#and to think it's been 7 years since I first set this in motion...

[12th-shavie]

White blood cell U-1146 is such a goober. He's so nice and caring. He's constantly half-covered in blood. He's always popping out of nowhere to help. He has the most intense look in his eyes when stabbing repeatedly. Even when someone else took care of a threat before he showed up, he sticks around to make sure the cells (especially AE3803) are fine. He violently bites. He wants to be friends with the other cells. He gets punched about it. His blushing smile is the cutest. His skills with a knife are a sight to behold. He carries the little platelets around during emergencies. His job is to kill. He's the perfect blend

[docjayfeather]

All of the Ren Lore i’ve compiled from his single player series and old streams

Favorite meal is roast lamb and roast potatoes

Has an ex-girlfriend

Hates One Direction

Was on a boating team in high school

His mother’s first cat’s name was Ebony

His single player world started in 1.2

Ren’s favorite language is Spanish

Ren has been to Spain several times

His brother had a dog named Rorschach

Ren’s favorite armor set in the original Diablo was the Moon set

Ren and his brother used to have to shower/bath together, then dry off infront of an electric fireplace. Through a series of events, young Ren got his butt stuck to the glass pane of the electric fireplace, and has had a scar on his butt since.

Ren has said “I always think about [Ren’s brother’s username] when I think about my butt”

Ren knows how to do a cats cradle

Ren used to have frosted tips

Ren’s favorite commander deck is Kraum/Tymna

Ren got kicked in the literal butthole by a horse

Ren likes burning things

Ren created a rigged marble slot machine in high school

Went on an introspection journey, visiting all the places he lived and all his jobs pre-YouTube

Did the insane thing of asking the lady who was now living in his first house if he could go inside and check out his old room

Ren had a patreon tier where he’d sent his patrons a “Ren Crate”, a lootcrate full of stuff

Ren doesn’t drink (anymore)

Officially has OCD

Ren loves apple juice

Ren loves driving games

Event manager for The Deftones once

Plays MtG on Sundays

Ren wants to retire with Doc

Ren’s wants his spirit animal to be a shark

Ren’s favorite book series is LotR

Ren is “below-average hairy”

Ren’s favorite season is Autumn

Ren’s birthday is October 11th

Ren is a slut for tiramisu and ice cream

Ren wants to open an LGS/tabletop cafe

Ren is not a religious person

Ren worked in a seedy pool bar

Ren almost got an upper back tattoo

Ren loves green tea

Ren is Left Handed

Ren was at one point a vegetarian for several years

Ren has lost his wallet multiple times, once leaving it on a train

Ren eats a whole lemon every day, and drinks lemon juice straight from the lemon

Ren got in trouble at boarding school for “trying to summon demons”. He was just playing MtG.

Ren has had a pair of lucky underwear since he was 18

Ren’s favorite ice cream is strawberry

Ren loved getting aggressively physical in rugby

Ren loves cinnamon buns

Ren used to have super long butt-length hair

Ren really liked playing with fireworks when he was younger. They’d bury huge ones in the sand near their house to make craters.

Ren loves Love Island

Ren can only sleep on his arm

Wears exclusively Star Wars socks and has matching pajamas

Beat Gabriel Nasif in a Magic Grand Prix

Ren hates Oysters

Ren’s favorite dog breed is a chihuahua??

Ren’s favorite dnd class is bard

Ren enjoys cleaning the bathroom the most out of any room

Ren’s favorite musical is Les Miserables

Ren has a favorite kitchen knife, and used to cook a lot.

Ren’s favorite tool is the hoe (of course)

Ren and Iskall used to play League

Never farts irl

born in the same city as J R R Tolkien

Ren named his first car Maximus

Ren is a bath person

Natural Mace Race runner

Ren really likes pet rats

Ren has a very consistent shopping day of tuesday

Ren has an extremely strict sleep schedule

Ren has 7 pairs of the same pajamas to wear 24/7

Ren has a BA in English

Ren does 100 push-ups a day

Ren does a 15k bike ride every day

Ren had a max weight of 110 kilos, is now down to 80

Ren uses youtube in light mode

Ren has seen Metallica live

Ren wore fake glasses in college

Ren has 20/20 vision

Ren has been in plays during school, and blinded the lead with glitter accidentally during one of them, trying to spice up his one line.

Ren has a “black book” of atleast 9 board game ideas

Ren gets pretty motion sick

Ren enjoys mosh pits

Ren really likes competitive monopoly and risk

Ren burned his eyebrows off with a bunson burner once

Ren still cries at The Lion King

Ren plays Ornn, Urgot, and Tristana in League

Ren was allegedly born in 1982

Ren drunk-puked into his shirt in a german taxi the night he met Doc infront of the people sponsoring them

Ren drives stick shift and loves it

Ren thinks he might have a gluten allergy

Ren puts butter in his coffee

Ren tried to write a YA fantasy novel, got 80k words in before scrapping it

Ren would like to live with Keralis hypothetically out of any of the hermits

Ren’s favorite superhero is wolverine

Ren has tinnitus 

Ren convinced Cleo to start streaming, partially leading to her going full time 

Ren once barbecued on radio in the studio 

Ren stayed on his ex-girlfriend’s floor for the first six months of him moving to england

Ren got kicked in the balls trying to sell tickets to musicals in Leicester Square 

Ren loves playing golf and tennis 

Ren hates soccer

Ren loves queues, maybe ironically maybe unironically

Ren drinks four cups of tea a day 

Ren’s favorite season is 3rd life

[slttygeto]

WHAT WAS I MADE FOR?

⤷ THINK I FORGOT, HOW TO BE HAPPY. | something i’m made for

જ⁀➴synopsis: your boyfriend was made to be the center of attention, to receive so much love--not to deal with your sadness like it was his.

જ⁀➴content warning: fem!reader, angst, reader is a little insecure, just v sad, satoru best boy.

જ⁀➴ word count: 0,8k.

⤷ comments and reblogs are much appreciated!

my boyfriend is so cool

that was always your thought when you went out with him for dinner. he’d invite a bunch of his friends along with their partners, and you’d spend the rest of the night chatting and laughing. you noticed how suguru was always the center of attention, even if he didn’t want to be. his best friend was equally magnetic. like a moth to a flame, they would both shine so bright.

and you’re suguru’s girlfriend. his pretty girl whom he met in college and has been with ever since. three years down the road, and many more to come, as he liked to say. you liked to believe that you and suguru were meant to be together, a match made in heaven. despite your different personalities and approach in life, you always managed to find a way to make it work.

always.

tonight, dinner tasted a little weird on your tongue. you’re sure it’s just you because everyone else seems to be enjoying their food just fine. no one seems to notice the way you scrunch up your face after the first bite, slowly setting the fork down and flashing suguru a polite smile, to which he immediately asks

“are you okay?”

am I okay? you’re not sure if you are, but you nod anyway. you squeeze his shoulder and motion at a friend who was talking to him, asking him to focus on the conversation.

you hated feeling like this. you could feel your stomach hurt, and your heart sinks a little as you try your best to fight back the insecurities. why were they resurfacing at such a time?

you weren’t supposed to feel this way. you’ve talked about this before with suguru, and he reassured you many times that he was dating you because he loved you. even three years later, you still can’t find it in you to tell him that it seems like he deserves better.

not someone who cries when they look in the mirror, or deflate throughout the day for no absolute reason. suguru deserved someone who takes care of him, not a person who is constantly so sad.

you excuse yourself from the table you’re sitting at, muttering to your boyfriend some lame excuse about how you need to fix your makeup. truth be told, if you had stayed at that table any longer, you would’ve thrown up the food and made a mess.

you walk inside the bathroom and as dramatic as it may seem, you lean against the door and let out a sob. it’s quiet, you don’t want anyone to hear you. but then it gets louder and louder until you turn on the faucet to try to drown out the sound of your cries.

this is so stupid.

you’re trying to wipe your makeup, even if it seems a little impossible to fix it right now (but you somehow manage). you’ve been in the bathroom for about 7 minutes now, and you know that if you stay there any longer, suguru would come looking for you.

you step out of the bathroom when you’re sure you look presentable and bump into a strong chest. your heart stills.

please don’t let it be—

“are you okay?” thank god, it was satoru.

you’ve known him ever since you met your boyfriend, and he’s been one of the most reliable friends ever. he was nice, kind, a little cocky but given his looks and fortune, he had a lot to brag about.

“oh, yeah. my stomach was a little upset, come on let’s go—“ you’re avoiding his eyes, but satoru can tell from your swollen lips that something else happened.

“you were crying, weren’t you?” his eyebrows are pinched, and you fight back tears when you look up at him and see the concerned look on his face.

“please, don’t tell suguru.” your voice cracks when you say his name, and satoru’s face morphs into one of confusion.

“but–“

“satoru, please. it’s not what he’s made for.”  

it’s not what he’s made for.

satoru’s lips part in shock, but he can feel his heart clenching a little at your words. he doesn’t know what to tell you, his mind is blank as he stares down at you with icy blue eyes.

“okay then, let’s go back,” he doesn’t press it, slowly leads the way back to your table and you’re immediately overflown with questions from suguru.

“are you okay? is it your stomach? we can get you meds–“

“I’m okay,” you try to reassure him with a warm hand on top of his, but the look on his face tells you that he doesn’t believe you. not one bit.

but suguru doesn’t have to know that you’re not okay. after all, he does deserve better and you’re getting in the way of that. 

⤷ the song absolutely destroyed me, so i had to write something.

2023 © all works belong to slttygeto. do not repost my work anywhere else.

[haine-kleine]

dunno if I should call this a headcanon or a theory and I know Horikoshi just went with what looked cool but the more I think about Dabi's initial design when he came to the League in the context of what we learned about him and what we saw happen to him during the second war, the less sense it makes that his body was already in that state.

according to the anime, he was learning by watching Endeavor's videos online. before Sekoto, he wasn't learning from any source at all and went about his training intuitively, but after Sekoto I strongly doubt he would be actively practicing his quirk, for a multitude of reasons. his body was still healing from the skin transplantation, the trauma associated with accidentally burning himself to death, plainly not having a place to train a fire quirk, which tend to be flashy and to use your quirk in public, having a provisional license is required, otherwise he risks getting arrested. he did a very good job staying out of the public's eye for the 7 years since he escaped AFO, who was also implied to be unaware of Touya surviving for so long.

so as far as we know, all he did for those 7 years is lay low and be very online. which makes his remark to Spinner hilarious ngl, at least Spinner sprung up to action as soon as he saw something that had inspired him, while Dabi had spent 7 whole years sitting on his very personal trauma and not going to therapy.

when Giran brings him to Shigaraki, he doesn't share any information about Dabi save for him being very invested in Stain's ideology. no criminal records, maybe, but not even a word of his absurdly strong quirk? no mentions of arson at all? they did discuss Toga making it to the news, so Dabi being left out like that was a bit weird in the context of the conversation, like him seeking out Stain's contacts was enough reason to let him join the League. he won't be useful to you, Shigaraki, but he's got the spirit. please take him in, he has nowhere else to go?

if you really look at the way Dabi uses his quirk until MVA, it's noticeable how he seems to have no idea what he is doing. there's no technique, no finesse to his moves, just throwing out huge blasts of fire with his hands and hoping for the threat to leave him alone.

when Shigaraki attacked him (fully provoked) his reaction was too slow to summon any flames at all, and if it weren't for Kurogiri, that would have been it for Dabi.

