#Trying to get into her good graces both because he knows she deserves better and also so he can keep seeing his kid

[scrivellc]

Deep in my feels about Alive!Verse Orin and Audrey and their weird potential as exes who have to keep interacting with each other because I've decided Jason still exists in this AU, and Orin wants to be involved in his son's life, and Audrey is tentatively okay with this as long as Orin is kept on a short leash and is not allowed in her home. There's just so much meat there. Also the idea of Orin finally taking time to deal with his shit after almost dying and being dumped for the guy who only decided not to let him die at the last second. He's reading self help books and maybe going to a lil therapy and trying to figure out what kind of a dad he wants to be but also he's not the one who's "dad" to Jason most of the time and he feels more like an uncle to his own kid. And he's reconnecting with some old friends maybe since he knows he really can't rely on Audrey and her family for support since he knows he fucked up bad with her and just hopes to at least come to a truce at some point. And who knows? Maybe eventually he'll be allowed to go in the house but he's on thin ice and Audrey let's him know it which like, totally very fair. But it's a work in progress and they have so much history and a kid so they can never totally divorce themselves from each other even though they both understand they are never going to be a thing again. And Jason is just excited to have twice the amount of dads, one of which is very invested to making sure he sees him as fun and a positive presence.

[cherryobx]

Turn up the music okay any fletcher song for rafe but these two together undrunk and bitter

Undrunk and Bitter

a/n: love both of these songs sm!

pairing: Rafe Cameron x reader

summary: you and Rafe broke up but some feelings still linger

warnings: suggestive themes, language

wc: 1.4k

How long will it take for your feelings for someone to go away? How long does it take to stop loving someone? Even if that someone is so bad for you.

You and Rafe broke up almost a month ago and you feel like every day is worse than the last. At first it was easy. You cried, got all of your sadness and anger out of your body. But then arrived the longing and loneliness. 

You miss him. You miss waking up in the same bed, his arms around you. You miss going on dates with him. You miss him giving a ride on the back of his bike. The little things.

But the relationship between you ate you up inside. You loved him but also knew you deserved better. You deserved more. That’s why you broke up with him. It was probably the hardest decision of your life. Because where do you find the strength to let go of the person you love more than anyone else?

“I can’t watch you mope around anymore.” Your friend Grace sits at the edge of your bed where you’re currently lying, staring at the ceiling deep in thought.

“Top’s throwing a party tonight. We’re going.”

You know you don’t have the energy to go but you also don’t have the energy to argue with her. And that’s how you end up at Topper’s house a couple of hours later.

You know he’s here even though you haven’t spotted him yet. Rafe. You can feel it in your bones. 

“I’m gonna get a drink,” you tell Grace who’s engaged in a conversation with Kelce about who knows what and she dismisses you with a wave. 

You sigh and try to find your way to the kitchen. Passing the living room, you see Rafe on the couch with a pretty girl on his lap. His eyes meet yours for a second before someone addresses him and he turns his attention to them.

Yeah, you definitely need a drink now.

How is it so easy for him to move on? It makes you wonder how much you really meant for him. How much the relationship and later the break up affected him. Did you really mean so little to him?

You finally find the kitchen. The counters are filled with various types of alcohol ranging from light stuff to hard liquor. You head for the latter. You down shot after shot and soon enough you feel your head start slowly spinning and your worries floating away. It feels nice. It helps you forget about him for a second.

“Rough night?”

You turn around and some guy is leaning against the counter, a red solo cup in his hand.

“You could say that.” You give him, what must be, a sad smile.

“What’s got you drinking like that?” he asks as he scoots closer and takes a sip of his drink.

“Life.”

“Fair enough.” He laughs. “I’m Trevor.”

“To you, Trevor.” You salute him and take another shot, grimacing at the taste of vodka in your mouth. He offers his drink as a chaser and you happily take it and down that too.

You introduce yourself to him and the conversation starts flowing. The alcohol keeps flowing too. Soon enough his hands are everywhere at once and you’re making out in the secluded hallway.

It feels nice. You feel wanted again. You haven’t felt that way in a while and crave it more than anything. There’s a little voice in the back of your head that keeps nagging at you that it’s wrong to use someone to get over Rafe. But it feels so good and you can’t help but want more.

“Y/n.” You’d recognize that voice anywhere. Rafe.

You break away from Trevor and see him approaching. His fists are balled and even the way he walks indicates that he’s angry.

“Get the fuck away from her,” he snarls.

“But-”

“Step the fuck back!” 

Trevor backs up with his hands raised in defeat.

“Walk away.” Rafe instructs him and he doesn’t argue. So much for that.

“Are you okay?” he asks almost softly, his hands on your upper arms on both sides of your body.

You shove him away. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“What the fuck is wrong with me? You’re the one hooking up with strangers in the fucking hallway.”

“So? You can swap spit with girls all night but I can’t do the same?”

“No.”

“What do you mean ‘no’? We broke up, Rafe. I can do whatever the fuck I want.”

“You’re drunk. You’re not thinking clearly. Let me take you home.” He takes a step closer but you take one simultaneously back.

“Fuck you. I’m thinking more clearly than I have in a while. Why can you move on but I can’t?”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I’m not moving on anywhere with anyone.”

“You’re trying to tell me you didn’t fuck that pretty thing before you came here? Nice try. I need space from you, Rafe.”

“First of all, I haven’t fucked anyone since we broke up. Second, I’m taking you home.”

“Yeah right. I don’t believe you. She was all over you.”

“Like that guy was all over you?”

You shut your mouth. “That’s none of your business.”

“It is. You’re still my business whether you like it or not. Now, you can come with me willingly or I will physically drag you out of here.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you.” You cross your arms on your chest and stand your ground, which in a literal sense is difficult because you’re too drunk for your own good.

“Stop being difficult.”

“No.”

He sighs before he makes a quick move of picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder. You’re like a sack of flour. Absolutely helpless and pathetic.

“Put me down!” You hit his back with your fists but that does nothing to help. He’s unaffected.

“I’m gonna throw up all over you,” you threaten. It’s actually a real possibility due to the fact that your head is furiously spinning and you can’t make your left from your right.

“I don’t care.”

People stare at him weird as he carries you through the house, while you’re kicking and screaming, to the driveway where his car is parked.

Very surprisingly to everyone around Rafe, he’s sober tonight. He didn’t plan on staying sober but when he saw you enter Topper’s yard through the living room window his heart made the decision for him.

He drops you in the passenger seat and buckles you up before walking to the driver’s side and hopping into the seat. In the few seconds he was outside the car you managed to unbuckle your seatbelt but he pulls it across your body again and locks the doors so you can’t escape. 

“I hate you,” you snarl at him and cross your arms once again, angling your body towards the car door on your side.

“Don’t care.” He backs out of the driveway and starts driving towards your house.

You rest your head against the cool window of the car and stare at the passing scenery. 

“Why do you care so much?” you ask.

“What?” He looks at you for a second before turning his gaze back towards the road ahead of him.

“Why do you care?”

“About what?”

“About me. We broke up and here you are, taking me home after cockblocking me.”

He scoffs. “I can’t stop caring about you overnight, Y/N. That’s not how it works. And even if I wanted to I couldn’t.”

“You looked like you could. Plenty of girls throwing themselves at you. Take your pick.”

“I don’t want any of them.”

The rest of the ride passes in silence. He helps you out of the car, into your house and to your bedroom. He even tucks you under the covers. 

“Why don’t you want other girls? You can, you know.” 

He leans down and presses a kiss to your forehead which makes you instantly close your eyes for a moment of bliss. For a second, you’re thrown back in time when you were together and he used to kiss you goodnight every single night, even if it meant driving over from his place to yours to do so.

“I’m waiting.”

“For what?”

“For you to love me again.”

You open your mouth but no words come out.

“If you remember this in the morning, text me. We’ll talk.” With that he stands up, turns off the lights and leaves, softly closing the door after him.

[rimunagenius]

The One Where You Royally Screw Up.

ʚ pairing: Kate Martin x Roommate!reader

ʚ word count: 3.1k words

ʚ warnings: RPF!! , slight smut, fingering, angst, use of ‘y/n’ if that even is one

ʚ rimunagenius speaks: part 4 is FINALLY here!! i’m so sorry for the delay, it was supposed to release friday but the cold i had thought i was getting over got worse in a span of hours so i said id release it on saturday, but i spent all my saturday in bed asleep bc i have the worst headache and nausea from the cold, and then today it was supposed to release early but the ending never got saved and i realized i had a communications test to take so i had to finish writing it and revising after…but it’s here!! finally. so this is angst so sorry, but trust, the pining and sexual tension that’s to come is gonna be worth it!!!

Part 4

| Series Masterlist |

This felt wrong. You knew it wasn't the best way to cope with the feelings you had realized you were harboring for Kate.

But you needed to get over it. You couldn't possibly be this self destructive, and let yourself fall your roommate. She let you live in her apartment, and gave you grace when you didn't help pay rent for the first two months, trying to find a new job.

She deserved better than to have a friendship ruined just because you loved liked her. It wasn't fair. But this didn't feel fair to you either. Kissing Juliana in the backseat of her car was the last place you wanted to be. This should be Kate. For a moment you thought it was.

That's how you ended up here. Over the span of several months since reporting Nick, he was removed off  campus and was doing time. You and Kate had celebrated the accomplishment and never spoke about it again.

Since then you two have been a lot closer. "Sleeping over" in eachothers room. Cuddling more on the couch. It all started that night you both skipped practice. You knew where it was going, so did she. But the inevitable outcome if the actions you two were so good at doing were going to ruin you both. You couldn't have that. That's why you took Juliana up on the date two months ago. You guys made it official that month.

You couldn't have what you and Kate so desperately wanted, cause when you were getting ready, you saw the way Kate watched you. The longing looks she gave you as she sat on the couch next to you, while you did your makeup.

The way you looked absolutely gorgeous in the outfit you wore out to dinner, how she wished she was the one having you on her arm, how she was the one seen in public with you, and got to bring you home at the end of the night. But she wasn't, so she tried not to make it a thing when you came home the next morning. Or when you two made it official.

"You like that?" Juliana whispered in your ear, a small giggle escaping her lips that you could feel throughout your body.

Your panting echoed in the car, while your hands traveling all over her body. Throwing your head back, you moaned as her fingers curled inside of you, fingertips brushing against the soft spongey part inside you. "Oh—Kate." You moaned it before you could even think.

Your body froze, any expecting orgasm thrown out the window. Her fingers paused, softly but swiftly removing her fingers from your sopping cunt. Grabbing a towel in the pocket behind the passenger seat, Juliana avoided looking at you while she cleaned the remnants of you off her hands.

"So, you guys aren't just friends?" Juliana knew that you and Kate were close, she didn't mind. Really. But she saw the way you looked at Kate when she'd leave after dropping you off at class. She saw the way Kate watched everything you did with a look on her face that made it seem like you hung the moon.

"What—that's not—I didn't mean—" You couldn't even think. How could you totally embarrass yourself and do that to Juliana. You didn't even know why you said it. In the far back of your mind, you guess you wished it was Kate. But you thought that was just the mere thought of your fantasies talking.

You've imagine what'd it'd be like to sleep with Kate, hell, every gay woman in America probably has. But that was just a fantasy. You liked Jules. Atleast you thought you did.

"No, tell me right now. Are you and Kate more than friends? I need to know so I don't think I have a chance with you." Julianas eyes were pleading. Sad. She wanted you two to work; she really liked you.

"We're not more than friends." You made sure to look her in the eyes when you said it. You didn't know if it was convince her, or to convince yourself. Maybe if you looked sincere and she believed it, then you would.

"But you want to be, right? Why else would you moan her name while i'm trying to fuck you?" Juliana wasn't mad, she just wanted to know why. Why did you go through with this, sleeping with her, knowing you wished she was someone else.

You couldn't answer her. You didn't know how. You looked down, grabbing your black tank top and sliding it over your head.

"I honestly have no idea, Jules." The name suddenly felt so foreign rolling off your tongue in this context. Juliana winced at the nickname. Suddenly feeling angry about it now.

"Don't call me that. Why did you say her name?" The next pieces of clothing to go on was your black biker shorts and underwear. Fixing your white tube socks, you searched for your shoes.

"I don't know." Was that all you could say to her? She surely deserved more than what you were giving, and you sure as hell weren't giving her anything.

"Stop saying I don't know and just say you like her. That's all I need to hear." Juliana's voice rose as you grabbed your ankle boot docs, sliding them on your feet.

"I don't like her, Jules—I mean, Juliana. I don't like her, okay?" Who were you kidding? Repeating the four words wasn't convincing anyone in the car.

"Jesus Christ, Y/n! Are you fucking kidding me!?" Now she was getting irritated. "You do! There...it's out in the open. Why didn't you just tell me before letting me think that I had a chance?" Her eyes went glassy, now turning pink.

"I don't know why I said it, okay? I think I do like her, and I know it's wrong for imagining her instead of you. You don't deserve that—"

"You're right. I don't." Juliana stepped out of the car, her never taking her clothes off, only aiming to please you, missing. She held the door open, so you could slide out. "Look, I'm not mad at you. I guess it's my fault for falling for you even after I saw how you looked at her."

Watching tears fall down her face, it brought tears to yours. You didn't mean to hurt her. You should've figure your shit out before starting anything. You should've figure out your feelings for Kate.

Thinking you could fill the void with a relationship and sex with another woman, without talking to someone about how you felt, was something only transactional on your end. You hurt someone's feelings because you couldn't figure out your own. How could you jump into a relationship with her?

"No, it's not your fault. I was so stupid for starting something with you—not that you're not great, because you are. But because I should've known what I was doing was wrong. It wasn't fair to you, I'm so sorry." You wiped a tear off her face, your frown deepening as you saw the hurt in her eyes grow.

"Give yourself some grace. I wouldn't know what it's like to fall inlove with someone i've been friends with for so long. It must be hard. But just—don't do this to someone else. Figure out your feelings first." Juliana turned and opened the passenger side door, you closing the backseat passenger door. She handed you your clip and your bag.

"Figure it out with Kate." She gave you a tight lipped smile, before waking around the front of her car and getting inside the drivers seat. You nodded your head, and decided you had to tell Kate.

Walking back to the apartment gave you plenty of time to think. You've been doing that so much lately, you don't know how to anymore. What happened to you?

You haven't recorded vlogs, get ready with me's, or any content for your channel in months. Opting for the vague communication with family and friends. The spiral of trying to get Kate out of your head, and trying to shove her back into the friend zone, was so consuming. You haven't even lived your life.

You needed to say it. You needed to tell someone. You needed to figure it out.

Walking inside, you set your bag and keys down on the counter. What the fuck were you going to say? How could you tell Kate that you and your girlfriend were hooking up, and the whole time you wished it was her.

Struggling to decide on who to tell, you settled for embarrassing yourself to a friend, who you knew would help you. Scrolling to find Jadas name in your contacts, you pressed her contact and listened to the phone ring.

"Hey, Jada!" You said when she answered the phone.

"Hey! What's up? You're coming to practice later, right?" Today was an off day. You usually only ever needed to be at like two practice a week.

"Today's an off day for me, and I would go as a spectator but that's why i'm calling." You swallowed the lump in your throat and sighed. This was gonna be so awkward to explain.

"Wait so you're telling me that...you're actually inlove with Kate...but you can't tell her that and because of that, you moaned her name while you were having sex with your girlfriend? Oh, that's bad, babe." You could see her face without having to see it. When you looked down at your phone, you were correct.

"I know, I know. It's super bad. I don't even know what's worse, the fact that I did that to Juliana, or the fact that she wasn't even mad about it." Recalling earliers incident, she didn't even overreact.

"Probably because she already knew. She just didn't want to see it until you did what you did. She just wanted to keep you while she had you. I get it. Happens to the best of us." Jada nodded her head and ate chips while she watched her show.

You guys ended up Facetiming halfway through the phone call so you could give proper recollection to the incident. Jada needed to see the facial expressions and everything to give her proper advice.

