#you made him look so ethereal op

[sainzproductions]

𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐨 ⋆ 𝐜. 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐳

THE OTHER WOMAN / SEQUEL !

where you acclimate to the current dating scene after eight years of being with carlos...

liked by lewishamilton, charles_leclerc and others

yourusername life lately 🩷

username mother😩😩😩

username GLOWING!!

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lilymhe convulsing from the ethereal vibes✨

lilymhe let me take you out on a date!

yourusername anytime anywhere!!

alex_albon hello?

lilymhe go away. can't u see me trying to score a baddie?

lilymhe i'll wine and dine u baby yourusername 🍝🍷

alex_albon can i atleast get some takeout? 🤲

blancasainz95 que mujer más guapa💗😚

username it's the sainz siblings still liking and commenting for me🤭

username media did claim they had an amicable breakup!

username favorite wag by a mile!!

username ex f1 wag you mean?

username op is not wrong! she's still a wag... just with a different sport now🫣

username who?!?!?!!!! 👁️👄👁️

username streets saying jimmy garoppolo😌😌

username JIMMY???

username carlossainz55 come get mother real quick! 😭😭😭

↶*ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊ-

You felt like you had done a good job all by yourself. You took your sweet time getting used to being alone again, having spent the better part of the past decade accompanying carlos and living together with him.

As embarassing as it was to admit, there were days where you'd wake up abruptly as if hearing his footsteps, or the faint rumble of his voice lulling you to sleep. There were moments where you'd break down crying upon seeing an article of clothing belonging to carlos, or seeing pictures when you were still happily together.

It wasn't easy to forget an eight year relationship. You soon realized. He was all you've ever known and adored... You dreamt a life with the guy for crying out out loud!

You wanted all the permanent things, the domestic future, him.

But the reality was that you were different people who wanted starkly different things in life. Carlos was set on his career while you had the burden of being a woman. You didn't have forever to waste away, and you didn't want to spend it waiting for a future that could never be in the stars for you and him.

You had accepted it. It wasn't all tears, and tearful reminiscing anyways. Your life had picked up after a couple of weeks. It was a lie. You spent a month and a half being pathetic. But who was counting?

You were having the time of your life. Your singleness provided a way for you to realize new and old hobbies.

You finally went back to your hometown, despite your fears of facing your parents' knowing looks and getting an ill timed i told you so's from their ever skeptic way of seeing life. Especially your relationship with Carlos..

But your mother took one look at you; in your deshieveled and devastated form, wordlessly opening her arms and craddling your pathetic self as you wept about your broken heart.

You found peace in the tranquility of your childhood home. Reacquainting yourself with your horse, champion whom you had been neglecting— you realize belatedly. The help couldn't take the horses out that much, where you formerly took the stallion out for most of the day. You made sure to make up for lost time however.

You were also able to rekindle old friendships, quickly becoming fast friends once again as if no time had passed at all. You traipsed all over Madrid, enjoying the thrill of meeting new people, of learning new things... And how forward the current dating scene seemed to be in regards to matters concerning...

"Wait, wait." You press a hand towards his broad chest, breathing roughly. Your chest rose and fell with excitement as you tried to come down from how fast the things had quickly become heated between the two of you. "We're going a bit too fast, don't you think?" You whine under your breath, as his face came down to press open mouthed kisses on your neck, easily finding your most sensitive spot as he expertly manouvers your body, backing you up against the wall.

"Relax. We won't do anything you don't want." He says, softening his tone, "I'm not a hooligan." He tuts, pressing a feather like kiss on the side of your lips.

"Says the man who pulled me into a dark room to play tonsil tennis." You retort amusedly, stroking your fingers on his neck. You couldn't help but close your eyes at the sensation of his lips against your skin, his fingers making quick work of slipping under your skirt, and you hissed from the sensation of his cold rings against your thighs, "You're cold!"

"Warm me up then, love." He was evidently amused by your reactions and the way your cheeks flushed at his crude remark. He wiped away every other thought from your mind, as he kisses you wantonly. He made sure to hold your gaze as he pulls away, sinking down to his knees... and kissing your thighs softly. "Beautiful. So fucking beautiful. I couldn't think of anything else when you walked into the room. Nobody else mattered but you... you're bad for my business, darling."

You could hardly register anything else after that

↶*ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊ-

The breakup came with the long forgotten territory of male attention. Sure, there were some bold and uncaring lads few and far between, but Carlos had quickly shut down every attempt with a swift glare and a possesive hand over you. You didn't mind. You only needed him and his attention and everyone else were merely annoying backnoise.

As it is, your breakup was made public through the urging of Carlos' management and his public relations team. You cooperated seamlessly despite being civil, to the point of rudeness, to their every demand.

How ironic was it that through his blatant act of wanting to separate himself from you and everything else that had to do with you; he made a declaration to the world that you were readily available.

Your dms were sure packed to the brim when you'd later had the energy to do anything asides from the basic tasks of taking care of yourself. You couldn't laugh nor cry upon seeing several of carlos' work acquaintances making their presence known in your dms. You even saw his former (and possibly current) teammates taking their shot.

You couldn't help but wonder for how long has he been... Non committal towards his best mates about your real score. They couldn't possibly muster up the courage had it been the true duration of your separation. Men aren't that proactive. They atleast had some base sense of loyalty.

Then again, it didn't take very long for him to be spotted with some model on his arm. He looked happy, invigorated... Annoyingly handsome. Fuck him and his perfect face. You wished you atleast threw a heel at him for being a dickwad.

Were you seeing other people out of spite or trying to prove yourself to him? You wouldn't exactly say so. You'd had an agreement with the well established, and good looking gentleman who had made you tremble and writhe under his tongue. He was incredibly lax and cool, and great company in every sense of the word. He made you laugh, he also made you cry just now.

And so while you made yourselves look presentable, you were first out the door while he waited a few minutes to make his entrance into the party again. You gratefully took a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, wetting your parched throat as you looked around as normally as you could. Blending in with the fancy people in their cocktail dresses and designers.

You heard footsteps approaching after a few moments. Another man spotted him, and he grinned in recognition upon the sight of the ever famous....

"Sir Hamilton!"

[ficarcheologist]

୧ ⊹₊ ⋆ between us 💭 feyd rautha

WARNINGS ⁞ smut, 18+, profanity, innuendo, afab reader, she/her pronouns

OPs NOTES ⁞ a/n: from an anon request. just a fun lil drabble // Summary: Feyd gives you a gift that you won't soon forget, proving nothing will come between the two of you.

MY NOTES ⁞ This is not my work. If you are the owner of this work and would like it taken down, please provide proof of ownership and I will take it down/redirect where necessary! Link to the fic reblogged on one of my other side blogs.

It’s late when Feyd finally comes to your shared bedchamber. His days have grown longer ever since taking up the title of Baron. He resents that it takes him away from you. You’re the only thing that’s ever made him truly happy. But this burden is his honor and his duty as his uncle’s chosen heir. Though he spends so many hours away from you, he always makes sure to return to your bed and only yours every night. He had his fun with his concubines, memories that he looks back on with fondness, but now? He can’t imagine being with anyone but you. His pets have fallen to the wayside ever since the first time he had you. 

Nothing and no one else could ever satisfy him the way you do.

Feyd expects you to come running into his arms, embracing him as you always do. He is a cold man, bloodthirsty and cruel, but your love and affection softens him. He frowns when he opens the door and sees you standing at the balcony, wearing your nightgown. The moon lights up your skin, making you look like some sort of ethereal goddess. He approaches you, moving your hair off your shoulder to press a kiss to the soft skin of your neck. You’re so lost in thought that you don’t even notice.

He turns you around to face him, hands cupping your face as he questions, “What troubles you?”

As if waking from a trance, you blink, meeting his gaze with a melancholy smile, “Nothing, my lord. Everything is fine.”

Your answer comes a moment too quickly and Feyd shakes his head, “I know you well enough to know when you’re lying to me.”

You pause before sighing, “Promise you won’t make fun of me?”

The way you ask is so endearing that he can’t help but nod, “I promise.”

“One of your… Concubines…” It’s as if you struggle to say the word, your innocence bringing a smile to his face as he forces himself to hold back a chuckle, “One of them approached me and…” You shake your head, cutting yourself off, “Never mind. You’ll think it’s stupid.”

Feyd narrows his eyes, gripping your chin in his hand, squeezing slightly, “Tell me.”

You gaze up at him through your lashes, the sight of which has never failed to make his heart, which he once thought to be nonexistent, melt, “She said a weak little thing like me could never satisfy you the way the three of them did. That you’ll grow bored of me and come back to them. That you don’t…”

The way your breath hitches, tears pooling in your eyes…

Rage fills your husband, fire in his veins, “That I don’t what, little one?”

“That you don’t love me. That you never will,” comes your anguished whisper. Feyd lets out an animalistic growl, baring his teeth in a snarl. “Feyd, please don’t be angry with me, I shouldn’t have said anything-”

He quickly realizes that you’ve mistaken his anger as being directed toward you and loosens his grip, shaking his head though his expression is still furious, “I’m not angry at you. I would never be angry at you. You are the only one who brings any sense of calm into my life, little one. You are my wife. I chose you.”

He releases you from his grip, stalking past you toward the door. 

Your lips part in surprise as you stare after him, confused, “My lord?”

Feyd pauses, turning to look at you, pulling his dagger from its sheath, gritting his teeth, “I have to take care of something, my love. I’ll return soon.”

“FEYD?!”

His grin is bloody at the sound of your shriek, the heads of his three concubines thrown at your feet. Feyd chuckles as you scramble backward on the bed, staring at the disembodied heads with shock. He crawls over your body, feeling pleased when you calm at his touch, your hands resting on his cheeks, still stained with blood. He traces your lips with his thumb, watching as your eyes flutter shut at his touch.

“I will never let anyone come between us, little one,” he rasps, pressing his lips to your jaws, the blood of his concubines staining your skin, “Never. You are the one I love, the one I chose. I never went to see them after I took you as my own because I know their touch could never satisfy my lust, my love the way yours can.”

You kiss him, your legs parting to accommodate his frame as his tongue moves against your own. He’s eager tonight, you muse, feeling the bulge in his pants pressing against you. He moves your underwear to the side, fingers stroking at your slit, a wicked smile on his face.

“Seeing your lord husband painted in blood made you so wet,” Feyd whispers, “It seems my little wife isn’t so innocent after all.”

You bite back a smile as he spreads your thighs, mouthing at your wet cunt. And when you close your eyes, your head falling back against your pillow, he lands a slap against your center. A reminder that if you don’t keep your eyes locked on him, what he’s doing to you, he won’t allow you to reach your peak. He moans, pulling you in close, burying his face between your legs, inhaling your scent as he continues lapping at your folds like a man starved. Your fingers twist in the silken bedsheets, losing yourself in the pleasure he gives you, reaching your peak against his tongue, pulling him into another kiss as he crawls over you.

“No woman could ever taste as sweet, mewl my name so perfectly,” he vows, slipping his pants down to reveal his pale cock, already achingly hard, leaking from the tip, “It’s only you, my love. No one will ever come between us. Not even death.”

Your legs wrap around his waist, feeling him rut against you, his cock brushing against your sweet spot every time he slams back into you, your nails raking down the pale skin of his back, leaving an angry red trail in their wake. Feyd bites down hard on your neck, hard enough to draw blood and leave a mark. You take his hand, bringing it to your throat, and Feyd immediately knows what you wish of him. He squeezes, restricting your airflow, smirking at the way it makes your body tense, your peak quickly approaching once again. Your eyes roll back as he spills himself inside you, his hot seed filling you.

Perhaps you seemed a sweet, unassuming little thing to your husband’s former lovers. But they didn’t realize that the longer you spent with him, the more your tastes began to mirror those of your husband.

He presses his lips to yours in a kiss, uncharacteristically gentle and yet still so very passionate as he vows to you once again, “I love you. Nothing will ever come between us.”

You grin, moving to lay on top of him, raking your nails down his chest as you whisper, feeling his cock already beginning to twitch against your thigh, “I believe you, my husband.”

Feyd chuckles, hands moving to palm at the flesh of your ass, groaning slightly as you continue your ministrations, clearly not wanting tonight’s fun to be through, “What a greedy little monster I’ve made of you, little one.”

[pennyellee]

CHAPTER IV - ustulation

LACRIMOSA | MYG MAFIA YANDERE AU

pairings: mafia leader!yoongi x f!reader genre: mafia!au, yandere au, historical au

summary: Their interlocking gaze served as a butterfly effect on his heart, stirring it to the core. She, in turn, only dreams to find a way to escape. But perchance, over time she might forcefully learn to love the man who has taken so much from her.

Thus unfolds a twisted tale of love and loss, of hope and despair, of life and death. The music reverberated through the dimly-lit streets. Tears of sorrow, weeping symphony - reflects the hurt, the scars that linger deep within and the wounds that never healed. Lacrimosa.

chapter warnings: minors dni 18+ | mafia au, dark!yoongi, mafia!yoongi, yandere, kidnapping, mentions of God, blood, incision wound, fictive mafia clan traditions, manipulation, possessive/obsessive behaviour, angst, mentions of death, overwhelming, violence, threats, intimate encounter, kissing

beta read by @chaoticpuff17

word count: 5,6K

disclaimer: this story is purely fictional, it does not depict real-life events or involve any actual members of BTS. This story will contain depictions of violence, blood shed, death, mentions of abuse, smoking, alcohol drinking, illegal activities, old social norms and traditions, which we do not condone.

m.list CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III GAME OF GO CHAPTER V

ustulation (n.) a burning lust

In the hidden embrace of a secluded mountain valley, a village of hanoks stirred to life on a tranquil winter's morning. The air was crisp, a symphony of silence. The Song of the Dead toned down for some time.

The dawn’s gentle light bathed the valley, wisps of mist from the frost-kissed earth, adding an ethereal veil to the scenery she watched carefully from the closed window.

The majestic mountains, ancient pines and stoic rocks stood as sentinels of the valley's serenity. She could see them from this side of the house. Y/N sighed, holding a cup of tea in her two small hands, warming herself up on this chilly morning.

“Is something bothering you, my love?”

Yoongi had tried his hardest the past month to get under her skin. There were times when he thought perhaps, she would welcome him into her heart one day. However, her repeated escape attempts made him think otherwise. He was giving her the space she needed with carefulness in every action he took. The young leader knew well that she wouldn't be able to escape while they resided here, in the core of the village. That did not stop her though.

As if nature herself wished to bestow a gift upon him, the first snowflakes began to descend from the heavens just as they were returning from that unfortunate, eventful day in Seoul. The snowflakes floated gently, even now, like fragile dreams.

“Are you feeling well? You spent a lot of time in the snow yesterday.” He murmured after she didn’t grant him an answer to his previous question. They had to postpone the wedding as the snow and frost reigned, making it unsafe to pass through the tunnels. The passage was being cleared by workers for more than a week now. Time seemed to stand still as they absorbed the grace that enveloped their world.

“I feel fine,” she muttered back, not even looking his way at the table.

“I’ve been good to you, haven’t I?” He asked, demanding to speak to her.

“After all the stunts you pulled, you’re still free to roam around without anyone guarding you. Not speaking of the fact that I’m letting you sleep alone—” he was going on rumble.

The young leader is patient, but he longed for her more than ever. The fact that they’re still not newlyweds, and he cannot show love to every inch of her body, make her swell with his child, was frustrating him beyond repair. She had let her guard down once and allowed him to take the chance and kiss her on the cheek, startling her yet again.

“—you’re so blinded,” she said suddenly, turning back to face him.

“Excuse me?” said he, very surprised.

“You go on about how you’re good to me, how this is God’s doing, and that I should be grateful—” she threw her hands in the air, frustrated by his demanding nature.

While the leader thought he was granting her the time she needed, Y/N felt more and more anxious every day. Her heart is still itching to be free, yet she cannot stop thinking about what her selfishness would cause if she indeed managed to escape.

“Well maybe if you didn’t run every time, I tried to show you affection, I wouldn't have to remind you of all this.” He spat angrily, smashing the chopsticks on the table, standing up.

“I’m patient—” said he, getting closer to her standing form by the large windows. “—but I swear to God, you’ll disobey me again, and that’s where my hospitality ends, Y/N.”

“I just—” she stammered, making him stop in his attempt to close the distance between them. “I’m scared,” she whimpered. Y/N didn’t know why these words came out of her, nor why there were tears. All she felt was exhaustion.

The scarred leader’s expression softened. Is she finally confiding herself to him, opening up?

“My love…” He approached her, taking the cup from her shaking hands, putting it aside and lastly taking her face into his hands, his thumbs wiping her tears away.

“I can make you happy. You just have to let me in.” He whispered, moving his face closer to hers. Y/N knows they will cross the boundary sooner or later. The winter is making it impossible for her to both run away and survive. Should Y/N listen to her mother’s words and let him make her his queen? The older female’s proclamation circled her mind at night while listening to the cracking of wood in the fireplace.

“Please let me in, dove.” He pleaded again, his eyes filled with sincerity and longing.

And once she nodded her head in approval, he didn’t hesitate to press his lips softly against hers. Time stood still, and the world around them faded into a blur of insignificance. Their hearts pounded in sync for a brief moment. She felt a warmth she couldn't admit, even to herself. Y/N wanted to hate him so much. Despite her inner conflict, she could sense the unspoken longings from his side, his desire to deepen the kiss carefully without overwhelming her. He wished to never let her go and feared that she would vanish in his hold. His lips were tender and tentative, like the brush of a butterfly's wings upon a fragile petal. Y/N knows he is holding himself back. The kiss was addictive, momentarily lifting the burden from her chest.