When he is fighting Geten and starts going beyond his limit, he scares himself with the increased fire output. because, yup, overusing his quirk by accident was the source of his trauma.

the databook puts his technique as the weakest of his stats. his power is huge and eventually allowed him to become the strongest fire quirk user in the BNHA universe, but his technique was extremely lacking.

all of the above just doesn't paint the picture of someone who has been consistently mastering his quirk for 7 years. rather, it gives the picture of someone who had just started using his quirk for the first time in years, having background training from his childhood.

it's not even that Dabi isn't hardworking as hell or doesn't have the potential to be trained, because he's a complete opposite. continuously going beyond his limit, despite his own body getting in his way, mastering Enji and Shouto's complicated techniques they have worked for weeks/months/years on in a matter of minutes after just observing it. surely, he has been watching Enji and learning the way his father uses his quirk for years, but putting theory to practice? i doubt he even had the chance, before joining LOV.

he had to wait, because starting to actively use his quirk sets the clock into motion, counting down the time he has left. he is like a candle, destroying himself with his fire, until nothing is left at all. he had to make sure his plan of revenge will have a chance to succeed before fully committing to the 'Dabi' route, a slow and agonizing process of cremating himself by continuously using his quirk. because when he really starts using his quirk for long stretches of time? this is what happens to him.

to conclude this post, I know why the final design was chosen (because it's cool as fuck) but after analyzing the crucial points of Touya's story and his relationship with his quirk, I really think him joining the League with post-coma design would have made more sense. once he had started really using his quirk, his body would slowly degrade to the state Dabi's was in, because his fire literally melts his skin. but his body already having 40% surface third degree burns, when he didn't even use his quirk the entire time, perfectly holding up up until the first war arc and then quickly starting to burn down? idk, seems a bit inconsistent?..

anyway, i love the concept of Dabi's skin slowly and inevitably burning down after he had joined the League. him losing more and more skin until there's barely anything left, when he reveals himself to his father and is bitter at the lack of recognition, because burning himself to the point of being unrecognizable was one of the many sacrifices he had made to be finally seen by Endeavor.

also, more of this. because this was bittersweet as hell

[lemotmo]

For the Eddie queen that you are 😊. Can't wait to read your addition to this.

Q. I think the show worked just fine without Eddie. I didn't even notice he was gone. I have no idea why so many people are acting like it was this catastrophic event.

A. And I have no idea whose inbox you thought you were leaving this in but you were wildly mistaken. How are we a year plus into this nonsense and you all still haven't figured out to do this shit remotely believable? Your desperation is showing, and while it's amusing, this act you all are clinging too is not. The GA has spoken. The people want Eddie Diaz. Don't worry though go to the nearest park and talk to a tree. I promise the tree will be as life-like as the person you're not so subtlety actually talking about. Be sure to stop back by though once Buck and Eddie touch lips. I will be more than happy to celebrate the occasion with you. Cheers to Buddie canon 🩷🎉

Thank you for thinking of me Nonny. 🤗

Okay...

Right...

Let's see...

Seeing that there is an outcry for Eddie Diaz on ALL social media platforms and how everyone is enraged that he wasn't in those two episodes?

I am going to take a wild guess here and conclude that the OP anon is very very very wrong.

We have seen, times and time again that when Eddie isn't in the 118, the others do miss him. He is a good friend to Hen, Chim and Ravi. He has so many things in common with Bobby. Their talks were always the highlight of the episode they were in.

And then there's Buck. It has been established since day 1 that Buck and Eddie GET each other like no one else gets them. They are there for each other through thick and thin.

So yeah, the people are outraged that they showed some nobody plot device guest actor reacting to Bobby's death instead of Eddie. They are outraged they had to sit through a boring helicopter scene that took up waaaay too much time WHILE also having to suffer the terrible non-acting by the formerly mentioned nobody plot device guest actor. All this while they could have had a scene of someone calling Eddie to tell him about Bobby and we could have seen his reaction as well.

Everyone got some kind of closure. Where is the closure for Eddie?

He is a main character, but keeps being side-lined because of some stupid half-assed Vertigo plot Tim set in motion in season 7.

It might surprise the anon, but Eddie is a much beloved character. When he first popped up in season 2 I fell in love. Not just because he looked good, but because he is a genuinly good kind and decent man. Next to that he is a great father, firefighter and medic.

You would think that the 'you can't kill Bobby' posts would far outnumber the 'we need to see Eddie' posts, but you couldn't be more wrong.

The fact that there is such an outcry for him and that people are insulted on his behalf that he wasn't in these episodes makes me so happy.

It is a message to ABC, Tim and the writers that we care about Eddie and we want him back in LA asap. It tells them that he is as important to us as Bobby is and that it is time for unimportant plot device characters to walk away forever. And that is a great message to send.

Also, whether the anon likes it or not... Buddie is happening. Eddie and Buck will get their happy ever after. Both of them will finally know what it means to truly love and be loved. Something neither of them has ever truly experienced.

No, not even with both of their very recent love interests anon. Don't get ideas. There was zero chemistry or romance to be found there. 🙄

IMPORTANT! Please don't repost this ask and/or a link that leads straight to my Tumblr account on Twitter or any other social media. Thank you!

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Remember, no hate in comments, reblogs or inboxes. Let's keep it civil and respectful. Thank you.

If you are interested in more of Ali’s posts, you can find all of her posts so far under the tag: anonymous blog I love.

[pers-books]

I Really Hope I'm Wrong, But Doctor Who Might Have Set Up Kate Stewart's Exit After 13 Years

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Doctor Who season 15, episode 4, "Lucky Day."

Jemma Redgrave has played Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, known professionally as Kate Stewart, since Doctor Who season 7, episode 4, "The Power of Three," but season 15 might have just revealed her time on the show is up. Kate creates a direct connection to Doctor Who's classic era, as she's the daughter of Alistair "the Brigadier" Lethbridge-Stewart - a recurring UNIT ally to a number of Doctors before the 2005 revival. Although joining the show in 2012 means Kate's debut in Doctor Who's modern era arguably came pretty late, she has made some excellent contributions to the franchise.

Redgrave's presence among the cast of 2023's "The Giggle" means she has worked with every main actor to play the Doctor in the modern era, other than Christopher Eccleston. She first encountered Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor, so although she never crossed paths with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, that was rectified when Tennant returned as Fourteen for Doctor Who's 60th-anniversary specials. As the experienced leader of Doctor Who's new UNIT team, the Disney era has given Kate a more regular group of colleagues, but it may be over barely after it started.

Doctor Who Season 15, Episode 4 Suggests Kate Might Be Fired Due To The Conrad Situation

Kate's team had to fight a different kind of battle in "Lucky Day".

Millie Gibson's return as Ruby Sunday in Doctor Who season 15's "Lucky Day" poses an interesting challenge for Kate's team. After converging on a supposed Shreek attack in a small English village, the scenario turns out to be nothing more than a stunt by Think Tank. The conspiracy theorist group, led by Jonah Hauer-King's Conrad Clark, staged the scenario in an attempt to "prove" that UNIT is a front for the government to charge UK residents more tax under the guise of protecting them from aliens. This is a new situation for UNIT, and one that it's ill-prepared to handle.

The events set in motion by Conrad ultimately lead to the real possibility that Kate could be dismissed from her position, as it happened on her watch.

Conrad is an unusual kind of Doctor Who villain, which is what makes him so compelling. Rather than being a bloodthirsty alien, which UNIT would know how to handle, he spreads disinformation about Kate's team that not only prevents them from doing their job, but also creates doubt among the relevant governmental bodies that fund UNIT. The events set in motion by Conrad ultimately lead to the real possibility that Kate could be dismissed from her position, as it happened on her watch. An even worse scenario could be that the UK branch of UNIT is dissolved entirely.

Kate Stewart Will Still Appear In Doctor Who's Upcoming Sea Devils Spinoff

The War Between the Last and Sea will still have Redgrave among its cast

Kate still has a job by the end of Doctor Who season 15, episode 4, "Lucky Day." However, that may not be the case for long. Either way, Jemma Redgrave is still confirmed to appear among the cast of The War Between the Land and Sea - an upcoming Doctor Who spinoff miniseries. The show will heavily focus on UNIT's exploits and a conflict with returning Doctor Who villains, the Sea Devils.

It's currently unclear whether Kate and her team will be acting in an official capacity during the spinoff, or whether they're saving the world in the name of duty, regardless of whether their affiliation with UNIT has been severed. Kate reveals in "Lucky Day" that Mel Bush (Bonnie Lanford) is already en route to Sydney Harbor, stating that something is happening there that sounds suspiciously like it could be the imminent Sea Devil threat. So, the mission is already in motion, and a headstrong woman like Kate isn't going to be stopped from heroism by something like standard procedure.

What Happens With The Sea Devils Could End Kate Stewart's UNIT Career For Good

Kate's future could hinge on her victory or defeat against the returning Doctor Who villains

It almost doesn't matter if Kate has gone rogue in The War Between the Land and Sea, or if she is still serving UNIT in an official capacity. After the Conrad situation, her entire career could hinge on whether she can help thwart the Sea Devils. If she succeeds, then it'll probably be enough for her superiors to forgive or reinstate her to her previous position. If she fails, but manages to survive, then it will likely be the final nail in her professional coffin.

I would be surprised if Kate ended up fighting on the front lines in The War Between the Land and Sea. Although her father was a soldier, Kate is more of a hands-on tactician and leader than an outright warrior. That said, she has enough fire in her to step up if that's what's required of her in the Doctor Who spinoff. A large part of what happens depends on whether she and the others still have access to UNIT resources. If not, she may have to get more physically involved than usual.

Kate's Relationship With Colonel Ibrahim May Be Setting Up Her Happy Ending

Doctor Who is hinting that Kate's exit won't be miserable

After debuting in "The Giggle," Alexander Devrient's Colonel Christofer Ibraham has gradually been unveiled as a love interest for Kate Stewart. It's now confirmed that the pair are in a romantic relationship, which gives both of them more to lose on a personal level in the challenges that lie ahead. While their entanglement could be viewed as a source of concern due to their dangerous line of work, it could also be a subtle foreshadowing of Kate's potential Doctor Who exit.

Kate has served her country well during her years with UNIT, and she deserves to ride off into the sunset to enjoy the parts of life, such as love, for which she hasn't had time.

Although Col. Ibrahim is a good character in his own right, immediately giving him a romantic connection to Redgrave's character feels like too much of a coincidence to ignore. Kate has served her country well during her years with UNIT, and she deserves to ride off into the sunset to enjoy the parts of life, such as love, for which she hasn't had time. Introducing Col. Ibrahim is a good way of doing that.

I Really Hope Kate Stewart Isn't Finished With Doctor Who

Jemma Redgrave would be a big loss as a Doctor Who guest star

As rewarding and logical as it would be for Kate to step away from UNIT after defeating the Sea Devils in The War Between the Land and Sea, I would also hate for the spinoff to be Redgrave's final time in the role. If she is ejected from her position because of Conrad's actions, it would be a very unfair way for Kate to leave the show after all her hard work and the effort she has made to uphold her late father's legacy.

Plus, Redgrave's performances as Kate Stewart have a brilliant way of giving the scenes in which she appears way more gravity than they would have without her. She's a brilliant actress who is perfectly suited to the role. She's not the only instance of this in Doctor Who, but if it's possible to retain her rather than end her arc, I think the show should certainly do that. If she does leave, at least her episodes will remain as a testament to her Doctor Who character.

