#you watch one engaging series and suddenly you think you can write the world

[black-rabbit-razumikhin]

guess who now has three pages of planning for a story they will never write

[wintaerbaer]

things we don't say: part 5 TEASER (kth)

banner credit: @itaeewon

summary: Three years after graduating college, everything seems to be falling into place for you: stable job, cozy apartment, and a long-term boyfriend with a ring box hidden in his desk drawer. But when a mutual friend makes a remark that your best friend of nearly two decades is clearly in love with you, you realize that life may not be as simple as it seems.

pairing: Taehyung x Reader (with some VERY brief Seokjin x Reader and Yoongi x Reader)

rating: 18+

genres: best friends to lovers, idiots to lovers, slow burn, angst, fluff

word count: 721 (for the teaser; full chapter is expected to be 8-10k)

chapter warnings: weddings!, feelings, seventeen is here now because i fell into a rabbit hole and needed fill-ins, jimin kinda ruins everything, jk is relatively well-behaved, kissing?!

a/n: given that it's been the craziest time of year for work (and i may be focused on a jk oneshot rn), i figured i'd throw out a teaser since it's taking me longer to write! i'm heading into my job's off-season soon though, so i'll have more time to write and will aim to have this next part out by end-of-year :)

PART 4 // SERIES MASTERLIST

You look up to find Taehyung's eyes gazing steadily down at you, a small but confident smile playing on his lips.

"Dance with me?"

And in spite of the unease that had plagued you only moments ago, you don't hesitate to let him wrap up your small hand in his large one and lead you to the dance floor. His palm settles on your lower back to pull you in close, and maybe it’s the proximity or the intoxicating smell of his cologne that weakens your resolve, but you find the words spilling out.

"Did you get her number?"

Taehyung looks at you quizzically, brow furrowing in confusion. "Whose?"

"The woman at the bar."

His face relaxes as he realizes. "Oh, yeah. I did."

"Good." You manage a smile. Why does it feel so hard? "It really is…good you're getting back out there. Are you going to ask her on a date?"

He laughs, mischief in his eyes. "I don't think her fiancé would like that." And now it's your turn to look confused.

"Her fiancé?"

"I met the two of them through Hoseok a couple times so we've chatted. Nice people." He nods his head, and you look over to see the woman now dancing with a man not too far from you. "They just got engaged, and she knows I'm a photographer so she asked if I'd be interested in doing the wedding. I said I'd call her this week to talk about it."

"Oh." You can feel your face flush, but there's no doubting the relief that floods through you. And Taehyung surely notices, grinning down at you in amusement.

"Were you jealous?"

"No!" you say, but perhaps a little too quickly because Taehyung laughs, his fingers applying a gentle pressure to your back to pull you closer.

"I'm here with you," he murmurs matter-of-factly.

You shake your head at him. "It's fine, Tae. If someone catches your eye…like I said, it could be good—"

"I'm here with you," he repeats, more firmly this time. He releases your hand for a moment to tuck a stray curl behind your ear, and you have to look away. You spot Hoseok and Sunny swaying together in the middle of the dance floor, pressed closely together and smiling at each other like they're the only two people in the world. What it must be like to have someone look at you like that, you think, to hold you like you're something precious to be cherished. You had thought Jace made you feel that way, but now, watching your friends gaze at each other so delicately, so in love, you're no longer sure he even came close.

"What are you looking at?" Taehyung's voice rouses you out of your thoughts, and you suddenly notice his hand has drifted a little higher to where the back of your dress dips down low, exposing your bare skin.

Trying to pass off the shiver that involuntarily runs through you as a nod, you gesture at the newly married couple. "They're so good together."

Taehyung follows your line of sight, watching Hoseok lean down to murmur something in Sunny's ear that makes her giggle and press her face into his chest. "They are."

"Can you imagine loving someone like that?" Your voice is a bare whisper as if the words slipped out of their own accord, like a wish you didn't even realize you were making.

Taehyung's fingers splay at your spine, gently tugging you in until your hips are bumping his. Startled, your eyes snap back to him, breath catching in your chest. He's gazing at you intently, but as opposed to the intense fire that you've seen from him at times, there's only a deep warmth to his brown irises that you're not sure you've ever seen before. He looks at you with softness, with both a sense of familiarity and wonder that can only be attributed to your many years of companionship, and you see it all swimming behind his eyes—every day spent together seeking refuge from your families, every stupid childhood fight, every time you comforted each other through the bad days. And before you can deflect, can explain away the question as a rhetorical slip of the tongue, you hear his answer come out on a breath.

"Yes."

[randomthefox]

I never understood why some people insist that rings, bumpers, loops, and rails can't actually be part of the world when all that stuff shows up OUTSIDE of gameplay

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JoFVTAWI8x4

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sonic/images/7/7a/Sonic_CD_ending_18.png/revision/latest?cb=20220704002047

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sonic/images/5/51/Darkspine_sonic.png/revision/latest?cb=20220507191225

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sonic/images/4/4d/Sonic%2C_you_should_spin_around_that_thing%2C_not_to_transport_with_others.png/revision/latest?cb=20130406164132

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sonic/images/6/68/Chaotix_27th_Anniversary_Espio.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20220420230453

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/sonic/images/c/c1/SonicChannel_Christmas2019.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20191224032650

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yzK7gQWDnRk

How much more proof do people need?

Sonic's world is simply full of fantastical things. It's not that complicated.

I mean I can understand why you'd feel that way initially. Putting aside comic fans who are not invested in video games as a medium - it is pretty typical of video games for you to just suspend your disbelief about anything involving damage mechanics in a game. Like take for example Half Life - you get blown up with a grande and shot full of alien electricity attacks and shot full of bullets, what happens? You walk over a first aid kit and suddenly you're back to max. The game isn't really expecting you to think of things realistically. Enemy attacks take hitpoints away, first aid stations and medpacks give hitpoints back. You're not really meant to imagine in your minds eye the concept of Gordan Freeman pausing to put disinfectant and gauze over his bleeding wounds.

Only Metal Gear Solid 3 is brave enough for that lol.

So in Sonic, the rings are primarily interacted with by the player as a method of extra damage allowance and end of level score ranking. So I do think it is perfectly reasonable for someone who is used to the suspension of disbelief that games typically invoke when it comes to systems like that which relate to hitpoints and mistake allowance, and for them to just write it off as not "really" being a part of the game world so to speak. I do think in that sense it is a natural conclusion to come to if you're engaging with the video game as a series of interactive systems on the one hand and then a sequence of sequential storytelling on the other hand. Because that IS how most video games work. The gameplay and narrative are two separate things that don't often overlap. TV Tropes calls this gameplay story segregation. Shithead journalists call it ludonarrative dissonance.

It takes an additional level of investment to accept the world of Sonic AS a video game world, an immerse setting in which the fictional characters with rich inner lives inhabit WHICH ALSO embraces the fact that it is a video game with these systems of interaction as an in universe element of the world. Sonic looks at the camera and directly addresses the player. Sonic Adventure 2, a game that has a very serious story that address mature themes, has a poster like this in the very first level

Characters will directly refer to things via video game terminology of "stages" and "bosses"

The characters KNOW that they're in a video game. And aren't shy about referencing that fact. The fact that these are fictional characters in an interactive piece of fiction is something that they're aware of and acknowledge.

For SOME people, this violates their suspension of disbelief. It makes it difficult or impossible for them to emotionally invest in the story, because the story itself is admitting to merely being a story. Or they dismiss these instances as not being "real" in the context of the story, ignoring these moments in order to preserve their investment.

This is an understandable reaction. But it is also WEAK and COWARDLY! Y'all bitches wouldn't never last through the Metal Gear series! Sonic ain't got NOTHING on how meta and self aware Metal Gear is! SOLID SNAKE CANONICALLY DEFEATS PSYCHO MANTIS BY PLUGGING THE CONTROLLER INTO THE PLAYER 2 SLOT THAT IS CANON AND IT GETS ACKNOWLEDGED AGAIN IN MGS4 BECAUSE THE PS3 DOESN'T HAVE WIRED CONTROLLER SLOTS ANYMORE!!! Metal Gear Solid 3 has The Boss say this line of dialog

and that game will have you CRYING like a LITTLE BITCH by the time the credits roll.

.......... anyway

so yeah, growing up means embracing the fact that the world of Sonic has rings and bounce pads and characters who look at the camera and roll their eyes because your ass is taking too long, and still taking it seriously as a piece of fiction worthy of investment and analysis. You have to meet the games halfway and engage with them on their own terms. Some people aren't willing to meet the games halfway. Which is fine. But only as long as they aren't acting like the games are at fault for that. The games aren't doing anything wrong just because they don't conform to your personal standards of how much you'll accept a video game being self aware.

Rings and springs/bounce pads are "canon" whether you like it or not.

[userarmand]

so since you watched Portofino and I'm currently going through season 2 (I'm on episode 3) (please don't ask why, the pull that man has on me is truly unfathomable, my dick has led me places etc etc ANYWAY) and I need to talk to someone about it bc I feel like I'm going a bit insane, so I thought I could ask your thoughts on this.

so like, season 1 wasn't like... good... right? like we're all aware of that and I'm fully aware the entire series is built on what I'm gonna call at best shoddily constructed narrative cohesion and probably can't be watched without a huge amount of suspension of disbelief, but I simply can't believe they let this insane mess of a storyline just go to production like that. WHY are these people letting a pacifist doctor join in on the assassination??? WHY is Gianluca suddenly so gungho about Nish either joining in his resistance fight OR straight up leaving him for Lucian??? WHAT IS HAPPENING in that goddamn group of resistance fighters??? IS it a group or are those just four guys who don't have anything better to do??? WHY IS THE WEAPON OF CHOICE A HAND GRENADE?? again WHY ARE WE LETTING THE PACIFIST BE PART OF THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, VIOLENT SITUATION?? you don't bring someone to the shooting range unless you KNOW he can pull the trigger!! he's a DOCTOR, he's the guy that stays behind so that when you guys come back from trying to beat up fascist there is someone there who knows how to patch you up!!!

and worse than all of that!!! is that I can't believe they couldn't come up with something better to put Nish out of commission than this bullshit bit of conflict that they literally fabricated out of thin air!!!

also, there is one glaring continuity error during the first scene in Turin where Nish and Gian have their 'fight' about the letter, when Nish comes in from the balcony where he wears his glasses on the balcony and then three seconds later they're nowhere to be seen. which isn't the worst thing in the world, but MAN if that doesn't summarize how invested they were in this goddamn storyline, I don't know what does.

okay, sorry for that, I'm a bit tipsy, anyway: man this shit sucks, but the worst part of all of it is truly that there are like... TRACES of a reasonably interesting story scattered across the show, but every time I think they're getting close to actually properly engaging with one of them they do a hard left and someone commits a micro aggression.

jesus fuck, this show is awful. that said I AM writing a fix it fic, which is less fix-it and more 'let's try and make this less stupid'-fic

anyway sorry for this, I... am going back to watching...

gianluca definitely didn't know what he was doing but idk if that was intentional on the writer’s part or not. his little anarchist faction was very much in its infancy considering it was literally just him, his two mates, and his extremely reluctant boyfriend. gian knew that nish's heart wasn't it, knew he didn't like conflict, literally said that's why he loved him, but basically pouted about it until nish agreed to join, at no point acknowledging the added danger nish was in as an indian national. neat.

so here we are with gian and his merry band of mugs who instead of digesting any actual communist or socialist theory, decide that blowing up some rando fascist would make any sort of difference in mussolini’s italy. nish had to be directly involved in the grenade shit so he'd get injured which would put him back in lucian’s orbit and reconnect him to the 'main' plot in portofino. the show wasn't wiling to delve fully into what exactly gian and the resistance movement were trying to achieve outside of individual terrorism so that storyline didn't really result in anything beyond establishing that fascism = bad, which, yeah we know :/

also i don't disagree that they were half-assing things but regarding the continuity of nish's glasses: he takes them off when the camera's on gian lol u can see them in his hand

[stackslip]

you're inspiring me to rewatch 2003, it was my favorite between the two when i watched them but I forgot most of it in the decade since. also you're good at highlighting exactly how mangahood doesn't work. I actually watch 2003 before reading the manga and I remember thinking the ending of

it's really fucking frustrating to me that people basically closed ranks around Brotherhood as the 'real one' and dismiss 2003 as a regrettable mistake/error in the One True Canon. I've always really loved that 2003 and Brotherhood diverge it's such a unique collection of art

also I want to rewatch the two sequel movies (Milo's and conquerer of Shamballah) god I love bleak writing

i have never watched the second movie but i remember really enjoying conquerors of shamballah. granted, i was like, 14 then lol. there was a lot that i didn't catch in fma 2003's themes at the time, but same as you, i watched it before i read the manga (and i finished the manga before watching brotherhood) and i remember even then i was disappointed by some of its aspects. then in my early 20s i was like well manga/brotherhood is better bc it's better executed (as like. a mid shounen lmao) and bc it has greedling (i do still love greedling, if only bc i looove body sharing as a trope), but i still thought 2003 had lots of good aspects and couldn't understand how people went from "fullmetal alchemist is one of the best animes ever" to "fma 2003 was a mistake and all bad and stupid actually and its female characters suck compared to mangahood which has MUCH better female characters" (i was thoroughly unimpressed by fma's base female characters. loved mei and lan fan but come on they were hardly given so much depth). not to mention how disappointed the manga version of the homonculi were. like i remember when sloth in the manga was first introduced being SO disappointed.

in retrospect, i think mangahood's status as The Best Animanga Of All Time when even at the time i liked it most i found it..... decent to good at best, and quite overrated, has made me sour on it quite a lot. like it felt impossible to talk about anything i disliked about it bc despite having such a highly praised status, people get irrationally angry and defensive over any criticism of the manga or brotherhood's themes and story. they'll either claim its depiction of genocide and fascism is really good, or when you criticize it they'll go "well it's a shounen, why are you criticizing it for being a shounen!" (i think shounen can do and engage with these themes thoughtfully! and i think if you're gonna use these themes and depict genocide so viscerally you got a duty to do it right to the end or at least TRY to do so). it's when i started rewatching clips of 2003 and being really impressed by the clips, and how much they held up if not actually blew brotherhood out of the water. and it's also my own maturing in terms of politics and understanding of fiction that made me even more open to what 2003 was doing even though i remembered it did fail in some aspects! like, i don't think as a 14 year old i much understood the nazi thing, and as a young adult i was like "eh that was a bit weird" but it's in the past few years in my criticizing of what brotherhood and the manga fuck up that i suddenly realized "oh. 2003 was actually saying the quiet part out loud instead of using this as an aesthetic for its world!"

