#Indefinite Companionship

[hatekuhnradiated]

Tried Clip Studio Paint for the first time, was certainly difficult hthdjdh

Sorry that the outline is so bad, I couldn't figure out how to turn off pressurized and I don't usually use that (cuz tbh ew)

Also Tanner, hot man

《■》Help out a small artist and reblog if you can! Thank you!《■》

[obsessivevoidkitten]

Love Stings

Yandere Male Aqrabuamelu (scorpion man) x Chubby Female Reader (CW: Violent Noncon, oviposition, paralytic venom, reader gets stung, stalking, stalking, scratching, biting, claiming bites, crying, mild scent kink, blood, mild blood kink, Stockholm syndrome, kidnapping, escape attempt, general yandere behavior) Word Count: 4.7k (This was commissioned at the end of September. It is hard for me to write afab reader. Don't worry though, I do not accept payment until I am done or almost done. The customer wished to remain anon. I hope everyone likes it.)

To most people, the wastelands of Treregar were just that, wastelands. Harsh sunlight, miles of seemingly endless sand, with water sources few and far between. Nothing but the hardiest flora and fauna could survive there for any significant length of time. Let alone thrive indefinitely.

But you were not most people. You were a scientist. And to scientists, the wastes were a gold mine of research potential. Some of the strangest creatures and plants called this place home. And with the country now open to outsiders, researchers wanted to make a breakthrough there. You were in search of biological samples that could have medicinal properties.

But the wilder parts of this country were very dangerous. Especially the desert wastes. There were even reports of explorers and scientists going missing and of large chitinous beasts prowling the sands. But you were not going to be deterred by a few tall tales. The others had probably fallen prey to the harsh environment if anything.

Still... it didn't hurt to have a couple bodyguards. You had arranged an escort of a couple fairly priced and reliable mercenaries, two large men by the names of Mr. Whitley and Mr. Matthews, to accompany you while you procured samples for study.

You also came with fully stocked packs and kept to a region near a small river. You didn't believe in letting stories run your life, but there was no need to take unnecessary risks either.

The first thing you did on your arrival, after setting up a base camp with your escorts, was starting your task by taking samples of the river water and the muck at the bottom. There was a good possibility of finding new microbes that could be of interest.

The water was crystal clear, perhaps the purest you had ever seen, and there were no signs of anything dangerous. The biggest danger was the heat. Despite the water submerging your legs and wetting your arms whenever you collected a sample the heat was still stifling.

But you had known what you were signing up for when you started all this and it would only get harder as you started collecting samples outside of the water.

When you collected plant and insect specimens from the fertile banks of the river you had to keep wiping the sweat from your brow. You kept the samples preserved in a specially cooled container that would allow you to study them at length later when you were back home.

Once you had all that you had gathered that day packed away, you ate alone in your tent, Mr. Whitley and Mr. Matthews were not exactly the best company, but that was okay. It wasn’t their companionship that they were being paid for.

When you had finished your meal, if you could even call one unit of mystery field rations a meal, you decided that it would be a good idea to go to bed early. Tomorrow’s adventure would be deeper into the wastes and you would need all the rest you could manage. It was going to be a bit rough on you. You were used to working in laboratory conditions not out in the field. But you knew what you were getting yourself into.

Whitley and Matthews guarded the camp in shifts, but even under their protection you couldn’t shake the feeling like you were being watched as you settled into an uneasy sleep.

On day two of the expedition, after eating another bland ration for breakfast and refilling your water supplies, you found something before you even set out. Odd tracks outside your camp, a good bit away but they were still close enough to creep you out a bit. Whatever had made them was not small.

But you had protection from any threats and you were handy with the knife you kept in your belt at all times. And whatever had made the tracks was gone now. You put it out of your mind and pushed onward.

As the cooler morning hours passed, you were really suffering as you had to start your trek into the desert proper. The organisms suited to such a brutal environment were what you were really interested in. Far more so than what lived in the relatively cool waters.

The sun beat down upon you with all the heat it could manage but still you trudged on. Miles and miles of sand. Stopping only to diligently take new samples and record field notes any time you encountered something new and promising.

You and your guards were overheated, exhausted, and aching. But it would surely be worth it for the scientific knowledge gained by your collective suffering. You all had finally started the long march back to camp when you could have sworn you felt like you were being watched. Whitley must have noticed something off as well as he stopped your trek home to look around. But the worry was discarded when in the distance a giant wall of sand materialized as if from nowhere, It rushed towards you like a great red tidal wave.

A sudden sandstorm.

It was upon you and your escorts in a thrice, you could see nothing at all in front of you as looking up for even a moment would invite the angry sands to scratch at your delicate eyes. From all your studies on the region in your preparation for this trip you had found sandstorms to be very rare this time of year. Your luck was astoundingly terrible.

All you could do in this situation was stay low to the ground, wait it out, and hope that you and your body guards didn’t get blown away. You also prayed that they both had the good sense to not try to walk in this mess. That would only welcome disaster. Trying to stumble about in this weather was a guaranteed method to find yourself lost and stranded in the desert.

On and on the storm raged, sand scraping and biting into any exposed flesh, until finally the whirling winds gradually declined before subsiding altogether. Leaving no trace of what had just transpired except scratches on your arms and legs and the ebbing adrenaline leaving your system rendering you shaky on your feet.

You were sore and stiff from laying in the same position so long. You took a good look around you only to discover that disaster had indeed been welcomed. Neither Whitley or Matthews were anywhere in your sight. Idiots. They were large men, not easily slipped up by the storm and rolled down a hill as you were. The weather couldn’t have pushed them very far. They clearly decided to keep trying to travel despite the obvious foolishness.

Well… they were not exactly getting paid for their brain power. But they were paid to keep you safe. To guard you. And they couldn’t exactly do that if they were determined to be idiots who wandered away from you!

When you made your report they were certainly getting docked for this.

Assuming that you all met back up. You probably would. Eventually. If they lacked a compass like you did then they could just head east until they hit the river and then travel up until they hit the camp. If they didn’t have one they would have to wait a little while and see what direction the sun headed in.

The direction the sun sets actually changes a bit throughout the year, but the autumn equinox had only just transpired so it would certainly set at the most west that it was possible for it to set.

You hoped those two knew that. Surely they did.

Right then you had to focus on yourself though. Without those two you were far more vulnerable. You were not really worried about the wildlife or anything such as that, but if you became injured or something all alone then you would be screwed. Something as simple as a sprained ankle could mean your death out in this blistering environment if you were left exposed to the elements long enough.

You shouldn’t have ventured so far from camp. Your body was aching with exhaustion. You were a bit on the chubby side and your body was not used to being pushed so hard. You perked up when you saw a large figure of a man standing in the distance walking in the same general direction as you were.

“WHITLEY! HEY, OVER HERE!!”

He evidently heard you as he turned around to face your direction and started walking towards you. As you got closer you could tell that other than a few abrasions from the storm he did not seem to be in bad shape.

“I am glad I found you”

You wanted to tell him he would not have had to worry about finding one another if he had just stayed put but you thought better of it and held your tongue.

“I think something may be watching us, I don’t know. I just have an uneasiness and feel like the air has shifted with a barely noticeable scent. I lost my sword in the storm.”

“Then… we better hurry back to camp… Maybe Matthews will be there…”

“Right.”

You noticed he had undone his dagger from his belt and was holding it close, ready to lash out if something attacked the two of you. He may not have had his longer blade but you knew he was still deadly with that one. He would surely protect yo-

The sand in front of you shifted, and from it sprung a beast of colossal size. Hard black chitinous plating gleamed in the sunlight, covering a monstrous form from top to bottom. It was a hulking beast with a human shaped torso on top of the body of a massive scorpion.

Whitley, to his credit, didn’t hesitate. He dodged the tail that struck at him with terrifying speed. He jumped up high and slammed his combat knife into the chitin covered chest of the beast. His blade was deflected as if by plate armor. The tail struck again at an angle Whitley couldn’t dodge in time and his arm was impaled by a wickedly sharp stinger. He twitched in pain for a moment then went limp before being pushed aside by the clawed arm of the scorpion half of the great beast before you.

Then the thing turned its gaze to you. Unblinking, glossy, entirely black eyes stared you down. If eyes were the windows into one’s soul then those eyes let you look into the soul of a demon.

Hopeless though it may be with the speed of the monstrosity you did the only thing your fear stricken brain could think of. You ran.

You ran and you didn’t look back. Cruel though it may have been, you found yourself thinking that maybe it would let you go since it had already taken down Mr. Whitley. Many predatory beasts did not take down more than what they needed.

But the scorpion hybrid wasn’t after food. Humans were not in his diet. No, he was after something much better than a meal. He was after a mate. A nice wet cunt to stuff full of his eggs.

When Kurnugi first caught your scent in the wind a couple days ago he was instantly intrigued, he had never smelled something quite so enticing before. He had to investigate. Though a few miles away he sniffed out your camp and watched for a while.

He didn’t really like the thought of humans in his territory but he stopped himself from attacking and scaring you all away because of you. Your smell was nice, sure, but now that he had seen you he knew he had to know more. You looked so delightfully fragile and soft. He wanted to watch you a bit longer before deciding what to do with you all.

Kurnugi observed you as you went about your tasks at the river. Delicate hands carefully tending to samples. He did not understand why you were doing it, but he liked the thought of those careful little human hands tending to his dick.

At first the scorpion man thought that perhaps the two large males with you were mates of yours but concluded that wasn’t the case as they never shared your nest, never physically touched you, and hardly verbally communicated with you. They seemed to just guard you and keep a lookout.

But they had been unable to spot Kurnugi given how well he stuck to the shadows, used sand to submerge himself partially, and carefully remained downwind of his quarry.

The longer he watched the more he realized how good a mate you would make. Too weak to ever oppose or escape him and he could tell by the way you collected and analyzed your little samples that you must be very intelligent. And you were just so much softer than anything he had ever encountered in this rugged environment. Surely if you were in a place as brutal as this then you’d need much better and dedicated protection than the ones you seemed to call Whitley and Matthews.

Kurnugi was much larger and stronger than any two humans, of course, no matter how well built they were. But they had long metal blades that may be able to get between his natural armor plates. Better to stalk your group for a while and wait for a moment of weakness.

He discreetly followed your party as you traveled away from your base camp and readied himself to attack when he noticed how tired all of you looked. Then the sandstorm struck.

Even a desert evolved being such as a mighty aqrabuamelu would not travel during a sandstorm.

When it passed he could tell by the scents he detected that your group was split up. This was even better. First he went after Matthews, then incapacitated Whitley before your very eyes. He had made sure not to kill them. No, they would surely be taken and bred by other desert creatures. There were many that loved humans.

And then there was you. It was cute how you thought you could escape from him so easily. He allowed you to try, watching in amusement as your tired chubby legs did their best to carry you away from him.

And then he rushed towards you, he closed the distance in surprisingly few seconds and stabbed your soft rear with the tip of his stinger. He was careful not to stab too deeply, but it was still pretty painful. You thrashed for a few seconds before crumpling to the sand.

The venom had paralyzed you, no matter how hard you tried you couldn’t get your limbs to cooperate at all. You could still feel everything though. The sand on your face, the tears about to burst from your eyes. You were certain death was what awaited you.

Instead the scorpion simply bent over to gently scoop you up in his humanoid arms. He held you close and buried his nose in your neck to revel in the intoxicating smell of his new mate, now finally in his possession.

The amorous aqrabuamelu rushed off to his den, holding you tightly to his hard body as he did so. He was excited to get you acclimated to your new home, and to his cock. He was sure after his displays of strength that he would have you moaning for his eggs in no time. Luckily his home wasn’t too far.

The entire trip he happily talked in a chittery voice to you, though you had absolutely no idea what he was saying. He sounded extremely excited though and rubbed your back soothingly as he spoke.

When he came to the entrance to his abode and scuttled into the cave in such a hurry that he almost tripped over himself. He placed you, all nice and paralyzed for him, on his raised pile of bedding and made short work of your clothing. Every inch of skin from your soft human breasts to your inviting pussy were laid bare under his hungry gaze.

He pulled you to the edge of his nest over to where he was standing. He gripped your thighs with his large hands and slowly spread your legs, as if unwrapping a precious gift. Savoring the moment before it was entirely open.

