#NOT to leave the characters in a place of hope or reconciliation

[juniperhillpatient]

I like how there’s a few moments in atla scream au that are just me looking the audience in the eye like btw this is where I’m going with this it’s very scream of me to break the 4th wall like that

[mononijikayu]

don’t take that name away (the one only you know) — gojo satoru.

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— gojo satoru thinks that you’ll be with him in every lifetime, every dream, every love story, every heartbreak; it belongs to both of you. only you. he remembers it all and you don’t. but he wishes you do. 

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GENRE: alternate universe - reincarnation

WARNING/S: romance, domesticity, fluff, family, break up, comfort/no comfort, angst, trauma, implied death, hurt/comfort, character death, depiction of death, depictions of loss and depression, depiction of graphic content,depiction of emotional breakdown, depiction of anxiety, mention of death, mention of grief;

masterlist

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𓊈𒆜𝑴 𝑬 𝑴 𝑶 𝑹 𝑰 𝑬 𝑺 𝑹 𝑬 𝑴 𝑬 𝑴 𝑩 𝑬 𝑹 𝑬 𝑫𒆜𓊉

𝒘𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 (𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆)

— 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒙 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔.

as you sit by his bedside, holding his hand, you recall the moments of joy and pain you shared. despite the breakup and the passage of time, you find yourself fulfilling a role that goes beyond what remains between ex-spouses, offering comfort and care during his final moments.

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𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍

— 𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕; 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.

convinced that life without you is unimaginable, he contemplates mortality with a heavy heart. his belief that he should go first stems from a deep-seated fear of facing life without you again. he doesn't want to face another year knowing its lived without you.

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𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆

— 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒔. 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈.

each candle flickers in the dimly lit room, casting shadows that dance across his face as he counts aloud. memories flood his mind with each passing candle, from innocent childhood days to shared dreams and heartaches. tears fall freely as he nears the end of his count, overwhelmed by the weight of never reaching forty.

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𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌

— 𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒇𝒂𝒓, 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚.

from afar, he silently watched your life. he couldn't take anymore heartbreak. so he loved you in the dark. he wanted to keep a distance yet, all he can do is long for you. watching you from the shadows, his heart swelled with unspoken love and admiration. and yet, why do you always leave?

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𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈

— 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓.

amidst chaos and uncertainty, you find solace in each other's arms, swaying gently to music only you can hear. in a moment of profound intimacy, you express a desire to marry him, a testament to your unwavering love and hope for a future together. even if it was the end of the world, you'd slow dance with him.

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𝒖𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆

— 𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖.

with a map in hand, he traces the lines that lead to places you once shared, hoping to find a way back to you. following the intricate paths etched on paper, he embarks on a journey fueled by determination and love, navigating obstacles in search of reconciliation. he hopes that this map finally leads him to you.

[wangxianficfinder]

Fic Finder

Sep 18th

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1. Hi! I don't know if this has been asked before but I'm looking for a fic. It had multiple chapters and might have been mostly from LWJ POV. (spoilers for the fic basically) I only remember clearly that in one of the later chapters it is revealed that WWX took the fall for JC who had set off a cigar fire. Thank you!

FOUND! Nursery Rhymes by manaika (M, 96k, WangXian, NieLan, Modern AU, Inexperienced WWX, Experienced LWJ, Reconciliation, Budding Love, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Unreliable Narrator, Medical Inaccuracies, Slow Burn, Past Character Death, Childhood Trauma, Found Family, Past Injury, Nurse! WWX, Doctor! LXC, Teacher! LWJ, Character With A Heart Condition (Major), Past Incarceration (Major Character), Underage Character With Leukemia (Minor))

NOT FOUND! Insert Coin Now for Extra Life by TriviasFolly (E, 201k, wangxian, modern, ABO, Intersex Omegas, Omega WWX, Alpha LWJ, Marriage contract au, Twitch Streamer WWX, fluff and smut, caring for other while sick, Possessive LWJ, Rare Male Omegas, Pack Dynamics, Sugar Baby vibes, Eventual Smut, Brief mention of lwj/others)

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2. hi - apologies if you have answered this and i missed it, or please ignore if i haven't waited long enough! i really appreciate all you guys do! I'm looking for a longish fic - cloud recesses classes WY gets whipped after JZ/JY engagement broken, recovers in CR while creating talismans. Wens attack and WY explodes heads. ACE JZ, badass Madame Jin, NH sets up JY/NM, WY grabbed by WR, LZ comes to save him and they kill WR. I've tried searching hashtags, but just can't find it -can you help? @oldoni

FOUND? 🧡 To have and to hold by Moominmammashandbag (M, 78k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Major character injury, CQL verse, Happy Ending)

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3. Hello Mojo!! I've always used your blog to find missing fics, but this'll be the first time I send in a an ask!!

I read this fic a long time ago and forgot to bookmark it, the premise was Jiang Yanli was engaged to Lan Zhan but she was in love with Jin Zixuan. So Wei Ying, doing what he does best and offers to take her place.

He's invented a talisman that changes his body to look like Yanlis, the catch is that it affects his health everything he uses the talisman until it eventually hurts him to the point of near death. And he falls in love with Lan Zhan along the way.

Can you help me find this fic?

FOUND? 🔒 You Free Your Mind In Your Androgyny by retired (misbehavingvigilante) (E, 368k, WangXian, JC & JYL & WWX, NHS & WWX, Canon Divergence, Angst with a Happy Ending, Bodyswap, Crossdressing, Dysfunctional Family, Gender Dysphoria, Hurt/Comfort, Identity Porn, Mistaken Identity, Misunderstandings, Transphobia, Self-Worth Issues, Suicidal Thoughts, Trans WWX)

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4. Hiii there was a fic where wei ying was chased by a dog and took shelter in lan zhans house. i remember wy having a panic attack and lz calming him, and ig he had a cat called bunny?? idk this was on the first chp. and it was a long fic ig?? Anyways hope you can find it!! @for13years-i-play-inquiry-foryou

FOUND? leave all your love and your longing behind by ScarlettStorm (E, 143k, WangXian, Modern AU, no magic, Meet-Ugly, Panic Attacks, autistic lwj, neurodivergent wwx, the neighborhood asshole dog, if you’ve met one then you know, Hurt/Comfort, Pining, Minor Angst, major shenanigans, Happy Ending, for everyone including the asshole dog, Eventual Smut, switch rights, Sex Toys, horny yearning, Masturbation)

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5. Hii I am desperately looking for a fic. It is around cloud recess time and wwx is a genuis and gets recognized by the Lans and they treat him well. I remember super specific stuff like there was an elder who blew something up to reroute a river because he needed the water for fire savety and he is kind of mentoring wwx. And some of the elders imply to lwj to court wwx. And there is a kind of scholar equivalent to a discussion converence and the Jiang scholars get so much shit from the Lans for not supporting wwx talent because he is like a once in a generation genius and they usually have systems in place to support people like that but the Jiangs were afraid of madam yu i guess. Thats most of what I remember. I really hope it still exists somewhere... @frankensteins-gendercrisis

FOUND?🔒in the shadow of moonlit flowers by Reverie (cl410) (T, 56k, wangxian, LXC/NMJ, Cloud Recesses, LWJ & NHS Friendship, Developing Relationship, POV LWJ, Minor Injuries, Autistic LWJ, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, aka the Madam Yu warning, Genius WWX, Light Angst And Hurt/Comfort, WWX Protection Squad, Gusu Lan Sect, Slow Burn, Protective LWJ, LWJ-centric)

FOUND? 🧡 Stunted, Starving Juvenility by TomatenMark (E, 859k, WangXian, WIP, Fix-it of sorts, Talisman master WWX, Not JFM Friendly, Study Arc, Getting together, Fluff and Angst, Engagement)

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6. Hi! I'm looking for a f/f wangxian fic, I don't remember much about the plot but I do know in it wwx bullies young lwj and calls her a lesbian. They later meet as adults and wwx is really trying to atone for her actions. Thank you!! @blessrainydays

FOUND? Out of your system by mimilamp (E, 20k, Female WangXian, Modern AU, Rule 63, Sexual Content, Strap-Ons, jealous wwx, lan zhan FUCKS, mention of LWJ/others straight girl WWX, Y E A R N I N G, Additional Warnings In Author's Note)

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7. Hello! Here for the fic finder, please. It starts with Wangxian hunting a monster that eats dreams. At some point it catches lwj and puts him into a dream and wwx goes into the dream and sees that in it they are married? Does that ring any bells?

FOUND? Dream of Me by KingdomFlameVIII (E, 11k, WangXian, Mild Horror, Dreams, Dream Sex, Bathing/Washing, Domestic Fluff, First Kiss, First Time, Light Bondage, Hand Jobs, Anal Fingering)

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8. Hi! I'm looking for a modern au where WWX was a fox that had gotten taken to a sanctuary and he had a faded red ribbon around his neck, it fell off and he got sad about it. It possibly had his name written on the inside of it? Wen Ning either ran the santuary or worked there. WWX might've been cursed to be in a fox form? I can't remember for sure. I thought I'd bookmarked it but can't find it and there's a gazillion fox!wwx fics and I'm not finding it. I can't remember more than that but hopefully someone will know. TIA!

NOT FOUND! in the arms of the angel by ScarlettStorm (E, 37k, WangXian, Modern with Magic, Fox WWX, animal rescuer LWJ, Minor pining, major shenanigans, Comedy, Smut, Getting Together, Hurt/Comfort, Adhd WWX, the mortifying ordeal of getting your head stuck in a peanut butter jar, and getting subsequently rescued by your crush, there were in fact two beds, but LWJ knows what he's about, Blowjobs, Frottage, switch rights, Scent Kink, mildly telepathic sex, courtship via kittens)

FOUND! Found: Extremely Friendly Fox by wanderingflame (T, 22k, ZhuiLing, WangXian, Modern AU, mild animal injury, Curses, Fluff, Reunions, Fox WWX, Foxxian being a lovable terror, POV Alternating, Modern With Cultivation, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, LWJ wears reading glasses because it's sexy)

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9. Hi can I ask you if you could find me a fanfiction where Wei wuxian keeps doing different ghost games and Lan Zhan keeps interrupting them, the other thing I can remember is that they're both university students and Lan Zhan is responsible for the dormitory.

FOUND?🔒Grandmaster of Demonic Party Games by Trickster_Angel (M, 50k, WangXian, Modern AU, College AU, Crack, Light Angst, Humor, Paranormal, horror, Slow Burn)

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10. Hello! Submitting a request to find a fic, cause i'm honestly at my wit's end.

It was multichapter fic and I'm pretty much sure it was finished. It's basically story, where Wei Wuxian transmigrates from modern times into cultivator setting, summoned by mistake, by his counter-part here and basically hijacked their body? And was then promptly attacked by Lan Wangji, who thought it was original

In cultivator setting, Wei Wuxian was also known as a Yilling Laozu - ancient and mad with grief over Lans killing his husband few hundreds years ago. The present Lan Wangji is reincarnation of said husband, but due Yilling Laozu Wei Wuxian not letting him go, he couldn't properly reincarnate or something? Like - he is still man's husband, Lan Wangji, but a little bit different and that stops him from falling in love with YL WWX?

(There was also something about how this Wei Ying was summoned, because Lan Wangji from that universe probably died, before they had a chance to meet.)

Anyway, after getting (i think?) stabbed by Lan Wangji he got taken to Cloud Recess, then he somehow winded up in Lotus Pier, growing close with Jiang siblings. Also, Wei Wuxian from the modern times was some kind of doctor or inventor (?) and he tried bringing some modern solutions there.

I think this think may be quite known, but i tried all the tags i thought that will work and found nothing ://

Thank you very much in advance

FOUND? Old Foreshadows by protos_metazu_ison (M, 15k, WangXian, YLLZ WWX, BAMF WWX, War, Universe Alteration, Sunshot Campaign, Rated For Violence, Timeline What Timeline, Mojo’s post)

FOUND? 🔒 Transverse by Kytrin, Mslead (E, 192k, WangXian, ChengSang, ZhuiLing, ZhenYi, Dimension Travel, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Enemies to Lovers, Transmigration, Past Lives, Canon-Typical Death, Don’t worry - he gets better)

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11. for fic finder, i've read this a few times and suddenly i can't find it- wwx gets taken by a caiyi merchant while he's on his way to dinner with lwj. the merchant is someone wwx had previously gotten along with, so it's a bit of a depressing realization that even this guy hates him.

queue a sinister array, a timely rescue by lwj, and the sobering realization that wwx can't fully escape what he's done in his past life, and it can crop up where he least expects it @stgroversfire

FOUND! Before we get started, does anyone wanna get out? by Iggysassou (E, 13k, WangXian, Married Couple, Post-Canon, mdzs canon rather than cql, 5+1 Things, Canon-Typical Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Domestic Fluff, Protective wwx, protective lwj)

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12. Hi! This is for fic finder. I'm looking for a fic where sect leader JC returns to Lotus Pier after a trip/night hunt and the junior disciples all clamour towards him. JC then picks one of the youngest disciples who gives a short report and sends them off for training. I think it might be from the pov of someone who accompanied him (LWJ? LXC?) and then I think there's a bit of commentary about the kind of sect leader JC is. I think it's likely some sort of canon divergence or time travel fic, but not sure. Thanks!

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13. hi, i’m looking for a fanfic in which jzx’s death was faked, he was found in the lake (?) by wwx, i remember people thought wwx was dead but lwj managed to find him alive in some village. lwj told jiang yanli to find wwx and after he found jzx, he was told not to sleep in the same room with jyl as she was married woman and it was inappropriate. this fic wasn’t finished

FOUND? Discarded by teawater (E, 178k, WIP, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Dying Lan children, Hurt/Comfort, YL WWX, Golden Core Reveal, Case Fic, Depression, Family Issues, Self-Esteem Issues, Self Confidence Issues, Self-Worth Issues, Angst with a Happy Ending, and it's not always dark, POV Multiple, BAMF WWX, dubious morals in the Lan sect Feels, Pining, Grief, Fix-It, BAMF LWJ)

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14. Hi! I’ve been looking for a fic I read a while ago in which WWX designs a talisman (or something) to test blood relationships and finds out he really is JFM’s son. If I remember correctly he’s already left Lotus Pier, I think he finds out with JYL and JC at Cloud Recesses? “This body yet survives” by RoseThorne comes very close but doesn’t have him as JFM’s son. Help please!

I’m pretty sure 14 is a modern era AU and they take a DNA test which reveals the siblings as wwx’s half siblings - can I locate it? Ehhh, of course not unless I get lucky with my history search

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15. I’m looking for a fic that is a modern au, no cultivation, where wwx leaves home or is driven out of his home and loses contact with his sibling and lwj. Fast forward to the future, he’s living somewhere and is with the Wen siblings? I don’t remember how, but somehow lwj finds wwx first, maybe over text? And slowly wwx starts sharing his life again? I feel like maybe wwx had been abused or threatened to never talk to his siblings again. He’s very afraid. I remember Wen Qing was very suspicious of LWJ and protective of wwx. Thanks for your help!

NOT FOUND! clean from the war (your heart fits like a key) by sysrae (E, 28k, WangXian, Modern AU, Reunions, past xy/wwx, xy is fucked up but not evil because it's a modern AU and I said so, Hurt/Comfort, Panic Attacks, past wwx/jfm, Past Rape/Non-con, Past Abuse, Rape Recovery, transphobic violence, Victim Blaming, Past wwx/others, allusions to past self-harm)

FOUND! Love Don't Belong To Me by airinshaw (E, 28k, WangXian, Modern, Getting Together, Kissing, Intercrural Sex, Light Angst, Happy Ending, PTSD, Panic Attack, WWX's canonical self-esteem issues, Canonical Child Abuse, not as dark as the tags imply, Past Relationships mention)

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16. Hello! Thanks in advance for this. I read ff earlier this year, it was post-canon I guess, Wei Wuxian is staying in cloud recesses and Lan wangji is chief cultivator (I guess). once wwx took juniors to night hunt and he kminda knew that someone will come for him, a walking corpse was searching for him specifically. after empathy wwx got to know that the walking corpse is his father. I dont remember anything other than this scene. Please help! @vbhardwaj-reads

FOUND! An Aftermath More Devastating Than The Storm by UneducatedAuthor (Not Rated, 111k, WangXian, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Post-Canon, Everyone Loves WWX, The Junior Ensemble Love WWX, Hurt WWX, Protective LWJ, Protective LSZ, WWX Deserves Better, Genius WWX, WWX Protection Squad, Chief Cultivator LWJ, Cultivation Sect Politics, JC & WWX Reconciliation) Has Wei Changze as a fierce corpse searching for his son

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17. For fic finder, I remember it was a multichap canon dovergent wangxian fic with inventor wwx. Tho I am not sure if that tag was used. The most notable part of it was Madam Jin bringing evidence of jgs putting his lot in with wrh complete with bills, transactions, correspondences etc. Jgs tries to discredit her by being a misogynist. That's when madam Jin uses a wwx custom binding spell on him and then says "I am a quick study when I want to be" to wwx and then she says "thank you for your instruction" because she learned the spell from jzx who saw wwx teach it to jc in cloud recesses lectures. After that she tells jzx to take the sect leader's seat and there was resistance from jin elders in the same scene and also in other later chapters. It was complete and happy ending I believe for wangxian too @yiling-laozu-is-loml

FOUND? Cultivating immortality by KizuKatana (E, 231k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Rogue Cultivator WWX, Mutual Pining, BAMF WWX, BAMF LWJ, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, unreliable narrator, Found Family, First Time, novel canon relationship dynamics)

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18. Hey its my first ask so i don't know if I'm doing it right... I've been trying to find two specific fics really hard but no luck yet. I hope you'd be able to help

A) It was a post-sunshot campaign au..I think someone basically heard wwx getting yelled at by jc and flinching away from his touch. That gives rise to rumours that jc is sexually abusing wwx. Everyone starts pitying wwx and it comes to a head at some sort of banquet..?

B) A post-canon wangxian fluff fic. I think it might've been a 5+1 sort of fic but im not sure. There was one particular scene where wwx is just hanging out with other lan spouses and they are all complaining about their husband but wwx is silent cause lwj treats him really well..After he says so one of the women say "how long will it take your husband to realise if I kill you and take your place?" To which wwx replies "like right away"

I really hope you'll be able to find them

18A)

FOUND? Short Prompts by Vrishchika (M, 40k, WIP, WangXian, Originally Posted on Tumblr, Not JC Friendly, Separate Tags for Each Chapter) chapter 15 I'm sure of it

18B)

FOUND? Life before you was tragic by covalentbonds (Not rated, 4k, wangxian, Fluff and Humor)

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19. Hello! I am trying to find a fix where Wei ying get thrown to burial mound by wen Chao as a child, and then he become the protector of Yiling! He is always covered in shadows when he meet the sects! Can anyone remember the title! It is in AoW but I cannot find it! Help please!🙏 Thanks 😊 Have a wonderful day! @fallingstar77

I don't remember the name of #19 fic, but what I do remember is that it's listed on the amazing Warprize compilation you guys did.

FOUND? 💖 what price is duty, what cost is love by thunderwear (G, 18k, wangxian, Canon Divergence, WWX was never adopted by the Jiang Sect, War Prize, YLLZ WWX, Mutual Pining, First Kiss, First Time, Falling In Love, eventual dramatic confessions, Eventual Happy Ending, Angst with a Happy Ending)

FOUND? Sanctuary by Alineko (T, 45k, WIP, WangXian, XuanLi, Canon Divergence, YLLZ WWX, WWX Isn't Adopted by the Jiangs, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Cultivation Sect Politics, Sunshot Campaign, Overpowered WWX, Burial Mounds Ensemble as Family, WWX Creates a Sect | Yiling Wei Sect, Sect Leader WWX, Unreliable Narrator LWJ, Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Self-Indulgent, Touch-Starved WWX, Different First Meeting, POV Alternating, Other Ships Not Mentioned in Tags)

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20. Hi, Im looking for a fic that may have been deleted but i'll try here. In it LWJ takes a'yuan away from cloud recesses to raise outside of the sect after WWXs death. He builds a garden with various monuments one of which is a boulder tied down with ropes to represent the Xuanwu. Eventually he senses something and goes to the burial mounds where he drags a reborn WWX from the blood pool. He takes him home to rehabilitate. On the way he stops at an inn to bathe him. Thats all I remember<3

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[austenhowe]

when do you think cressida realizes that eloise has completely forsaken her?

because before she found out penelope was lady whistledown she still thought she was the one to completely break their friendship by allowing her mother to write disparagingly about the bridgertons.

she did not know that eloise already knew who lady whistledown was when she asked for her help to write the column. she probably thought that eloise cut their friendship because her assuming the mantle of lady whistledown implies that she was the one who wrote ruinous things about her last season.

do you think she realizes that this was the reason for the fallout of eloise and penelope's friendship once she found out who the real lady whistledown was? do you think she realizes that eloise knew and that she was content to let her take the fall for perez hilton featherington? that she refused to help her knowing that she wasn't the real lady whistledown and knowing that she was desperate to escape her circumstances? and that she could not even spare her a sympathetic ear even if she didn't want to help and instead doubled down in drawing the line in the sand by cutting their friendship?

how would she feel about that when she finally works it out? when she realizes that eloise did not value their friendship as much as she did? that she probably never even valued her as a person capable of deep thoughts, of feelings, of dreams? (please don't get me started with the whole, "I did enjoy her at the start" line they gave eloise, my god that was cold)

do you think the show will even give the space for cressida to have these realizations in the next season or am I out of my mind to expect them to actually do cressida's character justice? (the show did love to laugh at her misfortune)

even if they never acknowledge this aspect of their break-up, cressida has a long carriage ride to wales to reflect on this betrayal (yes I will call it a betrayal, of their friendship and of eloise's character development in part 1) and god only knows what kind of mindset she'll end up having after realizing that she is truly alone, unwanted, unloved, and unworthy of help.

I hope at the very least that this informs her character in the next season and that we see her finding her purpose, her strength, and her place in or out of polite society. I don't ask for much. I just want her to have a good, loving, and happy life, with or without eloise.

I'll take creloise endgame if they actually manage to fix what they broke when they wrote eloise as OOC as possible so that they could have their penelope and eloise friendship as quickly as they could. I don't know about other people, but I do have standards and that includes EARNED reconciliations. I find it so cheap and lazy when writers just skip to the good part, like have some respect for your viewing audience.

I don't know why I'm still mad about this but you really shouldn't put a character that's doomed by the narrative in front of me and expect me to just leave it to die in a ditch.

I'll always root for the underdog, especially one that's been beaten down and publicly dragged through the mud for daring to escape their doomed fate.

[melrosing]

JAIME IN THE RIVERLANDS II: Bluffs, Bargaining and Baby Trebuchets - Why Jaime Can’t Win at Riverrun

[lol sorry i've not updated this since Dec 2022 but i feel kind of compelled to finish it and this part was actually mostly done in back in Jan last year. I just got distracted. anyway part one here]

Following ASOS where Jaime’s character development came thick and fast, Jaime of AFFC is stalling by comparison, looking for an outlet and lacking one. He hopes to improve the Kingsguard as its new Commander but it’s in a poor state, saddled with men like Boros Blount and Osmund Kettleblack who are sworn to serve it for life. Meanwhile, his every move is undermined by Cersei’s erratic rule as regent, or the strange counsel she has built around her. He is beside his son, but Tommen can’t know it, and his daily duties involve tedium more often than not. Jaime’s scope has been drastically reduced: there are no bears, there is only Pycelle, and meanwhile his relationship with Cersei is undergoing seismic change that leaves him emotionally adrift. 

Jaime is also growing increasingly conscious of the risk that Tywin’s death poses to his family: joining the funeral procession for his father’s return to the Rock, ‘dead’ rings in his ears as he attempts reconciliation between Kevan and Cersei (JAIME II, AFFC) - Tywin is truly gone, and nothing stands in his place. Indeed, whilst we see throughout ASOS and AFFC that Tywin had the respect of his siblings, Jaime and Cersei are viewed by Genna and Kevan as little more than squabbling children far out of their depth. Kevan even regards the twins as a direct threat to he and his family’s security and goes so far to say as much, rending the family deeper. Worse still, Jaime is unsure whether or not Cersei does represent a true threat to their uncle, leaving him to play the game half blind:

Ser Kevan was a Lannister of Casterly Rock. He could not believe that she would ever do him harm, but… I was wrong about Tyrion, why not about Cersei? When sons were killing fathers, what was there to stop a niece from ordering an uncle slain? [JAIME II, AFFC]

It’s clear at this point to both Jaime and the reader that House Lannister is beginning to cannibalise itself, with each link representing a threat to the other: even Genna and Kevan compete for safer seats for their families, with Kevan leaving the poisoned chalice of Riverrun for his sister and her children. Meanwhile, Cersei’s growing paranoia and ineptitude as queen is setting off alarm bells: “The crows will feast upon us all if you go on this way, sweet sister” (JAIME II, AFFC). House Lannister’s vulnerability is hugely apparent, and now, far from Tywin’s vision of a single unanimous collective, each branch of the family pulls in its own direction. So we see that part of Jaime’s role at this point in the story is to somehow reunite his family with the singular object of their security: the trouble is that the security of House Lannister runs directly counter to the security of all others.

