#wren is once again being dumb

[galaxywhump]

Another Arrival

[SV-240 masterlist]

Timeline: set after Difficult Conversations, Part Two.

contents: recovery from slavery whump and forced relationship, illness, medical setting (medbay on a space ship), mention of therapy, very vaguely implied past death.

Disclaimer: Nathaniel is an abusive father. Neither he nor Wren ever addressed the abuse, so they sporadically kept in touch after Wren moved out. Because of that Nathaniel will be appearing in a few post-captivity pieces. There will be a resolution to this arc later on, but for now every piece featuring him will be tagged with his name, as well as #tw childhood abuse and/or #tw childhood trauma where applicable. Stay safe!

~~~

About twenty-four hours before arriving on Earth Wren wakes up shivering, feeling as if his head had been stuffed full of cotton, pressing against his skull, causing constant dull pain.

“That… was to be expected,” Vitkus says after taking his temperature. “You caught a cold.”

“Just a cold?” Wren looks at her in disbelief, wrapping the blanket he’s been given tighter around himself. “I feel like shit.”

“You spent a long time on a whole different planet with alien viruses and bacteria,” Vitkus explains, pulling a chair closer to sit by his side. “Your immune system is… struggling.”

Wren hums, letting his eyelids drop for a moment. It makes sense. It’s been years, but he can still vaguely remember the fever after being bitten by an alien animal, and Daniel telling him afterwards that it must have been caused by the bacteria on its teeth. Then he must have gotten used to them, and now… now this ship is an alien environment, and Earth will be too.

“Great,” he sighs. “Defeated by the common cold.”

“You’ll feel better soon. But that reminds me… You might not like this, but once we’re on Earth, you’ll need to first spend a few days in the hospital.”

Wren winces.

“Because of my immune system?”

“Among other things, yes. We also need to make sure everything is alright in general, this medbay can’t do everything. Besides, it will give you some extra time for you to get used to being on Earth again. And…” Vitkus pauses for a moment. “You’ll need to receive psychological help as well.”

This time Wren flinches, his heart suddenly beating faster.

“Oh,” is all he manages to say at first. “Really?”

It’s a dumb question, he realizes as soon as it leaves his mouth, but somehow he hasn’t really thought about that, despite Johnson telling him he was going to receive the help he needed. And this is the kind of help he needs, isn’t it?

Vitkus nods.

“You can take all the time you need, Wren, but therapy will be strongly advised. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overwhelm you.”

“It’s okay, I get it,” Wren replies even as strange pressure in his chest makes it harder to breathe. He decides to blame it on the cold. “I just haven’t… Yeah. It’s a lot. But it’s okay.”

Vitkus silently nods again with a sympathetic smile, and Wren closes his eyes and grimaces when the pounding in his head gets stronger.

“I-I think I should rest a bit. I don’t really want to be half-dead when we reach Earth,” he manages a dry laugh.

“Of course. And… you can do it, okay? We’re here to help you.”

“I know.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Thank you.”

~~~

For a few minutes he contemplates going to the observation deck to watch Earth get closer and closer, but in the end he decides against it. He doesn’t trust himself not to start crying - he’s close to tears just picturing the planet in his mind.

Breathing is a struggle as he’s walking down the corridors towards the main hatch, accompanied by Johnson. He’s trembling, and he can’t even blame it on the cold - he really is feeling better already. Everything around him is a blur. He’s aware of the other crew members looking at him as he walks past them, probably saying something, but he doesn’t hear them and barely sees them, only focused on the feeling of the spaceship slowing down, gently moving downwards to dock.

There is nobody else near the hatch, and he’s glad that the crew has decided to give him space. Perhaps they simply don’t want to witness his reaction, which he suspects will be anything but mild, but he appreciates it nonetheless. He stops and crosses his arms, taking deep breaths, and his stomach sinks when the spaceship stops completely with a barely-there tremble. Silence rings in his ears.

“Are you ready?” He hears Johnson’s quiet voice. At first he shrugs, then forces himself to take another deep breath, and nods before he can change his mind.

A hiss reverberates in his ears and the hatch opens.

He can’t see much through it yet, only the - familiar - dock, and he feels like his feet have been encased in concrete, making it impossible to take a single step. He throws a glance at Johnson, who smiles and nods towards the hatch. They want to give him space too, then, allow him to leave the ship at his own pace, when he’s ready.

He will never be ready, so there is no point waiting around for something that isn’t going to happen.

Every step requires inhuman strength, but he keeps walking until he leaves the ship, his body tense to the point of pain, his heartbeat almost painful.

His gaze is immediately drawn to the sky and he forgets how to breathe.

It’s a cloudy day, but that doesn’t upset him in the slightest. The sky is obstructed by a soft layer of silvery clouds, but in one spot there is a patch of bright light, only one star lighting the planet up, a star he knows well.

His legs threaten to buckle under him, but he forces himself to stay standing, and he manages to tear his gaze away from the sky and look forward at the lone figure standing motionless like a statue. His throat is squeezed tight and he loses the battle with tears gathering in the corners of his eyes; he laughs in disbelief and walks down the gangplank, his steps getting quicker and quicker as Nathaniel Rackham smiles and approaches as well. Wren’s feet touch the dock, touch Earth, and he breaks into a run, not caring about acting stoic. Nathaniel nearly stumbles when Wren embraces him.

“Hey, dad,” Wren says, laughing through tears. “I’m back.”

Nathaniel hugs him back tight, laughing too.

“You’re back,” he repeats. For the first time in his life Wren can hear tears in his voice. He doesn’t even mind that his father’s embrace is so stiff and awkward, and he chooses not to pay any mind to how few times they’ve hugged throughout his life.

He doesn’t want to let go, scared that all of this is going to disappear, that he’s not really on Earth, that this is just a cruel trick, but he knows he can’t stay like this forever, even though time seems to have stopped at the empty dock. With a sigh he pulls away from the hug, looks at his father’s face and immediately shakes his head with a choked laugh, trying to wipe his tears away.

“Sorry,” he says, fighting to stop crying, but it proves to be an impossible task. Nathaniel just smiles slightly, his eyes glistening with tears too, which is a sight so absurd Wren’s still not sure he’s not dreaming.

“It’s alright. You- I-” Nathaniel frowns, unable to find the right words. In the end he simply rests his hand on Wren’s shoulder, squeezing it lightly. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Yeah,” Wren whispers. “I-I have to go to the hospital first, though, I don’t know if… you know?”

“I know.” Nathaniel nods towards where Wren still remembers the exit is. “There’s a car waiting for when you’re ready to go. I’ll go with you, of course.”

“Okay.” Wren looks up to take in more of the sky. The air filling his lungs isn’t cold, but it’s not very warm either, and he frowns. “What… month is it?”

“August. The fourth.”

“The fourth…” he repeats. The day he came back to Earth.

It’s… different. He knows, of course, he’s painfully aware, that over two years have passed, but learning the exact date feels like an unexpected punch to the gut, a bitter reminder.

He left Earth in November, but it was a November forever ago.

Lightheadedness overwhelms him. He’s on Earth, but Earth has long moved on. He’s found himself back here on an unfamiliar day. All of a sudden he feels so small here, so lost, strange terror grips his heart, but he shakes his head to clear his mind and looks back at his father.

“Let’s go,” he says quietly.

On the way to the car he stares at his own feet, emotions tearing him apart. Anxiety, melancholy, the ice-cold feeling of being completely lost, of not belonging - but above all, still able to overshadow them, are happiness and relief. He’s back. He’s on Earth. Nothing and nobody can take that from him again.

He gets in the back of the car, which feels almost ridiculously mundane. With a deep breath he dares to look out the window when the car starts, but quickly has to look away when dizziness hits him again from the sight of all the buildings, all the vehicles, all the people-

Small steps. He looks down at his hands folded on his lap and smiles.

It will be okay. I will be okay.

