#3078

[sleepsucks]

[harveyphotography]

Il borgo di Gradara - Marche

[manoelt-finisterrae]

“trait incantatoire!”

Stéphane Mallarmé

© Manoel T, 2022

[dogstomp]

Dogstomp #3078 - June 5th

Patreon / Discord Server / Itaku / Bluesky

[ellustar]

[shitpostsfromsite19]

hey guys did you know that

HAHA GET COGNITOHAZARDED IDIOT

[amtrak-official]

Analog horror is when someone throws 3078 VHS tapes onto the subway track shutting down the New York Subway for 2 hours

[catharsis-if]

It’s the year 3078. Everything is peaceful. No wars, no crimes, no racism, no social hierarchies. Nothing.

The world was at last unified under a single chip, designed to regulate human emotions. Everyone was equal, everyone was content, everyone was happy.

A perfect, ideal world everyone had hoped for.

That's what you thought, too.

That is, until your chip malfunctioned, and you began seeing things you've never seen before.

Customize your MC: name, gender, appearance, personality, and more.

5 romance options (not gender flexible)

Survive the new world you're thrown into

Figure out government mysteries and build relationships

Demo | Masterlist | Character Portraits (TBD)

Bailey Cromwell (M) The Boss

The quiet and stern man who found and brought you into your new world. He has a reputation for being stoic and cold, maybe even a bit heartless, but within your new society, he also appears to be highly respected.

And though he exudes an aura as cold as the winter breeze, the warmth you feel whenever his skin grazes against yours reminds you that he is human after all.

Alistair Esplin (F) The Leader

The quiet leader of the unit you've been assigned to. You'd assume she was of the same kind as your new boss had you not seen the subtle, occasional smiles she'd allow on her face.

But her sharp gaze and clear voice, her strong personality that shines through in times of panic makes you question if there are a lot more to her character than she chooses to reveal.

Kieran Argyle (M) The Troublemaker

The sarcastic and often grumpy member of your unit. But not only is he known for his sarcastic personality, he's also notorious for his mischief, causing trouble left and right, leaving more than just a little paperwork for your boss to complete.

Most people dismiss him to be an arrogant prick, but when you see his unconditional loyalty for his teammates, you can't help but wonder whether he'll allow you into his heart as well.

Juno Oshiro (M) The Sunshine

The resident sunshine and puppy of your unit. Even within your new society, he's known to be (and quite loved for) his bright smiles and personality.

As optimistic and outgoing as he is, in those rare moments you catch him by himself, in his moment of vulnerability, you think you can see a myriad of emotions swimming in his usually sparkling eyes.

Naolin Aguilar (F) The Bodyguard

The bodyguard assigned to protect you in missions. She rarely speaks, and the way she carries herself reminds you of a military general. Formal, efficient, and entirely professional.

And though she remains a hard shell to crack, during the rare moments she relaxes, you're allowed into a far expressive side of hers that leaves you curious for more.

[ross-hollander]

Famous last words...

...of the Inner Sphere and beyond:

Unknown soldier heard in the footage of one of the first Atlas deployments, 2752: "Dear Lord, what the hell is that thing?"

Kashira Gideon Wayde, moments before fatal overheat, 2789: "I know how to use a 'mech. You shouldn't chide me."

Hedi Margivy, Solaris Games MC, killed by an LRM salvo at the announcer box, 2803: "Ooh, nice try. That's the match. Too bad. Come back when you're better, mate."

Pippin Beni, 1st Division Com Guards, shot clean through the cockpit, 3004: "It's an Urbie, don't even bother returning fire."

Kasper Poisaw, Northwind Highlanders, killed when surrounded in a hijacked PHX-1K, 3022: "The hell you say, the Dracs took the jump jets off this thing?"

Vido Taume, 15th Atrean Dragoons, killed by a collapsing building crushing his 'mech, 3032: "Hold on- keep shooting! I'm just jetting up that tower for a better angle."

Amanda Clees, Jade Falcon 94th Striker, stepped on a (then-) unexploded artillery shell with a Warhawk, 3052: "We have weathered the worst of it. Move up."

Geoff Winters, Nova Cat Chi Galaxy, Mad Dog detonated after being ripped in half at the waist by a Kodiak, 3062: "What are you going to do, Crusader, issue me a batchall? How has that worked for you?"

Parsa Deibi, 51st Shadow Division, shot by routing troops, 3078: "I have lifted up my hand to blessed Blake, if any one of you dares flee before the test-tube bastards of Kerensky I will shoot you myse-"

Nesur Daszie, XIII Principes Guards, killed by the Wolf opening orbital salvo, 3151: "The Clans couldn't take Terra if we laid out a welcome mat. Happy new year, I'm going to bed."