It is here that Cersei sends Jaime into the Riverlands against his will, to finish their father’s work in quashing House Stark and House Tully. Jaime goes reluctantly, knowing the Riverlands have already been ravaged by his father’s men: “scarce a field remained unburnt, a town unsacked, a maiden undespoiled.” Cersei’s request that he finish the work of men like Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch “[leaves] a bitter taste in his mouth” (JAIME III, AFFC). Jaime is also mindful of his oaths to Catelyn Stark, i.e. that he will not take arms against Stark or Tully, and his own personal ambitions for betterment. But the dregs of the war aren’t going anywhere, and so begins Jaime’s attempt to balance his own personal ambitions with what his family needs to solidify their rule.

RETURNING TO THE RIVERLANDS

Jaime initially travels with little sense of direction. He hovers at Darry to see Lancel and settle the matter of Cersei’s infidelity. He returns to Harrenhal to restore order, and makes some attempts at a transformation into ‘Goldenhand the Just’: rescuing Pia, executing her rapist, punishing outlaws (be they of opposing camps or otherwise) and rehabilitating Ser Ilyn Payne. But as many have observed, these are small gestures - perhaps even misguided, in the case of the outlaws: Brienne’s chapters feature a sorrowful monologue on the plight of ‘broken men’, who have long suffered at the mercy of their high lords. This is Jaime attempting to do good within the scope he’s been afforded, but he is under no illusions that it is enough to transform his reputation, and it is certainly not enough to atone for his sins: 

"Wear [the golden hand], Jaime," urged Ser Kennos of Kayce. "Wave at the smallfolk and give them a tale to tell their children." "I think not." Jaime would not show the crowds a golden lie. Let them see the stump. Let them see the cripple. [JAIME III, AFFC]

“Men will name you Goldenhand from his day forth,” the armorer had assured him the first time he fitted it onto Jaime’s wrist. He was wrong. I shall be the Kingslayer till I die. [JAIME III, AFFC]

“He was not wrong," Ser Bonifer allowed, "but some sins are blacker than others, and fouler in the nostrils of the Seven." And you have no more nose than my little brother, or my own sins would have you choking on that pear. [JAIME III, AFFC]

After loitering long enough, Jaime finally continues his journey to Riverrun, where he finds the entire place at a standstill. The Freys have ruined negotiations by belying the bluff behind their threats, and now Riverrun will not fall without armed conflict. Jaime does not want armed conflict owing to the oath he swore to Catelyn that he would not take up arms against House Tully, but the danger to his house grows more pronounced: Lannisters and Freys can be found hanging in the woods, and Brynden Tully obstinately wants no peace with them. The contrast between the honourable Tullys and the impotent Freys is immediately made starkly apparent, and any reader would feel that Jaime is on the wrong side of this conflict. Yet even despite Jaime’s own obvious disregard for the Freys, we get to see the House Lannister he’s grown up with, and hopes to protect: the jovial Daven, the fond Genna, even the tragic Lancel. There is genuine affection amongst the extended tree of Lannisters, not easily dismissed for the sake of oaths.

Yet even so, Genna quickly notes Jaime is not the man to protect them: “Who will protect us now? [...] Tyrion is Tywin’s son, not you.” I’d argue that it is at this juncture, more than any other, that Jaime resolves to begin his performance as Tywin’s ‘true’ heir: he has entered this conflict lacking direction, and Genna has now provided him one that he has willfully ignored till now: House Lannister needs someone to protect them, and if not him, then who?

So begins the delicate balancing act between Jaime’s own ideals and oaths to Catelyn, alongside the dwindling security of House Lannister. 

ALLIES & ENEMIES

We frequently see Jaime struggle with the fact that he vastly prefers his enemies to his allies, even as the reader is encouraged to do the same. Jaime likes Jeyne Westerling, with her earnest devotion to Robb. He has admired Brynden Tully since he was a boy, and desperately hopes to win the man over himself (to no avail). He clearly prefers Tytos Blackwood to Jonos Bracken, despite (if not because of) Blackwood’s staunch support for House Tully, versus Bracken’s more malleable loyalties. Yet Jaime himself is encumbered by Freys of dubious loyalty and still more dubious character (if they are not altogether ineffectual), as well as lickspittles and violent rogues, such as the remainder of Gregor’s party he finds at Harrenhal. We see Jaime attempting to work with what he’s been given, but the disdain he feels towards his allies is always palpable - whilst his preference for his more honourable enemies is a recurring weakness.

Jaime’s ADWD chapter is an interesting exploration of both the strengths of Jaime’s character, and the ways in which he is ill-suited to his role in this conflict. He is instantly able to build some rapport with Tytos Blackwood, agreeing to privately manage humiliating dealings, and making allowances for the man where he can. He even goes so far as to allow Blackwood to choose his own hostage - Jonos Bracken advises Jaime that taking Tytos’ treasured daughter would give House Lannister the strongest hold over the family, but when Tytos emotionally protests, he allows the man to instead suggest a son he’s less fond of, and who would even enjoy the trip to the capital. The threat inherent in this exchange is so forgotten that when Hoster Blackwood emerges as though ready for summer camp, Jaime realises he has to remind the Blackwoods of who exactly they’re dealing with, else appear weak to a supporter who might easily turn: 

"I am not your friend and I am not your brother." That cleaned the grin off the boy's face. Jaime turned to Lord Tytos. "My lord, let there be no misunderstanding here. Lord Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, Sandor Clegane, Brynden Tully, this woman Stoneheart … all these are outlaws and rebels, enemies to the king and all his leal subjects. If I should learn that you or yours are hiding them, protecting them, or assisting them in any way, I will not hesitate to send you your son's head. I hope you understand that. Understand this as well: I am not Ryman Frey." [JAIME I, ADWD]

Here, Jaime directly counterposes himself with Ryman Frey: the man who almost lost Riverrun owing to his ineffectual bluffing. The reason being that Jaime and Ryman are dealing in the same currency: so far, Jaime has offered only threats that remain untested by his enemies, and Hos the hostage is only another of them. His role as Tywin’s heir is an elaborate performance, but Tywin’s reputation was earned through deed - Jaime so far relies only the memory of that. The second any one enemy does dare to test his resolve, the whole business could come crashing down - because this is a character who has yet to prove his resolve in the matter to either his enemies or himself, and is desperately avoiding doing so.

We see his lack of conviction again in subsequent conversations with his new hostage. Hoster reminds Jaime of his younger brother Tyrion, building his warmth towards the boy, and soon enough Jaime is asking him questions about the surrounding landscape and its history. At the end of the chapter, Jaime even shares a skin of wine with Hoster and his young squires (mostly hostages themselves) about a campfire, failing to enforce an emotional distance. The only instance where Jaime resumes his performance before Hoster is one where the pretence is palpable:

"My father had a saying too. Never wound a foe when you can kill him. Dead men don't claim vengeance." "Their sons do," said Hoster, apologetically. "Not if you kill the sons as well. Ask the Casterlys about that if you doubt me. Ask Lord and Lady Tarbeck, or the Reynes of Castamere. Ask the Prince of Dragonstone." For an instant, the deep red clouds that crowned the western hills reminded him of Rhaegar's children, all wrapped up in crimson cloaks. "Is that why you killed all the Starks?" "Not all," said Jaime. "Lord Eddard's daughters live. One has just been wed. The other …" Brienne, where are you? Have you found her? "… if the gods are good, she'll forget she was a Stark. She'll wed some burly blacksmith or fat-faced innkeep, fill his house with children, and never need to fear that some knight might come along to smash their heads against a wall." [JAIME I, ADWD]

Here, Hoster inadvertently tests Jaime’s resolve in the Lannister cause, and Jaime parrots obligingly, invoking his father’s darkest deeds as a reminder of what House Lannister is capable of. As Tywin’s heir, Jaime, is aware that he owes his audience a performance.

Yet what is coming out of Jaime’s mouth runs laughably counter to his own feelings and actions. He does not agree with his father’s methodry: the memory of Rhaenys’ and Aegon’s bloody bodies is clearly traumatic, and something Jaime has repeatedly wished he had prevented. And he has of course sent Brienne to rescue Sansa; in doing so, he may well have sown the seeds of the next Stark uprising himself, a consequence that could directly threaten his own family. This goes to prove how complex and contradictory Jaime’s objectives have become. He is attempting to preserve the security of both the Starks and the Lannisters, whilst struggling to avoid handing either side victory over the other. 

Jaime cannot make that struggle apparent to his audience, however, and so he says the words for Hoster: it is important Hoster believes them - that everyone does - yet once again, words are all Jaime has offered.

HALF MEASURES

Jaime’s sole ADWD chapter offers the best framework to unpack one of the most discussed episodes of Jaime’s Riverlands arc, and that is: Jaime’s threat to fling a baby over a castle wall.

"You've seen our numbers, Edmure. You've seen the ladders, the towers, the trebuchets, the rams. If I speak the command, my coz will bridge your moat and break your gate. Hundreds will die, most of them your own. Your former bannermen will make up the first wave of attackers, so you'll start your day by killing the fathers and brothers of men who died for you at the Twins. The second wave will be Freys, I have no lack of those. My westermen will follow when your archers are short of arrows and your knights so weary they can hardly lift their blades. When the castle falls, all those inside will be put to the sword. Your herds will be butchered, your godswood will be felled, your keeps and towers will burn. I'll pull your walls down, and divert the Tumblestone over the ruins. By the time I'm done no man will ever know that a castle once stood here." Jaime got to his feet. "Your wife may whelp before that. You'll want your child, I expect. I'll send him to you when he's born. With a trebuchet." [JAIME VI, AFFC]

As already mentioned, bluffs have been Jaime’s sole currency against the Tullys so far. The trouble is that he has entered an arena where bluffs have already been used to ill effect: the Freys have practically numbed Brynden Tully and his garrison to Edmure’s death, by threatening to do kill the man daily and failing follow through: this has led Brynden to frame his retaliation under the supposition that his nephew is as good as dead already. The best thing Jaime could do to assert his status over the Freys and dominance over the Tullys is demonstrate that he is a man of action, and will kill Edmure - but the action required is precisely that which he is not willing to take.

So Jaime enters this conflict with a bluff of his own, this time pointed at both the Freys and Edmure, as it’s necessary for both parties to believe he means what he says. Having covertly directed Ser Ilyn Payne to bluff, Jaime fools even the reader for a moment into believing that he meant to have Edmure’s head off:

The ferry had just started across with Walder Rivers and Edwyn Frey when Jaime and his men arrived at the river. As they awaited its return, Jaime told them what he wanted. Ser Ilyn spat into the river. [...] The sight of Ser Ilyn widened [Edmure’s] eyes. "Better a sword than a rope. Do it, Payne." "Ser Ilyn," said Jaime. "You heard Lord Tully. Do it." [...] "No! Stop. NO!" Edwyn Frey came panting into view. [JAIME VI, AFFC]

It’s here apparent that Ilyn Payne has been instructed to sever the rope suspending Edmure, making it seem to Edmure and onlookers that he means for Ilyn to behead the man. Jaime knows that Edwyn Frey will intervene before this can take place, but Edmure, who already bought into Jaime’s Kingslayer persona, has now had it reified by Jaime’s apparent resolve to behead him there and then. This lays the foundations for Jaime’s subsequent negotiations with Edmure: whilst treating with Brynden Tully, a man with nothing to lose, was a worthless pursuit… convincing Edmure, with everything to lose, holds more promise, and Jaime has now primed him to accept the carrot and fear the invisible stick.

Many readers do not regard Jaime’s villainous monologue to Edmure as any kind of bluff, but rather a promise that demonstrates that even if he isn’t Tywin’s ‘true’ heir, he’s capable of the same cruelties. However, we’ve now established that bluffs have become the currency at Riverrun, and are an especially vital currency to Jaime, a man who is determined to take no decisive action for the sake of his oath. His sole objective is to get Edmure to surrender peacefully, and violent words are his oddly pacifist method. 

It is also worth observing the improvised nature of the threat. Jaime mentions trebuchets specifically because they are trademark of Tywin’s from his feuds with the Reynes and the Tarbecks - as is drowning castles so that no-one would know they ever stood. The whole threat is heavy on Tywinian rhetoric, promising violent extremes that are atypical of Jaime’s own approach in war - but of course, they go the extra mile in pushing Edmure over the edge. Edmure knows what the Lannisters are capable of, and that is enough to frighten him into acquiescence before he begins to wonder what Jaime himself is capable of. 

Following Edmure’s surrender, Jaime self-consciously notes to himself his cynical invocation of Tywin’s trademarks, humorlessly marvelling at what came out of his mouth:

‘With a trebuchet,’ Jaime thought. If his aunt had been there, would she still say Tyrion was Tywin’s son? [JAIME VI, AFFC]

And of course, we see again here what has been on Jaime’s mind the whole time. Genna has told him she doesn’t believe he can protect their family, because he is no second coming of Tywin Lannister. Jaime is desperate to prove otherwise, whilst simultaneously desperate not to - and so, in thinking to himself that he has proved Genna wrong, Jaime has ironically proved her right: he is not willing to take decisive action, offering only words to suggest he could. 

Finally, there is a telling passage that precedes Jaime’s threat, suggesting the extent to which just saying the words pains Jaime:

Must you make me say the words? Pia was standing by the flap of the tent with her arms full of clothes. His squires were listening as well, and the singer. Let them hear, Jaime thought. Let the world hear. It makes no matter. He forced himself to smile. [JAIME VI, AFFC]

Jaime has built rapport with Pia and his squires over the course of AFFC - he gets to know them as people, they get to know him, and Jaime is a different person for them than he has been in the minds of those back at King’s Landing - he is a saviour to Pia, and a mentor for his squires. They are at the inception of the man Jaime wants to become for the rest of Westeros - someone honourable, and worthy of their respect. 

However, Tywin Lannister was not such a man - he was a man to be feared, and to sustain the Lannister regime, his heir must be feared as well. Jaime asks himself, ‘Must [Edmure] make me say the words?’, belying the fact that he had hoped to leave the threat implicit, offering Edmure a hand to his feet without having to show him the back of it. He is conscious of Pia and his squires listening, and how these words will impact their opinion of him; how the words will get out of the tent, and impact everyone’s opinion of him. 

But Jaime resolves: “Let them hear. Let the world hear. It makes no matter.” It’s apparent that it does matter to Jaime; he does not want to be a man feared and despised. Nonetheless, there is a futility in these lines. He lost the respect of Westeros long ago, and will not regain it in acting as Tywin’s heir. ‘Goldenhand the Just’ is a fantasy, and revealing his true motives to the world would be dangerous. He has to maintain his performance as Tywin’s heir for the sake of his family, and if that’s all the world will ever know of him… here, Jaime is telling himself to suck it up. “He forced himself to smile.”

The threat serves its purpose in the short-term, however. As much as Edmure hates Jaime for the words, it’s likely he requires them before he can sign Riverrun away to the Lannisters. Edmure needs to know the price of the carrot, cannot take it without asking. The price tells Edmure he’s making the right decision for everyone, albeit a bitter, humiliating one that reeks of injustice. Yet to refuse the carrot would be to surrender his family and people to something worse than injustice: in short Edmure needs to believe he’s saving his family from something. Jaime gives him that. 

THE PEACE

Of course, the greatest trouble for the Lannisters is that Jaime’s measures will not maintain the peace in his absence. Jaime did not take up arms against the Tullys, and so Brynden has escaped. In all likelihood, Edmure and his pregnant wife will shortly do the same - they travel with Jeyne Westerling to Casterly Rock, a character GRRM has told us will feature in TWOW’s prologue. It seems a foregone conclusion that that prologue will see an interruption to the hostages’ journey to the Rock, perhaps one orchestrated by Brynden Tully. 

It hardly helps that Jaime has even released a number of Tully men after having them swear an oath after the fashion of his own to Cat: 

Lady Genna suggested that a few of the men might be put to the question. He refused. "I gave Edmure my word that if he yielded, the garrison could leave unharmed." "That was chivalrous of you," his aunt said, "but it's strength that's needed here, not chivalry." [...] The Tully garrison departed the next morning, stripped of all their arms and armour. Each man was allowed three days' food and the clothing on his back, after he swore a solemn oath never to take up arms against Lord Emmon or House Lannister. "If you're fortunate, one man in ten may keep that vow," Lady Genna said. [JAIME VII, AFFC]

As we see, Genna does not regard Jaime’s measures as stringent enough for their ends, and she may well be right - the Lannisters’ pit of violence has grown too deep for the family to sustain themselves through pacifism now. But ultimately, these chapters serve to show that Jaime is not willing to consider the alternative: whatever method his family requires to survive, he is demonstrably not the character to implement it.

Needless to say, it seems pointless to argue that there aren’t clear ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ in the Riverlands conflict - because even if there were, Jaime’s desire to protect his family is a sympathetic one. His attempts to do this solely through rhetoric are understandable, even laudable. And the fact that he has ultimately failed has a level of tragedy to it: we root for the Tullys and their return to Riverrun, and the downfall of the Lannister regime, but there is still a human cost associated. 

The coming of Red Wedding 2.0 is another foregone conclusion, but from the groundwork laid in AFFC and ADWD, it seems clear that GRRM will not intend it as a triumphant event: it was gruesome and cruel the first time, with many innocent lives lost in the crossfire - it can only be so different the second. 

As readers, we want Jaime to move beyond the Lannister cause to higher ideals, and in ADWD he has. But GRRM does not intend that this should be an easy path to take. Jaime’s loved ones remain embroiled in this conflict, and fighting for or favouring the other side has implications for all of them. Abandoning the Lannister cause is necessarily difficult, and there will be consequences for doing so.

NEXT PART: A Reckoning in the Riverlands!!! this won't be quick but i hope it won't be a fucking year

[bluetiefling]

There's been a lot of speculation about whether or not that's actually Elrond touching Galadriel's face here, and I do think it's him and the trailer wasn't being deceptive. I wanted to speculate a bit about what's going on in the scene though (especially because certain shit stirrers on reddit keep trying to "leak", or spread misinformation really, that this is a romantic moment leading to a kiss, lol which I don't believe).

I used to think this would be a scene where Galadriel and Elrond are having an emotional parting because she's going to try to make a deal with Adar or something. Now instead I think it's still an emotional parting, but it's after she's already been freed from Adar. This is probably when he returns Nenya to her and she's made some plan to go confront Sauron. And he's reluctantly letting her go do that.

I think that daytime cavalry charge from the trailers will result in a small victory for the elves and Galadriel gets freed and the elves regroup to get ready for the orcs' next attack, and this scene happens at that point (maybe at the elves' war camp?).

We haven't seen any indication that Galadriel is involved in the nighttime defense of Eregion (where it looks like everything goes to hell). We have seen her creeping around in an orc cloak at night, like she's sneaking around them to get somewhere, and she meets up with Arondir. I suspect this is when Arondir has reached the battle finally and Galadriel briefs him about what's going on, and he probably helps her in some way before he goes to defend the city.

ANYWAY back to the scene in question. I think the reason they're getting this super emotional parting scene.... is that this might be the last time they see each other for a while. Like a while, while, maybe not until next season. From a meta standpoint, if you know your characters are going to be separated for a long time (even if they don't know it yet) you wanna linger on their goodbye scene so that you resolve their arc for the season.

I think this is a reconciliation where he regrets not having faith in her but is also still worried about what will happen to her when she goes off to do whatever she's planning to do (likely regarding Sauron). Her expression looks relieved to me, which would make sense if she feels she has her friend's trust back? Or at the very least they've mended their friendship in some way because they know they might not see each other again so they're setting aside the beef for a moment.

And the reason I think they would make a big deal about this parting is that something (HOPEFULLY) happens during the Galadriel and Sauron confrontation that means she's not making it back to the elves, either because she's been corrupted by Sauron and joined him or has sacrificed herself in some way that helps the elves while leaving her as Sauron's prisoner to end the season.

This still of Elrond appears to be from the finale, post the nighttime battle (because of the wounds on his face). He's looking forlornly in the distance while standing in a location that, to me, looks like it could be near the place where Galadriel and Sauron clash: higher ground with trees around. And at the end of the "Last Temptation", which of course seems to be the theme music for Sauron and Galadriel's big confrontation, the final bits feature a mournful, quiet version of her theme which fades into ominous, eerie notes, before transitioning into Elrond's theme. My interpretation is he might discover something bad has happened to Galadriel, or that she's just missing but he can guess what's happened, and he's grieving/worried for her. And in the meantime he can't go after her presumably because there are surviving elves who need to be led to safety (cue the hopeful notes of his theme). (Additionally, McPayne said this: “There are several shots in which we’re watching his hopes be dashed,” Payne reveals. “His hopes for what would happen come crashing into the reality of what has happened, and you’re watching the innocence and optimism of Elrond in Season 1 give way to the world-weary jadedness that we see of the Elrond in the Third Age. It’s pretty breathtaking.”)

That's my OPTIMISTIC prediction anyway about what goes down. As a haladriel who wants them to shake up the status quo to end the season with an intriguing hook for season 3, I'm longing for any outcome where she's back in Sauron's proximity, willing or otherwise.

[cerismo]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

masterlist

PART 5 . . .

⭑.ᐟ characters . . . toxic!rafe x toxic!fem kook!reader

.ᐟ.ᐟ genre . . . angst to fluff. slowburn.

꩜ .ᐟ warnings . . . cussing. arguing

ᝰ.ᐟ mo yaps . . . yall this is fucking longgg. i hope yall enjoy.

Rafe walked into the dimly lit room, the heavy atmosphere pressing down on him as he hesitated at the doorway. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to take a deep breath before stepping forward. Liv was on the floor, her back against the wall, her arms wrapped around her knees as she stared blankly ahead. Her hair fell in loose waves around her face, partially obscuring her expression, but he could tell she was lost in thought, struggling with something deep within.

“Liv,” Rafe began cautiously, his voice soft yet tinged with urgency. “Can we talk?”

Liv didn’t immediately respond. Instead, she slowly raised her head, her gaze cold and distant as she looked at him with a mixture of weariness and exasperation. Without a word, she rolled her eyes and buried her face back into her arms, as if dismissing him entirely.

Rafe winced at her reaction, his outstretched hand hovering in the air for a moment before he reluctantly pulled it back, his fingers curling into a fist. The gesture had been instinctive, an attempt to comfort her, but he knew better now. The rift between them was too wide, and any attempt at physical consolation would only push her further away.

“Liv, please,” he tried again, his voice cracking slightly with emotion. “Can we just talk? I’m really sorry about what happened, I swear. I was just trying to protect you, that’s all.”

But before he could finish, Liv cut him off, her words sharp and bitter. “No, you weren’t. You’re not protecting me, Rafe. You’re just trying to ruin my life—like you always do. Not that I have much of a life left thanks to you.”

Her words struck him like a physical blow, leaving him breathless and defeated. He stood there, the weight of her accusation heavy on his shoulders, knowing deep down that she was right. She had always been right, no matter how hard he tried to convince himself otherwise. The truth was undeniable, and it gnawed at him, twisting his insides with guilt and regret.

Rafe sighed, his breath shaky as he slowly extended his hand toward her once more. He knew Liv better than anyone else; she was stubborn, fiery, but also had a heart capable of immense forgiveness—sometimes. It was a fragile hope, but it was all he had left.

Liv stared at his hand, her eyes flickering between his face and the offered gesture of reconciliation. There was a long pause, the tension in the room palpable as she considered her options. Finally, with a small sigh, she relented, her fingers tentatively brushing against his before she fully grasped his hand. He gently pulled her up, helping her to her feet. As she stood, there was a brief moment where their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.

They moved together in silence, walking toward her room as if the mere act of moving forward was an unspoken agreement to try and mend what had been broken. Rafe settled into the chair by her desk, his shoulders slumped, while Liv perched on the edge of her bed, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them protectively.