"Oh my god, Jada. Why do I have to feel this way for Kate?" You put your head in your hands and cried a little. You were emotionally overstimulated, the weight of your actions now weighing on you. You looked up, looking to the ceiling. Taking a deep breath, you looked down at Jada.

"Aw, you'll be okay, babe. I promise. We are all human, we all make mistakes. Don't beat yourself up about it, just learn from it. As far as telling Kate goes, I wouldn't tell her unless you were one hundred percent sure that what you're feeling is real. And when you're ready, sit her down, don't ambush her, but sit her down and talk about it."

"What if she thinks I'm literally crazy and so weird and she kicks me out?" You started to spiral.

"Hey, that's not gonna happen. She's a very understanding person and you know that. You've lived with her all these years for godsakes." Jada slapped her hand down on her bed, flipping her bowl of chips. "Oh my god!" She screamed. You laughed at loud, watching some fly across the screen.

The front door opened, a sluggish Kate walked through the door. She had been very tired recently; basketball and finishing school were growing to be very exhausting. She watched you laugh so hard that tears were falling down your face. A scream laugh, that grew quiet, a loud gasp following which she recognized as Jada's laugh through the phone speaker. She walked over and sat down on the couch next to you, resting her head on your shoulder to say hi to her other best friend. "Hi, Jada!" She smiled big into the camera, her sleepy and drowsy mood suddenly vanishing.

You put your hand on Kate's cheek, patting it softly. You looked at Jada through the screen. Your eyes stare into hers. She nodded softly, covering it with leaning down to grab the fallen chips. You knew she was right. Kate wouldn't give you a hard time but you couldn't help but panic.

You three stayed on the phone for a little while before Jada hung up so she could leave for practice. You placed the phone in Kate's room while you sat on her bed, so she could still talk to you both while they both got ready.

Kate was on her way out the door when you stopped her, hand on her arm, "Hey, can I talk to you when you get home? It's kinda important." You were so scared to tell her. But you had to rip the bandaid off right?

"Yeah, of course. I'll see you when I get home. I love you." She closed the door behind her. You stood there for a moment, staring at the door. You had three hours to prepare yourself for tonight. How the fuck were you going to tell her?

You drove yourself insane for the last 3 hours that you were alone in the house. You cleaned the kitchen, the living room, your room, mopped the kitchen, and vacuumed every surface that could be vaccummed in the house. You took a shower, and almost changed your pajamas twice.

You finally sat on the couch, watching whatever was on, literally fucking panicking. Kate had walked through the door thirty minutes ago, cleaning herself up.

"Okay, so what did you need to tell me? You okay?" She sat on the couch next to you, smiling softly to herself when she saw you were wearing one of her old hoodies. She hasn't seen in it in so long.

"What?" You looked at her, noticing smile on her face. She shrugged her shoulders.

"Just haven't seen that sweater of mine in a long time." She adjusted how she was sitting.

"Oh, I forgot I stole this from you a long time ago." You looked to her, instantly regretting it. She was manspreading and she looked so good. You could not look at her when you told her this.

"Okay, anyways. Back to what I needed to tell you. So, Juliana and I broke up." You paused. Her face pulled into a frown.

"Aw i'm so sorry. Are you okay?" Kate reached her arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer. You didn't fight it. Choosing to lean into her touch. You closed your eyes, gathering the sheer will to be able to tell her what the hell happened.

"I'm okay, Kate. I promise. But we broke up because we were hooking up in her car, and I know you said not to give you details, but it’s relevant because I moaned your name. While she was trying to fuck me.” You finally got it out, but it wasn’t helping that Kate’s face didn’t express any telling emotions.

You lifted your head from her shoulder, wincing slightly when she immediately moved a small distance on the couch. You needed her to say something but you’d get it if she didn’t. You couldn’t begin to understand the digestion of something like this.

“Oh, wow. That’s crazy.” Kate stared blankly at her slippers that she had been wearing. She was tugging on the strings of her hoodie.

“Yeah…” You were kinda let down at the reaction she had. You were expecting an immediate blow up at what you had just announced. Or some type of general reaction.

She wasn’t saying anything. You could see the gears turning in her pretty head, but nothing was coming out of her mouth. It made you more nervous than before you even told her. “Is that it? Kate?” You watched her blue eyes meet yours.

The shade of blue so pretty, and so relaxing. “What does that mean? Why?”

“Because I love you, Kate.” The sincerity in your voice hitting her like a truck. There’s no way you were finally saying these words to her. You finally said them but at the worst possible time.

“I love you, too.” She replied in the quickness. Almost instantaneous as you said them. She loved you, possibly with every bone in her body.

“No, like, romantically. Not platonically.” You clarified to make sure you heard her correctly. She sighed before speaking.

“I know, that’s why I said it back. But you know we can’t do anything about it, right?” That’s when it hit you. She wasn’t mad, she was just playing it smart. You nodded your head shortly, looking down at your hands.

“Okay, what does that mean for us, though. How exactly are we going to live together knowing there’s something here, and not do anything about it.” You thought about it, and it made sense. The final four tournament already coming. This year was crazy and passing by so fast.

They won the Big Ten tourney almost a month ago. The stress of the biggest tournament this season was coming up and a relationship, the additional stress and possible blow up of a relationship, was hard. Cultivating a new relationship at this time was stress Kate didn’t need. You couldn’t do that to her.

Kate prided herself on being level headed. That’s how she led her team so good, on and off the court. Her ability to take accountability and responsibility was unmatched, so she couldn’t understand why coming up with this resolution was so hard.

She knew it was wrong to start something she wanted to put her all in, at this moment, because she wanted to put her all into basketball. It was more important to her at this moment in time. She knew you’d understand.

“Tell me this again in a couple months, yeah?” Kate said, a small smile on her face. Trying to lighten the mood, she held her hand out.

You looked at her and then at her hand. You shook it. It was quiet for a beat, “And about the living situation, we just do it how we’ve been doing it all these years. Day by day.” Her hand that still remained in yours, pulled your body closer to hers.

This wasn’t the way you wanted to tell Kate that you were inlove with her, that you accidentally almost got off to the idea of her when your girlfriend was indeed not her, or the fact that you couldn’t start a relationship right away. But laying here, against her side, while you sat and watched whatever was on the tv to distract from the overwhelming expression of emotions was okay for now.

You knew you just needed to give it time. You two would come together. For now, you’d just have to wait. So you both sat there, counting down the days until you knew you could be together.

It was already the most insanely slow countdown of your lives.

[alittlebitofloveliness]

Misogyny in the fandom: let's talk about it

Not gonna lie, the level of interalized or even just blatant misogyny in this fandom is really disheartening sometimes. There is already VERY few female characters in the book, even fewer with speaking roles, and yet I see all of them being hated on in some way. People hate on Cherry for standing up for herself when Dally was harrasing her, and for not seeing Johnny in the hospital, which bullshit to begin with but also, you can't tell me that if the roles were reversed and Cherry sat down behind Dallas and starting talking about how stupid and classless greaser boys are, and Dally threw a coke at her, that the fandom wouldn't love him all the more for it. People hold her to this impossible golden standard, expecting her to literally be perfect instead of a conflicted and grieving teenage girl, when they embrace the flaws and give a lot more grace to much more violent and 'bad' male characters. It's a very 'boys will be boys' and 'girls mature fatser so they should know better' double standard that I really can't stand. Marcia gets a level of the same treatment, with people occasionally calling her vapid or shallow when the book makes it clear she and Two-bit actually really hit it off, and the number she gave him being fake was only Two and Ponyboy's speculation. But I digress. Moving on.

Misogyny and classism intersect when it comes to the few female greaser characters we get a little insight on. So many people LOATHE both Sandy and Sylvia because they're cheaters, but honestly, how is cheating worse than stealing? (And don't pretend they steal because they need to survive Ponyboy makes a point of claiming Two-bit doesn't really need or want half the stuff he shoplifts) How is it worse than jumping little kids? How is it worse than sexually harassing girls? How is it worse than the plethora of immoral or illegal activities the greaser guys partake in? If we're being 100% honest, it isn't. "But-but Sandy cheated on Soda, who really loved her". Yeah, she did. That was shitty of her, I'm not defending that, but she was also a sixteen year old girl in a tough situation she was trying to navigate the best she could. She could have lied and told Soda it was his and trapped him in a marriage raising a kid he definitely couldn't afford if she wanted to- but she didn't. Hell, she told him the truth and he was still ready to do that and she wouldn't let him. I don't think those are the actions of a completely terrible person, I think they're the actions of a scared kid who did some shitty things, but is trying her best and trying to do better. At the VERY least they're the actions of a multifaceted character who deserves the same level of grace and insight afforded to the male characters. (If anyone wants to read more of my thoughts on Sandy and her narrative importance, I have a post here). There's also something to be said about the poor 'greasy' girls facing harsher vitriol than the soc girls, and while part of it is because of Ponyboy's biased narration, it's clear to see that readers very much took his views at face value. Soc girls are 'good girls' and have to be perfect to deserve credit from the fans, but greasy girls are 'trashy' so it's ok for them to be judged and shit on. Spoiler alert: it isn't.

Sylvia is similar to Sandy in that her cheating and 'loose' behaviour earn her a lot of hate, which again, I'm not defending her cheating, but we need to give her the same analysis and benefit of the doubt given to Dally. Dally is NOT a good person. Ponyboy says this and makes it clear plenty of times. He's a hurt character, so we can explien why he is the way he is, but he isn't a GOOD character. he values loyalty, so he never cheated on Sylvia, but it's clear based on how he treats Cherry and casual comments he makes that he doesn't really respect women. I can't imagine Sylvia's experience dating him was one where she felt very adored. Again, not an excuse for cheating, but I can understand WHY she'd try and take back power within a dynamic and a society where she never had any, and I don't want to vilify her for that. She's also a poor woman growing up in the sixties- the book makes it clear life is hard enough for poor guys griowing up at that time, but it was probably equally if not more hard for poor women. I think, like the gang, she does what she had to to survive. If you can understand why the gang does bad things, and still be humans who can be considered good, you can extend the same understanding to Sylvia (and Sandy.) I think people need to also keep in mind that everything we know ABOUT Sylvia (and the rest of the female characters) we know from Ponyboy, a fourteen year old boy who's narration is INCREDIBLY biased and who doesn't have the full details of any of the relationships in the gang. Ponyboy sees Sylvia and Sandy as these terrible, loose women who have hurt people he cares about, so a lot of the fandom does too, but it doesn't change the fact that by doing so you're accepting and embracing Ponyboy's internalized misogyny and making it your own.

Anyway, I don't think I'm articulating this as well as i want to, and i spoke a bit more about this in this reply to one of the posts on the confessions page, but yeah, I just wish people could accept that fact that if they bend over backward to find ways to defend or explain immoral actions from male characters, but refuse to even attempt to do the same for female characters, they've probably internalized a bit of misogyny they should maybe work on.

[animehideout]

LOVE IS THE MOST TWISTED CURSE OF THEM ALL

Part Five

Gojo Satoru x Fem! Reader

Check part 6 here 🆕

Check part 4 here.

a/n: Hii, I hope you enjoy this part as well, let me know if you want to be added to the tag list 🫶🏻

if you have any ideas of details you want me to include please let me know and don't hesitate to share your critics it helps me a lot to better my writings <3

Music recommendation ♪ : SKZ- Taste ( Yes I am a Stay ♡ )

You shook your hand with Nanami's. Smiling softly at him.

“I see your wife is now playing your game..Gojo?” Said Mei Mei wearing an amused expression,

only earning a glare in return from the man sitting in front of her.

“Come on, don't tell me Nanami triggered your jealousy and protectiveness over your wife” she added.

“Im.Not.Jealous!! And.Shes.Not.A.Real.Wife” he whispered in an angry low tone.

“Hm then why are you so upset about it?” she asked sipping water from her cup.

Gojo leaned in and said, “because I want everyone to treat her poorly, everyone to belittle her and this guys over here shouldn't interfere or try to defend her like the gentleman he is– that's why I'm pissed...my plan is to make her life a living nightmare, and it shouldn't be ruined by anyone, especially Nanamin.. Understood now?”

“Understood” she simply said, looking forward for all the drama that she'll soon witness.

She was relieved that he wasn't jealous, Mei Mei desired Gojo since high school days, and him falling for you; his wife, is something Mei Mei won't allow.

......

“How long have you been teaching here? I haven't seen you around” he asked.

“Um– today is my first day actually” you replied with a hint of awkwardness.

“Oh I see!! good luck then I'm sure you'll do great” he encouraged,

“T-thank you” you stammered ,pleasantly surprised, a warm genuine smile graced your face.

Nanami is indeed respectful and considerate quite the opposite of some other dick that you're stuck with.

“Excuse me for my random question, but what Jujutsu technique do you possess?” he questioned completely oblivious of your situation.

You swallowed with difficulty, rocking your legs under the table in embarrassment. But why would you hide who you really are?

“I–I don't have any Jujutsu energy my situation is kind of complicated so...” you replied,

trying your best to hide your discomfort from his sudden question, especially knowing that your husband is sitting at the table next you and any vulnerability will cost you your dignity and pride.

“Oh I understand! but I'm sure you're skilled with weapon use. It doesn't matter if you have a curse energy or not what matters is the braveness you carry within you” he said and smiled,

he smiled for the very first time in years taking both Gojo and Mei Mei by surprise.

“Nanami smiling? if I knew he had such an attractive smile he would have been one of my preys” thought Mei Mei to herself.

The tables turned, and now it's Gojo's turn to sit and watch your cute interaction with his colleague. Having known Nanami for years, Gojo was already familiar with the way he treats women with ultimate politeness but in Gojo's eyes you weren't deservant of such treatment, he hates you and wanted everyone around to do the same, to turn against you until you feel excluded, until you give up on your job and the small circle you've built in two days. His goal is to make you experience once again the sense of isolation you've grown up with, and Nanami encouraging you was the first step to hinder his goals. That's why Nanami shouldn't get close to you.

...

It was the very first time you witnessed someone acknowledging your skills, someone comforting you and understanding that it's okay to not be a sorcerer. His genuine words touched your heart.

Uncertain how to respond a shy smile formed on your lips, his compliment felt like a gentle breeze that lifted up your spirit, making you forget about all the hate you have dealt with for years.

As the school bell chimed, signaling the break's conclusion, you rose to head to your next teaching assignment for the second years.

“It was nice talking to you, Nanami,”you said gently, keeping eye contact, which he acknowledged without breaking.

“Looking forward to our next meeting...after you” he said, stepping aside to let you walk ahead.

....

“Nanamin!!”

“Yeah Gojo what do you want?” Nanami replied with a sigh, irritated, since Gojo used to annoy him a lot before.

“Nothing much... but maybe next time, acknowledge my presence before chatting with her so casually.”

“Huh? she was sitting alone, and you were with Mei Mei. so what's your point? cuz i couldn't get it yet!”

“Listen, Nanamin, don't waste your time with her. She's–”

“Why would you say that? It's not like I'm trying to steal your wife or something!” Nanami interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

“I'd appreciate it if you don't talk to her again”

“She's a mature woman with free will. You don't get to decide who she talks to.. Excuse me now” Nanami asserted, and the walked away.

– Time Skip Night Time –

“Aah, what a day” you sighed, yawning as you began drying off, still wrapped in your towel.

The warm bath washed away the fatigue from a long day of teaching. Smiling at the memory of Nanami's words, recollecting his warm smile. Suddenly interrupted by a voice.

“I see you're happy?” came a voice that caught you off guard, disrupting your thoughts.

“Satoru? What are you doing here?”

“This is my house, or did you forget?”

A blush colored your cheeks as you realized being clad only in a towel that barely covered the length of your thighs, and his focused intense gaze didn't make things any easier.

“Watcha smiling at? don't tell me you're having those lovey-dovey moments where you have a burst of energy, kicking your feet in the air because you developed a crush on someone? is it Nanami?”

“What if it is? are you jealous? I thought you had plans to spend the night with Mei Mei. What brings you here anyway?”

