’ve got proper maids for this kind of stuff.”

“fine then,” you say, petulant, your voice sharp in a way that makes his lips twitch.

he grins, cocking his head as he watches the color wash up into your cheeks.

“fine,” he parrots back, his own voice painfully sweet and just as smug. he revels in the way your eyes flash, the way your fingers curl into fists at your side as he turns away.

so it really does take two to tango.

05.

“y’know, a million girls would kill to be in your place right now.”

“then why aren’t they?”

“hm? why aren’t they what?”

“why aren’t they here, in my place?”

silvio licks his lips, tasting salt and heat and the midnight air.

“cause… i didn’t really take to any of ‘em.”

you sigh, rolling your eyes.

“and you just so happened to take… to me. why?”

silvio shrugs, “you’re beautiful.”

“bullshit — there are plenty of girls out there prettier than me.”

“prettier, yeah. but more beautiful? no.”

your breath catches in your chest — hook, line, and sinker. you feel the tug in the base of your belly, your mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.

“w-what? that… that doesn’t make any sense.”

silvio only laughs, casting his eyes back out at the florid lushness of his palace gardens, teaming with the world’s rarest flowers — the night blooming cereus, the elusive ghost orchids, the fire lilies, and his prized juliet rose bushes. he leans over the thick railing to tug one from it’s bed of thorns, pressing it to his nose and taking a deep breath.

“it took my best gardener 12 years to cultivate one o’ these,” he says, twirling the peach-colored flower between his fingers.

“wow,” you say, eyeing the small, unassuming bloom, “that’s… a long time.”

“yeah, sure. but the gardener was rewarded pretty damn well for his work.”

at this, you heave another sigh, leaning up against the stone banisters.

“and i’m sure that’s the only reason he worked as hard as he did, right?”

silvio traces a finger along the edge of a velvet petal, admiring the fractal-like formation of the flower’s center.

“yeah… i’m sure it is.”

06.

the sixth time you reject him, he almost laughs out loud. it really is fun pushing all your buttons after all.

07.

the seventh time, he curls his lips around the shape of your name and dares to ask why.

you tell him, “because… it’d be nice of you to ask instead of demand for a change.”

he shivers at the gentleness of your tone, at the feather-soft of your confession, the pink that kisses your cheeks like the rosy-fingered dawn.

“but… if i ask, there’s a chance you’re gonna say no.”

you laugh and roll your eyes, “i say no anyways.”

“so why bother askin’ when i know what your answer’s gonna be?”

“because… sometimes, if you give someone the choice to stay or to go — they’ll surprise you.”

08.

“can… can y’just… stay? please?”

“...okay.”

09.

“when’d you learn how to say please?”

you twist to face him in the silver light of an encroaching dawn.

silvio groans as he buries his face in the silken pillows, his hair a hallo of lingering moonlight.

“dunno — shuttup… it’s too damn early.”

you allow yourself a smile and snuggle in before drifting back off to sleep.

10.

“kiss me.”

silvio smirks, cocking his head, “no.”

you narrow your eyes, frowning even as he chuckles, his fingers tight around your waist as the pair of you spin in ever and ever faster circles to music only the two of you can hear.

“why not?”

“cause…” he bites back, laving his tongue luxuriously across the expanse of his bottom lip before tugging it between his teeth, “y’didn’t ask nicely.”

you fight down the urge to push him away but his grip on you is tight and true, strong and steady and… so very nearly sweet.

“fuck off.”

he grins a foxhole grin and you feel yourself sinking into it’s depths, deeper and deeper as he spins you beneath his arm and dips you low, low, low.

“nope — pretty sure y’didn’t ask there either. and… that ain’t proper language for a lady, now is it?”

you roll your eyes as he pulls you back up and the dance begins again.

“fine,” you bite out, sparing him a half-hearted glare, “can i please have a kiss?” you ground out the words, even as the heat crests up your chest and bubbles over into your cheeks, burning all the way to the tips of your ears.

“hm… now that wasn’t so hard, now was it?”

he leans in and you let your eyes flutter shut.

when he breaks the kiss, he is smiling.

“kiss me again,” he says.

you smirk, “what happened to asking nicely?”

“hn. don’t feel like it — too much trou—”

but you cut him off with another kiss, and briefly, silvio considers the merits of tugging away if only to tease you about the impropriety of interrupting a prince’s speech before he’s finished. and then the next moment, he decides that, really, he prefers just kissing you instead.

[roseworth]

Hey, so idk if this was on purpose or not but your prompts sheet doesn’t show up anymore after you moved accounts.

Anyway, I’d literally commit murder for your rosecassie stuff so idk if you’re still taking prompts but if you are rosecassie+whatever’s sixth on the list I guess

it was not on purpose lol i just never bothered to change the links whoops <3!!! here u go

prompts 🥰

--

Cassie stared down at her tea. She had hoped that it would help her fall asleep, but she wasn’t any more tired than she was an hour ago.

She wondered if Conner would be offended if she found somewhere else to sleep. Ever since he came back, they had fallen into the habit of sleeping in the same bed when they were in the Tower. The idea was nice, sure, but Cassie could never sleep well next to him. She wasn’t sure why. 

She wanted to say it was just space issues, but she and Cissie had always shared a bed when they used to have sleepovers, and Cassie had never had a problem then.

She tried not to think about it too hard.

Her tea was cold now. She took another sip anyways.

The moon was full, giving enough light through the window that Cassie didn’t bother turning any lights on. It would feel too much like giving up if she did.

She didn’t know how long she had been there before she heard quiet footsteps in the hall. She automatically assumed it was Tim; he was always up and wandering around at random hours, she had gotten used to it.

“Cassie?”

Cassie frowned and looked up. That definitely wasn’t Tim’s voice. “Rose? What are you doing here?”

“I live here,” Rose grunted, then added, “Much to your dismay, I’m sure.”

“I know you live here, I meant why are you in the kitchen at 3 am?”

“Why are you in the kitchen at 3 am?” Rose shot back.

Cassie shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Me neither,” Rose said, walking to the cabinet and grabbing a mug. “I’m making tea, you want any?”

“I already have some.”

She looked pointedly at Cassie’s mug and raised an eyebrow. “It looks cold.”

“It is,” Cassie admitted. “I’ve been down here a while.”

Rose grabbed the mug and poured the cold tea into the sink. “I’ll make you another.”

“Thank you,” Cassie said quietly.

“Whatever, I’m already making some,” Rose mumbled, turning away. “I wouldn’t be doing it if I wasn’t making it for myself.”

“I still appreciate it.”

Rose didn’t respond. They sat in the dark kitchen in silence until Rose set a mug in front of her, steam rising from the top.

“Thank you,” Cassie said again.

“Whatever.”

“Why are you up?” Cassie asked, taking a sip of her tea.

“I told you, I couldn’t sleep.”

“Why not?”

Rose shrugged and chewed on her lip. “No reason.”

“You’re not very convincing.”

“I made you tea, get off my back,” she groaned. “Even when I try to be nice, you’re still badgering me.”

“I’m not badgering, I’m just worried about you,” Cassie defended. “You don’t always have to make it so difficult for people that care about you.”

Rose blinked and look down at her tea. “Sorry,” she muttered.

“Come on," Cassie said, poking her arm lightly. "The key word there was that I care about you.”

“You’ve got one hell of a way of showing it.”

“Well, we’ve been here for almost 5 minutes and we’ve been mostly civil,” Cassie snorted. “That’s gotta count for something. Must be a new record for us.”

Rose snickered. “Not my fault you’re a bitch.”

“Hey!”

“I’m kidding,” she laughed. “Mostly.”

“Okay, fine, maybe I haven’t always been nice to you, but you can’t act blameless.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’ve been nothing but a generous angel to you.”

“And I can’t help but notice you’ve dodged the question,” Cassie pointed out. “Why are you awake?”

Rose glared at her, then let her head drop back. “I had a nightmare,” she admitted quietly. “But if you tell anyone, I’ll deny it then kill you.”

“Your secret’s safe with me,” Cassie smirked. “I know your badass reputation will never recover if anyone finds out you have feelings.”

“Thanks,” Rose deadpanned, rolling her eyes.

Cassie rested her head on her hand and smiled, then let her face fall into a more serious expression. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked.

“No.”

“You sure? I promise I can be a good listener.”

“I don’t want to think about it,” Rose mumbled. “Besides, it’s your turn.”

“What do you mean it’s my turn?”

“Why are you awake?”

Cassie bit her lip and let her gaze fall to the floor. “I just wasn’t tired, I guess.”

“Bullshit, I told you my reason,” Rose scoffed, crossing her arms. “You have to tell me yours.”

“It’s just…” Cassie sighed. “I have trouble sleeping in the same bed as Conner.”

“Oh.” 

“It’s not a big deal,” Cassie mumbled.

“Of course not,” Rose assured her. “So you want personal space, it’s not a problem.”

“It’s not that,” Cassie whispered.

“Oh," she said again. "Then what is it?”

“I don’t know.”

Rose shrugged and swirled her tea. “He was gone a long time, maybe things have changed with both of you.”

“He’s not really my boyfriend anymore,” Cassie said. She wasn’t sure why she felt the need to point it out, but she wanted to say it. “We talked about it. We don't want to be ‘official’ right now.”

Rose glanced up at her. “Do you love him?”

“Of course I love him, he’s one of my best friends.”

“So you love him as a friend?”

Cassie frowned. “I... I guess. I don't know.”

Rose hummed in response. Cassie held her mug tighter, taking a long sip.

“I don’t think I know how to love,” Cassie said softly, staring down at her tea. “I thought I loved Tim because I felt the same way about him that I did about Kon, but…”

But she had been using Tim to cover up how she felt without even realizing it. She still didn’t know how to say that out loud without feeling like a monster.

And she especially didn’t know what that said about her and Kon.

Rose huffed. “I don’t think I can help with any love problems, I’ve never been very good at it,” she told her. Her voice sounded half-amused, but her eyes looked sad.

“Did you love Eddie?” Cassie asked.

Rose swallowed thickly and pushed her hair out of her face. “As a friend, I think,” she answered, her voice noticeably lower than before. “He’s… he was sweet. But I don’t think I could ever love him in the way he wanted.”

“Did you ever tell him that?”

Rose shook her head. “I convinced myself that if I just waited, I might come to my senses, or something,” she said. “I guess I thought if I tried, I really could be in love with him. Guess I waited too long.”

“Sounds like me and Conner,” Cassie mumbled into her tea.

“When was the last time you told him you love him?” Rose asked.

“Um… a couple days ago, I think.”

“When was the last time you meant it?”

Cassie twisted her mug, staring down into her tea as if it could change the answer for her. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I don’t know if I ever did.”

Rose stared at her, a sad and distant look in her eyes that Cassie couldn’t quite place. Cassie gazed back, her hands still gripped tightly around her mug even though the tea was nearly finished.

“I’m gonna go for a walk,” Rose said after a moment. “You can take my bed for the night, if you want.”

“Thanks,” Cassie said softly. “Are you… are you gonna be okay?”

Rose nodded. “I’ve been through worse than a little insomnia.”

She got up and poured her tea out into the sink. Cassie raised an eyebrow. “You barely drank any of your tea.”

Rose shrugged on her way out the door. “I don’t like tea,” she replied, then left without another word.

[kimsgoeun]

❣️ for logan/veronica

@kaceyrps

❣️ : our muses find themselves under a mistletoe by coincidence

Veronica slipped out of the locked room and went back down the hallway. It felt like she was in the all clear until she noted security following her. Shit, she thought as she quickened her pace and headed back into the party.

Was it the smartest idea in the world to go searching for evidence right then and there? Definitely not. But in her defense, if she saw a window, she couldn't just not go in it. Trying to look as natural as possible, she moved through the crowd, muttering excuse me to those she passed. All she had to do was get out and leave and she'd be in the clear.

So when an hand grabbed her arm, she figured it was all over. Sighing, she turned, ready to relay some lie. Surprisingly enough, she was met with a familiar face. The fact that Logan happened to be there seemed to luck out in her favor--just not his.

He dropped his hold on her arm now that she had stopped. "Should I even ask what you're doing here?"

"I mean, it'd be the polite thing to do," she smiled. He let out a sigh and she watched as his gaze turned to something behind her. Veronica didn't need his height to know what he was probably seeing.

"I take it the security is looking for you?"

She shrugged, smiling innocently, and he rolled his eyes. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her through the throngs of people at the party. Without a clue as to where they're heading, she can only trust that he knows someplace to lay low in.

They stop in some alcove, hidden behind some of the foliage in the house. His brows are furrowed as he looks behind him to see if anyone was coming. A part of her knew she should be a little worried, but she was more of a worry after you get in trouble type of gal.

“Thanks, Logan,” she said. He responded in jest that they weren’t exactly out of the woods yet. And he was right. Just as he said it, Veronica spotted another guard heading towards them. Looking around, she tried to think quick on her feet, hoping something will help get them out of being approached. Just as Logan offered to distract them as she left, she spotted something above their heads. 

“Don’t freak out, okay?” she said in warning. 

His brow rose in question, but before he could ask for clarification, Veronica grabbed him by the lapels of his suit and pulled him towards her. Her lips were pressed to his and she threw an arm around his neck. For a second he remained frozen against her lips and she wondered if he was going to push her away. But a hand falls to her waist and it isn’t long until she feels the wall pressed into her back. And even though she knows she’s kissing him as a cover, she can’t help but realize how much she’s enjoying it. 

It takes her a bit to her force herself to pull away from him. Their breaths are labored and she tried not to look at him for too long so she wouldn’t feel the need to kiss him all over again. “I think they’re gone,” she murmured. Her eyes slid back over to him and she realized they’re still awfully close. 

“So how’d you come up with this plan?” he asked, arm still around her. Veronica looks up and he follows the gesture. He chuckled when he saw the mistletoe above their heads. “Ah. I see.” 

“Yep.” Her hand slips from his shoulder and he finally takes a step back. Surprise comes over her as she notes how disappointed that that’s the end of things. “So, uh, thanks for that. I should probably get going before they come looking for me again...” she said and tried not to look at him. “I’ll, uh, see you later then, Logan.” 

Hopefully by the time she did, the memory of kissing him would be long forgotten.  

[meowzfordayz]

helloo 🤗 if it's alright with you, may I request some gyomei hcs/fic? Like what does it feel like to be loved by him •u• thank you!

Hii! Tyvm for your request! I feel like I got lowkey carried away ?? But I ~mostly stayed within the bounds of your prompt heh. 😅 P.S. I snuck in some poetry at the end and now I just wanna dance in the rain. 🌧☺️

Author’s Note: hcs have a special place in my heart. 😍 #indulgence is a writer's best friend (at least, it's this writer's best friend lol)

to be loved by — gyomei

Himejima Gyomei x Reader

Word Count: ~1,500

CW: explicit language, mild sexual content

~faqs~

Alllrighty I’m fucking done w/ chem hw rn

Not actually done 💀

Only 1.5/3 parts completed

#this shit suckz

But if I keep chugging along, then I might actually cry 😳

#riperoni

Sooo time to write some Gyomei hcs!

P.S. I’ve got a candle and a glass of chocolate milk near my laptop, and I srsly almost grabbed the candle to take a sip 😵

Fun fact!

I used to do bullet points for hcs, but then my hcs got reeeally long whoops, so I stopped doing bullet points

Like, should I really use bullet points when I’m lowkey telling entire short stories within my hcs ??

But for this, I might just use bullet points (bc it’s only Gyomei vs all the Hashira or whateves)

Apologies in advance bc there’s going to be absolutely no rhyme or reason to how I order these

—

Okayokayokay first things first: there’s basically no way you’re taller than him (if you happen to be taller than 7’2”, then sry 🙃), and he eats. That. Shit. Up !!

Can’t reach something? “I’ve got it, [y/n].” Cheeky, satisfied grin

Can’t see something? “If you sit on my shoulders, then you’ll have a better vantage point.” Casual, nonchalant flexing

“You want this, [y/n]?” as he holds your book, chopsticks, you-name-it waaay above your head

Ik Gyomei’s a big ol softie w/ a religious upbringing, but I also believe he’s playful as heck

Like, tease-you-until-you-cry-and-then-cuddle-you-bc-you-cried type of playful

He cries w/ you obvi

Only w/ ppl he’s close to tho — he’d need to feel very comfortable w/ you before he’d even consider teasing you

He’s blind, yeah, but his hearing is like… 👌👌👌

So he doesn’t need to see you to know exactly how and what you’re feeling

How you walk, the cadence of your breathing, the subtle nuances in your voice that you likely aren’t aware of yourself — he knows you better than you know yourself

“[y/n], you’re overworking yourself,” he murmurs protectively

“Wha- Gyomei, I’m just going about as usual?”

You’re sitting beside him, cheek warm against his bicep

“Your breathing. It hasn’t steadied in the entire time that we’ve sat here. Please, [y/n], I implore you to rest.”

He hears you blinking, dumbfounded

“I’m breathing fine,” you grumble

“Are you tired?” he’s soft

You pause, reluctantly taking a long moment to close your eyes and listen to your body

“A little.”

“It’s okay to rest, [y/n]. It’s okay to take care of yourself.”

“How about now?” you ask shyly

“You can rest now,” he sounds grounded, the reddening of his ears giving away his delight

With his assurance, you scoot until your head rests snugly in the dip created by his upright torso and crossed legs, fingers tapping drowsily along his thigh

As your breathing deepens, exhaustion spreading from the depths of your bones, Gyomei’s eyes glisten

He’s grateful for your trust in him, grateful he gets to protect you

To take care of you

Even when you drool on his pants

Imagine how large his happi would be on practically anyone

Do you “borrow” it? Often? Yes and yes

It’s not quite as reassuring as a hug from the man himself, but you can essentially burrow yourself in it, sooo… def your go-to for comfort when he’s away on missions

And yes, he lets you keep it while he’s gone — he’s all too aware of the finite consequence of being a Demon Slayer

Do they write wills? Bc if they do, then he’s def willed you his happi

Not to get too morbid 😅

Does he let you take it on your own missions? Ehh, not so much

Understandable tho, bc slaying demons isn’t the tidiest occupation

GYOMEI LOVES CATS

Bear w/ me

My username url whatever thingy is literally “meowz for dayz”

Not to mention this gem: meows for days #shameless self promo

SO THIS MF HAS AT LEAST ONE CAT

And he lets you pet it

He can tell when you’re in particularly distressing emotional/mental pain

And that’s when he’ll offer to pick you up

Might take a few, “I insist!” but eventually he’s briskly carrying you “somewhere”

He makes you close your eyes bc, “It’s a surprise, [y/n].”

*plop*

You’re in his bedroom, on his bed, w/ his cat already nuzzling at your palm

“Gyomei,” you whimper

This man is too attentive and adoring and pure and ugh

“Take as much time as you need, [y/n],” he caresses your jaw, pressing a light kiss to your forehead

He checks in on you later and you’re napping peacefully w/ kitty

The sound of your mellow slumber and kitty’s sleepy purring

Makes him cry contentedly

Do you live together? Sure! Did it take f o r e v e r to get to that point? Also sure! But that’s okay! Gyomei is synonymous w/ #slow burn #acquaintances to friends #friends to best friends #best friends to crushing #crushing to mutual pining #mutual pining to love confession #love confession to shy lovers #shy lovers to lovers #lovers to this man is lowkey kinky in the most innocent way that one could possibly be kinky #he’s gigantic lol sry not sry big dick energy #maybe someday I’ll break the trope and claim he’s got a normal pp #but that day is not today

Don’t get me wrong: Gyomei’s always kind hearted

But there’s a difference between being kind and being someone’s lover

He doesn’t have a lot of experience, but he does have a lot of patience!

For you and w/ himself

PROTECTIVE GYOMEI

Briefly mentioned that earlier

But like, what about when you’re being threatened by someone/something other than your own inattention to your needs? #don’t overwork yourself!

Tbh, I doubt ppl hassle you

At least, not when you’re w/ Gyomei

Have you ever walked past someone suuuper tall?

All you’re thinking is, “DAaaayuuum.”

Certainly not, “Yooooo let’s go pick a fiiight !!!!!”

Anywho

If, for whatever reason, Gyomei senses the slightest hitch in someone’s breath — hears the lowest growl in someone’s throat

He’s invading their personal space #intimidation fr fr #pop goes their personal space bubble

Ofc he isn’t hot headed

But you can be levelheaded and assertive

Which he is both, tyvm

As for jealous? Hm, not so much

I feel like he can lowkey hear your heart?

So he can simply hear 24/7 how nobody else makes it beat the way he does

Is that creepy ?? Oops, oh well, lmao I thought it was cute at least for a second 😇

POINT BEING, Gyomei doesn’t equate loving to possessing

His love is splashing in puddles on a sunny day

His love is discovering that someone else has the same favorite movie as you when your favorite movie is obscure af (my favorite movie = Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron… anyone else? 📽)

His love is subtle touches; fleeting, always on time, promising; a palm on your neck when you’re nervous; a nudge of his knee against yours when you’re excited; a brush of his lips across your brow when you’re injured

When you’re injured

I feel like he’s annoyingly cautious? Restrictive? Doting? Wishes he could sleep, eat, breathe for you ~just in case

But the moment you’re cleared by someone of Shinobu’s caliber/expertise?