As he went to slide his hands on the swell of her heart-shaped bottom, a sudden cough interrupted the intimate moment. Y/N quickly pulled away, feeling shame and embarrassment wash over her caused by the sudden intrusion. She stole a single glance at the man standing by the door, grinning mischievously. Her cheeks turned crimson as she felt shy and exposed, but the young leader kept holding her in his embrace, not letting her go so soon after their first shared kiss.

Smiling like a teenager, he said: “What’s going on Hoseok-shi.” Y/N could imagine he is smiling widely as she had observed when she apologised to him for hitting his head with the stone. He waved it off quickly stating ‘I would be a fool to not forgive my new sister.’ She pretended not to be affected by his words, but it made the man she was to marry smile even more mischievously.

“I need to speak to you, and Y/N should get ready for Hyung’s wedding,” Hoseok said, his eyes gleaming with some secret knowledge.

Y/N exchanged a puzzled glance with Hoseok before nodding and extracting herself from the young leader's embrace, her cheeks still flushed from the kiss. Uncertainty hung in the air as Yoongi let Y/N go and walk away, admiring her graceful figure.

“What?” Yoongi asked, turning his attention to his trusted friend, who wore a smirk that hinted at hidden amusement.

“Nothing,” Hoseok replied, still smiling under his nose.

“Shall we?” Yoongi said, collecting himself and walking towards his brother.

“You won’t fancy what news I bring, brother.”

Silk banners fluttered in the breeze, announcing the joyous union to all who ventured near. The bride, a vision of grace and elegance, is adorned in a hanbok of flowing silk and intricate embroidery.

The groom, dressed in the timeless attire of a traditional hanbok, stood tall and resolute. His eyes fixed unwaveringly upon his beloved, as though she embodied the very essence of his being — a force that fuelled his heart.

Amidst the enchanting spectacle of celebration, the weight of tradition resonated with each uttered word.

The outside picture portrayed the unbreakable bonds of family and the beauty of two souls finding solace in one another. Y/N, however, couldn’t help but have a feeling that the poor girl the doctor was marrying did not find herself at the altar because of true love but fearful coercion. It reminded her of her circumstances — a pawn in a larger scheme.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow upon the snow-covered land, Y/N sat beside her to-be husband, observing his unusual joy. Accordingly. Today, one of his brothers was finally taking a wife and his bride in a momentary vulnerability that had allowed him to share a tender kiss with her, amplifying his joy to an even greater extent.

Her ears perked up once she heard the celebration of the union before her. She couldn't resist side-eyeing the other brothers she had encountered over the past month, and her gaze locked with Kim Namjoon, Kkangpae’s right-hand man.

Y/N remembers Kim Namjoon. His piercing, cold gaze bore into her soul, especially so during one of her escape attempts, when he forcefully brought her back to the main house, reprimanding her for disobedience.

‘I can either give up my life to save you or I can be your enemy Y/N.’ Namjoon had warned her on a night when she sought solace near the fireplace in Yoongi's office, wrapped in blankets to warm herself even more. She was rarely allowed in this sacred room unless her actions demanded attention.

That night, Yoongi was dealing with business matters. He came back to the main house to her shivering and crying form. It is breaking his heart every time he sees her in such a state but simultaneously, he wishes she would cross the border of submissiveness and obey him.

Y/N ignored his warning just yesterday when she attempted to run away again. Hence, the gaze. If she was afraid of his next steps, she wouldn’t let him decipher that.

She snapped out of her mind as Yoongi rose from his seat, taking her hand to help her up. Y/N looked at him with a mixture of confusion and concern. He gently nudged her behind him, positioning himself as a protective shield. She looked around her, seeing that everyone else was still seated. Their looks show emotions —excitement, joy, and pride.

Her confusion heightened when Yoongi began unbuttoning her fur coat that was hiding her long red qipao, and panic swelled within her.

"What are you doing?!” She whispered in distress.

“Behave.” He whispered back to her, leaving the coat open revealing her breasts and tummy.

Leaving her standing close to him, he held her hand tightly, as if afraid she might flee at any moment. Y/N noticed that Namjoon's attention had shifted to Seokjin's new bride. The bride's trembling form approached them, and Y/N observed the gleaming knife in Seokjin's hand, quickly realizing what was about to happen.

It whispered promises of power, of secrets that could be revealed with a single stroke, but it also carried the weight of consequences and a toll on the bearer's conscience. As the girl's hand was carefully sliced with the knife, Y/N couldn't help but empathize with her pain. Her father had a similar tradition; however, women weren’t involved; she was still left in the dark about her role in all this.

The girl then knelt, extending her bloodied hand toward the leader, reciting her pledge of loyalty to Kkangpae Min. Yoongi covered her hand with his other one, acknowledging her devotion and signaling for her to continue with the moving tradition.

The leader then used his left hand to guide Y/N forward, leaving her yet again puzzled and bewildered. A moment later, she gasped with shock as she felt the girl's bloodied hand touch her lower belly. Yoongi held her firmly in place, preventing any instinctual step back.

"I, with my blood, pledge my loyalty to you, Min Buin. Blessed be the fruit of your future legacy, Kkangpae Min," the girl recited, her words carrying both reverence and a touch of melancholy. The significance of the moment and the responsibility it bestowed upon Y/N left her grappling with a maelstrom of emotions.

“Well you handled that well,” a voice came from behind her, and Y/N turned to find Namjoon standing there, watching her by the fireplace in Yoongi's office. She had been curious when he would approach her, knowing that Yoongi had gone to check if the tunnels were passable.

Y/N couldn't quite discern the tone of Namjoon's remark—whether it held irony or genuine praise. Such was the enigmatic nature of this man.

“I suppose,” she muttered, hugging herself for comfort.

“I personally thought you’d slap her hand off. Such an act would undoubtedly stir up trouble,” said he as he settled down in one of the armchairs.

Her mind replayed the events of the pledge, and she confessed truthfully, “I was too shocked to do so.” The new bride's pledge of loyalty to her and her empty womb had caught her off guard, leaving her uneasy.

“Your father is not demanding newcomers to pledge loyalty?” He asked, curious about their inner circle practices. She smirked, sensing his attempt to pry.

“Yes, but not to my mother,” she revealed.

“You hold an important position within our ranks,” the right-hand man noted. “And that, my dear, is why we are having this little conversation.” Y/N looked up, finding him extending a glass filled with what she presumed to be rice wine or soju.

“I genuinely want to be your friend Y/N—” he said while passing the glass to her. “But you’re very hard to please, princess,” he exclaimed.

“By ‘wanting to be my friend’, you mean the part when you threaten me again,” she retorted with a scoff, alluding to his past warnings.

“That is a necessary evil,” he conceded. “But on a serious note, Y/N,” he drew closer, taking a seat slightly further away to grant her personal space, “Why?”

“What do you mean, why?” she asked, feeling dumbfounded by his question.

"Is life here truly so terrible that all you can think of is escape?" he sighed, genuinely curious about her state of mind.

“Not all I can think of—” she began, trying to defend herself.

"Oh, so you did not attempt to escape just a day ago, and two days before that, and so on," he interjected, pointing out her recent attempts.

“What do you want to hear from me Namjoon?” she countered, feeling the pressure of his questioning.

“Hoseok hyung overheard your conversation,” he finally gave away the one piece of information he sought to address “What are you afraid of?”

Y/N gazed into the dancing flames, his words echoing in her mind. Memories of the recent kiss with Yoongi and the ensuing events flooded her thoughts. She felt her spirit on the brink of collapse, her attempts to escape repeatedly thwarted, causing harm to others in the process. Y/N was exhausted.

“I suppose I expected my life to take a different trajectory than this,” she admitted, reflecting on her circumstances.

“I can assure you that this will be the best that ever happened to you—” Namjoon insisted, trying to be reassuring.

“And that, Namjoon, is where my disbelief lies,” she interrupted him, peering straight into his eyes. He sighed, running a hand across his face, expressing a sense of frustration mixed with genuine concern.

“You didn’t give it a chance!” He raised his voice, unable to hide his emotions. He wanted this clan to function as it did for countless years and what’s more, he wanted his hyung to be happy.

“I’m going to ask you once again, and I want the truth,” he implored, trying to get to the heart of the matter. “What are you so scared of?”

Y/N decided to remain silent, knowing that her response would likely incite further frustration from him. "Is it sex?" he suddenly asked, shocking her with his explicitness. "Are you scared to be punished for your sins?”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” she returned his rage, denying his accusation.

“Am I?” he continued probing.

“Yes, Namjoon! You are! You think I’m this shallow?!” she lashed out.

“No, but all you let us see is the shallow version of you. Apart from this morning,” he declared, referring to a rare moment of vulnerability she had shown.

“And it wasn’t meant for anybody to hear nor see that,” she snapped back at him.

“I understand your reasoning, Y/N. But we’re your family now, you don’t have to shield yourself against us,” he pleaded, hoping to break down her walls.

“He loves you, Y/N,” Namjoon continued, trying to make her see the sincerity in Yoongi's feelings.

“That’s very hard to believe too.” She remarked, still sceptical, looking right through his eyes. He took a deep breath, lifting his hand to touch his face.

“Alright, let’s make a deal,” he proposed, catching her by surprise and piquing her interest.

“About?” She asked, curiously.

“Give it a year,” said the right-hand man. By making a deal with her, he is going behind the back of his leader and, even more importantly — his dearest friend. Nevertheless, he felt obligated to do this for him.

"If you're still 'scared' of whatever you say you are, and this is not the life you'll be comfortable living, I'll personally see to it that you'll be transported to America," he promised, leaving her momentarily speechless.

“What is the catch?” Y/N wasn't naive. She knew there must be some ulterior motive.

"You'll stop being a flight risk. If you attempt to run again, the deal is off, and I will personally eliminate each person foolish enough to aid you since your arrival—one by one, ending with your cousin," he stated, laying out the condition.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she absorbed his chilling words. Her mind raced as she contemplated her choices. "That's the only condition?" she asked, ensuring she understood the terms before giving her answer.

"Well, naturally, I expect you to genuinely give it a chance, meaning that you will accept Hyung as your husband, leader, and lover," he emphasized the last noun, urging her to take his words seriously. Y/N stopped for a moment to collect her thoughts together.

“This is a one time offer Y/N. I won’t be this generous again,” he added. She struggled to read him, but she couldn’t. Namjoon was well known for being unpredictable — a quality that made him a perfect fit as the right-hand man. No one could ever say with certainty what his next move would be.

“Fine,” she finally relented, her voice barely a whisper. Namjoon extended his hand, sealing the deal with a firm shake. He leaned in closer to Y/N.

“I trust that you’ll be on your best behaviour from now on.” He whispered to her. There were so many emotions in her eyes right now that she was working hard to process. She barely nodded and averted her gaze down. Y/N couldn’t bear to look into his intimidating eyes no more.

“Very well,” he murmured, his gaze still fixed on her. “The tunnels have been cleared, and the wedding will take place this week." He told her.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the impending wedding. She was praying that perhaps she has more time to think of what to do with her situation. According to Seokjin, who came to visit and spent some time on occasion with her when his leader could not, the tunnels wouldn’t be cleared out until the end of December, giving her another month in total.

“Brother!” exclaimed Namjoon suddenly, breaking her train of thought. Y/N followed his gaze to the sliding door, where Yoongi stood, undoing the cufflinks of his shirt, the suit jacket already gone. "I was just telling Y/N the good news," Namjoon smiled at him.

Throughout this month, Y/N observed the strong brotherhood among Yoongi's most trusted and closest men. The deepest connection Yoongi shared was undoubtedly with Namjoon, which explained why he was the right-hand man.

Yoongi displayed a particularly protective nature towards his younger brothers. She had yet to meet Jungkook, the youngest, who had been recently assigned as captain of the front unit, as she overheard. On the other hand, Jimin was more involved in the open, managing the front business and whatever lay beneath it. The Chosen Hotel was highly popular among Koreans but was eagerly open to international guests too. Y/N suspected that the true core of the business was settled elsewhere, and she was eager to uncover it.

Seokjin, recently married, primarily served as the inner family's doctor. However, the Min clan also faced a shortage of actual medical staff like, so he had to run between the sanctuary, as she had learnt this place was called, and a front hospital.

Taehyung remained a mystery to her, despite seeing him in family pictures and hearing Yoongi mention him occasionally. He was supposed to represent the law in Yoongi's business dealings, ensuring the safety and legitimacy of their operations, including the handling of illegal earnings. Therefore, Taehyung is the safety pin of this organization. Whomever fucks up, he is there to defend them.

And lastly, Hoseok, a surprising contrast of joy and darkness. Y/N was taken aback that such a buoyant personality could be involved in such sinister activities. He was the arsonist who also took care of assassinations. Additionally, the clan engaged in money laundering, and Hoseok was responsible for collecting debts, often involuntarily.

Her eyes swelled with tears she was refusing to let out. Yoongi’s eyes met Y/N's, and she could see a mixture of concern and worry flicker across his face. A silent understanding passed between them, and they knew that they would need to have a private conversation later.

“Well, it seems you two need more privacy,” said Namjoon while he was collecting himself from the cushion he was sitting on.

“Did Tae call?” Yoongi asked before Namjoon could leave. “He did before Hyung’s wedding, to send his good wishes and—” he gazed over to Y/N who was carefully listening to their conversation, hanging on every word.

“—and?” Yoongi asked as he unbuttoned his shirt, a sight she had seen far too often for her liking. He was not shy with her; he could easily undress before her without a second thought. His attempts to walk in on her while she was changing didn't go unnoticed either, though she made sure to show her displeasure by throwing vases at him to keep him out.

Only now did Y/N remember the glass of alcoholic beverage that Namjoon had offered her, remaining untouched in her hands. She decided to take a sip, trying to ease her nerves before the conversation she was dreading.

“—and everything went well, as expected,” said Namjoon observing her as she downed the burning soju.

“Send telegraph to Wang and other families. We’re leaving for Chosen in two hours.” Y/N straightened herself, eyes wide open in disbelief.

“W-what do you mean in two hours?” She stammered. It was just past eight when she gazed at the clock on the wall. That would mean they'd depart at ten and arrive in Seoul around midnight.

"—I thought they just cleared the way. Why are we—" Yoongi cut her off abruptly. "I am waiting no more," he said firmly, locking his gaze with hers, leaving her in shock once again.

"On your way, please inform the maids to pack, and I want the cabin ready," Yoongi instructed Namjoon, who memorised every task with a sense of responsibility, seemingly disregarding Y/N's shattered spirit in the wake of this sudden rush.

“Can we at least talk about it?!” she raised her voice, causing the two men to stop in their tracks. They exchanged knowing looks, making it clear that this was non-negotiable. Yoongi clicked his tongue, biting his cheeks from inside, then turned to face his fiancée with a deceptive sweetness in his tone.

"Of course, my love," he said.

He nodded to Namjoon, who immediately took off, glancing at Y/N with a silent reminder to behave.

“What’s wrong?” Yoongi asked nonchalantly as if this were a perfectly normal scenario.

“I don’t know, do you think this is right?” Y/N kept her tone tense, signalling her discontent.

“Nothing is more right than this,” he answered, pouring himself a drink while taking her empty glass and refilling it with soju.

"Yoongi—" she began to protest, but he didn't let her speak further, having heard her excuses countless times.

“No Y/N. I’m not negotiating this time. We’re getting married tomorrow afternoon and that’s final,” he stated sternly.

"You could at least wait a day! Do you think everyone will just jump because you said it's happening right now? And more importantly, let me mentally prepare for it?!” Her frustration grew, and she gestured wildly, almost knocking over the refilled glass that Yoongi handed her.

“They are already in town. The telegraph is just a confirmation that it will happen tomorrow.” Her distress and panic were understandable; she had believed she had more time than a few hours.

“And you didn’t think of telling me first?!” she raised her voice even higher. That she was in distress and panic was very understandable. Y/N thought she had more time than a few hours.

“No, because you were finally letting me in—” said he, downing the contents of his glass in one go.

“You knew this would happen for a month, and you would have had more time to prepare yourself if running away fifteen hundred times a day wouldn’t be on your mind,” he fired back, raising his voice at her, and immediately asserting dominance.

"I'm getting very tired of this. One step forward and ten million miles back, damn it!" he cursed, slamming the glass down on his desk in frustration. The tension in the room was palpable, and Y/N felt her heart sinking as she realized that her hopes of a slower pace for their relationship had been shattered.

“I have a very easy solution to that—” she said, raising herself to stand up to him.

“—Let me go,” she emphasized every single word, her frustration boiling over, and momentarily forgetting about her deal with Namjoon.

Her emotions were running high, and she went to pull the ring off to prove her point, but he forcefully grabbed her right hand, stopping her in her tracks. Anger filled his eyes as he crossed his other hand, grabbed her by the back of her neck, and crashed his lips onto hers, pressing their bodies against the nearest wall. He didn't give her a chance to catch her breath as he passionately bruised her lips.

He let go of her hand once he was sure she wouldn't resist. With his now free hand, he lifted her leg, wrapping it around his waist, squeezing her ass cheek, making her yelp and by that creating an opening to slip his tongue into her mouth. Y/N had no idea how long their intimate encounter lasted, but she could feel her head spinning from the lack of oxygen. Just as she managed to stop his other hand from slipping under her dress, aiming for her pulsing heat, he parted from her, both of them breathing heavily.

