#String Summit

[illyrianbitch]

One Summer — Part Nine

Pairing: Reader x Azriel

Summary: One beach house. One festival. One summer to fall in love.

Warnings: 18+ SMUT, marijuana usage, sweet dirty talk and praise, fingering, oral, p in v, fluffy sex <3

if you’re uncomfortable with smut, this chapter can be skipped with no impact on the plot <3 it can also be read as a stand-alone if desired.

Word Count: 4.7k

Previous Part | Series Masterlist |

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

It was nine at night and you and Az were the only two in the house.

Rhys had made reservations for him and Feyre at an upscale restaurant half an hour away, a place where his father used to take his mother on special occasions. You'd been nosy and googled it. It was the kind of place with candlelit tables and a string quartet in the corner, where the waitstaff wore tuxedos and addressed you by title.

Mor and Cassian were out, too. The twins they’d met at Summit were staying in some house twenty minutes away and throwing a huge party. They tried to drag you and Az along, but the idea of squeezing into a crowded house with a bunch of strangers didn’t really compare to the night you had in mind. So you and Azriel had politely declined, both secretly craving something more enjoyable—smoking a fat joint and enjoying the quiet, just the two of you.

You sat on the kitchen counter, swinging your legs idly as Az finished preparing your snacks— the main thing that brought you both to the kitchen to begin with. Your mouth was still slightly dry from the joint, that earthy aftertaste still lingering in the back of your throat.

“This isn’t a conspiracy theory because it’s like, an actual thing,” you said, leaning back on your hands. “But I love the fact that so many of those sea monsters we read about were probably just whale penises.”

Azriel stilled, turning to look at you with an amused brow. “What?”

You nodded emphatically, cheeks aching from the deep smile still on your face. “People would see these giant, weird things sticking out of the water and think it was some sort of sea serpent or whatever, but it was actually just a whale showing off it’s huge dick.”

Azriel held your gaze for a moment before he burst out into laughter. The sound dissipated throughout the room and you swore it made it lighter, made the kitchen glow with a sense of life it didn't have a few moments prior. You weren't sure how it was possible, but somehow your smile grew even wider.

There was something about Azriel’s laugh that felt energizing, especially when you were high. It was something far more than just a sensory experience. You watched as he shook his head, the curls on his hair moving as his eyes found yours again. Slightly puffy, bright with amusement.

“I have to show you. It’s crazy.” You moved to grab your phone from its current place face-down on the counter next to you.

Azriel reached out and covered your hand with his. “Nooo.”

“Az, you have to.”

“Later, maybe.” His expression softened as he looked at you, the laughter fading into a tender smile. “But first, taste test time.”

You sat up straighter, looking down at the plate in front of him. “They’re ready?”

You’d had a specific craving—something sweet, gooey, and crunchy. Azriel had taken it upon himself to make your dream come true. He made do with what was in the pantry, melting down marshmallows and making a pan of small home-made rice krispy bars. He’d covered them with Nutella, rolling them up like some delicacy you’d find in a high-end bakery.

His smile widened, and without a word, he held one out for you. You eagerly accepted it, your fingers brushing against his before you brought the treat to your mouth. Your eyes fluttered closed, and a moan left your lips as the sweet, rich flavors exploded on your tongue.

“How is it?”

You nodded, head bobbing as you took another gluttonous bite.

“It’s perfect,” you said, finally finding the strength to open your eyes and look at him. “This might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

He chuckled softly, watching as you took another bite. “Yeah?”

You nodded again. “You could be a chef. I would pay you to stay in the kitchen, looking all pretty and making food for me.”

Azriel raised an eyebrow. “So a trophy chef.”

You grinned. “Exactly.”

He laughed again, bringing his hands to either side of your thighs as he leaned in closer. “What happened to me being a spy, huh?”

You shrugged lightheartedly. “That too. Honestly, Az, you could be anything you wanted.”

He narrowed his eyes, brows furrowing slightly, the corners of his lips still curved in that half-smile that made your heart skip.

“Because I can make little treats?” He asked.

You cocked your head at him, running your gaze over his face. “Because you’re so good at putting yourself to the task at hand.”

Azriel blinked, and the crease between his brows softened. You watched as something crossed through his face, something wistful and warm.

“What?” you asked when he didn't speak.

“Nothing.”

You let your thoughts wander as you finished the treat in your hand. Everyone seemed to have a clear idea of what they wanted— or, at least, an idea of where their ambitions lied. But Azriel was different. He was like you. Hesitant, unsure. Back in freshman year, he’d taken a few criminology classes he loved. He had a passion then, but as the years went by you assumed he’d switched gears, choosing to focus on his general education classes instead. Azriel understood the pressure of fitting into a mold you weren't entirely sure about.

“What do you wanna do, Az?”

Azriel’s face grew thoughtful, his gaze scanning your face as if searching for something. His eyes flickered and then a smile, slow and soft, spread across his lips. He leaned in just a fraction closer. “I want to kiss you.”

You felt a rush of heat and looked down at your lap, nervously brushing your hands together. “That’s not what I meant.”

Azriel lifted your chin with a delicate finger, bringing your gaze to his. He tilted his head, narrowing his eyes playfully. “No?”

His gaze flicked to somewhere below your eyes. A second later, he brought his thumb to the corners of your lips, gently wiping away what you knew was probably excess chocolate.You inhaled sharply and felt something deep in your chest – something like a wire strung tight, ready to sing with the slightest touch. You’d been craving him for so long now. You could feel that familiar sensation, that burning desire simmering low in your gut. The way those damn grey sweatpants hung on his hips didn’t help matters either.

His touch lingered on your skin, hovering just above your bottom lip. Before he could pull his hand away, you took his thumb into your mouth, sucking off the remaining chocolate.

Azriel’s breath hitched, lips parting in surprise. The low groan that left his lips next invigorated you, pushing you to bring your tongue around his thumb, swirling and sucking on it. When he met your gaze, you slowly released it, and he traced it along your bottom lip as a shaky breath escaped him.

“We have the house to ourselves."

With darkened eyes, Az ran his thumb along your lips again, swallowing hard. You traced the motion down the column of his throat. Before you could fully register the loss of his touch, his hands gripped your thighs, pulling you to the edge of the counter. You gasped as he positioned himself between your legs, and instinctively, you wrapped them around him.

"Az.."

He closed the gap between you, lips crashing against yours as he kissed you deeply. You weren't sure if you'd ever get used to it. Perhaps it was a very strong honeymoon period, that the way Az kissed you felt magical because it had only been two weeks of this. But you felt starved, felt as if you needed more and more of him to satiate you— yet even still, you were insatiable.

You nipped at his lower lip, moved yourself to press against him further. You let him take the lead, letting out a breathy moan against his lips at the feeling of his skin pressed against yours. His kisses moved from your lips to your neck and you arched into him, welcomed him with a bared throat and a tug to his curls. His touch was everywhere at once—his hands roaming over your back, his lips trailing down your collarbone. Your body sang with every movement, with the feeling of his mouth on your skin.

You could feel the heat of his breath against you as he nipped and kissed his way to your ear.

“Do we want to go upstairs?”

You nodded before words could form. Nodded as you tangled your fingers further into his hair, nodded as you pulled him to your face, bringing him into another kiss. "Yes," you whispered between breaths. “Yes, please."

Azriel’s smile brushed against your skin as he kissed you back.

You made your way up the stairs, every step wobbly and uncoordinated as Az attempted to lead you both, lips still locked, his hands around your waist and yours around his neck.

"Shit." Azriel cursed as he bumped against the well, the pictures frames rattling with the impact. You pulled back, steadying yourself against the wall as your laughter bubbled up.

"Az," you playfully scolded through a breath, "You're going to knock everything down."

He only shushed you with a mischievous smile, wrapping an arm around your waist to pull you back into his orbit. Another frame tilted askew as he maneuvered you both along. You pulled away for a moment, your gaze falling to the framed photo in front of you, the one you'd come to love so dearly. It got better every time you saw it, from the pizza in Mor's braces to the nauseatingly sweet frame of awkward fifteen year old Azriel.

"I love this photo," you said, pointing to it with a delicate smile. "Look at you."

Azriel glanced at it, his face scrunching in mock horror. "That’s a horrendous photo," he said, leaning down to press a quick kiss to your lips. He broke apart, shaking his head against yours. "Don’t look at it."

"But Az—"

"Don’t look!" He insisted, and you laughed into his kiss.

"I love hearing you laugh," Azriel murmured against your lips, "And that I'm the one causing it." He kissed you again. "But right now," he said, his voice dropping to a low, heated murmur, "I’d much rather be making you moan.”

You didn’t need to be told twice. You melted into his touch, feeling your skin set alight as his hands roamed, his lips pressing against yours with a hunger that tasted of deep desire, something sweet and smoky like longing. The touch of a lover craving another.

You stumbled together into your room— the nearest one to the stairs, and the door slammed shut behind you. Azriel fumbled with the strings of his waistband, fingers slipping as he struggled to undo the knot.

"Ah, fuck," he said, voice still tinged with that sense of amusement, that laugh still in his tone. A few seconds later, his sweats were halfway down his leg, tangling around his ankles as he tried to kick them off.

"Careful," you warned, trying to stifle your laughter. Azriel then watched, amused, as you struggled to pull off your shirt, the fabric snagging on your earrings. And when you'd managed to free yourself, your hands were on him, slipping under his shirt, curious fingers skimming over the hard planes of his stomach. You tugged the fabric over his head, taking in the grin that played on his lips.

The shirt sailed through the air, landing haphazardly on your bedside lamp. You and Az laughed, a shared sound that he swallowed as he pulled you into another kiss. His hands were on you, guiding you back, and you were both still laughing as you fell back onto your bed in a tangle of limbs, all clothes besides his underwear long removed and thrown in a corner. Azriel leaned over you, face flushed, eyes filled with warmth.

"Hey," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face.

You laughed, biting your lip as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer until your noses almost touched. "Hey," you repeated, like a schoolgirl with a crush.

"I really like you."

Azriel's voice was soft, a whisper that felt as soulful as a Sunday confession. It caressed your skin, made your heart flutter and core clench.

"Good to know," you said with a dainty smile. "I like you too."

A smile broke out across Az's face and you brought a trailing hand to feel the dimples on his cheeks, tracing the smile lines etched into his skin. You were completely naked below him now. Strangely, you'd never felt this comfortable, never felt so at ease. Your fingers brushed against the cool metal of the chain necklace hanging around his neck. You played with it absentmindedly, feeling the smooth links sliding between your fingers.

You tugged at it lightly as you murmured, "And I also like this."

"Yeah?"

You nodded, still running your fingers along the chain, feeling the heat of his skin just beneath it. You weren't sure how it was possible for a piece of jewelry to be so attractive, for simple metal to make you picture the dirtiest of images. But it was. And you had been. You weren't ashamed to admit that you'd imagined how it would feel dangling in your face as Az pounded into you. You finally met his eyes and nodded, breathless despite having done nothing but trace the cool metal around his neck. "Yeah."

Azriel’s eyes darkened, the playful warmth in them shifting into something deeper, hungrier. His smile curved into a smirk. "Good," he rasped, and your breath hitched at the intensity in his voice.

His lips were on yours again. Gone was the soft, teasing rhythm from before. Now, his mouth was hot and demanding, as if he were starving and you were the only thing that could satisfy his hunger. The sudden switch from sweet to searing made your heart race. You tugged on the chain again, more forcefully this time, and he growled in response, fingers eagerly tracing the outline of your body. You shivered with each touch, with each drag of his hands across your skin.

His hand found your breast, exposed to the cool air, and you shuddered as his ridged fingers tweaked your nipple. You arched beneath him and he paused for a moment, lips hovering just above yours.

“Tell me what you like,” he whispered.

Your mind raced, the words catching in your throat as you tried to form a coherent thought. You wanted him everywhere, wanted him to explore you for hours, to ruin you for the touch of anyone else. You shook your head, breathing heavily, trying with all your might to summon an answer.

"I-I don't know."

He shook his head, leaning in to brush his lips against yours in invitation. He said something else, something quieter and alluring, a sentence probing you to answer, to think.

"Please just touch me," you managed to breathe as your gaze bounced between his eyes. "I just want you to touch me."

Azriel's lips curved into a satisfied smile. “Like this?” he asked, beginning to move down as his hand slid down your exposed stomach.

“Yes,” you said, your body reacting to his touch. “And kiss me."

"Kiss you where?"

He was beneath your navel now, the trail of his path wet with the open kisses he'd left. You took a shaky breath. "Everywhere."

He chuckled softly against the bare skin of your leg. “Everywhere, huh?”

You nodded, unable to find the words to express how much you wanted him. Your hands moved to his hair, fingers threading through the dark curls as he continued to explore. He leaned, pressing a hot, open-mouthed kiss against the very top of your thigh, just shy of where you needed him, where your body ached for him. But just as you thought he might give you what you were silently begging for, he pulled back. His lips began a slow journey upward, leaving you yearning, the frustration building with each inch he traveled.

He paused just above your mouth, sharing a breath as he looked down at you. "I've thought about this for so long," he murmured, "How I wanted to touch you first, the ways I wanted you to fall apart."

You released a sound in response, needy and pleading. You’d spent countless nights imagining what it would be like to be with Azriel, to see the side of him he reserved for only a few. You’d wondered how his touch might feel—gentle, reverent, like a lover tracing sacred ground. You'd thought of him worshiping your body like a saint, his hands gliding over your bare skin, fantasized about the way his fingers might curl inside you, delicate yet purposeful, stroking the most intimate parts of you until you unraveled beneath him.

“I want to hear all those pretty noises I know you can make,” he continued, his thumb brushing over your swollen lips. “Can you do that for me?”

But you hadn’t imagined this. You hadn’t expected him to be so talkative, to render you speechless with a single look. The hunger in his eyes made you feel divine, as though he was starving for you, for the taste of you, for the sound of your voice.

You nodded. It was all you could do— barely able to breathe, let alone speak. He smiled like the sun and kissed you again, one hand curving along your shoulder, sliding down your body with painful slowness, a detour around the curve of your breast, a whimper into his mouth.

It felt like hours before his palm slid down the rise of your belly, torturous and tentative. Then finally, his hand slipped between your thighs. He traced the slickness of your core and you gasped in relief, felt as he greedily accepted the sound with his tongue.

There was something profoundly intimate about the way Azriel's eyes locked with yours as he worked his fingers inside you, something about how your foreheads rested against each other as he groaned. Az was watching you, observing every reaction to the movements he made. He kissed you throughout it, rotating between staring at you, molding your lips to his, and sucking on that sensitive area of your ear lobe; kissing alongside your neck as he praised you.

"Such a pretty mess," he murmured against your ear. "Does this feel good?"

He added another finger, thumb circling your clit. You squeezed your eyes shut, a desperate moan escaping your lips as the pleasure mounted. Then he was moving, pulling away from you as he descended down your body, following the trail of kisses and marks he'd left before. Azriel shifted his body, positioning himself right before your core, pushing your legs further apart to nestle between them. Your gaze fell to his hands, slick and glistening with your desire. For a moment he stilled, focused gaze as he watched his fingers disappear inside you.

And when he pulled them out, he spread the wetness further across your folds, eyes locked on yours, pupils blown with need. He was saying your name, praising you, watching as you squirmed at his touch.

"Azriel." You moaned out.

"Yeah, beautiful?"

You couldn't respond, weren't sure what you wanted to say.

“Jesus. Look at you,” he said, his voice a low growl. “So fucking pretty. Your body is perfect.”

You were torn between begging him to keep talking, to speak more and let his words roll over you, and begging him to touch you more, to feel him inside you, to fuck you.

With his eyes still locked on yours, he brought his mouth to your cunt, groaning in approval the moment he drew your essence into his mouth. His fingers slipped back inside you, finding a deep, aching spot, and your hand tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. Each tug on his hair elicited a low, approving groan from him, and you stored that information away, tucked it safely for a later time.

Your eyes fell shut as you neared the edge, body tensing with the imminent release. No, your mind echoed. Not yet. You let out a ragged breath, pulling at the curls on Az's head and pushing him away from your cunt. Azriel immediately loosened his hold on you, eyes shooting up to yours, brows furrowing with a growing concern.

“Not yet,” you managed, your voice breathy and urgent. “With you. On you. Please.”

The crease softened and his eyes grew dark again, hungry and blown wide. He grinned, hair tousled, lips glistening and swollen, and nodded in understanding. Az rid himself of the last piece of clothing he had, shedding his underwear as you drank in the sight of him before you. His naked form pressed against yours as he lay over you. You reached between you, wrapping your hand around him and stroking him slowly, tentatively. His answering groans were low and guttural, brows furrowing with each movement of your hand.

“Do you have—?”

He nodded toward your bedside table. “You should. Rhys’s mom was very serious about safe sex.”

His voice was rough like gravel, octaves below what he normally spoke. If you weren't already drenched by now, you would've been pooling at the sound alone. You let out a breathless laugh and Azriel managed to lean over to your left drawer— the one you’d never really used, never even bothered to check what might be in it. His fingers fumbled briefly before he pulled out a small foil packet. He ripped it open with still glistening hands, and you took it from him, rolling it over his length with careful precision. Pumping him once, twice. Savoring the sinful sounds leaving his lips.

He was bigger than you had anticipated and your mouth watered at the sight, at the fact that beyond just its size, it was pretty. You'd get your mouth on it soon, you told yourself, taste him just as he tasted you. You'd wrap your lips around his head, let him fuck your mouth the way he wanted, and taste his release with a greedy tongue. But not now.

Az maneuvered himself, a forearm near your head to hold himself as his other hand went in between you, replacing your hand with his own. You ran your freed palm along his chest, bringing it up to his shoulders.

"Are you sure?" Az asked, eyes focused on you.

You almost laughed at the question, a smile forming on your face as you nodded. "For the love of god, please," you said, and you were sure it was the hundredth time you'd muttered the word. "I want you. I-I need you."

Az’s growl reverberated through you, a primal sound you’d never heard from him before. It sent waves of need crashing over your body. Your legs instinctively locked around his back, drawing him in as his cock pressed firmly inside you, an intense surge of pleasure that made you both gasp for air. You clenched around him, welcoming him and the stretch he provided, the sensation of him as he rolled his hips, as he bottomed out with another sinful groan. Azriel kissed you again and again as he moved, as he picked up the pace and you clawed at his back— nails digging into the ink that adorned his golden skin.

His mouth explored every inch of you—your nipples, your throat, your ear—before he covered your mouth to muffle your moans once more. You dug your heels into his back, fingers tangled in his hair as he pressed you firmly into the mattress with the snap of his hips. You were lost in the rising waves of sensation—his quick, sharp thrusts, the heat and sweat of your bodies moving together.

Faintly, you heard a soft whining, a mewl of pleasure. You realized, seconds later, it had come from your own throat; desperate and babbling, repeating Az's name like a prayer. He was everything now, every thought in your mind, filling every sense, his hands, his tongue, his cock.

You were so close, on the edge of something monumental, ready to fall and fall and fall. Azriel must have seen the desperation in your eyes as he started whispering in your ear, murmuring things that you knew would later make you blush and squirm, turn red and pink and every color between.

“Holy shit, yes,” he growled, “You feel incredible, Y/n.”

You clung to him, your breath mingling with his, praying that, somehow, through this shared rhythm, you could bind him to you forever. That this moment would make him truly yours, beyond just the physical, blending every part of him with every part of you.

"Talk to me, beautiful." He nipped at your bottom lip. "Does it feel good?"

"Yes, god, yes." You moaned and pulled him closer to you. As you separated from another hungry kiss, you reveled in the way his chain dangled over your face, in the way it swung as he fucked you. It was even better than you imagined, even hotter in every way. You clenched around him, shivered at the sound he made.

He looked beautiful. Face flushed and glistening with sweat, tousled hair falling into his eyes as he gazed at you with a look of pure adoration, a look you felt too soft to be reserved for you. It was a look meant for those that did great, praise-worthy things, a look for a lover and a soulmate. You stared at him, breathing heavily, taking in all that he was, and he looked at you back, took you in just as carefully. Then he smiled, reaching up and gripping your hands in his. He pressed gentle kisses along your cheeks and entwined your fingers with his, held them above your head.