“Oh, you gave yourself away... eavesdropping to my chat earlier?”

“Nah, wasn't really interested in what you said. You were just loud for some reason” you retorted.

“Getting more bratty by each day?” he remarked, taking a step closer as you instinctively took a step back.

“What do you want?” you asked, panic brewing inside, wild thoughts racing through your mind.

“Nothing.. Why do you seem uncomfortable? Is it because I'm getting this close to you? Is it because my fingers are now tracing your skin?” he teased, his fingers leaving a trail of delicate goosebumps on your exposed arm.

“Satoru!” you warned, air hitched in your throat..

“Is it because no one will be able to hear you scream, in this house of thick walls?”

“Satoru get away and- stop it with your g-games” you stuttered as he tarped you between his chest and the wall. He could hear your heart pounding out of your chest.

“What if I dont? what would you do? stop me?” he challenged.

You tried to walk past him, but he was faster, he pushed you on the king sized bed, and crawled on top of you, making you disappear under his giant figure.

“What? I thought you wanted this from the beginning, I thought you wanted me inside of you huh? You wanted to make this marriage real dont you? so why are you fighting it back now?” he said calmly,

He held your hands above your head to stop you from pushing him and hitting his chest.

“SATORU GET OFF OF ME..I DON'T WANT THAT AND YOU KNOW IT”

tears gathered in your eyes, you didn't want your first time to be like this, hell no, it scared the shit out of you, and wanted nothing more than breaking free from his grasp.

“Are you crying now babygirl? I thought you were braver than this..”

“IM NOT CRYING...GET OFF OF ME NOW” you yelled and used your legs to push him away.

Suddenly, he paused and then started laughing hysterically,

“Y-you should have *laugh* seen the scared look on your face...that was hilarious” he continued on laughing,

and you were sat on the bed, fixing your towel looking at him in utter confusion. “w-what the hell?” you whispered.

He paused inhaling, “See how weak you are, unable to protect yourself..” he started, looking at you with dismissive glance.

”I.am.not.weak.”

“I could have broke you if I wanted to, I'm just not interested in fucking a nobody like you..” he spitted each word was thrown at you like daggers.

You swallowed your pain, choking on the tears that you've never allowed to stream.

“You won't.. and I'm not interested in even looking at some arrogant, power digger, empty shell of man like you” you fought back

“Empty shell of a man” echoed in his ears, the thing that he's always avoided, his emptiness, the void that he thought he covered with his strength, you cracked it. How did you even know?

“Why are you silent now Satoru? did I strike a sensitive nerve?”

“I am the strongest, meaningless words coming from a meaningless person won't affect me” he replied, eyes piercing through you..

“Enough with the strongest!! is it your only resort to defend yourself? to prove yourself? You're not special Gojo Satoru, people out there are also worth it, are also strong and talented , you're not better than them not better than anyone, yo–”

“In all the heavens and the earth, I Alone Am the honoured one..do you understand?” he spoke slowly yet with harsh tone..

a tone that sent shivers down your spine. You looked at him silently, his face inches away from yours, looking into each others eyes, his blue eyes; an ocean, a canva of hidden struggles.

If looks could kill, you'd be already sent to heaven.

“Do.You.Understand?” he repeated.

But all what you could do is stare,

“Say.It” he yelled

“no” you started “...in all heavens and the earth, I alone the one you can't control, Satoru” you added twisting his words, and used them against him.

.....

Satoru let out a short, mirthless laugh, the flicker of offense evident in his blue eyes poking the inside of his cheek with his tongue– but it's Gojo Satoru, he would never give you the satisfaction of actually breaking his ego, so what else he could do except flipping the topics.

“From now on I'll be sleeping here. Couch or the other room, your call, but this is my bed” he declared, breaking the silence after thinking he would really break you, from how intense the atmosphere was.

“If I were you, I'd find another spot. But if you stick here, you better sleep with one eye open” he added warning, taking off his shirt to reveal his toned back.

You swiftly gathered your belongings, exiting the room as he began unbuckling his belt.

.....

Sitting in the next room, knees to your chest, tears flowed silently. making sure the door was locked, you couldn't deny he had given you a scare. It was his plan all along, to frighten you, to make you feel vulnerable, proving he could easily assert dominance.

“I hate this. I hate you, Satoru.”

Taglist ✨:

@smolbeanzzz @eolivy @sanriosatoru @khaleesihavilliard @kiki17483 @ryumurin @tqd4455 @bookswillfindyouaway @kunikuzushisbeloved @numblytemporary @black-swan-blog27 @saiyara05 @sukunasleftkneecap @soulofendlessbook @haitanibros0007 @goldenjoyboyy @certainduckanchor @lorako123

@shervinss

@twitabread

@f1uveryysblog @sleepyyammy @allofffmypeaches @myloveforharrystylesneverenough

@olivianyx @inlovewithlondonn @wisepotato404 @butterskyy

[enviedear]

Maybe a Billy one where reader is a good Christian girl, and she goes with Billy every time he has to move etc., and he is just trying to protect her from the big bad world and disgusting people. While she is just as fiercely protective of him, but in her own way.

billy + christan!reader

request

— he'd try and keep you away from most of the danger. frequently begging you to stay put, promising to come back to you. he means it too, he couldn't imagine getting hurt and not being able to spend his life with you (ignoring the lore with my entire being rn)

"no, angel. stay right here, i swear i won't be long."

— calls you angel because you really are one in his opinion. you're too kind for the world you've brought into. always so gentle, loving, and accepting. he swears that when it's finally his time, he'll enter the pearly gates and see your pretty face.

— buys you a beautiful leather-bound bible when he's away one day and comes back with a satisfied smirk on his face. he'd insist on you reading it to him. start to finish.

you finish up the last page of book of job, smiling softly at billy, "what'd you think?" the outlaw huffs, "think poor job deserved more grace."

— makes a rule for himself to sit and pray with you in the mornings, both because he knows he's rarely ever there at night to join you and just to listen to you. he won't even really pray either, just look at you as you mutter your own.

— he'd try his hardest to keep you away from any rivals, but there are a few times they get their mangy hands on you. every time he'll raise hell and high water to get you to saftey.

"goodness billy! how many guns did you bring?" you ask, staring out at the small army of armed men on horseback. he lifts you onto his own stead, ever the gentleman, "should've brought more... kill all o'em."

— everytime he has to move, you're going with him! he lets you lead the way mostly, says your heart leads you to better places than his. he'll always get a regretful look in his eyes when he tells you that you have to make a run for it... again. he feels like shit, not being able to settle down with you like he wants.

"one day m'gonna get us our own land. just us and some animals. how's that sound, angel?" he'd grin, forehead touching yours. you'd laugh, "is that so, cowboy?"

— you'd be protective of billy just as fervently as he is with you, just a softer way. if you ride into a town that shuns him, you make it your mission to bring up the good book. how no one in this world is blameless, sinless, perfect. you'd sing his praise to anyone that'll listen. he just can't wrap his head around how genuine your love is, so unconditional.

—reblog and like if you enjoyed, let ur local writer know you like her work !

[whereforarthur]

The Two Arthur’s

Requested by @xrubi-hillx: soft smut with ArthurTv and Arthur Hill with a virgin!reader where she’s upset after an argument with her boyfriend bc he called her a prude or smth and they try to help her and make her feel better??

Pairing: ArthurTv x Virgin!Reader x Arthur Hill

Category: Fluff and Smut

Word Count: 5.7k

A/n: ArthurTv and Arthur Hill will be labeled as such to avoid confusing the two Arthur’s

*****

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. -Mahatma Gandhi

"You're just a prude," he spat, the venom in his words slicing through the quiet London evening.

Her cheeks burned with a mix of anger and embarrassment as she clutched her jacket closer to her body. The cobblestone streets of the bustling city felt cold and unforgiving under her trembling feet. The neon lights from the nearby pubs and shops painted the wet pavement in a sickly glow, a stark contrast to the warmth she had once felt in his arms. The argument had been a surprise, but the accusation had stung. It wasn't the first time he'd called her that, but she had hoped it would be the last.

Y/n hurried home, the chilly November air biting at her eyes as she tried to hold back the tears. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. The door to her flat swung open, revealing the welcoming embrace of ArthurTv and Arthur Hill, her two best friends, sitting on the couch with mournful expressions. They had heard the news from her frantic text message and had dropped everything to be there for her. The smell of freshly brewed tea filled the room, a beacon of comfort in the storm of her emotions.

"Hey," ArthurTv said gently, patting the couch cushion next to him. "What happened?"

Her eyes watered as she recounted the harsh words, her voice shaking with each painful syllable. Arthur Hill listened intently, his brows furrowed in concern. The silence in the room was thick with unspoken support, a stark contrast to the cacophony of the city outside.

"It's not right," Arthur Hill murmured, reaching for her hand. "You don't deserve to be talked to like that."

ArthurTv nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting the hurt he felt for her. "Exactly. You're amazing just the way you are. He's the one with the problem."

They sat there for a while, the warmth of the tea seeping into her bones and the kindness of their words soothing her soul. She took a deep breath, feeling a weight lifting from her chest. "Thanks, guys. I just don't know what to do."

ArthurTv leaned in closer, his eyes filled with understanding. "Look, you know we're here for you, right?"

"Of course," she whispered, sniffling.

"Good," Arthur Hill said firmly. "Because if he can't wait for you to be ready, then he doesn't deserve to be with you. Sex is about love and trust, not about pushing boundaries you're not comfortable with."

Her eyes searched their faces, finding the validation she desperately needed. She nodded, taking another sip of tea, the warm liquid soothing her raw throat. "You're right," she murmured. "I don't know why I let it get to me so much."

"It's because you care," ArthurTv said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "But you deserve someone who worships you, not someone who belittles you."

A small smile graced her lips, the first one since the argument. She felt a spark of defiance ignite within her. "You know what? You're both right. I'm worth more than that."

Arthur Hill gave her hand a squeeze. "We're going to help you through this. You're not alone."

The boys looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between them. "How about we do something to take your mind off things?" ArthurTv suggested, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Like what?" she asked, hopeful for a distraction from the pain.

ArthurTv's grin grew wider. "Leave it to us. We'll show you a night you'll never forget."

*****

The two Arthur's set to work, transforming the flat into a sanctuary of pampering. They lit candles, filling the air with the sweet scent of vanilla and lavender. Soft music played in the background, a soothing melody that seemed to wrap around her like a warm blanket. They led her to the couch, where a mountain of fluffy pillows and blankets awaited. The care in their eyes was like a balm to her bruised heart.

Arthur Hill took charge, guiding her to lay down. He began to gently massage her shoulders, his strong hands working out the tension that had built up. "Just relax," he murmured, his voice a gentle rumble that seemed to resonate through her. The warmth of his touch was like the sun breaking through the clouds after a storm. She closed her eyes, letting out a contented sigh.

ArthurTv emerged from the kitchen and sat cross-legged on the floor beside the couch, setting to work on her feet. His gentle touch sent waves of comfort through her body. "We're going to make you feel like a queen," he said, smiling up at her.

The warmth of Arthur Hill's hands continued to spread down her back, kneading the knots that had formed from weeks of stress and doubt. She could feel the tension in her body begin to melt away, her muscles loosening like a tightly wound spring.

"Mm, that feels so good," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

Arthur Hill's hands stilled for a moment before he resumed the massage, his touch lingering slightly longer on the nape of her neck. She shivered, feeling a tingle of something unfamiliar, yet oddly comforting. ArthurTv's eyes met hers, and she saw the same understanding reflected there. The atmosphere in the room had shifted, the air thickening with a new tension, one that was no longer just about her heartache.

Her breath hitched as Arthur Hill's thumbs traced slow circles along her collarbone, his fingertips brushing against the sensitive skin just above her shirt. She looked down to see ArthurTv's hands moving up her legs, his gaze never leaving hers. The candlelight danced across their faces, casting shadows that seemed to deepen the intensity of the moment.

Without a word, ArthurTv leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her ankle, his eyes never leaving hers. A jolt of heat shot through her, and she felt a flush spread from her toes to her cheeks. Arthur Hill's massage grew more intimate, his hands gliding over the fabric of her shirt, his thumbs tracing the line of her spine, sending shivers down her back.

Her heart raced as she realized the shift in their intentions. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was new territory, but with her two best friends, she felt safe. They had always been there for her, and she knew they would never push her further than she was willing to go.

"Are you okay with this?" ArthurTv asked, his voice a gentle rumble in the quiet room. His hand paused on her calf, giving her the space to process the sudden turn of events.

Her heart thudded in her chest as she searched their faces, the candlelight flickering in their eyes. "I... I think so," she replied, her voice tentative. "But I've never..."

Arthur Hill's hands stilled on her shoulders, his eyes filled with understanding. "We know, and we'll take it slow. We just want to make you feel good, show you that you're desired and cherished."

ArthurTv nodded in agreement. "We're not here to replace him, or to take advantage. We just want to help you heal, and if that means showing you a different kind of love tonight, then we're all for it."

*****

Their words wrapped around her like a warm embrace, and she found herself nodding, the nervousness giving way to a growing sense of excitement. They had been her confidants, her protectors, and now they offered her something she hadn't even considered. The thought of exploring intimacy with them was both thrilling and terrifying, but she knew she could trust them implicitly.

Arthur Hill's hands began to move again, more deliberately this time, unbuttoning her shirt with a tender touch. She sat up, allowing him to slip the material off her shoulders, exposing her lacy bra. ArthurTv's eyes darkened with desire as he took in the sight of her, but the look was tinged with the same care and respect that had always been there. She watched as they both leaned in, their breaths mingling with hers, and she felt a warmth pool in her belly that had nothing to do with the tea.

"So beautiful," ArthurTv murmured, his voice a soft caress that sent goosebumps across her skin.

Her eyes searched his, finding a tenderness that made her breath catch in her throat. Arthur Hill's hands paused on her shoulders, his gaze following the same path as ArthurTv's, both sets of eyes lingering on the delicate lace of her bra. The room grew hotter, the candlelight playing across their faces, casting shadows that danced with the desire that had begun to unfurl within her.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice a shaky mess of nerves and hope. She felt their love, their friendship, in every touch, and it was that which gave her the courage to take this uncharted step.

ArthurTv's fingers traced the edges of her bra, his eyes never leaving hers. He leaned in, placing a soft kiss on her collarbone, the touch sending a rush of sensation through her. She gasped, her eyes fluttering shut as Arthur Hill's mouth found hers, his kiss gentle but insistent. The softness of his lips was a stark contrast to the firmness of ArthurTv's hands as he unclasped her bra, letting it fall away to reveal her bare skin.

Their kiss grew deeper, more urgent, as Arthur Hill's hands slid up her body to cup her breasts. His thumbs brushed against her sensitive nipples, teasing them into hard peaks. ArthurTv's kisses traveled down her neck, his breath hot against her skin as he took one of her breasts into his mouth, his tongue flicking against the sensitive flesh. She arched her back, a moan escaping her lips, the sensation overwhelming and new.

"That's it, love," Arthur Hill murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her body. His hands slid down to her hips, his thumbs tracing the waistband of her jeans. She nodded, giving him the silent permission to proceed, her body singing with anticipation. He unbuttoned her jeans, and ArthurTv helped her to shimmy out of them, leaving her in just her panties. She felt exposed but safe, surrounded by the warmth of their love.

Their eyes traveled over her body, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of power in their hungry gazes. "You handsome boys are wearing too much clothes," she said with a shy smile, the words slipping out before she could second-guess herself.

They both chuckled, the sound a sweet relief in the heavy silence. ArthurTv stood and began to strip, revealing a lean, muscular torso that made her heart race. Arthur Hill followed suit, his movements slower but no less captivating. As they both settled back on the couch, their bare chests rising and falling with anticipation, she felt a thrill of excitement. This was really happening, and she was ready.

They took their time, exploring her body with gentle kisses and tender touches, making sure she was comfortable with every step. ArthurTv kissed her deeply, his hands cupping her face as Arthur Hill's lips traveled down her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She felt her body respond, her breaths growing shorter, her skin flushing with heat.

