#But I think I'm ready to go back to flat drawings that don't move for a bit

[somegrumpynerd]

A little animation I made of Dream and Nightmare for fun, it's pretty short and simple but not bad for my second go at animation I think ^^

The music is from here, I highly recommend listening to the full thing cause it's so beautiful!

Quick explanation for the song and a gif version under the cut

So when I was first dipping my toes into utmv stuff like a year ago, I made a slideshow for my sister with a bunch of au Sanses, let her guess what kinda vibe she thought they had and then gave her a list of names/ aus to see if she could figure out who was who (she did surprisingly well and I'm proud of her).

Well, when I first showed her pictures of Dream her immediate reaction was "this guy looks like he's from zelda" and it's just always stuck with me. Somewhere along the way I started headcanoning Dream playing some kind of instrument when they were kids and when I heard the pan flute version of zelda's lullaby everything kind of fell into place.

So here they are, having a little moment of peace finally, brothers together again c:

[fiona-fififi]

You're not saying you're in love with me (but you're going to)

Rating: Explicit

Fandom: 9-1-1

Pairing: Evan Buckley/Eddie Diaz

Summary: Eddie's seeking joy, and he just wants to suck dick about it. Buck might be having a crisis. 8x06 extended scene.

Notes: First buddie smut fic for me. So, uh. I don't know. Enjoy! And mind the tags. Also, please let me know if I forgot any, as I am not accustomed to writing or tagging smut.

Title from Taylor Swift's “Slut!” because it felt appropriate in all the ways.

8x06 Extended Scene, PWP, Getting Together, First Time, Emotional Sex, Playful Sex, Couch Sex, Smut, First Time Blowjobs, Hand Jobs, Come Swallowing, Unsafe Sex, Mentioned Tommy Kinard (though he's really not very important to this beyond being the reason Buck is at Eddie's house)

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Ao3 Link

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“We broke up,” Buck announces, near out of the blue, Eddie's eyes on him too much to bear after a bit. He feels the flat disinterest in his own voice; the way he's maybe jumped too far too fast into acceptance.

Maybe it really was for the best that Tommy had walked out.

“Ah, man,” Eddie says, and it's sincere, Buck knows it is, but there's a hint of something else there that Buck's not sure about—an undertone of happiness that could maybe just be the remnants of whatever he'd walked in on when he'd shown up at Eddie's door or could maybe be a reaction to something else Buck's not ready to examine. 

Buck grunts out an acknowledgment of Eddie's words. His body stiffens a little. At the possibility Eddie will push him to talk about it, Buck's mind insists. He keeps his eyes trained forward, too afraid to look at the man beside him for fear of breaking. How, though, he's not sure.

“I'm sorry, Buck,” Eddie voices, genuine and sincere, and there's something about the way his name lingers on Eddie's lips that has Buck's breath catching. “I know you liked him,” Eddie adds, hand coming down heavy on Buck's thigh.

They haven't moved, though. Not really. So with Eddie leaned back in the cushions and Buck sitting stiff at the edge of the couch, Eddie's palm falls high, so close to the juncture of his hip that Buck thinks he stops breathing, heart hammering hard in his chest. He expects Eddie to pull away, to sit forward and shift the touch up toward his knee, to clap that spot a couple of times and pretend he hadn't lingered.

But he doesn't.

Instead, his fingers roll, a careful squeeze to the meat of Buck's thigh, dancing there in a lingering massage and shifting just a breath higher, slipping into the dip of his groin.

Buck's breath stutters out, catches with a choked sound, hand gripping too tight around the glass in his palm as he freezes—too afraid to move for fear of breaking the moment, of giving Eddie a reason to draw back and pretend like nothing of substance had happened. Feels his heart hammering in his chest, corner of his gaze caught on the sweet little smirk on Eddie's face that looks some combination of proud and fond, and Buck chokes again, falls back into the cushions behind him in an uncoordinated slouch that has Eddie chuckling aloud, a soft, sweet sound Buck wants to bottle for his own ears only forever.

He blinks hard, eyes focusing on Eddie from the new angle, Eddie's fingers creeping that much closer, and Buck can feel his body reacting—some desperate heat he knows he shouldn't feel licking over every part of his skin, radiating out from that one focal point of Eddie's fingers clasped around his thigh. “Eddie,” he grunts. Intends it to be chastising. Feels the desperation instead.

“Hmm,” Eddie hums in response, and Buck can't tell if it's a question or just an acknowledgment. Can't bring himself to care as Eddie reaches with his free hand to take the near empty bottle from Buck's. Murmurs something about tucking it away before someone gets hurt that Buck doesn't actually hear, not really, as he turns his gaze to the sweet, easy joy that crinkles Eddie's eyes and tugs at his lips in the prettiest picture of happiness Buck has ever seen. 

It's infectious, and suddenly Buck can't quite feel anything other than want. The electric of Eddie's touch leaving him a squirming mess in seconds.

And Buck knows they should talk about it. Thinks, at least, he shouldn't be so eager to give in, considering. But he can't bring himself to care about anything other than the feel of Eddie's fingers burning into his skin.

“God, you're pretty like this,” Eddie breathes, taking in the sight Buck makes against the cushions. And Buck thinks he must make quite the sight—feels wrecked over nothing more than the squeeze of Eddie's fingers and the heat in Eddie's eyes. “Take this off, yeah?” Eddie demands, tugging at the sleeve of Buck's jacket.

Buck obeys. Doesn't even consider denying Eddie as he scrambles forward just enough to dislodge the offending material and drop it over the back of the couch. Eddie's free hand finds its way up under Buck's t-shirt then, making clear his intention to strip Buck down to nothing, even as his other palm remains firmly planted on Buck's thigh. Buck doesn't argue—drags the shirt up over his head and discards it with his jacket, catches Eddie's eye with heat in his own.

“We shouldn't,” Buck breathes, unconvincing, voice catching as he shifts back further into the couch cushions, hips pushing forward as he settles. At the movement, Eddie's fingers brush over the hardness beneath his fly, just a little too firm to pretend it's an accident, and Buck chokes on a whine as his eyes fall closed.

Eddie shifts then—away, away, away—Buck can feel it in the way the couch moves beside him, even as the burning imprint of Eddie's palm remains, and Buck can't help the desperate whimper that bubbles from his lips when Eddie's movement turns into a deliberate caress, fingers playing gently over the bulge of Buck's erection in his jeans, and Buck thinks he might die for it. “Please,” Buck gasps, squirming against the cushions beneath him and pressing up into Eddie's touch.

Eddie shushes him quietly, and Buck forces his eyes open to follow the sound, and when he does, they find Eddie there, kneeling between his legs, eyes transfixed on Buck's as he lets his fingers play, hands splaying over the thick muscle of Buck's thigh. “Why shouldn't we?”

“Eddie ” Buck gasps out again. It's not a sob, but it's a near thing.

“Are you upset over it?” Eddie asks, all honest curiosity, fingers stilling just long enough to make Buck squirm for his touch. “Too much to drink to make sound decisions?”

Buck shakes his head, eyes falling closed again. “You know I've only had one.”

“Mmm,” Eddie hums in agreement, fingers curling to pop the button of Buck's jeans, “broken up, then?”

Buck gives him his best approximation of a glare at that one, finds those warm brown eyes dancing with mirth, even as Buck can feel the pause—the way he's refusing to allow himself to give into the want until he's sure Buck's with him.

Buck wants to be, so desperately. Thinks maybe he is.

Eddie's mouth tilts into a fond smirk, eyes falling to where his fingers work as he drags down the zipper of Buck's jeans.

And he's working slowly—slowly enough to give Buck time to voice a real protest, but Buck would be lying if he pretended not to want everything Eddie's offering.

Still, there's a stinging behind his eyes and a sharp twinge of fear as Eddie shimmies his pants down his legs. A hint of tension settling over him because he wants, but he also doesn't know what he'd do if this all meant losing Eddie, and he can't help but fear exactly that because everyone always leaves, and why would Eddie be different, really? Why would sex make Eddie stay when it's only ever ended badly before?

Eddie clocks him then, Buck too in his head to notice that Eddie's slowed, settled back between his legs, but is gazing up at him with worried eyes, hands sweeping delicate patterns over the skin of Buck's thighs. Less deliberate now in his worry. 

“Hey,” he murmurs, quiet and delicate, and Buck feels stupid, sitting there stripped nearly bare as Eddie shifts so completely from confident sex kitten to concerned best friend. Buck's eyes swell with tears he tries to blink away. “We can stop,” Eddie promises, a sweet sincerity in his tone that makes Buck's heart clench. “Nothing has to happen here if you don't want it to.”

“I don't—I don't think I want to stop,” Buck chokes out, all damp eyes and worry.

“Then what's wrong, sweetheart?” Eddie's voice is so, so quiet and careful, and something swells in Buck's chest and makes him feel like he might break.

He hesitates, sucks in a shaky breath as his eyes roam Eddie's concerned face, a fragile attempt at avoiding Eddie's own eyes. Then, finally, “sex is like a death knell for me,” Buck admits, all quiet vulnerability  “And I don't want to lose you.”

“Buck,” Eddie breathes. And it's a quiet, delicate thing that feels like something Buck's not sure he deserves. Reaches up to stroke soothing fingers along Buck's hairline, over the wetness clinging at the corners of his eyes, along the cut of his cheekbones. “Let me show you what it feels like when someone stays.”

It feels like a promise Eddie intends to keep.

Buck lets out a shaky breath, thighs falling open with the gentlest touch of Eddie's fingers as he moves to massage the sensitive skin there. And having Eddie there, beautiful and bright, taking up the space between Buck's spread thighs, settled comfortably on his knees as he takes in the sight before him, has Buck transfixed.

“Eddie,” Buck murmurs, a quiet desperation coloring his tone. He's not sure, really, what he needs, but he knows what he wants, and he can't bring himself to deny Eddie when he's begging Buck to let him have him. 

Buck reaches out, gentle fingers curling around Eddie's neck, thumb petting delicately over the cut of Eddie's jaw. 

Eddie smiles. Fits his fingers around Buck's wrist, thumb pressing gently to the rapid pulse under his touch, and then shifts until he can press a kiss to that same spot. And it feels monumental—it shouldn't; it's just a small gesture, a sweet connection serving to ground them both, but Buck feels like his heart might burst at just how much adoration he finds in Eddie's touch.

“Can I?” Eddie whispers then, soft and sweet and sharp with want, his eyes wide and pleading as his lashes flutter up toward Buck, and Buck can't help the way his hips hitch just a bit—the slightest movement, but enough to tense Buck's thighs and turn Eddie's eyes dark with want. The nervous hope still there, but edged out by a desperate need Buck's never seen on Eddie before.

He thinks he likes it.

“Yeah,” Buck chokes out, eyes transfixed on Eddie, breath heaving as he tries to calm the molten heat running through his veins at the depth of desire in Eddie's eyes.

Eddie's gaze shifts, then, fingers hooking securely into Buck's boxers, giving a little tap with his thumb to get Buck lifting his hips enough for Eddie to drag them down his strong thighs and past his knees. They fumble a little along the way, Buck's too long legs interfering with the angle when Eddie refuses to move from where he's planted, too eager to get his hands on Buck. In the end, they manage, Eddie taking a poorly coordinated kick to the shoulder and Buck nearly rolling himself off the couch in his haste to shimmy out of the offending garment. Eddie grins and maybe giggles a little at the whole ordeal, and Buck does, too, laughter overtaking as Eddie reaches out to steady himself on Buck's bare knees while he resituates between them.

As their laughter subsides, Eddie's eyes still dance with adoration, and Buck is surprised with it when Eddie leverages himself up with hands firmly planted on Buck's knees, leaning in until Buck gets the picture and ducks down, catching Eddie's lips with his own.

They're not close enough to make it a proper kiss—just a sweet press of their open mouths, Eddie's tongue dipping forward for just the slightest taste before they're separating. But it's the kind of first kiss that leaves Buck trembling all the same. When Eddie pulls back, they're both grinning wide, and Eddie presses one more peck to Buck's lips just as he lets his fingers drag up the length of Buck's cock, delicate and teasing and tentative, and Buck can't help but break the kiss as his head falls back against the couch, desperate whine ripping out of him as Eddie's grin shifts into a joyful smirk, cocky with it as Buck ruts into his touch, seeking a pressure Eddie's not yet ready to give him.

“Shh,” Eddie hushes then, shifting back down to settle between Buck's legs. Buck whimpers again and Eddie shifts his touch to the insides of Buck's thighs, tickling the sensitive skin there with gentle fingers. “I wanna play for a minute, huh? Promise I'll make it worth the wait.”

Buck chokes on something that sounds vaguely like Eddie's name, then. Eyes pressing closed and breath stuttering as he tries to regain some semblance of control. His whole body feels tight, balanced on some precarious peak he's not sure how to navigate, but he wants. Doesn't think he's ever wanted anything as much as Eddie's touch now that he's had a taste of it.

For his part, Eddie's true to his word, fingers playing delicately over Buck's skin, a hint of curiosity beneath the confidence rolling off him. He's fascinated by every move Buck makes, every sounds that falls from his lips. 

Buck reaches out, runs his fingers over Eddie's cheek, just to feel the pull of his smile, and then Eddie's turning into him, pressing a kiss to Buck's fingertips as his hands slip up along the length of Buck's thighs, thumbs caressing the delicate skin closest where Buck needs him most only to skate higher to explore his chest. And Buck hates him a little bit for a moment, whining his displeasure as Eddie's hands splay wide across his ribs, pet over the muscle of his pecs, and then slide back down to skim over his sides, squeezing just enough to pinch when they settle on Buck's hips again, and he pouts—bottom lip protruding in the most obnoxiously childish way—and Eddie can't help but laugh. Can't reach Buck's lips again without more effort than he's willing, so instead, presses a wet kiss to the juncture of Buck's groin, hot breath ghosting over the length of him, and Buck's hips would be hitching up if not for the steady grip Eddie has on him. 

“Fuck,” Buck murmurs, mesmerized by Eddie's playful curiosity. The way he oozes confidence, even though Buck's not sure he's ever done anything like this before, and Buck's own curiosity gets the best of him, finds him forcing his eyes open wide and stuttering out “have you, uh, h-have you ever—” as he reaches to comb careful fingers through the mess of Eddie's hair.

“Never,” Eddie confirms, confidence holding in his tone. A hint of vulnerability in his eyes.

Buck blinks at that, something like awe blooming in his chest as he watches Eddie's eyes. Feels Eddie's fingers slide closer to slip around the length of him,  playing again for just a moment—touch too light to do much more than tease—until he's tightening his grip and stroking slow but firm.

Buck shudders with it, forces a breath through his nose as he tries to breathe through it without losing control. “Are you sure, Eddie?” Buck asks, all quiet concern, even with every nerve ending in his body drawn taught as he pets at Eddie's hair, lets his fingers linger. “I-I don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for.”

Eddie smiles at that—something bright and sweet and genuine, and Buck thinks he might die here beneath Eddie's capable hands. Thinks it might be the only way he wants to go when Eddie presses another kiss to the skin of his abs and then murmurs “think I've been ready for you since that first day.”

Buck's breath catches again. Damp tears suddenly clinging along the edges of his lashes. Buck chokes on a sob, lets his head fall back again just as Eddie dips back, that same sweet smile playing across his lips as he goes back to peppering kisses along the dips of Buck's abs and the skin of his belly, firm grip slowing with the distraction but keeping up enough rhythm to have Buck gasping his praise on a broken breath, a quiet “Eddie” forcing its way out of him as Eddie plays.

“I want to taste,” Eddie murmurs then, like he’s talking to himself, before he turns his eyes up at Buck and asks, all confidence and sweet curiosity, “Can I taste?” before dropping a kiss so close to the head of Buck's cock that his cheek drags gentle over the length of him.

Buck sobs. A desperate, drawn out thing, as he chokes out Eddie's name over and over, broken with awe and adoration. “Eddie. Eddie. E-eddie.”

Eddie grins, big and cocky, and Buck hates the way his dick jumps at that predatory smile. “Gotta tell me, bud,” Eddie tsks, fingers teasing along Buck's length. Circling him to stroke firm and steady. Mouth pressing wet kisses to the cut of Buck's groin.

“Y-yes,” Buck chokes, voice failing enough that he nods hard in affirmation, fingers dragging along Eddie's jaw to draw his attention, “please.”