The silence stretched on, heavy and suffocating, until Rafe finally broke it. “Liv,” he started, his voice low and filled with remorse. “I’m really sorry about what happened. I just—I didn’t want my dad coming down on me about what went down at the beach. You know how he is.” His eyes darted around the room, avoiding her piercing gaze. But Liv was focused entirely on him, searching his face for any sign of deception or insincerity.

What she found instead was something rare—genuine sincerity. It was unlike Rafe to let his guard down, to be vulnerable, but here he was, stripped of all pretense, speaking from a place of raw honesty.

“I’m really, really sorry that I hurt you,” he continued, his voice almost breaking. “I didn’t mean to. I just… I was trying to protect you. You don’t know the things that Travis has done, Liv. He—he would’ve forced himself on you, even if you said no. And you were so drunk, you didn’t even know what was happening.” His voice wavered with a mix of anger and fear, his eyes finally locking onto hers. “I’m so glad I got there when I did. I don’t know what I would’ve done if…”

He trailed off, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Liv’s body tensed as she absorbed the implication of what he was saying. The thought of what could have happened sent a shiver down her spine. The silence that followed was suffocating, their eyes locked in a charged stare that seemed to last an eternity.

Finally, Liv broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper, “Thank you.”

Rafe stood up slowly, his movements deliberate as he walked over to her. He hesitated for a split second before sitting down beside her on the bed. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. For a moment, Liv remained stiff, unsure of how to respond. But then, as if something inside her broke, she melted into his arms, returning the hug with an intensity that surprised even her.

They stayed like that for a while, holding onto each other as if the world outside had ceased to exist, the only thing that mattered was the fragile connection they were trying to rebuild.

Rafe and Liv eventually pulled away from their embrace, a mutual sense of understanding settling between them. The tension had eased, but the room was still heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Liv gave Rafe a small, tentative smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes, but it was a start.

“Let’s go downstairs,” Liv suggested softly. “I need to talk to my mom.”

Rafe nodded, standing up and offering his hand to help her off the bed. She took it, and they walked together out of the room, down the narrow hallway, and toward the stairs. The familiar creaks in the old wooden steps were somehow comforting, grounding them both as they made their way down.

Liv’s mother, Karen, was sitting at the kitchen table, her eyes tired but alert, as if she had been waiting for them. The tension in the house had been palpable ever since the incident at the beach, and it had weighed heavily on her, too. When Liv and Rafe entered the kitchen, Karen’s gaze flicked up, worry etched in her features.

“Mom,” Liv started, her voice wavering slightly. She took a deep breath, steeling herself before continuing. “I’m sorry about what happened at the beach. I didn’t mean for any of it to happen, and I know I scared you. I just—” She hesitated, searching for the right words. “I wasn’t thinking straight.”

Karen stood up, crossing the room to her daughter in two quick steps. She enveloped Liv in a warm hug, holding her tightly. “I’m just glad you’re okay,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “That’s all that matters to me.”

Liv clung to her mother for a moment, the comfort of the embrace soothing her frazzled nerves. When they finally parted, Liv glanced over at Rafe, who had been standing awkwardly by the door, watching the exchange with a mixture of relief and discomfort.

Liv’s mom gave Rafe a small, appreciative nod. “Thank you, Rafe. I don’t know what we would’ve done if—” She stopped herself, unwilling to voice the fear that had been gnawing at her since the incident.

Rafe cleared his throat, shuffling his feet awkwardly. “I’m just glad I could help.”

The three of them stood in the kitchen for a few moments, the silence hanging over them once again. Finally, Liv spoke up, breaking the awkwardness. “I think I’m going to take a walk. I need some fresh air,” she said, glancing at Rafe. “You can go, Rafe. I’m fine now.”

Rafe hesitated, unsure whether he should leave her alone. “Are you sure? I can stay—”

Liv shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. “It’s okay. I need some time to clear my head.”

Rafe nodded slowly, but just as he turned to leave, Liv’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Rafe?”

He turned back to her, a question in his eyes.

“Sorry I slapped you,” Liv said, a hint of playfulness in her voice.

Rafe chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess I deserved it.”

Liv’s smile widened, but then Rafe’s expression grew serious, his eyes darkening with regret. “No, really. I deserved it, Liv. I should’ve never called you a slut. That’s one thing you’re not. I—I don’t know, I guess I just freaked out. I’m really sorry.”

Liv’s playful expression softened into something more serious, more understanding. She stepped closer to him, her hand reaching out to lightly touch his arm. “We all freak out sometimes,” she said quietly. “But what matters is that we’re trying to make it right now.”

Rafe nodded, feeling the weight of her words settle over him. He had made mistakes, plenty of them, but maybe—just maybe—they could find a way to move past them.

Liv watched as Rafe left the house, the door closing softly behind him. She took a deep breath, letting the tension in her shoulders finally ease. Her gaze shifted to her mother, who was still standing nearby, watching her daughter with concern.

“I’m going to be okay, Mom,” Liv assured her, a small but determined smile on her face.

Karen smiled back, though the worry in her eyes hadn’t fully disappeared. “I know you are, sweetie. I know you are.”

tagged: @flouvela, @monroesturnns, @pankowblues, @venusxsturnio

[chaoticace2005]

Okay but I want to talk about "the kiss" for a second.

I don't know for anyone else watching but the vibes of the kiss were not really "oh yes finally the one I love" but more like "I have to do this I have to make a point." It isn't just out of love that Crowley kisses Aziraphale but out of exasperation, out of anger. Aziraphale is leaving and won't listen to him and Crowley needs to just do this for once. Was the kiss for him? Or to convince Aziraphale not to leave? I don't know, but it was kind of surprising for the long awaited kiss to not be romantic but more forced. You can see by the way Aziraphale's body seems to be stiffened up.

This is no shame to the actors btw, Michael Sheen and David Tennant played their parts so wonderfully and I think that's why this scene worked so well.

It was also an interesting may to continue making fun of old love tropes. Locking two people in a room together? Nope. The rain? Failed. The ball? Okay maybe that worked a bit but also demons attacked. Forcing people together at all? Yeah, no. And now they've taken the "the person I love and I are arguing and they may leave forever so I need to kiss them to show them how I feel and maybe make them stay" trope. And did it bring them together? No- because maybe forcing a kiss on someone is not the best way to present one's feelings towards them.

Even if the person you're kissing is someone who has such feelings back (which hadn't been confirmed by Aziraphale TO Crowley at the time)- it should still be something consented to. And I hope if there is a next season this does get addressed.

Given the characters this entire argument they're having really works to highlight their own flaws and issues that clash. Their different views of heaven. Crowley placing Aziraphale above everything, including heaven. While Aziraphale views Crowley as someone he finds worthy of heaven. The whole "you go too fast for me" thing. Their complete lack of communication. It all just crescendoed into one heartbreaking scene.

Just...oof.

Also the "I forgive you", for what? For not going to heaven? For him kissing you? For WHAT Aziraphale?

That scene was hard to watch and I'm sure it's meant to be, because of course they need to give us more angst and leave us hanging for years before we actually get any kind of reconciliation. Can these two PLEASE GET ON THE SAME PAGE FOR ONCE- Crowley if this was at the ball I'm sure this would have been way different (given demons weren't pounding on the door.) These idiots keeping choosing the wrong times to try and do stuff.

[hughiecampbelle]

Waves Pt. 2 (Kendall Roy Oneshot)

Character/s: Kendall, Logan mention

Word Count: 1,447

Inspired By: All Things End by Hozier

Requested: Kendall Roy one shot pls 😩🙏🏼🙏🏼 I’m begging on my knees. My heart wants some major break up angst with Kendall. Prompt : “this isn’t working” - anon

Requested: Part 2 of waves with Kendall ? I don’t even have a prompt but I need to know what happens next? Like if there’s a reconciliation or break up😭🙏🏼 does Kendall find reader and make up or does it end in permanent heart break? I have so many questions ❤️🙏🏼 - anon

A/N: My loves!!!! I can only hope this is as good as part one, I'm a little nervous I used up all my writing ability on that fic lol. I also hope I've made it angsty enough!!! My absolute favorite thing is to write the crumbling of a relationship. It's real and raw and idk, I just love how complicated it can all get :) Feedback is always appreciated!!! 💜💜💜

REQUESTS ARE OPEN 🔮 / Waves Pt. 1

His hair is still damp and sticking to the pillow when he feels your body beside his. It’s been hours. The city lights glitter against the vast darkness of the night sky. You’re high enough to touch the stars. He must’ve fallen asleep: he hadn’t heard you come in. He is still, though, frozen against the sheets, holding his breath. It is an eternity before you say something. In these moments he has no idea what you’re thinking, only that your thoughts are howling in a language he can’t decipher. Your mother tongue, one long dead to men like him. Back to back, your spines kissing. He hopes, foolishly, the vertebrae will become knotted, intertwined, and he will never have to fear another moment without you. You will live as a singular monstrous creature. People will laugh and stare, but it will be the fullest extent of devotion. He wants to turn to you, express this innate want, but he understands even the smallest touch will leave you wounded. Flinching. There is little left of him that can stomach you becoming repelled by him, disgusted even. He is laying on thin ice. One wrong word, move, one false breath, and he will fall through. Perhaps it’ll be a welcomed feeling: the frozen sensation is all-encompassing. It will cradle him, swaddle him. It will pool in his lungs. He will gasp and choke until he is too weak too fight. He will reach for you, but your back is to him. You never heard the ice crack. 

Your bed, the mattress, has become home to something bleak and starving: it is eager to tear you apart, limb by limb, until there is nothing left. It sleeps soundly in moments like this. It has for a long time. He has tried not to think about it, give it attention. He has tried ignoring it, but it is harsh and spiky and it presses into him. Rips his skin open. A barrier between you, a wall, a gap. Another body keeping him from you. His father. If not his father, his siblings. If not them, then this creature. If not it, then himself. He has no one else to blame. It certainly isn’t your fault. This, at least, he can admit to. Delicately, he maneuvers himself so that he is facing the back of you. Your outline illuminated by the moon. How easy it would be to wrap his arms around you. How easy it would be to nuzzle his face into your neck. How easy it would be to fall back into place. He refrains from doing so. Heat radiates from your skin. Your warmth, physically and emotionally, had always drawn him close. You are the sun and by god, he will be your Icarus. It leaves him melted, a puddle of himself. He watches as your breathe, body rising and falling. They are not deep. You’re still awake. He opens his mouth only to close it. The silence he can live with. It’s what you’ll say next that might kill him. 

Kendall is reminded of all the nights you have survived together. Like tonight, they are wordless. Undressing easily, thoughtlessly. It’s the time of day you loved most. He’d come home to you, he would finally belong to you. He’d see you before a shower, smelling of cologne and sweat and fabric softener. Kiss your head before disappearing, not for long, and reappear clean. The soap scent would embed itself into your sheets, into you. One of you would make the journey across the bed, rest their head on the others chest, listen to a heartbeat they swore was their own. He’d go on about his day, his blood, but all you could hear was the steady beat of his heart. A series of sounds. A song, perhaps. You’d make all the right noises, all the right movements, but none of it could compete. Now his heart pulses out of his chest, rapid, fluttery, scared. It pounds and screams and there is little can do to tame it. Tame himself. The realization that he has ruined everything is neither new nor astounding. It seems this feeling has lasted a lifetime. Beyond that. It will out live him. His words fall feverishly from his mouth. He’s always saying the wrong thing, the worst thing, and he cannot stop himself. He has tried. So he doesn’t talk. He doesn’t say anything now. Is it better to speak or to die? To die, he decides, and he knows he could never take it back. To die. 

There is too much to repair. His words, his actions, there is too much bleeding. There is too much gore. You are hemorrhaging out before him and he can do nothing but lay very still and pretend it isn’t happening. You’re holding your insides, wrapping them in your arms like a child. These moments are becoming more frequent: the internal gratitude you have not brought children into this. You wanted them, many, and he did, too. But where was the time? The patience? Where was the love you could show them so that they might one day go on and find their person? It’s easier this way: the disintegration of a partner hood, a couple, than a family. You’re not sure you would. You’re not sure you could. You’d always imagined your child, children, with his eyes. Facing them, a second time, saying what you’re thinking, hazel and rich and so ashamed, would devastate you. Your perfect white carpet will be stained. So will your hands, under your fingernails. It drips from your mouth, the red, and it is all you can taste. Iron. Platelets. Plasma. Cell by cell, the seams fall apart. 

Your thoughts are strung together, knotted. There is so much to say and so little time. Soon, the sun will make her way across your skyline. You will have to look at him. You will have to face him. Quietly, though loud enough for him to hear, to understand, you let out three words. Behind you, he stops breathing. This is it, you think. To call it. A small piece of you fights back, kicking and screaming. It is desperate. It is in agony. Take it back! Take it all back! Please! It sobs into you, a bloom of despair spreading out from the middle of your chest. You have no one to hold you and so, you must do it yourself. This act is not lost on him. You pull further away from him, your arms tight around you. Once, not long ago, it would have been his skin you would have felt instead of your own. Sometime between then and now he regains the ability to mechanically gasp for air. In and out, exhale, inhale. It shouldn’t be, but it is: a slap to the face, stinging, his skin red. Something innate in him knows this is it. Shallow versions of himself laugh, they become hysterical. After all these years, your marriage ends one insignificant Wednesday morning. It’s not insignificant, though. He knows you would point this out, he knows you would be right. It’s not just now. It was your entire relationship. A begging, a cry, he had grown so used to he no longer heard it. This isn’t working. There is no fight left in him. Okay.  Time of death: 4:39. There are no monitors, there is nothing left keeping this relationship alive. Okay, he says again, and you understand what he means. Everything he’s ever needed to say, to apologize for, encased in that single word. He is not accepting it because he wants to. He wants to perform CPR, break a few ribs. He wants to revive this marriage, keep it alive by tube. But he loves you. He loves you and he cannot do that you. Trap you like that. So he lets it go. He lets you go. You should find someone better than him, his family. You will. That love will not be as painful as this love was. It will be easier. They will cherish you like he should have. For now though, he is thankful for your warmth. Your body beside his. The sun will rise and you will leave and he will be all alone, but now, while the stars sing, he can pretend for a little while longer. Everything will be okay. It will be okay and you’ll find happiness and he will too, knowing he can’t hurt you anymore. He can be content with this. Without you. You have already given him so much of your time. It’s selfish of him to ask for a second more.

[possessionisamyth]

ellooooooo !

if you're open to talk about this, i wanted to bring up Leon's character arc throughout re4make, the change and redemption that he went through but also some other very intentional changes capcom has made for him as a character in comparison to og but also his relationship with other characters eg; Ada, Ashley and Luis mostly -- this might not be surprising at all but i am downright tiiiired of majority of the fandom takes on him and especially when it comes to the shipping reasons because for the life of me, i don't think anyone is capable of looking at things objectively here.

I don't really ship him with anyone so i'll just get this out here, most prominent changes and development of his character to me was his acceptance and reconciliation with his past (and Ada) but also him finding a redemption through Ashley and Luis (in a way). What really really did strike out the most to me was his very different relationship with Ada, in comparison to how everything felt genuine in the OG re2, in the remake things were built off from a manipulation and mistrust, at least that is how i see it.

Anyhow, i'm curious about your perspective, if this is an ask you find worth your time ofc! Do you think remake is changing Leon's outlook on Ada? Was he ever even in love with her to begin with? Was Ada in love with him? It feels very tied up to his desire to move forward but also Ada's betrayal of Wesker and breaking free from both of them in a way while going her separate way. (Sorry if this is all over the place!)

Before I start, I want to let you know I can frame any of these ships as romantic or platonic, but I do enjoy Aeon, AND, Cleon, AND Chreon, AND Serrenedy, AND my special rarepair I'm always writing for Carleon(CarlosxLeon). So I might not be the most objective perspective, but I do know how fandom does the het ships especially I'm too picky about to dive into. (Plus there are kids in there starting wars about it? Idk, I think I'll stay continue to stay off tiktok and RE twitter.)

I don't like doing much re analysis on Leon now that my immediate (several month) haze of him after the remake dropped has passed. Plus, everyone talks about him and no one seems to stop. Maybe you're looking for a perspective that doesn't explicitly shit on Ada and their weird relationship? Idk. I hope you don't mind if this reply is just as all over the place.

Let's bullet point these games.

RE2 Remake:

Ada "dies".

Marvin dies.

Random cop dies.

The shady reporter he fucking left in that cell ON PURPOSE dies in front of him.

Claire handles her own problems.

Sherry is saved by Claire.

Leon leaves alive, but a failure in a town of infected. He couldn't save anyone.

RE4 Remake:

Leon saves Ashley.

Luis dies.

Krauser is killed by him.

Ada handles her own problems.

Leon leaves alive, but is successful in a town of infected. He could save one life.

So like, has he changed? Is he still that cop from Raccoon City? Yes to both. Many of Ada's smaller moments saving Leon's ass from the OG were changed or passed to Luis. Which I think was a good narrative decision to make considering how her DLC now nicely slots into the story. Leon doesn't know if she's helping him or herself when he does see her, so there isn't going to be that lingering of "does she actually care about me?" like the OG sets up. He took aggro off her in Raccoon, so considering how many people come at him with pitchforks when Ashley isn't around, he's smart enough to connect he's still taking aggro off Ada now.

He's also so bitchy to her whenever they chill for a few seconds, it's kinda funny and kinda annoying. Petty guy. Maybe don't get captured by the government~. Sorry. I like him but I also like to shit on him. Nobody's perfect and all that jazz.

Leon gets to save one life. He couldn't save Ada in 98, but he could save Ashley. He couldn't save Marvin, or that random cop, or that shady reporter, but he could give Luis a little more time. He does "save" Ada at the end there, but she did save him and Ashley first from that second to last Saddler encounter. It's not in him to leave someone to die. He's not the kind of guy who can do that if he can change the outcome. That's why he really does try talking Krauser out of the whole cult thing.

I don't think they were in love with each other in RE2 or RE2 Remake. I think the romantic love many people latch onto for their relationship is the wrong tint to color these two with. With the OG, I think they cared about each other's safety deeply and it never quite left. Survivors of extremely traumatic events tend to just form those bonds when they shield each other from danger. Then their kiss got tinted with nostalgia and their relationship went through the hands of too many writers to give us anything solid other than Ada saves Leon and he's into it. With the Remake I think Leon was worried, and Ada misread his confusion and concern as possible chivalry bullshit she could manipulate. They're both young and relying on skills they haven't honed yet with people they don't know, and it bites them both in the ass.

In the RE4 Remake, Leon does know when to shut the fuck up unlike OG RE4. If he didn't care about Ada a little bit, if what she wanted from him didn't matter since she had been staying mostly out of the way up to this point, if he was so hyperfocused on only Ashley, he wouldn't have wasted time or energy talking to Ada. He didn't get really any information with their little spar about her goals, so what was the point of having that weird venting conversation in the boat? Why did he need her to confirm if he'd changed or not when Claire was likely a phone call away? What made Ada's opinion in that moment so valuable? Survivor's guilt? Highly likely! Maybe he's checking to see if he's not alone in that aspect, or if the woman who did need his help in Raccoon was also a farce. Maybe he wanted to know if either of them were worth saving.

And he gets that little nugget of acceptance for a moment. He does save Ashley, and Ada helps him achieve it! Maybe she isn't so bad! He does save Ada afterwards, but oop nope she takes the wrong path. Just like Krauser. Leon knows he doesn't want to do this song and dance with her in the future. Like, he just can't, hence the title drop/ separate ways comment. He's saying she's made her choice and he's making his, but she gives him that little key to safety one more time.

I still think Luis had more of an effect on Ada's final decision to betray Wesker and ditch. My friend will disagree with me due to her OG RE4 bias, but OG Luis wasn't a character. Remake Luis very much IS a developed character, which is why there was a huge boom with shipping him in the fandom. Check the numbers of the Leon/Luis ship on AO3 before and after the remake dropped. There is a reason for this.

Oof, this got rambly and long. My apologies.

TLDR: I don't think Remake Ada and Leon are in love with each other, but I do think their relationship is more complex than what fandom waters it down to. The trauma bonding they gained in '98, which does make them care about each other's safety, but opposing goals career wise is going to cause conflict whenever they meet. Remake Leon can try to cut ties all he wants, but he won't know if they'll end up in the same place until it happens. And if she needs help to survive, he'll help her as much as she'll help him. They won't babysit each other. Far from it! They won't be hunting for, or looking for, or checking on each other in the slightest. Their remake dynamic is best framed as "out of sight, out of mind", so when they are in sight, those are the moments that matter.

I like to think they both have more pressing problems than each other outside of when they run into each other.

[mononijikayu]

as the world caves in — ryomen sukuna.

In an instant, the peace you had cherished was shattered, replaced by the harsh reality of war. With a sense of dread knotting in your stomach, you looked at Sukuna who nodded back at you resolutely. Your uncle led the way, his voice ringing through the compound. There was no way back. There was only kill, or be killed.

GENRE: Heian Era to Shibuya Arc, 2018;

WARNING/s: Alternate Universe ─ Canon Divergence, Romance, Emotional Hurt, Found Family, Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst, Heavy Pining, Domesticity, Friends to Lovers, Character Death, Grief, Mention of Depression, Mention of Mourning, Depiction of Physical Touch, Depiction of Mental Anguish, Depiction of Violence, Depiction of Harm, Depiction of Blood and Wounds, Depiction of Death, Depiction of Harm, Pseudo-Incest, Adoptive Cousins, Portrayal of Misogynist And Degrading Acts and Language, Smut, Detailed Depiction of Sex, Depiction of Sexual Foreplay, Sexual Penetration, Consensual Sex;

masterlist

ashes of love

song: as the world caves in by sarah cothran

note: beyond what i usually write, but i ended up doing it because i dont think it would be easy to fit in the next chapter. the next chapter is already decided. so i dont think i have the heart to add another chapter. the series is already long as it is. but still, i hope you enjoy it. i hope you enjoy the ride. buckle up, the chapters change from this on to absolutely brutally painful. anyway, i love you!!!

YOU HATED BEING HERE. In the tranquil expanse of neutral territory, where the boundaries blurred between the domains of the Ryomen and Fujiwara clans, an uneasy gathering took place. Here, beneath the boughs of ancient trees and amidst the whispers of nature, the destinies of two families intertwined. Families bound by bad, spoilt blood —blood that unites in misery, meet to unite again. 

Your bright colored kimono felt tighter as the air disappeared from your lungs. The weight of the fabric, usually a symbol of your clan's pride and dignity, now seemed like a constricting shroud, amplifying the suffocating tension that surrounded you. Each breath became a conscious effort, a reminder of the expectations and pressures bearing down on you from all sides.

You stood beside your father, Ryomen Isamu, his presence as imposing as the ancient trees around you. The towering oaks and cedars, with their gnarled trunks and sprawling branches, seemed to echo his steadfastness and strength.

Isamu's broad shoulders and firm stance radiated a quiet power, a testament to his unwavering commitment to honor and duty. His face, lined with the wisdom of age and experience, remained calm, though you could sense the undercurrent of resolve that lay beneath his composed exterior.

In stark contrast stood Fujiwara Ankoku, your grandfather. His cold eyes, sharp as a hawk's, pierced through the air with a severity that made the spring day feel like the dead of winter. His proud demeanor, honed by years of wielding power and influence, seemed to draw the very warmth from the surroundings, creating a palpable chill.

The lines on his face were etched deeply, not just by time but by the burdens of maintaining his family's supremacy. His robes, richly embroidered with symbols of the Fujiwara clan's authority, only amplified his intimidating presence.

The neutral ground, chosen meticulously to symbolize a chance at reconciliation, felt anything but peaceful. The tension between Isamu and Ankoku crackled like a storm ready to unleash its fury.

The air, thick with unspoken words and historical grievances, seemed almost tangible. Every rustle of leaves and every distant bird call felt amplified in the heavy silence that followed each exchange.

Your father spoke with measured calm, his voice steady and deliberate. "We seek an alliance built on mutual respect and honor, Ankoku-dono. This marriage is a chance to mend our….past wounds. We are kin, after all. We must move forward united."

Ankoku’s response was an apprehensive snicker. "Respect and honor, you say? Words often spoken too easily, Isamu-dono. It is a matter of them being upheld. What guarantees can you provide that your lineage is worthy of our name?"

Each word from your grandfather felt like a blade, slicing through the fragile hope for peace. His dismissive tone stoked the simmering anger within you. Your clansmen felt the same, you knew that too well. There was pride in all of you—the Ryomen were older, bolder, more ancient than the Fujiwara. 

Even so, to say that you were unworthy of your cousin Koku was entirely foolish. The clan had wondered in hushed whispers if Koku was even worthy of you. The Fujiwara had only been in such power for such a short time, one could consider it a blink.