*****

Their touch grew bolder as they worked in tandem, each movement calculated to drive her closer to the edge. Arthur Hill's fingers slid under the elastic of her panties, teasing the sensitive skin just above her mound. She gasped into ArthurTv's mouth, her hips involuntarily bucking upward, seeking more. He chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "Patience," he whispered against her lips.

ArthurTv broke their kiss, his eyes smoldering with passion. He leaned down, his breath hot against her neck. "Did your boyfriend ever eat you out, darling?"

Her eyes widened, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "N-no," she stuttered, the mere thought of it making her tremble.

"Well, he's a selfish prick," ArthurTv murmured, his voice filled with a possessive growl. "We're going to show you what it's like to be truly worshiped."

Her heart raced as Arthur Hill's thumbs hooked into the sides of her panties, slowly pulling them down her legs. She watched, breathless, as ArthurTv leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers, and took off his own trousers, revealing his hard length. The sight of him made her mouth go dry, and she felt a thrill of excitement mingled with nerves.

With a trembling hand, she reached out to touch him, her fingertips brushing lightly against his chest. "Can I?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

ArthurTv's eyes flashed with approval, and he nodded, his hand guiding hers down to wrap around his erection. He groaned softly as she tentatively began to stroke him, her movements clumsy but earnest. Arthur Hill's mouth was back on her neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin, making her gasp. His hands were on her thighs, urging them apart, and she complied, feeling a rush of excitement and vulnerability.

ArthurTv took over, his hands guiding her, showing her the right amount of pressure and speed to elicit the deepest moans from him. She watched, mesmerized, as he threw his head back, his eyes rolling back in his head. The power she had over him was exhilarating, a stark contrast to the powerlessness she had felt earlier in the night.

Arthur Hill's mouth found hers again, his tongue dancing with hers in a rhythm that mirrored the movements of ArthurTv's hips. His hand traveled down her body, his fingers sliding through the slickness of her arousal. He teased her entrance, and she tensed, her breath hitching in her throat. He pulled away, his eyes searching hers for permission. She nodded, and he slid a single digit inside her, his touch so gentle it brought tears to her eyes.

The sensation was foreign yet oddly comforting, a stark contrast to the pain she had always associated with the word "virginity." They took it slow, each touch and kiss a promise of pleasure to come. ArthurTv's hand on hers, guiding her strokes, his breaths growing more ragged with every passing second. The tension grew, a tight coil in her belly, until she felt like she might burst.

"Ready for more?" Arthur Hill murmured against her mouth, his hand still moving between her legs, his fingers teasing her entrance. She nodded, the anticipation too much to bear. He kissed her deeply, his tongue mimicking the movements of his hand, and she felt herself being drawn into a vortex of desire.

Slowly, so slowly, Arthur Hill's mouth trailed down her body, leaving a trail of kisses and gentle nips in its wake. She could feel his warm breath against her skin, her heart pounding in her chest as he reached the apex of her thighs. He paused, looking up at her, and she nodded again, her breath shallow. He positioned himself between her legs, his eyes never leaving hers as he leaned in, his mouth hovering just above her.

With the softest of touches, his tongue met her folds, and she gasped, her eyes fluttering shut. The sensation was indescribable, a gentle yet insistent pressure that had her hips lifting off the couch. He took his time, tasting her, exploring her with a reverence that she had never felt before. Her hands found his hair, tangling in the soft strands as she tried to guide him, to show him what felt good, but he already seemed to know. His tongue circled her clit, the pressure building with every pass, and she felt the coil in her belly tighten.

"You taste so sweet," Arthur Hill murmured, his voice muffled against her. "So perfect."

The words were like a balm to her soul, erasing the harshness of the evening's earlier events. Her body was alive with sensation, her nerves singing under Arthur Hill's skilled ministrations. ArthurTv's hand never left hers, their fingers entwined in a silent promise of support. She felt cherished, desired in a way she never had before.

"You're so beautiful," ArthurTv whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Your body is a work of art." His words were a sweet symphony, each note resonating deep within her, filling her with a sense of worth she hadn't felt in so long.

*****

Their hands moved in concert, caressing and exploring, each touch sending waves of pleasure through her. Arthur Hill's tongue swirled around her clit, his teeth gently grazing the sensitive flesh. The sensations grew more intense, and she felt herself spiraling closer to the edge. The room was filled with the sounds of their labored breathing and the soft whispers of encouragement.

"Come undone for us, darling," ArthurTv murmured in her ear, his voice a seductive command that sent a shiver down her spine. Her eyes snapped open, meeting his, and she could see the fierce love and passion in his gaze. It was all the encouragement she needed. She let go of her inhibitions, her body arching off the couch as the first spasm of orgasm took her. Arthur Hill's mouth never left her, his tongue lapping at her sweetness as she trembled beneath him.

The wave of pleasure crashed over her, leaving her gasping for air. She felt a warm hand slide up her stomach to cup her breast, ArthurTv's thumb flicking her nipple in time with Arthur Hill's strokes. It was too much, and yet she wanted more. "Please," she managed to say, the word a desperate plea.

Arthur Hill's eyes lit up with understanding, and he added another finger, pumping into her slowly, letting her adjust to the feeling. She watched ArthurTv's hand work his own length, his eyes on her face, the love and desire in his gaze making her feel like she was the only woman in the world.

Her breath grew ragged as Arthur Hill's tongue and fingers worked in perfect harmony, her body responding in ways she never knew possible. The sensations grew more intense, the pleasure building to a crescendo. "I'm going to... I'm going to..." she stuttered, unable to find the words.

"Let go, baby," ArthurTv whispered, his voice a gentle encouragement. "We've got you."

Her eyes rolled back in her head as she gave in to the pleasure, her body shaking with the force of her release. Arthur Hill's mouth and hands never stopped moving, drawing out every last tremor until she was boneless and panting. She collapsed back onto the couch, her chest heaving, feeling as if she had been reborn.

ArthurTv leaned over her, his face flushed with desire. He kissed her softly, tasting the sweetness of Arthur Hill's kisses on her lips. "You're incredible," he murmured, his eyes filled with love and admiration.

Her eyes searched Arthur Hill's, finding the same love reflected back at her. She nodded, her voice a whisper. "Thank you," she said, the words filled with emotion. "Thank you both."

They shared a moment of quiet understanding, the air thick with the scent of candles and the aftermath of passion. Arthur Hill kissed her inner thigh, his eyes never leaving hers, and she felt a warmth spread through her. "You're welcome, love," he said, his voice filled with a gentle intensity that made her heart flutter.

ArthurTv leaned in, his eyes searching hers. "Ready for the next step?" His hand slid down her body, his fingers playing with the trimmed hair above her mound.

Her heart raced, but she nodded, feeling a newfound confidence. "Yes," she breathed, her voice trembling with excitement. "I trust you."

*****

ArthurTv reached over to the coffee table, where a box of condoms lay, a silent reminder of their intentions. He ripped one open with his teeth, the sound making her pulse quicken. He rolled it on with a practiced ease, his eyes never leaving hers, and she couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. She had never been with anyone else, and the thought of losing her virginity to someone who knew her so well, who cared for her so deeply, was both terrifying and exhilarating.

"You ready, love?" ArthurTv asked, his voice thick with desire. She took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of Arthur Hill's body against her side, his hand resting comfortingly on her hip.

"Yes," she whispered, her heart racing with a mix of fear and excitement. ArthurTv's hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "This is going to hurt at first," he said gently, his eyes filled with understanding. "But we're here with you, and we'll make it as good as we can."

Her nod was all the encouragement he needed. He positioned himself between her legs, the tip of his cock pressing against her entrance. She took a deep breath, feeling the anticipation coil tightly in her stomach. With a gentle push, he entered her, and she gasped at the sudden pressure. "Breathe," Arthur Hill murmured, his hand stroking her hair. "You're doing so well."

The pain was sharp, but she focused on their eyes, the love and care in their expressions giving her the strength to push through it. They both watched her intently, waiting for any sign of distress. She felt a tear slip down her cheek, but it was quickly kissed away by ArthurTv. "You're so brave," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm.

"You are doing so good, love," Arthur Hill said, his voice a gentle rumble in her ear. His hand slid down her body, finding her clit and beginning to stroke it with a familiarity that sent another wave of heat through her. The pain began to recede, replaced by the growing pressure of ArthurTv inside her. She took deep, shuddering breaths, her eyes never leaving ArthurTv's as he inched deeper.

"Almost there," he murmured, his eyes filled with concern and love. "Just a bit more." With one final push, he was fully seated within her, and she felt a pop as her barrier gave way. She gasped, the pain a sudden, sharp sting, but it was quickly overshadowed by the warmth that filled her.

ArthurTv held still, giving her time to adjust to the new sensation. "You okay?" he asked, his voice tight with restrained passion. She nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment mingled with the lingering discomfort.

"Ready for me to move?" he whispered, his eyes searching hers for any hint of doubt. She nodded again, and with a slow, deliberate motion, he began to pull out, only to push back in. She gasped, the pain now a distant memory as pleasure began to replace it.

Their rhythm grew steadier, ArthurTv's movements slow and gentle, his eyes never leaving hers. Arthur Hill's hand continued to tease her clit, the sensation heightening with every stroke of ArthurTv's cock. "Oh, God," she moaned, her voice a sweet symphony of passion. They watched her face, reading her reactions, adjusting their movements to bring her the most pleasure.

"How does that feel?" Arthur Hill asked, his voice a low rumble of concern and desire.

Y/n bit her bottom lip, the sensation of ArthurTv inside her both strange and exhilarating. "It's... different," she managed to say, her eyes fluttering shut as she tried to process the feeling.

"Different good?" Arthur Hill's voice was gentle, his eyes searching hers for any sign of pain.

"So good," she murmured, the words slipping out of her mouth like a sweet secret. The pleasure grew with every movement, ArthurTv's cock filling her up in a way she had never experienced before. The two of them together, the perfect symphony of care and desire, had her body singing with sensation.

Arthur Hill leaned in, whispering sweet nothings in her ear as he continued to work her clit with skilled fingers. "Music to our ears, love," he said with a smile, his voice a soothing melody that had her hips moving in time with ArthurTv's rhythm. "We want to hear you scream our names."

Their movements grew more urgent, their bodies moving in a dance of passion that had been years in the making. ArthurTv's cock slid in and out of her with a gentle ease, the pain long forgotten, replaced by a building pressure that threatened to consume her. She felt Arthur Hill's thumb press down on her clit, the sensation so intense she thought she might shatter.

"Open your eyes, love," Arthur Hill murmured. "I want to see you when you come."

Her eyes fluttered open to meet Arthur Hill's, his gaze intense and hungry. She felt a twinge of guilt for focusing so much on ArthurTv, but she knew that Arthur Hill understood, that he was as much a part of this as the two of them. She nodded, her eyes locking onto his as ArthurTv's thrusts grew deeper, more insistent.

"I want to taste you too," she whispered, her voice raw with need. Arthur Hill's eyes lit up, and he leaned in, kissing her with a passion that made her toes curl. She felt ArthurTv's hand on the back of Arthur Hill's head, urging him closer, the three of them now connected in a way that was more than just friendship.

Gently, Arthur Hill pulled away from her, his eyes never leaving hers. He took her hand and guided it to his erection, her grip tightening around him. He groaned softly, his eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment. "Take your time," he murmured, his voice a sweet, seductive melody.

Her hand grew bolder, her strokes more sure as ArthurTv's hips began to move faster, his breaths growing more ragged. She watched as Arthur Hill's hand moved to join hers, their fingers interlocking as they worked in tandem. The sight of them together, the intimacy of their shared touch, was almost too much to bear. Her orgasm was building again, the sensation so intense she could feel it in every nerve ending.

"Fuck, you feel so tight," ArthurTv groaned, his eyes never leaving hers. The words sent a shiver down her spine, the raw desire in his voice making her wetter. "You're going to make me come, love."

Her eyes grew wide, the realization that she had the power to bring him pleasure sending a thrill through her. She tightened her grip on Arthur Hill's cock, matching the rhythm of ArthurTv's thrusts. The two men watched her, their eyes dark with passion, and she felt a newfound sense of confidence.

ArthurTv leaned down, capturing her mouth in a fiery kiss, his tongue dancing with hers as he pushed into her deeper, faster. The sensation was unlike anything she had ever felt before, a heady mix of pain and pleasure that had her body tightening around him. Arthur Hill's hand slid from her hair to her hip, his grip firm as he encouraged her to move with them, to lose herself in the moment.

Her orgasm grew closer with every stroke, the pressure building until she couldn't hold back any longer. With a cry, she shattered, her body convulsing around ArthurTv's cock. He groaned into her mouth, his hips stuttering as he followed her over the edge, filling her with warmth. They held each other tightly, their breaths mingling as they rode out the aftershocks of their shared release.

As the world slowly came back into focus, she felt Arthur Hill's hand on her cheek, guiding her face towards his erection. She took him in her mouth, the salty taste of his arousal mingling with the sweetness of their kisses. His gasp of pleasure was all the encouragement she needed, and she took him deeper, her tongue swirling around the head. The power of making both men feel this way was intoxicating, and she reveled in it.

"That's it, love," Arthur Hill murmured, his voice tight with need. "Just like that." His hand gently cradled the back of her head, his hips moving in time with her mouth. ArthurTv's strokes grew slower, his body taut with the effort to hold back, not wanting to overwhelm her.

The praise washed over her like a warm wave, filling her with a sense of pride and power. She had never felt so desired, so cherished. She took Arthur Hill deeper, her tongue swirling around his length, eager to taste his release. "You're doing so good, baby," ArthurTv whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "So fucking good."

ArthurTv slowly pulled out of her, his cock glistening with her arousal. The feeling of emptiness was almost too much, but she knew this was only the beginning. He leaned back, watching her with a mix of awe and love. "Keep going," he urged, his voice low and needy. "Make him come for you."

Her eyes never left Arthur Hill's as she took him deeper into her mouth, her tongue swirling around his shaft. His hand tightened in her hair, his breathing becoming more erratic. She could feel the tension in his body, the way he was holding back, and she knew he was close. She increased her pace, her hand moving in time with her mouth.

"Fuck, yes," Arthur Hill groaned, his eyes fluttering shut. "You're going to make me come." The words sent a fresh wave of excitement through her, and she sucked harder, her cheeks hollowing with the effort. He watched her, his eyes dark with desire, and she felt a surge of pride at the effect she had on him.

"You look so pretty like that," ArthurTv murmured, his voice a low rumble of appreciation. She could feel his eyes on her, drinking in the sight of her mouth wrapped around Arthur Hill's cock, her cheeks flushed with arousal. She looked up, meeting ArthurTv's gaze, and the love and admiration in his eyes had her pussy clenching around the emptiness left by his withdrawal.

Arthur Hill's hips began to buck, his movements growing more erratic as she brought him closer to climax. She felt a thrill of excitement at the power she wielded, her inexperience forgotten in the heat of the moment. His eyes snapped open, locking onto hers, and she knew he was close. "Swallow it," he whispered, his voice a desperate plea, and she nodded, eager to please.

With a strangled cry, Arthur Hill came, his warmth flooding her mouth. She took it all, swallowing with a greedy moan that had ArthurTv's eyes darkening with desire. She sat up, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, feeling a sense of accomplishment that was almost as overwhelming as the pleasure that had just washed over her.

*****

"How was that for a first time?" ArthurTv asked, his voice hoarse with passion. She looked at him, her eyes glazed with desire, and smiled. "It was... amazing," she whispered, her voice trembling with the intensity of her emotions.

The three of them lay tangled together on the couch, their limbs entwined as they caught their breaths. The room was filled with the lingering scent of their love-making, a sweet and musky perfume that seemed to cling to the air. Arthur Hill leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "We're so proud of you," he murmured.