Or yanno, by Shinobu herself

He’s back to holding your book over your head

It’s a sign of respect

He never consciously coddles you, belittles you, manipulates you

I could hc for significantly longer about Gyomei’s love

So let’s end w/ a little insight as to why I titled this “as rain falls”

As rain falls, it falls on everyone

Okay, sure, umbrellas and houses are a thing

But still

As rain falls, it falls on everyone

It seeps through thin fabrics, leaks through unseen cracks

Splinters and decays and breathes life into patiently, impatiently, dying roots

As rain falls, it doesn’t fall quite the same

Everyone, feels it

Differently

The swelter in the air, the chill, depending on the season

Tumbles down every individual’s throat

Differently

Some greet the rain softly, amusedly

Others reluctantly, irritatedly

How does rain fall for you?

Does it fall violent, tumultuous, its scent and wetness and cling cling clinginess wrenching you from your spot

Into the hollow face of

Someone you used to know

Or does it fall joyful, radiant, sweet on your tongue

Movement shaping itself to your whim

His love falls

Quiet

Pittter patter

Telltale droplets settling on your shoulders

Beading lightly in your hair

Warmth, devotion, the inevitability

Of rain

Fall fall falling

His love falls

Inevitability

Perfectly

Not a damp mark out of place

Nestling, dripping, tender as it seeks every inch of your being

His love

Is a rainstorm

A moment of serenity

Bare feet on plush grass

Step step stepping

His love falls

As rain falls

[talas-starlight]

Lover - Percy Jackson x Fem!reader

SUMMARY: You’ve crushed on Percy for years, him on the other hand? It’s more of a recent development. That doesn’t mean he likes you any less.

(Older Percy & reader - they're like 21) ALSO idk perfectly what happens in trials of apollo so let’s just ✨ignore that ✨ & this isn’t sexual despite what the title may suggest

WORD COUNT: 2.7k

A/N: hi friends this is for @fromthewatertribe​ ‘s 1k follower event!! Im sure most of you have but if not definitely check out their work!! Its soooo good I promises and ugh their Leo fic?! *chefs kiss* anyway idk if this is any good oop I tried

PROMPTS USED: 9 & 11. (they’re bolded)

WARNINGS: swearing, mentions of ptsd & anxiety, kissing stuff lol ish eh idk, mentions of percabeth breakup?? Does that count?

MASTERLIST: here!

An obnoxiously red and orange light filters into the motel room, even with the old and tattered curtains closed, the motels’ sign conquers its way through the fabric. Sighing you flop yourself on the faded, probably twenty-year-old bed. Nose scrunching as some dust raises into the air, consequently letting out a sneeze.

“Bless you.”

“Did you just bless yourself?”

You winced at the reminder someone else was in the room, exhausted after the two-day travel to a motel room in the middle of whoop. “Yeah…”

“You really are something, aren’t you?” At the calm amusement evident in his tone, your heart rate began to slow down. He didn’t think you were crazy.

You let out a breathy laugh. Wow, I wonder how those stains got on the ceiling? Lava monster perhaps? Are those even a thing? Probably.

“Yeah… well, someone has to Jackson.” You glance towards him, he’s sitting at the small, poor excuse of a dining table. Heart rate picking up again as he gives you a small smile, already having his eyes on you this entire time.

“If I don’t, who will?” you continue.

“Touché. In that case, I’ll do the blessing from now on; you deserve a break.” Shooting you a wink. Instantly feeling flustered at his action, you fight the urge to cover your face with your hands.

Oh, Percy, if only you knew you’ve already been blessing me for the past six years.

“Even say…. If we’re in a battle?” you muse.

He gets up from the table and walks towards you. Once he reaches your side of the queen bed, he kneels, grabbing the hand closest to him, while putting his other on top of his heart. “Oh, y/n l/n, even with my dying breath.”

With that, you burst into a fit of laughter. This boy and his sarcasm.

You play along. “Hmmm what a great tale that will be. The one and only, Perseus Jackson, spending his final breath on sweet old y/n l/n. How dare you burden me with such a legacy to live up to! They’ll think I’m your lover, you know. Demigods all around the world will come searching for me, just to gawk at the beauty that stole your heart.”

At this point, Percy has fallen from his kneeling position, completely lying on the ground, overcome with laughter.

“This isn’t funny, Percy! How am I supposed to live with the guilt of knowing I don’t live up to their expectations?! I’m hardly a warrior either, oh the disappointment.”

Gasping for breath, he manages to find his words, “Don’t stress it y/n, you’re plenty beautiful. I just know they’ll all be stunned by your beauty. Don’t sell yourself short… trust me, once they see you, they’ll be envious that my lover was so enraptured by me that you’ll never be able to love again.”

Now it was your turn to laugh. Would that be so bad?

Gasping for breath, eventually, both of your laughs die down, leaving you both breathing heavily. “C’mon Percy, let’s get some sleep. Its going to be a long week of scouting for demigods if we’re tired.”

As Percy nods, silently getting up to go to the bathroom to change, but he can’t help but think to himself that he wouldn’t mind if he was stuck in the middle of nowhere with you. No matter how long.

It had been three days since you and Percy arrived in the town you continuously fail to remember the name of. It wasn’t the only thing you were failing at doing either, because it seemed that for some unknown reason, the school that was supposed to arrive here for their camping trip still hadn’t shown up.

“We should send an Iris message to camp. It doesn’t look like they’re showing up any time soon, and by the looks of things, we’re going to need to have them send someone for more supplies.”

Percy sighed, looking out the window. Was this the opportunity he was looking for? Maybe… he knew he’d be a stupid fool to pass it up. Swept up in his new thoughts, he never replied. “Percy?”

Without even looking at you, he nodded, turning to go to the bathroom, “Yeah sure, I’ll go into the bathroom and make the call.”

Humming in acknowledgement as he left the room, you couldn’t help but stare at the spot he was previously standing in from your position on the edge of the bed. He doesn’t look too good.

For such a great hero, you wondered if this quest was doing him any good. After the first day of scouting the campsite, it was obvious he was already antsy to get home. It seemed no matter how light you tried to keep the atmosphere; it was like something was weighing on his mind. Mostly when you were both in the motel room together, you supposed it was because he barely went on quests nowadays. Understandably so, after all, who could blame him for wanting a break and spend time with his family? This made you feel immensely guilty since you could never give him words of truly understanding what he’s gone through. You’d arrived at camp a few days before him, yet over the years you were never sent onto a major quest. It upset you greatly at first, but you grew to appreciate your time at camp.

Before your mind could delve further into its guilt and self-pity, Percy re-entered the room, sitting next to you with a huff. “It’s all good. They’re going to send Leo with some extra supplies, and he’ll help us for the rest of this quest.”

Accidentally getting swept up in how pretty his eyes were, you tensed up, realising he was staring at you expectantly. Quickly nodding and clearing your throat you looked down to your lap, “ahh, okay that sounds good. I guess we’ll have time to sightsee or something…”

Sightsee? Really y/n? There’s nothing in this stupid town!

An awkward silence filled the room. Due to your previous thoughts, you were unsure how to proceed. This was the first time you were alone with him and had nothing else better to do.

Percy on the other hand, found that the obvious swooning look in your eyes was his green light. “Uhhh actually y/n?”

Oh, please don’t ask me why I basically just drooled all over you for NO FUCKING REASON. Snapping your head back up to look at him, you desperately tried to ignore the pounding in your chest that managed to find its way into your ears, “yeah?”

“There’s something I want to ask you.”

Holy shit he knows, doesn’t he? He knows I’ve liked him this entire time, and he’s going to reject me even though I never even said anything!

“I uhm… look I know we’re kind of on a small quest and all but technically we ARE waiting for Leo and the school to arrive before we continue… and you know we kind of have like at least a day or two until then so I was just wondering…”

“Yeah, Percy? You can just say it, you know; I really don’t mind.” I do mind, but please get this over with before I cry. With your heart rate increasing at an alarming rate and face heating up so much, you wanted Zeus to blast you right then and there.

Percy felt like he was about to puke, he’d never felt this nervous before. Yeah, he had his moments growing up with Annabeth, after all, she was his first girlfriend, but this was different. He wanted this to be different. Sure, he never regretted their relationship, and yes, he knew he’d always remember everything they went through- what he went through but… he wanted a clean slate. He desperately just wanted nothing more than to know that there was at least one person in his life that wasn’t constantly fighting for their lives—someone who didn’t have to live with as much trauma as him.

“W- would you maybe... Gods, do you want to have dinner tomorrow night? Maybe at the diner further into the town?”

HOLY FUCK.

He was interested and honestly, you were over the moon. Breathing out the breath you were holding in, you fail to hide the smile on your face, “yeah, I’d like that.”

His face instantly broke out into a wide smile matching yours. “Wait really?”

Unable to hold back a small giggle, you nodded, “yeah, Percy.”

Staring at yourself in the mirror, you admire the blue dress you found in a charity shop this morning while Percy was sleeping. I can’t believe this is happening.

If you had old even more awkward 15-year-old y/n that you were about to go on a date with the boy you admired from your table during meals (when he was there), you would’ve laughed. Mainly because at that point, he didn’t even know you existed, only having your first conversation during the battle of Manhattan when you were helping Will.

Okay… lets do this.

Walking out of the bathroom, Percy is already sitting on the bed in his usual t-shirt, jeans and converse waiting for you.

“Woah… You look uh-” Never finishing his statement, worry bubbled in your chest.

“Oh, uhm… I- I can change if you’d like?

Jumping up from his place on the bed, his head shook quickly. “NO! N-no don’t do that.”

“Ah uhm… okay? Sorry, it’s just I saw it in a store earlier and uhm… it looked nice, and I just thought that maybe it’d be cool to maybe put in a bit more effort? I mean… not that you don’t look good or anything! I love what you wear, you always look nice! but I don’t know… I don’t get to look nice much and… I just wanted it to be kinda special since we don’t get to… well our lives don’t really grant us these opportunities very often. Or at least for me anyway…”

“Hey, no, it’s okay! I totally get it… you look beautiful.” After hearing your small confession and thought to prepare for your date, his heart felt like it was melting. How could someone be so thoughtful when all he was doing was taking you to a rundown diner who probably only served mediocre burgers?

A small wave of guilt washed through him. Feeling like he would never be able to truly sweep you off your feet or give you that sweet, tooth-rotting love and affection, every day, just like you deserved. After everything, he knew he could try his best but even then, he’d never be able to hide the anxiety or PTSD he had acquired over the years.

You looked up to him with a smirk. “Glad to hear it, lover.”

Cheeks heating up at your comment, he laughed trying to play it off as cool as possible. Taking a step closer to you and flattening his shirt as if it would wipe away its wrinkles, he held out his arm. “Shall we, lover?”

Matching his level of fake sophistication, you linked your arm with his, “with pleasure.”

And with that, you both walked out of the motel, with hopeful spirits. To any onlooker, you both looked like normal young adults.  

“Where the fuck are you?!” Percy’s voice boomed from his end of the phone, supposedly made without any monster risks.  

You winced, slowly and cautiously walking your way out of the forest. The once clean dress was now covered in dirt and had few tears. It went perfectly with your dishevelled, twig and leaf infested hair.

“Space doesn’t really exist, so I’m nowhere. Life is built on social constructs and, since there’s no way to know if we’re really alive or if it’s just an illusion, I can’t be anywhere.”

“Y/n.”

Okay, he was concerned, and you couldn’t blame him. After all, how did you expect him to react after getting separated from you as you were chased into the woods by an Empousai after dinner?

Romance at its finest.  

“Yeah, sorry, I got caught up, but I’ll be there soon.”

Ending the call, you couldn’t help but feel guilty as you replayed the events that just occurred in your head. The date was amazing. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was still sweet. Which led you both to go on one of those cliché night walks. That was nice too, until two Empousai came out of the forest and decided to attack you both.

Percy being…. Well Percy, he swiftly got out riptide and didn’t hesitate to defend the two of you. You, on the other hand, were completely caught off guard only just noticing as one of them turned their focus on you while Percy was distracted.

And what did you do like the perfectly trained demigod you were?

You ran like a headless chicken into the forest.

After a few minutes of running, they tackled you into the ground. Trying and failing failed to shove them off, you suddenly remembered the dagger you strapped to your thigh under your dress and stabbed them.

Clearly not your proudest moments.

Finally making it back to the room, you unlocked the door and let out a huff of relief. “Well… that date didn’t go as expected.”

Percy, took in your current state staring at you with wide eyes… but he didn’t say anything. Is he angry at me? Fuck now he’s going to call off whatever this is, all because I’m an incompetent idiot! I knew I should have tried harder in the sparring activities at camp.

Feeling highly intimidated under his intense stare, you began to play with the hem of your dress, voice going quiet. “Look I uh- I know it probably wasn’t the date you were hoping for but I uhm-“

Before you could even finish your poor excuses, your words are soon lost entirely. Percy stalked towards you with a determined look on his face. Reaching you, he firmly placed his hands on either side of your face, smashing his lips onto yours.

You let out a small, muffled squeak of surprise as your eyebrows shot up into Olympus. Yet unlike your fighting skills, this was something you managed to adapt to at a faster pace.

Eyes fluttering closed, you fisted his shirt, pulling him closer.

Please don’t let this be a dream.

Because Gods forbid if this your one chance, you weren’t letting this moment end that easily.  

Moving your lips against his, the urgency he came onto you with slowly began to dissipate, feeling his soft, but slightly chapped lips move against yours. Deepening the kiss, you let go of his shirt, gliding your hands up his tense torso and along his strong arms, eventually placing your hands on his wrists that were on either side of your face. Applying a small amount of pressure to the inside of his wrists with your thumbs, his mind began to drift into a calming haze as you softly stroked them. It was almost as if you were able to brush away the worry that bubbled in him when he got back to the room, only to find you weren’t there. Yet here you were… safe.

It was intoxicating and calming having him so close to you, his entire being overcoming your senses to a point where you fought the urge to let out a small whimper when he pulled away.

Resting his forehead against yours, chest rising and falling heavily flushed against you; he continued to hold you in his warm embrace. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” He whispers, breath fanning against your face.

Because as much as Percy was afraid he’d let you down, he knew no matter what you were worth every single risk.

“…but I’m going to have to teach you a few things when we get back to camp. We can’t have my lover running away in battle all the time, how will I know if you sneeze?”

Letting out a snort, you playfully hit his chest. “Anything for you, lover.”

A soft smile graces his face as he looks at you adoringly as the word takes on a whole new meaning… because you were right. He’d do anything.

A/N: whelp! i hope you all liked it :)) its not perfect but oh well? 

also i dont have a percy jackson taglist but i gotta tag the holy grail of fic writers for this fandon eep @cabinofimagines​   🙈 🙈

Divider credit: @biskit-rising​

[secretwhumplair]

Experiment 71

719 words | Original work

Prompt | by Anon

Content | Experiment whump, it’s all very vague, captivity, psychological/emotional whump, touch-starvation, escape, implied: torture, mention of: needles

Notes | Whoops.

This was going to be a tiny little snip and now it’s significantly less tiny snip lol. I will NOT continue this in the foreseeable future, don’t tempt me. (But I will keep it on the back burner with the million other WIPs, it’s too late)

71B sobbed hysterically against the glass wall.

They had seen what happened to 71A on the other side of it. They could see them lying on the floor where the lab staff had left them, half-dead.

Tomorrow, 71B would be the same ruined wreck. Every scar, every needle-hole, every incision on their body matched 71A’s.

The staff left 71A’s cell, and 71B looked after them, half-blind with tears.

But not too blind to see the way the door handle got stuck just a fraction lower than usual.

For several long moments, 71B just stared. Surely they would come back any moment and fix the door. But nothing happened. Whether they thought 71A was too broken to realize or do anything with it, or this was another experiment, 71B didn’t know.

They only knew 71A had a sliver of a chance to escape this hell.

They banged against the glass until their fists hurt, even knowing it was near sound-proof. But finally, without looking, let alone getting up, 71A inched over to the wall, moving in ways that could hardly be described as human. They hadn’t heard 71B, they reckoned. They just came for their usual desperate attempt of comforting one another.

Eventually, they sagged against the wall, and turned their head just enough to look at 71B with glazed eyes.

71B knew they were looking for a shred of compassion, but they had no time, the staff might come back at any moment, and even breaking their heart over it, instead of soothing gestures, they frantically pointed 71A at the door.

For a moment, they looked hurt in a way the staff could never manage. Betrayed. But once they turned their head, agonizingly slowly, they realized immediately. They looked back at 71B, their eyes, even exhausted as they were, just a little wider.

“Go,” 71B breathed, knowing full well 71A couldn’t hear them. “Go, get out of here, go.”

71A laid a trembling hand against the glass.

71B mirrored the gesture without thinking, like they had done a thousand times, but then withdrew. “Go. Go!”

71A crawled over to the door. Their journey up to the handle might as well have been a climb to a hostile mountain peak.

“You go, you can make it!” 71B’s breath fogged the glass. As did their tears. “Go on…”

71A reached the handle. It took some fiddling, but eventually, the door opened.

They half-fell out of their cell.

And they were gone.

71B rested their head against the pane and howled.

They didn’t know for how long they missed the sounds at their door for it. Then they scrambled up as fast as their own aching limbs, a thousand older scars, would allow.

“Don’t, run…” Only as they said it to the still-closed door, they realized 71A was in no condition to go anywhere on their own. Even if they ever wanted to.

Still, the thought of 71A getting caught at their door terrified them. They would be punished. And the next day, so would 71B.

They trembled against the cold metal until, with an underwhelming little click, it opened.

They scrambled through.

71A had collapsed back to the floor, not even looking up. No one else was in the corridor, only dimly lit by emergency lighting; neat little glowing green-framed arrows.

But for now, 71B only had eyes for the figure they had watched for so long, without ever a chance to meet them, touch them, tell them so much as a comforting lie.

Half of them expected to meet a barrier when they extended their arms towards the limp form. But not this time. They pulled 71A into a hug, sobbing into their hair cropped as short as 71B’s. 71A’s fingers weakly curved into the too-large white shirt 71B was wearing, identical to theirs.

They hadn’t been touched with any kind of feeling in so long.

It took all of 71B’s strength to force themself out of it. They wanted to stay like this, just holding and crying and listening to each other’s sounds, but they knew what tomorrow would bring for them.

“Okay,” they whispered, forcing themself to their feet, pulling 71A with them. They could barely offer any help in supporting their own weight. “Let’s get out of here.”

[whenisitenoughtrees]

Prompt 59: “You’re so drunk.” Janus saying it to his boyfriends Patton and Remus? Both who ended up drinking a little more than planned lol

thank you for this prompt!! this is probably one of the fluffiest things i’ve written in my whole life

prompt list here (prompts currently open!)

Title: and days of auld lang syne

Word Count: 1,778

Content Warnings: alcohol consumption, vague sexual innuendo

(fic masterpost)

In his defense, he doesn’t mean to lose his boyfriends. But Remy’s house is very large, and there are a lot of people here, a lot of chatter, a lot of food, a lot of champagne flowing, and that makes it incredibly easy to get sidetracked. He spends about an hour discussing obscure philosophers with Logan, and then Dot and Larry draw him into conversation for almost as long, and by the time he realizes that he has no idea where Patton and Remus have gotten off to, it’s nearly midnight.

And that simply will not do. He’s not bringing in the new year without his boyfriends by his side. It’s tradition, after all, and he’ll admit, he’s just a bit concerned about the fact that he hasn’t seen them since just after they arrived. Usually, he is confident in Patton’s ability to curb Remus’ most foolish impulses, but in a crowd like this, with this kind of festive atmosphere? There is no telling what kind of mischief Remus might think up, and even Patton’s most disappointed stare might not be enough to stop him.

So, he goes looking, which turns out to be a more monumental task than he thought. Because really, why does Remy own such a huge house? How does he have so many friends? It’s truly ridiculous, and Janus is getting tired of navigating through all these people, half of whom are strangers and all of whom are decidedly not who he is looking for. He is excellent at putting on a show of politeness even on his worst days, but he can feel his smile wearing thin around the edges, can feel his eye begin to twitch.

But finally, he bumps into Virgil, who rolls his eyes and directs him to the second floor balcony, the one overlooking the back gardens. He makes his way there with no small measure of relief, and finds that the second floor is, at least, less crowded, which does wonders for his mood. He pushes the balcony doors open, and feels the tension drain from him as he lays eyes on his boyfriends, sitting on the floor and leaning in toward each other, whispering conspiratorially.

He clears his throat.

“Is this an exclusive meeting,” he asks, “or might I join you?”

Both Patton and Remus swivel their heads toward him, the motion almost in perfect unison. And that is when he first gains the inkling that something is off here; there are no lights on the balcony except for the stars, but the illumination from inside spills from the still-open doorway and across their faces, highlighting the flushes on their cheeks, the dilation of their pupils. And as they both stand, their legs seem unsteady, wobbly, as if the floor is rocking beneath their feet. Or at least, as if they think it is.