“I’m sorry. I got carried away,” he apologised, his eyes fixed on her now swollen lips. Y/N was taken aback, her head still spinning, and she couldn't think straight. He had such a powerful effect on her, and this aspect of life was entirely new to her, having been kept away from such experiences.

"I wish, —" he started, nibbling at her lower lip while he continued to speak, "—you would acknowledge my love for you." Yoongi kissed her again, not giving her a chance to recover or speak up, moaning softly into her lips.

"We are too close. I will never give you up.” he declared, wiping her tears away gently.

“I can’t have you running though—” he leaned into lavish attention on her neck, placing butterfly kisses up to her jaw and stopping at her lips again—

"I'll overlook this lapse of senses if you keep up this good behaviour, my love, but the next time you disobey me, I won't only discipline you; someone will lose their head.”

She trembled against him, feeling lost, scared, and vulnerable. Her breath hitched as she tried to speak up. Yoongi was beyond himself for getting her into this state where she didn’t dare to oppose his words and stopped fighting him. If she won’t let him in willingly, he will force her to open up to him.

“I told you to not take that ring off your finger ever again.” She remembers the words he uttered to her in the garden where he proposed to her. That she agreed still feels surreal to her. Running got her nowhere, but she still had a selfish feeling inside her that he was bluffing and wouldn’t dare to seriously hurt anybody.

“Now be a good girl and apologise for disobeying me.” He tightened his grip at her waist, finally staring right into her teary eyes. Y/N felt lost, scared and vulnerable. Her lips were trembling, and her breath hitched again once she opened her mouth to speak.

“Shhh, it’s okay baby, just say it.” He cooed, lifting his hand to caress her cheek gently.

“I-I am sorry,” she finally sobbed. If there was one thing the scarred boy excelled at, it was getting his way. He smiled at her, pleased with her response.

He smiled at her. “That’s more like it, baby.”

Y/N longed to curl up in her small apartment, where she resided while studying at college. She desperately wished she could turn back time.

“I have something for you,” he said suddenly, looking for any sign of curiosity from her. Yoongi stepped away to his desk, leaving her pressed against the wall, hesitant to move an inch. He opened one of his drawers and pulled out an envelope. Y/N couldn't make out the handwriting, but her eyes widened as she recognised it.

“Your aunt entrusted me with this letter when we came to the conclusion that you should be mine one day,” he said, holding the envelope in his hands. Y/N desperately wished that the answer and a solution to her fears would be contained in that envelope. She was mulling over the platform of this match-making her aunt orchestrated.

Wang Xiaoqing very much upheld the meaning of her name in the time she lived. Blessed with intelligence. And she was a fearless mafia wife who brought pride to her late husband. There are other intriguing things about Y/N’s beloved auntie. Xiaoqing is by far the only member in her large family tree that married for love. Y/N admired her aunt and, perhaps, seeing that it was possible to marry for love, made her blindly believe she could also have the freedom to choose her partner.

She dreamt of a little house in the woods, not far from a lake or a small town. Growing some goods in the garden, by night sitting near the fireplace, the love of her life holding her. She would work in a nearby hospital, or study overseas to become a doctor were all part of her fever dream. She knew it was unlikely to come true, given her family's ties to the syndicate.

But she could least dream about it. For a moment, when she was on the ferry to Jeju Island, she thought she would make it. Y/N knew the risk she was taking once she entrusted her well-being to Chan-yeol. She knew his role was insignificant and not a threat to any syndicate and it wouldn’t certainly attract Yakuza, but she was also aware that he could have been the only one to send her to the far land. She believed that God chose this path for her instead of being an arm jewel to some Yakuza brute.

Reality snapped her back from her swirling thoughts as he put the envelope back in the drawer.

“W-what are you doing?” she asked, taking a step forward.

“I will give it to you—” he promised “and tell you everything you want to know—” locking the drawer with a key.

“—After you’ll walk the aisle to me, without any of your misfits,” he finished his sentence.

"To strengthen your cooperation for tomorrow, I'm having your cousin and her husband at gunpoint during the ceremony," he added, making her scream in protest.

"I won't do anything stupid," she pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Just let them be, please. They have little son, Yoongi.”

“I know, that’s why they are the perfect bargain to make you obedient. If this doesn't work, you still have other family members—," Y/N couldn't bear it any longer; she closed the distance between them, standing just inches away from him.

“If you would love me—” she started but before she could finish, he grabbed her waist and pulled her even closer, pressing his body against hers. She could feel his torso and lower body. He bowed down next to her ear.

“I’ll stop this necessary coercion when you’ll learn your place, my love.”

Yoongi loved making her squirm and overwhelm her. He was basking in the effect he had on her. The fact that she will be his wife in less than twelve hours was a source of satisfaction for him.

“You were my woman for a long time now, and you will be my woman till death do us apart.”

I N T E R L O G U E

“—And you’re certain that the man is on his way to Seoul.” The leader inquired of his trusted friend and partner, seated in the quiet confines of his home office.

“Yes,” Hoseok affirmed with a nod.

"Is there any additional information that I need to be aware of?” Yoongi's voice carried a hint of tension, his teeth gritted in anger.

"As of now, there's nothing more to report," the younger male replied, keeping the conversation concise.

“Do you want me to eliminate him?” Hoseok offered, waiting for his leader's command.

“Not just yet, I was hoping to have the pleasure myself.”

to be continued

author’s note: so here we are at chapter IV!! ♥ Thank you all so much for for sticking around chummers ♥ They kissed and much moreee!!! We'll see what we'll happen next. I hereby promise to post the chapter sooner than the end of Semptember, or I hope so xD Tho I have some wips to write and if I'll finish some then I'll post something new too ♥

Massive shout-out to Bex, the queen @chaoticpuff17, for beta another chapter!

Love you!!!!

Don't be a silent reader, comment, re-blog, heart, asks are more than welcome ♥

keep in mind - I'm not an expert on chinese, korean and japanese culture, but I tried to research everything realistic I wanted to add to the story. Nonetheless, take it as a fiction.

let's be friends chummers ♥

lots of love,

𝖕𝖊𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖊

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[nnovus]

𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 ━━ S.TODOROKI X READER

SYNOPSIS… In which, Shoto Todoroki youngest son of pro hero Endeavour is forced into an arranged marriage with the daughter of Pro hero/ clan leader, Tajima Uchiha.

INFO… Todorokixreader , ShotoTodoroki x sasuke/madarareader, mhaxnaruto, crossover, OC!!reader, OP!Reader, arranged marriage, slightly angst, character development, uchihaclan, readers looks and personality are based off madara/sasuke uchiha.

OTHER…likes and reblogs are appreciated

MASTERLIST

She felt the temperature decrease as she tiredly made her way to the area where her ���fiancé’ was — to her surprise he already had seven villains captured as they were completely covered in ice unable to move.

“So, your plan was to scatter us and then kill us..” Todoroki said as his tone of was just as cold as his quirk. The villains were now shivering as their bodies couldn’t withstand the ice.

He wore a plain off-white shirt with matching pants and boots, with two gold-colored straps going over his shoulders, which attach to a similar colored tactical vest.

He has what appears to be a material resembling ice covering his whole left side, even his head with the eye socket glowing red, although it is detachable.

“You were horribly unprepared, in fact it looks to me you had no training.” He scowled as the villains were shocked that a mere high schooler had beaten them.

“You haven’t the slightest idea of how to use your quirks.” He told them as all their confidence about their strength had disappeared.

“This power he froze us the instant we warped here.” A villain muttered. The ice on his body stayed as strong as ever.

“His not a kid, his a monster.” He cried watching the hero in training walk past his teammates lost in thought.

He stayed thinking about what the blue haired male said. He seemed like the final boss as guided and instructed the pawns he used.

Due to him being lost in thoughts, he failed to take notice of the soft footsteps that can behind him.

“Damn brat-” His eyes widened at the sudden yell of the villain that came from inches behind him. He quickly turned his body around to see a large macular man in a green tank top and tight blue jeans as he wore a green eye mask as well.

Todoroki let out a short breath as the large, sharp sword the villain held was dropped inches away from the heroes face. The villains pupils had shrunk as he was seconds away from passing out conscious.

Todoroki had only then seen lightning that was shaped to form an extending spear that pierced through the villains chest. Though it didn’t seem to hit any vital spots.

It didn’t take long for the villain to collapse on the floor with the extended lighting spear still attached onto him.

The two-toned boy’s eyes followed the lightning, only to see it go up the top of the landslides hill. He then saw the lightning connected to none other than his ‘future wife’s’ hand.

He gritted his teeth, slightly furious that she had to be the one to help him. His eyes refused to lose sight of her as he glared her down.

He watched her glide down the landslide making her way towards him as her hair long blew away from her elegant face.

As she reached the bottom of where Todoroki stood, she didn’t fail to give him a sharp glare, much sharper than the one he had given her.

She then ignored his presence walking past him and heading towards one of the villains that stood frozen in place.

He was extremely muscular as he wore a green eye mask with a matching green tank top. He complimented this with dark blue jeans. Though it was hard to make out of since he was covered in ice head to toe.

She watched as the shivering villain face turned into a bright pink. His heart began to beat quicker as the girl walked closer towards him.

He was completely in awe. She was absolutely ethereal. No matter how you look at her she was breath taking.

The villain shrieked as she placed her hand on the ice covering his face. She then positioned his face to make his eyes make direct eye contact with her vermillion sharingan.

“Sharingan” Y/N whispered as Todoroki stared at her back, unsure of what she was doing. His eyebrows raised to see the villain he had frozen, had lost consciousness being left psychically vulnerable.

“The nomu.. Shigaraki bought it with us since it was designed specifically to take down All Might. the rest of us were given the task to go kill the students.” He revealed as if he wasn’t in control of his own mind and body.

“So, you can gather information by using your eyes.” Todoroki mentioned as the Uchiha turned to face him. An unpleasant glance was casted towards Todoroki’s face.

Although the boy would never admit it he was impressed. She had gotten useful information easily. Allowing them to at least have an understanding of the enemy’s goal.

In a second, he dropped his guard as he saw the girl in front of him groan as she rushed to put her palms onto her eyes trying to ease the pain.

He stood there dumbfounded watching the girl go down on one of her knees as heavy pants left her mouth. Did she have a limit to her quirk?

“I see, does your power have a drawback?” He asked, continuing to just stare at her. Of course the pain wasn’t as severe as when she fought Deidara, but it was still quite immense.

“n-no..” she whispered, as Todoroki took notice of the weakness in her voice. Lowering her hand as her fingertips now touched her cheek.

Two thick lines of blood fell from her right eye while one line of blood dripped from her left.

“You’re bleeding.” Todoroki said concerned though due to his nonchalant character it was hard to tell. Walking towards Y/N as she quickly wiped the blood from her eyes.

Y/N looked around the room as she deactivated her sharingan, lips trembling as a rush of exhaustion occurred in her body and eyes.

He may not be great at reading people but it was easy to see she was in no position to in battle. She had dark bags under her eyes.

She usually kept a calm and stoic expression whilst of right now her face seemed much more delicate and fragile. It was quite beautiful actually.

“Here.” Todoroki offered his hand for guidance as the Uchiha only stared up at him. She took ahold of his hand ignoring his eyes that stayed glued onto her.

“We should head to Mr Aizawa since he seems to be in the most trouble, at least help him until All Might shows up.” Todoroki explains.

Y/N only softly nodded in response wanting to save her small amount of energy, walking out of the landslide zone with him, avoiding all eye contact remembering the words he had told her in their first ever conversation. 

When walking through the landslide zone it seemed mainly deserted as the villains from before seemed to be the only ones there.

As Todoroki walked in front Y/N he turned his head to face her as his cold stare only made her eyebrows furrow.

“You sure, you still should be fighting?” Todoroki questioned. It wasn’t that he cared about her. He just had normal thoughts and concerns any person should have.

“Don’t be stupid-” she replied as she was cut off by a loud explosion that was heard coming from the USJ Arena Entrance.

It was hard to see from a distance, but coming out to reveal themselves was none other than the number one hero; All Might.

It was obvious he was furious with the current circumstances as most students were relived to see him.

He rushed towards where Easerhead was fighting the villains. Many were in shock to see him reach Aizawa in seconds while taking down five villains along Aswell as taking Tsuyu Asui, Izuku Midoriya, and Minoru Mineta out of danger.

“We should hurry.” He said, as he turned to look back at the girl behind him as they both started to run towards the middle of the USJ where All Might was.

It had taken about four minutes to reach where All might was but on the way, they had seen Midoriya running towards All Might trying to help.

“isn’t that..” Todoroki muttered watching Midoriya running in a panic state as two other classmates he was with stood behind carrying Aizawa who seemed to be horribly injured.

As the two finally arrived in the middle they were shocked to see All might struggling against the ‘nomu’.

The nomu’s upper body was found going through a wrap gate, grabbing onto All Might’s waist, his fingertips digging into the hero’s skin.

On the other hand the nomu’s lower body was supposed to be buried into the concrete but was then found inside of the villains warp-gate. Blood was then shown leaking through All mights white button up.

“Oh come on what kind of cheap move is that..” The number one hero sweated as a small amount of blood poured from out his mouth.

“Sorry that won’t work, Nomu is as strong as you are.” A laugh left Shigaraki’s mouth, clearly satisfied with what’s going on.

“Nice work Kurogiri, you got him just where we want him.” He praised the warp gate figure. So that was his name Kurogiri.

From far away, the Uchiha was able to see Kurogiri’s wrap gate slowly get smaller and thinner. And with that information it was clear to her what they wanted to do with All Might.

“Hey-” Todoroki confusingly spoke, watching Y/N quickly run past him leaving him behind as she was rapidly approaching where All Might was fighting.

“If this is your best then you picked the wrong place to attack, you should just give up now.” All Might’s confidence was loud but it was obvious there was still a hint of doubt in his voice.

“Kurogiri..” Shigaraki whispered signaling Kurogiri to hurry and close the wrap gate as he used his hand to scratch his neck.

“Normally I wouldn’t want blood floating in the inside of my wrap gate, but I’ll make an exception for a hero as great as you.” Kurogiri complimented

“Since your to fast for the human eye to see, nomu had too restrain you, and once his put your body halfway through. I’ll squeeze the gate shut.” He continued as Shigraki only stared at Kurogiri laughing behind his hand-mask.

“I’m gonna enjoy ripping you into pieces—” He was interrupted as he had been grabbed by his neck brace turning around to make contact with sharp sharingan eyes.

Many were speechless to see lightning channelled around Y/N hand cutting a small piece of Kurogiri’s neck brace before yanking his body down onto the ground.

“DAMN IT, DOLLFACE I WANTED TO GET HIM.” Bakugou yelled running towards Y/N being followed by Kirishima and Midoriya.

She turned her head as Midoriya trembled nervously at the sight of her sharingan. Not only that but before he had gotten here he seemed to be running to help All Might.

Ice was soon appeared coming from Todoroki who had just now come to help as his ice travelled towards the nomu controlling it so the ice stopped just before reaching All Might.

“One of your poorly trained thugs told me you were here cause you thought you could kill All Might.” Todoroki commented as the Uchiha sweated at his sassiness.

With Todoroki freezing the nomu’s body it was easy for All Might to loosen his grip and backflip away, creating some needed distance.

“Kacchan..everyone.” Midoriya whispered tears in the brim of his eyes. Pure relief having washed over his body and mind.

“Uchiha, do you really think it was smart using your sharingan again?” Todoroki asked sternly, earning an angry nervous look from his fiancé. Before Y/N was able to respond to him Kurogiri had spoken up.

“Those eyes, i see it in your eyes…the Uchiha really are a clan possessed by evil.” Kurogiri mentioned as he gained the attention of everyone.

“The hell are you talking about?!” Y/N questioned,her eyebrows crossed anger shown all over her face as she was unsure of what he meant about the Uchiha.

“It was said that in contrast to the Senju clan who based their strength on love, the Uchiha clan strength with based on the power of the abilities however the truth is different.” Kurogiri began to explain

“No clan feels deeper love the Uchiha and that’s why they suppressed and sealed it away.” A look of puzzlement was crossed on many of their faces.

“what do you mean?” Y/N asked, taken aback. She was well aware of the Senju and Uchiha bitter relationship, though the rest of what he was saying was completely new to her.

“Once a member of the Uchiha comes to know love? It’s as if all their previously checked emotions are released. strong love and power exceeding even the Senju awaken.” Kurogiri continued, satisfied with her reaction.

“It is quite problematic. This great power hides within the possibility of losing control.” Feeling the grip on Kurogiri’s neck brace tighten.

“When an Uchiha knows love? Then loses that deep love. It is replaced by an even stronger hate that changes them.That’s when a special condition emerges—” He was cut off by an yell coming from All Might.

“Enough, don’t listen to him. His just trying to get into your head!!” All Might shouted, snapping the Uchiha back to reality.

She stayed silent as her eyes stayed looking down onto the floor. As small sparks of lightening were still surrounding her hand.

Bakugou walked over towards Y/N squatting down and placing his hand onto the neck brace aswell.

“You got careless, you dumb villain. It wasn’t hard to figure you out. Only certain parts of you turn into that smoking wrap gate.” Bakugou smirked

“You just use that mist to hide your actual body as a kind of distraction, thinking that makes you safe.” He said letting Kurogiri know he had figured him out.

“But if you didn’t have a body you wouldn’t be wearing this neck armour right. You’re not immune to psychical attacks if they’re well aimed.” He said as a let out a small explosion from his hand the second he saw Kurogiri slightly move.

