#yes I'm fully aware her skin tone is off

[bubblybumblebee1]

Casey María Eva Duarte Goldberg-Calderon!

As the Queen of Hearts ❤️

My 1st Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur fanart

I freaking LOVE Casey, she's the greatest girlboss EVER

And the best friend anyone can ask for

I adore her fun and chaotic energy

[anonymous-existences]

2 : Blazing Bravery

Danny was putting on his helmet, Dante already in his motorbike waiting for Danny to approach and finally ride the bike so they can leave for Dante's work, before he could walk away from the door he heard Pariah clear his throat before placing a hand on Danny's shoulder.

"Baby Ghost, Jasmine has told me that when humans visit one another they tend to bring gifts to the other as a sign and courtesy of politeness. Thus in this new understanding I have decided that you shall bring these to the workers of Dante's Dutiful Job." Pariah handed Danny a small box of cookies, freshly baked home made cookies Jazz has taught him to cook. "Thanks Dad." Danny mutters with a smile as he took one cookie from the batch.

Dan pressed his motorbike's horn, "Gotta go!" Danny just ran to Dan and waved goodbye as Dan drove away, Pariah was frozen by the door of the shop. He took a deep breathe, "Ghost Prince, Baby Prince, Baby Ghost, Daniel, Danny.... called me Dad." He mutters as he approached Jazz and Clockwork in the Living room.

"Pardon? What did you say Pariah?" Jazz tilts her head confused and didn't get to hear what Pariah fully said. Pariah took a deep breathe again, trying to contain his happiness, his joy, his excitement under a calm facade. "The Little Ghost Prince, Baby Ghost that is Daniel... Called me... "Dad"...." He says trying to sound calm but there's an underlying hint of rejoicing tone under his breathe.

Jazz perks up and starts clapping, "Congratulations!" Jazz just exclaims and Pariah's lips tucked a small smirk ever so tiny bit slightly in his face, he was proud and rejoicing internally at the advancement on his and Danny's Father-Son relationship. "I'm so happy for you my dearest Pariah." Clockwork floated over to Pariah and kisses the man's forehead delicately, Pariah hummed, core purring in delight.

"Yay! Danny called Daddy 'Dad'! Yay! Yay! Yippee!" Elle jumped around the coffee table happily still holding onto her crayons and bond paper where she's drawing her family for a class assignment. "Yes, Yes, after Daniel comes home we shall celebrate. Will Daniel know the reason of such celebration? No, we are not to say a single word about this Alright?" Pariah glances over to his husband and his two daughters.

Both girls looking at each other before looking up back at Pariah before giggling and nodding along in amusement, "Ofcourse Dearest, I won't say anything." Clockwork hummed also amused by Pariah's reaction to finally being called "Dad" by Danny, Pariah was leaning his head of Clockwork's hands as they caressed the Man's cheeks.

Dan was driving to Crime Alley in moderately fast speed, "Now I understand why Elle can't go.... You never told jazz you worked at Crime Alley?" Danny raised an eyebrow, "She don't need to know little twerp, spare me the worry panic she will perform...." Dan sighed soon stopping Infront of a garage.

"Heya Lucas, I brought my brother, don't worry he's no trouble." Dan parked his bike and took off his helmet and helped Danny helped his own off, Danny looked over to the 'Lucas' person. "Hey Dan, you must be Danny." Lucas crouched slightly to Danny's height smiling in eagerness, "I'm Lucas, your Brother's friend! It's nice to finally meet you Danny!" Lian had a Lean Tall Frame, His hair dark and curly and tied into a messy bun, he had intense amber eyes and piercings on his ears and lip, his skin was a natural warm brown, Danny looked up at him still befuddled by the other man's height.

"It's nice to meet you too sir... I wasn't really aware that my brother talked about me to his friends...." Danny smiled awkwardly, fidgeting slightly as he shook Lucas' welcoming hand. He was still getting used to strangers and new people, his anxiety every so paranoid and overwhelming, Danny looked over to Dan who was setting up their helmets nicely in a rack by the counter. His cheeks had a hint of reddish tint assuming that Dan could hear the two's small interaction. "How old are you Danny?" Lucas finally asked, still crouching to meet the boy's gaze.

"I'm uhm— 17 sir—." Danny stuttered, he was taken aback when Lucas started to smile and laugh softly. Danny tilted his head in confusion thinking that maybe he did something wrong. "Please just call me Lucas or Kuya, no need to be so formal kiddo." Lucas ruffled Danny's hair under his hood and Danny flushed up in Embarrasament immediately running over to Dan and hiding behind him.

He heard Lucas from afar laughing even more in amusement as Dan just raised an eyebrow, now confused on what they talked about, "What's up Twerp?" Dan glanced over to Danny who had his palms on his cheeks in hope of calming down the embarrassment in his face. "Nothing..." Danny sighed out as the flushed red cheeks finally soothed down. Danny then perked up as he saw the backdoor.

"Dan, Dan, I know you want me to stay here and all but can I go to the back alley? I promise I'll help later Im just gonna check on my friends." Danny asked tugging on Dan's jacket whilst easily taking Dan's phone in the man's back pocket. "Is there WiFi here?" Danny asked again, "Yes there is WiFi and yes you can stay by the back or wander off. Just... Make sure to be invisible... So no one spots you and possibly try and you know, get you in danger." Dan whispered the last sentence and Danny nodded with a nod and entered the staffroom lounge and headed out to the backdoor with ease.

The familiar weight of a tracker embedded on his hoodie that Dan had placed on him Incase of emergencies and a panic button In his sleeves within easy reach of his fingers if he were ever to be around too much danger, he smirked playfully and slipped into near-invisibility. Although he wasn't fully and truly intangible at the moment so he wouldn't feel the exhaustion creeping up on his nape, he still blended with the shadows and the corners of the darkness seamlessly.

He floated upwards and wandered around Crime Alley, the unfamiliar cacophony of distant rumble of traffic—the screeching of tires— rustling of rats somewhere in the rooks and crannies of the alleys... And the whispers of Crime. They whisper to him, Danny took off one of his earrings that dampened his abilities as he placed himself atop a roof of a tall building looming over crime alley.

The ghosts whispers, the shades murmur and the greatest of it all is the information they provide. Dead Men don't tell tales, they tell secrets and wisdom, they speak through the static—chirps—warbles of the ever so familiar Ghost Speak. Danny took all of the whispers in, noting them in his mind. Not because he really planned to tell anyone anything, but because it's interesting and new, he slowly floated back down near the dumpsters planning to walk to the garage by himself soon enough.

Danny perked up at the sudden grumbling of a stranger he didn't notice was even present near him, for a moment forgetting his invisibility he instinctively pressed himself in the grimy brick walls of the alley. Danny looked over atop the dumpster, He could make out the silhouette of a figure huddled deeper in the shadows, illuminated only by the flickering neon sign of a nearby bar casting a sickly yellow glow.

The voice, rough and edged with frustration, was a low growl. The figure was holding a phone and a box of donuts sitting atop the dumpster(gross) but it's smell was temptingly delicious. Danny didn't dare approach as the stranger spoke, "Weeks! It's been weeks, and I still haven't found the damn rat! Someone's feeding the Crimson Hand everything. Every move we make, every heist we plan… they know it all!."

A sharp, ragged breath hitched in his throat, the silence that followed heavy with unspoken threats as he held the phone to his ear, "And they're getting bolder. That last job… it nearly went south because of this leak. Nearly." He grumbled in frustration, in a moment of rage he stomped off still yelling on the phone and leaving the delicious box of donuts behind.

Danny a mischievous smirk plastered on his face stood up, no longer hidden in the depths of the shadows, he approached the box of donuts and opened it eagerly. "Mmm... What a treat." Danny snickered to himself, licking his lips and stealing the box of donuts whilst cackling menacingly in his head. "Right.... This is stealing.... Maybe I can..." An idea popped in his head as he pulled out his glow in the dark inked pen and sticky notes that he always carried just in case.

Danny as he was munching on one of the donuts wrote what the guy was having a problem about, knowing that he'll most likely come back for his donuts after all. Danny lent his ear to the murmurs of the ghosts, "Crimson... Trace... When's he doing the stealing stuff?.... Mhm... Uh-huh.... Novem...ber.... Thirteen..... At 12 AM...mid.. night... At the Caffeine Fix Cafe down three blocks in this alley secret route in the backdoor to a harbor...? Okay—" Danny wrote on the sticky note and also gave directions on where said 'Rat' Salvador would leak their information.

"Thank you!" Danny smiled and ate another donut, he stuck the note with a spare box he found somewhere, it was a bright neon green sticky note that has a ghost doodle on it that was bound to stand out in the dark gloomy alley, he stuck it to the sides of the box and floated back up the rooftops and ate his donuts peacefully.

The man burst back into the alley, his face a mask of furious frustration. He frantically searched the ground, his eyes darting around, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "The donuts! Damn it, where are the donuts?!" He muttered, his voice laced with a barely controlled rage that was quickly overshadowed by a rising panic.

He spotted the neon green sticky note almost immediately, its ghostly doodle a stark contrast to the grime of the alley. His eyes widened as he snatched up the box, his fingers trembling slightly as he read the message. A low growl rumbled in his chest, a mixture of disbelief and seething fury. "Sorry for stealing your donuts. . . I can help you tho with some info… November 13th… midnight… The Caffeine Fix…Crimson Trace is distributing stolen stuff and embezzling funds." he whispered, the words tasting like ash in his mouth.

His voice rose in a torrent of barely coherent rage. "Those treacherous low lives!" He slammed the box down, the sound echoing in the narrow confines of the alley, more curses and threats were yelled in the empty air of the alley, the Man soon driving off in a rage with his motorbike. Danny licked his lips as he finished eating another donut.

Danny just hummed, "I should bring back the rest of these donuts to Dan..." He smirks playfully as he floated back to the garage safely, hoping to avoid danger or anything related to a crossfire on his way back. Danny entered the backroom lounge of the Garage and was met with Dan resting on the couch with Lucas just about to head out of the room to the main front.

"Oh hey Danny!— woah are those a box of donuts— did you steal that??" Lucas asked confused as Danny placed the boxes of donuts in the table, "I traded for it." Danny merely said, not elaborating more information. Lucas didn't ask further as he knew it wasn't his business and that it was Crime Alley either way. Later that night went as usual as Dan would say.

They were closing up and Lucas has already left since he had to come home to his kids, Danny was playing on his switch playing Animal Crossing, Reworking and Rebuilding some structures on his island. He listened as Dan, a man of few words but possessing a surprisingly rich baritone voice, began to sing along to the music playing softly from his phone – a powerful, swinging rendition of "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. The song's bold and confident melody perfectly complemented Dan's deep, resonant voice. It wasn't simply humming; it was singing, his voice a commanding, resonant sound that seemed to fill the entire garage.

He poured emotion into each note, his voice hitting every note with effortless precision. The lyrics, about a life lived on one's own terms, resonated with a quiet intensity. Danny just stared and kept wondering if he too could one day sing like that, Danny perked up as he noticed a battered Motorbike pull up outside the front of the workshop, Dan didn't as he was still immersed in his impromptu performance.

The man took off his helmet and stared at the open entrance of the workshop, stunned in his motorbike watching Dan pour his everything into singing. Dan raised an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes to identity what the man looked like, He had A big bulky frame with black hair with a white streak(just like his hair!), his eyes were a sapphire deep blue with a hint of ectoplasmic green that Danny was ever so familiar of.

He stood there, seemingly captivated as he listened to Dan. Danny called out to Dan finally after finishing his lollipop, "DAN! CUSTOMER!" Danny yelled and Dan froze, "Ah... Oh, Sir Jason." Dan says as he met eye to eye with the other man. "Hey there Dante, and please I keep telling you— just call me Jason." The other man, 'Jason' smiled gently as he placed his helmet between his hip and arm. "I'm here actually for an oil change— I know it's late and also my baby girl kinda looks battered up so I'm wondering if you can help fix her up and all as well." Jason just says.

"Ofcourse! You're always the late night customer anyways." Dan snickered and took the bike with him inside, Jason following suit and meeting eye to eye with Danny, for a moment their eyes flashed an ectoplasmic green upon setting eyes on each other. Danny's breathe hitched, not out of fear but out of curiousity on this man who's core looks beaten and half-formed. Dan seems to have noticed before and had been the one to slowly cleanse and feed 'Jason' ectoplasm through being in each other's vicinity.

Danny stood up from his corner, "Who's this?" Jason asked tilting his head to the side and hiding his interest and suspicion on the teenager. "This is Danny, my little brother. C'mon Danny introduce yourself." Dan nudged Danny's back and Danny shook Jason's hand, "it's nice to meet you, Sir. You must be Jason, Dan talks nicely about you sometimes—Ack—" Dan hits Danny's back, Danny snickered mischievously.

"Sorry, My sister likes to hear about our days and all so we just kinda talk about everyone we meet Since yk, new to Gotham and all." Dan motioned his hand and sighed in embarrasament, Jason merely chuckled in amusement. "It's fine! It's no biggie, I'm glad I could be part of your dinner talks, it seems very fun." Jason just smiled and Dan nodded, still embarrassed about Danny talking about their dinner gossips.

Dan walked away to work on Jason's Bike and left Danny and Jason by themselves, "You like him." Danny immediately stated and Jason flinched, "W-what— I don't know what yo— why would you think of that conclusion— haha— he's just a frien— don't tell him, I'll pay you." Jason stammered and failed at coming up with a reasonable excuse on the spot, "500 buckaroos." Danny smiled menacingly, "You're a greedy kid." Jason clicked his tounge, his cheeks still flushed a tint of red.

"Uh-huh, And this is Crime Alley, plus this is also Gotham, so it's 500 bucks or I'm snitching." Danny stuck out his tounge but soon enough smirked mischievously as Jason handed Danny 500 bucks and Danny slipped the money in his pockets. "What are you anyways....?" Jason slowly muttered and glanced at Danny, "Just like you, but also different at the same time. I'd rather not talk about it." Danny scoffed and Jason nodded in understanding.

They are to never speak about their eye contact interaction. Dan kept working on Jason's Bike making it look as new as if it was bought just earlier that Day. "Jason Todd by the way." Jason states his full name, "Daniel James Nightingale, Just call me Danny." Danny replies and both just silently nodded at each other.

Dan finished with Jason's Bike and let Jason leave soon enough, Dan took a deep breathe and sighed, "Alright Chum, let's go before we're late for Father Pariah's dinner cooking, I heard he wanted to cook tonight." Dan chuckled and Danny nodded with a smile putting on his helmet afterwards and following Dan outside who now had his helmet on for safety even if they didn't need it.

The roar of the engine was a counterpoint to the city's nervous hum as Dan and Danny sped home, their faces obscured by motorbike helmets. Dan, driving, navigated with practiced ease, avoiding the city's crime ridden roadways — the narrow, twisting streets and notorious crime hotspots. A fight, even a brief one, was the last thing he needed, especially with Danny along. He'd already pushed his luck too far.

"Dan, I hear gunshots." Danny blurted out making Dan immediately halt his speeding bike with utmost relentlessness, perking his ears he finally picked up on the gunshots slowly nearing them, the cacophony of screaming and an obvious gang fight where they would not want to be caught in the crossfire of. Dan sped off away from the crossfire but unfortunately his bad luck caught up to him and now they were right in the middle, surrounded, fallen debris swallowed by flames blocking their way.