“Good boy,” Eddie murmurs, almost to himself, and Buck whimpers. Lifts his hips just a touch, and he feels Eddie grin against his skin. 

Eddie shifts, ghosts his lips over Buck's skin, then presses a delicate kiss just below the head of him. Lifts the heft of Buck's cock away from where it rests on his belly, just enough to get his mouth on him properly, and then he's suckling at the head, tongue dipping into the slit, and Buck can feel the way Eddie's saliva pools around him.

Buck whines at the wet heat of it. Fingers scrambling for something to hold, but he doesn’t dare touch. Tries so hard to keep his hips from hitching. Remembers this is Eddie's first time—can feel it in the curious way Eddie's tongue twists around him, in the careful way he tries to dip lower, taking just the smallest bit at a time, keeping his fist wrapped loosely around Buck's length to help guide him.

But it's so fucking good, and Buck sobs with desperation as he tries to keep himself still. 

Feels Eddie smirk around his mouthful, and then pull off, pressing a kiss to Buck's belly with wet lips, before resting his chin there, eyes turning up to gaze at Buck, as he strokes his length, grip firm and sure. 

He makes the prettiest contrast—all sweet and quiet in the delicate look he turns up at Buck and absolutely obscene in the way he fists Buck's cock—and Buck can't help the way he chokes out Eddie's name again in a desperate plea, shaking with the effort to keep his hands to himself for fear of pushing.

Eddie's having none of it, though. Sees the tension in the way Buck's holding himself back. 

“You can touch,” Eddie assures him, confident and gentle—a tone he uses so easily with Buck that it makes his heart stutter sometimes.

“Don't—” Buck tries, breaks off on a gasp as Eddie twists his wrist just right “—don't wanna force you.”

Eddie lets out a breath that sounds like a chuckle, air ghosting over the most sensitive parts of Buck and making him shiver. “You're not forcing anything, sweetheart.”

Buck shakes his head, tries to regain some semblance of rational thought. “Don't wanna get carried away. Want you to be in control.”

“I'm not gonna break,” Eddie insists.

And Buck blinks hard. Tries to form words. Notices the way Eddie slows his strokes and loosens his grip to give Buck a moment of relief. Buck loves him and hates it all the same. Thrusts carefully into Eddie's fist and notices the fond smile that calls to Eddie's mouth. Like he’s trying not to burst with joy at catching Buck so sweetly vulnerable.

“It's your first time,” Buck pleads, because he wants so badly to touch, but he's also so afraid of pushing Eddie too far too fast.

“You can touch,” Eddie repeats, all gentle voice and delicate smile. “You're not gonna break me, Buck. I trust you. With all of me.”

Buck swallows hard at that. Breathes out through his nose to try to keep his emotion in check. “Yeah?” Buck confirms again, all big eyes he knows Eddie can't resist.

Eddie smiles again, fond and adoring, as he uses his free hand to twine his fingers with Buck's. Drags Buck's hand close and then gives it a squeeze and lets him go. Gets a hand back on his hip and pets at his waist, digs his fingers in just a little to stake his claim, and Buck thinks he might die for it.

Buck, tentative as he is, reaches out to twine his fingers through Eddie's hair. Lets one hand fall to the curve of Eddie's neck, thumb tracing the cut of Eddie's jaw and the swell of his lips. Holds on as Eddie smiles again, a little predatory this time, and then shifts to get his mouth back around Buck. Moans low as the taste of precome that hits his tongue and squeezes Buck's hip in encouragement when Buck lets them lift in desperation. 

Buck doesn't let himself get carried away, but god, he's never felt anything quite like what Eddie's giving him. Tugs just a little at Eddie's hair, an experiment that earns another groan from Eddie and has him forcing himself down a little too far, until his throat spasms and he's pulling back to where he can breathe through it. Eddie keeps the tip in his mouth, suckles at it and keeps his tongue moving even as he recovers.

“God, you're beautiful.” The words slip out, full of a kind of reverence Buck's not sure he's ever felt before, and they have Eddie tilting his eyes up, letting loose a shivering breath that Buck can see is all a response to his words—a moment of vulnerability that maybe shouldn't be so impactful, considering, but it is, and Buck feels a little like he’s flying and also maybe like he’s dying from it. Doesn't understand this feeling or the way it centers around Eddie, Eddie, Eddie. It's not the sex. Not the moments of prolonged pleasure or the heat of their bodies or even the feel of Eddie's mouth around him. It's the delicate look of adoration in those eyes, the sweet way Eddie's taking control and guiding them because he knows Buck can't. It feels something like love in a way Buck's never known it, and he thinks he might die to keep it.

Eddie takes Buck deeper again, moans around Buck's length when Buck's fingers tighten just a hint in his hair at the feel of him. Eddie's a little more careful this time, strokes firmly at what he can't take and swallows around what he can as Buck leaks on his tongue. 

“Eddie,” Buck gasps, tugging a little at his hair, and letting a hand fall lower to grip at Eddie's shoulder just to touch because he's so fucking overwhelmed with it. Eddie hums around him, and Buck's choking on his breath. Warns, “I'm so close, Eddie. Eddie. E-eddie, I'm gonna come. Eddie.”

Buck's orgasm takes Eddie by surprise, even with the warning. He sputters for a moment, pulls back until just the tip of Buck's cock remains closed between his lips, and swallows around him, dragging a desperate groan out of Buck as his fingers scramble out of Eddie's hair, hands drifting to frame his cheeks.

“Fuck, Eddie,” Buck gasps, breath coming hard as he strokes at Eddie's jaw, presses at the hinge of it until Eddie gets the message. Meets Buck's gaze with his own, eyes tearing with the effort as he lets his mouth fall open, just enough that Buck can watch the rest of his release pool across Eddie's tongue. 

Eddie stays still for him. Lets Buck drag exploring fingers over his skin, his hair, his lips. And Buck can't help the way he whimpers when Eddie smiles, open mouthed, kitten licks at the head of Buck's cock, careful not to spill the mess on his tongue, and then closes his lips around the head, suckles gently, and swallows.

Buck moans, low and loud, and squirms at the overstimulation. Tugs gently at Eddie's hair.

Eddie lets him go, strokes gently once, twice more, just to hear the shuddering breath it forces out of Buck, and then lets Buck's softening cock rest against the cut of his groin. Lets his hands stray to massage at Buck's hips and thighs as they come down from the high.

When Eddie looks up at him again, eyes big and sweet and wet, Buck nearly loses his breath all over again. There's a bit of white clinging to the corner of Eddie's mouth, remnants of Buck's release offering a stark reminder that this was anything—everything—but a dream, and Buck can't help the way his breath stutters to a stop as he reaches down to cup Eddie's chin in his palm, Eddie nuzzling into him. Buck's thumb strokes absent-mindedly over Eddie's cheek for a moment as Eddie lets his eyes fall closed, and Buck—still transfixed on that streak of white—finds himself skating his thumb closer, catching the milky substance and pushing it past Eddie's lips. For his part, Eddie opens his eyes, meets Buck's own, a little smirk of mischief dancing in his gaze as he parts his lips just enough to suck Buck's thumb into his mouth, tongue twisting delicately around the soft flesh of Buck's fingertip as he cleans away any remnants of Buck's release, moaning low in his throat as he swallows around him.

“Fuck, Eddie, come here,” Buck murmurs desperately, tugging gently at Eddie's chin, thumb still trapped between Eddie's lips. 

Buck fumbles a bit hauling Eddie up and over him, shifting until they both fit onto the couch, Buck's leg hiked up against the couch back, other foot planted firmly on the floor, so he can drag Eddie between his spread thighs. Before they're even settled, Eddie's grabbing harshly at Buck's chin, so he can get his lips on Buck's, and Buck is reduced to desperate whimpers that Eddie swallows down around a smile.

It's fucking intoxicating.

“Off,” Buck begs, muffled against Eddie's mouth, as he shoves at Eddie's shirt, tucking one hand up underneath it to get to Eddie's bare skin as the other dips below the waistband of Eddie's underwear, just enough to tease. Eddie grins, desperate and wild, teeth catching Buck's lip as he shoves into Buck's touch, Buck's mouth open and pliant as he groans low and holds tight to Eddie. In answer, Eddie tugs at the material of his shirt one handed, too preoccupied with Buck's mouth to dip back and unbutton properly. He doesn't get far, the buttons refusing to give in his haste, much to Buck's dismay. Buck huffs in frustration, shoving the material up Eddie's chest, another irritated “off” growled out into Eddie's mouth, teeth catching sharp on Eddie's bottom lip. 

Eddie smiles, lets a happy laugh slip as he reaches up to drag a teasing finger down Buck's cheek before pulling his mouth away just long enough to tug the offending fabric up over his head. Buck latches onto Eddie's throat the moment it's bared, purring out his satisfaction at the newly exposed skin as he sucks a mark into a spot that makes Eddie squirm.

“Buck,” Eddie breathes, a hot rush of breath tickling Buck's curls as Eddie sinks his fingers in and holds him tight, elbows pressing into Buck's shoulders.

Buck grins against his neck and slides an arm around Eddie's back, the fingers still tucked in Eddie's waistband petting teasingly over the soft skin at his hip. Tugs back and away just far enough to break Eddie's hold and shift up, breath whisper-quiet at Eddie's ear as he murmurs “tell me what you want, Eddie,” all confident swagger, even as his belly fills with butterflies—a delicate mix of nerves and desperation at the thought of getting his hands on Eddie, maybe even a little more eager than he was to have Eddie's hands on him.

Eddie whimpers. A needy little sound that Eddie tucks into Buck's neck, ghosting a delicate kiss there. “Touch me,” he begs, hips shifting just right to have Buck's fingertips slipping just a little lower.

Buck smirks at that, tugging Eddie close enough to feel the hard ridge of him pressed to Buck's belly, and Buck shivers at the all too real reminder that they're actually here. That Eddie's open and willing and wanting Buck. And for a moment it gives him pause—has him catching his breath with the reality of it all.

And when Eddie tilts his chin back, eyes finding Buck's as he smiles—all joy and adoration—and then presses another kiss to the corner of Buck's mouth, murmured devotion lost in its wake, Buck can't help but claim Eddie's mouth for his. Kisses Eddie sweet and slow as he shifts to shimmy Eddie's briefs down, just enough to get a hand on him, and then Eddie's mouth is falling open against Buck's, a sweet whine pitched high as Buck starts to tease, touch featherlight as he drags his fingertips up Eddie's shaft.

“Tease,” Eddie accuses, tugging away from Buck's mouth just the slightest bit, breath harsh as he presses into Buck's touch, begging with all he has when words fail him.

Buck lets a slow smirk slip over his mouth, kisses at Eddie's jaw. “So desperate for me,” almost a whisper, but cocky enough to have Eddie whining in answer again. “You want more, baby?”

Eddie blinks hard, breath stuttering as he tucks his face into Buck's neck and sobs when Buck, instead of waiting for an answer, wraps his fingers tight around Eddie's cock and strokes slow. The pressure just right to have Eddie squirming and thrusting up into Buck's fist, trying to gain some kind of control over Buck's pace. Buck stills him, wrapping his free arm tight around Eddie's waist and pressing him down against Buck's thighs to immobilize him as best he can. Kisses the shell of Eddie's ear when he hears Eddie whimper a quiet “please,” and squeezes at Eddie's hip to calm him.

“Wanna take my time with you,” Buck admits, the cocky swagger in his tone faltering and falling into something a little sweeter and a little softer that gives away the edge of fear that this is all he'll have. 

He hates himself a little bit for letting the facade fall when he feels Eddie still, body shaking with the effort, as he shifts back, hands reaching to frame Buck's face, fingers gentle as they fan over his cheeks. Buck feels his eyes dampen with emotion again as Eddie studies his features, taking in the worried downturn of his mouth and the furrow of his brow.

And then Eddie's leaning in, pressing a delicate kiss to the pink of Buck's birthmark, and Buck can't stop the lone tear that tracks down his cheek. Eddie, breath still calming, gives him another sweet smile and wipes away the evidence with a gentle sweep of his thumb. “Next time,” he murmurs, all full of promise, shifting to peck at Buck's lips, “you can take your time with me next time.”

Buck's breath catches at that, eyes big and hopeful. “Y-yeah?”

Eddie smiles, bright and happy and kisses Buck hard and sweet. “Yeah,” he promises, all fond joy. Buck nods his acceptance, squeezing Eddie's hip and refocusing on the job at hand, giving Eddie another experimental stroke just to tease him, and Eddie shakes in his arms and whimpers, letting his forehead fall against Buck's.

“Yeah?” Buck asks again, tone shifting, cocky smirk finding its way back onto his lips.

“Yes,” Eddie hisses, arms falling back to frame Buck's shoulders, hands sinking up into his curls. “Now, can you please make me come? I'm so fucking close and you're so good. Just. Please. Buck.”

Buck doesn't make him wait. Swipes his thumb over the head of Eddie's cock, just to tease, and then picks up a steady rhythm, stroking with a firm grip. Eddie groans, tugs at Buck's hair, and drags Buck's mouth down to the crook of his neck. Buck takes the hint, mouth turning up into a grin against Eddie's skin as he bites gently at the muscle there and then soothes the sting with his tongue. Sucks at Eddie's skin until Eddie's choking on a moan, crushing Buck closer and clutching hard at his curls, a broken “Bu-uck” ripping from his lips as Buck twists his wrist just right.

“Yeah,” Buck mumbles, prying his mouth away against the force of Eddie's grip. Kisses the shell of his ear, the hinge of his jaw, the corner of his lips. “Eddie. Come for me.”

Eddie chokes on a groan, leans in to catch Buck's mouth in a desperate kiss as he loses control, body thrusting up into Buck's touch as his orgasm crashes through him. Leaves him panting and whining against Buck's lips as Buck works him through it, touch shifting from firm to gentle as Eddie shakes in his arms.

As Eddie comes down from the high of it all, he shifts until he's resting against Buck, face tucked into Buck's neck as his breathing evens out and his heartbeat returns to some semblance of normal.

Buck smiles, pressing delicate kisses to Eddie's temple and petting a hand through his hair, gentle touch soothing in the afterglow.

“Made a mess of you,” Eddie murmurs after long moments of quiet, eyes transfixed on the pool of come on Buck's bare chest, fingers reaching to slide through the remnants of his release. Buck's eyes track the movement, watching, transfixed, as Eddie scrapes what he can onto two long fingers.

When Eddie draws his hand away, Buck can't help himself from reaching out to catch his wrist. Draws Eddie’s fingers into his mouth and sucks them clean. Leaves Eddie blinking in surprise and breathing a little heavier at the twist of Buck's tongue.

“Fuck,” Eddie murmurs, all awe and heat, as Buck pulls away.

Buck smirks up at him, laves his tongue around the tips of Eddie's fingers one last time. “Needed a taste,” Buck flirts, voice pitched low, “till I can get my mouth on you properly. Next time.”

Eddie can't hold back the laugh that bursts from his chest at that, joy overflowing as he dips down to lick the taste of himself from Buck's mouth, Buck smiling against his lips the whole way.

“Keep it up,” Eddie threatens, all sexy playful swagger as he draws back just a breath, “and next time might come sooner than you think.”

“Mmm,” Buck hums, pressing another sweet kiss to Eddie's lips, drawing Eddie down tighter against his chest, “promises, promises.”

Eddie's eyes soften, take on that sweet quality Buck's seen for years but never really noticed like he is in this moment. Feels his breath catch as Eddie reaches up to push the sweaty curls back away from Buck's eyes and holds his gaze.

“Have lots of promises for you,” Eddie entrusts, delicate smile betraying an adoration Buck's not sure he's worthy of. “Plan to keep ‘em all.”

Buck's breath catches again, eyes shining with emotion at just how big all of this feels. At just how deep his feelings for Eddie run.

He nods. A quiet affirmation that he plans to let Eddie offer them all. That he understands the weight of everything they are and everything he thinks they will be.

But he can't speak the words yet—everything too deep and too raw and too fresh. His mind a mess of adoration and joy, but also a tangle of confusion and fear alongside the hope.

So he doesn't speak it yet.

Instead, tucks Eddie against his chest. Takes his weight. Wraps him tight in his arms and holds on.

Eddie clings just as tight.