“Don’t move, You try anything funny and I’ll blow your ass so bad, that they’ll be piecing you back together for weeks.” He laughed as his explosions became into smoke.

“that doesn’t sound very heroic.” Kirishima teased as both him and Y/N, who sat next to Bakugou sighed at his actions.

“Kids these days really are amazing..” Shigaraki spoke up turning all the attention to him as turned to look at the nomu who was still halfway in the wrap gate.

“They make the league of villains look like amateurs, can’t have that.. Nomu.” He finished. A loud roar echoed in the room as the Nomu sank into the warp gate before his full body came out another warp.

Everyone was in awe to see the nomu who had been surrounded by ice, break off the limbs that had been covered in ice as he still continued to move.

“Watch out, he can regenerate..” Y/N yelled as they turned her way. Todoroki observed the way, her iris twitched as her breathing was unsteady.

“Impressive, I never told you how Nomu worked. How’d you know he could regenerate.” Shigaraki smiled cockily at Y/N as his fingers only scratched his neck faster.

The ice had finally broken off Nomu’s body, now giving everyone a full view of his super regeneration quirk.

“Like I told that explosive artist, my eyes can see everything, nothing exists that i cant see, so if i cant see it, it’s not real. That’s what I believe.” She said her face remaining neutral making Shigaraki smile.

“What is this, I thought you said his power was shock-obstruction.” All Might joined in as shigaraki’s smile faded the second the number one hero’s voice was heard.

“I didn’t say that was his only quirk, he also has super regeneration. Nomu has been modified to take you on even at 100% of your power.” He shared watching All Might sweat holding onto the stomach injury he had gotten from before.

“His basically like a highly efficient punching bag that punches back.” A silent chuckle escaped his mouth as the tension in the room became heavier.

“First we need to free our method of escape, Get him Nomu.” He said as Nomu followed his orders. Getting into a running position as even a footstep Nomu took caused massive wind pressure.

His speed was shocking. He managed to be standing Infront of both Bakugou and Y/N in seconds. Lifting his fist up ready to attack the children to free Kurogiri.

As he threw his punch a massive amount of wind was blown along with the punch, causing trees to blow and destruction near he punched. showing everyone he was indeed just as powerful as All Might.

Due to the massive amount of wind blown it was hard to see although it seemed like the Nomu had reached a direct hit onto the two students.

“Such force—” Midoriya cut himself off, seeing the smoke clear up to reveal an untouched Nomu who held Kurogiri safely in his hand.

“Kacchan, Uchiha..” He shouted unable to see them. Hoping they weren’t hit by the villain. Soon after his eyes widened in confusion to see both of them safely behind him.

“Wow that’s awesome, you dodged him.” Midoriya praised as he was surprised they were able to dodge something that fast.

“Shut up, no I didn’t you damn nerd.” Bakugou corrected as he squinted his eyes trying to see through the remaining amount of smoke.

“Then how’d you guys get over here??” Kirishima asked crossing him eyebrows.

“A-All Might he got us out just in time.” Y/N said as coughs were heard escaping her mouth, using her sharingan to see through the smoke.

“These are kids and you didn’t hold back.” The number one hero stood panting as he had taken a strong hit when pulling Y/N and Bakugou out of danger.

“I didn’t have much choice he was threatening my companion, besides these kids are no angles.” Shigaraki pointed towards Midoriya and Bakugou.

“The plain looking one, he tried to kill me with a maxed out punch. What kind of hero does something like that.” He proceeded to complain.

“You think you can get away with being as violent as you want if you say it’s for the sake of others.” He grumbled opening his arms to speak

“Well y’know what All Might, that pisses me off. Why should some people decide why some violent acts are heroic and others are villainous.” While Shigaraki spoke All Might had gotten into a fighting stance as he saw Nomu walk next to Shigaraki.

“Casting judgement towards what’s good and what’s evil. You think you’re the symbol of peace. You’re just another government sponsored instrument of violence.” Although what he said sounded noble it was obvious he didn’t mean anything that came out his mouth.

“And violence always brings more violence. I’ll make sure the world understands that once you’re dead.” He finished with a laugh.

“You’re nothing but a lunatic. Criminals like you always try to make your actions sound noble but admit it you’re only doing this cause you like it. Isn’t that right?” All Might Replied sounding calm and composed. And with Shigaraki having laughing lines under his eyes it was obvious All Might was correct.

“We got them out numbered.” Todoroki said as the other three boys stood beside him.

“And Kacchan and Uchiha found the mist guys weakness.” Midoriya nodded agreeing that they should help All Might as much they can.

“These dudes might act tough but we can take them down with All Might’s help. Let’s do this.” Kirishima added. He activated his quirk to harden his hand

“Uchiha you shouldn’t get involved.. you should stay back.” Kirishima watched as the girl coughed once again but this time her sharingan had been deactivated unwittingly.

“Don’t attack!! Get out of here.” All Might shouted towards the children make small steps towards the three villain.

“You would’ve been in trouble earlier if it weren’t for me, Remember? You need our help.” Todoroki reminded him.

“I thank you for your assistance. But this is different.” All Might told him having everyone raising their eyebrows unsure of what he meant.

“It’s gonna be alright. Just sit back and watch a pro at work.” He smiled clenching his fist.

“But you’re too hurt, you’re bleeding and you’re almost out of time-” Midoriya once again stopped himself, slapping his hand to cover his mouth realising what he had almost said.

His eyes unintentionally looked to left where Y/N sat on her knees behind Kirishima. Her intimidating dark black eyes staring at him stronger than ever.

He tried to ignore the eye-contact by turning back to All Might who had given him a thumbs up. Although He still seemed to be very concerned.

“Nomu, Kurogiri…Kill him. I’ll deal with the children. Let’s clear this level and go home.” Shigaraki ordered. Then turning his body, running towards the students.

“Heads up we’re fighting after all.” Kirishima sighed activating his quirk once again. Although immediately after activating even stronger wind pressure was felt but this time it was coming from All Might.

He practically flew towards the Nomu while still staying on the ground as the Nomu charged at him at the same exact time.

Both having their arms raised, it now depended on whether who was able to last longer.

As they now were an inch in front of eachother their fists then made contact causing a wind force to surround the both of them.

The wind force was amazingly powerful, causing Shigaraki to be blown aback. Not being able to reach the children.

“Weren’t you listening one of his powers are shock absorption.” Shigaraki’s said landing further away then anticipated.

“Yeah what about it?” All Might Smiled as his confident tone made the blue haired man-child’s vein pop out.

All Might quickly started punching Nomu again at full strength. Although to Shigaraki’s content he was able to counter the hero’s punches with his own making their fists connect each time.

Each time their fists made contact more force was blown around them more stronger than the last time. Causing whoever was surrounding unable to go near them.

“Is he gonna fight that brain-guy head on.” Midoriya asked Bakugou who was getting pushed back each them the two threw a punch.

Bakugou and Midoriya had been separated from Kirishima, Todoroki and Uchiha who were on the left side of the room while Bakugou was with Midoriya on the right.

All besides Todoroki had gotten down low onto the floor due to the atmosphere pressure.

“Wow, they’re so fast..” Kirishima said as he now sat beside Y/N, who was also shocked at All Might’s speed.

“N-No, I can’t get near them.” Kurogiri blurted to a frustrated Shigaraki,both kept getting pushed back by the wind each time he tried to go help the Nomu.

“He said your quirk was shock absorption not nullification, that means there’s a limit to what you can take right?” All Might smirked increasing the speed of his attacks.

They were now both too fast for the human eye to detect. Although there was no denying All Might had been injured in the process, but fortunately the Nomu seemed to be in way worse condition.

They watched as All Might seemed to be pushing Nomu towards its own direction cornering him.

“So you were made to fight me, big guy.” He said smiling as blood tickled down his chin.

“If you can really withstand me firing at a hundred percent of my power, then I’ll just go beyond that and force you to surrender.” All Might laughed, completely giving it his all, even while being injured.

More targeted punches hit the Nomu and every single one of them was more than a hundred percent of his power. With that the Nomu was pushed back to what seemed to be 20 feet from where he originally stood.

And then was All Might going after him once again landing more powerful, direct attacks. With the two of them fighting the concrete on the ground seemed to break off each punch that was dealt. 

Everyone stood there speechless amazed at All Mights power. To finish things off he punched the Nomu into the air and soon after he had kicked him down onto the concrete.

As he banged onto the ground he was taken aback meaning All Might could land his final blow.

“Now for a lesson, you may have heard these words before but I’ll teach you what they really mean.” All Might confidently stood clenching his fist and positioning it to be held away from the Nomu’s stomach.

“Go beyond.. Plus Ultra!!” He yelled now slamming his powerful fist into the villains stomach causing the whole building to shake.

The Nomu was then seen being blasted away, going through the USJ Arena roof.

The Uchiha was lost for words she had never seen such psychical strength. Her eyes practically lit up with childish admiration. Causing a chuckle to escape Kirishima’s mouth.

Kirishima was completely aware of the fact the girl was extremely quiet and imitating exactly why he couldn’t help but smile when he saw a soft beautiful look be plastered across Y/N’s face.

“That was like the finishing move in a video game, he beat the shock absorption right out of him, I’ve never seen that kind of brute strength.” Kirishima said getting up from the floor still looking at the Uchiha’s cute expression.

“Imagine having power like that, he must have been punching that monster so fast, he couldn’t regenerate.” Bakugou said completely stunned.

Kirishima dusted off his pants then turning, to offer his guidance to help the Uchiha up from the floor. She hesitated to accepted but she did as it was true that she infact was in need for some recovery girl treatment.

As she got up she stumbled as her balance wasn’t the greatest at the moment. When she got up she watch the smoke slightly disappear from All Might’s face until her eyes widened.

It wasn’t just All Might being covered by the dust from his fight. It was him. Parts of his body seemed to be steaming.

She confusingly watched All Might turn to Shigaraki and Kurogiri as the blue haired male angrily scratched his neck.

“You’ve been bested villains. Surrender, we all want to get this over with quickly.” He stated. Shigaraki’s whole body seemed to be tensing.

“He cheated..” He muttered under his breath. Knowing his hatred was only growing even stronger. In other words he had been completely lied to.

He wasn’t any weaker at all, Shigaraki’s Nomu was just an example of it. In his eyes he was just as strong as his always been.

“What’s wrong? Not attacking me. Didn’t you saw you were gonna clear this level earlier. Well come and get me if you dare.” He bluffed in full aware he barely had any time left.

“Man, this is intense.” Bakugou muttered, eyes glued onto the scene in front of him.

“As I expected there’s no reason for us to fight now. He’ll handle this.” Todoroki said turning his body around as he stood waiting for the rest of the four.

“Come on Midoriya, let’s go regroup with the other guys. The last thing we wanna do is get held hostage or get in his way.” Kirishima yelled to Midoriya who was closer to All Might and the villains than the rest.

Although the worry on Midoriya’s face was definitely signaling something. Midoriya watched All Might stall for time until the heroes got here.

The villains were now hesitant with Shigaraki’s scratching only getting worse. It was true All mights plan was working they seemed to be very close to surrendering or atleast running away.

“If only Nomu was here, he’d rush in right now, pound you into the ground without giving it a second thought.” Shigaraki frustratedly panicked.

“Tomura Shigaraki, please do not fret. Look at him he has definitely weakened. Nomu’s attack was successful.” With Kurogiri’s words Shigaraki did infact decrease his neck scratching.

“His one his own. The children seem to be frozen in fear, and look our underlings are recovering. We likely have a few minutes before their reinforcements arrive. if you and I work together we can do this, we haven’t missed our chance to kill All Might.” Kurogiri reassured.

“Yeah you right, this is it. We have no choice, we have to do it now. I mean the big end boss is right here” He seemed to have calm down from Kurogiri’s words.

The five students continued to watch the scene in front of them unfold until footsteps were heard coming from behind. They turned to see the pawns Aizawa had taken out have recovered.

“I think All Might can hold his own against those two main guys, let’s make sure these dudes don’t hurt anyone else.” Kirishima said.

“Will you be joining us?” Todoroki asked Y/N. She was slightly shocked he even considered her. It caused her to be quite flustered.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She replied pulling her sword out of it’s black scabbard. Activating her sharingan even though she knew she really shouldn’t be using it in her current state.

On the other hand Shigaraki and Kurogiri were now launching themselves running towards All Might in hopes they would finally finish him off.

“Wow Midoriya!!” Kirishima called out, making everyone turn their heads to the villains.

They were speechless to see green haired male charging towards the warp gate figure. His legs loosely flapped with the air showing that he had indeed broken them.

“You stupid villain.” He shouted, as he tried to aim a punch directly onto the warp gates villain’s neck armor. He soon failed watching a portal opened directly in front of Midoriya’s face with Shigaraki’s hand coming out of it.

A loud gunshot was then fired coming from the USJ entrance as it landed directly onto Shigaraki’s hand.

With that Shigaraki pulled his arm back as Midoriya hit the floor. Luckily he was safe beside him breaking his own bones.

“They’re here.” All Might gratefully sighed. Turning his head to look at the buildings entrance. Seeing Pro hero; Snipe land bullets on villains even miles away.

He also seemed to be accompanied by principal Nezu and other UA facility teachers, aswell as Iida the class representative of course.

“Sorry everyone. I know we’re a bit late, but I got the teachers here as fast as I could.” Principal Nezu apologised as he seemed to be happily sitting on Vlad King’s shoulder.

With that the villains pawns seemed to have drawn their attention onto the pros firing whatever they could at them. Although they did seem to be fallen down quicker than before.

“Damn the pros are here, it’s game over for-real. Let’s go home-” Shigaraki instructed but was unable to finish before getting shot in both legs and his right elbow by none other than snipe.

Kurogiri then quickly shielded Tomura using his quirk. was then found getting sucked into Thirteen black hole even though they were still injured.

“I may have failed to kill you this time, but your days are numbered.” Shigaraki said as his body vanished into Kurogiri’s warp gate. Although his final sight of everything was All Might wiping the blood off his confident smile.

Y/N on the other hand finally saw it. Her Sharingan saw its bright and powerful colour. The same quirk chakra running through Midoriya’s body was the same as All Might’s.

Her eyes widened seeing as how it was exactly the same and how All Might’s quirk chakra was getting smaller by the second.

Was it passed on? Inherited Maybe? Or was he just born with the same quirk? No that wouldn’t make sense it was definitely one of the first two.

Before she was able to comprehend. The same rushing feeling of agony was felt blasting into her eyes again. As she fell to her knees with this time Todoroki coming to assist.

Bakugou sneered in annoyance as he saw Todoroki crouch down giving the Uchiha his arm to painfully grip as she used her other hand to rest on her eyes.

“If all the pro teachers are gathered here, it must mean the rest of the school is safe. The villains attacked this facility but not the rest of the campus.” Todoroki told Bakugou and Y/N as they both ignored his voice.

On the other hand Kirishima had left to help Midoriya when he had seen Todoroki help Y/N instead.

“Midoriya!!Hey!!” Kirishima called out seeing the plain looking male laid out onto the floor looking heavily injured.

“Sorry I can’t get up.” He sighed slightly embarrassed that he had broken his bones multiple times in the first week of school.

“What, are you ok?!” He asked running towards his friend, obvious concern in his voice.

“Kirishima wait!!-” Midoriya yelled out in a panic. Kirishima was then in shock to see pro hero; Cementoss using his quirk to build a wall covering both Midoriya and All Might.

“For your safety please stay back young man. Join your classmates at the front gate. Leave the injured to us.” Cementoss said.

“Oh gotcha, I’m on it.” Kirishima smiled. Nodding to Cementoss and then turning away running towards Bakugou and Todoroki.

“Hey!! He said for all of us to head to the Entrance.” He shouted. Running back while waving towards the trio as the two males turned their heads to face him.

Bakugou kept his eyes on Kirishima while Todoroki turned to Y/N. Pulling her own fingers away from her eyes she still kept them shut, feeling less pain when she didn’t open them.

Todoroki allowed her to use him as guidance as she pulled on the white sleeve of his button up to lift herself up from the floor.

As she got up Todoroki helped her place her arm around his shoulder as she used his taller figure as a rest. With Kirishima catching up to them, the four of them now walked to the entrance where the other students were.

The four of them now left the USJ, meeting their classmates who were waiting patiently outside with the police force.

“Sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen.” A detective counted them the instant they stepped outside the building. He had seemed to be taking role of who was here and not.

“Everyone seems to be unharmed besides that boy whose legs were all messed up. Still Uchiha, I want you to visit recovery girl when you get back.” He instructed looking down onto his paper.

“If it’s an order just say so, why even bother asking?” She muttered making Tsukauchi sweat at the anger shown in her tone of voice.

While Todoroki had listened to what you told him earlier when being in the USJ and placed you into next to the wall as you leaned back onto the wall.

“Hey Uchihaaa!! What happened??” Mina came running towards you with Yaoyorozu and Ochaco as they were all filled with questions.

“It’s nothing I just overused my eyes.” She said trying to sound soft since she did build a little soft bond with most the girls in her class. But with the pain she felt in her eyes it was hard to sound genuine.

Todoroki on the other hand just stared at the gorgeous girl, he knew she didn’t overuse them. She felt that pain from when they were in the landslide zone together.

But at the same time he didn’t know much about her sharingan so the pain she had been feeling might just be a small flu or like she said cause of overuse.

He then turned around facing the school bus as he unintentionally ease dropped on his classmates conversation.

“The landslide zone. You wouldn’t believe how strong Todoroki and Uchiha were. They’re amazing.” The invisible girl complimented with another classmate pointing at the two toned boy in front of her.