Dan immediately slides his motorbike in one of the alleys and grabbed Danny, embracing the boy in his arms tightly. "Shush, let it die down, if any of them comes here.... I'll kill them." Dan's eyes flashes a dark crimson red, determined to protect Danny from the danger of being caught in the middle of a crossfire. Danny nodded clutching onto Dan like a little scared kitten, he didn't want to feel pain especially not right now.

This was no normal gang fight, this was a whole arsonist gang fight where buildings are engulfed in inferno. Danny's core thrummed at hearing the screams, he wanted— NEEDED to save them. It is his obsession, his purpose of —Living— but Dan immediately held him back. "Look champ, if we're gonna save them put on your hood and you're gonna have to let me come with you." Dan demanded and Danny nodded.

— — — — —

The inferno in Crime Alley raged, a terrifying spectacle of destruction. Crimson Trace gang members, fueled by Ignis's reckless ambition, systematically torched buildings, creating a chaotic kill zone. Civilians screamed, fleeing in terror, their panicked cries swallowed by the deafening roar of gunfire and the crackling of flames. The air itself vibrated with fear, thick with smoke and the metallic tang of blood.

Red Hood, perched precariously on a crumbling rooftop, his voice tight with grim urgency, relayed the scene to the Bats. "B, this is a fucking massacre! Some bastard named Ignis is personally overseeing the arson. They're trying to wipe out the competition and claim Crime Alley as their own! Especially Me!"

Batman's voice, a low, controlled rumble, cut through the comms. "Nightwing, rooftop disruption. Robin, prioritize civilian evacuation. Red Hood, assist Robin, Red Robin and Spoiler also assist Robin in saving civilians, avoid casualty as much as possible. I'll handle Ignis." A hint of concern and steely determination, unusual for the usually stoic Batman, laced in his tone.

Chaos escalated quickly as fire does great damage, Dan could tell it was only that specific part of crime alley and it's probably to do with the many roadways and alleys Separating streets from one another quite confusingly. He looked up and saw Robin on a small balcony on a higher floor trying to pick a lock of a blocked off semi-metal window.

Dan growled under his breathe, seeing someone so young in the heart of an inferno an arsonist and many others has started. Danny still clung onto his back, as Dan suddenly scaled the wall. "ROBIN! OUT OF MY WAY!" He quickly snarled which took Robin aback and immediately jumped out to another window as Dan slammed his fists on the metal windows revealing the kids trapped inside.

"Hey there... C'mon it's safe. Robin's here to get you all out..." Dan's gaze softened and his hands reaching out to the kids as he carried them out, Danny also holding onto them as he scaled the wall and dragged Robin up to the rooftop where he deemed it safer for them before dropping them off, "Jesus Christ, He's your Age Danny, a fuckin Robin!" Dan huffs out and dropped Robin but gently put down the kids for Robin to tend to.

Robin and Danny made eye contact and Robin immediately upon seeing Danny's face started to flush up under his mask. Stunned and nervous but he was fast enough to focus on the situation at hand. Robin immediately tended to the injured children as much as he could with the limited equipment he's brought, he was about to turn to Dan and Danny to check on them but it turns out they'd have already gone back down to apparently save more lives and risking themselves.

"Danny. What do the ghosts say?" Dan asks, Danny had one of his earrings off hearing the ghosts of Gotham, directing them to trapped civilians and guiding them so they wouldn't face any major danger other than some goons that Dan can easily knock out. "East. Eastward, 4 story building, first floor right by a window painted yellow, the Windows are barricaded with hard thick wood and there is a woman and a baby inside as well as some cats that are apparently guarding them trying to keep them safe even if they know they really can't do anything at all. Faster Dan." Danny states as fast and as coherent as he could.

Dan growled and jumps above debris that blocks his way, his hands partially burned from the fires they're running through, the weaker whispering shades actively protecting Danny and Dan from getting any major injuries or burns as they whispered and guided the two halfas to the building they say where the trapped people are. "There are two more kids with the woman now, Dad is outside in the crossfire, gang member of the... Black Prints? Oh.... That's the guy I helped earlier? You're protecting him too? Good good... Do that yes." Danny conversed subtly with the ghosts of Gotham.

Dan punched slid atop a hood of a car and found the yellow window of the building described, "Cover your body." Dan reminded Danny and Danny immediately curls himself behind Dan as Dan punched through the wall leaving his knuckles bruised and bleeding. "Hey! Are you okay?!" Dan asked as he ran inside , the fire was spreading and he could hear the meowls of the cats.

Dan didn't hesitate to grab the inflamed debris that's blocking his way and shoving it to the side creating a much safer pathway for the trapped people, "Jesus Christ, Lorraine is that you?! Fuck! c'mon now! Get moving get moving!" Dan carried the weakened Woman and one of the teenager kids holding the baby, Dan guided them out of the building before it collapse on them, the cats were nestled inside Danny's hoodie as Danny clung onto Dan's back much also like that of a cat.

"You. None of you question what I'm about to do okay?" Dan glanced over at the kids who just nods in understanding before Dan carried them all and floated and left the physical plane along with the others he's carrying, actively transmitting his Intangibility abilities temporarily to those he is touching as he gets them to a safer part of the alleys and drops them off where he knows a Bat will find them.

"Shush okay? You didn't see us." Dan reminded the kids and the cats as the kids nodded in understanding, the cats clinging onto the passed out woman, 'Lorraine' as Danny recalls Dan calling her. Dan ran back into the fire, Danny kept guiding him as the ghosts whispers in his ear. Eventually they run into a struggling Red Robin as he tried to lockpick a door because he genuinely can't take it down.

"Out of the way little Red Bat." Dan scoffed, Red Robin was taken aback and Spoiler pulls him out of Dan's path as he tackled the door sending it flying out of it's hinges, he groaned slightly and then his eyes landed on a familiar face. "Oh my fucking ancient— LUCAS—" Dan recognizes his friend on the floor coughing, "KUGG— wassup Da-cugh- Dan." Lucas looked bleary as Dan grabbed Lucas holding the urge to shake his boss, he sighed and shoved him on a stunned Red Robin's arms and heading to Lock Lucas's basement fully so his snake and turtle pets wouldn't get caught in the inferno, good thing the Door was Metal.

"You! You're a civilian too! C'mon!" Red Robin yells and Dan stopped the urge to roll his eyes, "Stay out of my way Red Robin, We both know you need any help you can get at this moment. Do what you do as always. Be a Hero." Dan sneered and punched the window open and headed out from there running through the alleys once again. "Welp— he's a fast lad— cough— fu—huck, my insurance ain't gonna cover this— cough— atleast he has my pets saf— cough— safe." Lucas coughed out more, struggling to breathe in the smoke as Spoiler carried him and lead Lucas to the safe zone/camp as fast as possible.

Red Robin sighed and tried to chase Dan but was promptly halted by a debris that's in flames suddenly falling information of his path, he nearly touched the fire and trip towards it but managed to fall backwards instead, his chest heaved and his heart racing at the near-death experience, "Jesus Fuck that's gonna keep me more awake than coffee ever did." He blurted out with a gasp, slowly standing up with his body trembling subtly at the adrenaline rushing in his veins.

Tim runs to find out that most of the gun fighting were dying down. As if the goons of Crimson Trace was coming back to their base, Red Robin couldn't help but follow one of the retreating goons. They were running right in the middle of the inferno's heart— but why— Tim just knows Batman and Red Hood are there and he needs to keep finding trapped survivors.

— — — —

Ignis, his amber eyes burning with fiery intensity, a wide small plastered across his face. He held the remote aloft, One hand with the remote and the other holding a fireball suggesting he is a Meta who uses fire. His voice a raspy baritone whisper that echoed through the gloomy abandoned building he has settled in. He chuckled lowly as Batman and Red Hood were unable to move any closer to him, "One wrong move..." He hissed, "And Gotham's underbelly turns into a pyre, Every corner, every den of vice, will erupt in a symphony of destruction! Park Row, choked by its own darkness, will finally be cleansed by fire. And you, Red Hood, will be the first to burn."

Ignis's cruel gaze hardened as he loomed over the two bats, carelessly waving around the remote that's connected to several bombs scattered around that specific side of the city, specifically Red Hood's claimed turf. "Oh I know how you bats work oh I know so well~! Especially you Batman!" Ignis continued and laughed menacingly. "I know how you work the most." His smirk widens as Batman stood still.

Batman was thinking of the ways he can turn this situation around with Red Hood's help. "You think you can stop me bats? You think you can stop the Crimson Trace? Well you can't!" Ignis laughed louder. "Cleansing? You think you can play god you bastard? You think you can decide who gets to live and die?!" Red Hood yelled, his hand was subtly hovering over his gun, ready to shoot at any given opportunity.

Ignis smiled widely, "This city is a festering wound, a breeding ground for corruption. It needs a strong hand, a leader who can bring order out of chaos. And that leader is me."

"Order through fear and violence?" Red Hood scoffed. "That's not leadership, Ignis. That's tyranny."

"Fear is a powerful tool," Ignis countered, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "It keeps people in line. It makes them obey. And obedience is the foundation of a strong society."

Danny, kicks his back and sent his tumbling forwards and the remote flying right in Batman's hand, "Real Lame Dude." Danny scoffed and raised his fits prepared for a fight. Ignis, his face contorted in a mask of rage, roared, "Who dares?!" He scrambled to his feet, his eyes scanning Danny the source of the attack, He pulled out a gun and Red Hood did the same at the same pace.

Danny moving in unnatural speed kicked the gun out of his hands and uppercuts his face, Ignis growled as he stumbled back. Batman, ever the strategist, saw the opening and lunged forward, a well-placed kick to Ignis's chest sending him crashing into a nearby wall. The impact sent a shower of plaster raining down, momentarily obscuring the scene.

Red Hood, never one to miss an opportunity, used the distraction to his advantage. He sprinted towards Ignis, a flurry of punches aimed at his exposed face. Ignis, however, was not one to be easily subdued. He roared with fury, his body ablaze with a sudden burst of fire. The flames danced around him, a fiery shield against Red Hood's onslaught.

Danny, sensing the shift in the fight, moved with a blur of speed. He dodged a fiery blast, his agility honed by years of being Phantom. He landed a powerful kick to Ignis's side, sending him reeling. The impact knocked the wind out of Ignis, momentarily extinguishing his fiery aura.

Batman, seizing the moment, charged forward. He landed a precise strike to Ignis's jaw, sending him crashing to the ground. The impact was enough to stun him, leaving him vulnerable. Red Hood, taking advantage of the situation, rushed in and disarmed Ignis, his gun clattering to the floor with a metallic clang.

Danny took this opportunity and roundhouse kicked Ignis's face in frustration, Batman subdues the man who's now weakened because of Danny and their collaboration in taking him down. Because of Danny they were able to assess and quickly take him down before any more casualty were to occur.

Batman's face remained impassive as he cuffed and successful seize Ignis to the ground. "We need to get him out of here before he recovers."

— — —

30 minutes has passed since Ignis has been handed over to the Police. Danny was being tended to by the ambulances as Him and Dan had burns on their hands and arms, Danny just chuckled at Dan groaning as his hands were patched up by the nurses. Batman conversing and relaying information to the police as the firefighters soon put out the fire.

Danny leaned his body to Dan as relief and exhaustion overtook his body, the adrenaline dying down. Lucas was sat beside Dan as he was breathing in his inhaler, "You okay Lucas?" Dan raised an eyebrow, looking over to Lucas who breathed out in relief. "Yep! Feeling Dandy and better than before, atleast I'm not surrounded by fire anymore." Lucas snickered and Dan sighed, staring at his bandaged hands.

Danny glanced to his side for a moment and saw Robin practically dashing to him. "You! Are you okay?" Robin asked Danny, Danny could feel he was worried. "Yes, yes I am now." Danny chuckled, "You shouldn't recklessly just—" Robin stammered and Danny tilts his head. Robin caring for him? That's odd.

"Thank you for caring Robin, but I'm fine really!" Danny smiled softly making Robin wince. Danny was confused on why Robin is reacting so... Cute?. Danny just snickered finding the young vigilante adorable. "Robin! C'mon, B is calling." Red Robin called out from afar, clicking his tounge before facing Danny again. "Just please don't risk yourself like that again. It is very unethical and unnecessary." Robin nearly stuttered out and then walked away.

"Vigilantes are odd..." Danny leaned back on Dan's arm, thinking of the time he too was a vigilante technically. Does phantom count as a vigilante? Probably.

"DAN! DANNY!" They heard cry out, both boys flinched in surprise. Dan looked over to the source of the voice and saw Jazz teary eyed stomping over to them with Pariah and Clockwork behind her. "Oh my god— are you okay— oh— fu-uck— why didn't you call? DAN!" Jazz just held onto Dan's shoulders and then looked over to Danny, sobbing as she checked Danny and Dan's Injuries.

"Damn, Hi Jasmi—" Lucas started but was promptly cut off by Dan's glare. "Oh god, you too Lucas? Are you okay? I know you have asthma—" Jazz also frantically checked Lucas's body. "i-i'm fine miss Jasmine—" Lucas stuttered nervously with a hint of red in his cheeks, visibly flustered.

Danny upon seeing Pariah and Clockwork immediately ran to them, "Dad! Father!" He cried out as Pariah immediately swooped him up and embraced him tightly, "Fuck— are you— fucking.... Goddamit... Baby Prince don't.... Don't jump into danger like that ever again..." Pariah tried to hold back his tears.

"I'm sorry.... I had to .. save them." Danny said sobbing in Pariah's arms, Danny was scared too but he needed to save those people trapped inside the buildings. Pariah just sat on the ground and hugged him tightly, feeling his shoulder dampening because of Danny's tears. "I know Prince, but please atleast say something before running off from Dan... He's the only one who can keep you safe without us there."

"I know... I'm sorry." Danny was clinging onto Pariah tightly, "don't say sorry but please... Let's go home okay...?" Pariah ushered them into the car, especially Dan and Danny.

Danny sat in Pariah's Lap clinging onto his dad like a scared kitten, Clockwork Carreses Danny's Hair softly, Jazz and Dan in the back was still. Jazz was hugging Dan close to her chest Elle was staying at home with their neighbors Penner and Keigo. "I'm here Baby Prince, you did good... You did so well." Pariah muttered softly as he drove away.

"Mhm..." Danny just hummed as Pariah placed his free hand on Danny's hair, keeping the boy close as he drifted off to sleep in Pariah's Lap, Exhaustion finally taking over his body. Danny closed his eyes, "Sleep now Little Daniel." Clockwork softly whispered, and so he did.

I hope you all had fun reading XD this is the longest chapter I've made in so long :33

As always this is Spectral Mysteries in my Masterlist! :)

Masterlist

[coryothesub]

Zoom Call

nsfw / mdni / sub!coryo / dom!reader

“Yes, I can arrange that,” you replied to your boss, waiting for your zoom call to end before being given even more new tasks.

The bathroom door opened and Coryo appeared wearing nothing but a white towel around his waist. He looked so good, hair still wet, tiny droplets of water glistening on his soft, pale skin.

You were already distracted and almost missed your boss asking you another question.

Coryo walked over to the kitchen counter, strutting like a little slut, a clear signal he was about to be bratty and annoying. 

He poured himself a cup of coffee and stood behind your desk, where your co-workers couldn't see him but you certainly had the best view at his slender torso and gorgeous face.