"I'm so close,” you murmured, “So close.”

Azriel's eyes darkened. He brought his bottom lip between his teeth and his cock surged into you with such force that the bed groaned beneath you. You gasped, body going slack as he drove into you with relentless speed, each thrust so intense that you were left completely immobilized. His movements grew uneven, body trembling as he strained to hold back, his fingers pressing deeply into yours.

“Azriel.” His name was all you had. “Az. Az.”

He was buried deep inside you, trembling with the force of his release. “Come on, sweetheart,” he breathed heavily. "Come with me, baby."

You clenched at the name, at the way his words caressed your skin. Azriel cried out against your shoulder, his moan wavering like he was descending from a high. You felt his entire body shudder and you pressed kisses to his ear, cheek, and neck. Your fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, maybe a little too roughly, but he only whimpered and slumped against you, his full weight pressing you into the bed.

He took deep breaths and you laughed as he blew your hair out of his face. A few moments later you loosened your hold on him, bodies reluctantly untangled, condom disposed, and you both shifted onto your sides. You leaned in to kiss him. His response was tender and unhurried, his lips moving against yours with a reverent slowness. His hands roamed over your back, your hip, and the curve of your ass.

Long after you cleaned up, as you laid against Az's bare chest and he played with your hair, that feeling of falling was still there, something exciting and equally terrifying. It filled your stomach, flowed through your veins.

You looked at Az, took in his contented smile, his eyes closed and peaceful as he held you, and you wondered if you truly knew what love felt like, wondered when it was too soon to decide you could never let someone go.

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹  

authors note: your honor i do believe theyre falling in love. i also, do believe, that they boutta be fuckin like rabbits

permanent tag list 🫶🏻: 

@rhysandorian @itsswritten @milswrites @lilah-asteria @georgiadixon 

@glam-targaryen @cheneyq @darkbloodsly @pit-and-the-pen @azrielsbbg

@evergreenlark @marina468 @azriels-human @panther-girl-124 @bubybubsters 

@starswholistenanddreamsanswered @feyretopia  @ninthcircleofprythian @velariscalling @azrielrot

@justyouraveragekleemain @marigold-morelli @mrsjna @anarchiii @alittlelostalittlefound

@melissat1254

@m4tthewmurd0ck @beardburnsupersoldiers @isnotwhatyourethinking @tothestarsandwhateverend @raginghellfire

As always, thank you for reading 🫶🏻

[edenspoem]

SEXROT 𖤐 | ellie williams

☠︎︎࿐-ˊˎ jackson!ellie x fem!reader

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

✧˖ ° 🕯 bright blessings!

AN: second fic ever published, it took sm longer but has more focus on the smut part of it. maybe the epilogue is a bit more casually written but its whatevs y'all def just here for the smut anyway. but(t) i hope u enjoy!! cause i sure did!! various times.

cw/tags: NSFW 18+ MDNI, smoking weed, getting high, friends to lovers, flirting, killing infected, guns, knives, blood description, replaces the jackson patrol scenario, spitting, dom leaning ellie, fingering (receiving, vaginal) clit stim (receiving and giving-ish) strap penetration (receiving, vaginal) oral (receiving) petnames (babe,baby,babygirl,princess) almost caught naked tewgether 😈(not in the act)

WC: 6.6k+

designated song: anesthesia- type o negative

synopsis: you have resided in jackson for about six months solo in a humble cabin only a stroll away from the lively community plaza. ellie introduced herself to you two months ago on the full lunar night of a bonfire and have proved inseparable ever since. both of you had a couple things in common upholding your friendship but lots of new experiences arise from beneath those shared interests. one day, you and ellie embark on the scheduled patrol for that afternoon, plowing through scattered clusters of infected inhabiting dilapidated buildings lost in the past. presently, after trudging the pearly snow and eluding the raging snowstorm, tucking both of you into a lone library sitting amongst those very buildings, brimmed with a 'herby' mystery.

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

Your uneasy fingers grasp the rustic steel door handle, deprived of the haven sourced on the summit of your horse's saddle minutes prior to entering this enigma of a building. Not a soul has settled within these walls for a considerable stretch of time and it shows, dust cloaking the floor, a void pooling in various corners of each room, the stuffy and still air clogging your senses and peculiar noises erupting from either your mind or physical reality. You roll the knob and push the loose door open, hinges creaking untimely with the lingering presence of a clicker revealing itself with the infamous croaks emitting from its fungal body.

Ellie is close behind, poised over your crouched shoulder with hawk pupils scanning the room you've just discovered. Her hand nudges you and deviates your focus from the room, honing on what she was mouthing in empty words.

"Watch my back, I'm gonna sneak up on it." 

You nod subtly in accordance, flattening your back against the icy door to make a path for her.

Ellie extends her gloved hand out on the doorways trim, shuffling on crouched legs past you and into the pigsty of an office, steadily approaching the mindless croaking clicker.

Your fingers seize the pistol sheathed in its thigh holster, provoking the trigger with dual fingers ready to fire a round right in the clickers noggin if need arises. The creaky chatter cracking from the fungoid continues as Ellie creeps upon its obliviousness, pouncing timely and capturing it in headlock as she fluidly jabs her switchblade into its rigid neck, spewing crimson blood outwards that painted her sleeve quite disgustingly.

"Uck," she conveys, face contorted with sourness.

Stillness remains until the coast proves clear, giving you a chance to address, "All good, no more infected." 

"Well, it's about fucking time!" she heaves the figurative indent of edge from her tense chest, flicking off strings of blood from her winter sweater.  "Think this doors' unlocked?" She queries herself prior to twiddling with the rattling door knob of a possible exit.

Your wandering eyes uncover the roughly concealed red and grey steel box, internalizing instantly that it was a generator, "Hey, 'Williams', there's a generator." you make known to Ellie, who's not even facing it.

She turns around, "Where there's a generator, there's a hideout. We could use the supplies, so.." she sauntered over to the generator, folding her knuckles around the pull-tab, "Hope they don't mind us borrowing- also, don't call me by my last name!" 

You snort a genuine laugh and ogle the way Ellie cranks the cord, arm so stable and fierce. You felt like a bumbling idiot for admiring her mere movements, but something under the skin pined for her in a way unfathomable at first glint. Her cinnamon dotted cheeks, badass scar slanting in her brow, fluorescent fauna irises, button nose and the sheer nerd that she was really spun the tide coalescing within your tenuous heart. On the other hand, her mannerisms, thrumming husky voice and attitude frets the knot in your pelvis beyond a fixing point you can't manage alone.

"C'mon, lights are on in here." Her voice snuffs the ramblings clogging your brain, grasping your attention towards the door swinging open just now.

You stare into her pupils barreling into you, now twisting a impishly curious visage.

"What'chu thinking about?" 

Your eyes flicker, "Nothing." A clod draws from your tense gullet, gulping the trance that bewitched your susceptible mind.

"Doesn't look like 'nothing'." She prys with a low gravelly tone, waddling languidly towards you.

"Nothing." You pursue vaguely, dusting past Ellie in a swift pace.

She just gawks at you, thin grooves in-between her knitted brows while she swung her head round to trail her eyes after you. Admittedly, she entertained the stray thoughts of you mutually, as the living recreations of you are sunken into her journals pages habitually. Her wrist recalls every arch and convex of your face, fingers honor the sway of your eye shape, subconscious retains the wisping of your baby hairs and consciously, Ellie just knows you as 'cute girl'. That very title is etched under the whole lot of depictions reaping your glamor throughout her journal.

"You think Eugene used this place too? I mean, all this electrical shit, nobody'd tinker with it except him." She infers, reverting to the eased doorway you just proceeded through.

Your void mind instantly heeds the flurry of wired veins branched across the next room. Your eyes trace the river of cords until it vanishes between the wall and a peculiar bookcase. Illumination pummels through the frayed wood planks backing it, luring your mind towards this enigma.

"Yo, check this out." You hoist an observation aloud, Ellie's umber auburn head whirls to peek at your discovery.

"What the fuck?" An airy chuckle grates from her throat in awe, peachy lips ajar and nooks of her mouth flexing into a smirk.

You lend your weight upon this bookcase, plateauing to drive the colossal bookshelf from where it's planted. "Ugh, a little help?"

Ellie giggles at your measly endeavor to motivate the shelf, that dumb wide crescent grin bearing upon her spread lips, "Got no muscles or something?" she quips.

"Shut up!"

She caves in and assists you regardless, moseying around and towering over you, casting a dark specter across your body. It was a casual stance, but quivers your beating core nonetheless. The noise of scratches indenting underneath the hefty bookcase as it drags screeches in your hollow eardrums.

"There." Ellie claims hoarsely, whooshing her breath against your bare neck and scoring numerous hairs to plumb from your skin.

Shaking it off, you embark through the threshold, eyes tunneling upon a downward staircase beckoning you to traverse to its descendant level.

"Tch, did Eugene own a sex dungeon?" Ellie immaturely cracks, scurrying down the steps faster than a dog could.

"I hope. That dude was lonely." You jest back in emphasis, earning a gust of laughter past Ellie's lips.

"Think we'll find scary whips and chains in there?"

"Oh my god, Els! I don't think he was into that kinda stuff." You hop a step, springing upon her and jabbing your stiff knuckles into her unalerted shoulder blades playfully.

"Ouch! It was only a theory." her voice curves in defense, sowing her feet flat after the last tread of stairs. 

You tumble your eyes accompanied by a sigh, beating her to the door and pushing it open to a sight your noses realistically should have detected a floor above. Least of all ambrosial, the fetid source birthed from a garden of weed, some potted, some dangling, lots cascading over the steel tables, essentially, a fuck ton of herb.

"Unholy shit!" You expound with starstruck pupils, molting away the playful exterior you harbored just moments ago and cast an astonished visage.

"Did he grow.. all of this?" Ellie doesn't grapple with the notion of it right away, but soon materializes it in her cranium and wanders over to a pot of the dried sage green herbage.

"Must've taken ages.." you pondered, plucking a brittle leaf off its hunched stem, chafing it to ash between the pads of your glove-clad digits, "And a day.." you slyly add in regards to the weeds dehydrated state.

Ellie stupidly grins in reaction to your joke, baring teeth and all. She strides past arrays of trays, rustling the herbs strung up to the ceiling. Her eyes land upon an obscure shape, alluring her to inspect the properties of this object. She erupts, "It's a gas mask bong." cradling the mask in her hands, infatuated by its genius design.

"In what situation would you even use that?" you doubt it's anything more than plain goofy.

"Emergency relief?"

"Of course you'd know how."

"Hey, I don't smoke that often!" she wards in a pitched tone, scoffing at your mere belittling.

You reel back into a searching mode, lurking among the next isle of weed till a glass jar of blunts enlightens you. "Ellie, there's a jar of this shit!" 

"Oh for real?" she trots hastily to your region, bearing a vivacious fever at the sight beholding a for real container of rolled blunts.

"Think it's fresh?"

Ellie hums an 'I dunno', cusping the jar from your hands and wrenching the lid with all her might, not budging at all. It takes her a blur of tries, observing the way her thick brows purse together and summon those vertical grooves in her forehead, an attractive sight to you.

"You need help?" you mock her, unzipping and unsheathing your arms out of the slim fitted sleeves fashioning your winter jacket.

"No, I got it." Ellie assures with a cluster of uncertainty smothering her strained voice. She had to practically arch over and bound the jar to her abdomen for faltering pressure.

"Gimme that." you snatch the glass from her dense grip, garnering a doubtful sneer skipping her lips.

"Like you'll get it." 

"You shouldn't be talking." you dart a wink.

Ellie flits a smug middle finger like the immature fiend she is, peeling the green jacket layering her pewter grey hoodie off. She tosses it astray to the ground, lurking towards a convenient couch and relaxing her butt against the nook of its armrest.

The lid refuses to subdue to your firm grip, feebly slipping and searing an exasperated groan gritting your teeth. Your instincts flash and wills an arm up to hurl the jar harshly against the stone ground, pulverizing the glass into countless shards.

"What, the fuck, is wrong with you?" Ellie halts at every syllable, gesturing with her palms like a shield to the jagged fragments.

"A lot."

Ellie gives a judgey once-over at your unbothered demeanor, hiking off the couch and crouching down to cautiously pinch a freed blunt from the debris, feathering the dust off and indulging a whiff held to her nostrils, "Smells good." she asserts, hoisting up and offering the joint to you.

"We' taking a detour?" you metaphorize, rotating the blunt like a wheel between your fingertips.

"We're trapped." Ellie educed a reminder wary of the billowing snowstorm that proved risky to tread earlier.

"Totally trapped." 

You both take harbor on the buffered sofa, bodies naturally vis-à-vis, a sheer four feet apart. Flicking the lighter cap open, plucking the tab and igniting the pocket flame whilst keeping your keen eyes on Ellies, who's piercing the windows to your soul with those juniper rings.

Ellie studies your face brazenly, locked on your profile as you kindle the blunt casually, lodging it between your lips to inhale a drag. Her optics tear an awkward barrier in the vacant space between you, now bidding a tension on the horizon. This makes you feel, seen, read like a poem, one that Ellie read often, and adored endlessly. Weed scorches the walls of your throat, eliciting a cough to spasm from your tight chest.

"Gah- fuck!" The spasmodic fit weaves through your distress, extended arm begging for Ellie to nab the source of your rasp from your jolting hand.

She snickers in belittlement at your expense, that dorky toothful smile crooking her rosy lips, "First time?"

"No."

"Liar." 

"You'll never know." 

Ellie's grin broadens prior to catering the blunt to her lips, pursing around the tip to drain a puff into her barren lungs. You take a gander at this sight, melting in the dimensional image of her woody auburn hair veiling a halo around her hung head, perking up to huff a thick smog enveloping you.

"What happened- last night, at the dance?" 

"You mean, with Dina?" she passes the blunt back, fingertips mingling a moment.

A hesitant drag soothes your lips, "Yeah, if you're uh- fine telling." Luckily, a cough doesn't plague you.

Ellie's cheeks lift a smirk, "It was a.. wild night. Dina.. kissed me and then Seth went bigot mode and said a not-so-nice word."

"Oh, shit." your brows rear and carve horizontal creases to your forehead, "You good?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm just.. on edge. This helps though." she beams, nicking the smoldering blunt from you.

You couldn't divulge if she referred to you or the weed being her beacon of ease, but you dust off the thought. "So, you and Dina?" you inquire in a flirty mimic.

"N- it's.. just a kiss. She was drunk, I'm not gonna look into it- it doesn't mean anything." she stutters in a flustered haze.

Drawing some smoke in, then puffing it out, a smile invites itself on her pooling red midface and hijacks your attention.

"Why' you blushing then?"

"I'm not fuckin- fuck." Ellie's embarrassment stinges the sight of her smile as she flicks her head away, a cute sight to you that warrants your rising feelings at this moment.

"I think it's more than a kissss~" your tone curls playfully, nagging at Ellie's rattled state.

"You're on thin ice."

"A crimes' been committed, someone stole your heart!"

"I will come over there and fight you, no joke!" 

"Ellie's got a girl-" 

Out of the void, she has you pinned by the wrists under her clammy palm, sinking into the padded seat beneath you, auburn bang drooping like a pendulum over your face with the barely existing space between your faces. Senses plagued from the way gravity lashed out of you and hallucinogens deceived you, burrowing and growing like mold in the foggy vale of your skull.

"I don't have a girlfriend," Ellie utters through a sluggish jaw. "yet."

Your mind makes out an elusive meaning to her words, "You don't like Dina.."

Her lips calcify ajar, hot breath seeping into your buzzing skin, "It's someone else."

"Me?"

Her eyes waver, but strike up, "Yeah." she admits in a soft chuckle, wedging her thigh between your shut ones cunningly. You swear her pupils dilate like a supermoon.

A euphoric orb rings inside of your essence, thickening your veins and coating a cloak of boiling heat over your swelling hips wailing for a fucking when her voice brims your ears. This weed has really got your mind and panties in a pleasant twist. The confirmation of her liking- love? Maybe it's too soon, but it sure confirms your hidden suspicions.

"I think we needa get back to your place." Your words weigh heavy with intention.

"Fuck yeah we do." Ellie aligns with your suggestion, gnawing her tender lips with intention as well.

You both hustle off the tearing couch now tinted with a lustful sweat, not paying an ounce to sliding a coat on or gloves prior to, but not without pilfering some lone blunts scattered upon the floor, mounting your horse and galloping off.

☆

The warmth of Ellie's garage-shed-home drinks you up graciously, biting back the bone-chilling skull-screaming fever of the merciless ice age outdoors. The locked door affirms you won't be bothered, so your nerves settle and excitement brews deep in you. A new heat bonds with your body physically, Ellie embracing you cordially and her face dominates your vision.

"We're here." Her husky voice streams pleasantly, "What now?" 

A chill races your spine, replying in a stutter, "L-let's do this on your bed." You heave out with desire, digging your nails into her hoodie-clad back.

Ellie descends slightly to tuck her hands under your knees, buckling you around her hips snug and lodging her crotch against your heat, the rivet of her jeans poking the valley of your clothed cunt, earning a choked whimper bearing pleasure. The ensuing moment, you're cast onto the cottony bed with Ellie crawling over you, latching her plump lips on your bare neck and peppering your neck with prompt and sloppy nibbles.

"You want this? Cus' I really want this~" her words muffle in the crook of your jaw. "But d'you?" she intoned against your ardent skin, hips bucking and rolling the lump of her denim into your clit, causing you to bear down and grind back in chase of those lovely whits of ecstasy.

"I want it.. so bad.." the tension piling since the couch at last reprieves through every respite and roll of her hips.

Bodies chafing together at Ellie's intended friction, more importantly, knee now rutting against your aching clit stirs a kugelblitz in the cavern of your pelvis. Ellie peeks her face over yours, tucking the apex of her nose aside before rolling her lips on yours with passion, smacking sounds filling your headspace.

"I've liked you for so long, yknow?" Ellie affirms on your lips, "I wanted you for so long."

The pure carnal burn tickles your skin, bubbling a sinful image behind your eyes and mouth ardent to bite down on her bottom lip in hunger.

"Fuck, babe-" Ellie breaks the kiss briefly to utter, dazed vision, via her arousal, tunneling into yours with wide pupils.

You grin, prying your thumb between your teeth in a way that appeals to her. A hand traverses your body and toys with the hem of your shirt before lurking under and grasping your bra-clad breast fondly.

"Ahh~" your voice creaks when her thumb shimmies under the bra and plays with your fervent buds.

"Like that?" Ellie's tone dwells with honeyed lust, so sweet yet so intoxicating.

Lips polarize together and spark a continuous blossom of arousal, soaking the panties and coating a flim on the denim in a portal shape. Bound by a sluggish spell, your limp arm snakes over your torso, fingertips stroking Ellie's forearm and folding under the rim of your shirt to pull it off, exposing bare skin lush with blemishes and scars, trailing along with your jeans almost torn off in a rush.

"Damn." Ellie's airy chuckle riffs in your head, prefacing a long flirty whistle.

"Stop.." A blush bruises your midface, darting away from her intense stare that crowds you with a shy rotation of your head.

"Hey, look at me." Her fingers forcep your chin, reeling your head back to drown in her sights like a gentle whisper of adoration, "I wanna make you feel good.." her words cruise in a promising melody.

That very declaration screws your core in delightful ways, waxing a breaking sweat over your already humid exterior, interior when it refers to something else.

A notion murmurs akin to a soft hollow echo betwixt your temples, ushering your body to motion. Your hands spring to clasp her unaware wrists, tussling her over and straddling her hips.

"Woah, okay. This works." Her lips spread to an exalted smile, palms perched on your thighs and digits prodding the viscose skin wrapping the crests of your hips, reading every stretch mark with her finger pads which adorns a satisfied beam to her eyes.

A slew of exhilaration crashes against the walls of your body, grinding that clothed sensitive bud on the ridge of her zipper fly, biting back a riff of moans.