‘I didn’t even know she was there. I could’ve frozen her.’ Todoroki thought to himself….

I’m so sorry if this doesn’t make sense I was dreading making this part so sorry

ALSO I DON’T EDIT MY WORK SO UH BEST YOU CAN DO IS IGNORE hehe <3

[sleepisapriviligethatidonthave]

MegOp Week 2024

Day 1: Memory/Gift

Continuity: Generation One

Rating: General Audiences

Relationships: Megatron/Optimus Prime

Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence,

Idiots in love, Enemies to Lovers, Established relationship, Fluff, Domestic Fluff

Summary: Optimus is being sneaky and Megatron is annoyed.

In the end, both of them get what they wanted

Also posted on: AO3

Check it out on ao3 if you want to see the Notes

Enjoy! ^^

Megatron leaned against the railing of the balcony and sighed.

It had been a rough decacycle, but luckily, it was his off shift tomorrow. If he had to listen to Starscream's screeching one more time, he would need to find himself a new SIC.

He had gotten home just in time to watch the sunset. It painted the horizon in colours that made it look ethereal. The balcony had the prefect view of the newly reconstructed parts of Iacon, which shone beautifully, a stark contrast to their still ruined counterparts. It never failed to make him proud to see the bots on the streets hard at work during the day and socialising during the night.

If Optimus was here, he would've let out one of his melancholic sighs as he tried and failed miserably at not being sentimental.

'Heh, always the fool.' Megatron thought to himself, chuckling softly. Where was his conjux anyway? He ought to have come home earlier than him. After all, he had slipped away from the last meeting for the day with some lousy excuse that he wasn't feeling well, and Megatron knew damn well that was a lie. The glitch refused to ever get sick, and it somehow always worked.

He contemplated on comming his mate, but decided against it, he wanted to catch him 'red handed' as those humans said.

Megatron huffed, he never understood Optimus' infatuation with those ugly little fleshings. They brought nothing but helmaches to them all.

It made him smirk, he could almost hear the defensive tone of his Prime as he valiantly defended the pests.

In the end he decided on reaching through their bond, feeling the emotions of his mate, which were...giddiness? What was Optimus up to?

His curiosity got the better of him

::What did you do?::

::Whatever do you mean, love?:: came the innocent sound of his lover's voice through the comm line.

::You know damn well what I mean, now spill it.:: his words held no actual malice aside from his annoyance. He was way too tired for this.

::Don't be a killjoy Megatron. You'll learn soon enough. Also, if you are hungry, don't wait for me.:: Optimus sent waves of reassurance and love through their bond, soothing Megatron's souring mood.

He chose to stop the conversation and instead wait for his mate's return. Slowly he made his way into the kitchen, taking a cube and filling it up almost to the brim, before moving to sprinkle a generous amount of tritium flakes. Hook would have his helm if he found out, but oh well, you only live once, right?

He sat himself on one of the stools around the island behind him and took out one of his personal datapads from his subspace. Might as well do something for himself.

_____________

A joor later he heard the sound of the entrance door open, inviting in a suspiciously happy Optimus Prime with a plastic bag in servo.

"Look who decided to finally show up." teased Megatron, setting down his datapad and stylus.

"I got held up, apologies for that." He made his way to Megatron and kissed his helm crest.

"I see that you listened to me for a change." Remarked Optimus and set the bag on the counter right beside Megatron's empty cube, before making his way to the energon dispenser to make one for himself.

"Do pray tell Prime, what took so much of your time?" Megatron made no move to touch the bag, instead opting for a facade of indifference.

"A few days ago, I had to go to the hospital, remember?" Megatron gave a grunt in acknowledgement, urging him to continue.

"Well, on the way there I saw the most peculiar sight," Optimus made his way back to the counter and opened the bag, pulling out a box with a silver bow tie on it, "a confectionery shop." said the Prime happily.

"When I was heading back, I made detour and went in there. The owner told me that she had set up the place not too long ago and I ended up placing an order for today." He took the lid off of the box and gave it to his mate.

Inside there were quite a few different assortments of sweets, it took all of Megatron's self control not to drool all over them.

"What's the occasion?" asked the ex-warlord suspiciously, ever the cautious one, all the while not tearing his optics away from the candy.

"No occasion, I just remembered your love for everything sweet and decided to treat you to something nice." admitted Optimus and let his field wrap around his stunned mate, letting his unspoken feelings of adoration known. "After working so hard I thought that you deserved a reward."

Megatron looked at his Prime silently, contemplating him as he hesitantly took one of the green jelly-like sweets and popped it into his moth, he almost moaned at the sickeningly sweet taste of what was apparently a magnesium flavored one.

It had been so long since he'd had the chance to indulge with such things that he couldn't help but stuff another one of the candies into his intake, this time, one with a hard outer shell and a gooey inside, that tasted like lithium infused with cobalt.

Optimus settled on the stool right beside Megatron, sipping his energon silently as he admired the sight of his mate's optics, alight up with happiness.

'I ought to do this more often.' thought Optimus to himself.

After half the contents of the box had disappeared into Megatron's tank he finally slowed down. He leaned back on his stool and let out a content sigh while he nibbled on a bismuth covered copper cake.

"Enjoying yourself?" asked Optimus as he took one of his Megatron's servos and intertwined it with his, stroking it with his thumb.

"Very much so." Admitted Megatron as he finally swallowed the remains of the treat in his servo. "Though I do wonder why you haven't touched a single one yourself."

"I didn't want to take one that you might enjoy, and besides," Optimus opened his subspace and took out another two boxes, "I brought plenty."

The way that his sparkmate's optics sparked with happiness made him feel like the luckiest mech on Cybertron. He took a few quick snapshots and saved them to a folder named 'Sparkmate: beloved'.

"Oh, how thoughtful of you." muttered Megatron, as he attacked the rest of the sweets with such viciousness, one would think they had done something to offend him.

Optimus let out a low chuckle, catching the attention of his mate whose intake was full of rust sticks. Megatron cocked a brow ridge at him, looking puzzled.

"It's nothing, I'm just reminiscing."

_____________

The first time he got a glimpse of Megatron's love for sweets had been an accident.

It had happened some time after the official end of the war, the leaders and their entourage were wrapping up a trading deal with another species on their home planet.

Prowl had advised him against going and leaving Cybertron without its leaders, but he had persisted.

The aliens themselves had been very respectful, welcoming even. They had given them accommodations that were their size and had even supplied them with decent energon.

One late night he and Megatron had stayed up, arguing over some clause of the agreement, entirely inconsequential, but Megatron had persisted that it was important.

After joors of arguing, they finally came to something resembling an agreeable compromise. While Optimus was clearing out the carelessly discarded datapads, from the corner of his optic he saw Megatron reach for one of the sweets which the aliens had so kindly gifted them with.

He stared silently at his soon to be mate as he bit into the sweet.

If he had been a less observant mech he would've missed the way his frame had relaxed a fraction and his optics hooded. It had been a surprising sight, bit not an unwelcome one.

Megatron froze in place, seemingly remembering that he was not alone in the room. Optimus made the split nanoklik decision to play dumb, "Are you ready to go? We spent way too much time on this, and I wish to retire for the night.”

Megatron gave a grunt in response, grabbed his datapads and made his way to the door, not waiting for Prime.

When he knew that he was out of audialshot Optimus couldn't help but let out a chuckle. That had been an interesting reaction. He debated silently with himself whether he should try and replicate that again, this time on purpose.

_____________

Optimus let his EM field envelop Megatron again, assuring him of the truthfulness of the statement. He only got a huff in return before the mech turned his attention back to the now almost empty box of sweets.

'Yes,' thought Optimus to himself, 'I really should do this more often.'

[fizzingwizard]

Just came across a post and started to respond to it... Then had a look at OP's blog and it's an entire dump of similarly themed posts. You don't win with those people, sooooo I'm not gonna try. But I'm still gonna yap!

Nightcrawler fans have NOT been wanting Nightcrawler and Mystique to have a lovely relationship with holiday pie baking and matching family PJs for, y'know, literal decades. We've been wanting Nightcrawler and Mystique to have DEVELOPMENT, for the many many MANY dropped storylines involving their nonexistent bond over the years to stop fizzling out into the ether. Wanting good storytelling =/= wanting holiday pie baking. And, if anyone wants Mystique, Nightcrawler, and Rogue (plus Destiny) to spend quality time baking holiday pies together, it's Claremont lol.

It's wild, as a loooong time Crawler fan, to see us portrayed as having been begging for this happy healthy domestic bliss... I know there have got to be those fans who like it (the angry bloggers must be reacting to something!) but I just have no idea where they are. The nicest I ever see in the forums I hang out in is a willingness to see where the retcon takes us, as long as it takes us some place worthwhile. With a healthy dose of "that's pretty unlikely, however."

On the other hand, I guess all the fuss means our boy has finally made it? People are angry about him and consider him overexposed... heck yes bae you're famous now! lol. It's especially funny when the fans who are annoyed about it are fans of way more overexposed characters. I'm not arguing he's gotten undue attention though - and I hope Nightcrawler emerges from the fumes of fame with as few burns as possible. I honestly didn't think Marvel would keep pushing him after Krakoa. This Origins thing shocked me good.

While there's a lot of stuff about it I straight up don't like or am lukewarm about regarding the new Origins, one that surprises me a bit is seeing comments here on Tumblr where some fans don't appear to realize how long Margali's been a morally gray character. At least since the 90s, if not earlier. Nightcrawler's idyllic circus childhood, however, has gone pretty untainted by new writers, so I get that people aren't into that changing. To me, as long as Kurt felt that he was safe and loved while growing up, it matters less what Margali really felt.

I still wish Marvel would just stop touching things though. Write good stories going forward, don't edit perfectly fine ones from the past...

[shelikesorchids-archive]

hi my gorgeous and ethereal mandy ✨

first of all, congrats. it’s so well deserved darling 💘

i’m in a frankie mood, & am humbly requesting the grumpy & sunshine prompt with our favorite soft bad boy

“will you dance with me? please, pretty please!”

thank you thank you thank you 🫶🏻

COURT!

Thank you so much, bby! Sorry this took me a million years, but I hope you enjoy!

Just a fluffy lil thing about getting this grumpasaurus out of his shell. No pronouns used for reader.

Frank Castle doesn't dance.

Well, not since he lost his wife, anyway. He made a silent vow to himself that he'd never slow dance with another, because Lisa was his last dance partner.

He was content to just sit at the bar and sip his beer, but little did he know, he was being watched. You had been eyeing the handsome stranger sitting alone all night. There was no wedding ring in sight, and he didn't seem too social, so you figured he was drinking to forget someone or something. You decided that your night's mission was to make this man smile, so you bellied up to the bar and sat on the empty bar stool next to him.

"This seat taken handsome?"

Frank took another swig of his beer and replied, "Looks like it is now."

He was gonna be a tough nut to crack, but you liked a challenge.

"So, drinking alone? Hard day or broken heart?"

"You don't waste any time do you?" he asked without breaking his gaze at the TV behind the bar.

"Well, when I see something I want, I go get it," you smirked.

He finally turned around to face you, and you felt like he was staring into your soul.

"Is that right? I guess you don't take no for an answer, either."

"Nope," you made sure to put emphasis on the "ope".

You sat in silence for a moment, then one of your favorite songs came on. A waltz-y country ballad that was perfect for slow dancing, and your perfect chance to put a smile on this stranger's face.

"Oh, I LOVE this song," you exclaimed. “Will you dance with me? Please, pretty please!”

"What are the chances of you leaving me alone if I don't?

"Hmmmm, pretty much zero."

You hopped off the bar stool and held your hand out to him to invite him to dance. Frank shook his head and laughed, then stood up to accept your invitation. Mission accomplished.

He led you to the dance floor and put his hands on your waist, while you put your hands around his neck. The two of you started to sway back and forth to the music, and Frank smiled even wider.

"So, what's your name, cowboy?"

"Frank. My name is Frank."

[grimalkinmessor]

9 and 14 please?

9: Which antagonist could you never forgive?

Well, I'm actually a notorious villain lover, so this a very difficult question for me to answer lmao. Especially for an anime that usually attempts to forgive every antagonist and show them the error of their ways. There are antagonists I don't particularly like but still see the reasoning and the attempt at redemption of, like Toichiro.

I think the antagonist I like but could never forgive is Mogami. The dude is hella interesting, he's OP, he's a great foil for Mob—but his reasoning for being evil is trash. My dude literally did not have to kill all those people 😐 And then BLAME it on the people who paid him to do it. Like bestie you made the choice to take that route allll by yourself, even if other people made it easier for you to take than others. He doesn't acknowledge his own failures and acts like Mob is the stupid one for wanting to be kind and help people. And to show him how "terrible" other people are, Mogami,,,,warps the world by removing every one that's ever been kind to Mob. Then removing his powers and telling him THAT'S the reason people treat him badly?? Make it make sense. He did that shit for fun or because he's legit insane or both. AND HE'S NOT EVEN SORRY. MY DUDE JUST CAME BACK, SPOUTED SOME MORE BULLSHIT ABOUT HOW MERCY CAN'T BE THE ANSWER AND THEN FUCKED OFF INTO THE ETHER.

So, while Mogami is my scrunkly and I adore him, if I ever catch that bitch in my neighborhood irl he's catching these hands 😌🙏

14: Are there any MP 100 fanfics you HAVE to rec?

*cracks knuckles* BUCKLE UP BOYS I HAVE A TRUCKLOAD >:D

First up, the fic that roped my into this fucking fandom against my will—

Sunflower by Copyspaghetti (Mobreirit, unfinished)

Seeing the world from the lens of a powerless child brought novelty. There was a point to doing things that didn’t boil down to the fate of humanity.

This simple interaction left something alive in his chest that would only grow.

—

In which a hyperactive middle schooler forces his way into Mob’s heart, allowing him to start life anew after giving his youth to extremism. Juggling therapy, a brother, a kid, and the remnants of Claw is a lot.. his past haunts him. And befriends him.

Terryh and Sasha posted a flurry of screenshots of this fic on twitter a while back, and I remembered them when I was looking for a new piece of media to get into, and this fic was the reason I watched MP100 at all—because I wanted to read it with all the context lmao. And it did not disappoint; Sunflower is an Age Swap fic that really digs into the hows and whys of the MP100 world, and while I adore all of Copy's fics, this one is number two on my list of all time favorites. Tiny Arataka and his struggles, Shigeo and Ritsu and their attempts to get better while also wading through their own struggles, the soft fluffiness of their time together contrasted with the world around them, just,,,,,,💋🤌✨ fuckin' SUPERB.

Between Acolytes and Sanctities by Copyspaghetti (Mobrei, unfinished)

The book burnt Arataka's fingers through the leather gloves. As an acolyte of his father's church he got the worst jobs with a front row view of how little it all mattered. Saltville was starving but the Gods did nothing. That's why he stood there now, alone in the woods at the foot of the shadow mountain with a spell book hotter than the bonfire itself. – In which Arataka's village, Saltville, is famined and he asks a forgotten God of the shadow mountains for help. Instead of feeding his village, he lends some of his divine power to the boy to solve his own problems. What could a human become to a God?

My FAVORITE, number ONE Copy fic if you MUST know—because it's about ✨✨ the INTRIGUE ✨✨✨✨🤌🙏✨💕✨ Really super old super powerful Mob tired of everything?? Convinced he's nothing but a plague, only capable of causing devastation?? And little stubborn Arataka demanding that he pay attention to the ants humans again, staring with Arataka, of course. Obviously. The imagery in this one has me by the balls. I'm feral about it, feening for it, I wanna print out this fic's vibes and make it into a snowglobe that I can eat.

but it does no damn good by quiveringpalm (Reimob, finished)

"We can’t have this sort of conversation," Reigen says softly.

Mob is blinking slowly at him, his eyes searching all over his face as if to find a real chink in his proverbial armor, except that Reigen hasn’t ever felt more naked than he does now in the dark on this fucking bed in this fucking hotel in this godforsaken fucking town, he really never should have taken Mob here but it’s too little too late, too late and too little, god, Mob is so little.

His voice is even littler, barely above a whisper. "... Even if I want to?"

The oneshot that one-shots my whole heart ong. I can't even explain how much I love this fic, it just gives me all the warm fuzzies 🥰 Also the tire swing. The tire swing. Read it and you'll know what I mean 🙏

Ironic Process Theory by tragakes (Reirit, unfinished)

Right now Ritsu was virtuous. He was righteous. He was doing what lesser people could not; he was carrying Reigen back to his apartment because Reigen had been beaten within an inch of death, and later he would tell Shigeo that he had saved his boyfriend. Were they boyfriends? They had never referred to each other as such, but Ritsu knew they were fucking, which had to make them boyfriends.

He imagined telling his brother, and he imagined his brother’s expression when he learnt Reigen got hurt, and all of his insides twisted into a hot, tight, knot, and he decided that maybe he wouldn’t tell his brother after all.

That was, in fact, the virtuous and righteous thing to do. One couldn’t go around boasting about their good deeds.

Read this fic RN. 👁️👁️ I love me some ritrei but this? This right here? Takes the cake. Holy shit. It's technically transitive property mobreirit (in that order) but that just makes it better tbh. One of the tags is "Ritsu and his mental gymnastic: extended edition" and that about sums it up. Bitter Anxiety-Ridden Ritsu my beloved 🙏

Piece of Me by allthisandheaventoo (Mob?Rei?, finished)

Mob is a late bloomer. Not enough to be concerning; most kids present at ten or eleven, and Mob is only thirteen. Reigen himself was twelve when it happened, when he had woken up one morning squirming and feverish and horny as all hell before realizing that meant he was an omega. He remembers a kid in his grade who didn’t present until he was sixteen, smelling like pup until halfway through high school. The point being that Mob is completely normal for not having presented yet, and having him around the office has never presented a problem for Reigen before. Until it does.