Khidaz Milmo, neo-Blakist insurgent, beaten to death by an Elemental, 3202: "Smoke Jaguar? What? You guys were toast a century and a half ago!"

[sachirobabe]

Chapter 14

Gojo Satoru x reader

Wc: 3078

Curseless au

Summary: Amidst the zombie apocalypse, your courage shines as you not only saves lives but capture the heart of Gojo Satoru. Together with his first-year students, you all embark on a perilous journey, not only for survival but in a quest for a cure that adds a poignant layer to the unfolding romance.

<— Previous | Masterlist | Next —>

Taglist: @spindyl

Satoru ended up sleeping in your bed again, but you didn't really mind it. You got to cuddle and sneakily feel his toned body that you saw last night.

You feel someone nudge you awake, confused and still tired you open your eyes and see Satoru was the one who was disturbing your sleep. "Is everything okay?" You sleepily say.

"My throat hurts." Satoru whines.

You clicked your tongue, "You're the one who didn't wear a shirt when it was pouring rain last night." You sit up and rub your eyes.

"But I got hot." He whined again, "And my head hurts."

You sigh, putting a hand up to his forehead. 'No fever.' You think to yourself, "You definitely caught a cold." Satoru leaned more into your touch.

"Please help me?" He asks so sweetly, who were you to deny that?

You hum, "Stay here. I'll be back." You say and put on some socks, the cold ground of the army base was ruthless. Satoru whines and throws the blankets over him, it was cute how he acted when sick.

The lights were on in the medical room, making you confused. You're not sure what time it is, but it's very early for someone—well, Shoko, you assume, to be in there.

Your guess was right as you see her nose deep in another book, "Morning." She says.

"Good morning." You smile back.

"You're up early." She places a piece of paper in place as a bookmark for her book, bringing her full attention to you.

You sigh, "Satoru woke up with a cold. No surprise there." You chuckle lightly and rummage through some medication.

She shook her head, "I called it during dinner." She laughs, "He was sneezing a lot."

You rolled your eyes playfully, remembering how he denied continuously that he'd get sick. That he was the strongest. Well, looks like even the strongest can catch a cold.

Shoko returns to her book as she sees you reading multiple labels and deciding which one would be the most effective for Satoru. You find what you're looking for and head to the kitchen to boil some water and make him a tea.

You hold the cup in one hand and a ton of medicine in the other, Satoru lifts the blanket off his head as he hears you come in. "What took you so long? I'm dying." He sniffles.

"I was making you a tea for your throat, trust me, it'll make you feel a lot better." You say and sit on the edge of the bed, handing him a few pills.

"You're not trying to kill me, right?" Satoru eyes you playfully, still able to joke even when his throat was on fire. He notices you're wearing a surgical mask, "Is that really necessary?"

"Take the damn pills." You chuckle, he takes them all at the same time and sips his tea. He hums contently and lays back down. "And yes, I really don't want to get sick."

"Thank you." He smiles at you, his hair was all disheveled, he looked really cute like this. His nose was tinted pink from him rubbing it and blowing his nose. "Lay with me?" He begins to pull you towards him, ignoring that you're wearing a mask around him.

"Oh, I'm not so sure about that," You chuckle, "I'm not trying to get sick." You're quick to gently pull your hands away from his and remind yourself to wash them later.

He frowns, "I'll take care of you, I promise." He tries to convince you, reaching out again.

You shake your head, "Let's keep your germs all in here." You say and smile at him, though he can't really see it, just the crinkle in your eyes.

"You're acting like I have the plague." He pouts, really wanting you in his arms again.

"You'll be better in no time. Plus I won't quarantine you here, but you do have to wear a mask if you leave." You say.

He frowns, but knows you're right. He doesn't want anybody else to get sick. "Will you still sleep with me?"

"I'm afraid not." You shake your head, "I'll be in your bed."

He feels his entire world crashing down when he won't even get to sleep in the same room as you. The next couple of days were absolute torture for him, he wore his mask everywhere he went and you cleaned and washed everything he touched.

Lucky, nobody else got sick. Once his symptoms were basically gone, he was able to free himself of the mask and not have everyone be so cautious around him. The first thing he did when he woke up was head to his old room, seeing you still asleep.

He quietly gets in bed with you, trying his best to not wake you. He remembers your words, that once he wasn't feeling his symptoms, he could sleep with you again.

And he wasted no time in getting in bed with you, he gets underneath the blankets and spoons you from behind. A huge smile was plastered on his face as he finally got to hold you again after such torture.

You stir in your sleep, feeling a weight behind you. "Satoru?" You mumble.