It was nearly impossible to keep focus as the familiar warm pressure started building in your lower abdomen. 

How can a girl pay her bills while having a needy brat like him in her house?

Coryo sipped his coffee with a shit eating grin on his pretty little face, clearly amused by your struggles. 

The boy wasn't an idiot, he was fully aware of the punishment that would await him. But there was one tiny detail. He enjoyed imagining what kind of torture you’d have in store for him. In fact, he got hard at the thought.

“Coryo, stop!” you warned him using the short moment when one of your colleagues provided her weekly report.

“What?” he batted his eyes innocently. “I'm not even doing anything.”

Such a brat.

Coryo moved slightly to the side so that your laptop screen wouldn't abstract your view below his waistline and you noticed the outline of his fully erect dick under the towel. 

He was gonna pay for this. Or maybe…

You raised your hand making sure it was outside the camera range and motioned your pointer finger signaling him to come closer.

Coryo's eyes widened in surprise. Had you decided to punish him right away? He obeyed and stood next to you, masterfully avoiding the camera range.

You switched on the mic to answer another question, praying for this meeting to end soon.

Without any warning Coryo unfolded the towel and let his hardened cock spring free, the tip hitting his toned lower abs and bouncing off a few times.

You marveled at his impressive length, biting your lip without realizing the camera was still on.

“Is everything alright?” you heard your boss’s voice through the speaker.

“Perfect!” you replied and switched off the mic along with the camera.

“You filthy little whore, you don't even deserve this,” you cursed, then leaned forward and licked a slick line from the base of his cock upwards to the tip, swirling your tongue around it a couple times, while pumping him at the base.

“Ohh,” Coryo moaned. He couldn't believe you were actually doing this.

He watched you with sheer desire as you took him in your mouth, pushing yourself further on his dick with each movement, establishing a steady pace. Your fingers wandered away from the base of his cock and started to massage his balls making his dick twitch in your mouth.

“We’re gonna need your opinion on this,” you heard through the speaker and pulled away from Coryo who frowned and the loss of the sweet sensation.

“I’m sorry, it seems like there's something wrong with my internet connection,” you spoke into the camera, trying to stabilize your shaky breath.

Your colleagues seemed to be buying your bullshit and you switched everything off again, eager to suck the marvelous cock exposed right before your eyes.

You took him back in your mouth, restoring your pace, moving your head back and forth, flattening your tongue to increase the sensation.

Coryo looked at your face, his baby blue eyes taking in the beautiful sight. You looked so hot, your eyes fluttered, cheeks hollowed, working so hard on his dick on your paid work time, only a click away from getting caught by your whole unit. Only the thought of that brought him closer to the climax.

“Fuck, you look gorgeous”, he moaned as your mouth swallowed his whole length the tip of your nose meeting his blonde pubes. You tried to swallow around his member which made you gag, tears forming along your waterline.

“Are you sure everything is alright?” you heard your boss's voice through your blissful daze and rushed to switch on the camera thinking of a quick way to explain your teary eyes and swollen lips.

“Yeah, everything’s good. I just crawled under the table to check the cables and some dust got in my eyes. You don't have to worry, go on.”

“Well, if your little problem hadn't occurred,” your boss cocked her eyebrow. “Then you would know that we're already finishing.”

They were finishing. Well, they surely weren’t aware who else was about to finish.

“Oh great, see you next week!” you left the meeting and slammed your laptop shut before anyone had managed to say goodbye. 

Coryo had been jerking himself off, careful not to make a sound and now he finally let out a sweet moan that turned into a desperate groan as soon as you got back to your unfinished business.

“You're gonna pay for this later, Coriolanus!” you hissed at him before grabbing his thighs and pulling him close, shoving his shaft down your needy throat. You let your brain shut down in a blissful stupor, fucking your throat on his cock with a salacious gobbling sound, gagging and salivating around him. Tears were streaming from your reddened eyes, but you felt nothing but sweet dizziness and your throbbing cunt getting insanely wet from sucking his cock alone.

“Fuck, this feels so good. So fucking good, mommy, I'm gonna cum,” Coryo rolled back his eyes as he exploded in your mouth thick ropes of cum spurting down your throat. You held him in place, fingers digging into the pale skin, swallowing around him repeatedly and making sure you were getting every last drop of his seed. 

Filled with his warmth, you let his cock out of your mouth with a small pop, and took a few moments to catch your breath.

Coryo still didn't quite believe what had just happened. You gave him a harsh look and shook your head in disapproval.

“What did I tell you about distracting me from work, Coriolanus?”

“I’m sorry,” Coryo's voice sounded shaky with pleasure and fear. He thought he was about to get the worst punishment.

“It's not my fault you look so beautiful when you're all serious and focused. Are you gonna punish me now?”

“No,” you couldn't help laughing at his confused look. It almost seemed like you’d managed to shut off his brain entirely.

“Turns out this is a very lucky day for pretty little sluts like you. You're in for another undeserved prize.”

You pulled down your pants baring your impossibly wet cunt and made yourself more comfortable in your office chair lifting your legs over the arms, causing him to bite his lip at the sight.

“Now get to work before I change my mind!”

[criminalmindswhore]

Love Story

I am feeding you whores today. I'm taking everything from my wattpad and putting here.

TW: mentions of abuse, pregnancy, death, loosing a friend and a baby

A loud sigh was heard throughout the bullpen as I looked at my phone, my fiancé was calling again. I answered it keeping my voice low, "I am literally at work saving lives right now." My fiancé immediately shot back, "I don't give a damn about your job. When are you gonna quit anyways? It's a pointless job and all it does is take you away from my watch." My fiancé was always an abusive bitch, I could take down serial killers all day, but never could leave her. This, this was the final straw, "My pointless job, saves hundreds if not thousands of lives a year. And I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. This team, is my family." She chuckled, "Like that bitch Emily. You've always liked her." I threw my file closed and took a long, deep, calming breath. "You're obviously correct Savannah, I have." I was speaking at a normal level now. I'm sandwiched between Emily and Morgan so they could hear me. Concerned they looked at me, "Just like you've always liked every guy who walked your direction. Don't act innocent, I've always been fully aware of your games. When I get home tonight, I want you and your shit, out of MY house. I worked my ass off for that house. Am I clear?" My tone was clear, DO NOT FUCK WITH ME. Emily was growing more worried with every second that passed, you were so angry but so calm at the same time. "You could've declined my proposal-" "Oh so you could hit me into saying yes? I have work to do. Burn in hell." I threw my phone down and laid my head on your desk. Emily wanted to ask, but you seemed you wanted to be left alone so she pulled out a sticky note and a pen, "Just making sure you don't need a hug. <3"  She stuck it on a file and slipped it onto your desk. A few minutes later after I calmed down I noticed it. I smiled as you read it and looked at her nodding. The bullpen was busy and loud so when Prentiss took me into her arms and held me tight, no one could hear her heart beating out of her chest. See Emily Prentiss has been head over heels for Y/n since the day Hotch introduced her. The way she giggled, argued, took down shots of whiskey likes it's nothing. All of her amazed Emily. When I finally pulled away from her, I had tears threatening to spill and Emily saw them grabbed my hand and pulling me into the conference room. She quickly closed the door and pulled me back into her arms. Where I instantly fell apart, "I'm so sorry. I should've said something, you guys could've helped me. I was just so scared o-of her." Emily didn't need an explanation she just nodded, rubbed my back and said, "It's okay."

As I finished my paperwork for the day I groaned remembering the mess I had to go home to. I starting gathering my stuff when Emily stood up, grabbing her things too. "Let me drive you home. If she's still there, we'll grab you some clothes and leave. If she isn't, I'm staying the night to make sure she doesn't come back." I was taken aback, "Em, you don't have to do that. I'll be fine I-" "Y/n, you said you were fine the past 4 years. Get your stuff let's go." I simply nodded and grabbed my keys along with my other stuff. The two of us chatted about random things until we slipped into her car. She started it and looked at me, "I promise you, as long as I'm there, she cannot touch you." She meant it too, she would die before Savannah ever touched your incredibly soft skin again. I reached over and hugged her, "Thank you." When she pulled into my driveway I felt a knot form in my stomach. "Her cars not here." I stated as I unlocked the door, clicking the door open and switching on the lights. I gasped at the sight in front of me, she had broken everything that mattered to me. Emily was frozen in place as I carefully picked things up crying. Eventually the brunette closed the door behind her and I looked at her. "She broke everything that had meaning. Memories. Good ones and bad." You looked so defeated it broke Emily's heart. She wanted to pick up all the pieces and fix everything, but it was all broken beyond repair.

The next few hours we spent picking up broken things and explaining their meaning to me. Some I explained, others I moved past. We were almost done cleaning with Emily she spotted a broken frame with what looked like an ultrasound picture beside it. She swallowed hard and picked up the picture, "Y/n/n, you might want to keep this." When I turned around I went pale and my heart dropped to my toes. My biggest secret was just exposed to someone who probably already thought I was the biggest mess. I took the picture from her and let a tear slip, "It's not my kid. My best friend in high school got pregnant in college, I went to every appointment with her because the kid's father was a jerk. After one of her appointments, she was killed in a hit-and-run outside the doctor's office. They did everything they could but she and the baby died in my arms. I immediately changed my major and made it my goal to save lives." For what seemed like the 100th time that day, I cried and Emily held me. "Listen to me, you are the strongest person I know, and I got staked in the stomach." We both chuckled and I pulled away still close to her though. "You are beautiful, and so amazing. Some girl would be incredibly lucky to have you." My heart fluttered hearing those words leave her mouth. Savannah always knew it even when I didn't, I loved Prentiss. It was at that very moment, surrounded by trash bags full of broken glass, pottery, and pillow stuffing, that we both knew. Emily's heart was racing but she couldn't stand it anymore, she reached forwards and grabbed my waist pulling me into her and I grabbed her shirt collar pulling her face inches from mine. My palms were sweaty but the butterflies I felt in my stomach overpowered the palm sweat. "Kiss me please Y/n." And that's all it took for me to crash my lips onto her incredibly soft ones. I took another half step towards her wanting more contact and Emily gripped my waist for dear life. Her tongue slipped into my mouth and what felt like a perfect kiss was the start to the best love story.

[bapydemonprincess]

The First Attempts

One of Mey Rin's first attempts at sewing is a handkerchief; a simple cloth. At first her thoughts are for herself; for cleaning and possibly sneezing into when the dust in the manor gives her sneezing fits.

But then she finds beautiful black thread and she must embroider the sides and corners with lines and very very carefully little birds.

And finally as her mind changes fully and she lets her heart decide, she adds a pretty elegant capital S and M in one corner.

The next hill she must get over is actually giving her custom made gift to the intended party; a feat tougher than trying to clean all the bookshelves before lunch.

She figures she'll.. leave it. On the kitchen table. Yeah!

No no, then anyone could find it...

The maid imagines Bardroy finding it at the break of dawn when he cannot sleep, and promptly knowing who "S.M." is and teasing and taunting the butler for a frilly, girly handkerchief left out by mistake.

Hmmmmmm.

Perhaps... slipping it under his bedroom door??

Yes!!

It'll be so mysterious for him to find this handkerchief with his initials mysteriously slipped under his door! Oh, like a mystery right out of Sherlock Holmes, itself!!

Though, of course, the maid ends up struggling.

The tiny crack under the butler's bedroom door is very very thin.

And the maid starts panicking when she hears feet approaching!!!

But thankfully.. she manages to shove it in the rest of the way and run away before whoever was approaching comes!!

The rest of the day, and then the next day and then the next day carries on with no reaction, no response from the butler.

Mey Rin starts assuming things like.. like he just.. just threw the cloth away!!

But then one morning after the butler assigns the servants to the usual morning tasks...

"Mey Rin, might I have a word with you?"

The maid starts screaming... in her mind, of course.

"U-Um, yes? Is somethin'.. the matter, Mr. Sebastian?"

The butler sighs.

"Yes, indeed, I'm afraid," he says, and promptly pulls the exact handkerchief she made out of his inside coat pocket!!

But.. for some reason as he unfolds it it appears quite worn thin, many of her carefully done knitting all undone, strings dangling from the corners and everything!!

"As you can see, this lovely handkerchief I found in my room a few days prior was.. actually discovered first by the rambunctious felines I keep hidden away in my bedroom and let free to roam while I am off doing my duties all day, so erm, well, you see-"

The butler was stammering suddenly, and it drew the maid's attention away from the handkerchief, and back up to the butler's face.

The usually serious and stern but very pretty features of the fair skinned butler were more.. nervous and pink for once, and his sometimes brown sometimes red gaze was looking away.

THE... BUTLER WAS BLUSHING???

"You.. can knit, I am aware, so, perhaps you could fix this if.. you have the time? A-Any time, that is, if you wish. Ah... "

He finally locked his eyes with the maid's.

There was, in fact, a knowing, in those eyes. But still the flush still persisted on his high cheeks, as well as the seriousness in his all-around demeanor, despite this new change to his features.

"I quite enjoyed the handiwork of this handkerchief, and I would like to see it how it was meant to appear.."

And then the maid realized a second later that the butler had stepped closer.

Inches from her, as he easily took up her hands, and pushed the handkerchief into them.

...

And held her hands a moment longer, squeezing even.

...

Mey Rin didn't know how she managed to return herself back to focusing on the present, but she did, somehow, manage a smile and a nod, after she swore she'd almost scream out loud this time and managed to merely whisper out an answer.

"O-Okay..."

Giving a nod back, satisfied with merely that answer it seemed, the butler's eyebrows lifted (almost a concerned look), and his gloved hands released hers.

"Alright," he murmured, for some reason dropping his tone to a gentle whisper, "I look forward to seeing it."

And then he was walking away.

While the maid still needed time to relearn how to walk at all.

[dreamersbcll]

“Intoxicated”- for @krikeymate

————————

Tara breathed out, letting the smoke curl around her in the warm summer air.

She had a very stressful week. College wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. It was kicking her ass. Hobbling around the city and trying to fit in on a new campus wasn't what it was cracked up to be.

But she didn’t have a choice. She promised Sam that she would get her diploma and work hard. Her sister was already juggling two jobs and therapy full time, and the least Tara could do was survive college.

Lifting the joint to her lips, she let her other hand rest on her stomach. There she could feel the rough skin, marred by pink, healing scars. She shivered, feeling the skin flex and pull against the old scars. It still unnerved her how fragile she was. A human piñata for knives. And she couldn’t stop them from hitting her.

Getting lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice that someone had shuffled up behind her. She yelped as hands wrapped around her middle but relaxed once she realized who it was.

“Sam!” she scolded, pushing her sister off of her. She turned to see her big sister frowning deeply back at her.

Tara raised an eyebrow, waiting for Sam to answer her.

“Are you… smoking?” Sam asked an odd tone in her voice.

Shit.

Tara felt like somebody had poured ice water down her back, everything freezing up. She should’ve put the joint out. She should’ve paid attention to her surroundings. Shit.

“Yes?” she softly said, rooted in her spot.

Sam reached out and snagged the joint, dropping it and putting it out on the ground. Tara gasped at the action, annoyance creeping up inside of her.

“Sam! That was good quality. There goes eighty bucks,” she complained, crossing her arms.