The A/B/O breastfeeding fic. I think about this fic all the time. It's nested into my brain and it's never leaving. Yes. The ship bit is said to be ambiguous but not TO ME. Fantastic, give me fourteen of 'em rn 🙏

facing three ways by hapful (gen, finished)

The alarm settles as Taka walks out to the fields to join his class lined up. Keiji comes up to him immediately, eyes full of concern. “What happened? You look sick,” he says, and Taka could cry but he doesn’t.

“Hey Keiji,” he says instead, “aren’t you sick of people?”

“Yeah,” Keiji answers, concern still lacing his tone but with a tired, understanding edge.

Taka smiles. It isn’t pleasant. “I have an idea.”

two beaten down kids decide to summon a demon to solve their problems, and everything changes.

AHHHH. AHH. The Age Swap platonic mogarei fic I didn't know I needed until I found it *collapses* BEAUTIFUL.

The Paper Moon by DespiteWhatShouldBeOtherwise (gen, finished)

It wasn't the rain, or the car, or even dying that ruined his day.

The worst was when he woke up, and everything that happened after.

In short, Reigen gets hit by a car and winds up leaving the hospital with a little something extra.

I can't say much about this fic without spoiling it, but please know that the mystery and intrigue kept my eyeballs glued to my phone screen every free moment for three whole days. Thank you.

Where Did You Go? by iamwish (gen, unfinished)

“You know what else is important? Eating. And paying rent. And, hey, we’ve had this conversation, our clients’ lives are important, too. Your life is important. This stopped being a sprint a long time ago, Ritsu. It’s a marathon now. And what do we do during marathons?”

“We pace ourselves,” Ritsu answers rotely.

-

Is this fic:

1. Technically a rewrite of season 1 with Ritsu as the main character

2. An exploration of the consequences that one change, one absence can have

3. The author torturing Ritsu by giving him something he wanted for a price he never would have willingly paid

4. All of the above

Deshi Ritsu AU. DESHI RITSU AU. Well, kind of not really but dESHI RITSU—

Soft and Wet by UnderWickedSky (Ekurei, finished)

Ekubo offers an explanation, “The spirit is in your guts, twisted around your inner organs. This is exactly the type of curse that makes someone perfectly healthy suddenly drop dead from a heart attack or an aneurysm. The kind that gets reported in all the newspapers because it was just so unlikely."

“At least I’d be famous,” manages Reigen weakly.

[Ekubo helps Reigen with a pesky curse, and eats well in the process.]

There is no smut in this fic. There is NO smut in this fic. It just FEELS like there is. I can't explain it, it's like a fish hook—yoinks you in and leaves you super confused and super intrigued at the same time. My favorite Ekurei fic.

if i start a commotion by carnation (Ritmob, unfinished)

“Can you take back a confession...?”

“I can,” Ritsu says obstinately. “I do. I take it back, I didn’t mean it. I did mean it but I shouldn’t have said it so I take it back, it didn’t happen. Now you can’t talk about it anymore, because it didn’t happen.”

“I think it did,” Mob says, doubtfully. “I still remember it, so... I think it did happen. I think – maybe you can’t take it back. Sorry.”

ANXIETY-RIDDEN RITSU MY BELOVED 💕✨ And Mob just,,,trying to wrap his little brain around the idea of Ritsu loving him romantically, slowing growing to like the idea and giving Ritsu several heart attacks in the process—and Dimple several migraines—I love him your honor.

or at least i pretend by carnation (Ritmob, finished)

He tells Shigeo about a test he did well in and another he did less well in, and about how it is competitive here, like everyone says it is, like everyone at home had warned him it would be every time they learned he was applying to Matcha University, but it’s competitive in a good way, a friendly way, not a damaging way, because everyone here wants to work hard and do their best and they want everyone around them to do well, too – competitive, but supportive; so it’s good, it’s all good, and it’s all new and different but it’s good. Everything is good. All of Ritsu's stories are pleasant and mild and nice because everything about Ritsu's life is pleasant and mild and nice as well, and all his stories have been told so many times they’re polished smooth by repetition: he offers them up to his brother with well-practised ease.

This fic came into my house and personally beat me up with its bare hands. I'm in love with it. Unrequited Love combined with MEGA "It's Complicated", Ritsu pulling off the heist of the century, and Mob just. Mob. Sigh MOB. carnation always nails the exact flavor of ritmob that I enjoy, but the angst of this one combined with happy(?) ending makes it one of my favs 🥰

Better Him by ConnorRK (explicit gen, finished)

“Reigen, are you kidding me? Can’t you keep it in your pants for one minute! This is serious.” Ritsu, outraged, undoubtedly trying to murder Reigen with his eyes. It makes Sato laugh, delighted, and in front of him, Takashi positively grins.

“Sounds like this ain’t the first time, is it, Reigen? You got a thing for stuff like this? You wanna be held down? We can do that for you.”

Hi hello yes may I have this fic printed onto my eyelids please, thanks—rape aftermath/recovery fics are actually some of my favorites, and this one? Reigen discovering just how far he'd go for his kids?? I can't—just take my wallet at this point you've already ripped my heart outta my chest 😭 LOVELY 💕

Zero by SeaSaltFreckles (Mobrei², unfinished)

Joseph still looks apprehensive. He puts a finger up to the earpiece and listens carefully to whoever is on the other end. Then, he sighs and crosses his arms over his chest, leaning back. “Our records say that Reigen Arataka is the one who eventually stopped him. Why?”

Again, Rei’s eyes shift all around, and his expression shifts from realization to sadness in the blink of an eye. “Because that’s how it happened in my world… I also tried to stop him, but I couldn't and– and because of that, Shigeo…” He pauses, swallowing thickly. “Shigeo is the one who wiped out humanity. He's the one who destroyed my universe.”

A story in which Reigen Arataka and his world's Kageyama Shigeo travel across dimensions and bring their fight to the doorstep of Mob and Reigen, but everything is far more complicated than it should be.

YOUR HONOR THE WAY I AM UNHINGED ABOUT THIS FIC 🙏🤌✨😳💕😭❤️‍🔥 GOD. ???-kun is my favorite character forever and always and I'm a slut for characters meeting alternate versions of themselves, so this fic just absolutely fucks its way right up my alley, holy hot damn.

I'll stop there, because otherwise this post will be super long instead of just mildly long, but please be aware that I'm feral about several more fics. Yelling about them forever and ever amen 🙏

[vampirevatican]

More Hobie walking in on you to music playing? call me delivery bc i ain't digorno. (fluff and nsfw)

bc i love shenanigans.. and my fave blog for hobie content has grabbed me by the throat.

SOFT STUFF FIRST

he just joins in and depending on how i write it (friends to lovers or y'all already dating) you're flustered bc ur in the zone doing whatever and then you just hear him singing with you or you look over somewhere/open ur eyes and boom he's there.

if y'all already dating? depends on the song but i like to think if it's a slow jam and lovey dovey or not inherently sexual then he just holds you by the waist, arms wrapped around you, swaying. if it's smthn more upbeat he's jamming along or if he's never heard it, he's giving it a listen and can't help but tap out the beat with his foot or fingers. definitely in guitar form if the song has a guitar bc he is a musician

for the werid black folks, if it's kpop/vocaloid/indie etc. he's here for it. hobie is a punk man at heart but he's not about to knock your music taste, especially if he hasn't even tried it. like he's in a punk band, he is punk, he loves the music but he too has a wide listen range.

so, keeping this in mind. walking in on you doing choreography for a kpop song, and he just claps bc you're on beat and it looks so cool. doing your own choreography for a vocaloid song? same thing. infact he wants an encore so he can get the full experience.

y'all know there's cpop right?? jpop?? there's metal music and punk bands there and you bet your sweet ass when you show him this??? and the lyrics!! he starts blasting some of it too.

my literal brainrot for this is maximum the hormone - what up people. yes the second op for death note and omfg don't get me started on y'all watching it together he literally mocks miguel. he nudges you during one of miguels rants and goes, "bruv thinks he's light yagami." and you have to hold a little chortle. you start to nickname him ryuk too bc this mfer is only at the spidey society to look after his homies and for shits nd giggles.

for the even weirder folks, noise music. like you're drawing smthn or doing something and he decides to give a try. i think he'd like noise music bc of how chaotic it is... i have recommendations if ur intrested

NOW FOR THE HORNIES

inspired by mcon, crybaby by megan the stallion. ima repost but in short he either sees you and needs you to throw it back one more time for him.

i need y'all to understand the concept of a pole dance, for those who aren't ace, please i beg of you hear me out. teasing him via a routine or pole practice?? im begging, pleading.

now personal indulgence aerial hoop dancing. it's so ethereal and can be sensual if made so, just like pole.

now outside of walk-ins of throwing it back and sensual dance routines. him hearing you sing it and asking you to repeat yourself.

girl im on the floor, jumped out my skin, immediately trying to explain cause 'haha im in danger 🤭' but for those who like to test him and get to it??? babes ur braver than me.

[knackfandomarchive]

Oh, ok! Tagging you here, @difty-dift

KNACK is an optional couch-co-op game, and Robo Knack is whom the second player inhabits.

To play as Robo Knack, two controllers have to be logged in. The first plays as Knack, and the second summons Robo from the ether with a press of a button.

Rather than have a health bar like Knack does, Robo Knack's health is a meter that displays at the top right of the screen.

It reminds me of the combo meter and operates on a similar concept: Every attack Robo lands adds one bar to the meter. Attacking an enemy spawns metal relics that Robo absorbs much like Knack does. But when Knack collects relics, Robo just gradually gets bigger.

Here is Robo with a full meter. They are the same size as Little Knack, but clearly, not the same shape!

Conversely, they can be shaped like Little Knack, but way bigger! Still no fingers tho...

Robo Knack can't wander too far away from Knack, or else gets teleported right next to him. Also can't wander off-screen for long; a timer appears that teleports Robo when empty, or when Knack reaches a certain event point (e.g. entering a new room). Sometimes Robo would teleport into a hole and die, so stay close.

Robo Knack is also constantly looking at Knack, which is why I can't get a head-on picture.

I wonder what it implies about Robo to have a gadget-style health bar, a charmed effect toward the creature they're made after, and a metaphysical leash. Are they conscious at all?

Robo Knack is also always smaller and faster than Knack. I can't describe the sound of their footsteps beyond a kind of jingly 'tink'. The rest of their body jingles all the time, too! Like when they throw a punch.

Knack and Robo can punch each other! It doesn't hurt either party, but drastically slows them down when they're knocked over, leaving them vulnerable to enemies. I'm using this to collect Knack's oomph sounds when he's on the smaller end. Robo Knack never vocalizes, even when Knack - and therefore Robo - is large.

Robo Knack can use sunstone energy, but only a quarter of a charge to do a smaller shockwave attack.

Finally, if Knack has some health missing, and Robo has some to spare, Player 2 can press the triangle button to transfer some relics to Knack. This can be really handy because Player 2 can die and then come back after a cooldown, but if Knack dies, they both have to start again from the last checkpoint.

That's about all I can think of to share. I hope you enjoyed!

[writerinturmoil]

Top Surgery

On 18 October, I got top surgery at the Madison Surgical Center. My best friend accompanied me. My parents had to wait at the hotel because you could only have one person come with you.

When I arrived at the surgical center, I didn’t feel nervous. I felt numb and ethereal. More a floating specter than a human being. I couldn’t believe that the day had finally arrived. After waiting so long, my brain had given up hope that it would actually occur. And now that it was definitely happening, my brain felt in a state of shock and wonder. How I imagine Alice felt when she fell down the rabbit hole.

After registering, I waited with my best friend in the waiting room. The words we spoke went in one ear and out the other, for my brain decided to focus on each individual that passed us. I saw a man wearing a green corduroy jacket shuffle past followed by a woman wearing a tight fitting burgundy pant suit. The woman mumbled something about the weather into her smartwatch. Next, came a lady wearing a beige knit sweater. She had curly white hair and wore round beige spectacles. Her papery thin hand clutched onto her companion’s arm. This guy wore a Grateful Dead tee and weatherworn jeans. He looked younger than the woman but had a similar facial structure. I figured him to be her son. As they walked past, I could hear him tell her that it was only a minor operation. He’d be fine.

After several minutes, a nurse called my name and directed me to the pre-op area. He took my vitals and chatted to me for a bit. He asked me what I did for a living before querying about my hobbies. I detest small talk of all forms but perked up when the conversation steered to hiking. For a few minutes, I told him about Devil’s Lake and about my desire to go hiking there. 

As I was about to go more in depth about the trails I’d like to hike, we were interrupted by Dr. Gast, the surgeon who would perform the operation. After inquiring about my health, she drew on my chest. I kept my eyes on the ceiling and ignored the sensation of sharpie tip on skin. While she drew on my chest, she explained to me what would happen in the operating room. But because of the discomfort I felt having my chest exposed, I only really heard a quarter of what she said.  

After the surgeon left, the anesthesiologist arrived. He took my medical information and explained what he could do for me to minimize the nausea I always experienced when given anesthesia. He was friendly and well-informed. He didn’t make small talk and stuck to the business at hand. I appreciated that.

Once he left, the nurse gave me some medication and started an IV drip. All through the procedure, he continued to make small talk. After a few minutes, I tried to zone him out by playing songs in my head. “I Know Better” by Noahfinnce blended with “Spiderwebs” by No Doubt, and this strange admixed song remained in my head for the next five minutes.

Then, I met the OR nurse. He told a joke that made the nurse laugh but went completely over my head. In fact, I might not have known it was a joke if the nurse hadn’t laughed at his bizarre comment. Shortly after that, I followed him to the OR. All the way there, he made jokes oblivious of the fact that I didn’t get a single one of them. 

Entering the OR, I was blinded by the bright lights and glaring white surfaces. I could barely make out the table I was to lie upon. After getting comfy on the table, I was nocked out. The world became a dark void.

Two hours later, I woke up in the recovery area. I felt like I’d been plunged into ice water. I began to shiver violently, so the recovery nurse gave me a warm blanket and some medicine through the IV drip. As the medicine kicked in, the shivering decreased and warmth began to slowly creep back into my bones. During this ordeal, she talked to me and stayed close to my side.

After I'd recovered a bit, I was sent back to the same room I started off in. Since I was in no condition to listen to anyone, the nurse continued his small talk with my best friend. I felt grateful that I no longer I had to listen to his constant babble, but I felt bad for my friend, for he hates small talk as much as I do. 

Once I could stand by myself, the nurse took out the IV drip. He then explained the medication regimen and how to empty the collection unit on the drains. He also explained how to change the dressings, but I snoozed through most of that conversation. Good thing he sent me home with paper instructions, or I'd have no clue what to do.

After a bit more waiting, a patient transporter took me in a wheelchair to the parking structure where my parents were waiting. I didn’t like the feel of the air blowing across my skin, or the sound of the squeaky wheels. Both grated on my nerves. By the time we reached the parking structure, I wanted to scream.  

Unlike the other times I had surgery where I threw up multiple times, this time, I only threw up once. That was when we arrived back at the hotel. I place the blame solely on my padre's driving, for he likes to speed and whip around corners like one late for a very important engagement.

Once I got back to the hotel room, I slept. I only got up once to eat a bowl of soup and some crackers. After that, I went back to bed and slept until half past four in the morning.

Well, that's all I have time for today. Until next time, take care and stay curious.

[koumeowkami]

Reread through the notes I made and to sum it up, I do think the pararai anime is neat! I knew spoilery stuff about Nayuta since way back when and had a general grasp of the character's trap reactions, but not so much about the general plot (aside from the winners and all) so I don't think I have much thoughts about it?

As a story in of itself though, I like that each group gets their time in the spotlight but apparently TCW doesn't get a full performance?— My notes kept mentioning it and I seemed a little annoyed—

Also live love laugh Ryu being a menace. It was enjoyable enough but given BAE and Cozmez seemed to be in the spotlight, it sort of left TCW and Akanyatsura behind in terms of development (Although they seemed developed enough, if that makes sense)

Stuff from my notes

Hell yeah this is what I've been waiting for! (ep 1)

The phantometals' effects look so good and I really like the look of the animation

Second instance (as far as I know) of Gakuto Kajiwara being the lead protagonist in a music franchise anime adaptation <- the other one being ACTORS: Song Connection..

I REALLY DO LIKE MURASE'S RANGE AS HAJUN

He's a mood (Allen)

Paradox Devil thing reminds me of Grim

Ryu-kun!

HANAEEEE

I did praise the animation but why does the stamen in that flower look so stiff

Cozmez? Cozmez!

Why is Kanata so pretty

I never really got into the how or why phantometals connect to their users other than making it from their trauma, this anime makes it digestible

(Allen drawing on Hajun's apron and shouting "Inspiration!") Leo Tsukinaga is that you

Hajun pretty boy antics

Bae oversleeping on opening night huh..

Hajun flying them in!

Trauma!

Cozmez is drawn so ethereal

The OP is really nice (ep 2)

Not Kanata gatekeeping hiphop?/lh

Kanallen! ..Nevermind, he was robbing him

..Mouse as big as a dog? Isn't that like a rat.. come on we have a song called rats and nobles..

Kanata gatekeeping!