[wormswurld]

tw suicide attempt// i was listening to "how to disappear completely” by radiohead while writing this and this kinda just happened..

i can imagine while the boys are on the road all day, probably after evading the police, and pull off at a motel for the night,, and that’s when randy tries to attempt for the very first time.. his mind and body are in a complete state of shock after what has just transpired in the past 7 hours and he feels like he can’t take it anymore.. it’s all too much: benson barking at him, a gun being pulled on him, the flashes of his coworkers dying in front of him, ms. beards pleas, the petrified faces of the diner goers, the blood, the screams, the burning pain of his shoulder, it’s all too much..

and that’s why he’s decided it’s his time to go, his final goodbye to the bleak world that has nursed him for all these years.. benson’s sound asleep in the bed next to his feet, softly snoring, and the bathroom is just a couple inches away, why not? nothing’s stopping him, except for the gaping pit in his belly, ever expanding and eating upon his insides, though that has been there since the beginning.. way before there was a benson and a wanted sign plastered above the two of their names.. so this is it. he’s shaking now but that’ll go away, all of this will if he does it correctly..

so here he sits, the cold grimy linoleum floor cooling his warm skin, kissing the bruises that have accumulated all over his pale body, some resulting from his lack of balance though most coming from bensons tight calloused grip.. sighing heavily randy takes of the musk filled, sweat stained mötörhead t-shirt benson threw on him and politely folded it, setting it on the floor beside him, next came his boxers, completing the same motion he brought his knobby knees up to his chest.. naked and afraid, he grabbed at the pills he snagged from ms. beards bathroom cabinet, 5 small little pills that barely took up the size of his palm,, briefly glancing at the milligrams of each pill in ms. beards bathroom he figured that should do the trick, end his monotonous suffering once and for all..

he’s crying now. thick wet tears drenching his cheeks as he recalls what he has been through in the past 7 hours.. maybe benson was right, he didn’t know where he’d be in 7 hours, certainly didn’t think he would be silently sobbing to himself, naked on a shitty bathroom floor, wearily eyeing a handful of pills he stole from his 2nd grade teacher, but who cares? he definitely doesn’t, at least that’s what he tells himself as his chest aches..1..he shakily brings his pill filled hand up to eye level..2..he quickly gags before popping them in his mouth, squeezing his eyes closed as the pills make their dry descent down his hoarse throat..3.. he begins to lay down, fetal position, as he begins to feel his heart speed up, this is really happening..4.. next comes his eyes, closing as he tries to fight the frightening flashes of dead bodies, pools of blood, and police lights clouding his vision

..5..knock..6..randy?..7..c’mon randy i needa take a piss..8.. i’m not playing this game with you rand, open up..9..i said open the fuck up randy! i’m gonna do that counting till 3 shit..

boom!

randy?..

[lovelybeesthings]

Stupid bunny ch 1? 2 3

Coriolanus Snow x reader

Word count: 1.8k

Y/n Ashwood was the daughter of a very powerful family that was a part of the structure of the Capito, the Ashwoods had been one of the few honorable families to survive the falls of the most powerful families. Y/N was a very sweet innocent girl who never had to survive by eating raw meat or scraps and didn't have to fight for a scholarship to attend the Academy.

Alongside her wealth she was a beautiful girl with long lashes, rosy cheeks Doe eyes, and plum lips, her hair was in bubble braids or in long curls her hair was silky smooth by the touch of it and her looks were ones of a saint, y/n was looked at as a white soft rabbit or a doll to some as her life seemed to be in the hands of her family.

As Y/n attended the academy it was inevitable she was popular she had the looks and the Brain which amazed her peers how can a girl who looks like a saint and fragile to touch look at such hordes of sights? Y/n had known of the Snow family as they were one of a higher class but close to the bottom she knew exactly of Coriolanus Snow his long curly locks and his charming looks.

There was also one more reason Y/n Ashwood knew of Coriolanus Snow she had been his fiance since the moment they were both been born the Ashwoods and The snows had set the engagement in motion when y/n was 7 years old she met snow on one occasion and it was breath taking she still remembers it the way he had walked toward her as she hid behind her mother he took her hand and kissed it introducing himself.

*Present day*

As our days with our distracts pass soon to the games I notice how Coriolanus looks at his distract trains Lucy grey I’ve seen her girl from distract 12 I see the way she build skinny pretty from her distracts condition but to me there’s no hope a performer in an hunt I say shell die in the first 10 minutes but the way I catch his eyes longing at hers every moment at her*

My trainee was a boy named Reaper his build was strong and what I’ve read he had even attacked a peacekeeper which betters the odds.

“Coriolanus!” *I say as i see him alone for once passing by as I say his name he turns his head as his eyes lock to mine* “y/n?” *I walk closer* “I’ve missed you it’s been so long it just seems your time has been consumed so much into the game you know my family’s gonna. Host another dinner party you should come!” *I say smiling brightly* “I don’t think so I-i have to see how to better Lucy’s chances” *I look at him and my nose crutches from his response* “you mean your tribute right?” *I say harshly* “Yes, is their something the matter y/n?” *he responds more in colder tone* “it’s-s just seems like your mind is more on the girl then the goal of winning I mean she’s not the strongest tribute and doesn’t seem that smart” *I say as my words drop with venom getting so hung up on my words I don’t notice his expression to get more pissed* “Y/n! I have to spend my time on her, okay? I don’t have the riches to pay for the academy I need to be on this scholarship you can’t even view my point as your life is handed to you” *he says coldly making me shiver and I realize where I went wrong* “Coriolanus wait-t I didn’t, I wasn’t trying to make it seem that way!” *I say as my face blush’s from the embarrassment and I try to resolve this small argument* “y/n just shut it I have to get back to Lucy” *I feel this utter poison in me as I grab onto his shirt as he begins to walk away* “STOP! Don’t leave me!” *i say as a demand he quickly turns and looks at me but his eyes cold his look disturbed with my existence* “you’re just a stupid bunny” *he says as his words feel like a ridicule*

I’m end it here cause I started to hate it 🥲 if you have any suggestions or anything just tell me plz

[lovelyiida]

THE RACE TO WEDDING BELLS ❤︎︎

CHAPTER 7: PASS THE SALT

"You know what they say about secretaries."

KATSUKI BAKUGO X SECRETARY READER

SYNOPSIS: as the years went by... bakugo realized that he was the last to get married. the days grew cold and the nights turned lonely. bakugo wants to marry, but he doesn't really feel like falling in love. at least he has his trustee secretary!

❥ WARNINGS: implied fem reader, aged-up! Pro-hero MHA characters over the age of 27, vulgar language, suggestive wording, and content.

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WORDS: 4.8K

"A what?"

The revelation hit like an unfathomable wave, leaving Katsuki in utter shock and embarrassment. His words slipped out uncontrollably, and he hung his head low, attempting to collect himself before facing his parents' reactions.

With just a grunt escaping him, the blonde struggled to conjure up a somewhat plausible response. "Just… don't freak out. I've been meaning to say this for a while now, just couldn't find the time."

Deep into his face, palms buried, he rubbed his eyes, attempting to shake himself from the grave he had unwittingly dug.

"How long have you guys been dating? I mean, we're happy, right?" Bakugo's father sought assurance from his wife, but all he received was a long stare.

"Um, I've known her for a while, I guess—"

"Ya' guess? What's that supposed to mean?" Mitsuki interjected, a little disheveled from the news, trying her hardest to take things step by step.

"Please, let him speak," his father interjected.

Another loud pause set into motion, catching Katsuki off guard as he had not anticipated bringing up the topic of you that day. "We were talking, then we started to hang out, started to go out, and the rest was history—"

"What happened to not having time to do anything, since you're, y'know… putting our safety first?" Mitsuki quipped at the hero.

"I can still go out and find love; I'm not some sad and lonely prick!" Katsuki yelled. "If it makes you feel any better, she's my secretary. Still ass-deep in my work."

Katsuki's response earned a scoff from his mother. "I just don't understand why you couldn't tell us about this, of all things. These matters are very important. You didn't even ask for our blessing, Katsuki," she said.

He could tell by the tone of her voice that she was hurt, almost feeling a sense of betrayal. One of the most important moments of her son's life has passed and she wasn't a part of it.

"I want to meet her," she says, Katsuki's breath hitches.

Katsuki swallowed hard, the weight of the situation sinking in. He lifted his head, meeting his mother's gaze, and nodded hesitantly.

"Yeah, uh. I'll bring her over sometime soon. You can meet her, ask whatever the hell you want," he mumbled, trying to keep the conversation under control.

Mitsuki folded her arms, a mix of concern and curiosity etched across her face. "You better not be hiding anything else, Katsuki. We're your parents; we deserve to know what's going on in your life."

Bakugo's father, still trying to process the information, chimed in with a more composed tone. "Son, we just want to understand and be a part of your life. If you're serious about her, then we should support you. But communication is key. You can't just shut us out."

Katsuki sighed, "Yeah, I get it. I messed up, I'll tell her you wanna talk"

His mother's expression softened slightly, though traces of concern lingered. "Good. We're not here to judge; we just want what's best for you."

The tension in the room began to ease as the family started to navigate this unexpected revelation. As the married couple soon go their separate ways, Katsuki storms out of the house. Heading to his car, he jumps in with force.

"Fuck, what the actual fuck is wrong with you?" Looking out towards the distance he lays back into the seat with a drafted sigh. The blonde thinks hard about the decision he's made. He didn't want to rope you into the situation though he didn't have a choice. The old bats wouldn't get off his case (Katsuki self-sabotages quite often).

How the hell is he gonna break this down to you?

"He went to see his mom and dad?" you asked, your curiosity piqued.

The redhead nods nervously, his hand reaching over to fiddle with the closest plant in range. The room falls into an awkward silence, and you find yourself shrugging in response. "Okay? I just don't understand why he couldn't tell me that..."

A thought crosses your mind, "It would've saved me a lot of trouble," you muse to yourself.

"It was so sudden, Ms. L/n, we had no idea—" Riot's explanation gets cut short by the sudden buzz of his phone. With a jolt, he quickly grabs it and stares at the screen. His eyes scan the messages with vigor as he quietly reads the words to himself. You can't help but be curious, "Is that Dynamight?" you ask.

The redhead's eyes shoot up to you for a split second, and then he continues reading. With a quick sigh, he places his phone down and puts his hand up against his temples, squeezing with firm resolve. "Uh... yeah, that was him."

Concern flickers in your eyes as you press further, "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah! everything's fine; it's just Monday, y'know?" he says with an offputting chuckle. Your eyes narrow at him for a split second before scanning the room to check the clock.

"Well, thank you for your kindness, Mr. Riot, but I should get going. I have a meeting with my queen-sized bed." You chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood. Giving the office cat one more affectionate pet, you rise out of your seat with ease and turn towards the door.

"Wait!"

Red Riot's voice booms through the room, causing you (and the cat) to jolt in surprise. "Dynamight's on his way; he really needs to see you," he says quickly. As you blink to process the information he just shared, you can't help but let out a defeated sigh. "So close," you whisper to yourself. Releasing the doorknob, you turn around, putting on your best business-coded smile.

"Sure, just tell him I'll be in his office." Turning back around, you head out the door and walk through the proclaimed hero's office. It's striking to see how night and day the two offices are. The aesthetics shift from sleek and black to relaxed and colorful.

Even the attitudes of the workers differ; they actually seem like they want (or at least don't mind) to do their job. The atmosphere is palpably different, and you find yourself absorbing the contrasting energies as you navigate through the hero's domain.

As you traverse back to the boss's office, you smoothly enter his main office, somewhat savoring the familiar ambiance as you feel a little bittersweet about being back at the office. You begin to unpack your things and get straight into work.

One hour passes, the minutes ticking away in a rhythmic dance.

Two hours pass, each moment blending into the next, creating a seamless continuum.

Three hours pass; you tiredly watch the passage of time marked by the silent ticking of the clock on the wall. A rather substantial chunk of time has passed since Red Riot mentioned that Dynamight was on his way. And you're mad as hell.

You completed everything you needed to an hour ago and decided to sit and wait just for good measure.

But now, impatience gnaws at you. Huffing, you quickly gather your things and head out of the office. Taking the elevator down to the parking garage, you aimlessly walk towards the chauffeur, the air heavy with anticipation as you slip into the sleek vehicle.

You know you're not exactly allowed to use the chauffeur, but fatigue has settled into your bones, and you simply don't feel like dealing with the hassle of taking a cab back home. As the chauffeur skillfully maneuvers through the city's nocturnal labyrinth, you find solace in the gentle hum of the engine.

Finally dropped off at your apartment, you collapse into the welcoming embrace of your bed.