"Lemme hear you." Her hand scales your body, thumb inching past your lips and hooking over your teeth, beckoning it ajar.

"Fuhhhck.." You thrill her with a droning groan, stirring your eager tongue around her thumb and suctioning a kiss around her knuckle as it adjusts beyond your teeth.

"Suck, babygirl." 

Obeying her word, your lips bolt around the root of her thumb, siphoning it further inwards on the plateau of your tongue and casting dozy sex eyes upon her.

"Good girl," Ellie's finger skims out from your teeth, leaving a trail of saliva down your chin.

Your hips wallow over the hill of her bunching jeans, feeling a finger embed and press up onto your clit, damping the tip of her willowy digit thinly and hollowing out a clamor of moans.

"I gotcha this wet?" A brazen smirk glamours her lower face, rousing her own elation with a weighted chafe of her thighs, "Fuck, baby."

A figment of her voice remains like a chant in your smothered mind, calling your eyes to shut and live in every sting of pleasure stimulating you.

"Hmnnn.. mmm~" you purr, unfathomable bliss influencing your actions with every roll of your bud.

"Can I take these off?" her fingertips peruse your pantyline, to which you nod, pleating them down your hips gently once you've granted the okay signal.

Your panties eventually get hurled somewhere in her room, probably dangling from the edge of her TV screens' rim or now invited to the pile of her own laundry, nonetheless, she honed in on your now stripped slit, spreading your legs with her own shuffling first, displaying your bareness split across her open thighs.

"Watch my fingers."

So you do, focused on her gliding hand grazing your thigh in an unhurried manner, coaxing the crevice melding your thigh and crotch before they split and part your folds. She gives you a once-over before dipping into your drenched core, sucking her fingers up like it knew her touch. Her fingers inside prove warm and filling, sliding through your clenched walls with ease and in return rewards you with a drunken and drowsy gaze from her seductive greenhouse glow eyes.

“You take me in so well, shit-” Ellie’s humid mutter seeps into the swirling skin of your temple, close proximity with her heaving chest and the aroma of her natural scent coating the chamber of your skull deeply.

Her skins aflame with an amber luminance and dampening, reeking of carnal ache through her sullied hoodie, so you slur out, “I wann-feel your skin’n mine..” you clutch on the band of her hoodie, knuckles prodding her firm abdomen.

"Fingers not enough?" Ellie's hoarse yet silky voice coos, fingers sliding from your sopping wet cunt and slick glazing her svelte digits beautifully.

"I need all of you." You lean and overshadow her stationary body, hastily pulling her hoodie over her head and ruffling her hair a smidge.

"Mhm, baby?" Ellie reposes her benign palms to your hips, fingernails indenting the plush skin of your ass and inscribing a reddened row of scratches, a daring idea lighting inside her head, "y'wanna sit on my face, pretty girl?" her husky tone thickens.

An answer spurns from your agape lips, instead winding your body to heed her suggestion and climb upwards towards her face, observing the way she bites her pink lips at the sight of your eagerness before your stature projects over her and offers a pleasing sight to her sex-swollen mind.

Your avidness turns her on, admittedly, "Fuck, babe- gonna clean y'up good, okay?"

Her greedy digits resume through your ocean-soaked folds, splitting them apart and sinking three fingers in, fiending for the profound warmth your core provides. They dip in nicely, entrance molding to the shape of her fingers, absorbing every intent feeling her curving knuckles elicit in your throbbing walls and the celestial heavens wash over you.

"Fuck me- oh god.."

"That's what I'm doing.." Ellie sneaks in a playful joke, a crook slanted smile smoothing her lips for a mere moment before swiping it away with her tongue 'wetting the whistle'. Her hunger lives for your taste, colliding timely with your clit and suckling the bud into her pressed lips, simultaneously pumping her fingers into your leaking pussy and forcing a spiking yelp from your unlatched mouth.

"Mmm, Ellie.." you whine, gripping on her already disheveled locks instinctively.

She doesn't reply, too focused on rolling the swelling bud with her nimble tongue flicking endlessly between your delicate folds. An arm buckles over your thigh, elbow adjacent to your hip crest and pinning you further against her deft lapping motions. Ellie knew what she was doing.

The curved fingers coaxing your g-spot sparingly is just enough stimulation to decay your functioning senses, "Els- El..Ellie.." you wail breathless, her tongue prying at the hood of your clit lovingly whilst suctioning inwards sends shockwaves down your legs and into your feet.

Ellie parts from your core, smeared with your slick gleaming down her chin. She sucks in the wetness dripping from her lips, "Tastes so good, babe- mm, so fuckin' hot." she steeps her vision in the perspective of your body elongated before her, eyeing like a precious gem.

You melt in the quickened pace of her fingers inside you, knuckles deep and brimming with arousal overflowing at the base of her fingers. The intense thrusting of your sobbing pussy ejects a melodious line of moans, "Fuuuuck…" masking the tantalizing noises of your heat slapping with Ellie's palm.

"Cum, babygirl, come on.." Her voice husks gravelly, deepening in your skull while numb-fucking you into oblivion with hawk eyes staring up at you.

Lubricous strings lash against your outer folds and inner thigh at each smack her hand endures, her tongue slurping up those juices pooling over your neglected clit adding an extra layer of lust incarnate ramming your walls to be released. Giving in, your nerves flare up and pulse around your opening, limbs tightening and clenching, especially around Ellie's lithe fingers, a sweet pleasure engrossing your entire essence with a rush of fluid spiraling down her knuckles.

"Good fuckin'- that's m'girl.." She growls inwardly against your stuffed cunt, thrumming from her chest igniting that attractive muffled voice she crowns.

You feel her fingers slip out, leaving a hollow sense rooting in your core. A suctioning sound comes from below you, noticing that Ellie had licked the taste of you from her pussy-drowned fingers. 

"God, Ellie.. where'd you learn that?" you huff out, still descending your head from the sun above.

"Experience." She discloses, not a fragment of bluffing behind those proud eyes, relishing in the way she drove you to boundless ecstasy. She announces, "I'm not done yet though." 

You inquire a bumbled facade until you hack her meaning just as she leverages you off her face with dual strong grips setting you to the side. Hoisting onto her knees, spinning 'round to rustle through her nightstand, equipped with a slightly beaten but sealed box once she faces you again.

"Fuck is that?" You ask with knitted brows, curving curiosity in your smirk.

"So, there was this sex store up in-"

"Ellie, is that a dildo?" you poke the box.

"Not- exactly no."

"Bitch, I'm gonna be getting a different kind of infection from that."

"It's sealed! The building was barely ruined or inhabited," She defends, gentle hands rubbing your folded knees. "I just wanna fuck you."

You bob your head languidly, bidding an unwarranted smile on your lips, "You did, though." 

"But I can do so much more.." Her face levitates towards yours, "If you want?" the corners of her mouth jerk, upholding that memorable smile, dimples, nasal lines and all.

"Obviously.. I want it.." your voice rumbles navelly, eyes fix on her pupils, narrowed lids and a siren visage.

"Head on the pillow then, princess." Ellie chuckles, hands mindlessly peeling open the box.

Your fingers linger on your bra, still on somehow, so you brace it off willingly, plopping into the cloudy pillow enveloping your sticky skin with a cotton case creasing like a halo surrounding your head.

Ellie dumps the box's contents out, a thick hunter green mass smacking your thigh, "Shit, sorry." she clasps the strap-on by its buckle, leading it off your thigh simultaneously to giggling.

"How long ago did you find that box anyway?"

"Like.. a month or two?" her voice curves, unsure.

"So, you've been planning this for 2 months?"

"I've liked you longer than that."

"Oh?"

"I didn't plan it, I just.. had the stray thought." Ellie's cheeks churn in a red tint, "But I always think of you, fake dick or not."

"It's fine, I wanted you for a while too, so it's mutual." you sync a blush, anticipating the hazy lust to clamor within you again, "Thought of you too."

A mischievous grin carves on her lower face, light eyes squinting, "Like, in bed-"

"Get that damn thing on already."

"Yes, ma'am!" Ellie resumes her motions, tearing the rest of her under garments off in a pinch, bare alongside you. She fastens the strap on snug, jabbing into her untended clit that jams a groan out of her diaphragm.

"Neglected a bit?" you tease.

"Shut up." she hushes in a honeyed mumble, slouching slightly and grasping the mimicked shaft, spitting into her unoccupied palm and massaging the length graciously, "There we go.." she hums deeply.

Next thing, Ellie's hoisted your bottom between her thighs and legs hugging her hips loosely, seconds away from cramming the entire base into your over-sensitive pussy. She runs the tip through your delicate folds, sloshing the lewd slickness around which is music to your ears. Her eyes darted over to capture yours, withholding the appetite for one last affirm of consent; "Ready babe?"

"Mhm." You nod with zero hesitation, squirming your hips in timidness for what might be brought upon your foggy senses.

Ellie leans her body over you, sinking the tip between your slippery walls and gauging you in one quick swing of her hips. 

"Fuck!" Bliss clogs your throat but overdrive knots in your pelvis, implanting your bottom deeper in the sheets as a means of reprieving the inferno of overstim just slightly.

Ellie lends you a moment of adjustment, asking in a silky tone, "Can I start moving?" her face a breath away from yours, arms like pillars locking you between her hands.

"Please.." you secure your legs around her hips, nicking her in the butt with the heel of your foot playfully, "fuck me.."

Ellie's muscles tense in excitement, fierce craving looms in her face and her hands run down to grip your hips in a carnal fashion as she sinks you deeper on her base, uttering under a hush, "I'll fuck the shit out of you."

Following that, you embrace her close to you as her hips begin to crash against yours slowly, akin to a wave, hollowing and filling as she pumps her hips flawlessly. 

Tickling whimpers purring from your lips linger around the base of her ear, encouraging her to speed up slightly, chromatically raising the pitch of your pleasure, "Els…" you whine.

The strap jerks back at every thrust, chafing with her sensitive clit in provoking ways that draw out steamy breaths from her every moan. Friction beguiled her to pace faster, digging the straps base into her bud deeper, heaving a "Fuck, baby, fuck!" from that groggy voice as your hips knead together, her fingernails scraping your plush bottom instinctively.

You cast your head back towards the headboard, displaying a tidal of curses surfing from your throat at the top of cloud nine, "Yes! god.. harder.." 

"Say my name.." 

"Els-E-Ell.." you struggle as your voice gets smothered by every buck her hips produce.

"Come on.. you can do it." she motivates you in a sugary sweet coo.

"Ellie!" you wail, "Ellie.." 

"Good girl."

Ellie snaps and throws her torso up, clutching your tender hips and slamming them down on her eased cock, front slapping harshly against your bottom with aiding wetness splayed across your legs, her face contorting one of strain at the sheer intensity her speed proves to be.

"Mm, fuck!" You writhe in erotic contentment, stunned by the pure sensations sweeping your nerves and swirling around your pelvis, she's fucking you so good, your minds' all mush.

Ellie bites back her ceaseless rasps, riveted on the way your breasts bounce restlessly with every pound, bewitched by the sight and honestly almost drooling since her mouth was just open. She groans, "You gonna cum again? Hmm?" her thrusting falters and begins to get sloppy, out of breath.

"A-huh! Hmmnn.." your vision blurs and you fall into a dizzying spire, fucked out of your mind and on the verge of snapping.

"Yes.. yess.." Ellie mewls out, the dark amber strand sticking to her drenched forehead, emanating a beautiful glow across her body that weaved every groove her toned muscles bestowed, highlighting her drooping lids, agape mouth and taut forehead creasing when fucking felt just right.

All the feelings bubble up, the strap hitting your g-spot so perfectly, fogging your mind and tossing your coordination out the window. She descends her head towards your neck, sanguine bites lathered upon your shoulder and crook of your neck.

"Ellie- I'm gonna.."

"Me too." She huffed out, slamming your hips down in unison with her movement, a sheet of slick glazed between both of your crotches causing a wet slap to occur with each thrust, "Open up more, babe." her hands trail to your thighs, forcing them apart .

"It's s'fhukin g-mmm.." your voice slurs and cuts off.

"Shhhshh… shh.. I know.." her lips drag against your ear, prideful eyes drowning in your fucked out face, proud of her work. 

The swelling knot in your pelvis finally snaps, sending you quivering in her arms. Lewd moans clatter against the rooms walls, orgasm overwhelming your systems and gyrates your brain on a down spiral. Muggy sweat cloaks your entire body and hinders a steady breath from grazing your lungs.

Ellie's pelvis doesn't hesitate to halt, colliding with yours and rendering your already fried senses into a numbing and jittery state. She chases her own climax, hosting a melody of moans into your ears as she approaches release, "Fuck~ fuck fuhhckk.. babe." she squints harshly, driving her clit into the strap's base fiending for release.

"Els.." you whine, bracing the eruption of overstim.

"Just hold on, baby, hold'n.. uhh- fuck." Ellie's neck tightens and narrows her voice into a groan, gripping your wrist with a might to bear down her intense orgasm, sexy low growls thrumming from her chest. Her body falls flat on you in immediate exhaustion, burrowing the strap deep inside at a pause.

A laugh entrances you, "Felt good, hmm?"

"I should be asking you.. shit.." Ellie's chest rises sporadically against you as she syncs a giggle, sliding her hips away and taking the strap off without batting an eye so she could pepper you with smooches enraptured in a cuddle.

"It was good.. really fuckin' good."

Your reply seeps into her mind, inviting a sheepish smile to her face, "So.. does this mean, you'll be my… girlfriend?" a chuckle spurts out to clear any awkwardness.

That same pre-sex shy blush paints your face, replying, "Yeah, hell yeah."

"Okay.. you wanna, stay here tonight?" Ellie suggests with soft yet worn out eyes, fiddling with the hair cascading from your scalp.

"Of course, I don't think I can walk anywhere now." you quip, whisking your finger over her nose tip.

"Yeah.. bet I was better than any guy." She praises herself, beaten fingers tracing shapes on your chest.

"At least you get to choose your size."

"Pfft, you're funny." A brilliant laugh brushes past her lips, with a mellow whisper, "and so pretty." her thumb swipes your cheek.

You wrap your snug thighs enveloping her body, "You too, Williams." 

"Still calling me that? I thought I said-" 

You seal her lips with a prolonged kiss, dragging your lips against hers in a hypnotic passion, getting her to engage in something a bit longer than a lone kiss. She indulges without a second thought, slurping you up and tasting every inch of your-

A knock pounds your hearing and the door, adjourning the steamy makeout for a different time.

The voice behind the knocking calls out, "Yo, Ellie! You in there?" unmasking itself to be Jesse.

"Shit!" she yells, "Be right there!" and scurries off the bed, hunting for her under garments frantically.

You quickly bolt off the bed and swoop your undergarments, nearly toppling over as you shimmy your underwear on hurriedly but fortunate enough to catch your fall with some clamorous foot thumps to the wooden floor.

"What's goin' on in there? You fightin' a runner in there?" Jesse quips, his voice deadened by the walls.

"Ye- No!" Ellie stammers in a rush, managing to yank her jeans up and throw a bland white shirt over it, oblivious to the fact that it was inside-out, seams bulking and tag visible.

You were on the brink of raising a question to Ellie, but bite it back as she swings the door open and you cling to the closet adjacent to but behind the open door, not without a blow from your back against its rattling nature that had Ellie spooked for a split second.

"What're you doing here?" Ellie inquires, crossing her arms to appear unbothered.

"Heard you had quite a night after I left." His voice clarifies, streaming through the open door.

"It-" Her response defects, "She kissed me. Dina being Dina, it doesn't mean anything-"

"Wait, you kissed Dina?" Jesse interjects her reply, voice curving in curiosity.

"Oh, I thought-"

"We're broken up one week and you make a move on my girl?"

"No- She was the one- I don't even.." Ellie corners herself into a distraught state.

"I'm messing with you man, I don't care. I just swung by to tell you Maria switched up the assignments for tomorrow, you're up for more patrol."

"Seriously? I thought I'd get-"

"Hey why's your shirt inside out? Did you really get tangled up with a runner in there?" He jokingly peeks into the room, jolting back when Ellie's forearm bars him out randomly.

"None of your business, I get it now you can go." She sternly affirms, slowly creaking the door closed.

"What'chu hidin' in there?"

"Go!" Ellie strikes the door shut on his face, secretly flipping him off from the opposite site under the knob.

"Unholy fuck-"

"Next time try not to wake the dead with your footsteps!" She snaps back at you through an adorned smile, on edge from the unexpected, interrupting, visit.

"Like I said I can barely walk from your-"

Ellie strides up in a pacey fashion, cradling your head from the back in her palms, linking lips with yours soulfully. 

You press your lips, dawdling with hers and soaking in the taste of breath and flesh. It feels so good to expose your love, animated for her in this moment now, like a singing felicity in your heart. She parts, engulfing you in her olive irises before she croaks.

"Say we.. get back to bed? I wanna show you my drawings.." A sugary murmur trampling her usually husky voice.

"Yeah.." you wriggle your lips in a creeping smirk, leveraging your weight from one leg to the other.

"C'mere." Ellie creaks before tackling you onto the bed, burying you with infinite ticklish kisses along your face, a declaration of unfiltered affection in her lasting intentions.

"Ellie! That tickles.."

"Good."

hope you enjoyed!!! <3

MASTERLIST

[fandrawsart]

Dreaming of Violence

Inspired by a conversation I had with @bugbeee which basically amounted to-

Let Kurama have some fun 2k2k.

Kurama has standards and will never fall to the same level as humanity (whom he considers to be a breeding cesspool of dogshit).

If Kurama had to raise Nacchan he would do a better job than all of Leaf combined.

Bijuu are Eldritch Gods and should be treated as such

Jinchuuriki must be biologically enhanced to survive their prisoners.

Jinchuuriki are creepy and unnerving. The way they move, operate, function, and look screams OTHER.

A convention of basic standards for treating a Jinchuuriki was passed at the same Five-Kage summit, where laws regarding their deployment in battlefields and other villages were made.

The law was passed shortly after the elemental nations were shaken by the aftermath of a string of atrocities committed against Jinchuuriki. Both Tobirama and Mito had been present at that summit.

Minato sealing Kurama in baby Naruto very much resulted in the already tattered convention of standards to burst up in flames. His seal creation also introduced a whole new level of horrors for Jinchuuriki as a whole.

The Jinchuuriki HATE Minato's guts. Yes, including his own child.

The remaining Bijuu detest the Senju in the same way Kurama HATES the Sharingan lmao. Which is pretty tragic as Hashirama’s chakra, as intertwined as it was with sage chakra, reminded them of their father. A memory they associated with safety.

It's safe to say that the remaining Bijuu automatically have a beef with Nacchan. A consequence of them having Kyuubi “I am the greatest and thou must bow before me maggot” Kurama and Hashirama “I will strip away the freedom and autonomy of Bijuu and dispense them like candy after falling out with my something” Senju chakra.

Bonus: The OG version of the art. Lmao look at how thrilled Nacchan looks.

[mehiwilldoitlater]

Black Cloud , Red Fire (Part 3)

(Part 1) (Part 2)

"Did I REALLY have done that?"

"Yeah! Trust me, I was surprised, just as you now!"

"Wow, I REALLY did use magic."

"Why so surprised?" The cranky old voice of the Keeper cane from the walls of the old caverna: "I told you that you had what was needed! After now, I guess you'll have more trust in your skill."

After the defeat of the Elder, or, like you said, his liberation, you and the Deatined one had a small stop near where the Snake guy was defeated, enough to take your breath, and then started to travel again.

Beyond the wooden shrine that he was protecting, the entrance of once was the old cave of the bear, where he was defeated by Sun Wukong and the assistance of Guanyin. As much as you could say, it was... a cave. Where you guess and old beat should live, but what you didn't know was that it went deeper than it looked.

Before entering, the monkey had taken out of his sack the old mantle that you'd retrieved from the ashes of the original Lingxuzi.l, Extended it to you.

"Why are you giving me this?" You asked, raising your eyebrow.

"Well," he started, "I think it would be better for you to hold it...just in case."