i was unsure how much 2003 would hold up on a rewatch tbh, and there ARE clunky if not bad parts. making human barry the butcher a serial killer who dresses as a woman to get his victims is............ a choice. it's very typical 90s/2000s transmisogyny and even though it's only one episode it left a real bitter taste in my mouth. the anime filler episodes are not nearly as strong as the main plot episodes (even when they have anime-only content!), though i appreciate the effort to make them thematically relevant to the series and make many of the anime-only characters direct parallels to ed and al. they clearly saved the animation budget for important parts, and it suffers in some episodes (i am fine with that, i watched lots of mid 2000s anime who had the same issue. not everyone can use its budget allocation and limitations like rgu). i don't like the end of the one episode where the tomboy kid suddenly becomes feminine at the end bc she's happy now lmao.

but from episode 1, it's already so much more committed to some of the themes and ideas that harakawa evoked as flavour or background but barely dug into. she was making a fun action shounen with a large, lovable cast, and that's..... fine. it's just not interesting to me, at least outside of greedling's whole thing. it's got SUCH a melancholy feeling to it, it feels like it's digging into the literal guts of arakawa's world and characters. i also actually really appreciate that while it keeps touches of humor, it wayyyyy tones down the gags that are there every four pages or so--arakawa can make it work in the manga, but in brotherhood it's near unbearable how you can't one one serious scene without someone doing something goofy.

i will say, a little thing that i REALLY in 2003 like that's pretty personal is the way the alchemical circles are drawn and used. this might sound weird, but the way i learned about fma's existence was when i was i think 9-10 years old and bought a french anime magazine, and it had a whole part on fma 2003 including a two page spreader detailing the alchemical circles and their uses. it was my first ever impression of fma and i loved the look and feeling of them. there was something occult and dark about the way they were presented in that magazine that coloured my experiences when i watched the anime on a fan page in 244p max with terrible fansubs

[mocha-writes]

Tagged by @rlainarin to do this tag game

Three Ships:

Strahd von Zarovich/Patrina Velikovna (Ravenloft/Curse of Strahd): I admit they’re both close to—if not already at—the point of being original characters with the departures I’ve taken from canon when constructing my own lore for a potential CoS campaign, but I have been thinking about them for years (the guy who tagged me in this can confirm it). Every day I grow closer to the rewrite where the love story at the center of Ravenloft’s formation was theirs instead and they’re co-Darklords of Barovia.

Lestat de Lioncourt/Nicolas de Lenfent (The Vampire Chronicles): I just love how deep, meaningful, and ultimately terrible their relationship seemed in The Vampire Lestat. It’s such an inversion of the tropes I usually see associated with romance between childhood friends. The contrasts between them and their equally fierce emotions compel me, even though I know their story ends suddenly and tragically. (It also adds interesting layers to Lestat’s eventual relationship with Louis)

Orpheus/Eurydice (Hadestown): It feels a bit weird highlighting the musical rather than the myth it’s based on but anyway, I really love Hadestown Orpheus and Eurydice because of their contrasts and how they share each other’s worldviews (though in different ways) by the end, and how despite everything—despite reconciling Hades and Persephone and giving the world back its seasons—everything still ends bittersweetly.

First Ship: I’m pretty sure it was Erik/Christine from The Phantom of the Opera musical. I hadn’t even seen the 2004 movie or the stage version as a kid, but I squeezed everything I could out of (I think) Wikipedia and DeviantArt lists (the kind where one drew responses to prompts) about the film version and made things up in my own head. The memory that’s coming to mind is of gender-flipping them and trying to write my own play with that premise. Now, I personally prefer Raoul/Christine, but they still have a place in my heart, particularly the 1989 movie’s versions of them.

Last Movie: Hairspray (2007)

Last Song: “The New Girl in Town” (stuck in my head thanks to the aforementioned movie)

Currently Reading: The Vampire Lestat. It’s been slow-going with this one because Life but I have around 200 pages left. It’s made me appreciate Lestat even more, though I don’t necessarily believe everything he says.

Currently Watching: Not engaged with any TV series at the moment

Currently Eating: I had popcorn for a snack a while ago

Currently Craving: Stability, that setting up my new PC will go well, that I can play video games again and introduce my fictional people to my friends and their fictional people… I miss having the drive for OC asks and writing prompts. I’d like to get back into those somehow

This was originally titled something like “tag 9 people you want to get to know better,” but I struggle with thinking of people for these things… Tagging @perkeleen-lavellan , @hurl-a-can , @whenyoulosesmallmind and @darkspawntaxcollectors . There’s no obligation, as always, this was just fun and I thought I’d share. If you want to do this but weren’t tagged, do it anyway; let me enable you.

[sunstone-smiles]

Hi! I see you have requests open!

So idk about you but Arval is my favorite character in Three Hopes. I love their personality and their dynamic with Shez.

I was wondering, could you please write a fic for the two of them? I was thinking of something like Fire Emblem Heroes where Arval has their own physical form. Let’s say they’re feeling sort of lonely and out of place in the world, and Shez helps to cheer them up and reassure them (with tickling of course 👀)

Let’s go with F!Shez for this one.

Thank you!!

You got it anon! Honestly, the last time I played Heroes was when I redownloaded it to get the exclusive items for Engage and then uninstalled it again right after, Lol. But I still tried to make it work! I hope you enjoy!

Conquering a Crowded Concern

Series: Fire Emblem

Characters: Shez and Arval

Word count: 1,171

Summary: Arval looks a little glum, so Shez decides to get to the bottom of it while cheering her friend up at the same time. Enjoy!

—

The castle halls are bustling in the Askr Kingdom. Heroes from different worlds converse with one another, filling the main hub that lies in the center. They all stand on blue and gold colored carpet as wooden boards with written quests tacked on to them are hidden behind the crowd. Despite how lively everyone looks, a mysterious being with white hair keeps their distance. They lean back on the blue patterned walls, peeking behind the corner. While watching, they let out a sigh, long with drooping shoulders.

“Arval?”

The mysterious being whips their head forward to see a familiar purple-haired mercenary approaching. “Shez! You scared me,” Arval releases the tension in their body.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to. I saw you staring at everyone behind the wall. What are you doing over here anyway?”  

“I’m just…observing.” Arval turns their head away to continue staring at the sea of heroes.

“Arval, I know that tone in your voice. What’s wrong?”

Shez would be the only person that could see right through their guise. They’re two out of the few heroes that come from the same world, so the mercenary’s presence allows them a comforting feeling of familiarity. But even so, Arval doesn’t want to drag Shez into their troubles. It’s better to keep it to themselves and conceal any distress that may be trembling in their words.

“Nothing,” Arval finally responds. “I’m alright.”

Shez places a hand on her hip. “Arval, I want to know. If there’s something I can do to help, please tell me.”

“Your kindness is soothing to hear,” Arval shows a soft smile. “But really, I’ll be fine.” The mysterious being turns their head back to the crowd of people in the distance, keeping a lock on what’s on their mind.

“Arval…” Shez lowers her shoulders. There’s clearly something bothering them. The mercenary is going to get to the bottom of it. When a friend is in need, she can’t just stand idly by. 

Shez walks over to her friend’s side. “Hey. Arval, listen to me,” she gives her friend a poke to the rib to get their attention. To her surprise however, Arval suddenly jolts with a squeak, quickly wrapping their arms around their body. 

“What was that for?” the mysterious being looks at the mercenary.

Shez blinks at them. “Wait a minute,” she replies before approaching even closer.

“Shez? What are you—ah hey!” Arval starts twisting away from the mercenary when they begin poking their torso through the unprotected spaces between their arms, causing the powerful being to release soft puffs of giggles with every poke. Arval closes their mouth to prevent any more of their quiet laughter from being heard, but once their back is turned to the mercenary, Shez switches out of easy mode. Shez darts her hands forward, using all her fingers to scratch at Arval’s sides, earning a back-arching yelp from their partner in destiny.

“Hehehey!!!” 

“Could it be?” Shez smiles with a smirk in her tone. “The mysterious and powerful Arval is ticklish?”

“Yehehehes! Yehehes I am! Nohohohow quhihihit it!”

“Nope! Not until you tell me what’s bothering you! Besides, I think this helps cheer you up anyway, don't you?”

“Shehehez!” Arval squirms around in the mercenary’s hold until they’ve turned their body enough to face her. With Shez’s hands still clinging to their sides, Arval tries to pry the mercenary’s fingers away while tugging themselves backwards.

“Lehehet gohoho—AH!” Arval lets out another yelp when Shez crawls her fingers up to their ribs. Arval crumbles to the floor with Shez’s hands still following them all the way to the ground. The white-haired being squirms on their back, their arms squeezed to their sides as their physical form is reduced into giggles.

“Shehehehez! Peheheheople are gohohoing to hehehear us!”

“Nah, it’s fine. They’re all busy with their conversations. No one comes over here…Well, except for me of course. Now tell me what’s wrong!”

Despite their wild wriggling, Arval resists the persuasion to give in. “I rehehehefuse!”

“Okay then, suit yourself,” Shez grins. She inches her fingers even higher up Arval's ribs until she reaches their underarms.

“EEEK! Nohohohot thehehehere!!!” 

“Aha! A tickle spot! Oh, you’re in trouble now, Arval,” the mercenary smirks and continues wiggling into the spot. Arval kicks their legs behind Shez in giggly mirth and tries to pull themselves up, but they easily fall victim to the power of the tickles. 

“Ohohohkahahahay! Yohohou wihihin! I’ll tehehehell yohohou!”

“Good!” Successfully getting Arval to agree, Shez pulls her hands away to allow Arval a rest. Soon after, the mercenary pulls them by the arm to help them sit upright, then kneels down next to their friend with ears open and ready.

Arval tilts their head away before speaking and rubs the side of their arm, their chest still slowly rising and falling. They finally let out a sigh. 

“I…I feel lonely,” Arval pauses. Shez stays quiet and listens.

“There are so many heroes in this world that it’s almost overwhelming,” Arval continues. “Our world feels so small compared to the rest of them that I seem…out of place.”

“Oh, Arval,” Shez finally replies with sympathetic eyes. “I wish you would have told me something sooner. You’re looking at a person that can’t stand to see their friend’s upset. I want to help, no matter what.”

“I didn’t want to burden you with my own worries.”

“Burden? Arval, your feelings will never be a burden to me.”

Arval lifts their eyes upwards. “Are…Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure. That’s what I’m here for.” Shez still sees the droopiness in Arval’s gaze. “Hey, come on. No more of that frown,” the mercenary reaches a hand out and flutters their fingers into Arval’s side.

Arval gasps. “Shehez!” they recoil back with a few giggles. 

“There’s that smile again,” Shez chuckles and pulls her hand away. “Feeling better?”

Arval stays quiet for a moment, feeling that their mind is less dreary than it was before Shez came along. It seems all they needed was a good laugh with a friend. 

Arval lifts their head up and smiles at them. “I guess, I do.”

“I’m glad. And remember, you’ve always got me. We are partners in destiny, right?”

“Yes, meaning I’m unfortunately stuck with you,” Arval teases.

“Now there’s the Arval I know!” Shez stands up, then holds out her arm towards them. “Here, take my hand.” 

“Hm? What for?”

“Well one, to help you stand back up,” Shez gives a silly grin. “And two, we’re gonna go meet some people. You’re with me, right?”

Arval glances at Shez’s reassuring eyes before returning their gaze to the mercenary’s outstretched hand. For a moment, Arval hesitates, but they know that wherever Shez takes them, they can trust. 

Arval grabs Shez’s hand, then is immediately pulled to their feet. With great enthusiasm, Shez tugs Arval towards the circle of heroes. Arval may be anxious about meeting new people, but with someone like Shez by their side, they’re given the newfound confidence they need to ease those worries.

[lykour-gos]

I understand why people blame gege, but without the AUTHOR there would be no character or complexity. Do fans forget that a character is a part of the author’s mind? You can’t say that last part of the tweet, it’s absurd.

And the why their discomfort it’s understandable is because as a consumer you were sold a certain image of a story/character because they were interesting in the beginning, and you are left dissatisfied with the final result because that’s not even remotely close to what was told to begin with (with subplots, interactions, or the way an author creates a path for the readers that keeps interest while being solid on execution). Yet, after so many years, specially story tellers, in any kind of media they prefer (books, manga, comics, etc), you may gradually loose interest and love in your own project and be half done with it. I have experienced it; revisiting drafts, or ongoing fics, or personal stories and you just want to scrap a big part and rewrite it, in gege’s case that’s no possible because it’s already published, and he’s forced to keep telling the story at a certain, tiring rhythm and be done with it. He could’ve taken a huge break, a huge hiatus and retake it, but from the top of my head this is what I think influenced:

1. It’s his first serialized series and didn’t expect (he said himself) to be so popular, to be WSJ cash cow for the past four or so years, there’s pressure there. Along with the horrible working conditions in Japan and Manga writers and artists.

2. It’s a story he wasn’t as sure to be writing of, or wasn’t allowed to follow the plot he wanted so of course if you’re forced to be doing something you don’t like for years, you won’t give yourself to the details and loose plots.

3. Kinda derived from the first point but as an author, you can’t expect your readers to think and understand the way you do your story. It may work on your head because you know the story from brain, but we all have different views of life and the reception of a story will be read different. That doesn’t mean to please every single fan, but to make it understandable and with a stringed plot that reads can follow, if not, that’s when so many fanons get confused with the real plot.