Back at the docks a cryopod is carried out of the ship, but at this moment there is no place for it in Wren’s thoughts.

~~~

Next

taglist: @faewhump @inky-whump @whole-and-apart-and-between @whatwasmyprevioususername @procrastinatingsab @funky-little-glitter-bomb @goneuntil @redstainedsocks @luminouswhump @lonesome--hunter @as-a-matter-of-whump @renkocchi @whump-only @rose-whump @muddy-swamp-bitch @girlwithacoolcat @watermelons-dont-grow-on-trees @sophierose002 @whump-headspace @to-whump-or-not-to-whump @kixngiggles @ohwhumpydays @whumpvp @wibbly-wobbly-whump @stab-the-son-of-a @his-unspoken-words @pumpkin-spice-whump @onlyhappywhenitpains @suspicious-whumping-egg @morning-star-whump @burtlederp

[goldenboywrites]

the other side of paradise

@magiclwritings It was hard to consider that Grayson still held that day this close. But what was he expecting? Didn’t he do the same thing? Wasn’t Grayson always a thought for him whenever he had the moment? His biggest what if. But if that were true then he’d owed him an explanation as to why he had left him that day. Because, for as sweet as it was, it was the worst day of his life. It wasn’t any secret that Wren couldn’t put himself together without Grayson up until that day. And even then it was like a beacon of how truly awful he could be. And at that moment, Wren couldn’t drag him down. Because as selfish as it was, one of them had to get out of there to make anything of themselves and he’d cemented himself to the shores they walked together, and he alone ever since. 

“Mandy and I tried to make it work for Aubrey but I didn’t love her the way I loved you. And I couldn’t be something I never was.” Because once he’d finally let Grayson in, he couldn’t go back. Not even after he was gone, not ever. Instead he did the best he could with what he had. He took care of his daughter, made sure to give her something he never had. Wren took to looking after Grayson’s father because there wasn’t anyone else there to. It was sort of his way of making amends to a man when he had no idea how deeply he’d scarred his son. Or maybe he did and didn’t care. That was one thing Wren could never figure out. “So don’t sit there and pretend that you know anything about anything now.”

Wren finally looked over at him, and for the first time that night he felt like he really saw him. All of the years and shit between them didn’t matter. He had kissed Grayson for the first time in over a decade and that sting hadn’t left his lips since. “I wouldn’t have been any good for you then. I was dumb and clumsy. Didn’t know how to appreciate what you brought to the table.” And that was the truth of it. Being stupid kids and running on a prayer. That was their life but things would have been so different had it actually worked. He was almost scared to see if it had worked like they thought it would. “I probably still am all of that but with some better facial hair.” He chuckled softly, easing the tension within himself as best he could manage in the moment.

“The point being, I’m not asking you for nothin’ but your time.” Wren was to the point because he didn’t know how else to be. There had been enough wasted years. “And if that’s just to see me every now and then while you’re here I can take that. And if it’s more I’ll work with that too.” He paused, knowing there was a possibility that he really thought more of himself than he deserved in that moment. “And if it’s neither of those then I hope you enjoy your break from whatever you’re running from.” Because he knew that after everything, even without already knowing about the situation, Grayson wouldn’t have come back if it was of his own choice. “It doesn’t have to be a big production. I just … I never thought I’d see you again and I’m still in shock at all of it.” He wanted so badly to reach out and touch him. What it feel like to just do it, like he wanted to all those years ago.

And against his better judgement, Wren’s hand slipped out and squeezed the other’s elbow and then down to his hand. “I just can’t believe you’re actually here.”

Grayson leaned back on his hands, turning his gaze to the ocean because he couldn’t quite meet Wren’s gaze. It felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. He was two seconds away from hyperventilating. Wren wasn’t with Aubrey because of how he loved Gray. Aubrey being knocked up was why he didn’t move with him to New York. “I’m sorry,” He spat out, the word feeling foreign on his tongue. “I know I don’t know everything. Hell, even though I feel this tug towards you and it feels like no time has passed, it still feels like we’re strangers. Because time has passed. We can’t ignore it.” 

And he knew that Wren was speaking the truth. Who knows where they would be or who they would be if they had really fucked off to New York together. They wouldn’t be the people they were now. Maybe the move not working and the time spent apart, was exactly what they needed to meet now like this. Older and wiser. But, Gray inhaled sharply, digging his fingers deep into the sand. His life was in New York. It would always be there. Wren had his entire life here. 

Time. All Wren was asking for was time. Grayson nodded, swallowing despite the fact that his entire mouth was dry. “Yeah, okay,” He said, trying to convince himself that this was going to be okay. “Time. We can do time while I’m here,” Gray specified, refusing to look over at the other. “As long as we both understand that I am going back in a couple of weeks. Because I am going back. This was never going to be anything more than a mini vacation.” 

He wasn’t sure who he was trying to convince more.  A squeeze to his elbow and then a hand slipping along his own. Grayson relaxed his fingers as they naturally fell into line with Wren’s. How did this simple movement feel so much more like coming home then actually, physically coming home? “If I had known…” Gray shook his head, chewing on his bottom lip for a brief, splitting second. “I wish I had come home sooner. If I had known all of that,” He leaned the side of his head against his knees and studied Wren curiously. “You know I would have been back years earlier, right?”

[thewrenxharlow]

Wren watched the girl take one of her chips, but she didn't mind it, not when the other seemed to be the same level of sarcastic as she was- something she appreciated. "Sounds like you dodged a bullet. Almost as bad as this girl I met in Manhattan once who believed those stupid sugar daddy DM's on instagram. She accepted the Venmo request and I got to watch in real time as she got her shit hacked. Served her right for being that dumb." As she spoke, Wren even slid over the salsa closer to the other girl, figuring if she was going to be stealing chips, might as well make them good.

At the soulmate comment she turned around again, watching the interaction and how the girl was now scrolling Tiktok while the guy just kept talking. "If that was my soulmate, I think I'd appreciate the intervention." she mused, rolling her eyes before she took a sip of her margarita and then looked to the girl across from her now. "So..Natalie Portman, huh? Can't say I'm against the comparison." She told her with a grin before offering her hand out. "Wren."

"Please, do not even get me started." Cricket gasped, helping herself to a chip from the woman's bowl (they were free anyways, weren't they?). "I was literally seeing this guy once who ended up cheating on me--which, totally blows, his loss, whatever. Except he thought he was cheating on me...with Miley Cyrus." She paused to take a bite of the chip, eyes widened for dramatic effect, "he had been Facebook--Facebook--messaging her for weeks, thinking it was all totally legit. And I was like...babe, why would Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana herself," allegedly, "need you to send her money?"

They'd still gone on to date another month, but that was neither here nor there.

"Anyways, you wouldn't even have to go Gaga. With the right pictures, I think you could totally convince some amateur cinephile that you're actually, like, Natalie Portman."

Cricket considered it briefly, marching up to the table to both satiate her curiosities and potentially help a girl out of an awkward situation.

"Okay, but what if that's, like, actually her soulmate or something, and me going up to their table and interrupting their date totally ruins that and now I'm responsible for the destruction of two people's potential happiness?"

[letstalktea]

Who are your favorite Degrees of Lewdity characters?

Ah! That's a hard one because there are so many I like for different reasons. I'll just say a few.

Love Interests:

Kylar - I love this gross little goblin. I love how they sketch you, how they follow you, how they're so happy you love them. I hate the Halloween event once Whitney shows up, but I love all of Kylar's parts. I especially love how happy they are if you fight off Whitney. I can't wait to figure out why Wren recognizes Kylar if you escape from prison together.

Sydney - I prefer corrupt Syd, but my first run with them was pure. I just... They are actually so sweet and loving and I love them so much. In a game filled with crazies and hurt, they are just a ray of sunshine (Robin is too, but Robin is so dependant on me that it feels more worrisome than supporting). And their potential connection to the wraith? So good.

Eden - I'm usually good and follow Eden's rules, so I get the sweet Eden. I like the controlling possessive Eden as well, but... My dumb monkey brain wants him to be sweet more often than mean so I can get that sense of being manipulated. If I have Stockholm syndrome then use it to your advantage. Also, I love playing the good spouse. The one downside is that Eden, though fun, gets repetitive if you stay in the cabin all the time. Their more interesting events come from disobeying them and trying to leave, which... I just have no interest in?

NPCs:

Sirris - Let me fuck the teacher. I've been staring at them since before Sydney was in the game and now that they are... It somehow makes Sirris more tempting. I want them both!

Remy - Could not explain this one to you to save my life. Remy usually isn't my type of character, but they just do something to me. I think it's the control, but also how their control slips every now and again.

Harper - Hypnosis kink go brrrr. Still can't explain this one, but... Please? Feels distant but in a sexy way.

Wren - Fandom made him awesome. Please give him to me as a slightly soft LI. Like, he can still be controlling and whatnot, but I want him more praising and loving than degrading and possessive.

[soggyjulpod]

—blaster shots & confessions

[sabine wren x fem!reader]

a/n: this was a self-indulgent piece bc there’s barely any sabine content out there but i guess y’all can enjoy it too🙄🙄

warning: mention of injury, slight angst, sabine is a worry-wart, emotional fluff

word count: 1.7k

—

the first three things [y/n] noticed when she woke up was a slight pain on her side and head, the mop of colorful hair resting on the edge of the bed she was laying in, and a hand holding hers. speaking of which, a bed she had no recollection of getting in. 

she tries to sit up but stops as a sharp pain erupted in her side. the girl winces, at the slight sound of her discomfort sabine’s head shoots up, “hey, hey don’t try to move.” 

“what happened?” [y/n] asks as sabine helps her lay back down with the hand that wasn't clutched, “do you remember that kanan assigned us to intercept an imperial shipment?” 

“yeah, we were supposed to get relief supplies but…” [y/n] trails off, unsure of what happened during the mission. she looks to her friend to fill in the gap in her memory.

“we got into some trouble and had to split up. you got shot [y/n] when we were apart, the blaster shot hit your side. you fell over and hit your head really hard.” sabine explains, “you’ve been out for six days.” [y/n]’s eyes popped out, “oh karabast” she exclaims. 

“we were all so worried.” sabine says with an unreadable expression on her face. “well it's a good thing i’m awake now,” [y/n] smiles.

“how are you feeling?” sabine asks. “like shit.” the two girls laugh. it was good that she at least still had her humor.

“i’ll go get the medic and let the others know you’re awake.” the mandalorian says before giving her hand a squeeze and leaving her friend in their recovery room.

her face heated up as she thought, was sabine with me this entire time? was she also holding my hand the entire time?

the thought of the girl she’d been crushing on for the past year and half staying by her side for days brought butterflies in her stomach. she stares at the hand that sabine had been holding ever since she had awoken.

“hey there stranger.” a voice jokes bringing her out of her thoughts. “hera!” she beams, instantly recognizing the voice. the twi’lek sits down at the edge of the bed.

“you gave us all a scare, especially sabine.” hera says, [y/n] lets out a noise of acknowledgement. “you know she barely left your side when you were unconscious, she cares so much for you.” hera noted. a small flush creeps onto [y/n]’s face, “yeah she’s a great friend.” she agrees, pursing her lips, it almost physically hurt her to call sabine her friend when she harbored such strong feelings for her so called friend.

hera gives her a quizzical glance. [y/n] notices the weird look on hera’s face, “what?” she asks. the twi’lek laughs to herself, “nothing.” 

moments after, the rest of the crew piled in along with the medic to check up on her.

—

slowly but surely [y/n] was recovering, sabine had practically been glued to her side the entire time. sabine had been there to bring her food and help her change her bandages once she was discharged out of the recovery room.

the fall to her head had messed up her coordination and balance but after a few weeks with the help of sabine she had been able to regain her ability to walk again.

currently the girls were in an intense game of sabacc in their shared quarters.

“hey [y/n], kanan needs you.” it was hera, the twi’lek enters room. [y/n] gets up to leave, “let me help you.” sabine says swooping in to help. “sabine, i can walk by myself.” [y/n] says, shooing her away and leaves the room.

“how’s she feeling?” hera asks as she sits down across from the mandalorian. “good, she can walk around now and her spirits are up, she’s really been liking to play card games recently.” she smiles motioning to the sabacc cards sprawled over the table. 

“you should tell her,” hera says blunty, the girl gives her a puzzled look. “tell her what?” she stammers feigning confusion.

the twi’lek laughs, “don’t play dumb with me sabine. i’ve seen the way you look at her. it's painfully obvious to everyone but her that you like her.” sabine felt her face flush. 

“i don't know what youre talking about,” she denies. hera chuckles, “whatever kid. just do it before it’s too late.” with that [y/n] came back in, leaving sabine to understand hera’s slightly cryptic message.

“are you ok? you look a little lost” [y/n] says looking at her friend. “yeah i’m fine, its nothing” she lies.

—

it had been over five weeks since [y/n] got shot and she felt good as new. hera and kanan had been unsure about assigning her to a mission so soon, after all she had just recently gained fully coordinated mobility. but with the reassurance of the medic, the pair now had full confidence in her.

[y/n] sat in her room preparing for her mission when sabine burst in. “what the hell [y/n]?! hera and kanan just told me they assigned you to a mission with ezra!” she shouts with a furious expression on her face. [y/n] jumps in surprise, clutching at her chest.

“force sabine! you scared the shit out of me.” [y/n] laughs but she quickly stops as she realizes the expression on her friend’s face.

“you can’t be going on missions without me.” she exclaims with her hands on her hips. the girl frowns at her friend’s behavior.

“thanks for the concern but i'll be fine sabine. the medic already cleared me for missions last week.” [y/n] reassures her friend. she gets up to leave but the mandalorian’s hand grabs her wrist.