"Yeah, sweetheart?" He says and nuzzles more into your neck.

"You're sick." You groan and try to get out of his grip.

"My symptoms are gone. You said that once they're gone I can be normal again." He says, citing word for word what you said to him.

You chuckle sleepily, "Okay then." You say and feel his arms tighten around you. You think you dozed off for another hour or so, but you're awake again and see Satoru sleeping happily behind you.

In the few days Satoru was resting and getting healthier, you actually went out to the yard and helped Nanami build the greenhouse. It was practically done, you thanked Nanami for his hard work and began moving the plants outside.

The greenhouse felt more effective than the one you had all seen at the farm. You had high hopes for these plants to grow. You tended them well, making sure the plants got enough water and nutrients.

You put your shoes on quietly, not wanting to awake Satoru, it was already a hassle trying to get out of his grip. The rain softly hit the window, creating a comforting atmosphere.

The snow had calmed down, but the rain wasn't much better, it was still freezing. The cold rain hit your face as you headed to the greenhouse, you could briefly see your breath in the cold air.

It was significantly warmer in the greenhouse, you felt yourself get sticky as you moved around and observed the plants. The potatoes that Nobara had found, had its color quickly coming back into them, instead of a pale yellow and hard to the touch, a nice green was coming to life.

If you kept this up, you're sure that in no time potatoes would emerge. From what you read it takes 80-100 days, the plant was already far along, you estimated maybe 20 days until they were fully grown.

You quickly finish up, feeling your stomach grumble and yearn for some food. You softly close and lock the door behind you.

"Is it working?" Nobara asks, eating her food at the table.

"Yeah, it's looking good so far." You smile and grab a plate to eat breakfast, you sit down next to her.

The first-years chat amongst themselves, mostly arguing because they had been playing a card game last night and Itadori won, but Nobara and Megumi were insistent that he cheated.

The second-years join in, siding with Nobara and Megumi, everyone convinced that Itadori cheated in the game.

Itadori was pulling at strings to save himself, he wasn't building up a very good case. His laughter when he spoke told you the truth, but he continued to deny and deny.

Satoru comes out of the room, making his way down to the kitchen. A frown evident on his face, he was wondering where you went while being cuddled up.

His frown eases up when he sees you talking to his students, but he still huffs as he sits down next to you. "And where'd you go?"

You smiled at him, "I watered the plants."

"You left me." He pouts dramatically.

"I was just about to go wake you up." You chuckle, but he's still huffing and whining. You're not sure what all his students think about you two, well—you're not even sure yourself.

Neither of you have confessed directly, but you think there's something there. There has to be. You feel it whenever you're around him, and you think he does too, otherwise he wouldn't be craving your attention and touch all the time.

"Yeah, sure." He says and looks away. His students were amused at how he was acting, they've never seen their teacher so obsessed with somebody before, it was a nice sight for them.

Nanami came down the stairs, telling the second-years they were on watch in the control room. They groan about having to take turns, but go anyway. Nanami yawns and makes himself a cup of coffee.

"Megumi, you ready for that haircut?" You wipe your mouth with a napkin.

"Haircut?" Satoru perks up, his pouting tantrum forgotten about completely.

"I asked her if she could trim my hair." Megumi nods, a small smile adorning his face. He thinks it's funny how quickly Satoru changes his moods.

"I think I need one too." Itadori pulls his hair down his face, seeing how long it really was. "My back is grown out as well. Gojo, you cut your own hair, right?"

Satoru hums, "You need me to trim you up?”

"Yes please." Itadori chuckles.

"Well then, let's go up to our hair salon." You smile, collecting everyone's plates and washing them.

"Why don't you want me to cut your hair, Itadori?" Nobara frowns. "I could do a good job."

"Ah hell nah." Itadori laughs, "You'd leave me bald and I wouldn't be able to get a girlfriend."

"Yeah? You want a zombie girlfriend?" Nobara rolls her eyes. "You had no game even before all of this." Megumi finds this amusing as well, letting a small chuckle come out of him.

"I'm not giving up just cause we're in an apocalypse." Itadori smiles widely.

"I'm going to ruin all your chances with anybody. I refuse to have you be in a relationship before me." Nobara glares at Itadori. "You too, Megumi."

"I didn't even say anything." Megumi deadpans.

Satoru grins at their playful arguments and leads them upstairs, he glances back at you as you're drying your hands off. He can't help himself from smiling widely looking at you.

You eventually meet up with them upstairs in the same bathroom where you cut Satoru's hair. Megumi sits patiently next to Itadori, the sound of buzzing from the razor was loud.

Satoru began to do Itadori's undercut and fade. He was skilled as he moved the machinery around. Itadori fully trusted him, knowing he wouldn't mess up.