Ryu-kun having fun! (the tcw vs akanyatsura battle)

—Not showing TCW & Akanyatsura's performance? Foul

Old man yaoi

(Has stopped keeping track of the episodes)

Time to see TCW performance. or not...

Ryu is a menace and I am INTO it

Reo is adorable

ep.5 and this OP still is a banger

Not Kanata and Nayuta both having their own spiels about "I can't let you stay here" <- since.. yeah, does that mean that this is how Kanata thinks subconsciously?

When are we gonna look at TCW performing

Allen working part-time throughout the Ryu episode...

HILARIOUS

Allen "little dapper man" Sugasano

ep.7

Nayuta...

Nayushiki duet at the end?!?@??@?

ep.9 - Sweet ol kanalller contend <- watched the scene and was writing at the same time while laughing hysterically

NAYUTA READ THE ROOM

(end of notes)

omg aeri... pls read the drama tracks when you can cause 😭 once you do you realize how much this anime is missing (or even got wrong)...

you're right abt akyr and tcw not having enough screentime and to be honest, i'd say the same abt cozmez since they didn't explain anything abt their backstory – nayushiki thing aside – and completely ruined the ending... bae got so many useless scenes 😞

so yeah, even if the characters seemed to have gotten any development, no one knows what caused it anyways (or at least, i talked abt the anime with my irl friend who's anime-only, and she genuinely didn't understand some stuff that happened cause they didn't explain shit lol).

replying to the stuff from your notes

the effects are really one of the only things i'm willing to defend abt this anime cause they were truly SO GOOD!! i was so scared of how bad the cgi would've been but i was proved wrong, the performances were all really cool <3

i'm not sure if you're into fragraria memories but gakkun voices the lead protagonist there as well! and hallritt has red hair too... curious...

paradevil is truly our grim... they'd be great friends

the flower symbolizes tsubaki, saimon's late wife (i'm pretty sure no anime-only fan understood that cause they never mentioned her LMAO; that's also why they keep showing that damn flower)

they "skipped" the justice performance but it's only cause they showed tcw with 4 real later! each group had one battle performance :D

yes, everything nayuta says is part of kanata's subconscious!! phantom nayuta is literally the personification of kanata's deepest thoughts, the truth under millions of layers 👍🏻

i loved kanallen in the filler episode, that's what youngsters would call "my roman empire" nowadays. also yeah notice kanata cockblocking himself (through nayuta)

i support you saying "why is cozmez so pretty" every few notes. relatable

[athousandbyeol]

HELO HELO

LEMME JUST DROP THESE

https://twitter.com/BABEFOXJS/status/1679505531336298496?t=NepEfBXBdllQJhZJFzw_Cg&s=19

https://twitter.com/Jiminophile3mks/status/1679493782717472768?t=NepEfBXBdllQJhZJFzw_Cg&s=19

https://twitter.com/favindec/status/1679501218048253954?t=NepEfBXBdllQJhZJFzw_Cg&s=19

https://twitter.com/sswednesdayss/status/1679501068345171968?t=NepEfBXBdllQJhZJFzw_Cg&s=19

https://twitter.com/Butterflynabe/status/1679481643810320386?t=NepEfBXBdllQJhZJFzw_Cg&s=19

https://twitter.com/Dian_Inn/status/1679475639714234368?t=NepEfBXBdllQJhZJFzw_Cg&s=19

https://twitter.com/ngtrongd/status/1679465051672166401?t=NepEfBXBdllQJhZJFzw_Cg&s=19

https://twitter.com/ngtrongd/status/1679455787905871875?t=NepEfBXBdllQJhZJFzw_Cg&s=19

I AM CURRENTLY HIGH ON FORCEBOOK AMD LE.ME TELL YOU IT IS ALL BECAUSE OF TIFAYS EVENT THEME THEY GAD

IT WAS LOWKEY WEDIING THEME AND THOESE PICTURES (I TRIED CHOOSING THE BEST OF BEST ID IDNT WANT TO SPAM YOU) MY GOODNESS THESE PUCTURES JUST OSJAJABBSJSNZSOSBSHSKSBKSNSHSJSBSHSJBSJSJSBSJSKS

ARE YOU SEEING WHAT I AM SEEING MY WHOLE TL WAS A WEDDING MESS A DELULU MESS IBWAS A MESS

*screaming crying throwing hamds*

I have soo many emotions right rigjt and idk what to do with them and its all forcebook and these pictures and they are being brave with their frinedly flirtlting

#ALSO THEY WORE YOUR FAV COLOURS THE PASTELS YEAYYY

#I LOVE THEIR FRIENDHSPI THEIR RELATIONSHIP ITS SO HELATHY AND AMTURE AND PURE AND PRECIOUS AND RARE

#AND SUCH A GOOD SLOW BURN

#I LOVE THEM I AM IN LOVE WITH THEM

#THEY ARE MY BABAIES

#THEY ARE ALSO MY DADS

OP.

OP.

OP.

OP.

I AM WITH YOU. I WAS SO HAPPY BECAUSE DESTINY CLINIC IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE EVENTS BECAUSE OF THE ATTIRE MOST PAIRINGS WILL WEAR (USUALLY THEY'LL WEAR SOMETHING A BIT POSH AND ELEGANT) SO WHEN I KNEW FORCEBOOK WOULD ATTEND THIS EVENT I WAS REALLY HAPPY :( FINALLY WE GOT TO SEE THEM IN THIS WEDDING-LIKE EVENT AHHHHHH

the second picture! oh, my God! i didn't see that picture on my timeline so thanks so much, op! p'book does look like a fairy there :( he's so ethereal... they're just absolutely stunning yesterday and i feel you! no one's going to recover from this cute event :(

that part when they were holding hands while looking into each other's eyes? i mean i shouldn't be romanticising that into something romantic but goodness lord— the whole freaking zoo is roaring in my belly. goodness. just good gracious. have mercy on my soul. my best friend and i don't act this way so are we doing it wrong or what???

op op! also, p'force saying he wants to take p'book's picture first with his camera??? i can feel his giddiness in wanting to share that happiness with his best friend :( why is that so endearing oh, God. i'm actually recalculating my life decisions because are they real? this domestic, understanding, trusting, loving, tender, genuine, chaotic friendship exists in this cruel world??? oh, my.

and this one :'( p'book upgraded p'force's status from friend to best friend :( it's so sweet! knowing how reluctant p'book was to have anyone close to him years back, but now, he openly said p'force is his best friend and he loves p'force— it's so overwhelming. it feels like all efforts p'force made to befriend p'book are worthwhile. <'3

speaking of slow burn, they need to have another project next year with that genre because it's going to hurt so deliciously and we're always down for some forcebook slow romance au ahhhhhh

[tryingtryingtryingtryingg]

I’m back again had a weekend and a hyperfixation and here’s another essay to send into the ether. I’m going to be talking mostly about contemporary art here. So. (Op feel free to ignore this, I’m sure you’re sick of responses to this post by now.)

So I felt the need to respond to the original post because even though i know it wasn’t intended that way, I could envision a scenario where someone saw it and decided that going to an art museum would be a waste of time, and I didn’t want them to feel that, especially when some of the statements made were just flat-out wrong. Maybe it was hyperbole for the sake of humour but eeh I didn’t want anyone leaving thinking curators were just sitting around with their thumbs up their ass jacking themselves off to their “perfect collection” while laughing at us plebs. That’s private collectors lol.

I was slightly frustrated because the post was bringing up these issues as if there aren’t entire areas of curatorial studies dedicated to arguing over how much to reveal and how much to leave open to the audience (wall text discourse). As if art has a set meaning writtten in stone, and the role of the museum is just to engagingly dispense that information to the viewer. As if audiences don’t draw new meanings out of works of art all the time. As if artists aren’t constantly playing with the line between something being seen and something being understood.

Scott Burton is someone that I should maybe mention. He was an artist active in the 60s through the 80s. One aspect of his work was these public sculptures he was making that kind of resembled furniture, only there would always be something *slightly* off about them in the the way they looked, or the way they positioned your body when you sat in them. They didn’t obviously look like artworks. They didn’t scream for your attention. The first time I saw one I didn’t see it—I thought it was just an interesting bench. It was only later, after seeing his work mentioned in a talk, that I realised what I’d been looking at.

Part of what Burton was trying to create in his work was this kind of ability to go unnoticed—to be able to pass for regular furniture—but then if you knew, you *knew*. It might sound exclusionary, and it’s hard to deny that’s exactly what it is, but for him this dynamic he wanted with his audience came out of his experience of cruising as a gay man—the way you would signal your availability to others secretly in broad daylight. The way you hid in plain sight waiting for someone to see you for who you are. Waiting to see someone like you.

So imagine you are a curator, how do you label a work like this? Where would you put the label? Should you point the work out and make sure everyone knows it’s there? Or should you stay true to the artist’s vision and thus allow people to maybe miss out on an amazing work of art?

Do you think it’s a bad thing, to be allowed to overlook something, only to realise later that you are also capable of ignoring things in plain sight? Is there not meaning in that experience? Does it not make you want to look at the world differently after you’ve experienced it?

Does it make a difference how you find out? Through the wall text? Through a friend? Through a book you found after googling the artist’s name? Through a gallery sitter whispering in your ear? A stranger on the internet?

And staying on the subject of queer artists. The museum could explain things by going hey look, this painting here is queer art made by a queer person, that Actually Did You Know amongst the queers [this symbol] over here has [this meaning]. And then every homophobe or person with homophobic leanings is going to shutter themselves to the work no matter what it is. Do you not think there is value in letting someone like that fall in love with an artwork, for it to speak to them, for them to find out only after sitting with it a while that it had been created by someone they’ve been taught to find disgusting? I’m not saying “This-is-How-We-Win-Over-the-‘Phobes”—art isn’t a substitute for activism—but is there not potential in the space created by that deferred realisation? Do you not think there is value in a queer audience member recognising [that symbol] and feeling like they’ve been granted access to a hidden dimension of the work? That the artwork is made richer for them specifically, because they speak its language?

I’m not saying this is the only reason why museums might decide to be less didactic, but it is one of them, and I hope that people might be able to see that, and recognise these decisions as *decisions*. Decisions that have usually been made in an attempt to balance the curator’s sometimes conflicting duties of care, to the artwork, to the artist, and to various audiences.

People might not like these decisions, I don’t always like these decisions. (And very often the decisions are objectively shit. Did the curator include a bunch of environmentalist artwork in their latest show because the museum is getting flak for being heavily sponsored by oil companies? We *should* drag them for that!)

A lot of work does require some explanation, I won’t deny that, but i genuinely haven’t seen a museum plopping something like a urinal in front of people and expecting them to figure it out themselves. Or okay, say maybe they didn’t explain the Duchamp urinal. But did they explain the Man Ray sculpture next to it? Would it be possible to use the information revealed there to interpret the urinal as well, if you know they were made the same year?

You might be going to an art museum hoping to learn more concrete information about the history of art, and you might leave slightly disappointed. That’s perfectly valid! It’s fine to feel frustrated. But maybe the reason for that isn’t always “art museums suck and curators don’t know what they’re doing”. If you find your curiosity unsatisfied there are books you can look at, documentaries you can watch (many of them produced by the museums themselves for this express purpose, because they hope people will want to know more than could ever be fit into a single exhibition). Should they maybe publicise these resources more? Definitely. But they’re not intentionally hiding them from you.

I don’t go to something like a natural history museum expecting to become an expert on geology. Going through everything can be overwhelming. I leave maybe knowing that the Cretaceous period came after the Jurassic one, plus the names of a couple dinosaurs that were alive in each one or something. I don’t think that means the museum failed me. If I wanted to know more about anything specific I’ve now been equipped with vocabulary to go off researching on my own. I have a couple names and a couple dates that can get me started. If I see a character pick a chunk of obsidian off the ground in a movie I can go “aay volcano nearby”, because I now know obsidian is made of lava. Can you tell I’m not a geologist?

I’m not saying art museums aren’t elitist, or corrupt, or that they shouldn’t change, or that things are acceptable the way they are, I am just attempting to shed a bit of light on an area that might seem very opaque to many people, and to explain the reasons why some things are the way they are. But I’m very much not an industry insider here, I’ve never worked in museums and i don’t care to, and I’ve definitely met Art People who seemed weirdly invested in proving they were better than me. Im not writing all this to try to defend the museum’s sanctity or honour or whatever, I’m writing this hoping to show people that they can still find meaningful experiences in these spaces, despite the many flaws.

That being said i don’t want to hijack the space for people to vent their museum-related frustrations or dismiss anyone wanting more out of them, and I’m sorry if it comes across that way. People are welcome to disagree with what I’ve said here but I hope it’s still like… informative or something. I get mad at museums too fwiw✌️

I would be very interested in hearing the museum design rant

by popular demand: Guy That Took One (1) Museum Studies Class Focused On Science Museums Rants About Art Museums. thank u for coming please have a seat

so. background. the concept of the "science museum" grew out of 1) the wunderkammer (cabinet of curiosities), also known as "hey check out all this weird cool shit i have", and 2) academic collections of natural history specimens (usually taxidermied) -- pre-photography these were super important for biological research (see also). early science museums usually grew out of university collections or bequests of some guy's Weird Shit Collection or both, and were focused on utility to researchers rather than educational value to the layperson (picture a room just, full of taxidermy birds with little labels on them and not a lot of curation outside that). eventually i guess they figured they could make more on admission by aiming for a mass audience? or maybe it was the cultural influence of all the world's fairs and shit (many of which also caused science museums to exist), which were aimed at a mass audience. or maybe it was because the research function became much more divorced from the museum function over time. i dunno. ANYWAY, science and technology museums nowadays have basically zero research function; the exhibits are designed more or less solely for educating the layperson (and very frequently the layperson is assumed to be a child, which does honestly irritate me, as an adult who likes to go to science museums). the collections are still there in case someone does need some DNA from one of the preserved bird skins, but items from the collections that are exhibited typically exist in service of the exhibit's conceptual message, rather than the other way around.

meanwhile at art museums they kind of haven't moved on from the "here is my pile of weird shit" paradigm, except it's "here is my pile of Fine Art". as far as i can tell, the thing that curators (and donors!) care about above all is The Collection. what artists are represented in The Collection? rich fucks derive personal prestige from donating their shit to The Collection. in big art museums usually something like 3-5% of the collection is ever on exhibit -- and sometimes they rotate stuff from the vault in and out, but let's be real, only a fraction of an art museum's square footage is temporary exhibits. they're not going to take the scream off display when it's like the only reason anyone who's not a giant nerd ever visits the norwegian national museum of art. most of the stuff in the vault just sits in the vault forever. like -- art museum curators, my dudes, do you think the general public gives a SINGLE FUCK what's in The Collection that isn't on display? no!! but i guarantee you it will never occur, ever, to an art museum curator that they could print-to-scale high-res images of artworks that are NOT in The Collection in order to contextualize the art in an exhibit, because items that are not in The Collection functionally do not exist to them. (and of course there's the deaccessioning discourse -- tumblr collectively has some level of awareness that repatriation is A Whole Kettle of Worms but even just garden-variety selling off parts of The Collection is a huge hairy fucking deal. check out deaccessioning and its discontents; it's a banger read if you're into This Kind Of Thing.)

with the contents of The Collection foregrounded like this, what you wind up with is art museum exhibits where the exhibit's message is kind of downstream of what shit you've got in the collection. often the message is just "here is some art from [century] [location]", or, if someone felt like doing a little exhibit design one fine morning, "here is some art from [century] [location] which is interesting for [reason]". the displays are SOOOOO bad by science museum standards -- if you're lucky you get a little explanatory placard in tiny font relating the art to an art movement or to its historical context or to the artist's career. if you're unlucky you get artist name, date, and medium. fucker most of the people who visit your museum know Jack Shit about art history why are you doing them dirty like this

(if you don't get it you're just not Cultured enough. fuck you, we're the art museum!)

i think i've talked about this before on this blog but the best-exhibited art exhibit i've ever been to was actually at the boston museum of science, in this traveling leonardo da vinci exhibit where they'd done a bunch of historical reconstructions of inventions out of his notebooks, and that was the main Thing, but also they had a whole little exhibit devoted to the mona lisa. obviously they didn't even have the real fucking mona lisa, but they went into a lot of detail on like -- here's some X-ray and UV photos of it, and here's how art experts interpret them. here's a (photo of a) contemporary study of the finished painting, which we've cleaned the yellowed varnish off of, so you can see what the colors looked like before the varnish yellowed. here's why we can't clean the varnish off the actual painting (da vinci used multiple varnish layers and thinned paints to translucency with varnish to create the illusion of depth, which means we now can't remove the yellowed varnish without stripping paint).

even if you don't go into that level of depth about every painting (and how could you? there absolutely wouldn't be space), you could at least talk a little about, like, pigment availability -- pigment availability is an INCREDIBLY useful lens for looking at historical paintings and, unbelievably, never once have i seen an art museum exhibit discuss it (and i've been to a lot of art museums). you know how medieval european religious paintings often have funky skin tones? THEY HADN'T INVENTED CADMIUM PIGMENTS YET. for red pigments you had like... red ochre (a muted earth-based pigment, like all ochres and umbers), vermilion (ESPENSIVE), alizarin crimson (aka madder -- this is one of my favorite reds, but it's cool-toned and NOT good for mixing most skintones), carmine/cochineal (ALSO ESPENSIVE, and purple-ish so you wouldn't want to use it for skintones anyway), red lead/minium (cheaper than vermilion), indian red/various other iron oxide reds, and apparently fucking realgar? sure. whatever. what the hell was i talking about.