"Just in case forrrrr what?"

"Oh, I don't know...we had been talking about fire for like all this way up here, and I'm...fearing something could happen."

Despite the slightly bad Omen that he had just brought upon you two, you decided to follow Già Insticts and take the mantel. In your hands, you started to notice a few things that you haven't after it's retrieving.

The small rope holding it was made of gold and decorated with jade pearls at the ends of the strings. Golden decorations were visible between the fabrics, along with some more made of the same darker shade of the silk. At the touch, it wasn't cold at all; in fact, a warm feeling crawled through your fingers, almost like touching a freshly ironed piece of garmet.

With the mantle in your sack, moving between the dark and the shadows of the cavern, you were concerned about the last enemy that you two were supposed to meet.

After the long road, the many encounters and enemies, there he was, just a few steps closer. You couldn't believe that, despite it all, you were able to actually make it this far. You felt a strange sense of heavyness; your duty wasn't complete, and you were closer to the relic than even before.

Thinking about that thing, your mind crawled back to the thought of Sun Wukong and his actions. 

He wasn't perfect, you got it, and in all honesty, you weren't that convinced that brought him back. Life was the right choice, but you didn't have any choice. He was, now right now, the most reasonable option for you to go back home.

But what if he didn't want to help you out? 

This scary idea made you ponder... to the point that you had almost fallen into a giant hole!

"Watch It!" The monkey was fast enough to catch you up, putting you back on your feet.

"You're distracted!"

"Oh, I'm just thinking..."

"It's about earlier?"

How could a simple monkey be so perceptive? You looked around. It wasn't the right time to talk about those staff...

"We can... discuss this later? Please?" It was more a prayer than a request. The monkey, on his own, decided to oblige. He knew the matter, and he too wasn't so sure right now.

The cave, the longer you went, seemed to have crossed the mountain itself. Sometimes, it opened to the outsider, allowing plants and trees to grow in a small angle of green. Other times, it was just cliffs that followed the side of the rocks, allowing a view of the outside. More than anytime, it was just a jump in the pitch black of the bowels of the mountain.

Trees grow wherever the sunlight allows, their roots deep in the rock of the cave, growing high, reaching the summit. As far as you could say, it was just a splendid place to leave, not fitting for such a cruel Yaiguai like the bear.

Beautiful, but not without danger.

It was the doorstep of their master household; of course guards and warriors, the best at least, were guarding it without trace of tiredness or fear. Those wolves were different, to say the least, and they preferred to fight in the dark, taking advantage of their knowledge of the structure of the place against the monkey, but every time, like before, none of them were strong enough to beat him.

After a long road between the rocks and some cliffs, a long tunnel took both of you to an exit. The mountain ended there and, guarded by two heavy soldiers, a giant door.

You sensed...something there. Not the relic, but something... alive.

After the two guards were taken off, whatever was waiting for the two of you was just behind the door. The monkey posed his hands on the wooden surface, but he didn't' push; instead, his eyes met yours.

"You know what's waiting for us here... Once we're with him—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Step beside," you said, raising your hand. He waved his own.

"No...be carefull." He seemed stressed, like searching to say something that he had been mustering for some time.

"Listen... When they told me about you, the Bián huá, they didn't tell me everything... I guess that it's for lack of knowledge." His hands left the door, looking at you with a mix of concern and sadness.

"And I know that... it's hard; now I get it. You must feel a lot of things right now. Visions, old memories..."

While he was talking, or more like rumbling on his own words, trying to make sense, you noticed one thing: he was worried—like really worried—for you and for whatever was happening in your head.

"What I mean!" I cleared his throat. "It is that if we want to get through this, getting back the sage and getting you back home, we must do it together, so please talk to me. About everything!"

So...he really was worried about you, about your doubts and your second thoughts about bringing back the old Sage...

You needed to get through this, and, despite your uncertainty, you had someone that wanted to back you up.

You felt better, even if Just a Little.

"I will," you said, caressing his shoulder. "Just try not to die on me.. I REALLY don't want to be on the bear menù."

He chukled a little; his hand gave a strong but soft squeeze to your own.

You left his shoulder, following him in the action of opening the wooden door together. A few steps ahead, that was what you needed to do.

Leaves were falling in dim sunlight that slowly was leaving, making the area look darker than ever. Two fires were lit in front of two structures that preceded the main structure of the temple. It wasn't different than the other temples that you had met on your journey, only for this one to be bigger and far more well conserved, just like the one where you met that beast that took the name of the old wolf. Incense aromas flew around, and the sound of bells echoed slowly and gently.

The place radiates calm on a first glance, like every other, but deep down the rumble of something dark and twisted made your guts twisted.

Someone was sitting there, meters from you, in a meditating pose.

It seemed like a man, his vest around his torso, decorated with golden lines and its reddish tone, the long Mala that crossed his chest from his shoulder...

He was a monk, no doubts, but despite the attire, his looks gave more to him. His body was big, the relaxing pose just hidden the muscles that could have been possessed by a fighter, and his skin was covered in old scars, mostly the sign of really bad scratches made by teeth and claws. His face, covered in a well-kept white beard, was stuck in a stern that cracked only when he spotted the two of you entering the gate. He wasn't surprised to see you there; in fact, by the presence of something that seemed like a weapon near him, he seemed like he was expecting the two of you.

He could have fooled someone else, but after all the road, you knew that the monk was no one but the Black Wing Guai.

"Five hundred years." His voice, which seemed perfectly matched for someone like his own, finally broke the silence. He rose up; he wasn't just big; he was taller than expected, a good human foil for a bear. He reached for the weapon, a long spear, conteplating in it, scoping away some dust from it.

"I have rebuilt the temple. Now it's grander in scope." 

"More likely made a home for himself and the guais, I would say," the monkey said between his teeth, giving you a smirk. That bear didn't learn so much from Guanyin herself...

Then he kept talking, but time your blood boiled by the subject.

"All those monks consumed by the fire turn to wandering ghosts, roaming in Black Wind Mountain... It was I who granted them eternal repose!"

"Repose?!" You scoffed; your voice was very audible. The monkey looked at you, trying to keep you at a distance, while the bear was looking at you, raising his thick eyebrow. "You tried to revive them! And then you hide away to not lose your face!"

"How dare you speak to me like that?! You should keep your mortal at bay, monkey!"

"OOHH, don't you dare me!" You step closer again, pointing your finger at him. "Those monks were never at peace! They were suffering all along! And the poor wolf, Lingxuzi... You really believed that he would just accept killing his kind just to go along with your plans?!"

" AH!" He laughed "You like to point fingers, but didn't you just stand beside him while he had risked his life?! Unlike, I have even restored the charred scriptures piece by piece! But my matter is not with you...small human."

This one made you sick. Everything he had done—taking away the mountain from the keeper, resuscitating poor souls only to cause them more suffering, hiding his own looks and misdeads with some other acts that were only useful to him! Even if he were a monk, he just weared the mantle, but he surely wasn't even close to one. He started to ingore you, pointing his gaze towards the monkey.

Just like they said...his spitting image. 

Oh, he had never forgotten what the Sage had done to him all those years before—the shame to be bound, the years of isolation... He had paid off his debts; he had something in return—something powerful! It was funny to obtain strength from an old enemy that once had almost destroyed you, but such the wheel goes. And even there, that fear was always present in his soul, something that someone could just believe to be the product of a paranoic mind. But every time a new monkey came to the mountain, every time another human was alongside them... With each death, his fears were drowned, making him laugh of himself about this silly nightmare, but this time, his fear had come true.

"But, oh yes, I always knew," he laughed, his aura starting to emanate an aggressive tone. "One day you shall return!"

He struck fast; his spear pierced the air, crushing on the ground. The monkey held you, jumping away from his opponent blow, giving you then the time to move away from the fight. The massive body of the bear was then engulfed in something that reminds you of a black swirl of dead leaves, moving around with such force that even the wood of the piles cracked around. That was his power then! He had surely held the title of his name...

But you didn't want to walk away like that!

"Wait, I can help!"

"It's too-" He pushed you away again, dodging a swift of the spear. "RISKY!"

"B-but..."

"Oh, what's the matter, oh destined one?! Since when the Great Sage is so afraid of letting a mortal get hurt?! She's not your master even!" The bear kept on attacking the monkey, taking advantage of the fact that he couldn't properly respond to his blow with you around. He was taunting him, or taunting Wukong to be more precise.

If those weren't working on him, they did work on you. You wanted to help so badly, you could use at least one spell! But...you didn't know how, and last time was just by chance.

"Please, Y/N!" The monkey screamed, "You'll help me! Let me handle this one! I promise!"

"Oh, but let her, Great Sage! I'll give her the right lesson that she so desperately wants to learn!" Out of the blue, the object of his attacks changed, striking now towards you. You started to retreat quickly, begging for your power to just start to work.

"Y/N!" The monkey darted to you, using his staff to counterattack against the bear. "Too scared to take on me that you had to go against her?! You truly are a coward, like the story said."

This time it was the turn of the monkey to taunt the bear, and he surely was more touched by his words and remarks. Despite the technique of the guai, the new spells and the ability of the monkey gave him more advantage in certain situations: taking new forms, the binding spell, his gourd that helped him to retrieve more strengths... Just like the last time, the monkey had always an ace up his sleeves.

That damn monkey...why did he have to return and ruin everything again?!

The fight kept on going again and again, giving you little choice but to back down. You felt so useless. Why did you have to find out that you could do something and still be a dead weight in his fight?! He still wanted to protect you, but you wanted to be of assistance to him!

Between your doubts and more destruction of the temple, a final blow of your monkey was enough to finally strike down the monk. He stumbles on his feet, losing grip on his spear, holding instead of his side, hurting from the battering.

"You have some cheap tricks... Meet me at the summit if you dare!"

Without the both of you could do anything, he vanished in the swirl, flying away from your sight.

"He had run away!" You screamed, almost trying to run after him.

"He just has the relic with him!" The monkey pointed out, sensing nothing unusual in the place around you.

Insted, another smoke appeared, alongside some scoff. The old Keeper had reappered!

"The spell he just cast may appear intricate, but it's not hard to learn!"

"Hello there, old one..." you sighed.

"You say?" the monkey continued, "it seemed quite strong!"

"Ah! That black bear's expertise is lacking! Serving Guanyin didn't help him much!"

You laughed, hearing how much this grand protector that he claimed to be was just wussing a big mouth!

"This is just making my day! Now, what ar-" Suddenly, a strange gale engulfed the three of you in a string swirl of leaves that could cut your skin. You tried to cover your eyes, protecting yourself from the dust, when you felt a strong paw holding your waist, rising you from the ground. You couldn't see much, the black swirl making it hard to see at all! What the monkey could see, isntead, was that black mass before moving around, leaving an empty spot where once you were!

"Y/N!" The monkey screamed, noticing the fainting tone of your robes in that black swirl.

"COME AND FIGHT MONKEY!" His laughter echoed around you, making your ear hurt. "AND BE FAST BEFORE I MAKE THIS ONE MY DINNER TONIGHT!"

Laughing, the bear started to ascend the mountain while you were struggling with all your strength to get loose his grips. 

The monkey tried to run, but as soon as he reached the limit of the temple, you were gone.

"No no no no!" He started to panic. Who could possibly know what could happen to you alone with that beast? Before he could move another step, the old Keeper had already blocked his passage.

"Hold it, little one!" he sais, trying to calm down. "This is not the time to be taken by fear!"

"He took you! I must go and help her!"

"I know! He knows what he could do, but here in this temple are hidden treasures that will aid you! Quickly! Find them and only then rise to the top!"

The Keeper was right; he needed to recover from a few wounds too, but the idea of taking too much time was unbearable! Yet he reluctantly started to search, prying to not be late.

///

Everything was moving around you. It felt like you were dragged everywhere and yet stayed in the same place. Struggling was hard because you didn't know how to struggle.

You couldn't see where you were going; you guessed higher by what the bear had said; the only understandable object in that confusion was the setting sun on the horizon, slowly fading behind the mountains.

When your body had finally taken its form back, your captor had thrown you on the ground, making you roll for a few meters. You coughed, feeling the air coming back in your lungs, massaging your abdomen, and feeling the aching of every possible muscle in your body. Facing the sky, there was no mountain in sight, only the vast expanse of blue and a few clouds. He had taken you to the top of the mountain...

The pavement where he had thrown you away was made by hand, a large forecourt sourronded by giant pines and, towering like the same mountain where it was built, a pagoda made of stone.

While you were coughing and trying to understand where your captor had taken you, you felt a strange sound: the flattering of a pair of wings. 

The sound was strange. It was like your ears stopped working for everything, except for that sound.

It was constant, almost like a bird butterfly trying to fly frantically against the wind, and, with that, you had the clear sensation that something was observing you. Then you noticed something small and yet shiny, like a small sun irradiating a light at the summit of the pagoda, posed like a flag on the structure.

You felt it, like a bolt running inside your brain. The relics, you found it!

Without thinking, you stood up and tried to launch yourself towards the pagoda when a strong hand clutched you in his grasp, raising your body like a rag doll.

"Not so fast, Little One..." His voice sounded far more sinister, more deeper than before: "I have some more plans for you!"

His body was battered, full of the wounds that your friend inflicted on him on his first meeting, but what really started to upset you was his skin. It seemed loose, like a dress that started to lose stiffness, and from the wounds you were clearing, see some...furr?!

His face, which seemed almost like it was melting on itself, was contorted in a beastly grime, showing a set of sharp teeth that could rip a leg in one bite. He was furious, but his grin showed a side completely far from the act of the pious monk that he had showed to everyone.

"LET go of me, you Creep!" You started to kick and punch the hand and arm that were holding you midair, but the few damages that you made were mostly ajinn that kept on falling, revealing even more of his true nature. He laughed at your attempt, slowly piercing his own face with his free hand, which now was more similar to a paw than a human limb.

His talons, sharp and big as a knife, puerced his own skin, slowly shredding it like some piece of paper. You stopped trying to get free from his grasp, your eyes glued in horror to that horrifying show. Blood started to purr, only to be absorbed by the thick, black furry of the beast that slowly started to get bigger and bigger. The hand that was holding your shirt was now a paw that big that you seemed like a Barbie in his clasp. The dark eyes slowly became like two furnaces, looking at you with a malevolent glim.

"No more talking, ah, Little One?"

The monk was now gone; what remained of him were shreds of skin and a pool of blood at your feet. Now in front of you stood the Black Bear Guai, a giant made of pure muscles and brute force. 

You trembled in his grasp, realizing now in what kind of mess you were. That thing was able to rip you a part by just pulling you by a limb; instead, he started to slowly walk towards the pagoda. The sound of the wings became stronger and more frantic—a scare and aggressive bird. 

You kept on punching and kicking, now more than ever useless against that walking mass that held you hostage. With a small push, he opened the granite doors of the tower; a few brached here and there, and, with his free hand, he took one, still approaching the center of the room. The room was full of every possible treasure that a bear could find appealing, such as food and goodies from the woods and what a human could die for—golds, jewelry, and precious religious items—and everything was stored in piles or in old barrels.

So much to be a poor and pious monk.

Without a care, he threw you on the ground; your back collided with a small pile of apples that had fallen on the ground, rolling on the stone pavement.

You hissed for the pain while he was looking at you menacingly, the bracier still fuming in his paws.

"Last time," his beastly voice resonated like thunder. "That damn monkey had made quite a mess at the temple, allowing everything to burn. He saved that monk the last time. Let's see how good he's now."

And with that, he launched the bracier towards a few jars that broke at the impact with it, and, with a roar, a pyre of fire suddenly started, eating everything that was near it.

With a roaring laugh, the bear disappeared in the same cloud of black leaves, shutting the rock doors behind him. He wanted to roast you alive!

You tried to open the door with all your strength while hearing the fire cracking and burning everything with it. There must have been some wine in those jars, because the explosion just spread the same liquid around, making the fire run faster. Smoke started to invade the room, and your only way out was close shut!

You started to panic; breathing was already hard without clean air; now it was just impossible! You wanted to scream; your nails started to dig in the rock, and your shoulders just hurt after the many impacts on the surface of the door. Was that it?! Was that really the end?! Burned alive after that long road, just a few feet away from the relic?!

The more the fire grows, the more the fear starts to set in you. 

"I...I don't... I don't want... I promised to tell you everything... I don't want to die!"

You screamed, feeling the tears start to accumulate in your eyes. In those moments, many thoughts come to you and to your friend...Your friend...

The monkey! The mantle!

Ho, could you forget that?! He had given you that because he felt it was right! Whatever kind of deity gave him that hunch, BLESS IT!

Trying to control your shaking hands, you reached for your bag, and, after sensing the silk in your hand, you extracted from it the red robe. As you sensed the danger, the mantle magically spread over you, covering your trembling figure in one move, and the golden string fastened itself to your neck. 

Suddenly, it was like the fire wasn't even there. The heat was long gone; only the gentle warmth of the mantle was there, and, to your surprise, that wasn't the only merit of the mantle: the air, thick of smoke, was now fresh like a summer breeze. You took a long breath, feeling finally the freshness and the cleanliness in your lungs. You felt like, in that moment, another message from the universe for you.

You were meant to live; you needed to survive.

The fire was spreading, but knowing that now you were protected again by your dear friend, even if unintentionally, you felt secured and calmer now. Your eyes were safe from the smoke, alongside your lungs, but you needed a few minutes to find what you believed was your only way out of that: a small ladder leading to the next level of the pagida. Well, it was a tower after all; it was meant to go up.

And so, up was your way out, near the relic... You started to move, prying that your friend had the same uck as you.

///

"OUT OF MY WAY!"

Another strike, another foe fallen to the ground against the charge of the monkey. His calm demeanor was completely gone, now possessed by a rage after the bear had captured you.

He had found many treasures in the temple, but most of all, he wanted to find the bear who just broke his head in half. The road after that wasn't that difficult; this time he had the Keeper to guide him, showing him the right way, a long path full of the remains of others structured that lead at the summit of the mountain. Finding the enyrance of the climb was almost a lucky event, hidden behind some fabrics and blocked by debris.

He was sure that there he would have found you, the bear, and hopely the relic.

Of course that was the last defense of the bear's most polite possession, because now all the enemies that he had encountered were stronger and more aggressive than before. Their weapons now were meant to kill him, to stop him more than ever, but he was far away from being done. 

Now, other than anger, fear started to crawl through his spine. During his climb, he had seen smoke and the smell of it, and it wasn't good, especially since the more he ascended, the more the scent became stronger than before. He prayed that nothing bad was happening, that you remembered the message that he gave you, and to be smart enough to be out of the fight. And between some curses and prayers, his fears took form.

A pagoda, burning like a torch in the night, the smoke like a dark cloud full of rain, grew in the sky. The fire had spread toward the courtyard, now devouring the trees and the statues that decorated the area.

He frantically searched for you, hoping that his guts were wrong, when that damn voice spoke again.

"He once told me: Out of sight, out of mind is a fool's task; seeing but seeing through is what wise men do. But didn't he turn mad...by what he saw too?!"

His laugh echoed between the roars of the fire; the dark cloud came back like before, this time larger and darker than before. His foe reappered, now fully changed, and a black bear double the normal size roared to him, showing him his claws and teeth, ready to end the fight in his favor.

The monkey did not stand down, only rising his staff, pinting at him in anger.

"Where's Y/N?! Where's my friend?!"

"Oh," he mocked, "she reaced her ancestors already. Let me help you reach her!"

The monkey looked back at the pagoda. Maybe there was still time! He launched and tried to avoid the bear getting closer, only to get hit by one of his paws. He was pure muscle in one strike; the m-onkey, now only the size of a child confronted to him, had a small disadvantage, but he didn't care at all.

What he cared was for his friend, stuck in a burning structure that could have collapsed at any moment! He stood back again with one jump, regaining his posture, while the bear only laughed again.

"Distracted, are we?!"

The monkey started running again; this time he was able to avoid another of the bear punches, but as soon as he was near the pagoda, the ground started to shake in a single shake, making him lose balance and get hit again.

