#Unnec

[neopronouns]

flag id: the top two flags have 5 stripes, with the first and fifth being twice the size of the rest. the top left flag's stripes are very dark grey, medium dark dull pink, dark dull purple, very dark dull blue, and very dark grey. the top right flag's stripes are very dark grey, medium dark faded pink, faded yellow, medium dark faded cyan, and very dark grey.

the bottom left flag has 5 stripes, with the first and fifth being twice the size of the rest. they are very dark grey, medium dark faded pink, faded green, medium dark dull blue, and very dark grey. the bottom right flag has 7 stripes, with the first and seventh being twice the size of the rest. they are very dark grey, pale pink, dull pink, purple-black, dull blue, pale blue, and very dark grey. end id.

banner id: a 1600x200 teal banner with the words ‘please read my dni before interacting. those on my / dni may still use my terms, so do not recoin them.’ in large white text in the center. the text takes up two lines, split at the slash. end id.

biunnec | panunnec plyunnec | omniunnec

biunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the bi label even though it technically describes them

panunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the pan label even though it technically describes them

plyunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the ply (poly-) label even though it technically describes them

omniunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the omni label even though it technically describes them

[pt: biunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the bi label even though it technically describes them

panunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the pan label even though it technically describes them

plyunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the ply (poly-) label even though it technically describes them

omniunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the omni label even though it technically describes them. end pt]

some unnec terms for anon! the grey stripes represent a lack of connection and the rest are desaturated from the bi, pan, ply, and omni flags. these can be used for any orientation using these prefixes (ex: bisexual, panromantic, omnisensual, etc.)

tags: @radiomogai, @liom-archive, @orientation-archive, @macchiane, @genderstarbucks, @sugar-and-vice-mogai, @freezingnarc | dni link

[yureipunk]

Allosexualunnec - an identity in which one does not feel connected to the allosexual label even though it technically describes them.

etymology: allosexual, -unnec (link)

[ID: a rectangular flag with 6 stripes, with the first and last being thicker than the rest. the colours go as such from top to bottom: dark silver, red-pink to light red-pink gradient, dark silver. End ID]

[chthonicophanim]

Sapphicunnec

[PT: Sapphicunnec]

An identity in which one does not feel connected to the sapphic label even though it technically describes them.

[IDs: Two similar flags with five horizontal stripes, with the centre stripe being thinner than the others. From the top to bottom, the stripes are dull grey, dull pink, dull off-white, dull pink, and dull grey. The first flag has a sapphic purple symbol in the centre of it. The second flag does not. End IDs]

Genderfluidunnec

[PT: Genderfluidunnec]

An identity in which one does not feel connected to the genderfluid label even though it technically describes them.

[ID: A flag with seven horizontal stripes, with the outer two being thicker than the others. From the top to bottom, the stripes are dull grey, dull pink, dull off-white, dull purple, dull off-black, dull blue, and dull grey. End ID]

A type of identity originally coined by @.neopronouns though there is not a coining of the -unnec suffix alone.

DNI: bigots, radinclus, radexclus, pro-endo, if you’re going to try and argue with me on any of these points, if you demonise mental illness, pro-transid (eg; transabled, transage, transrace, etc), proshippers/anti-anti, MAPS/NOMAPS/necro/zoo DNI (full DNI in pinned)

[metabolizemotions]

I still think it's a misstep not to highlight more of the queer voices and experiences in the Pride episode.

Those should be at the foreground, not just the backdrop to cram in the multiple plotlines.

The sense of defeat was palpable in the beanery scene. Also the sense of support. Maya felt safe to share about Mason and was told to go home to her wife and baby. But I feel they should have let Ben voice his frustrations to what happened to Rosalind and say something specific about Rosalind as a trans woman or his experience as her brother. Rather than let Beckett reiterate his view that Pride parades were circuses and kind of then deem them not as bad as the fascists' protests?

The struggle and dissent became bigger n louder while the celebration became smaller n quieter. The party at the station somehow seemed like Pride should only be contained in a safe space cos being out and proud is dangerous. Though true, still kind of sad. It is most ironic to have Ross pay lip service to same-sex marriage but have their only married same-sex couple's first scene in their new home with their new baby to be such a small part of the celebration.