The venom was still coursing effectively through your veins, offering you no recourse. You could only stare into the terrifying red eyes of this abomination as he looked at you and drooled. His intent with you becoming all the more evident as his engorged cock protruded fully from the genital slit at the meeting of his scorpion and humanoid body segments.

There was no way something like that could enter a human without some degree of pain.

Seeing it you wanted to scream. To kick and fight. But you were a prisoner in your own body. All the struggle you could force out of your body were choked cries and grunts of fear.

The scorpion caressed your sides in a gesture meant to be comforting to his scared little mate, but any touch from him only brought about more terror.

He crouched down at the edge of the bed so that his head was level with your crotch. He inhaled the scent deeply before licking the outer folds of your sex.

"Mmmm~"

You could feel it in your entire body as he hummed loudly in contentment. Your flavor was better than he could have imagined.

Your cunt was wetter than it had ever been before. A fact that made you all the more frustrated and angry at yourself. It was bad enough you couldn't get your body to move.

Kurnugi was making out with your entrance, gripping your hips painfully and drawing blood as he lost himself in thoughts about you carrying his spawn.

He enjoyed every heavenly drop of your juices, mixing in a heavy amount of his saliva into you so that you were as lubricated as possible.

He decided you were as ready as you could be and rose up to press his cock against you.

Kurnugi rubbed the tip of his strange inhuman prick against your pussy, grinding against it. He let out a low moan as he plunged into you all at once, unable to hold himself back from doing so any longer. The paralytic you had been drugged with must have started to wear off by that point because as he shoved himself into you you were finally able to scream a bit and grip the bedding beneath you.

The length was insane but the worst part was the thickness. It was like it was trying to rip you open. He gave you time to adjust before he began his thrusting, but there was just no getting adjusted to that type of size in such a short amount of time without a lot more preparation.

You flinched and gasped in pain as he began slowly moving in and out of you.

The scent and sight of the bit of your blood that mixed with your fluids and smeared on his cock only seemed to excite him and he increased the pace, the outline of his cock plainly visible under the skin of your belly. He used one of his hands to rub at the outline as it moved back and forth inside of you, effectively giving himself a handjob while he bred you.

He lowered his head to your chest and ferally bit and licked at your breasts. Instinct demanding he marked and claimed what was, by all laws of the desert, his property.

After what seemed like an eternity you finally had acclimated to the size of the man taking you and began feeling less pain with flashes of pleasure. Chasing those brief flashes, you weakly grinded into each thrust from the scorpion.

Kurnigi’s roaming mouth had found your neck and was sucking and nipping at your soft skin there as if his life depended on it.

The stimulation was only feeling better as the two of you continued, your cries of fear and pain having long since been replaced by weak lusty moans and shivers of delight. You came a couple times and by the third you were completely fucked out. You had never orgasmed so hard in your life and were barely aware of anything other than that nice feeling between your shaky legs.

Kurnugi finally hit his climax as well and bit your neck hard as he did so, injecting something into your neck to leave a permanent claiming mark on you. You flinched in pain but it receded quickly, you were too out of it to really care what he did to you at that point.

Until you felt him cum into you. Your eyes went wide at the sensation as you felt relatively large round masses being pumped deeply into you.

Eggs.

You were shocked and disgusted, but there was nothing to be done about it then. You let the aqrabuamelu lick your various scratches and bite wounds clean before tucking you in with blankets so you could sleep while he made a meal.

He was so jubilant that his pregnant little mate was cozy in his nest while he took care of you. He had a nice home, a large territory, and now a soft mate to dote on and stuff full of his big prick whenever he needed to. Life was perfect.

THREE MONTHS LATER:

It had been around three months since you had been abducted. And it was hours since you had run away from the monstrosity that had kidnapped you. His name was Kurnugi, you had learned, managing very limited communication with the brute. He had finally let his guard down, finally trusted you since you had never been anything but compliant since you had been with him, and he had finally left you alone to go hunt for a longer period of time.

You did not waste the opportunity, it was clear that your bodyguards had not managed to leave the desert, probably succumbing to exposure. Either that or no one had cared to send a search party to look for you thinking you were a lost cause. So it was up to you to rescue yourself.

Once more your legs burned with a familiar exhaustion. Kurnugi was a skilled hunter that moved fast. Once he returned to his den he would begin tracking you immediately. If you were going to succeed then you had to get as much distance between yourself and that cave as you could possibly manage. It didn’t help that you were pregnant with his many eggs. It surely made travel more difficult.

As you made your way up the river you considered walking in it to hide your scent, but you decided against it. The wind was blowing your scent in the direction that you were fleeing from so it wouldn’t help you at all. The slog through the water would only slow you down. And that was the last thing that you needed right then.

The last thing other than suddenly finding yourself laying with your back against the hot sand and looking up with an absolutely outraged Kurnugi looking down at you with a malicious grin on his face.

How had he snuck up on you so silently?

You had expected to be immediately paralyzed by one of his stings, but the scorpion had other things in mind. He wasn’t just angry. He was hurt. You had tried to leave him the first opportunity you had. Had he not proven himself against lesser males to be a strong mate? Had he not provided food and water and shared his home with you? Had he not given you a nice belly full of eggs as any mate would desire?

The aqrabuamelu clearly had to show you your place. He had been too gentle with you. Not done enough to prove that you were, beyond any whisper of a doubt, his property.

And in that vein of thinking he did not bother with his venom, no, he wanted you to have the full ability of movement and still be just as utterly powerless to do anything to avoid him using you as he saw fit.

He pushed you over onto the ground and flipped you so that you were facing the sand with your ass up. Then, right in the middle of the desert, he ripped off the pants he had made for you out of leather and plant fibers.

Kurnugi crouched so that his cock was level with your cunt, his strong hands gripping your hips so hard that they would undoubtedly be bruised. You cried out and struggled just as pathetically as he had predicted that you would.

“Please! Please NO!!! I’ll behave! I-I’ll never leave again. KURNUGI PLEA-”

Your words became a pained shriek as he interrupted them by ramming his entire dick straight into you. No prep at all. He understood your cries for mercy and carried on anyway.

Each thrust into you was slow, powerful, and deliberate, driving your face into the sand as his nails bit into your flesh.

You were right about one thing. You’d never try to leave him again after this. He was going to fuck it into your brain so you’d have no chance of forgetting.

Tears dripped down your face, wicked away by the thirsty air and ground. Your legs shook and you would have collapsed were it not for the strong hands propping you up. Your abused cunt felt like it was being torn apart.

Kurnugi was once more excited by the scent of your blood and began pulling you back and forth over his prick like you were just a cock sleeve built for his pleasure. All you could do was sob and take it and try not to puke.

With a final slam he came in you hard. No eggs this time, since you were already full of them, just fluid that thankfully soothed your insides, if only a bit.

The anger of the aqrabuamelu was finally quelled and he panted with his throbbing cock still twitching and pumping cum into you. He picked you up and renewed the bite mark he had left on you. He did not have to since it was permanent, but he wanted to so you’d remember you were branded property.

Luckily the pain from the bite had been swallowed up by the disorientation and pain from the rape.

A small comfort.

Kurnugi picked you up effortlessly and cradled you close to him.

You couldn’t quite tell what he had said, but you knew it was meant to be soothing. He rubbed your back and chittered sweetly in that foreign language of his. Evidently happy to have that nasty business out of the way and content in the knowledge that you wouldn’t be trying that again.

7 MONTHS LATER:

You couldn’t wait for the eggs inside you to hatch. Kurnugi had assured you that you would be a great parent and since the eggs absorb the DNA of the parent they are deposited in he was confident that they would be the cutest babies in the entire world.

He was so wonderful to you. He doted on you and helped take you for walks when you were restless. He caught or foraged and then prepared all of your meals. He cuddled you close and kissed your swollen belly and made every effort to cheer you up when you were feeling down.

And you were sweet to him too, you learned how to craft things from the leather and fibers he made so you made him little trinkets that he either wore or decorated the den with. And you always greeted him by kissing him softly whenever he came home.

Things were a lot easier now that you could communicate.

And now that you understood that you could never go anywhere without him and to try to do so would be very hurtful for the both of you.

But why would you ever want to do something like that?

[yanderes-galore]

hey can I request a yandere alastor (platonic - friend or family) with another deer demon reader

I feel the idea that you're related would be interesting to mess around with. Especially since your similar demon types.

Yandere! Platonic! Alastor with Deer Demon! Darling

Pairing: Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Manipulation, Overprotective behavior, Murder, Blood, Violence, Cannibalism, Gore, Possessive behavior, Dark/Mature themes, Forced companionship.

Oh you bet I have a backstory for this one.

Alastor's demon form is no doubt based on folklore more than an actual deer.

So here's the thing, when I think of deer darling for his obsession... I think you'd be different from him.

I feel you'd take on more deer characteristics rather than folklore, a much more "innocent" take on a deer compared to Alastor.

For this concept I imagine when you were alive you were related.

You were either siblings or a kid he had, up to you, but you're most likely siblings based on his canon sexuality.

In terms of backstory, I imagine Alastor manipulated you into going along with what he does.

He taught you how to kill, he made you commit to cannibalism, he made you his accomplice.

Due to being manipulated into committing sin, your demon form is a much more innocent form compared to Alastor.

While Alastor takes the form of and acts like a hunter... you look like a fawn compared to him.

When you died, it was with Alastor.

In fact, imagine if he was always protective of you.

Always jealous... always possessive to the point his targets were often those of your friends.

By the end of your life he was insistent you die together.

You could barely react before your blood trickled onto the ground.

Truthfully, in a different environment, you could've gone to Heaven.

But sins never go unpunished, bringing you here with Alastor.

You're an accomplice, that's reflected in your appearance and behavior.

For example, perhaps you were still forced into compliance when Alastor began killing Overlords.

Despite the violent nature he displays, he's always been fond of you.

Poor you, younger than him yet still a young adult.

So easily threatened and manipulated, always kept isolated even now so the radio demon can keep you in his grasp.

Imagine when Alastor disappears for a bit he doesn't take you.

He wants to, in fact, he dreads you not being around him.

But... orders are orders, right?

That's how deals work....

Yet you know he's racing back to track you once he's summoned to help the Hotel.

Another idea could be Alastor already has your soul due to your past together.

Intimidated by him, you gave him your soul, binding you to him indefinitely.

The first soul under his belt.

If that's the case, you're just summoned to the Hotel instead of him searching for you.

Other Sinners and demons no doubt fear you by association.

Alastor keeps you dressed in similar attire to himself, yet with some differences that reflect how you used to dress.

People fear the radio demon and his fawn.

You're not as bad as Alastor, but demons know if they're too close... it pisses off the radio demon to put it in simple terms.

Alastor is affectionate with you due to your bond.

He has your soul and you're family.

He towers over you and never feels the need to pull your chain too tight.

After all, you're used to listening to him.

Always the adorable and obedient fawn for him....

Alastor is naturally fierce when it comes to his behavior.

You're barely able to make conversation with other demons and Sinners without Alastor lurking behind you.

He always acts so charming around those you talk to, just like how he did when you were both human.

The only people he doesn't monitor you too heavily with are those in the Hotel.

Charlie always seems so invested in you, you're one of the better candidates to be redeemed.

But as we all know, Alastor won't let you be redeemed.

Husk originally keeps his distance, but can't help but feel a sense of companionship due to you both being owned by Alastor.

Angel Dust no doubt is flirty with you, commenting how odd it is how someone so small and "cute" can be related to the radio demon.

In reality, you're not fully innocent, but no sadist either. You got to Hell somehow, after all.

Alastor really does hate it when Angel flirts with you.

Vaggie pities you for being dragged into Alastor's crimes.

Meanwhile Nifty is obsessive with the fact Alastor even has a relative down here.

Alastor is patient when it comes to the Hotel STAFF speaking with you.

You're definitely kept away from The Vees, not that you'd want to be near them anyways.

You are important to the radio demon, someone he can't lose.

You two have been beside one another since being alive.

Now you two are Sinners, even if you shouldn't belong.

Alastor no doubt still influences you, offering you more cannibalism as though he's showing the power he has over you.

The taste is still nauseating, the blood too familiar in your mind.

Yet Alastor only coos, speaking about what you two would do together as though it was nostalgic.

All while your lips are tainted in blood.

Alastor finds joy in killing other Sinners who get too close.

All so he can pick you up and drag you around.

You two have always been an infamous duo.