You grab your scissors and take a deep breath. For some reason you were more nervous to trim Megumi's hair than Satoru's. You think if you had messed up Satoru's hair he would've been chill about it—but Megumi? There was no telling with him.

Satoru notices your hesitation and gives you an encouraging nudge. You softly smile at him and take Megumi's hair in your comb and begin snipping. Hair falls all over and onto the floor.

Nobara teases Megumi and Itadori as they're both seated and can't do much to retort. She eventually leaves as she got bored.

After a little bit of trimming you allow Megumi to fix his hair and style it the way he wants—he just shakes his head repeatedly until it goes back to his crazy natural state.

"Thank you." Megumi gives you a glimpse of a smile and you'll take anything you can get with him.

"Looks good, Megumi." Satoru ruffled his hair and Megumi glares at him. He grumbles and walks off to join Nobara.

"Almost done, kid." Satoru says and does some final touches. He's content with the outcome and shoo's Itadori out.

"Thanks, Gojo!" Itadori smiles and leaves. You hum quietly and sweep away the hair fallen onto the floor. Satoru cleans up the machines and begins putting away everything.

"Megumi really needed that. Thank you." He spoke up after a few minutes.

"Oh, it was nothing, really. I had a good teacher." You say and paused your sweeping.

"Yeah, I know I'm the best." Satoru gloats, "They really like you. I can tell."

You smile softly, "Well, that's good to know. I'm glad everything worked out and you weren't secretly trying to kill me." You chuckle.

He joined in your small laughter, but frowns eventually. "I wouldn't harm you in the slightest. Don't think I could if I were forced to."

"I think I could, if I was offered any meal I wanted right now." You joke and his head whips in your direction.

"Don't play with me." Satoru grins attractively. "I wouldn't even take a million dollars."

"Like money has any value right now." You say, you can't help but keep teasing him.

He rolled his eyes playfully and sassily, "My point is—I care about you too much to do anything."

You freeze momentarily. He has to mean that platonically, right? Your hearts beating a lot quicker than before. "I do too." You say quietly.

Satoru smiles widely, "Louder. I want to hear you say it louder." His voice deepens slightly. "Say it."

You think your entire body is about to explode, you swallow hard before speaking. "I do. I care about you too." You say more confidently.

He moves closer to you, his heart beating rapidly against his chest. "You mean it?" Your neck cranes to look up at him, this look—you're not sure what it is, but you feel your core twitch a little, just like when you saw him the other day in the rain.

You softly nod and Satoru towers above you, his hand moves shakily—scared even, wanting to touch you. He softly places it on your hip, his eyes searching yours for any discomfort. 'This is dangerous.' He thinks.

He gains a little more confidence, his other hand caressing your cheek, his face mere inches from yours now. You can hear his heart beating rapidly from how close the two of you are.

You restrain yourself from pressing your lips onto his, not sure what any of this means. "Satoru..." You quietly say, hoping it gives you any answers as to what is going on.

"Can I..? Please, Y/n." He almost begs, his eyes drift from your eyes to your lips. The second he sees you lick your lips and your eyes look down at his, he knows this was it. He knows that you want this too, it's not just him who's going crazy, but he restrains himself until he gets any sort of consent.

"Please." Is all you say and his lips are on yours, you can't help but quietly moan as you're finally feeling him. His lips were incredibly soft and warm against yours.

This felt perfect. Satoru and you could practically feel the electricity soaring through your body. You've never felt this dizzy from just a kiss before, you can feel your legs wanting to give out.

Satoru removes his hand off your cheek and rests it on your hip, he grips a little tighter and pulls you closer to him. You wrap your arms around his neck, kissing him as many times as you can before you both need to pull away for oxygen.

He pulls you impossibly closer to him, your own growing heat making it almost impossible to think about anything. He's so ridiculously tall, but you feel his own arousal against your stomach.

Your legs squeeze tighter as you can practically feel how well endowed he is, your body wants more of him. You want all of him.

His forehead rests on yours as you both catch your breath. Satoru's cheeks are flushed, he's never been turned on so quickly in his life, especially from just a few tongueless kisses.

"Please tell me this is real." His voice comes out raspy and tainted with desire for more. "Please tell me I'm not dreaming." He closes his eyes.

"Open your eyes, Satoru. It's real." You softly say, you yourself can't believe this either. You've dreamt, thought, and daydreamed about this, and none of it did it justice for how good this actually feels.

He softly opens his eyes again, his eyes looking deeply into yours. "I can't believe it." He holds you, afraid you'll disappear if this was a dream, but you don't. You're still there and his arms are still around you. "You remember that day when I was really off?"