“the last time we were apart, you got shot.” she scoffs giving her a hard gaze. [y/n] sighs, “sabine, i’m ok now, there’s no need to worry. plus i’ll have the galaxy’s most annoying jedi with me.” she attempts to joke.

“no, you’re not understanding.” the mandalorian’s voice was stern but had a slight quiver to it. “then help me understand.” [y/n] pleads softly.

sabine struggles to put her words together, she has never been an outwardly emotional person, hell, it took her months to fully be comfortable around [y/n]. with their friendship she’d always been more of a listener than a talker, she recalled on multiple occasions when [y/n] would tell her about personal and intimate topics. sabine always appreciated those moments, it was just a little reminder of how [y/n] saw her as trustworthy. but now it was her turn to let out what was eating her up from the inside.

“i thought you were going to die for a moment,” her voice was a whisper, for all the time [y/n] had known sabine she had never seen her so emotional and vulnerable. “when i found you there was so much blood on your head. my heart was beating so fast i thought it was going to jump out. i was so scared. even when we got back to base and the medic stabilized you, i was terrified, i couldn’t leave you. kanan and hera basically had to force me to eat and sleep. seeing you like that was my worst nightmare. and it’s all my fault, i left you.” she cried out her emotions. 

that's when [y/n] understood, sabine wasn’t angry at her, she was scared and blamed herself.

sabine’s eyes were glassy and her breaths were shaky. [y/n] cups sabine’s face with her hands, the mandalorian leans into her touch. “i just can't lose you.” she cries out, her eyes shut and tears fall. “sabine. please look at me,” she breathes out. the colorful haired girl opens her eyes, sniffling a bit. “none of what happened was your fault, it was just bad luck. don’t blame yourself.”

the two girls now stared at each other, neither of them being sure what to do in their position.

it was now or never

“[y/n] i need to tell you something,” the mandalorian says as her shaky hands reach up to grab [y/n]’s. “i never thought i would ever say it to you but...” her jittery voice trails off. she takes a deep breath to compose herself, 

“i love you, [y/n], i’m so in love with you” 

the mandalorian kept her gaze down, waiting for a response. [y/n]’s eyes widened, she almost couldn’t believe the words that just came out sabine’s mouth, but a smile creeped onto her face.

“i love you too” she says, squeezing their hands together. sabine’s head perked up, a small smile graced her features. 

“really?” she muttered, “yeah, really, like a lot.” [y/n] giggles. their faces were mere inches apart, the mandalorian’s eyes flicker down to her lips.

and without a thought sabine presses her lips to hers. [y/n]’s arms instinctively wrap around sabine’s neck, pulling her closer. the mandalorian’s arms snake around her waist to hold her. the kiss was sloppy because of the excitement between them but they didn’t mind one bit. the kiss seemed to go on forever, so many buried feelings between them were spilling out.

the two pulled apart, both of them having goofy, love sick grins on their faces.

“i can't believe it took me getting shot for you to confess.” [y/n] laughs out. “i know.” sabine sniffles out but with a smile on her face.

“[y/n]!” she hears hera call her, breaking up the tender moment. the two girls laugh at the awful timing.

“i guess that's my cue.” [y/n] turns to leave their room but a hand stops her again, she turns around to sabine. “come back to me in one piece.” 

“you got it.” she says then giving her now girlfriend a peck on the lips. as [y/n] leaves the room, sabine sits back down on the bottom bunk. both girls having a smile plastered on their face as they continued on with their day.

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

I'd like to see how you think Vinca would admit she has feelings for MC, as if she couldn't take it anymore and admits to being in love with her.

“So you didn’t come to nag at me? At all? You’re just… just going to sit there? Silent?”

As she had done for the past hour, Vinca thoroughly ignored you. Never mind the fact that this was your shop, during your shift. You had gotten accustomed to Vinca hanging out here, to her snark and jokes and intense gaze, but today she was…

Weird.

“I like this silence,” you muse, tinkering with the price tags on some of the bikes. “I feel like I can actually think, for once. It’s amazing what not being insulted every second does for your humor. Didn’t think I’d ever feel peace with you on the same room.”

The silence stretched, thick. It irks you, makes you shift uncomfortably.

“Then again, having you like this is just so weird. Did something happen? Something must have happened. Was it Laz again? What did he do?”

You turn your head just slightly. Vinca jerks her head to the side, blue eyes as hard as little diamonds, staring into the door so hard you’re afraid it’ll burst into flames.

Did you just catch Vinca staring at you…?

“Okey, what’s up? You’re creeping me out.”

Vinca was the sort of person to run you over with her opinion or thoughts, never afraid of the consequences, her pride a stubborn shield. It didn’t make sense for her to hesitate, to keep silent.

“If you don’t tell-”

The bell jingles. You sigh, standing up, going to greet the costumers. It’s a little boy, vibrating in place, eyes darting around everything offered in the store. His mother walks in a moment later, giving you a small, apologetic smile.

As you help the boy decide what bike he likes the most, your gaze wanders towards Vinca again, catching how fast her gaze drops towards her phone.

You’re so kicking her out for creeping you out later. Once you finish your shift, you might coax what’s troubling her so much with some ice cream and that movie she likes.

“Will I faster than mum’s car with this, miss?”

You blink down, a delighted smile spreading over your face. “What?” You giggle, crouching, too focused on the little kid to notice how Vinca reacts to the sound, eyes snapping towards you, wide with wonder. “Oh, I don’t know. How fast are you?”

He puffs out his chest. “Faster than The Flash!”

His mother gets this blank expression, probably recalling some sort of accident. You recognize it well enough – it’s the same expression your mom always gets when she talks about the pot incident you had had when you were small.

The next few minutes are spent lightly teasing the boy, his mom admonishing him from running around so much, and a successful purchase moments later.

“Remember to drive safe!” You shout, just before the door closes.

“He’ll probably crash,” Vinca huffs, somewhere behind you.

“Oh, so now you’re talking?”

When you turn, your first thought is that Vinca probably is sick and that’s why she has been acting so weird. After all, how else would you explain the red tinting her cheeks, spreading down her neck?

She’s a full-body blusher, huh, you muse, momentarily distracted.

Hold on… full-body… Blush? Wait, Vinca is blushing?

“Is everything-”

“You’re- You’re good with kids.” She interrupts, gaze wandering.

“Not really, he was just…” Your eyes narrow, catching the way she’s moving. Slow. Uncertain. “Don’t change the topic. Why are you-”

“Shut up for one second, okay?” She snaps, back to her usual self. You blink, confused but not startled, used to her abrupt change in humor. “I just.” A pause. Her eyes flick towards you, and she takes a deep breath. “Let’s go somewhere else.”

“I’m in the middle of my shift-”

One snap of her fingers, and a demon materializes near the counter, expressionless.

“You have to be kidding-”

Her hand snaps towards your arm, claiming it in a vice-like grip. Vinca proceeds to drag you out of the store and into her car, occasionally adjusting her grip and making it gentler, and you only sigh and follow her, deciding do keep silent for now.

Seems like we’re getting that ice cream a bit sooner.

Curiously, Vinca doesn’t head to that ice cream parlor you usually frequent, choosing instead to lead you out of town. The place she wants to go instantly clicks in your mind, memories of a fight – the fight where you had first learned of demons’ existence – flashing behind your eyes.

“Are you going to perform another ritual?”

“No.” Vinca says, dryly. “I would never do something to hurt you.” There’s a pause, but you don’t make any comments. You can tell she’s not quite done talking. “When… when I did it the first time… the ritual, I mean. And it- when it didn’t work out, and you got hurt – cursed with being Dorran’s vessel, I felt so… miserable. I’m not any better than him. Considering how I acted, and all.”

“Hey, you helped me get exorcised. That must count for something.”

“I could have done it sooner.” She huffs. You can see her eyes darken, lost in memory

You shrug. “You were desperate, back then. And you’ve changed a lot. You actually care about me now, for one.”

Her lips thin. “Yes.”

That makes your thoughts skid into a stop. You expected her to huff, glare at you, and say something similar to ‘don’t let it get to your head, pipsqueak, you aren’t that important’.

But Vinca doesn’t look like she’s going to add anything of the sort, so you just stare at her, mouth agape.

“Did you just admit you care about me?”

You see her take a deep breath, feel how her grip tightens against the steering wheel. Her gaze is locked on the road, resolute. “Is that too hard to believe?”

You begin to say yes only to clam up when you detect the edge on her voice. “I’m just… surprised. You don’t usually admit how you, uh, how…”

“That’s going to change, starting now.” She says, guiding the car to a gentle stop near the abandoned factory where everything had transpired. She motions at you to get out of the car and heads inside at a brisk pace. You fumble with your seatbelt and hurry to follow.

The shadows loom, threateningly. Your gaze is drawn towards the center of the room, the traces of a circle barely visible. “I’m listening, then. To everything you have to say.”

You join her, sitting just a few meters near the entrance, backs against some boxes left there a lifetime ago. Vinca closes her eyes and sighs, deeply, and you only watch her. Watch the arch of her back, the knives on her dress glinting against the pale beams of light that manage to sneak through the windows.

“Just a heads up, but I didn’t expect this.” She finally says, after minutes of silence. “I thought I had better tastes.”

“In… what? Abandoned factories?”

“No, in- agh, just listen. I used to think you were someone I’d enjoy breaking, you know? In the show.”

“Oh yeah, I remember all your challenges.”

“But you turned out to be tougher than you look. And smarter, too, even if you sometimes make dumb decisions. Like following me to an abandoned factory minutes before a ritual.”

“I didn’t know you were going to-! But okey, yeah, fair point. It was a bit stupid. I should have called the cops on you.”

“Right, well. And then you powered through Dorran’s manipulation – I have to hand it to you, that was pretty badass. And throughout it all, you’ve… I used to think you were after me because you wanted an adventure. I mean, I’m hot, I’m rich. What more is there to love? But-” She throws you significant glare when she sees your mouth open, and you obediently close it so she can continue, “I understand now that it was never about the adventure. You just… wanted to get to know me. Not Pride, just me. Not the woman involved with demons, and not the woman involved with ghosts. You just wanted me, as I am, imperfect. And you never… you were never pushy about it. I could see it in your eyes, how you were connecting the dots about everything, but you never used it against me.”

“I never would have,” you mutter, gently. Vinca’s breath comes out in quick puffs of air. She’s visibly nervous, twirling one of her tiny knives between her fingers, her blush beginning to spread over her chest.

“You… somehow, you… I’ve felt it before, you know. Flings. Something destined to shatter when the other person can’t put up with me anymore, but with you, it’s… it’s different. I don’t feel like it will shatter. You keep me on my toes but I never feel like I will fall. You make me feel alive when all I want is to hide myself from everything. Somehow, I…I’ve come to love you. I’m honestly impressed, pipsqueak. I really thought I had better tastes.”

“What can I say?” You shrug, trying to be smooth but failing because your heart is thundering against your ears, your voice too soft out of the sheer wonder you are feeling right now. “Doing the unexpected is my passion.”

“You are too damn dorky.” Vinca hisses, turning her head just slightly. “I am ashamed of myself for loving- for falling in love with someone like you.”

You reach for her, and she lets you guide her so your eyes meet, sparkling blue against warm chocolate. You inch a bit closer, feeling her warmth envelop you. “Didn’t you just say I’m impressive?”

“I’m taking it back.”

“No can do, Wren. You fell in love with me despite, or should I say because, of my dorkiness. I’d say your bitchiness and my dorkiness complement each other quite nicely.”

Vinca groans. You can feel the vibrations of her voice travel down your hand, making you smirk even more, leaning closer, closer-

“Why did it have to be you?” She laments, but closes the distance despite it all, her movements intense and sure and glad. You can feel the heat of her skin, of her blush, pressed against yours as she quickly takes control of the kiss, pushing you backwards, curling herself around you.

Happiness surges inside of you. You smile into the kiss, melting against her.

You’ve both come a long way. This place, gray with memories of a fight, quickly takes on another meaning. One of acceptance, of overcoming challenges that kept both of you rooted into the past. With Vinca, you feel like you can finally leave it all behind.

[feastonkings]

"i suppose that's fair. i hate waste." she was definitely afforded the option to waste things once upon a time but these days she couldn't afford to get rid of anything still usable. ophelia watched wren for a moment before opening her mouth again. "can i help with something? I kind of feel dumb and lazy just standing here watching." she supposed she could go walk around but that seemed like it could be rude. no matter how many times she tried to figure it out, ophelia still struggled with what was the normal thing to do in any given social situation. that's why she liked being around people like wren who just answered her without giving her that 'are you stupid' look. "or I could tell you about the mouse I made into a stripper for someone last week? now three other people want one." which reminded her that she needed to go search for recently deceased vermin.

nobody was harder on wren than herself, so when she did little things that later inconvenienced her, her frustrations tended to bubble over the edge. she knew ophelia was right, and at the suggestion, wren shot her a quick smile. "they do last longer, but my stubborn ass was trying to get as much use out of these as i could. everyone is correct when they say 'you get what you paid for'." she let out a humorless chuckle, lifting herself up into the back of the van, figuring she needed to organize it at least a little. "i think the only reason i know my own name is because so many people say it all the time." wren paused again, sucking in a deep breath. "i'll be fine. i'm mostly just annoyed at myself, you know?"

[magickedhat]

@castelleve​ asked:   Damian, once again being his true confused dad self, leaves them a present that says, "Don't open until Christmas." However,he fully expects Wren to try, so he's rigged it to blow up with confetti every time they attempt it.

Upon the day, however, the box would be filled with..rocks? And, of course, another note:

"These are Aagro stones. Charge them with emotion, then throw them at people you don't like. They'll either catch on fire or explode. They're rechargeable btw".