Y/n felt a warmth spread through her, a sense of belonging that she hadn't felt in a long time. She had never imagined that losing her virginity could be like this, with two men who loved her so fiercely. She looked from Arthur Hill to ArthurTv, their faces a blur of sweat and passion, and felt a tear slip down her cheek. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

They shared a knowing smile, the intimacy of the moment palpable. "You're welcome, love," ArthurTv murmured, his hand caressing her cheek. "We're always here for you."

The thought of her boyfriend's harsh words seemed like a distant memory now, replaced by the warmth and tenderness of her friends' touches. She knew that what they had just shared was more than friendship, and she couldn't help but feel that her relationship with him was a mere shadow of what she had just experienced.

"It might be time soon to break up with your boyfriend, though," Arthur Hill said softly, as if reading her thoughts. "You deserve to be with someone who appreciates you, who doesn't make you feel like that."

Y/n nodded, her throat tight with unshed tears. "I know," she whispered. The weight of her decision was heavy, but in that moment, with ArthurTv and Arthur Hill surrounding her, she felt lighter than she had in a long time.

"We'll be with you every step of the way," ArthurTv assured her, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "And who knows," he added with a wicked grin, "maybe you'll find someone who really knows how to make you feel good."

Y/n couldn't help but smile at the thought. The idea of moving on from her ex-boyfriend was both exhilarating and terrifying. But with ArthurTv and Arthur Hill by her side, she felt like she could conquer the world. They had shown her a side of herself she never knew existed, a sexual being capable of intense pleasure and passion. "I think I already had," she murmured, her voice filled with a newfound confidence.

The two men exchanged a knowing glance, their smiles widening. "We're just getting started," Arthur Hill said, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "There's so much more to explore, love."

Y/n felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect, her body already craving more of their touch. ArthurTv leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her neck, his teeth grazing her skin. "We'll take it slow," he assured her. "We're in no rush."

Arthur Hill chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "But we do have plans for you," he said, his hand sliding down her body to cup her ass. "So many plans."

Y/n felt a thrill of excitement at the promise in his voice, the idea of more nights like this one stretching out before her. "Whatever you want," she murmured, her voice a seductive whisper. "I'm all yours."

The three of them lay there, their hearts beating in sync, their bodies still humming with the aftermath of passion. The silence was comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding that their friendship had evolved into something more. It was the start of a new chapter, one filled with experiences and emotions she had only ever dreamed of.

*****

Taglist~

@gvf23 @xxkatxgracexx

[wonderer399]

Sebastian : Why he is Perfect for Ciel

Ever since I was in the black butler back in 2015, I was like 17 years old...I was obsessed with BB...I shipped Sebaxciel very hard, I still do and will continue to do it and none of your petty 'anti' opinions will make me change my mind like ever. You are free to judge me and I will judge you 'anti' back as well...You guys think that you are being 'self righteous' ? Tbh in reality you guys exactly sound like 'Alicent Hightower' from 'House of the Dragon' after she was living her miserable life with her 3 annoying kids and had to stick her nose into Rhaenera's bussiness because her 'morals' goes against what Rhaenera was doing....Therefore, stop being annoying and you guys better keep your own opinion to yourselves...I'm 25 now...and I will still ship SebaXciel..until my last breath...I may start the fandom very late , however I have more sense and adulting going on my brain to judge what is 'right' and what is 'wrong'...and what should be kept in the 'greyzone'

I have always defended Sebastian, still do and will always be defending him because he deserves it. Sebastian and Ciel both NEED each other. You guys might think Sebastian NEEDS ciel more...its the other way around ..CIEL NEEDS SEBASTIAN and without Sebastian HE CAN NOT SURVIVE A DAY WITHOUT BEING KIDNAPPED!!!!! OR WORSE BEING KILLED!!!! SEBASTIAN IS CIEL'S LIFE SUPPORT!!!

Sebastian keeps to be surprisingly being 'Kind' towards 'Ciel' by every chapter and each chapter their bond becomes stronger than ever, mostly because due to Agni's influence. And I remember exactly Ciel saying that 'If my soul He wants, then I will make sure to get my revenge properly'...Ciel KNOWS what did he sign up for with sebastian !!! CIEL MAY LOOK LIKE A CHILD ...BUT MENTALLY HE CAN SELL ADULTS IN THE BLACK MARKETS 10 TIMES WITHOUT ANY HESITATION THOSE WHO ARE AGAINST HIM ....He is that cunning!!! We have seen Ciel's Kind side as well...Ciel and Sebastian both knows when and to whom to be 'cunning' or 'Kind'...Both Sebastian and Ciel are Extremely Extremely cunning and will and does 'BEND' the rules of the game at their own advantage through their extremely calculated and refined dirty tricks and schemes ....Playing fair is not their 'concern' ... but 'winning' is ....if Ciel is the 'King' in the Chessplayer, Sebastian is the Ultimate Cheat code and Chessboard in the game ....and pawns are the other characters ....Sebastian can't be the pawn ...Sebastian simply sets up the helpful environment for Ciel to win...Sebastian simply assists Ciel in his own game ....

Sebastian is the STRICTEST, SMARTEST, GENTLEST and NICEST ( may not be the kindest ...but he is still trying his best ...he gives me more like 'TOUGH LOVE' vibes your asian households will give off ) guy to be able pull up with all of Ciel's bratty tantrums .... ( if you even dare to give off the same exact attitude to your parents as Ciel does to sebby time to time....In the white household you won't be affected that much but in the black/latina/asian household, parents will start beating with flipflops no more attitudes.... compared to that Ciel is in 'heaven' as Sebby keeps tolerating ) Sebastian STAYS with Ciel through thick and thin ...Sebby never EVER abondons Ciel ( I don't count filler episodes of season 1 because its not Cannon ) ....Sebby is not that kind of 'mannerless' character who would force himself into 'Ciel's' arm ..sebby HIGHLY VALUES MANNERS,GRACEFULNESS and AESTHETICS...Sebby knows his self worth... we even see sebby getting 'blushed' cheeked whenever ciel compliments him for his good work and that what motivates sebby to stay with ciel through their journey together...they both appriciate, tolerate, they get and understand each other and the same time they are very fond of each other as well...

In the emerald witch arc, it is very evident that when sebby saw ciel was at his worst state ...sebby gone mad and destroyed the entire german military single handedly...ciel is very PRECIOUS to him...once ciel realized how sad Sebby would have felt when he kept rejecting sebby touch...after waking up from psychic trauma, Ciel immidiately compansated sebby with constantly 'touching' sebby 'affectionately' ...its like the two lovers being aparted for wayy too long and when they meet again, they can't let go of each other that easily...their bond just keeps getting stronger...and yall antis be burning lol ...because we shippers got the latest TEA DATE in the chapter 212 !! in the victorian era it was not 'acceptable' to sit 'butlers' and 'noble man' together ...let alone sipping tea and flirting with each other...its so sad that you guys don't like something that's fine! ...but don't dictate us and don't rubb your moral dicks into our faces ...keep it in your pockets

SEBA X CIEL IS THE GREATEST UNCONDITIONAL LOVE SHIP EVER!!! THIS IS THE PUREST FORM OF LOVE !!! SEBBY LOVES CIEL FOR HIS SOUL POTENTIAL REGARDLESS OF HIS GENDER OR HIS AGE!! SEBBY IS WILLING TO WAIT FOREVER AS LONG AS IT TAKES FOR CIEL TO TAKE HIS REVENGE!!! SEBBY RESPONDED TO CIEL'S CALLING IN THE 1ST PLACE !!

[coryosmin]

jealous confessions - best friend! coriolanus snow x fem!reader

Note: I don’t think this needs any warnings but if one needs to be added please let me know. This blurb is a bit rushed so I apologize if it’s not up to my usual level of writing!

Coriolanus was stood in the corner of the auditorium as he watched you flirt with some boy in a grade below you guys. He was a well-known cheater and player. Coriolanus was annoyed, to say the least, that you would ever allow yourself to be “woo’d” by someone like that. It was pathetic. Especially when you deserved so much better than that.

You and Coriolanus had been friends for many years. Though you had always gone to school together, you hadn’t really become friends until you both were about eight years old when some girl on the playground had pushed you simply because she didn’t like you. Coriolanus had stood up for you, exclaiming that it wasn’t nice to push others simply because you dislike them. And from there on out, you both became best friends.

At the age of nine, he confided in you about how he was living. It was in a simple, childhood sort of secretive way. But it was a secret you always kept to yourself. You never judged him, you never pitied him, you never yelled at him. You would invite him over to dinner at your house at least once a week. Coming from a prominent Capitol family, Coriolanus wanted to stay in your good graces but he couldn’t help it when his feelings for you became more than just platonic childhood friends.

He was possessive over you without even realizing it. When you both had hit puberty, your curves began to develop and all the boys in your grade began to allow their hormones get the better of them. Never Coriolanus though. He was always respectful, there for you when you needed him to be, made sure no one touched you without your explicit consent.

There had been an incident when you both were sixteen. You and Coriolanus were studying in the library when you had gotten up to go use the bathroom, telling Coryo you would be right back. And when you took longer than you should’ve, Coriolanus got worried and had walked into the hallway, seeing some boy trying to make his move on you. You were pulling away, clearly uncomfortable. And the moment the boy tried to unbutton your top, Coryo had walked up to him and punched him. Because how dare someone try to touch his best friend without her consent?

And now, here you were, flirting with someone who’s just going to do the same thing, in fact probably even worse. Because this dude will literally just make you fall for him, use you, cheat on you, and then break your heart. And who will have to pick up the pieces? Coriolanus. Though he wouldn’t mind. He liked being there for you. It made him feel confident in himself when you always came to him with your problems.

It wasn’t fair in Coriolanus’s mind. You’re his. You’re not anyone else’s. You’ll always be Coryo’s best friend.

At the end of the evening, you and Coriolanus had walked out of the Academy event. You were gushing about how that guy was so interested in you. You had that stupid beautiful smile, your cheeks were stupidly red, and you looked annoyingly ecstatic. And as you guys walked through the park that’s near your apartment building, Coriolanus was fed up.

He rolled his eyes, stopping in his tracks. “Can you please just shut up?” He exclaimed, looking over at you.

You stopped as well, furrowing your eyebrows. “Excuse me?”

Coriolanus took a deep breath. “You’ve been talking about this guy since he gave you his number,” Coriolanus rolled his eyes. He was definitely annoyed. He’ll certainly feel guilty later for telling you to shut up. “He’s not even all that great.”

“I’m sorry that someone being interested in me is annoying to you?” You said, clearly confused by Coriolanus’s reaction.

Coriolanus let out a dry chuckle. “Yeah, he’s totally into you alright.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You asked, frowning at Coriolanus.

Coriolanus rolled his eyes again. God, how many times was he going to do that during this conversation? He really needs to stop. It could truly become a bad habit. “He just wants to get into your pants, Y/N.” Coriolanus said bluntly.

Y/N opened her mouth to respond but then closed it. Her face went from one of anger to disappointed. “You really think so?”

Coriolanus’s heart sunk as he saw your face become disappointed. He sighed, nodding his head. “He’s a known cheater,” He exclaimed. “He doesn’t deserve your time or attention.”

You frowned. “It seems everyone in the Capitol doesn’t deserve my time or attention according to you.” You said, unable to help yourself. Maybe it was said out of annoyance, you weren’t quite sure why you said it truthfully.

Coriolanus agreed. “You’re right. No one in the Capitol deserves you.” He said, pointing his chin towards you. “Because you deserve greatness and no one will ever be worthy of your time except me.”

“Coriolanus, I can’t stay single for the rest of my life simply because no one meets your standards.”

“I meet my standards,” He replied simply, looking at you with an intense gaze.

“What?” You asked.

“I like you, Y/N,” Coriolanus said, stepping closer to you. “I have for awhile now. And I think you should not allow yourself to entertain the attentions of simpleton minded people when I have been in front of you this whole entire time.”

You listened to Coriolanus with an unknown gaze. Coriolanus looked into your eyes but couldn’t tell what you were thinking at all. It was as though, for once in your life, you’ve hidden yourself from him and he didn’t like that. He wanted- no needed you to be open with him as well if he’s going to risk his friendship with you over his pathetic emotions. You didn’t reply which made Coriolanus’s heart rate heighten as anxiety started to course through him.

“I need you to say something before I think of the worse,” Coriolanus’s voice was a bit shaky as he spoke, much different than his usual compose and confident manner of speaking.

You blinked a few times as you processed his words. “Sorry, I-” You cut yourself off. “Are you-” You stopped yourself again before closing your eyes and taking a deep breath and then opening them again. “Do you actually like me or are you just saying it?”

Coriolanus frowned as he heard your words. Why would he risk his friendship with you if he hadn’t meant what he said? You’re the only person he actually gives a damn about other than his cousin and his grandma’am. The fact you’d think his feelings were not genuine stung a bit. But he shook it off. “I actually like you.”

“And you want to be with me?”

“I’ve wanted to be with you since we were sixteen.”

“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” You asked.

“I didn’t think you felt the same way.” Coriolanus admitted.

“But I do,” You said softly. “Coryo, I’ve liked you since the day you stood up for me. But I never said anything because you made it seem as though dating was below you. And you never acted interested in anyone.” You sighed, tilting your head as you reached to grab his hand.

Coriolanus looked down at your hands before looking back at your eyes. He moved forward to wrap his other arm around you. “Because I’ve only ever eyes for you.” He murmured.

[vivalarevolution]

𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝔀𝓮 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓴𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻

Jake Sully x Avatar Reader

Request: „Hiii can I request part 2 of melodrama? Maybe when Jake and reader leave their avatars and are as humans after they mate?‟

A/N: Part two to of Melodrama , requested by anon. I'm very pleased that first part was so loved by others and I am hoping that this one gonna get all the love it deserve as well. 

English is not my native tongue so mistakes may happen. Also work contains slight smut , minors do not interact.

Part 1

Even with her eyes closed, she could feel the light on her. And unfortunately, it was not natural light from Pandora, but lamps from the unit in which they stayed.

Dissatisfied, she opened her eyes slowly, closing them almost immediately as the brightness hurt her delicate pupils.

-Don't pretend, I know you're with us - Grace said right next to the young woman's ear.

-A man can dream - she murmured softly, wiping her face from fatigue - Why did I come back? - she asked, sitting down slowly.

-Why didn't you come back, that's a better question - the doctor pointed out - You're coming back for the night, remember?

-I remember - she replied, looking at Augustine.

-What took you so long? - she wondered - Jake didn't want to tell me, so maybe I'll find answer from you.

Y/n put her head down. Of course he didn't told them. Maybe it was good in the end, maybe it was better to keep what they did a secret, even if it hurt her heart.

-We finally became part of the clan - she began, trying to modulate her voice to sound confident - Omaticaya threw a party because of it. It's very likely that we both went too crazy, that's all - she lied smoothly, not stuttering for a second.

-You're hiding something from me - replied the older woman bluntly - But I'll ask you more thoroughly later, first you have to eat.

-Okay mom - Y/n whispered sarcastically, standing up.

-Well, someone has to be if you forget you have another body - she announced with her arms folded - This one needs to be taken care of too.

She didn't answer, walking past her to get to the table where the food was and the source of her temporary problems was sitting. As she approached, she looked back for a moment. The rest of their crew was asleep, and only then did the woman realize that it was nearly five in the morning. Jake and Y/n were the only people up now because Grace was already on her bed after making sure they got up and ate like they should have done hours ago.

-Hi there marine - she said softly, tentatively kissing his cheek, which was rough with a day's beard.

Sully looked up at her. She was as exhausted as he was, but she still didn't shy away from the tenderness in her voice and the gentleness in her eyes. He smiled noticing it.

-Hi - he replied, following her movements.

Y/n seeing how his eyes wandered unpunished to the lower parts of her body, she grabbed his chin, lifting it quickly up. Placing one of her hands on her hip, she frowned and tilted her head, looking meaningfully at him.

-My eyes are up here - she remarked, and the man smiled sheepishly.

-Sorry, I got distracted - he announced, and the young woman only muttered something under her breath before her thumb began to run over his cheek.