I like to take Inuyasha as an example of what most of the jujutsu kaisen fandom wanted it to be. Even if some haven’t watched or read inuyasha, the world building regarding Japanese folklore and the main characters journey is similar to jjk, and it’s catered to a broader audience, unlike the reductive “just shonen with the same tropes”, that we see in the genre and the why the jjk fandom is so divided. Inuyasha has romance, history, action, fiction, violence, etc. and it’s an engaging manga/anime. In Inuyasha, the characters’ stories are built and developed uniquely (just like jjk), there may be some filler episodes sure, but all the subplots and main plot are closed perfectly in my opinion, regardless if we like the results or not, we have to recognize IT MAKES SENSE. I think that doesn’t happen with jjk. In inuyasha, it’s all about the love-hate cycle too and I’ll compare it:

Shikon’s pearl = Sorceres system or cursed energy. Both create imbalance that forces people to be victims of this constant destruction for so many years. Both are catalyst for the main villain’s objectives (Naraku=Kenjaku) to create even more chaos. But in Inuyasha’s case, the cycle is broken by literally destroying the pearl, and the main characters shift on views as the story progresses. In JJK, it’s not broken at all: the children continue being abused, Higuruma just shifted from one unjust system to another, Gojo and all the morally protectors of children weren’t recognized, etc., and that’s what we assume because we’re not given much.

Suddenly, every character is okay with the on-going path, and their personally development is left to the side or half closed, and there is where some fans are confused: “We were sold this message at the begging and told it was bad and needed to be changed, just to be handled the same message with characters who we expect will do better? We know that opportunists like mei mei survive unlike nanami who cared for the children, but now that the cycle can be broken, that can change too right? So why it didn’t? Nah.” And on an on.

Anyways I have no solid conclusion at all, despite the manga ending some weeks ago, I’m still processing it all still. I do agree it felt odd the way it ended and so many was let unresolved. I don’t fully blame gege, I think he does have a certain responsibility to it, but when an author publishes in a magazine they loose certain liberty on their own works, and we as fans have certain responsibility too, for expecting too much, or pressuring for more. I don’t know. That’s up to each one of us.

indeed.

[mrpenguinpants]

Xiao: Fainting HCS

FUCK. I FORGOT TO POST THIS EARLIER. AHHHH. I HAVE WORK IN LIKE 2 MINUTES SO I’LL BE BACK TO REPLY TO EVERYONE. 

Hey anon! So sorry it took me forever to finish writing this but good luck if you’re planning on pulling Xiao. I really wanted to finish writing this fic as an offering to the gacha gods that c1 xiao wants to bless me (even tho that’s not gonna happen). But good luck to everyone rolling today^^.

Disclaimer: I have not watch anything about Xiao because my hype can only take so much. This was written before 1.3. So if I get anything wrong or I’m missing something. That’s why.

---

Can I just say how far Xiao has come in my writing since the first part of the semi series? Sniff, feel like we’re making character development for a character that’s not even out yet. I can’t wait for mihoyo to take my HCS and rip them apart.

Xiao Semi Series

[ Friendship ] [ Falling in Love ] [ Cuddles ] [ Protective ] [ Affection ] [ Jealously ] [ Opposites Attract ] [ String Of Fate (Soulmate) ]

[Masterlist]

---

[taglist]  <- if you want to be added, please read this first.

​  @hanniejji​@mikeysbike​​ @unionwitch​ @musekala​ @sunnshiii​ @stanzastic​ @akaasea​ @xoneaboveallx​ @adoring-ghost​ @asheseiler​ @childelover​ @dilucsz​ @dai-tsukki-desu​ @thicmitten​ @nonniechan​​ @snowy224 @mayumintsu​ @tigerpriestess @yuu-yuukurotsuki​ @legionqueensav​ @eva-0403 @youaskedfurret​ 

Xiao: Fainting HCS

Instant panic mode engaged. If you’ve ever doubted his adepti power of swiftness you’re about to be mistaken. He’s noticed that you seem a bit out of it but brushed it off as you being tired from your recent journey. If there was anything bothering you, you would tell him. But as he turned around to greet you back, it seems like time is slowing down for him. He sees how your eyes glazed over and become unfocused. The muscles in your body snap and you drop to the ground. He can feel his blood run cold as past memories that have been waiting to jump at him suddenly claw at him but he doesn’t even register them. He’s already running towards you.

He’s already caught you in his arms before you can even meet the wooden floor. His brain is racing as he quickly checks your pulse to make sure you didn’t suffer from a heart attack or a curse. He makes a quick search over your body to check for any injuries, he can already feel the red hot iron of anger fill his system at the thought of someone trying to take advantage of you or threaten you. He’s usually logical in these types of situations, even the death of Rex Lapis didn’t shock him this much, but he’s been battling his conflicting feelings ever since he met you. But now that he’s finally accepted you and himself, he wouldn’t know what to do if anything happened to you. His mind flashes to Guizhong before he shakes away the thought.

It doesn’t occur to him that you might be sick as he tries to shake you awake. Whatever teachings Guizhong and Morax have taught him fly out the window as he holds you so close to his chest, he’s pretty sure his grip on you is bruising. He knew mortal souls weren’t as strong as adepti and staying around one might cause sickness or even worse- death. Was this his fault? He can feel the drop in his stomach as he tries to reign in his emotions and powers, not here.

Verr almost screams when Xiao breaks the wooden ceilings and lands in front of her. She’s scared that there was a monster outbreak or something was wrong with Xiao before she notices your passed out form in his arms. As much as she likes to joke around and thinks your relationship with Xiao is cute, she knows that if anything came to seriously harm you she wouldn’t able to calm Xiao before he goes on a rampage. You mean so much to him and he hasn’t opened his heart to anyone except you.

She can tell he’s nearly past his breaking point as he looks at her with dilated eyes as he asks, no commands, her to help you. It’s such whiplash to her. Xiao’s always been polite and reserved that she almost forgets he used to be a demon slaying Yaksha, but this isn’t the time for her to worry about that. She quickly leads him to the backroom since there’s no way Xiao wouldn’t bite any hand that comes near you. Bless Verr’s heart since this isn’t the first time she’s had to handle Xiao’s outbreaks that she manages to save face and contact a doctor that was staying at the inn to look at you. She does feel a bit bad for the doctor who looks like he’s about to piss himself in fear as Xiao growls and watches the doctors every move with piercing yellow eyes.

Xiao is still wary when the doctor and Verr try to calm him down and examine you more closely, always flinching back whenever their hands get too close to you, letting out a dangerous hiss whenever there’s the slightest twitch of discomfort in your face when the doctor feels your heated forehead. As soon as the doctor concludes that you’ve been sick for the past few days and your body just needs to heal itself and recharge, the tension on Xiao’s shoulder loosens and the suffocating aura that’s been filling the room slowly filters out. Verr can’t help but sigh in relief but can’t bring herself to scold Xiao for breaking the inns roof as she watches him look over your form with worried eyes as he softly nudges your cheek. He’s still holding you but his grip has loosen slightly as he rests his forehead against yours. He breathes a sigh of relief as he rubs small circles in your hand. Xiao’s never been the most affectionate or shown to be the most caring but you’ve seriously scared him. She quietly leaves him be and closes the door as she begins to prepare to fix the damages.

Xiao never leaves your side as he waits for you to wake up. He can’t help but berate himself for not confronting you. The doctor said you would be fine but he can’t but imagine your body falling in a more violent scene. He quickly shakes those thoughts away as he paces around the room, sits besides you, then goes back to pacing. Usually he would go on a walk or beat his aggression out but he doesn’t want to leave you alone should you awake early.

Xiao doesn’t ramble about his day while you’re asleep, instead he just observes your features and the small movements you make to remind him that you’re okay. How your chest moves up and down as you breath or how your eyes sometimes scrunch in sleep. You’ve made him almost trip when you did it the first time since he thought you were waking up. He can’t help but think back to his fellow Yaksha’s and what they would say if they saw the way he was acting now.

Since his panic attack has mostly subsided he’s found himself growing more curious. He’s still worried about you but he’s managed to reason with himself that you’re okay, just sick which he’s going to scold you a bit for when you awake, so he softly brushes his fingers across your face. Before snatching his hand away in embarrassment. What the hell is he doing? Guizhong would slap him sideways if she saw him now. He huffs at himself as he deflates a little and rests his head on the bed beside your head. He’s patient. He will wait when your ready to wake up.

When you suddenly gain consciousness, it feels as if the entire world is weighing you down. You slowly blink open your eyes to see a worried Xiao hovering over you, his hands awkwardly in the air since he’s not sure if it’s okay to touch you.

“How are you feeling?” Xiao asks as his eyes dart all over the place before resting on your face. You’re still a bit out of it but you can tell he must have been really worried. You try to give him a small smile but with how scuffy you feel you can bet it’s not a pretty picture.

“Like I got slammed with one of Zhongli’s meteors,” you tried to laughed before coughing as Xiao quickly pressed a cup of water to your lips. Slowly letting you drink and calm down. 

“If you have time to make jokes then you’re alright” Xiao sighs before his features change slightly. His eyes glaze over in concern as a small frown appears. He really does look like a kicked kitten as he slumps over as the stress finally lifts as he feels your hand softly run through his hair.

“Sorry,” you say, he must have been so stressed out while you were passed out for him to look so exhausted. He simply nudges into your hand before turning his face to kiss your palm,

“There’s no need for apologies. I’m...just glad you’re okay,” Xiao mumbles before he’s back to pressing his head into your stomach. You can’t help but smile delicately as you reach over and bring Xiao up with you until he’s lying over you as you hug him gently. There’s a bit of shuffling before you’re able to spoon him as he let’s himself relax after the two day panic attack he just went through.

---

When you’ve fully recovered Xiao seems to hover around you a bit more. Well not a bit, a lot more, but no one has the heart to tell him that. It’s actually kind of adorable seeing the aloof and reserved adepti seem to follow you around like a loss duckling. Making sure you’re okay and you’re not overworking yourself. He still keeps his tough demeanor but you seriously gave him a big scare.

When Zhongli and Childe come over for their weekly visits of tea, they were aware that Xiao had locked himself in a room to watch over you and anyone that even stepped near the door would be skewered with a spear - and Verr would make them pay for the damages (Zhongli) and whatever consequences Xiao saw fit (Childe) - but they are happy to see you’re okay. You all fall back into your usual rhythm of conversation or Childe trying to get a rise out of Xiao while you and Zhongli talk about how lovely the weather’s been.

Zhongli let’s you in on some details that Xiao or Verr never mentioned while Childe and Xiao are fighting about who knows what. How Xiao wouldn’t leave your side or that he resembled a kicked kitten as he nudged your hand when he thought no one was looking. He offers you some medicine herbs to help with exhaustion and to take care of yourself. Likewise, to give Xiao some pain medication on his behalf. You’re one of the few good things in Xiao’s life and he doesn’t want anything bad happening to you.

---

Hmm. I didn’t mean to but I totally believe in the dad zhongli train and I think Zhongli basically just gave you his blessing? Maybe I’m thinking too hard on this haha.

Maybe this is better? Trying to figure out writing styles are hard. Either way, I’m never gonna end up kicking my paragraph HCS habit haha. If you couldn’t tell, I really like feral protective but lowkey vulnerable types (coughrazorcough). Xiao is so OOC at this point I don’t even know how to fix it. Please come home Xiao. 

(Edit: FUCK YEAH HE CAME HOME WITH DILUC. WE 90ED THIS BITCH AND IM ABOUT TO MAX HIS TALENTS. ILL SHARE IT WITH YOU ALL (since people have been asking) WHEN I GET BACK FROM WORK)

[cherrykindness]

let's make babies |

pairing: Harry Styles x Actress!Reader

summary: you and harry are doing a live on instagram, you've drunk a lot of wine and now the world knows that the future Mrs. Styles is ready to make babies.

warnings: mostly cute, but the title tells you what you need to know 🤪

"What is your favorite song from the Fine Line album?" Y/N read aloud, twirling in her right hand the second glass of wine of the evening, the one already halfway through. "Adore You and Watermelon Sugar, of course."

Harry giggled, rolling his eyes upon hearing his fiancée's statement.

"Y/N will always choose Adore You because it was obviously written for her." He accused. "She wouldn't give that answer under different circumstances."

The comments climbed up the screen continuously, most fans gushing about how cute Harry Styles and YN/LN could be while the other part was concerned with wringing even more information out of the slightly inebriated couple who had decided to do a surprise live one early Sunday morning.

As expected after being away for some time to begin filming Don't Worry, Darling in Southern California, Harry enjoyed a lazy weekend in the house he shared with his fiancée and her pets. The days were filled with late naps and relentless Netflix marathons, sublime and ethereal evenings, marked mostly by unexpected declarations and rounds of sex that used to last until the beams of light were shyly coming through the linen curtains. They were not a monotonous couple, so this order could easily be changed.

"Watermelon Sugar is nothing more than about my love for watermelons, don't get too creative." Harry replied to a fan while sporting a corner smile, the message standing out among the rest for its dozens of emojis and large print, questioning the singer about erotic content behind the lyrics of his latest hit. "I really don't know what you guys are talking about."

Y/N laughed, shaking her head before leaning it against her fiancé's chest, propped up on the soft white pillows that were spread practically all over the bed. The air conditioner was on at a minimal temperature and a light rain whipped on the panes of glass camouflaged by the cream-colored curtain, that being the projection of Y/N's favorite nights.

"You can tell them, I'm not shy." She joked, nudging her fiancé's waist.

"You know what it was written about and who it was written for." Harry replied, raising one of his eyebrows. "That's what matters."

It went without saying that much of Harry's newest album, as well as some of his earlier work, had been done in exclusive dedication to his future wife. Y/N had been the muse for a vast repertoire of romantic songs, and even though the singer preferred to keep the story behind his more explicit compositions a "secret", the relationship the two had shared for more than three years was already solid and known enough for the media and fans to distinguish hidden messages in small details.

"It's a song about what usually comes before the act of making babies." Y/N laughed as he pointed at the display. "Honestly, you guys are impossible."

"No, we make babies every day." Harry joked, making a funny motion with his eyebrows. "I would spend my entire career writing just about that."

"Harry!" The actress exclaimed incredulously, slapping her fiancé weakly on the chest. "Children might be watching this."

"You don't want to have babies with me?" He asked falsely offended, accepting the cup that Y/N offered him. "Because I want some babies with you."

Y/N laughed, rolling her eyes as she watched the internet freak out at the dialogue that had suddenly emerged. Since the beginning of the quarantine, it was kind of inevitable that the couple of artists would not become the darlings of all social media; they were fervently active with photos, videos, and lives that depicted step by step daily life in isolation, gaining more and more followers and making the media more and more fascinated by the relationship they both shared.