—

[caoimhewritesfics]

First Sight

How TF 141 + König react when meeting you for the first time

CW: canon typical mentions of injury/combat

WC: 831

Ghost hides his reaction effortlessly. The balaclava makes it easy. He's not one for romance or any form of relationship but he's intrigued by you. His eyes don't leave you for the entire conversation. He stares unblinking at you as you talk and interact with the team. He hardly says a word to you besides a few gruff words and grumbles. He would chalk it up to analyzing you or deciding if he can trust you if anyone was to ask but really he just likes looking at you. He won't admit that to himself... yet.

König meets you on a mission. You're the enemy... or at least you're supposed to be. He's ready to fight, and he knows he would win even with the bullet in his side. For some reason, one he can not even figure out himself, he just stares up at you as you stand over him. You weren't the one to injure him. It was your partner who's now incapacitated on the ground. He doesn't understand why you won't just take him out right here or as to why he won't get up to fight you. When you kneel down and reach out for him, bandages in hand he draws his knife. Although, he knows he won't use it. He finds himself putting the knife down as you shoot him a stern look and begin to bandage him up. "Was machst du?" He asks in a pained voice. "Helping... König" You reply and glance up at his masked face. His eyes widen in surprise as you say his name. How did you know? He'll have to ask you when you both get out of here.

Price sees you across the bar on a night out with his men. He's immediately struck by you. He's never seen anyone so attractive. Price doesn't date much, never having time or simply not caring at this point in his life but he can't help but approach you. He cuts Soap off mid sentence as he stands and strides over. You glance up at him with a smile that doesn’t just light up your face but somehow makes the entire room feel warmer. For a second, Price wonders if he’s said something ridiculous and didn't realize it. He feels his chest tighten as your eyes meet. "You’re staring, soldier," you tease lightly, a glimmer of mischief in your eyes, but the hint of softness in your voice tells him you're not just playing. Whatever he's feeling for you, you feel it too. Price clears his throat, trying to regain the edge of composure he's used to carrying. “Aye, just... wasn’t expecting you to be quite so... captivating.”

Gaz hears the sound of your keys scraping against the door handle echoing in the otherwise quiet hallway as you unlock your new apartment. You had just moved all your things into the usually vacant apartment right beside his. He stands there for a second just observing you. You look over at him and give him a polite, neighborly smile. He smiles right back, always the gentleman. For a brief moment, Kyle considers just walking away. It’s late, after all, and you probably have a thousand things to unpack. But there's something about your presence that keeps him glued in his spot in the hallway. He only looks away when your door closes. The next day you hear a knock at the door. When you open the door, Kyle is standing there. "Need a hand with anything?" Kyle asks, the words leaving his mouth almost before he realizes it. "I'm Kyle. I'm in the flat next door... number 208" He smiles and extends his hand. "Oh yeah... the man who was staring at me ominously last night" You chuckle as you shake his hand. He already knows he's going to really like you.

Soap is standing in the brightly lit aisle in the grocery store, browsing the different types of ramen. He never understood why there were so many. He feels a presence beside him, he turns to see you standing there, just as lost as him. “D’you have a favorite?” he asked, his voice warm, laced with a Scottish accent that immediately made you pause. You laughed lightly. “I usually just grab the cheapest one, but now I’m thinking I might want to actually enjoy it tonight.” He smirks and chuckles. His eyes drift to your clothing, taking you in. As his gaze lingered, he found himself a little too curious—wondering if you always got so caught up in small decisions, or if this was a one-off moment, like him. He has a desire to get to know you despite you having said very little to him. He moves slightly closer, smile on his face. "I heard there's a new ramen place just down the street. Maybe I should take you there instead. Maybe the choice will be easier" He looks at you, hoping you will take him up on his offer.

[6rookie-writer0110]

Magic that isn’t black

Wednesday Addams X Male Reader

Request; Wednesday addams x male reader( reader based on a mix of sanguinius from warhammer 40k and imperius from diablo). The reader has angelic powers with foresight and a master combatant with a spear. He isn't intimidated of her like everyone else but is fascinated that he can't see her future.

Wednesday goes to fencing class and she watches everyone. She doesn't see everyone as a strong opponent. She noticed you and you beat two different fencers. She walks towards you and you stare at her and you take off the mask.

“I want to challenge you,” Wednesday said.

“I don't think that is a good idea. No one has ever beaten him and he has a perfect record” Ajax said.

“You want to challenge me?” You laughed.

“I would like to invoke a military challenge,” Wednesday said.

“You can't be serious,” You said.

“No mask, no tips. The winner draws first blood,” Wednesday said.

“It’s your choice, Y/n” Coach Vlad said.

“Fine,” You said.

You and Wednesday get ready and she attacked first. But you managed to block her attack, everyone is watching the fight. You and Wednesday are moving fast and the coach is impressed. You go lower to stab her but she manages to kick your right hand.

“I thought you were the best,” Wednesday said.

“Oh, I am,” You said.

You and Wednesday continue to fight. You jumped over her and poked her in the back. Then she turns around and you smirked at her. She starts to attack but you start to dodge her attack, but she gets you close to the wall then she goes lower and pokes you in the chest.

“The score is even,” Coach Vlad said.

You throw the spear away.

“Had enough?” Wednesday asked.

You used your magic to summon a special spear.

“Still want to fight?” You asked.

You and Wednesday continued to fight. But you and Wednesday didn't manage to get another point, then coach Vlad said to stop. You and Wednesday are breathing very hard.

——-

You started to notice Wednesday around school more. You have been hearing rumors about her but you don't believe it.

“Hey Y/n” Enid smiled.

She tapped your shoulder then you saw her future. Then you turned around and smiled at her.

“Hey Enid,” You said.

“Can I borrow your notes from Mrs. Thornhill's class?” Enid asked.

“Sure, but I have to bring it to you later because I don't have my notebook,” You said.

“Okay, bring it later. I have a date with Ajax” Enid smiled.

“That’s cool,” You said.

She walks away and you head to your dorm room.

Later, Enid is in her dorm room talking to Wednesday. Wednesday was playing on the cello but Enid is excited about her date with Ajax. You knock on the door and she goes to open it, and she lets you inside the room.

“Enid, here is my notebook from class,” You said.

“Thanks. I hope I can pass the exam next week” Enid said.

“Oh, Enid for the Poe Cup race you are going to lose again,” You said.

“How did you know?” Enid asked.

“When you tapped me on the shoulder, I saw the future. You still can beat her but you need a plan” You said.

“You get visions?” Wednesday asked.

“Yes, I get visions because of my angelic powers. I can do other stuff not just see the future” You said.

“Tell me what did you see,” Enid said.

You told her what she has to do and Wednesday isn't happy about it. You told her it's the only way to beat Bianca and Xavier. Before you leave you look at Wednesday.

“Wednesday, you were flat playing the cello,” You said.

“Excuse me?” Wednesday asked.

“You were flat playing note G,” You said.

“What makes you an expert?” Wednesday asked.

“I have been taught how to play the cello since I was small by Gautier Capuçon,” You said cockly.

“Who is that?” Enid asked.

“He is one of the best French cellists,” Wednesday said.

You used your magic and made a cello appear. Then Wednesday grabbed her cello and she got ready.

“I’m leaving, I'm going to hang out with Yoko,” Enid said.

Enid left the room. Now, you and Wednesday challenged each other to play the cello.

✬ ✬ ✯ ✯

You started to develop a crush on Wednesday. You find it interesting that you can't see her future like everyone else. You wonder if she would like you back. You asked Enid if she was dating and she said no, now you figure you might have a chance with Wednesday.

“What do you know about Y/n,” Wednesday said.

“Do you know about the war of good and evil?” Enid asked.

“Yes, I know about it, why?” Wednesday said.

“That was his family in the war, both sides. But he is nice to me and I like him. Oh, and he does help me in class when you can't help me study for Mrs. Thornhill's exams” Enid said.

Later, Principal Weems made everyone volunteer at Pilgrim World. You and everyone else is dressed as a pilgrim. Principal Weems made you and Wednesday work together at the pastry shop.

Wednesday is handing out free samples. But you hear her talk in German, and you're impressed with her German. The tourists weren't happy when Wednesday talked about the dark side of pilgrims. They walk away and you grab a free sample. You start to talk in German

“You know German?” Wednesday asked.

“Ja” You smiled. (Means ‘yes’)

“Seems, you can handle this. I have to do something” Wednesday said.

She gives you the tray.

“Wait!” You said.

She leaves the shop. She was heading to the bookstore, but she stopped to defend Eugene. You leave the shop because the manager said it was your break time. But you see Eugene and Wednesday go inside the book store which was closed. But she picked lock the door and went inside, then you followed inside.

“What are you doing here?” Eugene asked.

“I can ask the same for you and Wednesday,” You said.

Wednesday ignores you and starts to look for the book.

“I’m looking for a book called Codex Umbrarum,” Wednesday said.

“Why?” You asked.

“You ask too many questions,” Wednesday said.

“Well, the book isn't here. If you find it then it's a fake” You said.

“Did you have a vision when I gave you the tray of samples?” Wednesday asked.

“No. I can't see your future, something blocking me from seeing” You said.

“Y/n is a sanguinius and Imperius meaning he can sense old ancient books or items like a GPS,” Eugene said.

“Yeah, what he said,” You said.

“You are useful after all” Wednesday said.

“I don't know if I should be offended by what you said,” You said.

Wednesday did find the book and you were right.

——-

After Pilgrim World, you have been helping Wednesday on her adventures. You still can't see her future and you are always impressed at what she does. You are not the one to break the rules but for Wednesday you will help her with anything she needs.

Wednesday won't admit that she likes having you around. She would ask questions about your family, which you don't talk about much.

You wait for her in the alley. Wednesday escaped from therapy and got on the motorcycle, and she told you where to drive.

“Where did you get the motorcycle?” Wednesday asked.

“I kinda borrowed it,” You said.

“Amateur,” Wednesday said.

You took to the mayor’s house. You think it's a bad idea but she doesn't care if it's a good or bad idea. You follow her inside the house but you accidentally bump into her. Then she gets a vision about you, she saw you get stabbed by the Hyde.

“Sorry, I didn't notice the crack on the floor,” You said.

“Stay away from me,” Wednesday said.

“What? I said I was sorry, Wednesday” You said.

“Just leave, I can do this on my own. You are slowing me down like always” Wednesday said.

“What is wrong with you?” You asked.

“Just, stay away from me!” Wednesday said.

“Fine!” You yelled.

You walk away and get back on the motorcycle. She didn't want you to get hurt and she didn't want to worry you.

——-

It's late at night and you haven't spoken to Wednesday. But you bumped into Enid, you caught sneaking out. But you promised not to tell Principal Weems. You get a vision of Enid and Wednesday being chased by the Hyde. But she already left before you got a chance to tell her.

“Fuck” You mumbled.

You used your magic to teleport to the house. You run towards the house and you see Enid and Wednesday.

“I got here in time. We have to go now, Hyde is going to kill you two!” You yelled.

“I know! But Wednesday lied to me!” Enid yelled.

“I have to go back and get Tyler!” Wednesday said.

She starts to run back.

“Wednesday!” You and Enid yelled.

You start to go after her but the Hyde is running towards her. You summoned your sword and shield, the girls watched you fight the Hyde. You start to fight and you manage to attack Hyde but he grabs the shield and throws it away. You keep fighting and you cut Hyde’s arm and it's a deep wound. The Hyde falls down and you run towards the girls.

“We have to leave now!” You yelled.

“I can't leave Tyler alone!” Wednesday yelled.

“So what!? You and Enid are my friends, not him” You said.

But suddenly Hyde stabbed you in the back. His claws go through your stomach and you start to cough up blood.

“Y/n!” Enid yelled.

You used your magic to teleport the girls somewhere safe. You turned around and stabbed the Hyde in the stomach and pushed the sword deeper. The Hyde starts to run away and you fall down to the ground. You cough up more blood and your vision is a blur. But you passed out, Enid ran to Principal Weems and told her what happened to you. Principal Weems got help and they went to save you. Enid argued with Wednesday and she moved out of the dorm room. Principal Weems took you to the hospital.

✬ ✬ ✯ ✯

A few days later… Enid is still angry at Wednesday. But Wednesday went to the hospital and she stands next to your side, you are still sleeping. She gently holds your hand but doesn't get a vision.

“Everyone at school misses you. Enid is still not talking to me but she misses you. You better not leave me because we have unfinished business to do. I'm sorry, Y/n… but if you do leave I will find a way to haunt you as a ghost” Wednesday said.

Wednesday still went to see you every day, even when you were unconscious. She would talk for a few minutes and then leave. Enid and Eugene would come to visit you, but Wednesday would go alone to see you. Today, you woke up and you are feeling extremely sore and you are feeling some pain.

“Wednesday, you came,” You said.

“Y/n, I'm sorry for what I said and I'm sorry you got hurt,” Wednesday said.

“I forgive you. But you could have told me the truth, I'm not a little boy that has to be in a bubble” You said.

“How are you feeling?” Wednesday asked.

“Sore and I'm in pain, but the medicine is helping,” You said.

“Good,” Wednesday said.

She stayed for a little while then she disappeared. But you felt happy when she went to visit you.

———

The school was under attack and you left the hospital. You are fighting Joseph Crackstone and he can see that you are feeling weak. But before he can attack with his staff, Wednesday uses her bow and arrow to attack him. You get out of the way and she runs towards you.

“Are you okay?” Wednesday asked

“Now we are even” You smirked.

She kissed you on the lips and you didn't expect that. Then you help her fight Joseph Crackstone.

✬ ✬ ✯ ✯

You and Wednesday are dating in secret. But Enid did catch you and Wednesday kissing each other, but she threatened Enid not to tell anyone. Today is Wednesday’s birthday and you surprised her with a gift.

“Do you like it? I got your name engraved” You said.

Her old typewriter broke when the school was attacked. You bought her a gothic typewriter

“You don't have bad taste, Y/n,” Wednesday said.

“Thank you. I knew you would like it. Happy birthday, Wednesday” You smiled.

You sit next to Wednesday on the bed, she kissed you on the lips. You start to kiss her back and she holds your hand.

[kryptiq-kreachur]

Do you have tips on uploading trad art to tumblr and not having it look scuffed as all hell 😭😭😭 your art looks great pls share your secrets

Aaaa, thank you! I actually decided to shift my focus back to traditional art very recently and it means a lot to hear that ;; I hope this helps you and anyone else with similar questions!!

So I have two methods that I usually rely on when capturing my traditional art. The first one is kind of limited, but it is faster and more accessible. For these demonstrations, I'm going to use a colored sketch of my OC, Brinley. Step One: Taking Your Photo! All you'll need for the first method is your phone. What you want to do first is to find an area with nice, even lighting- the less warm, the less you'll have to correct later, so the closer to daylight, the better. In fact, using the light outside is a great way to capture your art! Note: If you are in a place with very cool lighting you will also have to correct the colors, but in my experience, cooler light is easier to work with. Position your artwork so it's illuminated with the light source directly in front of you. If it is behind you, it will be harder to get your shadow out of the shot. The spot I was in had my light source behind me, so my arm covered it a bit.

I repositioned myself to a spot with the light source in front of me instead, and I was able to get a nicer shot.

Keep your phone as level as possible over your drawing, and as close as possible without your phone going out of focus.

And now the first step is done! Step Two: Editing Your Photo! This is where everything starts to come together! Firstly, crop your drawing to your preference. I try to keep the negative space around my art as even as possible. IPhones have a handy feature where you can choose an even aspect ratio, so that will help keep things simpler if you want. Next, all you have to do is mess with the settings until you get it how you want it to look. Filters can help it to look more cohesive. I like to keep the art close by me to reference so I can get it to look as close to real life as possible. Note: black and white art is the easiest to edit due to the high contrast. Finished! Congrats! Your art is ready to post! Here's what my sketch looked like after I added a vivid filter and then messed with the settings.

The second method can be a bit more difficult, but the results always look better than just taking a photo. What you'll need is a computer (I think you can also use an ipad- any device will work as long as it can connect to the scanner), a scanner and any art/photo editing software. Step One: Scanning! The scanner I use is technically used for office work, but can be used to scan photos, therefore the quality is very much in the middle. There are scanners that are used purely for scanning high quality images of art and photography that will produce much better results on the initial scan, but this works just fine! There are also stores and other places where you can scan your work even if you don't own a scanner. First, make sure your art is as flat as possible and in the middle of the scanning bed. It doesn't have to be perfectly straight as it can be edited later, but if it isn't flat or it's on the edge of the bed, it will end up blurry in some areas or completely cut off. After that, go to your device and set the resolution to at least 300 dpi to guarantee a high quality scan, and then begin. This is what my sketch looked like after the initial scan.