the stubborness of the wrapping to stay untouched only fueled their impatience more.   confetti was a fun prank only when they weren’t on the receiving end of it.   when the day arrived, they basically tore the dumb thing apart.   they even stuck their tongue out at the wrapping for good measure. 

at first, a smidge of disappointment flitted through them at the sight of those rocks.   the silly tale of naughty children receiving coal for christmas flashed in the back of their mind.   but a simple touch betrayed the presence of magic in those strange things, and their curiosity resurfaced in an instant, steadily growing intrigue glinting in their gaze as they read damian's accompanying note.

rocks that caught on fire?   or exploded?   rocks that could be recharged with emotions?

“oh, FUCK yeah!”

they couldn't begin to describe how perfect this was.   fire and explosions were right up their alley, and as for the rocks' battery, they had plenty of what it asked for.   the emotions in question strayed dangerously close to embarrassment, now---how could they ever think that damian would get them coal for christmas?   that was rude.   they'd throw a rock at someone he disliked as a penance.

[bedazzlecuntmoved]

How often do you masturbate if you don't mind the ask? I'm interested in edging but not really sure what's realistic

i like that my inbox is becoming just like, wren gets qs about edging. my brand is strong!!

as to the actual answer, though, it really depends. today was an especially horny day and i edged, like, a lot. once when i woke up, twice in my morning bath, once after my stretches, three times while doing my makeup, like...6 times while playing around, and will probably edge again once or twice right before i go to sleep. so that's like, 15 today.

for me, though, that's...really not sustainable. back in college, when i first started playing with a dom (stellar guy, greg if ur out there —) i told him that i could only go a month without cumming because after that i got grumpy n irritable. but he had me edging once, twice a day if i was good, n sorta just touching a little bit otherwise — not enough to edge, but enough to stay horny. i found that i could go much longer if i edged less without hitting the grumpies.

( also, putting aside any irritability, edging that frequently for days at a time eventually does make me dumb in a way that impairs my ability 2 be a normal human being dgjf. its fun to do occasionally, if ive got a week off work or smth and can rly ride it out. but generally i gotta — and want to! — be able 2 think abt other things )

i said today was a really horny day, so the 15 number isn't wild. on normal horny days, i usually edge once when i wake up, twice throughout the day, and then once before i go to sleep, so that cuts down to 4. on low energy days, or just days that dont lend themselves to horniness or where i'm more focused on other hobbies, it often becomes a 'once in the morning and one at night' or even just 'one at night' sort of a thing.

this is obviously very specific to me — i've known folks who edge 20 times a day and folks who edged once a week. if you're getting started, i generally advise not trying to set a specific number of and just trying what feels good. i also find that if edging is hard, or edging a lot is hard but you still wanna touch, it can be rly fun to just sorta...touch a little but not enough to hit an edge. like edging from edging?? dhfjgf its chiller, harder 2 go over, and maintains a still - pleasant level of horniness

[cjwelford-archive]

CJ hesitantly followed, thinking back to any other time he had been in this position. Maybe when his family began to implode, and his parents kept switching between being coldly passive aggressive to full out arguing. He remembered thinking back then that all they had to do was talk. It was advice Wren had shared once, when CJ was forced to attend some stuffy dinner party because Jasper’s parents were visiting from the East Coast, and it was full of people who pretended to be fancy and shit. 

Or maybe they were fancy, but it all felt like CJ got thrusted into a starring role of some play without a script.

They had been joking about their ‘balls and chains’ and arguing with their spouses, and were amazed at how Jasper didn’t drive the elder Welford crazy (which CJ silently agreed with, because Jasper was a major douche). And she had just laughed and said the best-kept secret was talking through it.

And sure, CJ and Seb weren’t fighting, but whatever this was was worse. And they were spouses, so the advice was even more relevant than ever. 

“I talked to a few different people,” He said, voice shaky slightly, as he stepped into the living area, leaning against the arm of the couch, watching Seb’s side profile as the other man made it his mission to find the requested movie. “Um, I spoke to Emery privately. And Ingrid, and saw Elliot about like…legal advice…I’m not like, upset about the marriage thing. I don’t want you to think that I am.”

He kicked his feet awkwardly. “Emery and Ingrid saw like, the funny side in all of it. I just…I’ve had people feel like they’ve been judging me for everything else in my life. Like, work and shit. And…Iunno, man. I just feel like, shitty. But it’s not you. Nothing to do with you.” 

Because it’s true, because CJ could not imagine a world in which Seb would ever upset him in the ways Wren and Samar did in the last week. The lifeguard stopped kicking his feet, tears welling in his eyes again.

“I miss you, dude.” He confessed, voice cracking. “I’m sorry I’ve been like, mad weird. But it’s not like…the marriage at all. Not really. That’s just some dumb piece of paper that only freaks care about. And I don’t care about that, I just care about you. And I’m sorry I just like, haven’t been here.”

☆ @sebvora

The extremely simple suggestion of greasy takeout pizza and whatever movie CJ wanted was Sebastian’s weak attempt at throwing out a lifebuoy, hopeful that the vibes would start to shift back to normal once they finally settled in. Perhaps his words came across as a little desperate, spilling out of his mouth with less casualty than he would have liked, but if he was honest with himself? He was. He was desperate to snap his fingers and have this whole mess be over with, for their marriage to be taken care of and for everyone they knew to get off their backs about it. Most of all, he was desperate to have his best friend back, an unsure feeling sinking to the bottom of his stomach every time he met his gaze to find tears.

Usually, all of his unsure feelings morphed into anger — but this time, he wasn’t angry. He was angry at Wren, sure, for saying all of that to CJ in the first place and for being the catalyst to land them here, but mostly he was scared. Scared that his roommate-turned-husband would believe all of that bullshit, that his family’s opinions would sway any decision he needed to make. Scared that the distance that was increasing between them could one day lead to something drastic, like not being able to have him in his life anymore.

Sebastian never did well with anger, but he learned to harness that in a way that held meaning for him. Fear, on the other hand, wasn’t as easy.

He held his breath once more as he awaited CJ’s response, unable to gauge his expression thanks to his bowed head, and he tried not to appear too relieved as he seemed to agree. “Yeah, man. That’s cool. Whatever you want.” He watched Fast Five in particular close to a million times because of him, but he figured that one more time wouldn’t hurt. Retreating from the kitchen and towards the common area instead, he snatched the TV remote from the coffee table, pressing all the familiar buttons to find the other’s favorite movie on streaming while he waited for him to follow.

( @cjwelford )

[joaquinwhorres]

Pity Dance (Lee Jordan x OC)

An admittedly brief one-shot of Lee Jordan and Nora Randolph’s first real meeting. May end up being expanded and turned into a chapter of a series or existing the way it is.

It felt like her insides were collapsing. 

It felt less like an implosion and more like a burning building, the fire eating away at the support beams one by one until there was nothing but a charred, empty husk left.

She was supposed to have been prepared for this. She found out Cedric was taking Cho over a week ago. That should have been plenty of time to evict all of those stupid little thoughts and hopes and feelings that had made themselves right at home in her.

Then again...her eyes slid over to Cedric who was smiling happily and warmly down at Cho Chang. Nothing could have prepared her for that look. 

When it came right down to it, she shouldn't have come; it was entirely isolating being here alone. She knew her friends would have stayed at the table to keep her company if she hadn't insisted they go out and dance. And she didn't regret turning down the few boys who had asked her, because her reasoning was sound even if a hollow loneliness was the natural result of her actions. She just couldn't get her mind off of Cedric and the crushing feeling of rejection; she wasn't a good Yule Ball guest. 

Nora wondered how long was long enough before she could go back to the dorm and take off this stupid dress and these dumb charms and crawl into bed so the day was over. 

"Enjoying the ball?" Nora blinked, zoning back into her surroundings, as she looked for the owner of the voice. Lee Jordan was walking up to her, smiling. 

It took a monumental effort, but she was able to force a brilliant smile onto her face. "It's beautiful in here." 

Lee's face scrunched up as he eyed her in mock suspicion. "That's not a real answer." 

Her jaw dropped lightly, the smile vanishing and genuine shock taking its place. She was usually the one catching people for dodging questions. This had to be what Wren felt like. No wonder she was always so tetchy about it.

Lee had his eyebrows raised at her and a good natured if not a little smug smile on. 

She shook her head to clear it and looked out past his shoulder as her friends danced with joy clear on their faces, Grace spinning from Tom's outstretched hand.

"I've had better evenings," Nora admitted. 

"Well," Lee said, inclining his head towards her. "the night's still young, and I think we can turn it around."

"It would take a pretty strong force to turn this night around," the comment slipped from her before she was able to rephrase it into something a bit more positive. But Lee didn't seem put off by it. If anything, he seemed more interested.

"I have been called a force of nature before. Not sure it was a compliment, but I like to think of it as one," Lee said, offering out his hand. "Come dance."

Nora looked at his outstretched hand and considered it. Dancing was far more enjoyable than moping, but did she really want to enjoy herself. "How do you know I'm not just waiting on my date?" 

"If you're waiting for your date with that look on your face, he's not really worth waiting on," Lee pointed out, nodding with his head towards the dancing crowd. Despite the fact that she didn't know precisely what "that look on her face" was, it was a very convincing point. 

Nora took his hand, and Lee grinned, tugging her behind him. "Where's your date, by the way?" Nora called to him, and Lee looked back over his shoulder at.

"Alicia? She's uh with some Durmstrang stiff. She's a sucker for muscles," he winked, conspiratorially. The two made their way to a clear space of dance floor, where out of the corner of her eye Nora caught a familiar sight. 

"You're sure Alicia's dancing with a Durmstrang boy?" she asked, tilting her head to see over Lee's shoulder. "And she's not standing by the desserts with Wren, looking over at us?" 

"Must have been a short dance," Lee shrugged.

"You're a terrible liar," Nora narrowed her eyes at him.

"To be fair, I'm not really trying." 

Nora laughed at this--her first laugh all night--and it felt like some of the ash and rubble inside her blew away. 

Lee was an incredible dance partner. He whipped around the floor with alarming speed if not grace. There were several sweeping bows, none of them timed right to the music, and once when he'd spun her out from him, he'd accidentally lost grip on her hand sending her stumbling. Still, even if he wasn't particularly good at dancing, it was more fun than anything else she'd done tonight. Her face hurt from smiling.

"This is why Alicia sent you over to me isn't it?" Nora asked, resettling her hand onto Lee's shoulder and sliding her palm back into his open hand. "I thought it was out of pity, but it was really just self-preservation, wasn't it?"

"I'd say it's about 99% self-preservation, and 1% there is such a thing as having too much fun." 

Nora snorted, as Lee started dancing again, and she remained careful to try to slow down his pace. 

"Why would she be pitying you, anyway?" Lee asked, and Nora's attention was drawn to his face. He looked openly curious. Not prying, not like he already knew but wanted her to admit it, just...curious.

Still, this wasn't the kind of thing you opened up about during a pity dance with a friend of a friend. Conversations were supposed to be light, funny, something you could refer back to later as an inside joke even. She had spoken to Lee Jordan all of three times throughout her years at Hogwarts, and one of them was this very moment; she wasn't bringing up Cedric.

"I came without a date."

Lee stopped suddenly, and Nora stumbled, her gravity thrown off balance. Luckily she was still holding onto Lee and able to keep herself upright.

"Are you telling me that nobody asked you?" 

"No, I got asked," Nora shook her head, exhaling a small laugh at Lee's incredulous reaction. "Just not by anybody I'd want to go with."

This seemed a decent enough answer for Lee as he started dancing again. "Well, he's missing out."

"What?" Nora's voice was high, and the look she gave him was nowhere near genuine confusion--more shock. She'd been very careful to avoid admitting to anything, but if the knowing look he was giving her was any indication, she'd tilted her hand. 

"Knew it," he said, a shit-eating grin overtaking his face as Nora's mouth hung agape for the second time that night. 

"I--you--"

"I'm a very clever wizard," Lee said, still smiling

"Yeah," Nora agreed, still staring at him in minor awe at how easily she'd been tricked. 

This time Lee was the one with the surprised look. "Did you just agree with me that I'm very clever?" Nora nodded dumbly, and he let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Nora Randolph, I like you." 

"And I have mostly positive feelings for you too," Nora said as Lee let out a great laugh. And then stepped on her foot.

[browneyedhimbo]

Bad Plan

Pairing: Poe Dameron x Reader

Prompt:  “You haven’t even touched your food. What’s going on?” and “I’ll kick his ass if you want me to.”

Summary: You notice Poe’s been acting a little off lately and it’s time to find out why

Warnings: slight angst if you squint, flufff, language, mentions of someone almost dying, mutual pining

Word Count: 1.5k

A/N: Based off this ask. Thank you to whoever requested!! Sooo it’s like 3am and I’m finally posting this...there might be some grammar errors. Anywho, hope you enjoy! 《MASTERLIST 》

Poe had been back from his mission a few days already and he was acting differently. He would hardly look at you, barely talk to you anymore, and would find some excuse to leave the room if you were already there.

At first it kind of pissed you off, you were one of his best friends. But after day 3 you started getting worried. You would ask him if he was okay and he’d either reply with, “I’m fine,” or just completely blow you off. 

You tied racking your brain to remember if you had done or said something that unknowingly  made him mad or hurt, but you couldn’t come up with anything. But thinking about it, the day he landed on the hanger, he didn’t greet you with the normal bone crushing hug. He had given you a smile and walked on. 

A sigh fell from your lips, your heart felt heavy and your mind was cloudy. You missed your best friend. You chewed on your bottom lip, thinking over those two words. Best. Friend. You knew you had a huge crush on the pilot but you really tried hard to bury it deep down in order to not ruin your friendship. Was this why his cold shoulder hurt so much?