-You need to shave that facial hear or you'll look like a sasquatch - she said suddenly - I prefer the second version, I'm used to smooth skin.

-I fell offended - he said, but she just gave him a malicious look, the same one he'd seen a few hours ago.

Jake watched as she moved around the small room with the same grace as in the body of her avatar. Her hair was much shorter and her hips wider, but that didn't stop him from fantasizing, even though he'd been scolded for it a few minutes ago. Only when she again turned back to him did he give her an innocent look.

He waited for a biting remark from her but surprisingly it didn't come, which caused him to frown in consternation.

-I'll sit on your lap - she said, though it sounded like a question mixed with an announcement.

-Is that a question or a statement? - the man asked.

-Both - she whispered, carefully sitting down.

Sully studied her carefully. The way she was looking for things in the cosmetic bag, the way she was grabbing the food she was eating with her free hand, the way she watched him out of the corner of her eye, making sure he was comfortable enough, even though she was the one who was tense.

-You don't have to worry about them - he started and she stopped any activities - You used to not care about them - he remarked, remembering that it was the first aspect that attracted him to her so much.

-I don't ... - she started but after a moment she sighed, letting her hands limply fall between her hips - Now it's different - she said uncertainly.

-Why? - he asked - Two days ago you were bragging about how you would finally win a race with someone - he noticed, trying to cheer her up.

-Now I care - she confessed, finally looking at him.

-It doesn't change anything - he replied, leaning back in the seat.

-This changes everything - she announced, frowning in irritation, one of the habits she carried with her everywhere.

Suddenly, Jake pulled her to him, connecting their lips in a slow kiss. Y/n, not expecting that, moaned softly and quickly grabbed his arms, indulging in the caress.

-I would be grateful if a woman who used sarcasm as her everyday language and does not shy away from jokes and laughter returned to me - he said after a moment, taking her cheek in his hand.

-And I would like a blue giant with a smooth face, not everyone can have what they want, marine - she bit back with a hum of irony, placing her forehead on his torso.

-Soon - he announced, stroking her back, which was half exposed through the woman's short shirt.

The feeling of cold hands on her waist made goosebumps appear on her skin, but she still accepted the brunette's touch with great desire, wanting only more and more. That's why she didn't like it when he pulled away from her, and there was a shadow of doubt in his eyes, a shadow of tearing.

-Oh God...- the woman whispered almost inaudibly - You regret it - she added and before Jake could explain himself, she got up, running away from him.

At first he wanted to scream to stop her, even though the room was so small that Y/n had nowhere to really run away, but he stopped with a heavy heart watching as she lay down on the bed, hiding under the blanket.

Rubbing his face, he began to think hard. Quaritch's words suddenly became louder than ever, overwhelming and irritating even more as his eyes stared at the woman who had stolen his heart.

He found himself between a rock and a hard place, and whichever path he chose, each of them had serious consequences.

Even though her eyes were closed, her mind had been working for a long time.

She could feel wet grass under her fingertips, and feeling of warmth  on her back that radiated from the avatar lying behind her, wrapping her body like ivy. She wondered whether to get up and disappear before he woke up or wait and look into his eyes, throw away everything she held in her heart.

But before she made a fully satisfying decision, the man behind her began to move, catching her in an even tighter embrace, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

-I know you're awake, Y/n. You got in earlier than me - he said.

-Brave of you not being afraid that I'll cut you after what I discovered - she noted angrily, and her tail involuntarily began to move quickly back and forth between their bodies.

-You didn't let me explain - he remarked, propping himself up on his hand so he could look at her.

-Your eyes were enough - she stated, trying to get up, but Jake's strong hand made it impossible.

Sully pinned her to the ground, his hands grabbing her wrists but Y/n quickly wrapped her legs around his waist, turning both of them so she was now sitting on his pelvis, however she still couldn't moved her arms.

-It's not because of you! - he said firmly, shifting his position efficiently to have any advantage even if it was only height - My inner struggle is not caused by what is between us.

-Then why don't you tell me? Why don't you tell me what's bothering you? - she asked angrily, flattening her ears - I'm not worth it knowing your secrets?

- You are worth it, you are more than worth it ,that's why I don't want to tell you because I'm not sure that I won't lose you - he replied looking into her yellow irises - I love you, you stubborn woman and I'm not going to let you out of my reach , not now not never.

-You love me? - she whispered, suddenly forgetting their sharp exchange.

She just hadn't heard this words in so long.

-Of course, everything that was and is between us. It's all real - he assured, connecting their foreheads - I just want to protect you, make sure you are safe - he added in a whisper.

-What have you gotten yourself into, Jake? - the woman asked in a motherly voice, catching his face in her hands.

The avatar didn't respond, kissing her soft lips, needing to be intoxicated by them once more. His hands traced a path through Y/n's body to her braid, which became his main focus. Their second connection was just as intense and erotic as the first. Just as overwhelming and insufficient at the same time.

Young woman wanted to think rationally, to dig to the root of the matter, but her mind was clouded by lust that was too tempting not to give in.

-Jake - she choked out, but he silenced her with one of many kisses.

-Let me apologize, okay? - he murmured in a low tone of voice, sliding down to her neck where there were livid marks from their last intercourse - And what better way than to worship the woman you love?

At these words, Y/n shivered, not knowing if she hated or loved how her body reacted to Sully's hoarse voice and his big warm hands, covering parts of her skin so perfectly.

When the new road of wet kisses ended in a place familiar to him, the golden eyes of the man found those belonging to his mate, whose pupils were already dilated, ears slightly placed, and the tail was wagging slowly rubbing against his shoulder from time to time. His lips involuntarily approached her womanhood hidden behind long but thin material, while his tongue started tasted her sweet juices.

A grunt and then a growl. That was the last warning before Jake caught her in an iron grip, feasting between her legs like a hungry animal ready to devour her at any moment. But the woman secretly enjoyed it, the feeling of being adored was welcome, even if it sounded selfish.

Her fingers involuntarily found their place in his hair, pulling them like reins as her bottom hung up in the position in which the avatar had placed her.

Every lick, every suck, every kiss drove her into sheer madness, and she decided not to keep it to herself only.

-Jake! So close , please! - she moaned, arching her back.

In response, the man thrust his tongue into her tight, wet canal, and it caused her to collapse like a fragile ancient temple, the temple where Sully held his prayers.

-So perfect, so perfect for me - he purred as he kissed every inch of her face - I'm gonna go inside now, yeah? Be good and open your legs wide.

The woman complied without hesitation, whimpering as his heavy member rubbed against her sensitive labia before he entered her, agonyally slowly, filling her to the brim.

-Jake - she moaned, hugging his neck tightly, clinging to his body like a second skin.

-I love you - he whispered into her ear - I love you, I love you.

-I love you - she repeated alternately with him, so quickly drunk by the erotic sensation - Forever yours.

-Forever mine - he replied, slowing his movements to look into the eyes of his beloved.

They stared at each other, two pairs of eyes as bright as the sun or liquid gold, absorbing both completely in their claws.

-Please - Y/n whispered on the verge of tears.

-I'll give you everything you want - he assured, unexpectedly accelerating his movements that they became almost brutal, bestial.

The climax hit both of them quickly and hard. The effect was so strong that it almost took their breaths away, and stars appeared before their eyes. Everything felt new and familiar at the same time.

And it was no secret that they both loved it. It was their escape, their paradise on earth, their own heaven. But for how long?

[silviakundera]

"But I have my reasons."

"So does every other sinner in the world."

It's been quite obvious from the drama for a while now that the Princess Royal screenwriter feels pity for Su Rongqing and considers him a tragic figure. I recall being asked early on if I thought the writers are trying to redeem him. And I said no, not exactly. And I still stand by that!

They didn't give him any out or excuse for his hand in the bloody end of their original timeline: the dirty secrets reveal scene does not soften his actions in any way or reduce Li Rong's disgust. Ronghua still rejects his grand-standing words and his refusal to see that the noble class can't continue like this. He gets his chance to tell his perception of past events but Pei Wenxuan also gets a chance to share competing observations. Li Rong and Su Rongqing still get their philosophical face-off in the throne room. No one is completely wrong or right. There were no heroes in the original timeline.

"Let's not deceive ourselves or others anymore. I understand your stubbornness. Your heart is with the light, yet you dwell in darkness. You refuse to acknowledge your identity, so you can only disort the truth."

We see Li Rong and his brother reach out a hand to him many times, telling him he can still turn back. Li Rong was never in love with him romantically but he accompanied her for years during a dark period for both of them; she's not a heartless person (that's the whole point!), so ofc she would take his hand and pull him back from the edge if he was just willing to grab it. She wants to reach him: that's what the whole throne room scene is about. But she cannot. His last moments in the drama have both Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong calling out to him.

He may be a poisonous snake, but he doesn't have to bite the frog when crossing the river.

He is given chances but he doesn't take them. That's why he's tragic: Because he is right about this ONE THING (Li Chuan isn't suited to be emperor), feeling desperately certain about it while it seems no one else understands the stakes and his heroic mission. But he's wrong about everything else.

This is a story about time travel and what if you could re-do your youth: better support a troubled sibling, stand up to toxic family, fix your marriage, widen your perspective... And Su Rongqing misses all his opportunities because he's not taking his chance to better connect with others, not using the wisdom of all those extra years to better understand the populace and the people around him, and handle his life & relationships with more grace. He just narrow-mindly focuses on the mission - he can't reset, can't let go of the past life and the current system.

So many other people in this tale have been shifted: Shangguan Ya, Su Ronghua, Li Chuan, Qin Zhen Zhen, even the fail emperor has a revelation about how crap he is.

His inflexibility and inability to seize the opportunity of a do-over in life and be a new Su Rongqing acts as a contrast to measure how much Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan have been growing & changing. And it shows us why they triumph and why they deserve their happy ending.

Tragic doesn't mean innocent. It doesn't mean he didn't have a hand in his own downfall.

I know not all readers found him compelling in the text, but I did think he was a neat character and tbh I think the novel would be diminished without him. I can see what the screenwriter was trying to do with him - all that dramatic music is his POV. We get glimpses of the good times & his good intentions that contrast with his failure to live up to any of it. He's given narrative importance as their foil and the writers wanted him to be a full fledged 3rd time-traveler character that the audience is interested in (hoping, like Li Rong & his brother do, that he can be saved). The promise is there in the essential character, I can see it in the text. But in the drama they failed to create investment from the audience in the right way.

imo a big misstep is that the framing early on made viewers feel he was intended to be a valid love interest. In the drama, his romantic interest in her is overt while in the novel it was ambiguous for the first 60% of the story. Writers even added a couple moments that felt OOC where we are in his head and it seems like he is actually intending to win her back romantically (which is contradicted by his novel-compliant speeches in ep 34 & 40 about how he knows they can't be together because as her betrayer he doesn't deserve it.)(now I'm curious to rewatch them, I am really wondering if it was intended to be a slight of hand where he is meaning her return/freedom/rise to power/the life he owes her and the audience is intended to misread as him saying he will become her bf again 🤔🤔) Regardless, in a romance narrative, this will make many viewers reflexively dislike him, protectively wanting him away from their otp. He is perceived as a real suitor who has a chance -- which hits different to a shipper.

The execution was flawed. I do think that casting a magnetic actor who can portray bottled up emotion & inner turmoil, such as Zhang Wanyi, would have made a big difference in mitigating the earlier mis-cues. But on the other hand, I'm fairly satisfied with his character handling from ep 30-40. And it wasn't really badly done, ep 22 and onward. The real problem in his handling was the first 50%.

[mrsnancywheeler]

im so hyperfixated on your billy dunne fics rn, and i cant stop thinking of him getting back from rehab. and reader is just like "wtf why is he being so normal and acting like he didnt make my life hell for so long". and eventually she asks him how come i didnt get this billy years ago. and she just starts sobbing and doing that punching thing on his chest, idk how to describe just throwing a tantrum i guess. and then billy just grabs her and lets her sob into his chest. he finally starts realizing how much he hurt you over the years, and then i feel like he would show his muse how much he loves her later (smut while he is praising her, only focusing on her pleasure) idk sam claflin is making me go feral today

-🦋

billy dunne brain rot is so real, I need him biblically

but you're used to periods of grace before breakdowns so for the first few months it's good, but then it keeps going. he's not perfect, like he'll still have moods, be tempted by things he knows he can't have, but he abstains, and always apologizes now. so it's odd, you start to feel like you're walking on eggshells so eventually something has got to give, right? so you're getting quieter, scared she'll say something that'll set him off, he'll be a few minutes off from when he said he'd be home and you're getting nervous, asking where he was. one morning you're being all quiet again, serving him breakfast, just a small "good morning"

and he's pulling you into his lap, "what's going on, baby?"

"nothing" and when he's in a mood anything can be the trigger, saying that could've set him off on how nothing's enough for you, opening up could've meant that it was a rant about how it's so much worse for him, but apparently not.

"yes there is." he sneaking a small kiss in, "'m worried about you, tell me what's going on in that head of yours." and she's quiet so eventually he's just sighing, hands playing in the ends of your hair. "what can I do? we can go back to bed if you want? go hit the beach later." and suddenly you're sobbing and he's so confused, but trying to be comforting.

"why are you being like this?"

"being like what, baby?"

"you're being different, stop it!" it feels like you can't breathe, not having the cycle is weird, overwhelming

and he's trying to press if forhead to yours, "I'm getting better, baby, getting better for you, for me, for both of us. it's good, what you deserve-"

you're up off of his lap, "did I not deserve it then? why are you changing now? just be angry!" as calmly as he can he's standing, trying to hold you, to calm you down, but he feels like he could cry because now he can clearly see what he's done to you.

"you did deserve it then, baby, you always deserved so much better, and I am so sorry. the shit I pulled really messed you up, but we're gonna get healthier. you didn't deserve for me to always be mad at you, I'm sorry I confused you." he can feel his eyes burning because it's a lot to confess and he hates it, but you need to hear it.

you just stare for a moment before shaking your head, "no, stop it, billy, just be angry." when he doesn't react you're trying to hit his chest, which takes his off guard but does nothing so after a beat you keep going. "you're angry with me, be angry! I'm disappointing and should leave, be angry! I'm being clingy and intense, I know you're mad at me, be mad!" and eventually he's got his arms wrapped around you so you can't hit and you're just sobbing into his chest as he holds you.