"Oh, destiny! Your master is not so pleased! I thought you wanted to take the relic! But one human is enough to make you lose interest?!"

"Just Shut Up!"

He used his staff against the bear face, striking directly in his eye. A huge howl, even for an animal, came from the Guai that started to back away. Holding his snout in his paws, he cried and destroyed everything in his path, lamenting the loss of one of his eyes.

While the bear finally had him catch a break from his assault, he tried another time, but this time it wasn't the beast that didn't give him enough time to reach the door; it was the unsufferable heat coming from the fire. It had already taken the ground level; whatever it contained was lost to the fire and the smoke, and soon, the entire structure was about to fall down.

"Y/N! Y/N!!" He screamed, hoping to hear your voice, but nothing came. He needed to open those doors, or just try to get on the untouched levels of the pagoda, but the same paws that had attacked him had already pinned him on the ground this time. Fire was devouring the bear furr, emanating a disgusting smell of burnt flesh, but it seemed that the pain wasn't in the beast's concerns right now. The monkey struggled, trying to escape from his clutches and the fire, trying to reach with his hand the lost staff that had flown a few meters away from the impact.

"You had ruined everything! I'll kill you like I did with that stupid mortal!"

Then, an apple struck him in the head with a loud smash, poulp scattered on his muzzled and on his still good eye. 

You tried to hold your grip on the parapet of one of the pagoda windows, trying to not fall to your not so unpleasant death by falling down from the third level of the building. When the bear saw you, for a moment he seemed confused and scared. How did you even survive!?

"I have more here with me, you cheap off Winnie Pooh!"

The monkey saw you, and a gleam of relief and happiness colored his face. 

The bear growled to you, realizing that you did not just survive, but you were even mocking him! He was nice enough to let you die by the fire, but if you wanted to die from his own hands, then fine! So be it!

He launched towards the building; his massive body collided with the structure that was already losing security. You lost grip on the window by the string shake that he had provoked, but, lucky for you, while slipping from the curved roof, you avoided a big fall on the ground by grasping the edge. You started to try to get back on the same roof while filing the flames and the bear breath under yourself.

He had almost catched you when, at the corner of his eyes, he saw something growing and a stick on his face, making him fly on the other side.

"What's the matter?! Getting distracted?!"

The monkey laughed when the table turned, and, with the help of his staff, he had caught you, helping you land on the ground safely.

When both of your feet touched the ground, his arms crashed on you just like yours on him, hugging each other in relief.

"Oh Gods, I've almost... thought that..." He couldn't even pronounce those words; he had imagined the worst for you. You squeezed him tigthly, feeling his breath near your neck.

"You won't get rid of me that easily!" You tried to laugh about it, freeing him from your arms. Then, you put the mantle around him, feeling that this time he needed more than you. In the distance, the bear had rose again, furious by your constant strike and coming back.

"Go and give him a lesson, Tiger! We have a mission to accomplish!"

And, with a huge grin and his refound security, he marched towards the bear, facing him with not a single trace of fear. This time, it was personal.

This time the bear had lost his upper hand. He was furious, angry, and without control, while the monkey kept his cool in every strike and every blow, using all of his new tricks that he had learned. Maybe it was the fact that he knew that you were alive, but the fight from before was just a small act on what he was able to do. In fact, the bear couldn't take a chance, and, with another of the staff blows, he falls to the ground, making a huge cloud of smoke appear.

He knew that he couldn't win; that damn monkey was... something else. After emitting a last roar, he dissipated again in the same clouds from before. Intuitively, the monkey held your hand, fearful of another kidnapping attempt, but this time the bear did not aim for you or him. 

"You cunning wretches, I'll spare your sorries lives for today!"

In his form, he reached the edge of the pagoda, towards the light that was shining at its summit.

"Fortune is no longer on your side! No one will come to your aid!"

"The relic!" You screamed, seeing that he had already snatched the light, starting to fly around.

"All I need is to take it elsewhere and rebuild everything anew!"

His laugh echoed in the sky, savoring his final victory against you too. You wanted to run after him, but the monkey stopped you, pointing him with his finger.

"Something is...off here..."

In fact, there was something off. The light seemed to have reacted to the sudden snatching, emitting some light esplosion that made the projectory of the bear confused and random. Even the bear's voice seemed to be in pain and confused about what's happening, until the same light emitted a final and huge explosion that made the guai fall to the ground and retake his original form.

"Great...SAGE!"

Those were the words that he had spoken, while the light now, on your ears, emitted the cry of a bird.While looking at you and your friend, his voice sounded more apologetic, and he started to bow in reverence.

"Oh, pardon me, Young Sage! Mercy, Young Sage! Have mercy! Please, honorable lady, show mercy on this poor bear!"

"Oh?!" The monkey mocked, "What's happened to all that bravado that you showed us before?! Now we're the Young Sage and the Honorable Lady?!"

The bear bowed again, touching the ground with his massive head.

"I was just a pawn of the Celestial Court! If given a choice, who'd dare to challenge the mighty Wrecker of the Celstial Palace?!"

"Oh please!" you cointued, completely unwaved by his cries, "like the Celestial Court could trust someone like you!"

"His words ring true." The Keeper suddenly appeared between you and the monkey, gesturing with his staff towards the bear.

"Old Keeper! Do you buy his story?!" The monkey gestured towards his now apologetic challenger.

"No matter how daring he was," he explained, "he had not the nerve to harm the Great Sage."

"So it's true...it was the Celestial Court?!" You said, now more shocked. Yes, the Court did send armies to kill Sun Wukong, but why gave to the bear the relic?! "But why?!"

"The meaning, I do not know. There must be someone else pulling all the strings."

This information was...ominous. That meant that someone had clearly orchestrated the entire affair, but then why? For what purpose?! The bear raised his head, looking to you and your friend.

"Exactely! And this thing is eerie! I had no idea how to make use of its power, except to enshrine it up there, tricking lesser yaoguais into offerings."

"So...you tricked the all?! They believed you were there to help them!"

"Ma Tianba was right," the monkey continued, "you were just telling lies!"

For a moment, the bear feared for another beating. Another idea pops up in his mind.

"If you'd pardon me,I-I'll go back to Guanyin to atone for my actions and be put back on the Encaging Band! You will never see me out there anymore!"

"Oh, ignore his nonsense!" The Keeper spoke before you could just say what you thought about the bear and his sorries and excuses."Go now, young ones, go and retrieve the great sage's relic."

I'll go back to Guanyin to atone for my actions and be put back on the Encaging Band! You will never see me out there anymore!"

"Oh, ignore his nonsense!" The Keeper spoke before you could just say what you thought about the bear and his sorries and excuses."Go now, young ones, go and retrieve the great sage's relic."

You and the monkey looked at each other, realizing now more than ever that you did make it to the end. The light, in a few movements, loses his first appearance, showing its true form: a bird, similar to a rooster in certain ways, started to fly in the air, like stretching its wings after a long period of sleep. 

Its sound was crystal, sweet, and kind in your ears, and with such grace it posed on the monkey arm, looking at you both. Only now have you noticed the curious presence of two iris in both of its eyes.

"His eyes...this is...the Great Sage eyes," he whispered, trying to touch the bird that enjoyed the small scratches.

"You did it," you whispered. "You really did it!"

"We did it," he whispered back.

///

When the first sentinels saw the two of you reaching the Mountain, the first cry of joy emerged from the monkeys village. If a monkey didn't come back from its voyage, it didn't come back at all, so when the news that you were coming back came, everybody was ALREADY in a festive mood, screaming and exclaiming about their brother and the Bián huá returning home.

"Brother is back! Big Brother is back!"

"The humans too!!"

"They haven't been eaten!"

The smallest one started to run around and jump in his arms, laughing and hugging. With the bird on your shoulder, you watched the scene tenderized by the bond that all of them shared. You had to admit, you were a little jealous...until a bunch of other monkeys decided to jump on you in happiness.

"Y/n! Y/N! You're back and alive!"

"I am"you tried to break free, "but I think I'll soon die here!"

While holding one of his younger siblings, the Money couldn't stop smiling watching you. It was a hell of an adventure, but you grow up so fast... He wasn't lying when he swore that a spark had lightened in you!

"And so, the two pilgrims came back from their journey..." The cranky old voice of the old monkey came from the small path of rock, surrounded by some youngsters following their master in welcoming you and your friend.

"An unusual sight, I must say..."

"Master," the monkey came forward, bowing in respect, "we did it. We retrieved the relic."

The sound of flapping and the sweet chirp came from above. The bird gently posed itself on your shoulder, and, for some reason, while it was looking at the old monkey, you almost thought that they... knew each other? Nah, just an impression. 

The old one gently caressed its feathers; a gentle smile appeared on his face.

"It seemed that you had quite the adventure, huh?"

"Oh, we had!" You said with enthusiasm, "He was incredible! We met the old keeper of the Mountain; he actually knew Sun Wukong! And there were so many monsters, but we met so many new friends!"

The old one laughed at your description, almost like a child describing their day to their parents. You sighed, your hands on your hips, looking at your friend with a hint of sadness.

"Well, too bad I had to go now..."

"Hehe...go where exactly?" The old monkey stepped forward, ChiLiang at your confused face.

"...Home? My job is done here; we found the relic."

"Relics, y/n. More than one." Said your friend, noticing your perplexion, "There's six senses, remember?"

"Five more?!"

"But you found the First One. The first step had been taken, my dear..."

"I almost died back there..." You retorted to the old monkey, "No one knows if we could take the others..."

"No one knew you could retrieve the first one either... and yet..." His trembling hand motioned towards the bird, singing happily to be back in a place that it seemed to remember.

"Every adventure has a beginning and an end. But, for now... you rest."

With these words, the old monkey had left the both of you to talk about your adventure with the youngest ones, so eager to know about the fight that you spoke of.

That night, the village decided to hold a party to celebrate your victory, with fruits and food from all the mountains as the main course and wine that flows as fast as a river. Despite the realization that your duty wasn't complete, you must admit that the joyous atmosphere was contagious even with you, and after some time of overthinking about your situation, you soon joined the party, alongside your friend.

"I'm exhausted..." You said, collapsing on a soft cushion not so far from the bonfire of the party, the monkey soon followed you with two peaches in his hands, handing you one of them.

"I noticed! But don't you dare get away now; we have a bargain, remember?"

"Uh?... Oh right..." You remembered the promise that you two made before the fight. "But I don't want you to ruin your mood..."

"My mood," he continued, biting the peach. "It's about you talking to me."

"Wow, you really care for this, don't you?" You sighed while he looked at you with some half-closed eyes.

"... That old sage wasn't that good, was he?"

"... He was... difficult, I guess." He was measuring his words, but clearly he did hold him in some regard, his old king...even if now he had some doubts of his own.

"He hurt so many monks back there...he didn't care if they were good or bad..."

"He wanted to protect his master; he had his own motivation."

"...would you do the same? Hurting others for protecting me?"

He didn't respond, since he ALREADY did.

"... I don't want you to become aggressive and have some clearly anger management issues!"

"He had what?"

"My point," you sliced in two the Peach, "is that we found some good guys on the road...and the one that we learned their story was just...sad old souls...even the Elder..."

He looked at you; your sad expression was full of compassion even for the ones that wanted to hurt you, and you understood their motive... everyone there was a victim.

"...in that case, when we bring him back, we're both going to teach him a lesson!" He said, throwing away the seed of the peach.

"You don't have to do anything if you don't want to..."

"No, you're right. He needs to properly tò pay some respect for all of those dead monks AND for the troubles he had put US in!" He laughed a little, and, deep down, you felt better. Yes, that was certainly a thing to do on the list.

"And we need to understand some more things... what the Keeper said was kinda ominous..."

"Yes," you responded, "but... one step at a time. Firstly, you need to teach me how to defend myself. This damsel in distress thing is cute and all, but it's kind of overwhelming, and I'm really fed up with being the dead weight on you."

"Oh, I don't mind! I like feeling important..." You both laughed at his stupid look when he said this. Then, you clapped your hands, an idea coming to you.

"Oh, I GOT it! We should give you a name!"

"A name?"

"Well, a proper one! I don't want to call you Just Monkey forever!"

He was... baffled, somehow. Tò received a name; it's not something that monkeys usually do. A few of them received One, really important monkey, to be precise, but this was the first time that this idea was presented to him... 

Not like it wasn't appealing, but a name means... a lot. It means to be more than just part of the Monkey clan; it means to exist. 

"I... well... if you like?"

"All right... umm," you started to ponder... It needed to be a fitting name, something that could depict him.

"...How do you say Destined One in your language?"

"Ummm...well...Destiny Is Yuán fèn and—wait, hold it!" He looked at you, straight in your eyes, "Are you calling me the Destined One, just in another way?!"

You looked at him, holding your breath...then a blasting laugh escaped from your mouth, and you needed to hold yourself to not fall behind.

"It fit! Perfectly actually!"

Despite the stupidity, it was in fact a fitting name... And he started laughing.

Yuán fèn...It wasn't such a bad idea!

///

Between the frogs, the cricket, and the birds, the sound of some paws crashing on the water was heard in the swamp.

The heavy breath of a canine, far different from the ones that had decided to stay on the mountain under the Keeper's watchful eye, stopped the silence that brought the water. A scout searched for something in the shallow waters, sniffing and moving around with delicateness, fearing for whatever it was searching for to be crushed or hurt. 

It stopped, clearly aware that it had found what it was tasked to find, clearly satisfied, judging by the tail swinging.

"Yes, yes, I'm here... He took his sweet time to send you to fetch me; at least I regained an actual form..."

White scales shined in the moonlight that were reflected in the waters, a contrast between the yellow irises. Slowly, it started to crawl on the black fur ,finding a good place to avoid hurting its searcher and tò not fall on the ground during the run.

"They actually did it; they freed the Elder and the souls of the monks...and the relic..." He sighed, "It's still too early to know if they're the right ones..."

A White came from the creature while starting to leave the pond and the swamp.

"Eh...maybe you're right...if my brother has hope, then I'll pray for them too..."

@sun-jglim @crimsonflameproxy @everlastingmoonlightsworld

@miraclecherryblossomsblog @certifiedsimpinggalore @sleepingdramaqueen @cromboloni @masksandfeathers

@cinnamonroll-anon @justrandomlypassing @cute-angi @luckyangelballoon @dressycobra7

@naarra @virtualexpertanchor @phoenixeclipse-lmkau @kirax-the-lazy-girl @rovobeam

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@ladydoe8 @universallyweaselwobblermuffin @redtailedkitsune @blackknight-kai @black-star1472

[asa-miaow]

fwb! childhood friend! Lip Gallagher x GN! Reader

Synopsis: Who doesn't get drawn to Lip Gallagher? Not you. You're hoping to commit, he hoped you never asked. So you commit to something else. It's not what he thinks

Word Count: 898

Content Warnings: Allusions to sex, light kissing, cuss words idk, some smoking, yearning on reader's part and some jealousy from lip

A/N: No use of Y/N. Just a blurb, my first ever actually. So if you read this, congrats! You've taken my writing virginity muah! You gonna take responsibility?

He just draws people in without meaning to— all dirty blond curls that brush against his ears, roman nose that plagues that back of your mind, and a brain you can't even fathom the depths of. He's made of stardust, Lip Gallagher and all his freckles, then you stop your line of thought because you're not that much of a pathetic mess.

(You wonder if this is what Homer felt when he looked on to Calliope, all untapped potential and inquisitive blue eyes and snarky lips wrapped around a cig. Try as you might to put it in words: his character, the way he thought, the way his lips curl that makes the corners of his eye wrinkle, he's Lip and you're merely mortal.

Admiration can't bleed through your words enough so they bleed into your blood stream instead.)

It was hard being his most unfortunate and unwilling victim. You might have wanted to be in a relationship with him at first, might have even told him that only for him to vehemently be against it. It comes out as a snort, unbidden from what you can tell with his eyes going wide like that. Your fingers grasp the back of your neck, brushing against skin so you don't feel the shame of wanting more.

That's fine. Your friendship with him was more important than anything else anyway. Might as well have him when he wants to and how he wants to, if you can't have all of him.

You're pathetic enough for that, you think, looking for stability from someone who'd never known any. However, life had beaten you hard enough to accept things that cannot be controlled.

It takes weeks for the awkwardness to settle, one difficult night where your room was more of a solace than his shared room was with the boys.

But when you wake up in your bed, he takes out a cig and passes it to you, calls you a bum in a way that makes your nose feel sharp and everything is back to the way it was.

Lip was at your place, but calls you a bum for a cigarette that you didn't even ask for. Go figure.

It's fine for a while, really, really. You might not be as smart as Lip, but you had a pragmatic mind and steady shoulders despite your rapidly beating heart.

The lingering looks lessen, focusing more on your prospects—in your career, your future, God knows there's no one quite like Lip Gallagher and you have no desire to touch that part of you that aches still.

Your eyes dart to your phone screen, cracked and scratched, more often than not these days. Waiting, just waiting for an email that says you got accepted to that internship. Or that minimum wage job that pays you less than what you get from Patsy. It's an uphill climb towards experience in your vocation and you want to reach the summit.

Not that a lot of people would even know that. All that they could see is that you check your phone more often now.

Every ping, it rouses you from whatever it was you were doing. Or who.

"Fuckin' focus," Lip finds himself grabbing you by your jaw, cheeks squishing under the pads of his fingers. His other hand paws at your thighs, digging into the flesh.

A string of saliva connects your lips together, leaving petal-soft flesh looking shiny and pink.

Lip had always been selfish, it comes by nature. Or nurture too. Who cares at this point when his digits dig into smooth skin and you look at him all confused and outraged?

"Wait," you say. "Could be important."

Seriously? Fuck you. Lip is the one who is confused, he is the one who is outraged. He bites at your lip, wanting it to hurt, wanting to draw blood.

Something has been taking your attention recently and he's not used to it, he ain't happy at all. He doesn't make a secret of it even if he doesn't know why. All he knows is that he never had to share your attention, you were always there, always present, always pissing him off like you're doing now.

So easily satisfied and content even if he's out meandering around with god knows who. Agreeable, understanding, patient and always-

Your phone vibrates again.

How dare you?

Your eyes dart to your phone in a way that makes his shackles rise.

How fucking dare you?

Be understanding here with his chub, be agreeable, fucking focus.

Fingers pressing harder, lips searching yours frantically. He drinks in your protests, your words, your fucking spit.

Anything, everything to keep you away from your fucking phone. He'd chuck it out the door if he didn’t understand how needed it is, really. Would fucking throw it down on the pavement and stomp on that shit for good measure.

He thought it was subtle, how he would wrap his hand a little too tightly on your thigh, on your face. Whoever it is you're talking to, he fucking hopes that they notice. The bruises on your hips won't match anyone else's but his.

He knows that when they kiss you, they'll hear your voice and the way your breath hitches. If he's kissing you too much, leaving you breathless. Lip wasn't sorry. He's making sure that whoever kisses you, they taste him instead.

[stagefoureddiediaz]

I am having a lot of thoughts about the Christopher of it all right now in light of this bts we got from Gavin!!!

Because - Mountains and rock climbers and forests!!!

Look I've already climbed onto the Eddie and mountains to climb train in this post here but I'm about to make it a Diaz boys have mountains to climb train!!!

So Eddie now has a photograph - in black and white - of Half Dome on his bedroom wall - right above his bed

And then he has a lone cowboy on a horse - on the opposite wall - a cowboy on a horse in a flat landscape (which is yellow/orange - and with the blue walls also therefore plays into yellow blue theory)...

...and there is just something about Eddie sitting in his bed - looking at a picture of what is essentially a lone ranger in a barren landscape, on a wall that Buck helped him repair, while behind him is this looming mountain that is notoriously difficult to climb - the thing he can see when he is having sex with M - upside down.

The rest is under the cut because being brief is not my wheelhouse!!

Something about playing into the idea that Eddie has been this lone ranger in a barren landscape - searching for something - an something about how that search in this barren landscape is hiding (happening) the holes in the wall that Buck helped him patch up - something about how he feels alone even though the help he needed and wanted is already there - just hidden out of sight.