Now we can move onto the next step! Step Two: Editing! You may have noticed that the colors are very washed out- scanners that aren't optimized for art and photos tend to do this, but with some editing, it'll look great! After opening it in CSP and selecting a canvas size, it's ready to edit! Note: Opening the image directly will automatically set the document's dpi to 72. Idk if that's a constant for other programs, but this means the overall image quality will be very low, so the picture has to be imported into a higher quality document with dpi set to 300 manually. I usually just copy and paste it into another document. Level correction is your friend! That's the correction layer I use the most when editing and it does the most heavy lifting, usually. After that, I sometimes edit the saturation. Since this is a digital method, you can edit your drawing however you want! You can fix some mistakes this way, or completely change things. There were notes and a sketch next to this drawing that i didn't want, so i painted over them with white- since i edited the level correction to up the exposure, the painted areas are indistinguishable from the background. Finally, I add either a gradient map for cohesion or fiddle with the tone curve until I'm happy with the final product. Once again, I like to keep the original art next to me while I'm editing for reference. (And then after that I might add a noise filter or some other effect, LMAO) Finished!! And now you have your scanned art!

These are all the editing layers I used!

Like with anything, trial and error are very important! You'll get better at editing art over time, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't look like you wanted it to the first time. Thank you for the ask, bye!!!!!!!

[yuseirra]

***Onk spoilers***

Vague spoilers alert but I have no idea what actually happens myself yet either. I have little idea of what happens in the last chapter but uh. I'm just getting the idea that nothing really happened. Why am I unamused...

I mean... The clues have been already there in the songs. AND within their OWN story. They should use it. I'm actually worried. Oh but there is no way huh? But why were those things there then??? What was this story trying to accomplish and say through its writings?

I'm really going to believe in my theory in an earnest sense, this story DOES NOT WORK unless that's how it is. There must be a reason why the anime team announced a third season because it WILL NOT SELL if nothing gets resolved. Who'd.. Watch and buy knowing the ending is like this? Anime prodctions are COSTLY and it takes a lot of effort. Aren't they the studio which animated gekkan shoujo nozaki kun and it STILL didn't get another season(I never watched it but I heard it was really good-) then this piece must have a point, right? Some insight to give out?

I can still manage to draw things if things are a status quo because it's NOT the worst scenario for me(aka: if it's still AMBIGUOUS that Kamiki's the one that's harmed Ai if that's still going to be how it is BECAUSE, I DON'T THINK HE'S THE ONE WHO TRIED TO HURT HER! I'M GOING TO BELIEVE HIM HAVING SAID WHAT HE SAID ABOUT AI!! THAT HE NEVER WANTED TO HURT ANYONE BUT JUST WANTED TO SEND A BOUQUET!) but they SHOULDN'T KEEP IT THAT WAY TILL THE VERY END. or do they? Is Kamiki sooo evil? What the heck??

This piece doesn't deserve an underwhelming finale. I genuinely wanted it to be good, so that's why I feel so baffled and startled.. And really sad over it,

I'm going to believe in what I think it is. How isn't THAT it? I think that's really what's been going on;

Like...it hasn't been refuted once hasn't it? How CAN Hikaru do all these stuff? That guy is the black star god. It does all add up. Where do these stars come from, what are they doing in people's eyes. Why was his company's name EYES. He be goin around collecting pieces of his girlfriend THAT'S WHAT, they gave two songs to this guy. Do something about it omygod. I see it actually being a pretty decent story, if it is but they still'd need to bring Aqua back.

I'm just going to...believe in this. Then I can understand and figure out just what this piece was supposed to make out. But if they really just.. Define the dad as the serial killer and blame him for every single bad thing that's happened in this piece as the mastermind(even if it's so, he's NOT WRITTEN WELL TO BE LIKE THAT) then this piece doesn't deserve to have a place to talk about the nature of the industry!!

Oh 154 was my favorite chapter!! I wish it had some kind of meaning to it. I really liked it. Because it had me open my eyes and realize that they can't build a character like Kamiki and make him into a flat-out monster. I was ready to take him as one if they were going to before that but the more I thought of it, I understood it's so rude. It's hazardous to the message. I recognized of it that point or so I thought, so I had an idea that this piece was going to be turn out to be really clever and pretty meaningful.

I can draw a better ending, I'll do it before I move on if I have my love left upon reading the final chapter because this piece had its charms. If.. I'm too lost or lose my passion then.. That's such a shame. It's not something I can control. I never want my love to dissipate myself so let's see how it goes.

Also, Kana does not deserve any of what's been happening to her after the helfway mark of the story, I feel so bad about how they used her character because I find her really precious. As much as the other girls of this series. Since Aqua and her feelings were mutual, it'd have been great if they could be happy with each other.

I really care for Kamiki...ugh.. At this point, can I say I've ACTUALLY been writing him more carefully than the authors themselves(but the songs were so good???? Weren't THOSE intentional? Written with intent~~???) I just...I'm going to give him justice as a character. I refuse to have him take all the blame and I'm really not convinced(unless the last chapter somehow does it for me) BUT AQUA COULD'VE JUST DUNKED THE DAD AND WENT TO JAIL. Just stay a few years there and reunite with everyone right?? The reason why I think he COULDN'T have done that's because Kamiki's something that cannot be constricted with human laws. It really seems like it. How else would this guy "ruin Ruby's future". He really doesn't do ANYTHING. Just him standing there could bring havoc because he's a broken god, I swear that has to be it and why Aqua had felt the need to give his life because!! They say Aqua wanted to live right!!I SAY THIS OVER AND OVER BUT HIS DAD HE TRYIN TO KILL TOLD HIM TO LIVE TOO but he had to go through with it because the man's too broken and became a walking disaster!

Aqua had a "mission" assigned from the gods!! He kept talking about it you know?? So gods ARE involved. They have to explain what that is about-

Okay.

I'm.. Really sure what I made out earlier should be... Right. If they do end up making things vague?? Then this might as well really be it. It holds everything together but why do I have to do the work without the piece telling me about it?

If all things remain pretty much status quo in the last ep, I'm sure I'm..just right. Or this piece is beyond saving, I don't mean it in a sarcastic way at all. I just won't understand what it is.

[stargazer-sims]

The Art of Redemption

(part 11)

previous // next // story index

—————

Beth-Anne wakes up screaming.

Nikolai is jarred out of the best non-medicated sleep he's had in over a month, and he's momentarily confused because his brain can't determine whether the noise is real or part of a dream. With his heart thumping a bit too rapidly, he draws in a long, steadying breath. He opens his eyes and remembers that he's at Stan's place and that he and Beth-Anne had fallen asleep together.

When he rolls over, he discovers her sitting up with her palm pressed flat against her chest. They'd forgotten to close the curtains all the way, and in the dim illumination filtering in from outside, he thinks he can see tears on her face. She's breathing fast, each respiration a shallow but audible pant. It scares him. He's not sure what to do.

He says her name tentatively, pitching it like a question. "Beth-Anne?"

Either she doesn't hear him or she's not capable of processing the fact that he's talking to her. She's staring straight ahead. He doesn't know what she thinks she sees, but whatever it is, it's obvious she's terrified.

He swallows. Gathering his wits and telling himself that he has to do something, he pushes himself into a sitting position. Then, he reaches toward her and places his hand gently on her arm.

Her reaction is absolutely not what he expects.

She lets out a yelp and recoils as if he'd struck her, and scrambles away from him far enough that she gets dangerously close to falling off the bed. She gasps for breath. Her voice is ragged as she gets out a fierce and frightened, "Stay the hell away from me!"

"Beth-Anne," he says, more firmly this time. "Beth-Anne, it's me. It's Nikolai. I'm not going to hurt you."

It takes her a few seconds, but she finally focuses on him. She's still breathing hard, but he thinks she's starting to regain her sense of reality. "Nikolai," she whispers. "I... I'm sorry."

"It's okay," he says. "I think you were having a nightmare."

She nods. "Yeah."

"Are you okay?"

"I don't..." she begins, but then just goes with, "Yeah."

He holds out his hand to her, cautious of touching her again. "Here, do you want me to help you? You're really close to the edge of the bed, you know."

She doesn't take his hand. It seems she's more than capable of moving back toward the center of the bed on her own, but apparently this doesn't mean she doesn't need or want his support. Before he even fully grasps what she's doing, she wraps her arms around him, sags against his chest and begins to sob. Nikolai doesn't even hesitate. He reciprocates the hug, and hopes it'll be enough to comfort her and still the trembling he can feel wherever her body touches his.

Her words are muffled by her tears and the soft fabric of his t-shirt. "I wish it would stop."

"It's over now," he assures her.

She mumbles something that sounds like, "Maybe on the outside."

He doesn't understand what she means, but he doesn't ask her to elaborate. If he were to guess, she's probably talking about the nightmare. She knows there's nothing in the room that'll harm her, but what's inside her head is most likely a whole other matter.

He holds her until she stops crying. It's only a few minutes, but he imagines how it must feel for her. Seconds, or an eternity? When he'd cried in her arms in his front hallway, he'd felt like his tears would never end, and the effort had left him exhausted, humiliated and feeling weaker than he'd felt in his life.

He searches for a way to tell Beth-Anne that he understands, that whatever emotions she's experiencing are valid, and that he'll never judge her for any of it. All he wants is for her to feel safe.

Frustratingly, everything he comes up with sounds like a platitude. In the end, he settles for telling her simply, "I'm here. I've got you."

"Thank you," she says quietly. "Don't let go."

"Not until you're ready."

"I'm sorry I woke you."

"Don't worry about that," he says. "I can always catch up on my sleep later. The most important thing is that you're okay."

"I'm probably not," she says. "I'm fucked up, honestly, and sometimes it's really hard to hide it."

"Aren't we all kind of fucked up, though?"

"Maybe everybody is a little, but not like me." She releases a long, shaky sigh. She pulls away from him. "Sorry. You don't need to hear my sob story."

"Maybe not," he says, "But, do you need to tell it?"

"What?"

"You said it's getting harder to hide it. Maybe that's a sign you shouldn't be hiding it any more."

"I don't know," she says. "I want to tell somebody, but..."

"But what?"

"People would look at me differently if they knew. They already do, because of the scars, and it's... I don't know. Sometimes I think if people knew what was really going on inside my head sometimes, they'd run away. They'd think I'm a monster and they'd never want to trust me again."

"You want to know what I see?" Nikolai says. "It's not a monster."

"You don't know everything."

"No, but I'm not clueless. I know somebody gave you those scars. You don't get something like that from bumping into an open cabinet door or whatever."

"No, you don't," she agrees. She inches closer again, and then settles herself next to him. He puts one arm around her, and she leans into him. "This isn't too weird for you, is it?"

"Sitting like this, you mean? No," he says. "What's weird about human contact? Besides, you saw me naked in the bath. If that wasn't weird, then tell me how this is."

"Fair enough." She reaches up to trace one of the scars on her face. "You really don't think these make me monstrous?"

"No, I don't," he says. "The monster isn't you. It's the person who did that to you. You're a survivor and a warrior, and... and I don't care what anybody else thinks, and I don't care if this is inappropriate to say. You're beautiful. Really fucking beautiful, and your scars don't take a single thing away from that."

He hadn't meant to make her start crying again. This time, though, she doesn't sob. She sounds tired and sad, and it makes his heart hurt.

"I don't deserve you," she says. "You, Stan and Milena. You're all too good for me."

"That's not true. You're one of the best people I know, and I promise we all love you, no matter what. We're your family."

"Family," she echoes. She's silent for a while after that, but then almost too softly for him to hear, she says, "It was my mother. She gave me the scars."

Nikolai has the sensation of his stomach dropping several centimeters, and all the muscles along his spine contract. It takes a mighty effort to relax the sudden tension. He doesn't want to telegraph his shock to Beth-Anne, even though she has to know he's horrified.

The scars on Beth-Anne's face are long and heavy, the kind he knows come from having stitches. He's got a small one from accidentally crashing his bike and cutting his forearm on a sharp rock when he was a kid. That had required three stitches and the thickness of the little scar hasn't diminished much at all since the minor injury healed.

He doesn't want to think about how many stitches Beth-Anne had needed. She has two scars on her left cheek and one on the bridge of her nose that never gets completely concealed when she wears makeup. The biggest scar runs from beside her right eye almost all the way to the corner of her mouth. She has one on the palm of her right hand too, but he doesn't think most people notice that.

Her mother!

The notion that any parent could hurt their child at all is disgusting to him, but a woman who deliberately disfigured her daughter? It's repulsive and evil.

Nikolai thinks of his own mother. Elena Pavlenko isn't a physically demonstrative person and she doesn't often express her feelings in words, but he knows with absolute certainty that she loves him and his twin sister Natascha unconditionally. Mama has always encouraged both of them in her own way, and she has never, ever laid a hand on them in anger.

"I'm sorry," is all he can think to say.

"She was going to hurt my sister," Beth-Anne goes on as if he hadn't said anything. "My baby sister Abby. She was five, and I was eleven. I was trying to protect her."

"Because you're a warrior."

"Not that day. I was a child, and I was scared shitless," she says. "Claudia got mad at Abby for spilling fruit punch all over the living room carpet. She was five. Kids that age are fucking clumsy. They break stuff, spill stuff, fall down. Normal people just clean up and move on, but not Claudia. Not that day."

He wonders if it's wrong to ask, but he can't prevent the question from slipping out. "What happened?"

"Claudia was off her face, but that wasn't new. Booze was her vice, and if she ever had a fucking shred of self-control to begin with, it went out the window when she was drinking."

Beth-Anne's tone is flat, as if she's narrating a documentary rather than explaining what must've been one of the most traumatic experiences of her childhood, but Nikolai isn't fooled by it. It's not the first time he's heard her speaking like this. She'd talked to the doctor in Taiwan this way too, the one who was giving them the news about his injury and the prognosis that he might never walk without pain again, much less skate in an international competition. She'd been outwardly masking her emotions then, and she's doing it now. Perhaps, he thinks, this is her way of shielding herself from pain.

"Claudia was so angry. She... she smashed a bottle on the door frame and came after us with it. I was... I tried to keep Abby safe by basically laying on her, and Claudia decided she was going to punish me instead for not letting her get Abby."

"My God," is all Nikolai can manage in response. "Beth-Anne, I don't even know what to say."

"There's nothing you can say," she says. "What can a normal person say to that? She made me clean up my own face in the bathroom, but it wouldn't stop bleeding. I didn't get help until hours later. Not until my coach turned up at our house that evening to see why I wasn't at the rink for her afternoon group class. Nancy, my coach... she fuckin' lost it when she saw me."

"I don't doubt it."

"I ended up in the hospital, and Nancy called the cops, and I got sent to a foster home after that. But I was only there till my brother turned eighteen. He busted me out, and we kind of went on the run for a while. We lived in this old camper van and we were broke as shit, and I lost a lot of skating time, but at least nobody was trying to kill me when it was just me and Jason."

"And what about Abby?" He's almost afraid to find out.

"I don't know," she says. "Jason... Claudia tried to get me back, and Jason said if she did, it'd only be over his dead body. He said he wanted Abby too, and that's when she told him Abby was... she was gone."

"Gone? Like, she passed away?"

"I think that's what she was implying, but Jason and I didn't want to believe that. Jason tried to find out if she was in foster care like I was, but the social workers would never tell him anything because he wasn't Abby's legal guardian. I mean, that was the rule and I get it, but we thought it was bullshit at the time."

"Understandable."

"After a while, Jason told me that we should just forget about it because it would take a miracle to get Abby back with us, if... if she was still alive. And, you know, I think I did forget for a long time, but when I think about her now, I feel like shit for not trying harder."

"You shouldn't," Nikolai says. "You were a kid. What could you have done differently?"

"I don't know. Something."

"Have you tried to look for her recently?"

"No."

"Maybe you should. Milena could help you. She probably knows people who can access confidential records and stuff."

"I'd have to think about that." She closes her eyes. "Christ, this is hard."

"We don't have to talk any more if you don't want to."

"I miss her," Beth-Anne says. "That sounds stupid, considering the last time I saw her, we were just little kids and it's been thirty years. But still..."