You felt the burning pride for your clan call to you.You and your brother were born to such a glorious name. You were both worthy. You have no need to prove it. Your blood was noble. It will always be. 

"The same one which you had wrought upon me by marrying me to your daughter," your father retorted, his voice firm but edged with a restrained anger. 

Hiramu’s lips trembled with laughter, but he bit his lip.Your mother’s glare bore against your father’s head and then your uncle’s. The tension in his words was palpable, a clear challenge to Ankoku's authority. 

“Do you question me so, Ankoku–dono, that you forget thus?”

Ankoku's eyes narrowed, the lines on his face deepening as his expression turned icy. "My daughter brought honor and strength to your clan, Isamu-dono. It is you who must prove that your bloodline is worthy of continuing this legacy."

Isamu's jaw tightened, his composure fraying at the edges. "We have upheld our end of the alliance with dignity and strength. You see my daughter, as you have seen my son. They had grown to be the pride of our clan.  It is not our lineage that is in question here, but the sincerity of your intentions, Ankoku-dono."

A cold smile curled at the corners of Ankoku's lips. "Intentions, Isamu-dono? My intentions are transparent. I seek to ensure the superiority of the Fujiwara name. That is my duty. If that means questioning the worth of those who wish to align with us, so be it."

You could feel the air grow heavier with each passing moment, the space between your father and grandfather crackling with unresolved tension. Your heart pounded in your chest, each beat echoing the intensity of the confrontation.

"An alliance built on mutual respect cannot thrive under a cloud of suspicion and disdain, Ankoku–dono." your father pressed on, his voice steady but with a hint of frustration. Sukuna catches your uncle’s eye for a moment. 

"Things as of late, it must be known as regretful. But we must move beyond these grievances if we are to secure a future of peace and prosperity for both our families. Have we not proven this with my own marriage?”

Ankoku's eyes flashed with a dangerous glint. "Peace and prosperity are earned, Isamu-dono, not freely given. Prove to me that my granddaughter can uphold the honor of the Fujiwara name, and perhaps then we can speak on the completion of this alliance.”

A sharp intake of breath from Sukuna caught your attention. His eyes, usually filled with warmth when meeting yours, were now cold and hard as he glared at Ankoku and then towards your cousin Koku.

The anger simmering within him mirrored your own, a shared defiance against the oppressive authority of your grandfather. Sukuna’s usually calm demeanor was replaced by a visible tension, his jaw clenched and his fists tightened at his sides.

Koku, seated beside you, seemed entirely unfazed by the turmoil around him. He sat with an air of smug confidence, his back straight and his chin lifted slightly, exuding an aura of superiority that only served to stoke the fires of resentment burning within you and Sukuna. The pride in Koku's eyes was unwavering, a clear indication that he felt secure in his position and indifferent to the suffering or discord that his family's actions caused.

As Sukuna's gaze bore into him, Koku met it with a condescending smirk, a look that spoke volumes about his sense of untouchable entitlement. He was the first born son, the symbol of Fujiwara pride, and he seemed to revel in the conflict, basking in the glow of his perceived invulnerability. And he was seeping in — destroying the peace, by forcing Fujiwara peace through a putrid marriage that should never be.

The tension was palpable, an invisible thread stretching taut between Sukuna and Koku, threatening to snap at any moment. The space between them crackled with unspoken animosities, the air thick with the weight of ancestral grudges and personal vendettas. You felt caught in the middle, the pressure of the moment making your kimono feel even tighter, your breath coming in shallow, rapid bursts.

"My daughter has proven his worth time and again, Ankoku–dono." Isamu countered, his voice rising. "It is not my daughter’s honor that is in question here, but your unwillingness to see beyond your prejudices.”

Ankoku's cold smile vanished, replaced by a stern, unyielding expression. "Choose your words carefully, Isamu-dono. This marriage is not just a union of individuals but a merging of legacies, of clans. Any misstep could bring dishonor upon us all."

Your father took a deep breath, steadying himself before responding. "We will honor this union, Ankoku-dono, but it must be based on mutual respect. If we continue down this path of mistrust and animosity, we doom ourselves to repeat the mistakes of the past."

The silence that followed was heavy, each second stretching into an eternity. Your heartbeat thundered in your ears as you watched the two patriarchs lock eyes, their wills clashing like titans in a battle for the future.

Ankoku finally broke the silence, his voice cold and measured. "Very well, Isamu-dono. We will proceed with this marriage. We will keep the peace. But know this: I will be watching closely. Any sign of dishonor or weakness, and the consequences will be severe."

As Ankoku turned away, the tension in the air began to dissipate, leaving behind a sense of uneasy resolution. Your father exhaled slowly, the strain of the confrontation evident in his eyes. You exchanged a long, meaningful glance with Sukuna, your silent vows of defiance and determination reaffirmed.

Ankoku, sensing the tension still lingering, paused and turned back towards Isamu, his cold eyes narrowing. "Do not mistake this agreement for weakness, Isamu-dono. The Fujiwara name demands nothing less than absolute loyalty and unwavering strength."

Isamu met Ankoku's gaze, his voice steady but edged with a simmering intensity. "And do not mistake our willingness to unite as submission, Ankoku-dono. We are equals in this alliance, and respect must be mutual if we are to succeed."

Ankoku's lip curled in a slight sneer. "Respect is earned, Isamu-dono. Your family has much to prove."

Isamu's jaw tightened, but he remained composed. "And we will, through actions and honor, not through empty words and hollow threats."

A tense silence followed, each word hanging heavily in the air. Ankoku's gaze flicked to you and Sukuna, his eyes narrowing with suspicion and challenge. "See that you do. The future of both our clans depends on it."

Isamu nodded, his expression unyielding. "Indeed it does. Let us hope that our children can bridge the gaps that we could not."

Ankoku turned to leave once more, but this time Isamu’s own voice stopped him. "Ankoku-dono, understand this: the Ryomen clan will not tolerate disrespect. We come to this union with duty in our hearts, but we will not be subjugated."

Ankoku's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and grudging respect. "Very well, Isamu-dono. Let us see if your actions can match your words."

As Ankoku finally walked away, the atmosphere remained charged with the remnants of their confrontation. Your cousin Koku stood from his position, his movements deliberate and measured. His smug expression never wavered, and he approached you with a condescending air that made your skin crawl.

"Well, little cousin." Koku began, his voice dripping with feigned politeness, "It seems we are to be bound by fate and duty. I hope you are prepared to uphold your part. To honor our family, despite your… humble origins."

You bristled at his words, but you held your ground, meeting his gaze with defiance. "I am ready to do what is necessary for our families' future, Koku–dono. I trust you will do the same."

“Oh so formal with me. Are we not family?” Koku's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and disdain. "Of course, I will. After all, it is my duty to guide and protect you, to ensure that you do not falter in your responsibilities."

His patronizing tone grated on your nerves, but you refused to let him see your frustration. "I must do well by my family. I shan’t be degrading. I am sure this must reflect that I am perfectly capable of handling my responsibilities, Koku–dono. You need not concern yourself with such acts.”

Koku chuckled, a low, mocking sound that only served to heighten your irritation. "Ah, such spirit. It will be interesting to see how long it lasts. Remember, little Hiromi, this union is as much a test for you as it is for me. Do try not to disappoint."

Before you could respond, Sukuna stepped forward, his presence a solid wall of support beside you. His voice was cold and measured as he addressed Koku. "Hiromi-sama does not need your condescension, Koku-dono. Hiromi-sama is your equal, an heir of her lord. You must respect my lady."

Koku's eyes widened slightly, the surprise quickly masked by a sneer. "Respect, Sukuna? Respect is earned. Your Hiromi-sama may have the title, but she has yet to prove she deserves the honor that comes with it."

Sukuna's expression remained steely. "Hiromi-sama's worth is not for you to judge. My lady has shown strength and grace under immense pressure. That, in itself, commands respect."

Koku stepped closer, his gaze flicking between you and Sukuna, his voice dropping to a low, mocking tone. "It seems you have quite the protector, little cousin. But remember, loyalty can be a fleeting thing, especially when tested by the harsh realities of our world. One of course, your pet will never understand.”

You could feel Sukuna's anger simmering beside you, his body tense with barely restrained fury. You placed a hand on his arm, a silent plea for calm, and stepped forward to face Koku directly. You shook your head at him and mouthed an order, telling him to move away. Sukuna glared at you, as though he wishes to resist. Your eyes glared back, hardening at his indulgence. His face contorts and bows swiftly, before he walks off.

"My loyalty to my family and to this alliance is unwavering." you said, your voice steady and clear. "And I expect the same from you, Koku-dono. Do not let your arrogance blind you to the importance of unity. That is your hubris.”

Koku's sneer faltered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features before he masked it with a condescending smile. "Very well, little cousin. Let us play this game. Let us hope that your confidence is not misplaced."

He turned away, the tension in his posture revealing more than his words ever could. As he walked off, you exhaled slowly, the weight of the confrontation settling heavily on your shoulders.

At that moment, Your father Isamu had slowly come to approach you. You bowed before him, but he raised his hand, releasing you from that obligation to formality. He looks to you, before turning to order the servants away, to give you some privacy. In that moment of lonesomeness, the lord’s face withers to reveal a father’s.

Ryomen Isamu expressed a mix of pride and worry as he approached you. His gaze held a depth of concern that spoke volumes, revealing the inner turmoil he grappled with. "Daughter."

"Father." You smiled at him, but you knew, as he did, that it was never full. There was a weight to his words, a heaviness that lingered in the air between you. "I am glad to serve you and your will, father."

Isamu's expression softened, but the worry remained etched in the lines of his face. "Hiromi, you do not have to do this. I do not want you to sacrifice anything for the sake of peace."

You opened your mouth to argue, to reassure him of your commitment to the alliance, but before you could speak, Isamu's next words stopped you in your tracks.

"I know about you and Sukuna," he reveals quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "And if being with him is what makes you happy, then I will allow it. I would do anything for you to be happy, my dear. So that you may not suffer as much as me.”

Shock washed over you, mingled with a pang of guilt. You had thought your feelings for Sukuna were a secret, carefully concealed from prying eyes, but now you realized that your father had known all along. The realization was both comforting and heartbreaking, knowing that he had seen the turmoil within you and had chosen to support you nonetheless.

Tears welled in your eyes as you shook your head, your heart breaking at the thought of disappointing him. "Father, I... I cannot…" you whispered, the words catching in your throat. "As much as it pains me, I must do my duty to you, to our family, our clan. For the sake of peace. You know this.”

“Daughter—”

You feel tears prickle your eyes. “Father, please.”

Isamu's eyes glistened with unshed tears, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "I understand, my dear. Your sense of duty has always been your strength, and I am proud of the woman you have become."

His words wash over you like a balm, soothing the ache in your heart even as they deepen the resolve within you. You hold onto his embrace, seeking solace in the warmth of his love and understanding. It's a rare moment of vulnerability between you, a reminder of the unbreakable bond that ties you together as father and daughter.

The weight of his acceptance and support is both a comfort and a burden, knowing that he sees the sacrifices you make for the sake of peace, for the sake of your family's legacy. But in this moment, you also feel a flicker of hope, a glimmer of light in the darkness that surrounds you.

"Thank you, father," you whisper, your voice trembling with emotion. "For everything."

Isamu pulls back slightly, his hands cupping your face as he meets your gaze with unwavering love. "You are my daughter, Hiromi. And nothing will ever change that. No matter what challenges lie ahead, remember that I will always be here for you."

You nod, a lump forming in your throat as you try to hold back tears. "I know, father. And I will always strive to make you proud."

He enveloped you in a warm embrace, holding you close as if trying to shield you from the weight of the world. In that moment, you felt the depth of his love and sacrifice, and you vowed to do everything in your power to honor his trust and uphold the legacy of your family.

As you pulled away from the embrace, wiping away your tears, you met Isamu's gaze with a renewed sense of determination. "I will make you proud, father. I promise."

Isamu smiled, a bittersweet expression tinged with pride and love. "I know you will, my dear. And remember, no matter what challenges lie ahead, I will always be here for you."

With those words lingering in the air like a comforting embrace, you felt a sense of peace settle over you. Whatever trials awaited you on the path ahead, you knew that with your father's unwavering support and your own sense of duty guiding you, you would face them with courage and resilience.

TIME PASSED TOO QUICKLY FOR YOU TO KEEP UP. The past few weeks had been a blur of unspoken words and lingering heartache. But you could not say it out loud. You couldn’t cry out or sob about it. Not anymore. Your personal life could not get in the way, you knew that. But you couldn’t help it.

Not in the lonely nights when you long to brush your fingers against fuschia hair. Not when you long for the warmth that brings you the sun on cold nights. Not when you long for the rare smiles that truly only belong to you. 

These past weeks, Sukuna and you had not exchanged a single word. When you saw him, you tried to look away. When he looks at you, he lowers his gaze. Between the two of you, the silence between you grows heavier with each passing day. 

He has maintained that he is loyal to you, that he is your right hand man. That he only belongs to you. Yet, he cannot call you with all the loving names he has made for you. He cannot hold you, he cannot love you as you wanted him to. And it breaks your heart over and over.

You had tried to focus on your duties, to bury your sorrow in the preparations for your upcoming wedding to Koku, a union that you loathed. You tried to sleep it off, to bury out the sound of whispers.  But nothing had settled you. Not duty, not stifling your sorrow, not resting. The weight of duty pressed down on you, stifling your spirit and filling you with a sense of despair.

Uncle Hiramu had tried to speak to you, so did father. It was easily noticeable that you were unhappy about your day to day. They worried, you knew that much. But in each conversation that comes between you, you consistently said that you were fine.

You parrotted words that expressed the same thing — you must do your duty. A Ryomen must do their duty.  But you knew, they did not buy it one bit. Yet they kept their tongue tied and mouth closed.

In a desperate bid to escape the suffocating atmosphere, you saddled your horse and rode out into the countryside, the wind whipping through your loose dark hair as you sought solace in the open expanse. The rhythmic pounding of your horse's hooves against the ground provided a temporary reprieve from your thoughts, but no matter how far you rode,  no matter how fast, no matter how the pressure of your horse’s weight dove against you, you couldn't outrun the pain. 

Eventually, you slowed your pace, coming to a halt near a secluded grove of trees. Your kimono had all but become wrinkled, your hair tattered. You thank your horse in a small mumble, your breath echoing exhaustion. You dismounted and led your horse to a nearby stream, letting it drink as you sat on a large rock, your heart heavy with the burden of your unspoken sorrow.

Hours passed, the world around you a blur. Soon enough, your mind began to drift. Laying your head against the tree, closing your eyes from the image of the secluded grove. The stillness of the place wrapped around you, offering a brief respite from your pain.  The voices around you faded into the background, replaced by a distant hum as you retreated into the sanctuary of your memories.

You saw Sukuna’s face, his eyes filled with warmth and mischief as he teased you about a particularly clumsy moment during one of your training sessions. You remembered the way he laughed, a sound that felt like sunshine breaking through the clouds, lighting up even your darkest days. There were stolen moments in the garden, where he’d lean in close, his voice a soft murmur in your ear as he shared his dreams and hopes with you.

A particular memory surfaced, one of the two of you riding through the countryside, the wind in your hair and the world spreading out before you like an endless tapestry of possibilities. You recalled how he’d reached out to steady you as your horse stumbled, the warmth of his hand a comforting anchor. In those moments, with Sukuna by your side, the future seemed bright and full of promise.

But now, those days felt like a distant dream, a cruel illusion that had slipped through your fingers. The reality of your impending marriage to Koku, a man you neither loved nor respected, loomed over you like a storm cloud, darkening every corner of your heart.

The memory of Sukuna’s smile, his touch, his laughter, was too much to bear. Desperate to escape the suffocating weight of your duties and the impending wedding, you decided to steal a few moments of freedom. You sighed, not knowing or caring what the hour was. What propriety was as you lay against the grass. You could only want, you could only dream. You could only yearn. You wanted to pretend that your world isn’t falling apart. 

Moments later, the sound of approaching hooves reached your ears. You blinked, slowly returning into reality. With a heavy sigh, you sat up. You turned to see Mikoto Masaomi, your loyal guard, riding toward you. His expression was one of concern as he dismounted and approached you.

You felt like he had aged in just a small time, just looking for you. But then again, you had disappeared for so long. He got off his horse, and settled the animal beside your own. He walked towards you and bowed.

"Hiromi–sama." Masaomi said softly, his voice filled with worry. "We've been looking for you. Are you all right?"

“I’m alright.” You retorted, tight lipped. “I was just….”

Masaomi sighed, his shoulders rising and falling with the weight of his concern. “Hiromi-sama, you do not have to lie. It is alright… to be honest with me. It is just me. Your loyal friend.”

You looked at Masaomi for a moment, searching his eyes for any sign of judgment or doubt, but found only sincerity and a deep, abiding loyalty. His presence, a constant in your life, offered a rare moment of solace amid the turmoil. For a moment, your brother’s face tethered in your mind as you looked at Masaomi. 

“Masaomi, I just....” you began, your voice trembling with the effort to hold back tears. “I… I feel so lost. Everything is falling apart. Sukuna is gone, and I am being forced into a future I never wanted. It feels like I am being crushed under the weight of everyone's expectations, and I don’t know how much longer I can bear it.”

Masaomi nodded, his expression understanding and patient. “I know, Hiromi-sama. I see the strain this is putting on you, and it pains me to see you suffer. You have always been so strong, but even the strongest hearts can break under such pressure.”

His words struck a chord deep within you, and the tears you had been holding back spilled over. You turned away, trying to hide your vulnerability, but Masaomi gently took your hand, his touch grounding you in the present.

“It is alright to feel this way,” he continued softly. “You are not weak for wanting something different, for longing for happiness. You are human, and your feelings are valid.”

You took a deep, shuddering breath, feeling the dam within you finally begin to break. “I miss him so much, Masaomi. Sukuna… he was my anchor, my hope…..my heart. And now, without him, I feel adrift, lost in a sea of expectations and duties that I never wanted.”

Masaomi’s grip on your hand tightened slightly, a reassuring pressure that reminded you of his unwavering support. “Hiromi-sama, your happiness is important. You deserve to find joy and peace, not to be shackled by obligations that only bring you pain.”

A fresh wave of tears blurred your vision, and you looked down, the words spilling from your lips in a torrent of despair. “But how can I? I am bound by duty to my family, to this alliance. My brother’s duty is mine. I cannot abandon them. If I refuse, it could mean disaster for everyone I love. How can I be so selfish as to choose my own happiness over the well-being of my clan?”

Masaomi’s voice was gentle but firm as he responded. “Choosing your own happiness is not selfish, Hiromi-sama. It is necessary. A leader who is broken and unhappy cannot effectively lead or bring peace. Your well-being is the prosperity of your clan, of all your vassals. Of me.”

You looked up at him, your eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. “But what can I do, Masaomi? How can I find a path that honors both my duty and my heart?”

Masaomi’s gaze was steady, his expression filled with determination. “We will find a way, Hiromi-sama. Whatever it takes, we will forge a path that allows you to fulfill your duties without sacrificing your soul. And if that means defying tradition or challenging those who stand in our way, then so be it. As I was with your brother, Akimu–dono, I am with you. Always.”

His words lit a spark of resolve within you, a flicker of hope that had been nearly extinguished. You squeezed his hand, drawing strength from his unwavering support. “Thank you, Masaomi. You have never abandoned me. I am grateful to you. Truly.”

Masaomi smiled, a rare expression that softened his usually stern features. “You will never have to find out, Hiromi-sama. The Mikoto will always stand with you. If we must go against the Fujiwara, then we will. Until death, Hiromi-sama. We will join you.”

The sincerity in his voice, the unwavering loyalty, filled you with a newfound determination. But there was still the lingering pain of separation from Sukuna, the unresolved feelings that gnawed at your heart. Masaomi seemed to sense this, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he studied your face.

“You need to talk to Sukuna when he returns,” Masaomi said gently but firmly. “You need to tell him how you feel, Hiromi-sama. Keeping these feelings locked away will only cause more pain. He deserves to know the truth, and you deserve the chance to find peace, whether it be with him or through closure.”

The idea of facing Sukuna after all this time, of baring your soul to him, was both terrifying and exhilarating. Your heart ached at the thought, but deep down, you knew Masaomi was right. Avoiding the truth had only prolonged your suffering.

“What if he doesn’t feel the same?” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “What if… what if I’ve lost him forever?”

Masaomi shook his head, his expression resolute. “You will never know unless you speak to him. And even if his feelings have changed, at least you will have clarity. You cannot live in this state of suffering, Hiromi-sama. It is not fair to you, and it is not fair to him.”

You took a deep breath, the enormity of the decision settling over you. “When he returns… I will talk to him. I will tell him everything.”

Masaomi’s smile broadened, a rare show of genuine happiness. “That is all I ask, Hiromi-sama. Be true to yourself and to your heart. No matter the outcome, you will have the support of the Mikoto and of those who love you.”

As the last light of the setting sun bathed the grove in a golden glow, you felt a sense of peace settle over you. The path ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, you had a clear direction. You would confront your fears, face the truth, and fight for your own happiness, whatever that might look like.

You and Masaomi mounted your horses and began the ride back to the estate, the cool evening air washing over you. As you rode, you allowed yourself to hope. To imagine a future where you could find a way to honor both your duty and your heart, where you could find peace and perhaps, even happiness.

YOU TOOK MASAOMI’S ADVICE. The days stretched into weeks since you last saw Sukuna, the silence between you growing heavier with each passing moment. The engagement to Koku felt like a noose tightening around your neck, suffocating the very essence of who you were. You missed Sukuna terribly, his absence a constant, aching void. Finally, you could bear it no longer and summoned him to your chambers.

The night air was cool as you waited in your dimly lit room, the flickering candle casting shadows on the walls. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the sound of your own breathing. When Sukuna finally arrived, he entered quietly, his presence filling the space with an intensity that made your heart race.

“Hiromi-sama,” he said formally, bowing slightly as he stood before you. “You called for me. Why am I here?”

The formality in his tone cut through you like a knife, a stark reminder of the chasm that had grown between you. You swallowed hard, trying to find your voice. “We need to talk, Sukuna. There are things we need to say… things we need to understand.”

He nodded curtly, his eyes dark and unreadable. “Very well. Speak.”

You took a deep breath, steadying yourself. “I… I’ve missed you, Sukuna.” you began, your voice trembling. “I’ve missed us. This engagement…duty as it may be – it's tearing me apart. I can’t keep pretending that I don’t feel anything for you.”

A flicker of emotion crossed his face, but he quickly masked it. “You chose your duty, Hiromi-sama. You chose Koku.”

“I had no choice!” you cried, your voice breaking. “You know that…. My family, the clan… they all depend on this alliance. Peace depends on this. It’s not about what I want. It’s about what I have to do.”

“The Fujiwara care little for honor and you know this.” He hisses back at you. He shakes his head. “Do you honestly believe that they will not do some trickery, some game upon us?”

Your eyes narrow. “Sukuna, they are my kin. They shall honor–”

“Blood means little to the greedy.” 

“You know I cannot….” You whisper, lowering your gaze. You knew he was right. You knew that he was honest about it. When has Fujiwara been honorable? “You are not the only one suffering this, Sukuna.”

Sukuna’s eyes flashed with anger. “And what about me? What about what we have? What we had together, our love? Does that mean nothing to you? Do I mean little to you?”

Tears welled up in your eyes, blurring your vision. “Of course it means something! It means the world to me. You mean everything to me…..But I’m trapped, Sukuna…..I…”

He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. “You think I don’t know that? You think I don’t feel the same way? You’re not the only one suffering here, Hiromi.”

The raw emotion in his voice broke something inside you. It burns to hear only your name from his lips. Not his endearment. Not his token of love. The tears you had been holding back spilled over, and you turned away, trying to hide your vulnerability. 

“I hate this.” you whispered. “I hate all of it…..I don’t want to,....I don’t want us to fight. I don’t want to do away with this. From the person I love.”

Sukuna’s expression softened suddenly. It hurts him to see you in tears. To see you in pain. He sighed. He loses to you, he always does.  

He reached out, gently turning you to face him. “Night flower… look at me.”

You met his gaze, your heart breaking at the sight of his own anguish. “I don’t know what to do, Sukuna.” you confessed, your voice trembling. “I feel like I’m losing myself. I want to follow my heart but I just….”

He pulled you into his arms, his hold possessive and desperate. “You’re not alone in this, night flower. I told you, I will not abandon you.” he murmured, his breath warm against your skin. “We’ll find a way against the Fujiwara. Trust me.”