How that mountain is looming behind him also out of sight. How Eddie is in t his good place right now, but there are still mountains for him to climb - how those mountains are connected to his past.

There is also something in the choice of black and white for the image - something about the thing Eddie needs to deal with - the mountain he needs to climb is black and white - Obvious - not a complex myriad of colour (something something about his catholic guilt being obvious - black and white - something about it being a part of him that is finite and defined and not changeable - something like being gay perhaps!!)

Then there is the fact that we can make a fair assumption, based on the fact that we were shown Buck helping him fix the holes, that Buck helped Eddie with all of the redecorating - that he helped him paint the room (and choose the lovely duck egg blue colour), helped him hang the pictures - helped him choose the artwork for his walls - implicitly tying Buck to that mountain - that his feelings etc tied to Buck are his mountain still to climb. The thing with this as a concept is that it also plays into the upside down on the bed with Marisol - things being wrong or upside down/ backwards with her - that the spectre of Buck looms large over their relationship.

The otehr thiing I'd like to point out is kind of the biggest thing of them all and plays into the two cut lines and red string of fate of it all. Because Half Dome has a permanent cable tether for climbers attempting to summit to use and the metaphor of that is fascinating to me. There is something in the idea of Eddie feeling untethered, but also in Eddie not fully trusting he has a tether. How Eddie still hasn't fully grasped the permanence of Buck in the Diaz family's life - in Eddies life. Eddie needs to scale that mountain and buck is metaphorically speaking the half dome permanent cable run. Eddie might've made him a permanent fixture from a legal perspective - but that was for Chris, not for him (and Chris has already figured out Bucks permanence if you ask me - he already ran to Buck and opens up to him in a way he can’t with his father) but Eddie still doesn’t fully trust that the support he has in his life through Buck is permanent rather than a temporary tether. Eddie is almost there - but not quite - it feels like there is something in Bucks coming out to him that will be the catalyst for him to figure that out (don't ask me what or how - I haven't figured that bit out yet but it has something to do with the whole nothing has changed between us and Eddies dawning realisation of that that gives him his own confidence to make changes in the same way Buck has!)and start his climb so he can explore the mountain (his queerness) safely.

But back to Christophers t-shirt and how it fits into everything. Christopher has his own mountains to climb - dealing with his feelings of being abandoned by his mom - by being abandoned by the women in his life - because we need to remember that Abuela is also now absent from his life as she is now back in Texas. How Ana also left and how we've very much not been shown Carla at all (or had mention on her I think) this season. we can even, by virtue of the relationship Chris and Buck share, include Taylor leaving (being kicked to the curb) as part of the list of women exiting his life in some way.

Bringing up Shannons letter and having Chris read it at the very start of the season, for me is a clear indicator that that is the arc he is going to go through this season - that while there are still elements of the Shannon of it all in Eddies story, it is actually Christopher who needs to let that ghost go and move forward, not Eddie.

911 loves to play with imagery - they excel at it in the Diaz house, and I talk about how the kids costuming on the show is always so deliberately chosen to reflect their arcs, Especially with Chris. So here we have Chris in a t-shirt with mountains, trees and climbers on - setting up the idea of exploring him climbing that mountain he has to climb, but also playing on the idea that he's a bit caught in a forest as well - cannot see the wood for the trees. It a great metaphor for his current abandonment issues - because he is still a bit too young to fully comprehend that some people are not meant to stay in your life in a permanent way or that sometimes, just because they are not physically present in a regular way, doesn't mean they have abandoned you. Hell that is a difficult thing for many adults to comprehend, so to ask a kid to - especially one who's hormones are starting to go crazy - is never going to be practical.

The fact they’ve very deliberately not shown him actually interacting with with Marisol before now - establishing her as existing in Christopher’s world but not actively being a part of it - really ensuring to set her apart and off to the side - apart form establishing the contrast between Shannon and Marisol, is so interesting and feels, to me at least, like it’s building up to possibly playing into some version of the idea of you’re not my mother etc etc. They've taken great care to establish Shannon as Christophers mother - that she is still a major presence in his life, even in her absence.

They're is also something in the way that the idea of Marisol being 'portrayed' (can't think of the right word but I hope you know what I mean) as essentially a babysitter - we've never been shown them interacting - just told that Eddie has been getting her to babysit and in tv show land if you want to tell the audience that two characters have a good relationship (of whatever form) - you show it - you don't allude to that relationship as existing - especially when you are developing a narrative around a child's fear of being abandoned by the women in his life - not showing her looking after Chris before this point, and after you have established said abandonment issue, just reenforces the nature of their relationship - that it is one Chris is not likely to be engaging in - because she's going to leave anyway so what is the point of getting attached.

Now this is interesting because it feeds into Eddies arc rather nicely - its an arc they have already established with the audience - his jumping in too quickly and without thinking things through properly. it also plays back into an already existing arc - the one where he does things for Christopher and not for himself. they are to all intents and purposes the same thing. Eddie lets Shannon back into his life - for Christopher, he re-proposes not for himself, but for Christopher and the second baby he thinks is coming, he starts dating Ana for Christopher not for himself, he Makes Buck Christophers legal guardian for Christopher (even though at this point we don't know if Chris knows this fact), yes a part of that id for himself as well, but it is predominately for Chris. Eddie asking Marisol to move in - almost immediately in the aftermath of Chris revealing to Buck that he feels abandoned by his mom and that is where his multiple girlfriends/ becoming a player is coming from - how it is having an impact on who he is becoming as a person (one who things women leave and therefore treats them as temporary), is Eddie doubling down on his relationship with Marisol as a way of giving Christopher a female who is present. The entire thing - Eddie - in therapy and healing and now in a place where he thinks his issues with Ana and becoming a ready made family etc are 'dealt with' and in the past - hearing Chris talk about Shannon that way and to then have his immediate response be to go one step further than he managed with Ana - to ask M to move in - to essentially create something permanent - the whole going with is gut - despite his own feelings and thoughts on the matter - boils down to him still doing things for Chris’s happiness and not his own feels kind of loud. Because that is what his gut tells him - double down and sacrifice yourself and your own happiness for Christopher.

on the subject of guts - its very clearly a major theme for the Diaz boys this season, the show has been using the Diaz house to great effect already on this front.

Christophers homework that he was doing in episode 1 - all aobut guts

we had him studying blood types and transfusions

the function of kidneys and the nephron (literal guts!!)

and then - when he's read Shannons letter - frog dissection - again literally looking at guts

then from up coming episodes - thanks to Jihanes bts content we know that the fridge has the following charts on it

All things related to the gut and gut health. something something about Eddies heart having been worked on and now his gut is next in line to be sorted out. Especially as catholic guilt is something that plays into the idea of being something you feel in your gut rather than heart or head - related.

And there is also something in relation to the catholic guilt of it all and Eddies gut and Chris feeling like women don’t stay thats in play with Eddies relationship with his mother - that she's stayed too present in his life and that she treated him is such a contradicting way - the juxtaposition of not letting him be a kid whilst he was a kid - needing him to be the man of the house in his fathers absence whilst then not letting him grow up/ treating him as a child when he became an adult - and dominating (or trying to) his life and how he (and Shannon) raised Christopher.

Because it is fair to assume that it was Helena who took Eddie to church every Sunday and who was predominately responsible for his religious up bringing (we don't know how long Ramon was away for but to me at least it feels implied that his business trips would be for several weeks or months at a time and then he would return home for a period before disappearing again) an therefore much of his catholic guilt is attached to her and how if they are going in the catholic guilt/queer repression direction it is Helenas forceful personality that kept him in the closet even if he managed to step back from Catholicism

Something something about hearts and guts and minds being concepts of the human condition that are so intricately intertwined and needing to be in balance - how Eddies heart has been looked at and worked on (his relationship with his father), how his gut needs to be worked on now (which is related to his mother) and then finally his mind - Eddie needing to learn to communicate and talk things through with people rather than burying it - something he cant do until he has worked through is catholic guilt and his letting his gut rule his decision making (even though it rarely pans out for him) - much like his mother has ruled over his life in one way or another until recently.

Something something about that being a mountain they are both climbing - but in different ways and therefore separately and it all comes back to them not talking - Eddie not talking to his son (he even had Buck have that initial conversation with him rather than do it himself) there is still so much misunderstanding between the Diaz boys!

Wow I did not mean for this to get long!!!! Hopefully it makes sense!!

it may just be the incoherent ramblings of a woman obsessed with the way they are picking a part Eddie and putting him back together - endlessly fascinating to me!!

[hummingbird-games]

2023 In Review (Indie Games)

Last year's! | 2021

I apologize in advance for how long this might be. As a reminder, I don't bash games here so even if I hated something with every fiber of my being...I ain't sharing. As a second reminder, my more in depth reviews and live blogging has moved to Gem's Game Gems so I don't clutter the HBG's main blog. Okay. ON WITH THE REVIEW!!

DEMOS

Diffraction (Demo)- A rainy day otome indeed. I love the quiet gentleness of this game, the two romance options, and the fact that our MC is a photographer and struggling with her art and stack of life "failures" (because...SAME!!)

Alaris - I was asleep and now I am awake: I came late for the advertised fae and dragon lore, stayed seated and waiting for Fenir zjgjdf. Oh, and I guess the mystery surrounding our MC's abilities LOL.

The Summit Library - When I say I was maaaaaad when I realized I blew through chapter 1 and would have to go back to waiting for more content??? LOL, I was very miffed. Anyhoo, check out this title for the gorgeous art, another intriguing mystery (like what is *up* with the magic in the poor library?? who or what is to blame?? 👀) and of course the lovely characters we've been introduced to thus far.

Of Sense and Soul - I'm a regency romance girl. Like after you strip away the other stuff, I am but a poor woman with simple needs: a good ass love story 🤧💛 It's about the yearning and the slow burn and the will they/won't they/PLEASEEE they...I've never been so charmed by a demo, and the full game is going to be amazing I just know it!

Made Marion - This project is a game I've been keeping tabs on for a hot minute but hadn't taken the time to sit and properly enjoy the demo. I'M SO GLAD I DID!!! It's in early access now, so I'm hoping eventually I'll be able to carve out some time to play, but guysss Velvet Cupcake is doing the Thing?!? No idea which love interest I'll go for first, but I had a fun time meeting the Nottingham peeps in the demo.

Herotome (Super Demo) - Oh gosh. Oh gosh oh gosh oh my GOSHHH. Where do I even began?? (Really the question is where the hell do I end because this is one of those projects I talk about a lot/think about a lot and surprisingly haven't run out of things to say zkjfksjd). Another game I've been following for a while, it 100% lives up to the superhero genre in its aesthetic, the characters you interact with, the music and sound design, and of course the slowly unfurling story. Jade and Mia had come out as my top faves, Warden is still there, like hovering in the backgroud, shhhh but I have a special place in my heart for Griffin too (that conversation we have with her?? I have so many screenshots just so I can go back and reread and sear the words in my brain. Like a weirdo. Yup.)

Celestial Crowns - Stats building, celestial royalty, dating sim where you fuck around and find out your choices directly affect your MC's personality?? I'm sat. I supported the Kickstarter and now I try to practice patience for the full game's release siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighh.

OTOME/JOSEI JAM

Please note this is a SUPER abridged list for my sanity and I fell a little more in love with these 2 jams with each entry I played...

Intertwine - As embarrassing as it sounds, I've never given much thought to the "red string" thing, and I consume more than enough romance media LOL!! But Van is suuuuuch a beautiful man, the UI for this game is so interactive and lovely, the music is ALSO lovely, just lovely-love all the way around teehee. (Also this game encourages replayabillity so like, do with that info what you will.)

Spring Boy [Demo] - I believe this game is going through a complete rehaul, so my thoughts and feelings refer to the original jam entry I played. The art is bright and cute and it's a super super short demo, but I was intrigued by the other student we meet on our mission to plead with our professor about our bombed exam lol!

Assignment Due: Project Blue - IRl group projects??? Suck absolute ass. Group projects with a guy name Asher?? Suddenly it's my new favorite thing in the world 😁

Cryptid Campaign Manager [DEMO] - Remember the last time I looked over a cryptid dating sim??? Remember how I was SUCH a fool?? Good thing I didn't make that mistake again!! The prologue is such a tease but you get an idea of what the full game is gonna be like, and I'm excited to see where my career involving love (and politics) goes!

Heart Cage [Demo] - Yoooooo I stay my ass far far far away from yanderes (could never get into the trope or the character type). WELP. Guess I just needed to keep searching because I really downloaded this off a whim--well, the whim being one of my fellow dev peers playing and rating-- and proceeded to get sucked in 🤧I thought being a detective would be the highlight, but I guuuueeesssss I was more into the romance options than I thought. Oops.

Evernight - I tried to explain what this game meant to me on the side blog, but words failed me. I still don't know what to say other than I loved it?? Which is like ummm I say I love everything, and yeah I'm easy to please BUT Y'ALLLLLL if you play no other game, play this one. Please. Date a werewolf. Or a vampire. Or a fae. Plz. Also figuring out the mystery of your MC's abilities and past is just delightful, ugh.

Bright Oak (demo) - Anotha one I wrote about on the side blog!!! Play this one!!! The writing is lush and atmospheric and the characters are all delightful and it's another game with a mystery to untangle!

The Faithfulness of the Universe- This one gets the award for most unique all around entry that I played. Theeeeee prettiest pixel art to bless my eyeballs, and this tasty mystery concerning Fate and witch Faustina's future (or lack thereof 👀) and what it all means. As a player I very much want to know what it all means!

A Cup For All Seasons - Another game that needs its flowers y'all. It's short but super healing and super cozy and the voice acting and music really tie the gaming experience together???

The Working Woman's Guide to Burning Bridges - DEMO - It's the way I played the demo twice and I've been thinking about it ever since 😭😭😭🙃 obviously life happens and things come up, plus this was a demo. But. BUT!!! I am on my hands and knees prayinnggg the team gets together again to finish the game. I love playing as a stressed, lowkey bitter hot mess who doesn't have her life together 😂somehow the fictional version is soooo much more entertaining!!!

Keyframes (Spring Demo) - After the game College Craze, this is legit THE college, slice of life visual novel of my dreams. I cannot wait for the updated demo next year, and the Kickstarter whenever that rolls around. And now that the developer is on Tumblr, I've definitely been stalking the account and reading each new post like it's my day/night/weekend job 🤧

Hello Counsel 💋 - Okay I take it back, Evernight is like a 20/10 but Hello Counsel is like an 100/10 👁️👄👁️ This game is necessary for my mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, alright? The banter ✅ the character designs ✅ the music ✅ the sizzling chemistry between Poise and Salem ✅ I wish this game had more buzz because IT'S SO GOOD!!! (also the dev, Miseri, is who I wanna be when I grow up. I've made it through almost their whole backlog of games and there are no misses and EVERY game is different from the rest and it makes it hard for a toodler dev--ME--to cope LOL)

Candied Hearts - Isekaied into a candy themed game?? Sign me TF UP!!! (Peppermint I love you dearly, you must understand.)

Fully Released & Played (at least 1 playthrough)

The Knight's Dilemma - I don't even know how I originally stumbled upon this??? I just know it had been in my backlog for a hot minute and I was intrigued enough to save it way back when. Y'ALL WHY DIDN'T I PLAY SOONER SKJFHFJFH! There's a couple different endings, I loved the voice direction, AND it's such a simple concept of a game that was just executed beautifully.

Trouble Comes Twice - If I had to make a top 5 list of romance VNs, guess who makes the list?? Guess. Guess guess guess. Have you guessed yet??? LOL! I have been in love with TCT since it's development days and with each passing month, waiting in anticipation, playing the Pateron beta builds, screaming on the main blog about every single thought I had about Jace and Hazel (shoutout to Jace for helping me figure out *me*) Lol if you're curious about said thoughts, those posts are on this blog and not the side blog.

Aelfric the Wondrous - 10/10 would love to forget my first play through JUST to have that experience fresh again 😭😭💛Cute and funny and a wonderful parody type game all around.

A Summer's End - Hong Kong 1986 - Goodness, there's no excuse for why this took me years to finish but anyhoo, I finished, I loved it, I recommend it! It's romantic and achingly authentic and the art is soooo gorgeous I literally can't stand it 😭

The Things You Do For Love - Unhinged yandere manages to entertain and garner sympathy and laughter from Gemini. And that poly ending is chef's kiss too????

Band Camp Boyfriend - There are a handful of games I found and loved before I began my game development journey, and this is one of them. BCB is so dear to me, because of the story and characters but also because of the Dynamic Duo creators and their team behind the scenes. I was never a band kid I was a chorus kid but just as the band geeks loved this game to pieces, us normal folks do too!! Even the boys who I didn't like I STILL managed to find joy in playing their routes (still have a few more to finish at the time of this posting lol, GOTTA GET THE FINAL ROUTE YO). Anyway, this game more than delivered for me and I hope more people keep discovering it!!

Belle Automata: Chronicle I [RELEASED] - While only Chronicle 1 is out at the time of this posting, I already know that the 2nd and 3rd parts are going to be just as amazing???? I wrote about this one on the side blog, so here's my copypaste that still rings true:  

I love TNP (The Nightmare Prince) but Victor’s route hit the sweet spot for me. Maybe it’s the slow(er) burn nature of this route, maybe it’s the reserved nature of Victor and watching him slowly start to care (AND NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE FEELINGS TEEHEE) for me.

A Date with Death - I wrote about this on the side blog--again--. The demo. And then right after finishing a route. And then again where I was fully awake and still managed to sound deranged. No copypaste for that, I shall be nice. But yeah!! Another game where I was screaming at the sky about how much I love it and how I'll never know peace as long as I live.

Our Life: Baxter DLC - I need to offer an official apology to both Cove and Derek because falling head over heels, down the stairs, crashing into the parking lot, falling again but down a manhole for Baxter's infuriating ass was NOT on my 2023 bingo board??? HELLO???? I bought his DLC just to complete my OL collection. Was not expecting to love it this much. Was not expecting to be called to write fanfic and abandon all responsibilities to do this. WHILE DOWN WITH COVID TOO. Allow me to play the song of my people. *Send in the Clowns plays*

Our Cinderella - (this is so funny I'm taking about a side game before the main game LOLOLOLOL) Guys. Guysss. You guyyyysss 🥹if you're looking for a cozy, hilarious, equally oddly and wonderfully sweet short game, this is the one!! You may have your personal favorite Iggy ship (like me) but all the pairings are so amazing and just make sense lol!

Wylde Flowers - This is the only non visual novel game on here but it gets the spotlight because I did NOT spend 90+ hours on this game to gatekeep this beauty. No. It the coziest, the funniest, the funnest, the most addictive Switch game (after Teacup) I've ever played.

Fully Released (& still on 1st playthrough)

Garden of Seif: Chronicles of an Assassin - Life kicked my butt and then sat on me SO while I finally got my grubby hands on the full copy, I still have only played the entirety of the demo. But. We will return to this in 2024 and hopefully I'll have a full review for the next wrap up!

Our Wonderland - I looked back at the side blog and I can't believe it was only THIS year that I started OW??? Because I'd known of the game and the dev for longer than that??? So basically what I'm saying is that I was chicken shit for longer than I've been in love with this world that Developer Carrot has created kjzhhshggj. But OMG to get me, who is scared oh so easily to get hella invested in this clearly labeled horror game??????????????? And even with shit gets super absurd and hella disturbing, I cannot stop playing. At the time of this post, I'm only in Act 4, hence the category above, but it's only because I play each act in a sitting and lose track of space and time and myself. That's a compliment btw.

...

Okie!! That's 2023 in a nutshell! I played a looooot of really good games this year and while I would have liked to talk about them all, I think this list provides a nice overview.

Let me know if we share any favorites!

- Gemini 💛

[zelinkcommunity]

Zelink Community is highlighting... @bahbahhh!

"I’m just the resident angst machine who loves worldbuilding and making up lore. Writer, occasional artist, and longtime fan of the series."

