#yes I know I spelled them all wrong this is on purpose.

[steevejr]

i think I’m getting old or too into bad music but any time I see any artist using a full name ie Billy eiliesh, Olivia rodrigos, Chappel roam etc blowing up, i instantly assume they’re producing viral tiktok music that has a very distinct marketable “pop but with a quirk that makes it unique and unlike OTHER pop music” vibe. does anyone else get what i mean. 🫥

[generalsmemories]

Ginkgo leaves

✧ jing yuan x gn!reader

✧ based on the ask: Since reqs are open, you think you could write jing yuans reaction to his lover being Mara-struck? Thank you! - requested by anonymous

✧ contents: established relationship, angst, hurt/almost no comfort lmfao, implied character death, mentions of other characters, pov mostly written in jing yuan's pov, still usage of 2nd pov (referring the reader as you), mayhaps ooc because jing yuan is an emotional wreck.

✧ a/n: when i tell ya'll i legit struggled to be able to write this entire thing. there's been like 3-4 scrapped drafts because halfway through writing i would just NOT be satisfied with the result. to the anon who requested this, i'm so sorry it took this long - but i hope the upcoming trainwreck makes up for it! a trainwreck im still not actually satisfied with LMFAO. but it's better than the other 5 scrapped works. also not beta-read so fellas if u see a spelling error - no you didn't.

p.s: some mara-struck information i give here are totally fanmade for the purpose of this fic alone, as such don't take whatever i write about mara here as what actually happens canonically to characters (then again most of the playable characters have different symptoms of mara themselves).

"Benefactor, am I correct to believe you're asking me if the general has any specific interests?" Tingyun asks with a snicker, the trailblazer looking away from her prying eyes while mumbling a quiet yes.

"Some of the younger... Can I call them younger? Anyway, some of the younger Xianzhou citizens are very infatuated with the general. Seeing as I've been announced as his honory guest, they do often come and ask me various things to try and gain his favor. So yeah, anything at this point will work - so please!" the trailblazer hurriedly explained, clasping their hands together in a desperate attempt to get anything from the foxian amicassador leaning back with a quirked eyebrow.

"Ahh, love truly makes someone go blind doesn't it," she muses out loud, the trailblazers' eyebrow furrowing together in confusion over the foxian's lady choice of words, "... You're not entirerely wrong with that statement..."

"Do you want to know what his favorite flower is?" Tingyun asks, ignoring the confused question that had been uttered to her, snapping her fan open to hide the cheeky smile that spread across her lips - but anyone could still tell that her eyes were gleaming with mischief as the trailblazer nodded their head.

"He doesn't have one."

"Then why did you even-"

"But he likes ginkgo leaves."

The trailblazers' eyes widened in shock, and rightfully so because the very thing ginkgo leaves are associated with are after all...

"He had a lover once, and as far as I'm aware, his last moment with them while they still had their consciousness intact was surrounded by ginkgo leaves."

Jing Yuan whilst having forgotten almost every single moment with you, does unfortunately remember the exact details of the day that your descent into madness started. Because what he witnessed wasn't a futile struggle you had with yourself to not to destroy everything within your vicinity. Instead, he witnessed the slow process of your bright self becoming an empty shell, only capable of uttering a few words.

It's comical really, even when faced with a curse that struck everyone mad - he found out that it oddly fit your character to not go mad, but instead become the complete opposite of your gentle self. A hollow shell of the person he fell in love with all centuries ago.

Jing Yuan knew he had to end your suffering right then and there when you first started to show signs.

But he couldn't - This wasn't something that had to be immediately dealt with, his hand wasn't forced like it was back when he had to slay his own master down before she took more lives.

No, this was a normal afternoon on what would've been another normal, mundane day in both of your lives. But everything went wrong the moment Jing Yuan heard the breaking of glass, and how there was a lone gingko leaf inside the palm of your hand - a ginkgo leaf that you were staring wide-eyed at with a trembling hand.

You were too far from the veranda to have a ginkgo leaf in your hand.

General Jing Yuan would've ended your suffering the moment you turned around to lock eyes with him, your own face twisted into one of utter fear.

General Jing Yuan would've reported you the to Ten-Lords Commissions as the law had stated. But Jing Yuan couldn't - because Jing Yuan knew that the moment he did, he would never see you again.

So he decided for once he would be selfish. Jing Yuan rarely made choices lately that was based off of his own feelings, but his time with you was cut too harshly, so once again he chooses to be selfish. Even if that meant that it would prolong your suffering just a tiny bit more. "... We can figure something out," was the only thing he could muster up the courage to say with a shaking voice. You didn't say anything, your mouth wobbling a tiny bit and your breathing getting harsher by the second.

But still you indulged him - you always did. So with an equally wobbly smile, you only nodded your head slightly, "... Sure."

That wobbly smile and expression of utter fear was the last genuine expression that truly came from yourself.

The descent to becoming fully mara-struck is usually a fast process, the curse able to completely overtake someone's mind within the same day the symptoms appears - rendering the person completely vulnerable with the only alternative to either hand themselves in to the Ten-Lords or wait for the Ten-Lords to come to them personally.

Your usual easy-going smile was gone, in its stead was eyes that kept going in and out of focus. Almost as if you were desperately trying to keep yourself grounded - a battle you both knew would end with your defeat.

Jing Yuan didn't dare to venture outside of the house. One step out and every Cloud Knight would've been on you within seconds to subdue you. He had first initially resorted to just holding you within his arms for as long as he could, to be able to remember how you felt like after your death.

But with the minimal strength you had left, you had wobbled to the garden, every step taken only making you pant heavily. But even with heavy breaths of air leaving your lips, you had refused to take Jing Yuans hand or offer to even carry you out to the garden. When you had managed to reach the ginkgo tree standing tall at the center of the garden, Jing Yuan was sure you were going to collapse in front of it, taking a quick step to catch you.

But instead you had merely reached your hands up, the falling leaves fluttering gently down onto your palms. And while you were in indescriable pain for the last couple of hours - Jing Yuan could only see a serene expression when you looked up at the ginkgo leaves that were continously falling down.

"... They're beautiful... aren't they... Jing Yuan? It's almost a pity... that these beautiful... leaves are associated with our doom," you said softly. Jing Yuan could feel his breath hitch in his throat when you uttered his name.

You're obviously struggling to convey whatever thoughts you still had to him properly, taking a moment in between words to catch your breath, eyebrows furrowed slightly as you fought against the searing pain that was spreading through every nerve in your body.

There's a sudden gust of wind which causes the pile of leaves in your hands to flutter away from your grasp. Your hand stretches out slightly, almost in an attempt to reach out for them - stumbling a bit in your step. The limp causes Jing Yuan to take a quick step forward with his arms outstretched. Perhaps seeing him in your peripheral vision causes you to stop the futile attempt to catch the escaping leaves, arms going limp against your side as you turn to face him - your once blank expression turning into a somber smile instead.

Jing Yuan thinks that it's unfair how normal you look in front of him - almost as if you haven't been becme mara-struck. Like nothing has happened to you aside from the ginkgo leaves fluttering from your lips whenever you cough. The same cough that causes the general of Luofu to flinch every time - without fail.

And perhaps you can see his inner turmoil, the way he tries to make eye contact with you, but is unable to after a few seconds. The way his hands clench too hard into fist to the point droplets of blood fall down to the grass and stains it a deep red while he bites his own lips to not say a word - lest he says something that he will regret.

And you truly wish that you could tell him everything is okay like you usually do.

But for the first time since the day he lost his friends, you can't.

"... I'm sorry," you finally say, the apology making him whip his head up to you again. Mouth opening to say something to comfort you, to tell you that it's not your fault. But the words are unable to leave his mouth when he sees your arms slightly outstretched towards him with a small smile.

And he can't hold it in anymore.

It only takes him a few wide steps to reach you from his position before he cradles you within his arms. The grip is tight, unbearably tight to the point it hurts, but you don't complain. You're limp in his hold, and if this was any day he wouldn't comment, but the fact that you're not moving a single muscle terrifies Jing Yuan to the core. "... Please," he finally manages to whisper, the rustling of ginkgo leaves around you almost drowning out his quiet plea.

"Please don't make me do this again."

He doesn't ask if the tensing of your body is caused by the pain that's rapidly increasing or if it's caused by his silent confession. He can however feel the gentle hand that rests against the lower part of his back and your head resting against the side of his own. The reassurance you try to give him does nothing to help because he's aware that it probably brought you unmeasurable pain to try to move those limbs - instead the general buries his face closer to your neck and squeezes you tighter.

"... You won't." you whisper quietly.

It takes a moment for Jing Yuan to process the meaning behind those two words.

But it's a moment too late, because before he can get his phone out to usher a command, a few resounding knocks can be heard throughout the quiet mansion.

"General Jing Yuan. This is Xueyi of the Ten-Lords commission. I've gotten information that there's currently a mara-struck within these premises."

Jing Yuan feels his blood run cold, he pulls himself away from you to stare at you properly in disbelief.

You're still staring at him with the same somber expression, however he can tell there's a small pitiful smile grazing your lips, "I'm sorry," you whisper once again.

"I asked her... personally," you start, finally letting yourself rest now that the end is near, slumping down onto Jing Yuan's chest, your ear settling itself against his heart to hear his rapid heartbeats.

Jing Yuan loathes the fact that it's at this moment, with the Ten-Lords commission outside of your door and with him completely broken do you actually look at peace - like your battle against time has finally come to its conclusion.

And naturally, the one who lost is you.

"Half a day... with you. Then she would come and bring me there. You won't have to... do this again."

You're not able to see Jing Yuan's face - and Jing Yuan wouldn't want you to see how he looked like right now. The arms around you is trembling, his mind is racing - trying to come up with anything to give him a bit more time with you.

But for once, the general that had a plan for every situation had nothing in mind.

He's lost. And the prize of the loss this time is losing you forever.

"General, I apologize for the rudeness of what I'm about to do, but this is for both of your safety," Jing Yuan hear Xueyi mutter from outside of the door, before he hears the rattling of the door frame start to slide open.

"Wait- no," it's a quiet request that gets ignored as Xueyi strides in alone, the lack of company making Jing Yuan's eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"... Their last request along with the request for my late arrival here was for the Cloud Knights to not see you like this. Naturally I won't tell anyone of what I've seen today."

Jing Yuan doesn't care about that, he could care less about his image right now, pulling you closer to him while his eyes are downcast - he makes no move to hand you over to the judge.

The puppet judge before him does not say anything - nor does she make a move. What she does however is wait, wait for the general before her that has been utterly crushed and broken by the person in his arms start to accept the harsh truth once again.

If he doesn't handle the mara-struck himself, someone else would - but the end result only serves to punish him in the end, the one left behind.

Xueyi hears a silent breath be let out by the general, her once closed eyes opening up to see the general pull slightly away from you, one hand reaching up to cradle your cheek. Your eyes have long since closed, and you're most likely not even conscious to hear what he's about to say.

"My dear... I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you. But I'm afraid you'll have to wait a bit longer before we can meet again," he whispers, bumping his forehead against your own gently, "I hope you won't fault me for that."

A long ginkgo leaf flutters right between the two of you, eventually settling down on your chest.

Jing Yuan sucks in one last deep breath, "I'm sorry I kept you here for so long - I'm sorry you had to be in pain for so long because of me," he leans in to slot his lips one last time over your own, whispering something that Xueyi can't hear before he rises up, your body limp in his arms.

"Thank you for your service Miss Xueyi, please see them off appropiately." Jing Yuan says, voice sounding eerily calm - almost like his usual self.

When he turns around to finally face her, the puppet's lifeless eyes seem to grow a bit in surprise. Before her is the general of Luofu, his usual easy-going smile present on his lips.

Like he wasn't carrying his mara-struck lover in his arms.

"As much as I would want to accompany you to see them off, I'm afraid I have some urgent matters to attend to," he informs, handing your body over to Xueyi - she doesn't comment on how his hands are still slightly trembling or how he immediately turned a bit to the side to ignore staring at her head-on.

Even though Xueyi doesn't want to ask, she still asks either way, "What are your plans from here on, general?"

Jing Yuan only gives her a close eyed smile, turning his gaze towards the large ginkgo tree with his hands behind his back. He gnaws a tiny bit at his lips, finally breathing out.