You felt the heat of his body against yours, the familiar scent of him enveloping you. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in the quiet, intimate space. He tilted your chin up, his eyes searching yours.

“Night flower,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “You belong with me. You know that, don’t you?”

A sob escaped your lips as you nodded, the tears streaming down your cheeks. “I know.” you whispered back. “I’ve always known.”

Sukuna’s eyes darkened with a fierce possessiveness as he leaned down, capturing your lips in a searing, desperate kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of longing, of frustration, and of a love that refused to be denied. Your initial resistance melted away as you clung to him, pouring all your pent-up emotion into that single, searing moment.

His hands roamed over your back, pulling you closer as if trying to meld your bodies into one. The intensity of his kiss left you breathless, your heart pounding in your chest. You could feel his desperation, his need for you, mirrored in your own.

When he finally pulled back, his breath ragged, he rested his forehead against yours. “I can’t let you go.” he whispers to you tenderly, shutting his eyes.. “No matter what it takes, night flower.  I’ll do it. Just….just stay with me.”

You nodded, the tears still streaming down your face. “I’m sorry, my love.” you agreed, your voice a whisper. “I really am.”

“You don’t have to apologize.”

“But I—”

He says, his eyes opening once more. “I’ll kiss you.”

You looked at him, tears spilling from your eyes. “Do it.”

“Beg for it.”

In the heat of the moment, your words dissolved into a needy moan, your fingers tangling in his hair as you surrendered to the overwhelming desire that pulsed between you. "Don't tease me." you pleaded, your voice husky with need, unable to deny the magnetic pull of his touch. “Please, my love.”

“Hm… what does this little flower want?”

“You.” You moaned, weak against his warmth. “Only you, my love.”

Sukuna’s response was immediate and primal. He growled deep in his throat, the sound reverberating through you and igniting a fierce, uncontrollable hunger. His hands gripped your hips with bruising force, pulling you flush against his hard body. The intensity of his need matched your own, a raw, animalistic force that threatened to consume you both.

With a low, guttural sound, Sukuna's lips crashed down on yours, not gentle or tender, but demanding and feral. His kiss was a storm, fierce and unrelenting, his teeth grazing your lower lip as if to mark you as his. You gasped into his mouth, the pain only heightening your desire, and he took the opportunity to delve deeper, his tongue tangling with yours in a battle for dominance.

Your fingers tightened in his hair, pulling him closer, needing to feel every inch of him. His hands roamed your body with a possessive urgency, his touch setting your skin aflame. He pushed you against the wall, the cool surface a stark contrast to the heat of his body, and you arched into him, a desperate whimper escaping your lips.

Sukuna's grip on you tightened, his nails digging into your flesh as he growled against your mouth. "You're mine, night flower." he snarled, his voice rough with possession and desire. "All mine."

The ferocity in his words sent a shiver down your spine, and you moaned, your body reacting instinctively to his dominance. You clawed at his clothed back, needing to feel him closer, to be consumed by the fire between you. Sukuna responded in kind, his mouth leaving a trail of fiery kisses down your neck, biting and sucking at the sensitive skin, marking you as his own.

Your breaths came in ragged gasps, the world narrowing to just the two of you, lost in a whirlwind of passion and need. Every touch, every kiss, was a desperate claim, a refusal to let go. The line between pleasure and pain blurred as Sukuna's teeth grazed your collarbone, your back arching in response, pressing your body harder against his.

He pushed you back against the wall with a force that left you breathless, his body pressing firmly against yours. The hard, unyielding surface behind you contrasted starkly with the searing heat of his touch, sending a jolt of electricity coursing through your veins. Your back arched instinctively, seeking more of the delicious friction he offered, as your senses were overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment. 

His hands roamed possessively over your body, igniting flames of desire wherever they touched. The sensation of his fingers tracing the contours of your skin sent shivers down your spine, awakening a hunger you hadn't realized was lying dormant within you. With each caress, each brush of his lips against your skin, you felt yourself surrendering to the primal need that pulsed between you.

Your hands found their way into his hair, fingers tangling in the soft strands as you pulled him closer, urging him to deepen the kiss. Sukuna's lips trailed down your neck, leaving a burning path of bites and kisses in their wake. Each touch was like fire against your skin, sending waves of pleasure cascading through your body and making your head spin with dizzying delight.

With a rough, almost desperate motion, he tore at your clothes, his hands exploring your skin with a fervent need that sent shivers down your spine. Fabric tore away under his touch, leaving you exposed and vulnerable to his hungry gaze. The air crackled with anticipation as he hungrily drank in the sight of your bare skin, his eyes ablaze with an intensity that made your heart race even faster.

You tear at his clothes eagerly, happily — not caring about the cost, the damage. Such fine clothes do not need to exist. You wanted him. You wanted your lover. You did not care for much else. You wanted it off. You wanted to feel him. Skin to skin, the advent of bare worlds merging together in the flesh. 

"I've waited long enough," he growled, his breath hot against your ear as he pressed his body closer to yours, his lips tantalizingly close to yours. The heat of his words sent a surge of desire coursing through you, igniting a fire that threatened to consume you both. “I can’t do it anymore.”

The raw hunger in his voice stirred something primal within you, awakening a need that mirrored his own. You found yourself responding to him with an urgency you couldn't deny, your body arching into his touch as you surrendered to the overwhelming passion that pulsed between you.

His hands moved with purpose, exploring every inch of your exposed skin with a reverence that made your breath catch in your throat. Fingers traced delicate patterns along your curves, sending electric currents dancing across your flesh and setting your nerve endings ablaze with sensation.

"I won't let anyone else have you," he vowed, his words a fierce declaration of possession as he claimed you as his own. There was a primal possessiveness in his touch, a certainty that you belonged to him and him alone, that sent a thrill of excitement racing through you. “No one, not any man. No one.”

In that moment, there was no room for doubt or hesitation, only the wild, untamed passion that burned between you. You surrendered yourself completely to him, giving in to the irresistible pull of desire that drew you together like moths to a flame.

As his lips crashed down on yours once more, sealing the union, that vow with a searing kiss. You knew that there was no turning back. You were his, body and soul, bound together in a love that defied reason and logic, a love that would endure for eternity.

As Sukuna's lips claimed yours in a fervent kiss, his hands continued their exploration of your exposed skin, tracing every curve and contour with an expert touch that left you trembling with anticipation. With each caress, he seemed to stoke the flames of desire within you, igniting a burning hunger that threatened to consume you entirely.

His touch was electrifying, sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through your body and leaving you yearning for more. Fingers danced along the sensitive skin of your neck, trailing down to your collarbone before wandering lower, teasing the edges of your desire.

With a skillful motion, Sukuna's hands roamed lower still, tracing the outline of your hips before slipping beneath the fabric of your remaining clothing. His touch was bold and confident, fingers dancing lightly over the heated flesh of your thighs as he moved ever closer to the source of your need.

You gasped as his fingertips brushed against your most intimate parts, sending waves of pleasure rippling through you. Each touch was like fire against your skin, igniting a wildfire of sensation that threatened to consume you entirely.

Sukuna's touch was relentless, brutish. You feel like you would burn at each motion. His fingers expertly coaxing forth the symphony of pleasure that lay dormant within you. With each stroke, each caress, he pushed you closer and closer to the edge of ecstasy, his lips claiming yours in a heated kiss that mirrored the fervor of your desire.

As the intensity of his touch reached its peak, you felt yourself teetering on the brink of release. Moan after moan, your entire being was consumed by the flames of passion that raged between you. With a final, exquisite touch, Sukuna pushes you over the edge, sending you spiraling into the depths of pleasure as you surrender yourself completely to him.

Your reaction was one of pure ecstasy, a symphony of pleasure that swept through every fiber of your being. As Sukuna's skilled hands and lips worked their magic, you felt yourself unraveling, surrendering to the overwhelming tide of sensation that threatened to consume you entirely.

Every touch, every caress sent sparks of pleasure shooting through your body, igniting a fire that burned hotter with each passing moment. Your breath came in ragged gasps, your heart pounding in your chest as you teetered on the edge of release.

When Sukuna finally pushed you over that edge, sending you spiraling into the depths of ecstasy, it was like nothing you had ever experienced before. You felt like you were seeing the stars for the first time.

The way he made you feel, the way his fingers played through your confines made you quiver, shake over and over. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over you, each one more intense than the last, until you were lost in a haze of pure bliss.

As the intensity of the moment began to ebb, Sukuna's voice cut through the haze of pleasure, his tone husky with desire. "You're mine," he murmured, his breath hot against your skin. He bites against your neck. “Mine, mine. Forever mine.”

You let out a soft moan of contentment, your fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. His possessiveness could only ever make you even more pleasured.

"’kuna," you whispered, your voice barely audible. You felt broken against him, so deliciously broken. And he loved it. “I’m…gonna…gonna…ah!”

The air crackled with raw intensity as Sukuna's gaze bore into yours, his eyes dark with desire. "Say it," he demanded, his voice a low growl that sent a shiver down your spine. “Say it, night flower.”

"I'm yours," you replied, your voice filled with a mixture of passion and submission. “I’m….oh…I’m yours! Yours!”

Sukuna's grip tightened on your waist, his fingers digging into your skin with an almost painful urgency. "Louder, little one." he commanded, his voice tinged with a hint of dominance. “I don’t care if they hear us. Louder.”

"I'm yours!" you exclaimed, your voice rising with each word as you surrender yourself completely to him.

A fierce hunger burned in Sukuna's eyes as he claimed you once more, his touch rough and possessive as he took you to heights of pleasure you had never known before. Every movement was charged with an intensity that left you gasping for breath, his hands exploring every inch of your body with a relentless urgency that drove you to the brink of madness.

As the crescendo of passion reached its peak, you felt yourself teetering on the edge of ecstasy, your senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the moment. And then, with a cry that echoed through the room, you came undone in his arms, waves of pleasure crashing over you like a tidal wave, leaving you trembling and spent in the aftermath of your shared release.

In that moment, there was no past, no future, only the present - a fleeting instant of pure, unadulterated bliss that bound you together in a timeless embrace.

And as you basked in the afterglow of your shared passion, you knew that this was where you belonged - in the arms of the one who had awakened the deepest desires within you.

Sukuna's lips curled into a smug smirk as he watched you, his eyes alight with satisfaction at having brought you to such heights of pleasure. His chest rose and fell with each ragged breath, a silent testament to the intensity of the moment.

"Was that everything you hoped for?" he asked, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction.

You could only nod in response, your body still trembling with the aftershocks of your release. Words failed you in that moment, lost in the overwhelming sensation of being utterly and completely consumed by him.

Sukuna's smirk widened as he leaned in to press a lingering kiss to your lips, his touch gentle now, a stark contrast to the rough intensity of moments before.

"You belong to me, night flower." he murmured against your skin, his words a promise and a vow all rolled into one. “You are mine to love, to have, to live, to breathe. To bow to. To yearn for. You are only mine.”

“Make it so.” You huff tenderly at your lover. “I am truly yours.”

As Sukuna's hands skillfully undid the fastenings of his pants, releasing his arousal, a surge of anticipation coursed through your veins like wildfire. The sight of him, his eyes ablaze with unbridled desire, set your heart thundering against your chest with an intensity that matched the rhythm of your racing breaths. In that electrifying moment, the confines of the room seemed to shrink, the air thick with the palpable tension of longing and need.

With a hunger so primal it bordered on desperation, you met his lips once more in a pulsing kiss, your bodies melding together in a fiery embrace.

The world dissolved into a blur of sensation as you drowned in the heady rush of his touch, every caress like a flame igniting your skin, sending ripples of pleasure cascading through your entire being. Each brush of his fingertips against your skin was a symphony of ecstasy, each stroke leaving you gasping for more.

Your hands moved with a frenzied urgency, exploring every inch of his body with a fevered passion. Fingers traced the contours of his form, memorizing every dip and curve as you surrendered yourself to the intoxicating pull of desire.

There was no room for restraint in this tempest of passion, no need for words as your bodies spoke the language of lust and longing, entwined in a dance as old as time itself.

When you parted for air, Sukuna moved slightly and you watched as he towered before you, even in his kneeling position. His presence was overwhelming, commanding the entirety of the room. His figure exuded an aura of raw power, every sinew and muscle of his sculpted physique hinting at the strength that lay beneath. 

Your eyes trailed down his form, taking in the breadth of his shoulders and the defined lines of his torso. He was a towering figure, his height accentuated by the sheer magnitude of his presence. And as your gaze lingered on the bulge straining against the fabric of his pants, you couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of him.

He was a man of undeniable stature, you had always known so. But to see him in full, to the bareness of his person – you found that he was possessing a primal magnetism that drew you in even more with an irresistible force. And as he moved closer, the intensity of his presence seemed to envelop you, filling the air with an electric charge that sent shivers down your spine.

In that moment, you were acutely aware of just how small you felt in comparison, and yet, there was an undeniable allure to his size, a primal instinct that stirred within you at the thought of being consumed by him entirely.

And as he drew you into his embrace, you couldn't help but surrender yourself to the overwhelming sensation of being enveloped by his sheer magnitude, knowing that in his arms, you were safe and utterly, completely his.

As Sukuna stood before you, his presence looming large, you couldn't help but remark, "You're so... big."

A smirk played on his lips as he leaned in, his voice low and husky. "And you like that, don't you?" he teased, the heat of his breath sending a shiver down your spine.

You nodded, feeling a flush rise to your cheeks as you admitted, "Yes, I do."

Sukuna's smirk widened into a grin as he closed the distance between you, his arms enveloping you in a strong embrace. "Good." he murmured against your ear, his voice laced with desire. "Because I'm going to make you feel every inch of it."

As Sukuna positioned himself above you, a primal hunger burned in his eyes, mirroring the fierce desire coursing through your veins. With a rough urgency, he slid inside, the heat of your connection igniting a wildfire of sensation that threatened to consume you both. Your eyes locked in a fierce gaze, a silent acknowledgment of the raw passion that bound you together.

His thrusts were relentless, each movement driving you both closer to the edge of oblivion. With each powerful thrust, he claimed you as his own, his dominance asserting itself with every primal urge. Your body met his roughness as though a thunderous wave against a cliff. You surrendered to him, every touch igniting sparks of pleasure that sent shockwaves through your entire being.

Before you could react, Sukuna closed the distance between you in a heartbeat, his hands gripping your shoulders with a possessive strength that left no room for escape. His touch was rough, demanding, as he pinned you beneath him, a primal force of nature unleashed. In that moment, there was no denying the intensity of his desire, no escaping the magnetic pull of his dark desires.

The hard, unyielding surface undernearth burnt you as his thrusts pushed you against the tatami floor and over roughly. It was a sharp contrasted with the searing heat of his touch, heightening the sensations that coursed through your body. Your hands instinctively reached for him, fingers tangling in his hair as you returned his kiss with equal fervor.

As Sukuna positioned himself to bottom out, his eyes ablaze with hunger, he whispered huskily, "My darling wife, my little bride. My night flower.”

Your breath hitched as you met his intense gaze, feeling a surge of arousal coursing through you. "Yes, yes….y’r wi’e, ah, ah yo’r bri’e!" you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. “M’ husb’d, my husba’d!”

With a primal growl, Sukuna claimed your lips in a battering kiss, his hands gripping your shoulders with possessive strength. "Good little wife." he murmured against your lips, his voice rough with desire. " I'm going to show you what it means to belong to me."

As Sukuna's desire intensified, so did his movements. With a growl of primal need, he increased the force of his thrusts, driving himself deeper into you with each powerful movement. Your body responded eagerly to his rough dominance, every thrust sending waves of pleasure crashing through you.

You gasped at the intensity of his actions, your nails digging into his back as you surrendered yourself completely, honestly, truthfully, to the raw passion of the moment. "Mo’e," you moaned, your voice thick with desire. “Faster, fast’r…oh, oh!”

Sukuna's lips curled into a feral grin as he complied with your plea, his movements becoming even rougher, more primal. Each thrust was a declaration of his dominance, a reminder of the unbridled passion that burned between you.

With each thrust, Sukuna's control slipped further, consumed by the primal urge to possess you completely. His movements were primal, bordering on savage, as he claimed you as his own with each powerful thrust. The room echoed with the sound of your moans, a symphony of pleasure that filled the air as you surrendered yourself to the intoxicating rhythm of his desire.

You arched your back, meeting each of his thrusts with equal fervor, your bodies moving in perfect harmony as you sought to satisfy the insatiable hunger that burned between you. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, a whirlwind of sensation that threatened to engulf you both in its fiery embrace.

As Sukuna's primal desire surged, he growled against your ear, his voice thick with lust. "You feel so good, so tight around me," he rasped, his breath hot against your skin.

Your own voice was lost in a symphony of pleasure, your moans mingling with his as you surrendered to the primal rhythm of your bodies. "Hard’r!," you pleaded, your nails digging into his skin as you urged him on. “I’m feeling….I’m feel’ng… Please!, ‘on’t stop! ‘Kuna, ah!”

With a primal grunt, Sukuna complied, his thrusts becoming even more forceful, more desperate. Each movement sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through you, building towards an inevitable climax that promised to consume you both in its fiery embrace. 

You were certain that you could no longer think. Not about propriety, or who ever could hear. It doesn’t matter. Only he did. He was your world. And you know you were his.

As the intensity of your pleasure peaked, you felt yourself teetering on the edge of ecstasy. "’m cloooose…" you gasped, your voice strained with the impending release. Tears flow through your face freely.  “‘Kuna, it…oh, oh!”

Sukuna's movements became even more relentless, driving you towards the brink with a primal urgency. He bites against your neck hard, causing you to mewl. 

 "Come for me," he growled, his voice rough with desire as he urged you on. “Come, little wife. You could do it. Give your husband one more.”

With a cry of ecstasy, you shattered into a million pieces, waves of pleasure crashing over you in an overwhelming crescendo. Your body trembled with the force of your release, every nerve ending ablaze with sensation as you surrendered yourself completely to the pleasure that consumed you.

But Sukuna wasn't far behind. With a feral roar, he followed you over the edge, his own release tearing through him with a savage intensity. You felt him pulse inside you, each throb of his hot release sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through your body. 

As you both rode out the aftershocks of your shared climax, you collapsed into each other's arms, spent and sated. In that moment, there was no room for anything else but the raw, unbridled passion that bound you together. 

As you lay entwined in the aftermath of your passionate encounter, Sukuna held you close, his breath still ragged with desire. "I never want to be separated from you." he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. “Not in this lifetime, not the next. Never.”

You melted into his embrace, overwhelmed by the intensity of his declaration. "I don't ever want to be apart from you either." you murmured, your heart swelling with love.

Sukuna's arms tightened around you possessively, as if afraid to let you slip away. "Promise me you'll stay." he pleaded, his voice tinged with vulnerability. “Don’t ever leave me again.”

You looked up into his eyes, seeing the depth of his love reflected in their depths. "I promise, my love." you vowed, sealing your commitment with a lingering kiss. “Now and forever.”

IT WAS TERRIFYING TO STAND BEFORE YOUR FATHER NOW. You and Sukuna knelt side by side in the grand hall, the tension thick in the air. Before you stood your father, Lord Isamu, and his brother, Hiramu, Sukuna’s own adoptive father — your uncle. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on you, it now feels real. But you had made your decision. It was time to face the consequences of your actions.

The grand hall, with its high ceilings and ornate decorations, seemed to close in around you. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of clothing or the distant murmur of servants. Your heart pounded in your chest, each beat a reminder of the enormity of what you were about to confess.

Sukuna's hand in yours was a small comfort, a reminder that you were not alone in this. His presence, solid and unwavering, gave you the strength to meet the stern gazes of the men before you. Lord Isamu, your father, looked weary, the lines on his face deepening with concern. Hiramu, Sukuna's father, wore a mixture of curiosity and amusement, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

"Father," you began, your voice trembling slightly, "we have come to confess something important."

Isamu’s eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle indication of anticipation His gaze, warm and reassuring, also held a hint of wariness as he studied you, as if trying to decipher the truth behind your words. It was a look you had seen before, often preceding moments of stern reprimand or heartfelt advice.

You swallowed hard, the weight of his scrutiny bearing down on you like a heavy burden. Despite the urge to look away, you met his gaze head-on, determined to convey the sincerity of your words. There was no turning back now; you and Sukuna had made your decision, and you were prepared to face the consequences, whatever they may be.

"Sukuna and I... we've... we've performed all the acts of marriage," you confessed, the words spilling from your lips in a rush. Each syllable hung in the air, heavy with implication, as you awaited your father's reaction.

For a moment, there was silence—a pregnant pause that seemed to stretch on indefinitely. Isamu's expression remained inscrutable, his features a mask of carefully controlled emotion. It was as if he were weighing your words, measuring them against some unseen standard of judgment.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "Is that so?" he said, his voice deceptively calm. There was a sharpness to his tone, a subtle undercurrent of disapproval that sent a chill down your spine. It was a tone you knew all too well—a warning that you were treading on dangerous ground.

You felt a pang of guilt at the thought that it was disappointment in his eyes. Yet, beneath the veneer of reproach, there was something else—a flicker of understanding, perhaps, or even a trace of resignation. Isamu was a man of duty, bound by the traditions and obligations of his station, but he was also a father, with all the complexities and contradictions that entailed. You were his only child left. What should he let you suffer more? 

As you awaited his response, you couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were swirling in his mind. Was he disappointed in you? Angry? Or did he, in some small corner of his heart, understand the depth of your love for Sukuna, despite the circumstances?

Whatever the case, one thing was certain: the road ahead would not be easy. You had chosen to defy convention, to follow your heart in the face of overwhelming opposition. But as you looked into Isamu's eyes, you knew that you would face whatever challenges came your way, you would not forsake Sukuna. He was yours. He was your heart. He was your soul. Your husband. You would not forsake him, even if your father did.

Sukuna took your hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "Ryomen Hiromi, the most noble of your blood, is my wife." he said clearly, his voice unwavering. "In every way that matters, we are husband and wife, my lord. I will not….I will not forsake my wife. Not even if you put me to death for it.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. Ryomen Isamu sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping with the weight of the revelation. He felt a headache pulse through his head. The hubris of love between the youth. He could only wonder what it was like.

"This means the marriage with Koku cannot happen." he said, his voice tinged with weariness. The strain of the past weeks was evident in his eyes, the conflict between duty and his love for you tearing at him. “After all the work we put into it….”

“Father, I know that I….that I insisted on doing my duty.” You gulped as you held tighter to Sukuna’s hand. “But I cannot forsake my heart. I love Sukuna. I do. And my heart, it is stronger than anything else. I cannot live without it. And I cannot live without Sukuna. Please, father. I shall do anything you ask of me.”

“I too will do the same.” Sukuna added hastily as he held his head high in front of your father. He looks to you for a moment, before he returns his attention to his new father-in-law. “I am devoted to your daughter. Only to Hiromi. If there must be consequences, I will bear it with my wife, as she insists. We are yours to command, my lord.”

Hiramu laughed, breaking the tension with a hearty sound. "At least the kids are honest with us now, eh, brother?," he said, clapping Sukuna on the shoulder. He turned to you with a warm smile. "Welcome to the family, daughter-in-law."

You blushed at his words, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment. Holding Sukuna's hand tightly, you looked up at your father. You let go of your husband’s hand and slowly lowered yourself to bow towards your uncle. “Thank you, father-in-law.”

Isamu's stern expression softened slightly, and he slowly nodded. “Well, what is there for me to do, brother? We have no choice….They have consummated marriage. It is known. It is done.”

“I shall try to be worthy of your trust, father-in-law.” Sukuna too humbled himself, bowing before your father, who sighed heavily at his act.“I will not let you down.”

“You best not.” Isamu retorts back, his words stern. “My daughter risks ruin, the clan risks war. There is much that costs us. You both followed your hearts more than your brain’s logics–”

"Now calm down, brother. You act like you aren’t happy that your daughter is happy." Hiramu said, snickering.

“She is my only child left, I am happy. But as clan leader, I simply cannot—”

Hiramu waved his elder brother off. "We'll deal with it. As long as Hiromi and Sukuna are happy. I don’t think anything is to be frowned upon.”

Isamu sighed, nodding resignedly at his younger brother’s words. “Perhaps your grandfather would be satisfied with a plausible marriage peace between your future children and Koku’s own children.”

“Or if there is a war—”

“Brother, we will not seek war just because our children wed.” Isamu sighed at his younger brother, who rolled his eyes. “There is more logic to Ankoku–dono than that.”

“We shall see.” Hiramu snickers bitterly. 