[boba-online]

staff why is the dashboard like this. tumblr staff i just want to talk

[whimsical-metanoia]

hate dealing with the student services here but at least thats over with yay 🥰 why one of my prereqs is trig is a mystery i shall never comprehend

[biscuitsngravie]

the men are talking

cw/tags: stsg x reader, fem!reader, edging ?, vaginal fingering, whispers of pussy eating, whispers of overstim

wc: 1035

mx + b = y

That was the equation right? Right?

“So we’re going through all the formalities: when, where, the purpose and so on—”

“Sugu—”

“Quiet, baby, the men are talking,” Geto coos, gently letting up ever so slightly before resuming his pace. “And honestly, the venue is really nice. You remember Harajuku?”

Gojo hums in response, shifting a bit so that your head can lay a bit more comfortably in his lap, his legs crossed under you. Maybe it’s an accident, maybe it’s another level of sadism that he wants to layer on the situation, you couldn’t tell — all you know is that you can feel his growing heat press against your left cheek. 

If mx + b = y, then maybe if I solve… if i solve for x then—

Your breath hitches when you feel soft, lazy circles on your clit, the sensation leaving you just as quickly. You whine as you grip the sheets beneath you even tighter, turning your head into Gojo’s now full erection to your left. Everything feels so hot, the sheen of sweat covering you feeling more and more sticky as the torture continues. 

“Ssshhh,” Geto warns, continuing his previous conversation, “and you know it’s always seedy when they don’t tell you upfront about the sponsors.”

“Right,” Gojo affirms, leaning down to caress your sides, not bothering, no, refusing to look at you as you drool on his dick through his slacks. His touch feels electric, seemingly bored but barely holding on with his occasional squeezes along your curves. You swear you’re going to stop breathing when you feel his thumbs lightly brush over your nipples for a fraction of a second. 

“They start with the unnec—” Geto pauseses, sighing with feigned exasperation, “hold on.”

“M’sorry—”

“No no no, don’t start with that,” he says softly, prying your legs open once again. His middle and ring fingers have been teasing you for longer than you could count, not that you could count if you wanted to anyway. With the occasional brush the spot within you you couldn’t reach with your own fingers, and then occasional attention to your clit, following the instructions not to cum were becoming more and more implausible.

Your heart is beating heavy against your chest as he holds your thigh down with his free hand. Before you can even whine or beg for something more, the hands that visited your nipples return with a vengeance, pinching and plucking them with purpose. 

The sensations are too much, your back arching into the touch as your thighs tense under Geto’s hand. You let out a guttural moan, your toes curling as you shudder from each graze of a finger tip and each press to your core.

“Ahhh, shouldn’t’ve done that,” Gojo chides, mirth in his voice. He leans over, his voice dropping a few octaves and nearly to a whisper, his dick throbbing against your cheek, “You’ll get punished, you know…” the way he says it sounds less like a warning and more like an anticipation of your inevitable demise. 

You mewl into his thigh, jumping when Geto sighs and presses against the spongy part of you in the back more purposefully. You turn your head into the wet spot growing in Gojo’s slacks, gripping his thigh as you mewl into him. Your heart is threatening to jump out your chest as Geto presses his thumb to your clit, moving faster than before. You can feel your body tightening up, a pressure building in you when—

“Ah ah ah…” Geto stops immediately, causing you to cry out. “I told you—”

“Please! Please please,” you sob, drooling from the high you were desperately chasing. You cling to Gojo tightly, glancing up at him through wet eyelashes, your lip puffy from biting down on it. Hooded eyes that are nearly glazed over completely are enough to threaten to make him come on the spot. 

“Satoru won’t save you if he knows what’s good for him,” Geto says, reinserting his fingers and pumping slowly. 

Gojo closes his eyes and lets out a shaky breath. He moves away from your nipples to gently massage your breasts as he sits up. It takes only the mention of the incident to reel him back in, the memory of being forced to edge for an hour only to find relief from rutting on a pillow rather hot in the moment, but wholly unsatisfying. “Sorry babe, you’re on your own,” he says gently, giving a small peck to your cheek. 

It warrants a small, amused chuckle from Geto before he continues. “And so they said, ‘I’m sure you’re well acquainted with Gojo Inc. —”

“No way!” Gojo exclaims, squeezing your breasts in surprise. You abuse your bottom lip once again, taking it between your teeth. 