His question catches you a little off guard, but you nod for him to continue. "I kept denying and denying how I felt about you, but I couldn't even fight it if I wanted to. I'm falling for you so damn hard I can't even think straight sometimes and I hurt you that day."

You're about to intervene, but he stops you, "I know our circumstances aren't ideal, but I needed to tell you how I've felt. If you don't want to continue, I completely understand. But I haven't been this happy in years, Y/n. You make me happy, I'm not sure about a lot of things, but I'm sure I want nothing more than to try...with you." He finishes.

Your eyes search his and you see his pupils dilated and looking into yours. Everything he's saying is sincere. You let out a sigh of relief and hold him close, "I'm guessing you feel the same?" He asks.

You nod and chuckle, "Yes, Satoru. I want that too. I want all of it." You whisper, his smile widens even further hearing you say this.

"We'll get through this, okay? I know we can." He promises.

"Yeah." Your smile matches his, he softly presses his lips against yours again, you can feel his smile as he pecks you, this all feels perfect. Like you're meant to be in this moment, this was supposed to happen.

[givemewallywestorgivemedeath]

Speedsters definitely have low level telepathy with each other and are just too oblivious to realize it. It's 100% canon that they are low level empaths with other speedsters and are able to sense each other's emotions, distress and their exact location. The caveat here is a) they can only do this with other speedsters they are emotionally close to b) speedsters can also 'shield' themselves from other speedsters if they know how and c) they are very rarely aware that they can do this. Most of the time they just show up when another speedster is having a breakdown or needs help because 'they felt them calling' and don't really piece together the implications of that.

Also they can talk to each other through the speedforce. IE, a speedster could be in space, in the year 3078, in another universe and still be able to communicate with their speedster buddy at home.

To me sensing each other's emotions through the speedforce + being able to talk through the speedforce = some kind of low level telepathy. You have the mental connection and speedforce based communication confirmed so it really isn't that much of a leap.

But they would, one hundred percent, not realize it.

You would have Wally, Jesse and Bart playing poker and every single bluff would be called correctly and they'd just assume that they're bad at bluffing. Barry would get an ice cream jingle stuck in his head and across the world speedsters would start humming the same song. Ace started thinking about getting a dog in the middle of planning a mission and Bart blurted out "oh speaking of dogs, who wants to see a picture of mine in a bowtie?"

They just assume that they know each other so well that they can read each other like an open book. They've spent decades together in the span of a year. That's why no one can beat Wally and Bart at Titans Charades night. It's totally normal that Wally can wave and Bart knows he's acting out 'thermodynamic systems'. It's not weird at all that Bart still guesses correctly even if he's in another room and can't see Wally acting out the clue. The other Titans are just jealous.

[bibuckkinard]

If Love is Fire, then I'll Burn for You

@bucktommyweek

Prompt: Favorite firsts.

Rating: E

Trigger Warning (if applicable): None

Summary: Five times Tommy resists telling Buck he loves him and the time he stops resisting.

Word Count: 3078

Notes: For #bucktommyweekend

It’s the first night they’ve managed to get alone together in over a week and Tommy’s been looking forward to it. His first thought was to just spend the night at one of their places (probably his because he has the better couch) but had decided he wanted to romance Evan a little. He seems to have done a good job. He looks at Evan now in the low light of the intimate restaurant they’re at for dinner. He’s sipping on a glass of wine and perusing the menu and Tommy thinks he’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. “Hey.” Evan looks up at him, eyes wide and blue. “Hmm?” “You look gorgeous.” The bashful smile that spreads over Evan’s face gets Tommy every time. Tommy knows, after four months now, that Evan’s not used to being complimented like this. Previous girlfriends have told him he’s sexy or hot but not in a way that makes him feel like it matters. So Tommy still compliments him every chance he gets.

Read on Ao3

[deepwaterwritingprompts]

Deep Water Prompt #3078

I rescue a vampire child, thinking I'll simply care for it until I die. Only this year I'm sure, it's definitely getting older. This should be impossible, and is very, very, bad.

[homicidal-fic-recs]

In sickness and in health

Summary:

Ice is about to go into surgery to hopefully get rid of the last of his cancer.

He asked Mav to call Bradley in case it's too late.

Mav can't refuse the love of his life anything, even if he knows Bradley won't answer his call.

Words: 3078

[leatherbelt1295]

Your Daily Smile #3078

Plusle and Minun - Pokemon

This smile brought to you by @ehan281

[aeksion-aekse]

WHISPERS OF THE DRAGON & THE FAWN

Chapter 4: Misery Business & Mental Anguish

tag list 🏷️: @eiralune @noeverse @mini-kunoichi @rozendiors @flippydippydoo @thought--bubble

word count: 3078 words

WARNING: canon events (Vaemond’s death) , depictions of mental breakdown/emotional meltdown, one sided pining from Aegon, stalking??