Patton reaches him first, a wide grin splitting his lips. He stumbles, and Janus reaches out to steady him, grasping his arms, and Patton beams at him as if he hung the moon.

“Hi!” he exclaims, far too loudly for the lack of distance between them. “I’m so happy to see you! Remus, look, it’s Janus!”

Remus has reached him by now, too, and he slings an arm around both Janus’ shoulder and Patton’s, leaning in close. He is steadier on his feet than Patton is, but only just, and Janus can smell the alcohol on his breath.

“Give him the thing!” he insists, somewhat ominously, and just as loud as Patton. Janus winces as his eardrums protest the noise’s proximity, but his attention is distracted by Patton, who giggles and nods, taking his arms back from Janus and reaching into his shirt, pulling out— something. Janus can’t tell what it is; it’s too dark, and Patton moves too quickly, shoving whatever-it-is roughly onto his head. He frowns, raising a hand to touch it, trying to figure out what his new adornment is, but Patton pouts at him, yanking his arm back down.

“Don’t take it off!” he pleads. “We match now!”

Remus nods in eager agreement, and Janus squints at both of them, trying to figure out what they’re talking about. It only takes a moment, now that he’s looking for it; they both have circlets of vine resting atop their heads, clumsily tied together but seeming to hold up just fine. They appear to be made of more leaves than anything else, but they are speckled with delicate white flowers. He has to admit that it’s a lovely effect, overall, and he can’t bring himself to complain about being made to wear one.

“So we do,” he says. “Dare I ask where you got these from?”

Remus grins at him and points at the far corner of the balcony, where a mess of vines curls over the railing. There are clear signs of tampering, of some vines being torn off and flowers being plucked, and Janus hopes that Remy is not particularly attached to this plant. Also in that corner, he notes, are a great many discarded champagne glasses.

“Found ‘em!” Remus proclaims proudly, and Patton giggles.

“He was trying to jump off the balcony, and, and into the pool,” Patton says, using a tone that is clearly meant to be a confidential whisper, but doesn’t quite make it there. “I told him no, ‘cause then he’d be all wet—”

“—and I told him that I’d just take off my clothes—”

“—and then I told him that we had to wait until we get home until we do that, and then I saw the flowers and I thought we could make you something instead!” Patton smiles again, wide and bright, like a puppy eagerly seeking approval. He grabs Janus’ sleeve, tugging on it slightly. “Do you like it? It’s pretty, just like you!”

Janus can feel his face heating up, and hopes that the darkness conceals his blush. “Of course I like it,” he says, and Patton rocks back and forth on his heels, delighted, while Remus thrusts both fists into the air and lets out a loud whoop, a noise that gets lost in the veritable din coming from inside, and from the people that have begin to spill outdoors in anticipation of New Year’s fireworks. And seeing them both like this, so happy and content, he can’t help but smile back at them, shaking his head. “You’re so drunk,” he says, and he’s glad that no one else is around to hear how his voice turns disgustingly fond.

Remus nods rapidly, eyes wild, but Patton frowns at him. “Nooooooo,” he moans, and pitches forward, throwing all of his weight against Janus’ chest. He barely manages to keep them both upright. “’M not drunk, ‘m jus’ having a whole lotta feelings.”

Remus cackles, launching himself forward and into the two of them, and this time, Janus can do nothing to prevent them all from tumbling to the ground in a tangled heap. He grunts as both Patton and Remus land firmly on top of him, but he can’t be angry, not now, not tonight, not with the two of them here with him, no matter how inebriated they might be. Patton starts to giggle again, burying his face into Janus’ shirt.

“Whole lotta feelings ‘bout my butt!” Remus proclaims, plastering himself against Janus’ side and hooking one leg over both of his.

“Maybe later,” Patton informs him, his voice muffled, and Janus breaks at that, dissolving into laughter.

He can’t move. Can barely breathe, with the weight of both of his boyfriends pressing against his chest. But the stars are shining bright above them, glittering and twinkling just past the roof, and in the distance, the night sky blooms into reds and greens and golds as the fireworks begin, and there is absolutely no place that he would rather be.

“I love you both so much,” he says, and Remus sighs contentedly, snuggling in closer. Patton shifts, resting his head just above Janus’ heart.

“We love you too,” he says, voice slurred. “More than, more than anything. More than puppies. More than cookies, and, and—”

“And worms,” Remus supplies, “an’ more than brains, an’ zombies, an’ blood an’ guts. More than butts, even.”

Patton hums. “More than butts,” he agrees, and then after a brief pause, “But you do have a nice butt.”

And they both fall back into giggling at that, and Janus joins them, their joy utterly endearing, utterly infectious. He loves them. He loves them so, so much, and to this day, he has no idea how he can be so lucky as to have them, what he did to deserve Patton’s cheer and aching kindness, Remus’ eccentricity and unstoppable enthusiasm. They are all so different from one another that some days, he is still surprised that they fit together as well as they do, but he has never once stopped being grateful for it, grateful for them.

From both inside the house and below the balcony, there comes the unmistakable sounds of counting.

Ten. Nine. Eight.

He wraps his arms around them as best he can from this position. Patton takes up the count under his breath.

Seven. Six. Five. Four.

Remus wriggles in even closer, grasping at both of them, practically vibrating in his excitement.

Three. Two.

One.

The cheer rises up all around them, and Janus has no time to react before Patton is smacking a wet, sloppy kiss against the corner of his mouth, followed shortly by Remus doing the same, but only managing to capture his upper lip. And  he watches in amusement as they attempt to kiss each other, too, their noses bumping clumsily against each other as they try to find purchase.

He laughs. “Come here, you two,” he says, and smiles at both of them as they turn to look at him. Patton ducks down first, and Janus kisses his lips, gently, softly, and Patton sighs in contentment. And then it is Remus’ face hovering above his, waiting his turn with a patience uncharacteristic of him, and Janus kisses him just as sweetly. And they both settle against his sides as the fireworks pop and roar and bloom, brightening the night into day and ushering in the new year. There is sound and there is music, and there is joy and there is laughter, the party still in full swing, but he feels no need to join it, because he has his joy and his laughter right here.

The new year is a time of resolutions, and in this moment, he makes his: to keep this, to keep them, now and forever and always.

General Taglist: @just-perhaps @the-real-comically-insane @jerrysicle-tree @glitchybina @psodtqueer @mrbubbajones @snek-boii @severelylackinginquality @aceawkwardunicorn @gayerplease @elizabutgayer @dwbh888

[redhawtriot]

IM DYING for some domestic things, can I please have small request about it? What if Bakugo, Kirishima, Shigaraki and Dabi (seperated, obviously) coming home and bringing one cutie plusiu for their unborn child? Sorry for wxtra fluff I just need more cute things in our lifes 😭 YOU R AWESOME HAPPY ONE MONTH LUV YA

Tip Jar ☕- Not expected but always appreciated💞

I had to do this one right away! Sorry if some of these are very narrow-minded views on expecting children! I know surrogacy and adoption are also options! Let me know in the comments if those are things you guys would like to see as well!

But I got too excited when I saw this! lol The mucus filled disaster where my heart is supposed to be jumped for joy when I read this prompt!

HnM💕

💖Dabi:

When you first met Dabi, one of your very first presumptions about the man was that he should never have offspring. 

That’s not to say that you were not immediately drawn to his physical looks and demeanor, rather you just couldn’t picture such a stoic man ever having the visceral capacity in his cold heart to care much about anyone besides himself. 

It wouldn’t be until much later than your initial meeting where these feelings would be fully swayed– passed when you got to know him better and saw his standoffish mask fade away, revealing a loyal, surprisingly warm man– passed becoming romantically involved with him and finding him putting aside his own slight needs at times to fulfill yours– passed even your first pregnancy together. 

It was the day of your child’s birth that you knew just how much of a kind-hearted creature your partner could be. 

You already knew that he wouldn’t be able to attend the birth. He was a known “terrorist” after all. The sight of him in a hospital would only end in havoc.

Those people— always quick to label anyone who won’t conform under their oppression with such othering terms.

You gave a quick glance to your sleeping daughter, immediately feeling a heaviness in your heart. The picture just wasn’t complete without Dabi.

Yes, it hurt to be alone but you reminded yourself that you would soon return from the hospital to reunite your little untypical family.

But for the moment, you could only sleep and let your body heal from child birth.

A familiar sound suddenly chipped away at your peaceful unconscious, “You are so beautiful. Just like your mom, huh?”

Was that Dabi?

You tried to pry your heavy eye lids open and call out to him but only a slight tired groan came out.

“Go back to sleep, Y/N,” you felt a warm hand rub your cheek, “You did a good job. Rest up,” you tried to fight against your sleepiness but the soothing nature of his touch eventually dragged you back to sleep.

“You are perfect. I… I didn’t know I could feel so much for one person. God, I am going to spend every moment of my life protecting you until the day I die, baby girl.”

“Dabi!!” You gasped. You finally snapped your body up, and ignored the searing pain in your lower abdomen and you crazily searched the room for the father of your child.

Your heart sagged at his absence.

However on the visitors chair next to your daughters plastic crib was a large array of pink stuff animals and hearts.

You dragged yourself off of the bed and scuttled to the display of rosy penguins and pigs and bears and saw a card with a lone pink balloon on the front.

Curiously, you slowly opened the card,

I hope this doesn’t gross you out, me being all soft and everything, but as soon as I saw her I wanted to give her absolutely everything. My baby girl is the most precious thing I have ever seen.

I’m so proud of you. You did a good job, babe. Heal up and come home soon, kay?

I can’t wait to hold my girls again.  

🐊Kirishima:

He was beyond happy to become the father to your children. Words wouldn’t even be able to begin to describe the pure and overwhelming feelings of joy that he felt as he bounced out of the doors of the drug store near your house.

He glanced down to a torn piece of a magazine the two of you had lying around the house, checking the small list he made one more time before he left the stores premises: 

Vitamin B6

 A plush crocodile

flowers 

Left Twix

pregnancy test

Yep! All accounted for! He had practically no trouble at all finding most things on the list, but the plush crocodile was a bit harder than he expected.

He had asked an associate about the plush toy in hopes of finding it, but they only had alligators.

“But this is a stuffed alligator. See?” As Kirishima pointed to the stuffed animals face, the associate only became confused, so Kiri explained further, “The nose shape is all wrong. It has to be a crocodile? Are you sure this all you have?”

It was indeed all they had. Kirishima let out a small sigh, but honestly not even the drug store’s reptile discrimination could bring his day down!

“My wife is pregnant!” He exclaimed with an extremely proud smile to a couple he passsed as he made his way into his car. One of the strangers immediately cheered him on with a loud “whoop whoop!” before his boyfriend smacked him on the shoulder for the wild display.

Meanwhile, you couldn’t believe how long it was taking your husband to return home from the store. You bounced your leg uncomfortably as you waited on your living room couch.

He was only supposed to be picking up one thing! The longer you sat and waited for him to return, the more your nerves stacked upon each other.

You’re heart flipped in your chest as your front door suddenly opened. You quickly stood from the couch, “You got it?”

He hurried up to you, “Yep! Here, go take the test!” He pressed a kiss on your cheek and frantically handed you an already opened pregnancy test like a baton in a race.

You raised an eyebrow to him, before pausing as you caught a glance at the flowers in his other hand. You shook your head in disbelief, “Eiji look, I told you not to get too excited,” you pointed an accusing finger as you walked away toward to bathroom, “The test we took was old. It might have been a fake positive,” you hollered from the bathroom after shutting the door.

He followed you to the bathroom, but remained fidgety on the other side, “Well I know for a fact that it wasn’t a fake positive,” he replied with a slightly smug tone as he tried to mask his own nervousness.

“Oh yeah?” You laughed at his smugness, “Well… would that be such a bad thing?” You tried to sound lighthearted as you stared at the stick in front of you and waited for the second line to appear.

The two of you hadn’t really been planning for a child. You hadn’t ever really even talked about having children much, so when you missed your period last week and became sick this morning, this response from Kirishima was very unexpected.

He was way happier than you would have thought he would be. Just when you thought your beam of light couldn’t get any happier….

God, you didn’t want to let him down.

Suddenly Kirishima heard you scream on the other side of the door.

The man immediately burst through the door accidentally busting a portion of the frame, “Oh man, S-sorry. But WHAT IS IT!?”

“Happy face!” A smile split your face as you threw yourself at him for a hug.

“T-that means pregnant!?” He frantically stuttered, frozen in place.

“That means pregnant!” You hopped up and down.

He wasted no time at all as you scooped you up into his arms. The both of you laughed in unbelievable glee as he carried you to the living room and sat you down on the couch. He swiftly handed you the flowers, “Here you go, baby mama.” You laughed at his phrasing as he reach somewhere behind him to grab his drug store plastic bag.

“And these,” he smiled up at you, “for your stomach.”

Chocolate and…. B6?? What even is that? You threw him a confused glance, so he immediately explained.

“I was talking to a lady by the pharmacy about your morning sickness,” no wonder he took so long, you laughed at his diligence as he continued, “She said B6 can help. So the vitamins will do good for your stomach, and the chocolate will taste good for your stomach.”

Your face almost hurt from how hard your were smiling, “God, you really went all out! You really are hard headed you know that?”

“Only the best for my girls,” he argued as he pulled the stuffed alligator from behind his back.

“Oh my goodness!!” You explained with a laugh, the two of you always got each other crocodile things. The first thing you ever said to him in high school was a mocking joke about his choice in footwear—crocs. You laughed, “You think its a little girl, huh? Well, I think it’s a hard headed little boy just like his dad.”

“I guess we’ll see,” he said as he pecked you on the lips.

“I guess we will.” You smiled back at him.

🐻Shigaraki:

The two of you weren’t exactly on the greatest of terms. What was meant to be a drunken fling ended up turning into, in your opinion, a long, drawn out train-wreck of a relationship– if you could even call it that. 

You swear that that man has the mentality of a child, and it seemed like every time he would take a step toward the grand goal of maturity, something would come by and knock him two steps back again. 

So it was obviously not a shock to you that the overgrown baby was no where near prepared to raise a baby of his own. You almost expected him to storm off sooner than he did when you told him you were pregnant.

But he just stared at you.

“What? Would you stop staring at me like I’m some alien now?” you had thrown your hands on your hips as if to undermine any overwhelming feelings he had, “You did this to me!!” you had foolishly screamed at him, causing him paused in shock before storming away as you feared he would.

How could you say that to him? Then again, you knew you had your faults as well. After all you were the one who hid the pregnancy until you had begun to show. 

It was just too much for you to bare– the thought of being left alone to raise a snotty little thing, the thought of him staying and you being forced into a failing relationship, the thought of what kind of fucked up hero society you would raise the thing in. All of these thoughts festering in your mind over the past few months boiled into a harden crust and weighed down upon your mind. 

“Shit…” you sighed under your breath, finally releasing the flood of emotions that you had been holding back for all of these months in a wave of tears.

“Y/N,” Shigaraki’s voice suddenly snapped you out of your despairing trance, “Here,” he harshly shoved a soft object into your face much like a student would an unseemly note to his classmate. 

You looked down at the object and was completely surprised by what you saw, “A bear…?” you gawked at the plush object. He hadn’t ever bought you any gifts before.

“I wasn’t planning on staying with you,” he said very simply, his words sending a sharp pain through your heart.

Your still teary eyes blinked a few times as you tried to hold back your inevitable crying, “O-okay? I-“ he suddenly cut you off,

“I’m not as stupid as you might think. I can see that you are unhappy with me, so I was gonna just drop this… us,” he trailed off as if he were carefully preparing his next set of words, so you sat in silence and waited for them,

He finally spoke, “but knowing that we are expecting a child makes me really happy. Because it’s with you. I will… try to make you happier.”

You immediately wrapped your arms around him and held him closer to you than you ever had before, as if you were finally becoming one with him. You honestly didn’t know if the two of you would work out, but hearing those words come from him would make all of the difference in the possibility.

💥Bakugou:

“GOD DAMMIT! THE BRAT’S ON FIRE AGAIN, Y/N!!” You heard your husband screech from the other side of the house.

“WHAT?! ALREADY!?” You gave a groan in annoyance as you walked down the hall. You could already see light from the flames your son was probably swallowed up in in your living room. You shook your head in exasperation.

As soon as Bakugou spotted you coming, he threw you and expectant look, causing you to throw you hands on your hips as you chastised him, “Well, don’t just stand there looking at me! Grab the extinguisher!”

He immediately became defensive, “What do you think I am trying to do, you idiot! I can’t find it!” He roared back over your sons terrified screams.

“What do you mean you can’t find it?! We have one in every room now!” You screamed back as you picked up your son and hugged him close. The boy dropped something from his hand as you did so.

It was a blessing that you had just come back from work and had your fireproof hero costume on. You already had a full store of clothes that your young toddler had burned through. You patted him on his flaming back in a feeble attempt to soothe him. He continued wailing still.

Your poor baby! You knew he had your fire proof cells, but he was still terrified.

“Babe! Where’s that damn extinguisher!?” You called out.

“You must have moved it earlier this morning when he scorched your shirt!” He accused angrily.

“Oh crap. Well, grab the one from the kitchen, or playroom! And that was more than a scorch and you know it! My favorite blouse looked like a teenage bonfire,” You tried to defend yourself.

“Put me out mommy! Put me out!” Your son sobbed, clinging tightly to your chest as the flames raged around him, “we need ‘wata’!” Your heart broke a little at his hiccups and gasps,

“We can’t use water, baby,” your fire breathing quirk along side Bakugou’s oily nitroglycerin sweat resulted in a pretty terrifying combination for a small child who had a habit of setting himself on fire. The oily fire would only surge if you used water to extinguish it. That’s why you had special extinguishers made just for these occasions, “if DADDY FINDS AN EXTINGUISHER you’ll be okay! Remember? It doesn’t hurt.”

Bakugou suddenly burst back into the room, “I FOUND IT!” He screeched like a battle cry as you held your son an arms length away. Much like you often practiced, Bakugou flipped the nozzle of the red container and released the foamy continents as they sprayed all over your son.

You quickly calmed him down and cleaned him off as Bakugou ran to grab him some more clothes. The two of you worked like a well oiled machine as you swiftly dressed him and consoled him out of his sobs.

Your son eventually cried himself into a nap, meaning you’d have at least 2 hours to prepare for the next inevitable incident. You sighed as you slumped down onto the couch next to an already sprawled Bakugou, “What are we gonna do with this boy,” you shook your head.

“Train him how to use his damn quirk,” he huffed.

You sat up defensively, “We do!”

“Yeah, a few minutes a day,” he spat back.

“He’s a toddler, Katsuki, Jesus!” your face upturned.

“Tell him that! He’s the one spontaneously combusting!” he loudly argued, “Besides, he’ll be four in like a month.” 

It was a rare occurrence that he obtained his quirk so early. The two of you hadn’t expected it for years. 

But doctors theorized that quirks would soon come earlier in age as their power grew— your son might just be among the first of a new era. Different things like diet, stress, activity could all also trigger the quirks to come sooner.

“Well the doctors said his outbursts could be stress related!” Your face shriveled. You weren’t so ignorant to think that yours and Katsuki’s interactions weren’t stressful for a small child. It’s not that you guys weren’t happy together. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Loud and passionate was just the dynamic that the two of you shared, but your son was gentle and nervous somehow. Much like your brother. You shook your head as guilt ate away at your heart, “God, only three years in and we are messing him up already.”

“He’s not fucking messed up!” Your husband argued “He’s perfect!” He announced proudly. This sent a wave of happiness into your heart.

You never really expected Bakugou to be the doting father type, but he had pleasantly surprised you the past few years at how passionate he was about raising your son. Of course there were times where you would question his harsher parenting methods, but all in all, he was a very good, supportive, present father.

You looked up at him proudly, “Yeah,” you agreed with a soft smile.

“Plus, I fixed our plush toy issue,” your husband huffed, “that probably why he was easier to calm the hell down than usual.”

“Our… what?” You raised an eyebrow.

“You really didn’t notice? Are you fucking serious?” He sounded almost hurt, “You said he get’s even more worked up when he’s upset about melting or destroying his toys during his tantrums. So I fixed that problem,” he pointed to the scorched carpet in front of you and that’s when you noticed a small, unscathed plush doll.

Your heart melted. It was a little cute Ground Zero doll! “Oh! Wow! How long has he had that?!” You excitedly exclaimed as you bent down to pick up the fluffy Bakugou.

“I just had the agency brand them yesterday. It’s a fireproof prototype,” he gruffly explained nonchalantly. You immediately leaned over to him to give your thoughtfulness sweetheart of a man a kiss but he harshly threw his face away from you so you only caught his cheek.

All these years, and he still hated affection, “Whatever,” you huffed,  “I have a new man anyway,” you teased, causing him to angrily whip his head back towards you, only to see you placing a kiss on the small plushie.

“YOU ARE SO FUCKING WEIRD, YOU KNOW THAT!?!”

Suddenly you heard an explosion coming from your sons room, followed by familiar terrified wails, “MOMMYYY! PUT. ME. OUUUUUUT!”