While you may want redemption... Alastor will always drag you back to him.

There's no saving you... ever since he made you commit your first crime, there was no chance of saving you...

You were always meant to be Alastor's darling little fawn....

[jaythes1mp]

Was just at the AUS vs RSA game and thought about yan batfam x professional player reader

^ pic I took, shared cause it looked pretty cool

How they would react to the reader being a famous sport player of any kind.

It's unlikely that they would kidnap you due to your massive fan base, as it would attract excessive media scrutiny and unwanted attention internationally, not just within Gotham. Fans from around the globe tune in to watch your games, so your absence would raise suspicions far beyond the confines of Gotham alone.

Based on the extent of their obsession, the Batboys would exhibit varying responses. In cases where their fixation is relatively mild, they might opt for a more subtle approach. Instead of outright kidnapping, they'd each form a more intimate connection with you, feeding you disinformation and manipulating you to question the stability of your career as an athlete. They might even go so far as to create fake evidence of misconduct, aiming to weaken your trust in colleagues and coaches. Each bat independently spinning webs of falsehoods, persuading you about the perilous aspects of your career. The move aims to create doubt and make you feel vulnerable, all while fostering the image of a concerned support system. Where they’re the caring family who just wants the best for you.

The fam, in their relentless quest to isolate you from your world, would orchestrate a web of manipulation to sow doubt and skepticism in your mind. Their goal? To make you question everyone and everything, sowing the seeds of paranoia deep within your psyche. Each bat playing a part in this grand scheme, they'd meticulously feed you false information, twist events, and exploit your trust, all to ensure that you become reliant on them alone, to the point where you’d feel a profound sense of isolation from anything and everyone outside their carefully constructed circle of control.

With a more intense level of obsession for you, the boys become more extreme in their approach, aiming to sever all threads that bind you to the outside world. They'd fabricate scandals, leveraging their influence and connections to spread misinformation and discredit your reputation through the media. Ultimately getting you canceled or thrown out from the league, leaving you vulnerable and isolated. Once they've successfully sabotaged your career, they'd position themselves as your sole support, exploiting the dependency they've forced you into, ensuring they become your only lifeline. The only ones who believed that you wouldn’t actually do any of those horrible things.

If all else fails and their attempts to manipulate and control you have fallen flat, they wouldn’t be above resorting to drastic measures. They'd orchestrate an 'accident' contrived to leave you physically incapacitated, prematurely ending your career against your will. With you out of commission, they'd swoop into the role of a caring, supportive family, ensuring they remain your sole source of companionship and aid. An ultimate move to bind you to them indefinitely, all in the name of protection and care for their "fragile" darling.

[goldenhickeysandramen]

Chemistry

Human beings are inherently social creatures, craving connection and companionship for a fulfilling existence. Sometimes we meet someone with whom we feel deeply connected, whose presence attracts us and generates comfort, emotion and joy. We feel there’s “chemistry”.

For "chemistry" to exist there must be attraction. Not necessarily a physical attraction, but rather an emotional one. You want to spend more time with that person because they make you feel good.

Chemistry doesnt mean two people must be romantically involved... but the lack of it would mean the absence of any possible romance.

True chemistry between individuals isn't one-sided either; it requires mutual attraction and resonance. It's not merely about one person being drawn to another; rather, it's a dynamic interplay between both parties

There are a number of elements that can give us clues as to whether or not this chemistry exists. These manifestations or elements are visible in the way people interact and occur unconsciously or semi-consciously (i.e.: they are not the product of a voluntary manipulation by either of the parties involved).

These are 10 behaviours that can serve as clues to the existence of attraction and chemistry between two people.

1. Gaze focused on each other

An important sign of interest and connection is the way two people look at each other. When there's chemistry, people tend to look at each other for longer periods of time, showing more attention than when interacting with others. This is particularly noticeable in group settings, where the intensity of eye contact and the length of time people look at each other can reveal an underlying attraction.

2. Pupil dilation

Attraction causes our pupils to unconsciously dilate so that as much light as possible enters the eye, so that we can observe the other person in more detail.

3. Seeking Each Other Out

A telltale sign of chemistry between two individuals is their inclination to seek each other out. Even on a subconscious level, they feel compelled to connect or come across the other person.

4. Smile

Another sign is the fact that two people who are mutually attracted will tend to smile at each other constantly in a natural way, as a reflection of the sensations of comfort that the presence of the other person brings. Moreover, heightened interest often leads to an elevated sense of humour, resulting in easy laughter at positive or amusing remarks.

5. Shared interests

Among the behavioural signs that reveal the existence of chemistry between two people is the presence and/or search for multiple shared interests. In this sense, there is a mutual interest in knowing each other's opinions and tastes, even without a specific purpose.

https://x.com/stopkookminpls/status/1581433508652011520?s=20

6. Extended conversations

When there's chemistry between two people, conversations often flow effortlessly and can seemingly go on indefinitely. It's not uncommon for to lose track of time, engrossed in the interaction.

7. Physical proximity

Another indicator of attraction or chemistry is the physical distance between two people. Typically, individuals drawn to each other will naturally gravitate closer, reducing the space between them. In many cases, they may even enter each other's personal space without causing discomfort. Spontaneous physical contact, such as gentle touches or brushing of arms, faces, fingers, or hands, may also occur.

8. Body orientation

The orientation of feet and body language can also signal attraction between individuals. Unconsciously, we tend to point one or both feet towards the person we're interested in and our bodies often align so that both are facing each other, with shoulders and torsos mirroring each other's position.

9. Imitation

When there's chemistry between two individuals, they often unconsciously mirror each other's behavior. This can manifest in various ways, such as adopting similar habits, gestures, speech patterns, and even modulating tone of voice to align with the other person.

https://x.com/stopkookminpls/status/1432179050492137474?s=2

https://x.com/jikookheart/status/1769041673722458176?s=20

10. Trust, empathy and willingness towards the other person

It is common that in front of a person with whom we have chemistry we tend unconsciously to be able to trust them more than the rest. In the same way, when there is mutual interest and chemistry it is easier to feel understood by the other person as well as being relatively easier to put ourselves in their shoes and imagine what might be going on in their mind. We are also more thoughtful and generous and devote more time and effort to spending time and/or performing acts that please or help the person we are interested in..

I will add one one last one.

A new one for the records

11. They will choose to enlist together

THE END

[sitp-recs]

oh fuck you’re right that trope is unparalleled. do you have any fics that fit that “it isn’t like this with other people” feeling? for drarry 🥺

I know!!! Such a delicious Drarry trope 🤌🏼 I got a couple recs but am sure there are more out there and I need all of them!

The Things They Never Say by @bixgirl1 (E, 9k)

Harry and Draco don't know how to talk. So they do other things instead.

Five Weddings and a Potions Accident by lauren3210 (E, 19k)

In which Harry thinks he’s a playboy, everyone else knows better, and Hermione will kill Seamus if Ron tries to collect on that bet.

Famous by @fw00shy (E, 24k)

It's a couple of years after the war, and Harry's bored of models now, the same way he's bored of Ron's constant nagging, bored of his Weasley monogram knitwear, bored of the same fucking grin that greets him when he hands his fire-truck red Bugatti over to the valet every night. He wants to find—well, he isn't sure what he wants. Anything but models. Harry is in the mood for...messy. And Draco Malfoy's looking like a walking disaster in the making.

I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor by birdsofshore (E, 28k)

Harry felt lit up from inside as soon as he entered the bar. There were blokes dancing together, their bodies close to one another, not keeping a wary distance as Harry was always careful to do when he was near another man. God, he wanted this – wanted it so much he could taste it, a metallic tang of heat and desire. He suspected nothing would ever be the same again – especially when he saw who else was in the room.

Embers by @shiftylinguini (E, 41k)

Werewolf Alphas aren't meant to be alone, or to suppress their ruts indefinitely like Draco has been since he was bitten eight years ago. He needs company, companionship, to knot ― he needs an Omega Heat Companion. At least, that’s what the Healers say, and even Draco can admit contacting the person they’ve referred him to might be nice. Of course it turns out to be bloody Potter.

In The Red by bixgirl1 (E, 45k)

When Harry goes looking for a vampire at a Creature club, the second-to-last thing Harry expects is to find Malfoy working there. The last thing he expects is to fall in love with him.

Harry Potter Gives a Shit by talithan (E, 58k)

“Where are you headed?” “No place special,” Draco fumbled, and flushed further. But then: “I can change that,” said Harry Potter.

We Are Young (I'll Carry You Home Tonight) by Femme (E, 70k)

Harry and Draco have been falling into bed on and off again since the last election five years ago, much to the amusement--and financial gain--of their circle of friends. But when Harry agrees to work with Draco to put Kingsley Shacklebolt into the Minister's office, they can't work side-by-side again every day and sleep together; that would be courting disaster. Wouldn't it?

Grounds for Divorce by Tepre (E, 122k)

Malfoy finds a coin. Harry finds a letter. A story about histories, a story about families. A story about a lemon tree somewhere in Upper Egypt.

A Secondary Education by Thunderbird587 (E, 234k)

Fleeing the aftermath of his recent divorce, Draco Malfoy takes up a post as the new Potions Master at Hogwarts. At first he believes his hopes for a fresh start are dashed when he sees that a certain boyhood rival is on staff there as well. But Harry Potter is being weirdly nice to him, leaving Draco no choice but to play along.

[onlylove4louis]

Okay, the "Vampire Bond" and why Loustats "bond" is different...

This is the post I wanted to make a day or two ago, that I was sitting on because I was waiting for the go ahead from @nalyra-dreaming, to put a link to one of her ask/answer posts, here. But I think Tumblr actually ate the message I sent her, so I am going to go ahead and add the link and hopefully she sees the post and can let me know if it's okay or not to keep it. (No harm done, if you want it removed 😉)

Okay, so the Vampire Bond, which is described and explained better than I ever could, by Nalyra, here:

What I wanted to talk about, is that what ultimately makes Loustats' "Vampire Bond" different, and or unique... is that it was created with a deep and unbreakable rooting, in love. Plain and simple. Now I know, to an extent this is a bit obvious to some, and a lot of people no doubt already got this. But I do routinely come across posts about it, and asks and comments discussing, etc. about it. Basically asking "why". So I wanted to throw my own mind about it, into the discussion pot too.

If you've read the books, then you know one of the most, I would say common or usual, reasons Vampires are made, is necessity. I do hesitate to say "slavery" and/or "servitude", because it tends to almost limit the meaning. But seeing as how Lestat himself says essentially that in the 1st book, I'll go ahead and start there. But I do mean a bit of a broader sense... Vampires are often made, to combat things like loneliness, or like Lestat and the fledgling he was with/using in 2x08. His "rat catcher". Who was clearly made (if we're to assume Lestat made him himself) to essentially bring Lestat food, while he stayed in and... languished in his self imposed purgatory. More often then not made as tools to use, for companionship (and not necessarily in love, or out of love). And made to prevent death.

I fully believe that in Loustats case, and specifically Louis' case. Why it's different than both Claudia (for Lestat), and Madeleine (for Louis)... is that Louis and Lestat had already built a deep soul-mate, twin-flame type of bond. Of both love and trust, and honestly co-dependency BEFORE the gift was given. And the turning itself was a given of love. An offer of one soul to another, and an acceptance as well as a return of it. It's honest and true, love and the joint desperation for it. Not just companionship itself, not just necessity, but genuine love.

It's why their breathing and heartbeats sync up. It's why they literally can't function properly without the other. It's why neither one of them could truly, indefinitely leave the other.

Now, in the case of Claudia and Madeleine. They were made of obligation. In both cases, the desire for their turning had to do with love. But not FOR them, by the ones who made them. Lestat made Claudia, for Louis. He made her out of obligation to Louis. In an attempt to reconnect with Louis, and Louis' love. So yes, he has the Vampire Bond with her, as described by Nalyra (in the post linked above) but it's nothing like what he has with Louis. There was no love at all for Claudia, from Lestat, in turning her. He didn't even want to make her. Same goes for Madeleine, Louis made Madeleine FOR Claudia, and not in any way to reconnect with Claudia or her love for/with him. But to give her something she desired/needed, wholly apart from him. To give her a companion, that he could never be for her. To give her love. But again, he also didn't actually want to make her, he simply didn't have another option (meaning he didn't have someone else to do it for him/for her). Which is also why, yes Madeleine can "feel" Louis, and through him can feel his unwavering love for Claudia. And is also why she can feel Lestat, and Louis' love of/for Lestat, through that bond. But again there is no love or syncing up of anything, between them. Because the bond wasn't created within and out of LOVE. So it's just the basic Vampire bond.