The wedding was scheduled for the summer of next year and it was perhaps the most anticipated event in the tabloids. Bets about what the model of Y/N's dress would be and lists presuming who would be selected for the short list of guests stood out among countless news stories about the famous people influencing pop culture today.

The possible arrival of a Styles baby was an inevitable topic in interviews. Harry and Niall were the only members of the ex-boyband that had not become fathers yet, and because they had maintained a solid relationship and were seen as one of the most enviable couples during the last four years, Y/N and Harry had gotten used to all this openly asked questions. They didn't mind, they even had fun with the montages and all the anxiety that dominated the whole internet, often mentioning the fandoms' efforts to represent them as such "cool" parents in perfectly edited pictures.

"No, guys, I'm not pregnant." Y/N amusingly clarified the doubt of dozens of new comments. "Please don't believe so many controversial news stories that appear out there. I was on twitter last week and saw several people theorizing about a possible pregnancy, most of the arguments based on a website that used photos from the set of How to Get Away with Murder in the season where I was actually playing a pregnant woman as Laurel." She laughed. "It's so funny! I know you guys love to guess these things, but we won't hide something so special when it actually happen, I promise."

"Especially because Y/N can hide absolutely nothing from anyone." Harry accused, leaving his drink on the corner table before settling into a comfortable position for the two of them. "Anyone who's a Marvel fan knows that. That's one of her most characteristic quirks."

"They gave me a fake script for the last two movies." Y/N agreed, shaking his head. "For me and Tom."

"We agreed to keep the engagement a secret for a while. The plan was to travel to Holmes Chapel to break the news to my family in person, but guess who got a call at ten o'clock at night from an angry Anne because she learned of her son's engagement from an interview Y/N gave the next day?"

Y/N gave a guilty smile, winking gracefully at the camera. "It was all James' fault! I'm sure he already suspected something, those questions were very suspicious."

"Of course the questions were suspicious, babe. You literally said you had a secret that involved both of us but that you couldn't tell because it was important that our families knew first."

"I thought he would think about a pregnancy or something!" The actress defended herself, feeling very convincing in her intonation bordering on obviousness. "That's a mania I can't get rid of, it's in my genes."

"Did you all hear that? Further proof that you guys don't have to worry about guessing when Y/N's pregnancy will be, I'm sure our baby will make sure to tell you everything while still in the womb, mom's genes will make sure of that."

"You are so funny, Harry Styles." Y/N sarcastically stated, holding back a giggle as countless messages with laughing emojis were frantically up. "Yeah, I know I talk a lot and all, but you have annoying quirks too."

It was obvious that live would be news the next day. Although they were completely open about matters concerning their relationship, nothing seemed better than receiving so much exclusive information from a Harry and S/N drunk on expensive wine.

"You wake up in a bad mood and you're dangerously sexy, that should be illegal."

Harry laughed, holding his fiancée's waist a little tighter as he felt her tumble a little further to the side, getting closer and closer to the edge of the bed. Y/N was dangerously weak for drinks, and the singer knew that the actress' body was already near its limit.

"You're the only sexy person here, love." He declared with a corner smile, evidently finding the whole situation funny. "Do you want to go to sleep now?"

"No." Y/N shook her head. "Can we watch some movie? Can we watch Sweet Home?"

"Of course, love." He murmured, giving the woman a quick kiss on the forehead.

Even though Harry knew that his fiancée was unlikely to make it past the five-minute mark of the episode, he made sure to restart the korean series at exactly the scene where she had stopped, the first chapter still halfway through after Y/N realized that it would be impossible to watch such a macabre work without a drop of alcohol in her blood.

She had been so excited by the taste of Argentinian wine and the idea of updating her fans after a few weeks away, that she had forgotten the main purpose of the live. Harry and Y/N had been apart for a few days due to the new movie the Brit was shooting in North America, all happening in an unrestrictedly careful manner due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic.

He was slowly migrating towards acting and the future Mrs. Styles couldn't be prouder. Y/N had felt on cloud nine when Harry had given her the news of his upcoming job, but her only pronouncement on the subject had been a succinct post on instagram. Just a photo of the couple on a trip to Germany with a simple heart emoji didn't seem enough for the actress' exhibitionist soul, and coming to that conclusion was the main reason she decided to invite him, already relatively changed, for a live appearance. Y/N wanted to go on and on about how much she loved that man and work on that whole honeyed speech that would bring her (once again) the title of "cutest bride of all time," but of course Harry had to come home from his trip with his favorite red wine and poison her with those sweet caresses that took her out of orbit, turning the degree of alcohol content into the least of her problems.

"You're going to kiss Florence." Y/N exclaimed suddenly, as if only now realizing that her fiancé would share the screen with Florence Pugh, one of her closest friends in that industry. "Kiss on the mouth."

The MacBook was still open and hundreds of new comments were going up every second, but Harry didn't bother one bit to warn her about the possibility of her becoming a meme the next day. He was having too much fun with the situation to worry.

"Are you jealous?"

"Yes." She stated with a pout. "I am jealous, I just don't know if I'm more jealous of her or of you."

"But you kiss me every day, babe." Harry laughed. "And you've been kissing other people's men for almost ten years." He joked.

"But I only think about you, I already told you that."

Harry shook his head negatively at the camera, knowing he was sharing with the fans the funniest side of his fiancée.

"I know that, honey." He assured, lightly stroking the actress' back. "I think we'd better turn off the TV and go to sleep now, I'm sure you'll have a terrible headache tomorrow."

The brit planned to bid his audience goodbye and put an end to that recording, but Y/N was drunk and her sense of right and wrong had already gone to space. Harry should have been quicker, however, because his fiancée's speech would be cause for new tags and the only subject for the interviewers for at least the next few months.

"I don't want to sleep, how about we make babies?"

That's what Watermelon Sugar was all about, after all.

[watchmegetobsessed]

POSITIVE

a/n: i’ve been meaning to write a sebastian fic and the time has officially come! here is some cute soon-to-be-dad!sebastian just for you!

pairing: Sebastian Stan X Reader

word count: 1.3k

This fic is part of the LITTLE ONE series, but can be read as a simple oneshot as well! Find the masterpost of the series HERE!

masterlist

(gif is not mine)

You shouldn’t be this nervous, there’s nothing to be afraid of. You don’t even think Sebastian would take the news in a bad way, if anything, he is going to be thrilled, that’s for sure. But for some reason you’re still scared to tell him. Probably because it’s not how you planned it, not now at least. It’ll change your upcoming plans, but it’s not the end of the world and you know he’ll be happy about it. Maybe it’s just the nerves, because you haven’t even gotten used to the thought of being pregnant yourself.

It’s been only a few days since you found out, Sebastian has been away this past week and you didn’t want to go to the doctor’s without him, so you only have a handful of positive tests, but those all came back undeniably positive so you don’t have much doubt about it.

He texted you not long ago that he just touched down and he would be home soon, he is picking up dinner on his way and now you’re just anxiously waiting for him, trying to figure out how to tell him. At first you wanted to do something special, but you’re not too good at making up plans like this so you decided to just tell him without any fuss about it. But you can’t seem to find the right words now that you’re thinking about what you should even say.

You hear his keys jingling in the lock and your heart skips a beat as you jump to your feet from the couch.

“Hi baby!” he calls out as you make your way to the hallway where he is standing with his suitcase, backpack and a big paper bag from your favorite diner nearby.

“Hi!” you breathe out, feeling a little sentimental to see him again even though he was only away for a week. You’ve went without seeing each other for even two months before, this was nothing compared to that, but still, you are so happy he is back.

“Hey there, missed me?” he chuckles when you throw your arms around his neck, hugging him tightly as his arms circle around your waist as you bury your face in the crook of his neck, the familiar scent of his cologne filling your nostrils.

“Always,” you mumble, pressing a kiss to his skin before leaning back, eyes meeting his bright gaze, the wrinkles running from the corners of his eyes because he is smiling at you widely.

“I missed you too, baby. Brought your favorite,” he hums, loosening his hold around you as he holds up the paper bag.

“Because you’re the best,” you smile at him, taking the food from him as he grabs his suitcase and rolls it into the bedroom, leaving the unpacking for later. You set the dining table for two, unpacking everything he brought while you’re chewing on your bottom lip, trying to figure out how to bring up the big news.

Walking out of the bedroom Sebastian hugs you from behind, his hands slipping under your shirt to the bare skin of your stomach and you almost gasp at the feeling.

Can he feel any change?

It’s a stupid question, nothing can be seen just yet, the baby is as small as a raisin, there’s no way he noticed anything.

“I’m gonna get the drinks,” he hums, pressing a kiss to your temple before walking to the fridge, grabbing two bottled beers for the dinner and you open your mouth seeing the alcoholic drinks, making him stop in his tracks. “You want something else?”

“I…” You take a deep breath, it’s a now or never moment. “Sit down, let’s talk,” you tell him with a soft smile and he nods, but you can see the suspicion in his eyes.

“Everything alright?”

“Yeah,” you nod as the two of you sit at the table and you take one of his hands, playing with the ring you bought him for your latest anniversary not long ago. You’ve been dating for over three years now and though it didn’t start as easy and unproblematic as it should have, people judged the two of you for the ten year age gap, but eventually it died down when they realized it’s not as weird as it might seem. You knew he is the perfect man for you the moment you met him at a bar when you were out with a few friends. The bartender mixed up your drinks at the bar and that’s how you started talking. He didn’t hesitate to ask for your number and you had your first date the next day right away. The rest is history, now you’ve been living together for almost a year and you’re happier than ever.

“I have something to tell you,” you start, talking slow and a little hesitantly.

“Are you sure everything is alright?” he asks, knitting his eyebrows together as he examines you with worry all over his face.

“Yes. Or… I hope so,” you add with a nervous chuckle. Letting go of his hand you walk to the console table under the TV and pulling out the top drawer you grab one of the positive tests hidden in there. Walking back to Sebastian you just simply place it in his open palm and intently watch his face as it turns from puzzled to shocked and wide-eyed. His head shoots up when he processes what it is, lips parted and his beautiful blue eyes are slowly watering while your nervous smile is widening at his reaction.

“Is this for real?” he asks in a whisper and you nod your head.

“I took a couple of tests, but I wanted to wait for you to go to the doctor’s. But all my tests came back positive.”

“Oh my God! A baby!” he chuckles, a tear running down his cheek as he wraps you in his embrace, holding you tighter than ever, kissing you wherever he can reach you; your shoulder, cheeks, temple, forehead and lastly, your lips.

“I know this wasn’t how we planned, but I hope it’s not an entirely bad timing,” you add while your tears start falling from your eyes as well, arms around his neck as he sways you from side to side.

The baby talk has already come up several times and the two of you agreed to try to keep yourself to a kind of schedule. Sebastian has two filmings coming up in the next six months and you also hinted that you’d like to at least get engaged before starting a family. He seemed to get the message and you have a feeling he has been planning to propose on your birthday that’s coming up next week, but now you got a little ahead of everything with the baby.

“Love, it’s never a bad timing,” he chuckles, kissing you again shortly. “We can make it work, it’s going to be just fine. I’ll try to mess around with my schedule to finish sooner but even if I can’t, I’ll still be done with work before the little one arrives,” he explains and your heart is so full seeing him so excited about it all. Suddenly, you feel so silly for thinking even for a second that he wouldn’t be happy about the news. You knew he wants it to happen, it just came a little sooner than you expected, that’s all.

“I have an appointment booked for tomorrow with my doctor,” you tell him sheepishly.

“Can I come?” he asks with bright eyes, taking your face in his hands as he grins at you like crazy.

“Of course!” you chuckle nodding. “I wouldn’t even go without you.”

“Oh God, I’m so excited!” he cheers, lifting you up from the ground, spinning around as you hold onto him laughing. “I love you so much, baby. So, so much!” He starts kissing you all over your face, leaving your lips last, but when he gets there, he kisses you with so much passion, he sweeps you right off your feet.

“I love you too,” you mumble against his lips, feeling happier than ever in your life.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed it!

[arvinsescape]

The Princess and The Guard.

A/N: Sorry for the late update, I had my first vaccination and it made me really sleepy so i couldn’t bring myself to write! There is a time skip in this to move their relationship along but I hope you enjoy! The next chapter will have much more angst as things are starting to happen! I would love to hear your feedback and i will accept construstive criticism. 

This series is not historically accurate and is not intended to be so please bare that in mind when you are reading, I am no real expert on how royalty works (even if I am from England).

This series will contain misogynistic language and views, violence, death and nsfw content. I will always put the relevant warnings into each chapter!

Teaser, Chapter one, Chapter two, Chapter three, Chapter four

Warnings: Language, Smut (Minors do not engage), thigh riding, talking of first orgasms. I think that’s it for this chapter!

W/C: 4K.

Chapter Three:

You sat around the dinner table as you were forced to converse with the Duke. This was the first time you’d been forced to spend time with Oliver for longer than a few moments, you quickly grew bored of the conversation and his constant moaning about the poorer people, along with his bragging about his achievements. Your mind couldn’t help but go back to the last few months with Tom and how things had changed between the two of you, if your parents knew they’d probably disown you.

Harrison’s wedding was a beautiful affair, everyone was enjoying seeing the happy couple, it was a rare occasion where the staff where able to celebrate in their own quarters and given the night off. Your parents watched in pride and delight as Harrison and Ellie danced around the ballroom, completely captivated by one an another. It was almost like no one else was in the room, your eyes consistently found Tom’s. He was one of the only members of staff able to celebrate with the rest of you as he was Harrison’s personal guard.

It was getting late as Harrison and Ellie retired to bed, most of the nobles had left by now, your parents having gone to bed a while ago. As you said your goodnight’s to the remaining people, you headed into the corridors and towards your bedroom, you were quite tipsy by this point, Harrison having encouraged you to ‘live a little.’ Your thoughts had drifted to Tom and how he walked you back to your room a lot these days, as if he was thinking the same, you heard his voice, a smile making its way onto your lips.

“Princess. Allow me to walk you to your room.”

“I would love that Tom.” You smiled as you looked back at him, watching as he fell into step next to you.

“Tonight was a beautiful night. You looked beautiful.”

“Thank you Tom.”

You walked in a comfortable silence until you reached your bedroom door, as it always seemed to be the case when you and Tom did this, no other staff where in the corridors and you couldn’t be more thankful for that fact.