Brinaera’s POV

What in the Seven Hells did I just witness…? Not only had Vaemond publicly humiliate Rhaenyra in front of every being in the Throne Room by calling her a whore, but calling the legitimacy of her sons into question, calling them bastards. Even if it were true, it is not something that should be handled in public, especially not in such an unscrupulous manner. But the most shocking part of it all was Daemon….he took his sword and beheaded Vaemond. He did it like it was nothing, as if it were normal to him. I was still so shaken up about it all, but why did part of me feel relieved? Why did I feel grateful for the Rogue Prince himself silencing that blood purist permanently?

 I tried to grapple with my own thoughts as I sat in the confinements of my own private bedchambers, the hazy clouds from Blackwater Bay rolling in. I felt as if I was suffocating from the weight of different feelings and thoughts swirling through my mind like a cacophony, unable to decipher just what it was I was feeling. I sat in front of my vanity, staring at myself in the reflection of the mirror until the person looking back at me felt like a mere anomaly. Everything on me looked skewed, like it looked wrong and out of place. My long and lustrous locks of dark brown hair seemed dull and drab, my large and shining hazel eyes looked dead and hollow, my slightly tanned skin as soft as silk looked dry and cracked. I looked as if the very essence of my life was being sucked from me, becoming a shell of the lady I was.

It wasn’t the act of Daemon beheading Vaemond that left an impact upon me, but rather Vaemond’s words that had a grip on me. The way he spoke so ill of bastards, as if they were a mere stain upon society, it would be of no surprise if he thought of them to be a pestilence upon nobles. He seemed to utter the word with a spite that could only be described as being laced with venom. Did he truly think that all bastards were unworthy of even living….? Did he not know that I was a bastard as well, a bastard of Lord Borros Baratheon? He must have, I could see the glances towards my direction each time he spoke of bastards with such conviction, his glare like daggers.

I stared at myself in the mirror, silently cursing at the reflection staring back at me. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought that the reflection was grinning back at me, almost in a cruel and taunting manner. I couldn’t keep the thoughts running through my mind silent and that damned hazy reflection in the mirror was taunting me. It’s as if she was laughing at me, I could hear it echo in my mind, no matter how hard I tried to shut her out, it echoed over and over. I just let out a loud scream, unable to take it any longer.

“SEVEN HELLS, SHUT UP!!!”

I grabbed my hairbrush and threw it at the mirror, hearing the glass shatter and fall onto the ground in many pieces. I was heaving and panting, trying to catch my breath as I grappled with my sanity. I felt as if I was going mad. Had I truly lost it? I felt my shaky and panted exhales turn into laughter, unable to stop. I had finally cracked, I couldn’t hold it in any longer as I started to sob while laughing, hot tears rolling down my face as I stumbled around my bedchambers.

I just stumbled and walked around my confinements, blindly grabbing and throwing things across the room, screaming and yelling, shouting obscenities and language no lady should ever use. 

Things were broken, tossed, everything a mess…it was as if an unruly storm from my rightful home of Storm’s End had blown through, the room an absolute travesty and in complete disarray. I tried to catch my breath, still sobbing and running my fingers through my now unruly hair, looking around at the damage I had caused. I walked towards where my vanity was, grabbing a shard of glass from what was once the mirror and stared at the reflection in it.

Broken, scattered, a fraction of what it once was…how poetic. I was not who I was supposed to be. I was a bastard child of a Lord who would never recognize or legitimize me. I had been stripped of my birthright and all because my father couldn’t stay loyal to his Lady Wife. I bear the punishment and the weight of his sin. No matter how hard I try to run from it or change it, it’s the truth and I had to accept that. It would be easier.

Easier.

Another word that was used as justification for complacency and cowardice. I held the shard of glass in my hand, tightening my grip as I felt the jagged edges cut into my skin, making a silent vow to myself. I would not let myself fall victim to the preconceived notions that a bastard should follow. I would forge my own path and would make myself the future Lady of Storm’s End, as I was the rightful heir to that title. It was my rightful home, my land, my claim…and I was going to take it by any means necessary. If they wanted to play the game, I would play ten levels above them all. I let out a small chuckle as I grin small to myself, staring out to my balcony as I saw a storm roll in from Blackwater Bay, feeling a newfound hope and energy flow through me, speaking to myself.

“Game on, Lord Borros. I look forward to the next time we meet…father dear.”