Their uncommon bond, is remarked on more than once in the book(s). By Marius, Khaymen, and others. In regards to the fact that it's not common among them, or typical. Even Amel later describes it being and feeling wholly different, when he's within Lestat. Lestat makes fledglings like they're coming out of a Pez dispenser, and Lestat loves so easily and has love for just about anyone and everyone in his life. But only with Louis is there a very marked difference...

But that's why I personally think Loustats bond is different, and not just the Vampire Bond. As I wholeheartedly believe Louis realized, in making Madeleine. And why he then rejected it so hard, and immediately attempted to sever it (bleed it back out). It was not the same and therefore only served to dilute the bond he has, with Lestat.

[damneddamsy]

renegade | aemond targaryen x oc (part iii)

Prince Aemond and Princess Aemma's indefinite courting had dwindled in importance with the announcement of the princess' two brothers' betrothal to their cousins, Baela and Rhaena. After a bloodstained session in court with regards to the beheading of Lord Vaemond Velaryon on the account of calling the Princess of Dragonstone a 'whore' and her declaring her children 'bastards', it was only right that optimistic matters were in order.

Of course, on the note of sweet intrigue, Aemond and Aemma's courtship blossomed in private. As it ensued with their companionship and their mischiefs, it was in strict confidence that the two of them pursued each other. Prince Aemond had doted on her since their youth, now it was up to the young princess to make a real statement.

It wasn't just every other morning. Every morn of Aemma's finite time in the Red Keep, Aemond would commence his day and end his night in her chambers. Her Grace grew frustrated with his proclivity toward the princess, missing his training and dinners. That, of course, did not stop Aegon from taking the piss out of his brother at his own sweet time.

"If there's one lady in this court I am starving to be inside of, it's that gorgeous excuse of a bastard," Aegon would whisper to him during supper, smirking. "Such a temptress deserves to be handed out gold dragons by the dozen. She'd flourish in Flea Bottom."

Aemond's hands fisted and he spoke through his teeth. "That is your niece you slander."

"And?" Aegon chewed his pie loudly. "Am I not caring for her? I'd care even more if she was on her knees before me, mouth wide."

Aemond shut his eyes, recovering his self-control. These were just empty words from a vulgar mouth. Not worth it. And what could he say? Any tongue that rose against the heir to the throne, much less supporting his half-sister's deformed children, would only incite more chaos among his family.

Besides the empty talk from the highborns, Aemma didn't mind the company at all. She had missed Aemond dearly and conversing with him was a breath of fresh air, but it started to get challenging to see him as her friend anymore, especially when he lavished his affection on her so audaciously.

To fan these flames, Aemond would come bearing gifts, particularly of her interests. Some of which was a book of illustrations about the many ancient Targaryen dragons, a medieval gold coin dating back to Old Valyria, and a scaled drawing of an old battleship that had sunk beneath the waves in war. Surely, this should be enough to sway her sentiments.

She couldn't deny how handsome he had come to be either. At almost seven and ten, he was dangerous, lithe and strapping, and despite the loss of his eye, regarded as one of the finest swordsmen and aggressive dragon riders of his age, yet he showed no interest in warfare or tourneys. His steed was Vhagar, an ineradicable power in the world, and he commanded her. It made his might unlike any other.

One bright morning, Aemma greeted the prince who said nothing but took her hand and hurried her to the dining table to present her with a withering brown scroll.

"I went through plenty of hardship to rob this for you, princess," he said, curling his lip.

Aemma received it gladly. The piece of scrap was nearly in shreds and moth-eaten. "Is this how you are to curse me; have me read an old hex and afflict myself?"

He rolled his eyes. "Ever so dour. Open and see."

She laughed at his impatience and pushed some plates aside to unfold the long paper. Before them was the incomplete map of a place a great many miles east of Essos called the Shadow Lands, a mostly uncharted mountainous territory with valleys and canyons, where it was written in fables that demons and dragons had originated.

Aemond held her index finger to drag it over the lines of high cliffs by the Jade Sea which was unfinished. "The explorer who lived to tell the tale has not gone that far. I have read about this place. The water glows green at night. The grass grows black. Ancient dragons lurk in the cliff caves."

"Horrifying. I love it."

"Maybe we'll see it all and finish this map together."

Aemma tilted her head up at him, warmed to her very core. He had given this gift great thought and admiration. He said every word like it'd been destined, spoken about so much that it was bound to happen.

She reached up to touch his cheek out of pure habit, her eyes deeply moved. "Soon, my friend. Adventure calls to me every day."

He leaned his head upon her touch to press a deep kiss to her palm. As always, Aemma came apart with a huff and returned her hand to her neck. She hadn't yet come to familiarize herself with his impulsive touches.

"How much longer are you going to keep this up, hm?" he grunted, sitting by her side. He crossed his legs over the table, clutching a few berries in his hand. He appeared as a champion in his prime, so unguarded and free before her.

He spoke with a blackberry between his teeth and punctuated the sentence with a chew. "Personally I'd like to hurry this along, and have you as my wife by the end of this moon."

Aemma shifted her gaze back to the map, leaving him unanswered. He was prone to haranguing her of this wedding constituent. It gave her a piercing headache.

"See, that," he cited with a light accusatory finger. "You evade me."

She made a derisive noise at the back of her throat. "I do not. If anything, it's the contrary. I outface you."

"Yet you call me 'your friend'?"

"You are my friend. What else am I to call you?"

"Lord husband? My love. Dearest, perhaps."

She glanced at him impassively.

Aemond bared a mischievous smirk and chucked her cheek with a knuckle. "'Tis but a jest. Here, eat something."

He bit into half a blackberry and offered her the other half. She gaped at it like it was a Gordian knot for her to solve before hesitantly accepting the half-eaten blackberry.

Aemond regarded this with a furtive smile, as she pushed the fruit between her lips. He wanted his own soldered against hers, discovering what she hid away beneath with his tongue. He couldn't look away, every look of her was worth eyeteeth.

These recent nights Aemma seemed to haunt his dreams, not in the way he was accustomed to. Before, it was innocent. Immature in the face of fantasies. Now, he would imagine kissing her breathless, opening her bodice, brushing at the peaks of her breasts, getting mouthfuls of her warmly perfumed skin, gathering her skirts, pressing his lips to the seam between her legs, tasting her shocking sweetness, pulling out moan after moan from those lovely lips—then he would wake up with a start, the sun in his eyes and pouring with sweat. It got more unendurable, more debased as the nights wore on. He wondered if she dreamed of him, all the same.

Quietly, Aemma allowed herself some bread and cheese, nibbling on a few almonds and berries while continuing to inspect the old map. The wildness of not knowing what awaited her, the scaling mountains, soaring on Vhagar... but her concentration staggered, her mind kept sidling toward Aemond who continued to silently wag his feet and watch her every movement with marked care. As if she were a plump goat for sale.

She suddenly threw her hands in the air in frustration. "Aemond!"

He bit the inside of his cheek in amusement, blinking at her.

"You just—" She rolled her lips into her teeth to suppress her words. It seemed so silly to indict him for simply observing her. She inhaled deeply, collecting her thoughts before nodding to herself. She rolled up the map carefully and set it aside.

Aemond, sensing her gravity, set his feet back on the floor and straightened his spine. Aemma dragged her chair closer, facing him head-on. She held on to his hand, stroking the veins over the bones, and exhaled her unease.

"Closer," she beckoned.

He immediately complied, his nose inches away from hers. "Closer?"

She threw a withering look at him before itching her scar again.

He drew in an obsessive, faint inhale, filling his lungs with heady lavender. Some parts of him approved of that perfume too much. He stirred a little.

"What if I told you," Aemma drawled out quietly and looked around the room as if she were talking of treason, "that this whole matrimony custom is... I mean, the sept, the odd vows, Septas, strangers—I don't care for it. It's not what I want."

He instantly understood and a conviction washed over in his eyes. "Fuck the Faith. I'll have you the right way; the Valyrian way."

"You don't mean that." She looked down at their hands, her voice ragged and strained. "It is not within the law. Your mother and grandsire would be delirious."

He stroked his lip, musing to himself. "Hmm, well. Fuck them, too."

"Aemond," she sighed.

"We are the blood of the dragon, merely exercising discretion in our ancestral ways. 'Tis perfect, Aemma."

She was still hesitant. "What if—"

"I'm not about to resign you over to some northern scum because you think some shallow tradition is shit." He squeezed down on her hand to get her to look at him. "Is that what has been troubling you? You expected me to deny you this?"

She nodded, grimacing. "Anybody would've denied me this. Taboo."

He unclenched his jaw, relaxing a little. Aemond believed his heart would distend and crack right through his ribs. That was all the princess wanted from him. In fact, it was all he wanted from her. Aemma wanted Aemond as himself, all to herself. An austere, indestructible bind. He longed for nothing more.

Beside him, Aemma held her head in a hand, two fingers easing an ache between her eyes. This seemed to occur often, Aemond noticed, possibly a symptom of her dire fall on Driftmark.

He dropped to his knees, brushing the hair from her face. He'd rather not have her hiding her face from him, he's gone without seeing it for too long.

"Shall I call for the maester?"

"It'll fade shortly," she tiredly waved him off, "it's these damn walls, suffocating me. I need some fresh air."

He leaned in to press his lips to the scar above her eyebrow. Aemma's hand fisted against his collar, inhaling sharply, and minutely bringing him closer.

"Come with me," he whispered against her skin, breathing in her maddening scent. "Let's go on a jaunt."

Arm-in-arm, the prince and princess crossed Maegor's Holdfast to make their way down to the courtyard. Aemond hailed for his horse only for Aemma to cut in and request one for herself. She had a sly wink for him when the soldier left to heed his orders.

"Like you could outrun me," he contested with a prideful smirk as he fluidly mounted his horse.

"Is that a challenge?"

Her smile twisted in defiance, resting her forehead against the horse's, forming a tender bond, prior to effortlessly bestriding it. It was no easy feat, so captivating, especially with all those layers of skirts. She took her reins and moved to the wide-open front gates.

The pair shared a conspiratorial glimpse before they took off down the streets and out the King's Landing gates with a starting cry to their horses.

Aemond was quicker having been tirelessly trained for this mastery all his life, no doubt, but he delighted in Aemma's melodic laughter when she overtook him. It was a mild game of tag until the open fields past the barriers of the castle, with no eyes to witness their amity but the blazing sun. They slowed to trot when Aemond noticed Aemma was winded and struggling to catch her breath.

"You're right, my friend," she panted out loud, pressuring her abdomen.

"Always," he said, smug.

"No." She sucked in a deep breath. "I meant your outrageous proposal that day."

He waited for her to finish, thrown for a loop.

"None of those lords can truly discern my ideals." She shrugged. "How could they? No time nor distance will allow me to assume a single thought that is not us or ours. You matter to me, Aemond, more than I can bear."

Aemond clenched his reins tighter to hide the tremble in his fingers. He stared at her for the longest moment, her words eventually clicking into place. The world could've exploded beneath his feet, but the only sound that echoed was hers. When he opened his mouth to respond, she had silenced him to cup his unscathed cheek.

"I can't offer anything but myself in this marriage," she whispered. "I will promise to stand behind you and fight for you as a knight, take your side as a dear friend, and never part from you henceforth. I would be honoured to call you my husband."

An expectant pause flitted between them.

He leaned closer to her to mutter, "Get off the horse."

Her brows arched, agitated. "Did you even—"

"Get off the fucking horse, Aemma."

Dazed, she carelessly dismounted and faced him halfway. The intensity of feeling from Aemond's stormy single eye cowed her, but it wasn't until his lips found hers, urging them apart, that she was heady from it, vying for more, crashing harder into him. He kissed her deeply, softly, wildly, stopping at nothing even as their breaths came out as restless gasps and he could not bring her any closer to him. He had been starved of her, haunted by her, and this would never be enough.

She pulled away first to find her calm, leaning her forehead against his mouth. "So that's what it feels like," she sighed, laughing quietly.