Another couple of hours have passed since you left work. Glancing at the clock, a sense of worry creeps in as 10 pm emerges. "Must've been a serious conversation," you ponder. Out of habit, you pull out your phone and mindlessly text your boss.

TO: Dynamight (BOSS)

Riot told me where you were.

Next time… just tell me not to come in.

Placing the phone down, you continue watching mind-numbing daytime TV reruns. "I wonder if he thinks I'm some joke," you say aloud. Anger quietly simmers in your stomach as you shift your feet around, attempting to find comfort in the folds of your bed.

Not even five minutes later, Dynamight answers your text.

Picking up your phone, your eyes widen at his text.

FROM: Dynamight (BOSS)

outside

we need to talk.

Oh, this is serious…

Jolting out of your bed, a rush of adrenaline propels you to the window, where you cautiously peek outside. There he is, waiting at your door. Surprisingly, he looks a tad bit nervous, perhaps uneasy?

Shutting your blinds, you slip on your house shoes and stomp towards the door. Opening it with a swift motion, you look at the hero. He meets your gaze, appearing tired and somewhat defeated as you begin to let loose on him.

"You need to be more considerate of people's time and what they're going through! Do you even know what I went through today? Well, I ended up in your buddy's office today, okay—"

"Please, L/n… just let me in," the blonde's voice rasps at you. Blinking, you notice how unfazed he looks as you stop your scolding. Quietly cursing under your breath, you hold the door open for him to come in.

As the blonde enters your place, he takes off his shoes and sits at the dining room table. Your boss's demeanor today is unusual compared to how you've seen him before. He looks almost vulnerable to you.

"You want anything to drink?" you say quietly. The blonde rolls his neck and then looks you in the eyes. "Got beer?" he says. You quietly nod and go into the kitchen to get him a beer.

"Get yourself one too; you're gonna need it," he says, the last part just below a whisper. You hum in agreement and grab the beers. Sliding one to him, he grabs it and cracks it open with vigor.

You watch as your boss quickly gulps down the contents, as you only take a small swig. Placing your drink down you look at him concerned.

"What did you need to talk about?" you say softly.

"Um… listen," you watch as the blonde shifts uncomfortably in his seat. He lets out a deep sigh, placing his hands into his pockets, and his head hangs low.

"So, I talked to my parents today—"

"I know that—"

"I was talkin' to them, you know… how parents are. They get on your ass when they need to, and they were definitely on mine. My mom said some things, and I got upset. I started to blabber a whole bunch of shit for no reason—"

"I'm having a hard time figuring out what the issue is. So you're being held accountable?" you say, confused. You watch as he clenches his fist and closes his eyes, trying his absolute hardest not to explode in anger right then and there.

"As… I began to ramble, I brought you up, and I told my parents that you're my girlfriend… we're engaged." He says defeatedly, a long pause of silence goes by as you stare at your boss, absolutely dumbfounded.

What?

"WHAT!"

Jumping up from your seat, you start to pace around the kitchen in anger. "I can't even look at you right now— are you serious?" you turn towards him, eyes wide, and lips turned upward in anger.

"C'mon, it's not that serious—"

"Not that serious? Are you messing with me?" you say outraged.

"L/n, please just sit down so we can talk this out—"

"Talk this out? No, I don't wanna say anything to you. God, how could you do this? It's like I'm not even a person to you; like I'm just a toy that you continuously beat against a hardwood table over, and over, and over—"

"L/n!" Dynamight's voice roars over yours, and you flinch at the sound. The rhythmic sound of your breaths huffing is the only sound that penetrates through the air.

"Okay, fine. We can talk, but I'm not sitting down," you say sternly, which makes the blonde roll his eyes. You hear him mumble a quiet "whatever," which almost sets you right back into another frenzy.

Fighting the urge to escalate, you take a deep breath and continue to pace, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife.

"My parents want to meet you tomorrow, is that okay?" he dares to ask. You wanted to say something witty, something that would tick him off, but you started to go into deep thought.

"Give him a taste of how he's treated you, Y/n; the time is now."

Turning to face him, you look at him with no emotion. "Okay, that's fine," you say. This throws your boss off guard, "uh, are you sure? You seemed pretty against it literally three seconds ago—"

"No… I think it's fine. I know we talked about taking things slow, but it's whatever," you say defeatedly. You watch as the blond takes his hands out of his pockets and places a box out and in front of you.

"You'll need this," he says.

Eyes tracing down from his hand and onto the box, your stomach drops to your ass in a heartbeat.

An engagement ring.

"I'm not forcing you to put it on right now, but just have it on before I see you tomorrow," he says. You aimlessly nod, eyes still glued to the ring. You hear your boss stand from his chair with a screech and walk towards you.

"You don't need to memorize my favorite color or whatever the heck—just be present and actually act as if you're interested, please?" he pleads with you. You hum with a silent nod.

"I'll let myself out," the hero mumbles.

After a few moments, you hear the door close and the sound of his car speeding off into the night. The room is left in silence, filled with the weight of unexpected developments and the promise of an imminent meeting with Dynamight's parents.

Sitting back down at the table, you grab the velvet box. Opening it, you can't help but let out a gasp. The ring is absolutely beautiful, looking way too expensive to be just a regular engagement ring. Taking it out of the box, you can't help but marvel at its beauty.

"I always thought later in my life I would be proposed to a little bit differently…" you chuckle to yourself, unable to help feeling a little bittersweet at the moment you're currently experiencing. The unexpected turn of events, coupled with the striking beauty of the ring, creates a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within you.

Sighing, you place your head down on the table, feeling the cold wood press against your skin. Closing your eyes, you didn't know what to think or feel—you were just there.

"What the hell are you wearing?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why do you look so… fancy?"

Currently sitting inside your "fiancé's" car, you're being berated once more for no exact reason. "I just thought that since I'm meeting your parents and all that I would dress nice," you say unbothered as you fix up your makeup in the passenger mirror.

"Plus, I bought this a year ago; m'not letting it collect dust."

You hear the blonde let out a drawn-out sigh, before you knew it, you felt a surprisingly soft hand wrap around your wrist. Looking over, you see him stare at the ring on your finger.

Swallowing your spit, you look over at his hand.

No ring.

"And where's your ring?" you say sternly. "It's right here," he mumbles as he reaches into his armrest. "I was gonna put it on but… I didn't know which finger to put the stupid thing on," he says.

You chuckle at his words as you grab the box from his hand and open it. He chose a pretty nice ring for himself also. Taking the ring out of the holder, you grab his hand and slowly slip the ring on.

"There," you speak softly.

"Thanks," the hero mumbles before quickly snatching his hand away from your grasp and placing them on the steering wheel. Quickly driving off.

Looking at the sights, you see the transitions from the bustling, busy city life to a quiet suburban city. You watch as the hero drives around the town, memorizing every turn and every stop.

Sometimes he would tell you a story about him from childhood whenever he would see a certain park or store. It was nice.

But that "nice" feeling in your body soon turned into anxiety as you watch the car turn down a neighborhood road. The neighborhood is nice, beautiful homes with nicely trimmed grass. This is a place you'd see yourself growing up in if your family actually had the money to.

As the car slows to a stop, you park outside the home of your boss's parents. Swallowing your spit, you nervously play with your ring before looking up at the blonde.

"Hey," he says, and you lift your eyebrows in response.

“Call me Katsuki.”

Your eyes widen at the thought of already starting a first-name basis. "Okay, you can call me Y/n," you say. Katsuki nods at your words, "nice name" he mumbles (he's too bashful to be authentically nice).

"Thanks, you have a nice name too," you say.

"Thanks."

A beat passes before you then watch the blonde hop out of the car and walk over to your side. Opening your door, he holds out his hand for you. Looking at his hand for a moment, you press your lips into a line before grabbing it softly.

Interlacing your fingers with the pro-hero, you didn't know what waves of emotions were going through you at the moment. You felt like a high school girl going on her first date.

You notice once more how soft his hands were. Who knew hands that were known to brutally fight against evil and maintain justice and peace in the city were so...soft.

Taking your other hand and placing it on his arm, the both of you walk side by side to the front door. As Katsuki rings the doorbell, you squeeze his hand.

"You'll be fine."

You silently nod before hearing the door unlock. As the door swings open, you're met with a man with brunette hair and glasses who looks exactly like your fiancé. Thus, none other than his father, of course.

"Oh, hello!" he says pleasantly with a soft smile. Unraveling yourself from Katsuki's grasp, you reach out to shake. "Hi, Mr..." your brain paused for a moment.

"Bakugo, Mr. Bakugo, dear," he says with a chuckle. Shaking his hand, he gives you a firm shake before letting you go. You smile as you revert to resting your hands at your center.

"Or you could call me Dad, or Mr. Dad—"

"Please, old man," Katsuki groans. This earns a quiet chuckle out of you.

"Please come in," he says awkwardly, motioning you to follow. As you step into the house, you can't help but quietly speak as you feel the warm touch of Katsuki's hand ghosting around your waist.

As the both of you settle in, you can't help but look at every corner of the house. The modern home was everything you thought it would be. Sleek design yet a homey color palette; you wish this was your childhood home.

Your eyes grazed over framed photographs capturing moments of joy from the pro-hero's childhood. A part of you still didn't believe you were seeing the things you were seeing today.

As you move through the house, Katsuki's father engages in casual conversation, sharing anecdotes and stories about their family. The initial nervousness begins to subside as you find yourself being drawn into the easygoing charm of the Bakugo family.

The living room, adorned with plush furniture and warm hues, invites you to take a seat. Katsuki, still by your side, maintains a protective presence that brings a sense of comfort.

"Dinner will be ready soon. Why don't you make yourselves comfortable?" Mr. Bakugo suggests with a warm smile, leaving you and Katsuki alone for a moment.

The two of you find a spot on the couch, and as you sit together, the air is filled with a mix of anticipation and the gentle hum of family life. Katsuki's hand finds yours again, offering silent reassurance amidst the subtle excitement of the evening.

"He's nice," you mumble softly at Katsuki, which earns a humorous scoff from him. "Yeah, he's too nice, maybe he actually took his meds today," the blonde says. You silently mouth an "oh" before looking around the room some more.

Suddenly, you catch a glimpse of Katsuki's mother in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the meal. She also looks just like him; you watch as her eyes match up with yours. Before you could politely bow or smile, her eyes were off of you.

Looking back down into your hands, Katsuki immediately tells that something is off. "Hey, don't mind the old hag; she's just in her feelings." You breathe in, trying to register your emotions and the "old hag" quip.

"Yeah, but I mean, she has every right to act the way she's acting. If I didn't know my son was getting married—let alone had a girlfriend until it's basically time for them to say their vows—I would feel a type of way as well."

Katsuki rolls his eyes as he attempts to place his hand on your thigh. But you turn away from him with a frown. Before the blonde could say anything else, "Mr. Dad" comes walking through.

"Hey, kids, the food is ready," he says with a smile.

You nod before looking back at Katsuki. As the both of you walk towards the dining table, Katsuki pulls out your chair and helps you sit down. As you settle down, you hear a quiet scoff in the distance. Already gathering that scoff was owned by his mother.

Looking down, you stare at the food placed before you. The aroma wafts through the air, and you can't help but smile. "Wow, this looks amazing! I haven't had a home-cooked meal in so long, thank you."

"No need." Looking up, you notice another figure sitting on the opposite side of the table. "Hello, Mrs. Bakugo," you say with a soft bow.

Nothing in return.

Looking over at Katsuki, you could sharpen a dozen kitchen sets with the look he just gave his own mother. The tension in the room becomes palpable, and you find yourself navigating the delicate balance of emotions while trying to enjoy the anticipated family dinner.

As the family gathers around the table, you notice the strained atmosphere between Katsuki and his mother. The unspoken tension hangs in the air, creating an undercurrent that makes you tread carefully with each bite.