A couple of seconds passes by before he opens his mouth.

"I think I'll meditate a bit under this tree before heading back to the Seat. I can't leave Luofu without me for too long after all."

5 SCRAPPED WORKS AND I'M STILL NOT ACTUALLY THAT SATISFIED BUT IF I KEEP THIS PIECE LONGER IN THE WORKS THE MORE I'LL BUTCHER IT SO HAHA - THIS IS THE BEST WE CAN DO AFTER 3 MONTHS OF CONSTANT BACK AND FORTH FELLAS. I HOPE IT SQUEEZED YOUR HEART A TINY BIT NONETHELESS.

[charcubed]

Don / Timeline Mobius' kids are coded as Lokis.

This does NOT mean Mobius = father figure.

More so that Mobius' previous wife was probably a mischievous scamp, and... jet-skis also relate to Mobius' true passions.

What will HE want?

Let me explain :)

First: look at the kids.

Kevin = Sylvie.

That's a minute man ^

Just like Sylvie burnt in season 1, episode 1 – and everything she used (the lamp and the reset charges) was stolen, just like Kevin's matches.

And the other kid?

Sean = Loki.

"Don" gets him to help in the same way Mobius got Loki to help catch Sylvie in season 1.

This tactic...

...is the same as this tactic.

The exact same method, on full display! Very amusing to me personally.

Aside from the fact that his kids are, hilariously, little hellions and perhaps take after their wayward mother (who maybe ran away in typical Loki fashion, if she wasn't snapped by Thanos? 👀)… and that that gave Mobius the unique ability to know how to "handle" Lokis, even subconsciously…

We see towards the end of the episode that "Don" cares about his kids, yes; of COURSE he cares about them! They need him!

But.

Being a parent reallyyyy isn't his passion. The work (in this case, jet-skis) is his ACTUAL passion.

He drops everything kid-related to talk about jet-skis... and also drops everything kid-related to talk to Loki.

These 2 things explicitly criss-cross. Deliberately in the context of Don trying to get Loki to fill the role of his new romantic partner.

Plus, y'know, there's the fact that Don immediately flirts with Loki at the store by telling him his entire schedule and announcing to him that he's single. Which is fucking amazing.

Yeah, that's the actual dialogue.

So, I'll spell it all out:

Don's kids are mischievous scamps, and his wife probably is/was too.

Loki is Mobius' ideal partner (which we already knew, but this is another fun detail to enjoy!) – and Loki will actually STAY. He'll REMAIN, if you will.

Mobius' ideal life involves focusing on work that he's passionate about, not being a parent. And it's OKAY for him to want that! Especially in the context of his TVA life. He has purpose-driven work; he's not "abandoning" his kids. And he's helping others.

Loki's conversation with Sylvie is a whole other post to unpack, but: what's wrong with wanting something?

Or: what's wrong with wanting SOMEONE?

It's about "who."

If you're very lucky... the where/when/why AND "who" align.

At the TVA, for Mobius, they do and they will.

Oh, that's lovely.

Yeah.

------

I write lots of Loki meta on Twitter, whoops! I haven't crossposted all of my ep5 meta yet because I'm offline this weekend, but you can find my tweets collected here.

My stuff on tumblr is under the tag "chars loki posts."

[someiicecube]

I had this post sitting in my drafts for a while and I was suddenly reminded of it haha. 

Anyway, we all know this line from the main character synopsis, right? 

Only humans?

Is this purposeful on the writer's part to specifically mention the curse can only affect humans? Or are humans the only creatures mentioned because that's all the main character has had the chance to... curse with their touch?

Can the curse affect monsters?

Currently, we can't know one way or the other. 

Even if we did touch Leander, bare hand and all, it's Leander. The main character is under the impression that, because he's such a strong and powerful mage recommended to us by the mysterious doctor Kuras himself, it's just something he can do apparently—  although, we as the players know that's not all there is to it... just what is it? Is it part of his supposed monsterous-ness? Does he really know a spell that can protect against our curse? What's Leander's Jungle Juice really made out of? We can't tell yet...

Chosing Leander in this context is such a strategical plot point because he cannot answer our initial question. Is Leander not affected because he cast his little protection spell? Or is Leander not affected because he is/has become a monster?

However, we still can assume that the main character doesn't have full knowledge on what they are capable of with their curse— ya' know, probably being mostly surrounded by humans and such. So, the idea of touching even a monster is probably not a theory anyone wants to test (unless you're a mage, then please do it on some random monster and not the LIs for funzies... unless you want to).

Could this be a seed the writers are planting? Maybe, maybe not. But leaving the question unaswered (by Leander), again, makes the player and main character cautious by nature.

But what if they did slip up?

What if they slipped up and it happened on accident? 

Your bare fist colliding into Ais' chest, skin-on-skin but still a solid blow. Your hand desperately reaching out for Kuras' own, just wanting to feel his warmth once more only for a moment. Your palm sweeping against Vere's shoulder, pushing him away, your skin brushing along the thin translucent fabric. Or your fingers digging into Mhin's wrist as their dagger hovers right above you, their pulse hard against your uncovered touch.

It's startling. It's something you didn't mean to do. Fear grips you immediately; dread rises as your stomach falls. You are as quick to let go of them as your eyes are to look them in the eye and...

Nothing.

While, it wouldn't come as a shock to either Vere or Ais. Kuras, who the main character wouldn't know is an angel at this point, and Mhin are another eyebrow raiser for sure. It didn't affect them, when you know it should. If it doesn't affect them... that would only make the MC raise many more questions about Leander in turn. Ah, what a dramatic way to reveal the fact that the person you fancy is a monster.

Other notes and thoughts:

While, yes, an interesting idea to think about. I'm torn between wanting the monsters to be immune and 'fuck it, this curse affects everyone, even your pet rock ain't safe'. I can't help but feel this idea also lowers the stakes of the MC's curse... if done wrong.

Let's say this, the curse doesn't have an effect on monsters, right? But for each monsterous LI there will be a catch. Say, Vere, for example; a monster who lusts for power beyond him... having a human like yourself with such a deadly curse, well, who's to say it wouldn't give him a few ideas on how to use you it. What? You're still planning on finding a cure? Oh no, but you have him now, don't you? Why need a cure when you have him, your curse, and your soon-to-be mindless worshippers at your feet?

(Won't lie writing some of Vere's points made me think of Leander, but that's manipulation for you)

Or think Kuras, a doctor, an angel who passed through the shroud to watch over humanity. How would Kuras feel if the person he's grown so close to decides their curse isn't worth getting rid of now that you have him— can't you see the danger in yourself anymore?

Or try with, like some previous theories once said for us touching Leander: it doesn't affect him now... but eventually he will devolve into madness like the rest of everyone. But don't just apply that to Leander, now think of everyone else. Imagine finally finding someone you can touch without consequences. It's something that gets your blood rushing and heart pounting with a feeling your haven't felt in a while! However... the more and more you do so, you've noticed they've changed. They're more irritated, they've been having more headaches than normal, and their once beautiful smile twists into something dreadfully familiar. Congratulations, you've made your beloved mad with love! Here's the bad ending! Yipee!

Really, in the end it's all a balancing act, the stake were there and you don't want to take them away before the climax. If you do, place something else in its steed— something to raise them even further than what was initially thought possible.

[bloodyshadow1]

I know the bad kids are weeping, especially gorgug, about how Arthur's hologram/illusion told them all their studying and hard work was pointless, but that doesn't mean it was. Look, the purpose of an education is to gain knowledge and grow. Sure modern education as a whole has corrupted the idea of school and education, but that doesn't mean it's pointless.

Despite how hard it is, the bad kids have flourished this year, it's terrible that they were put through that, but it doesn't mean their hard work was in vain. This isn't a post about how pain or adversity makes you strong, because fuck that. But life isn't easy, there are challenges that you have to endure to get what you want.

Sure, they could have taken the last stand early in the year and if they succeeded, they would have had an easy year, especially compared to the year they had. But if they had taken it, whose to say they would have succeeded. After the night yorb fight, they were level 8 or 9, they are currently 13 but I assume 14 after that last combat. that's 4 to 5 levels they gained since the start of junior year. And that's what levels are supposed to represent, experience. Exp is supposed to show what your character has been through as they go through life learning and growing, it's not a notch on your belt of all the things you've killed to gain power.

If the bad kids tried the last stand at the start of the year, they would have been creamed. Yes, they weren't as stressed, but they also hadn't grown as much and would have been slaughtered. Fig didn't have her paladin levels that did massive damage this fight, Adaine and Kristen wouldn't have access to 6th and 7th level spells, Fabian would only have 3 as opposed to his 7 levels in bard or the confidence to be maximum legend, Gorgug wouldn't have had his homebrewed subclass and pioneered at Aguefort, Riz wouldn't have his higher level spells and abilities that would have meant no haste which meant no double sneak attacks that helped them so much this fight.

This is what sets them apart from people like the Ratgrinders. Because as much as the Ratgrinders seem to hate them for being 'favored' by the school, the Bad kids have earned every scar and bruise, every stress token, every spell slot and point of HP to get to where they were today. They beat the deadly challenge in a way that no one has done before and they got a 100% on the questions, not a single one of them went down, the proctor was barely hurt. There will always be people who take the easy way out that doesn't mean the path you forded was wrong

[kindestegg]

"Maybe if I ask her real nice, I won't have to turn her into a puppet!"

So... this line has been puzzling me for a WHILE because it feels like it goes against the idea Collector's go-to default is to just puppet-ify everything.

UNTIL someone in a server I was a part of pointed out that hey, doesn't it seem like Collector is also actively trying to nudge King to play something else? That they're tired of this game?

And I thought about the capture the flag game suggestion.

"What if we switch it up? We could play capture the flag! Us versus... everyone on the Isles!"

Okay, aside from the obvious commentary that Collector sees himself and King against the world (which is. another thing. I need to write up on *biting down on my arm*), it's interesting this implies the people would probably not be puppets anymore, since you'd probably need people who are conscious to actively play in the game, and the whole "people breathing on the moon" discussion doesn't seem like it would happen if they were considering the people as puppets.

It's also worth noting that Collector turning Lilith and Hooty into puppets happens immediately after King tells him The Owl House Game is like playing pretend...

And also, after Collector asks King what role he gets to play, and King presumably tells him, he uh, does this...

Which I'm guessing means he was pretty happy to hear he's going to be the main character. And then immediately after...

... Do you think there's a possibility Collector's go-to isn't in fact to just capture people as puppets, but interpreted this immediately from King's talk of the Owl House Game?

He also lashes out at King for criticizing him over turning Terra into a puppet, claiming he's just "playing pretend".

And considering how, from King's talk with Eda and Lilith, he's only losing his fear of making Collector mad NOW...

It's possible most of this was born out of a misunderstanding. Collector interpreted the game as having "lots of players" as puppets, the whole Isles as King put it, and King was too scared to tell him that wasn't it. No wonder Collector lashes out when told not to do so, to him it makes no sense because this is how the game is played in his view.

If he's getting tired of this game though, it also explains why he suggested not turning Eda into a puppet first, why he wanted to play something that would keep people free from such a spell, and even why he seemed slightly disappointed that he ended up turning Terra into a puppet too by the end, which is another sentient playmate lost, even if she made him angry.

So... if all of this could have been avoided if King had told Collector that this game shouldn't entail turning people into puppets, I think I have a hunch of the narrative purpose of all this.

It's telling the truth. King has to tell the truth. That there was no Owl House game, that he made it all up, that he was a scared kid desperate to save the people he loved and the Isles and that yes, he did use Collector.

King wasn't in the wrong for lying of course, because it was this or losing everything he loves. But things have been regardless severely more complicated because of this lie.

And I suspect he knows this, as he says he wants to talk to Collector to solve things. Maybe this talking is him telling the truth after all. He does say this directly after communicating that he's losing his fear of making Collector mad. Maybe he's finally gotten courage to confess the truth.

It's also worth noting again that Collector... doesn't care that King is lying about some things? He barely reacts with anger or shock at him talking to Eda and Lilith and seeing that they're keeping this as secret from him, he only cares when it sounds like King might want to hurt him.