I let out a sigh as I ran my fingers through my hair, looking around my bedchambers and shaking my head, walking towards the door and seeing my handmaiden Ursa in front of it. I smile small at her and speak in a rather soft tone of voice.

“Ursa, if you could gather other handmaidens to clean up and tidy my bedchambers, please. Oh, and please have the mirror for the vanity replaced, there was a bit of an….incident.”

Ursa just stared at me, confused yet concerned, sputtering and stumbling over her words as she watched me leave my bedchambers and walk through the halls of the Keep.

“Y-yes, Lady Brinaera, but may I inquire where you are going?”

I let out a small hum as I grin small to myself, continually walking down the halls and heading out of the Keep.

“I am taking a little personal time for myself, Ursa, I will be back soon. No need to fret over me.”

As I walk from the confinements of the Red Keep, I immediately head down this little path that led to Blackwater Bay, seeing the quickly approaching storm heading towards us. The wind was blowing fiercely and the smell of the water from the Bay blended into the air, a thin and uncommon fog covering the shores. I closed my eyes momentarily to take it all in, letting it envelop my senses before slowly opening them up again.

I slowly took off my shoes and slipped off my dress, leaving me in the sheer fabrics of my smallclothes. I took small steps towards the water, step by step as it consumed me, the storm approaching ever faster. I had never felt so connected with the world, so unified and so….myself. I looked up to the sky, the fog reaching the waters evermore and the dark, overcast clouds filled with rain threatening to spill. This was where I felt at peace…tranquility within the storm. 

I let out a sigh of contentment and feel the strident winds blow, sending a chill down my spine. It was cold and biting, yet oddly comforting, I managed to have found peace amongst the storm. It was as if something had awoken inside of me, like something had snapped into place. To have been a raging storm this entire time, fleeting yet lingering at the same time…to walk amongst dragons, it was a sight, an experience. 

As I slowly waded through the waves and water of Blackwater Bay amongst the fog and biting winds, I slowly started to hum before vocalizing, letting out small chuckles in between. The dark and heavy clouds above in the sky started to burst open, rain falling and landing into the water, as if it were cleansing me from above. I run my hands over my soaked hair, pushing it out of my face as I feel all of my “sins” be absolved: the sin of birth, of bastardy, all bestowed upon me from my dear father Borros.

No longer will I be meek and passive, as I have shed an old skin and birthed a new version of myself, one that will not allow such abhorrent treatment from anyone. They do say that the blood of the coven is thicker than the water of the womb, and I have found my coven with House Targaryen, storms and dragons ride side by side in the skies above. Seven above, may anyone who stand in my way pray for mercy, because I will show them none.

Third Person POV

Whilst Brinaera was enjoying her newfound self discovery in the waters of Blackwater Bay, a familiar gaze was watching her from the balcony of their bedchambers. The gaze was one of intrigue, of silent awe…of longing. The gaze of wanting something one knows they can never have, yet still clings onto that sliver of hope that maybe there’s a chance of them being together. A small possibility that they could even share a bed, even for just one night, bare bodied underneath the covers in the embrace of each other. The gaze belonged to the eldest son of Viserys and Alicent, a slightly bitter taste forming in his mouth as he continued to stalk the Baratheon girl from afar, swirling around the wine in his goblet. He was feeling a multitude of feelings, not knowing how to go about it or where to begin, his mind a jumbled mess. 

Aegon couldn’t bear it, he felt as if his very existence was being torn apart, his heart and soul set ablaze by the girl he grew alongside. As much as it pained him, he couldn’t bring himself to look away from her, she was too intoxicating, too ethereal, too perfect. He was gripping his goblet of wine like his life depending on it, his knuckles turning white as his breathing started to become erratic and uneven, turning away from the object of his longing and affection. He paced his bedchambers back and forth, finishing the wine as he threw the goblet across the room, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. He had to do something, and quickly.

Brinaera’s POV

Once I had finally finished my little moment of peace in Blackwater Bay through the stormy weather, I had dried off and put my dress back on, smoothing out the fabric as I made my way back towards the Red Keep. I was as quiet and discreet as I could be, making sure that no one would see or hear me, much less question where I was. Once I made my way through the halls of the Keep, I immediately spotted Ursa in front of my bedchambers, staring at me like a deer frozen in place.

“Lady Brinaera, you’re soaked to the bone and you’re absolutely freezing! You’ll catch a cold, if not worse! Let’s get you out of that dress and into a nice hot bath, come!”

I let out a small, amused chuckle as I followed Ursa into my bedchambers, the door closing behind us both. I let out a small hum as I started to slip off the dress I had been wearing, now soaked from my body being in the waters of the Bay. Once the hot bath was drawn up, I let out a small sigh as I slipped myself in slowly, feeling quite content with the feeling of the scalding water meet my soft skin.