You exchange glances with Katsuki, silently acknowledging the situation of family dynamics. Despite the awkwardness, you decide to break the ice by engaging in conversation with Mr. Bakugo.

"So, how did the two of you meet?" he asks. Looking over at Katsuki stuffing his face with rice, you look back over at his father with a bashful smile.

"We met at work; I'm his secretary," you say with a chuckle. Katsuki's dad lets out a chuckle along with you. You also notice that his mother is chuckling too. As she looks into your eyes with a mischievous smile, her eyes glaze over at her husband.

"You know what they say about secretaries…"

"Which is?" you look over at Katsuki, throwing mental daggers at his mother. She swallows her food and chuckles, "I'm just saying! Clearly, you have a type."

"Keep pushin' me; old dirty hag," Katsuki spits venom with every word that comes out of his mouth. Your eyes widen at the vulgarity of the words he chose. Placing your hand above your mouth in shock.

"Or what? Little bastard—"

"Okay!" Mr. Bakugo yells out.

All eyes snap towards him.

"Mitsuki, do you have any other questions for Y/n?" he says anxiously.

A moment of silence passes before she speaks again.

"Where are you from?" she asks.

"I'm from (hometown)," you respond.

"Education?"

"I'm a college graduate in hero analysis and communications."

"How old are you?"

"27, ma'am…28 in (birth month)."

"How many kids are you willing to have with my son?" she suddenly asks. This makes Katsuki and his father choke on their food, sending you aback, and a warmth grows on your cheeks.

"Oh, what? It's not like they haven't had sex before!" she argues.

"Well—"

"Well, what? You're celibate?" She questions; you look over at Katsuki before quietly nodding. "Oh wow, I guess he's really in it for the long haul." Mitsuki sips her drink before going on another brigade of questions for you.

By the end of dinner, things were…okay? You believe you made a good impression on Mr. Bakugo. His mother, on the other hand, was a whole different case.

Soon, you and Katsuki were in the kitchen washing dishes while the older couple sat on the couch to converse. The clinking of dishes serves as a backdrop to the muffled conversation in the living room. The warmth of the water and the shared task provide a brief respite from the earlier intensity.

As you scrub a plate, Katsuki breaks the silence. "Sorry about that, she can be a real pain in the ass."

You look over at him, a small smile playing on your lips. "It's okay, I can handle it. Besides, I'm getting to know your family."

He grumbles in response, his usual tough exterior softening for a moment. The rhythmic sound of washing dishes continues, and you can't help but feel a sense of unity, even in the midst of familial complexities.

"It's not okay; she's never acted like that towards a guest ever, and it's you of all people," he says. You can tell through the tone of his voice that he's genuinely upset. You watch closely as he washes off some scum from a knife with his fingers.

"You didn't deserve that—god, she can be such a bitch—ah, shit!" Katsuki curses as he holds out his finger. He didn't realize, through his fit of anger, that he'd cut his finger.

Your eyes widen at the sight.

"What's going on in there?" You hear Mitsuki yell out.

"K-Katsuki?" You stumble with your words.

"Damn it, sorry," he mumbles.

"I'm fine, there's a first aid kit under the sink."

Quickly grabbing the kit, you come to his aid. Carefully bandaging up his finger. "Katsuki, I promise I've gone through worse. This is only a nib in the bud," you reassure him.

Finishing up the bandage, you place the first aid kit back under the sink. Looking back up at the blonde, you softly smile, placing your hand on his arm before glancing back over.

As you look over, you see Mitsuki staring into your soul, but this time neither of you breaks contact. "Did you guys want to stay for dessert?" Katsuki's father follows up.

The both of you look over at him, and you begin to speak, "Um—"

"Nah, early patrol and an interview tomorrow," Katuski speaks as he sneaks an arm around your waist. "Mm, yeah. That also translates to a lot of paperwork and notes for me," you attempt to make a joke to lighten the air.

This earns a chuckle from the father, "Well, let us lead you out."

As the four of you head towards the door, you watch Katsuki from the corner of your eye get a pat on the back from his father and a thumbs-up, mouthing "I like her" before he slips away from him.

Before leaving, the both of you turn and bow. "It was nice seeing you both for the first time. I hope to come here more often; the food was great."

"Anytime Y/n, the pleasure is ours."

As the both of you turn away hand in hand, you're stopped by a gasp of your wrist. "I'd like to give you a couple of words," says Mitsuki.

"Oh—"

"Whatever you say to her, you can say to me," Katsuki says sternly. His mother rolls her eyes, "Oh, please go to the car; I'm not gonna bite her head off!" She complains.

You give Katsuki an assuring glance before letting him go to the car. Facing his mother, you expect the worst. "Yes?" you say.

She lets out a sigh before she speaks, looking at you with almost a pitiful look. “I don’t know if you’re a good fit for my son yet, but I can tell you care for him. And that’s what matters the most.”

She then places her hand to touch yours, lifts your hand, and observes your ring. "Y'know I was staring at this the whole night? I just can't believe it."

Staring down at the ring, you nod your head in agreement.

"Me either."

I HOPE YOU ALL LIKED IT!! THE FIRST HALF OF THIS BOOK IS COMPLETE! ONLY 6 MORE CHAPTERS LEFT!

— lovelyiida

[your-resident-boat-person]

Have you been going insane at the pictures of SS United States being towed out because I sure have

I actually went to Philadelphia to see her off! I followed her all day. I was on the New Jersey side watching them pull her out at 11 AM, and I followed her until sunset at 7. I got some incredible pictures of her against the sunset, which I'm not including here because they are genuinely so good that I'm afraid someone else may try and steal them and take credit for them. I need to file for copyright or something. The sky is lit up like a rainbow. There were less than 20 people at that pier, so I suspect that very few people got to see her like that. I hopped from park to park for 8 hours following her down the river. It took 2 hours to get from my house to the first park, and 2 and a half hours to get home after the last one, but it was completely worth it. I got to see a real classic ocean liner in motion, and I got some of the best pictures I've ever taken in my entire life. It's sad to think that I'll probably never see her again. I saw her for the first time in 2022. My grandparents were bringing me and my sister on vacation to Wildwood, and we drove through Philadelphia. I looked at google maps, and saw we were close to the Big U, so I asked if we could make a small detour. They agreed, and I don't think I've ever been happier, and I've never seen my grandmother happier than she was then, just to see me happy. She passed away a month later, so that was one of my final memories with her. Every year since, when we go to Wildwood, my family has made the detour for me. I went to Philadelphia on the 16th with a friend, and stayed at a hotel to see her get moved on the 17th, only to find out it had been delayed to the 18th. Then the 19th. We had a fantastic time going in the museum ships and had a wonderful dinner at Moshulu, a restaurant built inside a historic ship. He even got to see the SS United States for the first time. He couldn't get another day off for the 19th, so I was unfortunately alone then, but the SS United States means so much to me for so many different reasons. She's even what got me into photography in the first place. I owe her a lot. A bunch of my best memories and life experiences only happened because of her.

For the pictures I didn't include, here's another I took of a little shed that was by the pier. Imagine instead of the silhouette of the shed against the sunset, it was the SS United States's silhouette.

The shed was actually unlocked and had some electric heaters inside. It was only 18 degrees Fahrenheit out, and the windchill was insane, and it only got colder as the sun set, so I hit in that shed and used the heaters for quite a while as I waited at that last park for a couple of hours.

[livingalifeonfire]

Cherry Kisses

I had always known I was in love with my best friend Stiles since we were in grade 2. The day we met, he sat next to me at lunch, and we bonded over the fact we had both brought cherries in our lunches from home. After that, we had been inseparable. Wherever he went, I went with him and vice versa. We had the exact same schedule and always made sure to keep in touch. Scott would watch as I fell harder and harder for the boy with honey brown eyes, full lips and moles scattered across the left side of his perfect jaw. Those feelings would finally come to the surface on his 18th birthday. A few months ago, Stiles would meet and start dating the new girl at Beacon Hills High, Malia Tate. Malia was a nice girl, and I didn't have any problems with her personally. I just knew that she didn't know and love stiles like I did.

Every day I would see her run to him in the halls between classes and his arms wrap around her waist to pull her closer. My head would lean against my locker as I would watch them. On one of these occasions, Scott ran up to my locker and tried to get my attention. " Y/N, earth to Y/N, come in! It's like your head is in the clouds lately. What has gotten into," he trails off as he follows my line of sight to his best friend and his girlfriend making out in front of his locker. He sighs as he realizes exactly where my head has been. " Ok, Y/N you have had the biggest crush on one Stiles Stilinski since we were 7 years old. Why won't you just go and tell him already? You're going to have to at some point. His birthday is only a couple weeks away and his acceptance letters for UC Berkeley are due in any day now." Scott remarks as he lays a hand on my shoulder. I lift my head and shut my locker. " I know Scott, I just don't want to confuse him with all the crazy already in his life right now. Malia has only been living full time as human for a few months and he really seems to like her. It would destroy our friendship if I said anything" I lament as I turn to head to Econ. However, that statement would set in motion a plan in the Alpha's head to get the two pack members and also his two best friends together.

The final bell signaling the end of the day sounded and Scott made a beeline for his brother's locker to put his plan into action. Stiles was unloading his books and replacing with his lacrosse gear as his best buddy slams his locker shut. " Yō, I'm happy to see you too man but why do you got to take it out on my locker?" he laughs as he zips his backpack shut. " Stiles I have to ask you something and you need to be 100 percent honest with me. Do you have any feelings whatsoever towards Y/N?" The words come tumbling out of Scott's mouth and smack stiles right in the brain. He had never had to confront his own feelings towards his best friend of over 10 years. He hadn't even thought about how he could smell her cherry lip gloss every time their faces got close to each other or how soft her hair was as he ran his fingers through it when they hung out. He never stopped to realize that maybe just maybe he's in love with her as much as she was with him. Then the feeling hits him over the head like a solid metal baseball bat. He was in love with his best friend, and he had to tell her.

"Scott, I think that you just made me realize something. One, the best way to make me realize things is to phrase it in the form of a question. The other thing is that I'm in love with Y/N" he finally says, seeing Scott's eyes light up at his brother's revelation. " Then dude, you need to pull your head out of your butt and go tell her for god's sakes. You might want to explain everything to Malia first though" .

Third Person POV

A couple weeks go by before Stiles goes to find Malia and explain what is in his heart and on his mind. It was on his 18th birthday that he finally admitted he was in love with someone else. She understands that there is history between you and him and that he would be crazy to not try to make things happen. After his and Malia's talk, he makes a beeline for the jeep and heads straight to your house, making a quick pitstop for something important.

Y/N POV

I hear a knock at the door and pad down to answer it, already changed from my school clothes to a set of grey sweatpants and a Beatles t-shirt Stiles had left at my house. On the other side of the door stood my best friend, holding a bag of cherries. It was a sight to behold for sure. I cock my head and look at the boy I love. " Stiles, you know I am always happy to see your face but why are you standing on my front porch holding a bag of cherries?" I ask, the subtle note of confusion in my voice evident. " Well Y/N, do you remember the day we met? That day in the cafeteria, we bonded over the fact both of our moms' packed cherries in our lunches and we shared them that morning. Ever since that day, cherry has reminded me of you. You started wearing cherry lip gloss when we started high school, and I wanted to taste it on your lips. Y/N, I know you're scared to say you love me and I never thought about how I felt about you. Then Malia came along and I..." He trails off as I smile at his adorable rambling and kiss him, my hands in his hair and his gripping my waist pulling me into him. His eyes close and a smile spread across his face. " Well, happy 18th birthday to me. The only thing that could make this better would be for you to say yes to being my girlfriend?" He says, hands still holding me close. " Yes, I will be your girlfriend, Stiles Stilinski. Happy birthday my love" I whisper as he picks me up and carries me in the house. Cherry flavored kisses followed, because of my lip gloss and maybe something else.