It sounds silly when you put it this way, but the biggest obstacle keeping their relationship from fully realizing and them resolving things is just a misunderstanding. King wrongfully believing Collector might hurt him and Collector wrongfully believing King is happy playing pretend with him.

Once they actually talk this out, they can finally resolve things.

... the only problem is that I think if King approaches Collector saying he wants to tell him something now...

Collector might just think it has to do with King getting rid of him, and things might turn for the worst.

[kingofpopmj]

Won’t Go, Without Her I’d Go Crazy

Summary: Marriage is a big deal, but for Michael & Y/N, it was just that, a deal. Fed up with Michael’s behavior, Y/N decides to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Pairing: Michael Jackson x Reader

Warning: FIGHTING, CURSING & SMUT

Requested: yes

Y/N found him pacing in his office after hearing the front door slam shut. The force behind it shook all the walls in the house. She’d never seen him this upset, but she knew he hated to be alone, so she cautiously followed the sound of his angry footsteps. He slammed his fists down into the wooden desk he stood in front of, then pushed everything off of it in one swift motion. He was cursing, complaining about something or someone. She couldn’t be sure.

“Michael?” The air was unwelcoming, but still she closed the space between them. She knew he rather be comforted than left alone with his thoughts. “It’s okay. I’m here.” The tips of her fingers made contact with his arm, slowly moving into him.

In that moment, the sound of her voice only reminded him of yet another mistake. He found something in his friend that he never thought he would. And, he screwed that up too. She’s in love with him and he knows it. He’s in deep, the gut wrenching feeling of her touch, the pain behind her stares are all around a bitter reminder of how much he fucked up. How much he hurt her. There’s no way he could fix what he’s done. Instead of protecting her, what they had— what they could’ve had, what they could’ve been, everything they could’ve built together. He chose to keep her close, but far enough to save himself from getting hurt. He protected himself. He chose to avoid accepting and admitting his own feelings. The very strong feelings that led him to her in the first place. The pain of rejection seemed inevitable and by the time he realized she’d never reject him, it was too late. He’d already went too far. There was no coming back.

He fucked everything up.

“You’re okay. I got you.” She said softly. The smooth skin of her hands caressing his face as she calmed him down. He felt his hands unclench and the tightness in his chest subsiding. As long as she’s here he’ll be good. “It’ll be okay babe.” Her voice was soothing, but that word sparked a deep hatred within himself. He doesn’t deserve that term of endearment.

“No!” His voice startled her, his arm shoving her away from him. The unexpected hostility caused her to fall backwards into a bookshelf. He squeezed his eyes shut, ashamed of what he’d just done. What’s wrong with him?

“Ow!” The pain in her voice was unmistakable. She shifted her weight to her knees as she tried to stand up. He didn’t miss how she rubbed the back of her head.

“I didn’t mean to do that.” He mumbled. He didn’t want physically hurting her to be added to the long list of ways he had failed her. It’s wasn’t on purpose.

He never meant to hurt her. For some reason, when it involved her, he’d naturally become an expert at doing everything wrong.

“Michael, what’s happening?”

“None of your business!”

“Why are you yelling at me? You never—”

“Dammit Y/N! Shut up!” She flinched. Her feet found the ground and she leaned against the wall hoping it would give her the strength she couldn’t muster up herself. “What do you want from me! What the fuck do you want!”

She was trembling at this point. Staring back at him, but unable to look into his eyes. She thought that it would make things worse somehow.

“Answer the fucking question!” He roared.

“I was— I heard you. I just wanted to help. Y— you sounded really upset. I know you don’t like being alone—”

“Well, I don’t need your help! I don’t need you!” He thought if he yelled it loud enough it would be true. He thought if he said it often the spell she had him under would be broken. He thought.

“I was just trying to be a good—”

“A good what? Wife?”

“F— friend?” Her answer sounding more like a question. She was scared. She was stuttering, visibly struggling to understand him at the moment.

“I don’t need any of it from you! Fuck! When are you going to understand!”

“What?”

“You aren’t my wife! You’re a fucking mistake! A mistake I made a five years ago that I’m forced to look at everyday!”

“Michael—”

“You aren’t my wife! This was supposed to be a deal! A deal which you took too damn far! I never asked you to do all this and it sure as hell isn’t my fault you got your feelings involved!”

“I don’t—”

“I’m a lot of things Y/N, but stupid isn’t one of them! All I asked of you was to fill the role of wife in public, little did I know you’d become fucking insufferable in private. Shit! You fucking became everything I didn’t want or need! It’s pitiful watching you look after me like a devoted wife. You do and say what you think I’d approve of because in your tiny brain you’ve convinced yourself that would get me to fall for you! I. Will. Never. Fall. For. You. Ever! It’s a pathetic dream Y/N. A dream that’s never going to come true, do you hear me? You’ll never be anything to me! Life with you is like solitary fucking confinement. It’s the worst form of torture having to be your fake husband. The only thing keeping me from escaping you is that stupid fucking piece of paper!” The distance between them dissipated as he took steps towards her with each insult he threw. Now, he was inches away from her face, watching as each word he spewed broke her further. She didn’t say anything. She couldn’t. Instead, she bit her bottom lip to keep from completely falling apart in front of him, she nodded her head as if to say she understood, then ran out of the room.

Y/N made it to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her and collapsing onto her bed. She hugged the pillow tight as she tried to nurse her shattered heart. She felt humiliated. There’s no way she could ever face him again. He’s different, he’s been different for a while now.

She wish she’d never met him.

The sun was setting when her sorrow quickly evolved and anger took over. She’d done nothing wrong. He’s a damn fool. She became everything he asked her to be. She did everything he wanted. No questions asked.

This wasn’t her fault. She didn’t deserve this and there was no way in hell she was going to stay locked in this room all night feeling sorry for herself. She refused to be in the same house as him. The very thought of him disgusted her.

She hated him.

She sat up, reaching for the telephone and dialing a number with a smile on her face. Michael’s been living life, why shouldn’t she?

The conversation went just as expected, thankfully the man on the other end was not only free for the night, but desperate to see her again. It made her stomach do flips. She was about to spend time with a man and be treated as she deserved.

She quickly got ready, careful to make sure her outfit was perfect. Her black dress was sexy, but subtle. This was going to be a great night.

As Y/N reached the bottom of the steps she was met with one of the assistants Michael had hired to keep her company, so he didn’t have to. She smiled brightly as the woman looked taken aback by her appearance.

“Wow. Mrs. Jackson, you look beautiful. I didn’t know you two had plans tonight. Should I have a vehicle prepared? Your driver is on call.”

“Thank you. Please, call me Y/N. Yes, that would be perfect. I’ve got a reservation to make.”

“Will Mr. Jackson be down shortly?”

“It’s just me tonight.”

“Oh.” The woman said with an inquisitive tone.

“Some old friends of mine are in town, so it’ll be a girl’s night. It’s been a while, I’m so excited to see them.” Y/N lied, feeling both proud and surprised with how quickly she came up with a lie.

“Sounds fun! Enjoy your night.”

The ride to the restaurant hit her with a flood of emotions, she felt like she was doing something wrong. She hated that. She was so loyal to him and he couldn’t care less. She vowed to herself that tonight was that start of her finally letting him go. It was time to focus on what she needed instead of what Michael needed.

The house was dark and quiet in an eerie way. Michael felt lost. He couldn’t stop picturing the look in her eyes as he yelled at her. His words cut deep and he wanted nothing more but to tend to the wounds he had inflicted on her. What the hell came over him?

She must be in shambles.

Although, he was nervous to face her again he knew he had to. The idea of her crying in her room thinking everything he said to her was true just didn’t sit right with him. She had to know he didn’t truly think that. He was angry and for some reason he took it out on her.

He slowly turned the doorknob leading into her bedroom. The bedside light was on, television off and bed empty. There was a strange feeling in the air as he searched for her, nothing looked out of place, which confused him further. He ran around the house in a panic, checking every possible place he knew she enjoyed spending her time. She wasn’t anywhere. It’s too dark, so he knew she wouldn’t be outside. She didn’t go outside alone ever, she preferred having him with her, especially at night. He hopped down the stairs, heading towards the kitchen. She loved cooking, maybe she was in there taking out her frustrations. The kitchen was dark, empty and spotless. Where the hell is she?

He frantically called out for her assistant. He’d looked everywhere. She’s gone and something is wrong.

“It’s Y/N! I can’t find her! I think— something is wrong. I can feel it. Have you seen her today? Did she say anything—”

“I spoke with her about two hours ago Mr. Jackson. She seemed fine to me.” The woman gave him a strange look which he decided to ignore.

“Fine? Well, where is she?”

“She went out to dinner with some old girlfriends. She was driven there and the driver is waiting outside of the restaurant to bring her back. She’s safe. She said you knew.”

“Of course. Yes, I thought that was next week. Okay, that’s good. Good.” He calmed down for a moment after hearing she was okay. He lied to save himself the embarrassment of explaining why he was so desperate to find her.

“I’m happy to help. It’s sweet really, how much you care for her.” She turned to walk away when he spoke up again. He needed more than just knowing she was okay.

“I’ve been so busy. I’m mixing everything up. I’ve got to start writing stuff down.” He laughed, trying like hell not to lose his shit in front of the assistant. She smiled, offering to help him with creating a schedule for his personal events. “That’d be fantastic. Thank you.” He smiled before getting back to topic. “What restaurant did you say she was at?”

Michael walked into the dimly lit restaurant, scanning the faces until he saw her. He could never miss her. She’s beautiful, too beautiful to be just another face in the crowd. He stood tall, pushing his shoulders back and walking over to her. Whoever she was with was making her laugh and as much as he loved seeing her smile, he wasn’t crazy about some stranger bringing it out in her. When she coincidentally looked up, her eyes met his, her smile faded and was replaced with a look of dread. Michael smirked, sending her a playful wink.

“Oh my god.” He heard her say, her fingers on her temples as she attempted to calm herself down. “I’m so sorry.” She said to the person sat across from her.

“Y/N, baby, fancy meeting you here.” Michael smiled, sitting down next to her. “Well, aren’t you going to introduce me?”

“This is Daniel. Daniel, this is Michael.” She gestured between the men apprehensively, unsure of Michael’s intentions.

“Ah, Daniel, the high school sweetheart. Wow. You sure know how to kick a guy when he’s down. I’m impressed. I didn’t think you had it in you babe.” He nudged her softly with his elbow.

“What’s going on here?” Daniel asked.

“Oh you know, just some husband and wife fun, isn’t that right baby?” He smiled big, wrapping his arm around her and kissing her cheek hard. She’s his and he needed to make sure everyone knew it.

“Husband? Right, well— this isn’t what it looks—”

“Is there a reason you’re still here Dillion?” Michael stared the man down, tempted to drag him out of the establishment, but decided against considering there would be about a hundred witnesses.

“It’s Daniel.”

“Don’t give a shit.”

“Should I leave?” Daniel shifted uncomfortably, looking over at Y/N.

“N—”

“Don’t look at her. Don’t talk to her. And yes!” Michael interrupted. “Do I have to spell it out for you? Three is a crowd.” He reached over, knocking back Daniel’s drink, not sparing a second to question the contents of the glass.

“Look man, I’m not sure what’s—”

“David, I’m ten seconds away from breaking your fucking neck.”

“Michael!” Y/N scolded, she was surprised by his words and harsh tone, but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t the least bit curious.

“It’s Daniel.”

“I still don’t give a shit.”

“Okay. Well, since I can’t talk to Y/N—”

“Don’t say her name.”

Daniel didn’t move, he sat there watching them with a confused look on his face. Poor idiot was too scared to do anything.

“You know what, you stay Dick. My lovely wife and I were just heading out. This was great. I look forward to never seeing you again.” He stood up pulling an incorporative Y/N along with him. He dragged her into a bathroom, shutting and locking the door. She immediately tried to leave so he blocked the door with his body, shaking his head at her.

“What the hell are you doing?” She spat at him, snatching her arm away from his grasp. “Don’t touch me!”

“Wow. You’d think a wife would be more excited to receive a surprise visit from her incredibly handsome husband.”

“Cut the sarcasm Michael. You aren’t my damn husband, not a real husband anyway, you’ve made that very clear.”