"It doesn't sound stupid to me. It sounds like someone who never stopped loving her sister."

"For all the good loving her did."

"Don't say that. You might've saved her."

"For what? For Claudia to have another chance to..." She doesn't finish the sentence, but she doesn't really have to. "You know what the worst part is? Every day, I'm afraid that I'm just one mistake away, one loss of control away from becoming like Claudia. That haunts me."

"You're nothing like that."

She shakes her head. "My anger, it's... I'm fucking terrified of it, Nikolai. It's like this demon inside me, and I'm so scared it's going to get out some day. I love working with all my kids, but what if... what if I...?"

"You won't." He tightens his arm around her shoulders. "Know how I know?"

"How?"

"Because it's not just that you love working with all of us, it's that you love us. If you really love someone, you don't hurt them on purpose, even if you're angry. Besides, you're a good person and you know what's right."

"Is that enough?"

"I'm not a professional or anything, but I think so," he says. "You could ask a professional, I guess. Stan can probably help you find someone, if that's what you need."

"No." She shakes her head once more. "I tried that. I'm not ready to try again."

"Okay," he says. "Is there anything you think could help?"

"Brain transplant?" she ventures.

Despite the situation, Nikolai laughs. "Well, that's one highly-improbable option. I wouldn't like it if you got a brain transplant, though. You wouldn't be you any more."

"That's kind of the point."

"No. We want you just as you are. Me, Stan and Milena, Mariah, all your little kids. I'll bet even that self-important little shit, Brett Eriksson, wouldn't want to change you."

"Hey," she says. "That little shit is your rink mate. No trash-talking."

"Sorry, coach."

"You'd better be." He thinks she's attempting to sound stern, or at least mock-stern, but it lacks the energy to have the desired impact.

"Let's try to get back to sleep," he suggests.

'You can, if you want to," she says. "I'm not sure I'll be able to."

"At least lie down."

"Okay."

They arrange themselves spoon fashion beneath the cozy handmade quilt, with his arm draped around her from behind. She hugs Champion the teddy bear to her chest. Under any other circumstances, they would never do anything like this, but the unspoken need for human warmth and closeness erases any barriers that might otherwise have existed between them.

Regardless of her assertion that she couldn't go back to sleep, Beth-Anne drifts off before Nikolai does. As for him, he lies awake, considering everything that's just happened. He's overwhelmed by the fact that she trusts him enough to show vulnerability in front of him and to share something so deeply personal, and at the same time, he's amazed by her resilience, strength and courage.

You have no idea how wonderful you are, he wants to tell her. I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. Maybe if you could, you'd be less afraid of your past and you'd feel better about the future.

You saved me, and you're teaching me to look forward, he adds to the silent confession. I wish I could find a way to do that for you.

[eternalglitch]

First I have to say that I love lfls! It is such a good fanfic that I have read it now 4 times! It is one of the few fanfics I do read.

I myself have my own ideas of fanfics and original works, but I just never seem to want to write them. I keep double guessing and hating all my moves and what I write that I just erase all the work I did. Other times I have all this free time, but I just avoid writing, yet I am constantly thinking about my ideas I want to write and show others.

Do you like have any help with this? I always get upset at myself when I see others making great things, yet I am over here with nothing because I am too scared or lazy?

Sorry, I just really want to improve better with this and I thought maybe you would know ways to help since you are really good at writing and drawing!

Most writers go through this, honestly. Currently I'm in a patch right now. You aren't alone in that feeling, but rather than let that consume you, try and put that into proving yourself wrong! Spite can be a great motivator.

The unfortunate answer is that you are going to have to sit yourself down and just write through it. It sucks, it's hard, it's not fun. You don't have any momentum and each sentence feels bland and wrong. Getting started writing is like trying to get a very large bolder down a hill, but unfortunately it is wedged onto a flat ledge and you have to put in the work to get it rolling.

But as you keep writing, and keep forming this habit, you gain natural momentum to keep going. Then it'll usually all start clicking into place and be enjoyable.

Next time you have free time, set a timer for ten minutes. You can't do anything but write for that time. You cannot delete more than a few words. The next day, do it again. Expand it to a goal of 500 words per session when you are ready. And then look back at everything you have written- good or not- and keep on going.

OR, for the more adventurous and bold that want to kick start it faster, have you heard of NaNoWriMo? It starts in 6 days and I find the tracking tools and community extremely helpful if you have the time for it.

[badsopen]

Just Listen...Okay?

M!Yandere x F!Reader

TW : Breaking and entering, Being Stalked, Watched as you sleep, Non-con Touching, Night terrors, Choking

A/N : Its a short drabble (like 679 words?), but this is going to be my first piece, so i'm interested in feed back & requests to keep this page alive

Sometimes you imagine yourself walking down the street, turning the corner and being taken away without a sound in the dead of night. No one to hear you scream, no one to hear you struggle against your assailant, no one to help you…

That's how most of your nightmares end anyway, waking up drenched in sweat, adrenalin in your veins, and the sudden feeling of being intruded upon.

But tonight was different, soft touches, illegible whisper's, indecipherable dreams, waking up softly. It's new, but not unwelcome compared to the garish and soul shaking night terrors that were being experienced on the regular, like a nightly ritual of sorts. A sweet reprieve from fear just for the night.

As you drew closer to the break of consciousness you could register something.. no someone else next to you, being held in their chest. With them in your bed sharing their warmth. You could feel their warm hands under your night shirt, caressing your back, hearing their serene heartbeat was almost enough to lull you back to sleep…Almost. Feeling your body tense up in their arms they tightened their hold on you, once soft touches turned into rose thorns ready to draw blood if you dared to move in a way that this intruder didn't permit you to.

Soft hushes to your ear made you twist and wriggle away, but their hands were gripping you so harshly that you could only shrink into their oppressive touch. A few minutes passed with them quietly shushing your increasing whimpering, and mellowed attempts to release yourself from their grip.

A hand moved from your back to the top of your head, in an attempt to soothe you. The hushed whispers picked up in volume and then a smooth voice spoke up in the silence.

" Hey, listen to me alright? I've been trying to stop your nightmares or at least make them less intense than they already are. I know this is pretty strange for you, it is for me too. I just wanted to make sure you were sleeping well. I've been seeing you around campus and I was worried. You always seemed worn out, I just wanted to help you, babe. "

They paused for a brief moment like they were contemplating about what they were going to say before speaking and with a flat almost monotone voice they spoke up in the darkness again.

" I want to be your boyfriend and you to be my girlfriend. You don’t have to say yes... right away, but I do want you to think about it. I just don’t want you to make any rushed decisions to be with me. ”

He had started to move his hands up through your shirt and from the top of your head to your throat in the middle of him speaking, he continued on with his flat tone as if he was reciting a speech from memory.

“ And I know this might seem scary, but I promise that I was only trying to help you get to sleep and stay asleep. Just like any good boyfriend would do for his girlfriend. But for now, “ He spoke cautiously, “ I want you to sleep on it okay? “

His hands began to tighten around your throat. Your hands instantly rush up to meet him to attempt to pull them away from suffocating you in your own bed in the dead of night. The sounds of sheets rustling, and short, sharp inhales of air is the only thing that can be heard for the next five minutes. As you feel the blood in your veins start to pump harder to have a last-ditch attempt to get the man's hands from around your neck, black spots start to appear, your breath becomes more forced and labored, you hear him speak up again.

“ It's okay, don't worry, I'm not gonna kill you, just giving you some time to sleep on it. So when you wake up you’ll be able to give me an answer. I'll make sure you have a goodnights rest. Goodnight Babe"

[salarta]

This is a post about Polaris/Lorna Dane from X-Men. It's also a post about the 2024 election. It's about both, and a post about personal feelings on both. I'm giving that heads up in case anyone doesn't want to deal with election talk, or is looking for election stuff and this is irrelevant to them.

It's also sad and bleak thoughts. So don't read if you're not in the right place mentally and emotionally for that.

I've said many times how I learned about Lorna. I found out the character existed back in 2009. I immediately resonated with the character's trauma struggles, and became more upset over time with the impact of sexism on the character across decades. How sexism destroyed the character to make her nothing more than Havok's supporting character damsel in distress girlfriend who served as a punching bag for everyone else.

The character deserved, and deserves, better. She offers way more than she's ever been given a fair shot at.

The main culprit, in my eyes until now, was nostalgia for sexism. People who look back at poor treatment of Polaris, get the warm fuzzies about that time period, not caring how sexist treatment of her was at the time and not wanting to do better or fix damage done.

I thought we were also seeing strides on the fan side toward getting this fixed, that I thought were making real headway, in the past half decade. Between Gifted, and Lorna winning the X-Men fan vote, and Marvel starting to let the Magnus family interact more, and so many other things.

So when the nostalgia train came in, and we started seeing Brevoort push the nostalgia for sexism on X-Factor while Beau DeMayo ripped Lorna's experience of the Genoshan genocide clean out of her to let other characters do it all, I was ready to fight back. I thought, with all that's going on in the world, with all the work done in the past decade and the improvement we've seen for her in that time, it's possible to push back enough to set things right.

At the same time, over the past few months, I've sadly seen people hype up 90s X-Factor. Not as in "it was good for its time" or "we can keep the good elements while fixing the bad." Just flat out insisting that Lorna should be pulled back into that nostalgia territory wholesale, that 90s X-Factor is the absolutely best she's ever been and could ever be. No care that she should be recognized as second woman to join the X-Men, that she should be playing a much bigger role in larger X-Men events given her history, that the Genoshan genocide actually matters for her, none of that.

For the past few months, any time I've seen people say that's the right way to go, or worse in one case that they thought treatment of her on the CURRENT X-Factor was good and worth liking and sharing, it irked me. But I could tell myself that they're a minority view, or perhaps they don't even understand.

I've also complained about the "got mine fuck you" attitude I've seen in several cases. Like people thinking sexist treatment of Lorna is no big deal, but then getting loudly mad as soon as Pyro doesn't know how fire works in space, or similar problems with their own favorites. They'll excuse the sexism but draw the line at their personal faves getting disadvantaged. Or in some cases, they want things ripped away from Polaris to give them to their fave.

Maybe my feelings will change with more time and processing. Maybe this is a low dispirited point for me before I feel like coming back.

But right now?

I feel like I'm living in a moment in time where maybe I was wrong. And it's because of how the election outcome looks as I write this.

Everyone KNOWS how awful Trump is, and that Harris was the best chance at moving toward a brighter future. Republicans want to destroy everything about America for personal gain, and Trump is especially misogynistic, racist, hates trans people, dangerously narcissistic, so many other things that can't all be listed. Everyone saw firsthand how awful he was with the first term he had. We know the Project 2025 plans. And unlike last time, Trump has unchecked power because the corrupt SCOTUS ruled in favor of him having it.

Eligible voters voted for the man who doesn't just hate women, but actively wants to hurt and abuse them while pretending otherwise. I know a fuckton of people are voter suppressed, but even with the voter suppression, this should have been in the bag for Harris.

Trump winning tells me we have a country chock full of people who love hurting and controlling women. It includes no small number of women who are perfectly fine with that treatment as long as they think it won't hurt them personally, or who prize hurting others above all else. They can excuse the misogyny as long as they think it'll benefit them.

So I'm just sitting here. Going through my thoughts, and among them is this.

Maybe X-Men comics fandom, or even comic book fandom as a whole, really is just that hopelessly sexist.

Maybe it's not really a matter of nostalgia making them ignorant of problems. Maybe it's not just a minority view that's excusing all the sexism and puffing it up.

Maybe this is just what the fandom is. Sexist. Eager to tear characters like Polaris down and keep her down because it allows them to fulfill their fantasies of being able to control and undermine formerly powerful women. Reduce them from independent people with thoughts and feelings and aspirations of their own to make them nothing more than Havok's woman.

I've wanted Polaris to be the powerhouse she should be. I've wanted her character and her core to get respected and built upon. Every time even a little headway is made, it gets slapped back down by forces who love their nostalgia for sexism, and gets permitted and forgiven by an X-Men comic book fandom that gives it a pass if not full-throated support.

Rarely will these people say they love sexism. Many even think they're not sexist, in the same way many Republicans who voted will insist they're not sexist after voting in a serial sexual abuser and rapist. They'll point to other, more popular female characters like Jean or Storm or Emma, characters who got where they are today because a spotlight put on them in the past made open sexism harder to get away with. Then they'll say "I can't be sexist, I'm a fan of this other female character and I would oppose this other character being treated poorly, I'm fine." Much like a Republican voting for Trump, and then pointing to Sarah Huckabee Sanders or Kristi Noem or Lauren Boebert and saying they can't be sexist cause they support these female Republicans.

I know some X-Men and Marvel comics fans will see what I'm saying here and protest and get upset and all. But honestly? It's exactly how I feel tonight, 100% honest, and I have absolutely nothing to lose anymore.

Tonight, I saw the attitude of people who comprise voters in America. I saw how eager they are to put the worst possible people into office. I saw why they did it, and I see the direct parallels between that and what I've been seeing in attitudes toward Polaris out of X-Men comic fans.

I looked at all of that. And right now, I very much feel like Polaris breaking out of the rampant nostalgia for sexism is a losing battle. Too many people want the sexism. Just like how too many people want fascism. I feel like the fight to get Polaris where she should be, the fight against sexism and decades-old impacts of it, was much more possible in a world where Republicans lose power and we were trending toward progress.

But when the entire fucking culture is sexism, and racism, and all the horrible isms, I just don't see how Lorna can get where she should be. It's clear this is what a majority of X-Men comic fans want. They want sexism. Lots of it. Wherever they can get it without it being obvious enough to cause problems for them.

Right now, I feel like I'm just done trying anymore. I live in a world of people who love sexism, and X-Men comic fans wanting to keep Lorna trapped in the bowels of sexism isn't a matter of misunderstanding and bad priorities that can be fixed. Sexism against Polaris is what they want.

Feel free to complain, it doesn't matter anymore. I have no illusions that there's a path forward for Lorna in this environment anymore. Enjoy the rampant sexism.

[iceswords]

All I Want Is To Get This Right

" oh boy! what a happy landing!" was the first thing yanqing heard upon his eyesight returning as he held his sword in hand. there was no visible sign of danger yet at it could still be lurking in every corner of this alleyway. you could the hear the yawn of the bellboy followed by him stretching out before noticing the distress that being pulled deeper into the dream had caused yanqing and was quick to walk over to him, ignoring the blade as he somehow knew that the lieutenant wouldn't hurt him nor did the bellboy fear death. one couldn't really die in a dream anyway.

" it's alright. the coast is clear now." misha spoke in attempt to assure yanqing that they were safe, placing a white gloved hand on the area where the taller boy had just been stabbed in the back to showcase that no actual physical harm came to him while those yellow ember eyes only looked misha for only sign of injury. there were none.

with the hand on back, yanqing eased down and soon carefully scathed his sword. even if it would be just a mental cut, he wouldn't want to hurt misha intentionally or not. the two boys just stood there, locking eyes while white gloved hand gently stroked up and down the warrior's back until misha knew the taller wouldn't suddenly attack someone out of fear or suspicion.

clockie awkwardly stood to the side and watched as this went on. not interfering on this moment between the two boys.

the other white gloved hand of misha's reaching up and taking yanqing's as he moved himself to the other side of the taller boy so they could walk together hand in hand once again while starting to explain to yanqing what just happened.

" you remember that claw stabbing you?" asked misha as the two walked through the alley together towards what appeared to an elevator shift in the distance. walking down freights of stairs then flat ground then stairs then back to flat ground with rows of buildings on each side of them with posters, graffiti and lights while cables of light bulb ran from one building to the other similar to march's fairy lights.

you could see a rushedly drawn image of clockie in white graffiti that was lit up by some light below with an arrow draw in the same graffiti above it's head pointing towards an archway.

" of course. how could I?" yanqing couldn't help but retort in reply as the bellboy just found his remark rather cute and continued on, " well, that was the memory meme everyone's been calling about. sleepie doesn't actually kill anyone though, just carries them here from different dreamscapes and even from one to another- like a ferry! of course there used to be a much easier way but.. the family closed it up."

" they seem to be closing up a lot of things and I remember the handbook states that the hotel in the dream has been going through renovations recently, right? an entire building.. that seems odd, don't you think?"