Making your way to the mess hall, you met up with Rose and Rey, acting as if nothing was bothering you. You three sat down at a table which was adjacent to the one Poe and the rest of the Black Squadron were sitting at. You laughed and smiled at the girls, trying to avoid looking in his direction. 

“Hey, is something going on between you and Poe?” Rey wasted no time in getting to the point.

“What do you mean?” You chuckled, playing dumb.

“You two used to do everything together, and now you’re not even looking at each other.” Your heart dropped to your stomach. It was true, and stars did it hurt. 

“I don’t even know anymore.” You took a sip of water, quickly scanning the room and noticing it mostly empty. 

“I’ll kick his ass if you want me too.” Rose said, causing you to choke on some water out of laughter. You shook and smiled sadly at them, your thoughts just making your heart ache even more.

You sighed before slightly leaning more towards them, careful to keep your voice low. “Ever since he got back from that mission a week ago he’s just been distant. No matter what I do he won’t even look at me.” You sighed, running a hand over your face.

Unbeknownst to you, Poe was definitely looking at you. From where he sat at the table he had a pretty good view of your side. A longing look had made its way to his face as he looked back down at his food, poking at it with a fork.

“Hey hotshot, you good?” Jessika knocked on the part of the table by his plate. 

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” He countered, but there wasn’t any conviction. No cocky emotion, no jokiness to it. His shoulders were slouched and his curls would slightly cover his eyes. This wasn’t their commander, this was a man who was hurting. Thus causing the group to turn their attention to their friend.

“You haven’t even touched your food. What’s going on?” Everyone cast him a worried glance, waiting for an answer. 

“I-” he sighed, “I can’t explain it.” He gave you one last look before getting up and heading outside. The team looked at him and each other before another conversation picked up again. 

----

It was late when you heard thudding against your door. You yawned and got up from bed, throwing on the nearest joggers and t-shirt you could find, wanting to look semi-decent instead of a hot mess from hell. 

Opening the door you saw there was nobody there, you groaned and were about to close the door when rapid little beeps from below startled you. You looked down and there was BB-8. A small made its way to your face as you bent down to pet at the little droid.

“Hey beebs, what’s up?” You asked, voice heavy and laced with sleep. 

“I need to tell you something about Poe.” Hints of urgency in his beeping.

“What about him?” Your mind jumped from worst case scenarios to best case within seconds, your heart hammering away in your chest.

“He almost didn’t make it. On the mission.” 

“He what?!” Your blood ran cold at the thought of almost losing him, and then started burning at the fact he didn’t tell you. The droid started towards your door, almost as a beckon to follow it. You opened your door and BeeBee started rolling towards the hanger, you following close behind. 

Upon entering, you heard clanking of metal and a drill, mumbled curses and sighs. You looked around and noted it was completely empty and mostly dark, except the part that illuminated one x-wing. And you knew exactly who it belonged to.

“POE DAMERON!” You bellowed, making him jump and a few tools fall. 

“Maker, Y/N what the hell?” He gasped, turning around to give you an irritated look. 

“Oh don’t you start with me Dameron!” You marched up to him. “You should thank your lucky stars, I don’t kill you myself!” You huffed, your anger getting the best of you.

“What are you talking about?” He practically whined, annoyance clearly radiating off him. 

“Why the kriff didn’t you tell me you almost died?” You put your hands on your hips, your steeled eyes slightly watering with unshed tears. 

“I...oh.” A silence fell over the hangar. Poe didn’t meet your eyes, his gaze glued to the floor as he tried to figure out what to say. But his mind drew a big blank. He bit his lip, eyes slowly racking up your figure. He took in your tense posture, the way your breathing was hard, how your eyes were glossy with tears. Wait, what?

“I’m sorry.” He finally let out, his voice tight, a lump growing in his throat. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I-I’m sorry I’ve been distant with you I just,” he inhaled a shaky breath, a hand running through his unruly curls. The sight broke your heart. You reached out a hand and he took it without hesitation. 

“Why’d you do it?” You whisper, afraid if you spoke too loud your voice would fail you. His eyes scanned your face before giving your hand a gentle squeeze.

“Because I...I almost, y’know died, I just...I figured being distant with you would make it easier for when the day actually came.” He looked down again sheepishly, tears slowly rolling down his cheeks. 

“So...let me get this straight.” You cleared your throat, your own tears cascading down. “The best way you thought of dealing with almost dying was to be cold and distant with me, so that in the unfortunate event you do die, it wouldn’t hurt me as much?” His curls bopped as he nodded his head. 

“Well, when you put it that way…” he trailed, meeting your eyes. 

“You do realize it'd hurt me no matter what. Right.” He nodded again and you felt the lump in your throat tighten. There was a beat of silence before he opened his mouth again. 

“What’s going to happen to us?”

“What do you mean?” You tried to sound confused but failed miserably. 

“Don’t play dumb Y/N/N, I know I’m not the only one who noticed there was something else there.” He squeezed your hand again, and you felt your heart lurch in your chest. A small smile made its way to your face, tears blurring your vision. 

“I thought...I, but I thought,” you tumbled over your words. The possibility of Poe liking you back had never once crossed your mind. To say you were stunned was an understatement.

“You thought what, that I wouldn’t like you back? That I wouldn’t fall in love with you?” Your mind completely froze and went into overdrive at the same time. 

“Did-did you just,” you point at him. A boyish smile makes its way to lips as he runs his free hand through his hair.

“Yeah.” He bit his lip, a blush creeping its way up his neck and settling on his cheeks. “Does this mean I can kiss you?” He asks so softly if you weren’t paying attention you might’ve missed it.

“I’ve honestly been dying to hear you ask that.” You smiled so wide your cheeks were starting to hurt. 

“So..that’s a yes?” He chuckled, always enjoying teasing you. 

“Yes that’s a yes!” You giggled. The interlaced your fingers and brought his other hand to cup your cheek, pressing a slow yet loving kiss to your lips. You felt a flutter in your chest and smiled into the kiss, unable to contain your happiness. 

“This doesn’t change the fact that I’m mad at you for almost dying.” You said breathlessly as he pulled away. 

“I’ll make it up to you. I promise,” he smiled that charming bashful smile and pecked your lips once again. And he kept to his promise, making it up to you in more ways than one.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Permanent tags: @becausewhyknotme @disasterbuckley​ @imma-new-soul @justmebeingtheweirdmeiam @officialtonystarkprotectionsquad @theladyoffangorn @itsunclebucky @mushyjellybeans @writingforhoursonend @agentpeggybarnes @fangirl-introvert @ninjabucky @cosmicbucky @yougottakeeponkeepinon @this-kitten-is-smitten

Poe Dameron tags: @kittyofalltrades @writefightandflightclub @damerondjarin @damndamer0n @poe-damnnn-eron @spider-starry @kayte-wren​ @darksideofclarke​ @himbopoes​ @poeticandors​ @propertyofpoeandbucky​

[please let me know if you want me keep tagging you, stop tagging you, or if it’s becoming annoying]

[sustraiii]

TEAM ZRCN ARC 4 - CHAPTER 1

Annddddd we’re back with the first chapter of the fourth and final arc! No prologues this time round, we’re jumping straight into the action!

Belleza’s chaos levels: rising by the day

BELLEZA

Two days.

That was all the time Belleza had been willing to give Calantha to decide whether she would trade herself for those that Belleza had taken prisoner.  What Calantha did not know was that they had already been sent away to Olympia, Belleza deciding she had had enough of chasing around after her younger sister, and had taken fate into her own hands and decided to push ahead into phase three with or without her.

Perhaps the most surprising thing in all of this was Calantha seemed to actually be waiting two days to give her answer. Knowing what she was like, Belleza had expected her comments about Bianca would have appealed to her gentle nature and she would have willingly complied to come home, but she hadn’t. True, she hadn’t outright said no, but she had questioned what would have been the alternative had she done so, and that alone was enough to surprise Belleza.

That surprise had turned to irritation hours later when - thanks to Ulysses’s security hack that Lunick was able to modify for them - she learnt that there were plans in motion to arrange for a set-up to try and capture Belleza. Oh, how she had raged when she saw those messages, and how her impatience grew when Calantha’s call didn’t immediately follow.

When the call finally came that morning, Belleza knew what to expect; she had seen those "covert" messages. But just because she knew what was coming didn't mean she couldn't have a little fun with it.

As her scroll began to ring, she waved Miho into the next room, and shut the door behind her.

"You're cutting it awfully close," Was the first thing Belleza said as she answered the call. "I was beginning to think you weren't going to respond."

"Of course I was going to respond," Calantha responded, "I just needed time to think things through."

You needed time to plan with your new 'friends', Belleza thought to herself, rolling her eyes as Calantha prattled on.

"I'll come back with you, but you have to promise to let the others go."

"You don't have to remind me, little lamb," Belleza chided. "My memory is nowhere near as bad as our father's is - I remember what I said two days ago."

Calantha made a small noise on the other end of the call. "Right, well...we would like to hold the trade at Astrolabe University tomorrow. I will be there waiting with Wren, and you will bring the others as promised." There was a pause before her sister added, "You know where it is don't you?"

Although Calantha couldn't see it, Belleza leaned forward in her seat, looking out the window where the university could be seen in the distance. So large and imposing was the school you would be hard pressed to find somewhere in Highpoint where you couldn't see it. "Well for starters - I'm not blind," Belleza answered in a wry tone. "And secondly, I've been there before, remember? You know...when I picked up the Oxford brat and the little redhead."

"Oh, right."

"So why Astrolabe may I ask?" Belleza asked, leaning backwards in her seat. She already knew what the answer was - that it was easily defended and had already been chosen by the Mob Ops and the Security Team as it was deemed the most suitable to stage a trade off. "I half expected Mr Oxford would have wanted his precious firstborn delivered right to his door."

"We decided it would be easier to meet there," Calantha started to explain. "It's a nice central location, it's where you took Rosie and Mira, and if we hold the trade off at the sports hall, we can avoid any unnecessary contact with the students or faculty."

"I hope Major Honeycutt isn't planning on challenging me to a hockey game whilst she's at it."

"What?"

"Well that's where their local team plays isn't it?" Belleza couldn't help but laugh at her sister's confusion. "Or at least that's what I assumed based on the posters I’ve seen around the place.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Calantha admitted. “I didn’t even realise Highpoint had a hockey team...”

“Well now you do! But don’t worry we won’t be playing any games tomorrow. I swear to be on my best behaviour if you are!” Belleza said in a faux sweet tone. “I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow, little sister.” She was about to end the call when Calantha stopped her.

“You don’t even know what time to meet us!” 

“I’ll decide when I want to arrive,” Belleza snapped back, practically yelling directly into the scroll at that point. “All you and the rest of your new friends need to do is make sure you’re there and ready to go. Do you understand?”

Calantha hesitated slightly before responding. “Yes, Belle.”

“Goodbye,” Belleza said, satisfied she had gotten out all needed to say for now. After disconnecting from the call, she was quick to her feet, and hurried to the door, shouting to her companion.

“Miho! Gather your things, we have somewhere to be!”

**

After summoning Miho, the two women were quick to depart the building, but not before putting some clothes for outside. Considering they were still targets for the military and the security team, Belleza knew they had to be careful and try not to draw too much attention to themselves, which was easier said than done for Belleza whose snow-white hair made her stand out like a sore thumb. In an effort to hide her appearance she wore a slightly oversized woolly hat, and removed her earrings temporarily to be extra safe.

Stepping outside they moved quietly, and kept away from people for the most part, managing to find a good balance between making their movements seem natural and not drawing attention to themselves. Once they were safely away from the most populated areas, Belleza was willing to converse with Miho a little as they walked.

“Did she say everything you thought she would?” Miho inquired.

“Pretty much,” She nodded. “Naturally she tried to dumb it down for me, and claim she was thinking it through, rather than conspiring with our enemies to trap us as we know she was.”

Miho made a small scoffing sound, as though she couldn't believe the audacity of Calantha's behaviour. 

The two continued to walk, until they came to a nondescript building, a small warning sign on the chain link fence surrounding it being the only true hint of what this place was.

Miho took a step forward to read the sign, and turned back to Belleza with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you taking me into the mines?"

"This is where Sparrow and I stashed the supplies from a few weeks ago," Belleza explained as she walked ahead. Realising she wasn't going to stop to talk, Miho quickly fell back in line, and followed her into the building. A small rusted lock was the only true deterrent from getting further inside, but a sharp tug was all it needed to loosen enough for her to take it off. Belleza held the door open for Miho, further explaining what they were doing here. "Bianca took the majority home with her, but I'm hoping you might be able to make some use of what's left."

Miho nodded her head silently, and as they walked she looked around the building. There wasn't anything notable about the place to Belleza as most of it had been gutted of any defining furniture. The two women made their way to a back room, where a simple elevator waited to take them down to the mines.

"Is it safe?" Miho asked, stepping into the elevator, which rocked under the sudden weight.

"Well I can't imagine this thing has gone through any health and safety tests recently," She replied dryly, focusing more on powering up the elevator rather than whether it was safe or not. "You're not scared are you?" She teased.

Miho was quick to deny she was afraid, but was unable to hide the startled expression on her face when the elevator shuddered into life and began to descend. "I meant the mines."

"Yes, they're safe - or stable at least," Belleza explained. "When we first arrived I had Bianca look into the situation regarding the mines to see if it was something we could use to our advantage. Whilst no longer active per se, apparently this whole place acts as a sort of underfloor heating for the town. They regularly have surveyors come out to ensure the place isn’t on the verge of blowing up.”