“Y/N—”

“What the fuck is your problem! You have some nerve waltzing in here and interrupting my date—”

“Date!”

“Oh, spare me. I’m a lot of things Michael, but stupid isn’t one of them!” She spat his words back at him through clenched teeth, her delicate hands balled up into fists and colliding with his chest as she unleashed her pain onto him. “You think I don’t know! You think I’m that naive! I know exactly what you’re up to when you vanish for hours or even days at a time. You’ve done nothing but disrespect and make a fool of me since the moment we said ‘I do’. I wasted years, YEARS! Waiting for you to get your head out of your ass and see me! Really see me, because I’m a damn good catch and you’ve been fucking blessed to have me, even if it is as a pretend wife! I at least thought we had a friendship, but I guess I was wrong. You really know how to play up the kind, gentlemen act, unfortunately you aren’t actually capable of being genuine! I don’t know who the fuck you are and you know what? I don’t care! This is not relationship of any sort. This is nothing. I’ve never been anything more to you than a positive headline, so don’t act like you give a shit now. You don’t care and it’s impossible to grow a conscience in a fucking hour.”

“I do give a shit!”

“Bullshit!”

“When I say something I fucking mean it!”

“Whatever Michael.”

“Baby, I don’t appreciate being called a liar.”

“Stop calling me that. And, you are a liar jackass!”

“I’m not a liar! You’re being—”

“Did you really just say that with a straight face? You’re a damn adulterer! You don’t fucking care about me!”

“I fucking care!”

“Yeah, about yourself! And only yourself! You don’t give a shit about anyone, but yourself! You selfish son of a bit—”

“I give a shit.” He moved closer to her, pushing her against the wall with his chest.

“Sure you do fake husband.” She rolled her eyes, patting him on the shoulder, before attempting to push past him again. He didn’t budge. “Michael, what the fuck? Let me go!”

“I’m not letting you go.”

“You’re not— this is insane. Do you hear yourself? What the fuck is up with you today? Michael move! Get off of me!”

“You’re my wife—”

“Fake wife.”

“Stop fucking saying that!”

“You started it asshole!” He couldn’t take it anymore. He knew she wouldn’t stop fighting him and there weren’t many ways to shut her up once she got started. “What even is this? You’re mad because I went out for once instead of staying at home like some pathetic housewife? Seriously, this is quite the double standard, don’t you think man whore? You’ve been fucking everything with a pulse for three years! I go on one date and you have a fucking bitch fit! You think just because—”

He held her chin in his hand, leaning down to capture her lips. She was speechless as his other hand snaked around her waist, holding her body firmly against his.

The way he kissed her was something she’d never felt before. Her anger was replaced with confusion and her brain grew foggy. She couldn’t think straight, even struggling to stand on her own as her knees grew weak from his touch.

“W— What the hell was that?” She questioned, trying to move away from him, but once again he held her. Finally, Y/N stopped fighting his grasp and looked back at him. She felt her body tingle under his stare.

“You’re my wife.” He whispered. “The date is over. I’m taking you home now.”

“Okay.” She said breathlessly, the entire exchange left her baffled.

He held her hand as the exited the restaurant, when the reached the vehicle, he waved off the driver, opening the door for her instead.

“Thanks.” She gave him a soft smile, sliding across the leather seats to leave the space open beside her, which he gladly took.

“I’d like for things to change between us.” He spoke softly as the vehicle moved. “We have a few things to discuss, but I want things to change.” He reached out for her hand, squeezing it gently. “For the better of course.”

When they arrived home, Michael led her out of the car and into the house. He kept a firm grip on her hand, turning around to give her a reassuring smile every few seconds. Finally, they reached their destination, Michael’s bedroom, although now, he was emphasizing that it would be their bedroom.

They sat close to one another on the edge of the bed, both trying to figure out what to say next. He held her hand in both of his, he couldn’t stop reaching out to touch her. A gesture which made her smile, she’d missed this, this was how he was the first year of their marriage. It just felt right.

“Okay, I’m not quite sure where to start.” His voice was soft, but not afraid. He was growing more confident with her by his side.

“Give it your best shot.” She smiled at him. He felt all the guilt and self pity lifted off his shoulders in that moment. She’s here. She’s smiling at him and the look in her eyes tells him there’s hope.

“I don’t want to do what we’ve been doing. It’s not right. This point forward we— I want this to be real. It was always supposed to be real, but I turned my back on you. It wasn’t fair to you. It went against everything in me to treat you that way. I don’t want to do it anymore. I don’t want to disappear on you anymore.”

“Why? What brought this on?”

“I’ve always wanted it. I was just scared to say it. It’s not easy putting your heart in someone’s hands and hoping they protect it.”

“Tell me about it.” She muttered.

“I’m sorry. I know— I know I haven’t been the best husband—”

“You haven’t been a husband Michael.” She interrupted sadly.

“Yes, you’re right and I want to change it. I know we’re good together. I know because the feeling of you being the one is so damn strong. It scared me a few years ago, but now it doesn’t scare me. I’m not afraid. You’re who I want to be with.”

“Why?”

“Because—” a knock on the door interrupted his explanation. “Hold on. Sorry.” He jogged over to the door, opening it to reveal one of the many women he’s been using to entertain himself throughout their union.

“Great.” Y/N huffed, wiping away the tears falling from her eyes. Michael stepped out, closing the door behind him. That was it. That was the final straw.

She composed herself, standing up and walking off to her room. She didn’t bother seeing where they went, she knew better. She grabbed what she could, shoving things in bags and carrying them downstairs. She was fuming, throwing her belongings in the trunk of their vehicle before slamming it shut.

“I want things to change. For the better of course.” She mimicked Michael’s voice angrily, walking up the stairs to retrieve the rest of her clothes. “Asshole.” She stopped in front of the vanity. Her eyes fell on their wedding picture, with a flick of her wrist she launched it off the small piece of furniture. “I don’t want to disappear on you anymore.” She stared at the broken glass, trembling as she remembered that day. How happy she was. How happy they were. She thought that day was the beginning of the rest of their lives. “You’re such a fucking liar.” She cried as Michael’s face crossed her mind.

There was nothing to do other than get away from him. It was her only option. This was her only opportunity to do it quick as painless as possible and she had to take it.

“Y/N, there you are. Wait, w— what are you doing?” Michael practically ran into her room and found everything he’d been trying to stop from happening.

“I’m leaving. I want a divorce.”

“N—no. No. ” He moved towards her, the sound of broken glass under his shoes, halting his movements. “You broke this? It’s our wedding photo. What the fuck! Why would you do that?”

“Because you broke my heart!” She yelled, her finger in the air pointing at him with such anger it hurt his heart to see what he’d caused.

“Y/N—” every step he took to get closer to her was met with her stepping away, creating more distance between them.

“All you do is lie to me.” She cried, turning away to throw more of her stuff in bags.

“I don’t lie to you! I didn’t lie!”

“Yes, you did!”

“Dammit! Is this what you want? To argue? Do you want to break more shit? I can do it too!” He ran over to his bedroom, grabbing the vase off of his dresser then kicking it over. His fingers turned red from how hard he was clutching this damn vase. This damn vase that meant more to him than he cared to admit. Something had come over him. When he found himself back in the doorway of her room and she was still packing. He lost it. He threw the vase against the wall. The loud sound of the shattering glass caused them both to flinch.

“That was a gift! I gave that to you!” She cried.

“I thought we were breaking things we hate.” He shrugged, leaning against the wall.

“I never said I hated— you know what? Fine!” She spun around, walking over to the window and lifting it open. She yanked the rings off her finger, smiling at him sarcastically. Michael’s face scrunched up when he realized what was happening.

“Y/N! No! Put them back on!” He ran over to her, grabbing her from behind, trying to pull her away from the window. “Don’t you fucking dare.”

“Don’t do what? This!” It happened so fast. She’d launched them out of the second story window without a second thought.

“What the fuck! What’s wrong with you! Why the fuck would you do that! You know how impossible it’s going to be to find those!”

“Never said I wanted them back.”

“Well you’re getting them back! And, you’re going to fucking wear them!”

“No, I’m not!”

“I can’t believe this. What’s gotten into you?”

“What! You’re the only one around here allowed to do whatever you want, whenever you want!”

“Can we just fucking talk!” He pleaded, this was getting way out of hand.

“Oh, now he wants to talk.” She yelled, throwing her arms in the air with a vicious chuckle.

“Y/N, I want to fix this! We were so close a few moments ago, what happened? What did I do? What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong he asks?”

“Are we really doing the third person shit?”

“You know what! Fuck this! It’s fucking bullshit! I don’t have to deal with this anymore! You don’t get to hurt my heart. You don’t deserve me. You don’t even deserve to be near me! You don’t fucking deserve me! You never have and you never will!”

She stormed off without waiting for a response. The closet light flipped on and she immediately started tearing items off of hangers.

“Y/N!”

“Leave me alone!”

“No! Why are you packing? Stop!” He yelled snatching the suitcase away from her.

“I’m leaving you!”

“No! I don’t want you to leave!”

“Good thing I don’t give a shit what you want!”

“Stop!” He grabbed her wrists holding onto her, it felt like he needed to in order to keep everything together. He needed to hold on. “You can’t leave. We can fix this. I thought we agreed we both wanted to fix this?” She was squirming away from him flailing her arms to escape his tight grip, but he held on. He felt every push, kick and slap. He took it all because it meant she was still there. And, if she was this angry, he knew it was all an act, she loved him more than she could ever hate him. She’s angry because she didn’t want to leave him, but after what he’s done she thought it was her only choice to save what dignity she had left.

“I hate you!” She was crying hard and her fight against him began to die down. She was exhausted.

“No, you don’t. You don’t hate me.” He placed his hand on her cheek, wiping her tears away with his thumb. She found herself soaking in the moment, leaning into his touch before she caught herself, backing away from his touch and shaking her head at him.

“Why don’t you go back to your little girlfriend. Let me get out of here and far the fuck away from you.”

He was shocked. He’d never heard her speak that way. He knew she would cry often, but he’d never seen it with his own eyes, so he acted like it didn’t happen. Shit. He really messed up. This woman standing in front of him had endured his bullshit for so long. He destroyed her. She was sobbing her eyes out, struggling to breathe and he couldn’t think of anyway to bring her comfort.

“S— She wasn’t supposed to be here. I didn’t invite— I don’t know why she showed up, but she’s gone. Okay? I led her straight out the door. She’s nothing to me. I promise, you’ll never see her again. I don’t want her here. I don’t want her.”

“That’s a great story Michael. I like the part where just this once you didn’t fuck her while I was in the next room.”

“Y/N.” He said her name like a prayer.

“Michael.” She shot back.

“You’re being unreasonable!” He shouted, that stopped her and she turned around to face him. A coldness filled her stare.

“Unreasonable? Are you fucking insane! I’ve been the most reasonable and understanding person ever! You aren’t that easy to deal with Michael! In fact, you’re a pain in the ass! I’ve done so much for you, you fucking prick! I hate about 98% of the shit I’ve had to while married to you and—”

“No one asked you to!”

“You did! You asked me to! And, you know what, I would’ve said no back then if I knew this was the real you. This fucking ass—”

“Enlighten me Y/N! Lay it on me baby! What’s the real me? You know me so fucking well now?”

“You enjoy hurting people. You loved how I took care of you. You loved how I filled this ‘wife role’. You watched me fall in love with you and you enjoyed every second of it. It brought you so much joy to see how I looked at you like you were everything all the while treating me like I was nothing. God forbid the great Michael Jackson let his guard down and love someone. You’re a scared little boy, too scared to own the fact that I’m not the only one who lost herself in this deal. It didn’t even take a year for you to start pulling away, you caught yourself feeling something more and you weren’t man enough to own it so you shut me out. Then, you turned into this complete asshole who did whatever brought me the most pain. You enjoyed being able to break me over and over again, yet keep me here, tied to you. You effectively trapped me and you loved having the power to do so because at least no one else could have me.”

“You’re such a bitch!” The truth behind her words definitely struck a cord in him. He hated how she saw everything. He loathed how she could see right through him. He wasn’t prepared for her to throw that all at him. He was expecting another snarky come back not to be hit with the truth.

“I guess that’s one thing I could say I learned from you.”