"c'mon baby, just let it all out." eventually he just lifts you up to take you back to bed and lays there cuddling with you until you've completely calmed down.

yes, and later there's totally him between your legs for hours and different apologies for things he's done. reminding her that he really does love her, she's the one no one else, his girl, irreplaceable, loveable.

he's my man and I'm in love with him

[deathsbestgirl]

okay. writing about why never again should come before leonard betts is actually hard. because it's really just a few small moments in leonard betts make more sense if they're after never again, and it's so much better to go to memento mori right after the reveal at the end of leonard betts.

never again ends with silence. mulder cutting off his sentence. if it were going to happen, it would be then. but it doesn't, and so the silence persists.

leonard betts has a similar feel to arcadia, where they're trying to get on the same page, slip back into their roles. mulder uses humor at crazy moments, and scully pretends not to think it's funny and stays focused on the case.

in the end, she sits alone in the car in silence. waiting for mulder. he tells her she did a good job, she should proud. a verbal validation he doesn't often give, something she craves & loves, a little taste of something she wanted from him in never again. and she can't enjoy it because she's terrified. scully believes leonard betts and she just wants to go home.

it really strikes me the way there's no physical comfort. in paper hearts, scully was fierce. she tried so hard for mulder and failed. but in the end, he leans into her, they hug, she pets his head. in never again there was no comfort either. mulder was petty and he didn't understand. this time he's kinder when she was attacked, but there's a physical distance that isn't typical.

then in memento mori, she calls only mulder. scully tells him so tenderly. she has no idea what to do, and she know what this will do to mulder. he's with her when they go to skinner so they can officially open a case on it & investigate. when she doesn't explain it to skinner, mulder steps in for her. he tries so hard to be strong when they both know he isn't. but scully is being forced to face something she's left buried. now she can't.

in the hospital, she calls mulder to ask him to bring her stuff & call her mom. she writes letter after letter to mulder. begging forgiveness, telling him she'll only get through this because she knows he's out there, following his own path.

but their path is the same. he will follow her to her death.

they have never been as physically affectionate as they are in memento mori and the reduxes.

in elegy, she sees the ghosts, an omen of her impending death. when she finally tells mulder, he's hurt. he wants to be there for her. in demons, he believes she's dying and that he can't save her, and they both deserve answers. he doesn't want to live without her, he can't keep on his search for the truth without her. but he also won't ask her to follow him into this and he only calls her when he can't remember what happened, there's blood & he's in shock. she knows his suicidal tendencies, it's exactly what has her so worried. who will be there for him when she's gone?

mulder + scully know exactly what they have. scully will give him everything she has, even when it's only her dignity so that he won't rot in prison for something he had to do. mulder will follow her to end of the earth, to the grace without any hesitation.

small potatoes is so painful because of the unspoken agreement not to address their feelings. "mulder" shows up at scully's apartment, and she gives in. she's soaking up the attention she's always wanted from him. they don't kiss, she doesn't move to bridge the gap, she just waits. and then the real mulder comes crashing in and the pain is face is clearly visible. he knew exactly where van blundht was going. it wasn't even a question.

mulder isn't heartbroken that van blundht had a chance with scully and he doesn't, he's heartbroken because they chose silence and now she has a deadly cancer.

in detour, scully makes an attempt to open the door and mulder flees. he knew what was on her mind, but he still can't take it from her. she can't even be mad, but the silence persists and the gap grows.

there's nothing they won't do for each other, but leaving their feelings unsaid hurts them. to the point scully thinks all she's done is hold him back. and in fight the future, he finally says so many of the things she has desperately needed to hear. and she clings to her skeptic role because it still wasn't quite enough. their kiss was interrupted and they don't bring it up and fowley is present, driving another wedge.

from scully's perspective, mulder didn't trust her in never again, and then she lives it all over again because of diana. he doesn't trust her judgment, reduces it to jealousy because they both know her feelings. and she's still unsure of mulder's because of this, and the ever persistent silence. even after one son, he doesn't accept it. only after amor fati, when he was able to hear diana's thoughts and she consequently dies for helping scully save him, does he understand that scully's right. and once again, gives a beautiful speech. between all of this there's been "you're my one in five billion" and "i love you" and "you saved the world scully" and the hallway/bee scene and they play baseball & flirt. until he says to her, looking into her eyes, that she was his friend, his constant, his touchstone.

scully never hears what he says to diana about her. which could have helped her. but she only saw him holding her hand, clinging to diana's shared beliefs, because he knows her. and like in never again, she feels invisible. she feels useless. she's holding him back.

it isn't until the end of amor fati that the tension breaks. things become lighter when scully feels more secure. when he starts giving her the attention she has always wanted, when he lets her take the lead on cases, when she's allowed to believe sometimes without it turning their world upside down.

it's just a better progression. never again shouldn't be about scully's cancer diagnosis & impending death. it's about her, her patterns, mulder. it's about her struggles with what's expected of her, what she should want and the reality of what she wants & chose. her fear that mulder is an authority, and that she gives him that authority.

[mrsjavierpena]

All the roads lead to a jar of pickles | Pickled Peña

summary: Javier keeps finding promises to make every New Year's Eve

pairing: Javier Peña x f!reader

warnings: fluff, alusions to smut, mentions of narcos, no use of y/n, just javi being so in love and receiving the love he deserves

word count: 4k (yeah i got carried away

IMPORTANT: English is not my first language, i've done my best with grammar but there will be mistakes (fuck prepositions i hate them), so pls overlook those

an: this is a one shot to the @pickled-pena writing challenge! i was super excited to write this and it was indeed a challenge since tumblr decided to delete what i wrote twice, but i loved to participate. also, i procrastinated and literally wrote this right before posting to no lose tbe deadline (not proud, but i made it

hope you enjoy it!

Javier didn't use to be a man to make many promises. He made a few during the years, promises like quit smoaking, clearing Colombia from cocaine, to take care of himself for his mother on her deathbed; he didn't keep any of them. It wasn't like he didn't try, though, Javier was a man of word, things just went out of his control: he did arrest Los Pepes, but the traffic of coke was at full stem ahead even without them, consuming the country, ruining and taking lives of innocent people; it was logical to imagine that taking care of himself was more under his control, but honestly, Javier didn't even know how to do that anymore, his life going south for so long it felt like changing wasn't a possibility.

He still had his father, and living with him back in the ranch again definitely had Javier in the most healthy state of his life that time. His return to Laredo caused quite the commotion, him abandoning Lorraine in the alter was never forgotten, but being part of the chasing of Escobar got him in Laredo's good grace again, he was a hero after all. He hated all of it: the praises and congratulations he didn't deserve, the back pattings and hugs that invaded his personal space, the audacity the people had to 'forgive' him, as if they were people whose opinion he valued.

It's not like he wasn't used to it, he was born and raised there and small towns had small towns' issues, but that didn't mean it didn't piss him off still. His big, nosy family was a part of it, all over his head asking "what was his plan now that he was back home", about "getting a girlfriend to become a wife and finally have kids", because "he wasn't getting any younger" and "was the only single cousin". It was like all his concerns were thrown in his face. He loved them, they were all he had left, but god, didn't they make him feel like shit. Because he had accomplished nothing in forty years, and it was clear that every person around him could notice that too.

The coming of a new year was another reminder of that. During his years in Colombia, he didn't do much other than a dinner with Steve and Connie, neither of them was in the mood of anything fancy at that time, and when they left the country, he simply worked or, in the best scenario, slept. In Laredo, though, his family wouldn't miss an opportunity to throw a party.

"What are your resolutions for the next year, Javi?" his cousin asked.

They both were in the kitchen, the task to cut pickles in very thin, even slices given to them by one of their aunts. Javi stopped his work with the knife to not lose a finger as he side eyed his cousin.

"Don't look at me like that!" she laughed "I'm asking you a question"

"What do you mean?"

"Resolutions, Javi" she rolled her eyes "Like your wishes for the next year"

"You mean, like, manifesting? Are you into that shit?" he couldn't hide the frown on his face.

"No, Javier, not manifesting, even though there's nothing wrong with that" she gave him an irritated look "You write down what you would like to change in yourself, to be a better person next year"

"Is that your way to say that I'm an asshole, prima?" he narrowed his eyes at her and she laughed loudly.

"Well, not just that" she shrugged "I like to do that every year, helps me to keep focused in what I want. And I see the look in your eyes, Javi" she wore a sympathetic smile as her hands caressed his "You have dreams you want to chase, why not start by that?"

A loud scream made them both jump in their places, a tiny human coming through the kitchen threshold with his hands thrown up in the air.

"Mijo" she laughed at the child's prank and the boy giggled.

His cousin had been married for almost ten years by then, a little boy and one girl on the way. Her being younger than him and having accomplished his dreams made a claw made of jelousy wrap its nails around his throat.

Javier wanted a wife, he wanted to marry someone he loved, he wanted to build a family of his own, he just was focused on the wrong things at the wrong time.

So he decided to start with something that should be simple, only one promise to himself: to meet someone in the coming year.

It should have, didn't mean it was, though. It was scary, he found out, to get to know someone after so long, especially at a small town where he knew almost everyone. Javier never had problems to get laid, but most of the woman he hooked up with didn't really seem interested in more than that, after a while it started to feel like a him problem. That being said, Javier didn't know how to start, so the next time another cousin of his said that he would really get along with a co-worker he had, he finally accepted.

The date was... awkward, to say the least. They went to the most popular restaurant in Laredo, every person there looking at him the whole evening; she didn't seem to mind the attention, but Javier did. He tried to make conversation, to ask about her interests, to compliment her, but he was as rusty as a cheap aluminum pot left in the rain for months, years, in his case. She would ask a lot about him, too, but not his hobbies or what he liked to hear on the radio, she would ask about Escobar, how was it like to catch bad guys, if he still had his gun. Javier tried to change the subject, but she would insist on talking about Colombia. She was curious, it was normal, he was used to it, but what a damn turn off it was. Javier felt like being in an interview, the atmosphere heavier and heavier as the questions were getting more and more personal, and by the first hour of the date, he was wishing he was at home.

Javier had this happening before, during his time chasing Los Pepes, the media would be all over him asking all sorts of questions, work related or not, and he hated it. If she wasn't an acquaintance of his cousin, he would even consider her being a fucking journalist, because it was not normal to act like that with someone you had just met.

So after that, Javier was pretty dismotivated to continue his chasing, but his family had already found out he was giving love a chance and wouldn't leave him alone. Apparently, there were many "young women" interested in Javier, according to his aunts. Javier wasn't really comfortable being putten in that position again, but decided to give it a try - few tries, actually. Blide dates were exhaustive and the most of them very unpleasant. In a blink of eyes, it was New Year's Eve again and Javier was still not in a relationship, another failed promise in his mind.

"Well, your plan was to meet someone, and technically you met, like, twenty new women. I would call it a success" Javier rolled his eyes at his cousin's attempt to cheer him up.

"There must be something very wrong with me" he sighed and she pouted.

"Don't say that, Javi! All of them wanted to go on a date with you, you were the one to reject them"

"I know, but- I don't know" he scratched his chin "They all looked at me as if I saved the world, and it's not like that, you know it's not"

She moved the newborn to her other side and sitted closer to him in the couch settled outside the house where they had been chatting for the last hour. Javier looked at the baby in her arms and felt his throat tighten.

"You think so little of yourself, Javi" all her attention was on him, but his eyes didn't meet hers "I know you didn't "save the world", but you tried to make a difference and gave your best to do so, you can't reject a girl just because she admires you"

Javier had done things terrible enough for the good ones to be irrelevants, had let shit happen when he should have tried to stop them, and he had told her that, not in details, but she was the only person beside him and Steve to know, and still thought he was a good person. And yeah, maybe he wasn't so bad after all, but he imagined letting one of those women inside, their eyes shining with pride, letting himself love her, feeling safe enough to tell her about everything and her never seeing him the same way, giving up on him because of his baggage, he knew he would if he could, so how could he put such a burden upon someone's shoulders? Who would want that?

"But I understand, I think" she spoke again, her free hand patting his shoulder "It must feel strange having someone knowing so much about you and you knowing nothing about them. Maybe you shouldn't go on these shitty arranged dates and find someone on your on"

"Yeah, I think you're right" he took her hand in his and gave her knuckes a light peck "Thank you"

"Mijo" Chucho's head appeared on the frame of the door "Would you do me a favor?"

"Of course, Pops" he stood up.

"Your aunts forg-" he was interrupted by shoutings coming from the kitchen:

"You stand there and accuse me, but where were you at the time?" was the voice of one of his aunts "Strolling through the corridors looking for fruitcakes when it's not even the season anymore!"

"You leave my fruitcakes alone!" another aunt shouted back "I don't hear you complaining when you're eating them!"

Javier looked at his father with his brows raised in curiosity, and the old man sighed "Your aunts forgot the jar of pickles, would you mind driving to the tienda?"

"No, I don't"

Most of the commerces were already closed at that time of the evening, but the tienda was the one place everyone in Laredo could count to be open at any time. The owners greeted him when he passed through the door, trying to small talk, and he turned them down the nicer way he could, wishing them a happy new year and going straight to the aisle he was supposed to. He heard the sound of broken glass followed by cursings coming from further in the store and found you staring miseraly at a burst jar of pickles on the floor, the vinegar smell all over the air and a basket full of groceries supported on your hip.

"You okay?" you looked up at him and he felt the the wind knocked out of him; you were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life.

"I am, yeah, that isn't" you pointed to the jar and he smiled.

Probably imagining what had happened by the noise, a man quickly showed up with a broom and a cloth to clear it up. You apologized profusely, saying that you could clean it up yourself while the man said it was no problem.

Javier looked at you one more time and left to get what he went there for. He had never seen you in the city before, and it wasn't like he was out of the ranch often - he tried very much not to -, but you should've been new there; the conversation with his cousin still fresh in his head. When he got to the dill pickles aisle, he shouldn't be surprised that you appeared in the other end of it, you had just dropped your jar after all.

"Hi again" you smiled as you walked towards him and he smiled back.

He felt something very similar to shyness creeping in his stomach "Hi"

"Just getting another one of this since mine decided this life just wasn't for him" you raised your hand and said your name.

"Javier" the handshake lingered a little longer than one normally would, your skin soft against his.

He saw the way you looked at him with interest, he should've asked you out. He should've, you were pretty, were his type and, if new in town, probably knew nothing about him. He should've, but he didn't. Thinking once then twice if he could've been reading it wrong, if you were just being nice and in the possibility to make you uncomfortable asking you out after exchanging two sentences in an aisl store. So he just took a jar, said goodbye, and left.

But something inside of him told him that you, with your bright smile and little jokes, could be the one. So he promised to himself to ask you out the next time he saw you.

And he did. After that day, he would go to the city every chance he had. He told his father he would start doing the groceries so he could rest. Chucho didn't buy that, but did nothing about it, he knew his son, so he knew better than to ask, when he wanted to talk to him, he would. It took a couple of months for him to see you again, in the most unexpected place he could think of. He had taken his father to an appointment in Houston, strolling around to pass the time when he saw you inside a café. His eyes widened and he was quick to move out of your sight before you saw him.

He was anxious, but he had been waiting for an opportunity for months and couldn't let it slide away again. Javier took a deep breath and entered the shop, a bell upon his head announcing his entrance. He pretended not to see you, going straight to the counter to ask for a coffee; he didn't want you thinking he was a stalker or something. While waiting for his drink, Javier would take glances in your direction, you sitted three tables away from him, an open book and a mug on the table before you. With his coffee in hands, he looked around and locked eyes with you, who smiled and waved at him. Even though there were plenty of unoccupied tables, Javier took confident steps towards yours.

"Mind if I join?" the smile you gave him made his skin prickle.

"Not at all" you marked a page in the book and closed it as he took a seat in the chair in front of you.

"I haven't seen you in a while" was his subtle attempt to start a conversation.

"Were you looking for me?" you rested your forearms on the table and lightly leaned in his direction.

Javier smirked, was that you flirting, or was he really that rusty? "I was, yeah"

"Good to know" you smiled again "I travel a lot for work, haven't really been in Laredo"

Before he could ask what you did for work, you asked what he was doing in Houston, so he told you about his father's semester appointment that was only available there, and that made you ask about Chucho's health, and then about the trip, since it was a very long one, but he told you he liked driving and used to do that with his parents a lot, which lead to talking about families, you said you weren't really close to yours, the conversation flowing with neither of you seeing the time pass. It was you the one to bring him back to reality, asking which time he was supposed to get Chucho in the hospital and making him realise that he was already late.

"Javier" you said as he quickly stood up to leave "I don't know if I'm reading this wrong, I really hope I'm not and I'm sorry if I am but-"

"Would you like to go out with me sometime?" the words left his mouth before without hesitation.

Your brows raised in surprised, but your smile could have brightened a whole galaxy "God, yes"

He called you the next day, not wanting to wait a minute longer than what he thought wasn't giving desperation. You set the date for the next week, when you would already be back in Laredo. He went to pick you up and got once more mesmerized by the sight of you; you laughed and affectionately squeezed his arm when he told you that. Javier took you to his favorite restaurant in the city, a cozy little place with delicious food his parents used to take him when his mother was still alive. The two of you talked the whole night: he found out that you were a photographer, had moved to Laredo a few months ago planning on settling down "I'm getting too old for all that traveling, and the house's prices are good" was what you told him. Your favorite food was mexican, you weirdly liked the smell of gasoline and wet soil, loved listening to music, still had your grandparents in your hometown so you visited often, wanted to have a dog but couldn't with your schedule, always dreamt of being a mother. You asked so much about him, too. Not the type of questions he was used to being asked, you tried to know him by asking about his childhood, more details about his parents because they seemed to have had such a beautiful love, if he had traveled out of Laredo before, which got him telling you he was a former DEA agent in Colombia, and he saw the curiosity in your eyes, he waited for the questions about that to come, but instead you just said you've had always wanted to visit South America. Years later, when he mentioned tour first date, you would tell him that you knew what was happening in Colombia at that time and that you knew better than to ask what could be invasive questions.