Her big sister took a deep breath, closing her eyes in frustration. Tara had no idea what was wrong. It wasn’t like Sam hadn’t been high before. So she bought weed underage. It’s not like anyone was going to arrest her.

She waved her hand in front of Sam’s face, annoyed. “Hello. What’s your problem?”.

Sam rubbed her hand on her face, her eyes growing dark. “You know what my problem is. I said no drugs or alcohol. Not until you’re older. You know how I feel about this shit, Tara. I’m so fucking disappointed in you,” she spat.

Tara bristled at the statement, anger blooming in her chest. “Oh, good. You’re disappointed. What the fuck am I supposed to do with that? It’s not like you went missing from my life for years. Oh, wait! You were!” she hissed back, fully aware that they were causing a scene on the street.

Sam didn’t seem to care. “I’m here now. I’m fucking here now! You know we have rules for a reason. You know why they’re there. You’re supposed to listen! What if I was an attacker and you were high on the street? What then?”

She threw her hands up in disbelief. “What does it matter? It’s one joint. One! I don’t know why you’re so fucking mad over one little broken rule!”.

“Because I don’t want you to end up like me!” Sam shouted, stamping her foot to the ground.

Both sisters quieted down after that statement. Sam was breathing heavily, her hands shaking. Tara was shocked to her core, her mouth open and eyes wide.

Sam took a deep breath, stepping forward to rest her hands on Tara’s shoulder. Tara flinched at the contact, Sam pulling back as if she had been burned.

“Look. I was gone. You were without a person to help guide you. But I'm here now. And I want to make sure you understand how we must be careful, and that your future depends on your actions now. I want you to shine, honey. Your future is bigger than mine ever will be,” Sam softly said, her warm eyes boring into Tara’s.

Tara’s defenses crumpled at Sam’s raw words. She knew Sam wanted the best for her, even if they had been disconnected for years. She knew this was when she should tell Sam how much she missed her. How much Sam meant to her. How much Tara loved her.

But she didn’t. She didn’t say any of that.

She did what a Carpenter did best. Leave.

“Okay. It won’t happen again. I’m sorry,” she whispered, returning to head back inside.

If Tara were paying attention, she would’ve saw Sam reach out as if she was going to hug her. But at the last second, her big sister chose to pull away.

And Tara left her big sister there, standing alone on the street.

[satari-raine]

How about #16? And you can pick whichever ship you want!

#16: things you said with no space between us. ask meme here - still taking requests.

It's still unnerving, like an arrow aimed at his neck - having Milo's attention fully on him.

He breathes through a snarl that should be softer around its edges if not for the fact that it's him, and that Milo is bleeding, snow blue hair matching his own shade of red around Milo's temple - a careless tumble with gravity having been content to watching him fall. It would've been worse if not for Actagawa's quick thinking, but the fact that it's anything at all simmers Bisco's blood, this irascibility a burning underneath his collar. It's a minor enough wound that there's no stitches needed, only the antiseptic and bandages required buried under the curling of Bisco's fingers - just a "Sorry, can you get this, Bisco? We don't have a mirror so I can't see to do it myself" that Bisco had cut off with yanking the supplies to his own chest, silent only because Milo's answering smile - sheepish, pink around the cheeks with the blood that he hasn't lost - leaves him unable to say what he actually wants.

Instead, he has Milo in his lap, almost nose to nose, with the weight of his partner a match to the sudden lump lodged in his throat.

"Hold still," is all that comes out, gravel-rough, and Milo answers by disobeying him with an eager nod, pale fingers curling into the cuff of Bisco's sleeve, happily trailing along, happily attached, as Bisco dabs at the split skin. Milo doesn't wince; he's too strong for that, or perhaps Bisco is blind by being this close, even as he finds himself gentling the pressure when he imagines it's lingered for a second too long. Actagawa is scuttling about in the background, from the corner of his eye, watchful among the arid sands. The sun is setting. He wants this done before it's down.

"Bisco," Milo starts, saying it almost mindlessly (as if Bisco isn't aware of how mindful Milo is when it comes to him) and Bisco holds his breath as Milo's warms his cheek. He shifts back instinctively, finding Milo has already started to move in turn to find his eyes. There's a warmth there that looks out of place with the cockiness of Milo's grin. "Bisco."

His mouth twitches to match; he stomps it down, but finds it still slips out in his tone if the way the corners of Milo's eyes crinkle when he replies, "Am I supposed to know what you mean by just saying my damn name over and over?"

"You usually do."

At that, he does grin, his laugh a bite at Milo's bark.

"Moron," he states with certainty, curling the red-blue hair back behind Milo's ear from where it had slipped, fingertips brushing over the curve and trailing down to the lobe. "Duck your head back, I'm not done."

"Yes, sir," is all Milo ends with, voice a sing-song smoothness that Bisco wonders he used when he was treating patients back in Imihama. If - a big if, Bisco imagines - Pawoo ever got injured, beyond the rust, if Milo's voice served as a balm to her cracked pride.

The bandage isn't shoddy by his own standards but already, even without a precious mirror, Bisco watches with a barely contained frustration - a "really, doc?" ready on his lips - when they lean back from another and Milo instantly reaches up, not with the hand still curled in Bisco's sleeve, and pokes at the bandages. But then Milo's smiling, sparing no restraint in how often he's gracing Bisco with the sight, his hair catching on the setting sun as he tips his head back with a proud laugh, a short and quiet thing in the space between them, with all of who Milo is in this moment lighting every single one of Bisco's nerves on fire.

"Not bad, Bisco," he says and it sounds like he means it, and the two bloody rags draped over Bisco's knees makes Bisco wonder how tired Milo is now, finally dropping down from the adrenaline. There's a coolness quickly spreading over the desert, as the moon in his periphery begins to rise, so Bisco thinks nothing of it as his fingers drop down from curling Milo's hair back behind his ear - again - a slow glide of callouses against pale skin, fingertips resting at his neck, and Milo shivers.

He thinks nothing of himself when, for a moment, he pulls Milo forward, pressing his forehead to his partner's. His goggles push up into his hairline, crooked and threatening to fall back behind him into the sand, but Milo's hand is leaving his sleeve to curl around his fingers, a smooth warmth against the chill Bisco didn't realize he was carrying. He lets out a breath in a sigh and does everything in his power - and failing miserably - not to smile when Milo copies him.

With his eyes closed, without looking, he knows Milo's focused on him, that the man has settled himself in to staying like this for as long as Bisco allows it. He never had to teach Milo what somehow comes to him so innately - not archery, or cooking out in the wild with only the elements providing for them, or for having the damn decency to say no for once, come on, Milo; no, not this - the way his partner has let himself be so captivated by whatever he sees in Bisco that his focus leaves Bisco feeling stripped raw, as if there's no space between them.

He sighs again, brushing noses with Milo as he pulls back, opening his eyes to find Milo's right there, open, trained on him like a well-nocked arrow.

Just for that, with a grin, he raps his knuckles once, twice, against Milo's bandages and lets Milo's hiss of pain, pittering out to soft laughter as he tries to push Bisco back into the sand - tries and fails, "you're on me, y'know, you idiot" - chase away anything he could think to say in this moment, locked down, deep in his chest.

He'll let it burn there for a little while longer.

[mythicxly]

▪ 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 ▪ 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐋 ▪ (yandere! hogwarts x reader)

𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘎𝘪𝘶𝘳𝘰 𝘴𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘰 - 𝘐 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰𝘥 -------------------------------------------------------------------- - 2nd POV -

As you were fully engrossed in the movie, Harry Potter and his companions were on the verge of escaping with Dobby's apparition. Suddenly, Bellatrix threw her dagger at them, creating a chaotic scene. Unfortunately, amidst the confusion, Dobby sacrificed himself for the sake of his friends and died in Harry's arms, leaving you in tears. You couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss and sadness. Your emotions were still raw when your phone rang, interrupting your dramatic mourning.

As you reach for your phone, you let out a soft "hello?" while wiping away your tears. The familiar voice of your friend echoes from the other end, "Hello, (N/N). Stop crying. It's not real, you know that." You sniffle and respond, "But Dobby died! How am I supposed to hold back my tears?!" Your friend emits a sigh in response. "Turn off the TV, we have a test tomorrow." "... We have a test." "Yes?" "Oh, crap..." You hear a slap coming from (Friend Name), assuming they slapped their forehead at your forgetfulness. "Yes, we have a test. Did you study?" You fell silent, no, you did not study because you weren't aware that you had a test. "Giuro su dio...' (Friend Name) mutters, after a few seconds of silence pass by and you get nervous. "Okay, turn off the damn TV and start studying. Now." You groan at their demand. This was what they were like, they knew you too well. While they are nice, they can be strict, though it balances out your personality.

"Okay, fine, fine." You mumble, you can just hear them smile as the words leave your lips. "Good, now hang up so I can go back to sleep." You roll your eyes but say 'goodnight; and hang up. You place your phone on the bedside table as you glance at the bright glow of the TV.

'Just five more minutes would hurt.' You thought as your hand reaches for the remote that just laid on the ground away from you, however you couldn't reach it. But you weren't going to get off your bed just, you laid on your stomach as you stretched your entire arm off the edge of your bed, your fingertips barely brushing off the remote.

'Almost there, just a little bit more' You thought as you stuck your tongue out, not noticing you were slipping off the bed. Your hand finally grabbed the remote, you lifted your hands off the ground in celebration, then almost instantly regretted it as you fell off your bed and landed face first in the carpet.

"Owwww." You groan as you sit up, rubbing your head before smiling in victory as you resume the movie. Though your phone buzzes as soon as the scene plays, you quickly grab your phone as you open your messages.

(Friend Name) 😚💕         TURN OFF THE DAMN TV (Y/N)

(Y/N) HOW THE HELL DID YOU KNOW?

Like you said, they knew you too well.

*** BEEP BEEP BEEP

You jolt up from your dreamless sleep, slamming your hand down onto the alarm clock in surprise, resulting in the object breaking into pieces. "GODDAMMIT! I'M GONNA BE LATE!" You exclaim as you throw the blanket off your (Skin Tone) body, quickly getting off your soft warm bed.

Looking around in your bedroom for clothes, you noticed that your walls were a light grey instead of (Favourite Colour), and the layout was completely different to yours. And you don't even have an alarm clock!

"What the fuck?" You mutter under your breath as you look at the clean room, not a speck of dirt or clothes on the floor to be seen.

"(Y/N), ARE YOU OKAY?! I HEARD SOMETHING CRASH!" A female voice calls out from just outside your fake room door. Not answering the voice, you cautiously walk closer to the door. 'Who the hell was that?' You look around the room to see a bat leaning against the wall in the corner, you quickly grab it and return to your position in front of the door.

The door begins to slowly open and you let a war cry as you swung it open, shoving the person to the ground and raising your bat in the air, preparing yourself to attack the person.

"WOAH! Woah! What's gotten into you?!" The woman questions as she puts her hands up in a surrender-like manner. "Who are you and why am I here?!" You question almost aggressively taking a step forward, the woman's eyes widen as she backs away again. "(Y/n)! It's me! Emma?" You raise an eyebrow. Emma glances between you and the raised bat, "(Y/n), are you feeling okay?" "You didn't answer my second question, why am I here?!"

"Y-you live here! Come on (N/N)! Stop pretending you don't know me."

You narrow your eyes, glaring right at the woman, her dark brown eyes held a look of confusion and fear. You sigh as you lower the bat and rub your forehead, "Sorry, sorry... I just... Here, let me help you up." You held your hand out to her, Emma looks at your hand with uneasiness. 'Understandable, I shoved her to the ground and almost attacked her with a bat...' Emma grabs your hand softly and you pull her up.

An awkward silence starts between the two of you as Emma looks at anywhere but you, while you were stuck in your own thoughts. 'Okay, so I ended up in a random house with a pretty girl but I still have no idea how I got here... Everything looks so old, like, 1900's old.'

You clear your throat and Emma looks at you, "I know it's weird to ask, but what year is it?" Emma raises an eyebrow but answers "1993". Your jaw drops "WHAT?!" You look up at her, you're now just noticing that you were shorter than her. You seemed like a 5'5 while she was like 5'9.

"Yes? Anyway, you gotta get your stuff now!" She pushes you back into the grey room before turning around to leave, "Wait! What am I packing for?!" You loudly inquire, Emma looks over her shoulder.

"You're going to Hogwarts for your third year. Seriously, (Y/n), you're really forgetful this morning. You have 40 minutes."

After she informed you, she went down the stairs, her voluminous hair was all you could see as you stared in surprise. You stayed standing for a couple for minutes, before realisation hits you like a semi-truck.

'I'M IN HARRY POTTER!'

[thenuclearmallard]

Thank you for calling out that woman. But, please don't say stuff like "she's just a white woman". That is such an American thing to say. It's an unfair generalization. There are many minority groups in Russia who are what you Americans call "white" and you're lumping together everyone who shares a skin color and making it out as if it's automatically a bad thing to be "white". You yourself would also be called white in Europe and Russia because to us it is just a skin color, not an ethnicity or race. Between light and dark skinned, you're definitely on the lighter end, so you would be called white (but you also need to remember that the meaning is completely different from what the Anglosphere means with it). Being indigenous does not mean a person cannot be white (= a person with a light skin tone as opposed to dark). So please, don't call this poser woman "just white" because many actually indigenous people are, too, and it's not a bad thing.

Edit: I responded to this by skimming and not really reading the whole way, and I'm going to dissect what is eyebrow raising. To say that this is strictly American to phrase "white" while also erasing my Indigenity and calling me "white" whereas there's posts by other anons calling me a specific non white slur (churka) is problematic to me. White people cannot be Indigenous. There can be lighter skinned Indigenous who can pass as white, yes, but this seems like an anonymous attempt of erasure and ignorance. I will keep my original statement posted because I may still be wrong, but my gut feels off and this feels more of a privileged attack coming from a part of ignorance rather than knowing which is why I'm guessing you asked this anonymously.

It is not bad to be white, yes, but it's not the same injustices being brought as someone who's Indigenous would.

---

That's a fair point and is truly an Americanized perspective because of the connotations there. In America, I do not get treated as "white" so it's easy to generalize and make that error towards women like her especially because of the political climate I'm so accustomed to. I'm lighter skinned, and do not deny that, nor ever have or will. America has its own history of word use that doesn't connect with how the rest of the world does, and I learn that each day especially with making mistakes as I have. I take accountability of the help and harm I may cause, and there's only one way to go and that's forward and to learn. Thank you for the post and keeping me in line.

I will also question why it's only American to use "white" especially when Russia is still the one perpetuating white vs non white with the use of Slav and non Slav. You've seen me get called the slur "churka" which isn't used for white Russians. So while I'm willing to understand from a new perspective, I'm unsure if you really are fully aware of mine and my own confusion.

[dancelikejinz]

╰☆☆ 𝒫𝓇𝒶𝓃𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒫𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃: 𝒲𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝓉𝓌𝒾𝓃𝓈 𝓍 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓇 ☆☆╮

·.¸¸.·♩♪♫ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟 (𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞), 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭, 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭, 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐠𝐫𝐲𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐲!𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐮𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐱, 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐱?? ♫♪♩·.¸¸.·

In the bustling corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an air of triumph lingered after Y/N, Fred, and George executed a brilliantly orchestrated prank on the unsuspecting caretaker, Filch. The trio reveled in their successful scheme, their mischievous spirits soaring high.

"I bet the man can't even recognize his own cat now," you smirked, your eyes sparkling with mischief.