oh yeah -- anyway, i'd kill for an art exhibit that's just, like, one or two oil paintings from each century for six centuries, with sample palettes of the pigments they used. but no! if an art museum curator has to put in any level of effort beyond writing up a little placard and maybe a room-level text block, they'll literally keel over and die. dude, every piece of art was made in a material context for a social purpose! it's completely deranged to divorce it from its material context and only mention the social purpose insofar as it matters to art history the field. for god's sake half the time the placard doesn't even tell you if the thing was a commission or not. there's a lot to be said about edo period woodblock prints and mass culture driven by the growing merchant class! the met has a fuckton of edo period prints; they could get a hell of an exhibit out of that!

or, tying back to an earlier thread -- the detroit institute of arts has got a solid like eight picasso paintings. when i went, they were kind of just... hanging out in a room. fuck it, let's make this an exhibit! picasso's an artist who pretty famously had Periods, right? why don't you group the paintings by period, and if you've only got one or two (or even zero!) from a particular period, pad it out with some decent life-size prints so i can compare them and get a better sense for the overarching similarities? and then arrange them all in a timeline, with little summaries of what each Period was ~about~? that'd teach me a hell of a lot more about picasso -- but you'd have to admit you don't have Every Cool Painting Ever in The Collection, which is illegalé.

also thinking about the mit museum temporary exhibit i saw briefly (sorry, i was only there for like 10 minutes because i arrived early for a meeting and didn't get a chance to go through it super thoroughly) of a bunch of ship technical drawings from the Hart nautical collection. if you handed this shit to an art museum curator they'd just stick it on the wall and tell you to stand around and look at it until you Understood. so anyway the mit museum had this enormous room-sized diorama of various hull shapes and how they sat in the water and their benefits and drawbacks, placed below the relevant technical drawings.

tbh i think the main problem is that art museum people and science museum people are completely different sets of people, trained in completely different curatorial traditions. it would not occur to an art museum curator to do anything like this because they're probably from the ~art world~ -- maybe they have experience working at an art gallery, or working as an art buyer for a rich collector, neither of which is in any way pedagogical. nobody thinks an exhibit of historical clothing should work like a clothing store but it's fine when it's art, i guess?

also the experience of going to an art museum is pretty user-hostile, i have to say. there's never enough benches, and if you want a backrest, fuck you. fuck you if going up stairs is painful; use our shitty elevator in the corner that we begrudgingly have for wheelchair accessibility, if you can find it. fuck you if you can't see very well, and need to be closer to the art. fuck you if you need to hydrate or eat food regularly; go to our stupid little overpriced cafeteria, and fuck you if we don't actually sell any food you can eat. (obviously you don't want someone accidentally spilling a smoothie on the art, but there's no reason you couldn't provide little Safe For Eating Rooms where people could just duck in and monch a protein bar, except that then you couldn't sell them a $30 salad at the cafe.) fuck you if you're overwhelmed by noise in echoing rooms with hard surfaces and a lot of people in them. fuck you if you are TOO SHORT and so our overhead illumination generates BRIGHT REFLECTIONS ON THE SHINY VARNISH. we're the art museum! we don't give a shit!!!

[loveydovey-leviathan]

reposted from my personal blog @mee-op

meeting again, mistletoe and some other stuff

neige x gn!reader

.

you have to wonder how in the world ambrose the 63rd managed to convince dire crowley of all people to agree to a joint christmas party between rsa and nrc. ambrose must've provoked crowley in some way. it's the only explanation you can think of.

and now, after several hours of everyone "trying" to get along with one another, you're stuck wandering through the deserted halls of rsa— lost because you were too nervous to ask anyone where the restroom was.

as you quietly marvel at the interior of the castle-like school and how ethereal it looks reflecting the night sky, you hear a pair of footsteps walking towards you.

your first instinct is to hide. you've been alone in the walls of nrc before and it has never ended well— whether it be ghosts, a group of students wanting to gang up on the only person with no magical ability or something else.

but before you could search for somewhere to lay low until said person disappears, their gentle voice calls out to you.

''umm... hello?''

....you'd recognise that voice anywhere, especially after what happened at vdc. so you turn around and sure enough, it's the one and only neige leblanche.

you figure it'd be way too awkward to just- walk away after he saw you, so you take several steps forward and close the distance.

''err- hey...?'' you say, nervously scratching the back of your head.

luckily, the person in front of you seems better at social interaction than you are and gives you a soft smile, ''are you lost? the main hall is a bit far from here.''

''yeah, actually..'' you chuckle, slightly embarrassed. ''i was looking for the restroom.''

''oh! well, i can walk you there if you want,'' he says, hands behind his back as he looks up at you with the warmest brown eyes you've ever seen.

''thanks. that'd be really helpful,'' you're grateful that it was neige who found you and not someone from your school. you've grown a pretty tough skin since coming to twisted wonderland but you don't think you can handle any sarcastic comments tonight.

he gives you another one of his charming grins—one that you're sure some of his fans would go crazy for— and starts leading the way.

''soo... what were you doing before you saw me?'' you ask in a desperate attempt to start small talk.

''i just wanted to get some fresh air. your name's yuu, right? you were vil's manager during vdc,''.

''yep,'' kind of surprised he remembers.

''you know, i was really shocked when headmage ambrose announced that we would be having a joint christmas party with night raven college. i don't think our schools have gotten together other than to compete,''

...the rest of the walk is filled with neige's voice. you don't particularly mind. it's not like you have anything interesting to say anyway.

before you know it, you're in front of the restroom... which was only a couple ways down from the main hall. before you could give your thanks, you're interrupted.

''i'm sorry! this whole time i've been rambling and i didn't give you a chance to talk!'' a look of disappointment washes over his face and eyes drooping in sadness. he looked like a kicked puppy— it's no wonder he's so popular.

''it's fine, really. i don't mind— i'm pretty used to it,'' you say in hopes of cheering him up a little.

you don't think you made much of a difference, but he smiles anyway.

''well.. you're really easy to talk to,'' you can tell he's still giving himself some sort of scolding and you try to look for a way to take his mind off of it. it's not like you aren't used to not getting your word in. besides, he's one of the nicer ones.

''look, mistletoe,'' you say before you think of the repercussions.

''o-oh! erm...'' all traces of disappointment is completely gone, instead replaced with flushed cheeks and a look of shock and embarrassment. ''would you like to...?''

''we don't have to if you're uncomfortable,'' you silently chastise yourself in your head. you could've talked about anything and you chose mistletoe?? at least he doesn't look like he's wallowing in his own self-hate anymore.

there're a few seconds of awkward silence— neige looking embarrassed (and very cute, you think) as you wonder what you should do.

then suddenly, the bashful look turns into one of determination (with cheeks still red) and before anything else could register in your shrimp brain— you feel neige's soft lips on your cheek.

you stand there looking dumbfounded as neige quickly retreats.

''umm.. ihavetogonow, ihopeyouhaveanicenightgoodbye!''

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

it's only been a week or so since the party, but neige feels like it's been months. ever since he kissed you under the mistletoe, you haven't left his mind.

and great seven, it's so incredibly cliche— you meet a stranger at a party, you talk like you've known each other for years (though it wasn't much of a conversation) and then the two of you share a kiss under the mistletoe. sparks are flying, the stars are twinkling ever so brightly just for you and him and everything feels just right.

and he's always loved cliche. he's always loved cheesy and romantic, the type that would make some gag and others swoon.

and you must've felt it too, right? like every choice led up to you meeting him? like both of you were puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.

but he was so stupid. he ran away before even knowing your name or asking you out.

but it doesn't matter. he did a bit of digging texting vil and found out you were the prefect of ramshackle dorm! so now he's on your doorstep with the loveliest flowers he could find and some chocolate (he prays you aren't allergic).

he takes a deep breath to calm his nerves, rings the doorbell and patiently waits for you to answer. even though he prepared for this, he can't help but be nervous. and it only worsens when he sees you again.

...he really hopes you know how pretty you are. just the sight of you makes his heart skip a beat.

''neige?'' his thoughts are interrupted and he has to scramble to think of what to say.

''h-hi, yuu! how are you?''

''i'm doing good, is... everything alright?''

''everything's great!'' he gulps before he continues— fear welling up inside him. he has to do this now before he even thinks about backing out.

''well, i actually wanted to ask you something...'' holding the bouquet tighter than necessary, he asks. ''would you.. like to go on a date? with me?''

[stardusted-bookworm]

ever beard of... blumenshadow? blumentrio+shadowgast spies evil au if you pleaseee🥰🥰

Break the World

A/N: Oh, op... you are speaking my language 😈. A wonderful ship and my favorite au? I hope I did it justice, op... (Please ignore all magic use, none of it follows D&D rules).

Essek Thelyss would be lying if he said this situation didn't amuse him. Across his study, three Scourgers watched his every movement with calculating eyes. Some could even call it... wary.

Essek chuckled darkly and walked to a side cabinet, pulling out a large glass bottle of amber liquid. He grabbed four crystal glasses as well and made his way back to his large, ebony stained writing desk.

"Three highly-trained assassins in my home," Essek said, pouring the best dwarven whiskey into the glasses, "and yet you are the ones wary of me."

He set down the bottle and looked up at them once more. "I suppose that says something of my skill-level then, no?"

One of the Scourgers, the woman, sent a series of daggers flying at his head. He stopped them an inch from his face, barely lifting a finger.

He tilted his head, looking past the daggers to see her. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. No magic?"

With a flick of his wrist, he sent them flying right back at her. She dodged out of the way, but her companions were not so lucky. The daggers embedded in their cloaks, pinning them to the wall.

She snarled and her fingers started twisting and flexing, drawing arcane glyphs in the air. He recognized the movements for a Fireball and began his own incantation. That very second, she shunted out of the space before reappearing the next moment, her spell having faded completely. She looked around at the untouched room, down at her hands, and growled. Oh, how delicious her frustration was.

The big Scourger with black hair freed himself from the wall and palmed the dagger.

Essek tilted his head curiously. "You don't want to play with your sword, little wolf?"

The Scourger just grinned and moved forward, still clutching the dagger.

Essek rolled his eyes. How unoriginal. Once more, Essek twisted his hands in a flourish, almost like he was splitting the air in half. And there, in front of him, ripped from the ether, stood a shadowy echo of himself. He cocked his head to the side, and his echo tilted in the opposite direction.

"Go play," Essek bid the echo.

It sank into the floor and only Essek could see the way it slithered toward the big Scourger. Except... the blue-eyed one appeared to see it too. Essek narrowed his eyes. Interesting...

The echo reappeared right in front of its target. There was a slight flash in the shadow as it smiled before cutting into its opponent. Or tried to at least, for the hulking brute was more skilled with the tinier blade than he’d let on. 

Believing him to be distracted by the echo, the woman once more attempted to launch herself at Essek. Barely looking at her, he blew a handful of gold dust in her face. “Why don’t you sit still for a moment?"

And just like that, she froze in place, mid-leap, hands outstretched in claws. He smirked and turned back to the others.

Oddly, the echo seemed to be keeping the muscled one at bay, neither one getting a hit on the other. It appeared to be infuriating the massive man as well. Essek grinned at the silly sight.

Seeing that the two were soundly occupied, he moved his attention to the red-haired one. Except... he wasn't where Essek had last seen him. The daggers were still embedded in the wall... but no Scourger. Essek's grin dropped and he brought his hands up, prepared to cast any spell.

His eyes darted around the room, waiting for any sudden movements. So busy was he looking in front of him, he never turned to see behind him.

A hand grabbed the back of his neck. Essek froze; the spell building in the space of his hands dissipated.

A low chuckle sounded right next to his ear. "I think I win this one, Herr Shadowhand."

Essek shuddered. He will never get over that voice. "How did you win? I have taken down both of your compatriots. I would say that I have won."

The hand at his neck moved to his hair, gently forcing it to the side. Rough lips skimmed over the skin just above his high collar, and Essek couldn't help but lean further into it.

"It only takes one to kill, Thelyss."

Essek hissed as blunt teeth nipped just under his jaw, as if to scold him.

"Well, if I truly believed you three meant me harm, Caleb Widogast, none of you would have made it past the front door."

Caleb hummed and playfully bit the tip of Essek's ear before moving to his side. Essek's ear spasmed almost violently. Curse these sensitive things.

"Would you release them, Schatz?" Caleb curled an arm around Essek's waist.

"But it's so amusing to see them struggle."

The other two Scourgers snarled at him. Essek laughed even as he released the two spells.

Caleb moved around the table to help Astrid up from where she'd fallen, while Essek picked up two of the crystal glasses. He floated the third one over to Caleb, watching in amusement as the ginger's eyes darkened. Silly man.

He walked to Astrid's side and handed her one of the glasses, still cold from a little cantrip. She scowled at the glass and then him.

He leaned up slightly to kiss her temple. "Don't be too mad at me, my love." He once again offered her the glass.

She glared one more time before taking it and downing all of it in one go. "I don't appreciate being pinned in place, Thelyss."

Essek sketched a bow. "My apologies, it was the only spell in my reserves that wouldn't maim you."

Astrid rolled her eyes but he could tell she forgave him. He kissed her cheek and moved over to Eadwulf who was just waiting expectantly near the door.

Essek looked up, up, up at this large man. Caleb had told him that Wulf was large by human standards, but by drow standards? The paladin was practically a giant. It briefly took Essek's breath away.

"For you." Essek's voice sounded breathy even to him.

Eadwulf just smirked and pulled Essek in by the waist for a deep, heated kiss. Through the pulsing in his ears, Essek could just barely make out the sounds of heckling from the other two.

"Wulf, you've never been that suave. What is this?" is what Essek heard when he finally pulled back.

Eadwulf stuck his tongue out at the other two and picked the glass up out of the drow's hands. "You're just jealous I got to do it first."

Even more protests at that. Essek rolled his eyes. Such children, these three.

The light of his study was suddenly blocked and ginger hair completely encompassed his vision as Caleb Widogast leaned down and stole a slow, sweet kiss from Essek. So startled was the Shadowhand that his hands fluttered around Caleb's body before coming to rest on his thin shoulders.

When Caleb finally pulled away, Essek asked, "What was that f—" only to be interrupted as Astrid, the one who least liked displays of affection, immediately replaced Caleb for a harsh, biting kiss.

Essek felt a little dizzy from all these kisses and was more than a little confused. His Scourgers gathered in a semicircle around him, very serious expressions on their face.

"So, Thelyss," Astrid began. Essek couldn't help but feel a little nervous at what they were going to say next.

"Who was the better kisser?" That was Eadwulf who finished.

Essek's eye twitched, the only reaction he would allow himself. He licked his lips, savoring the taste of the whiskey from Astrid's tongue, and watched in amusement as their eyes dropped as one to his mouth.

He rolled his eyes. "You are all children."

Essek pushed past them and walked to the other side of his desk. He completely ignored their protesting that he "didn't answer the question" and clicked a hidden button, revealing a secret compartment.

He pulled the singular object out of the drawer. "My darlings, wouldn't you rather receive what you came here for?"

All three Scourgers went wide-eyed at the sight of the dodecahedron in his hand.

The purple glass-like beacon shimmered with endless possibilities. Essek knew what potentially lay inside. Souls. Hundreds if not thousands of them swirling through infinity. Perhaps even some he knew once.

Essek didn't care. Not anymore. Years of being told no, of being told what he could and couldn't do... Yeah that'll apathize anyone to a "religious faith."

Caleb stepped forward and almost reverentially took it from Essek's hand. "Essek... this is—"

"I have gleaned most of what I needed to from this," he interrupted. "You'll find all of my research in here." He pushed a folder forward. "Perhaps you... or your teacher... can make more sense of it. See it from another perspective, if you will."

Essek hated even mentioning that man, if only because he hated the way they all collectively tensed, as if they were expecting a punishment.

Astrid stepped forward and stiffly picked up the file. "The Empire thanks you for your service, Shadowhand."

Before she could leave, Essek cupped her cheek. "I do not do this for the Empire, Astrid Beck. I do this for you." He looked at the other two. "All of you."

He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss to her lips. They didn't receive much love back home, and it killed him that he couldn't be with them on their loneliest nights. But... it was a small comfort to know, at least, they still had each other.

He pulled back and looked her in the eye, unwavering. "Know this: I would break the world for all of you. Just say the word and it will be done."

Astrid took a shuddering breath and briefly rested her forehead on his. "Not yet... not yet, Schatzi... but soon."

Caleb stepped forward and placed a hand on Astrid's shoulder. "Very soon. We will break the world together."

Essek nodded. "Good."

Caleb kissed him gently, sweetly, like he was afraid to let go. "We'll be back, Herr Thelyss. And next time... we'll be ready."

"I know." He cupped Caleb's face. He knew he was lying. One of them said this every time, and every time they lied. He couldn't blame them though. He knew... he knew how hard it was to break that cycle of abuse. So he held out hope for someday but not next time.

Caleb knew it too. Essek could see it in his eyes. To ease the man's pain, to show him he understood, Essek kissed his forehead, full of empathy and compassion.

Caleb shuddered and reluctantly pulled away. Eadwulf took his place and kissed him farewell. Astrid just squeezed Essek's hand before she withdrew to the other two.

They held hands in a line facing Essek. "Auf Wiedersehen, Essek Thelyss," Caleb said.

That was the last thing he heard or saw as his three Scourgers vanished from the space, teleporting back to their master's prison. And once again, Essek was all alone in the cold, dark room of his study.

If he cried, that was a secret for him and the walls.