“I’m glad Harrison found his happiness, I truly hope you do to.” He smiled as he spoke to you and you bit your lip as you looked at him.

“I hope you do too Tom.” The alcohol in your system was making you slightly more brave. “Nightcap?” You asked as you pointed to your bedroom, gesturing for him to come in.

“Princess-“ Tom went to say, apprehension clear in his tone.

“No one will know, I’m in charge of getting myself ready for bed tonight.” You almost pleaded with him, you wanted to spend more time with him, he was becoming addictive. He nodded slightly as you both made your way into your bedroom, you made sure to shut your bedroom door, knowing that if anyone was to disturb you now they’d have to knock.

You poured two glasses of wine, handing one to Tom as you both took seats at your small table, one your mother insisted you needed in a bedroom. He looked slightly uncomfortable, this would be the first time he’d ever been into your bedroom.

“Tom, relax.” You laughed. “No one is going to know.”

“Sorry, I just, I never expected to be here.” He said and you smiled.

“Most men would jump at the chance to be here.” You teased and now it was his turn to smile.

“I enjoy spending time with you princess, but this is improper, as much as I like being here and with you, it’s improper.” The nickname was making your heart beat faster, he really was the only person who could call you that and it didn’t make you want to roll your eyes.

“Can I ask you something?” You asked and he nodded, you felt bolder than usual, moving closer to him. “Do you want to kiss me Tom?” You asked and Tom visibly gulped.

“I think you know the answer to that question.” He spoke, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip as you looked at each other.

“That’s not a yes or a no.” You whispered, faces incredibly close. You heart was hammering in your chest, although this would not be your first kiss, it would be the first kiss that meant anything to you. The tension between the two of you was thick, Tom’s eyes had darkened slightly as his eyes flicked from yours to your lips.

“Yes.” He answered confidently and you smiled.

“Then please, Tom, kiss me.” You whispered back and that was all it took before you felt his lips on yours. It felt too good to be true. His lips were softer than you’d imagined. You felt as his hand placed itself on your cheek, it was soft, caring, almost as if he was frightened of hurting you. The kiss was innocent and sweet until your thoughts drifted elsewhere and you found yourself pushing your lips harder against his, deepening the kiss.

Tom didn’t hesitate to kiss you back, just as firm, his hand slipping into your hair as he carefully removed your grip, your hair falling around you. You couldn’t help yourself as you moved to straddle his thigh and your mind became clouded with lustful thoughts. You’d never done anything above a kiss with another man but you were not naive, you’d been educated on the sexual side to relationships.

His hand had a firm grip on your waist as your hands slid into his hair. You pulled back slightly for some air and Tom took the opportunity to plant kisses down your neck, you moved your head to the side, sighing in pleasure, it felt good, a kind of pleasure you’d never experienced before. You felt a need grow between your legs, a need that felt as though it needed to be shifted, this was new and exciting to you. You ground your hips against Tom’s thigh, the pleasure felt like nothing you’d ever felt before, you moaned.

Tom hummed against your neck, before pulling away. “Y/n.” He said and you reconnected your lips, cutting him off. You moved your hand down his chest, hand falling into his crotch as you felt his hardened length and he moaned. “Y/N/N.” He said again before pulling back completely, you looked at him with furrowed brows, halting your movements.

“Have you ever done anything like this?” He asked seriously and you shook your head. “I’m sorry, I need to go, I don’t want to take advantage of you.” He said as he moved you off him.

“But Tom, I started it. Do you not want to?” You asked, embarrassment settling in your chest.

“It’s not that I don’t want to. Fuck, I want nothing more than to have you fall apart on me but you’ve been drinking.” He said as he cupped your cheek in his hand, he smoothed his thumb across your cheek before dipping his head down and capturing your lips in his, the kiss sweet and soft. “Goodnight Princess.”

You’d had countless dreams about that night, ones had you going further. You’d wanted to do it again, the pleasure you’d felt was like nothing you had before and it intrigued you. You’d asked Annie about it, her cheeks growing red as she answered your burning question of what happens after.

“It’s what happens before you orgasm, your highness.” She said, cheeks redder than a tomato.

“Does it feel good?” You asked her and she nodded.

“Forgive me, Princess, but why do you ask?” This time it was your turn to feel embarrassed.

“It doesn’t matter, I was just curious is all. Some of the women were talking about it.” You lied, you were well aware of what an orgasm was and how sex worked but you were never told how truly pleasurable it felt and how it ignited excitement and passion in you.

“I’ve found you have to do it with the right person for it to feel the best it can.” She added as she brushed through your hair.

“You’ve done it more than once?” You asked and she nodded.

“I had feelings for a guy I used to meet in the bar before well.” She cut herself off, you knew she was talking about Tuwaine, she’d never admit it but you weren’t blind. “I found it always felt better with him.” She added.

“Did you ever enter a relationship with him?” You asked.

“No, he wasn’t the relationship sort of man.” She answered.

You’d found yourself wanting to do it again, it had you seeking out the brown haired guard, trying to find him alone. Tom made you feel things no one ever had before and it wasn’t just aroused, he made you laugh and smile, made you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world to him just by looking at you. You’d found yourself in the library with him two weeks later.

Tom’s lips were on yours, you’re not sure how you got into this position, pressed up against a bookshelf as Tom kissed you like his life depended on it. You’d bumped into each other on another one of your late night ventures, you practically jumped at one an another, the tension between you both was thick.

“You look amazing.” Tom said and you almost accused him of being a liar, the silk of your nightgown being no where near as flattering as some of the gowns you wore but you were too wrapped up in his lips trailing down your neck.

“Tom.” You breathed and he hummed. “I want to-“ you cut yourself off suddenly feeling embarrassed, he pulled back to look at you, hand cupping your neck.

“What? What do you want?” He asked and the look he gave you made you feel safe, like he wouldn’t judge you for anything you were going to say, you suddenly felt a surge of confidence under his stare, he really did make you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

“The other night when we- It felt good.” You said and he smiled. “I want to do it again.” You added. “Please Tom.” You almost begged and he nodded.

“Not here.” He spoke and you nodded, suddenly remembering where you were, anyone could catch the two of you. He took your hand in his and laced them together, carefully, and quietly manoeuvring you both through the halls and towards your bedroom. Once you were both sure no one was watching you both you entered your bedroom.

“Are you sure you want to do this? That you want it to be me?” He asked and there was a vulnerability to his question that you didn’t like, sure you weren’t supposed to be doing this but it didn’t feel wrong, it felt so right in a way you couldn’t explain.

“Tom, I’m sure.” You reassured him as you cupped his cheek and kissed his lips.

“You’re so perfect.” He said as he smoothed out your hair. “If you’re sure?” He asked and you grasped his hand, moving him to sit on the chair he had two weeks ago, a sense of déjà vu hitting you. You moved to straddle his thigh again, his hands instantly finding your waist as he softly gripped them. A sudden feeling of vulnerability settled in your chest, you knew he’d done this before, what if you weren’t as good?

“Have you done this before?” You asked and he furrowed his brows as he moved a hand to smooth out your hair.

“Yes, I’ve had sex before, but never with a woman like you.” He said and the sincerity in his eyes had you feeling more secure instantly. “Don’t think about them Princess, I’m not. Now let me make you feel good.” He grinned and you reconnected your lips, the kiss growing deeper quickly.

He licked your bottom lip and asked for entrance which you happily granted, your tongues entwining together as Tom took control of the kiss, his hand slipping to cup your neck as yours found his hair. You felt your need for him grow as you felt yourself dampen at your core. You ground your hips against his thigh and sighed in pleasure.

“Feel good?” Tom asked as he placed a string of kisses down your neck and you hummed in response. His hand moved under your silk nightdress as you continued to grind into his thigh, his fingers leaving a hot trail in their wake. He moved to your underwear and guided you to move it to the side, your core making contact with his clothed thigh, you moaned quietly, this felt so much better.

Tom moved his hands to your waist as he started to guide your movements and you gasped at the pleasure, this felt better than anything you’d ever done before. Your forehead rested against his as he watched your movements, seemingly entranced by you. You hand fisted his hair as you moved against his thigh, small moans escaping your lips. Tom’s eyes connected with yours and they’d noticeably darkened.

“You look so hot like this.” He spoke and the words went straight down south, making you wetter than before, you were sure the evidence would be on his thigh, but you couldn’t find it in you to care. You felt a knot forming in your stomach as Tom guided your movements, taking full control as he moved you towards your high. You were sure this couldn’t feel any better and Tom proved you wrong as he tensed his thigh and you moaned louder than before, Tom’s hand shooting up to cover your mouth.

“Fuck Princess, you sound so hot but we can’t risk anyone hearing, you need to be quiet.” He spoke and the tone was something new, you’d never experienced this stern tone from Tom and it only served to turn you on more. “I can feel how wet you are through this material, so wet for me. Gonna make you come all over my thigh.” He spoke again and you moaned against his hand.

The knot in your stomach was foreign but it felt good, it had you wanting to move yourself against him faster.

“Tom, I’m. I don’t.” You stuttered over your words, they were muffled by his hand. “I need more.” You settled on, you were unfamiliar with what you needed to do but you were becoming consumed by the pleasure you were feeling, everything felt good.

“You close baby?” He asked and you just looked at him innocently, unsure of exactly what that meant and he groaned as he took in your expression. “Fuck, you are.” He said as he tensed and relaxed his thigh in a rhythm that had you almost seeing stars. The coil in your stomach felt ready to snap, you were convinced that it couldn’t wind any tighter. Tom must have sensed this as he pulled back to cup your face with one hand, looking you straight in the eyes as he spoke.

“I’ve got you Princess, you’re safe. It’s okay, come for me. You’re safe with me.” He spoke again and you threw your head back as you moaned louder, his hand covering your mouth again. The coil snapping as pleasure consumed everything. Tom continued to move you against him and you became more aware of how loudly your heart was beating as your vision blurred slightly, it felt amazing.

Slowly your vision returned to normal as did your senses, you looked and saw Tom already looking at you, you smiled lazily at him, a sudden sense of tiredness taking over. His hand cupping your cheek as his thumb smoothed over it. You were on cloud nine and you were so sure nothing could ruin this moment for you.

“Thank you.” You spoke and Tom smiled.

“Anything for you Princess.”

You’d done it a few more times over the past few months, you even took it a step further and brought each other to orgasm as you ground your crotches together. Watching Tom fall apart became something you found intoxicating, everything about him looked hot when he did it. You hadn’t gone any further than you learned was called dry humping but you felt like you were ready for more, ready for him to touch you with no clothing there.

“Y/N?” Your mother broke you from your trance. You looked at the rest of the table and found everyone looking at you expectantly.

“I apologise, I was distracted for a moment.” You said and your mother shook her head in annoyance as Harrison bit back a smile, you remember the day he found out.

“Y/N, I know.” Harrison spoke vaguely as he entered your room, you furrowed your brows as you looked at him.

“What?”

“About Tom.” He said again.

“I-“ You stopped yourself unsure of his reaction. “How did you know?”

“Little sister, I have been aware of his infatuation with you for years, he is my closest friend, I’ve noticed how much happier he is. It didn’t take much for me to figure out something was going on. Then I caught the two of you kissing in the library last week.” He said, smile on his face.

“Wait. You’re not mad?” You asked.

“Mad? No. Does he make you happy?”

“Yes.”

“Then honestly, that is all I care about. Be careful though, mother and father must never find out.”

 Harrison was incredibly supportive, he was much like you, he didn’t believe that you couldn’t have happiness in order to perform your duties. Having Harrison know made it much easier on you and Tom, Harrison helped sneak Tom into your room so he could hold you until you fell asleep, he also made sure Tom was gone from your room before anyone else arrived.

  “I asked if you wanted to go for walk down by the river next week.” Oliver smiled, there was something off about him, you just couldn’t put your finger on it. His smile was sweet but almost sickly sweet, like he was forcing it but not in the way as though he was uncomfortable, it was strange and you couldn’t put your finger on it.

“Are you asking me on a date?” You said, almost bored.

“Yes, I suppose I am.” There was that smile again, almost as though it had an ulterior motive behind it.

“I will think about it.” You said.

“She will go.” Your mother interrupted.

“What?” You protested. “I just said I will think about it.” You snapped.

“You are being rude.” She snapped back.

“Forgive me but I do not see how that was rude. I said I would consider a date with him, I did not insult the man.” You snarled, Harrison laughed and concealed it with a cough.

“That is enough.” Your mother suddenly stood from her seat. “I apologise for my daughters incredibly bad manners Oliver. I will be in touch later in the week but right now I believe we need a family meeting. Y/N, Harrison, study now.” She snapped angrily as she made her way out of the room, you, Harrison, and your father in tow.

You all made your way into the study, your mother angrily slamming the door behind you all.

“You have read too many story books. Life for a Princess does not play out as those children’s stories do. You do not marry for love, you marry because it is expected of you and you marry to carry on the family name and lineage. I have heard enough of your excuses and we shall be choosing your suitor promptly.” Your mother spat at you as tears slipped from your eyes. You were thankful your parents didn’t know about Tom and what you’d been up to.

“But mother-“

“That is enough! I have stood by and watched you make a mockery of this Royal family for long enough, you will be like your brother, you will behave and you will get married by the end of the year.” She interrupted as she made her way out of the room.

“Father, please.” You pleaded with your father, he looked guilty for a second before he composed himself.

“My daughter, I have always wanted what is best for you. I have always wanted you to be happy but your mother is right, you cannot continue this path of rejecting every man who asks. It is decided, we shall be choosing who you marry.” He said as he followed your mother out of the room, leaving you and Harrison stood there.

“Harrison, what do I do?” You cried as your brother took you into his arms and tried to comfort you. “I love him.” You concluded and Harrison nodded.

“We’ll figure this out, I promise. If I was King, I’d allow it.” He clenched his jaw. “You deserve to be happy but we need to be smart about this. If you and Tom have any shot at a future, we have to be smart about this.”

You found yourself in your room that evening crying uncontrollably. You heard a soft knock at your door as you tried to compose yourself. You got up from your bed as you answered the door to be met with Harrison.

“I thought you could use a pick me up, don’t worry no one knows we’re here.” You furrowed your brows in confusion before Harrison practically shoved Tom into your room, shutting the door quickly. You looked at Tom for a second before you felt the tears again, you couldn’t control yourself as you practically fell into his arms and cried into his chest, his arm wrapping around your waist as his other ran through your hair.