Tears welled in your eyes at his words, a flood of emotions overwhelming you. The fear, the uncertainty, and the relief all mingled together, leaving you momentarily speechless. Sukuna squeezed your hand, grounding you, his presence a steady anchor in the storm of your feelings.

"Thank you, father," you finally managed to say, your voice thick with emotion. "I know this isn't what we have planned, but I promise we'll make it work. We'll find a way to honor our families with the duties you endow on us now.”

Isamu nodded again, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You always were strong-willed, little one." he said softly. "I told you. I have always known you would find your own path."

Hiramu chuckled. "And it's a good path." he said, his eyes twinkling with pride. "No paths are bound, after all. The Ryomen will be stronger for this. Do not worry.”

As you knelt there, holding Sukuna's hand, you felt a sense of peace settle over you. The road ahead would be challenging, but you were not alone. With your family’s blessing, and Sukuna by your side, you were ready to face whatever came next. Nothing is hard now.

YOU ENJOYED THE PEACE IN SUKUNA’S ARMS. In the serene embrace of marital bliss, the world outside seemed to fade away as you and Sukuna basked in the warmth of each other's love. With every tender caress and whispered endearment, you found solace in the sanctuary of each other's arms. 

Your father and uncle's decision to delay the announcement of your marriage felt like a reprieve, a precious respite from the tumultuous currents of politics and conflict that swirled around you. In these quiet moments, you reveled in the simple joys of the companionship of your husband. In these slowly drifting days of joy, you happily yearned for finding refuge from the storm that raged beyond the confines of your shared quarters.

The prospect of a public declaration of your union loomed on the horizon, promising both joy and uncertainty. You do not know how the whole world will react. But for now, you were content to linger in this private cocoon of happiness, savoring each stolen moment together.

The world does not sleep in your bed. Your husband does. And you wanted to indulge into the privacy of your world as much as you could. You wanted to belong to each other before you did the world.

Wrapped in the soft glow of candlelight, you and Sukuna exchanged tender glances and gentle smiles, your hearts overflowing with love and gratitude. In each other's presence, you found strength and reassurance, a beacon of hope in a world fraught with uncertainty.

As you lay intertwined in a tangle of limbs and whispers, the outside world faded into obscurity, its worries and conflicts distant echoes in the hush of the night. Here, in the sacred space of your love, you found sanctuary from the chaos that threatened to engulf the world outside. And for a fleeting moment, all was right in the world.

As the moon cast its gentle glow upon the room, you lay beside Sukuna, his warmth a comforting presence beside you. Thoughts of the future danced through your minds, visions of a family together, of laughter and love filling the halls of your home.

As Sukuna's whispered desire lingered in the air, his voice carrying the weight of his affection and longing, you felt a blush tinge your cheeks, a telltale sign of the emotions stirring within you.

His words, filled with warmth and tenderness, ignited a spark of joy in your heart, the prospect of sharing in the joys of parenthood with him filling you with a sense of profound happiness.

“I should like a daughter.” He whispers to you in the dawn of moonlight, kissing your cheeks tenderly. “One that looks like you. With all your warmth and your beauty. I should be satisfied with spoiling a tender girl from you.”

"I would be happy with that." you confessed, your voice soft and filled with love, your heart overflowing with adoration for the man beside you. The thought of bringing a daughter into the world, a precious soul to cherish and nurture, filled you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. “But I want her to look like you too.”

“We can have a few.”

You pouted at him. “But that shall take effort.”

He laughs, pinching your cheeks. “Who says I shan’t have the effort to make it possible?”

“Oh, you are so happy to enjoy being in bed with me so well.”

Your husband nudges his head against your head. “Is it too bad for a happy husband to indulge in his little wife?”

“No,” You can only sigh with that, letting him hold you closer. “I shall indulge my husband as he pleases.”

Sukuna had a small playful glint danced in his eyes, his smirk betraying a mischievousness that never failed to elicit a chuckle from you. “Then my little wife shall be spoiled as can be by my affections.”

“Hm…I shall let you do so.”

“Oh, you must or I shall be forceful with it.” He presses kisses across your neck, inciting giggles out of you. 

"But I should like a son. One that takes after you," you admitted to him, your voice laced with affectionate teasing, a smile playing at the corners of your lips. “With your sharp eyes and your impatience. Your cheeky nature. I shall like that so much.”

Sukuna's smirk widened into a playful grin as his fingers brushed against your loose locks, his touch sending a shiver of delight coursing through you. "You desire such a boy swaddling against your chest the way I do?" he teased, his voice tinged with amusement. “Oh, you shall like that won’t you?”

You couldn't help but laugh at his jest, swatting his hand playfully as a blush colored your cheeks. "Oh, you are insufferable, my love." you chided, though the fondness in your voice betrayed your true feelings. “All too much.”

In moments like these, surrounded by Sukuna's playful banter and affectionate teasing, you found yourself falling even deeper in love with the man who held your heart. The thought of starting a family together filled you with a sense of purpose, a shared dream that bound you together even more tightly.

Sukuna's playful smirk softened into a tender smile as he gazed at you, his eyes alight with affection. "Only because I love you, little wife." he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. “My only night flower.”

Your heart fluttered at his words, the warmth of his love enveloping you like a gentle embrace. Despite the teasing banter, there was an undeniable depth to Sukuna's affection, a steadfast devotion that anchored you to him in a bond that transcended words.

"I love you too," you replied softly, your voice barely above a whisper. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of Sukuna's embrace and the soft glow of the moonlight, you felt a sense of completeness wash over you, as if all the pieces of your soul had finally found their rightful place. “More than you know.”

As the night wore on, you both drifted into a peaceful slumber, the rhythm of each other's breathing a comforting lullaby. In each other's arms, you found safety and serenity, the worries of the world fading into insignificance.

But the tranquility was short-lived. Abruptly, you were jolted awake by urgent shouts and the clamor of weapons clashing. Your uncle's voice pierced through the darkness, his words heavy with urgency.

“Rouse from your bed, make haste!”

“What has happened?” You pondered as you scrambled to your feet, with your husband’s help.

"The Fujiwara are attacking." he exclaimed clearly, with no hesitation.

Sukuna mumbles. "They never intended to keep the peace. They intended a distraction.”

Hiramu shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter now. There’s a lot to be done.”

“What must we do, uncle?” You whispered to him, your brows furrowing.

“Kill.” Hiramu uttered with tension. “In the way a Ryomen knows how.“

In an instant, the peace you had cherished was shattered, replaced by the harsh reality of war. With a sense of dread knotting in your stomach, you looked at Sukuna who nodded back at you resolutely. Your uncle led the way, his voice ringing through the compound. There was no way back. There was only kill, or be killed.

THERE WAS NO TIME TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR PROPRIETY. Emerging from the confines of your residence, still clad in the elegant folds of your inside kimono, you stepped outside hand in hand with your husband, Sukuna. The air crackled with tension, and the acrid scent of battle hung heavy in the air, mingling with the subtle fragrance of cherry blossoms that drifted on the breeze.

As chaos erupted outside, the once serene courtyard transformed into a battleground, the urgent clangor of battle reverberating through the air like a thunderous symphony. The sounds of metal meeting metal, of shouted commands and desperate pleas, filled the space around you, drowning out all other noise.

With a sense of grim determination, you and Sukuna rushed forward alongside your uncle, your footsteps quick and purposeful. The courtyard was a hive of activity, clan members standing shoulder to shoulder, their faces set in expressions of fierce resolve as they channeled their cursed energy to create a protective dome shield against the relentless onslaught of the Fujiwara attacks.

Amidst the chaos, voices rose in a cacophony of sound, some screaming encouragement and rallying cries, while others spat curses and insults at their adversaries. The air crackled with a palpable tension, each member of the clan fully immersed in the gravity of the situation, their commitment to defending their home and their loved ones unwavering.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as you took in the scene before you, the tableau of bravery and sacrifice etched into the very fabric of your being. With every beat of your heart, you felt the weight of responsibility pressing down upon you, urging you to stand tall and fight for what you believed in.

With Sukuna's hand clasped tightly in yours, you steeled yourself for the battle ahead, drawing strength from the unwavering support of your loved ones. Together, you would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in your determination to protect everything you held dear.

With determination etched into your features, you turned to Sukuna, your eyes meeting him with unwavering resolve. "I'll go and release cursed energy to reinforce the shield," you declared, your voice firm despite the tremor of fear that lingered in the depths of your being.

“You go with uncle Hiramu. There’s so many sectors of the manor that remain unshielded. They need you more than I do right now.”

Sukuna's gaze softened with concern, his hand reaching out to gently cup your cheek. "And I'll go and fight in areas the shield can't reach," he vowed, his voice resolute as he met your eyes with unwavering determination. “Be safe, wife.”

You nodded in silent agreement, a silent understanding passing between you as you shared a brief, tender kiss. In that fleeting moment, you conveyed a wealth of unspoken promises and emotions, a silent vow to stand together against the tide of adversity.

With one final, lingering glance, you and Sukuna parted ways, the weight of the impending battle heavy on your shoulders. Each determined to do your part in the raging conflict that threatened to consume your home, you rushed towards your respective duties, the urgency of the moment propelling you forward.

As you sprinted towards your kin, your body thrummed with an electrifying surge of cursed energy, its power coursing through your veins like a raging torrent. Every step forward was fueled by a fierce determination to protect those you loved, to stand firm against the tide of adversity that threatened to overwhelm you.

Your kin turned to you, their eyes alight with a mixture of hope and desperation as you approached, the aura of your cursed energy pulsating around you like a halo of light. With a determined focus, you joined your palms together, the air crackling with anticipation as the energy around you intensified, thickening against the encroaching darkness.

As you unleashed the full force of your cursed energy, a blinding white light erupted from your palms, enveloping those around you in a protective barrier of pulsating energy.

With each passing moment, the barrier expanded, its formidable strength pushing back against the relentless onslaught of the Fujiwara attacks, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos that raged around you.

“Be careful, Hiromi–sama!” One of your kinsfolk says to you, his strained voice echoing across the courtyard to you. 

"I will," you called back, your voice firm with resolve. With a final wave, you turned back to face the fray, your focus fully on the task at hand.

As you continued to channel your cursed energy, the strain of maintaining the protective barrier began to take its toll on your body. Beads of sweat formed on your brow as you poured every ounce of your strength into the effort, the weight of responsibility pressing down upon you like a heavy burden. You knew this cannot be kept up for too long.

You can give as much as your cursed energy as much as you can, but the other kinsfolk would not last. If you don’t have them, the barriers would fall.

As the chaos of battle unfolded around you, your voice rang out with commanding authority, cutting through the clamor like a clarion call. With a fierce determination burning in your eyes, you singled out one of the guards amidst the fray, his sword gripped tightly in his hand.

"You!" you shouted, your voice echoing across the courtyard with a commanding force. "Rally all the women and children towards the tunnels. Alert an evacuation now!"

The urgency in your tone left no room for hesitation as you issued your orders, your gaze unwavering as you met the guard's eyes. Every word was imbued with a sense of purpose, a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation at hand.

Around you, the chaos of battle continued to rage, but amidst the turmoil, your voice served as a beacon of clarity and direction. With swift efficiency, the guard nodded in acknowledgment of your command, his movements quick and decisive as he set about carrying out your orders.

As you turned back, your heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination, a scene of horror unfolded before your eyes. One by one, your kinsfolk fell to the merciless onslaught, their cries of pain and desperation echoing in the air like a haunting melody of despair.

Shock and disbelief washed over you as you watched in horror, your gaze fixed on the figure responsible for the carnage. It was your own mother, Akiko, her features twisted with a madness that chilled you to the bone.

Tears welled in your eyes as you struggled to comprehend the betrayal unfolding before you, the realization of her treachery cutting deep like a dagger to the heart.

The protective barrier you had worked so tirelessly to maintain began to falter, the cursed energy of the Fujiwara merging and multiplying with each passing moment. As the shield came crashing down, a sense of dread settled over you like a suffocating blanket, the full weight of the impending doom bearing down upon you like a relentless storm.

In the chaos and confusion that ensued, you found yourself paralyzed with shock, your mind reeling as you tried to make sense of the nightmare unfolding before you. The once tranquil grounds of Ryomen Manor were now engulfed in a maelstrom of violence and destruction, the air thick with the stench of death and decay.

With a heavy heart, you realized that the battle was lost before it had even begun. As the cursed energy of the Fujiwara swept over the manor like a tidal wave of darkness, you knew that there was little hope of survival in the face of such overwhelming odds.

You stumbled backward, disbelief etched on your face as you locked eyes with your mother, Fujiwara Akiko, amidst the chaos. "You…... how could you?" Your voice quivered with a mixture of hurt and betrayal, unable to comprehend the depths of her actions.

Akiko's gaze bore into yours, devoid of any remorse or empathy, her expression twisted into a cruel sneer. "Oh little foolish girl." she hissed, her voice dripping with malice. "You were always too weak, too sentimental. You have no place in the new order I am creating."

Tears welled in your eyes as her words cut through you like a knife, the realization of her betrayal striking you like a physical blow.

"But... why?" you choked out, your voice barely above a whisper.

A bitter laugh escaped Akiko's lips, the sound sending shivers down your spine. "Why, you ask? Because power is all that matters, my dear. And I will stop at nothing to seize it, even if it means sacrificing everything I once held dear."

As the shock of betrayal rooted you to the spot, you watched in horror as your mother, consumed by madness and darkness, charged towards you with lethal intent. The air crackled with tension, each heartbeat echoing in your ears like a drumbeat of impending doom.

Just as despair threatened to consume you, a sudden rush of movement caught your attention. With a sense of surreal relief, you saw Sukuna appear beside you, his presence a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. Without hesitation, he unleashed his devastating technique, Cleave, with a swift and powerful strike aimed at your mother.

Time seemed to slow as the force of Sukuna's attack collided with your mother, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the air. You watched in awe as the sheer power of the technique tore through the darkness that had consumed her, dispersing it like a veil lifted by the wind.

As your mother staggered back, her form wavering and flickering like a candle flame on the verge of extinguishment, he sent another wave of Cleave towards her. Finally, she fell dead. She was a traitor. And he would not forgive her.

You stare at the lifeless corpse of your mother, your pupils shaking. Sukuna rushed to you and held you. You looked at him, in a state of delirium as everything burned around you in intense flame.

“S-she…”

“It’s okay.”

“Where’s father?” You asked him frantically, “Uncle Hiramu?”

“They’re on their way here, night flower. Do not worry.” He whispers to you. “They are keeping the Fujiwara at bay, so the others may leave.”

“Then….”

“We must fight here.”

As the once tranquil grounds of Ryomen Manor erupted into chaos, the air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke and the sounds of battle. The double heron banner of the Ryomen clan, a symbol of pride and honor, burned amidst the turmoil, its flames a grim reminder of the devastation that had befallen the once-proud estate.

You and Sukuna stood side by side, your backs against each other as you faced wave after wave of attackers. With each strike of your enemies, your resolve only grew stronger, fueled by a fierce determination to defend your home and protect your loved ones.

As the battle raged on, the air thick with the stench of smoke and the cries of the wounded, you stood amidst the chaos, a beacon of power amidst the turmoil. With a fierce determination burning in your eyes, you reached out with your mind, tapping into the primal forces of nature at your command. 

Eyes turning purple, your gaze turns narrow.

Hunger. Anger. Bitterness. Cruelty. Hatred.

You do not know what you were right at that moment.

 But one by one, you longed for more bloody hands. 

More and more until nothing was left, until nothing was there.

With a forceful command, you summoned torrents of water from nearby sources, the liquid crashing down upon the raging inferno with a deafening roar. The flames hissed and sputtered as they were doused by the relentless onslaught, steam rising into the air as the inferno was quenched.

But your control over the water was not gentle; it was a violent deluge, tearing through the flames with a ferocity that left nothing but charred remains in its wake.

Meanwhile, gusts of wind whipped through the battlefield at your command, their force amplified to hurricane-like proportions. The wind howled and shrieked as it tore through the air, sending debris and bodies hurtling through the air like ragdolls.

Your enemies were caught off guard, their movements hampered by the violent gusts that buffeted them from all sides. Limbs were torn asunder, screams of agony drowned out by the relentless roar of the wind.

The scene was gruesome, a tableau of chaos and destruction wrought by the sheer power of your manipulation. The ground beneath your feet trembled with the force of the elements, the air thick with the taste of blood and the metallic tang of fear. But amidst the carnage, you stood resolute, a force of nature in your own right, your power unchecked and untamed.

As the battle raged on, you continued to wield the elements with ruthless efficiency, your every movement a testament to the raw power at your command.

With each torrent of water and gust of wind, you pushed back against the encroaching darkness, fighting tooth and nail to defend Ryomen Manor from its relentless onslaught.

Beside you, Sukuna became a whirlwind of destruction, his every movement a lethal dance amidst the chaos of battle. With Cleave, he unleashed devastation upon the enemy ranks, each slash a precise and calculated strike that cut through flesh and bone with merciless efficiency.

The air around him seemed to crackle with the energy of his fury, his movements fluid and deadly as he carved a path of destruction through the opposing forces.

With each swing of Cleave, Sukuna left a trail of carnage in his wake, mutilated bodies falling in his shadow as he moved with unparalleled precision and ferocity. His attacks were swift and relentless, each strike finding its mark with deadly accuracy.

It was as if he was a mad man as he clubbed one man after another — as he brutalized one after another. He drowned in blood, he drowned in vengeance. He was a beast.

As the battle raged on, hand-to-hand combat merged seamlessly with the elemental onslaught, the clash of cursed energy bursts through each and every stone.

The roar of brutality, the cannibalistic nature of survival danced in vicious harmony,  in a cacophony of chaos and destruction. Amidst the din of battle, Sukuna's presence was a constant, a beacon of strength and determination amidst the turmoil.

Together, you and Sukuna fought as one, your movements synchronized as you danced upon the battlefield. With each strike and each spell, you pushed back against the encroaching darkness, your combined efforts a force to be reckoned with amidst the chaos of war.

As the chaos of battle raged around you, your uncle Hiramu finally arrived, bloodied and broken, a grim expression etched upon his weary face. He threw his broken sword, grunting as he picked up another one from a mutilated corpse. From the way he looked, it did not seem promising. The whole world had turned into madness.

“You brats shouldn’t be here anymore!” Your uncle says with a voice hoarse with exhaustion. “Everyone else has fled! You both need to go, now!”

But you objected, your resolve unwavering even in the face of adversity. "A Ryomen stands his ground, no matter what, uncle." you insisted, your voice ringing with determination. “Hida cannot fall. Not in our hands.”

Hiramu's gaze softened, a mixture of pride and sadness in his eyes as he regarded you. "And what is there left to stand for if a Ryomen is dead?" he countered, his voice tinged with resignation. "Sometimes, little girl, survival is the only victory worth fighting for."

Turning to Sukuna with eyes full of emotion. “Be a good son for once, hm? Your old father here needs you to do as he asks.” Sukuna's expression wavered, torn between loyalty to his adoptive father and his desire to protect you. “Go. Now."

“Uncle—”

After a moment of internal struggle, Sukuna took your hand, his decision made. You looked at him, your face shattered into grief at what he intended to do. 

With a heavy heart, he looked to his adoptive father “Don’t you die yet, you old geezer. I swear, if you die—”

Hiramu snickered at Sukuna's words, a bitter smile playing upon his lips. “Have trust in your father, brat. I’ll live to see my first grandchild!" he admitted, his tone laced with grim determination. He smacks his son’s head. "But for now, escape. Go! Take her! I’ll hold them off!”

As you scream for Sukuna to put you down. Over and over as you fight against him, as your throat grows weary and pained, he will not relent. Not as the sounds of battle continued to echo behind you, a cacophony of clashing steel and crackling magic filling the air. With each step, the weight of your uncle's sacrifice hung heavy upon your heart as you screamed for him. 

You caught a glimpse of Ryomen Hiramu, standing tall amidst the chaos once more. He grins at you, waving his sword. Tears fell as easily as his enemies did. His sword was all you could see through the flames, flashing in the dim light against the belly of a Fujiwara one after another. But as one fell, another came and they surrounded your uncle soon enough. Until it was all disappearing, until he was gone from your reach. Until there was nothing.

With a heavy heart, you tore your gaze away from the battlefield, focusing instead on the path ahead. Beside you, Sukuna remained silent, his hand tight around yours as you navigated the maze-like corridors of Ryomen Manor.

You thought of your father, you wondered where he was. You wondered about Masaomi, who had gone missing as the attack went through the compound. You could not fight back the tears as they came. Not even if you wanted to. 

The air around you crackled with tension as you pressed forward, each step bringing you closer to safety and yet further from the home you had always known.

Though the way ahead was uncertain, you clung to the hope that your uncle Hiramu's sacrifice had bought you—the chance to live to fight another day. Even if you didn’t want to. Even if you didn’t think to. 

As you and Sukuna finally emerged from the chaos of battle, the cool night air washed over you like a balm, a stark contrast to the heat and violence you had left behind. With one last glance back at the manor, now engulfed in flames and shadows, you and Sukuna turned away, leaving behind the echoes of a life once lived as you set out on a new path, together.

It was then from the bitter dusk did the first drops of rain begin to fall. From afar, it had cast a somber veil over the charred remnants of Ryomen Manor. The cool droplets mingled with the tears that streamed down your cheeks, their gentle patter against the scorched earth a mournful lament for all that had been lost.

Sukuna knelt beside you, his expression one of uncertainty and helplessness as he watched you wrap your weary arms around your shaking legs. He didn't know what to say, nor did he know how to dry your tears. All he could do was offer his silent presence, a steady anchor amidst the storm of emotions that threatened to engulf you both.

The rain continued to pour, harsher and harsher — a relentless downpour that mirrored the torrent of grief and sorrow that threatened to consume you. With each passing moment, Sukuna felt the weight of your pain pressing down upon him, a burden he couldn't bear but refused to abandon.

In that eve of the year 953, in Hida Province,

The proud Ryomen Clan of old, ancient blood;

Had all but fallen to the hands of Fujiwara's cruelty.

Of the Ryomen’s main bloodline remained two.

Husband and wife, Ryomen Hiromi and Sukuna.

facts about this chapter

this was entirely a chapter i saw from the beginning happening. the destruction of the ryomen is something i believe is the reason sukuna is the only ryomen we know.

this chapter took me the longest to write than any other of the series thus far. this was also the most emotionally taxing to write. so i had to come back and write some fluff and then drink matcha to calm down.

hiromi and sukuna's marriage was a last minute addition after my beta reading friend suggested that the idea of their marriage have consequence. but since it was never announce, only the ryomen know.

the fujiwara planned that they were going to destroy the ryomen the moment sukuna defeated koku. they think that koku being humiliated was the whole clan being humiliated. moreover, there's bitterness with the 'lowly' marriage of fujiwara akiko. this was a correction to the fujiwara.

masaomi is just the same age as koku, akimu and suzaku. masaomi was akimu's childhood playmate. and by extention, hiromi's own playmate. upon the death of akimu, hiromi became the focus his loyalty. hiromi considers him a friend.

heian culture doesn't really have a strict conduct of marriage, except in the in the nature of the noble's blood. if the marriage was ever announced, people would view hiromi to have married down even if sukuna took the ryomen name. because hiromi has noble blood and sukuna does not.

isamu and hiramu already knew that hiromi and sukuna would end up getting together because they knew too well that they were too in love to let go of each other. they already had contingency plans, if that happened. they knew that the kids being happy mattered more.

akiko is obsessed with power. and it was her end. i always wondered what i could do with her and her wanting. but its quite easy to see too that she's a victim of her family's own culture. if she had broken free from that, she would have ended up not dying.

hiromi's power introduced here is called 'heaven's bounty' which allows hiromi control of the surrounding and nature itself for a limited amount of time. she combines this with hand to hand because she doesn't know how long her cursed energy could last.

hiramu doesn't have that strong of a cursed energy, but he makes up for it with his strength. which has been noted since 'the night we met' when they first met sukuna.

fujiwara ankoku in a way is inspired by zenin naobito but worse. he'd commit to the destruction of his own family. blood and innocents to have satisfaction and revenge. i think he'd get even worse with time passing by.

with ryomen manor burned to the ground, the whole of hida is under occupation by the fujiwara. hiromi and sukuna are wanted alive by the fujiwara, the rest of the ryomen and their retainers have bounty in their heads, but to death

the ryomen family tree looks like this

lord ryomen - his wife

|

isamu hiramu

m. | (adoptive)

akiko sukuna

|

akimu hiromi

the fujiwara family goes like this

fujiwara ankoku - his wife

|

lord fujiwara akiko

| |

koku akimu hiromi (married) sukuna

[warabidakihime]

VIGILANTE SHIT

Characters: Dabi x Y/N

Plot Summary: The past will never disappear, and you will reap what you sow whether you like it or not.