George chuckled, joining in on the jest. "I agree, he's in for more trouble ahead."

Y/N's expression turned mischievous as she continued, "I don't feel bad for him at all. In fact, he deserves it. His naivety makes it all the more satisfying to prank him."

Fred, with a playful smile, interjected, "Absolutely! We need to keep the pranks coming. Any suggestions?"

Y/N's eyes lit up with excitement as she clapped her hands together. "Oh, I've got just the idea! We can pull off a muggle prank this time. Picture this: a crepe cake filled with toothpaste, mayo, and chilli paste, but magically enchanted to appear delectably tempting."

Laughter filled the air as the trio imagined the chaos and confusion that would ensue.

Fred nodded, his enthusiasm matching Y/N's. "Oh, yes! A delicious treat that perfectly fits our theme. But we'll have to be quick. We only need to buy ourselves a few minutes before Filch returns."

Y/N grinned, confident in their magical prowess. "Indeed, we'll use our skills to make it happen. Let's meet at the designated spot, and I'll bring the crepe. See ya!" Fred exclaimed, bounding down the stairs, with Y/N not far behind, waving goodbye to their fellow Gryffindors as they passed along the way.

↫↫↫↫↫ --𝕋𝕀𝕄𝔼 𝕊𝕂𝕀ℙ--- ↬↬↬↬↬

"Yes, we did it! Merlin, you should've seen the look on his face after biting into the crepe cake," Y/N exclaimed, her laughter filling the room. The triumphant glow in her eyes mirrored the satisfaction radiating from Fred and George, their prank a resounding success.

"I know, right? We should totally pull off another prank like this," Fred chimed in, his excitement matching Y/N s.

George nodded in agreement, his mind already brimming with ideas for their next mischievous escapade. "Absolutely! Let's go back to our dorms now, shall we?"

As Y/N's gaze shifted between George and Fred, a mischievous glimmer sparked in her eyes. "Well, about that," she began, a playful tone lacing her words. "I'll come to your dorm, but first, I need to change into something more… suitable. Give me a moment, and I'll join you." With a mischievous grin, she swiftly turned and darted off, leaving the twins eagerly anticipating her return.

↤↤↤↤ -- 𝟹𝟶 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛-- ↦↦↦↦

"Hiya, redheads, I'm back," Y/N announced, her presence commanding attention as she entered the room with a graceful stride. Clad in a pair of shorts that accentuated her long legs and a tantalizing black tank top that revealed her toned midriff, she exuded an aura of confidence that left the Weasley twins momentarily speechless. Their jaws dropped, eyes widening in surprise as they beheld their bestie in such a revealing ensemble.

Caught off guard by Y/N's bold fashion choice, Fred and George exchanged startled glances, struggling to find their words. It was a side of Y/N they had glimpsed before, but never with such an alluring display of skin.

A mischievous smirk played upon Y/N's lips as she observed their reaction, fully aware of the effect she had on them. "Like what you're seeing, eh?" she teased, relishing in the power she held over her mischievous companions.

The twins quickly regained their composure, the mischievous spark in their eyes reigniting as they exchanged a knowing look. Fred, always the first to recover, flashed a charming grin. "Well, well, Y/N," he began, his voice dripping with playful enthusiasm, "you certainly know how to make an entrance."

George, ever the witty one, chimed in with a cheeky grin. "Indeed, Y/N, we're simply in awe of your fashion prowess. It seems our dear Gryffindor friend has mastered the art of leaving us speechless."

Y/N chuckled, savouring the playful banter between them. "Oh, come on, you two. You've seen me in plenty of outrageous outfits before. It's just a little bit of skin," she teased, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.

The twins shared a conspiratorial glance, their mischievous minds aligning. "Oh, Y/N," Fred began with a sly grin, "we've seen your daring side, but this… this is a whole new level of allure."

George nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Indeed, Y/N, we're positively intrigued. Perhaps it's time for a closer inspection, just to appreciate the finer details, you know."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Oh, is that so? Well, I suppose I could allow you both a closer look, but remember, no touching," she said, playfully wagging a finger at them.

The mischievous glint in her eye caused the twins to exchange yet another wink, the heat rising in their cheeks as they remembered the last time they'd tried to touch her bare skin. "I mean, just a casual brush of fingers will do." Y/N giggled coyly. The twins couldn't help but stare at her, their lustful gazes making the young witch blush profusely.

"Of course, love" George answered, trying his best to conceal his growing arousal under his robe. Y/N shot him a seductive smile. Fred nodded fervently. "Agreed," he answered, his eyes glued to her face. He took a moment to take in the delicate features of hers, the rosy hue of her cheeks, the way her long hair fell freely around her shoulders.

It made his heart race, and he felt himself getting hot by the moment. "And if I may, there's more than just a touch involved. Shall we explore that, as well?" "Perhaps," George answered, leaning in close to kiss Y/N. Their lips crashed together hungrily, tongues battling with each other as the sparks danced across their skin. Fred came in and started sucking on her neck and jawline. She arched her neck to give him better access, moaning softly as George began to trail kisses down her chest. She squirmed beneath their eager attention, unable to believe that this was actually happening.

George's hand went down and slowly started feeling up her tank top. Her body shuddered slightly, goosebumps forming on her arms as she revelled in the intimate contact. He continued kissing his way up towards her cleavage until he reached the hem of her shirt, where he paused as he looked up at her expectantly. Y/N sighed.

"Go ahead, I know you want to see what's underneath this, but…" He gave her a reassuring smile as she trailed off. "Don't worry about a thing, Y/N. You won't regret this, trust me." "George's right, don't worry, just for now, let us make love to you, babe", Fred said as he captured her lips with his own and started kissing passionately, almost roughly.

They moved at lightning speed, taking their time exploring each other's bodies. Y/N didn't protest any further as she wrapped her arms around her friends and deepened the kiss even more. Their passion grew hotter by the minute, the desire building inside them as their breathing accelerated. George had already taken off his t-shirt and Maya took off her tank top too, which revealed her beautiful breasts.

"Gosh, I love it when you don't wear anything underneath", Fred moaned against her ear, sending an involuntary shudder through her body. As he leaned in again, Y/N lifted up her head, capturing his lips with hers in a desperate embrace. His lips moved against hers hungrily, causing her breath to catch in her throat as a wave of passion engulfed her.

George wasted no time in playing with her nipples, sucking them and biting them lightly, eliciting sharp intakes of breath from Y/N as her hands clutched at his shoulder. Fred kissed his way along her collarbone, then down toward her navel, and Y/N felt herself grow weak. She moaned softly, arching her back as she tilted her hips toward Fred.

The sensation of their mouths on her breasts, coupled with her desire for them was too much for Y/N. She started feeling her hands on Fred's pants, fumbling frantically until she managed to unbutton his jeans. She pulled his pants off in one swift motion, tossing them away without hesitation as she cupped his length in her hand. She ran her fingers across his skin gently, enjoying every inch of him, as Fred grabbed handfuls of her long hair and pulled her closer to him.

"Yeah, just like that baby girl", he moaned loudly as you sucked his member and made sure to tease him every now and then. George went down and removed your shorts and he started rubbing your throbbing core through your panties, which were soaking wet. "Please, George, please", Y/N whispered, her body trembling in anticipation. But her pleas went unanswered as George continued rubbing your swollen bud, a satisfied smirk on his lips. A whimper escaped her lips and she gripped at Fred's hard dick and sucked it harder.

George removed your panties and tossed it aside and started licking your clit teasingly and sucked it. He then put his tongue inside of you, swirling his tongue in circles in search of your sensitive spot. Y/N gasped in pleasure as George massaged her clit vigorously with his skilled fingers. Fred then kissed her again, which was sloppy and she moaned in his mouth.

George then took his throbbing member and pumped it into her mouth while his other hand rubbed her clit with increasing vigour.

A strangled cry escaped your lips as a wave of intense pleasure washed over you. Your breathing became laboured as sweat formed on your forehead, your body shaking uncontrollably as pleasure consumed you. George and Fred continued pounding into you relentlessly, making your moans increase in intensity as a fresh wave of euphoria overwhelmed you. You could feel their excitement as well, feeling their pulsating erections against your inner thighs.

You felt a sudden burst of energy as you climaxed. George and Fred groaned and collapsed onto the bed beside you.

They kissed you deeply, holding you tightly as they rolled over onto their backs. They smiled contentedly, exhausted.

A few moments later, the twins opened their eyes, grinning happily at each other as they saw Y/N curled up next to them. She was fast asleep, oblivious to her surroundings as she lay peacefully beside them. They watched her fondly as she slept, completely oblivious to the world around her. They smiled affectionately at her, admiring how beautiful she was and how happy she seemed, despite everything she was going through.

As they drifted off to sleep, they silently vowed that they would always be there for her. No matter what. They would protect her from harm. They were willing to die for her.

a/n: we all love it when our twins are spicy, don't we ;) anyways ty for reading...

[kaciidubs]

BITCH YOU GOT ME SCREAMING, SQUEAKING, AND CREAMING - never mind the fact that I was definitely waiting for your reaction because YOU CAN'T JUST COME INTO MY ASKS WITH A GOLDEN IDEA LIKE THIS AND NOT EXPECT ME TO TAKE YOU OUT WITH ME!!!

A new fire ignited within you with the knowledge of you being recorded now - you both being recorded - and you felt yourself clench around nothing, a needy whimper tumbling past your lips.

"A little louder, baby," he murmured, hands coming up to cup your breasts in his hands, kneading at the soft flesh as if it were a common occurrence [it was], "gotta make sure the mic picks up all the pretty sounds you make, right?"

You gave him a mindless nod and he smirked before ducking his head down to toy with your nipple again, tongue lapping fully at the bud before sucking it between his plump lips.

"O-Oh fuck!"

Your hands flew to his head, fingers nudging against the lining of his cap until you finally snatched it off of his head and tossed it in the direction of the couch. With your goal unblocked, your fingers threaded through the unruly curls in his hair, cradling his head with a satisfied sigh - though your satisfaction would only last so long with the growing need between your legs.

"Chris, can I- mm, can I ride you? Please? Can I put it in?" You bit back a moan when his teeth grazed against your sensitive bud, "I-I'm so empty, wanna have you fill me, please?"

Releasing your breast with a soft pop, his bated breath ghosted past your chest, sending a chill across your wet nipple, "Since you asked so nicely, go ahead, baby girl, you can put it in."

Reaching between your bodies, you quickly wrapped your hand around his throbbing dick, your thumb smearing the precum budding at his slit and relishing in the heavy sigh that fell from his lips.

Shifting, you sunk lower for the head of his cock to catch against your clit before notching at your cunt, daring to dip past your slick walls and find its way home.

"Take it slow, princess, don't try to rush."

His gentle warning went in one ear and out the other, any sense of rationale leaving your body the instant you felt him against your pussy - the mere hint of oncoming pleasure reducing you to a needy, all to eager slut for his bidding.

"I can take it, daddy," you mewled, lightly rocking the tip against your entrance, "'m so wet for you, I can take all of it, promise."

Before he could chide you against the idea, you were sinking down on him with a shuddering moan, your walls giving way for the first few inches and the stretch you'd been craving for the last hour.

However, your bravado wouldn't last long as you paused halfway through; Chris was a pretty big guy, you were well aware, and his cock was the same in girth, width, and length, pressing against all things wonderful inside of you.

"Stopping already?" He smirked, watching your blissed out expression with lidded eyes, "What happened to being able to take all of me, baby girl?"

His snarky tone sent a spark of electricity down your spine, making your pussy clench and unintentionally draw more of his cock inside of you; your head falling to his shoulder with a gasp.

"I-Its big." Your breathless whine was simply met with a knowing chuckle, a sound you were all too familiar with at times of pure desperation.

"I know - I've made you come from it many times before, and this time won't be any different, right?" Sliding his hands down your sides, groping as your warm skin, they settled on the curve of your ass, massaging lightly. "You'll sit on daddy's big dick and let him fuck that pretty brain of yours dumb, yeah? You'll let me use your gorgeous moans in our song and everyone won't know a thing - they'll think it's just a random sample, not my pretty baby girl getting split open by her daddy."

You trembled in his lap, unconsciously sinking further into his lap with a weak moan, "Y-Yes, yes, daddy! Wanna- Wanna be fucked by you, wanna be in your song."

KACII BABY COMPOSER CHAN IS STUCK IN MY HEAD i miss him so much, like imagine walking in on him hard at work<3 he's such a genius and so fucking professional :( and and hes so focused :( and and he's wearing his black hat :(

its so hot and i wanna sit on his cock

and that rhymed which is even better :(

anyways, love you kacii baby<3

ESTEE BESTIEE PLEASE, COMPOSING MODE! CHAN IS SUCH A CONCEPT!! Girlie i miss him too it's insane :((

You come by his studio for a surprise visit, ready to offer him a quick lunch date when you hear the rhythmic ticking of the digital metronome and see his hand flexing around his mouse as he edits a track.

He's working, of course.

And honestly you should have called beforehand, but you don't always get the chance to see your lover doing what he does best, and you're honestly excited to watch him now.

He pauses mid-movement and turns to you with a look of confusion, "Baby? Hey, what're you doing here? Did I forget a date or something?" A flash of worry streaks across his face, "I mean- Not that I'm not happy to see you! I love seeing you, it's just-"

"You didn't forget anything, Channie, don't worry," you cut off his rambling with a smile, letting the door close behind you as you walk toward his chair, "just wanted to pop in for a visit and see what you and the boys were up to."

A soft, relieved smile grows on Chris' lips and he tugs you closer into his bubble, his hand wrapped around yours with a light swing. "Ah, well, I'm a little in the middle of making a track so I won't be as entertaining as I usually am - if you wanna find the others-"

"Can I watch?"

"Huh?"

You raise your free hand to twirl a stray curl that's sticking out from underneath the brim of his black cap, "I wanna watch you - I'm not in a rush, plus I can't remember the last time I actually got to see you make the next Stray Kids masterpiece."

His eyes crease as he laughs that little high pitched giggle you've always loved, a tiny squeak accenting the end as he tilts his head away. "Masterpiece is a stretch, but you can watch me if you want to - if you get bored and wanna leave, I won't be offended."

Taking that as your offer accepted, you pull up the spare computer chair and sit next to him, watching diligently as he readjusts his hat and fluffs up his hoodie before hopping right back into the world of tempos and samples.

And, honestly? You love it.

You love seeing the shift from your giggly, adorable boyfriend to the focused, goal oriented leader of the fourth generation; the unwavering focus of his eyes on the computer screen in front of him as he drags and drops various sources with abbreviated file names you couldn't even begin to guess.

Once he's edited the background beat to something you think he may be pleased with - for now at least - he slides his midi keyboard over and plays with a few chords, his long, pretty fingers dancing along the ivory-plastic keys.

It's intoxicating, truly, the way he licks his lips as he finds the progression he's looking for, but struggles to navigate where it ends - the soft huff when he plays it over and over so his short term memory won't forget the notes.

Slowly, you've gone from watching him make music to simply watching him, studying him in his element, observing him and the habits you've seen in other settings. You can't help but squeeze your legs together, your breathing subconsciously slowing as you watch his adam's apple bob when he swallows, the column of his neck stretching as his head moves to search the large monitor.

"I can feel your eyes on me, baby girl." He murmurs, a sideways smirk tugging his lips, "You're gonna burn a hole into the side of my face, you know?"