Miho nodded approvingly. “That was smart of them.”

“Seems like a waste of good dust if you ask me,” Belleza huffed. After a short descent, the elevator came to a stop at the bottom of the mine shaft, which split off into three different tunnels. “But surprise, surprise, the Atlas elites wind up hoarding all the- Wait!” An arm snapped out, preventing Miho from walking off into the tunnels without her. “Do you hear that?” “Hear what?”

Belleza moved her head, trying to determine the direction where the sound was coming, eventually deciding it was coming from the right tunnel - conveniently the one they needed to go through. With a wave of her hand, she gestured for Miho to follow her, and they made their way through the tunnel. As they walked the sound - which started off as the faintest of tapping noises - continued to grow louder and louder until they found the source of the noise.

Crouched in front of the wall, hammering away at a vein of fire dust crystals, was a young boy who had to be around Calantha’s age if Belleza had to guess. However, the colourful emblem on the hoodie he wore made him seem slightly younger. The boy had a pair of headphones in his ears, and was humming along to whatever song was playing through them, so wasn’t aware of their presence until Belleza kicked a loose pebble at him.

After the rock hit him and he became aware of their presence, he lost his balance and tumbled backwards in surprise. He quickly managed to scramble to his feet, and might have made a run for it, had it not been for Miho reaching out to grab his hood, and holding him in place, before forcibly turning him around to face them once he ceased his struggling.

He seemed nervous when he finally plucked up the courage to talk to them. “What are you doing here?” He asked.

“What are you doing here?” Belleza countered, putting her hands on her hips.

The boy looked down at the floor. “I was trying to get a crystal from the mines to impress Daisy Tisane,” He admitted shyly, speaking as though Belleza was supposed to know who that was. “Please don’t tell my mom about this, okay? She grounded my ass for a solid month the last time I tried this and even threatened to pull out my application for the academy.”

“I don’t even know who your mother is,” Belleza said flatly.

“What?” The boy seemed taken aback by this. “Captain Bougainvillea? Surely you must know her. I’m her son - Maroon.”

“What do you want - a medal?”

“I-” Maroon seemed at a loss for words.

“Listen boy, I couldn’t give a shit who your mother is. I have no intention of seeking out Captain Boogaloo, or whatever her name is, I have a job to do, and I’d like to take care of it without any interference from you or her. Believe me when I say telling on you is the least of my priorities!” Belleza snapped. She took a step toward the boy. “I won’t tell anyone that I saw you here, if you don’t tell anyone about us. Do we have a deal?” Belleza held out her hand almost as soon as she finished speaking, not giving the boy any other option but to say yes.

Reluctantly, he stretched out his hand to hers and gave it a weary shake. Before she let him, Belleza tightened her grip and leaned in even closer. “Be a good boy and run along before I change my mind about being so nice and decide to break your legs.”

The boy’s eyes widened in alarm, and no sooner had Belleza released  her grip, did he take off down the tunnel eager to get away from them. In his hurry to leave, he left behind the dust crystal he had been hammering off. Miho bent down to pick it up, and tossed it in her hand. “I’m guessing he won’t be needing this anymore.”

Belleza smirked. “Keep that close, Miho. You might be able to make some use of it later.”

After the brief interruption, the two women finally made it to where Belleza had stashed the last of the supplies they had taken. At the end of the tunnel, the mine opened out into a large cavernous space, which was connected to even more tunnels.

Miho whistled. “Wow. How big is this place exactly?”

“Big enough,” Belleza said simply. She signalled for Miho to join her by a crate she was standing next to. As her companion joined her, she lifted the lid to show the contents inside - several dust crystals carefully packaged together with several wires and pieces of scrap metal.

“Will this be enough to do your thing with your semblance?” She asked.

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“Whatever it is you’re planning on using it for,” Miho laughed, reaching into the box to pick up a crystal.

“Think of it as a distraction. A really big distraction,” Belleza said, watching as Miho studied the crystal carefully. Belleza never really had much use for dust, so had never bothered to learn much about it other than the basic uses. “When Cala and her new friends come to the meeting they’ll find these waiting for them instead of us. Of course, it would require one of us to stay behind to ensure they found their intended target...” Although she was certain Miho would have offered herself up regardless, she fluttered her eyelashes at her, hoping that playing nice would serve as a further incentive for Miho.

“If you want me to stay behind I will. No questions asked,” Miho said. “I would give my life for you if you asked it.”

“That is good to know,” Belleza smiled. “But don’t try and pick any fights afterwards.I still have use for you back home and would rather not see you wind up in an Atlesian prison or meeting your maker at the end of a hail of bullets. We can use the chaos from what happens in the aftermath to flee.”

“But how? Won’t the city go into lockdown or something?” Miho asked, sounding a little doubtful.

“Oh, it will,” Belleza confirmed. “But you’re looking at our escape plan right now.”

For a split second, Miho looked down at the crystal she was still holding.

“Not the dust, you idiot,” Belleza scolded, smacking Miho on the arm. “The mine! You see, a couple of these tunnels lead right out of town.”

“Really?”

Belleza nodded. “So whilst you ensure Cala finds our little present, I will wait down here in the tunnels for you. And then, whilst everyone is running around in a panic, you’ll escape, join me in the tunnels, and we’ll skip right out of town and straight back to the O.R.C.A.S!”

[one-leaf-grimoire]

“illusion”

Chapter 12

Finally, another chapter!!!! I think you will enjoy this one 0.0

Warning: VERY SEXY CHAPTER. ORAL SEX. :)))

I've never slept a whole night with someone before. Lawrence never stays after he's gotten what he wants, leaving me alone to curl up in my misery. Of course, Alice and I have had sleepovers where we shared the bed, but not like... this. When I open my eyes the next morning, stirred by the singing of the earliest bird outside, it takes me a moment to remember why someone's arms are wrapped around me so tight, their legs tangled with mine, and their face buried into the back of my head. Once the memory fades into my drowsy mind, I can't help but smile.

Because, despite how I arguably embarrassed myself last night, Julius is still here, holding me tight as he snores away.

None of it really makes sense, at least not yet. To be perfectly honest, I didn't know Julius would actually... feel something for me. The most I was hoping for was a one-night-stand, fueled by that fleeting moment of hunger in the hallway. The way he looked at me then, I knew I could get at least that much. I didn't expect him to grab hold and not let go, to show genuine interest in me, not just my body. It's foreign... something Lawrence never wanted to give me. Yeah, he would hold my hand, he would fuck me, but he wouldn't cuddle me at all, much less like this. 

Part of me warns against hope. But everything else is telling me to hold on tight myself.

Despite the warm feelings that flood my chest at the thought, I can't just hang around here forever. I crane my neck (pretty difficult in this position) and see that it's nearly 7 am on the clock. Breakfast is at 7:30, so people will be walking around the base soon. I can't be seen coming out of Julius's room in just my nightgown! If someone sees me, they'll talk, and before I know it, Lawrence is going to be knocking at the door demanding an explanation! UGh- There's nothing more I want to do than snuggle back next to Julius and sleep the day away, but it's too risky. With a heavy heart, I start to try and remove myself from him.

Emphasis on "try." The moment I move, Julius's grip tightens and he silently curls up around me. It's almost suffocating at this point, like some snake wrapped around its prey! "Uh- Julius- I need to go-" I whisper meekly, not sure there's anything I can do. 

"...no you don't." Julius finally speaks, his voice still weighted with sleep. His leg slides over mine and hooks around, trapping me further. "Stay here... just a few more minutes."

It's not like I have a choice, but something tells me that I was looking for a reason to stay. "Alright, fine." I relax into his hold, and I feel him smile against my skin, satisfied that he's won this small battle. His grip loosens, as if he's melting, and for a brief moment in time, I melt, too.

...but... I still don't get it.

I feel his lips again, this time on my cheek, the light touches like a butterfly alighting upon me. I have to squeeze my eyes shut and hold in a giggle at the sensation, a movement he picks up on. Julius chuckles to himself, still sleepy, his lips trailing down my neck and leaving delicate kisses behind. "How did you sleep?" he finally mumbles, his thumb drawing small circles over the hand he's holding. "I hope I didn't snore to loud."

"No, it was nice," I whisper back, his voice somehow grounding me more in reality. "Your bed is so comfy."

"You can sleep here every night, if you want. For- er- safety reasons."

I let out a soft laugh, and I hear him join me. "Maybe... we'll see."

"We'll see-" he repeats, then lets out a sigh. It's almost... sad. "Sorry... it's been a while since I slept next to someone."

Huh? Really? I have to resist the urge to turn over and look at his face. That's surprising... Julius has a lot of admirers, it would be easy for him to invite someone into his bed. But maybe, he has the same problem I do... the only love I knew was the physical kind, a selfish, lustful love that left me drained and disoriented. I remember the way Elia and the other girls talk about him, and how I even looked at him... like he was a piece of meat ready to consume.

He's like me, isn't he? He's... lonely.

"...I'm sorry."

"Hmm? For what?"

Love... I don't know if I'm ready to even say that word. Somewhere deep inside, the feelings coming off of Julius make something very clear... the potency of this feeling almost scares me. And for whatever reason, I'm the one in his sights, but instead of it being an honor, it seems like a burden. I'm a lost cause, right? My perception of love is skewed, ruined. And I know, if I turn around and look in his eyes... I'll get lost in them. I'll drown, because when it comes to love... I just can't swim.

"...nothing."

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

"So??? How was it!!!?"

Alice is waiting for me by the time I sneak back to my own room, promising to see Julius again at breakfast. "Um... good?" I deflect the question before turning to my dresser. "It went like you would expect it..." In reality, it did not go at all how I expected it, but at least now I don't have to lie to Alice. 

"Awww, come ooooon~" Alice whines, rolling over to keep watching me. "Tell me the deets!!! 

Uh oh. I avert my eyes and focus on stripping down and pulling on my uniform. "Well... it was very nice. But more than that..." I pause my dressing for a moment, a little smile playing on my lips. "He was nice... I don't know, maybe it's just because I've been with an asshole all my life, but Julius..."

"Ewww, never mind, if you're going to start talking about love stuff!" I turn and give Alice a disgruntled look, which causes her to peel back off into laughter. "Kidding! I'm happy for you, really." She sits up and swings her legs off the bed. "So, do you have a plan? Like- with Lawrence?"

"Not yet... I have to keep it secret for now," I tell her, pulling my robe over my head. "So you keep your mouth shut, you hear?"

"Got it!" Alice smirks and gives me a faux-salute. "And you keep your mouth shut, too... I'm sure it's hard to keep quiet when he's inside you-"

"ALICE."

Despite that just being a little joke, something starts to worry me as we make our way down to breakfast together. I feel... guilty. I know I shouldn't, but I do. God! If only I had held it together last night, I would have actually gotten laid... by a guy who actually cares about me, too. My ears start to heat up at the mere thought of it, but it's accompanied by a pleasant hunger in my belly that's definitely not the result of it being mealtime. I'm sure he meant it when he said he was fine with just sleeping, and he definitely enjoyed cuddling... but... I wouldn't blame him if he were a bit frustrated. Julius is lonely... I feel like I deprived him of something he needed.

It's a ridiculous thought, Julius hasn't demanded anything from me. But still... I want to give it to him. I want to know what it feels like with someone I actually like. Have I missed my chance?

No... there's going to be many more chances. Even today. It's only morning, after all! I'm sure another chance will come up if I'm patient.

Spoiler alert: I'm not patient in the slightest.

"Good morning, you two! My, you're looking radiant."

I thought Alice would be the one I have to rein in when it comes to my secret, but as soon as Julius sees us, I realize that it's him. He's already sitting at the table, fork in hand, but it falls to the table when his eyes land on me, and a big dumb smile becomes plastered on his face. Uh oh... don't be obvious, Julius!!!! I gulp and give him a nervous smile, hoping that none of the others already here will pick up on all the tension. "Oh... thank you! You look pretty good... yourself?"

Alice is nearly drawing blood as she bites her lip, dragging me to sit down next to her at the table. Julius simply chuckles a little to himself and thankfully remains silent, although his eyes don't leave my face the whole time. 

"What's got you looking so happy this morning?" Elia finally slides into the seat next to me, sourly looking at my face. 

"Huh? Oh-" I shrug, quickly busying myself with my food. "I uh- just had a good time at the lake yesterday."

Elia obviously doesn't believe me but doesn't pursue the subject. "Fine. Keep your secrets."

"Hey girls!"

We look over to see Giles and Nigel walking in, plates piled high with food. Those two are unmatched in how much they can eat. "Hey losers-" Alice counters. "Where's Wren? He usually comes down with you."

"Apparently he got called to a meeting with the captain," Nigel snickers. "Sounded kind of serious... maybe he's in trouble!"

"That would be funny," Elia adds, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. "maybe he'll get kicked out."

"Or imprisoned!"

"Or exiled-"

More laughter comes from my friends, but I can't bear to join in. All I can do is smile weakly and eat, hoping that I'm wrong and one of them didn't drug me that night.

"Hey... look-" Alice grabs my shoulder, her voice hushed, and gestures casually down the table. More of the senior knights are here, but I know exactly who she's talking about. "Guess who hasn't stopped staring at you since we got here?"

Oh boy. Cautiously. I glance over and see that Julius is indeed staring at me, almost dazed-looking, his head tilted slightly as it rests on his hands. His food is going cold for sure by now, but... 

AhH! JULIUS!! Don't be so obvious... anyone looking at you right now will know something is up- His buddy Elger, who's sitting next to him, has noticed, and stares at Julius with a weird look on his face. I quickly look away before he can connect the dots, but it might already be too late. "Ignore him!"

Alice giggles. "My, you must have really rocked his world last night-"