Content Warning: Implied violence, smut, profanities, and psychological stuff that can be triggering for some of you. Minors DNI.

Fic Playlist: vengeance, vigilante shit, animal farm, anti-hero, akuma no ko.

•·················•·················•

Shiny, sparkling stars and other celestial bodies that were invisible to the naked eye covered the dark sky. Normally, you'd be overjoyed, marveling at the breathtaking view, but tonight, you were catching your breath, still reeling from sobbing in your room a few moments ago.

Your boyfriend, Dabi, had picked you up, and now you were riding shotgun as he sped down the highway, driving you as far away from that godforsaken household as he could.

You were still hiccupping in your seat, and each time Dabi heard you choke out a cry, his grip on the steering wheel tightened. It took everything in him not to turn around and burn your family to a crisp.

He wasn't one to let his emotions get the best of him, but with the time he'd spent with you and how much your bond had grown in the past year, he'd learned he was more sensitive than he thought.

It was Christmas Eve, and much to your dismay, your entire family had gathered for a reunion. You didn't mind at first and saw it as a chance to patch things up with your parents and older brother.

Part of you no longer believed reconciliation was possible, but you still wanted to try, at least one last time. Dabi had already told you it was pointless and that it would take a miracle for them to realize their mistakes and apologize for repeatedly hurting you.

Most people would be hurt by such discouraging words, but you knew there was truth in what he said. You were just too stubborn to admit it and too hopeful to accept that a broken glass could no longer be fixed.

Dabi glanced over at you and, for a moment, saw a younger version of himself. An abrupt chuckle slipped through his lips. Since the car was quiet, you heard him and turned to look. When he saw your tear-stained cheeks, red nose, and puffy, chapped lips, his eyes softened.

"What's so funny?" you asked.

His smirk returned, and he turned his attention back to the road, his grip on the steering wheel finally loosening.

"Nothing. I just find it funny that two people with similar upbringings crossed paths and ended up together. I think it's what you sappy, lovesick girls call fate."

You, like Dabi, came from a prominent family of heroes and public officers. Your parents worked for the government, and your siblings were heroes with impressive resumes. You didn't stray far from the tree, with a gleaming track record of your own.

As shiny and admirable as they seemed in the public eye, they were far from admirable behind closed doors. Your father, a member of the government cabinet, was the sleaziest man you'd ever known—a misogynistic piece of work who craved power and wealth. Meanwhile, your mother, the secretary of the Department of Health, was known as a "philanthropist," but in reality, she was a conniving woman who used crocodile tears to get what she wanted.

Both of them planned to run for the highest position in the upcoming elections.

As for your siblings, one of your brothers inherited your parents' wicked traits, while the other two were too indoctrinated to go against them, leaving you as the family's lone wolf.

As their child, it was your "responsibility" to live up to their name, which has put immense pressure on you since childhood. Your father, in particular, expected you to be the greatest and stated he would not settle for second place, leading to your present predicament.

Because you weren't the first, your parents didn't care if you graduated with honors and had a stellar hero record from your work studies.

Honestly, you were at your breaking point.

"I don't have time for your teasing, Dabi," you huffed.

"Well, I'm still going to annoy the hell out of you anyway," he snickered.

"I should've listened to you." You looked up at the sky with eyes full of resentment and despair, as if each star would burst the longer you stared at it.

Honestly, who could blame you?

"Damn right, but you're one naughty girl, so here you are, brokenhearted once again."

You glared at him. "Do you really have to rub it in? Aren't you supposed to comfort your girlfriend?"

"Villains don't have hearts, remember? Your narcissistic mother told you that, right?"

"You're kind of proving her point right now, though," you pouted, to which your boyfriend mimicked your pout.

He was such a jerk, but he was your jerk.

"I don't care what she thinks of me, but I can dispel her claim in one sentence."

You raised an eyebrow, curious about what he was going to say to counter your mother's claim.

"You feel safer with me, a villain, than with your entire family, with whom you supposedly should feel the safest and most secure."

When he put it that way...

"Our first meeting wasn't exactly safe, though. You almost killed me," you deadpanned, recalling your first encounter with Dabi.

*

You were on work study, patrolling the streets of Kyoto, when you came upon him in a dark alleyway. You hadn't intended to engage him, but he was quick to notice you, and one thing led to another, and you found yourself cornered by him.

"Oya? If it isn't a UA mouse playing superhero," he said in a condescending tone, "didn't your teacher teach you not to turn your back on your enemy? Now look at you. The big bad villain caught you."

Those were his first words to you.

Normally, you'd have something clever to counter his mockery, but everything happened so fast that your head went mushy. It doesn't help that his blue eyes have effectively charmed you. You can't help but stare in awe at him.

And in all honesty, you didn't know what to do at that time, as you're far too weak compared to him. Not to imply you're incompetent; in fact, you're one of the top three in your school, and you're likely to hold your spot until graduation, once UA honors their new crop of top heroes-to-be. You assume that Hado, your underclassman, will be included, given her practically boundless potential.

The villain in front of you is simply too strong and dangerous for you to face alone.

Dabi cocked his head sideways and continued to peer at you, also captivated by how attractive you are for some reason. He noted in his mind that your height complemented his, and the length of your hair was to his liking too.

"Where's your sidekick? Patrolling these dangerous alleyways by yourself is very brave—almost audacious of you, don't you think?"

"You're not deserving of any responses from me; if you're going to kill me, just get on with it," you scowled at him.

"Be careful what you wish for; unlike you heroes, we don't halt time and get the job done quickly," he said, clutching your neck.

You instinctively grasped his hand in an attempt to loosen his grip on you, but your strength was outmatched by his. Your heart started to beat faster as fear continued to seep through your skin, even more so when you felt heat burn your skin.

It's most likely that he has a flame-wielding quirk.

"P-Please—"

"Hm? What's that, Hero-chan?" Dabi said, raising an eyebrow.

"Please let me go," you choked out as you squirmed under his grip.

"What if I don't want to? What will you do about it?"

I don't have time for this...

You groaned internally, but you should have known better than to allow your inner monologue to run wild in your head since you knew it would show on your face.

Dabi grinned as he finally let go of you and grabbed you by the chin instead. His thumb caressed your bottom lip, which sent electricity down your spine and made your heart skip a beat.

Of course, the villain took notice of this.

"Now, don't be so impatient; I'm just trying to get to know you, though I do enjoy the way you look at me."

"Well, I don't," you snarled angrily at him, shaking your head in the hopes of breaking free from his clutches, and this time, Dabi let you go and merely chuckled darkly in response to your sassy comeback.

He still had one arm around you, though, and to be honest, the anxiety you're feeling is more than enough to keep you there.

"Say, are you single?"

You glared at him coldly as you contemplated whether to entertain his question or finally take action to escape from the predicament you were in.

You could escape by manipulating his blood, immobilizing him, and then freezing his limbs to the ground for good measure. Your quirk, liquid and air manipulation, is a hybrid of your parents’ respective quirks. You inherited liquid manipulation from your mother and air manipulation from your father.

The combination of the two has made you undeniably strong and highly flexible. Liquid manipulation allows you to control any liquid. From large pools of liquid to various sorts of chemicals to even human blood, which is extremely useful in battle. Air manipulation is pretty much self-explanatory; while it has the ability to replenish life, it also has the ability to kill. You can suffocate someone by manipulating the air in their body and killing them.

You have a strong command over your quirk, thanks to your UA mentors, and you can wield it at will. Before, you could only control one element at a time; now, you can control both at the same time without breaking a sweat.

You gazed at the villain, your eyes darting between his azure orbs and his hand, ready to make your move. You're not sure why, but you didn't end up following through with it. If anything, you took a deep breath and glared at the villain in front of you.

"You think you can woo me just because you're attractive?" you spat, clearly displeased with how he was playing with you.

"A little harsh, but I appreciate the compliment."

"You haven't answered my question yet, Hero-chan."

"And why do you think I'll answer that?"

"Because I'll let you go if you do."

This man must be a master at lying because you know he would never, ever let you go, even if you answered all of his questions.

"Fine," you sighed heavily. "No, I don't have a boyfriend, and I don't intend on getting one. Are you happy now?"

Dabi usually has great control over his emotions. But when he found out you were single, he couldn't help but grin and feel good. In his mind, it's his lucky day because he found a shiny new toy to play with.

And maybe, just maybe, a small part of him is genuinely interested in you. He may be a ruthless villain, but at the end of the day, he's also human, and people can't help who they potentially fall for.

"So what type of guys do you like?" Dabi asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

You stared at him with a deadpan expression. "Certainly not you."

Dabi merely shrugged and continued to taunt you. "You don't know that. I know a trick or two to change your mind," he said, winking.

Your cheeks instantly turned scarlet, and you bit your bottom lip so hard that blood slowly began to seep from the ripped-up flesh.

"Oh, how cute. You have a beauty mark here." You instantly froze when he brushed his calloused fingers along the juncture of your neck, which happens to be one of your sweet spots.

Before you could stop yourself, a soft whimper escaped your lips.

Dabi smirked as he lingered his finger over your smooth skin, tracing your collarbone and hanging his fingertips dangerously close to your cleavage.

"S-Stop."

Dabi came to a halt almost immediately, flinching ever so slightly. His eyes trailed from your chest up to your eyes as foreign emotions he'd buried long ago started to resurface, swirling around in his turquoise eyes. You noticed this.

Dabi grabbed your chin, his thumb stroking your bottom lip as he slowly came to his senses. The cheeky smirk reappeared on his lips, he leaned down, and you reflexively closed your eyes, bracing yourself for the worst.

Instead of being enveloped in flames, you felt his hot breath fan your ear, causing your insides to churn. When you opened your eyes, you noticed he had taken a step closer to you, his body practically pressing against yours.

"Getting myself a cute lamb wasn't on my to-do list, but here we are," he murmured in your ear.

"These days, I go by the name Dabi, so feel free to address me as such."

He drew away after his so-called introduction, finally deciding to let you go, and fled the scene.

Ever since your first encounter, you avoided patrolling in that same area, as you were terrified of crossing paths with him again. You made excuses to your agency and school, which eventually heeded your request. But even after changing your assigned route, Dabi managed to find you again, and your second meeting was rather more enchanting compared to the first time you two met in that dark alleyway.

You were in the midst of preventing another villain from carrying out their atrocity when, to your surprise, Dabi assisted you in apprehending the cretin. You were tackling him on the road to keep him from fleeing when Dabi emerged and strangled the villain until he passed out.

"Why?" you blurted out, disbelief written all over your face.

Dabi flashed you a boyish smile as he approached you.

"You two were having so much fun wrestling each other that I couldn't contain my jealousy, so I did something about it. You're welcome, by the way."

True to your nature, disgust was immediately painted on your face, but Dabi simply shrugged and walked closer to you, his approach a bit cautious to ensure his safety and not scare you away.

"Good to see you again, Hero-chan."

"Stop calling me that," you hissed.

"Once you give me your name, I will."

"Over my dead body."

"Well, aren't you a feisty one?" he said, chuckling. "Then again, they say short people have a short fuse to match, eh?"

That caught you off guard and rendered you speechless, much to the villain's delight.

"What are you doing here?" you asked.

Dabi grinned before answering your question, "I spotted a damsel in distress, so I came to her rescue."

"If you're referring to me, I am far from a damsel in distress; I can bear my own weight," you grumbled.

"Regardless, I saved your ass; where is my thank you?"

"Now look who's playing hero; I didn't need your help," you scoffed.

"Interesting, because the image of a true hero that I have in mind is someone who leaps into action without hesitation, someone who is altruistic to a fault."

"Well, since you're hanging the fact that you helped me over my head, you don't fit the qualifications; do you want me to award you a medal? An applause?"

Dabi smirked at you but lacked the usual intimidation. Instead of looking like the menacing villain, he looked like a mischievous boy you meet in school. He pretended to cough and turned around to cover the redness on his cheeks.

Dabi felt ecstatic that you were responding to him in full sentences now, but there was also a part of him that was annoyed because of how strongly he reacted to you.

"What do you want from me?" you asked, loud and clear.

"What do you mean?"

"You certainly didn't find me by chance, so tell me what you want."

"Hmm... a lot, actually, but for now, I'll ask for three things so I don't overwhelm you."

You couldn't help but chuckle at what he said, and Dabi took note of your melodious laughter. Seeing you give somewhat positive responses increased his confidence significantly.

"And what are they?"

"First and foremost," Dabi grinned, "I'd like to know your name."

After a short moment of contemplation, you sighed and scowled at him as you gave him your name, "F/N. I'm not telling you my last name."

"That's fine with me; now, for the second thing, give me your phone number."

"What the hell? Do you actually think I'd give a villain my contact information?"

"Yes."

This guy—I want to punch him so bad!

You shouldn't give him any further personal information, but for some reason, his aura seemed tamer—and, dare you say, safer—than the first time you two met. Your gut was telling you that you could trust Dabi.

"Do you have your phone ready? I'll recite my number once, and that'll be it; I don't care if you catch all of it or not."

Without a word, Dabi showed you his phone, indicating he was ready, so you quickly gave him your contact details.

"What's the last thing you want? Make it quick; I need to surrender this villain to the authorities before he regains consciousness."

"I can dispose of him for you if you want," Dabi suggested, and your reaction almost made him double over laughing because you looked so horrified.

In hindsight, your reaction made it crystal clear to him that you two are polar opposites.

"I guess you can knock him out again when he wakes up."

"Oh, so now you want my help?"

You had a very faint smile when you replied, "Just this once."

"Just this once, huh?"

"Yep, just this once."

After a period of silence, you turned to face him. "So, what's the last thing you want from me?"

Dabi stepped closer to you until he was just a few inches away, and the same anxiousness that you felt when you first met him in the dark alley crept back into your skin. You instinctively took a step back and gradually established a stance in case he ultimately dropped the friendly act and attacked you.

He gradually lifted his hand, making you even more apprehensive.

"The last thing I want from you is for you to be my friend," Dabi said as he offered his hand for a handshake, and the gesture gave you the strongest whiplash known to man.

"What?"

"You heard what I said."

"But... why? "

"Do you need a reason to befriend someone?"

"I don't mean to offend, but if a wanted criminal wants to befriend me, I have every right to be skeptical," you said, your face soulless.

Dabi shook his head in amusement and grinned. "Touche. Well, what if we first became acquainted? Would that suffice?"

You looked at him as if he'd sprouted two more heads, and he just stood there with a mischievous smile on his face, waiting for your response.

"A hero and a villain as friends? Is that even possible?" you wondered out loud.

"Why don't we try it out and see?" Dabi shrugged.

You're not going to admit it out loud, but you're intrigued as well.

"Fine, but I have several conditions," you told him.

"Shoot."

"First, this “friendship” will be on trial for three months, with you only permitted to contact me three times each month; second, for three months, don't commit any crimes; if I see or hear you doing something, consider our 'friendship' over. And third..." You paused and looked away, your cheeks heating up due to sheer shyness.

Dabi raised an eyebrow, which was soon followed by a cheeky smile, "And?"

"Don't call me unannounced. Give me a heads up, so I can p-prepare myself."

"Pinky promise," he said while holding his pinky, ushering you to do the same, which you did.

You gave him a curt nod and said, "I better get going. I need to escort this guy to the police station."

As you were about to retrieve your pinky, Dabi grabbed your entire hand and gave it a firm shake.

"I guess we will be seeing each other more often, huh, F/N?"

Now, why did your name have to roll out so smoothly from his lips? It sounded so natural that it made your heart jump and flutter.

"Don't push your luck," you grumbled as you returned his handshake.

*

And Dabi certainly made your time together worthwhile throughout those three months.

To your surprise, he followed all of your conditions so religiously that he almost seemed like a saint to you, and you found yourself growing fonder of him as you spent more time with him.

The majority of your meetings consisted of him annoying the hell out of you, but as you spent more time together, the two of you gradually blurred the lines, entirely ignoring your respective positions in society, with you as a full-fledged hero and him as a high-profile villain.

You had every intention of not developing feelings for him; at one point, you even tried to push him away and break whatever connection you two had at the time because it was inappropriate and dangerous for the two of you to have any kind of relationship. But not even a week later, you caved in and welcomed him back into your life.

And Dabi was more than happy to stay.

Meanwhile, Dabi grossly miscalculated his sweet little infatuation for you. He was convinced that he would eventually get tired of you and abandon you, but jokes on him because the more you hung out with him, the deeper and harder he fell for you.

His once innocent and cute crush grew into something more passionate, and honestly, for someone like him who was emotionally stunted at such a young age, his feelings for you worried him. Even more so when he realized he was still the same person he had been before Todoroki Enji messed up his life.

When he's with you, he's not Dabi. He's Todoroki Touya.

You were taken aback when you learned about his family background and upbringing. Your worlds were not as far apart as you initially assumed. Your parents and Endeavor know each other due to their line of work. Although you get along well with the other Todoroki siblings, you're not a big fan of their father since he reminds you of your own useless father.

The unexpected connection between your family and the Todoroki family added a layer of complexity to your interactions with Dabi. It was both a comfort and a source of tension, knowing that your lives were intertwined in ways you hadn't anticipated.

Dabi, or rather, Touya, began to open up to you about his past, sharing memories and experiences that shaped him into the person he is today. The more you learned about him, the more you understood the depth of his pain and the reasons behind his actions.

In return, you found yourself sharing parts of your life with him—things you hadn't told anyone else. There was a strange sense of trust that developed between you two, a mutual understanding that transcended your roles as hero and villain.

*

"Ohhh—"

You moaned loudly and tossed your head back, huge waves of ecstasy washing over you as Dabi fucked you with his fingers in the backseat of the car. Even more so when he kissed the beauty mark you have on your neck.

The two of you decided to park someplace else and just enjoy each other's company after driving aimlessly around the city, especially after a long, hard day.

One thing led to another, and now you have Dabi taking the role of the big spoon to a whole new level by having you lay your head on his free arm while the other does magic in your cunt; making you sing the songs of the angels in heaven.

Icy blue eyes were glued to you, observing every movement you made and every note you uttered while he made you feel good and helped you forget about every bad thing in the world. It's ironic and, in a way, poetic that a big, bad villain is the one that's been saving you right at this very moment.

Dabi could easily lower his head down to your breasts and snag your perky nipple between his lips with one of your arms firmly wrapped over his shoulder. His hot tongue grazed the sensitive nub, triggering your first orgasm of the night.

And with your arm wrapped around him, it was easy to take a hold of his hair, and as you yanked at it, your boyfriend let out a seductive groan as he continued to lavish undivided attention on your boobs.

"Dabi—"

Dabi hummed in return, still devouring your boobs and painting circles on your clit with his finger.

"I need you, Dabi, please—"

Dabi removed himself from your nipple without a word, but not before giving it one more nibble, to which you responded with a sultry moan, much to his satisfaction. 

He then gestured for you to scoot over so he could position himself between your legs. He also offered you the random throw pillow that was lying around in the car to make you feel more comfortable.

Once he was comfortably positioned between your legs, his cock had already been liberated from the constriction of his pants, and he was stroking it with one hand, causing pre-cum to ooze from the tip.

Watching him from your point of view was deadly. Dabi looked so enticing and sexy that you instinctively reached out to your cunt and touched yourself to relieve some of the pent-up frustration you were feeling.

"Fuck, y/n. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck."

Dabi became engrossed in his own fantasy as a result of your little show.

Thousands of lewd images of you flashed through his mind, and the dirtier they got, the quicker his hand pumped his dick, nearly coming undone right then and there.

Dabi, not wanting to waste any more time, purposefully burned himself awake and finally positioned his cock directly in front of your entrance. And as soon as the tip touched your warm walls, a shudder ran down his spine, and a drawn-out moan escaped his lips as he bottomed up.

"Still so fucking tight for me, I see." Dabi grunted as he began to thrust after letting you get used to him.

As much as you wanted to respond to him, you couldn't find it in you to form any words or at least display any semblance of attentiveness to him because of how good he was making you feel.

Dabi then scooped you up and reclined back against the backrest without skipping a beat.

And as if you two have telepathy, you got to work and rode him.

From the outside, the car was visibly shaking, and the windows were covered in fog. It won't take long until someone notices, but at this point you don't care whether you get caught doing the deed in public.

As you rode him, your boyfriend watched you intently while fixing your hair, which he adores so much.

"Look at you." He said as he caressed your sides, leaving goosebumps on your skin, "Such a good girl, taking me in so well and making me feel so good."

A faint and genuine smile formed on your face in the midst of it all.

You looked at Dabi with such tenderness and love in your eyes, and he answered with an equally soft look.

Your story went from the two of you being natural enemies in the prologue to becoming inseparable and each other's rock in the succeeding chapters. But, like all novels, yours will come to an end. As powerful and passionate as your love for one another is, you two are well aware of the fate that awaits you.

At the end of the day, you're a hero, and he's a villain.

You slowed down for a moment and cupped his cheeks. He winced noticeably when your delicate hands touched his scarred face. His uneasiness was on the rise, but you were quicker to eliminate any doubt and self-loathing in his mind and soul by planting a passionate kiss on his lips.

Instinctively, Dabi closed his eyes and responded to the kiss. He embraced your tiny frame and pulled you closer to him while you started to pick up the pace once again, sending both of you to nirvana.

*

After the two of you finished fucking each other like rabbits, silence descended in the car.

Dabi was lazily fiddling with your hair as you were all nestled up against him. And the longer the stillness lasted, the further and deeper your mind traveled.

Today has been an extremely long day, and the prospect of going through much more in the coming days has almost made you fear for your life.

Dabi was right.

When you're around him, you feel safer and more at ease.

So why not simply abandon everything and be with him forever?

Your life would be so much better and happier.

As a youngster, you once wished to be a hero like All Might; that's why you still did your best despite everything, but your family has poisoned your views on the whole hero society.

The hero system, as Stain stated, is a farce.

"I am done playing hero."

Dabi's hands came to a halt as he heard what you just said.

"What?" he said, looking at you.

You turned to him, and with just one glance at you, no amount of persuasion could sway you.

You've already made up your mind, and while Dabi appreciates that you've chosen him over everyone else and that you're finally standing up for yourself, a little part of him is still a bit apprehensive.

Of course, he believes in you and your capacity to fend for yourself, but this is still a very big step for you. You will be leaving a lot of things behind.

To him, you are one of the few people who actually deserve to be recognized and celebrated as a hero.

Is this what you really want for yourself?

"This isn't something I decided on a whim; I've been thinking about it for a while, and this is the conclusion I came up with," you explained, then completely turned around to stare right into your boyfriend's eyes.

"Take me with you, Dabi," you told him as you cupped his face, "and rescue me from the real villains."

Dabi turned away from you and glanced out the misty window, evidently pondering.

"I swear I won't hold you back; in fact, my quirk complements yours, so I'd be of great help to you. I can amplify your flames with my air quirk, and I can also cure your injuries with my water quirk; it has healing properties and can serve as your safety net in battle—"

"You don't have to do all of those things for me to let you tag along with me, Y/N; unlike your family, I don't see you as a tool and won’t treat you as such; I was just trying to process everything; my mind's still foggy as fuck after you literally sucked the life out of me," Dabi snickered.

"As if you hadn't sucked mine," you counter, and despite the matter at hand, the two of you shared a good laugh.

"You requested, and I merely complied," Dabi shrugged. "You're welcome."

"So, are you going to adopt me or what?" you joked.

Dabi searched around the car, and when his face lit up when he found what he was searching for, you raised an eyebrow at him but kept silent.

"Woof for me, then," he said as he grabbed up his belt and put it lazily around your neck.

"Haha, very funny, Dabi," you said as you slapped his hand away.

Your boyfriend sat up straight, reached for his shirt, and handed it to you while he settled into his leather jacket.

He got back in the driver's seat and started the engine after cleaning himself up.

"Let's go back to your place."

"Huh?! Why?" you exclaimed.

"We need to get your clothes and other important things you need, dummy, because if you're going to come along with me, you'll be kissing your freedom goodbye; especially with a well-known background like yours, you'll have little to no freedom to roam around, so we'll salvage what we can until I can get you new ones."

The terror you felt when he mentioned your household has vanished after hearing his reasoning, "Oh, right, I'm sorry."

"Wanna say good-bye to your folks? I know a fun way to do it," Dabi said as he started driving to your house.

You shifted your gaze to the stars in the vast sky, and while you pondered in silence, your eyes began to glitter with feelings that Dabi was all too familiar with.

You looked exactly like him when he abandoned his family.