Both you and Bakugou sighed before you angrily punched him on the arm for his loud mouth.

[bitchiha]

The Boxing prompt with Kiba !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All bark and no bite (The Rats 900 follower celebration!)

A/N: YAYAYAYAY HERE YOU GO SHAWTY!!! I was actually hoping Kiba would get this one and if he didn’t I already started a draft of it so he was gonna get one either way HSJAJSJS

Warnings: eventual NSFW, swearing, violence lol but non explicit its just describing the fight, also I just really exaggerated the money shawty Kiba makes from his fights because I wanted him to just fuck around and splurge LOL

There were two sides of Kiba Inuzuka: his bark and his bite. 

 If you were unfamiliar with the famous fighter - which would be highly unlikely considering he’s a goddamn star on the streets - then your first impression of Kiba would be that he was like a harmless Chihuahua, not at all like his fighting name that was plastered on posters on every street corner. The Wolf.

But to the newbies in the betting pools who are only doing it to satisfy their sketchy bosses, I mean come on... kids gotta be all bark and no bite, right? Besides all the good fighters are the quiet stoic ones... And Kibas done a good job of doing the exact opposite. Running his mouth with all his cocky smack talk any chance he could get, spitting teasing remarks about his opponents days leading up to the fight.

“What? That twig? I’ll beat his ass in my sleep.”

“Pffft. Not worried at all.”

“Oh thanks for reminding me, I forgot what that guys name was.”

So the newbies to the betting pools and underground fighting rings place their back-alley bets on his opponents victory. 

They’re always confident with their bets too, some placing large wagers, completely confident in Kibas downfall or hoping to impress their bosses. It’s not the newbies faults though, they’ve never done this kinda thing before. They all go to fucking Cape Cod every summer in their vineyard vines shirts, thry don’t know shit about the underground world.

Plus, Kiba’s one of the youngest fighters, he's only been an adult for a couple years. He doesn’t even know how to act when he gets his wads of cash after fights, spending it on fancy cars and designer clothes. Compare that to the scruffy looking men in their late twenties built like refrigerators and you can see where their heads were at.

Getting into their front row seats, (they figured they were gonna get that money back with the bet, so why not splurge for some good seats? See their bet unfold before them...) Their confidence only solidifies watching Kiba approach the ring in his silk purple robe, basking in the cheers with a toothy grin. He was lean and clearly fit, the untied silk robe exposing his abs and muscled legs.

As the cheers of the Wolf die down, the announcer calls out his opponent. It was a Russian name that was very butchered, but no one could pay attention to that as the guy walked out from the opposite side of the stadium. Another spark of smugness swept over the newbies as they gawked at the opponent. He was a bulky man, at least 6′3, this Inuzuka kid looked like a fucking kid compared to that hulking guy. They were so winning that bet. One of them turns towards the occupant of the seat next to him, gaining the courage to finally talk to the absolute hottie and asks if he could take her to real nice french restaurant a couple blocks away after the match (with his newly won money of course.) 

She declines effortlessly, that smug smirk mirrored on her own face. He thought to call her a bitch or something, pissed off with how she just brushed him off like that, but the bell rang and sliced away all the chatter and signalling the start of the match. The newbies go completely still as they watch Kibas demeanor shift from that little barking Chihuahua and into a frothing wolf. 

With his boxing gloves strapped on tight, mouth guard secured and the crowd chanting his infamous name (yourself included), he starts dodging punches like its a simple dance. Everything boyish about him is gone and as he throws his first punch, the Russian man unable to block it, the newbies get their first real taste of the Wolf.

It was like he was untouchable. Now the rookies realize why nobody objected to their large wagers against him, why they did their best to hide their own bets. They didn’t agree with them, they were just conning their way into debting up some newbies, so they could be just like the rest of them.

Kiba’s giant opponent barely landed any punches. Whenever it seemed like he was gonna land one his opponent immediately blocked it and got his own touch in. It was kind of comedical, watching such a buff and intimidating man struggling so hard, especially after the Russian was the one who challenged him to the fight. Something about how he was tired of the Inuzuka’s attitude and how he needed to get put in his place? So many others said the same thing it was kind of annoying at this point. Kiba just wanted to get the cash and to go fuck his girl.

Not too long after it starts Kiba has already won the match, he lets the announcer grab his arm and raise it up to the crowd in triumph, before slipping through the roped enclosure and stalking towards you. He offered to shake the bloody mans hand in the ring, but he just ignored him (or he couldn’t see, Kiba wasn’t sure.) That predatory look was still in his eyes as he pulled you into a sweaty kiss and as you pull away you have to wipe the blood from under his nose, despite the other fighter not getting much hits, the ones he did get in were painful.

 The crowd is whooping and once again chanting his name, but the newbies remain seated and watch utterly deflated. Seeing his big grin up close, they realized his canines were sharper than they had initially thought. 

Then there was his bark of course, too. And Kiba barked a lot. He always wants you dressed in the most expensive fur (faux!! this is kiba we are talking about) coats, Chanel purses and gold and diamond jewelry... He’s well dressed too, with real gold chains (the subtle ones) and of his own and rings and watches. Hell even your pet dogs have designer collars. What he loves the most is his cars though.

His bark is important to him because up until a couple years ago all he has was bite, his bark measley and mouse-ish, you still loved him then though. But look at the two of you now? 

After the match he’ll get you into one of his sports cars and have you count the cash he earned as he speeds through the city. One hands gripping your thigh, squeezing it with a smirk everytime you count another thousand. All that cash from one fucking match and he can’t wait to spend it all. 

The two of you’ll blow half of it at that fancy restaurant that loser had proposed to take you to, barely keeping your hands off each other for more than five minutes. Your ordering shit you can’t even pronounce and he keeps whispering in your ear about how he can’t wait to fuck his favourite little good luck charm. He’s pressing some sort of tiny dessert into your mouth and after you eat it he’s making you lick his fingers and then you do the same thing to him. You two are like the nights entertainment for the other tables, but neither of you really give a fuck. 

Dishes and glasses pile up on the table and the waiters become skeptical of how you two are going to pay for all of this, but your his last table before the end of his shift so he doesnt question the large wads of cash tossed on the table, then another one a few moments later as a tip.

Your back in his sports car and the engine is revving as you speed through the busy streets, ignoring the blaring horns of other cars because like I said before, neither of you really give a fuck. You two think you’re goddamn invincible. 

Stumbling up the driveway to your shared mansion you can hear the dogs barking through one of the floor to ceiling windows. Kiba opens the door and your dogs run out to greet you jumping and licking at your faces, only to lead them into the backyard as you to run up the stairs to your bedroom. 

One of your heels is still on and the other is downstairs somewhere, or maybe it’s in the backyard? Kiba’s shirt is half unbuttoned and he’s trying to shed the rest of them while unzipping your dress (you got mad at him the last time he ripped your dress off.) It’s all frantic and hazy, like it always is. Everything is just so intoxicating after he’s won a match. 

Once your out of your dress he’s shoving you to the bed and as you crawl onto it he follows suit, settling right on top of you as he shoves his tongue into your mouth. He’s devouring every curve and crevice of your mouth and then he’s rutting his clothed cock against your stomach and growling into your mouth and your whimpering because your panties are absolutely drenched. 

You’re trying to take off his belt as he continues exploring your tongue, even though it feels more like he’s trying to go down your throat. There’s spit pooling down your chin and you don’t know if its yours or his, its a mixture of both and either way he has no problem with licking it off your face. Managing to take his belt off he pulls away to do the rest on his own. That look was back on his face now, the one he always had when he was in the ring. 

Despite how much Kiba tries to deny it, his bite was still much bigger than his bark. That’s just natural for the Wolf. 

[talesfromatabletop]

Session 1: Trouble on the Triboar Trail, Pt1

SPOILERS FOR LOST MINES OF PHANDELVER!

To explain briefly, our DM likes to do recaps...or rather, he has us roll at the start of each session to determine which one of us will recap last session. This is to (obviously) help us all remember what happened last week and give a chance for us to possibly flavor things up a bit by how we choose to describe things. Successfully giving a recap gives you a DM Inspiration point that you can just save until you use it. :D

Moving on - we picked back up at the inn we crashed at in Neverwinter, the morning after agreeing to help Gundren Rockseeker move his equipment to Phandalin. Agrok and Lionel were first up, with Agrok shoveling down three portions of breakfast while Lionel played a bit of violin outside for extra coin. Even cooler, his musician player actually busted out his own violin and played us a sample over vc! He got 5 silver and a brief round of OOC applause from us.

Itheindar even came down to enjoy the music while Clive, the delightful little Cleric nerd he is, had to prep his spells for the day.

Gundren left in the morning, saying he had some things to prepare and that he'd leave before we did (which would be in the afternoon). Agrok saw him and Sildar off, seemingly interested in and possibly having a more important connection to Sildar than basically any of us had bothered to put in our backstories, lol.

Being a good boy, Tetholt sent a letter home to the missus before joining up with the group to start their journey down the Triboar Trail!

We...didn't really have any idea what to do in town, as you can see. Mostly we just wanted to get started and hadn't gotten the hang of confidently being the person to start speaking.

It wasn't altogether all that long before the DM pulled up our first map of the day - a stretch of the road with some horses laying down.

"Can I see if they're alive?" Agrok got the go ahead to check them from the DM, not quite sure one way or the other (yay failed checks!)...at least until Itheindar pointed out they were /very visibly/ filled with arrows.

With Itheindar's warning for us all to be careful, everyone rolled perception but Lionel was apparently too interested in our own horses to really pay attention to the gobbos that Clive spotted hiding amidst the tree, armed with daggers and bows and ready to make us look like the pincushion horses. Sweet baby cleric even cast Shield of Faith on Agrok because he was in front of the wagon by a good several feet and likely the biggest target on the field.

So started our first combat, with firebolts and arrows flying while Agrok cleaved anything in range with his weapon - including hitting a goblin's head off like a golf ball!

Fore!

This was all during a surprise round essentially, and Lionel was able to cast sleep on the last goblin standing so we could figure out how to deal with the little bastard. Itheindar mentioned he could speak goblin, so we used Lionel's Immovable Rod to pin him to the ground for interrogation.

About that time was when Agrok recognized the horses as the same ones he saw Sildar and Gundren ride out of Neverwinter. The saddlebags were looted and it was obvious that a fight had gone down, though we didn't know where our employers were.

Itheindar tried to persuade the goblin to talk - no dice.

Agrok and Tetholt tried to intimidate him - nada. Clearly it's because Itheindar's dialect of goblin was too posh and polite. Clearly.

Thankfully Lionel remembered he had Charm Person and used it to force the goblin to spill the beans. The lil' guy mentioned there was a hideout with around 20 more of his friends nearby and - after prompting from Agrok - that they worked for King Grol who had ordered them to wait at the trail and attack a dwarf...whiiiich we quickly realize was a trap set for Gundren. He also told us that Sildar is in the nearby hideout in the "eating cave" and that there's a Bugbear named Klarg with the goblins. Sadly, he had no idea where Grol is.

The whole party discussed how to best get involved. Some idea highlights include:

Setting a fire trap

Setting an explosive flour trap

Setting Agrok on fire and sending him in while raging

Ultimately we decided to head in together and moved a cart we found full of goods so that it could stay hidden, while Tetholt tied the goblin up to a tree branch so he couldn't run off and warn his friends we were coming.

We all followed the goblin's directions to the hideout until we reached a cave entrance. Agrok was (and still is) the only party member without Darkvision and ended up holding Lionel's hand so he could maneuver in the dark safely. Awwww!

We followed a narrow path next to flowing water and heard snarls and rattling chains nearby, eventually leading us to spotting a few chained up wolves. They looked hungry and malnourished but couldn't attack us unless we moved closer, so we let them be.

Lionel ended up spotting the first enemy on a suspension bridge over the water. Unfortunately, the enemy spotted us back after Clive and his clunky armor failed a stealth check. Whoops.

With an Yzma moment - "Throw the lever!" - we were nearly washed away when said lever turns out to set off a water trap. Only Clive was taken out, thankfully, but now our only healer was too far to help until next round. D:

Chaos ensued as we kicked off battle, splitting up and sniping as our skills let us (a lil' firebolt here, some vicious mockery there, some bolts and arrows to the head for a lucky few) while Agrok checked another tunnel.

Despite some poor aim occasionally making the first combat seem like we were going to get our asses kicked, there were actually some great one-hit kills from Agrok, Clive and Itheindar. DM took a couple seconds to describe cool ways we annihilated goblins - "You see your crossbow bolt bury itself straight into the goblin's eye moments before it slumps forward and plummets from the suspension bridge into the stream below, dead!" - or allowing us to do so ourselves - "So, how do you want to describe this kill?" - and Lionel was coming up with some great insults for his vicious mockeries.

10/10 would cave fight again!

There he found Sildar being held by a figure hidden by the darkness who warned him that if he got closer, Sildar would go down a short cliff. Sildar called the bluff but A BLUFF IT WAS NOT. Enraged at seeing Sildar presumably killed, Agrok fought and beheaded the damn goblin.

"PAYBACK'S A BITCH!"

Thankfully we were able to stabilize Sildar and quickly retreated to lick our wounds and have a long rest. We needed one if we were going to go back in and finish clearing the place...besides, we could send Sildar ahead to safety once he'd rested up some.

We wrapped up Session 1 there, bloodied and battered, but already hype to find Gundren and deal with the goblins that attacked Sildar.

[twilightofthe]

(Reposting the entire ask cuz it won’t show up in the fuckin’ tags and I need attention tf)

(Sorry anon, @duchess-of-mandalore ur prompt is here now lol)

So I see great minds think alike! And dawww thank you, this is such a sweet ship to write for, I have so much fun whenever I get the opportunity!

Since two people asked for the same thing, I sat on these prompts for a hot minute so I could come up with the best one!  It is Very Blatantly Anastasia-inspired but I love that movie so much so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (holy shit this is the longest one yet whOOPS I am not joking this is like a full fic size lol I might put it on ao3)

Obitine 10 - Childhood best friends AU: Which one was super obviously in love with the other the whole time? Who was oblivious until they were older?

This is a universe in which Obi Wan’s family didn’t give him to the Jedi as a baby.  They’re still not very well off at all, but maybe this time they try instead to seek better fortunes for the whole family, so off they go into the galaxy for a new life, and after a few years end up on Mandalore as refugees in Sundari.

At this point and time, let’s say the Duchess on the throne is Satine’s grandmother, and through a series of good fortune, Obi Wan’s family gets a gig where they can deliver things from the docks to the royal palace.  Obi Wan’s about eight by this time, so as the eldest, he’s to go with his father to help with the deliveries when necessary.  He’s got Special Gifts, though-- sometimes things break when he’s upset, he knows how to make some heavy things float if he thinks about it hard enough, and when other people are really excited or sad or something, Obi Wan can feel that too --and his parents have both stressed to keep that part of himself quiet on a place like Mandalore, here they only know Jedi can do those tricks, and the Jedi and Mandalore are enemies, so Obi Wan must be very careful, especially around the palace.

They’re running busy with extra deliveries for a celebration for the Duchess’s granddaughter who is coming to stay with her, when Obi Wan slips up for the first time in his life.  He’s struggling to push a heavier crate out of the speeder while his father goes around to talk to one of the palace staff, when the repulsors levitating it fail.  The crate is clearly marked fragile and Obi Wan knows they’ll get less money if they break something, and he doesn’t even mean to do it, he just thinks, and his hand is jerking out to raise the crate high over his head and has it settling gently down with the rest.

A gasp behind him has him whirling around and realizing he’s been caught.  It’s another kid around his age, long blonde hair done up in twin buns and flowing down in pigtails (Sailor Moon, I am breaking story to stress that baby Satine had Sailor Moon hair because it’s adorable and I must say it).  Wide blue eyes are staring back at him, and he feels a chill run down his spine as he’s asked how he just did it.

He starts talking, quickly, please don’t tell anyone, he promises he’s not dangerous, not a Jedi, he’s just helping his father--

Satine cuts the strange boy off.  When she had decided to run to hide from her tutors today, a child her age who could do magic tricks was not what she was expecting to find.  This seems much more fun than Mandalorian history.  She had never really minded the Mean Scary Jedi from the stories, much to her parents’ chagrin, and their powers had seemed interesting, so she says that she won’t tell anyone about his tricks-- as long as he teaches her how to do that.

She has to comfort him again when his face crumples and he protests that he doesn’t know how, and she changes to promise him she won’t tell as long as he agrees to play with her.  This is the first boy she’s met who isn’t one of her parents’ snobby friends’ kids she has to be nice to, or one of her annoying cousins who like to hurt when they playfight like Pre; she’s always wanted a friend before and this one doesn’t even seem to know who she is since he hasn’t started with all the bowing and the “milady-ing” that everyone else around her does.  

He seems much happier at this arrangement, or at least really doesn’t want her to tattle on him, so he promises he’ll be right back, he just needs to ask his father if he can play.  Something makes him pause, turning and asking her who she is, exactly.  Satine falters, realizing that if the boy knows she’s Lady Kryze of Kalevala, he might be too afraid to play.

Obi Wan is amused when the girl replies her name is Sabine, and her grandmother works in the palace, because of course that’s her name.  The folk heroine S’Tiin or S’Biin, depending on who you ask, is such a famous story around here, it seems like everyone on Mandalore wants to name their eldest daughters Satine or Sabine-- even the Duchess’s granddaughter is named Satine.  Her dress is very fine, a deep, pretty green, and Obi Wan asks if her grandmother works making dresses.  Sabine hesitates and says that no, but her grandmother is in charge of bossing the tailors around, so she can get nice things.  Obi Wan nods, figuring her grandmother is some staff overseer like the bossy men at the docks that tell his parents where to bring things.

Sabine asks him his name, and Obi Wan tells her, only for her to wrinkle her nose and ask if she can call him something else; he doesn’t look like an Obi Wan.  Bemused, he asks her what he looks like.  She says he looks like a Ben.  Obi Wan has never had a friend before, so he shrugs and says sure, she can call him Ben.  Sabine beams.  He likes making her smile.

She asks him if he can do cartwheels.  He can, and demonstrates them for her.  She smiles wider, and he really likes making her smile.  She asks if he can teach her how.

They practice cartwheels and handstands and chasing each other throughout the crates, until Sabine sees palace guards coming out and hisses for him to hide under one of the crates with her.  He asks why, and she pauses for a moment before saying that they don’t like the palace kids going outside unsupervised.  After this, Obi Wan is getting ready to meet his father again, and she grabs his hand, asks him if he’ll come back to play with her again.

Obi Wan really likes having a friend.  He tells her the truth, that his family makes the deliveries about once a week.  He promises to meet her again then.

Satine hasn’t felt so free, hasn’t had a true friend in forever.  She is unrepentant when she is caught and scolded for running off by the adults, and makes sure to be extra good in her lessons so she can wait for the next week to sneak off and meet Ben to play again.  She feels guilty for lying to him about her and her grandmother, but she doesn’t want things to be weird between them, and people often are weird around the Duchess’s granddaughter.

They meet to play once a week for about a year; Obi Wan telling Sabine about his family’s adventures around the galaxy and how he wishes they weren’t so poor, and Satine tells Ben in the vaguest terms of why she was sent away from her family because her home was not safe, how her little sister is somewhere else entirely, how she misses them.  Both become one of the most important people in the other’s life in a very, very short time.

Everything changes the night of the Grand Ball.  Obi Wan tells Sabine excitedly over sandwiches she smuggled out of the kitchens that his family were offered extra money by the palace to help on the inside and serve the many guests that will be arriving from all over the galaxy.  She replies that she will be at the ball too, and her parents will be visiting and she’s excited to see him, though he feels she’s acting a bit funny over the whole thing.  Sabine assures him she’s not, and offers to teach him a waltz step.  She’s elegant and graceful and very pretty; sometimes it feels like he’s friends with a fancy princess, not another servant girl.

Satine is a little worried now that Ben will be upset she lied to him, as he will definitely figure out she’s third in line for the throne at the party.  Her parents are coming in from Kalevala, even if Bo Katan will not be there-- a shame, Satine misses her, and they will all be standing by her grandmother as royal family members.  Still, she feels that maybe it will be okay; Ben is her friend!  She’ll show her grandmother that he knows how to dance, and maybe her grandmother will let her marry him when she’s older-- Satine has not told Ben that she plans to marry him one day, but that’s alright, she has time to win him over.

The night of the ball, Obi Wan messes with his carefully brushed hair and fidgets in the slightly too big serving clothes handed to him and his parents by palace staff as they arrive and change and prepare to set things up.  He looks around for Sabine, but he doesn’t see her amongst the servants.  This disappoints him, he was hoping to introduce her to his parents.  He thinks they’ll like her a lot.  He hopes maybe her family will like him too.  Satine dresses in her prettiest sky blue dress with a matching opal tiara and braids her hair into a crown over her head; maybe tonight Ben will see her and call her pretty.