“Hm….Ursa, do you think I am….weak?”

“Of course not, my Lady.”

“I want you to be completely honest with me, Ursa.”

Ursa just let out a sigh as she started to detangle my hair in the water of the bath. 

“I do not think you are weak, Brinaera. Quite the opposite. You have a heart of gold and a gentle nature, but that is not to be taken advantage of. I only hope for you to be the best you can be.”

I pondered Ursa’s words for a moment in silence, sitting in the bath as the storm raged over King’s Landing with howling winds and torrential downpour. I then smile small to myself before finally speaking once more.

“Do not fret Ursa, I can assure you that I will be the best version possible of myself .... the silent storms are always the most feared. As they should be.”

Ursa had paused, slowly stopping the movements of her fingers weaving through the locks of her hair. I could sense the confusion and anxious feeling radiating off of her before she even spoke.

“My Lady, I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean.”

I let out another hum before chuckling, a small sigh escaping past my lips.

“No, no I’m afraid you don’t, dear Ursa. But I do trust in you enough to confide in you. Alicent is a bit of a …. standoffish woman, Viserys would be worried I’d accidentally start a war, Aegon is constantly drinking and fucking whores, Helaena is too pure to confide in and Aemond….”

I pause for a moment as I smile small to myself, a fond little expression washing over my features.

“Aemond may be my dearest friend, but he hasn’t been the same since the night he lost his eye. It has been nine years since then and a part of me still mourns the friend I had lost. I hold many things inside due to fear of them spilling over. He is a wonderful swordsman, a highly intelligent Prince Regent, the rider of the largest dragon in the world. He amazes me and never ceases to do so.”

Ursa just stood as she slowly continued to weave her fingers through the long, soaked locks of my hair whilst I rambled, remaining in the bath water.

“It seems you care a great deal for Prince Aemond, my Lady. He is fortunate to have a friend as loyal as you.”

“Your words flatter me, dear Ursa. But it is I who is the lucky one. He is …. he is the only who could understand me the most. I had often wondered at times, what must go through his mind.”

“The Prince is an elusive man, one of very few words, my Lady.”

“Yes … yes, I am aware of this, Ursa. But my curiosity cannot help but be piqued. Even after all these years, having grown alongside him, he may be my dearest friend yet …. I don't even know him. Do you think he is as fascinated by me as I am by him, Ursa?”

Ursa didn’t respond, she just stood there in silence as she thoroughly detangled and washed my hair. I let out a small hum as my thoughts ponder, my gaze staring out the balcony of my bedchambers and locking onto the raging storm outside, reeking havoc across King’s Landing. A rare storm, something that usually never occurred here. Perhaps it was a sign specially just for me from the Seven above.

I let out another sigh before standing up and slowly getting out of the bath, stepping out as an exhale escapes through my nose. Ursa grabbed a large and thick piece of cloth, draping it around me to dry off as she grabbed another piece of fabric, proceeding to dry my hair for me. I sat there in silence once more for moments before finally speaking again.

“Once you finish drying me off, leave me a clean sleep gown and light the fire in here, you may then retire for the night, dear Ursa.”

“My Lady?”

“Thank you, for everything you do. I do not know if you hear it as often as you should, but I truly do mean them. And thank you … for always listening to me.”

Ursa just nodded her head curtly as she finished drying my hair, going to grab a fresh and clean sleep gown for me. She then grabbed the cloth pieces from me as I was all dry, handing me the sleep gown and watching as I put it on. She walked towards the fireplace and tossed the cloth pieces into the fire, a warm flame set ablaze, a stark contrast to the harsh and cold storm raging outside. She then turned to me as she opened the door to leave my bedchambers, speaking once more before she left and closed the door behind her.

“Goodnight, my Lady. Sleep well and dream sweetly.”

I let out a long and exhausted sigh, getting under the covers and furs of my bed, the canopy draping over me. The storm raging like a ferocious creature, the fireplace crackling, the dim glow of the flames illuminating my bedchambers. I was left alone in the confinement of my own room, left to let my mind wander aimlessly, my sanity at the mercy of my own thoughts. I could feel my eyes grow heavy with sleep and exhaustion and the more I tried to fight it off, the more tired I became with each passing moment. 

Finally, as a few moments passed, I felt myself give in to the strong vice of slumber, my eyes fluttering close and my breathing becoming slow and steady. Soft snores emitted from me as my hair was spread across my pillows, my lips parted slightly and chest slowly rising and falling as the faint sounds of fire crackled and the outside storm raged on outside, the sky becoming drearier and grew ever darker.

The Storm Princess had finally found a sliver of peace.