" oh! we tell guests that so they don't go exploring it. it's not quite up to code just yet. some of the dreamjolt troupe members have.. some issues, let's say. I'm sure you'd do fine in there! I can snuck you in for a sneak peak if you like." breaking the rules wasn't something that misha normally did. the bellboy of the reverie who followed the dream regulations but it wasn't exactly his job to hold up them. he simply had to give a smile and welcome guests into the dream.

with the company of clockie and yanqing, misha wanted to see this new experience would lead him and if that meant getting into some trouble then all the better. the bellboy was ready for an adventure and he could tell that yanqing felt the same. stopping to look up at the massive clockie.. broken down and in need of repair. almost looked forgotten and abandoned. perhaps he was in time-out. how long this time out of his had gone on for is undecided as soon misha led yanqing over towards an old elevator that looked almost like a cage that opens up for them upon taking a step near it and waiting for them to get in." this will take us up to timesplit square and then I can show you the plaza- it has the best view!"

" is this place.. dreamflux reef? where you said that you lived." yanqing spoke as he had taken his first step into the elevator with misha leading the way excited to show him around." hmhm! home sweet home! and now that you have time to 'kill' since people think you're dead, I can show you around. ooohh! and it gets even better!" the elevator closed up once more before eventually starting to move upwards with clockie tagging along.

misha looked at yanqing with pure excitement and enthusiasm that our beloved excitable lion couldn't help but match it. two boys full of energy and ready to go as they held hands. not even that small room could contain all this excitement. yanqing gave up a bright smile, nodding as an indication to keep going. " I just got a three day vacation! so out of the blue! I was thinking about seeing one of the other planets on one of those days. I texted stelle and she recommended this one called jarilo-vi- it’s all frozen over. said I should take photos and sent me a photo of the place. here, look!” misha rambled on while yanqing cling to every single word before the bellboy pulled out his phone and showed the photo stelle had sent him.

yanqing looked at the photo, already knowing what planet he was talking about before looking back up to see if he had more to say but when he didn’t, the lieutenant decided to speak with just as much enthusiasm and excitement. “ oh my gosh! that’s the planet my māmā lives on!” with a point to the image as yanqing paid no mind to the affectionate term that came out of his mouth while misha looked at the other like he was the most precious thing in the world. “ really?? how cool! I can meet your mom! uhh.. umm.. because I will be there.. and she will be there.” he started with a blurt out of words so excitedly before realizing the implication of what he had just said and tried to correct it. he wasn’t going to go look for this mystery woman/man/person but if he happened to run into her during his vacation- all the better, right?

it became awkwardly silent for a few seconds until the doors opened up though neither let go of the other’s hand even after stepping out of the elevator with misha still leading the way while clockie followed along, telling them to wait up for him because he had such tiny legs. his yellow ember eyes looked up at the floating building in the sky had a ray of light beaming from it that resembled a snowflake or star. it was eerily beautiful and alluring but - at least in yanqing’s eyes - it didn’t come close to how beautiful and alluring misha was. he had almost thought that he had died at first and part of him still did because there stood an angel in a bellhop’s uniform. when misha stood in a certain way with his head blocking the floating building with the continuing rays of light that surrounded, it made him look even more like divinity.

misha took yanqing on a tour through his home, showcasing all the best parts and places to hang out. yanqing would have to stay in dreamflux reef for awhile afterwards though, staying put until the general finally catches up and finds him here. it wasn’t all that fun to stay in one location for so long and even hanging out with misha started to grow tiring but he kept up the smile if only to see the bellboy so happy and keep his mind at ease. it would seem that arlan had tagged along on misha and yanqing’s escape ride on the ‘ferry’ but was able to go back and forth because nobody actually saw the security guard get ‘stabbed’ by sleepie.

it felt like several centuries went by until eventually the unexpected came when misha returned from his three day vacation looking upset and it would appear to have been directed at yanqing. the bellboy wouldn’t yell or scream at first as the lieutenant tried to find a way to calm him down but misha did snap as the two were hanging out together in the shorter boy’s house located in slumbertown. “ stop lying to me! and don’t even try to avoid it, I know you’ve been lying. why haven’t you woken up yet? it can’t just be because of me.” a straightforward and direct approach. something that yanqing uncharacteristically had been avoiding in fear of worrying or upsetting misha but his lies seemed to just upset the bellboy even more as it only made it appear as though yanqing was pushing away- and perhaps in a way yanqing was. this was new territory for yanqing but it didn’t seem to be that way for misha.

it came as a shock to the system when yanqing heard misha yell at him but he also knew that he had it coming. it was very well deserved after all the lying. if one were to take anything away from this situation, it would be to never listen to the advice of a gambling addicted loser like aventurine. always listen to your gay parents and never piss off misha who currently looked ready to beat yanqing up with just his mop and a bucket of memoria. maybe that would clean up yanqing’s act. “ okay, okay. I will explain.” he started up as the two of them stood in the living room. yanqing kept a table in between them for the moment as it looked like a fight was going to happen- be it with classic cartoony violence or with words. “you know that I was looking into the watchmaker’s legacy, right? well.. I was given some advice and intel from the ipc’s aventurine. he told me not to trust anyone and to keep my cards close to my chest.” yanqing would feel the soaked brushes of a mop hit him on the head as a signal from misha to quit talking like the gambler and get to his point already. it was warranted and deserved, “ I was.. kinda doing that. you, my dear bellboy, are definitely an important ‘card’ but that’s not why I’m still here. you said it before.. people think I’m dead right now and that includes my dad. he will come looking for me and staying here will make things easier for him.”

misha listened and took in the words, knowing them to be true before his mop vanished from his hands and he gave a nod in reply causing yanqing to let out a sigh of relief as he had been spared by the aeons. “ okay. that makes sense.” he stated as the two boys soon moved to sit together on the coach with hands slightly touching while the bellboy still appeared a little bit upset. “ you know.. I really was thinking that I had somehow done something wrong. you don’t lie. you could have just told me you were waiting for your dad, I would have understood.” the two boys sitting down and having a real conversation with each other. the air had been so tense but slowly it was starting to become less so until misha was laying his head on yanqing’s shoulder again.

“ no, it’s not you.” yanqing shook his head in reply before laying it atop of the other’s, “ I’ve just never been in this.. situation before. liking someone as much as I like you and I really like you. I just.. don't want to mess this up somehow. considering I've been on a losing streak recently."

" I just.. I just want this to last, that's all." misha curled himself up beside the other. a love that lasts. was that too much to ask? his grandfather left him here alone so many years ago. pulled away from him and didn't talk to him. yanqing hadn't been talking to misha and therefore misha thought he was planning on leaving him too. he knew that yanqing never promised to stay here forever and misha wouldn't ask that of him but the bellboy only really ever had himself at the end of it all.

it was just nice to finally have someone to come home to and would welcome him with such warmth and love. misha knew that yanqing would have to go back to the luofu but a part of him didn't want to ever let yanqing go now that he was holding him so close. he knew it was selfish. " I can't stay here forever, misha." yanqing pointed out only for the bellboy to cuddle up into him even more, " I know. can-can I just have this moment?"

" of course."

yanqing would wake up, cuddled up and laid out on the couch with misha. who knew a person could fall asleep in a dream, am I right? but that’s what had happened to yanqing as he currently didn’t feel like moving as he looked at misha and soon saw that the other boy was awake too. it had been a good four or so days of knowing each other that felt like so much longer but yanqing didn’t really know how to define this relationship. were they dating now or was it too early to decide on that? perhaps they needed more time. " .. what time is it?" he whispered to himself, pulling up his phone and checking the digital clock on there, " we slept for.. eight system hours. so, I've been here for a hundred and four system hours." he noted more to himself than to misha.

" hmm.. you arrived at the reverie a good forty-eight system hours before that. so I would say in total you have been on penacony for a hundred and fifty-six system hours." misha sleepily added in.

" and I spent the most of that hundred and fifty-six hours.." the boy sat up and stretched out, " with you!" before looking down and seeing that sweet adorable face of misha's looking back up at him. misha couldn't help but smile in response, feeling so special yet at the same time feeling like he might have wasted the lieutenant's time. misha and yanqing silently agreed to not talk about the future right now- as both preferred to simply live in the moment and take things one day at a time or rather one system hour at a time.

they did however agree to never lie to each other but that pact of no lying would soon imply to arlan when the two headed out into town to spend some time together before misha had to head to work. seeing who had landed in was the most fun part of any day spent in dreamflux reef. robin had already been there by the time yanqing arrived and was waiting for her brother to show up. in the meantime she taught the local orphans how to sing while yanqing opted to teach them another way to 'sing' via self defense techniques. they'll thank him when they're older.

yanqing didn't see any sign of the astral express crew yet. perhaps they were running a little late and needed to catch up with everyone. after listening to all the different people's thoughts and gathering intel on the family, yanqing had been proven correct about his early suspicions. there was no way everybody in a family could get along so easily or rather as often as the family implied. there was bound to be internal fighting and arguments but it would seem that the watchmaker had been the black sheep of the family so to say.

the legacy of the watchmaker couldn't really remain such a mystery for long when you're dating the grandson of the previous watchmaker. those stones with names on them? apparently they are what the short-lifers would call tombstones. yanqing had only learned this tidbit of information from arlan and misha when they met up in timesplit square.

" you.. keep the dead bodies on broad? that's a definite bacteria issue you have on your hands. not to mention, a heliobus could possess that thing." noted yanqing after arlan explained the concept to him.

" of course not but we have all sorts on the herta space station. while how they say goodbye to their loved ones is entirely up to them, we definitely don't keep rotting corpses just laying around." answered arlan, " besides, heliobi are only native to your flagships in particular."

" the xianzhou alliance does a voyage type of thing, right? kinda similar to vikings. you put the body inside a starkiff with all the things that person liked and send it off into space." misha mentioned.

" usually yeah but last time we couldn't find the body, so all we could do was put the things she liked as well as certain gifts people never got to give her." stated yanqing.

the topic of death was quite heavy, especially after the misunderstanding of sleepie. memory memes weren't viewed as monsters here in dreamflux reef. it was quite similar to how jing yuan and yanqing viewed mimi. a creature most would view as dangerous and needing to be locked up or shot but with enough training and love, a lion or a memory meme or even a dreamjolt troupe member could make for a good companion. " soo.. anyway! we should talk about something else. misha and I-" yanqing started in attempt to change the topic but then was interrupted by arlan, " are dating? yeah. I got that."

" p-please don't interrupt like that! I think he was talking about something else." spoke misha who didn't look embarrassed by the notion at all, only his usual shy nature poking through. arlan looked between the two of them in utter silence, waiting for one or the other to say something. yanqing and misha looked to each other as if they were talking telepathically but really just were reading each other's expressions and body language.

" right. we talked. you are our son now- wait, no, that wasn't it either. what I was trying to say earlier was that misha and I were talking. about lies and the hunt for the watchmaker's legacy. I don't think any of us three really consider it a mystery at this point but we think we should be more open about our discoveries. be honest." yanqing explained to arlan.

" yeah. and what I discovered is that you two are clearly head over heels for each other. that ain't a mystery." replied arlan, " also you can't adopt me without the proper paperwork first."

" the real watchmaker's legacy was the friends we made along the way." mused misha, " .. and illegal adoption."

" must you really encourage him, misha?" asked arlan a little irritated.

" yes. is that not what a boyfriend does?" misha curiously asked in turn.

yanqing checked his phone while misha and arlan had their little banter. the three were almost like a close knitted family now. " oh.. half a system hour before you have to clock in." he reminded misha, expecting only a nod or a 'thank you, yanqing' but instead received a kiss on the cheek from the bellhop as thanks. yep. they were dating now.

" ack! get a room, you two." came arlan's complaint as he had to endure this lovey-dovey attitude between the two boys and would have to continue enduring it until after the charmony festival was over. misha soon started to head off to catch his ride to work or perhaps find his own way there but either way yanqing was left with a dorky smile on his face and cartoon-y hearts floating around him. soon shaking his head and looking over to arlan, " uhh.. anyway! what do you think? should I introduce misha to my dad or is it too early for that?"

[aspenforest732]

Bello Licentiae Chapter 21: Dance Revolution

Summary:

tw: flashback mention, gang activity, police, missing person Tis the spoopy season :) 'text' JSL Text thoughts

"Hey Mori," Jiro started, twirling an ear jack as she crossed the common area. "I saw you put dancing and keys. Momo has us covered for keys since she's classically trained, but I was wondering how you dancing would work."

Akira made the last couple strokes copying over History notes before looking up. ' I also received classical training, but she probably got more. I would most likely be using my crutches, and I've gotten pretty comfortable with combat footwork in those. ' They pulled up one of the videos they'd found on the train rides to and from Hosu where a choreographer was demonstrating how to adapt popular moves for use with forearm crutches.

"That should work," Jiro watched curiously. "Can you forward that to Mina? She'll be doing the choreography."

' Of course, I've got a playlist I can send her. Have we picked a song yet? ' Akira asked before sending the link. ' If no one from our class is interpreting, Anii should be able to do it. She'll just need to meet with us a couple times beforehand to rehearse. '

"'Hero Too' by Yuki Hayashi and Ayapeta," Jiro paused her earjack twirling for a moment in thought. "Do you think we need an interpreter? Koda suggested it, but I don't remember seeing one at a concert before."

' From what I saw on HeroTube, deaf or hard of hearing people can request interpreters, and the interpretations are more about capturing the spirit and beats of the song instead of direct translation, ' Akira clarified.

"I think this is the longest and most civil conversation we've had," Jiro huffed as she took a chair across from them and started pulling out her own notes.

Akira raised an eyebrow and shrugged. ' Yeah, cause you were acting like a jerk for most of the first term. I'm glad you worked whatever that was out. '

Jiro stiffened but huffed an agreement before settling into her work. They studied together for a couple hours before Akira moved to their room for privacy. It still felt weird being alone with someone they weren't close to, and Jiro's periodic humming clashed with the music in their head.

That weekend, Akira stayed in the dorms for dance practice with Mina and the dance crew. Midoriya and Ida especially struggled at first to get the hang of rhythm, but they gradually eased into it. Akira also did a couple sessions with just Mina to make sure they could have a clone do the routine if they were wheelchair-bound that day.

"We could have a separate routine for if you need your wheelchair," Mina offered while they took a water break.

Akira shook their head, ' If we had more time, that would be great, but with midterms coming up, I don't think it's going to be practical. '

"So, your roommate..." Mina prodded with a glint in her eye. "What's his deal?"

Akira rolled their eyes and pushed off the wall. ' How so? '

"You've been sitting on the biggest gossip this whole time!" Mina pouted, drawing a chuckle out of them. "What's he like? Why do they keep attacking us? Did he join willingly? Is he single?"

Akira grew more exasperated with each question until they just gave her a flat look. ' He's gay. He's... kind of like a German Shepherd? Protective and mean to strangers but soft in his own way with people he knows. And it's complicated. Can we get back to practicing? '

"Oh! Like an older brother."

Mina started back into the routine, leaving Akira a little stunned. Oh .

The next week flew by between festival preparations, a new wave of self-destructing weapons popping up on the black market, and midterm prep. Exams were still a few weeks away, but this time Akira organized the same study group to help make sure they were ready. When Saturday rolled around, Aizawa brought Eri to school so she could see more of the campus when there were fewer people to overwhelm her.

Akira, Togata, and Midoriya eagerly led her about, showing her the rest of the main building while Akira kept an eye out for any signs of discomfort in the little girl. A few of the business courses handed out fliers for seminars and joint presentations with support course students, although Akira frowned slightly at Mei not being on any of them.

' Have you spoken with Hatsume? She's planning on going independent last I heard, ' Akira asked a student from 1-E.

He blanched, "Oh no one messes with her! She's got all these half-formed ideas that explode all the time. It's a good thing she was already planning on starting her own company. No one wants to be dragged down with her."

"I-I'm sure she-" Midoriya stuttered, smile falling as he hesitantly looked to Akira and Togata.

' Oh hell no, ' Akira glared at him while Togata interpreted. ' I have personally worked with Bubblegum on multiple occasions, and I'm telling you now she will make it big one day. Those half-formed ideas are the start of some of her best items, and they explode so often because they're innovative! ' They drew themself up to their full 140 cm and stalked closer to the agape student as he backed up. ' If I ever hear you or anyone else for that matter disparage her, I will personally make sure you never hear the end of it. Do I make myself clear? '

"Crystal," he gulped and sprinted away.