The party is in full swing and Obi Wan is a little worried; he still hasn’t found Sabine yet, so he’s been sticking to his mother’s side and serving food to sentients and species he’s never seen before.  The royal family has yet to appear, but Ben’s more worried that Sabine is sick; did something happen to her?

Satine stands in formation outside the hall with her parents and her grandmother and her other aunts and uncles and cousins.  They raise their heads high, the doors open, they begin their procession through the room as the musical fanfare swells--

And shots are firing and transparisteel is exploding in showers as the all-windows ballroom is broken into from all sides by masked figures with jetpacks and a rain of blasters.  Satine has exactly one second to see her father turn, reaching for his concealed sidearm, before he is shot and topples.  Her mother’s scream sounds in her ears, but the woman is already drawing her own blaster to cover her grandmother and her grandmother is shoving Satine down under the newly made corpse and telling her to play dead until the whole thing is over.  It still smells like her father.  She doesn’t move a muscle as more blasterfire and screams echo around the room, and then the body above her is shaking with what seems to be more shots, and is being lifted off of her, and Satine doesn’t have time to raise a hand and cry out before her wrist is being seized and a masked figure holding-- holding a sword made of glowing black light?  Is that the Dark--? is grabbing her and towing her out of the room.  She sees far too many dead bodies amongst the smoke.  She recognizes all of her family members amongst them.

Obi Wan and his mother had avoided the first round of attackers by hiding under a table, but as soon as they made a break for it to frantically search for his father, his mother goes down.  Horrified, he tries to kneel next to her, but she looks him in the eye, and breathes out to find his father, run, take the service tunnels they took to get in here.  Obi Wan knows how to deal with heartbreak even in this life, so, dying along with her, he lets go of her hand, forces himself to turn away and make a run for the tunnels.  Along the way, he trips over his father.  He’s not moving either.  

Obi Wan Does Not Think About It besides a cruel sense of relief, that knowing his wife had died likely would have killed his father anyway.  He keeps running, is small and fast and can avoid the masked soldiers in the darkness as the power fails, and is almost to the end of the tunnel, when he hears a familiar voice crying out.

Sabine.

Picking up speed, he bursts out of the tunnel to see his friend in a fine but bloody dress struggling in the grip of a masked figure with the strangest sword Obi Wan has ever seen.  The figure resists even as she kicks him in the shin, and while Obi Wan is running, he will not get there fast enough as the figure picks her up and begins to lift off in a jetpack.

Sabine’s eyes meet his, he can hear her screaming his nickname.

He doesn’t think.

He feels the power surging in his gut and reaches out in fright towards the figure flying away, not focused on anything more than for fate or someone to please not take Sabine away too.

The figure’s jetpack sparks, sputters, stops working, spiraling down to one of the platforms in a crash.  Obi Wan watches in horror as Sabine is flung out of their arms and skids across the platform to a stop, their fancy black sword vanishing back into its hilt and sliding in the same direction as her.  The armored figure themself is not as lucky, tumbling over the side of the platform in the other direction and plummeting down at least ten stories for their jetpack to explode upon impact at the bottom.

Obi Wan tears over to Sabine, who is laying very, very still, a large, bloody lump on her forehead.  Obi Wan is about to break down because no, not her too, but he can see the fluttering of her chest moving, and he can smell the palace beginning to burn behind him, and he does not hesitate in scooping her up and throwing her over his shoulder-- like they would do when they roughhoused, except now she is not shrieking in laughter and beating on his back for him to put her down --and last minute pocketing the hilt of the strange sword.  He sees a nearby speederbike and gently settles her in front of it and tears off, saltwater streaming down his own face.  

He’s never driven before, but he knows the way after a year of deliveries, and he takes them straight home to his family’s tiny apartment by the docks, locks the door, and drags Sabine under his parents’ bed to hide with him like the children they both are.  No matter what he does, she will not wake up.  While sirens wail outside, and the radio he leaves on reports everyone at the palace dead including the entire royal family, and the new leadership run by what is being called the Death Watch Junta, he lets himself cry, for her, for his family, for her own, for everything.

Sabine wakes up a full day later.

She doesn’t remember a thing.

Obi Wan is horrified.

She just remembers fuzziness and faint flashes of memory, of cold older figures, of a warm sunny room, painted wings on a canvas, the name Ben and bright silvery eyes that stare back at her now.  The boy tells her her name is Sabine, she lives in Sundari, Mandalore, and-- here he stutters --she is an orphan, like him.  Their families had all attended a party at the palace, where Sabine lived, but then bad people attacked, and they were the only ones to escape.

Sabine nods, this all lining up in her empty brain.  She has no true connection to these people who raised her, and yet, she cries for their loss anyway.  The boy says his name is--

Ben, she cuts him off, connecting the one name in her memories to the boy in front of her.

Obi Wan hesitates, about to tell her his real name, the one his parents gave him-- his parents who are dead and gone.  He nods, yes, he says, you called me that.  Ben Kenobi.  

Sabine asks if she has a last name.  Ben hesitates, says no, she never gave him one.  She cocks her head pensively, analyzing him.  Could I use yours?

He flushes, knowing only married men give women staying with them, their wives, their names, or they take the woman’s.  But still, it’s not like he has any other family now.

He agrees.

Two days later, using some credits stashed in Ben’s parents’ safe for emergencies, Ben and Sabine Kenobi make their way off Mandalore as workers on a cargo freighter.  Sundari holds too many bad memories for Ben, and the taunting of memories out of reach for Sabine.

Ben remembers Sabine’s distraught face, feels the hilt of the strange blacklight sword stuffed down the side of his pantleg, remembers how he couldn’t protect her, how she has no memory because of him.  How she still trusts him anyway.  

He will not let anything happen to her again.

And thus they live for the next decade, literally living hand to mouth and not having a single clue what the next day will bring.

Sabine remembers a grandmother, remembers her having fiery red hair and a stern voice, her mother’s eyes were blue like hers, remembers odd strands of music and lilies in a garden.  She remembers the story told to her of the Darksaber, which she doesn’t have a clue why someone holding it would be after her like Ben tells her.  She agrees he should hold onto it though, because from the little she remembers, it was never good news for Mandalore, and since Ben has Jedi powers, it’s best he keeps it for their defence.

Defence and safety is a slight issue for them.  Sabine is brilliant and great at coming up with plans for how two young kids can find money and food in a galaxy that only seems to benefit the uberwealthy, and Ben has his magic that lets him lie easily, float things out of pockets, sense danger.  But she always feels guilty after, and throws a fit every time one of their schemes results in someone getting hurt.  Ben rarely uses the Darksaber except to scare people, and it’s not like they’ve killed anyone, but she wouldn’t speak to him for three days after he knocked out a man by collapsing an old roof on him.  A man who was about to stab you with a fucking vibroblade, Sab, come on.

Someone taught Sabine how to shoot though, so they compromise by having her carry around a blaster set on stun, and a blaster Ben promises he’ll keep on stun, and then breaks it whenever there’s danger, and Sabine is upset again.  But he can’t help it.  She’s his family, and family looks out for each other.  Plus, she comes up with the plans and she knows how to cook, which he’s never figured out without her insulting it.  He should bring something to the table.

She doesn’t know why she’s like this, but she just feels this anger every time people have to resort to violence, because that’s what the galaxy has reverted to, that the Republic’s laws are so poor, that people need to hurt each other to survive.  Things have to be better than that.

She feels like there’s more in life for her.

But she doesn’t know what, and running free by Ben’s side as they steal from rich bastards and give back to people needy even when they go hungry themselves more often than not, when they find ships and hop from world to world, experiencing culture after culture, it gives her a sense of purpose, and she knows he agrees with her, that people need help, and if no one’s going to stick up for them, Ben and Sabine will.

He trains with the Darksaber, picks up books on swordfighting, watches old holos about the Jedi when he can.  Sabine watches him, watches the way his calculating eyes follow the motions, how his body moves when he practices.  He’s handsome, and she cannot tell him that, because he’s all she has, but that’s okay, she’ll grow out of it.  It’s just a crush.

Puberty is awkward and horrifying and hellish for the both of them, but they’ve lived side by side for too long for it to be a serious issue.  But it is embarrassing, very embarrassing.  Sabine does enjoy her three years of being the taller one though, and even when Ben finally passes her again, it’s only an inch and less than that when she’s wearing heeled boots.

Ben starts having to use both his powers and the Darksaber when their schemes get more complicated and them deeper into trouble with local authorities.  He’s rough, untrained, but he has his own style, even if they have to flee near immediately afterwards because rumors of Jedi start flying around.  They can’t have the Jedi know about them.  They’ll take away Ben because he’s like them and leave Sabine alone.

They nearly die multiple times.

They fight so bad they split up twice, though each time, no more than a day or two goes by before the one who packed their bags and stormed off “forever” is trudging back, apology on their tongue, only to find the other on their way to apologize as well and beg them to stay.

They visit Mandalore once, when they are fifteen.  It is a completely different place than how Ben remembers it, and to Sabine it doesn’t glow like memories that return do.  It’s wrong.  The ruling junta controls everything, everyone.  Everything is bleak and grey, and they try to do the job there as quickly as possible.  Sabine notices a lot of girls with her name, and the rarer ones named Satine; though, a local tells her when she expresses confusion at their question of what clan she’s from, the name Satine is dying out much quicker than its counterpart.

She is told a story of the warrior of old, S’Tiin/S’Biin that she remembers being told long, long ago, and how girls are named in her honor.

But then she and Ben are told of the Duchess Satine, the newer folk hero.

Sabine’s seen the name graffitied on various walls around the galaxy, there’s a Mandalorian bounty hunter phrase that talks of Duchess Satine’s luck being with them, but she’s never known what it meant until now.

Years ago, there was an old Duchess who ruled Mandalore fairly.  Her reign came to an end when the Death Watch stormed the palace and burned it and killed the Duchess and the entire royal family.  Sabine feels the dread in her gut, knows how her own lost family died that night, how she doesn’t even remember if she was with them when it happened, how Ben still wakes up screaming sometimes from the deaths of his own parents playing in his head, smoke and bodies sometimes haunting her own dreams.

But, the local whispers, rumors say that one body from the royal family was not accounted for: Lady Satine Kryze, the Duchess’s second youngest grandchild.  The body of the young girl was never found, though the government insists that she too is dead.  Dissidents and those who are unsatisfied with the Death Watch Junta’s rule pray otherwise, stake their faith that the young Satine escaped somehow, and is alive and thriving somewhere safe.

That now, as the only member of the royal family left, Satine Kryze will return to Sundari one day, overthrow the Death Watch and restore the throne, take her rightful place as the Duchess Satine of Mandalore and free them all.

Naming a child Satine now will earn you government attention you do not want, but people still have faith.  It’s all they have left.

Ben thinks the story is admirable, though he’s always been open and curious, willing to give things the benefit of the doubt.  Sabine personally finds it a tad ridiculous, and makes her even more furious at this “government” that mistreats its people so much they cling to dead children’s ghosts as prophesied saviors.  Ben never pulls out the Darksaber on Mandalore.  They leave soon after.

Ben and Satine as they grow up discover emotions like love, lust, want.  Neither can remember who first started making eyes at someone they saw on the street, who paid attention to someone who wasn’t the other, but that too causes fights.  The blowout when Ben almost lets Sabine get caught by an angry guard because he was talking to a pretty shopgirl, and then has the audacity to follow Sabine and brood from a distance when a pretty girl asks her to lunch because he doesn’t trust the other girl’s judgement.

They know the other has just grown more beautiful with age, and the painful temptation of how they can be so close, but so, completely, utterly forbidden, and besides, they don’t like me like that.

There are first kisses that aren’t with each other and brief flings with sentients on planets they aren’t on for more than a week.  They talk about love and families, but decide they’re both too young for that, and both feel a relief they won’t admit when the other agrees.

Everything changes once more ten years after Ben dragged Sabine away from the smoking Sundari palace and she woke up with nothing but faint ghosts in her mind.

They’re on a fairly backwater mudhole, trying to scope out a new ride off the planet after helping feed a colony of sick minorities oppressed by the local government, when Ben tenses up next to her and his hand slips around her hip in that way she knows is only protective, but wishes was more.  Sabine turns to see the blue eyes of a man watching her under a heavy brown robe and hood.

She murmurs in Ben’s ear, should they take an opportunity on this one?  Sabine may hate violence, but her and Ben have both found out by now that there are people all over the galaxy who may look a little too close at pretty young children, and the ones who act on those urges, they’ve discovered that neither feels much remorse when they lure them into the other’s stun gun and rob them.

Ben tenses, he’s always despised it when Sabine does this, is worried she’ll get hurt-- fuck it, he doesn’t like seeing her smile coyly at these bastards, beseechingly like she wants them, has to watch them undress her with their eyes, he wants to vomit or stab something or both, but he can’t make decisions for her, though hells know she gives him enough shit when he’s the one doing the luring, though he can’t imagine why.  It’s not like she feels anything for him.  She probably just doesn’t like that he’s being violent.

But his Special Sense goes off with a ringing when he looks at the tall man with the beard staring closely at Sabine, and his gut has rarely steered him wrong before, even if he’s furious with its betrayal by agreeing with Sabine that she should lure this man.

Said luring kind of backfires when it turns out that the vibes Ben was getting off of the robed man was him being a fucking Jedi who quite easily avoids Sabine’s stunning attempts and is now holding his bright green laser sword up to protect himself from Ben who has the Darksaber lit and is fully prepared to get his ass kicked but come on, this is not fair.  It’s especially not fair that the other man is smiling triumphantly.

Sabine feels sick.  The Jedi have found Ben and he’s going to leave her alone.

Ben snarls that he’s not going anywhere with the man, pressing himself to Sabine’s side.  This was his own fault for getting them caught

The man blinks, says he does not want anything with Ben.  He would much like to speak with the Duchess, gesturing to Sabine.

Ben and Sabine stare at him like he’s lost his mind.

The man clarifies, gesturing to Sabine again, asking if she is not in fact Satine Kryze?  

The Lost Duchess?

Sabine feels a high pitched laugh leave her throat, Ben snapping back that no she is not, but the Jedi just sighs, extinguishes his blade, and sits on the floor.  He’s still in front of their only exit because they were foolish enough to lure him into a room with one door.

He introduces himself as Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn, and says that he has spent the last two weeks following sightings of a black lightsaber very similar to the legendary blade that was wielded by the Mand’alors of old in the past in the possession of a young woman who appears to be the same age as Mandalore’s lost ducal heir.

Ben murmurs to Sabine that this man cannot be stable right now, feeling all the guilt at his own obsession with using his powers like a Jedi when a Jedi he is not and getting them in deep trouble.  Sabine is developing a massive headache, like some of the cotton fog that’s been stuffed tight in her mind for ten years is finally starting to dissipate, but at a rate that it’s just slow and painful.

She asks Jinn scathingly, do the Jedi chase after all silly fairytales now?

Jinn shakes his head with a patronizing smile.  No, he says.  But the Death Watch Junta do.

He watches as both of them tense at the names of those who wiped out their families.  He explains gently, that the Jedi and the Republic have had an eye on Mandalore as a recognized state sponsor of terrorism, and how new reports of them making threats against worlds with the description of the young woman and the lightsaber are making the worlds nervous enough to call the Jedi for help.  The Jedi have figured it would be best to locate the targets the Death Watch are after, if only to keep the worlds the Death Watch would raze to the ground to find them safe.

Sabine and Ben look at each other in horror.  Death Watch is after them?  Ben instantly hands over the sword to Jinn, says he can have that, he and Sabine will be fine on their own, they’ll leave the world and go somewhere they won’t be found.

Jinn shakes his head, says that they need to come with him, Death Watch intends to take Sabine back to Mandalore and publicly kill her.  It doesn’t matter if she’s truly the Duchess or not, they want to break the branches of resistance who view the Duchess as a symbol of hope.

With that, Sabine passes out, voices flooding her head, memories, castles, palaces, eyes, a throne, swarming through her brain.

She can’t be the Lost Duchess.  She can’t.  She would have--

What, remembered it?

Ben suspects foul play on Jinn’s part the second Sabine drops, and if he wasn’t so eager to take the opening and stun the Jedi, grab Sabine over his shoulder, and bolt, he would have known this wasn’t Jinn’s fault as he was surprised enough by her faint to let his guard down.

In his hurry, Ben leaves the Darksaber on the ground where he had tried to give it to Jinn.

He did not realize just how far ahead Jinn was of these Death Watch hunters, however, as not two hours later he’s ambushed, wakes up in a sewage ditch to very bruised everything and Jinn prodding him awake, and-- and Sabine is gone, he lost her.  He failed.

Jinn is shaking him out of his panic, making him a deal that if they come with him afterwards, Jinn will help him rescue Sabine-- and, help Ben learn how to properly use a lightsaber, he adds, holding the Darksaber back out to him.

Sabine wakes up alone and in chains in a dark room on a ship she’s not familiar with.  A helmeted man sits in front of her, asks her who she is, where she came from.  Sabine-- at the encouragement of his blaster to her foot, tells him the whole truth, which is that she has no fucking clue what they want with her.  She’s not the Duchess, literally every other girl on Mandalore is named Sabine or Satine, she’s an orphan, but so are half of the other kids in the galaxy, and she left ten years ago because the occupation was not proving safe or financially beneficial to a street kid like her.

For the first time in her life, her mind feels like she is lying when she tells the story.

As he and Qui Gon track down the ship that took her, Ben is kicking himself.  As a kid, when he met the richly dressed girl by the storage entrance to do cartwheels, he always felt there was something she wasn’t telling him.  Always felt like he was visiting to see nobility, not another servant girl.  A girl whose grandmother commanded servants, like the Duchess of all people was supposed to do.  A girl who was being taken away by someone wielding the weapon that symbolized the ruler of the people, that had to have been taken off of the dead body of the Duchess.

And Sabine had woken up with no clue who she was, and Ben could have quite possibly fed her an entire life’s worth of lies.

Sabine’s answers do not impress her captors.  She braces for torture, and that seems to be what’s on the menu for the next time she gets visitors, as the man growls over his shoulder as he leaves threats of what might happen if she proves so uncooperative again.

Her mind spins again.  Could she be?  Is she really?

But why would Ben lie to her?

He wouldn’t.  He couldn’t.  Sabine has known Ben long enough to know how he lies.  He was an emotional wreck who had lost his whole family after she had first woken up.  He couldn’t have lied to her then to save his life, certainly not to that extent.

No, Ben genuinely believed his tale of Sabine Nobody the servant girl, Sabine knows this with all her heart.

That means Sabine cannot be Satine Kryze then.

But she could?

Ugh.  Her fucking head hurts and she is utterly fucking confused.

Hmm.  One would think she certainly swears far too much to be a fancy duchess.

Ben and Qui Gon Jinn find and board the ship Sabine is on.  As they board, Ben’s anger and fury and worry is washed over by a placid cloud.  He scowls at Jinn, who comments on how powerful he is.  Says he would have made an excellent Jedi.

Something doesn’t feel right hearing that from a Jedi himself.  Ben grips the Darksaber tightly, says that no, he is a Mandalorian.  That’s who took him in.  That’s what Sabine is.  Ben stays with Sabine.  End of story.

Says Jinn with a sad smile, You’re quite right.

They storm the ship as it enters hyperspace, they avoid guards by the skin of their teeth, Ben wants so, so badly to give into that dark voice inside him that’s snarling to tear, to destroy, to kill.  But Sabine doesn’t like violence.  Insists that the sword must be for defence.  That’s what they do, the two of them, they defend people.  Ben slashes and disables, but he does not kill.

They find Sabine in a cell and as soon as they open the door, they realize their sabers will not work against the metal of the chains, but Jinn waves a hand and they unlock on their own.

Ben sees the lost look in her eyes vanish at the sight of him, feels such warmthwarmthwarmth, oh gods above, he could have lost her--

Ben kisses her.

She stiffens for a second.

Holy shit.  Ben is kissing her.

She kisses him back before he can back off and change his mind.

I’m so sorry, he murmurs to her.  For so many things... he’s thinking.

Don’t be... she swears, knowing absolutely none of this was his fault, that he’s stood by her when no one else did.  Don’t be.

Things go haywire and Jinn is shot in the shoulder and they have to make the breathtakingly imbecilic decision of all piling into an escape pod and launching it while in hyperspace.  They nearly burn up tearing out of it and all of them black out from the g-force (this is Not any of their days for staying conscious for too long, it seems).

They wake up and Sabine and Ben are still holding hands and Jinn calls her Duchess again, and Sabine tenses, but Ben strokes her hand, admits miserably that he thinks she might be, that she might have been keeping something from him as children and he had never known what, but--

Sabine hushes him with another kiss.  If so, she says, that was her own fault, not his.  He couldn’t have known.  

But not there’s no way to-- Ben starts, but Jinn interrupts by saying that actually there might be.  He may be no mind healer, but the Jedi have a talent for going into someone’s mind and convincing it to do their will.

Both Sabine and Ben tense, recalling clearly all the times Ben has talked his way out of impossible situations, said things people never should have believed, but they did.

It is quite possible, Jinn says, that he can coax those memories in her mind back out.  He feels them pulsing beneath in her brain, it’s not even that severe a case of memory loss at all, there was just no incentive to trigger their release.