Y/N pushed past him, dragging suitcases behind her. When she reached the stairs, he could hear the wheels smacking each step as she moved further away from him. The sound was driving him crazy.

“Fuck!” He shouted, punching the wall in front of him. It only pissed him off more when it did nothing to ease his rage. Now, he had more pain, radiating from his hand, yet it didn’t compare to the heaviness in his chest.

He wanted to punch holes into the walls until his knuckles were bloody.

The sound of the garage door opening snapped him out of his thoughts. He’s couldn’t process the idea of not seeing her everyday. He ran after her, practically flying down the stairs. When he flung the garage door open, she’d just slam the drivers door, starting the vehicle and he did the first thing he could think of.

He punched the button to close the automatic garage door leading to the driveway and jumped on the hood of the car. It scared the shit out of her, but successfully kept her from driving off.

“Get the fuck off the car! Are you crazy?”

“No! You’re crazy if you think I’m going to sit back and watch you leave!” He clutched the windshield wiper as he stared her down through the glass.

“Dammit!” She shut the car off, pushing the door open and kicking her feet out. She stood there raking her hands through her hair and kicked the door shut. “Fuck!” She didn’t look at him, taking small steps that led her to the front of the vehicle. Finally, she spoke. “What do you want from me Michael? Do you want me to sign an NDA? Sign over my rights? What? I’ll do it, okay? I’ll do anything. I’ll do whatever it takes to get away from you.” She crossed her arms, her words felt forced, but he knew she meant them on some level. She didn’t want to hurt anymore. He understood that.

“You.” He slid off the hood, taking cautious steps towards her.

“What?”

“I want you. I want to be your husband. I want to make up for all the shit I put you through all these years. I want to be what you deserve. I want you.”

“Michael, you’ve spent the entire day telling me how much I’ve ruined your life. You don’t want me, not really, not the way I want you. I don’t want to be crushed anymore. I can’t take it. Please, just let me go.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I don’t just want you, Y/N, I need you. We can do this the right way. I can— I want to be your husband. I need you, dammit doesn’t that mean enough? I’ve never needed anyone.”

“How am I supposed to believe that?” She whispered. “How am I— how are we going to that, be husband and wife? Michael, I don’t think that’s possible.”

“Do I need to get on my knees and beg you to stay? Because I will. Y/N, I’ll beg.”

“No, you don’t. I— I’m just trying to understand. Michael, help me understand.”

“Baby, please.” He sank down to the floor, looking up at her. She shook her head and attempted to pull him up from the ground, but he continued. He wrapped his arms around her hips, his face resting on her stomach. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please. I don’t want to be without you. Please, one more chance. It’s all I’ll ever ask of you. I’ll never fuck up again. Please. Y/N, just one more chance— one more chance to love you— to love you the way I should’ve from the start.”

“One more chance to love me?”

“You asked me why I wanted this earlier and I didn’t get to answer.” His stood up, holding her hands in his. She closed her eyes, leaning her head on his chest. “I love you. I’ve always loved you.”

Y/N lifted her head, staring at him as if to call his bluff, but he didn’t back down. He walked her backwards, pinning her against the car and sliding her backward to sit on the hood. His fingers moved up her thighs, spreading her legs only to move himself closer and fill the space. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he grabbed the fabric hanging off her body, tearing the slit of her dress higher and ripping her panties in the process. Her eyes followed his hands as he moved to unzip his trousers.

“Woah, what are—” he grew impatient, unable to fight the urge any longer. He was aching for her. His lips desperate to touch every part of her. He wanted to feel her, but more than anything he wanted her to feel something other than anger or pain. He wanted her to stop thinking so much. He wanted her to feel how much he wanted her. And, he wanted her in every damn way possible.

Her lips were made to be against his, her body meant for his hands, every piece of her created to be his. He just needed to remind her of it.

“You’re my wife and I love you.” Looking deep into each others eyes, her legs spreading further as he moved into them. She whimpered when he stood still, he was completely immersed in her, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy his need.

“Move. Please, move.”

“Oh. My. Fuck.” His grunts growing louder as their connection strengthened. She was so tight, so wet. It felt like his dick had died and went to heaven. Holy shit. His mind was all over the place, completely overwhelmed by the sensation of thrusting into her raw. He thought all sex was good, but this, this was indescribable.

The ultimate act of intimacy. No barriers. No limits.

His hips moved against hers and he smiled when her eyes closed. She leaned back onto the hood, savoring how he felt. Michael on the other hand was relishing in how perfect she looked beneath him.

“Michael— stop.” She whispered so low, she wanted this, her body gave into him instantly, but that small ounce of pride left behind was conflicted. She didn’t want to give in so easily, but she wanted him so bad. There was no strength left to fight him, especially when having him inside of her was the first time she’d ever felt whole.

He scanned her features, understanding her uncertainty and desperate to spend his life proving to her how safe she was with him. She couldn’t give up on him yet. He wouldn’t allow it, not without fighting like hell for her.

“You really want me to stop?” He asked. “Just say the word babe and I’ll let you go.” His breath tickled her ear as he leaned his forehead on her shoulder. “I’ll put you first like should’ve from the beginning. I’ll give you what you want and if that’s what you want. I’ll let you go.” He said, swallowing the pain that came with the thought of her actually leaving.

“Don’t.” She opened her eyes, lifting his head up, so she could see his face. If he let her go she’d never recover. She needed him in every damn way imaginable.

“You feel better than I dreamt you would.” He said, placing a tender kiss against her lips. She wrapped her leg around him, tugging his shirt open, her hands roaming his chest eagerly.

“You like the way I feel, love?” She licked her lips, tracing the skin of his pecks. “But, you haven’t even explored yet.” She slid the strap of her dress down exposing herself to him.

“Shit, you’re so fucking hot.”

“Show me what you dreamt about. Do it all to me. Michael, do everything to me.”

“Fuck!” His growl echoing through the room. Her hands stuck to his ass, finger nails piercing his skin as she pulled him deeper into her. The beads of sweat forming on his forehead only fueling her desire.

“Shit. Michael!” He could feel her walls vibrating, so he slowed down his movements enough to elongate her buildup.

“You ever going to sneak out the house again?” He purred, his voice falling into the skin of her neck as he nibbled on her. All she did was shake her head, squeezing his arms in attempt to adjust to his pace. “Tell me where you want to be.”

“H—here.” She answered, shivering when his hand traced her skin to rest on her collarbone, keeping her in place as he lost himself in her pussy.

“You sure? You don’t want to be with— what was his name, Dillion— Derek — Dick?” She shook her head vigorously at his question. Her hips buckling against his before he quickly grabbed and pushed her down into the metal of the car. She let out a needy moan as her bare ass pressed against the cold surface. “Why the sudden change of heart?” His hands cupping her breasts as he awaited her answer.

“I don’t want him.”

“Who do you want?” His thumbs massaging circles around her nipples while he watched her loosen up with his every move.

“You. I want to be with you.”

“Yeah?”

“I want to be here.”

“Good.”

A trail of their discarded clothing on the garage floor led to an open door. The sounds of their moans and the shaking vehicle the only thing that warned possible bystanders that the space was occupied.

“Michael!” Her fingernails clawed at the carpeted floor of the stretch limousine as her beloved husband panted above her.

Each of his movements had purpose. One hand placed beside her head, the other clenching her thigh as he let his dick touch every part of her he’d been yearning to explore.

“I love you. I love you. I love you.” He breathlessly spoke, reminding her that she was his.

He was intrigued when she guided him to lay next to her, climbing on top of him with a flirtatious smile. He’d never experienced this, fighting against the need to blink because he didn’t want to miss a second of her. Fuck. She’s on top of him and her tits are bouncing along with the rhythm of her thrusts. He was sure he’d cum inside of her, but she didn’t seem to mind. She let out a pleasure filled sob when she felt the warmth of his load release into her.

“I love you. I love you. I love you.” She sung, leaving kisses all over his body.

“You’re going to drive me crazy.” He inhaled deep, catching her chin and directing her to his lips. She wasted no time letting her tongue glide across his bottom lip.

“Good.” She teased, his hand trailed down her arm, taking her hand in his and intertwining their fingers.

He couldn’t remember ever falling asleep next to someone, especially after sex. This time it wasn’t just sex. He figured that was the difference, this time mattered. This time it was making love and that was a first for him.

Last night had importance, every other night was forgettable. An endless amount of nights spent meaninglessly with numerous blurred faces, because he only ever saw hers.

It was always her.

Her face was engraved on the inside of his damn eyelids. He pictured her with every kiss, touch and fuck, because back then he thought that was her hold on him. He’d never been with her, so he assumed that’s all it was, curiosity of the forbidden fruit so to speak.

He could feel deep down it was more than just a craving of what he’d had yet to taste. He was just too chicken shit to do anything about it.

The morning after was always something he hated the thought of, he had grown accustomed to having his fun and sending them on their way. He liked it that way. He didn’t need anyone hanging around and he definitely didn’t need a body sleeping next to him. He’d never experienced the morning after, he never wanted to, until now.

He woke up next to her and that in itself made the morning after his new favorite occasion.

If it wasn’t for the smooth skin of her beautiful bare chest pressed against his side he would’ve thought last night was a dream. A very extensive, meticulous, loud and exceedingly satisfying dream.

He didn’t care how uncomfortable the floor of this limousine was, he was happy to stay right here if it meant she’d be here too. The way he saw it this was his new favorite place in the world. It brought them where they needed to be. He didn’t even mind the rug burn on his ass, watching Y/N ride him made up for that. She was rough, but damn did she know what she was doing.

Last night, they unleashed everything they’d held back for five years.

He felt her move, her eyes closed as she readjusted her head to rest in the middle of his chest, the smooth skin of her cheek tickling his peck and her body now positioned in between his legs. He stroked her hair, smiling because even in her sleep she wanted him closer. It took him back to the first and last time they fell asleep together. It was a few months into their marriage, when they had been inseparable. They had built a makeshift bed out of pillows on the Neverland theater floor. A mountain of candy, buckets of popcorn and a soda fountain to save them from any unnecessary interruptions. The plan was to have an all night movie marathon, but they found deeper enjoyment in one another’s company. That was the only time his body had been sore from laughing so much. He’d felt more like himself with her than he ever had before.

He couldn’t describe it back then. It was beyond his understanding five years ago, he didn’t know what he does now.

“Mornin’ babe.” His husky morning voice sounded as she lifted her head looking at him through sleepy eyes.

“Hi.” She giggled, burying her face into the crook of his neck.

That’s when it clicked. He finally understood.

“I like waking up next to you.”

“I like waking up on top of you.” Her lips connected with his neck and he moaned softly melting into her touch.

He’d come to the conclusion that they were connected long before they met.

It was something deep in their souls.

“I have a surprise for you.”

“Wow. A surprise? Lucky me.” She played with his hair. “You didn’t have to do anything for me.”

“I wanted to.”

“Mhm. I’m guessing last night was your way of making me earn it?”

“No. That was my way of making love to my wife. My very sexy wife. Who is very flexible, that was a fun surprise.”

“It’s not my fault you’re just finding that out.” She winked at him, kicking her feet in the air innocently.

“Stop that. Don’t start. Baby, I’ll break your damn hip if you keeping looking at me like that.”

“Make me stop. Show me my surprise.”

“Of course, all you have to do is follow me my little gymnast.” He sat up uncovering himself with the thin blanket he’d found under the backseat last night. He wrapped it around her. “Wait here. I’ll get our clothes.” He stretched as he stepped out of the vehicle, he didn’t bother covering himself, he was too proud of what led him to being in this state.

If there was even the slightest chance they’d have any witnesses he preferred to be seen in all his glory.

He fought to conceal his chuckle as he collected her clothes off the ground just to let them slip through his fingers. It didn’t take much inspection to see that everything she had on last night wasn’t in a condition to be worn again, he’d torn it all to shreds. He stepped into his pants, pulling them up his legs and buttoning them before retrieving his long sleeve button up shirt from the floor. This will do. She’ll look good in this. Really good.

She stepped out wrapped in the blanket, just as he was heading back to her.

“Sorry. You were taking long and I missed you.” She batted her eyes at him, pushing her hair out of her face and tiptoeing over to him. All he could do was look at her, making a mental note of the dimple in her cheek that only appeared when she smiled at him like that.