Akira took a calming breath and reset their posture before turning and checking on Eri. Her eyes were wide with curiosity and a little bit of fear, so Akira crouched despite their protesting knees. ' Hey Eri, how are you feeling? '

Eri scrunched her brow for a moment before signing, ' Good. ' At Akira's smile, she continued. "You're not usually mad."

Understanding flitted across Midoriya's face, and Akira nodded. ' I don't like when people say mean things about people I care about. That includes you, ' they slowly reached out to give her a head pat, which she leaned into. Akira stood up, knees popping and crackling in protest as they continued on.

At the festival grounds, Monoma and Tetsutetsu popped up with a silver dragon head. Akira bit back a smile at the reminder of Hitoshi and asked, ' What is 1-B doing for the festival? That looks neat. '

Monoma launched into an albeit boastful explanation of the ambitious play they were putting on as Awase approached, keeping an eye on him. Akira leaned towards Eri conspiratorially and signed with Togata quietly interpreting, ' Copycat gets really competitive with our class. It sounds like they're taking inspiration from some pre-quirk movies, which'll be interesting. '

Eri giggled, and Midoriya asked, "Where's Kendo? Isn't she usually with you, Monoma?"

Awase shrugged apologetically, "She got entered into the beauty pageant by Reiko, so they're figuring that out."

"Nejire's also entering that, shall we see what they're up to?" Togata asked with a twinkle in his eye. "I bet her costume is going to be really pretty this year."

As they slipped into one of the equipment room, Akira cocked their head at the odd pose Hado took in the air supported by one of her waves. "Hey, why is Eri here? How fun!" she asked cheerfully when she noticed the group.

As the others talked about the contestants and last year's champion, Akira wandered over to the clothing racks. They were filled with a variety of gowns and shorter pieces of a pretty wide variety of themes and sizes. Noticing the lack of masculine options, they turned to Amajiki, ' Is this a fem-presenting only event? '

"Eh, I guess we haven't had anyone want to participate who wasn't?" Yuyu responded when Amajiki looked lost. "Beauty pageants are more of a traditionally girl thing to do."

Akira shrugged, signing a loose ' thanks ' as they made their way back to the group. They noticed with some amusement that Eri seemed enraptured by Nejire and the assortment of pretty items. With a smile, Akira snapped a picture and sent it to Yamada, including a few of the details she seemed most taken with. In moments, they got a chaotic string of emojis to decode later as they headed to the last group, the support course showcase. ' This is where Bubblegum studies, ' Akira explained to Eri on the way.

"This is something that makes a splash every year!" Midoriya said excitedly as Togata covered his ears against the grinding and general workshop noises. Akira offered a pair of earplugs to Eri, but she was similarly taken with the busy room.

Akira grinned and gently maneuvered Eri to the side as Hatsume rounded Midoriya from behind. "That's right! The school festival is the support course's time to shine!"

Akira marveled at the much-improved robotic suit Hatsume had been working on as she continued. "This time, we've been given the spotlight! It's so I can get even bigger companies to look at my babies even more carefully!"

' Did you fix the... ' Akira paused as the suit started smoking. They winced and guided Eri back a bit, snapping their capture scarf out to grab the dome that shot off the top. Akira let the momentum carry for a moment before guiding it back to the floor a safe distance away. ' Good luck, Bubblegum! '

While grabbing a late lunch, Togata asked how Eri was feeling. She seemed thoughtful for a moment before signing ' happy ' and adding, "There are a lot of different people working hard, so I wonder how it'll turn out..."

"That's what people call 'getting excited,'" Nezu clarified from a few chairs over with Kayama. "I'm also excited about the school festival!"

Kayama added as they got up that if the alarm sounds, even a false alarm, they would have to cancel and evacuate. There would be significant extra security, especially in the wooded area around campus, to avoid that at least. Akira slid a look at Midoriya, knowing his tendencies, but everything was set up to be quiet for the time being.

On Monday, Akira was waiting for Mad Banquet outside the cafeteria when they saw a call from Haru. They quickly shot off a text as they answered saying they had to take a call. ' Is everything alright? '

"I'm sorry to do this, but have you seen or heard from Giran lately?" he asked, worry creasing his brow.

Akira shook their head as they thought back. ' No, and the League wouldn't have either. They're off-grid for the time being. '

"Shit." Haru called out their response to whoever else was in the room.

Anxiety spiking, Akira asked, ' What's going on? '

"He's been dark for over a week," Haru explained. "It was a week on Friday, but we didn't want to worry you if someone else had heard from him. We've already checked with his underlings. I know you can't do much from there, but..."

' I can always try ,' Akira replied, cycling through options. ' Probably best not to involve Eraser, right? '

Haru hesitated, glancing to the side before nodding. "Giran's a big step up from what he currently knows of your involvement in the underworld. Keep it in-house if you can, but don't actively hide it."

With a sharp nod, Akira hung up and headed back to the classroom to meet with their group since the weather was turning colder. They started searching for what they could on the internet, but there wasn't much to go off of yet. Akira waved off the others' concern when they stiffly walked in, not bothering with an excuse since Fumikage looked ready to call them out as it was.

For the next week, Akira stayed up most of the night, only getting two hours of sleep or three if they passed out while searching. Intelligence networks were shifting, and the media started to catch on that a major change happened in the underworld. No one had connected the dots yet, and Akira tried and failed daily to get in touch with Dabi.

"Is something going on?" Taishiro asked after quietly taking Akira aside on Tuesday before their shift. "You were off yesterday and look even worse today."

' I'm fine, just dealing with internal issues right now, ' Akira responded, plastering a small fake smile on their face. ' It might be nothing. '

Taishiro grew even more worried but nodded, "I'll hold you to it, kiddo. Just come to me when you're ready, okay?"

By Thursday, Akira was starting to fall asleep in class, only Dark Shadow keeping them from nodding off while their focus kept splitting between the lectures and Giran. Did the Wrens finally get a hold of him? They could be torturing him because of me . What if they out Dabi? Everything could ...

"Akira!"

Akira jerked back into focus as they saw an empty classroom aside from them and Aizawa. "You're benched for Heroics today," he frowned as they struggled to focus on him. "I don't know what's going on, but Shiro confirmed something was off on Tuesday, and you've only been getting worse."

' But- ' Akira protested, swaying slightly as they stood. Aizawa gently steadied them by their arm, drawing a sharp flinch and fresh wave of guilt. He patiently watched with now open concern. Taking stock of their state, Akira huffed and pressed their mouth into a thin line. ' Fine. ' They looked pointedly at their arm, and Aizawa let go after a moment.

"Can you tell me what's going on?" he eventually asked.

Akira sighed in exasperation, running a hand over their face. ' Someone very important to my group is missing. He's been dark for too long, and no one's been able to reach him. '

Aizawa's eyebrows crinkled as he surveyed them. "Why didn't you say something earlier? I can look at arrest records, at least rule that out."

' We already have, ' Akira waved him off. ' Giran would be too big a catch to keep quiet. '

Aizawa sucked in a breath. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Okay, that answers the why. Undergrounds have noticed his absence, but we thought he was in a different area and his underlings got complacent. If he's missing , we can start looking elsewhere and help ease the fallout.

"In the meantime," he gave them a pointed look, "go back to your dorm and get some rest. Don't keep looking right now." Aizawa's gaze softened as Akira leaned against the desk, head swimming as they sipped on a jelly pouch. "Let me take the next steps, and I'll let you know what we find."

Akira reluctantly limped back to the dorms, barely remembering to let Haru know Aizawa and the undergrounds were now involved before crashing.

Around three, Akira jolted awake and groaned, waiting for the pain from the nightmare to abate. As the agonizing seconds passed, they realized it wasn't just from the nightmare. Pushing through the pain, they grabbed the pill bottle and shook out a couple to take with a jelly pouch. Hopefully that'll take some of the edge off . Akira grimaced at the burning the pills caused in their stomach, but at least sometimes they helped. They tried to go back to sleep after that, but the pain kept them awake. After a while, they turned on their chronic flare HeroTube playlist, a mix of podcasts and music they could zone in and out of without missing much.

Some hours later, Hitoshi checked in on them and mentioned he'd tell Aizawa they couldn't come to class. Dark Shadow burst in not long after with a heating pad, more blankets, and chocolate. Akira thanked them, although they weren't sure they could stomach anything that rich for a bit. Around noon, they dragged themself onto their wheelchair with a blanket and made their way downstairs using the touchpad instead of wheels to turn.

After putting the ingredients in the blender, Akira pulled the blanket a little tighter and started grounding themself as they turned the blender on. They quickly backed up their wheelchair, but their vision grew staticky as the noise blended with Sonic's pulsing, grating quirk. In two three four , Akira tried to focus, barely registering the difference in material of the wheelchair and soft blanket and the metal resonance chamber Sonic used.

By the time they were fully back in the present, the blender was long finished. Akira tiredly transferred the mix to their oversized tumbler and trudged back to their room, very much ready for the day to be over.

"Are you okay, Reaper?"

Akira smiled tiredly over to Eri where she had stopped coloring. They bookmarked the open investigations report and closed their laptop to turn to her. ' Just worried about someone I know. It's not someone you know, so please don't worry about it. '

Eri scrunched up her brow at that, "But I'm worried about you?"

Akira winced, knowing their eyebags were still pretty prominent. ' Leave the worrying to people older than you, okay? Kids shouldn't have to be worried about this stuff. ' After a moment, they added, ' I'm sorry I placed some of that emotional burden on you. '

After they explained a couple words, Eri lit up and slid off her chair. She ran down the hallway towards Aizawa and Yamada's bedroom as Akira watched in confusion. Did I say something wrong? Akira couldn't hear any crying, but then again, Eri would have learned to cry silently. They started to get up only to hear the soft patter of footsteps next to Yamada's longer strides.

"Sweetie, are you sure you want me? They usually prefer Shou for-"

"No!" Eri stomped her foot to Akira's amusement. "Daddy says you're oldest, so he would just go to you. Is anyone older than you?"

Akira stifled a snort as an affronted Yamada rounded the corner with Eri in tow. A blush spread across their cheeks as they realized why Eri had grabbed him, and they awkwardly waved. ' Sorry, I didn't realize she was going to get you. '

"You said kids shouldn't worry about this. Daddy says you're a kid. So logically, you need the oldest person!" Eri looked proud of herself, one small hand fisted on her hip.

' Ah, logic, my only weakness, ' Akira dramatically melted onto the table, leaving their head up just enough to make out color blobs. As the purple blob moved around the table into their periphery, Akira shifted to look at Yamada crouched a comfortable distance away.

"Hey, Shou told me a little of what's going on. You wanna talk about it, little listener?" he gently asked.

' Not much to talk about, ' Akira sat up enough to sign after they made sure Eri wasn't in line of sight. ' There's nothing. '

Yamada hummed, quirk activating slightly as the pitch dropped into what felt like a cat purr. Akira tensed but slowly relaxed as they watched the hero sit next to them. "Shou's really good at finding people, you know. Nezu, too."

Akira thinned their mouth and looked away briefly. ' This is different. If a rival did manage to rise up, they would've been disposed of by now. No one who's been in the underworld for any period of time would touch him. None of this makes sense! '

"Hey, you've got a lot going on," Yamada interrupted their thoughts as their head snapped up to briefly meet his gaze. They quickly looked away but not before seeing the open concern. "Shou and I are here for you if you want to vent or need some space, okay? If there's anything we can do from helping look to bouncing around ideas to making food, just let us know."

Akira hesitated, the request seeming silly in the moment. At his encouraging smile, they asked, ' Can we have yaki-udon tonight? ' Akira asked after a moment. Yamada brightened and started checking for ingredients, soon sending Aizawa out with a list. Eri even roped Akira into helping with the preparation. As guilty as they felt for not spending the time looking for Giran, Akira felt a little less wrung out when they started the search again after dinner.

On Monday, Taishiro confined them to desk duty, which they spent continuing the search when not putting calls through and exploring the system. A new set of fingerprints did show up in a country-wide search for the owner of a severed finger, so Akira sent that off to forensics. A few minutes later, they clicked back to the request and double-checked the found location. Maybe some kind of yakuza statement? They mused and put a note in the file to cross-check the prints with their own database if the police didn't turn up anything.

Notes:

"Hero too" was composed by Yuki Hayashi, Ayapeta wrote the lyrics, and Chrissy Costanza performed the song. Jiro mellows out in her treatment of other students in the anime at least, so figured Akira would give her another chance. Haru: don't actively hide it but y'know play it close to your chest Akira: got it, stay up all hours to find him and don't tell anyone Haru: ... Aizawa and Taishiro: wtf is going on

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[the-firebird69]

He's a rough drawings but the design is very good and it's mostly bent rod and flat plate except for the swing arm which makes it very easy and with the round into the square tube makes it easy too because it's rod you can bend it there's only really two connections which are hard to make and you need to use a special drill and drill through the hole half inch rod sideways and it cuts it off or you need to use a router both are not really easy to do but once you get the angle and how you do it it makes a connection real strong with steel like this hollow steel is not so good and that's what everybody makes them out of this is going to be a revolutionary frame but right now it's going to look like an old phone made it no it's going to look like a really nice frame especially with the stiffeners and other and when you do the reinforcing on the swing arm you don't have to use quarter inch plate you can use 8 in it looks really cool I mean it makes it look beefy as hell because it really is and when you look at the vertical you're not going to see the welds and you will barely see the ones welding they're reinforcer on it's a wonderful way to do it if you want you can puddle weld on the reinforcing and it is just intense and he designed it a few seconds and it was really needed and everybody needs it and you can actually weld part of it up and then put the other part on to halves and boy is it going to get a quick and this is the way to do it then you need to put it like for each I mean it's no big deal or really too in the top two in the bottom and four in each side and it makes it so strong and really you need the saddles on the swing arm those are required and you need the seats those are necessary too most bikes have a form of a seat and it's upside down it really makes it work well this is a great design for someone to spend only a few minutes and it should take less time because you can bend up and cut all the pieces and just weld them together in jigs we can see those people getting ready to do it and we're getting ready to do it and we'll let you know how it comes out but you have to figure out your own measurements some people are copying bikes and it works pretty good

Thor Freya

Free copying the Harley frame but we're going to use this steel in the methods and it's much faster this way you just bend the steel and it doesn't take long and the hardly any welding the way he's got it and he doesn't like to weld and with the saddles and things like that it's going to be enormously strong a lot of people wipe out and the frame is ruined this way you can wipe out a few times and it's going to be fine and actually the bikes are going to be much more useful the frames of the other bikes the break real easy if you drove over them they broke you drive over these if you can get the bike back up and move and I already tried one that was the other design it's stronger than hell and yeah that was me in the video and it really looks cool and it's just like a Harley I couldn't believe it either it rode so well but you really need the shocks I found that out too

Bja

Olympus

We're moving on but this is an intense design people are going to do this Brian already made a bike and BG too and they look like Harley-Davidsons they use the measurements and the design he said it's almost Superior cuz it's so fast to make and you do need a couple stiffeners on that vertical but that's it I mean the rest of it's perfect off the coff out of the blue and the the way the rear wheel attaches you only need those two and the person's mouth works I mean it's intense really fast build and we have a bunch of them made and people like the Softail but it's good for smaller engines it says it to a lot of people I'm not going to ride as fast as you think a lot of women in those smaller motors it can be a scooter like a 110cc in a lot of states these days I don't go fast and it's a lawn mower thing so I looked at it he says and put them in it and it goes like 85 miles per hour but then you add gears and it goes 120 that's as fast as you want to go and he said it's a 25 horsepower and really it looks great you had some Chrome to it and stuff and it looks intense and really it looks like a cool chopper so they're going ahead with it now it's a great design

Thor Freya

Is making these ideas up out of the blue and people have been doing this forever it didn't come up with it which is amazing it just go ahead and examine the welds it's so often it was damned annoying

Hera

Olympus we wanted to publish right now

[mountttmase]

Hello lovelyyyyy

It's chapter 4 moment

Mason sent through the address within the hour and you had a quick nosey at where it was. The house was huge, on a private road surrounded by other huge houses, and it was a far cry from you little one bed flat. OH IT'S THAT CHAPTER 🤭🤭🤭