[cinnsin]

☕️💞

As they approached Hagrid's, Draco heard a lighthearted laughter he had only ever experienced from afar. Hermione was inside. Draco felt heat rise from his chest into his throat and he paused at the threshold. Fang announced their arrival before he even had time to question whether this was the wrong setting to meet Hermione in for the first time since their outdoor encounter. “Oi! Settle down, you big oaf! It's only Draco." Hagrid's voice sounded through the door before opening it. “Ah! Draco, you're just in time to see Hermione!” Hagrid ushered him inside. “Azriel! Good to see yeh!” Hermione was in Hagrid's kitchen with her back turned doing something at the counter. She was in a short maroon sweater-dress that clung to her in a way that accentuated her pert backside, paired with sheer black tights and matching leather maroon boots; it was a testament to his will that Draco didn't immediately cross the room to run his hands up her frame. “I tell you wha’,” Hagrid motioned for them to go to the kitchen table, “yer lucky she stopped by this mornin’. I guess the coffee I made you earlier was a wee bit strong. I don't know, I never drink the stuff.” “A wee bit? It could've given you a heart attack and then raised you from the dead.” Hermione's laugh was more nervous than natural as she turned around holding a tea tray loaded with a coffee set. Her steps foward became unsteady when she met his eyeline and Draco watched amused as the contents rattled on the tray that she carried. “Hi” She smiled timidly and released one handle of the tray to give an awkward wave. Draco retrieved his wand and cast “Immobulus!”, suspending the french press full of coffee, two mugs, and a sugar bowl in the air; however, the tray and a porcelain creamer filled with milk had already crashed to the floor. Hermione dropped to her knees and started picking up broken pieces of porcelain from the kitchen tile, nicking herself in the process. “Shit!” “You're bleeding.” Draco was pulling her to her feet in an instant. “Let me see.” He took her hand, palm-up, and Hermione winced. “Oh, Hagrid, I'm so sorry for the mess.” “Not ter worry, looks like Azriel's got it sorted.” Hermione looked to where Azriel was already waving his wand to fix the dish, clean up the milk and set everything back in it's place on the tea tray; she sighed. “7 years of free-use magic and I still first think to do things the muggle way.”

Had she said that out loud? “Episkey!” Draco healed the cut on her palm and turned her hand over to inspect it: no more cuts; her hand was so small compared to his and her skin was much softer. Hermione cleared her throat. “Ahem. Thank you.” She blushed and Draco realized he'd been holding her hand for a few beats too long.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/61013398/chapters/155866909

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.11.12] Ginza December 2024 special edition x Yuzuru Hanyu

The happiness of being able to perform focusing solely on the gift of blessings.

The final shot of a non-stop, 7-hour long shoot, interrupted only by short breaks. In the cyclorama studio, Yuzuru Hanyu repeatedly performed rotating jumps. With all his senses heightened, even to the tips of his fingers and toes, he faced the camera with incredible concentration. Amid the lightning-like flashes and the sound of strobes charging, his body no longer seemed human but more like that of a dragon in motion.

"For this shoot, I tried a hands-free cartwheel for the first time. It was fun to improvise and create freely with the cameraman and lighting team, working in perfect harmony. I've worn Gucci's clothes many times as an ambassador, but every time, I feel like I'm wrapped in something of the highest quality, with just the right weight, texture, and functionality. As I approached the shoot, I thought about how I wanted these special clothes to be seen, and how I wanted to move in them."

He sees them as "costumes" rather than as fashion. This awareness is probably something he has cultivated as a skater.

"Only I know myself best. But I can't just focus on my own perspective—I always have to think about how I am perceived by those around me. No matter how much I refine my expressions, if it doesn’t resonate with the viewers, it’s meaningless. I think this way because I’ve always been in a world where my performances were judged. In competitions, when an abstract performance gets a score from 0 to 10, if I’m satisfied with my own internal standards, it won't lead to a good result. Even though it's impossible to make everyone happy, I've always tried to create something that anyone would rate at least a 7, and I’m still on that path Furthermore, as a professional now, I believe I won’t survive in the entertainment world unless I produce something even more special from within myself."

It has been over two years since he declared his transition to professional figure skating in July 2022. During this time, he moved beyond the world of competitions and aimed for even greater heights, becoming the first in the figure skating world to hold a solo performance and successfully complete a solo tour. Has his mindset changed during this time?

"In these two years, I’ve had more opportunities to plan and write stories for my original shows, and in reflecting on the past, I’ve realised that there is no fundamental difference between the person I was before I started skating and who I am now. Of course, I believe my character has changed since I encountered figure skating—both in good ways and bad I’ve come to understand society, and sometimes I overthink things or fall into negativity. But my fundamental personality hasn’t changed at all. It’s my curiosity and inquisitiveness. I’ve always been the type of person who asks ‘why?’ about everything. From the age of 2 or 3, I was the kind of child who was always asking questions to the adults around me. "

There is a picture book, GIFT, written by Yuzuru Hanyu himself, in which a character appears that hints at the image of Yuzuru Hanyu as a young boy. In Hanyu’s own words, we can see the pain and loneliness he experienced while growing up as a skater.

"In that story, my younger self always exists as a dream and talks with me during moments when I feel down or troubled. It’s set during a time when I didn't know much about society and when I wasn’t bound by anything. I feel that the feelings I had back then, when I simply wanted someone to see me, to praise me, to improve, and to achieve something, are definitely still present in me today."

At the root of his journey to two Olympic gold medals and the People’s Honor Award was a pure and innocent desire to improve and have fun.

"The medals and certificates I received during my competitive days were prizes for the results I achieved, and the congratulations and joy from the people around me and my fans were my gifts. Now that I’m a professional, I no longer need to compete for results. Instead, I feel very happy that I can now focus solely on delivering the greatest satisfaction to those who watch me, that is, on receiving a 'gift' from all of you."

Yuzuru Hanyu, who was blessed with a natural talent (=Gift), has continued to give courage, joy, and love to many people through numerous performances, and even outside of the rink, by supporting and visiting disaster-stricken areas such as Tohoku and Noto. Doesn't that wear him down?

"Performing well and continuing social activities require both time and energy, and it can be tough at times, but I feel that I have to do it. It's a sense of mission, and perhaps the meaning of my life in this world. Feeling needed by others gives me self-affirmation, and even if I fail and fall into self-loathing, I believe that is proof that I am confronting myself properly, and it’s a moment when I can truly feel alive. I strongly want to be someone who makes those who see my performances and photos think, 'I’ll keep doing my best,' or 'I’ll keep living tomorrow.' By connecting with society in this way, I want to continue feeling the meaning of life. Perhaps that awareness is a gift from God to me."

Photo_TOKI Styling_Tetsuro Nagase Hair_TAKU for CUTTERS Make-up_Nobuko Maekawa (Perle management) Text_Mari Matsubara

Yuzuru Hanyu >> Born in 1994 in Miyagi Prefecture. Two-time World Champion and two-time consecutive Olympic champion. Awarded the People’s Honor Award in 2018. After turning professional in July 2022, he became his own producer and held three solo shows.

Source: Ginza Magazine December 2024 special edition, pg 81 Info: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DMSBWSK7/

[compendiumofconstellations]

Okay, I wanted to write this up before I lose it, but I saw this post scrolling through my Facebook feed about how Butcher's TempV powers should have been what he got in Season 4, and that they were utilized too early and gone too soon.

I'd like to disagree. Season 3 has him hit the lowest point we've seen (until Season 4). He lost Becca for good; he's trying to do right by her and the promise he made her. He spends a year playing things safe and doing things "the right way". But the glass castle comes down hard and fast in Season 3.

He learns Neuman is the head popper and hears straight from Hughie, his canary and the person who has been pushing so hard for doing things the right way, that the right way doesn't work.

Maeve brings him news of a weapon that took down Soldier Boy, so it has to be able to be used on Homelander, right? (Of course, the weapon is Soldier Boy, which is a whole other kettle of fish.) And she brings the TempV. She, of course, doesn't know what the side effects actually are. She just knows that it could help.

Butcher confronts Mallory, is actually right for once in his life when he tells her that she fucked up, and what he gets in return is being told that he's exactly like his father, which is his worst fear. And because he hates himself, he believes her, despite the evidence of the last year of his life proving otherwise.

So he pushes everyone away. He takes the TempV, and even that was supposed to be the hypocritical turn. And like he tells Maeve in 3x05, it just makes him more him. And that is why he gets a matching set of powers with Homelander, because the TempV is playing on the anger and rage and violence, and it makes him into what he hates the most, because that's part of him.

And then he keeps taking TempV, and he starts melting his brain. He's dying. And so he finally takes Compound V, because it's accessible, and because he's going to try to do whatever it takes to survive.

Of course, it doesn't do jack shit for him, but it does affect the TempV-given tumor sitting in his skull.

I really do think it's something akin to Venom, so the Compound V isn't affecting Butcher anymore. It's affecting the tumor. The tumor clearly has some amount of sentience. We've seen it move. We've seen it come out and protect its host. And we've seen it manifest different faces to play Butcher in different ways.

Becca is there first, and she's the one who keeps encouraging him to get up. She's the one who keeps him moving forward even when he's dying. And the more Butcher kind of accepts his fate and tries to make amends and set things up for after he's gone, the more that he starts seeing Kessler, who influences him to put different plans in motion.

Becca and Kessler aren't the angel and the devil on his shoulder. Becca and Kessler are the Venom-Tumor manipulating its host. Survival and a reminder of what he's surviving for, and then mass destruction.

After all, we haven't seen Becca since Kessler told her to shut up. Because the Venom-Tumor doesn't need Butcher to consider what he's surviving for anymore. It's strong enough to take control of its host now. And it does. We saw that in Episode 7, when Butcher calls Kessler a wanker, and it knocks Butcher out in response. We saw it in Episode 8.

Butcher shouldn't have gotten Homelander's powers for Season 4 as his "final form". Because the TempV made him more him but also killed him, and the Compound V made that growth a sentient monster, the consequence of his own actions, and his own personal hell.

I do think Butcher will die in Season 5. But how far will Venom-Tumor drag him down first?

[mcgnagallsarmy]

Spuffy style Reading Challenge - #28: Alphabet Soup Challenge #2

A:

At Ease by The Danish Bird [NC-17]

Even with her eyes closed, Buffy would recognise this place in a second, and for a moment she wondered if she truly had ended up in a hell dimension this time. One that had doomed her to an eternity of Doublemeat Palace workdays. Buffy felt her lips moving, heard her own voice speaking, and as she opened her eyes she decided that a hell dimension definitely wasn’t ruled out just yet. “Welcome to the Doublemeat Palace, how may I help – “ She stared into Riley’s scarred face as she completed her sentence. “– you.” Her mom, Sunnydale, her home, Spike – There are many things Buffy misses in her life, but if she had gotten the choice to revisit a day that had already passed, this would so not be it!

B:

The Bad Penny by OffYourBird [R]

Six years ago, Buffy made a home in a new dimension with a Spike who defied every rule to be by her side. Now it’s time to put to rest unfinished business in her original dimension. However, a visit there quickly turns apocalyptic, and at the heart of it is the two vampires who set Buffy's original journey in motion, and both of them have a lot of explaining to do.

C:

Christmas Date by bewildered [NC-17]

Christmas Eve in Cleveland, 2004. Holiday request from Dark. Squeaking it in for the end of the Christmas Season. (It's only the 9th day of Christmas! That counts!)

D:

Drive by Holly [NC-17]

Freshly turned and very grumpy about it, Buffy finds herself in a weird place. One where her friends smell like food, her former mortal enemy smells like heaven, and the so-called love of her life has made it clear that killing her is on his to-do list. Throw in some overly zealous army guys and this is not Buffy's idea of a party. So she and Spike decide to hit the road at least long enough to figure out why neither of them can hit anything else. And since they're both single and free, well, Buffy wouldn't say no to a distraction from the never-ending laugh riot that is her life. And Spike can be very, very distracting. Good thing soulless vampires can't fall in love or she might be in trouble.