Ben is about to protest, Sabine can tell, so she interrupts him to accept Jinn’s offer.  She’ll be alright, she promises Ben.  She will.  She needs to do this, and he knows she does.

His grey eyes are stormy with worry, but she knows he knows he’s right.

Jinn waves his fingers over Sabine’s face, she feels herself falling asleep once more.

She remembers.

Her life comes back to her: Mother, Father, Bo, Grandmother, Kalevala, the Sundari palace, being raised by tutors before escaping for the freedom of a mysterious delivery boy who taught her to do cartwheels, lying to him to pretend she was normal.

The night of the ball, her blue dress, the tiara that fell off as she was shoved under her father’s body, Ben’s pale face as the armored figure with the black sword started to carry her away, falling, falling--

I’m Satine Kryze.

I am the Duchess of Mandalore.

Gods, help me.

She awakens.  Her cheeks feel wet with tears.  She meets Ben’s gaze, and she just nods.

He knows from the second she opened her eyes.  He squeezes her hand, tells her, she was screaming.  He almost fought Jinn, who assured him painful memories are often agitating.

She nods and he knows.

He doesn’t think he can call her by her true name just yet, but--

He’s crying too, begging her forgiveness, he would have told her if he had known, this is his fault--

She cuts him off, promises him it wasn’t.  I was scared, she gasps, scared you wouldn’t want to befriend a royal.  I was going to tell you at the ball, I swear it, but--

It wouldn’t have mattered, he declares, kissing the tears off her cheeks.  I would have followed you everywhere, even then.  I still will.  I don’t care who you are to other people.  To me, you’re everything.  It doesn’t matter, Sab.

Gods, she loves him.

She tells him so.

He says it back.

And now that she has that assurance...

Okay now don’t be upset, she tells in that way he knows means one of her more outlandish and dangerous plans.  But what if, what if she tried to be the duchess the Mandalorian people are looking for?

Qui Gon Jinn makes a muffled choking noise off to their right.

His eyebrows raise.  But he doesn’t laugh.  She is infinitely relieved he does not laugh at her.

Inside him, something clicks.  He always did feel like he was visiting royalty.  And he meant it when he said he’d follow her anywhere.

But he can’t help but ask: does she have any idea how to run a planet, honestly?

Sabine Kenobi has lived with the lowest of society for ten years, seen things Satine Kryze would never have come close to being exposed to outside her crystal towers.  Sabine Kenobi knows the cracks in the system.  They’ve kept her up at night, with that feeling that she was always supposed to be doing more with her life.

That purpose she was always searching for.

She looks Ben-- Obi Wan, he said once that his name was Obi Wan.  Maybe we should get used to using the names we left behind... --directly in the eye, and asks him: would he be willing to stay by her side as she figured it out?  She warns the process would likely be trial and error.

He meets her gaze and smiles that cocky smile of his she’s always wanted to kiss off his face.  She can do that now, she realizes giddily.  He tells her, absolutely.

She does kiss that smile off her face.

A cough sounds behind them and they separate, turning to look at Qui Gon Jinn, whose face seems torn between amused, intrigue, and likely wishing the Jedi had chosen someone else to find a missing girl and a black lightsaber.

Right.  

Sabine Kenobi, Satine Kryze claps her hands, addresses Jinn.  It seems that the three of them are to be fugitives for a while, she points out.  How, exactly, does one go about starting a peaceful revolution?

[sweetblink]

Love, and Spanish Lessons.

Love, and Spanish Lessons.

___________________

Antonio Dawson x Reader

Requested by: anon

From your prompt list #2, #50 with Antonio Dawson Chicago PD? Please and thank you.

#50. "Teach me Spanish, I want to learn how to speak it." ... "Why?" ... "It's sounds so hot and romantic when you say romantic stuff in Spanish, and deadly if you cuss them out." ... "You're not wrong."

Warning: cursing. Lil Laura bashing (I’m sorry, it was beneficial for the imagine!)

___________________

Loud grunts could be heard, while small groan of pains joined along. Antonio stood behind the punching bag, letting out small winces as you continued to beat the heck out of the bag.

“Jesus, what did the punching bag ever do to you?” Antonio asked.

You let out a small huff and smiled. “Why are you complaining, you’re the reason why I even got better.” You teased, as Antonio let out a small huff.

“Should’ve told you no.” he muttered, you just giggled and let out a punch and a final kick to the bag, which cause Antonio to stumble back to fall onto his butt.

“Oh crap, I’m sorry Tonio.”

Antonio just chuckled as he pulled you down to him, when you moved to help him get up, you let out a loud squeal as you landed on top of Antonio.

“What the hell Antonio.” You pouted, nudging his arm as he continued to laugh. After struggling to get out of his embrace, finally he got up and helped you up as well, pulling you close. Smiling you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him in for a light kiss.

“Hey, dad- oh gross!” Diego screeched, Eva right behind him, who was covering her eyes, you let out a small chuckle and turned to them. Antonio smiled fondly at his kids and stood up to make his way over them.

“Sorry kids, should’ve warned me that you guys were coming over.” He teased. Eva peeked at him for her fingers and let out a small sigh of relief as she saw that nothing bad was happening anymore, Diego just grimaced even more.

“Hey Y/N!” Eva greeted, smiling wide, as you made your way over to them. You smiled widely as well.

“Hey honey.” You greeted, hugging her tightly, Diego smiled and attacked you for a hug as well. You laughed whole heartily and pulled him in for a hug as well. Antonio smiled at the scene in front of him, feeling content that you, Diego and Eva got along well.

“Hey Y/N are you doing anything tonight?” Diego asked, looking up at you. You smiled fondly at him and shook your head.

“No, mi vida.” Calling him what Antonio always calls Eva and Diego. “Why?”

“He wanted to know if you wanted to know if you wanted to join our family night.” Eva responded. “He wanted to play chess. Will you join us?” she asked, looking at you with puppy eyes.

You smiled and looked over at Antonio. “Well it’s up to your dad, if only he wants me to be there, then I’ll be there.” You said in a teasing voice. His kids now looked at him, and pulled out their puppy eyes, begging and pleading for you to come over.

Antonio smiled. “Alright fine.” The kids let out a small cheer, and had began to pull you out the gym, talking rapidly about what was going to be a family game night. Antonio just laughed and smiled fondly as you.

You looked back at him and smiled.

***************

Antonio let out a small groan, along with Diego, as Eva and Y/N let out a victory whoop. “Ha! Take that boys.” You teased, pointing at their faces. Antonio just smiled as Diego stuck out his tongue at you.

You, being the mature adult that you are, stuck it back out at him. Diego just laughed and decided that game night was over and started to pack the board game. “Tired already, babe?” you asked, helping him pick up the games, as Eva and Antonio picked up the trash.

Diego shook his head. “No, after we play board games, we usually end the night watching movies. You nodded and noticed the small bruise that was on his neck, frowning you got a little closer at him.

“So, who’s the kid, giving you trouble?” you whispered. Diego tensed up and looked up at you with fear in his eyes. You turned to Antonio and Eva and smiled. “Hey, you guys good choosing the movie. Me and Diego can get the popcorn and drinks?”

“Go ahead, babe. Me and baby girl here got it.” Antonio replied making his way towards the movie stand. You turned back to Diego and motioned for him to start walking. Diego let out a small sigh and made his way towards the kitchen.

Finally, safe in the kitchen, you made Diego turn to you. “Alright kiddo. What’s going on? What’s happening?”

Diego let out small sigh and shrugged. “Nothing, everything is fine.”

You frowned. “You know better than to lie to a detective, what’s wrong baby?” you asked softly, pulling him to your side. Diego let out a small huff and looked up at you.

“Do you think that it’s my fault that my mom and dad got separate?” he asked lowly, almost in a whisper. You shook your head and sat him on a chair.

“Diego, your dad, loves you more than anything is this world, and he would never put blame on you, it was never your fault.” You assured him. “What makes you think that?”

Diego looked at you and tears started to form in his eyes. “A guy in school keeps telling me that it’s my fault and keeps hurting me.”

You let out angry huff. “I want to know his name, going to have a real long talk with him and his parents.” You growled. Diego just stared eye wide at you. Sighing you smiled at him. “What? I’m quite overprotective of you. Got to make sure that my baby boy is well protected and safe.”

Diego smiled and let out a small giggle, which made you laugh in return. “I love you, Y/N. You’re the best.” He said, hugging you tight. You heart fluttered and you smiled, hugging him back tightly.

“And I love you very much, baby boy.”

Diego smiled and made to get the drinks ready. Now joining back with Antonio and Eva, you both got comfortable to watch the movie, until it was time to put the kids to bed.

Hours later, when Antonio carried Diego to bed, and you walked Eva to bed, the both of you laid back in the couch and got ready to see another movie. You snuggled closer to Antonio as he pressed a kiss on the crown of your head.

“So, what were you and Diego talking about earlier this evening?” he asked you.

You smiled and shook your head. “I don’t think I’m allowed to say it.” You said in a teasing voice, Antonio chuckled. “Besides, I think it’s something that Diego should come to you personally to talk about.”

Antonio shook his head. “So now you’re helping keep my kid’s secret a secret huh?” he teased. You smiled.

“Duh, I’m not about to have Diego retract his first I love you to me.”

Antonio began to laugh. The pair of you sat there in silence for quite a while when Antonio’s phone rang, you glanced that it was Laura. Letting out a small huff, you sat up to let him answer the phone.

“Laura.” Antonio greeted a little coolly. Right away you can hear Laura’s complaints and yells from where you sat, which only caused you to roll your eyes. Snatching Antonio’s phone, you said a loud bye to her, hung up the phone and blocked her number for the night.

“You know, she’s going to come down here and start a fight, right?” he asked.

You nodded. “Yeah. I know.” You replied, snuggling closer to Antonio now. “Let her try.”

Antonio just smiled and kissed your hair. The both of you stayed like that, now watching Selena. Smiling throughout the movie, you let out a small gasp when they finally introduced Chris Perez’s actor.

“Babe, that dude looks so much like you.” You teased, staring up at him. Antonio let out a small frown, you just let out a small giggle and planted a kiss on his lips. “He looks so cute.”

“He does not.” Antonio scoffed, trying to hide his amusement. You just rolled your eyes and continued watching the movie.

“You know.” You began. “I’ve always wanted to ask you something important.”

Antonio looked down at you. “You do?”

You nodded. “Yeah.” You replied, looking up at him now. “"Teach me Spanish, I want to learn how to speak it."

"Why?" He asked curiously.

You smiled. "It's sounds so hot and romantic when you say romantic stuff in Spanish, and deadly if you cuss them out."

Antonio let out a loud laugh and shook his head. "You're not wrong."

“So, is that a yes?”

“Your first lesson starts tomorrow.”

___________________________

Fun fact, Jon Seda aka Antonio Dawson in Chicago PD, portrayed Chris Perez in the movie Selena. I’ve always wanted to find a way to where the characters watched the Selena movie lol.

Masterlist.

[douxie-casperan]

some fake fic meme options: cat with the canary / throwing horns / r.b.f. (resting brunch face) [;)]

[Wow there’s like multiple Zouxie here whoops. I hope that’s okay! I’m literally running where my brain will take me and apparently being in pain and a headache means I want fluff. Though I DID write two angsty for other prompts so it could equally be trying to balance that out lol]

Cat with the canary

Archie stares at the box placed in front of him suspiciously unsure if to even give it a nudge with his paw lest it do... something. The temptation to bat them off the counter in a fragrant act of cat-like behaviour is remarkably strong given the literal crowd watching his every move.

"And what is it you have decided to grace this household with this time?" The cat asks not daring to take his eyes lift from the strange yellow things with beady eyes. The wizard merely rolls his eyes paying more attention to unpacking that the dilemma unfolding in front of him.

"Zoe gave 'em to me when I stopped over after getting food, figured you'd enjoy a treat and they're kinda cute to be honest," he answers stuffing more ramen than should be legally allowed into a cupboard far out of reach of a humble feline who would otherwise try and hide them on the insistence of a healthier diet.

"Apparently they come in lots of different colours? Got herself some in pink, naturally. Hopefully there's some goth abominations lurking out there somewhere too."

"What you humans find cute has always been questionable at best." The familiar levels him with a look for the ensuing laugher and fur bristles even more indignant for it.

"Bird chicks I suppose you could call them that, these however I must vehemently disagree."

"Listen if you don't want them I'll eat them all myself they don't have as much good marshmallow stuff over here. I miss flumps they were killer."

Letting out a snort of disgust and knowing well that is not an idle threat he sits on his haunches to pluck one of these mysterious peeps from their nest. Mentally he dithers for a second or two more trying not to squish the horrid thing between his pads and then ceremoniously bites the head off.

Mmm, not too bad actually

~

Throwing horns

Of all the things that had happened to him in literal centuries, having various Halloween related stuff ceremoniously dumped on his head was surprisingly not on the list until this very moment. Literally spitting feathers (?!) Douxie starts shoving the lot of them off onto his lap to find they also included, funnily enough, a set of blue glittery devil horns. Hmn, he holds them up with a quirked brow, really?

"Come on, this is like the one time of year we can dress up and be stupid and you're not on shift or finding an excuse to cover somebody else!" Zoe says with one hand on hip and the other pointing to his face with nails freshly decorated in deep purples to match her lipstick.

"You've skipped out on me three years in a row mister, you're all out of excuses this time and I want you ready for tomorrow night when I'm dragging your ass out to give this town a show they won't forget."

"That's sure a fancy way of saying drinking," he teases taking the chance for a proper shufty through the fabrics. Oh that one has a bitta potential...

"Plus this is the States remember? They think I'm underage."

"Pfft like you've never faked an ID before or the fact people think you're in college all the time Mr. I've got legs for days so I get asked about taking up modelling."

"Hey that was the 90s love, different time. Hasn't happened again in ages."

"Doux, it literally happened last month when we were in Starbucks, you were too caffeine deprived to figure out what words meant and I got stuck vouching for you appreciating the offer but too busy to think about it right now," she answers back scooping up what suspiciously looks like a Lord of the Rings wizard robe run through tie dye and holding it up like a suggestion and a grin.

"Touché," he answers shaking his head as he is absolutely not wearing that thanks. He won't own up to not remembering if that really did happen or not, if they ever go to a chain it's usually because he's too tired to function beyond ordering a drink and about ready to pass out at the first opportunity.

"Well if you're so insistent I be a lovely witch's consort fer a night, how about the lady herself decides, yeah? Within reason because it's not fair you get all the glamour and I don't fancy going it looking like I fought a bin bag and lost."

She fails to hide the faint blush fast enough from the sly grin on his face but it doesn't stop her snatching the headband from his side and twirling it as a distraction letting the shimmering catch the light just so and taking his attention off her before he can try and say something back. Satisfied, Zoe carefully places them on his head while mussing his hair a little to make sure they sit properly before standing back to admire her handiwork. Perfect.

"Hmm, alright... How about to make it fair I run everything with you first and I help with your makeup if you wear these horns? They're kinda cute and they do match your hair~"

He can't see them himself despite trying his best to which is no doubt deliberate but for a smile like that coming his way he'll happily go with whatever she asks. It's sappy and he could not care less what any other soul out there thought about it. So he simply throws a trademark salute instead.

"Deal."

~

R.B.F. (Resting Brunch Face)

"Rough day?"

She looks up to find Douxie hovering above her, tea in one hand and an éclair in the other with his brow furrowed in concern, hadn't even heard him coming let alone asked for anything yet somehow he managed to know anyway. He keeps joking about once a waiter but it's a little weird seeing it actually happening before her eyes.

"What are you even talking about?" she answers back snapping more than she intends while forcing herself to sit back in the chair instead of burying her head in her arms to give him the space for the plates to be set down with a gentle clink.

"Frankly I'm peachy."

To his credit the wizard simply rolls his eyes patting down the branded apron he's currently wearing looking more the part than usual when he works in Benoit's. Must be an inspection or something...

"For one? You've got the murder look, you only ever get the murder look when either I've done something which I can't have given I've been here all day oooor you've had multiple people try and shame the music selection," he says gesturing with his left hand and the other on hip outright abusing the fact he's taller than usual right now to loom like a mother hen.

"... And on occasion That Guy at Hex Tech but you've not mentioned him in a while. I called in my break so scooch over and blame the fact you chose a booth against a wall."

She shoots him an annoyed look but does as she's bid making enough space though not before hoarding the sweet offering he came with. He's mindful in turn to give her plenty of space so she won't feel squashed even though it means sticking his leg out from under the table so as not to bang his knee on the metal.

"I've not killed anybody before you ask but I might have thought about it."

"Uh huh."

It earns him a swat though to her annoyance he simply laughs her off and slides the tea closer knowing it's better to be patient and let her offer up the answers when she's good and ready instead of trying to push too hard when this angry at the world. They've known each other far too long, literal centuries at this point, that they can be as in tune as breathing when it really needs to count and sometimes it makes her wonder if this is what his own bond with Archie must be like? It certainly feels closer than words can give meaning to. The tea is mint with a hint of a fruit she cannot quite place from the taste of it, the heat helping warm her chest as much as her palms curled around either side of the cup. It's comforting.

"It's," she begins, then pauses ignoring  the way his head tilts to one side to show she's got his full attention she can just make out the corner of her eye.

"The new kid actually. Skittish as hell I don't know what's up with him like there's keeping a low profile and there's I'll pop out of existence like Nightcrawler. Literally every time I try and talk to him alone he just ups and bolts you'd think we like bite or something."

A hum is let out beside her seeming trying to properly weigh up his options from the way his head moves just enough for his hair to shift across his face. Zoe takes the opportunity to grab the éclair so she won't be caught looking too obviously and as ever grateful he didn't bother trying to make her use cutlery and instead left a napkin for the future chocolate mess.

"Must be something up, want me to try and grab him for a natter? Mean I'm still an unknown so might be a bit less threatening and can always try the "Look at my cute cat!" angle if I have to. Doubt it's you personally, could just be nervous of all the ladies you got over there that could kick his ass," he says teasing nudging her in the shoulder getting a derisive snort back.

"What's his name by the way?"

It IS an idea, come to think of it, Douxie carries more of an aura of being harmless and he might be willing to open up more to another guy and help get to the bottom of just what's up without it coming across as an interrogation not to mention genuinely being able to say he's separate from the Coven.  She gives the plate a tab with a nail to make more of a show of debating it before finally answering.

"Calls himself Hank."

[comicteaparty]

April 20th-April 26th, 2020 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from April 20th, 2020 to April 26th, 2020.  The chat focused on Only In Your Dreams! by Tuyetnhi Pham.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Only In Your Dreams! by Tuyetnhi Pham~! (http://oiydcomic.com/)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace until April 26th, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Discussions are freeform, but we do offer discussion prompts in the pins for those who’d like to have them. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic! Whether you finish the comic or can only read a few pages, everyone is welcome to join and chat with us!

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 1

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic?

2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)?

3. Who is your favorite character?

4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?

5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it!

6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores?

7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content?

8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

5. I like how distinctive the character designs are! The mcs are both very unique and recognizable

8. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but it also explores some real neat concepts

the story is full of personality

carcarchu

the comic's not loading for me shakes fist at wifi, gonna try again tomorrow but i just wanted to say the look of the site is really cute!

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

Got the chance to read it So here are some of my thoughts: 1. I like the romantic atmosphere that the comic starts off with warm colours and it gives a vacation ad sensation? 2. My favourite moment is in the pink strange dream world, the colours contrast to the reality of Cara. 4. Fave moment: When that mystery guy shows up and he had corny lines like a romantic parody. It seem so fantastical. 5. I like the colour palette choice of brown tones, shades of pinks. 6. I think the theme is about expectations (it's not clear atm), how Cara is distancing from real relationships and prefer to indulge. 7: I like how the creator shows Cara looking scared of confronting things. It sets an interesting tone of uncertainty. Is she hiding something?(edited)

keii’ii (Heart of Keol)

I'm super curious about the situation of Cara not remembering her past dreams with Richie, and how that ties into the theme.

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

1. I like how I don’t know what to expect. I also like how the premise is relateable; the idea that you are scared of imperfection making you have high standards in life hit close. 2) Every single time we’re treated to....Tuyetnhi’s lovely use of expression. Also the end part of episode 2, because that’s when I realized it’s going to get dark. 3) A tie between Ana and Richie. Ana because she makes me laugh with her blunt assertions (which...aren’t wrong) and Richie because he’s so flamboyant and extra. I love how much personality they all have. 4) Hands down Richie and Cara. They have a really hilarious dynamic going on. 6) The idea that people seek perfection through their dreams instead of facing reality. Also I really liked how it tackles society’s fixation on everyone to find someone....maybe Cara doesn’t need that and needs to focus on herself first? 7) That I won’t know what to expect. I came into this thinking it was going to be a classic romcom, and then I get hit with implicit horror and trippyness. I have a feeling Tuyetnhi is hinting at some darker aspects of the story we have yet to see. 8) Good lord the expressions. They really do the story justice and make me turn the page every time. Also the colours are beautiful.(edited)

(Whoops sorry keiiii)

7) two moments actually!