"Can't help it," you breathe softly, eyes now tracing the sharp angle of his jaw, "you look so fucking sexy when you're making music."

A squeak of confusion resonates from him as he makes a change in the file, "Really? I'm just sitting here, what's so sexy about that?"

Usually, if he were truly busy, he'd pass off your fueled comment with a shy chuckle, but a few hours have passed and he'd gotten a lot further than he expected - a short break was definitely earned.

"The way you look at the screen, like nothing else exists around you, and the way your hands move when you know you've got something good going and you can't waste a single second," licking your lips, you tilt your head slightly, "or the way you bite your lip when you're really into whatever thought's running through that genius brain of yours- just makes me wanna..."

"Wanna what?" He turned to face you, lidded eyes flicking between your own lust-fogged irises and your slightly parted lips. "Wanna what, baby girl?"

Tugging your bottom lip between your teeth, a rush of heat washes over you under his intense stare.

"Wanna sit on your dick and have you record some sounds of our own."

[lollytea]

hc that hunter and willow end up sharing a lot of clothing and because hunter has issues with the texture of certain fabrics, he sews that little W patch to remind himself that this or that belongs to willow. theres ceirtaintly an easier way to remember other than sewing an entire patch, but he enjoys designing patches that match the clothing. anyways look at what uve done to me im thinking up domestic huntlow hcs

I could imagine that during the time spent in Camila's house, mixing up clothes was a frequent occurance. Usually between Luz, Amity and Gus. They're all roughly the same size so they'd pull out a shirt, take one look at it and be like "yeah this is probably mine." Considering they're GFs, Luz and Amity wouldn't mind. But Gus would definitely complain if he saw either of them in one of his dino shirts tho lmao.

Willow and Hunter are also susceptible to this but less so. Hunter accidentally wore one of Willow's T-shirts once and when she was like "Borrowing my shirt, huh? ;)", he was absolutely mortified.

"O-oh! Is this yours? I didn't-- I-I'm so sorry. I mean, looking at it now... obviously it's yours. It's got mushrooms on it. Like, duh, am I right? I'll-I'll take it off immediately lemme just--"

"Now I know you're not about to take the shirt off right now in front of her, right?" Gus quickly adds before he embarrasses himself any further.

Hunter freezes, hands bunched in the hem, seconds before yanking the shirt over his head.

"ObViOusly not!" His voice cracks, face scalding. "That'd be weird. So weird! No I-...I'll wash it for you! I know you don't want my weird smell on it..."

Willow tilts head to the side, cocking an eyebrow "I don't?" She asks innocently.

All Hunter can manage is a confused but horribly flustered squeak. It's amazing the heat didn't melt the skin of his face off.

Gus has to give Willow a stern talking to later that day. ("You WILL kill him if you don't tone it down. Stop the violence, Park!!!")

Anyway, after that happens, Hunter does not throw on just anything. He carefully scrutinises every article of clothing he dons and makes absolute certain that it belongs to him. So yeah I could imagine him sewing in little name tags just to keep Willow's clothes out of his pile.

However, this is the point where Willow starts "accidentally" wearing his clothes in return. She bounces into the kitchen for breakfast in one of his rocko button downs and it makes his galdorstone fucking flatline. Sees his life flash before his eyes as he chokes on his cereal. He cannt TAKE this shit anymore man.

You know his sweater? The soft yellow one? Willow once asked to borrow it. She, Lumity and Vee were heading out for a girls day and she had this cute skirt that she wanted to wear and that sweater would match it perfectly and... 🥺

Anyway when Hunter gets it back, there's a strong scent of perfume on it.

"You'll probably wanna wash that." Willow winks, fully aware that he hasn't a notion of washing it. She leaves Hunter a pile of mush, clutching the sweater to his chest for dear life.

He wears it the next day. There's still traces of Willow's scent on it. He tries to be casual about it but fails miserably. She grins like an idiot all day long.

But yes YES absolutely. In a few years time they are constant clothes sharers. Deliberate this time. Very funny to think about Willow intentionally avoiding textures that Hunter doesn't like when clothes shopping, even when they're for her. Cuz like...they'll end up on him at some point probably. If she owns fabrics that bother Hunter, it's clothes that aren't really his style anyway. But shirts, pants, jackets, hoodies. These are all fair game.

Hunter STILL distinguishes every article of clothing with the personalised little patches but you want to know the biggest reason I think he does this?

He wants people to know. He likes flaunting who he's dating honestly.

Luz: *pointing at the leaf patch on the sleeve of Hunter's jacket* Lemme guess. This is your girlfriend's?

Hunter: *is not a teenager anymore and tries to resist the urge to giggle. Fails anyway* yeah 🥰

[umiarumi]

fucking three houses | prologue/claude von riegan

afab she/her reader, originally posted on my ao3, myukyu <3

Twirling my sword, an excited grin fell upon my face as I jogged alongside Dorte and Marianne. "Hah! Marie, ya think I can keep up your old steed's pace?" I asked excitedly, huffing slightly. The academy had really buffed your stamina, shit, enough to keep up with a damn horse.

"Oh, (Y/N)! I-um, don't strain yourself since we have nearly reached the monastery." She hesitantly called out, brow furrowing. I laughed it off, nodding as I slowed my pace to meet Raphael jogging, carrying a very unamused Lysithea.

"What's up, you two?" I asked, grinning. The behemoth of a man beamed back, motioning his head to the pouting smaller girl in his arms.

"Lysithea here was starting to struggle, so as a good big bro- I mean, uh, friend! As a good friend, I'm helping keep up!" He cheered, laughing.

"I'll remind you, you thoughtless fool, I am not a child! I am quite the opposite, now." Lysithea barked out at Raphael, folding her arms.

I chuckled, shaking my head. I missed these guys, and once we make it to the monastery... well, teach better have kept his promise and not died on us. ~~~~ ~~~~ PROLOGUE END ~~~~ ~~~~ "Ahh... now this one is gonna fill the spot, thanks, prof!" You cheered, excitedly flicking your eyes between your delicious meal of Beast Meat and your slightly concerned professor.

"That smell... it's amazing! My fav, in fact. Do you like it too?" Claude nodded with you, looking to Byleth out of curiousity. Easygoing, huh?

"I like it."

Usually, you'd laugh at your teacher's blunt speech, yet that meat was begging you to devour it and hey- who are you to deny its wishes? Being back at the monastery with your class and teacher as much as you'd loved being back in your home country, you had a soft spot for the Golden Deer. But five years had changed the lot of you, various glowups being noticed, by the way. Yet, Claude caught your attention the most. Which, being honest, wasn't out of the norm, hell, for anyone!

As you tore through your meat, you caught your former classmate stifling a chuckle at your pure ferocity.

"Oi! Got thomething to thay," You quickly swallowed. "What's so funny!?" You annoyedly accused, slamming a hand on the table. He let out a laugh, shaking his head.

"Easy tiger! You just looked awfully cute with your cheeks stuffed."

You felt your cheeks darken, clicking your tongue as you went back to your meal. "Smooth, dickhead..." You mumbled as your teacher let out a sigh at the two of youse antics. As you all continue to eat, a comfortable silence fell upon your trio.

"That aside, I am glad to see you also returning. I heard from Lorenz that you had disappeared for a while." Your teacher finally spoke, looking to you. Your eyebrows rose in surprise as you let a crooked grin creep up your face.

"Funny you say that. How about yourself, five years asleep! Did any lucky gal or guy come to give you that awakening kiss~" You cooed, switching the topic onto him. You had no idea what you could say without getting yourself and Claude in an unknown amount of trouble.

He raised a brow at your dodging of the question but ultimately let it go. "I did not get kissed, no."

Claude piped up from his suspicious silence, leaning in to pester teach. "Ya sure? You were pretty popular back at the academy!" You snickered after this comment, nodding to egg him on.

"I believe we've finished the meal. I shall see the two of you later." He promptly stood up with his plate and cutlery, returning them to the kitchen before strutting off in his usual stern demeanour.

"Aw, we scared him off!" You jokingly whined, leaning onto Claude. Teasing your no-nonsense teacher was great since he's as clueless as Seteth with three times the patience.

"How will we ever apologise?" Claude moaned alongside you, resting his head on yours melodramatically. You tittered together before recovering and bringing your dirty dishes to the kitchen. Leaving the dining hall, you two walked in silence.

You walked with no aim for a while until Claude stopped. You turned to him, intrigued. Tilting your head, you asked him a question.

"Something up?"

He smiled softly, shaking his head.

"Nah, but I would like to ask you some things." He said, and the lack of a comedic tone set off a minor alarm in your brain. You were no stranger to his inquisitive nature, having known him for a good portion of your life. Yet, you had a feeling this related to before. Even Claude wasn't aware of your whereabouts.

"Sure thing, here?" You asked, folding your arms defensively.

"No... let's go somewhere more private." He said, walking off. You jumped, quickly following him.

~~~~

Following Claude up the spiralling stairs of the Goddess tower was quick, that you could confirm. Nearly stumbling over your steps as he transcended so damn fast, you couldn't even call out for him to slow the hell down.

As you finally made it to the top, avoiding the rubble which had gathered after the battle at the monastery, you had leant against the wall, quickly regaining your breath. Yet as soon as you blinked, Claude seemed to have moved from the centre of the room to a few inches away from your face.

"C-Claude! What the hell...?" You jumped, backing fully up against the cold, stone wall. Feeling the cool stones against your back, you shivered as your former leader stared at you.

"Answer teach's question for me, friend? Where were you while we were stopping the whole damn alliance from being chipped away by the Empire?" He asked, frustrated. He took a step towards you.

You gulped, shaking your head as your eyes darted around the tower, looking everywhere but him.

"That's not the answer I was looking for, (Y/N)."

Your breath hitched as he grabbed your chin to look you in the eyes. His voice lowered, a conflicted emotion on his face. A crooked grin tugged at his lips and yet his brows were furrowed, annoyed.

||Translation: فاک - Fuck||

"I-I was in Almyra!" You yelped, quickly realising what you said as you cursed under your breath, "فاک..." You hissed, embarrassed.

"First, you avoid our questions..." Claude listed, cruelly running his thumb across your lip. Your heart skipped a beat, your eyes finally set on his figure.

"Second, you leave us... breaking our promise," He continued, striking your heart where it hurts.

You bit your lip, eyeing him as he let his hand drop to your shoulder. He pushed you further against the wall. You shivered, yet not from the freezing stone this time.

"I-I... even you said you had no attachment to Fodlan! I thought you wouldn't..." You trailed off, searching for an excuse.

"Everyone thought you died! I thought you died! And yet..." His voice rose, yet less out of anger. He finally brought his face to your extremely red own.

"Where was I? Oh yeah, finally..." You stiffened, knowing what he was going to bring up.

"Leaving me hanging."

Before you all reunited, you had made a short trip into Fodlan to grasp the situation. Yet, your undercover mission soon became an open one as a fateful night in Derdriu occurred.

~~~~

It was a warm evening the night you had made it into the lively streets of the city. Even after the effects of war, the city still seemed to bustle. Unassumedly passing by citizens happily talking, you looked for any Knights of Seiros stationed nearby or even members of the Leicester military. Noticing a particular armoured woman, you tapped her shoulder.

She turned, giving you a pleasant smile. "Do you need anything, ma'am?"

You nodded, playing with the sides of your bodice. "I live a while from the military posts, so could you please tell me... um, how is the war going?" Embarrassed, she laughed softly before explaining.

However, you were unaware of a keen eye watching you. The familiar bobbing of unruly hair, gleaning of sun-kissed skin tied in with a confident stance clued Claude onto just who it was he saw. He waited patiently behind market stalls, keeping an eye on you as you bid the woman goodbye. And oh-so luckily for him, you headed his way.

You passed by him, oblivious to the archer's presence. A sudden hand on your shoulder caused you to jolt, your hand reaching to the hilt of your sword. Whipping around, your eyes soon met the green ones of a certain Alliance leader.

"C-Claude!?" You shrieked, hand still cautiously resting on your sword, unsure if he would take well to your sudden appearance.

"So you decided to show up, huh?" He remarked, and if you knew him any less you'd think that easygoing smile meant he was happy. But that smile never reached his eyes.

Yet, despite his obvious inner conflict, you expelled a breath as he pulled you into a hug. You soon wrapped your arms around him. It had been four years since you left after Edelgard and her forces attacked. You felt his grip loosen as he rose a hand to your chin, that oh-so teasing thumb brushing against your lip.

"May I?" He muttered, and in response, you leant into him, lips locking. What started innocently quickly grew messy and needy, your lips growing red.

As you pulled back, you felt the hard pressure as your fronts brushed together. You blushed before turning your head away.

"I'm sorry Claude, I have to go." You muttered solemnly, pulling yourself together.

"Wait, what? Showing up randomly after four years and then blue-balling me?" He teased yet yearningly reached out his hand.