E:

Embers by Dusty [NC-17]

Spike's the best boyfriend. He fulfills all of Buffy's fantasies. All of them.

F:

Favor by EllieRose101 [NC-17]

Spike asks an impossible thing of Buffy––and is stunned when she says yes. Could he really have gone up in her estimation?

G:

Golden Hour by kennedynoelle [R]

Response to a challenge set by emilise: Spike never came to Sunnydale during the first few seasons. The first time Buffy sees him is during The Harsh Light of Day, sunbathing on campus adorned with the Gem of Amara. Oh no, she thinks, the pit of her stomach dropping and sending tinglies all over, he's hot. They start dating, Buffy unaware that her new boyfriend is a member of the undead. Of course, she has to find out eventually…

H:

The Halloween Series by spike_spetslayer [NC-17]

Buffy and Spike make an unbreakable pact during their first real confrontation in Season 2. Story includes spoilers from season 2 through season 7.

I:

If I Loved You Less by MillennialCryBaby [NC-17]

How long had Spike been gone? 147 days. 148 at midnight. Except maybe today won't count?

J:

Just to Reach You by Sunalso [R]

Post-Series. Spike and Buffy have been a couple for almost two years. The honeymoon is over and together they're discovering they still have a lot to learn about themselves, each other, and how this whole "normal" relationship thing works.

K:

Kaleidoscope by Lirazel [PG-13]

"Can you tell me, is this love that I'm seeing?" One by one, the people in Buffy and Spike's lives try to add up the obvious.

L:

Let it Burn! by Axell [Adult Only]

Her eyes followed the blood. Summers blood. She counted the drops. Ten. Then it stopped. If Dawn dies, I’m through. I don’t want to live in a world if these are the choices. Slowly, her head rose up. Their eyes met. Green and amber. A look passed between them then a nod. Her own voice echoed into her mind. I’m counting on you. To avenge her. Us. He made a promise. Until dusk will swallow them all.

M:

Melting Fire by Freecat [R]

Set right after Dead Things. The night after, all he wants is talk. The night after, there’s nothing she wants less than talking. And suddenly they find themselves in another dimension; one that Buffy can’t leave. There’s only one way to get her out. A way with consequences.

N:

Night Swimming by Geliot99 [R]

An unexpected heatwave in mid-March is reason enough for an impromptu pool party for the Scoobies. But when Richard takes a second stab* at winning Buffy's affections, Spike is all too keen to show her how much fun night swimming with a vampire can really be… *see what I did there? Set between 'Older and Far Away' and 'As You Were'

O:

One Step Away by violettathepiratequeen [PG]

Spike knows the way she dances. Not even Faith in Buffy's body can fool him.

P:

Pardon My French by Girlytek [R]

In retrospect, it was probably a bad idea to let Buffy perform a spell in French. Begins at No Place Like Home.

Q:

Quake by Holly [NC-17]

Following Tutor. Riley's kiss did nothing for her, which clearly means her night with Spike didn't take. But since the world is probably ending, Buffy decides one more lesson couldn't hurt.

R:

Rock Solid by Passion4Spike [NC-17]

Buffy comes to some realizations about herself, the nature of her love, and her feelings for Spike on the eve of the biggest fight of her life, but will it be too little, too late? Spoiler Alert: No, it won’t.

S:

Something Blue's Clues by cawthraven [PG-13]

Willow is just fed up with the way Buffy and Spike act around each other. What are they, five?

T:

Timelines,Schmimelines by bookishy [NC-17]

When Buffy’s sent back to her first year of college to retrieve an artifact for the future, she ends up on the day of the first inaugural Christmas Party at Casa del Xander. Or, time travel meets its greatest match, and that match is alcohol.

U:

Under The Influence by NautiBitz [NC-17]

A few nights after their engagement spell, Buffy has to watch Spike. Problem is, a psychedelic demon may have just spritzed her with a mind-altering substance. Will Spike seize the moment? Or will they just end up naked? HMMM.

V:

Vampire In Charcoal by Geliot99 [NC-17]

Hiring out her mother's art gallery for classes had been a stroke of genius, but when the life model for the upcoming class comes down with the flu and an extremely unsuitable replacement is found last minute, Buffy is faced with a lot more of her nemesis than she was ever anticipating.

W:

where the shadow ends by disco-tea [R]

For 147 days, Spike and Dawn grieve Buffy. This is a story of a vampire and a Key who try to cope with the loss of the one person who meant the most to them…and how they became a family along the way.

X:

Xerox by Holly [R]

Spike and Buffy leave Angel a parting gift.

Y:

You Learn by bramcrackers [Adult Only]

When Buffy learns about Angel’s history with Drusilla, she can’t ignore how he seems to keep everything about his past to himself unless forced. How can she love someone she doesn’t even know? A trip to a local mage later, she’s plunged headfirst into Angel’s entire sordid history in a series of visions. And dealing with all of that would have been a hell of a lot easier if Spike hadn’t somehow been pulled into it, happy to add the color commentary.

Z:

Zero by kantayra [NC-17]

Trapped together in an icy prison, Buffy and Spike find one way to turn up the heat.

[justinewt]

Semper Ad Meliora - THOSE ABOUT TO DIE Chapter Three

[THOSE ABOUT TO DIE MASTERLIST]

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Summary: Time passed, weeks turned into months and months into years. Soon the year of 75 CE was of the past, as so were the next three years, 76, 77, 78... bringing it all to summer 79 CE. A bond grew between Aldea and Tenax. They cared for each other. She trusted him and he made sure she was safe, and soon there was even more than mutual respect. Love, was the thing that first led Aldea to Rome, but still the last thing she thought she would actually find there.

Words: 4k

Warnings: title means "always towards better things" // Those about to die (appropriation/repetition of lines of dialogue from episode 7 "Death's bed"), 1st person (somewhat unreliable narrator - doesn't mean that she lies about the events, just that it's her recollection/perception of them), fluff

I was a freedwoman, though I wasn’t too sure that I was a Roman citizen, because of my short time as a slave but I didn’t feel Roman anyway. I was proud to be a Spaniard woman and while my people had been made Roman citizens, I didn’t care about it. I came to realize that women had no role in Roman politics – all the consuls and senators were white- or gray-haired men. But I had no “political” ambition and tried to be content with the life I had now, living with Tenax and working for him. He began to offer me to sit with him during meals and eat with him. We bonded even more during that time. The first time he told me to sit across from him at the dinner table was a few days after he made me a freedwoman and I cooked a Spaniard dish for him. He looked at it, not knowing what it was and looked back at me. I smiled and he tasted it.

“Spanish.” I said, waiting for his reaction.

“It’s good.” He then nodded and motioned for me to take a seat, which I did after a second. He told Claudia to grab a plate for me and I ate with him. He made it quite easy for me to not overthink all this. I was always busy too, so time flew by rather quickly, and in the blink of an eye it was already the end of the year and about 6 months since I arrived in Rome. The festival of Saturnalia came around, starting with a public ritual on the first day, the 17th. A sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, which I didn’t attend. Work came to a halt for an entire week – most of the shops closed and Romans spent their times gambling, playing music and singing and giving each other gifts. I saw people take to decorating their houses and I brought it up to Tenax. Though we didn’t work, we still went to the betting tavern to take care of the kids – these orphans he had taken under his wing. They were always happy to see me, and it warmed my heart. Tenax spoke with his men while I began making wreaths with the kids, singing to them in my mother tongue.

They tried to sing along, and I taught them how to pronounce the words and on the second and third day, the tavern got very lively as we all sang, putting up the wreaths and evergreen branches around the betting tavern, lighting the candles and torches on the walls. I don’t think these romans had heard so much Spanish in their whole life, but they cheered me on. We also danced. Nica, one of the kids, made me a wreath with pretty flowers and put it on my head, like a crown. They held hands, in a circle around me and we danced and sang and laughed, a bright smile on my face. I danced as I did in Spain, swirling around, gracefully, holding my dress as it flowed around me with each step I took. I felt home. These people had become my family. I crossed eyes with Tenax as he drank wine with Scorpus and saw the latter nudge him. It made me laugh but I didn’t think much of it then.

In the final days of the festival, I gave cerei – wax candles – to Tenax and he let me set them up on the small altar he had in a cabinet. I never saw him pray – maybe he did while Claudia and I were asleep – and it was the first time I properly prayed the Roman Gods. We stood there, at the dead of night. I watched the flames dance softly and looked at him – he had his eyes closed and I watched his face, bathed in the warm orange light of the candles. When he opened his eyes, he met my gaze and I got embarrassed for staring and looked back at the altar. I quietly said I would go to bed and walked past him. As I brought the door behind me, I looked over my shoulder and locked eyes with Tenax. I closed the bedroom door, my back to it and stared into space for a minute. Claudia was sleeping in her bed, and I slipped into my bed, a little confused about what I was feeling. It got me thinking the whole night. I never liked Tenax that way. I had quite forgotten about my little crush on Scorpus and whatever bond was growing between Tenax and I was overshadowing it entirely. On the final day, Tenax came home holding something in his hand – something in a leather pouch. I was confused when he told me to open it and slipped my hand in the pouch. I felt something cold, a few thing chains and slowly pulled it out. It was a gold necklace. I tilted my head forward to look at it more closely. I had never been gifted a piece of jewelery and I was so focused on looking at it that I was yet to ask myself why Tenax would give me something like this. The chains I felt were four thin braided chains, gathered and passed through beads and pendant coins and the way they overlapped each other gave the impression there were more than 8. When I looked up, I wanted to ask how much this had cost him, but he didn’t let me. He asked me to allow him to put the necklace around my neck – not in so many words though.

“Allow me.” He quietly said. I turned around, gathering my hair in my hand and glanced at my neck as the cold metal touched my skin. I felt shivers run down my spine when his fingers brushed the back of my neck. I let go of my hair and passed my fingers under the necklace, looking down at it. It was really pretty. Back in Hispania, I didn’t have that kind of stuff. Neither did I need it, nor did we have the money for it. I did remember some jewelery that must have belonged to my grandma, but it was nothing such as this, and we ended up having to sell them anyway. The question of the cost came back in my mind. The necklace was all gold, with fine braided chains, nice beads and half a dozen literal aureus gold coins as pendant. The gold was probably his anyway, and he probably negotiated the price, but it still must have cost him.

“It must have cost you… I can pay you back, or just, don't pay me for a while—” He cut me off.

“I won’t be doing that. And you don’t need to pay me back, just take it.”

“Why this gift?”

“Blame the kids. This was their idea.” He then said, softly. I could tell he wanted to smile but kept his lips tight, the corner lifting slightly. I could also tell that while it was maybe indeed partially the kids’ idea, he had not been forced to commission it. No one could force Tenax to do anything, let alone give such a fine gift. He never gave anyone gifts, except for a few coins, and those were to pay salaries.

I chuckled, “Blame them? I like it. Thank you, Tenax.”

I wasn’t sure why but looking at him then, I thought about how pretty his eyes were – such clear blue eyes. I surely had noticed they were this colour, but it was just my whole perception of Tenax that had been shifting lately. We were both looking at each other differently but life went on and the year 76 CE came around. I wore my necklace everyday. The first time I did after the week-long festival of Saturnalia in December, the kids commented on it with excitement, and I got a compliment from Gavros and Scorpus as well – though the latter gave Tenax a smirk. One day, less than a month after receiving the necklace, I woke up in the middle of the night. I hadn’t had a nightmare about what happened on the boat in quite a while now, but it returned to me and it felt like a violent slap to the face, reminding me of something I wanted to put behind me and forget and with how busy I was everyday, I never had time to be alone with my thoughts, except at night. And I did think a lot then but for some time, it didn’t trouble my sleep. I got out of bed quietly to not wake up Claudia, taking light steps and softly pushed the bedroom door open. Looking up, I saw light coming from the altar’s cabinet and saw Tenax standing in front of it. I stopped in my tracks, not even realizing I was holding my breath and watched him from afar. He had his eyes closed, his head slightly tilted forward and was shirtless, with only his bracae on – his pair of trousers he wore under his tunic and toga – while I was just standing there in my off-white night tunic. I eventually took a step further, to close the door behind me. I initially walked out of my room to go get a cup of water – my throat felt dry – and so I did, and that’s when he saw me, as I poured myself some water.