“Here. We’ve got to cover you up. From now on, this is for my eyes only, got it?” She moved close to him, leaning against his chest as she slid the blanket off of her shoulders and onto his. She clutched the ends of the fabric, pulling him down to her eye level, hovering over his lips for a moment before placing a soft kiss. He passed her his shirt, letting the knuckles of his fingers brush against her breast and admiring the goosebumps his touch sparked.

“Feeling a smidge possessive are we?” He teased, watching her button up his shirt. His eyes lingering on the space where his shirt ended and her upper thigh began.

“Something like that.”

“I nearly killed a man last night because he made you smile. Trust me, I get it babe.”

“You were an absolute menace. Who knew?”

“I guess the thought of losing you brought it out in me.”

“Michael, I’m—”

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

“Let’s not apologize anymore. This is our fresh start. Okay?”

He smiled, nodding at her statement. “I love you.”

“That’s something I’m gonna have to get used to hearing.”

“Well, looks like I have to say it more often.”

“Good plan, Mr. Jackson.”

“I love you, Mrs. Jackson. Damn, I love you so much.”

“I love you.”

“I’m gonna tear this shirt off of you.”

“Is that the surprise?”

“No. Come on. I’ll give you your surprise and then back to the exploring.” He winked, slipping his hand under the shirt to squeeze her ass.

“Promise?”

“Oh, yes. I don’t break my promises either baby.”

His arm curled around her back, keeping her close as they walked through the grass. He swiftly moved behind he covering her eyes with his hands and bending down to whisper in her ear.

“We’re almost there.”

“Please don’t let me fall.” She giggled, her hands reaching behind to settle on his thighs.

“Never.” A sweet kiss to her cheek. “Ready?”

“Yes!” Y/N opened her eyes, she saw newly built stables. “Michael, when did you— how?”

“They’ve been working on it for a few months. It was tough to keep it from you.”

“This is so sweet. Thank you.”

“Baby, this isn’t even the surprise.” He tilted his head up at her, a cocky grin on his face.

“Wait, what are you talking about?” She beamed, his squeezed her hand, pulling her through the large door.

“Now, you’ll have two things to ride.” His chuckle, making her cheeks burn.

There was a beautiful white horse waiting inside. Absolutely the most beautiful animal she’d ever seen in person.

“Only you could make a surprise as amazing as this embarrassing!” She walked over, placing her hand on its nose through the gate. “Wow. He’s gorgeous. I can’t believe you did this. Thank you so much.”

“Baby, there’s no reason at all to be embarrassed. You should be proud. You rocked my damn world.”

“Shush!”

“What? It’s true! I’m still tingling. My wife is an absolute legend in—”

“Michael!” Her laughter filled his ears and it was quickly becoming his favorite sound.

“Y/N. My Y/N.”

“Yes. Yours.” She reaffirmed his words, making his heart feel whole.

“We could name him miracle.”

“Why, because it’s a miracle I’ve put up with you this long?”

“Something like that.”

They had a matching passion in their eyes, one that personified the profound bond they shared. Entranced in an amorous stare, a thought crossed their minds simultaneously. One that brought on a great deal of emotion and understanding. They’d come to the conclusion that they had stumbled upon everything that most people spend their entire lives searching for.

There was something linking them, the energy of it overpowering at times, but so damn worth it. They had no control, it was something within.

Their souls were tied.

[comicaurora]

These have been pent up for a while, so there's a whole list lol. Some are Aurora, some are not.

1) Can lacrimas carry out multiple purposes at once? Or will they blend them? I'm assuming that this is possible, considering that the automaton in the ruins was using a lacrima as a brain

2) Has anyone tried to make tools or weapons out of lacrimas? I'm talking like chisel that needs no hammer. Or maybe a Fire lacrima on a bow that sets your arrows on fire

3) Can you engrave runes on lacrimas to make them affect themselves?

4) Where can I read more about the Twins? If I'm not wrong they're the creator gods, aided by the Light dragon and the Void dragon to create life, but I might be getting a wrong read on that

5) Since we see Erin successfully become the first Void mage, does that now mean there's potential for him to make a Void lacrima? The dragon probably won't allow it, but still

6) What exactly does elemental corruption of each element do? Fire literally burns you up, as we saw in Arc 1. I can infer that Life likely makes you a chimera. Void corruption makes you a cave crawler. But what do the other one do? Does Earth make you a statue? Does Wind disintegrate you, Thanos style?

7) Now onto the non-Aurora questions, is your art vector or raster? I believe it's vector, but it's always better to confirm

8) What are your opinions on reading into the environment and the character design to infer things about the character themselves? In any type of media

9) Have you played Baldur's Gate 3?

10) Do you have any music that you'd recommend? I've listened to every song I liked so many times that I hate them now.

11) I'm new to Tumblr, anything that I should know? You don't have to answer this one if you don't wanna. I think I know some of the basics already. Reblog what you like, and avoid the terfs, right?

You might be able to tell that I like the idea of the lacrimas a little bit. Just a teensy bit. The artificer in me definitely isn't obsessed. I appreciate any answers you can give :3

Cheers!

Ooh, lots of stuff!

Yes, it's possible. A lacrima can be engraved with multiple spells, set in a casing engraved with commands, or some combination of the two. Typically, all spells engraved directly on a lacrima will activate at once when the lacrima is "switched on", but a spell can be quite complex, and conditional activations are possible - "if-then-else" statements, basically.

Yes, magic items exist.

Generally no. If the lacrima is disrupted or broken, the spell generally stops functioning, so a self-affecting lacrima will run only as long as it takes for the lacrima to distort or break.

There's an extra lore page about them!

He probably could if he wanted to (and the Dragon allowed it) but Void energy is very dangerous, so he likely doesn't want to.

Each form of elemental corruption agitates the presence of the element in the mage's body. Earth corruption can damage or alter bones, encourage unhealthy petrification of soft tissues, etc. Wind corruption can have physical effects but it often most obviously produces breakdowns in the person's ability to speak or understand language. Lightning damages, numbs or intensifies a person's physical senses.

Raster, I draw with CSP's digital pens. I've only very briefly experimented with vector art - I don't like how it simplifies the lines.

I think it's a fun school of analysis but, like all literary analysis, it runs into trouble if it tries to lock down exactly what the writer was thinking or intending (which is an objective fact that one can be incorrect about) rather than trying to analyze the story on its own and what meaning might, intentionally or unintentionally, be factoring into it.

Nope

don't trust my taste in music it's 90% nu metal and sonic OSTs

Like what you like, reblog what you want, generally it's considered dubious form to add a comment to a reblog unless you have something profound to contribute (commenting in the tags is fine), steer clear of discourse and callout posts and generally the sectors of the site that are constantly on fire, blocking someone for any reason is 100% fine

[hephanna]

On the Cat King, Edwin & Charles. [And David the Demon + Crystal, and Jenny + Maxine & Niko].

Not to unnecessarily pipe in my two cents when it hasn't been asked for, BUT I just wanted to mention some of my thoughts on The Cat King, Edwin, Charles (and Crystal + David the Demon) sometimes fantasy shows use supernatural elements as allegories for real life situations (this is seen with Buffy, Supernatural, and yes Dead Boy Detectives) and therefore just because it's supernatural/fantasy, it cannot immediately be dismissed as 'not needing to follow real life moral rules' For example in Dead Boy Detectives, David the Demon, despite being a demon, is clearly an allegory for an abusive ex-boyfriend - Jenny even points this out on-screen. David is in Crystals' head, harassing her and tearing down her self-confidence (telling her she isn't worth anything) the way an abusive ex-boyfriend may linger in their victim's mind even after breaking up. He takes away her memories (and therefore her identity) the same way an abusive boyfriend takes away the identity of the woman he is abusing, her sense of self, her connections. And Crystal must take her sense of self, her memory, her confidence back by defeating David. Although David is a demon, he is still meant to reflect a real-life abusive ex-boyfriend, even a human one. The same thing is true with the Cat King - not saying he's an abusive ex-boyfriend - but his behaviour cannot be justified by the fact that he's a supernatural creature. The audience is still meant to reflect, to make connections via the supernatural on real-life situations. Now, I'm not saying the Cat King was wrong for trying to shoot his shot with Edwin, or that Edwin wasn't attracted to the Cat King, HOWEVER, Edwin's attraction doesn't mean the Cat King is entitled to his time or affection - nor does it mean the Cat King has a right to disregard Edwin's boundaries. Disregarding their introductory meeting, and discussions about whether or not it was morally correct of the Cat King to ask Edwin to have sex with him after putting a magical bracelet on his wrist, several incidents after that also demonstrate the Cat King taking away Edwin's choice from him (such as using a truth spell on him to force Edwin into confessing why he's a detective in hopes of not being sent back to Hell) - regardless of the Cat King's response "I like your secret parts" you shouldn't force someone into being vulnerable for you before they are ready - the same way it would be wrong to read someone's private journal, or get someone drunk with the purpose of asking them invasive questions you know they wouldn't answer sober. The Cat King views himself as entitled to the 'real' Edwin, regardless of whether Edwin feels comfortable sharing that with the Cat King. This is also seen when the Cat King saves Edwin from Monty, and then gets upset when that doesn't get him what he wants (a kiss, sex, whatever) and Edwin gets frustrated with the Cat King, reminding him he's a person, not a toy. The audience is meant to emphasize with Edwin, and understand the situation he's in and how it parallels real life situations. (i.e., someone thinking you owe them sex because they bought you a drink at a bar) Edwin forgives the Cat King at the end, because a part of Edwin's character journey, along with self-discovery, is also forgiveness. He understands the Cat King is also struggling, in the same way he understood Simon was struggling, but there struggles do not mean the way they treated Edwin was acceptable. That doesn't mean the Cat King can't grow from this, and learn to respect Edwin and his boundaries. That also doesn't mean you can't still ship the Cat King/Edwin and enjoy an unhealthy power dynamic, boundary pushing, etc., this is still fiction after all, and I'd be a huge hypocrite to say that all my ships are morally good and acceptable. But I just also think "it's a fantasy show! it doesn't need to follow our morals!" is a flimsy understanding of the text - just acknowledge that something doesn't have to be morally correct for you to enjoy it, but don't remove the morals altogether.

There is a reason, after all, as Edwin accepts his sexuality, he realizes he is in love and wants Charles, not the King Cat. There is a reason (I think, at least) that the show creates obvious parallels between Charles & the Cat King - and shows Charles very obviously not liking the Cat King. Also, just another little thought, this is also demonstrated with Jenny & Maxine. Maxine seems 'innocent' because she's a sweet, blonde librarian who is writing Jenny Love Notes - and the Love Notes are even acknowledged, as creepy from the get-go, but then it's like "oh, but it's just a sweet, innocent woman who's writing them, it's actually super romantic!" And then the twist is, no, actually, it still is creepy. Maxine was literally stalking Jenny for possibly months, watching her through her window, and as we saw: not accepting Jenny's boundaries when it became clear Jenny was uncomfortable. Like the Cat King got upset and mad with Edwin, saying he wasn't going to 'play nice' anymore, Maxine got upset with Jenny and then tried to kill her, yelling 'why won't you let me love you.' Again, just because you like someone, and even if that person was initially or still is attracted to you - like Jenny was initially attracted to Maxine - that does not mean you are entitled to their love, their privacy, or their body. Everyone still have free choice. There is a reason Jenny did not immediately forgive Niko for pushing her to go on a date with Maxine, and why Niko felt so guilty - it wasn't Niko's fault, at all, because Maxine made her own choices, but Jenny had been uncomfortable with the situation from the get-go, and she was proven right - and put into extreme danger because of it. This isn't to say the Cat King is terrible - again, I enjoyed the Cat King character. I liked his interactions with Edwin, his sarcasm and tricks. But his behaviour towards Edwin went beyond flirtation and wanting to be with Edwin, and at times was coercive, manipulative, and toxic. Which is okay! As we learned during the end, Crystal was also toxic during her life and then wanted to change and become a better person. The Cat King can also be toxic, and then learn and want to change and better himself. I just personally think that's an important aspect to acknowledge of the Cat King's journey - instead of sweeping it under the rug, or telling other fans they're "reading too deeply into it" and "just don't understand what demonstrating sexual interest in someone is." Or "it's fantasy." Because there's demonstrating sexual interest in someone, and then there's routinely and purposefully bull-dozing over someone's boundaries, which we see the Cat King to do Edwin. Anyway, apologies for my huge ramble, I am not trying to be mean to anyone or say anyone cannot ship the Cat King/Edwin (and I am admittedly biased - Edwin/Charles holds my heart) but I enjoy show analysis, healthy debate, etc,. and just really wanted to share my thoughts and engage with the community. All my love, Hephie.