"I promise, I will return and finish what I started!" You called out, running off into the night.

~~~~

Your face grew hot at the memory. Shuffling nervously, you looked into his eyes.

"Then, will you finish what we started, miss?" He asked, running a hand across your face.

Inhaling, you nodded and answered him. "Yes... please."

With your consent, he pushed himself against you, lips squishing as he brought you upon his own. He soon ran his tongue along your bottom lip, asking for permission.

You parted them quickly, his tongue invading your mouth as your tongue danced with his. He began to unclasp your armour as you shifted to help them come off easier.

Before you knew it, you had both shed to your undergarments, all knowledge of this being an open area quickly leaving your mind.

His hands reached behind your back to fiddle with your bra for a few moments, soon letting it fall to the cold, stone ground. His eyes fell to your breasts, your nipples perk from a mix of the cold air in the Goddess Tower and the heat of the situation.

Quickly, his hands began to fondle and grope your tits, your hand slapping on your mouth as to not alert any patrolling guards.

"These really are great. Your armour disguises you, a good thing that is since you'd probably take a few hits otherwise." He commented cheekily, observing your tightly shut eyes and fluttering breaths.

God, he'd tease you even now!?

One of the hands dropped from your breast, the other continuing to squeeze and roll it like wet clay. The forgotten breast soon regained heat as the scruffy head of the brunette quickly moved to suckle on your aching nipple, causing you to let out a quick yelp.

"How cute." He mumbled into your tit, the vibrations sending a delicious shiver up your spine. Whilst you were focused on the pleasure at your chest, your throbbing cunt soon found a welcoming hand cupping it through your underwear.

"Soaked! Were you wanting this all along? Hah! Pretty slutty for an Almyran warrior." He cooed, fingers running against your clothed slit.

"A-ah... fuck you!" You hissed, deciding on paying back the offer. Your free hand reached down to cup his hidden boner, hand rubbing slowly.

"Ffffuck... fine, you want to do it right here, against this wall sweetheart?" He asked, grinning.

You nodded brashly, slipping out of your drenched underwear. He too shed his remaining clothes and your lips locked in a short kiss before he pulled away.

Grabbing onto your thighs, he lifted you as you hooked your legs around him. Pushing you against the wall, he angled his dick at your pussy. Rubbing slowly, teasingly. The two of you groaned, as finally, he stuck his dick in your needy cunt.

You gasped, feeling it stretch you out, slowly, inch by inch. Bottoming out, the two of you stilled for a moment, catching your breaths. Once you adjusted, signalling him with a nod, he pulled out to the tip, before slamming back in. You moaned unabashedly, eyes fluttering open to see Claude's face scrunch up.

He looked up to you coyly, smirking. "Do you want all of the monastery to find us? Would you like them to see you like this?" Your breath hitched.

"Sweating, being fucked against a wall by your former leader? After five long years, you decide to help." He hissed, continuing to thrust as you gasped with each thrust.

The fulfilling feeling of Claude's dick rubbing against your inner walls gradually inched you to your orgasm, the added brushing of fronts stimulating your clit.

"I could get used to this, you'll really help the war efforts this way. Those poor, exhausted knights who you could've helped. A nice cocksleeve like you, you'll do more by getting fucked than you have the past years." He grunted, venting his frustrations.

Yet, despite all the guilt you should've felt, it only made the aching buzz of your clit all the more stronger.

Your cunt spasmed with each thrust, the routine rubbing and brushing working you towards your end as you felt Claude's dick shudder every time he bottomed out.

"Maybe you could motivate Ignatz? He'd be shy though, but a girl so open like you would be perfect for that." He mumbled, watching your face darken.

"Or Raphael? He could use you as training. You'd be spent by the time he was even finishing, yet a slut like you would be okay with that, right?"

His dick continued to twitch in your pussy, your walls clamping around his cock like a vice. Fluttering as you were so close to your end.

"Shit... even Lorenz... he could use you as practice for his- ngh, noble duties!" He choked out a laugh, breath stuttering.

"But I think I like you best as my little runaway slut, yeah? You fit so well on my cock!" He emphasised the last word with a sharp thrust, your walls clamping shut on his cock, your head hitting the wall as you moaned in ecstasy.

He quickly pulled out, dick spurting ropes of cum on your chest and stomach. As you both caught your breath, you caught Claude smiling at you.

"It's good to have you back, my friend."

[lubdubsworld]

Blackberry Winters.

Part 1

Check part one for warnings 💔

Part 2.

Namjoon stared at his mother, her words registering but not quite sinking in. He blinked, a couple of times and swallowed dryly, trying to gather his wits that felt like they'd been scattered to the four winds. There was a dull ringing in his ear, a feeling of impending horror and he had to fight to bring himself back to the present.

"She is...?" He couldn't even say it. Somewhere in the back of his mind he realised the irony of it. It wasn't supposed to makes him feel that way. The reason he had taken her to bed was for this : a heir to take over the duties of the head alpha after him. And yet, he knew that he couldn't just ignore all the things that would come with having a pregnant mate. All the added responsibility.

At the heart of it , Namjoon was exhausted.

He had been trained for this position but it didn't make it any easier. His wolf yearned for solitude and serenity, peaceful quiet where he could contemplate life and all its mysteries but the duties and responsibilities kept piling up. He had no time to indulge in such whimsical fantasies. From daybreak to sundown, he drowned in problems that demanded solutions, issues that required his intervention and he was always giving so much of himself to so many.

It was as taking a toll.

And now here was the promise of another new soul. A pup. Fully dependant on him for survival. It was hard to be ecstatic.

" Why do you look so surprised? Have you not been sleeping with her?" She frowned, moving closer to the small wooden bench in the corner of the room. She sat down, primly adjusting the large swathes of her skirt. Even at her age, she was a beauty and despite being a widow, she was treated with great respect by all the wolves in the clan.

" I have... Of course...I just didn't expect her to ...so soon. " He muttered hesitantly. He made a quick calculation, Conceived at the end of autumn meant the child would be born at the end of summer. Rains and more rains. He would have to commission the weavers to make a lot of warm blankets and thick bedding for the babe. And make sure that all the birthing huts had their roofs mended. He felt an ache in his chest. He knew he had to have a heir. It was part of what he was responsible for. But he wasn't ready to be a father yet. Especially not with someone like her.

" You haven't been very subtle in your disdain for her, Joon. It makes me wonder of perhaps I have failed in teaching you the ways of a husband." His mother's sharp voice made him wince.

His parents had been deeply in love with each other. His mother had been an equal contributor in running the clan, his father's most trusted confidante. He couldn't imagine having something like that with the woman he had rather recklessly chained himself to for life. But he couldn't be openly defiant in front of his mother.

So he bowed.

" I've tried to talk to her mother. She looks at me like I'm some marauding villain."

Lady Kim scoffed.

" Because, for all she knows, you may as well be one. Think of who she is, how she was raised. Her mother died when she was eight and she has been keeping house for her father since then. It Is a miracle she knows how to read a few words and to write her own name. Old man Gong is unkind and cruel and I've only ever watched him treat her like an unruly dog that needed discipline and never like his own flesh and blood. She knows men to be cruel and powerful and capable of doing her great harm. Add to it your status as the head of the clan, of course she thinks you're dangerous. "

" am I to be blamed for her childhood now?"

" Don't be obtuse. That is not what I'm saying. I just want you to consider her upbringing, before you write her off as dramatic or hysterical. "

Namjoon sighed deeply.

" Alright, mother. I'll try to talk to her again. "

And he knew that he had to. If he wanted some semblance of peace in his life, he would have to make an effort with his wife.

----------------------------

Jiah sat by the haybale near the barn, cross-legged on the dirty floor as she watched Misu and Loshim, two of the stable boys tend to the horses. She stared at the careful way they brushed the large beasts, their tone gentle and soothing as they murmured reassurance to the agitated animals. She found it fascinating, how even an animal that powerful could feel fear and anxiety. It made her feel better about her own shortcomings.

From a very young age, she had known of her flaws. She was jittery, prone to cold sweats and breathing problems, easily frightened and absolutely terrified of confrontation of any kind. Her parents had been, to put it lightly, unkind. They had seen her as a burden, as something broken and useless and cumbersome and that had done nothing for her self esteem.

To make matters worse, they didn't let her attend lessons with the other omega girls, her education limited to scribbled writing on granite with chalk when her father was feeling bored or charitable. She could read a few words with difficulty . Could write her name out if you gave her some time and patience.

At first, her ignorance had been embarassing but over time she realised her education wouldn't serve her much purpose.

She thought of herself as something temporary and fleeting. Not meant to leave any lasting impression on the world. So it was alright if she didn't know what every other girl her age did. She was going to live and die in that hut near the boundary walls..... She would have no use for fancy words or exotic dances.

Or so she hd always believed.

So when the head alpha had asked for her hand in marriage, she had nearly passed out from her heart giving out.

Namjoon was seven years older, almost thirty winters old and she had only ever caught glimpses of him when he came to check on her father's watchpost occasionally. He was a tall man, strapping and intimidating with dragon eyes that glowed red. And one evening he had stopped by her side when she had been tending the beets and potatoes in the small vegetable garden out back.

He had stared at her for a few long minutes while she had sweated in nervousness and then he had promptly asked for her father. When the man had Stepped in and told her father that he was looking to make her his bride, the old man had been jubilant while Jiah had been confounded.

She hadn't wanted to say yes but she had been too much of a coward to say no. Besides, she didn't know if saying no would have any repurcussions....she didn't want to risk offending the literal head of the entire clan. What if they banished her? What would become of her then?

And so she had said yes. And here she was.

Mated to the man for life, her wolf connected to his and his mark on her neck and now....his child in her womb.

She felt the familiar stirring of panic, digging her nails into her palm to ground herself .

Jiah had long come to terms with the fact that her mind was not her friend. It sometimes tried to attack her , tried to make her feel irrational things. It convinced her that she was a bother, that she was useless, that she was a burden. It also tried to tell her that she was in danger, that she had to run and avoid and get away, even when she was perfectly safe.

When she had first come here as the head Alphas new wife, her brain had wrecked havoc on her senses. Had made her feel like a hunted animal, always cowering and hiding and trying to disappear . Namjoon had tried to be friendly, tried to be courteous and all she had done was hide and recoil, skin ice cold and words practically non existent. She hadn't said a word to him those first few days and even the bedding had been a nightmare, her entire body stiff as a board and she knew that he had probably felt like he was making love to a corpse.

She regretted it. Deeply. But there was not much she could do about it now. Besides she wasn't sure she even wanted to. It was obvious her husband's affections lay elsewhere. She had seen the way he looked at that courtesan. Had seen him sneak out for walks with her, had seen them huddled together in the room with all the scrolls and leather bound books.

Jisoo was a beautiful omega, well read and trained in musical arts. She played the gayageum and the flute, knew how to entertain guests with a perfect ceremonial dance and she was always at the helm of every festivity, dressed in vibrant fabrics and full of life.

She was also madly in love with Namjoon.

Jiah sighed, watching the horses paw at the dirty stable floor. She wanted to get to know her husband, yes. But she knew that even if she did, he would only find her wanting and inadequate in all ways.

And that was just not acceptable .

She maybe self aware when it came to her short comings but she also had her pride.

She would rather live like this. Tucked away like an embarassment, hidden like a dirty secret because then there would be no piercing gaze weighing her against her peers and declaring her broken.

Yes.

Pregnant or not, she wanted nothing to do with her husband.

------------------------

" Are you feeling well now?" Namjoon's voice startled her, eyes going wide as she looked around the resting quarters , gaze finally falling on the man standing near the large table on the side. Namjoon was bent over the rough oak surface , papers spread out in front of him, an oil lamp burning bright nearby, casting a sepia shadow on the man himself and she hesitated, debating the pros and cons of excusing herself to go see his mother instead. Maybe claiming a headache?

In the end she did neither, resolving to at least make an effort with this.

" I'm well, alpha. " She swallowed the lump in her throat. " I'm sorry for inconveniencing you. "

He straightened, turning around to look at her finally.

" Do you wish to move into another room?" He said briskly and she startled.

" Another room?"

" Now that you are with pup, there's no reason for us to keep sleeping together. I prefer having my own space. "

Jiah felt the blood rush through her ears. This shouldn't hurt but it did and she could feel the self loathing flood her senses. She stared down at herself, the lack of beauty and the utter lack of any kind of elegant upbringing. Of course he didn't want to stay with her any longer. What had she been thinking , agreeing to this farce of a mating?

" I... Alright. "

Namjoon turned away from her.

" Good. I've already arranged for all your things to be moved to the west wing , next to the gardens."

Far away from his rooms, Jiah thought bitterly. The sudden realization that Namjoon had been looking for some sort of brood mare and not a mate hit her . And it suddenly made sense that he hd picked her.

Someone easy to boss around.

Someone who wouldn't demand anything from him, loyalty or affection or attention .

And it irked her for some reason.

Why did he get to treat her that way? Why must she put up with it?

But she stayed quiet because she wasn't sure what to say.

" You can leave now, Jiah. " He said dismissively and she hesitated before stepping out of the room.

And she wondered if with her departure, someone else would be taking her place in his bed.

-----------------------------

Authors Note : would you guys like first person narrative or should I continue in third person? 👀

[padfootagain]

The Adviser

Hey! I'm writing this little fic for @musicallisto's event! I'm using her prompts 4 and 29 for Caspian :

4. “Can you stay with me?”

29.“Their hands on your skin…”

I'm also including a bit of the drunken confessions trope for this one!

I hope you all like it, tell me what you think about it, and thank you again Clara for hosting this event! This is just pure fluff, you know me, it's soft hours time!!!! We love cute clichés here!

Pairing : Caspian x reader

Word Count: 3597 (I've proofread but I've been writing for four hours and my brain is fried, I am so sorry if there are more mistakes than usual, forgiiiiiive meeeeee!!!)

You shouldn't have been drinking like this. Deep down, you knew it was a mistake. But what choice did you have? It was the only way to forget what this princess what doing at that moment.

Her hand was on Caspian's arm, and you didn't fail to notice the way her fingers slipped down the length of his velvet sleeve to brush against the skin of his wrist. You took another large gulp of liquor, but the image was already printed all over your eyelids when you closed your eyes and tried to blink the sight away.

It was more than you could stand. So much more than what you were humanly able to stomach. And the worst part of it all, really, was that none of this was Caspian's fault. He didn't even know about how you felt for him, so how could he have guessed that him letting her touch him like this, being so close to him, were hurting so.

But it did hurt. God, it hurt so bad.

The room was full of noises and conversations. You were celebrating the signing of a new commercial agreement between Narnia and their neighbours. It was exciting, and all the politicians that had been involved in the elaboration of the treaty and its negotiations were now enjoying a much-deserved celebration. The treaty had been signed earlier in the afternoon, and hopefully it was the first step towards a friendship between the two nations.

And you should have been celebrating as well, because after all, this treaty was your baby. You had written parts of it, you had worked for months to convince lords that this treaty was a good thing. You had worked and worked relentlessly for so long on this project. It was your baby, in a way.

When you had begun this adventure, you had envisioned yourself in the position you were finally in now. With a signed treaty resting on the king's desk in his study, and surrounded by lords, princesses and other important political figures, drinking wine and eating pastries and laughing as the future seemed a little brighter than it was before.

What you had never imagined though, was that during the months you had spent working closely with the King of Narnia, you would fall madly, desperately, hopelessly in love with him.

You wanted to slap some sense into your own head for falling for him the way you had, but it would be useless. There was nothing you could have done to avoid it. And every time you looked at him, you were reminded of this cruel truth. Nothing could have prevented you from falling in love with the king, not even yourself, not even him. Nothing, no one, could save you now.

Sometimes, it was driving you mad, really. The way he was so kind, and a little shy around you. You forgot that he was even a king, then. He had a way to make you feel safe by simply smiling at you. There was something in the way he walked, in the way he held himself, that would have betrayed his rank if he had tried to hide it. He was so… inspiring, in a way. More than that, he was magnetic. When he walked into a room, it was clear who he was. A mere glimpse at him, and even if one had no idea what the King of Narnia looked like, they would have recognized him. But then he would blush in the most precious way when complimented, bending his head as if to hide his reaction, and there was so much hesitation in his polite smiles, as if he wasn't sure what to do with himself. Maybe it was that contrast that had make your heart melt. The way he was the most charismatic man when you saw him, and the kindest when you talked to him.