Check out some of their work:

begin again (Zelink Week 2023) The Calamity is gone. The remaining leaders of Hyrule gather for a Summit to determine the future of the kingdom, starting with how to repurpose all the Sheikah Technology. Zelda is among them, and while everyone still calls her Princess, she’s not sure she wants to lay claim to an old throne. What she really wants is to move on. She wants to continue her research, to prove her worth beyond her bloodline, and to spend as much time with Link as she can…which sounds an awful lot like what she wanted a hundred years ago… (Or, a lot of change happens in between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Let’s fill in the gaps.)

like someone would (Zelink Week 2022 - Rated Mature) Her voice is the string of reassurances and warnings whispered in his ear from the moment he opened his eyes. She calls out for your help. So he goes, underprepared and overconfident, in the opposite direction of Kakariko Village because a hundred years is long enough and a princess needs his help and he was someone once. (Or, Link realizes destiny is awfully hard thing to shake.)

desire path Impa is given a secret assignment from the King just before she is to escort Zelda and Link back to Kakariko Village for the festival of Sahasra’s Pass: make sure their arrangement is not creating “unnecessary distractions.” It seems silly for the King to be so concerned about such an implausible matter. Anyone with two eyes can see they clearly despise each other. Impa forgets she has three.

Find Them on Social Media:

@bahbahhh can also be found on AO3 at bahbahhh and Instagram at @/bahbahhhart.

Have something nice to say about B and/or their work? Drop a comment or send them an ask!

[leaderpinhead]

Vil - Ski Lift Terror

Day 12 of Fluffcember 2024 Prompt: Skiing (Fluffcember) & Feeling for the Other's Hand (Fandom Free Bingo) Rating: General Pairing: Vil/Yuu Notes: For the Anon ask who requested Vil/Yuu today. It may not be exactly what you expected, but I have a soft spot for Vil/Yuu, so I enjoyed writing them. :)

Vil knew of Yuu’s fear of heights. She wasn’t very subtle about it, freezing if she ever looked down from a height higher than a stepladder. Her fear was why Vil didn’t tell her about the ski lift until their small group was in line waiting their turn. She stiffened the second she noticed the first cable car climbing slowly up the mountain. 

Vil grabbed her elbow before she could squeeze past Cater and Kalim behind them. “Where do you think you are going?” 

Yuu tugged at her arm. “Back to the lodge. They were serving hot cocoa at twelve sharp. Don’t want to miss it.” 

Vil pulled her back into her spot in line. He anchored her arm by locking their elbows together. “They serve hot cocoa at all hours of the day.” 

“I’ve heard it’s sweeter at twelve sharp.” 

“Your taste buds only detect spicy flavors.” 

“Hot sauce in hot cocoa is a common pairing.” 

“Maybe in the world you live in. In the normal world, those two do not mix.” 

Yuu actually whimpered when the next cable car stopped in front of them. Her stiff posture forced Vil to pull her towards the cable car, but he couldn’t force her to step into it. He gestured for Cater and Kalim to enter first. Jack gave Vil a knowing look, but he didn’t say anything as he helped his younger siblings onto the lift. Epel and Grim followed, neither of them pausing in their bets for who would win their planned race down the mountain. 

Vil sighed and adjusted his grip on his skis. “Are you going to waste all the practice we did at the lodge? What was the point of learning the basics of skiing only to back down at the last second.” 

Yuu remained stiff while the next couple in line entered the cable car. It was quickly filling to capacity, and Vil instinctively knew that their group would be separated. He shot the employee a questioning look. The young man thankfully picked up on his query and gestured for them to step off to the edge of the cable car platform before ensuring everyone was safely inside the cable car. 

Vil pulled Yuu off to the side. The cable car started with a shake and slowly climbed to the summit. Vil could see her eyes tracking their journey up the mountain. Her elbow squeezed his. “You didn’t say anything about being carried up the mountain in a death swing.” 

“It is a cable car, not a death swing. How did you think we would reach the summit in a timely manner? Walking?” 

“Teleportation,” she promptly stated. She pulled at the strings of her hoodie beneath her puffer vest. “You teleport everywhere else in this world. Why can’t you take a magic mirror from down here to up there? For all the magic you boast about having, sure seems like a convenient means of travel.” 

Vil wanted to roll his eyes. He knew deflection when he heard it, and he wouldn’t fall for such a poor attempt. “The only way up the mountain is the cable car. Now, we are not wasting the hours we spent practicing. We will ride the next cable car.” 

Yuu shot him a glare to express her distaste for him ordering her around. Vil quirked a single eyebrow and waited for her to argue further. She grumbled under her breath and hung her head. Vil tapped the bottom of her chin. “What have I said about grumbling? You were the one so eager to get out on the slopes. Will you allow one small thing to stand in your way? A short ten-minute ride up the mountain?” 

Yuu silently squinted at him, but she didn’t grumble again. When the next cable car arrived, the lift employee allowed them to get on first. Yuu hesitated at the entrance of the cable car. Vil untangled their arms to offer her a hand. After a silent battle with herself, she allowed him to help her up into the lift. 

The cable car was spacious enough, and Vil and Yuu automatically positioned themselves in the farthest corner from the door. More people quickly filled the space until he and Yuu were pushed up against the window. Yuu kept shooting quick glances out the window, nervously adjusting her grip on the skiing equipment she carried. 

Vil sighed as if this was the most inconvenient part of their trip. “I am sure the others have already made it to the summit. I should have invited Trey along instead of Cater. Seven knows I could have used the extra hands to keep you all in line. Jack has his hands full with Kota and Roxie, and I would never imply playing chaperone to a group of your peers supersedes family.” 

“Jack’s a wonderful older brother,” Yuu murmured. Vil didn’t chide her for her mumbling this time. “His little sister is a bit of a menace, though.” 

Vil gasped and placed his free hand on his chest. “I take offense to that statement! Roxie is my little prodigy.” 

A smile twitched at the corners of Yuu’s lips. “That explains the drama queen attitude.” 

Vil huffed in mock offense. The cable car lurched to a start. Yuu’s tentative smile vanished. She glanced out the window as the cable car moved. Her face turned paler under her dark gray knitted hat. 

Vil casually sidestepped into her line of view. He sighed again. “There is no need to be so jealous of a little girl. If you wished to spend more time observing my beauty routines, you need only ask.” 

Yuu’s snort sounded forced, but she wasn’t fighting his invasion of her space. There was a small, nearly unnoticeable tremble to her voice. “Jealous? You really do think too highly of yourself. I would gladly let her have her eyebrows relentlessly plucked in my place.” 

Vil lightly clicked his tongue. “Roxie would never allow her eyebrows to become the bushes you spawn. She has already mastered the art of tweezing along with exfoliating and moisturizing.” 

“Poor girl. So young and already corrupted by your beauty standards.” The car lurched again, this time to a stop. Yuu’s hand shot out to grab Vil’s jacket. He could already see the panic lighting her eyes despite him blocking her view of the window. “Why are we stopping? Is the car stuck? Did the cable break? Are we falling? I’m gonna vomit.” 

Vil leaned forward to force Yuu’s flicking eyes to focus on him. He reached for the hand clinging to his jacket and gave her fingers a tight squeeze. “We are not falling. The cable cars stop at short intervals to allow riders on and off at the stations. The car will start again in a few minutes.” 

Yuu’s flicked across his face like she was trying to decide if he was lying or being honest. Vil had never witnessed one of her anxiety attacks in person, but he had heard of them from the few who had witnessed them. It was an uncomfortable thing for those peope to recount because Yuu rarely showed any weakness. Vil knew how difficult it was to maintain an appearance—to be strong-willed even in the face of utter disappointment or rage. For Yuu to allow such an innocuous fear to overwhelm her meant she was truly terrified, whether it was rational or not. 

Yuu’s throat visibly bobbed several times. She didn’t say anything, but her grip quickly transferred from his jacket to his hand. She tightly squeezed his fingers. Vil squeezed back when he felt her arm tremble. He kept his eyes locked with hers, knowing the moment he looked away—the moment he gave her time to focus on anything else—she would dissolve into a full-blown anxiety attack. 

Several minutes passed before the cable car lurched a third time. Vil hadn’t realized Yuu held her breath until it escaped her in a large gush. He propped his ski equipment against a nearby bench to wrap his arm around her and hold her upright. A faint, almost crazed, giggle escaped Yuu. “The skiing better be worth it because if it’s not...” 

She trailed off, whether because she had lost her train of thought or simply had no trail to start with. Vil squeezed her hand again. “Trust me. Once we reach the summit, you’ll thank Jack for inviting you on his family vacation.” 

“My feet will be on firm ground, so there’s a lot I’ll be thanking.” 

Vil shook his head, but a soft laugh escaped him. He waited until he felt like she was sturdy enough to stand on her own before grabbing his equipment again. Their hands stayed locked together for the rest of the ride, and Vil managed to distract her again by playfully mocking the cat ears sewn into her hat. 

Jack gave him a wide-eyed stare when they stepped off the cable car together. Vil ignored him and focused on Epel and Cater taking an impromptu photoshoot with their snowboards. Yuu lightly squeezed his hand before releasing him. Her pale face had regained its color, her cheeks rosier thank to the cold breeze that assaulted them the moment the cable car opened. “Thanks. Sorry for the freakout.” 

Vil dismissed her with a casual wave. “The only apology I will accept is you beating Epel and Grim in your silly race.” 

Yuu smiled and left to grab Grim before Roxie and Kota could make him into their sentient snowman. Vil pointedly ignored Jack’s continued stare and turned his attention to Kalim, who was perilously close to tumbling down the mountain where he leaned over the guardrails. Jack still managed to intersect him, ears flicking outside his knitted hat. “So, you and...” 

“Absolutely not.” 

Jack obnoxiously smirked. “That puts a wrench in Roxie’s ten-year plan to marry you.” 

“Don’t even joke about such things.” Jack’s grin somehow got even bigger. Vil lightly huffed and gestured at Kalim. “I would hate Jamil stalking me down for allowing Kalim to break a single bone on this trip, so if you’ll excuse me.” 

Jack grunted, but he was still smirking when he called his siblings to him. Vil grabbed the back of Kalim’s collar and dragged him to the start of the ski trail. His mood lightened again while he watched Yuu “trash talk” with Epel and Kota, the youngest boy looking as eager as his brother to show off his snowboarding. She had no problems launching herself down the trail on her skis with Grim strapped to her back, and Vil was admittedly happy her fear didn’t compromise her enjoyment for the activity. 

He still told her later when they had returned to the lodge that hot sauce and hot cocoa did not mix after watching her pour half a bottle of the sauce into her mug in absolute horror. 

[stxrsniolo]

✩ ࣭ worlds collide. ׂ っ

𝐀𝐄𝐆★𝐍'𝐒 notes : dear reader, this story will unfold over approximately 15 chapters, all of which have been meticulously outlined by yours truly (aka me, yes). it’s a slow burn between the characters, filled with a little bit of everything—from scenes not suitable for sensitive audiences to purely comedic moments, and even the classic teenage drama you’d expect from characters navigating this stage of life.

𝐀𝐄𝐆★𝐍'𝐒 pairing : influencer!chris x hermit!reader

Chapter 06: First Times and Lost Hopes

Chris stood at her doorstep, a bouquet of roses in his hands, not the conventional red but a deep, inky black. each petal was hand-painted, mirroring the gesture of tate langdon from "american horror story," a character close to y/n's heart. beside the roses, he clutched a mcdonald's bag, the aroma of fast food promising comfort and camaraderie.

when y/n opened the door, her surprise was palpable, her eyes widening at the sight of the unconventional bouquet. "you're really something else, you know that?" her voice was a blend of amusement and something softer, a crack in her usual armor of indifference.

"guilty as charged," chris replied, his goofy grin splitting his face as he handed her the roses. "i figured if tate could impress violet with a black rose, why not give it a shot?"

she took the roses, their fingers brushing in a way that sent sparks up her arm. "and mcdonald's? that's your peace offering?"

"best food for a peace summit, right?" he stepped inside, his energy infectious, filling the room with a lightness that had been absent since their last encounter.

they settled on her couch, surrounded by the eclectic decor that screamed y/n's personality—art, books, and the subtle scent of incense. the meal was casual, filled with laughter and light conversation, the awkwardness of their last meeting dissipating with each shared fry and stolen glance.

but as the food was cleared away, the atmosphere shifted, charged with an unspoken promise. chris, with his characteristic charm, proposed a game, "truth or dare, but with a twist. dares only, no backing out."

y/ns eyebrow arched in curiosity. "dares, huh? alright, you start."

his first dare was for her to show him her favorite piece of art she'd created. it was a personal challenge, one that had y/n revealing not just her artwork but a piece of her soul. the painting was abstract, a storm of colors representing her inner turmoil and peace, her eyes watching chris for his reaction.

in return, she dared him to dance with her to one of the haunting tracks from just dance, their bodies moving together in sync, the dance a prelude to the intimacy that was to come. the room seemed to shrink around them, every touch and laugh a step closer to something inevitable.

the dares grew bolder, each one a playful push towards the edge of their comfort zones. it was y/n's turn to dare, and with a courage fueled by the night's magic, she challenged, "kiss me, like you did at the club, but this time, i won't run."

the kiss was an explosion of pent-up desire. chris's lips met hers with a hunger that matched her own, his hands finding her waist, pulling her close. the kiss was a conversation, one of apologies, desires, and new beginnings. they moved from the living room, their lips barely parting, to the sanctuary of her bedroom, the space lit only by the soft glow of string lights, casting shadows that danced like their own private audience.

y/ns room was an extension of her, with art adorning the walls, the scent of lavender and patchouli filling the air. the bed was a mess of soft, colorful throws and pillows, a nest for their impending intimacy.

their clothes came off in a flurry of motions, a dance of eagerness and hesitation. chris's eyes roamed over y/n, taking in every curve, every line of her body, which was like a living piece of art itself. her skin was smooth, with a natural tan that highlighted her bohemian spirit, her breasts small but pert, nipples hardening under his gaze. he traced the line of her hips down to where her thighs met, his touch reverent, almost worshipful.

"you're fucking beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with desire, his hands shaking slightly with the weight of the moment.

y/n felt the heat in her cheeks, her body responding to his gaze with a rush of warmth between her legs. she looked at chris, his body lean and muscular, small scars telling stories of his life, his chest rising and falling with anticipation. his eyes, those striking blue eyes, were dark with lust, his erection evident, straining against his boxers.

he kissed her again, this time moving down her neck, nipping lightly, tasting her skin, which was sweet with a hint of salt from their earlier dance. his hands explored, cupping her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples, drawing a gasp from her.

she pushed him back gently, her own hands exploring his body, feeling the hardness of his muscles, the softness of his skin. she marveled at the contrast, at how someone so outwardly chaotic could feel so solid under her touch. she reached into his boxers, her hand wrapping around his cock, feeling its heat, its velvety texture, and his sharp intake of breath as she stroked him.

they maneuvered onto the bed, the sheets cool against their heated skin. chris positioned himself between her legs, his eyes locked with hers, seeing the mix of excitement and nervousness there. he kissed her deeply, one hand guiding his cock to her entrance, the other holding her hand, a silent promise of care.

"are you sure?" he asked, his voice a whisper against the anticipation that filled the room.

"yes," she breathed out, her trust in him a palpable force.

he entered her slowly, the sensation overwhelming for both. y/n's body tensed, then relaxed, adjusting to him. the feeling was intense, a blend of pain and pleasure, the fullness overwhelming her senses. chris moved with deliberate care, each thrust a question, each response from y/n an answer.

he watched her face, the way her lips parted, the small moans that escaped her, the flush that spread across her chest. her nails dug into his back, urging him on, the pain a sweet counterpoint to the pleasure building within him. the scent of their arousal mingled with the incense, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

their rhythm found a pace, y/n's hips meeting his, her legs wrapping around him, pulling him deeper. chris leaned down, capturing her lips, then moving to her neck, tasting her sweat, her passion as his hand found its way between them, his fingers circling her clit, adding to the crescendo of sensations.

the room was filled with the sounds of their lovemaking, the slap of skin, the soft cries, the whispered encouragements. y/n felt a tightening in her core, an approaching wave that was both terrifying and thrilling. chris, sensing her climax, increased his pace, his own release not far behind.

when she came, it was with a cry, her body clamping down around him, her vision blurring with the intensity. chris followed, his orgasm a roar muffled against her neck, his body shuddering as he filled her.

they lay there, panting, the world outside forgotten, but as the heat of their passion cooled, reality seeped back in. y/n, her head on his chest, listened to his heartbeat slowing, her mind racing with thoughts of what this meant.

she sat up, her expression turning serious. "chris, this," she gestured between them, "it's not for your channel, your followers, or the world. this is just ours."

chris felt the words like a punch to the gut, the public aspect of his life clashing with this private, sacred moment. "i know, i know," he said, his tone earnest. "i wouldn't... i just wanted to be here with you, not for the views."

but the tension was there, palpable. y/n's voice was firm, "i mean it, chris. i don't want to be part of your public life."

he pulled her close, his goofy demeanor gone, replaced by the seriousness of the moment. "i get it. i can keep this just between us. i want to learn to be like that, for you."

their conversation was fraught with unspoken fears; chris was used to sharing his life, his achievements, even his pain, with the world, gaining validation through likes and comments. y/n, on the other hand, valued her privacy like a treasure, her life an art piece meant for few to see.

"i can't be your muse if it means being on display," she said, her voice tight with the fear of losing what they had just shared to the whims of social media.

"and i don't want to lose you over this," chris countered, his voice low, his eyes pleading for understanding. "but i need to know you're with me, not just in private but in this, in us."

the room felt smaller, the air heavier with the weight of their differing ambitions. y/n's eyes met his, searching for sincerity, for a promise that what they had was worth more than any public acknowledgment.

"i am with you, chris. but on my terms," she whispered, the compromise in her voice a bridge, albeit a fragile one.

my little starfish: @courta13 @chrislilcumslvt @marrykisskilled @chrislova @sturnshood @inspiredangel @strnilolover @emely9274 @sturns-mermaid @blushsturns

[arealphrooblem]

Kidnapped by the Boss Part 6

Part one here

Synopsis: Civilian is a secretary to the Prime Minster. But when the political summit between the city states goes awry, she finds herself kidnapped by the very boss she tried to protect and nothing is what it seems.

CW: Hunger Strike, disordered eating *summary of chapter will be at the bottom for anyone who wants to skip it.*

Breakfast was delivered via servant a short while after he dropped her off. Her stomach roiled at the sight of all her favorites carefully arranged on the tray. It reminded her, quite forcefully, of how her grandmother used to wrap bitter pills in peanut butter balls or turkey for her ailing dog.

He wanted so badly to preserve the relationship they had before, as if he hadn’t completely obliterated it himself. He must have thought it would keep her complacent when her fear faded out.

He thought he knew her, but he had only ever seen her at her job. And sure, some days were hard and he caught a glimpse of her frustration or anxiety. As the years bled into each other, he learned little things about her, like her favorite foods or the TV shows that she rewatched obsessively.

But he never actually saw her. Even at the height of her newfound crush on him, Val kept a tight lid on any unprofessional slip ups and her personal life rarely leaked over into her job.

He thought patient, reliable, helpful Val was the only facet of her being. He knew nothing of the depths of her rage, her pig-headed stubbornness,

She took a slice of toast and threw the rest in the trash.

“Knock knock, Val. I hope you’re decent.”

The driver’s voice sounded about two seconds before the door opened. Of course, by the afternoon Val had already showered and dressed for the day. Still, it was a little unsettling how little time he’d give her if she wasn’t.

“Does it ever get old, coming here to irritate the shit out of me?” she demands, crossing her arms.

“Angel, it got old the first time.” He rolled his eyes. “Do you think it's my choice to be here?”

“Do you actually have free will or are you just a highly realistic robot?”

“Do you want a tour of the castle or do you want to stay stuck in this room?”

“ . . .What?”

“Apparently the rumor goes that your incredibly lavish and luxurious rooms are not good enough for you. So I’ve been tasked to show you around, let you stretch your legs or whatever.”

“Stretch my legs?” she repeated skeptically. “Where? Over the edge of the roof?”

“Or, you know, to the library. Or the zoo.”