THE FACT THAT HE JUST WANTS HER THERE

FREY MADE HER FIRST APPEARANCE ,HI LOVEEEE😌😌😌

‘So do it. Doll yourself up and go see your man’ SHE ALREADY KNEW HE WAS GOING TO BE HER MAN, OUR FREY IS A LITTLE GENIOUS

‘Ah, I was beginning to think he’d made you up’ the man laughed as you hugged your arms around yourself. ‘I’m Kai, by the way. Come on let’s get you inside, I can take you to him’ he offered and you smiled before following him in. I LOVE HOW THE FIRST FRIEND OF HIS SHE MET WAS KAI

‘Y/n? I didn’t think you were coming’ he told you as he approached, Kai now having moved from behind you to stand with the other boys and you gulped down a nervous lump as you looked up at Mason. HOW HAPPY IS HEEEEE🤭🤭

‘So where are these cute boys you promised me’ you asked with a smile as you turned and made your way out, laughing to yourself as you heard him scoff behind you. SHE IS A TEASEEEE

‘I never promised you that. Plus there’s only one and he’s right here’ HE IS SPEAKING TRUTHS

SOPHIA HI BABYYYY🤭🤭

WHEN THEY SAT TOGETHER AND HE WAS CLEARLY OVERWHELMED BY HIS FEELING SO HE COULDN'T SAY A THING TO HER

HELLO BEN, YOI DON'T KNOW THAT YET BUT YOU'RE GOING TO BE ONE OF OUR AND THEIR SAVIORS

‘Why was he feeling you?’ He probed, his eyebrow’s drawing together in what you assumed was jealousy and you let out a breath before stumbling over to sit next to him on the bed. LITTLE JEALOUS BABY😌

‘It’s late, Mason. Plus we sat together downstairs for over an hour and you didn’t hardly say a word to me’ you pouted and he gulped as he’d realised you’d noticed. ‘Why haven’t you? Have I done something wrong? I know I can be difficult but I’m trying’ You told him softly, the alcohol seeming to make you a bit vulnerable and honest and you watched his face drop as he realised you were a bit upset about it. THAT PART NEVER FAILS IN MAKING ME TEAR UP

HE JUST WANTED TO BE WITH HER AND HE WAS READY TO SLEEP WITH BEN IF IT WAS NEEDED 🤭🤭🤭

‘What’s that?’ You asked he he followed your line of sight, blushing and stuttering as he caught onto what you were looking at. ‘Is that for me?’ OOOO COOKIES

Without thinking about it, you threw your arms around his shoulders and buried your face into his neck. He seemed shocked at first, but after a second he wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you into his body even further. WAS THAT THEIR FIRST HUG OR I'M FORGETTING SOMETHING?

‘Mason?’ You called quietly and he whipped his head round to look at you. You watched the way his eyes widened as he gave you a once over, slyly licking his lips before his eyes met yours. ‘You don’t have to sleep on the floor, I’d feel awful if you hurt your back or something. There’s enough room for the both of us’ you told him, nodding to the bed but he shook his head almost instantly. BEST DECISION EVER Y/N TRUST MEEEE

THE FACT THAT HE WENT TO SLEEP ALL DRESSED TO NOT MAKE HER UNCOMFORTABLE....🥹🥹🥹

AND THE FACT THAT SHE WAS SOOOO SCARED CAUSE HE DIDN'T TALK WITH HER DURING THE NIGHT

OUR GIRL IS IN LOVE, AND WE CAN COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND WHYYY

HOW MUCH CAN I LOVE THESE TWO LOZ?

THEY ARE MY TWO PERFECT BABIES, I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT WE ARE GOING TO SAY BYE TO THEM BY THE END OF THIS WEEK🥺

Mase my respectful king 🥺 he was so shy bless him

They’re so in love they just can’t see it yet

And the start of the cookie obsession 😂🩷

[quickdeaths]

King smiled, giving Anzu another pat on the head as he nodded to Sonia. "I meet many interesting people in this job, from all sorts of walks of life. I think that sometimes people just like to have a space to gripe, no matter what their life outside here is like. Everyone likes to feel heard. Everyone wants to feel understood." A feeling even Anzu wasn't immune to, though at the moment, she was more content just to receive King's physical affection. "But then again, that's just my opinion."

Shinobu's fingers were already flipping through the bills in her wallet, carefully organized between 1000, 2000, and 5000 yen notes, before a hand reached out gently push the wallet to the tabletop. "Shinobu-san, what are you doing?" She looked up, catching the eyes of the woman across the table, smiling softly at her. "Oh," Shinobu murmured. "I thought we were ready to depart, so I was preparing to pay. If I misjudged that, then I regret doing so."

The laugh that followed from the other woman was gentle and kind. "That's not what I meant." Once it was clear that Shinobu wasn't reaching for her wallet any longer, she reached inside her coat, a mix of trendy and formal that, to Shinobu's eyes, made her the best-dressed person in the restaurant. It was at the same time that Shinobu noticed her nails, trimmed shorter than they had been the last time they'd met, and with the dark nail polish she remembered stripped off.

"I invited you." From her coat, she produced a small clutch, drawing out a handful of bills and laying them flat on the table. "And I picked the nice restaurant. I wasn't planning on making you pay." "Oh." Shinobu wasn't entirely sure what to say to that, so instead merely stowed her wallet. "If you're sure, Miss Ji-yeon." So atypical was it in relation to their typical experience that Shinobu felt strangely about not covering the bill. "I'm sure," came the response, accompanied by another pleasant laugh.

"I'd thought you'd given up playing." "Hmm?" Ji-yeon tracked Shinobu's eyes to her hands, and then gave a sheepish grin. "Oh, you noticed. I guess not a lot gets past those eyes, huh?" She shrugged, turning her hands over to get a better look at them. "I didn't quit altogether, I just stopped performing. Nails don't get in the way too much when you're just playing for fun." For a moment a complicated expression grew on Ji-yeon's face, enough that Shinobu couldn't quite read her feelings. "It's a long story, but the university wants me to play at the end-of-year concert. It's a whole-" she waved her hand dismissively "- big thing. They were promoting me for a while, so they'd look bad if I didn't play."

Shinobu nodded, having found a more comfortable place for her own hands in her lap. "That's unfortunate. I thought you'd made your feelings clear, so it isn't fair for the administration to put you in an uncomfortable position like this. I'm sorry." Ji-yeon shook her head, forcing a smile. "It's not a big deal, Shinobu-san." The archer shook their head. "I just don't like the idea that your wishes were disrespected. It isn't your responsibility to clean up their messes." "Don't worry too much for my sake, okay? Besides, they're flying me in a Guadagnini to play with, so that should be fun."

There must have been some expression on her face, Shinobu realized, because Ji-yeon still seemed to be staring. "I know you're busy, but if you can make the time work, you should come, actually. If I'm going to be playing either way, I'd be happier knowing you were listening." Shinobu nodded, slowly. "...Mm. Please send me the details, and I'll try to be there." That earned a return to the earlier smile, as Ji-yeon gathered up her money and stood, moving to the other side of the table to help Shinobu up. "Great. It was really good to see you, Shinobu-san. Thanks for making time for me, but I'll let you get back to things now."

After more drinking, conversation, and borderline inappropriate physical contact between Anzu and her handsome men of choice, the night seemed to be coming to a close. The club, of course, would continue for a few hours more, though perhaps without the high school girls who had livened things up with an early champagne call. "I wanna staaay," Anzu mumbled, having, at some point, shifted positions so she was draped fully across King's lap like a cat. "But I have work in the morning, so we probably gotta go." Plus, she was starting to feel a bit tipsy, and an idea had popped into her head that required some planning and execution, and that couldn't be compromised.

King laughed, helping her back into a seated position. "As a host, I really should ask you to stay longer." He winked. "But I'm your friend, first." Once Anzu was upright, he stood, picking up the pieces of paper he'd scribbled notes to himself on throughout the night. "I'll go calculate your bill." After he'd taken his leave, Anzu grinned, directing her attention back to Sonia. "I just got a text from Shinobu-chan. She's done with what she was doing, and she's not too far away from here." With a soft, pleading expression that would put any doe-eyed starlet to shame, she clasped her hands together. "There's a really good ramen place where we could meet her in the middle? She's probably been on some lame date, so I bet she'd love to see us instead."

She, of course, could hold her liquor, and it looked like Sonia wasn't doing badly in that department, either, but still, getting some food in their stomachs probably would help. The ramen stall wasn't far from her theater, either, so it made slipping away easy. All according to her plan. "I'm hungry anyway, so if we wanna grab a quick dinner there, I'll cover it," she offered, as if that somehow offset the amount Sonia would be spending on their many, many drinks - an amount made plain as King returned to the table. "Between your accumulated credit, Anzu-san, and your new customer discount, Sonia-san, I don't think it's too bad?" To Anzu, that seemed like a result of King's unique perspective on things, as she lightly sucked in a breath. Yikes.

She wouldn't discount his opinion simply because he was a man: that seemed inappropriate, to Sonia at least, even if she found herself in the opposite situation where the Royal Council and old aristocratic families were concerned. It was only a problem when, like so many men in power, they believed their opinions outweighed her own because she was young, pretty, and embodied a demure and polite femininity. One that they wanted to grace their dining tables, their garden parties, and their ballrooms but needed to be kept far away from Council meetings and the monarch's throne.

However, she was downright distracted by the sheer amount of physical touch that Anzu so easily engaged in. Maybe it was due to how she'd been instructed to regard Japanese customs, or how no one in her family would dare seek out such affection, especially in public. Her younger cousins used to seek out hugs from Sonia and their mother, but at ages 11 and 13, they had now decided that they were too old for hugs and time spent in someone's lap. A friendly embrace was something Sonia hadn't minded amongst her close, mostly female friends, but the way Anzu acted with Mr. King...it was far more passionate than that. Still, Sonia merely smiled, shifting her weight on her side of the booth as she tried not to think about how she was interrupting an intimate moment between the two of them.

"Then I would wager a guess and say that your time spent in the company of women has given you insight that, as you say, most men either do not want to understand or cannot bring themselves to," She nodded in agreement, finishing off her second glass of champagne. While Anzu had cuddles, Sonia engaged in the same behavior she would've done back home: drink alcohol and pretend not to notice, or at least not draw attention to her friend's overly familiar attitude. "And you are correct: laws and traditions do, indeed, favor men. I can confirm that with plenty of personal experience. However, the world I intend to create, and thus live in, will be one that recognizes the importance of all in the workplace as well as raising a family. Such things should not be limited to being a single gender's responsibility, but in the case of female clientele, I can imagine you must hear similar complaints often."

She'd let her mask of anonymity slip: foreigner anonymity but a sense of anonymity nonetheless. Most people probably didn't insist upon the fact that they would be creating a world, but most people weren't heirs to one of the last absolute monarchies on Earth, and the only future reigning queen of an absolute monarchy to boot. Still, Mr. King couldn't have known that including a woman's responsibility of 'raising the next generation' had, in particular, touched a nerve. Of someone who was expected to both eventually run a country and raise a family, and do both flawlessly and without complaint.

"I think out of all of those possible methods of interactions, I find the airing of grievances to be the most surprising," She added with a wary smile. "I suppose I am simply accustomed to never complaining about one's life to anyone, at least in my family, to each other or to friends." And that barely touched on therapy, something Sonia attended: once a week, in complete secrecy, always under the guise of some other royal duty. It had been a condition upon her decision to enroll at Hope's Peak, with a therapist with secret entrances to her office who had signed nearly two dozen legal forms to ensure her silence on anything discussed with the Princess of Novoselic. Sonia could only surmise mental health care wasn't embraced by Japanese society: not the way excessive drinking and supporting a favorite host was, though by the sound of things the hosts put in equally hard work in ensuring their clients felt special.

If only due to the amount of patrons who kept coming, some flirty, some shy, most requesting a specific host as regular customers. "You must work very long hours, considering the popularity of the club," Sonia remarked as they finished the second bottle of champagne, watching as tables filled quickly around them and more hosts appeared, with perfect hairstyles and stylish attire, from the back rooms.

[chilly-me-softly]

Insecure • Mason Mount

Starting the journey who'll bring a love interest in Mason's life and another person in Alice's to stay. But won't be easy with him and his head sometimes. Hope you like it x

Little Mounty

"So what's her name?" Mason tried not to let any emotion leak from his face as he looked up at his sister in front of him. He had gone to her to get his mind off some things. Or maybe he had gone just for that, to talk.

"Who?"

"Don't play dumb with me Mase. As much as I like our girls spending time together, I know you"

"How could you tell?"

"You always have that expression when it comes to girls"

"What expression?"

"The one you want to keep everything a secret but can't think of anything else"

Mason sighs, glancing down at his cup of tea catching the reflection of the chandelier light in it. It had been a tough few days, the season having arrived at its busiest and most stressful time not to mention the other issue that was tormenting him. But he had put himself in that situation after all.

"Mason, I don't know what's on your mind lately but whatever it is it's not true. You deserve to get a hold of your life and move on"

"I'm doing it"

"How long has it been since you've been out Mase? And I mean a date, a real one, not with your friends or your daughter's dolls" he struggled to remember it honestly, he had never paid attention to this side of his life after her. He didn't think he needed to, at least until the feelings had come overbearingly back to the surface for another person.

"Look, it's been so long now and to keep playing the victim is a bit pathetic"

"I'm not" he can see from her look and the small grin on her face that she's pushing him to the edge. She wants a reaction. And he really can't stand her when she does that.

"Well it doesn't look like it to me. You keep hiding behind what happened, using your daughter as an excuse for everything"

"You think it's simple? That I enjoy it?"

"No. But at some point you have to draw a line and think about yourself"

"I have a daughter to think about - he really says this a lot - the point is that I'm the only parent she has and whatever decisions, whatever happens it's me she looks for. And sometimes it's just so damn tiring" sometimes even the thought of doing something is tiring, the feeling that no matter how much rest you get in the end you will always be exhausted. "I don't feel like doing it all over again, for what then? To risk ending up worse than now?"

"Yet here you are pining for a girl"

"Yeah" and maybe it's the first time he admits it. The looks, the smiles, her kindness, the way she makes him feel just by knowing he's in the same room as her. The insecure, awkward little boy that takes over when they're together.

"You're allowing her into your world little by little. It means that somehow you are ready, your heart is ready. It's your head that's still struggling to let go and trust another person"

The supposed breakfast had turned into brunch, but what mattered was that they had been able to see each other. They had talked, there had been moments of awkwardness but sincerity had served to crawl out of it. And so they had known each other, time had flown by and those few hours they had for each other had been fast concluded.

Mason had offered to drive her home since in the perfect english weather, meanwhile in no time a downpour had broken out.

"What are you doing?" she asked naively when he stopped the car in front of her house and unbuckled.

"I'll walk you"

"Don't talk nonsense Mason, you'll get soaked for nothing"

"Come on" but he's already with one foot out of the car, hurrying to her side and raising his jacket over both their heads as best he can. Frantic they stop at the door, his chest in close contact with her back as she struggles to put the key in.

"Have a seat, I'll get a towel" she disappears as Mason takes the opportunity to look around. He always liked it, somehow the home decor says a lot about the personality of the person who lives there. And her flat is a bit like he imagined it to be, clean and neat with nothing out of place but with something in the air that hints at a breaking of the rules now and then.

"Here I don't want you to get sick" she hands a towel over his head rubbing his hair lovingly without thinking too much about it.

"It's just some water. We often play in the rain you know"

"Don't care, I don't want you to get sick because of me" the two of them stand looking at each other, her satisfied lowering the towel onto his neck as he takes a strand of her hair stuck to her forehead fixing it, gently.

He cannot tell which of the two has moved closer, just their lips find each other suddenly. The kiss is tentative at first, then gains more confidence. Mason rests a hand on her waist, imperceptibly pulling her even closer to his chest. It's just like he's used to it, it's all so familiar and the moment he thinks that the bubble bursts.

"Maybe I'd better go"

"Mason-" but she can just see his car speeding away.

"I kissed her" he admits with his head buried in his hands, missing his sister's ecstatic smile.

"That's great!"

"But then I ran away"

"Mase" she sighs, a sorry and bitter but hopeful look on her face as she reaches out to him pulling him closer, passing a hand up and down his back to reassure him.

"I know, I'm an idiot"

"They're not all like her Mase. Maybe she won't even be the right one this time but you can't know unless you try. And just because you always think of Alice's sake first, she deserves to see her father happy too. Really happy"