"ALICE."

Even after the conversation moves on, I can feel those eyes burning into my skin. Butterflies swarm in my stomach, but at the core of it is excitement. It takes everything in me to not stare back at him, make bedroom eyes, and let him whisk me away somewhere private. Well... that's not such a bad idea...

I still want him. Even if I have the rest of the day ahead of me, I want him now. 

"Hey, where are you going?"

"To wash my dish! I'm not that hungry." I smooth out my cloak after I stand up, making sure to talk loud enough that the other end of the table can hear. "See you guys soon." With that, I turn and sashay off, fighting the urge to glance back at the table. All I can do is hope that this vague plan works...

But of course it does.

"Heyya."

As soon as I finish washing my dishes, Julius is already up and leaning against the kitchen doorframe, his usual smile on his face. "Oh, hi!" I greet, giving him a smile of my own. My pulse quickens as I struggle to move onto the next phase of my plan. Luckily, he does it for me.

"Want to go talk in private?"

"...yeah!"

And so, we head off upstairs, to his office. The entire walk there is filled with tension, so thick I could choke. I barely notice when he shuts the door behind us, I'm so lost in my thoughts. Now what? I'm not used to taking this type of initiative... oooh, what if he thinks I'm being to presumptuous? No, no,of course not... well-

"So... I've been thinking." Julius suddenly speaks before I can get my first word in. "We should start seriously sizing everyone up, and figure out who might be our culprits."

"...huh?" I blink, so lost in my self-made adrenaline that I can't immediately catch up.

Julius frowns. "You know? The ones who attacked you?"

"OH. Right!" I connect the dots and let out a nervous laugh. Get yourself together! Don't look like an idiot, at least... "Right, right, right... it's not fun to think about, but I suppose I have to."

"I'm sorry." Julius moves over to his desk and leans against it, his feet planted firmly on the ground. My eyes drift over his strong legs before quickly flickering away. Now that we're having an important conversation, I can't just derail it by jumping him right now... despite how delicious he looks. 

"Are you okay?"

Fuck! I just started going off into another daze. I jump a little as I feel his hand on my shoulder, and I blush a little as I let myself look up at his concerned face. "I know it's overwhelming, but I want to get to the bottom of this, okay?" I nod slowly, prompting him to lean in and press a sweet kiss to my forehead. I can't help but let a smile flicker on my face for a moment. "You know what you mean to me now... we can talk about this more later, though, okay?"

"...okay..." I lean forward and press my face into his chest, a gesture he accepts eagerly. The safe feeling of his arms around me threatens to make me melt right then and there, but then I realize that I have an opening.

"Julius?"

"Mhmm?"

"I was... uh... thinking."

"Thinking? Really?" I pinch his arm as he teases me with mock-disbelief. "About what?"

"...about..." I gulp, glad he can't see my face right now. "er... l-last night."

It's hardly noticeable, but I feel his grip shift at the words, just enough to make me realize that he's been thinking about it, too.

"Is that so?" His voice hasn't changed, still calm and comforting. "What about it?"

"You know..."

He finally gives me a real reaction, a soft laugh that I feel more than hear. "Right... I had a good time, you know."

A little pang of guilt hits me again. "Did you?"

"...yeah!" He suddenly pulls back to smile down at me, his narrowed eyes taking in my embarrassed face. "I always have a good time with you."

"Yeah, but- uh-" I feel a little frustration. I don't want him to think I'm so timid after last night! That was just a fluke! He's being so careful with me... I need to be more aggressive! 

"I mean it, don't worry." Julius's hand lands on my head and strokes it softly, which incidentally gives me an idea. "I thought I made it pretty clear... you're special to me, and even though I'd love to go farther with you, I want to go at a rate you're comfortable with- AH! W-what are you doing-?"

Julius cuts himself off, his voice wavering nervously as I suddenly kneel down in the middle of his little spiel. "I'm showing you that I'm perfectly fine with this rate- or whatever-" I tell him quickly, willing myself forward before I chicken out. I run my hands up his thighs, my heart skipping beats with every band of muscle I feel. "I mean... if you want me to?" I look up at him through my eyelashes, my lip pouting just slightly. I might be naive about a lot of things... but I know how to get what I want. 

The concern in Julius's eyes fades slightly, not quite disappearing all the way, but it's replaced by something else. Almost like curiosity... but more than anything, want.

"... go on."

I give him a little grin, finally letting my hands continue sliding up. Julius sucks in a little breath, for the most part silent as he stares down at me, his mouth twitching just slightly as I avoid his crotch and go for his belt instead. The anticipation is killing me, and it must be doing the same to him, but I will myself to be patient and make him so hungry for it, he can't resist. I want him to let go of his fear, and let himself pull me close, to let me in. He's a lonely man, and I want to help... in whatever way I can. And right now, this is how I do it.

"Here, let me help-"

Julius is quick to reach down and make quick work of the belt I was fumbling with, the zipper quickly following. Last night, I got to feel him up but couldn't actually get a look at him since I... passed out and all. But now, there's nowhere else to look as he pulls the front of his pants down and lets his already-stiff cock spring out at me. 

Oh shit-

It's bigger than I remember feeling last night, and I can't help but stare for a long moment, my mouth slightly open. I'm drooling, yeah, but it's also very intimidating. And it doesn't help when I feel that hand on the back of my head, pulling me in. "Take your time... but not too much time." Julius bites his lip and glances at the door. "We are in a shared office after all."

He's right, and I give a little nod before finally leaning in and letting my tongue dart out. Julius nearly spasms when I go right for the sensitive tip, sucking once before pulling off and kissing lightly around the spot. "Oh, you have a little technique?" he asks, his voice still steady.

"What did you expect?" I mumble back, fighting off a blush as I catch a glance of him staring at me. "I'm not innocent... not that innocent." To express my point, I lick up his length once deliberately, finally getting a reaction. I feel his knees wobble slightly, and his hand suddenly knots in my hair.

"Of course not... you'll be good and innocent for me, though, won't you?"

The words send a pleasant chill down my neck, the soft growl in his voice, stirring many forgotten emotions within me. This is nothing like it is with Lawrence. It's not so much a demand when Julius pushes me down onto his cock, softly moaning as I finally get to work some magic. It's... a plead. "Ah- y-ou're good that this-" Julius breathes out, his hand pushing me faster, more deliberately. He's coming undone, a lot quicker than he expected, and despite the way his cock chokes me and tears form at the corner of my eyes, I almost smile. This is what I wanted, for him to feel good because of something I'm doing. He only pauses once to sit down in his chair, his limbs weakening. I take the opportunity to pull myself off and smirk up at him, my cheek resting against his inner thigh while my hand teasingly strokes him. "Enjoying yourself?"

"What do you think?" Julius, despite being out of breath, flashes me a grin, his hand stroking down to my neck once. "Don't tell me you're getting tired." I shake my head quickly. "Good girl."

I lean back down to continue, this time his hand restricting my movements, slowing them. Despite saying that we needed to be quick, Julius is taking his time now, determined to milk me (or- er- himself-) for all I'm worth. I can't help but think about Lawrence in the moment, how he would react one day once I leave him to take the arm of my gorgeous vice captain. How indignant he would be, how enraged to find out that I willingly pleasured this man. Every aspect of this experience...

It's thrilling.

He starts poking into the back of my throat, and I whimper slightly at the foreign feeling, struggling to keep taking it. Despite how I was talking before, my stamina is terrible and I'm not sure if I'm going to hold on for much longer. "I'm almost there, baby, I promise-" Julius grunts out, one hand gripping the side of his desk while the other starts setting an unmerciful place. I just weakly whine in response, my throat starting to burn a bit. "You're being so good- I'm going to make you cum so fucking hard after this-" The promise makes another jolt of adrenaline go through me, the thought of him doing this to me quite exciting. "God- ah-"

Just as he starts to lose himself, something grabs his attention. Maybe it's a sixth sense, or maybe he was using his time magic to check ahead, but Julius freezes up before he reaches a climax. I blink my eyes open to see his own widening, a look of shock and fear on his face.

"Fuck-"

There's no time to hide. Just as the word leaves his mouth, the door swings open and the other vice captain Malota walks in. Julius lets out a squawk of surprise and nearly jumps in his seat in a vain attempt to react, but only manages to knock his knee super hard against the bottom of his desk. "YOUCH-" The shout leaves his mouth as he panics, disoriented, horny, and scared.

"Julius-"

The only good thing about this situation is that I'm hidden behind his desk, and from where Malota is standing right now, she can't see me. But still, she stops in her tracks at Julius's reaction, arching a thin brow as he does nothing but sit there and pant, slowly turning red.

"Julius... were you-" A look of slight disgust crosses her vulture-like features, and her eyes just glance down at the table, very aware of the presence behind it, before rising back up to her comrade's embarrassed face.

"You know what... I don't want to know."

Without another word, Malota swiftly turns around and races out of the room, her face becoming indifferent again. A moment later, the door slams shut, and the two of us are left alone once again.

"... "

Neither of us dare to move. Julius's eyes stay fixed on the door as Malota's footsteps fade away, before looking back down at me. He lets out a soft sigh, the corners of his mouth twitching at the sight of me staring up at him with his cock still in my mouth (it's not like I had time to move! And plus, the hand on my neck is heavy-). "That was... close."

He finally lets go, and I draw in a shaky breath as I sit up, my throat awfully dry after the recent abuse it just received. "S-she didn't see me, did she-"

"No, no, she didn't!" Julius assures me, glancing at the door again, his fingers deftly brushing the hair out of my face. "Malota wouldn't care anyway, don't worry." he gives me a reassuring smile before licking his lips a little. "So... are you-"

Wait, he wants me to continue? After we got walked in on?! I blink a few times, too aghast to say anything at the moment. Julius laughs sheepishly. "I mean, she's probably not coming back, right?"

"...right..."

Somehow, I find myself smiling once again. Julius mirrors it, his pulse quickening as he grabs the back of my head again. "I think we're going to get along famously."

Julius doesn't beat around the bush this time. He thrusts down my throat again and again, his hips raising just slightly to meet my lips each time, his hands guiding me at his pace. I handle it a lot better this time, feeling satisfied every time he moans under my touch. He doesn't say anything, but I know he's getting close by the way his movements become sloppy, and his cock twitches needily. I give him exactly what he wants, sucking hard for a few thrusts. And that's it- With one last pleasured sound, Julius pushes me down and cums, hard. I wasn't planning on spitting anything out, but I still gag a bit as his release hits my throat, hot and thick and almost too much for me to handle.

For a few blissful moments, he just sits there, tensed up with his eyes squeezed shut. Then, finally, he lets go of me.

Not completely, though. His hands gently take hold of my shoulders as I sit up and cough a little, taking a few deep breaths through my nose. I'm a little dizzy and can't really see through my blurry eyes, but I feel overwhelming satisfaction. I did it... Julius, you're mine, you hear! I want to make him feel like this, again and again, and for him to do the same to me. Maybe love is something I can't handle right now... but I can let myself be close to him.

Eventually... love will follow.

The sensation of his fingers on my face pulls me from my thoughts. Julius chuckles, worn out, and traces the corners of my lip with a fingertip. "You missed some-" he states, swiping up the remains of his cum and pushing his finger into my mouth. I whine a little at the movement but get my revenge by sucking once. Julius sucks in a breath and quickly removes the digit. "Ah ah- don't tease me, or I'll have to punish you~"

"Punish?" I repeat, reaching up and rubbing my eyes. When I blink them open again, I can see just fine, the blur of the passionate moment gone. "I thought I deserved a reward."

"Oh, that's right. Here-"

Before I can do anything, his hands close around my waist and hoist me up, so easily that it makes me squeak out in surprise. The moment he set me down on the desk, his lips are on mine, his arms holding me as close as can be. I eagerly kiss back, my sore jaw enjoying the respite, and reach up to cup his face with my hands. Julius pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, and the look of sparkling admiration in his own catches me off guard. "What?"

"Hmm?" Julius seems to almost be lost in thought. "Oh, it's just... I like you."

"...?" I frown a little. Isn't that obvious? "Well, that's good to know."

A little laugh comes from his nose, and his goofy smile widens. "No, I mean- Ah, you're full of surprises, and I like that... not just with this... kind of stuff, but also with- you know-" Julius's words are fumbled, almost incoherent He finally spares himself and cuts himself off with a shake of his head. "Never mind, don't listen to me, I'm just being an old sap."

Despite his sheepishness, I somehow understand what he was trying to say. With just a little difficulty, I lean up and kiss his forehead softly. "It's okay... I feel the same way, Julius."

"...I'm glad. Thank you."

With that, he buries himself back into my embrace, our lips moving so perfectly that it seems like they were made for each other. I close my eyes and start to get lost again, pure joy overtaking all logic and guilt in my mind. For a brief moment, Lawrence doesn't exist, my attacker doesn't exist, nothing does... nothing in this world matters but him. 

At least, just for that moment. Because the door slams open a minute later.

"Julius! Sorry to interrupt again, but-"

Both of us scream and whirl around, still holding each other, to see Malota run in again. For the first time, the emotion on her face seems real, the shock of seeing me, a girl engaged to a prince, being kissed by Julius. We sit there in silence for a moment, but then, in true Malota fashion, she sighs deeply, all emotion leaving her face.

"...I won't ask... but-" She straightens up. "We're leaving."

"Leaving?" Julius repeats nervously. I can feel his heart racing through his chest. "What's happening?"

"Apparently the Diamond Kingdom's been attacking the border since yesterday-" Malota explains, shocking us both. "But the Crimson Lion Kings were sent to handle it in secret. Now we're being called in."

We're being called in... wait... A jolt of fear shoots through me. That means... the Crimson Lions failed! The Diamond Kingdom beat them?!

"I see- the whole squad is going?"