“There’s a zoo here?”

The driver waved his hand dismissively. “Technically a rescue animal sanctuary. He calls it a menagerie because he’s pretentious as hell. But let’s be real — its a glorified petting zoo.”

A zoo and a library. Val had to admit both intrigued her greatly. Staying in this room did her no favors, mentally, with nothing to do but stew in her own fear and frustration.

She opened her mouth to comply and then promptly shut it closed.

Bitter pill. Peanut Butter.

Any kindness from him came with strings, no doubt, so he could yank her around like a little puppet.

“No,” she said instead. “I’m staying here.”

The driver’s eyebrows shot up. “You don’t need to be afraid. I’m not going to kill you unless he asks me to — no matter how annoying you are. And if he does, I’ll snap your neck. Quick, efficient. Shoving you off the roof is cowardly and makes too big of a mess.”

It was her turn to roll her eyes. “That’s very thoughtful of you, but it has nothing to do with that. I just don’t want to go. You can tell your king to stick his zoo and his library up his ass.”

The driver gave her a long stare. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a stubborn fucking idiot?”

“Once or twice.”

He shook his head. “If you want to go slowly insane in this room, have at it, I guess.”

Lunch came. Her stomach growled at the sight of her favorite sandwich but she forced herself to throw that away too. (she ate the pickle spear though). He wanted something from her and he wasn’t going to get it just because he plied her with food and entertainment.

 A cage was a cage.

She didn’t even bother to check what dinner was. The tray and lid sat untouched on the table for the servants to whisk away tomorrow.

Hunger woke up her up later that night, her mouth dry. Head dizzy. Her stomach cramped with it, a howling beast. It was so tempting to tear the lid of the dinner off and eat it with her hands that she went and locked herself in the bathroom for a while.

A few handfuls of water from the sink was all she allowed herself. When she felt strong enough, she set the tray in the bathroom floor and shut the door to block the temptation. Sleep claimed her for a long time.

“My lady. You need to wake up.”

A hand kept delicately patting her shoulder, chasing her out of another nightmare. She jerked awake, scrambling to sit up in the bed.

One of the servants, a woman old enough to be her mother with a calm but impassive face, stared down at her. Her uniform was immaculate.

“I’m sorry,” Val found herself saying. “What — what time is it? Has something happened?”

“It is nearly eleven, ma’am. His majesty will be here in roughly ten minutes with breakfast. I advise you to dress.”

“Ten minutes?” she squawked.

“Do you need any assistance?” the woman asked.

God her head was splitting now that sleep started to fall away. “Painkillers?” she asked weakly. “My head hurts.”

To her surprise, the woman gave her a stern look. “I’m sure it does,” she said with a bland tone that did not match the look in her eyes.

The woman swept off through the door without another look in Val’s direction.

What was that about? she wondered as she stumbled to the dresser. But the fogginess in her head lay too thick to figure it out. She felt like complete and utter shit and the last thing she felt ready to deal with was him.

The bed beckoned her with its feather pillows and down comforter and high thread count sheets. She stared longingly back for a moment, debating on how convincingly she could pretend to sleep when he showed up, before sighing and putting on a fresh change of clothes.

She had just tamed her hair into another pony tail when a knock came from the door.

“Rise and shine, princess,” said the driver’s voice.

Goddamn it. She had to deal with both of them.

“Can we reschedule?” she yelled out. “I’m busy.”

“I’m afraid not, love,” said the king’s voice.  “I’d rather not wait.”

She did not like the sound of that. “Fine,” she growled. “Let’s get this over with.”

The door opened, the driver propping it open with his foot as the king stepped in with a large covered tray.

“I don’t know why you bother with knocking,” the driver muttered. “It’s not like her permission matters.”

“Because I have manners,” the king sniffed, setting the tray down on the table. “Unlike some people.”

He looked up and gave her a wink, as if sharing an inside joke.

“You don’t keep me around for manners.” The driver hopped up on her unmade bed, pulling a knife from his belt and setting it on the comforter.

“Make yourself at home,” Val said scathingly.

“How generous of you.” He bared his teeth in a dangerous smile. “I think I will.”

The king made himself busy setting out the spread. Toast and jams and sausage links and cubed cheese and a thermos of coffee with delicate china cups.

“Children, play nice. It’s not even noon. Val, please, heave a seat.”

Just looking at the food made her stomach rebel, even as the rest of her body desperately craved it. The smell invaded her nose, making her swallow back a gag. God, why couldn’t she just sleep all day? It’s not like she had anything else to do.

“Why are you here?” she asked. “What do you want now?”

“I have something for you.” The king lowered himself down in the chair opposite of her and gestured for her to do the same. “But first, we should eat.”

“I don’t want it.”

“You’ll think differently when you see what it is. Now sit.”

He gave her a warning look, the danger of his true self slipping out from behind the mask. Val sat, feeling the presence of the assassin behind her with a knife like a prickle on the back of her neck.

“Which jam would you like on your toast?” he asked. “We have peach, strawberry, lemon chardonnay, and cherry.”

“No thank you,” she said through gritted teeth. Her stomach felt as if it were trying to eat itself.

“I insist you try the lemon chardonnay, it’s phenomenal. I have it every morning.”

He covered a triangle of toast in a thin layer of bright yellow jam before setting it on a tiny plate and handing it to her. The citrus smell washed over her, intoxicating. Any other time she would have devoured it. She loved lemon flavored pastries and he knew it. Which was why it didn’t cost her much to set her plate down off to the side  and ignore it.

The wave of twisted self satisfaction more than made up for her hunger.

Next he poured her a glass of clear water from another thermos and slid it over to her.

“Water?”

“I’m not thirsty.”

She wanted to drown herself in that glass of water, but she’d rather drop dead than give him that satisfaction. He wanted her to eat and drink so badly. He wanted her healthy enough to pretend that her life wasn’t in his hands. To forget how responsible he was for ruining it.

She wouldn’t let him.

“You are thirsty, though,” he said, his stare cutting her from across the table. “Because you haven’t eaten or drank anything in almost three days.”

“That’s not true.”

She had a pickle slice. And a piece of plain toast. And some water from the sink. His gaze narrowed, though, the previous warmth in his gaze clouding over.

“Oh but it is. The servants have found your food in the trash after every meal, save for last night’s dinner, which they found in the bathroom while you were sleeping.”

“I’m still figuring that one out,” muttered the driver from behind her.

“Why does it matter what I do with my food,” she retorted.

Silence answered her. Silence and that unnerving gaze pinning her down like a push pin in a cork board. She fought the urge to squirm under it, to feel like a student confronted by an angry principal. Though only a decade separated them, she felt like a child around him at times. A silly, clueless child.

But of course . . . He wasn’t actually a decade older. He was several decades older. Over a century older, at least in his mind.

“Val.”

He kept using her name like it meant something to him and it pissed her off.

“Eugene,” she said, his old name still feeling like sacrilege to the part of her brain still clinging to her previous professionalism.

If it bothered him, he showed no sign.

“I know what this is,” he said finally. 

Her hackles raised.

“Breakfast” she said, raising a brow.

“Control,” he countered. “Rebellion. Whittling yourself down to spite me.”

She hated how easily he saw through her. How well he could guess what laid under her professional mask when she couldn’t get a read on him at all.

“Maybe I don’t like the food,” she said, purposefully obtuse.

“Nonsense,” he said dismissively. “I know everything you like.”

“You’re not going to get anywhere because of that,” she snapped. “I’m not a kid you can bribe with candy and a trip to the zoo.”

“So that’s what this is.” He leaned forward in his chair. “I’m not trying to bribe you, Val. I’m just trying to feed you.”

“Well I don’t want to eat it.”

“Would you rather I send you food that you hate? French onion soup and pork rinds and spicy curry? Would that make you feel better?”

“I’m not eating anything that you give me.” She crossed her arms, fingers clenching tight at her sides, feeling as if she were digging and digging further into her own grave.

She would rather die than give him any kind of satisfaction and it scared her that that thought could be literal. But she didn’t know how to back down yet she couldn’t stomach the thought of giving him the one thing she could deny him when he had taken everything else.

“For how long? Because I’m not sure if you noticed, Val, but the only food available to you comes from me.”

She shrugged, not having an answer. It’s not like she planned a hunger strike. But refusing to eat fueled the rage simmering inside her and that felt so much better than the fear. It felt like she could do something, even if it only hurt herself.

His gaze flickered over her shoulder for a moment before returning to hers.

“It stops today. I am not leaving this room until you eat something.”

“You’ll be waiting a long time,” she retorted with bravado she didn’t feel.

Especially with the hands that dropped suddenly onto her shoulders. She launched forward, even when she had nowhere to run, but the hands grabbed her wrists and pulled her arms back behind the chair. Tugging only brought sharp pain in her shoulders, the driver’s hands a shackle around her own. 

The king stood up and stepped towards her. “You will eat today, by your hand or by mine. The choice is yours. And if you make either impossible I will chain you to a hospital bed and an IV drip. To be fair you might be close to that already with your dehydration. So we will start with that glass of water.”

He plopped a glass straw into the cup and held it out for her.

“Why does this matter so much that I live?” she demanded. “That I’m healthy? What does it matter to you what I do to myself?”

For a moment he didn’t answer. Then he set the glass back down on the table and knelt down on one knee beside her chair, hand resting lightly on the arm. It brought him a few inches under her gaze so he had to look up, dark eyes fathomless. She couldn’t tell what emotion shone out of them, but it burned unfiltered.

“I must admit, when I pulled you into the car and onto the plane I didn’t know what I was going to do with you,” he said quietly. “ But I never considered torture or punishment — you’ve done nothing wrong. And yet, it didn’t matter, because you have done nothing but torment yourself since you got here.”

She broke away from his gaze, her stomach twisting uncomfortably, but he didn’t stop. 

“You don’t sleep and then you stop eating. You live in constant fear despite our reassurances that you’re safe. I try to give you comforts, things to make you happy and you reject it all. It’s not meant as a bribe to lull you into complacency or servitude. The reason why you’re here is because you cared about me enough to risk your safety and I refuse to have you punished for it but that’s exactly what will happen when you go back home.” 

Fingers nudged her chin until their gaze met again. 

“I’m trying to give you a life here. Bit by bit. Will you let me?”

He looked so beseeching, so soft. It hurt. She wanted to believe it so bad. 

“You tell me I’m safe but  you’ve threatened my life multiple times since I got in that car,” she pointed out. “You both have. He especially loves to point out how I live on borrowed time and borrowed favor,” she added, jerking her chin back towards the driver. 

Ice settled in those dark eyes as he flickered them over her shoulder. Immediately the driver released her arms, relief following immediately afterwards. She shook them out, then cradled them to her chest. 

“Rook has a penchant for practicality that borders on the sociopathic,” the king said. “And I haven’t threatened you so much as warned.” He took one of her hands in his. “I’ve been building up to this moment for three lifetimes and I cannot allow anyone to stand in my way. Not even you. So long as you don’t actively impede me, you have nothing to fear from me.” 

She swallowed. “You’re a very terrifying person for someone who wants my trust.”

He smiled then, a soft rueful thing. “I was not always so. Will you trust me, anyway, Val?”

And this was why he was elected, she thought with a mental shake of her head, despite his vague past and unknown status. 

“I will . . .consider it,” she said slowly. 

“And will you eat with me? . . . .Please?”

Val sighed deeply, knowing she lost this round. “Yes.”

His smile spread, slow and bright, like the sun coming up over the ridge and butterflies rioted in her chest to meet it. Goddamn it. If kidnapping and captivity and threat of potential murder wouldn't kill this stupid crush, did she have any hope at all of ever being rid of it?

Tag list:

@rivalriotrenegade @sunyside-world @fishtale88 @those-damn-snippets @suspiciousmuffin @thats-alittle-gay @girl-of-the-sea-and-stars @tobeornottobeateacher @burningkittypoet @kurai-hono-blog @clover-sage

Summary: Val goes on a spontaneous hunger strike, not really intending it to be one but because she sees serving her favorite foods as a bribe to get her to comply. She compares it to the peanut butter her grandmother wraps medicine in for her dog.

After three days of very little to eat and drink, the king and the driver visit with breakfast. The king tries to force her to eat, Val and the King have a confrontation when she refuses, and he admits that he isn't trying to bribe her, but to help her make a life here since she will be punished if she ever went back home. He doesn't want her punished just because she cared enough about him to look for him in the parking lot. Eventually Val agrees to eat again and she says she will consider trusting his word when he told her he didn't want to hurt or kill her.

[darlincollins]

darlin roping sam into shenanigans at the summit to make it more fun for him

the two of them playing quarters with the baccarat crystal glasses, doing goofy impressions of various fancy people in the room, throwing cheese cubes at each other's heads, darlin showing sam "how the real estate business is done" and giving him a fake tour of the venue with increasingly untrue statements complete with a ghost story, requesting that the string quartet play metallica songs, teasing vincent about his crown and met gala worthy outfit, eventually getting chastised by david for being clowns and trying not to giggle while he lectures them but then glancing at each other and bursting out laughing

[pennkquest]

Okay based on current reactions and such, I am feeling compelled to work on some more Alexis/Sam stuff to post here! So poll options (very well may do all of these at some point but /lh):

[Option Explanations/Extra Details]

In my mind, Alexis and William have a nasty argument when it reaches him that her and Sam are dealing with each other again. So it'd be a bit of that argument plus Sam comforting her after the fact

Sam's turning is no secret and I think many of the older vampires/vampires from other houses would be very intrigued to see Sam and Alexis as a couple at a Summit

Since Alexis and Sam are dating prior to a lot of Porter appearing, Summit stuff, etc., I think it would be fun to explore her being the one to reveal all of William's behind the scenes string pulling

Alexis being a test patient for Sam getting back into healing magic after she gets into a scuffle while out and about

Something something I rewrote canon and Alexis and Sam kill Quinn for Darlin early on in a sort of friendship. The fic would be the aftermath a few hours after that kill, maybe with a sleeping Darlin in the back of Sam's truck

Alexis having a panic attack or waking up from a nightmare based around Sam's turning and/or her own (will flip a coin for which I go with)

Dealer's Choice being one of the options of my choosing *or* any other idea that comes to me after the poll is up!

[xanyiaz]

porter angst + spoilers for william & vincent confrontation audio bc the porter brainrot never stops

porter who may have lied about some things (like treasure coming to the summit lol) but was telling the absolute truth when he said to vincent: "he sees me as a friend, and you as a child." william who will forever see porter as a "friend" who he can use and ask to do favours and porter who will do them either out of fear and obligation or because william saved him from his maker, so he feels as though he must forever repay him. porter who wanted what vincent always complained about for as long as they've known each other. porter who always wanted to be seen as william's son, because then maybe he wouldn't ask such horrible tasks of him, maybe he would protect and shield him from this part of the business, the messy side, just like he shields his favourite progeny, vincent, who he sees as his child. porter who is having an internal fight with himself because, on one hand, he wants to honour his king since he saved him but on the other, he acts out of obligation and fear rather than honour. porter who already knew how william was this whole time but just dealt with it silently/ignored it because no one else in his life apart from treasure has wanted him around for anything other than to be used. porter who doesn't have a found/chosen family like vincent or sam, so he doesn't have anything to fall back on or anyone to rely on without any strings attached. porter who feels trapped and hopeless. porter who doesn't want to do morally corrupt things, but feels too threatened by william's power to go against him. porter who is alone, and who will continue to feel alone, no matter whose side he chooses.

tag list (lmk if you'd like to be added or removed !!): @zeerohpunk @themeridian @puffin-smoke @vind3miat0r @froggytimemachineinternet @redactedbloop @qhoaaaa @plaqying @ashton-sano @mokozroach @washa @idk-ig-7 @kuteheadrest @rejectedasset @copsecore @definitelynuwonhere

[bittersweet-n-smilin]

The Stars in Her Eyes • Balor x Kosima • Cutscene Expansion

Angst/Mutual Pining/Unresolved Romantic Tension

Drabble based on Balor's star festival cutscene oops-

Balor tried to keep his distance from Kosima, physically and emotionally, when they settled down onto the summit to watch the meteor shower paint the sky. It was rather difficult for him, having her so close yet so far away. He couldn't decide which beauty he wanted to keep his eye on, her or the clear and endless sky. He intended to cut the night a bit short, blaming the chill in the night air, but somehow she convinced him to stay just a little longer. He couldn't say no, not when she was giving him such a hopeful look. Her pleading eyes were illuminated by the falling stars, almost hidden behind the picturesque reflection of the night her glasses gave.

She looked so pretty in the dress she picked for him for her first time at the festival. She even wore little star shaped clips in her messy hair. It reminded him of the cuter, softer side of her, the one the residents of Mistria had slowly been graced with the past two years. Much like him, she kept an air of mystery around herself when she first came to the village. It's part of what drew him to her in the first place, but soon she let everyone peak beyond the wall she set around herself. Arguably, it drew him in more, the true Kosima starting to show herself. Brutal, yet kind to those she meets. Serious, but silly and laughing with the children. Cold, yet warm when she notices you're feeling down. Harsh, yet soft... Was her skin as soft as her gentle voice when she spoke to him? Now he was just losing focus. He didn't put up much of a fight against her once he snapped back to the present.

She gets her wish, and they stay a little longer. It is getting cold, so he let's her scoot a bit closer. Wouldn't want his best business parter and favorite customer catching a cold! Besides, she's not too close... until she is. They get closer and closer until they're cuddling under the stars, just like a pair of lovers would, and it feels right. Maybe it's just the bit of wine they shared before the festival that has them feeling all flushed, with dusts of pink on their cheeks. Even though they didn't drink that much, they'll tell themselves that little lie.

Balor blames it all on the wine, especially when he remembers how he somehow got the courage to gently kiss the crown of her head... how she let him. Dammit, the hell is he doing? He knows he can't stay. He never planned on staying. It'd be too cruel to string her along just to leave her cold and alone one day. He could never do that to her. The guilt would eat him alive if he replaced those stars in her eyes with bitter tears. They're friends. They're friends. "She's just your friend, Balor," he tells himself.

"No matter how much you love each other, you're just going to be friends."

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Rewriting History to Get His Own Way. by u/Winter-South-7448

Rewriting History to Get His Own Way. Can someone please archive:https://ift.tt/VohM2Lx. For several reasons:This is a re-writing of history. The former royal was told clearly at the Sandringham Summit that if he left, he would lose patronages, privileges, security, his royal duties, and financial support. The consequenses were so wide-ranging, Her Majesty QEII gave them both one year to experience those effects, before they made their final decision. Despite the consequences, after one year both the former royal and his wife decided on a permanent end to their roles as working royals.The notion that the royal family wants the former prince and his wife back, and so very badly, that they will interfere with RAVEC, is both laughable and insulting. The royal family is counting its blessings, that the former prince and his wife are no longer part of the royal machine, allegedly causing problems, spying, writing diaries, taking photographs, recording conversations, leaking information, upsetting staff, breaking rules, and allegedly trying to destroy a 1,000 year old institution from within.The former prince is again apparently talking to reporters, from publications including the Telegraph and People Magazine, after court hearings and submissions have ended and while the Judges are considering their judgments. He suggests in a self-serving comment that certain information that has been kept in-camera and not released for security reasons, is information that is in his favour. He is reported to have said "People would be shocked by what's being held back". This is making public comments while a judgment is pending, and could be seen as an attempt to influence the judges into ruling in his favour, after official hearings into his law suit have ended, and after all submissions have been made by both sides.Yet again, his family is the target in his sights. He has previously suggested it is his father The King's fault for not pulling strings to influence government bodies outside of his constitutional authority. And again, he is publicly criticising his family, saying they are all plotting against him and his wife, to force them back, presumably into being working members of the royal family. The disloyalty and lack of discretion is astounding.If the royal family ever had any doubts, or felt any pangs of remorse over the former royal leaving, these comments should reassure them that they should thank heaven the pair is not longer given access to the inner workings of the firm.Long Live The King. post link: https://ift.tt/FZDzLER author: Winter-South-7448 submitted: April 12, 2025 at 01:02AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.