“Hey, hey, hey. What’s happened?” He asked as he held you.

“My mother, she’s insisting that I marry, she’s going to chose a suitor and I don’t want her to. Tom, I want you.” You cried and he held you tighter.

“Baby, you knew as well as I did that this couldn’t last forever. You were always someone I could never truly have, not forever.” He said into your hair and you only cried harder.

“It’s just not fair.”

“I know it’s not fair but it’s the reality, I’m sorry Princess.”

“But Tom, I love you.” You said as you pulled back and sniffled, wiping your nose. It was the first time you’d said it out loud but it was the truth, you truly did love him. He smiled sadly at you before picking you up and moving onto the bed with you, cuddling you into his chest, you felt safe, almost happy to be back in his arms.

“I love you too Princess. I always have.” He said and like you, this was the first time he’d said the words. “It sounds harsh on those women but they could never fill the void you created. I don’t think I’ve known a moment in my life where you haven’t consumed my thoughts.” He spoke and your heart warmed, he felt the same.

“I don’t care what happens Tom, I really don’t. I want you and I’m going to try and find a way to keep you.” You said as your tears subsided and he pulled you closer.

“Even if we’re not together Princess, you’ll always have a part of me. You’ll never truly lose me.” He whispered as you felt a wave of tiredness wash over you, letting yourself fall fully into the comfort of his arms.

“I’ll find a way Tom.” You whispered.

“Shh.” He whispered back, hand running through your hair as you fought to stay awake. “Get some sleep Princess. I always knew I couldn’t have you forever but I sure as hell will cherish what we have together forever.” He whispered into your hair as you succumbed to sleep.

**

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[ezgithechaotic]

The Parent Trap | Chapter Six; to love someone else

pairing: Harry Styles x Reader

AU: The Parent Trap,  dad!harry

series summary:  Identical twins Benjamin and Edward, separated at birth and each raised by one of their biological parents, later discover each other for the first time at summer camp and make a plan to bring their wayward parents back together.

chapter summary; There are so many thing to say, but so little time for Harry and Y\N. 

author note; well hello there, ı’m back. It’s been really long and I’m so soryy about it. But I guess you guys are used to it. I will try to write the next chapter soon! Don’t be shy to send me a message if you would like to talk and be friends. I don’t bite, I promise! 

I’m sorry in advance if I have any fault. English is not my first language. My askbox is always open if you want to talk. Please leave a comment about what you think, love you.  

Taglist is open. Please send me an ask or comment if you want to be tagged! (22\30)

The Parent Trap Masterlist,  main masterlist 

Life had a funny way of bringing people together, and it had no interest in their desires. Sitting on one of the blue couches, a coffee in her hand, the only thing Y\N wanted to do was run away and never look back. But she wasn't eighteen anymore; she had learned that running from your problems only circled you back to them. So, she did what every reasonable person would do, stayed put. But now, seeing her hand shaking while holding the silver spoon, Y\N was questioning every decision she ever made that brought her to this point. 

So much for getting over him Y\N, well done. 

"You look good." 

The moment words left his mouth Harry cursed himself silently. You look good. Of course, she did. Is that what he all had? After almost nine years, Y\N still made him tongue-tied. He wasn't the Harry who stood in front of thousands of people to perform; he was a boy again, and he hated it. He was eighteen again, seeing his producer's sister and thinking, maybe he is capable of love. Despite feeling like it was yesterday, Harry wasn't eighteen anymore. He didn't have the opportunities to be stupid and in love. It had been a long time since Harry had lost that chance. Wishing he could say sorry and explain anything wasn't going to solve anything, and it surely wasn't going to bring him his old Y\N, who was naive enough to fall in love with a worldwide star. She knew better now. So, maybe the only thing he could come up with was you look good. 

Even though a moment of sadness passed her face, Y\N was quick to pull herself together. She put a kind smile on her face, the way she did when one of her customers made her feel tired, but she still had to keep going. Harry had seen that smile before when he told her he had to cancel one of their dates, again or when he told her that they couldn't be seen together in public.

"You look good too." 

There it was again, her velvet-like voice. Y\N had always amazed Harry; she could be kind to everyone no matter what, even when the person across her was the reason for her broken heart. Neither of them dared to ask about their sons and each other. How would you ask about someone you chose to leave behind? 

"Can I..." Y\N could feel her anxiety riling up. She took a deep breath and tried sitting more straight. "How is he?" 

Harry's heart almost skipped a beat. He couldn't decide if he was stupid to send him away. Would it be less awkward if Benjamin was there, or would it be a dread to explain to him why his mother was standing in the middle of their guest room? 

"Look, I know we had an agreement." Y\N sighed. Harry didn't realize how much time it took him to come up with an answer until she spoke. "I only want to know how he is."

"He's... Well, he's good." 

Harry apparently lost his ability to form any good sentences that day, but it looked like he was talking to a brick wall. Y\N left her cup on the coffee table, now leaning and resting her elbows on her knees. 

"I feel like I'm doing a terrible job." Eyes fixed on the ground and watery, head between her hands, Harry couldn't remember the last time he had seen Y\N so vulnerable. "Edward is the sweetest boy, I swear. He's the perfect kid any parent could ask for. And I feel like I'm the worst mother for tearing him apart from his brother, for not giving him the life he deserves. And the only thing I can think of is would he be happier if he were with you." She was up suddenly, pacing around the room. 

"And how much I missed from Benjamin's life. Will, he ever know me, or Edward ever know you? Will they ever know each other? Will they ever forgive us for what we did?" She stopped, looking at Harry.  She couldn't remember how long it had been since she looked into his green eyes. She wanted to keep going. Scream, shout, cry. But she stood there, looking at him, waiting like he could give her an answer. 

Will I ever forgive myself for letting you go?

Y\N wanted to keep asking, but there was no point. She stopped a tear before it could reach her jaw, quickly. "God, I don't know how long I've been holding that in." 

Harry was dying to apologize, to ask if she was missing him as much as he was missing her. He was dying to fall at her feet and beg for forgiveness. Instead, he sat there, like an idiot.

"We were young, Y\N. We did what we thought was best. Wrong or right, there is no undoing it right now." 

Hearing her name roll off his sweet mouth woke something inside Y\N. She had so many things she wanted to say but didn't know where to begin. Her mouth was frantically opening and closing back again, but nothing came out. 

-

Sarah and Mitch were just outside the room, trying to listen to the conversation. "I swear he's so stupid," Mitch whispered. "Just say something!" 

"Hey, be quiet. I'm trying to listen." 

Before Mitch could say anything, he heard key sounds coming from the front door. He quickly turned to Sarah. "Camille wasn't visiting today, right?" He was praying that it wasn't Camille, but there wasn't anyone outside them who had keys to Harry's house. 

"Shit." 

-

"I know you're a great mother, Y\N; I know that. And I know we did wrong things, but that doesn't mean you're failing."

"I feel like I am." Y\N was still standing there, her fingers fidgeting with her white shirt. She wanted to yell, how could he possibly know what kind of mother she was? He was never there. Harry stood up with a purpose to walk to Y\N and maybe to hold her. But his actions stopped when the door to the guest room opened.  

And there she was, Camille Rowe with all her glory. Blonde hair sitting on her shoulders, red-colored lips, and long lashes, she looked like she came straight from a runway. And Y\N tried with all her might, but she couldn't hate her. Even though her pants were horrible, even though she always used her beauty to get away with her cruelty. And, true, the diamond ring sitting on her finger was no help, but still, she had no hate for her. It wasn't Camille's fault that she was at his feet, basically asking Harry to fix everything because she was too vulnerable.

How Y\N wished she could love somebody else that wasn't Harry. She wished she could move on as he did. But it was stuck, her whole life was stuck since he left her without any explanation. Sometimes she would feel so ready to love someone else, to find anybody willing to take her this broken. She tried so hard, lying to herself, making everyone believe she got over him. She didn't listen to any of his songs, watch anything that could be related to him.  She was running away for the last nine years, not once stopping and looking back. Well, look where it brought her to now, sitting in the same room with him and his fiancee, who had no idea how much history they had. 

"I honestly love everything piece you do." Did she? Y\N couldn't tell if Camille knew everything or not. But if she did, she was a damn good actress. And Y\N was terrified of what could come after this if she didn't leave that house right now. "I would love it if you worked on my wedding dress." 

Y\N's whole world was upside down at that moment. Her hair on her neck stood on end. Her whole body was shivering; she didn't know if it was rage or hurt. Still, the smile came up again. 

"I'm afraid I'm too busy with my new collection." 

"Well, I will have to find someone else, I guess." Camille laughed, her hand sneaking up Harry's leg. Y\N was burning, her blood felt like it was boiling inside her veins. She needed to get out of there, quick. "But I'm so glad Harry could reach somebody. He had been looking for that cardigan for days, now. I thought he was going crazy." She laughed again, unlike everyone else in the room but, apparently she didn't care. 

"It was no problem, honestly. Jonathan is a dear friend of mine; I was just doing a favor." Y\N couldn't believe how calm she sounded. Maybe she should have chosen to be an actress. 

"I'm sure you're very busy, but we would love to see you at the wedding. Right, honey?" Camille turned to Harry, waiting for his approval. Harry quickly nodded as if he was waiting to agree to everything she was saying. "Of course." 

"I'll have to see, I guess." Y\N didn't know how much longer she could pretend like everything bathed in sunlight. So, she got up, ignoring the shaking in her legs. "I should go, my team is probably waiting for me."

"It was lovely to meet you." Camille held her hand out. Her grasp was hard like she was telling Y\N to start running and never look back again. Still, Y\N stood her ground, firmly taking her handshake and smiling. Her eyes meet Harry's for a second. There were so many things she wanted to say, but she didn't think anything that she could say would turn this around. So, she lied instead. 

"Congratulation on the engagement. You two make a lovely couple." 

Y\N couldn't believe she could lie so effortlessly, without any trembling in her voice. Still, shaking Camille's warm hand and seeing her next to Harry with a diamond on her hand made her want to get in her car and run away to somewhere very far away that she could throw up. So, she did that. 

TAGLIST: @yllwtaxi @meredithhuntt @soullessbabee @xoxoellll @2kayla64 @sometrueaffection @fromthedt @angelbabyivy @kennedywxlsh​​ @harrymarvel @kisskillstudio @pouge-h @sunsetcurve-h​ @odetostep​ @yhound​ @chubby-dumpling​ @swtxel​ @moonstarrnghtsky​ @blackfarrahfawcett​ @deeppoetryface @butterflycloss​ @revise-it-all 

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[the-desolated-quill]

WandaVision: ‘Subverting’ Good Television - Quill’s Scribbles

(Spoilers for the first five episodes)

Hey everyone! Well... it’s been a while, hasn’t it? The last time I wrote a proper review or Scribble, people still thought the COVID crisis would be over within a month. The poor saps. But I thought that as a special way to mark this year’s Valentines Day, we could take a closer look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s shittiest power couple in their new Disney+ show WandaVision.

The first of many MCU spin-off shows that nobody asked for, broadcast exclusively on Disney’s totally unnecessary streaming platform, WandaVision is about everybody’s favourite whitewashed Nazi experiment and her red sexbot boyfriend as they try to fit into a suburban sitcom neighbourhood without arousing suspicion.

Yes, you read that correctly. The MCU has a sitcom now. My life is now complete.

Sarcasm aside, I was legitimately curious about WandaVision because of its unusual setting. And considering one of my most common criticisms of the MCU is its total lack of creativity, anything that’s even a little bit subversive is bound to attract my attention. Of course ‘subversive’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘good.’ I could hand you a canvas smeared with my own shit and call it subversive. That doesn’t necessarily make it good art. And that’s exactly what WandaVision is. A canvas smeared with shit.

So lets split this critical analysis/review/angry bitter rant into two distinct chapters. The first focusing on the plot and setting, and the second focusing on the characters. Okay? Okay.

Chapter 1: Bewitched

Critics seem to be utterly enamoured with the whole sitcom gimmick, and it is a gimmick. As far as I can tell from the episodes I’ve seen, the sitcom setting serves no real purpose whatsoever other than to make the show ‘quirky.’ Which I wouldn’t mind, believe it or not, if the show was actually funny. There’s just one problem. It’s not.

Now in some ways describing why a sitcom doesn’t work is often futile because comedy is largely subjective. What I find funny, you won’t necessarily find funny and vice versa. With WandaVision, however, I won’t have that problem. I can demonstrate to you precisely why WandaVision, objectively, isn’t funny. And it all comes down to one simple thing. The stakes. Or rather the complete and total absence of stakes.

The show makes it very clear from the beginning that none of what we’re seeing is real. The cheesy theme song, the era appropriate special effects (mostly. It’s actually very inconsistent), the joke commercials, and, in the case of the first two episodes, which are in black and white, the appearance of red lights and objects in Scarlet Witch’s general vicinity. (Gee, what a mystery this is).

Basically Wanda has brought Vision back from the dead and created this sitcom world for them to inhabit. I’ll explain the stupidity of this in Chapter 2. The point is none of this is real, and that has a negative effect on the comedy because the very nature of comedy is suffering. Take the plot of the first episode. Wanda and Vision have to prepare a dinner to impress Vision’s boss. If they fail, Vision could lose his job and the couple could be exposed as superheroes. If this were a normal sitcom, it would work. The stakes are clear and it would be satisfying to see the two struggle and overcome the odds. But here, we know it’s not real. If it’s not real, it means there’s no stakes. If there’s no stakes, it means there’s no suffering. If there’s no suffering, there’s no comedy.

It would be one thing if the unfunny sitcom stuff lasted for like the first ten minutes or so before making way for the actual plot, but it doesn’t. Oh no. It doesn’t even last for the first episode. Out of the five episodes I’ve watched, four of them are almost entirely about these unfunny, objectively flawed sitcom homages, each set in a different time period. The fifties, the sixties, and so on. And what’s worse is that nothing that happens in them is plot-relevant. That gets relegated to the last five minutes of an episode. So you’re forced to sit through twenty five minutes of boring slapstick and puns in order to catch even a whiff of actual story. Which begs the question... who is this for exactly? It can’t be entertaining to Marvel fans, who have to slog through all this pointless shit so they can figure out what the fuck is going on. Comedy fans may get a kick out of the sitcom pastiche at first, but after four episodes, surely the joke would wear thin. So why is it in here? Clearly someone in the writer’s room absolutely fell in love with the idea of doing a Marvel sitcom, but nobody put in any time or effort to figure out how it would work in context.