[thatwritterbeach]

So About that Alley .3

Jason Todd x fmc

DC masterlist ALL OTHER PARTS FOUND HERE

Unedited***Also I swear Tumblr is messing up my spelling on purpose cuz everytime I re-read something I know I fixed it's wrong again

Alex: short, curvy, red hair, green eyes, redheads go through pain meds way faster than normal people to the point I personally don't even take them, it's a joke, they last 30 min at best

Summary: Alex finds out her bf is red hood, after she spills some not so great secrets to the masked man while stitching him up.

Warnings: Vaginismus* angst, sexual assault, self-harm, depression, drug use by Alex, violence, cursing, NSFW, smut, thigh riding, vaginal fingering, guided masturbation?, p in v (not overly described), pain during s*x, hiding said pain, hickeys?, self-hate, insecurities, eating disorder, weight loss

A/N: I do not own dc booho

stop what is this gif lol^^

"Hey, Jay," she asked in a totally calm totally cool manner the next morning, completely numb thanks to the nice little combo she'd whipped up. Not floating or un-present but not in pain, even where the arm of the couch was digging into her side as Jason squished into her, laying fully on top of her.

"Yes, my beloved?"

"Don't make me take away your books you little dork. I was just wondering if your family knows about you...you know, not being dead?"

"Uh, yeah, why?"

"Just if I happened to run into them I wouldn't wanna be like 'oh I'm dating Jason' and they'd be all 'wtf is wrong with this chick, he's dead' you know."

"I guess. Alex," he said grabbing her hand and pulling it to his mouth," I'm gonna introduce you, I'm not ashamed of you or whatever the hell else your mind is trying to say. My family is...overwhelming for most and I didn't want to scare you off."

"I get it dude, and since I just recently placed you as Robin you would have had to hire a family, or spill you deepest secrets to me. Lucky for you, I am the most understanding woman on the planet."

"I'd argue, but you're right. I'll text Alfred, the leader of the gang, and see when we can come for dinner. Be warned though, it could be tonight, they've been trying to get me to come home for a while now."

It was in fact that night. Alex scurried around for a clean pair of jeans, then after a glance in the mirror at her too large reflection she ripped them off and tossed them to the floor. A dress? No, that one has a tear. This skirt? No, it's too short. Jean short, they're clean but who the fuck wear jeans shorts to a mansion. Business slacks, no that says trying too hard. Ah ha, a superman t-shirt, and black leggings, then top it off with one of Jason's zip up hoodies.

"Is that what you're wearing," he asked with a laugh as he came into the room. In fact the laugh became a full blown fit and he doubled over nearly to the ground clutching his stomach and wheezing. With each second she got more and more self-conscious. Of course she couldn't wear what was basically pajamas to a fancy place, what was wrong with her. With a sigh she took off her boots and slid out of the leggings and switched them for her jeans, that she hated but whatever. Searching in vain for something that wasn't a graphic tee, or a business blouse she was half way through her closet when Jason recovered enough to notice what she was doing.

"No, put it back on, it's great, doll, I wasn't laughing at you, I was laughing with you."

"I wasn't laughing," she said without emotion.

"Hey, come 'er." Much to her wiggling protest he pulled her tight against him and placed several loud kisses along her scalp.

"Everyone else will be in pj's I solemnly swear, in fact I was just about to change into my matching flannel set, someone amazing bought it for me, but I can't remember who," he said tapping his chin with mock thought.

"Really?"

"Cross my heart," he said, though his fingers were crossed behind his back.

"Ok," she conceded trying to get free. He held on for another minute before spinning her out away from himself and winking when she fell back onto the bed. Matching pj's in hand he headed to the bathroom, not for privacy but to send an urgant group chat explicity stating lounge clothes were to be worn.

See masterlist for more

[beatboxing-puppy]

saw some posts on this website discussing what sort of videogames the dunmeshi characters would play and i think everyone is wrong. everyone is wrong except for me so im going to spell out exactly who plays what. putting it under a read more because im going on a damn tangent.

Laios: He's not a gamer he does not play games on purpose he will only ever play video games when his friends ask him to join them in their multiplayer things. One day tho Falin told him about Monster Hunter and now thats the only thing he plays aside from Spore and he has sunk countless hours into that damn game. Also he probably has played Some pokemon but he doesnt like PLAYING it he just likes it in concept he knows the name of all the pokemon

marcille: people keep saying she would be a cosy gamer playing animal crossing and stardew and other cute games ^-^ its so lalalaaaa NO!!!!!!! no she does not. Marcille plays games that stress her out on purpose marcille plays overwhelming micromanagey games like lobotomy corporation and rimworld and etc. She also likes games with deep lore and mysteries to discover. The only thing that doesn't fit in this category that she plays is Minecraft shes always in there CREATIVE MODE building virtual dungeons and other crazy shit. Also she plays on her work laptop with trackpad ok

Chilchuck: This one is for me. This one im just basing off my own dad ok. Chilchuck used to be a hardcore gamer in his youth but specifically he was playing stuff like world of warcraft and old school runescape he had really big setups so he could run several instances of the game at once on all his alt accounts so he could beat a boss by himself and he was really good at it. But then he had kids and didnt have time for this sort of thing so he stopped playing videogames aside from occasionally helping his daughters beat a super hard mario level. Later in life he probably discovered some shitty little low-commitment phone game like pokemon go or pikmin bloom or some daily sudoku puzzle thing and he plays it every day but its not that big a deal. He has been pressured by his friends and daughters to make a roblox account but he hasnt played it at all.

Senshi: THIS guy is the one that plays animal crossing. He logs in when he can but hes not on that every day grind. Also he doesnt play the newest one he doesnt play horizons he plays one of the DS ones. Wild world probably. He either doesn't like or doesn't know about the nintendo switch. Whenever one of his villagers say that they want to leave he'll nod solemnly and say smth like "Well... I suppose it'd be selfish to ask ye to stay, friend... Just promise me you'll stay safe and never forget me... Go and explore the world. Wish ye the best." Plus his island would be covered in weeds. He also has some mobile games he enjoys angry birds and candy crush and crosswords (gotta keep the brain in shape!) but other than that he doesn't videogame much because he prefers board games and tabletop stuff he isnt too jazzed about all this modern technology plus a console or a laptop and all that gaming equipment is a lot to lug around and hes a nomad he would NOT have that shit

Falin: Now FALIN is the cosy gamer. kind of. Falin plays animal crossing new horizons sometimes and has fun making a bad island on purpose. Very mildly "bad" tho the worst she'll do is use the drawing feature to hide a giant penis on the beach or whatever. Or she'll give her villagers silly outfits. She also plays minecraft (either skyblock or she makes a new world and explores and builds a couple houses and then forgets about it and makes another new world) and roblox (likes 'trolling' strangers by dressing up funny and acting kind of strange in roleplay servers but she's never actually mean or anything.) But the big thing she likes is story-driven indie rpgmaker games. She's the person who will say shit like "Yeah I played Blums Booglies the quest for Big Dinners and it was so good I cried for 9 hours" completely unironically.

kabru: social gamer like laios but the games he plays on purpose are the sims (he likes to cause them problems) and online multiplayer games (he likes to peoplewatch). I can also see him doing absurd and tortrous challenge runs of games like No items no pokecenter one type hardcore nuzlockes. im correct

izutsumi: ACTUALLY trolls people on roblox. And she plays needlessly gory flash games. Maybe she calls people dumbfucks over valorant voice chat sometimes

[leclerc-s]

big reputations - part two

series masterlist // previous // next

AN INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL RICCIARDO (EXCERPT)

comments

user1 nah, the interviewer was so wrong for this. you know he wanted to say himself.

user2 daniel's blushing over this. i just know it.

user3 fernando is probably giggling over all of this. we've all see the tiktoks he's posted.

user4 daniel dragged his best friend along to see his future gf at a concert.

user5 this man is giggling like a schoolgirl over a woman who's not even his girlfriend.

user6 daniel, baby, this isn't like you. what about our farm, our six dogs, 3 kids, 2 goats, 12 chickens, and 4 cows?

↳ user7 babygorl, delulu is not the solulu. not this time.

↳ user8 girl wants to raise a whole ass fucking zoo

↳ user6 i've grown up in the country, i am surrounded by animals

↳ user8 that explains it

user9 the interviewer heard we wanted the tea on what happened at the eras tour and she was not going to stop until she got answers. too bad daniel is good at keeping secrets

user10 oh this man so desperately wanted to say himself but had to stop from doing so.

alex albon i get asked about the eras tour one more time i will lose it!

max verstappen someone's bitter they didn't get a chance to go. alex albon YES! I AM! IT'S ALL LILY WILL TALK ABOUT! WE DESERVED THE RIGHT TO GO!

daniel ricciardo well that's up for debate. i waited ages in line to buy those tickets. did you?

alex albon YOU TOOK MAX AND P?? BUT NOT ME OR LILY?

daniel ricciardo i only had three extra tickets??

lando norris THREE? WHO WAS THE THIRD??

daniel ricciardo kelly? penelope's mom?

lando norris oh. i forgot about that.

charles leclerc you forgot penelope had a mother?

lando norris i plead the fifth

logan sargeant YOU'RE BRITISH?? THAT DOESN'T WORK ON YOU! lando norris I CAN BE WHATEVER I WANT TO BE! logan sargeant OF COURSE YOU CAN YOU'RE A COLONIZER! lando norris AT LEAST WE DON'T HAVE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS! logan sargeant YOU CAN'T USE THE SAME FUCKING COMEBACK EVERY TIME ASSHOLE! oscar piastri okay, we are not doing this again logan sargeant YOU STAY OUT OF THIS KOALA!

lewis hamilton can you three be mature?

logan sargeant in the words of the colonizer, 'i don't wanna mature'

fernando alonso por dios, estan locos. (my god, they're crazy)

sergio perez obvio, no estan nada normal (obviously, they're not normal)

george russell i don't speak spanish but all i understood was normal.

alex albon because it's spelled the same way in spanish and english

carlos sainz they're talking shit about the three stooges.

george russell thank you siri!

kevin magnussen so daniel how's your hand?

daniel ricciardo thanks for asking kevin! at least i know someone here cares about my wellbeing.

daniel ricciardo i'm currently texting with one hand because i have to go into surgery soon. it's only a broken bone. if i don't make it back don't let fernando date daphne jones!

max verstappen glad to know you have your priorities straight.

daniel ricciardo of course.

¡leclerc-s speaks! you cannot convince me that logan and lando haven't had a similar argument at least once and poor oscar was stuck as mediator between them.

¡disclaimer! this is in no way making assumptions about the people involved in this story, this is all fake. it is a fanfiction please don't take any of what is said seriously. this is all for entertainment purposes and as a creative outlet for me. enjoy!

[schneiderenjoyer]

UTTU Catalogue's Categories

There's a lot about UTTU that still is unknown and they operate strangely. I've seen some conversations about it, but out of everything that's making me lose my mind is the Category Covers.

The implication of Categories creating a diverse subculture (and potentially subspecies) of arcanists within the arcane community aside, the covers literally tell us the very essence of the arcanists categorized within it are. All hidden by the fine print (seriously they're hiding the words and shrinking the letters and blending it into the colors on purpose, it's so hard to see)

The clearest one I can read full is for Arcanists; "The two-faced are among them. Born to Suffer." It's a strangely poetic way to describe how arcanists, in human society, are viewed to be ill fated people. Thus, they're born to suffer for their nature.

There's also Awakened; "Backdoor listing, welcome to the phenomenon world." Which is interesting since we know the arcanists listed in this category have a far more bizarre and even unknown way they're born and became arcanists. A form of "backdoor" approach to being born an arcanist. A Phenomenon, if you will.