He continued to coast little kisses wherever he could; her scar, her eyes, her temple, her nose; unable to suppress the grin on his lips. If this was what kissing her felt like, he was going to make up for all the lost time pursuing a lot more of this.

"This very evening," Aemond said, his tone final.

Aemma steadied her unwavering gaze on him.

"Come sundown, we will fly together to Dragonstone where you'll wed me before the old gods of Valyria." He stroked a thumb down her lips. "You'll be mine. No one can stop us hereafter."

She closed her eyes, smiling. "I like that."

"Tonight," he assured. Not in urgency, but a surety.

X

you can read part iv here!

[moineauz]

A ticket for The Brighter Side Of Spring

Dan Feng x gn!Reader (platonic if you may 🙏)

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ THE HOUSE OF MUSICA PRESENTS... 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐌 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐘 𝐎𝐍 ノ𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 — dan feng !

synopsis: friends that lead back to each other, again and again in other words: you form an unlikely friendship

side comments: fun fact i've never written for dan feng before so please give me grace! I'm glad to get this out of my drafts hehe

extra: fluff & subtle angst, high cloud quintet is mentioned, gn reader, platonic word count: 1,860

The lives of long-life species possessed their own elusive nature. It humoured you how an adolescent could be your mother. Or how an adult remained blithe and buoyant despite taking as many breaths as your bygone ancestors who wandered distant stars.

You were similar to a weed dwelling between the crevices of the Xianzhou Lofu: an unassuming and unpretentious merchant who cracked dull rocks until its sheltered gemstones glistened in the Xianzhou's morning light. A lifestyle grown and bred into the tangled veins of your arm.

When streets cleared and day melted into the sober tunes of the night: you ran your hands on the walls of Xianzhou buildings and allowed yourself to hum or succumb to the dreaded sensations of stillness. Perhaps becoming a branch for birds to sit on briefly before departing anew, never lingering longer than they desire.

There was no loneliness like there's, no stillness too void or cramp. Hence, despite all your years of solitary travel, the toils of the universe never prepared you for the inner liberality of companionship and the ardour that washed against your bare feet: a tide that clings onto the shore. Sand tucked between your toes in remembrance.

You knew every corridor and tucked away street on the Xianzhou. You knew where the birds came to nurse their young in the spring. You knew where the cheapest tea house was, and you knew where the High Cloud Quintet enjoyed a glass together.

You have observed them. Learned their jokes and playful banter that emerged beneath each victorious battle and spar. You learned who speaks in silence and who blossoms when they wrap their fingers around the hilt of their sword.

Soon, you began to stifle your laughter when the wisps of their jokes reached your ears. Forever wondering who would ever win against Sword Champion Jingliu.

It became a subconscious habit to journey astray from your usual path to pay an unasked tribute to the spirited group of five. Their affable smiles drew tender circles around your heart and gave you the charm of luck. It was a foreign sensation and a craving to observe their lives out of naive curiosity.

If your life as a merchant was a display of various colours blended together, then the lives of the High Cloud Quintet were shape and form, a glowing spark atop the canvas of your indefinite indecision and vagueness. They were magnetic and undeniable, the focus or subject. They brought definition- meaning- to the strange painting of your mundane and quiet life.

It was a pause from the familiar: a fraction of time in which genuine excitement would wrestle with your spent soul and win every time. It was like watching a saga of friends- not soldiers or comrades- you believed would never depart.

There was a peculiar warmth in watching that.

It was one similarly dull afternoon that day; the clouds dancing in puffs and the occasional starskiff racing across the horizon, leaving trails of circular patterns in the sky. Business resumed and paused like a video; breathing and exhaling before grazing against the sky in limbo.

Various stones were on display that day, begging to remain on your stand a minute longer. Other trinkets seemed to accept their tedious fate; the cycle trudging onwards.

At that moment, under the gaze of an autumn breeze, you received a different customer.

Despite aimlessly gazing into the throng for half an hour, you did not notice his figure gliding towards your stand, or how the throng parted like a sea in his presence: similar to the myths you've overheard amongst fruit stands and scholars. You failed to notice the sway of his dignified sleeves and the slight ruffle of his collar against his placid skin. Even the distinct ornament- his earring- was another passing colour in the blurry field of many.

"Is there any item you would suggest?"

His voice is low and taut: the kind that orders the tides to turn and the rivers to bend. It startles you despite hearing it month after month, like a song whose lyrics brush against the walls of your mind. His expression is plain yet the streak of red found by the corners of his eyes creates an inexplicable contrast.

High Elder Dan Feng stood before your stand; washing over you like the fickle image of the moon on the water.

"Well..." you hesitated, searching for your words while attempting to recover from your initial daze, "If you're looking for something pleasing to the eyes then I suggest this." You gingerly lift a glimmering stone to light, its shifting hues bewitching.

Dan Feng nods as he does to the Sword Artisan- Yingxing- when indicating for him to continue. Yet, his expression displays indifference. Hence, your finger twitched and an inkling of irritation shoots through your body. Nevertheless, you bite the insides of your cheeks and maintain the facade: he was another customer amongst the thousands of others. His face and words will fade away with memory and time.

'Don't think of him any differently', you urged yourself.

"Not all treasures have to be that of stone," you muse, switching that mask of your voice into one of rehearsed enthusiasm, "This here is a unique construction of coral from various oceans across star systems," you bring the piece forward, "An abstract piece of art retaining the stories of thousands of seas."

Dan Feng's eyes trace over the ridges of the coral and the colour it illuminates. He seems interested- you note- ease gradually returning to your body.

No matter how often you bid the group of five a silent hello, you had only peeled the outer layers. Thus, the position and prowess they possessed still struck you down. Especially Dan Feng's.

It occurred to you- in all of your raw naiveness- that despite the laughter which rumbled alive in your chest and the genuine fondness you shared for the group, they were still living legends and you a mere merchant.

Dan Feng gazes up from the coral and back to you. "What would you purchase?

"Me?" you reply perplexed. You occasionally received that question. However, you learned customers inquired out of courtesy. The people of the Xianzhou Lofu possessed their own preferences, hence, your insights ultimately held no merit.

Your eyes scan over the various array of stones and jewels, art pieces and items whose sole purpose was to be vain. It has occurred to you to withhold an item. However, if a peculiar item ever spoke to you, then the likelihood of it speaking to another was higher.

Dan Feng crossed his arms; awaiting your response to which you possessed none. His gaze was condemning and acute, like a spotlight that now landed on you.

Dan Feng then spoke, "You're a wandering merchant, yes?"

You nod tentatively, observing him trace his fingers over the arch of a wooden bowl.

"Then surely, amongst all the sights and treasures you've seen, there must be at least one you find pleasing?"

At that moment, it struck you how right he was.

High Elder Dan Feng seldom spoke unless necessary. He bewildered you with the ambiguity of his gestures and the implicit tenderness found at the tip of his spear. Dan Feng resembled a bird: no loneliness like there's, no stillness too void or cramp.

You take in the crisp afternoon air; running your thumb over the crevices of your hand as the words fall out of your mouth like a cool stream, "You're right. There is... one item in particular."

Dan Feng watches you: your hands moving under the stand. "I've been quite selfish," he hears your remark, the item coming out into the light, "It's rather small but special."

Dan Feng raises an eyebrow at the peculiar item nestled into the palms of your hands. Yet, he merely nods.

Then he's gone.

Dan Feng never intended to visit your stand that day.

Or the following months afterwards.

It becomes habitual: like an instinct that can't shake or an itch that can't be satisfied.

It opposed his very nature- Jingliu and Jing Yuan now teased him at every given chance.

"Oh? I suppose High Elder Dan Feng can have friends."

Soon, Dan Feng's presence wove into the seams of the everyday. The merchant district and the other merchants themselves no longer gaped or whispered.

Dan Feng weaved through the crowds, his legs taking him farther than his heart could ever reach: an odd enigma, an acquaintance found in the eye of a shared storm.

"What brings you here today High Elder?" you ask, a smile dancing on the corners of your lips, "I'm afraid I have nothing new in stock."

"Same as last week?" he conceded, his arms crossed over his chest, "A shame."

You scoff, resting your elbows on the stand's smooth surface. "Really? You never buy anything even if I have new items."

"Perhaps something has caught my eye," he replies indifferently, his eyes aimlessly examining the items before him.

"Oh? Please tell."

Dan Feng sighs, shaking his head, weary admits the beaming sun and cloudless sky.

"The denizens of abundance again?"

Dan Feng remains silent, observing the furrow in your eyebrows and the lines of fatigue littering your face. He recalls where your smile ends and starts like the line of the horizon. He knows where the pensive frown on your face dips like the sea churning away.

"You know what? Let's go somewhere."

"Pardon me?"

You chuckle, "You heard me, let go somewhere else." You promptly pack your stand, "We can go somewhere more... quiet."

Dan Feng's heart drops, he reaches for your hand, but, quickly retracts it. "Why?" he asks abruptly, the word escaping him.

"Why?" you remark bewildered.

Silence fills the gap between his words and yours. A lump forms in the back of your throat, weighing you down- reminiscent of times before.

"Well," you being pensive, eyes fixed onto the birds in the distance before focusing on Dan Feng, "That's what friends are for."

You were similar to a weed dwelling between the crevices of the Xianzhou Lofu: an unassuming and unpretentious merchant who opened your apartment door- bewildered and evidently dazed from a night's sleep- to a small box found at your doorstep. The box's shine is subtle and wise while it carries the scent of the sea: a promise unearthed from the rubble.

You crouch down, turning your head left and right before gingerly placing the small box in your hands. Careful not to disturb its tender tranquillity.

Gradually, you lift the lid as the Xianshou's rising sun pressed against its warmth against the cool surface of your cheek: humble like a prayer, bidding you a silent 'good morning'.

Your eyes widen as the object gazes at you, its surface smooth and velvet.

Then you see a note and a bag of Strale:

Don't give it back or sell it. I did buy it from you after all. Thus, it is yours now, you're not selfish for wanting your own treasures.

That's what friends are for.

— Dan Feng, your friend

You tuck the small wooden bird into your pocket, the letter firmly pressed against your beating heart.

masterlist.

[that1emowitch]

At the end of the world / Or the last thing I see / You are never coming home, never coming home

Prompt from @tuna-f-b: Do you still do request? If yes and angst is o.k: what would happend i all the bats died? Like how would the hero community react. The supers alone. Clark having to deal with losing his best friend(?) and the kids he basically co parented- as well as seeing his sons lose their best friends(?) Specially as ships that would be awesome angst

A/N: I'm not crying you're crying (Also, for those who don't know, Izzy is Duke's canon gf and one of the Robins from We Are Robin)

Words: 2504

TW: Mentions of blood, Major character death, Coping with loss, Self-blame, Mentions of relapse (drugs)

“If you’re watching this, I am either deceased or indefinitely unable to continue my duties as Batman. But the world still needs Batman. Gotham still needs Batman. My son Damian Wayne, if he is an adult, shall inherit my mantle— if not, Dick Grayson will take over until he is. In the event that he, too, is unavailable for any reason, the mantle goes to Tim Drake, after him, to Cassandra Cain, then Duke Thomas, then Stephanie Brown, then Jason Todd, should he accept it.”

In the video recording, Batman pauses, taking a deep breath.

“In the unfortunate event that the entire family is… deceased… I have a list of contingency plans on both the Bat-Computer and the Justice League’s primary databases. Oracle will help you access it, but in her… absence… the password is “a6ghr83kc02m”.”

Then video-Bruce takes off the cowl, his pale blue eyes looking straight into the camera.

“I know I was never the best with feelings. But I would like my children, my allies, and friends to know that I’m proud of you. And to my fellow Justice Leaguers… Diana and Clark, I am truly grateful for your companionship. I would never have made it this far without you. Barry, Arthur, Dinah, J’onn, you’ve all been good friends. Oliver, Hal… you’re not so bad either.”

Bruce turns around, and looks over his shoulder, the shadows of the Batcave making the scene even more dramatic.

“I wish you good luck.”

Then the clip ends.

A shuddering breath leaves Clark.

It’s real.

He’s really… They’re all…

He can’t do this anymore. He turns around and walks out the door, leaving the other core Justice Leaguers staring sombrely at the now-blank screen.

He doesn’t know when he started flying, when he started trying to escape. The walls of the Watchtower seem to be suffocating him, but he has enough sense not to just leave the airlock yet.