The fact that their wide eyed sweaty expressions matched made me laugh really hard

And also Cara’s quick acceptance of the situation was so unexpected and hilarious I took a double take. Also props to the colour dissonance; that looks like meme material right there!

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

yeah. I want to make it clear that Cara is like "This is really not my day." lol

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

Well....you portrayed that sentiment perfectly

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

Omg yes the wide eyed expressions were also making me laugh! Well that was an expression I didn't expect coming into the story(edited)

I was wondering if that was suppose to be serious or humorous?

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

both LOL

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

I see the horror you got going there Tuyetnhi Reminds me of...I dunno Jojo?

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

well............ yes and no lol

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

But I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen

Although...if we’re going by the silhouette....is she scared of herself?

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

C:

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

I like that sense of not knowing what's happening? :)(edited)

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

that will be coming up in Ch. 3 soon

so please wait till then thank u lol

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

So far it's tough to choose a fave character right now since I feel the story has just started its first segment. I would like to wait until more content is shown before I can make a firm choice? (I'm analytical, I like to go over OCs flaws and strengths once I know more about them)(edited)

I'm curious to learn about her ex crush, since we only get a glimpse of how Cara precieve him. But what is Dean really like? *Drum rolls(edited)

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

you got.... good questions

it will be rewarded.... later on LOL

mariah (rainy day dreams)

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic? I really liked the colors and island vibe. And this was even before Animal Crossing came out and I started hardcore living that island life I just love a good, soft pink to purple gradient generally speaking so the opening of the story was like falling into a comfy brain pillow for me. 2-4 I'm just gonna answer these ones kind of all together because they thoughts on then are all kind of threaded together into one big thought. After having read through the archive I really liked the scene with Ana and Cara. When I first read it I was like "dang, she's giving Cara such a hard time," but after having read the scenes where Cara just refused to admit to Richie she doesn't know what's going on I really retroactively appreciated Ana's willingness to call Cara on her bullshit XD I think it's a really good foil trait to have for a protagonist who seems dead set on avoiding confrontation even though it seems like doing so is most likely just gonna come back to bite her later. I imagine we aren't going to see Ana for a while though unless Cara is able to use her Phone A Friend card in the dream realm XD I am also looking forward to seeing more of the Cara doppelganger and how she and Cara interact with each other going forward. That feels like an exciting and drama filled mystery

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic? I also love the atmosphere. The color choices are just so beautiful. 2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)? Ana pointing out Cara's BS hahahaha. 3. Who is your favorite character? Definitely Ana. She's so down-to-earth from what I can tell, someone I'd want to be friends with. 4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most? Probably Ana and Cara. I like to see good friendships depicted, especially in a romance. 5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it! In general, everything is so soft and pretty. I also really appreciate the fact that all the characters have larger noses. If I had a favorite panel, it would be at the beginning, the sunset beach waves. 6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores? So far, I'm not sure about themes, but I like the talk about the pressure parents give to their children to get married. 7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content? There's a lot of mystery, so I'm looking forward to learning about Cara's dreams, Richie, and the key. 8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are? The visuals are really nice. I can't stop gushing about the color choices and the pretty atmosphere.(edited)

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

The way Cronaj sums up their thoughts on OiYD, I'm agreeing with the statement on Ana and Cara! Esp friendship part

Deo101 [Millennium]

I'll answer the questions hopefully later this week, but this song reminded me of the comic!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4z5ecLCvSQ(edited)

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

@Deo101 [Millennium] damn that’s a good song

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

Oooo

keii’ii (Heart of Keol)

He's definitely hot and extra

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

lmao

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

My joke idea is that Cara is secretly in a reality show starring Richie and her and the bonds they play out is meant for a live broadcast. But she's clearly not agreeing to this(edited)

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

oh god. i don't think that's good for Cara's mental state lmao

Feather J. Fern

Also I have to say, I do love how the first cover is literally Cara being the meme of "Oh no he's hot"

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

fjdkalfdjdklfj

Feather J. Fern

Also I finally started it, while a bit late, I have to relate to Cara being an accountant.

Also I think my favourite panel is "Welp that worked"

Also I have to appreciate picking a pink that doesn't grate on the eyes.

https://gyazo.com/71fe22ea6ac2ebf6b3d85531c66bf8ed Another really good panel

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

I enjoyed making that one LOL

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

that face is one of my favourites not gonna lie

Feather J. Fern

I really like the surrealness of the story, can't wait to see what happens next

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

same! I feel like something is about to happen

I'm also wondering how Richie would react to the real world

like....the ex. And her parents.

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

soon™️

Feather J. Fern

More like everyone reacting to Richie XD

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

Yeah pretty much

Like can Richie handle the world?

More like

Can the world handle RICHIE

RebelVampire

I like that the beginning really contrasts the dream and Cara's reality pretty quickly. I kind of feel it catches that feeling of coming out of a dream to face reality which kind of sucks, and also plays into the themes of dream vs. reality and expectation vs. reality. It's very easy to idealize things, whether as a route of escapism or just because it sounds appealing. But the reality of things generally is always different, and I like that we're seeing this full force in the comic through Cara's perspective. And the contrasts between the two really enhance those topics. My favorite moment in the comic so far is probably when Cara meets what I assume is Dean. Cause I really loved that both parties were kind of at fault, and I also liked how quickly that convo devolved into a grumpfest, because that felt very realistic. My favorite character right now is definitely Richie, because he is ridiculous and sympathetic at the same time. I adore his exaggerated personality, while at the same time feel sorry for him since for him the memories are clearly there and like...I would not want to be in the shoes of someone where the person they loved no longer remembered them. As for character interacting the most, Cara and Richie because that entire premise of one person remembering and the other not makes for a really tense and awkward situation. It's hard to tell where it's going to go. What I like about the art is the palettes of color chosen, since there's some beautiful scenery as well as fantastic contrasts when needed to make certain moments pop (like dream vs. reality).

As for the story content, what I actually like the most is that Cara is a flawed protagonist. I've read a lot of stories where the protagonist is always 100% right in the relationship and is just eternally the victim because society pressure. But Cara has a lot more going on, since she's clearly been at fault in some interactions, and while we can sympathize with people pressuring her into relationships, she also maybe takes it too far by being avoidant of basically every relationship. However, since she has these traits, I'm more invested into her personal dilemmas since she'll actually make mistakes when dealing with stuff. Which I think this is the overall strength of the comic. Cara is just a damn good protagonist who is easily likeable but isn't perfect and whose imperfections are not just brushed off so easily.

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

;_; .... thank you.

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

I love the story so far! When I first started, I figured it would be some sort of awkward story where Richie comes into the real world and he has to figure out how to, like, act natural, and hilarity ensues. But holy cow, Cara losing her memories, and the slide into somewhat of a horror angle - it's not something I expected (though admittedly I could have read the synopsis lol), but it's definitely something I like!(edited)

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 2

9. Do you think the people around Cara were right to try and pressure her into a relationship? Overall, what do you think the comic has to say about relationships and the themes regarding relationship pressure?

10. Is what Cara experiencing dream or reality, and where is the line between them in this case? Additionally, why do you think her dreams have the potential to become reality as opposed to other people? Also, what is the overall message underlying these themes?

11. Is Richie really just a dream Cara dreamt up, or is there something more to him? If he somehow makes it to Cara’s world, do you think he’ll be able to adjust to that reality? Also, can he win Cara over?

12. What do you think the Cara imposter is about, and what does this have to do with the entire situation? Do you think Cara will eventually remember her dreams? Lastly, what do you think Cara has in store for her as the story continues?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

9. I personally don’t think it was great of the people in Cara’s life to pressure her like that. Sure, they mean well, but it’s most likely bringing Cara’s self esteem down by a lot. I have a feeling that her dreams/reality colliding together is partially motivated by that; the pressure of pleasing society has made her....subconsciously take drastic measures?

10. I’m actually not sure! Maybe there’s a supernatural explanation to it, or it could all just be a dream. Dreams have a way of showing a person’s innermost desires or fears, so maybe Cara’s desires and fears are coming alive in response to external stress factors. So perhaps she opened a portal of sorts between the realms in some way (there’s a key!!!!).

11. Oh I’m thinking they might end up together. But the realist inside me thinks...perhaps what Cara needs isn’t romantic love, but more independent love and being able to love herself. What DOES worry me, however, is the fact that Richie seems...a bit desperate for Cara to like him. Is there a condition to his love after all? If so, that means that it’s possible he’s forced in some way to love her or make her love him. And that’s not really conducive to romance, is it?

12. Ah...the thing that makes me mystified the most. Cara seems to have a negative view of herself, since she told her to get out in the end of chapter two. However, Cara #2 seems to be pretty helpful; knocking on the door to tell her to get out of the house (which Richie has her in), so in a way letting her out. While our Cara seems to dislike her a lot, I think the key to the story would be our Cara needing to accept this double Cara to be really free. Maybe she will, maybe she won’t! But from what I can see from the story and like I’ve said earlier...maybe Cara needs to be able to find love within herself. Love for that Cara double, and enough love to become independent and not bend to society’s overwhelming pressure for outside romance. I hope she finds that as the story comes along, and know that it’s okay to not be ready for love.

As for Richie...hmm. He’s dealing with an amnesiac heroine, and adjusting to the real world. I’m sure it’s going to lead to some hilarious hijinks, but hopefully he can manage! He seems up to the task

RebelVampire

I think whether people were right to pressure Cara is a tricky gray area. On the one hand, no, they were wrong. Nobody should be forced into a relationship. But on the other hand, if you know a person is actively self-sabotaging, isn't it more correct to speak up? So to me this is maybe a situation of good intentions with bad execution. However, I do think overall the comic does say pressuring people into relationships sucks and plz don't do that cause that's how you make ppl run further away. I think it's both, because a dream is reality in a sense. I think many of us have had dreams that caused real emotional affects, whether negative or positive. So the line between them is merely the fact effects are limited. Cara have may have just found a way to cross that line and make a dream a tangible thing that has more consequences. As for why her dreams, I don't know. Maybe she's just super good at dreaming. I do think as the overall message though is that dreams are good but not when we get lost in them, because then we idealize and reject "reality" in ways that aren't healthy. I do think Richie is primarily something Cara dreamt up, but kind of not maybe. Like sure maybe Cara is idea creator, but something else was involved in making the physical reality of that idea. As for Richie adjusting to Cara's world, I'm sure it will be laughably hilarious. I do think he can sort of win Cara over, at least in the sense of being friends. Cause how can you hate Richie? I'm taking a shot in the dark and saying Cara imposter is the embodiment of Cara's missing memories but since they're just memories, all they can do is imitate. As for Cara remembering, I feel like it will be yes but I kind of want it to be no. I like the idea of them having to reform a relationship entire from scratch.

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

Oo good impressions! I wish I have more to say but it would affect the story LOL. Enjoyed reading everyone's theories tho!

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

Ok my turn, let's see what my head theories are: 9: I felt the same annoyance as Cara but it's a mixed feeling, Even though, people shouldn't pressure a lady on her love life, she also has a problem with being in relationships. Or I remember one quote from the story was how she 'ditched her dates by rushing to the bathroom.' although I don't know her circumstance, I do know she has issues to settle too. Relationship pressure is real, especially as a young person grows older. 10. From the comic visuals, it feels much like it's her escapism dream. The only clue I got, is that her holding a literal 'key' connecting both worlds, is evidence that both world could collide. So far, we haven't seen other people's dreams, or whether this is an unusual occurrence in the world? It seems to be a message about idealistic relationships. Since Cara seem to turn away real ones, it manifested? 11. I'm curious about Richie's character too. He seems like a powerful imagination, enough to sway the lead, so he's more than a simple figment. I wonder if his submissive, flirtatious (?) personality was build in him. He doesn't seem to have a 'life' outside his dream house, or so far. 12. I'm not sure whether the 'Other Cara' might be trying to help her or is that.. actually a shadow side? I don't want to say too much, but it's interesting to see where the story goes.(edited)

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

Oh! You make a good point about Richie; I never thought about that! Do you think maybe he's simply a part of Cara and eventually gains his own sentience/personality?

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

Hehe I like analyzing dreams :3 In dream theory, I feel he could be? I was more skeptical whether he should be treated as a real character or something else.(edited)

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

man this does make me want to look up dream psychology

i have a feeling...Tuyetnhi is using some theories from that

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

Hmmmm dream psychology you say?

I guess you can say there's some elements of that, but it's not a major chunk of it if that makes sense lol

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 3

13. What are you most looking forward to seeing in regards to the comic?

14. Any final words of encouragement for the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

13. Maintaining the will power to finish OIYD! so I can see it as its end lmao. As a passion project but also something that I want to invest in when I have the time, I hope ya'll looking forward in reading Ch. 3 very soon lol.

shadowhood (SunnyxRain)

13. I really want to see how both Cara and Richie will develop as characters. Whether Cara will figure out for herself what being both independent means....and whether she does want a relationship for herself and not for other people. Likewise with Richie, I want to see if he'll be able to be his own person...and whether he's real or not. I have a lot of questions that I want to be answered, and I can't wait to keep reading.

14. Tuyetnhi, good luck on the webcomic. It's hard to start one and even harder to pull off a good one, and I know yours is a good one. I really look forward to reading more from you. You're amazing (edited)

Tuyetnhi (Only In Your Dreams!)

thank you

Joichi [Hybrid Dolls]

13. I'm interested in learning more about Cara's conflicts, why she is hesitant about having a real relationship vs her dream one? I love the unexpected dark twist that the story seems to be going. 14. I want to say, no pressure and take your time to complete the chapter. Just know you have my support and willing to read when it is ready. Good luck

RebelVampire

I'm looking forward to more Richie being Richie. Because he is an adorable person. And also because I'm waiting for some 'reality' culture shock. My final words are that this comic has a strong themes game going on and an intriguing premise, so it'll be fun to see where the comic is in a few more chapters since I'm pretty sure we're in for a wild ride.

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Only In Your Dreams! this week! Please also give a special thank you to Tuyetnhi Pham for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Only In Your Dreams!, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: http://oiydcomic.com/

Tuyetnhi’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/oiydcomic

Tuyetnhi’s Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/tuyetnhip

Tuyetnhi’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/tuyetnhip

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Two Hundred Fifty-One: Turtle ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Healing Waters and Scorching Flames ] [ AO3 Link ]

She’ll admit...it’s a little strange coming back here now. Hinata’s first visit to the capital of the Fire Nation had been during the Day of Black Sun - the solar eclipse that had been the allies’ hope to finally bring an end to the Hundred Year War. A day when, without the sun, the firebenders were to be completely powerless. But the plan went horribly awry thanks to leaked information...and the Avatar’s group was forced to flee and leave the rest of the invasion behind.

The only successes had been the freedom of Omashu, and the final straw in the change of heart within Sasuke.

Her second (and until now, final) visit to the city had been during the passing of Madara’s Comet. While Naruto faced the Fire Lord, Sasuke went to try and finally bring reason to his older brother. Though there had been the beginnings of a duel, Sasuke’s own revelation had been enough to overcome the last shreds of Itachi’s doubt...and they’d reached a peaceful resolution. With Naruto’s defeat of Fugaku, there had been an end to the war at last.

And from there? Years and years of diplomatic reparations, finding balance, and keeping every member of Team Avatar busy enough that visits between them have been few and far between.

Hinata herself has been using the time since the end of the war attempting to undo the damage done by the Fire Nation against the Southern Water tribes. The scattered remnants had been united, and the stolen waterbenders returned to the south. Reuniting them with family hadn’t been easy...and comforting both sides had taken its toll. Both prisoners and those who remained had to face losses: captives that had died during the war, and vice versa. Many no longer had homes to return to once it was all over.

The port where the prior prisoners were released turned into a makeshift refugee camp in their own territory. Shelters were built, resources stockpiled, and displaced tribesmen kept until new paths could be made. At first unintended, it turned into a hub that eventually grew into a city. Though many tribes, once steady, returned to their various homes...some, especially those without family or homes to return to, remained and helped the new city thrive.

Only now that things have begun to settle has Hinata found any time to leave the south. Given her connections with the Avatar, and the personal growth she obtained during her months fighting, it was she without question who was looked to - and is still looked to - for guidance in the south. But...she’s earned a much-deserved break, and has agreed to meet a few of the others in the Fire Nation to just...see one another.

Kiba decides to remain to handle the mantle in her place. The one nonbender of the group, he now leads the Southern Water tribe army. There’s no one else Hinata would entrust their progress to in her absence. He’ll be missed during their get-together, but he insists she deserves the break more than he. Hinata had been unable to argue otherwise, and so, rides on a ship to the island country alone.

Passing the gates that guard the bay, Hinata can’t help but look to them somberly. Much has changed these past few years...herself among them. And given how little she’s seen of her friends since the war’s end, she can only assume their metamorphoses will be just as apparent.

As the ship docks and she makes her way topside to disembark, Hinata can’t help a pause. Rather than a small escort to take her to the palace, the second prince is here himself to greet her.

Sasuke, flanked only by two guards, looks so...different.

Having been previously weighed by his father’s expectations, his own duality, and the struggles he faced, he now looks so much...lighter. Gone is the constant furrow to his brow, or the shadows in his eyes. True, some linger under them from exhaustion, but none of them are afforded much time to rest, even now. He just seems...more relaxed. Calm.

Happier.

In fact, he affords her a genuine - albeit tired - smile as she makes her way down to the dock. “Hinata,” he greets with a small bow. “It’s good to see you. Were the seas calm for your voyage…?”

Still a bit taken aback, Hinata blinks before smiling in turn. “They were. It was a pleasant trip. But I’m glad to be back on land for the time being.”

“And here I thought a waterbender could never tire of water.”

That earns a light laugh. “Water, no...bobbing and dipping in a ship, maybe. Has anyone else arrived yet…?”

“No, not yet. And Kiba isn’t with you, right?”

“No, he’s keeping an eye on things while I’m gone. Developments in the south are still very...ongoing.”

Sasuke nods, expression tingeing a bit gravely for a moment. “I understand...I’ve heard bits and pieces about what’s been going on down there. You’re doing amazing work.”

Her head ducks, humble at the praise. “It’s what needs to be done. And I’m happy to do it. Seeing my people come back from the hardships they suffered gives me hope. We’ve always been a tough people, but this has been our g-greatest test.”

For a moment, something passes over Sasuke’s face. But before she can question it, he gestures. “Well, for now, I suppose we’ll make our way up to the palace. You haven’t seen it since the repairs, have you?”

“No...this is my first trip back since the end of the war, and Itachi’s coronation.”

Surprise pulls at his features. “...has it really been that long?”

“It has,” she replies with a weary smile. “Time sure has flown, hasn’t it?”

“...yeah. Guess being so caught up will do that to you. One moment you’re just starting a new month...the next, you turn around and three have passed. There’s hardly been a dull moment since the war ended.”

A nod. “All I can hope is that it slows a bit soon. It would be nice to enjoy the labor we’ve been giving for so long. Just for a bit.”

“It would.” With her agreement, Sasuke leads Hinata toward the palace. “I can’t wait to see everyone...Naruto’s efforts in the Earth Kingdom were the last time I saw him, trying to sort out the Fire Nation occupants.”

“Was that ever resolved…?”

“Yes...and we’re working on plans to make it even better. But we can talk about that when he’s here to chime in. I think he’s got a better handle on it than I do, honestly. I’ve been more focused on aiding Itachi here as of late.”

Light small talk fills the air during their trek to the central building, and Hinata can’t help but wonder at the sheer size of it. It and the Earth Palace always make her feel so small. Nothing has ever compared to her little southern village.

“We can wait in the gardens for a while - I’ll have some tea brought out.”

Snapped from her reverie as Sasuke speaks, Hinata reflexively smiles. “That sounds great. I haven’t seen the gardens yet.”

“It’s honestly my favorite part of the entire palace. My mother and I spent a lot of time here before she...left.”

The pause earns a glance, but Hinata doesn’t press the subject.

They pass through only a few hallways before making their way into the gardens...and Hinata can’t help but stare. It’s...beautiful! Green, lush, and filled with ponds and fountains. After a lifetime in the snow and ice, plantlife and even grass still fill her with excitement. “They’re amazing…!”

“Let me show you the best part.” Approaching a pond, Sasuke takes a knee, seeming to...look for something.

Unsure what his intent is, Hinata does the same.

“...there!” Pointing, he gestures to a patch of reeds along the other end. From them...emerge several little creatures Hinata has never seen before.

Her eyes go wide. “They’re so cute…! What are they?”

“Turtleducks.”

“Turtle…?”

“Ducks. See, they have a shell, like the great lion turtles,” Sasuke explains. “Just...a lot smaller, and a lot fluffier.”

“I love them already…” Hinata murmurs, watching as they swim their way a bit closer, quacking softly. A few turtleducklings make their way to the bank, and she gently brushes a finger over one’s head.

Beside her, watching from the corner of his eye, Sasuke can’t help a hint of a smile.

“I wish we had these back home...but I think it’s likely far too cold.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. But I guess that gives you a reason to visit, huh?”