The Beyond is a little hard to read near the end, but it states; "Under the surface, I know nothing but the fact of my ignorance." And who is in that category? Jessica. There's also words covered that make the word WHO and a cut off line that says "Cannot spe? spa?" Does it refer to the fact that Voyager doesn't speak?

The Mixed is even harder to really read for me, but I can make out is the half the phrase of "Where did the rationality go... -----" like it's questioning where they went wrong in the gene process to not be 'logical' enough for human society, but just 'irrational' enough to stand among arcanists yet not fully belong. A lovely commentary on mixed races.

Lastly, the reason I'm writing this whole thing, is for the Infected. Why? Well, one, we now have an official arcanist categorized to it, Ezra Theodore. (This has now been debunked and instead replaced with a far more infuriating revelation here.) And for the unofficial...

SLAMS TABLE

IT'S SCHNEIDER, YES, THIS IS ANOTHER OF MY LONG DELULU RANT ABOUT HOW WE GOT SCAMMED SO HARD DURING BETA AND LOST OUR CHANCE AT A PLAYABLE ITALIAN MAFIA GODDESS. I'M MAKING MY STANCE, BLUEPOCH PLEA--

Anyway.

The caption for this category is ominous, threatening even, being; "We know who you are and we will visit the visitors." And for those who don't know why this is important. This category pertains to one of the most fascinating cases.

Because it's for humans that can use arcanum.

Not that they have an arcane bloodline, no. They're pure blooded human that can use arcanum. And that spells a fucked up implication that could mean all sorts of things. One being human experimentation. And UTTU knows something and are making sure people in this category understood that even if they can use arcanum, they're not arcanists. Like many arcanists, they're keeping the line between humans and arcanists very clear. Even calling the category "Infected" like it's a virus, a plague. Something dirty that entered their veins.

UTTU is fascinating in this regard and I hope to see more about them in the future the more times they have these flash events and maybe even someday fully explored more in depth to its lore.

[caineinthecorner]

Languages (world building)

★ Find my hcs referring to: The DBs, Others

Hewo. I have been busy with stuff but the thought of this post reentered my mind.

Anyhow is just me doing world building ramblings because the question of how Devildom, Humanity and Heaven handle communication is so interesting to me as a bilingual person.

Gentle reminder that I make shit up.

★ Loquar ad vos

Demons do not speak any human language, at least natively. They have their own tongue, the name unpronounceable to mortals. It's very throat-y and the grammar very specific. You will accidentally typo a death threat while trying to say "good morning".

However, because this was an issue back in ye olden days back when demon rituals were just discovered by humanity (and communicating with the demon you just summoned was Kind Of A Big Deal), human sorcerers came up with a "simple" (it actually took a long time to make, but it was purposefully made to be simple to replicate) translation spell to combat the language barrier - Loquar ad vos. The bridge for the language barrier between species.

But the spell is veeeery finicky, and only allows the translation of very specific languages; Amongst that list of translatable languages, is English and Japanese. Think about it like an online translator with a very low language selection.

Loquar Ad Vos also supports the translation from human language to another human language (So both Demon tongue -> Japanese and Japanese -> Spanish are possible while using it), so it is also used by human sorcerers as a normal translator independently from its original purpose of solely translating the demonic language.

The use of Loquar ad vos has become mainstream since its creation and nowadays every single summoning circle - human or demon or otherwise - includes it amongst the micro spells they utilize. You will get the scolding of a century if you write the runes for it wrong.

★ Nulla lingua

Angels, contrary to demons, are born with the knowledge of every single human language that has and will exist - alongside demon tongue - but lack a language of their own and mimic other beings’ instead. They do not require the use of Loquar Ad Vos to communicate with, and are therefore more “approachable” (this approachability with humanity resulted in a relatively amicable relationship between the two realms at the start of human existence, and therefore the extrapolation of theocratic rhetoric and/or angelology as a whole).

This is considered an innate Angel trait, shared through all angels no matter the rank or strength. Older or stronger angels tend to gravitate to older idioms, as they are more accustomed to them due to their age, while younger angels usually prefer newer and/or easier languages. You can very much guess an angel’s age by what language they feel most comfortable with.

Upon falling, innate Angel traits are either entirely lost or muddied greatly, so the beings who knew Everything now only know Few. As a small mercy of their God, demon tongue will remain in the sinner’s language repertoire, no matter the type of fallen angel.

[january-summers]

Sometimes I think about whether or not Washington has ever accidentally called Caboose "Iowa."

Maybe that's the thing that finally made Caboose stop calling Wash "Church."

(Chucking the back end of this under the cut because it ended up a little shy of 1,000 words in total. Sorry this took off as I was typing. not beta'd, I die like CT: unfairly)

On one of those days before they got Epsilon back, when Wash was still walking around with cobalt armour, having one of his bad days where looking in the mirror is hard because he's not sure whose face should be looking back even though he knows, he knows he knows he's Washington.

(He can't explain it, it's like the way lightheadedness isn't really a dizzy spell. He doesn't lose his sense of identity, it just... gets a little crumpled.)

Caboose accidentally blows up one of their vehicles and Wash snorts.

"That's coming out of your paycheck, Iowa!" He calls out, and Tucker turns to him with his head cocked.

"The fuck is Iowa?"

"What?"

"'Iowa,'" Tucker repeats, "you just said 'that's coming out of your paycheck, Iowa.'"

Inside his helmet Wash closes his eyes, sighs, and whispers a heartfelt 'fuck.' Then, "A Freelancer, he was... a lot like Caboose. I just... forgot for a second."

Tucker just makes a 'huh' in response, and Wash feels tragically grateful the other man is dropping the issue.

But it happens again.

Not 'Iowa' this time though, but 'Mike.'

Wash is sitting in the base's main work area, because they have no office, or they do, technically but it's... uh... better not to talk about why it's not in use because they all agreed it was no one's fault.

He's filling out the paperwork, trying to figure out how anyone gets anything done with the UNSC requisition forms, he swears they weren't this convoluted or nonsensical before he was discharged.

Or maybe sim troopers get fucked up forms on purpose?

He'd taken his helmet off over an hour ago so he could rub the bridge of his nose and his temples in an effort to stave off the headache that's been coming for his brain. They don't have enough painkillers to waste on a headache if one of them gets seriously injured before the next shipment.

There's a movement of blue in his peripheral vision, a familiar dark blue, and a familiar voice saying "I brought you hot chocolate!"

"Thanks, Mike," Washington says not really paying attention.

"It's Michael," comes the reply, the correction. And Wash blinks and looks up at Caboose not Iowa.

"Right, Michael, sorry."

But Caboose doesn't seem upset, just hums in acknowledgement and wonders off. Wash is dazed as he watches him leave. He spots Tucker leaning against the wall slowly sipping from a mug, watching Wash.

Tucker gestures at Wash's mug with his own, "I wouldn't drink that if I were you, but if you're going to throw it out, don't do it where he'll see it. He'll throw a tantrum."

"Uhhhh, right." Wash goes back to his paperwork. Tucker stays where he is, so he's there ten minutes later when Wash's brain cycles information in the background. 'Beverage container in proximity: hydrate'

"SPFFFF! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!?!?!?" Tucker doesn't stop laughing the entire time Wash is gagging and trying to get the residue out of his mouth.

Wash doesn't always notice when he calls Caboose by the wrong name, and continues to be grateful no one calls him on it.

But Caboose gets quieter and quieter, not his speaking volume, but his entire personality. He's less and less present around Wash. So Wash goes looking.

Finds Caboose surrounded by bits and parts of machines, just sitting, a tool held loosely in one hand. Bio-signs indicate he's awake in Wash's HUD.

'Spaced out,' Wash assumes, and calls out. "Hey, Caboose."

Caboose startles, just a little flinch. "Yes, I am Caboose."

His voice is loud, his voice is often loud, but the way it's loud... Wash understands why he keeps confusing Caboose and Iowa.

"Mind if I sit?" Wash asks, and waits for the nod before settling himself. "I'm sorry I keep confusing you for Agent Iowa. I know you're not him, I'm not doing it on purpose, I swear."

Caboose doesn't answer, just sits and watches Wash quietly for several minutes.

"He was my friend," Wash ventures, and isn't rebuffed so he keeps talking. "You remind me a lot of him, you both wear the same blue, you're both very upbeat people, you're both-" 'brain damaged and loud and not always able to communicate the way I suspect you want to,' Wash doesn't say. "- my friends. He went away, a long time ago now, him and Ohio and Idaho. I never found out where they went, they were just... gone one day. We were supposed to eat lunch together, but they were all just gone."

Wash doesn't know how to explain what Epsilon did to him, how his memory, one of his greatest strengths had become his own enemy for a time. How somedays it still felt like it was trying to fight him. The echo Epsilon left behind.

He doesn't want to. It feels like an excuse for his own failings.

"I know you aren't Church," Caboose says suddenly instead. "But you are a good Church, not the Best Church, but a good Church. Except when you aren't. You are the best Agent Washingtub though."

Wash... thinks he gets what Caboose is saying, or what he hopes he's saying, because he'd been really concerned Caboose hadn't understood that Wash wasn't Church, he was just pretending to be for the time being.

"Thanks, Caboose. And you are the best very Caboose, ever. Of all time."

"I am," Caboose agrees. Readily. Happily.

Wash tries to be more mindful, and as the days pass, Caboose becomes more familiar than the memory of Iowa to him, and he calls his teammate by the wrong name less and less and then not at all.

He notices too, while Caboose doesn't stop calling him Church, sometimes Caboose calls him Agent Washingtub too. And then he starts calling him Washington.

Tucker starts to call him Wash. Stops watching him like he's about to snap and kill them.

It's nice.

Unlike the requisition forms.

[3hks]

MY Hot Takes on Writing

I like to think that when it comes to writing, there's a lot of general opinions floating around, and occasionally they don't agree with each other. So, just for fun, here are my "unpopular opinions" when it comes to this topic!

1. Romance Cliches Aren't Bad

We get told to avoid popular cliches, but honestly, I don't see any harm in romance ones. Let's be honest here romance enjoyers, we LOVE those unrealistic yet heartwarming, classic, cliched situations more often than not. And this is not to say that there are zero negative cliches or that not using them is bad, it's simply the fact that they can still be appreciated despite their frequent use!

2. Predictable Characters Can Be Good

A character being predictable is a common criticism, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you failed at your job. When you establish a character well, the audience will naturally start to understand them much better. Because of that, they have a better idea of your character's actions, emotions, and thought process, allowing them to accurately guess what they might do next.

So yeah, maybe someone states that your character is too predictable but that could mean that you did your job right!

3. Bigger words ≠ Better

Some people love showing off their huge vocabulary and others are significantly less confident about it. Regardless of which side you're on, I simply want to bring attention to the fact that using bigger words (like seriously complex ones) doesn't mean your writing is better. Maybe it matters in academic essay and whatnot, but that's not entirely true for creative writing.

The thing is, if you use many words that you KNOW may trip up most of your readers, then there isn't much point in using them. After enough confusion, they're bound to quit quickly. Don't get me wrong, I love fancy words, but they don't define the quality of your writing!

4. Grammar isn't a Dealbreaker

Are you self-conscious of your grammar? Well, the thing is, besides the basics (capitalization, spelling, ending punctuation, etc.), grammar is not as important as you may think it is! Missing or extra commas are hardly a dealbreaker when it comes to a good book--I've read books with not-so-good grammar but a solid storyline. And guess what? I read until the end!

If your grammar is not perfect, that's definitely not the end of the world.

5. Not All Villains Have To Be Justified

In some movies and shows, you see that when they explain what the villain is trying to accomplish, it's not exactly a bad motive and they're just approaching it from a different, "wrong" way. Does this gain more respect for the antagonist from the audience? Yes.

However, I think that even if they aren't justified, it doesn't take away the effectiveness of the villain. Of course, they need a reason, but it doesn't have to be a good one. Why? Because a sinister purpose fully demonstrates that your character is actually evil. No, they might not get as much respect, but they can genuinely intimidate.

Alright--that's it! Now I'd love to know if you have any "unpopular opinions" about writing, so feel free to share!

Happy writing~

3hks ^^