Instead he finds a corner by a window, far, far away from the others, where he can see a majestic view of Earth, the moon, and the Sun in perfect sync with each other.

He falls to his knees.

His breathing’s uneven, a tear rolls down his cheeks.

Then he feels a hand on his shoulder— soft, trembling, yet steady.

“Kal,” Diana whispers, sitting on the floor next to him. She doesn’t continue— she isn’t sure what to say.

“They’re all going to die, you know? We’re going to bury all of them. Everyone on Earth, everyone we know.” Clark’s voice trembles, in a way Superman’s never does. “It scares me so much.”

“Kal,” Diana says again, pulling Clark into a hug. “It’s okay. We’ve lost… We’ve lost so many of our friends. It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to grieve.”

“How are you— how are you so—” Clark can’t form his words properly. He turns to Diana, to see her face tight with grief, eyes misty with unshed tears.

Her voice breaks slightly as she speaks. “I don’t want to believe they’re gone. But… we have to carry on. We’re the Justice League. Our people need us, Kal.”

“So we just go on and on? Forever?” Another tear runs down his cheek. “Ollie, Hal, Dinah, Lois, Jon, they’re all going to… they’re all going to die one day and we just have to… to go on?”

“I’m sorry, but it is the truth,” Diana whispers, her eyes stinging with hot tears. “We must find peace in the fact, right now, that Batman— Bruce, the Robins, they— they were so brave. Brave till the end. And they fell as warriors, defending our world. I’m sure they’ll all reach Elysium.”

“And Dickie, Damian, Jason, Tim, Cass, Duke—” Clark’s voice is hoarse. “They were so young, just kids… I… I know Dick, Jay, Tim, Cass… they were adults, but… they’re gone, they’re gone…”

“They were heroes, like you and me. Don’t forget that.”

“I… I know, I just—” Another shuddering breath escapes Clark. “I just— I…”

“It’s okay,” Her voice is forcefully steady, but with an undertone of heartbreak. “It’s okay…”

Dinah looks around the room, her heart heavy.

Clark has left, Diana’s gone after him— both of them need their space, she knows. They were close to Bruce and the other Bats in a way no one else in this room was.

Was.

The word still weighs down on her.

Hal speaks up finally, breaking the deafening silence. “I always thought he hated me.”

No one replies for a long moment.

“I miss the kids,” Barry says finally, his voice quiet. “They were just… Robin was only 14. The others, even Nightwing, they had… they had their whole lives ahead of them.”

More silence.

“Jason, when he was Robin— do y'all remember? Kid was always my favorite,” Ollie says finally. “Was always so sassy. Roy loves him.”

Loves. Dinah winces, but doesn’t correct him. It’s easier to believe they’re just gone for a little while.

“Bruce was a good man,” Arthur adds. “They all were.”

“Tim was, I believe, the smartest,” J’onn says, somber. “It was his plan that allowed us to save Earth.”

“Damian!” Dinah says suddenly, jumping from her seat. “His… his mother. She shouldn’t have to find out from someone else.”

Everyone freezes, faces tight.

Dinah sighs, looking down. “I’ll do it.”

Then she leaves the room, dragging what feels like a heavy weight tied to her soul. She has to do this.

Roy’s sitting in a corner of his apartment, hugging his knees. All he can think of is Jason.

He’s never coming back.

He can still feel the lingering ‘goodbye’ kiss Jason gave him not two days ago, he can still hear him say, “I’ll be back before you know it, babe.”

He never came back.

He’s dead. Dead— dead dead dead DEAD DEAD—

“Small Red not okay?” A booming voice snaps Roy out of his thoughts. He looks up to see Bizarro’s pale blue skin and cold eyes looming over him. He’s crying. “Red him coming back.”

It takes Roy a second to register that Bizarro speaks backwards. It takes everything in him to not punch him for saying that, for giving him false hope.

He feels something he hasn’t felt in years— feels that whisper in his mind— one hit and it’ll all feel better. Just one hit.

NO! He screams mentally. He feels like bashing his head open.

Instead he lifts his dead eyes to survey the rest of the room— Kori’s on the couch, staring into space. Artemis has a crying Lian in her arms, she’s showing her something— old photos of Jason. Talking, whispering in a broken voice.

No, no he should be the one comforting Lian—

What’s he gonna say?

That— That Jason— That her Papa’s gone forever? That he’s never— he’s never coming back?

No— Jay— Jay deserved so much better, he— he already died once before, he’s been through so much, things were supposed to be better now— not— no, he’s— 

Roy feels Bizarro sit beside him, gently patting his arm.

He snaps out of his thoughts again, turning to Jason’s former teammate, his eyes red-rimmed. His voice raw, he whispers, “Jay’s gone…”

Wally’s standing in the Hall of Heroes, staring up at the holographic projection of Dick— he looks so majestic, so mighty, staring ahead with nothing but hope and courage in his eyes.

Nothing like the cold, dead body that Wally held in his arms just two days ago.

He’s surrounded by his teammates, his friends— Kaldur, M’gann, Artemis, Zatanna, L’gann, Garth— yet he feels so alone.

He sees it again— Dick bleeding out it his arms, his wounds so fatal he died before help arrived. Wally’s the fastest man alive, damn it, yet he couldn’t even save his best friend— his boyfriend. He feels the moment when Dick’s breathing stopped, when his body went limp, when his grip on Wally’s hand loosened.

Everyone’s quiet. M’gann’s stress baking again, L’gann by her side. Artemis and Zatanna are sitting together, Garth’s lingering in a corner, and Kaldur’s standing right beside Wally— close enough for comfort but not so close he’s lurking. He’s shaking.

He can still hear it, hear Dick forcing out his last words, telling Wally it’s okay, that he loves him, that it’ll be fine.

It’s not fine. Not without you.

He wants to scream.

He wants to cry, yell, hit something, do anything.

But he can’t move.

So he just stands there, almost as still as the holographic projection of Dick before him.

Kon is left reeling.

Tim… Tim is…

Tim’s dead.

Tim’s really gone.

He thinks, for just a second, that this is how Tim and Cassie must have felt when he and Bart “died”.

Bart is sitting beside him on the couch, leaning on his side, Cassie’s got her head on his lap. Neither of them speak— Bart’s not even fidgeting— they’re all just trying to be there for each other.

The other Titans are up and about, but staying close for comfort. Jaime and Gar are making food for everyone in the kitchen, Raven and Vic have come back to the tower to make sure the others are okay, and he’s sure Karen’s around too, somewhere.

Yet he feels so empty.

Feels nothing at all.

How can he, when his best friend is dead?

Jon hasn’t spoken in a bit. Not when his Mom brought him his favorite soup, not when Grandma and Grandpa showed up to ‘help’ him and Dad through this, not when Krypto plopped down beside him to comfort him.

He hugs the dog close.

Krypto’s technically Kon’s, but Jon’s sure Kon wouldn’t mind if he stole Krypto for a day.

Another sob escapes him, and he buries his head in Krypto’s back. The dog whines, licking Jon’s hand.

He can’t believe Damian’s gone. 

Really gone.

And he didn’t know just how much he would miss his friend.

Dinah finds Talia Al Ghul on a building in Metropolis, overlooking the city. Her face is tight with sorrow, but she keeps herself in check, her back straight, head held high.

She already knows, Dinah deduces.

“I… I’m sorry,” Dinah starts, unsure of what to say. She knows, from her experience as a psychologist, that ‘sorry’ is the last thing a grieving person wants to hear, but she doesn’t have anything else to say.

Talia doesn’t reply for a long time. Then she says, her voice numb, “I should have known, when bringing Damian into this life, that I would also be bringing him amidst the dangers that come with.”

Dinah’s brows furrow. “It’s not your fault. You couldn’t have done anything at all.”

“I should have trained him better, I should have kept him close, I should—” Talia takes a shuddering breath. “I should have never brought him into this life.”

Dinah can’t argue with that— she knows how Damian had come to be, and it… wasn’t the best birth ever.

“Now leave, hero,” Talia says, her voice numb and cold. “Go back to protecting the world. Leave me be.”

Dinah wants to say something better, comfort the woman, but she can’t. So she just turns back, and leaves.

By the time Harper Row makes her way to the Clock Tower, there’s already quite a crowd there— Kate, Renee Montoya, Harley, Ivy, Silena, and Helena Bertinili— they’re crowding around Babs, comforting her. Luke Fox and Isabella Ortiz are at the computer, looking through something.

Harper tries to open her mouth to speak, but she can’t get the words out.

She makes her way over to Luke and Izzy, shoulders hunched.

Just three days ago she’d been hanging out with Duke and Izzy and Cass and Steph— they’d all been so carefree, so happy…

And now…

Once she gets close enough she realizes Izzy’s crying, and immediately wraps her arms around the shorter girl. Harper’s trying to hold back tears of her own, too. She feels Luke putting a hesitant hand on her shoulder, squeezing tight.

No one speaks for a long time, they just stand together, seeking comfort in each other.

Then Babs rolls her wheelchair to the center of the room, wiping at her bloodshot eyes. But when she speaks, she sounds surprisingly steady. She’s compartmentalizing, Harper realizes. Putting away Barbara and bringing Oracle back.

“Gotham needs her heroes, now more than ever,” Oracle says, head held high. “We must honor our friends by doing the one thing they’d have wanted— to keep fighting. Keep Gotham safe.”

She sighs, her face tight to fight away tears. “Luke. Batman’s contingency plan, in the Robins’ absence, was to pass you the mantle of Batman. Do you accept?”

Luke’s eyes grow wide slightly, but he straightens himself, looking away. “I… I accept. Dad isn’t going to be happy, but… Gotham needs Batman.”

“Thank you.” Oracle nods at him. “As per Bruce’s will, all Wayne assets, the Manor, and the Batcave are split between Kate, me, Alfred, and Lucius. I… Lucius and I are still figuring out who’s going to take over Wayne Enterprises, but on the vigilante side, I’ve got a plan.”

She turns to Ivy, Harley, Kate, Silena and Helena. “The Birds of Prey are needed here, now more than ever. Dinah— Black canary has offered to help us with Gotham, too.” 

Harley nods, sniffling. Beside her, Ivy speaks up, “The… Most Rogues aren’t happy about this. They’re not rampaging— Bane has fashioned his own version of the Batsuit, he’s going around ‘saving’ people, screaming that Batman never dies. The Joker’s searching for Lazarus Pits and Bruce’s body. Jervis Tetch and Nygma held a get-together yesterday, in the memory of the Bats. I… I think they might help us.”

Harper’s gotta admit, she’s quite surprised about this. Even Babs freezes, taking in this information.

“Gotham needs Robin as much as she needs Batman,” Izzy speaks up from beside her, her voice small but firm. “The Robins can come back, this time you can give us formal training so we can actually help.”

Oracle turns to Luke. “Taking on Robins is your decision, Batman.”

Luke winces at that title— it doesn’t feel like an honor to him, it just feels like an incessant reminder that he’s the last one left. Because his friends are dead. But he nods, anyway, not trusting himself to speak right now.

Then Oracle addresses Harper. “I… would you like to be Batgirl?”

Harper’s heart stops. Memories flash into her head— seeing Steph in the Batgirl costume, seeing Cass in the Batgirl suit, both of whom are now gone.

“N— No,” Harper stutters out, eyes tearful. “I can’t— I’m sorry, Babs. I appreciate the offer, but… Cass was Batgirl. I can’t take her place.”

“I understand.” Babs just nods, lips pursed, misty-eyed. “We will all need to work hand-in-hand until everything settles, we will need to be vigilant. Carry on Batman’s legacy, for as long as we may need to.”

No one speaks again.

They all just let it sink in, hearts heavy.

They’re going to have to do this alone now.

[starcrossed591]

CDrama Year in Review 2023

I'm still very much a CDrama beginner--I just started watching them in the summer of 2022--but since this is the first year I got into them in earnest, I figured I might as well do a year in review a la @dangermousie (whose lists I have found incredibly helpful in deciding which CDramas I really, really need to go back and watch as part of my CDrama education--so thank you!). So, without further adieu, here is my ranking of 2023 CDramas, in order of least enjoyed to most enjoyed*.