When you couldn't stay in the restaurant anymore because they had to close, Javier still didn't want the night to end, but drove you to your house still. As he took you to your door and wished you a goodnight, ready to leave, you held his upper arm and gave him a light peck on the lips. As if something snapped inside of him, Javier didn't give you the time to even open your eyes before his mouth were against yours again, tongues dancing together as if they already knew one another and had done this before, hands passing through each others bodies. When you asked him to go inside, he hesitated.

"I don't want you to think that's all I want" he vocalized his concerns.

"I don't" you took his face in your hands, brushed your lips on his and smiled "You're a catch, Javier Peña, I'm keeping you to myself"

Javier took his time with you, kissing every inch of your body, having you giggling and moaning and writhing under his touch. Unhurriedly making you his between wet kisses and moans and screams of his name. He would've stayed connected to your body for the rest of his life if he could've, but your agenda was booked for the rest of the year and all he could have was a couple of weeknds a month and long night's phone calls. But Javier took all you gave him without complaints, even though he missed you so much his chest tighted. He missed your smile, your laughter, your body next to his, your fingers through his hair, your kisses to wake him up in the morning, the way his name souded on your lips when he was inside of you, the weight of your head resting on his chest, the way your right leg would twine between his when you slept. The man was head over heels for you and knew you felt the same, all those nights the both of you cried on the phone, sick of being away from each other proved it.

But the both of you survived that tough time like champions, by then, the end of the year was near, and you went to get your grandparents at your hometown to spend the New Year's Eve with Javier's family, the people who raised you obviously being two of the best people he had ever met. His aunts were in love with you, the kids wouldn't leave you alone and his favorite cousin was so thrilled to finally meet you that she dramatically almost passed out. Everyone spent the night laughing and eating and talking, and watching from afar, he couldn't believe how well you fitted on his family, but he hadn't doubted for a second that everyone would love you, how could someone not to? So when he told you he loved you for the first time that night and you said it back without hesitation, Javier promised to be the best version of himself to get you to wear his mother's ring on your finger by the end of the next year.

Not everything was perfect, nothing ever is. You had some fights, you disagreed in a few things, but something you stablished the first time Javier gave in to old habits and tried to run away from the issue was that you wouldn't sleep without talking about it; no hitting doors, no leaving, no fucking the anger out, you talked and made the effort to change what was bothering. Javier had been in only one serious relationship before, with Lorraine, and damn what a difference it was. He couldn't blame neither of them, they were young and didn't know what they wanted; you, on the other hand, knew exactly what you wanted and it still shocked him that it was him. You wanted him, all flaws and errors and baggage included, you didn't let him shut you down when things got tough, and with time he learned to trust you, to count on you, to talk about his feelings, his walls slowly tumbling down. The day he told you everything about Colombia was the hardest he had ever been putten through, years of fighting drug dealers and putting his life at risk, and he had never been more frightened. Tears were shared, you didn't react very well to a few things, but you never dropped his hand, never interrupted, never distanced yourself, even thanked him for trusting you, and at the end he felt as light as a feather. You convinced him to go to therapy, emphasizing that he had to treat the psychological consequences of the terror he confronted back in Colombia.

After that, it seemed like you had reached a goal at your relationship, you spending more time at the ranch than at your own house, a great routine already settled, and you made it very clear you were ready to be asked in marriage when you said those exact words to him. Little did you know he was already planning on it, and one day, after photographing a wedding at a neighbor city, Javier welcomed you in the ranch with candles everywhere, a knee on the floor, tears on his eyes, his mothers ring in a velvet red box and the most heartwarming speech one could ever ask for. The wedding was quick to happen, neither of you wanted a big party, just your families and friends gathered in the ranch with the ceremony realized by a very emotional Chucho. Didn't take you long to get pregnant either, your life settled with you being called to take every photo in Laredo and Javier accepting a job at the Sheriff's Office; the both of you had decided to live with Chucho once he had injured his leg during work, him more than thrilled to have a grandbaby under his roof. Javi fell in love with you a little more every day that passed, more and more mesmerized by you and your growing belly. At the end of that year, he promised to be a father as good as the one he had.

And what a good father he was indeed. He dedicated his life to his family, providing all the love and dedication he had in him, gladly waking up during the nights to comfort his kids; yes, you both got tired as hell, made mistakes, got stressed sometimes, but you got the life of your dreams and the both of you had so much love to give that it didn't matter how hard things could get, you wanted it, all of it. With his one-year-old boy sleeping in his arms as you talked to your grandma on the other side of the room, your ring hand carressing your beautiful round belly that carried your next baby, he saw as his babygirl crossed the room shouting with her hands thrown up in the air to scare you, clearly influenced by her cousin, and you playfully shouted back. The dogs started barking and jumping at the commotion, the three-year-old giggling as you kissed her cheek.

Javier felt like his heart could explode inside of his chest, certain that there was no man alive happier than him, he thought about how lucky he was he went to get those pickles all those years ago. The journy the both of you had wasn't quite easy, the challenges you had to face, the expensive phone bills he got when you were apart, the fears he had to overcome, even those years in Colombia, he would have done it all again and again and again if it meant to be where he was at that very moment, to wake up everyday by your side, to always have you in the passanger seat to rest his hand on your thigh, to have the kids laughing and running around the house, to experiencing the type of love his parents had.

At that New Year's Eve, Javier kept the same promise he had been keeping the last years: to give his all to the family of his own.

"Javi, baby" you called him, your smile as wide as always "I'm craving pickles"

[save-a-forest-ride-a-bear]

Could I maybe request something about a cleric healer reader who has never killed before and actually managed to keep it that way until they reach moonrise tower. They have to kill to survive, but after the battle, they are really shaken, and Wyll comes to comfort them???

🗒꒰⸝⸝₊ Blood On My Name ❛ ✧

Featuring: Wyll Ravengard x Cleric! Reader

Not proofread!

# Notes: wyll is such a sweetheart he deserves more attention fr

When the fire starts consuming you and the whole world is coming after you, it's difficult not to get blood on your hands. There's only so much guidance your sacred stars can give you.

Wyll Ravengard knew that better than anybody. Or rather, The Blade of Frontiers knew. He felt like those were two separate people, at times. One a foolish young man with a heart too big for his own good, the other a knight in shining armour, deprived of all that others were blessed with.

He found the cleric's resolve to not harm anyone remarkable, if a bit naive. He, too, would rather talk things out rather than fight, but sometimes it's the only option. They didn't see it that way. He wished he could understand how they thought a bit better at times, because what in the nine hells do you mean you're not going to kill gnolls? Other creatures — more humanoid ones, goblins even — he could understand, but gnolls? They were either way too kind or way too gullible for their own good. Both, perhaps.

They kept away from the front lines, allowing others to get their hands dirty. Every now and then he would even catch them praying over the corpse of some creature, asking that they rest in peace. It was both troubling and endearing. But suffering would come again, and people would bleed for grace. He just hoped they were ready for it.

The time proved to come sooner than expected. After speaking with Jaheira and the Harpers, only to face off against the army inside Moonrise. Z'rell was proving to be a difficult fight, but they were managing to charge ahead regardless. In a matter of minutes, she was severely wounded and face-to-face with the cleric. Wyll could see the panic in their eyes as they quickly raised a hand and touched her forearm, necrotic wounds spreading up her limb to her neck until finally reaching her face. Her pupils gleamed an almost radioactive green and, just like that, she fell to the ground, immobile.

There weren't many other enemies standing, and Wyll found himself rushing to their side as soon as the fight was over. They had fallen back, chest rising and falling rapidly with panicked breaths, their eyes wide in disbelief with a hint of guilt and perhaps even sorrow as they stared at the corpse. He grabbed their shoulders firmly, kneeling in front of them so they could gaze into his eyes.

"Hey, deep breaths — don't look at her, look at me, okay?" He urged in a low voice, attempting to sound comforting. Their eyes met his, but it looked like they were still realms away. He squeezed their shoulders lightly. "Listen to me: it was either you or her, and I'd rather fight the nine hells than see you hurt. You did the right thing. Do not judge yourself by your horns." He whispered in a steady tone, trying to bring a safe shore for his friend currently lost at sea. He felt their breathing calm slowly, their eyes finally focusing on his, and a small smile formed on his lips. He pulled them closer into a reassuring hug, his hand rubbing soothing circles on their back.

"Your heart is too big for your body, you know."

[that-ari-blogger]

Of Course Orpheus Is Here

As I have analysed Stray Gods: The Role Playing Musical, my thesis has been that this is a story about change, choice, and family. This is why Persephone is a majour player, for example, because of the symbolism of that character and the associated themes of her story. But there is one character who is so iconic to these themes that he has become the poster child for the power of love in Ancient Greek mythology.

It would have been a crime to not include Orpheus in this story. Both because of the themes mentioned above, but also because it's a musical, and Orpheus was a bard. This character was handed to the writers on a silver platter. They didn't even have to change anything to make him fit.

But they did change Orpheus. Or rather, they did give their own take on the character.

Let me explain.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Let's start simple. Who was Orpheus in the myth? I know that this may be obvious, but it's nice to have everyone on the same page and to cite some sources.

According to Britannica, Orpheus was a bard who traveled with the Argonauts to retrieve the golden fleece, and married Eurydice. After her death...

"Overcome with grief, Orpheus ventured himself to the land of the dead to attempt to bring Eurydice back to life."

Which didn't go well for him. He was told to not look back, but he did anyway, and she was gone forever. The story continues, but it's all about his dismemberment, so I'm going to stop here. Worldhistory.org backs up this story, with some added context about his brother being killed by Hercules, amongst other interesting things. I encourage you to read the articles for yourselves.

In Stray Gods, the audience is introduced to Orpheus indirectly. As in, the entire segment with Orpheus in it is a reference to the myth. Freddy, Grace's friend (and in some playthroughs, love interest) has been killed and Grace will descend to the underworld to get her back. Immediately, the parallels are obvious, and we haven't met the guy yet.

There is also the parallel between Orpheus and Persephone. Specifically, the entitlement. Both feel that they made their choice and deserve the reward almost as a payment. The opening of this song serves to remind the audience, or spell it out if they don't already know, Persephone's backstory and motivation in this musical.

This is Orpheus's introductory shot. He's standing on a cliff overlooking an empty kingdom. You want symbolism? Here it is. Everything in this man's life has led up to this, this is a life he has built for himself. Except that he hasn't built it, he's taken it from someone else and is completely unequipped to deal with it. Orpheus is not a good ruler; Orpheus is an extremely lonely man.

And yet he is surrounded by people, by fans, by a chorus. Why is he so lonely?

He's lonely because these are ghosts, both literally and figuratively. They aren't friends or companions or anything similar, they are empty adoration, and he knows. The masks they wear serve to drive this point even further, there is no individuality, they aren't people to him, they are subjects. Orpheus is trying to become like Hades.

"Someone's coming..."

"You better be ready,"

"A wolf if wating in the tune."

"He's a master of his craft"

"Someone's coming..."

"We have to take back..."

"I can feel them howling at the moon."

"What is mine."

Stray Gods does this a lot. Two characters singing over the top of each other. But instead of shouting to be heard, they instead swap between like they are each the backup singer for the other. This is my favourite example by far.

It serves to show off how similar the characters are, but also their conflict and differences. It's like an argument through lyrics.

And that drum. That drum that keeps moving. Steady, like a clock, beating over and over, relentlessly. The drum that punctuates their words.

Time has made enemies of these two, both victims of a cruel king, now bitterness has turned them against each other. And the ticking of that percussive clock keeps on going, as if it's enjoying tormenting them. Until all of a sudden, it is gone.

This is how you present a threat. Grace has so far been the one to control the music, the one to get answers. And now here is a man who can do the same thing.

Orpheus isn't the biggest danger to Grace at all, but the emotionally charged nature of this interaction, combined with how much fun he has doing exactly what she does, means that Orpheus is portrayed here as an outright villain. For the moment anyway.

This is a villain song. This is the cackling egomaniac explaining his plans to the audience, so they know to root against him, while simultaneously explaining how great he is. I couldn't help linking the "best that's ever been" line to Ratigan's World's Greatest Criminal Mind song from The Great Mouse detective. And like Ratigan, Orpheus is surrounded by sycophants who talk absolute bollocks to please him, because he is in command. Exhibit A:

"I haven't really sung a single word."

"No he hasn't even sung a single word."

The man has been singing for nearly three minutes straight at this point.

"What's your problem with Persephone?"

Finally, we understand some things. Why is Orpheus so bitter? Because the love of his life was taken from him, and he blames Persephone for not doing anything about it.

But take this line for example:

"And Persephone you stood right beside him and said what a shame."

Contrast that with this line from an earlier song.

"You abandoned me to a terrible fate... you know how far I bent before I snapped."

The second line is from Old Wounds, and it is Persephone accusing Apollo of abandoning her, now Orpheus accuses Persephone of the same thing. This isn't so much a literary parallel, but two literary lines layered on top of each other.

The point I am making is that Orpheus factors into this story as a warning. Choices have consequences, sure, but so does doing nothing. Apathy leads to complacency, and when victims lash out and the cause of their pain is unavailable, the people who could have acted and did nothing are easy targets.

The caveat is that this is metered by human perception, which doesn't always match reality. Orpheus has perceived Persephone's inaction as being complicit and hasn't recognised her pain. Meanwhile Persephone has done the same to Apollo. And Apollo has actually done this to himself, seeing his own inaction as a weakness, whether accurate or not.

Then there is the question of why Orpheus is so associated with rock. As in, it's fun, and this song is a genuine bop. But why was this choice made? He could have easily gone for more classical, memorial tone, or even sung a pop song. So why this? Other than because a ghost electric guitar is awesome.

"[Rock] has been a symbol of rebellion, youth, and freedom. Rock music has also been a symbol of social change. It has been used to voice the concerns of the oppressed and to challenge the status quo."

- Boysetsfire.net.

Essentially, rock is a genre about change or bringing about change. And what does Orpheus want to do? He wants to take revenge, to change his circumstances. He's been wating for this moment for years, and now he is ready.

But Orpheus is an incredibly static character, at least when he is introduced. He stews and can't move on past injuries. So, in my reading, this is what this song is, the rock here is to bring about the change in Orpheus and Persephone, in finally getting them to move on.

"If he's the victim, what am I?"

This is, in my opinion, the most revelatory part of this song and the musical as a whole. Its a lack of understanding of this basic fact: Pain is not exclusive. If one person is traumatised, that doesn't eliminate or minimise what someone else went through. Life isn't a game of who is suffering more. If you want to heal, you need to understand not just yourself, but those around you. You don't have to empathise, but seeing another victim as an opponent isn't helpful and actively harms people more.

And if pain isn't exclusive, neither is healing. It is our duty as human beings to be kind, and if someone needs help, to at least offer and be willing to give aid. We are a collaborative species. If two people are in pain, especially because of a single cause, then helping each other to heal is always an option.

That drum that I identified with time and trauma returns for most of the song, playing erratic rhythms in ways a music scholar could probably analyse with much more coherence than me. What I will say is when the two finally reconcile, they sing over each other again, but this time it's less of an argument and more of a conversation, and that drum is nowhere to be seen.

They can take this healing on their own terms, in their own time.

Final Thoughts:

I love this song, and I love that Orpheus was included here. I feel that this song is a really nuanced discussion of the effects of someone like this version of Hades. He's not here, he's dead, but his legacy remains, and that empty throne is still ruling over Orpheus and Persephone as if they are still his subjects. I hope my analysis expressed this nuance coherently.

Next week I am covering both Adrift Reprise and The Trial. So stick around if that interests you.

Previous - Next