"Yes. Our briefing is in 2 minutes." We can hear footsteps all around the base now, thundering urgently in the rush to get ready. "Be down there beforehand."

"Right." Julius's face is stony now, but flinches slightly as Malota turns to leave again. "Er- Malota- about this-"

"Don't worry. I don't care anyway-" Malota assures him before disappearing once again.

With a deep sigh, Julius lets go of me, helping me get off the desk. "I'm sorry," he apologizes, still looking pale. "She saw us- I should have been more careful."

"Maybe... but we have a bigger problem now." That familiar pre-battle feeling is already coursing through my veins. Trying to ignore the dread balling up inside me, I reach down and take his hand one last time. 

The Diamond Kingdom...

Maybe, for a moment, the world didn't exist. But now, it's crashing down on all of us.

[blissfulalchemist]

Full clear for CatWren for the dramatic asks? 😘😘😘

Alright so there is a verse with these two and distinctions will be made if these Gals are more than just Pals. 

1. Who would sell their soul to the devil to save the other.

While I have no doubt that Wren wouldn’t also sell her soul she would be smarter about it though. Cat I love her but she can be so dumb and impulsive to those she loves and she hates the idea of losing another person that she loves is just too much to bear, she just takes the near first deal offered.

2. Who would become a stalker, in the right (wrong) situation.

Both kind of stalk each other in college verse just trying to get to know the other outside of the pool class they share with Wes. It’s just some light stalking really. Nothing to big. 

3. Who would pine away in silence their entire lives without confessing their love.

This might be a both honestly. If Wren wasn’t more forward than Cat is comparatively they would have just remained as friends. Now if we are also talking about them being friends though! Cat would, she would watch from afar and be like “Damn I wish I was cool enough to be her friend.” 

4. Who would leave their friends, family, and life to move overseas to be with the other one.

Cat would I think more so because of the fact that she is more action based and wouldn’t want Wren to feel alone. She doesn’t like the idea of abandoning Wren even with today’s tech she wouldn’t like it. As friends this wouldn’t really happen as much because they never really leave the other and understand that. So long as they come together often enough this is fine to happen because that’s just life sometimes.

5. Who would be the most worried the other might cheat on them.

Wren has more insecurity than Cat does and does not want to be proven that she just isn’t enough for a person. It breaks her heart. She has nothing to fear though, Cat loves her and will never stray.

Though I will make a distinction that Drunk Cat might present as more jealous given Wren is very touchy feely and Drunk Cat gives no fucks(Leave her be. Cat’s other partners are not known to be as touchy like as Wren) she will even act jealous towards people she knows are their friends, sorry Wes you’re staying six feet away covid came early.

6. Who would run into a burning building to save a stranger while the other calls 911.

Both. It’s a matter of who gets there first, probably Wren cause she’s the Tall in this relationship. The other will call 911.

7. Who would haunt the other after death and chase away other suitors.

Both would and both would surely be petty about it.

So in the romantic relationship, neither believes there is anyone that is better than them. Even if they see the other is happy you can bet there is petty and not so petty events happening. Wren is a horror movie lover and will pull off those acts just to fuck with Cat’s suitors. Cat will again go a little more Invisible Man on them. Just make their life harder in subtle ways. Wren is just more extra.

Friendship way would be more to let the other know that they’re there and they got the other’s back. If they are friends most likely the other is with their true loves and more so mess with them to help the other out. Like making Raf lose a cooking battle or make sure Wes isn’t being a gremlin so Wren can some sleep for once. 

8. Who would stand up at the other’s wedding and say they object.

If it’s anyone but Wes Cat is standing up at that wedding because Wes ain’t doing it himself. I feel that Wren would do it in return for Raf if anything just beating him to it. 

Romantic would be Cat more so. Wren would get a little more defeatist and just sad, though I would think she tries in private with Cat. 

9. Who would write long, beautiful poems for the other.

Cat is not very good with her words but will try. Wren it comes more natural and it’s probably a song. Both go to Raf for help. Or they give up and just have songs they send the other expressing feelings. 

10. Who would love the other no matter how evil the other became.

Cat. There might be a limit with Wren especially with how an evil Cat might treat Wren. I do not hold my daughter to being kind to partners if she is evil because that seems a little unrealistic. Loving them as evil though Cat will stay with them.

11. Who would be the most likely to become an addict (gambling/drugs/etc.).

Hmmm neither really want to go that route but Wren has better smarts about her a lot of times and seen what it can do first hand so she’s in more control. Cat on the other hand thinks she can handle things sometimes and really can’t. 

12. Who would propose in a grand gesture of some kind.

Both would. In fact you know what they forgo a proposal and just go straight to the wedding! Why go through the trouble when you can be efficient and just have one giant party.

13. Who would go berserk at harm or death befalling the other.

Wren would. Each time. Cat will get her revenge but hers would be slower each time. As friends or lovers you don’t want to see what comes from that happening.

14. Who would spend too much money on expensive gifts for the other.

Both but again depends on the fact if it was impulsive or not you know. 

15. Who would fight an impossible battle to give the other time to escape.

Both would there is no question. This fight is more even and will have to have a few more details included to determine the real winner here.

16. Who would be able to spend centuries in misery waiting for the other to be reborn.

Both would again and they would find each other more easily because these two can be friends or lovers and it may change up every few lives. These two manage to find each other in a sense that they just have a connected soul string. 

[babycapell]

new york’s very own baby capell was spotted on broadway street , with a striking semblance to courtney eaton ! you may know them as @capellbabyy or hitting the front page of tmz as natasha fox, suspected con-artist infamously identified as baby, unanimously declared innocent on charges faced in california . according to tmz , you just had your twenty-fourth birthday bash . while living in nyc , you’ve been labeled as being heartless , but also ambitious . things that would paint a better picture of you would be a cluster of designer shopping bags, tan limbs tangled in silk sheets, a heart shaped sucker dangling between glossed lips. ( cisfemale + she/her  ) +  (  saxon , twenty-six , she/her , cst )

Out Of Character

Guess who’s back again? Honestly I don't know how this is going to go because this is a very new character and quite different from anything I’ve played but I’m incredibly excited to bring her to life! As always, we stay very open to connection ideas and plotting so please do not hesitate to hit me up because me and my child are here for the chaos and drama! <3

Basic Information

Full Name: Natasha Wren Campbell-Fox. Baby Capell.

Nickname(s): Nat. Baby.

Birthday: January 6th.

Orientation: Pansexual.

Language(s) Spoken: English, French, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish.

Background

TW: cancer.

At just eighteen years old, Lucia Campbell left New Zealand and moved to England in hopes of pursuing a career in ballet only to unexpectedly end up pregnant just months later, putting a pause on both her dreams and her future. 

Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her at the time of conception, the child’s father was a married member of the British Royal family - albeit fifteenth in line for the throne, the fact that he had stepped out on his wife and had a bastard child was scandal that could not be afforded.

Although the man tried repeatedly to coerce Lucia into getting an abortion, assuring it was what was best for both of them, Natasha Wren Campbell arrived in the world Jaunary sixth, nineteen-ninety six. 

In order to keep the situation under wraps, her father stopped by once a month to ‘check in’. For Natasha and her mother, these events felt less like visits with family and more like important interviews where their every move was under harsh scrutiny, the check he gave them at the end of his visit enough to make sure they were able to get by, money that assured that his secrets were kept safe. 

Every memory Natasha held of the woman who raised her was a beautiful one, a woman she considered so good and ethereal that it almost made sense that she didn’t get to stay in their world for too long.

When Natasha was just fourteen, her mother began experiencing fatigue and pain too serious to brush off, diagnosed within a week with stage four pancreatic cancer, the illness seemed to arise out of nowhere and progressed rapidly, leaving her unable to work and therefore unable to provide for them. 

Natasha waited desperately for her father’s next visit, asking for help with growing bills and the hopes of finding a better doctor but he refused, deeming such beyond his concern and leaving them with the same check he had in every visit prior. 

With no way to make money to care for her herself or her mother, Natasha turned to the only thing she could think of, thievery. What started as sneaking into restaurants and fancy events in order to steal food soon became grabbing expensive items left sitting on tables, selling them for cash that would keep the lights or the heat on even a month longer. 

Still, within eight months, her mother was gone and Natasha was alone - without a job or a place to go. 

The teenager adapted the only way she knew how, using the same tricks that she had before but this time in order to get into hotels. She used her father’s name and position in order to get their attention and if asked, used the pet name her mother had used for her when asked in order to avoid being caught, Baby. 

Soon, she realized that showing fearlessness and confidence could get her almost anything - whatever hotel she could manage soon became the most lavish she could find and just having a bed to lay in at night became enjoying the high class service and catering offered to her.

One night, while enjoying dinner in the hotel restaurant, she was approached by an arrogant teenage boy who was clearly eager to flaunt the wealth his parents held. Rage flooded her but instead of lashing out, her mind pulled her on a different route. She played into his every word until he was obsessed with her and then she used it, doe eyes and sweet voice pleading for what his money had to offer her for three whole months. His interest - or rather his family’s interest in finance and technology was his ultimate downfall, giving her every bit of information she needed to drain his bank account and disappear.

Natasha quickly became aware of just what kind of power she held and she planned on using it, starting with the man whom she deemed, in some way, responsible for the loss of her mother. 

The teenager arrived on her father’s doorstep and played every bit of the confused and mortified girl finding out that her father had a whole life that she and her mother had been unaware of. It was while his wife asked her to wait upstairs as they fought in the living room that she found his study, making quick work of getting every ounce of information she could in order to ruin him financially later. 

Unexpectedly, however, she found an account that was depositing the same amount that he had been paying out to her and her mother monthly. She followed the lead in hopes to meet her possible half-sibling and found a true family instead. A half-sister, Tali Fox (who reminded her greatly of her own mother) and her mother who all too happily took her in and adopted her as if she had always belonged.

Still, the world of lavish living and conning men whom she felt deserved it had piqued her interest in a way she couldn’t explain and she wasn’t ready to give up. She became a chameleon of sorts; spending nights going out to special venues, catching the eye of a rich male and playing the role of their dream girl - she’d use them for months, allowed them to shower her in precious gifts until she grew bored, draining their accounts and disappearing from their lives.

Six months ago she was arrested in California on multiple charges of larceny, fraud and forgery and had been awaiting a trial that finally began at the end of August and concluded just last week with a unanimous verdict of innocence, due to both a lack of evidence and witnesses. (aka; this little b*tch is good at what she does, no evidence and most dudes won’t even come out to say anything against her because they’re either still in love and/or don’t want to admit they got played by this angel face)

Now that she is out, she has arrived in New York to spend some quality time with her sister and perhaps, lay low for a while. 

Personality

Look, there’s no way to sugarcoat it, this girl is the sugar baby supreme okay? She wants your attention and your love and your money and that’s it. She doesn't feel nothing for you anyway, but she feels even less if you don’t adore her, dammit. 

She’s not a bad person, she’s really not - she pry donates all her clothes to the women’s shelter once she’s worn them even once and donates more than half of the money she steals to charity but like...she’s just very very angry and hurt and thinks all rich men deserve to suffer for being the type of man her father was which like - are you going to tell her she’s wrong? And she’s in too deep now, she just can’t stop. 

A true personality unknown though, tbh? She basically has been playing chameleon for so long, she doesn’t know who she is or how to be? Just adjusts to make you happy. Literally the fakest. 

Also she’s totally pansexual but like...way too focused on scamming men because they’re dumb and shit so like, definitely pry fucks around with females/nonbinaries from time to time but always finds herself going back to the hustle.

Desired Connections

A childhood friend who knew Natasha before the loss of her mother who hasn’t seen her since before that happened?

A childhood friend who’s known Natasha the whole time and maybe worries about her and her mental health?

The child of someone she conned? Honestly give me someone who’s dad Natasha hustled and they either hate her for it or just seriously respect her because they didn’t like him anyway? Or maybe even a sibling or an ex that she conned? 

For males? Past scams? Current scams? Future scams? Let this bitch play you, please. We can decide details as to how long or how serious it got, they could hate her or be secretly still obsessed/in love with her or both at once? Literally anything, okay! If you want someone to fuck up your guy in the past or future - this is your girl!

For females or nonbinaries? Give me someone who was maybe genuinely interested in her? Someone who wanted/tried to have a relationship and she was just like nah and it fucked them up a little bit maybe? Honestly maybe even a female/nonbinary she conned because even though she usually doesn’t, she thought they were an ass and deserved it?  

Someone who perhaps she actually started falling for a little, realized she wasn’t actually scamming them, that she was just chilling and she was like excuse??? And left without even scamming them? Or did just to prove to herself that she didn’t actually care about them? Kslflaks;sa I don’t know, she’s messy as hell, y’all.