(See also: KDrama Year in Review 2023)

*Disclaimer: *not* a measure of objective quality

10. Royal Rumours: This drama was not great? Meng Zi Yi and Jeremy Tsui were fun, but the story started out messy and got messier. For some reason I still finished it, I think because I had a lingering cold and it was all my brain could handle at the time *shrug*

9. Gone with the Rain: I actually really enjoyed this one! The pacing was inconsistent, but Zhang Nan was fun as the irreverent Mo Xi, and we love a grizzled general. Special shout to the teacher who was not actually evil, just a sad lesbian whose gf disappeared on her

8. Love You Seven Times: Intriguing concept, not a strong enough FL to carry it through. The reincarnation stuff really worked for me at first, especially in their first mortal tribulation (as people, not CGI animals), but I got tired of it pretty quickly. I admit, the gifs of Ding Yu Xi as a sexy cat demon *did* pull me back in, but not enough for me to actually finish the thing, alas

7. Destined/Chang Feng Du: Started out really strong, and then stalled out on me. I think I only got up to about episode 22 or so, after their epic desert crossing and new start in a new state--they lost all narrative momentum for me there. I stopped watching and then just...didn't start again. I do, however, remain a big Bai Jing Ting fan, and will be keeping on eye out for whatever he does next

6. Hidden Love: (Contemporary) Age gap romances are hit or miss for me, but Zhao Lu Si absolutely stole/carried the show for me in this one. Although more fun imo when the main couple are in the the will-they-won't-they phase than in the family melodrama after they get together, still the only contemporary CDrama to get me to give it a go this year--and I'm glad I did

5. My Journey to You: Featuring my favorite murder girlies Esther Yu as Yun Wei Shan and Lu Yu Xiao as Shanguan Qian! Gorgeous costumes and sets, sweeping cinematography, and plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. Full disclosure, I have not actually watched the last two episodes because I got busy and then saw weird chatter about them, so I have no comment on the allegedly weird ending

4. Till the End of the Moon: Look, I know the ending wasn't ideal, but for the majority of its run, this drama owned my entire soul. It also introduced me to Bai Lu as Li Su Su, who inspired my first actual tumblr post (that wasn't a reblog) because I was so obsessed with her. And everyone knows that Tantai Jin is the CDrama ML of the year. 10/10, no regrets at letting it take over my life (and the OST my Spotify) from April to May of this year

3. The Story of Kunning Palace: More Bai Lu is always a good thing, and she's extra fun here as the transmigrated former evil empress and totally-over-your-nonsense Xiang Xue Ning here. The reverse haremness of it all totally shows why Bai Lu is the chemistry queen, especially with the princess (Liu Xie Ning) and cranky, morally grey, would-fail-gym-class strategist Xie Wie (Zhang Ling He). So glad this drama made it out of the CDrama vault and didn't languish indefinitely in censorship hell

2. A Journey to Love: Finished this one two days ago as of this writing and am still not normal about it. Ren Ruyi (Liu Shi Shi) and Ning Yuan Zhou (Liu Yu Ning) lead an exceptionally strong ensemble cast in this wuxia that explores the complicated relationships between love, duty, loyalty, loneliness, and companionship. Ruyi and Yuan Zhou are far and away one of my fave OTPs of the year, but just as compelling are the relationships between friends/brothers/fellow assassins Yu Shisan, Yuan Lu (ugh my heart), Qian Zhou, and Sun Lang. This drama definitely has one of the strongest ensemble casts of the year. And the character growth of Yang Ying from little princess abandoned in the cold palace to who she becomes by the end will stick with me for a long time. Plus another 10/10 OST!

1. Lost You Forever S1: I'm not normally a reverse harem girl, but the longing, loss, and hard resolve portrayed to perfection by Yang Zi as Xiao Yao really did it for me here. This whole drama struck an emotional chord for me, and where TTEOTM consumed my soul, LYF took over my heart. Xiao Yao's relationships with her power hungry, overprotective cousin Cang Xuan; hot snake demon Xiang Liu/playboy archery shufu Feng Feng Bei; and perfectly devoted Tushan Jing are all equally compelling to me, and while I may know who she ends up with in the end, who I *think* she should be with changes based on who's on screen at any given time. And A'Nian, my favorite bratty princess who really just needs some strong parenting, holds a special place in my heart. I know we may never get S2, and even if we do, censorship means it probably won't be what the drama makers are capable of, but I'm so glad for this little piece of absolute perfection. And, again, a top notch OST!

Fave Drama: Lost You Forever, by just a hair over A Journey to Love. See above.

Least Fave Drama: Royal Rumours--truly why did I finish this, what was past me thinking

Biggest Disappointment: 2023 is also the year I read Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir, my very first CNovel! But then I didn't even bother checking out its adaptation, Romance of a Twin Flower, because it got rid of everything that made the novel such an addicting read, including a brilliant, strategic, ice cold FL and an ML who actually kind of sucked at the beginning, only to grow on you very, very slowly over time. I'm grateful that the chatter around the drama is what brought the novel to my attention, but other than that, hard pass.

Favorite Male Character: Lots of good ones this year, but I'm gonna go with Cang Xuan (Zhang Wan Yi) from Lost You Forever. The conflict he faces between getting enough power to protect the people he loves the most and that power making him incompatible with those loved ones is so compelling, and his yearning for Xiao Yao even when she's right in front of him is wrenching. Full disclosure, I also just really love the sound of his voice

Favorite Female Character: This could easily have gone to Li Susu (TTEOTM), Xiao Yao (LYF), or Ren Ruyi (AJTL), but I'm gonna go with Bai Lu's Xiang Xue Ning in The Story of Kunning Palace. Something I really loved about this character was just how jaded Xue Ning really was, even in her second go round at life. Yeah, she wants to make amends for the harm done in her previous rise to power, but that has hardly turned her into a good--or even pleasant--person. Instead, she's incredibly skeptical and still plays most things ice cold, especially with her family. As a bonus, we got plenty of Bai Lu's fantastic side eye as she basically had to do high school all over again when she gets called into the palace despite her very best efforts not to be.

Favorite Ship: Ren Ruyi and Yuan Zhao from A Journey to Love have got to be it. They balance each other out so well, and over the course of the drama, learn to communicate effectively with each other whenever they have a problem. They also recognize that not all problems can be solved by ~love~, which makes their relationship even more compelling when they decide to prioritize each other in a way that respects what the other wants from life.

Favorite Secondary Ship: Little princess Yang Ying and Yuan Lu absolutely broke stole my heart in A Journey to Love. Doomed love even more than the main OTP, these two's youthful romance was such much fun to watch, especially as they egged their respective mentors on in their own romance. Yang Ying's recognition that her first love did not have to be her only love is also something I always love to see, even as it broke my heart that (spoiler) she and Yuan Lu never really had a chance at an HEA. Their relationship really exemplified a key theme of this drama: that you should love the people you love while they're still with you because tomorrow is never promised.

Non-2023 Dramas that I Watched: Two non-2023 dramas I watched that deserve a special shout out are Love and Redemption and The Sword and the Brocade. Love and Redemption prepared me to really appreciate the big swings that Till the End of the Moon took, and The Sword and the Brocade went a little way to filling the Story of Ming Lan shaped hole in my heart. The Sword and the Brocade also had absolutely searing critique of the concubine system, even as it featured one of the most genuinely good-hearted FLs I've seen. Would recommend both!

Most Looking Forward To: Yes, I'm a sucker and the censors (not to mention the characters) will probably break my heart, but I'm still crossing my fingers that Lost You Forever S2 will live up to the promise of part one. See above: still a CDrama beginner, have not yet had all the optimism knocked out of me. Sue me.

[hatekuhnradiated]

Redesigned and aged up Dionysos lol

He's hot now lol

《■》Help out a small artist and reblog if you can! Thank you!《■》

[kaedekolya]

just some analysing and theorising before lars' route drops — i'm thinking about how azure island routes reflect the awakening themes, while serving as foils to how awakening went down.

(spoilers for all awakening routes + lars white day, clarence godheim & eden)

in awakening: ayn's refusal, and perhaps inability, to relinquish his grasp on power; it is a lifeline he clings to, a desperate and necessary means to an end. the standstill and stalemate he and mc find themselves in, unable to do much but wait out the countdown to the day of action. his route ends on a cliffhanger, suspended at the crossroads; there is no resolution, no progress, no moving forward. in azure island: ayn and mc leave the relic of the past where it is meant to stay, as an enduring reminder of a bygone time, rather than bringing it into the present. they recognise that commemorating the past, and not trapping oneself within it, is what allows one to move forward with the flow of time. instead of a suffocating limitation, power is an empowering strength.

in awakening: alkaid acts on his own behind mc's back, for her sake. he deceives her, effectively disregarding and overriding whatever her wishes and values may be by not consulting her beforehand. his protective instincts are so overwhelming that it veers into an implicit distrust of her abilities; he must go to extreme lengths to keep her safe, else he risks her getting hurt if left to her own devices. he fears that she may not love all of him, may shun the darker parts of him, so he hides behind a mask crafted to be liked. in azure island: alkaid still yearns to protect mc, but he upholds her agency and autonomy above all else. he recognises that there are places he cannot follow her to, and actions he cannot take on her behalf; sometimes the best way to protect her is to let her venture off alone, trusting in her ability to defend herself, and wait in the wings for the moment he is needed. he learns to trust that she accepts and loves him as he is, in the same way that she shares the full truth with him, allowing them to fall in sync on the same open wavelength.

so i’m thinking about the name of lars’ route — a trip to central america — and how his awakening route was also a trip, in a way. through the waterways, in the simulation, and through space, outside of it. both are journeys he has no choice but to undertake alone; even though he is accompanied by the navigator, she is a mere facsimile that can only imitate companionship, never truly replicating it. the untraversable distance between lars and the kidnapped mc, as well as lars and the navigator, meant that he had to put himself through the wringer in a futile attempt to close the gap. it makes me think of lars’ white day route, too — how he had no choice but to wait alone, mired in worry and anxiety, while mc journeyed across time and space on her own. perhaps his azure island route will demonstrate the progression in their relationship by having them journey together, for a change; they may have different purposes and goals in life, but they can walk their paths together, working in tandem rather than only watching and waiting from afar. instead of seeking answers themselves, they will give each other certainty, a mutual support as they traverse what their shared future holds.

as for clarence — glacier memories — i wonder if his route will expand upon what unfolded in his white day route, namely the part where he learned about the archmage. there are so many parallels between his awakening route and his godheim one — deliberately hurting themselves in an attempt to seek the truth of their own nature, as well as willingly subjecting themselves to an indefinite solitude and a potential eternity of waiting in order to protect the worlds they hold dear. perhaps learning more about his godheim counterpart might spur an epiphany — that merely treating himself as a tool whose worth is defined by its function, a mere means to an envisioned end, will ultimately bring sorrow to the very people he sacrifices himself for. i’m also thinking about the falcon — though of course there aren’t any glaciers in eden, but memories (and the loss of them) are a reoccurring theme in both eden and awakening. in eden, the way clarence's memory slowly starts to fail him as he gradually loses his grasp on his humanity, faltering towards the monstrous lost side within him; in awakening, the way his memories give his android selves a semblance of humanity, and how they allow his cyborg self to retain what makes him human. memories allow clarence to have a concept of the self, to safeguard his goals and sustain his motivations. while he still embodies certain enduring traits, modern world clarence is significantly more well-adjusted than his counterparts — so perhaps seeing the loneliness and the suffering of his counterparts may nudge him away from treading the same path, and towards one of sharing the weight of his worries with mc rather than bearing the burden solely on his own shoulders.

cael… is cael, which makes him that much more difficult to theorise about, but "forget-me-not” makes me think of what unfolded in his awakening route — how someone’s story, someone’s love, can live on through the telling and retelling of folktales. yet, also, how holding on to a memory can warp one’s perception and one’s emotions. just like how darya wound up twisted by her painful memories of the past, trapped in the longing for a time she can never return to. “time can never turn back, my lover can never return, the river does not flow back to the source. only i still remember, these joys and sorrows.” perhaps, sometimes, remembering causes more suffering than forgetting. perhaps one must learn to bid farewell to the past, to come to terms with what has been lost, in order to truly live. just as the white city and all that it stood for will slowly be lost to the sands of time, so too will their world — but perhaps there is freedom in forgetting, and a poignance to rediscovering bygone memories further down the road. and perhaps, by allowing some memories to fade, the ones that are more precious, more deeply cherished, will have the space to linger longer.

[yanderes-galore]

Hello. Can I request Fluffy!AU Roxanne Wolf with a darling that is a sweetheart?