I cannot stress enough how bad the plotting of this series is. As I said, the vast majority of a thirty minute episode is about shitty sitcom plots that aren’t funny and don’t have any impact on the story, only to then tease you with a crumb of actual plot in order to keep you coming back for the next instalment. Admittedly it’s an effective strategy. I was more than ready to quit after Episode 2 until that beekeeper showed up out of the sewer (don’t ask. It’s not important). WandaVision essentially follows the Steven Moffat school of bad writing. String your audience along with the promise that things might get more interesting later on and that all the bullshit that came before will retroactively make sense by the end. Except, as demonstrated with BBC’s Sherlock, that doesn’t work. And even if it did, it wouldn’t justify wasting the audience’s fucking time. And that’s what the majority of WandaVision is. A waste of time.

The only episode that doesn’t follow the sitcom format is the fourth episode. Instead it basically exists to explain all the shit that happened before. The shit that the audience, frankly, are smart enough to figure out for themselves. Wanda created the sitcom world as a way of coping with the loss of Vision, blah, blah, blah. Yeah, we got it. Thanks. It doesn’t advance the plot or anything. It’s just a massive info-dump. But by far the lowest point was when Darcy (by far the most annoying character in the first Thor film and is just as obnoxious here) was sat in front of the TV, watching the sitcom and asking the same questions we were. Not even attempting to look for answers. Just reiterating what the audience is thinking. Like this is an episode of fucking Gogglebox.

In the end it becomes apparent why the series is structured the way that it is. It’s to hoodwink people into subscribing to Disney’s stupid streaming service. If you think about it, there was no reason for WandaVision to be a TV series other than to lure gullible fans in with a piece-meal story buried in a mountain of crap. This isn’t a TV show. It’s what is cynically known in the world of big business executives as ‘content.’ They’re not interested in entertaining the audience. Instead they crave ‘engagement’, which isn’t the same thing. Watching WandaVision is like staring into the void, waiting for something to happen, while Disney charge you for the privilege.

Chapter 2: I Love Lucy

So the plot sucks balls. What about the characters? Surely if Wanda and Vision are likeable at least, it’ll give us something to cling onto.

Well as I was watching the first episode, it suddenly hit me that I couldn’t remember anything that happened to them in previous films. I knew Vision died, but other than that, I couldn’t tell you significant plot details or their personalities or anything. Not a great start.

See, up until now, Vision and Scarlet Witch have been little more than background characters. So already there’s an uphill struggle to get us invested in their relationship, especially considering we haven’t actually seen that relationship develop. In Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Scarlet Witch is killing people because she’s pissed off about Tony Stark killing people (you work that one out) until all of a sudden she stops and joins the good guys because the script said so. Vision meanwhile is introduced as a convenient deus ex machina to beat Ultron and gets no real personality other than he’s a robot. Captain America: Civil War comes the closest to giving Wanda a story and personality of her own as it’s her actions that cause the Sokovia Accords to come into effect, but she never gets any real growth or payoff as the film is heavily focused on Cap and Iron Man’s penis measuring contest. And as for Vision, all he does in the film is accidentally cripple War Machine. No real character or arc there as such. And then we have Avengers: Infinity War, where Wanda and Vision are now sporadically in love and on the run until that pesky Josh Brolin, looking like a CGI cross between Joss Whedon and a grumpy grape, comes along and rips out Vision’s Infinity Stone to power up his golden glove of doom, and the film treats this like a tragic moment, except... it isn’t. Because we haven’t really had the time to properly get to know these characters and see their romance blossom. So instead it just comes off as hollow and forced.

WandaVision has the exact same problem. Apparently Wanda was so distraught about Vision’s death that she broke into a SWORD base, stole his corpse, brought it back from the dead... somehow, and then enslaved an entire town of people to create an idyllic lifestyle for her and her hubby while broadcasting it as a sitcom to the outside world... for some reason. Putting aside the dubious morality of it all, it’s impossible to really sympathise with Wanda or her supposed grief because we’ve barely spent any time with her. Had the Marvel movies taken the time to properly explore the characters and show us their relationship grow and develop, this might have had more emotional resonance. But no, it just happens. In one film they barely speak to each other and in the next they’re a couple. No effort to explore how they feel about each other or any of the problems that may arise trying to date a robot. It just happens and we’re just supposed to care. Well I’m sorry, but I don’t care. You’re going to have to try a little bit harder than that I’m afraid. What’s worse is that, thanks to the whole fake sitcom thing, it’s impossible to really become invested in Wanda and her plight because the show has to constantly keep us at arms length at all times in order to keep up the pretence that this bullshit is somehow mysterious.

Looking through the WandaVision tag, it amuses me how many people say that she’s acting out of character. And yeah, her actions are a bit of a head scratcher. Why would an Eastern European’s ideal life be an American sitcom? Why a sitcom? Why kidnap an entire town? Why keep changing the decade? None of it makes sense, but you’re wrong for thinking that Wanda is behaving out of character for the simple reason that Wanda has never actually had a character. In fact, ironically, Wanda mind controlling an entire town and forcing them to do her bidding is probably the one consistent thing about her as she did this in Age Of Ultron. In interviews, Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany described how they used actors like Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick Van Dyke as influences, which is really funny because they’re straight up admitting they don’t have characters and even now they’re still not playing the characters, instead emulating the work of far better actors.

As I was watching the show, it became abundantly clear that not only do Marvel not have the faintest idea what they wanted to do with these characters, but they also straight up don’t give a shit about these characters. Wanda in particular has had a rough time under the tyrannical regime of the House of Mouse. First they cast Elizabeth Olsen, a white woman, to play a Romani character, then systematically erasing her Jewish roots, even going so far as to put a cross in her bedroom in Civil War, and now the character is being butchered even more by forcing her into an American sitcom housewife role that she apparently willingly chose for herself, which is laughable. I mean say what you like about Magneto in the X-Men films, at least they actually depicted his Jewish culture. At least they recognised his Jewish background was important (though not important enough to cast a Jewish actor apparently). Wanda’s steady cultural erasure over the years is incredibly insidious and judging by Olsen’s comments in interviews, where she called Wanda’s comic book outfit a quote ‘gypsy thing’ unquote, it seems nobody has an ounce of fucking respect for the character or the culture she’s supposed to be representing. (and to all those kissing her arse saying it was a slip of the tongue, she has been repeatedly called out for using the slur in the past, so at this point I’d describe her behaviour as wilful ignorance)

If you want further proof of how much Marvel doesn’t seem to care about Wanda, look no further than her brother Pietro, aka Quicksilver. At the end of Episode 5, Wanda brings Pietro back from the dead, except it’s not Pietro. It’s Peter Maximoff, the Quicksilver from the X-Men films played by Peter Evans, who coincidentally is not Jewish or Romani either. So Quicksilver has the dubious honour of not only being whitewashed three times, but also twice within the same franchise. But should we really be surprised at this point? It’s Marvel after all. The same company that whitewashed the Ancient One in Doctor Yellowface and claimed it wasn’t racist because Tilda Swinton is ‘Celtic’. But now I’m going off topic. My point is that this isn’t a simple case of recasting an actor like Mark Ruffalo replacing Edward Norton as the Hulk. WandaVision actually acknowledges the recast in-universe, which makes no sense. Why would Wanda bring back her brother, only to make him look like a different person? We the audience may be familiar with this version of Quicksilver, but she isn’t. That would be like me bringing my Grandad back to life and making him look like Ian McKellen. He’d be perfectly charming, I’m sure, but he wouldn’t be my Grandad. 

If Marvel really cared about the characters or narrative consistency, they would have brought Aaron Taylor Johnson back. Instead, now they have absorbed 20th Century Fox into the hellish Disney abyss, they use X-Men’s Quicksilver as a means to keep viewers from switching off and so that people will write stupid articles and think pieces about whether the rest of the X-Men will show up in the MCU. It’s like dangling your keys in front of a toddler’s face to distract them from the rotting corpse of a raccoon lying face down in the corner of the room.

And it’s here where I decided to stop watching the show because fuck Disney.

Epilogue: One Foot In The Grave

You know, I am sick and tired of the so called ‘professional’ critics bending over backwards to praise these god awful films and shows when it’s so clear to anyone with a functioning brain cell how bad they truly are. WandaVision is without a doubt one of the most cynically produced and poorly structured TV shows I’ve ever seen. Its riffs on classic sitcoms are pointless and self-indulgent, the writing is terrible, the characters are unlikable and unsympathetic, and it’s entirely emblematic of what the entire MCU has become of late. And it’s only going to get worse as Disney drowns us with more ‘content’ to keep the plebs ‘engaged’. In short; pathetic.

[thelittleboyfromloveactually]

Two Shorten the Road

part 1

joel dawson x reader

warnings: cussing? idk, bad writing.....fluff, cuteness, monsters(is this a warning), mentions of death, SPOILERS

word count: 2154

prompt: when your best friend decides to leave your colony to go find the love of his life, you decide to join him on his journey even if you aren’t so happy about where this journey is going

Welp I did it, I took it into my own hands. I am writing a joel dawson series. Because we👏need 👏more👏joel👏fics👏 it’s basically the movie, almost the same script but obviously slightly different…ENJOY! <3

No one in my generation or later had a typical upbringing, I mean some of us did but then the world ended. This type of thing sounds straight out of some apocalyptic movie, but we basically live in one now. Agatha 616, an asteroid heading straight for earth, I know, so original. So we all came together and did what we do best, blow things up. Yup, we blew up teh asteroid, and humanity was saved! We thought. But here’s the thing about rockets, they are made of a bunch of chemical compounds which eventually rained back down on earth. Suddenly there were these Aileen creatures that mutated and started eating us. Ants, lizards, roaches, crocodiles, you name it. Our president was even killed by a giant moth. Ya….not so original now huh? We suddenly need tanks to kill ants, oh man I remember the good old days when a shoe would do just fine. Sometimes even the tanks didn’t work. Eventually the really big ones and our military took each other out and we lost 95% of the human population in a year! Those of us who survived hid, bunkers, caves, panic rooms, all around the world. So for the last seven years I’ve been hiding in an underground bunker. It’s really not as bad as it sounds, and it’s better than getting eaten alive. It’s a great group of people and we all love each other.

“Are you sure they’re asleep?”

“Who?”

“Y/N and joel!”

“Oh ya I’m sure”

“Joel? Y/n?”

“He’s asleep”

Actually we are both awake. Me and my best friend joel have kinda mastered faking being asleep. Our beds are right across from each other so we normally just lie there and make stupid faces at each other. We are the only two single people in our bunker. Nice huh? Joel is my best friend. I met him when I joined the colony. He’s the sweetest. It’s funny cause everyone thinks we should just have sex already because that’s literally all everyone else does. But we are way above that. Anyway, joel is in love with his girlfriend from before the colony, her name is Aimee. With one “I” and two “e”s. He loves to talk about her, he writes her letters. So in reality, I am the only one who is not in love in this bunker. I’ve never had a boyfriend, ever, even before the world ended.

We don’t really get any sleep. The moaning kinda keeps us awake. I got up and out of my bed and headed for the kitchen. I heard Joel’s bed creak and then his footsteps as he followed behind me. Another annoying thing about being down here is that to get to the kitchen from my room, you have to walk though other people’s bedrooms. Oh shit, they are busy, why would they leave their door open. Me and Joel stopped.

“Oh” joel and I said in unison

“Hey Y/N! Hey Joel!” Ava said

“Oh hey Ava” Joel said, we didn’t dare look over to our left.

“Y/N how’s it going?” Tim asked

“T-totally good tim, h-how are you doing” I asked

“Yeah, good” he responded

“I uh we couldn’t sleep” said Joel looking at the ceiling

“Ya we know the feeling” Ava said with a laugh

“Yeah probably not for the…..same reasons” joel said looking straight ahead

“Your guyses door was open, did you…did you know that?” I asked

“Yeah we know” they said

I shook my head and knitted my eyebrows together

“Okay” joel trailed off

Ever since Tim’s parents were eaten by a swarm of termites he and Ava have gotten really close, in every way.

“Okay, goodnight” joel said as we walked

Basically everyone is coupled up down here, a baby was born last winter! Welcome to the apocalypse kid. Ok if we ever get out of this, that would be an awesome story to tell your kids. “Oh ya I was born in an underground bunker doing a monster apocalypse” “yes exactly like World War Z but with bugs bigger than a 5 story building”. I mean come on.

So your probably wonder how the hell we get food, we’ll we have a cow. Gurdy. Gurdy is great. We also have a hunting party that brings back whatever they can from the surface. It’s gotten harder and harder, cause we ran out of bullets. And facing one of those things with a handmade weapon is just as hard as it sounds. It’s very very difficult. I go with them….sometimes. I still get scared. But I’ve been out quite a lot, especially compared to my man joel over here. I’ve been out maybe 30 times, he’s been out…maybe once, or not even. He’s the chef of the bunker. He makes super good Minestrone.

Me and joel like to hang out with Mavis. A robot. Yup. Not much for conversation, her batter is shot. Just like every other mavis I would imagine. When I’m not hunting we hang out with her. But sometimes I just go read. Reading and joel keep me sane. I mean sometimes joel drives me insane but I still love him. I have quite the collection of books too! I’ve got Emma by Jane Austen, a couple random ones that we found, all the hunger games and Harry Potter books, some mysteries that stopped being mysteries after a while, and then of course some smutty romance books for personal entertainment.

Joel likes to say that his thing is target practice. He has never hit the target but ya know, gotta entertain yourself. I think his thing is drawing though, he has this book that he draws in from Aimee. It’s really cool actually. He’s really good.

I sat watching Joel as he tried to hit the target, laughing a little every time he missed. It was cute how hard he tried.

“Shut up” he said shaking his laugh away

I laughed again, but then suddenly the lights started flickering. You could hear screeches and creeks echoing through the bunker. Joel turned to look at me. Worry and determination in his eyes. We both scrambled out of the room and into the kitchen where everyone was preparing.