“Trouble sleeping?” He asked.

“Just had a nightmare. It’s fine.” I brushed it off, not really in the mood to talk about it and he didn’t ask anything else. He closed the cabinet and walked over to the kitchen to sit at the table. I sat across from him, and we both kind of stared into space. I was playing around with my cup, making it roll in my hand. I was the one to break the silence and he looked at me, “I hadn't had a nightmare in a while – probably a few weeks.” I chuckled but my smile dropped quickly as I remembered said nightmare. I buried my face in my hands, pressing my fingers on my temples. “I was back on the ship…” I let one of my hands rest on the table and looked at Tenax when I felt his hand on mine. When he pulled away, unsure about his gesture, I stood up and came to stand next to his bench. He stood up as well and our faces were mere inches apart. It felt as though we were staring into each other’s soul. His hand found my shoulder, holding my arm gently. I was the one to initiate the kiss. My lips brushed off his, softly, delicately, like butterfly wings, just long enough that he could inhale my breath, feel the warmth of my skin, and the taste of my lip balm, a sweet mix of olive oil and beewax that I started wearing at night. He pressed his lips to mine and I closed my eyes, losing myself in the intimacy of this kiss, my hand finding his chest, resting right above his heart. I felt it pounding under my palm, as was mine.

I slowly pulled away, pinching my lips to contain my smile and whispered, “I should go back to bed.” His hand slid along my arm, and I walked past him, my head low as I smiled to myself. I slept well the rest of the night. No nightmares. I actually dreamt of Tenax – of our kiss. The next days, in public, we acted as if nothing had happened between us, though it seemed the kids saw through us and understood the glances we exchanged, as they sometimes giggled and whispered to each other, their hands covering their mouths as they looked at either of us from afar or then ran in different directions when we spotted them, giggling louder. At home, we shared meals as usual but at night, we met at his altar, not even to pray – he was in fact praying quite rarely – but rather to talk, eventually sitting at the table, when we couldn’t sleep, and look at each other under the moonlight coming through the window.

Eventually, I came to share his bed, and our relationship wasn’t a secret to anyone anymore, although we remained undemonstrative in public, but it seemed to be the norm among the Romans, and that suited me. I liked to keep things private. And though we shared his bed, it would be long before we would actually get intimate. I was still not ready for such things, and it seemed he understood, and I appreciated his concern and consideration. It also seemed he was rather more interested in us living together as a couple than sleep together. One night, he awoke in the middle of the night with a start, reaching for the blade he kept by his side. He was panting, scanning the room. I straightened up, looking at him worriedly, my hand going from gently squeezing his shoulder to caressing his upper cheek in an attempt to comfort him with my touch. I knew he had nightmares as regularly as I did but I was yet to know what they were about. I waited for him to be ready to tell me about them, and about his past, as I came to realize the two were related. I noticed something I had not seen the first time I saw him shirtless – an old burn scar spread across his back. He did tell me it was from a fire he escaped when he was a child, before he came to Rome, but I felt he wasn’t prepared to tell me more of the story as of yet, so I waited for him to be ready to share his past with me.

“The fire again?” It wasn’t the first time he had woken up like this since we began sleeping in the same bed.

“Yes.” Putting down his knife, he caught his breath. The apartment was silent, as was the street. The whole neighbourhood if not the city was asleep but us. Closing his eyes, he took a sharp breath, his head tilted forward. He told me about how he kept dreaming of a fire – the fire where he got those scars on his back – but he never elaborated, until then. “I haven’t told you… about my past. And I have lied to you. My real name, is Quintus. I lived with a great family when I was a boy. The master of the house… he liked boys.” I let out a quiet sigh, slipping my fingers between his, the palm of my hand on the back of his. “Myself, but mostly – Ursus. We were—” He cut himself off and continued. “Ursus and I lit a fire to escape. I got away. Ursus was caught… because of me.”

“Did he die in the fire?” I asked softly.

“Yes.” That’s what he believed, but I could tell from the tone of his voice he wasn’t totally sure and was haunted by what he had done. I caressed the back of his neck, squeezing his hand under mine.

“You did what you had to do.”

“I didn't know what I’d done.” My hand slid upwards along his neck and brushed his hair.

“Maybe. But you were a child… you didn’t know what else to do. You rarely pray, but is that what you ask for when you do? Forgiveness... for leaving him behind?” He slightly turned his face towards me, looking at me from the corner of his eyes. There was sometimes such vulnerability shining in his eyes, with his lips parted and a mix of emotions washing over his face – guilt, remorse and regret. “What happened to him isn’t your fault.”

“But it is.” He said under his breath, almost as if he didn’t want to be heard, insisting that he was fully to blame for the incident, but I disagreed.

“You – and Ursus – started the fire. It’s not your fault. You were a child, Tenax. If you want the gods to forgive you, try to forgive yourself.” His eyes twitched. It got him thinking. He didn’t believe that he deserved to be forgiven, let alone forgive himself. We closed our eyes, taking in the peace and quiet of the night, as I rested my forehead against his temple, gently kissing his cheekbone. I felt him relax against me and we lied back, holding each other. Despite the nightmares we often had, I grew to love these intimate moments, cuddling and opening up. I loved Tenax. I loved him a great deal. By this point, my heart belonged to him, and his heart to me. I even began to envision a future together. Getting married, supporting each other, maybe having children of our own – though the latter would come later. I dreaded the idea of that kind of physical intimacy, although we were both very attracted to one another. With both our pasts, it was understandable why we were uncomfortable with it. I had had experiences in the past, teen romances, almost got married when I was 17 or so, to a boy my age from my village, but he died unexpectedly and the long distance romance with the sailor, Aelius, didn’t turn out for the best but my relationship with Tenax was what I needed, and I couldn’t have expected to find it here in Rome with him, but I did and I was glad for it. I could share all the love I had, and I received just as much. I liked to see the impassible and unwavering façade he put on everyday and think to myself how he truly was on the inside. I was one of the only few to see him for who he truly was.

Summer arrived quickly, the month of Junius soon beginning with the festivals in honor of the goddess Vesta, the virgin goddess of hearth, home and family, along that of the goddess Mater Matuta, goddess of female maturation and also of dawn. As the month advanced, I thought about how I had been in Rome for 9 months. My arm was still somewhat stiff, and it could hurt if I forced it up too much, but it was more or less healed, and I had no need for the sling any longer. I had taken the habit of moving it carefully and using my other arm more and even without the sling, I kept wearing, over my stola, a palla – my cloak, which I fastened around my shoulders with brooches. I didn’t want people to notice my drooping shoulder. I was embarrassed by how out of place it looked, and I realized it was stupid. I couldn’t do anything about it. Maybe I wanted to preserve my dignitas, as Romans called it. In any case, with my arms almost fully healed, I could help around the stables more. Gavros was kind enough to let me stick around and gave me easy tasks to not use my arm too much still. Being able to move both of my arms helped at the betting tavern as well and sometimes there would be Spaniard coming to place bets and I took great pleasure in being able to talk in my mother tongue every now and then. The days succeeded each other, busy with work and regular festivals, and games and races at the Circus Maximus. I witnessed some food riots every month and avoided the crowds when they happened. They were usually diverted by races.

The year of 76 CE eventually came to an end, with another week-long festival of Saturnalia. I couldn’t believe it when I realized I had lived in Rome for almost a year and a half – 15 months, to be precise. 13 months of which I had been a freedwoman and a dozen of them of Tenax and I living as a couple. I didn’t dream of a grand wedding, if we one day got married and had heard that after a whole year of two people officially living together as a couple, it was possible to simply declare ourselves married, given they were able to provide proof of the duration of their relationship. And we could, though it wasn’t a whole year, but it was a lie Tenax couldn’t have cared less about. In the first days of Saturnalia, a year after gifting me the necklace I wore every single day, he put a ring on my finger – a gold ring with two hands holding each other engraved on top. He wore one two, as well as the signet ring he had on his index. We had a small feast at the betting tavern, with the curtains closed and no one but us, the kids, Tenax’s men, even Gavros and Scorpus were there. The children and I had already decorated the tavern with wreaths and evergreen branches, and Tenax knew of my taste for music, so he had paid a few musicians to play some music in the background as we celebrated. I sang, of course and danced with the children. It was the most beautiful day of my life and Saturnalia became my favorite festival of all. Being with Tenax, loving him and feeling loved by him, it made my homesickness and longing for my brothers more bearable.

At the dawn of the new year, I was a married woman, and a working woman still. Tenax didn’t care about my occupations as long as I was safe and though he didn’t tell me, I knew he had asked Dacia and Noro, some of his most loyal men, to keep an eye out and watch me from afar. I was well liked among his men, and I didn’t mind their protection. Life in Rome was often times dangerous, especially when associated with the underworld and a criminal such as Tenax. He had detractors, and as his wife, I could have been a target to one wanting to take revenge or take a blow at him and he refused to let that happen. He ensured that I was as safe as could be. I had to come to Rome as a slave, became a freedwoman and got married to the one man in Rome who didn’t care to subdue me. I had become aware, as I spent time in this city, that women’s freedom was all but guaranted and quite relative, with not so many rights and I was among the lucky few to have a good husband, treating me as his equal, or at least having the decency of giving me that impression. I didn’t care about politics in Rome. I still didn’t feel Roman and would never feel that way. I was a proud Spaniard woman. The only Roman I had true respect for was my husband. I had learned that Scorpus, who I knew was about as Roman as me, was actually Syrian, and Gavros wasn’t Roman either. He was from Numidia.

It was only on the kalend of the month of Martius of the year 79 CE, two months and a half away from the four-year anniversary of my rather traumatic arrival in Rome, and two years and a half since we married, that Tenax and I took our intimate moments further. I was actually the one to initiate it, not stopping at just a kiss and a few tender caresses. And he showed to be just as tender, as we laid together for the first time, though it was not my actual first time. Aelius was, and I wished he hadn’t been. I wish it had been that boy from my village. He was actually sweet and fond of me – way more deserving of such a moment with me, but the past didn’t matter anymore. What mattered was the life I built with Tenax. I remembered well that night with him, new year's celebrations, the sacred fire of Rome was renewed and the fire in Tenax and I's hearts was lit up as well. I felt both fear and excitement when a month and a half later, in the midst of Aprilis, I found that I was with child – his child. And that time, the thought of getting rid of it as I did years prior didn’t even cross my mind. I wanted it, and already loved it, and so did he. We were in bed when I told him and he didn’t expect such news at all. He approached his hand, but I gently took it and placed it on my belly, putting my hand on top of his and he pressed his lips against mine, sliding his hand across my back and grabbing onto my waist to draw me closer to him.

“How long have you known?”

“About a week or so. I wanted to be sure before telling you.” He kissed me again and I smiled, our faces a mere inch away from each other. “I’ve thought of names.”

“You have?” He chuckled, grinning amusingly.

“Fortuna, or Aeliana, if it’s a girl. After the goddess, or my sweet brother, Elia. Luck, or sun.”

“I like these options. And if it’s a boy?”

“Amatus – to love.”

“It’s perfect.” He then said in a whisper. And it was, indeed, perfect. The night I told him that I was with child, that I bore our child, was almost just as perfect as the feast we had with our friends to celebrate our union. Maybe it was true that time healed all wounds, even if not completely. Bad things happened all the time, but good things happened too – perfect, and beautiful things even.

[To be continued…]  

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Published (08/09/2024) by Andrea