Darling is a sweetheart but also somewhat sensitive, so when they always try to make Roxy feel better and laugh, she quickly becomes obsessed?

-💌

Of course! I'd love to :) This is softer than my usual fluffy AU stuff. I hope the ask isn't butchered due to the new update, it looks weird on my end.

Yandere! Fluffy AU! Roxanne Wolf with Sweetheart! Darling

Pairing: Platonic/Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Implied stalking, Angst, Some narcissism, Poor mental health, Possessive behavior, Fear of abandonment, Biting, Violence, Forced but dubious companionship.

As this is the Fluffy AU, we can assume this all takes place in the "glory days" of the facility.

Roxy is part of the newest set of experiments, the Glamrocks.

A flaw of Roxanne appeared to be her narcissism and insecurities.

As a result, her handler was expected to "keep her in check" and watch over her.

Each creation had at least one scientist to watch their development.

The purple wolf happened to have you as hers.

Fluffy AU! Roxy is what you'd think she'd be.

An anthropomorphic furry purple wolf, if you need a better visual imagine her cardboard cutout pictures.

As the Fluffy AU goes, she isn't a robot, she's like a living mascot.

At first Roxy doesn't like you as her handler.

She acts like she's better and stronger than you, often distancing herself and growling.

It's upsetting to see the wolf this way.

This behavior doesn't change until you see the wolf curled up and crying.

To calm her you enter her room/enclosure and silently stroke her head.

He ears go back for a moment, maybe with a bit of a growl, yet she calms.

The feeling of you gives her a newfound comfort.

You may even catch her tail wagging slowly as she focuses on your hand.

You stay there like that for a long time until Roxy calms down.

It's then Roxy realizes you're just meant to help and care for her.

You're no threat to her... if anything, you're a personal companion.

Let's be honest... the facility isn't the most welcoming place.

Such a thing makes her stressed.

Yet now she knows that you and her are meant to stick together.

Now you have the opposite problem.

The wolf used to not like your presence, now she won't leave it.

Stable experiments are able to take walks with their handler.

Roxy is scared at first but soon really enjoys following you around the facility.

She's most likely introduced to Glam! Freddy, Glam! Chica, and Monty through these walks.

You're happy to just give the wolf more friends.

The issue with growing this bond with her starts to manifest itself though.

Now you can see Roxy's eyes never leave where you are.

Even weirder it seems like she follows you through walls?

Others who walk past her enclosure notice her sitting patiently and staring at a wall.

Maybe this is a power found through the experiments being performed?

Roxy also now expresses possessive behavior around you towards scientists and other experiments.

She often rants to you about how she feels only she deserves someone as sweet as you.

Roxy may also express a want to bite you, not out of violence, but a way to claim you.

Maybe she succeeds one time? This results in her being muzzled.

A fact she's quite unimpressed about.

Even when muzzled she'll still insist on dragging you into her room and curling around you.

She places you in front of her and wraps you closer to her body with her legs and arms.

She essentially cages you to herself while wagging her tail, he snout laying atop your head.

This behavior continues until Roxy starts to get more violent.

It's really strange... even towards friends she tries to claw and bite over you.

Roxy only ever seems content with you.

Worried that she may sabotage the survival of the experiments around her, Roxy is separated from you and placed in her enclosure indefinitely.

You feel bad that the wolf is being punished like this.

But... it's for the safety of others, right?

Roxy still stares at you from inside her enclosure.

You frown at this but realize you can't do anything but feed her as her handler.

As a result... Roxy becomes mostly starved of attention.

Something that rots her mental state.

Roxy thinks she may never interact with you again.

All she has is watching you through the glass and through the walls.

She fears you've abandoned her.

That is until the breakout of Golden Freddy, previously known as Fredbear.

It's then the wolf is released, determined to find her handler again to make up for lost time...

Even if it means she loses sight of you in the process.

[assassin-artist]

ok lore dump time for Valerie now :3c

Real name Valerie Hart, mutant code-name name "Mercy".

My saddest and my most OP character... Originally I made her to be super powerful cuz I just wanted to have fun exploring what it'd be like to have basically a god-on-earth kind of character running around doing whatever she pleased, but then I decided I wanted to explore how her powers could actually damage her in the long run, and how tragic it could be.

So, my idea is that her mutant ability was basically to "wish something into reality" aka to believe something into existence. Do you know how hypnotism works? It's both real and not real - a hypnotist simply makes a "suggestion" for your brain to follow, and if you genuinely believe it's real, then it works! Sort of similar to the placebo affect. This is basically what I wanted her powers to be like - if she genuinely believed something to be true, then it would become reality. Crazy OP, right?

But then I thought, well, everyone goes through periods of self doubt and losing confidence, you know? Teenagers who are unsure about themselves, adults who lost at something and begin doubting their abilities, etc.

When Valerie's powers first manifested at around 10 years old, her father, a scientist, became afraid of his own daughter. He loved her dearly, but thought that no human being should ever wield a power like hers. There, he first planted the seeds of self-doubt in her mind... the idea that there was something wrong with her. Her father was the one who made the call to Xavier's to come collect his daughter, where she was tearfully taken away to her new home.

Though she became an X-Man member at around 20 years old, an unfortunate string of mistakes led to her losing more and more confidence in herself. Eventually, all of it piled up onto her beginning to believe what her own father had told her all those years ago: there is something wrong with her. And as her power works, if she believes it to be true, then... it becomes reality.

Valerie's mental health began rapidly deteriorating afterwards. At around 26 years old, the other X-Men showed concern for her health and wellbeing, citing that she was losing control over herself and her powers. She lashed out in fear and anger, and was forcefully put on an indefinite medical leave.

"Just until you get better," they'd say with a sad smile. She knows she won't.

Though they made this decision trying to help her, it only added fuel to the fire burning inside her. If everyone else believed she was losing herself, then she would believe it too. She believes she's getting worse, her powers manifest so she really does get worse, she sees that she's getting worse, and she continues to believe it. An unfortunate downward spiral that she can't see an end to. She was bitter about it in the beginning, but eventually just accepted it.

Every day, she's worse than before. Sometimes the days bleed together and she confuses her memories for current conversations, and seems unable to tell the difference between dream and reality. Now she's afraid to use her powers for fear of doing something she hadn't meant to do, or of hurting people she doesn't want to hurt.

The others, her old team members and new students alike, try their best to cheer her up with companionship, hoping that making new, happy memories will help her get out of this spiral. It doesn't seem to be working, but she appreciates it all the same. She hangs around Xavier's school, sad and afraid, slowly slipping away out of reality altogether.

Her personality is very mellow, largely keeping to herself. She works as a healer now in Xavier's school, still wanting to help people however she can. She doesn't talk much, but she doesn't like being alone either, so she always seeks out someone's company at all times. She spends a lot of time around Hank McCoy - in the beginning, it was because he was trying to cure her 'affliction', but these days it's largely just because she enjoys his company (neither of them will mention that he seems to have stopped trying to fix her - they both know how this will end). When the X-Club is formed after M-Day, I like to imagine she spends most of her time in the lab with the scientists. She's not a genius like them, but sometimes she can still use her powers to help in small ways. She's one of the few people with the patience to deal with Dr. Nemesis's arrogant personality, so they grew close. He won't say it aloud because he's too prideful to admit he cares about anyone, but he's desperate to find a way to fix her as well.

[sitp-recs]

Liv, I am begging you. Please share drarry omegaverse recs. I’ve read all there is to read and I am starved.

Oh anon, I wish I could rec more but I don’t read omegaverse very often 😢 I’m listing the ones I know below (you’ve probably read them already!) - they’re all completed plus @hoko-onchi-writes is currently posting To Hold You in the Earth's Unholy Din and I’ve seen amazing comments about it, you should definitely check it out!

Drarry:

you killed me in the gloom by @fw00shy (T, 1.7k) - AU

Having won the war, Harry returns to the Kingdom of Slytherin to lay claim to his true mate. Draco Malfoy is as beautiful as he was all those years ago. There's only one problem: he doesn't remember Harry at all.

Heat of the Moment by @writcraft (E, 2k)

Harry’s never felt much like an Alpha but that all changes when Draco Malfoy turns up on his doorstep, asking Harry for help.

Alpha by @lqtraintracks (E, 2.6k)

Finding out I’m Malfoy’s Alpha and he’s my Omega might have gone a lot differently had we not still hated each other. But we do, so here’s how it goes.

in heat by @bonesliketambourines (E, 4k)

Draco’s been getting by just fine despite his unfortunate little genetic gift. Until Potter decides to barge in and muck everything up, that is.

Heat of the Heart by carpemermaid (E, 6k)

Draco was recently bitten by a werewolf in the line of duty as an Auror. He'd been dealing with it as best he could, but then his first heat came on hot and fast in the middle of filling out reports with his Auror partner, Harry Potter. Luckily for him, Potter has a knack for saving his arse.

This is How by @bixgirl1 (E, 6.5k)

Omegas are long gone, or so everyone thinks. This is not how things were supposed to go.

Harry Potter and the Werewolf Consultant by 0idontknow0 (E, 15k)

After Teddy transforms into a werewolf for the first time Harry and Andromeda don’t know what to do. They consult an adult werewolf to help Teddy adjust and that werewolf turns out to be one Draco Malfoy.

The Songbirds of Avebury Manor by Tessa Crowley (E, 18k) - AU

Harry Potter presents as alpha at fifteen, and it is supposed to change his life for the better. Instead, it leads him to a beautiful noble omega he cannot have, a political plot he cannot escape, and a threat on his life.

in the electricity of your touch by tryslora (E, 24k)

After returning to Hogwarts after the war, Harry realizes he has nothing to do. There is nothing to chase, or to fight. Why, then does he feel as if there is something pricking under his skin? And why does it feel like he’s struck by lightning every time Draco Malfoy touches him? There’s only one explanation: Draco Malfoy is up to something, and Harry has to find out what it is and put a stop to it.

Tuxedo Angel by tryslora (E, 25k)

Harry and Neville are looking for the infamous Dragon Lily, a Dark witch active throughout Europe and Asia. Instead, they find the Tuxedo Angel, a beautiful witch performing in Rome.

Embers by @shiftylinguini (E, 41k)

Werewolf Alphas aren't meant to be alone, or to suppress their ruts indefinitely like Draco has been since he was bitten eight years ago. He needs company, companionship, to knot ― he needs an Omega Heat Companion. At least, that’s what the Healers say, and even Draco can admit contacting the person they’ve referred him to might be nice.

Expectant by @l0vegl0wsinthedark (E, 62k)

After he accidentally gets Malfoy pregnant on a drunken fuck at a club, Harry doesn't anticipate that it'd be just as easy to fall in love with him.

Dissident by Constance1 (E, 181k)

In a world of Alphas and Omegas, Harry is surprised to discover that he is a rare male Omega. He assumes his pull towards Draco Malfoy is because the Slytherin is an Alpha, but there is more at play here than even Harry knows.

Other ships:

Can't I Have Both? by @nv-md (E, 1.8k) - Harry/Draco/Blaise

Werewolves usually only have one mate, but of course, Draco has to be special and have two Alphas chasing after him. And he makes sure they always want him...especially when he can drag them into the loo of a club.

Almond Blossom by @shiftylinguini (E, 4k) - Teddy/James

James plans it out meticulously--and then of course, his rut comes early anyway.

Heat by @lqtraintracks (E, 7.5k) - James/Scorpius

James had always been miserable as an Alpha. Mostly because he was crap at it. Until Scorpius Malfoy went into an unexpected heat, that is.

Heat by iamisaac (E, 10k) - Teddy/Charlie

When Teddy comes of-age, he discovers that while he didn't inherit his father's lycanthropy, he did inherit his omega traits. Charlie, as an alpha, is more than happy to help him through.

Blame it on the Moon by @shiftylinguini (E, 32k) - Teddy/James

Teddy was born a werewolf. James gets bitten later in life (not by Teddy) and Teddy is there to help him through his first heat.

At The End of The Rope by shiftylinguini (E, 35k) - Teddy/James

Everyone presents in the springtime of their fifteenth year, and no one was more excited about this than James ― or more disappointed when it didn’t happen. But that’s okay, at twenty-two he’s now made peace with being an Absent Presentation, and with his conviction that no one in their right mind would want to be with or claim someone like him, least of all the person he really wants.