Looking up, Hinata simply replies, “I already have a reason.”

Sasuke can’t help a blink of surprise, the bridge of his nose alighting a soft pink just as a courier steps into garden with a bow.

“Prince Sasuke, the Avatar and the earthbender will be here soon - word has been sent ahead with a...lemur of sorts.”

Moment broken, the pair glance up. “Thank you,” the Uchiha replies. “We’ll get ready to meet them.”

“Well, there goes the peace and quiet,” Hinata observes with a light laugh behind a hand.

“True...but it’ll be good to see them.”

“Mhm. But...maybe we’ll avoid showing them the turtleducks. I’m not sure the little things will appreciate the noise.”

Sasuke can’t help a humorous scoff. “...you have a point. We’ll visit them again later, when the others are busy.”

Just the two of us.

                                                            .oOo.

     Hi so this is technically yesterday's entry...I'm sorry it's late but I was gone LITERALLY all day and was pooped when I got home real late, so...this is me finally getting it done ;w; Sorry about the wait, loves~      But anyway! Back to the AtLA crossover...which I'm still not 100% satisfied with. Sasuke just makes so much more sense to fit Azula's role, but...I want him to be Zuko. And Itachi just does NOT fit her role AT ALL, so...hence me not being 100% sure what to do with the epic sibling battle. Whoops, lol - but that's not the focus! Turtleducks are by far (imo) the cutest AtLA fusion animal. Just...I love them. And now Hinata does too.      Anywho, I still need to do today's prompt - that'll be later! For now I've gotta run and get other stuff done, but thanks for reading!

[petri808]

Plea Bargain

@nalulovelovefest 12/3/19

Mahalo @random-rave for the idea :)

Originally for day 1, it morphed into a story encompassing all 8 days of prompts (playful, innocent, desperate, unbearable, ecstatic, teasing, funny, fight).  Lol, it’s the omake you may wish for from FT City Hero ;)  Rated M for NSFW, hot, cheesy police humor & fluff

When he had walked in to his home that evening after a long shift, officer Dragneel hadn’t expected to find a burglar rummaging through his belongings.  

“Hold it right there!” he flips on a light switch, “you’re under arrest.”

The woman stood frozen a moment before pasting a smirk upon her face.  She drops her bag of loot and holds up her hands, “you’ve caught me officer,” looking at his badge, “Dragneel.”

Drinking it all in, Natsu flashed a fang, my what a score he had here!  Lithe and sinewy the woman’s skin tight, black body suit hugged all the sinful curves she sported.  And how adorable, she even wore an eye mask and cat ears.  He licks his lips as his eyes travel along its length, a yummy hourglass frame and buxom chest, it was a crime in itself that she owned such a body. “You know,” he unhooks the cuffs from his belt, “burglary is a felony young lady and the punishment could be stiff.”  

The woman’s grin only widens, “I think I can handle it.”

“We’ll see about that.” He prompts her up against the couch and pulls her arms behind her back, cuffing the wrists together.  Leaning over his catch, his fingers keep a tight grin on her hip as he brushes his lips over her nape.  “You have the right to remain silent or anything you say can,” jutting hard against her backside, she squeaks when a long solid object makes itself known, “and will be used against you.”

“Please officer Dragneel, I’m sure we could strike a plea bargain that we’ll both be happy with?”

“Hmm,” kneeing her legs apart, “adding bribery of an officer, you must really want to be punished.”

She shrugs her shoulders, “what can I say, I’m a sucker for a man in uniform, but I’d bet,” leaning back she makes a grab for his crotch, “you look even better out of uniform.”

He slaps her hand away. “And you look best, bent over this couch.”

“I know, and frankly I haven’t been laid in a while, so I wouldn’t mind it.”

“Tch.”  Always keeping one hand on her back and a knee on her thigh to hold her still, he frisks the perp.  Running his hands up and down every inch of her body from her calves on up, meticulously scrutinizing junctions and crevasses where she may be hiding something.

“You know that would be easier to accomplish if you stripped me down,” a timber of amusement in her tone. “I wouldn’t be opposed to that.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” gliding the edging of his hand under the curve of her breast, “especially for this area,” and giving the large mounds a squeeze, “there may be illicit evidence hidden away in here.”

“I plead the fifth.”

“Oh ho,” he stands her up straight, “that sounds like an admission to me.  You’ve been playing coquette till this point and now you wanna keep quiet?  Didn’t think I’d take the offer huh?”

“Hmph!” she pouts, and turns her head, “Do your worst to me copper!  I’ll never break!” But the slight uptick in the corners of her mouth are telling.

“Thanks for the permission girly, now I don’t need a warrant to search your premises.  Come on,” he grabs the crook of her arm and pushes her towards a back room of the house, “time for your interrogation.”

Once inside the bedroom, officer Dragneel locks the door behind him and makes sure the windows are locked before removing the cuffs from her wrists.  “I’ll put them back on after you remove your clothes.”

“No.”

He cocks and eyebrow, “Do I need to strip you myself?  The faster you comply, the easier this will be for you.”

“Ugh fine!”  Mumbling under her breath, “would’a been more fun if you did it.”

“All in good time. But you may leave the ears on for now.”

She’s about to question it but decides to ignore the comment.  It wasn’t a kink she thought he’d had but eh, whatever floats his boat cause it didn’t bother her.  She slinks her way out of the stretchable fabric, pulling her arms out, passing it down and over to release her chest from its bindings.  All the while he watches, memorizing details he wanted to recall later, his eyes stalking each movement like a predator.  Down the suit travels, revealing her flat little tummy and as it passes her legs, she kicks it off at him, smirking as she does it.  

He growls and motions to her undergarments, “those too.”

“Shall I leave these on?” she runs her hand along her thigh high, heeled boots.  “Maybe another one of your kinks?”

“Off, you could be hiding a weapon in them.”

“Oh no,” she unzips the sides and starts to remove them, “I left those in my other boots.”  Dropping the first boot, “didn’t think I’d have company,” then the removes the second one, “you got off early today.”

“And how would you know that?”

“I’m a burglar,” unclasping her bra and letting that fall, “I normally case my targets, oh and see,” flouncing her breasts, “nothing hidden here.”

“Not too bright to pick a cops house, and I can see that.”

Removing her last vestige of modesty, “Anyways, like I said earlier, I’m a sucker for a guy in uniform.” She throws the thong at his chest, giggling when it catches on his badge.  “Whoops!”

“Whoops my ass!” he grabs her and drags her onto the mattress, cuffing her wrists to the headboard. “It’s not very nice to tease, you know,” pulling the wooden baton from his belt holder.  Running it along her leg to her inner thigh, grazing her sex and lingering at her entrance causing her to shiver, then trailing it against her side, “especially an officer of the law,” before placing it on his night stand.  He unholsters his Glock, ejects the unspent bullet into his hand and the mag, “wouldn’t want ya getting any ideas,” adding it next to the baton.  His belt is next to be unceremoniously tossed onto the stand.

“I was just being friendly,” she purrs.  “Can’t help it if you thought I was teasing you.”

“Tch,” shirking off his pants and tossing it onto a nearby chair.  “Just an innocent criminal, isn’t that what they all say?”  He unbuttons and zips out of his uniform, shrugging off the stiff material, then the bulletproof vest and adding it to the pile of clothes.    

Arching her body and jangling the metal cuffs as she pulls slightly against it, “Mmm,” she bites the corner of her lip, “I was right about one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You do look better out of uniform.”

“All the more to torture you with, I’d say.  This technique has been known to elicit confessions.”

“I can imagine.  You expecting me to sing for you copper?”

“Oh, I expect a lot more by the end of this night.”

“Then get on with it,” she settles against the downy comforter in a suggestive manner, “but lose the boxers, or are you going for cruel and unusual punishment, hmm, I’m laid bare, I have my rights, equal treatment an’ all that, so shouldn’t you be naked too?”

“Are you sure, it might add to the punishment.”

“I can handle it… literally,” she winks, “if you let me.”

“No.”

She pouts, “no fun.”

“Enough with the chit chat,” sitting on the edge of the bed.  “Tell me your name.”  She smiles and shakes her head.  “Are you the same person who robbed me last week.”  Silence.  “There’s been a string of burglaries in this area, did you commit those?”  Still not a sound.  “Are you going to tell me anything about your crimes?”

“Nope.”

With a sigh, “Well you leave me no choice,” he gets off and pulls a blindfold out of the night stand, moving to place it on her.

“Hey that’s not fair,” she tries to fidget out of his grasp, but he pins her down and secures it tightly over her eyes.  “But I didn’t get to see the goods!”

“Aww,” he runs the back of his hand along her cheek, “what was it you said earlier, haven’t been laid in a while, feeling a bit horny are ya?  You gave me the perfect method to gain your cooperation.”

She grits her teeth, “that’s cruel…”

“I’ll make sure you are compensated if I’m satisfied with your answers.”

“Come on!” she whines, “let me see it at least once.”

“Alright fine, if you tell me your name, I’ll give you a peek.”

After a brief pause, “Lucy,” she spits out, “Lucy Heartfillia.  Now tit for tat.”

He sits up on his knees to reach over, loosening the blindfold, and remains raised so when it falls from her eyes, his erection is in full view.  She gasps a bit, “impressive… Damn that might be enough to make me go straight.”

“I think that’s the best compliment I’ve ever heard.”  He secures the blindfold again.  “Gonna answer my other questions yet?”  She shakes her head, no.  “Suit yourself.”

Lucy can feel the bed shifting telling her that he’s gotten off and she reaches out with the only sensory device she had left under her control, hearing.  Sounds of a drawer opening or closing, rummaging as if he was looking for something.  Something plastic, no or maybe latex?  Was he putting on gloves or a condom, it was hard to tell the difference.  Finally, after what felt like forever, she felt him getting back onto the bed and moving over her.  “Took you long enough, it’s kinda chilly left bare like this.”

“Don’t worry things are about to heat up.”  He settles more of his lower body between her legs, allowing the weight and length of his cock to ride up against her clit.  The heated pressure makes Lucy arch, but his hips keep her pinned.  “Now,” he flicks her nipple and rims it with his tongue, “the way this works,” sucking in the pert little button in and popping it out, “is I’ll continue to play,” squeezing her breast and nibbling the supple flesh, “however I desire,” he moves over to the next breast, teasing in the same manner, “everything but,” moving to the nape of her neck, nipping and biting, he shifts his pelvis and lines up letting the tip, press hard against the entrance, almost pushing in, “this,” then pulls away, settling once more to simply torture her clit, “until you decide to tell me what I want to hear.”

“T-This is extortion…” but when his canines graze against her neck a little deeper than before, she moans, “fucking hell.”

“You can end this whenever you want to.”

“I-I won’t cave, but at least tell me your name…  So, I can curse it!”

He chuckles, “it’s Natsu,” grinding his pelvis into hers, eliciting a gasp, “scream it nice and loud for me.”

But she sucks in her lips, biting down as she shakes her head trying to muffle the moans.  Lucy had targeted the sexy cop who taunted her dreams and now she was paying for it.  Well, depends on how she wanted to view the situation cause frankly, it was turning out to be a play by play of one of her fantasies, minus a few more kinks she would have loved thrown in.

Natsu bides his time toying with Lucy’s beautiful bosoms, massaging and kneading the malleable flesh to his heart’s content while his tongue lavishes her jaunty nipples with wet kisses, and working the fevered skin until it trembled from the slightest touch.  He couldn’t help but groan at the idea of fucking these mounds one day.  Smirking against them, maybe she’ll break in a third time.

He slides a hand up grasping her under the chin and turning her head to the side, “give up yet?” Lucy shakes her head, “I think you’ll need to see the next half of this.”  So, he pulls the blindfold up letting it settle at her crown and he brushes his lips along her jawline, nibbling their way to her ears.  The warm air from each breath wafts over her skin, making the tiny hairs behind her neck and along her arms stand up.  Shivers course through her body with every nip, but when the sharper canines sink into her flesh a tad, Lucy can no longer hold back an amorous moan.  “Oh, that was a tell,” he teases the blonde, peppering her collar with more love bites. She bucks at him, jerking roughly at her constraints.  Natsu stops his ministrations, “Don’t do that, you’ll really hurt your wrists.”

“Then take them off,” she pants.

“I can’t risk that.” Lucy watches him get off the bed and leave the room for a few minutes.  When Natsu returns, using the sash from a robe, he ties them around her wrist, to the headboard, then removes the metal handcuffs.  “There, that should be better, but still try not to pull hard on them.”

“Gee, thanks,” she rolls her eyes.

“You could always confess.”

“No.”

“I’m not complaining,” taking another nibble at her jaw, “take all the time you need…”  Natsu returns to his craft but decides to roam.  Trailing his hands along her sides, “Mmm, I wonder what other sensitive spots I could find…”  As soon as he reaches just under her rib cage she flinches.  “Oh, there’s one.”  

“D-don’t you dare…”

Travelling lower to her hip and feeling her skin start to crawl, he knows he’s getting close, and sure enough as his hands ghost towards her inner thigh, Lucy bucks her hips and her dying laments turn to lust-filled whimpers.  “There we go.”

Skimming along, Natsu marks a path along Lucy’s streamlined frame, trailing plush wet kisses down over her sides, her stomach, pleasing with his tongue, or scraping his nails to trigger ripples.  She alternates between held breaths and loud sighs, eruptions of giggles and fits of impassioned twisting in a bid to curtail or drive him in the direction she wishes.  Natsu, knows she’s growing impatient and doesn’t give in, merely holding her still when she moves around too much.  

And it is.  Lucy’s desperation is mounting, she’s so close to throwing in the towel, yet she holds out in the hopes that eventually all this foreplay will be too much for him to keep up with.  I mean, he’s gotta be hurting too by now, how much bluer is he willing to suffer through?  But, the closer Natsu gets to her core, the more her resolve begins to crumble.  His lips have become fiery stokes, leaving heated embers in its wake fueling the passions coiling at her center.  They tease now at the junction of her legs, her mewls escalating with each touch along her sensitive thighs, but her dying determination is about to reach its breaking point.

“Damn woman you are wet!” Natsu licks his lips slowly watching as her eyes follow every movement, “I bet you’ll taste delicious…”  With his mouth poised over the very essence of her sexuality, he looks up a final time with the cockiest of grins, his tongue perched and ready to play, “any last words?”

“I…” but Lucy shakes her head adamantly, damn it she wasn’t gonna crack!  Her breathing stills and eyes clamp shut in eager yet anxiety-ridden anticipation.

“Okay,” he sits up and scoots himself off the bed.

“W-Wait!”  Her eyes fly open.  “What…  Y-You can’t just… Don’t just leave me hanging!”

“I told you earlier, if I’m satisfied with your answers, then you’ll get compensated.  But you refused so no sweets for the sinner.” Natsu picks up his boxers from the floor.  “Too bad too,” he gives his cock a few hand strokes, “bet you would have enjoyed this reward.”  Shrugging his shoulders, he moves to pull his boxers on.

“WAIT!!  Okay, Okay, yes it was me, I broke in here three times so far.”

“Three?” cocking a brow, “I only knew of two.”

“The first time, I just kinda,” she blushes and turns her face away, “watched you sleep.”

He sits back on the edge of the bed, “a burglar…” tiptoeing his fingers along the inseam of her leg, “and a peeping tom,” when they reach her clit, he drags them across causing her to shudder, “I’ve lost track of all the counts against you.”

“I’m sorry okay!  I swear it wasn’t me who burg’d those other places, I’m innocent of those.  I only broke in here cause I wanted to have stuff of yours as a keepsake.  Please Natsu…” her whimpered prose a sweet melody as she reaches with her toes to probe his thigh, “please?”

“Well I guess since you’ve complied with my terms,” Natsu crawls back over Lucy, muzzling against her neck, “it’s only fair that I honor the deal.”

“Mmm,” arching her body, “honor, integrity, and all that jazz,” she purrs through the measured kisses along her nape.  “But how bout losing the cuffs?”

He chuckles against her skin, “nice try.”

“Worth a shot.”

Resting more to his side, Natsu slides Lucy’s leg up and over his waist to gain access as he continues ravaging her neck with love bites.  Her succulent moans feeding his actions when he slips a couple of fingers into her entrance, pushing as deep as he can before curling them.  She was still so slick her walls offered no resistance at first, only grabbing hold when he tried to remove them.  “Natsu…” her body churns, hips grinding of their own volition in time with his pumping, she cries out when his thumb sweeps over her clit in a tag-teamed raid.  Harder and harder he plunges his fingers through her channel, adding a third digit to the fray.  This final assault staggers Lucy’s vision with heated and dancing stars, her body contorting when the makings of her climax take firm hold.  Again, his name is cried out to the world, reinforced in a continuous line of babble that only makes sense in her mind.

“My name sounds amazing,” he removes his fingers as she comes down from the high, “coming from those lips of yours.”  Licking his fingers, “mmm, was right about being delicious too.”

Lucy manages a smile as her heaving chest and racked body work hard to balance again, but Natsu gives her sensitive sex little reprieve before he’s right back on top of her, fully vested and plunging his steeled cock into her pussy, swallowing her screams as expletives now replace his name.  It only makes him grin wider.  “Too much?” he teases.  

“Noooo,” is the only word he can make out from her gibberish.

He settles into a smooth repetition, grinding harshly against her center with an upward thrust at the end.  His fingers groping her ass, coveting and lifting to help her meet his momentum. She twists against her bindings, chastising him, wanting so desperately to rake her nails down his back.  “Natsu please undo…”

A crackling sound from a radio, “Central to 348, Hearfillia come back.”

“Oh, hell no!” Natsu grits his teeth.

“Wasn’t…. planning to…. So close…” she whimpers, “so fucking close again…”  Picking up the speed, Natsu pumps faster and harder, practically bouncing her into the mattress.  He can feel the walls clamping down around his cock….  “Natsuuuuu!”  For the second time tonight, Lucy orgasms violently, body twisting and arching while he tries to keep her from bucking him off.

More crackling, “Central to 348, Heartfillia answer your damn radio!”

“I-It sounds urgent Natsu,” she’s still panting harshly, “I think I need to answer, untie me.”

He growls, “But I ain’t done yet!  Fucking Fullbuster can wait!”  

“Untie me Natsu, it’s not like I’m leaving.”

“No!”

“Central to 362, Dragneel where the hell is your partner?!”

“Screw him!  We’re off the damn clock!”

“Natsu come on just untie me so I can shut Gray up.”

“Fuck him, that icy perverted bastard!”

“Central to 348, Heartfillia come back or I’ll send a squad car!”

“See!!  Just fucking untie me Natsu!”

“Ugh!” he reaches up, undoing the knot.  “Goddamn asshole, just hurry up.”

Lucy crawls over and grabs the radio from her nightstand, “348 to central, keep your pants on Fullbuster, what do you want?”

“Central to 348, there was a report of Oracion activity down at the piers, Detective Dreyar is requesting you get down there as soon as possible.”

“348 to central, I’ll finish up what I’m doing and be on my way.”

“Central to 348, any approximate eta?”

Natsu shakes his head at Lucy.  “Um 348 to Central, no I can’t give you that.”

“Central to 348….”  Pause.  “Never mind I assume Dragneel is involved.  Captain Makarov said just get down there ASAP.”

Before Lucy can even put the radio back onto the nightstand, Natsu hauls her onto all fours and rams his cock back into her like a man on a serious mission causing her to shriek from the sudden impact.  The radio clatters to the ground haphazardly beneath the bed.  “Do you…” he impales the blonde sharply, driving over and over, “have any idea how much effort it took,” gripping to her hip bones, “to maintain this erection for so long!”  

“S-Sorry…” her laments mix with carnal mewls, “did I play the part t-too well?”

“Fuck yes!” Natsu growls, “But damn it if didn’t just turn me the fuck on!”  With unrelenting assaults, he plows into the blonde, rocking her senseless.  Losing strength in her arms, Lucy drops forward, biting into a pillow and digging into the sheets to muffle the screams leaching from her mouth.  “And we’ve been so damn busy with work, it’s not like we get this chance often….”  The swings in his hips start to grow erratic, “Oh, god it’s coming….” gritting down, his voice changing octaves, “Luce…” he manages her nickname as the surges ripple through his frame, pulsing with each blast of seed into her.  Natsu pumps his hips in a couple more jerkier attempts before pulling out and falling over spent and tired beside Lucy.  “Fuck that was amazing…”  

“Ugh…” Lucy whines, “I really don’t wanna…”

A crackling sound breaks the din but it’s coming from Natsu’s radio only, with snickering in the background “this is Central to 348 and 362,”and a hint of bemusement in the dispatcher’s tone, “disregard the call for assistance, just check in with detective Dreyar in the morning.  But by the way,” they can hear whistling, cat-calls, and Natsu you stud type comments being yelled in the background, “you might wanna make sure you turn the answer button off next time.”  

The couple turn wide-eyed towards each other and Lucy clambers out of bed to shut her radio off. “Aww fuck!” Natsu runs his hand over his face, “Gray’s never gonna let me live this down!”  

“Just Gray!” she shrieks, “Hello!!  The whole damn department’s gonna know by the morning!”