Yes, yes, that was it. Or at least, part of it. Maybe it was the starting point of it all. Then, every single detail that made him unique had sealed the deal, and your heart was his, for good.

At the end of the day, though, no matter how much you loved him and how friendly and kind he was to you, he was still the King, and you were merely a representative. There was nothing special about your ancestry, even if your position now was quite high in the government. But you were one of the King's advisors, that was all, and every time you looked at one of these princesses throwing all their charms and manners at Caspian, you really couldn't hold it against him to fall for them and not you.

If he had known these inner thoughts of yours, he would have been adamant at contradicting you, at telling you that you were just as special as they were. But he was busy talking to one of them, and you were busy drinking. It ought to be the way things were meant to be, right?

After a couple more glasses of wine, your head was starting to spin and Caspian seemed to finally notice that something was off with you. He frowned hard as he saw you reaching for the nearest wall to keep your balance, while you lifted your glass to your lips again. You finished all the alcohol in one gulp. It wasn't like you though, to drink like this…

At first, he thought maybe you were simply letting loose more than usual in celebration for the treaty, but you didn't seem happy at all. On the contrary, your features were twisted in one of pain. Were you sick? A wave of fear rushed to his heart, crushing the little organ in his chest. He hurried to excuse himself and leave the princess he had been talking to. He was aware it was barely polite, but if you were unwell, he didn't exactly care about the etiquette. In fact, all his thoughts were set upon you and his worry now, he couldn't even realize what he was doing as he crossed the room in just a few long strides, ignoring people in the crowd trying to intercept him as he passed by.

You hadn't noticed him approaching, you had settled your attention on the marble ground, in an attempt to avoid seeing Caspian talk with the flirty princess that had been clinging to him for the past hour. Only when his brown boots appeared on the floor right before you did you notice his presence. You looked up in a jolt, your hair growing with fear and apprehension, while your quick movement made your head spin even more than before.

"Your Majesty," you mumbled, trying to stand a little straighter. "Can I… do anything for you?"

Your words were slurred, obvious sign of your intoxication. Caspian's frown only deepened.

"I was about to ask you the same question, you don't seem to be well," the king answered.

"I… I am perfectly fine," you lied.

"You seem to need a bit of fresh air," Caspian insisted. "Let me accompany you to the gardens."

You didn't have the strength to fight against him or argue in any way. Besides, Caspian was right, you did need a bit of fresh air to clear your mind. So you let him take your arm, assuring your balance, while he guided you outside.

The afternoon was slowly dying out into the early evening. The sun was still quite high in the summer sky, but the heat it released had diminished as the hours passed by. A salty breeze was blowing through the roses in full blossoms and the branches of the tall oaks that offered their shades to the visitors. It was quiet though, most of the inhabitants of the castle being either busy with their daily tasks, or at the reception. It was an easy task for Caspian to find a quiet spot for the two of you to walk by.

"Are you feeling better?" he asked, noticing your steps were a little steadier, even if he still kept a careful hold on your arm, just in case.

"I did need a bit of air, indeed. Thank you. I feel better," you nodded.

You tried to give him a smile, but it was harder to hide your feelings when you were drunk. It seemed more like a wince, instead, and Caspian fully turned to you this time, stopping you in your tracks in the middle of the narrow path in between the bushes of roses. He remained silent for a while, the noises of the wind in branches and the bees buzzing in the flowers the only sounds you could hear. And in this quiet place, staring right into the king's dark eyes was even more hypnotizing than usual. You were suddenly very aware that the two of you were alone. And very aware that his hand still rested on your arm too…

"Are you sick? What is wrong?"

Under his insisting tone, you recognized worry. If Caspian had tried to hide it, he had failed miserably.

"I… am quite fine. I think I simply celebrated a little too much…"

"You seemed sad back there," the king shook his head, cutting you off because you could finish your lie. "You did not seem to be celebrating at all. Why? What happened?"

"Nothing. I guess… I must be very tired. The negotiations were difficult and…"

"Why are you lying to me?"

You merely stared at him, not knowing what to answer.

"I know you are lying. I know you. Why will you not tell me what is bothering you?"

"It… is nothing…"

"Is it why you drank too much?"

"I am not drunk…"

"Yes, you are. You can barely stand."

"I can," you replied, even if it wasn't true. You knew that if Caspian suddenly let go of you, you would probably fall down in the roses, and the thought of the many thorns cutting your skin wasn't particularly appealing to you.

Caspian's frown slowly disappeared though. From worry, his expression changed to one of sadness and hurt, but you didn't understand why.

"I am your friend, Y/N. Why will you not tell me? I could help…"

You let out a bitter laugh. The liquor was taking the better of your judgement, for you would have never answered him this way had you been sober.

"My friend? As if we were friends…"

Caspian stared at you with the most puzzled expression you had ever seen adorning his handsome features.

"What do you mean? Of course, we are friends."

"We are not friends. You are the king, and I am… a commoner working for you."

There was so much hurt passing through Caspian's eyes, but you didn't feel guilty. It was true, after all. And the sight of this woman with him… with her eyes all over him, and the way she leaned towards him…

It was more than you could take…

"I thought we were more than just that by now," Caspian answered in a low voice.

"How could we be?"

"Why did you drink so much tonight?"

"Because I cannot take it anymore… I… these feelings I just… I can't fight them…"

"Feelings? What…?"

But then it dawned on him, only, not completely.

Of course, a question of heart would explain your sadness and your drinking tonight, such behaviours that were so out of character for you. He wasn't particularly good at hiding the way his heart broke in his chest at the thought that you loved someone else, though. He had to be thankful for your inebriated state that made you fail to notice his reaction when it was written all over his features.

He opened his mouth to ask who this was about, but you spoke first. The wine was making your mind blurry, your thoughts turning into a whirlwind, bumping into each other and making your usual filters lift. In any other circumstances, you would have never said any of the words you were about to utter, but then, liquor and broken hearts make confessions tumble easily.

"I cannot do this anymore. I want to resign."

"Resign? What…?"

"I cannot handle it. Being around you all the time…" you went on, barely realizing Caspian was trying to speak. "And today seeing her… her hands on your skin and…"

Your voice broke, and you lost your balance for good. Caspian was still here though, and he managed to catch you in his arms right before you would fall to the dusty ground.

His brain was repeating again and again your words, trying to analyse their meanings…

Did it mean that… you… was it about him, then?

"I will take you to your room. You need to rest. Come on…"

With the gentlest gestures, he guided you back inside and to your room, crossing empty corridors and avoiding people as much as he could. No one else but him needed to see you like this.

He helped you settle in bed, and only then did he notice that you were crying.

"I'm sorry," you mumbled.

He brushed your tears away. He had never touched you this way before, and it made his heart pound in his chest like it had never before. He let his fingers linger a little longer on your cheek.

"You must rest. We will talk about this in the morning."

He gave you a warm smile before turning away, but you held him back, catching his wrist before he could walk too far away. He turned to you again with a puzzled look.

"Can you stay with me?"

Your voice was barely more than a whisper, uncertain and fragile. He was used to hearing it loud and confident while you discussed amongst politicians and advisers, it was such a drastic change, it scared him. It was evident you needed someone to take care of you at that moment, and Caspian wouldn't have let anyone else do it in his stead.

He should have gone back to the reception, but how could he leave your side now?

So, he dragged a chair next to your bed, and sat down, offering you a reassuring smile. He held your hand in his, giving it a soothing squeeze.

"As you wish. But you need to sleep now."

"Are you angry?"

"No, I am not. We will talk about it tomorrow. Now, you need to sleep. Close your eyes."

You did as ordered, and fell asleep as soon as your eyelids had fallen. The warmth of Caspian's hand on yours was the last thing you remembered before surrendering to slumber.

-----------------------------

Your headache wasn't the worst thing that happened when you woke up. Nor was your nausea, or the disgusting taste that lingered on your tongue. No, the worst part of waking up was the note you found folded by the side of your bed.

Caspian would be waiting to see you in his office.

If parts of the previous day were a little blurry, you still remembered perfectly your conversations with the King.

He would ask you to resign. Or he might even fire you altogether. He could have asked you already for someone to pick up your things and carry them out of the castle… but then, Caspian was a kind man, and you weren't altogether surprised when you picked up an outfit to dress up and found all your belongings exactly where they belonged.

After your behaviour, there was no other alternative. You had been disrespectful, and you highly doubted that the king would appreciate working with someone who had romantic feelings for him.

But your pride made you decide that you would resign first. You would not let him throw you out of the castle. If you had to leave, which was painful enough already, never to see the man you loved again, then at the very least, you could be spared the humiliation of being pushed away. At least, you would be the one leaving.

You made your way to his office, at last. Taking a deep breath before knocking on the door. Your heart missing a beat when you heard Caspian's low voice answering on the other side. You walked in.

Caspian welcomed you with a smile, he was sitting at his desk, his back to the stained-glass windows that painted colours all across the room. The light coming from behind him made the image ethereal, a vision you could have summoned in one of your dreams…

"Good morning, Y/N. Please, take a sit," he invited you. "Are you feeling better?"

You struggled to swallow, cleared your voice. His voice made butterflies tickle your belly, but you ignored the feeling. You ignored how much you wanted to comply and approach him. This was not the time. Now was the time to be strong.

You remained at a safe distance from his desk, refusing to sit down.

"Your Majesty," you tried to keep your voice steady, but couldn't help the slight shake that accompanied your words. "I am well, thank you."

He opened his mouth to speak again, but you interrupted him, raising your hand to silence him.

"Please, your Majesty… let me speak."

He nodded, letting you continue. You took a deep breath, and finally gathered the strength you needed to speak again.

"I…My behaviour yesterday was… unforgiveable. And I am aware that I have crossed a line. What transpired last night is the proof that I can no longer work for you and serve Narnia at the best of my abilities as your adviser anymore. It is why I would like to resign. I would be very thankful if you would agree to allow me to stay in the castle for one last week, to allow me to look for a new home. My resignation will be effective immediately, and I can write it down, if you want me to."

Caspian remained silent for a moment, before slowly standing up, and walking towards you. His hands behind his back, he only stopped when he was but one step away from you. You stared at him, waiting for his reaction, completely motionless.

"I agree that… your confessions from last night make it impossible for us to continue like this. Things cannot remain the same now."

You fought with all your might to refrain your tears, that merely gather at the corner of your eyes, but didn't fall. You didn't flinch, nor did you back away though.

"I do think that you need to resign from your position in our government. I would not be… proper… to have my advisor be…"

"I will inform the rest of the staff immediately," you interrupted him. Which was incredibly rude, interrupting the king… but you couldn't take it. You couldn't stomach the pain that it would make you feel to hear him say the words he was about to utter.

It was enough that he didn't love you. You didn't need him to say it out loud.

You turned on your heels, but Caspian didn't let you step away. He caught your wrist before you could move away, and you turned back towards him, your eyes growing in surprise.

"I have not dismissed you, yet," he told you, quirking an eyebrow.

"I apologize, your Majesty."

Caspian gave you a smile. You wondered what was worth smiling for though.

"I thought we had agreed that there was no need to call me this way when we are alone."

"Things have changed."

"Not nearly enough, yet."

It was your time to frown.

"There is no need for you to move out of the Castle."

"But I…"

"Would you like to take a walk in the gardens with me this afternoon?"

You opened and closed your mouth a few times, completely confused.

"I… don't understand…"

"Did you mean what you said? Yesterday? Or did I not understand you right? I thought you said you had feelings for me."

You nodded, unable to answer, fleeing Caspian's gaze.

"I did… but…"

"Well, I am asking you if you would like to take a walk with me this afternoon."

"But I… why?"

His smile grew fonder, and you noticed the way his fingertips were shaking when he reached to hold your other hand.

"I… was hoping you would… like to spend some time with me," Caspian added, hesitant this time, a little shy, pinker shades appearing to colour his cheeks. "Not as my advisor but… as… a friend…"

"A friend?" you repeated, stunned.

"Or well… maybe… maybe more than a friend."

"But I… I am…"

"I feel the same way."

He had said the last sentence as fast as he could, forcing the words out like he would have pulled an arrow out of a wound. In one, quick motion, before the strength and courage would fail him.

Your mouth fell open.

"You… you do?" you stuttered, out of breath for some reason. You only just then noticed that you seemed to have forgotten how to breathe altogether.

"I do. And well… I am afraid that you need to resign, for it would be impossible for me to court one of my advisors. But as you have done so, I thought… what about a walk?"

There were a thousand thoughts swarming in your head, and most of them were going against Caspian's idea. Most of them told you this was impossible.

But you chose to simply ignore all of them, and answer what your heart was desperately begging you to say instead.

"Yes. Yes, a walk would be lovely."

[residents-of-the-darkforest]

Welcome to the panic room (Fadingstar's arrival) 2/3

“Hey hey hey. You’re okay, sweetheart.” Her mew breaks the water in his head, dragging him from the depths of his mind. The trembling settles slightly, but not fully. He peeks at her from under his paws. “I know you’re scared, love. You’re in a new place, with new cats.”

Fadingstar sniffles, nodding. The molly smiles a little. "I get it. I was scared too. Everyone looks grotesque and they're so abrasive. But they won't hurt you." Her tone is soothing, eventually calming the anxious tom to the point that his shaking stopped. "Then I met Jackdawfoot, and he helped me adjust. I'd like to do the same for you." The words are soft and comforting.

"Where... Where 're we?" The molly blinks, as if surprised by his voice.

"Ah, uhm. Well, you see. We're in a place with people who liked to live in a way different than our ancestors. So we were sent here. The cats you'll meet have various ideas of what is okay, and so we get put here to prevent fights between us and Starclan." Fadingstar's heart sinks. He had spent his entire life trying to please Starclan. It doesn't take a genius to figure out where he's ended up. There are only two places to go after death, after all.

"I'm in.. I'm in the Dark Forest..?" The thought makes tears well up in his eyes.

"Yes honey, you are. I'm sorry." The molly offers him her paw in sympathy, which he stares at for a moment before pressing his face against it, desperately craving a motherly touch. In return, she purrs softly and coaxes him to press against her fur, offering him a warmth he hadn’t felt since becoming a leader.

Fadingstar let himself be comforted by her scent, enjoying her softness. It soothes him almost to sleep. As the adrenaline wears off, his usual exhaustion seeps into his bones. It makes the young tom yawn and shuffle closer to the stranger. Seeming to sense his mood, the queen ushers him to stand. "I can take you to my nest if you'd like. It's certainly more comfortable than this dusty floor."

"mkay. Thank you miss." He looks up at her, offering a shaky smile.

"Please, call me Ferndoe."

Fadingstar isn't sure at what point he fell asleep, but when he woke, he wasn't in that forest clearing. Instead, he was in a makeshift den with two nests. The sleep fogged his mind, dulling his senses and making his fear subside as he looked for Ferndoe. In his fuzzy state, he wanted his mom, and she was the closest thing he has now. 

Unfortunately, when he steps out into the Dark Woods, he slams into a large chest. It sends him sprawling on the floor, suddenly completely awake. A massive grey tom towers over him. The sheer size reminds him of Ferretrunner, making him fluff up and tuck his tail under his belly in submission. A soft whimper escapes him as he takes in the many scars criss-crossing on the tom's pelt. 

His eyes dart around, searching for Ferndoe. And, as if summoned, she rounded a corner. Upon seeing the 'stand off', she hurries over, giving the stranger a firm look as she steps between them. "Jackdaw, what are you doing?" Her voice holds an edge to it; a warning. 

"I heard snores coming from our den. Was gonna go see if some fleabag had holed up in there." 'Jackdaw''s eyes fall from Ferndoe back onto Fadingstar, causing the smallest of them to whimper. Even though he'd averted his gaze to the ground, he could feel the stare like a thousand claws through his skin.

“Jackdawfoot, you’re scaring the poor thing to death. Quit glaring. I let him sleep in my nest.” The soft brush of belly fur on his back told him that Ferndoe had taken a protective stance above him. But it worked. The staring didn't stop, but it lessened the heat of fear on his pelt. 

Fadingstar isn't aware of himself mumbling. But apparently both of the other cats heard his soft whisper of 'Mama, help. 'm scared.' And for a moment, Ferndoe stiffened. Then something snapped in the molly and she scruffed Fadingstar, marching back into the den. He let her. The feeling of being scruffed had always brought him comfort, and right now that's what he needed.

===========

There is SO MUCH to unpack here

Chickening Ferndoe

Ferndoe grabbing him by the scruff like a kitten

Jackdawfoot and Ferndoe sharing a den (which for some reason I never thought about, and I love it)

Soft Ferndoe scolding big scary Jackdawfoot (imagine what it looks like to someone new to them)

MAMA FERN

*Hears his voice* 'is this not a child??'