“Hustle, hustle people we’ve gotta move”

I turned to look at Joel but then realized that he wasn’t next to me. Where did he go? Worry flooded through me. Suddenly the clanking of our weapon started behind me.

“Hey guys!” Joel said as he rammed into the railing, I shook my head. “Guys! I’ve got the weapons” he smiled at me

A few people walked over to him taking them out of his hands

“Stay” said Tim

“W-what?” Joel asked looking around in confusion

Everyone was talking and barking orders “grab what you need and let’s go! Y/N you coming?”

My eyes shot open “yes! Yup!” I jumped up and grabbed the bow and arrow from Joel.

“W-what's happening?” He asked innocently “what’s going on?”

“There’s a breach” said Tim

“What do you mean? Like inside the bunker breach?!” He asked

“Yes joel! Now come on!” I told him, patting him on the pack as I followed the others

He followed me and watched the plan get arranged

“Anna, Y/N and I will engage. Anderson and Tom plank him”

“Plank him, ya ok where do you guys need me? You want me to uh come through the rear or..?” Joel asked eagerly

“I don’t think your going to pass this joel” I told him

“Pass what? You guys need help, let me help” said clutching his crossbow

“You gonna make me say it?” said Sam

“Say what?!” God he was so adorably clueless

“You can’t handle it joel, your shook” said Sam, we all began getting into positions

“Ya ok, yes so you guys don’t get scared..ever?” He asked still getting ready to fight

“We get scared, we all get scared joel, but you get really scared” said Sam

“They are trying to make you feel bad joel” I said sweetly, trying to calm him down

“We love you joel”

“But your a liability”

“Ok why did that speech feel so rehearsed? And what about Y/N? She’s like…ya know?” He said bobbing his head

“Joel-“ suddenly the bunker shook and the lights flicked again

“Ok 30 meters out! Let’s move!” And we were off

Leaving joel and some others behind. You could hear the growling of whatever we were up against

I followed the others and listened carefully. I was freaking shaking. Don’t ask how I got sucked into becoming one the the hunters. Kinda just happened and I was just-

“OH SHIT!” I heard someone yell, it was too dark to see. Someone was gone, that thing took them. I couldn’t even see it. Oh fuck my life. Everyone began scattering, running away from the monster. I stopped running to take a breath, when I realized I was alone. Nicely done Y/N. The lights kept flickering. I heard something blow up in the distance.

“Conned? Conner?” I heard a whisper, one I knew all too well. Shit, joel. I ran toward the sound, and had no idea I was also running toward certain death. I stopped running. There it was, that thing. I’d never seen this before. I didn’t recognize it. I stayed silent, not moving at all. It slowly crawled over a shower curtain. Oh fuck. He was going toward joel! I quickly grabbed my bow and arrow and shot it. Right though the face. Next to its….eye I guess you could call it. Joel stood there, frozen.

I slowly walked over to him “Joel, hey are you ok?” I asked as I slipped my hand into his. He was trembling. Tears ran down his cheeks. He has a bad freezing problem, so I've been helping him work on it.

About an hour later I sat with Joel, still holding his hand as he stared out into space. We could hear everyone talking. How could this have happened?

“It ripped through steal”

“Anderson and I resealed the Breach point, nothings getting in that way again”

“But why did it happen?”

I tried to toon it out, and I hoped Joel did too.

“Joel, do you wanna talk about it?” I asked squeezing his hand, he looked so sad, which just crushed me

He shook his head

“Ok….” I nodded, I leaned into hug him but was interrupted by his voice

“How far away is Aimee's colony?” He asked

I pulled back, looking at him confused. The talking stopped and everyone look at him

“What?” Tim asked

“Aimee’s colony, how far away is it?” He repeated

“About 85 miles” he said as he furrowed his brows

“How long will it take to get there?”

“What do you mean joel?” I asked leaning closer to him

“Just humor me, how long?” He insisted

“7 days” said Tim

“Someone who’s armed and trained would hardly last 50miles, but you…joel” Ava said, I felt bad for him, he really didn’t deserve any of this

“Alright” Tim continued “now I need volunteers”

“I’m gonna go” joel said

No one said anything, they just stared

“It’s an impossible journey joel” said Tim, crossing his arms

Joel stood up, moving around my chair. “No im serious…I love you guys but there’s only one person in this world who ever truly made me happy and she’s only 85 miles away” he said strongly “I’m gonna go see her” I could see his mind was made up

God he was such a romantic, how could you not love this guy? Sure it hurts when your best friend tells you that you didn’t make him truly happy. Especially when you maybe sorta kinda have a crush on him.

He let out a breath “woah, that felt awesome” he said as he walked off to start packing

I stood there for a second processing and thinking, but then suddenly my mouth took over and well….

“I’m coming with you!” I said, he froze “I mean you can’t leave me here with these middle aged people, and your my best friend so” I shrugged

“I’ll come back for you I promise” he walked over to me “I can’t let you put yourself in even more danger” he said grabbing my arms

“I can’t let you put yourself in danger knowing that I could have helped protect you” I said, he stared blankly at me

I smiled “o-ohK…then I guess…” he trailed off

“Cool I’ll go pack” I skipped past him. Was I scared? Hell yes. But like I said, I needed to help joel and protect him in every way I can. And sure I wasn’t so happy that he was returning to his long lost love but if it made him happy then I would live. And anyway, two do shorten the road.

[mandoalorian]

hi can i get a dio one shot where his gf is kinda little miss perfect like she always listens and never breaks the rules and her parents are always pressuring her to do really good but as she keeps hanging out with him and his friends she becomes more of her own person and she comes out of her shell more and starts liking the things he likes and maybe she stands up to her parents after they say he’s a bad influence for her ???

The Bet [Dio x F!Reader]

Author's note: Anon asked for a one shot but they’re getting a three part mini-series instead. 🖤 this is for all my lovely nonnies who have been asking me to write for Dio.

Warnings: mention of food and drink, brief mention of alcoholism, cigarettes etc

Word count: 2000

Masterlist

"You've been staring at her all day," Raven groaned, stabbing a curly fry into her pot of ketchup and shoving it in her mouth. "Just go talk to her."

Dio shuffled around uncomfortably. "I can't." he frowned, narrowing his eyes in your direction. There you were, sat at the cafeteria table alone, your head deep in a book. You'd left your lunch to one side, hoping to get back to it once you finished this chapter.

"Aw, does Dio have a crush?" Raven cooed teasingly, fluttering her eyelashes.

"Shut up," Dio retorted quickly. "You have ketchup around your mouth."

Raven's smile quickly faded as she pulled out a compact mirror to check her appearance. Dio went back to watching you. You were beautiful, and he just didn't understand how the world around you seemed to ignore you. He could somewhat relate. Although he had his group of friends, he still felt like an outcast. But you were always alone, your head in the clouds or stuck in some book. As far as he saw, you didn't even have friends. You spent your days cooped up in the academic library, studying or doing your homework.

"Pointless staring," Ash rolled his eyes, but Dio just swallowed, trying to dismiss his comment. "You could never get a girl like her."

Dio finally turned to face Ash, and even flicked a glance towards Raven who was still wiping ketchup from the corner of her lip, about to reapply her black lipstick. "I could get any damn girl I want." Dio folded his arms across his chest.

Ash hummed, scrunching up his nose. "Sure kid, whatever. If that's what you chose to believe."

Dio scoffed incredulously and leaned over the table. "You tell him Raven! I could get any girl!" 

Raven didn't look up from her mirror once. "Sounds like he's challenging you, Dio."

"Is that true?" Dio hissed. "You're challenging me?" his voice was sour.

Ash nodded his head and picked up a curly fry from Raven's plate. "We're all still up for getting wasted in the park tonight, right? Dio, if you can get ‘little miss perfect’ over there to join us, I'll take back what I said."

"That's ridiculous," Dio shook his head. "She's not gonna come with us. Sometimes I don't even know why I bother going with you guys," Dio looked back over to you— you really were little miss perfect; with the perfect smile and glistening eyes. When Dio looked at you, it was like nothing else mattered. The whole world turned into a blur, only, he could just about make out Ash's chuckle in the background. "Fine. I'll do it." Dio frowned. He knew if he didn't at least give it a shot (or better yet, succeed), he'd never hear the end of it from Ash and Raven.

Dio threw the crust of his sandwich back down on his plate and pushed his tray to one side before standing up. He brushed down his outfit, trying to make himself look somewhat presentable before speaking to you, and sauntered towards you. He could practically feel Ash and Raven's eyes burning into his back from the other side of the cafeteria.

"Hey," Dio greeted, clearing his throat and sliding down on the unoccupied seat across from you. You looked up from your book and your eyes met with his. "I'm Dio— I'm uh, I'm in your science class and math class. You might not know me but-"

"Trust me, I know you." you shot back before you could even let him finish. You turned a page in your book and pretended to seem uninterested. It was difficult though, because the mysterious boy with jet black hair and pierced ears was for some reason giving you the time of day. You— out of all people. You usually had good intuition and you felt in your heart that there was something not right about this interaction.

"What are you reading?" Dio asked curiously, peeking over to try and get a glance of the pages.

"1984." You mumbled back.

"Oh I love that book!" Dio exclaimed with a grin as he kicked his feet back on the table, knocking your dinner tray slightly. Now that comment made you look at him.

"You've read 1984?" you raised your eyebrows in disbelief.

"Well, read… watched the movie… same thing really," Dio shrugged and you couldn't help but giggle. He was adorable— and slightly dorky which was something you hadn't expected at all. "It's about how there's someone always watching you…"

"Yep," you nodded in affirmation and pointed towards the table where Dio was once sat at. "Kinda like how your friends have been staring us out since you came over." you waved at them awkwardly. Raven avoided eye contact, looking back down into her bowl of curly fries.

"Shit, I'm sorry about them," Dio sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "The truth is, Ash bet I couldn't pick you up."

"Why would he bet that?" You asked, sliding your bookmark into the novel and placing it down on the table. You suddenly felt vulnerable but at least Dio was being honest with you.

"Because, I can't stop thinking about you," Dio shrugged helplessly. "And I want to get to know you better. Would- would you be opposed to that?"

You thought for a moment, and then shook your head. Elated, Dio smiled and scrawled down his phone number on one of your napkins. No person had ever shown you any interest, and now one of the school's most intimidating guys wanted to ‘get to know you better’? You'd be foolish to lie to yourself anymore and pretend like this wasn't something you'd thought about before. You'd caught glimpses of him at the back of class, you'd try to repress a smile every time he quipped a sarcastic comment back at a teacher or distracted the class from their work.

He wasn't the type of guy you ever imagined ending up with, but you were still intrigued by his enigma. Dio might've only recognised you from science and math class recently, but you'd known him since preschool. Before he dyed his hair, got all those tattoos and piercings. He even used to live in your neighbourhood, before his dad died and he had to move. You'd heard stories about him since then, about how he'd ‘gone off the rails’. But he still seemed nice enough. Truthful, and he still had that sparkle in his chocolate coloured eyes that you remembered from when he shared the sandpit with you in elementary.

The napkin with his number on weighed you down until you got home. You placed it on your dressing table and sat down. It was staring at you— begging for you to call. You sighed, giving into the temptation and rang the number. After three rings, Dio answered.

"Hey, it's me." you said quietly, nervously biting your lower lip.

"Oh hey! I'm so glad to hear from you. I was beginning to get afraid that you wouldn't call." Dio admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. You overheard some chattering in the background.

"Are you busy?" you wondered out loud.

"I'm just with Ash and Raven. We're having a few beers in the park. You're more than welcome to join us."

You winced at the thought of joining them for beers in the park. You'd barely took a sip of champagne at your aunt's wedding, nevermind drinking bottles of beer with the most intimidating group of teenagers in the whole town.

"Oh I don't know Dio…" you mumbled.

"Hey, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. It'll just be nice to have your company— and I promise, we don't bite." you considered his words and sighed.

"Okay Dio, I'll be there in half an hour. Text me the address."

"Got it," Dio grinned. "See you soon."

Ash chuckled as Dio hung up the phone. "We don't bite?" Ash quoted Dio with a smirk. "Oh, she's really that innocent huh?"

"I want you both to behave," Dio warned. "Don't scare her away." 

You looked at yourself in the mirror, wondering if you should change your outfit to something maybe a little more alternative. You wanted to fit in with Dio and his friends, after all. However, you remembered Dio has come to you, interested in you just the way you were. And you swore that you weren't going to change yourself for anyone. You combed through your hair and grabbed your favourite pink lip gloss— one that you wore only on special occasions.

Your mother came in just as you were applying it. "And where do you think you're going?" she snarled, raising an eyebrow as you puckered your lips.

"Out with some friends." you shrugged nonchalently.

"What friends?" she questioned you further, her voice was highly strung and she stood with a hand on her hip.

"You remember Shane Morrissey from preschool?" you asked nervously. "Well- he goes by Dio now, and-"

"No." your mother narrowed her eyes. "That boy is nothing but trouble. Ever since his dad died and he and his mother got evicted, I've heard that he's turned to a life of crime. A petty thief. And his mother? An alcoholic."

You scowled at your mother's condescending and judgemental attitude. "You don't know him." you retorted, crossing your arms over your chest.

"And I'm not sure you know him either." your mother snapped back.

"I'm going whether you like it or not," you huffed, standing up and grabbing your jacket. "You can't shelter me your whole life." 

Before your mother could even reply, you bolted out the house and ran down the street. Luckily, it wasn't too cold, and the address to the park was only a ten minute walk from your home. You spotted Dio, Raven and Ash almost immediately. The trio were sitting on a small grassy patch.

You sat next to Dio and tried to engage in conversation, although you weren't really familiar with the things they were talking about. Dio helped you out though, taking his time to explain things so you understood and he encouraged you to talk about your own hobbies and interests. The second Raven tried to peer pressure you into drinking, you politely declined and Dio whisked you away from them. "Are you uncomfortable?" he asked you in private.

"No, I'm okay, I think," you nodded your head in affirmation. You really didn't want to go home— you were having such a good time with Dio.

"Because if it's too much…" Dio trailed off. "Maybe we can go back to my place?" he suggested. "I know Ash and Raven can be intense. So it would be just us."

Your gaze flicked back to Ash and Raven who were sharing a cigarette and you smiled. "Yeah, okay," you agreed. "I'd like that."

"Good," Dio replied softly. "Let's go then."

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