When Dabi fetched you earlier tonight, you were staring at the sky with melancholy eyes, but now you’re looking at it with eyes filled with newfound hope, although resentment still lingered and grew stronger to the point that you can feel your blood boil with rage.

You remained silent in your seat, but Dabi knows exactly what is running through your head right now. He also knows how you feel right now since he felt the same way when he left his family and old life behind.

The gleam in your eyes was all too familiar to him, and he vowed right then and there that he'd help you get revenge on your wretched family.

"Y/N,"

"Hmm?"

The big bad villain who turned out to be your salvation grabbed your hand, drew it towards him, and then kissed every knuckle, stinging your eyes with tears with each kiss.

"We're going to make them pay."

And that's all it took to solidify your resolve.

An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

You sealed your pact by intertwining your pinky fingers.

"First dibs on my parents' heads."

[ridiasfangirlings]

I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you have any cute headcanons for 15yo saru X 19yo misaki interactions? or 19saruX15misa? they're my fave 👉👈

I assume we’re just talking situation where the younger version is sent to the future/older character sent to the past rather than just AU with age gap? Imagine gloomy 15 year old Fushimi following 19 year old Yata around and being vaguely suspicious of everything because he doesn’t understand why Yata keeps badly lying every time Fushimi asks if he’s part of Homra too. I feel like any scenario pre-reconciliation where Yata meets past Fushimi he would be kinda protective and wanting Fushimi to stay by his side, maybe trying to find any hints as to why Fushimi left but since Yata sucks a at subtlety Fushimi ends up on high alert instead. It would be particularly interesting if this is 15 year old Fushimi from before they joined Homra, so he doesn’t really know anything about Mikoto or the others and Yata’s just kinda trying to downplay it because maybe he’s worried if Fushimi knows more he might leave again. Instead Yata takes Fushimi back to his place and tries to be cheerful and spend time with him, and even this Fushimi still beats him at video games. Yata makes him some hot pot with pineapple and sighs about how Fushimi needs to eat his vegetables, Fushimi clicks his tongue and complains and for Yata this is so nostalgic but also kinda sad because he missed just sitting around a table with Fushimi. 

On the opposite end, imagine wide-eyed 15 year old Misaki following Fushimi around S4 thinking that everything is so cool and Saruhiko is so cool and Fushimi is trying very hard not to want this. Yata doesn’t know anything about Homra or betrayal or anything like that, he’s still this excited kid who only looks at Fushimi with shining eyes and even though Fushimi knows this is fleeting he’s really just drinking it up like someone who found an oasis in the desert. I think he would try to keep this Yata from meeting Mikoto and he’s probably even hesitant to let Yata meet Munakata because who knows how Yata is with Kings (also Munakata keeps giving Fushimi these knowing smiles every time Yata calls Fushimi cool and it’s irritating). Yata’s all excited to hang out in Fushimi’s dorm and talk and this is probably the most interaction Fushimi’s had with another human since he left Homra. I imagine he’s initially trying to be aloof because he knows how quickly Yata’s affection can change and Yata’s just going to leave eventually so there’s no reason to get attached, but at the same time he is just so weak to this Yata, who smiles at him without any anger and calls him amazing.

[pancakehauses]

Hello :) I hope you don’t mind me coming into your ask box when we haven’t been mutuals that long. I just wanted to say hi, talk a bit about Lizzy Parker’s performance which I got to see on Friday, and commiserate on the Next to Normal Broadway fan castings if that’s alright with you. 

I have now seen both Lizzy and Eleanor perform and while I loved them both for different reasons Eleanor is The Natalie™ for me. They both have incredible voices and Lizzy’s has a depth to it which I really love.

(I’m not quite sure the best way to format the differences between their performances so I’m just gonna go with a list explaining their dynamics with the different characters. Also for the sake of ease I’ll refer to Eleanor’s Natalie as E!Natalie and Lizzy’s as L!Natalie.)

Relationship with Henry

I think L!Natalie starts off much more in love with Henry than E!Natalie. She’s a young girl trying to joyfully experience her first love whereas E!Natalie almost seems to develop a crush on him against her will, a little warier of love given her parents’ relationship. When they are fighting during ‘Why Stay/A Promise’ E!Natalie feels as though she wants him to leave to protect herself from yet another relationship wherein she can’t be enough whereas L!Natalie wants him to leave to protect him from her father’s fate. 

Relationship with Dan

E!Natalie’s yell of ‘She trusts you!’ when she realises Dan is going to sign on for Diana to do ECT still rings in my head now. She feels more personally betrayed by his decision which fuels her anger whereas L!Natalie feels more scared. E!Natalie has coped very similarly to Dan by deeply repressing her needs and emotions. L!Natalie’s emotions seem to sit a lot closer to the surface and so her sadness and anger and love reveals themselves more easily, whereas E!Natalie is far more exhausted and has pushed her feelings down for so long that when she does express them they are at full force. E!Natalie’s ‘Light’ was a demonstration of strength and an imitation of what she has seen her father do growing up. For L!Natalie it seemed to come from a place of youthful hope, a surety in herself she has developed from Henry’s reassurances and her reconciliation with her mother.  

Relationship with Gabe

Obviously they don’t interact much, but while I thought I’d find Jack W and Lizzy more convincing siblings because they’re both brunettes, Eleanor and Jack look more siblings like to me. They both have quite fine features and Lizzy looks a bit older than Jack which breaks the immersion of her being the younger sister a bit imo. L!Natalie’s reaction to when Gabe touches her hand is quite obvious, and E!Natalie’s is more subtle. 

Relationship with Diana

Now for the big one. E!Natalie comes across as more resentful towards Diana, with the understanding they share during ‘Maybe’ feeling like an elastic band that’s finally snapped. L!Natalie seems more upset and confused by her. Their ‘Maybe’ is more like two people truly seeing one another for the first time, and realising they have more in common than they thought. When L!Natalie is arguing about going ‘crazy’ with Henry, it’s this sudden realisation she’s having that she could turn out just like Diana, whereas E!Natalie is finally expressing this longtime, deeply held fear she’s had. E!Natalie’s humour is also much dryer and similar to Diana’s, whereas L!Natalie’s has more of a lightheartness to it. 

Ultimately they are both very talented actors and I’d love to see them in more stuff. 

As for the Broadway N2N fan castings I’m glad someone else is as annoyed (for lack of a better word) as I am. I’m not sure what rumours you’ve seen (I’m literally checking TikTok, the theatreboard and Broadway World forums, and even Reddit regularly to get any hints at what might be going on). They all seem to be confident in a transfer but mostly arguing about whether it will be 2025 or 2026. Personally I hope it’s 2025 cause I’m not sure if I can wait until 2026. Caissie obviously transfers and Jack Wolfe seems plausible? Obviously he’s won a bunch of awards for it so that would seem like the move but what do I know? I saw people saying that Jamie Parker isn’t doing Benjamin Button because he’s doing the transfer and while I’d love that to be true I’m not sure how much I believe it. I haven’t seen any mumblings about Eleanor at all which terrifies me cause I need the family to stay together and them all to get a shot at the Tonys after they were robbed at the Oliviers. 

Along with the Lizzy McAlpine fan casting the Aaron Tveit as Dan casting also really bothers me. I don’t think he’s right for the role at all and after seeing the wonderful stage chemistry that Jamie and Caissie have developed, I just can’t imagine her alongside another actor. 

My kind of unrelated thought is that I need to see Eleanor and Jack W play siblings that actually actively interact in something else at some point (preferably a TV show or film so I can watch it forever). I so think they’d pull off a regency era/royalty story, but alternatively I would love to see them in a horror film. 

Anyway, I hope you’re having a great day! (And apologies for how long this is!)

Oh my god this was the best surprise to find in my ask box. Truly, I am always happy to talk about this show (though you are able to articulate character choices waaay better than I can). So thank you so much for this.

As someone who has seen the show six times but never caught Lizzy, I am so grateful for this breakdown. And I feel like you articulated Eleanor's portrayal so perfectly which makes the portrayal differences so clear to me, even without me ever seeing Lizzy. Honestly, think I need to do a Lizzy audio listen-through with this in front of me. Will give me such a good sense of what she's doing.

Also, I was so curious about Lizzy potentially feeling older than him on stage, just cause I could see that happening. So I'm glad you mentioned that.

Regarding the transfer, we are the same. I am also checking theatreboard and BWW forums basically daily for any updates. Based on rumors and Jack saying in multiple interviews that he's "clinging on to the ankles of N2N as long as can" (or something along those lines), it does feel quite likely he'll do a transfer. (Though my paranoia can't help but be like, you know he could be 30 by the time a transfer happens. Playing an 18 year old. Which feels weird even though he has the face to pull it off lol). Yeah, very few rumors on Eleanor and I feel like the Jamie was stuff was just speculation based on the BB casting and not based on anything credible. But I don't know, I still hold out hope that they would take the whole family as a unit.

And lol at you seeing the same fancasting tweet I did. I really don't think Tveit could pull of the Dan this production needs and it feels almost insulting to Jamie to suggest it? Even though I know the people that say Tveit probably have never watched any of N2N UK. So I try to remind myself that.

[silverdune]

..humbug | epilogue.

"..it's led me here. to you. to talk about everything. about.. us."

minors dni. ageless blogs dni. blank blogs dni. you'll be blocked.

<- previous | ..humbug masterlist

character(s): you as (not such a) scrooge, jeon wonwoo (ft. choi seungcheol, yoon jeonghan, joshua hong)

tags: communication/reconciliation, exes to lovers, second chance, light fluff, light angst, crying, banter, explicit language, mild fear, reader thinks that what happened was a dream for a time, electric shock mention

word count: 2.8k

summary: you wake up on christmas day, believing everything that happened was a dream. you try and go about your morning as usual, but notice something strange about the place.. perhaps it wasn't a dream.. perhaps there is somewhere you need to be..

a/n: tysm for reading this short series! in truth i planned to have this all written over the weekend but between holiday plans and general life stuff it's taken a bit longer; anyways, i hope you enjoy the epilogue :)

Christmas day.

Your eyes snap open. You’re lying in bed, on your left side.

There’s a dull ache in the side of your head and it takes you a while to sit up. You resign yourself to lying there for a few more minutes; it’s Christmas day after all, you have nowhere you need to go, certainly no shift to worry about, and your parents will be here at 2pm, so you’ve got a bit more time to spare.

Something in the back of your mind refutes your first statement, but you ignore it. For now. 

Through your bleary vision, you can see the digital clock on your bedside table: 08:12.

A huff escapes you. You’re so used to waking up early for work, it’s no wonder you’re up before 9am on Christmas day of all days.

You decide to make yourself extra comfortable in bed and get a few more winks in, until an hour later, when you finally decide to push yourself and sit up.

You ponder on when you reckon your parents will be awake in order to answer your call. You suspect they won’t be so for another hour, so it gives you some time to freshen up and get yourself ready for the day.

Pushing back your duvet, you clamber out of bed and put your slippers on.

You rub some sleep out of your eyes and go to leave your bedroom, but as soon as you touch the handle, you squeal and let go. It’s so cold.

“What the-” You hold your own hand, hoping to get some warmth back into it. After some time, you reach out to touch it again, but the chill emanating off it is enough to make you back away.

This is so peculiar. Since when has your door handle been that cold?

In an attempt to shake it off, you bypass the handle completely and try to pull it open by the actual wood of the door, but even that has a bite to it. Startled, you take a big step back.

What is happening?

You relax your shoulders as best as you can. You can’t stay in your bedroom forever, you have things to do!

Covering one hand with the sleeve of your top, you quickly pull the door open and step through, only to be immediately hit with the smell of.. smoke?

“Ugh-” you grimace, waving a hand in front of your face. You splutter a few times. Had someone been smoking and you’d left a window open accidentally? A swift check of every window in your house confirms you had not.

Once you walk into the living room, the smell dissipates. You try your best to ignore it and head into your bathroom to brush your teeth and wash your face. That’s when you remember you have to get dressed. You speedrun this part of the process, making sure you are in and out of your bedroom in minutes.

Back in the kitchen, you decide to get things prepared for dinner as a distraction from whatever strange thing is occurring around your bedroom. You get a couple pans out of the cupboard, then go to turn your oven on.

Upon touching the dial, you get an electric shock.

“Fuck-” you exclaim, shaking your finger a few times. You wait to see if the moment passes, and go to try again, but the second shock is just as bad as the first. “Ow!”

Your heart is now racing terribly. What is going on here?

For some reason, you immediately turn to the Christmas tree.. and to one present in particular.

You spy the gift from your parents, and sprint towards it before coming to a halt. You place your hands around it and just as you thought, a bitterness is radiating off it.

“Oh my God..” you mutter to yourself. Lifting your head, you notice the dull ache getting stronger. Turning around, you eye the hallway mirror not far from the front door.

There’s an unusual glow surrounding the frame. You take slow steps towards it, and the closer you get, the colder it becomes.

Something is so bizarre about all of this. The oven..

What he's trying to say is that our method of arrival was both unconventional and incomprehensible.

The mirror..

Take my hand, if you wish to revisit the past.

The box..

Step inside, if you wish to visit the present.

The door..

Step through this door, if you wish to take a peek into your future..

Tears sting your eyes as you fall onto the nearby sofa.

You thought that was a dream. That could not have been real.

It all adds up. It all makes sense. The dull ache that appeared when you woke up continues to get worse as you sit there. Your subconscious arguing with you when you thought you had nowhere to be..

It takes you a while to stand up again. Glancing around the living room, you’re overcome with the fact that you were indeed visited by three ghosts in the early hours of the morning, and that they all had something to show you.

You don’t remember when they left. The last thing you remember was coming back through your bedroom door and hearing Joshua’s voice-

Joshua. Jeonghan. Seungcheol.

You must have fallen asleep almost immediately after. Or, at the very least, there was a liminal moment between you coming back to this world and falling asleep. It’s so challenging to wrap your head around, you can’t begin to fathom how it all worked or how they managed to enter through the fucking oven-

“The oven-” you blurt aloud, before hurrying over to it and checking to see if it’s still in working order. To your surprise, nothing about it has been altered. You fear touching the dials again due to the two electric shocks you’d had, but it doesn’t seem to have as much of a chill surrounding it anymore. You chance it, and are able to gently place your finger and thumb on the dial with no adverse reaction. A relieved sigh escapes you as you turn it on, but upon fixing the appropriate temperature, you hear a loud noise behind you.

Straightening your back, you furrow your brows and leave the kitchen.

In the middle of the living room lies a small wooden box with a lid, akin to a chest. Your shoulders tense slightly as you pick it up and open it, revealing a folded up piece of paper inside.

You take the paper out and set the box aside, before unfolding the paper to read the message within.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We hope your day is filled with much love and light.

P.S. Tell Wonwoo we said hello.

C.S. Y.J. J.H.

You stutter a laugh and shake your head. Despite all the emotions you felt, you cannot deny they were three rather interesting individuals.

A trio that used sarcasm to get to their destination.

Not at all like the Dickens ghosts, you think. A smile gently forms on your face.

Folding the paper up, you put it back inside the box and close it before setting it down on the side table. In the back of your mind, you make a note to pay a certain someone a visit when your parents have left.

Hours later, right around 2pm, they both show up. They envelop you in a warm embrace at the door, wishing you a merry Christmas, and you invite them in before shutting the front door.

They both help set the table while you get the last of the dinner ready. Over dinner, you discuss what your week was like, and what your plans are for the new year.

You keep your answer pretty vague, but inside your heart is throwing itself off every wall.

What if Wonwoo rejects me?

Instead of thinking about that, you finish dinner and instantly head into the living room for gifts. Your parents had a couple extra presents for you, as did you for them. They then bring up the wooden box on the side table and ask who it's from.

You freeze. It's not in you to lie, especially not to your parents. How can you tell them about the three ghosts?

You simply explain a half-truth that you’d been paid a visit by a group of people who were gifting boxes like that to the neighbourhood as a way of spreading cheer. They think the gesture was very sweet, and ask no more about it. You’ll tell them the full story one of these days.

Around 5pm, it's time for them to head off. They bid you goodbye with even tighter hugs than the ones they gave you upon arrival, and you watch them drive away before closing the door.

Inhale, exhale.

Now it is time.

Leaving all the dishes in the sink, you get dressed into something a bit more comfortable before going into the bathroom to brush your teeth again. The cold has completely disappeared, and you even notice there is no strange glow around the hallway mirror frame.

You feel a lot more relaxed as you put your shoes on to leave the house, but nerves are still creeping up from the deepest pits of your stomach.

Getting into your car, you think about getting Wonwoo a little something, but then remember it is Christmas day and nothing is open.

That's okay, you think, just focus on the conversation.

The drive to Wonwoo's house is both practised and yet unfamiliar. You have not driven this way in such a long time, and it is crazy to believe you are even coming back this way to begin with.

At least the blizzard from last night had eased up, but so much of the snow has stuck and it makes you worried that you won't make it there in a good enough time.

As you plough through, your mind starts to race. What if someone is with him? I don't truly know if he's in a relationship. I know what Jeonghan showed me was literally from last night, but.. that doesn't mean anything! Does it?

You exhale defeatedly, wondering if it's best to turn around and drive away from Wonwoo's house, put this all behind you and not think about it ever again.

But no. You stop yourself from doing that. You know exactly where you will be this time next year if you don't do something about this now.

And so, through the snow, you continue to drive.

Thanks to the weather, it takes much longer than it usually would for you to drive from your house to his. It is amazing that you still know this route like the back of your hand, but you shouldn't be thinking about that right now.

Getting out of the car, you inhale deeply and stare at the house in front of you.

This is it. It's time. Just go for it.

Every step feels like dragging stones across the ground. Each movement is heavier than the last, like you're carrying a metric ton weight on your back.

By the time you reach the door, you're shaking all over. Raising your hand, you clench it softly and knock three times.

The time between knocking and the door opening feels centuries long.

You don't know what to expect when the door opens, but when you come face to face with Wonwoo - curly hair drooped over his brows, glasses perched atop his nose, wearing comfy pants and an ugly Christmas sweater - your heart picks up speed.

His eyes go wide the second he sees you on his doorstep. “N..!” The sight of you makes him incredibly flustered, and he seems to want to hide somewhere, anywhere, just so you can't see the obvious tint on his cheeks.

“Wonwoo..” you breathe out. “H-Hi..”

“Um.. hi?” He sounds bemused, and who can blame him? You are not surprised in the slightest that he is shocked to see you. The words come out before he can stop them, but really, it's been in his head all along. “Come in..”

That surprises you somehow. He steps to the side and allows you to enter, and you do so after seconds of pondering. Walking into his house - properly - after all this time is so overwhelming.

He closes the door and in turn, shuts the cold firmly outside.

“Well.. I can't deny that uh, this is a surprise..” he says as he stands beside you. You kick off your shoes before following him into the house, unable to reply since the words were getting caught in your throat.

You encourage yourself to look him in the eyes. He swallows the second you do, and you realise you are now standing toe to toe, just centimetres apart.

Like you were at the dinner table last year.

“I, uh.. I understand that this is a surprise.. But let me put it this way. I got a certain sort of kick in the ass recently-” you say, skirting around the full truth about the visit, “and it's led me here. To you. To talk about everything. About.. us.”

Saying the word us is a punch to the stomach. It seems he feels it too as he stares at the ground and clears his throat.

You don't let anything deter you. You are here to explain yourself, to talk and to get your feelings out in the open. “Shall we sit down?”

Wonwoo glances up and nods fervently. He leads the way and before you know it, you are back in exactly the same place you were in last year.

It's enough to send you reeling through the floor.

It takes some time for you to open your mouth, and Wonwoo says nothing during this time as a way of waiting for you. You can't help but think of the irony.

You drum your fingers on the table for a while. Wonwoo chews on the inside of his bottom lip.

This should be easy. This should be smooth. He is sitting directly before you. Wonwoo is right there.

Before you know it, tears are streaming down your cheeks.

Wonwoo notices and looks up at you. “N..?”

You finally look over. “Wonwoo, I-” Your breath is caught short. “I’m so-sorry..”

He immediately sits forward and stops you, “No, no, I am..” It finally clicks, and everything comes tumbling forth. “N, I.. I wish I had said something sooner, I wish I had started that conversation sooner. I didn't want to end things with you, I just..” He exhales. You watch the cogs turning in his head. “I wanted the stress to go away, the last thing I wanted to do was hurt you.”

“I didn't wanna hurt you too..!” you sob. “I knew things were becoming detrimental to us, and I agreed it was a good idea for us to take a break, but.. I guess I just felt hurt when you treated me like a stranger..”

“And I regret that so much, N, believe me.” He says it with a level of conviction you haven't heard in such a long time. “I should've come to you and talked to you more about this but.. I thought you wouldn't want me back after that long..”

You can't help the corner of your lips tilting up; this is something you’re already aware of, but of course you can't tell Wonwoo that. Yet.

“Wonwoo..” It's your turn to lean forward. He gazes directly at you. “I love you.”

He chokes a sob. “I.. love you too, N. I’m so sorry.”

You find yourself cupping his face. “I'm sorry, too. Is a year too long to try and make this work again?”

He shakes his head with sincerity. “No, never.” His hands are suddenly on your thighs and your lips brush together. You stop just short of actually kissing when it sinks in that you're about to do this for the first time in well over a year.

“Let's talk more about this, yeah? Let's talk more, yeah?”

“Yeah..” he whispers. “I would really like that. And I would really love you back in my life.”

You tuck a stray bit of hair behind his ear. “Merry Christmas, Wonwoo.”

He beams, then captures your lips in a kiss he doesn't want to break from. “Merry Christmas, N,” he breathes against you. “Let's see each other again in 2024.”

You pull away and grin. “Let's.”

.

.

“Do you think they’ll thank us for helping them?” wonders Jeonghan.

“Well, they're back together with Wonwoo. That's good enough of a thank you, don't you think?” replies Seungcheol.

“Perhaps we should pay a visit next year and see if they’ve lasted that long,” teases Joshua.

Seungcheol and Jeonghan glare at him.

A year later, Joshua’s idea proves to be a good one.

And when you tell Wonwoo the story, well..

“Sorry, they entered how?”

taglist: @minhui896

× tristeetconfus (ave). do not repost. ×

[fallenrocket]

cw: suicide

Something I felt about this show after season 1 (and Good Omens after season 2) is how OTPs get broken up/pulled apart all the time, but it's often for the flimsiest of reasons. Stupid miscommunications, dumb fights about trivial shit, unexpected job offers in different countries, and so on and so on. It's so rare to see an on-again-off-again breakup that feels like it's about something.

But that's just what we got with OFMD and GO. On these shows, the breaks matter. They feel inevitable, because they're so rooted in who both characters are as people. Even as you yell at your screen for them to avoid the train wreck, you know that this couldn't have gone any other way.

Hi, "Man of Fire."

Obviously, I don't want to see Stede and Ed making these mistakes with each other, but as much as I hate them hurting themselves and each other, I love they're they're so complex and messy, that they're dumbasses with their feelings.

And more than that, I get it. It makes too much sense. It's "Act of Grace" all over again, because they're still not saying the things they really need to. Even as they've been opening up, they've been staying in the shallow waters of what they're really going through.

"You shaved your bead off, for me," not You gave up being Blackbeard, everything you are, for me, and I didn't think I was worth it. "I'm sorry my horrible naked chin disgusts you so much," not I let you see what was under the persona I've been trapped in for years, and you didn't want it.

"Here's the news, I'm leaving," not I have to escape being Blackbeard because I buried myself in it until I wanted to die, but I can't ask you to come with me because what will I do if you reject me again? "You're a coward," not I know this move. I've done this move. Please just talk to me instead of running, because I know how much I wrecked things when I ran.

In this episode, Ed tells Stede about his mermaid vision, but not about why he needed a mermaid in the first place. Stede tells Ed about the letters he wrote, but not about what he left out of the letters, not about the fears he only told Ed's wanted poster.

It bugged me earlier in the season when characters seemed to giving simplified explanations for complicated issues--Stede left because he was scared, Ed 'went mad' after Stede left--but now I'm hoping those omissions have been intentional. Given all that's been left unsaid between these two, of course they have a big fight after having sex at absolutely the wrong time, and of course neither really understands what's been going through the other's head.

But when the break matters, the reconciliation stands to be so much better. We already saw this once across "Fun and Games" and "The Curse of the Seafaring Life," and now, hopefully, we're going to get it again in the finale, but even better.

But all that said, please tell me the show has gotten all its gentlebeard breakups out of its system. Whether season 3 finds them as pirates, innkeepers, or something else, I want them to spend the whole season doing it together.