So if m is 5 and y is 3…

“Way!” Suguru confirms, pulling his finger from you completely and watching your pathetic hole clench around nothing. He smiles to himself when he surprisingly doesn’t hear a peep. He grunts as he repositions himself between your legs tying his hair and a bun and wrapping his arms around your thighs to lock you in place. 

“Suguru…” you say as a silent plea, sniffling as you feel each searing kiss get closer and closer to your needy cunt. 

“What did I say?” 

“Fuck…” comes from Gojo, nearly breathless. His own dick is achingly hard in his pants. “C-can I—”

“When I’m done,” Geto says with a smile, nuzzling his nose against your clit and relishing in the way you jump. Gojo lets out a whimper of his own as he watches the scene. 

“So they’re expecting me to pay for it?”

“Pretty much,” is all Geto says before laying his tongue flat against your heat. It’s dizzying, causing you to shut your eyes so hard you see small sparks of white. “Ha ha… always so fucking wet.”

In your delirium you swear you can feel Gojo’s dick twitch in his pants. “They’re not getting shit.”

“That’s what I said.” the hard point of his tongue presses over your needy hole, your thighs tensing under you. “Ah what the hell. You can come as much as you want, babe. Only I’ll decide when you stop.”

-- -- -- --

this is my first stsg x reader fic. i wrote it in a hurry cause this book pub im at asked me if i wanted to read erotica and i didnt feel like looking through my ao3 lol. thinking about possibly updating it properly later

[rafesapologist]

the set up — rafe cameron; part thirteen

𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: you've been one of the pogues since childhood, and your loyalty has always lied within your friend group, who is practically your family. when a threat by the name of rafe cameron begins to threaten the pogue's plans, they assign you to gain the trust of the dubious kook and keep an eye on what he's up to. however, now it's been six months since your friends set you up to spy on the kook prince himself, but what you didn't anticipate was to fall head over heels for the boy. your relationship had soon become inviolable shortly after your guys' first exchanges, much to your friends' dismay, and you two became practically inseperable. that was, until rafe discovers the truth.

warnings: angst, smut, jj being sad, unedited

You sat bolt upright on Rafe's bed, your fingers clutching the phone, your eyes fixed on a distant point as you absorbed Kiara's message. The color drained from your face as the words sank in. "Missing? How... when?" Your voice trembled with disbelief and worry. Your breaths quickened, a sharp pang of panic gripping your chest. You turned slightly away from Rafe, shielding the phone from him, grappling with the weight of this sudden and alarming news. The room felt stiflingly small as your mind raced through scenarios and possible courses of action.

"He's been gone since you left. None of us can get a hold of him."

Your heart began to race as Kiara's words sunk in. "What do you mean, gone? Did he say anything to you?" You asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"No, nothing. He was just acting weird before you left, and then he disappeared," Kiara replied, her worry palpable even through the phone.

Your mind raced through various scenarios, trying to make sense of the situation. "Okay, stay put. I'll be there in a few," You said, trying to sound composed despite the anxiety that clenched at her chest.

You ended the call, looking over at Rafe, mind conflicted about what to do next.

The weight of Kiara's words lingered heavy in the air as you sat there, grappling with the sudden and alarming news. Rafe sat nearby, his expression a mix of concern and confusion, unaware of the distressing conversation that had just transpired.

Your fingers trembled slightly, the phone clutched tightly in your grasp, its screen a stark reminder of the urgent situation. You turned slightly away from Rafe, shielding the phone, not wanting to alarm him yet, as your mind raced through a labyrinth of worries and potential scenarios.

Rafe's voice, laced with worry, cut through the tense silence. "Is everything okay?"

Your breath caught, and you struggled to compose yourself. "It's... it's JJ," you began, your voice barely above a whisper, eyes fixed on a distant point as you tried to process the magnitude of the situation.

Rafe's brows furrowed in concern. "What happened to JJ?"

"He's missing," you managed to say, your voice laden with worry and disbelief. The room seemed to shrink around you, the weight of the situation suffocating.

Rafe's eyes widened in shock and concern. "Missing? How?" His voice betrayed his worry, his concern mirroring yours as he leaned in closer, trying to understand the situation.

Your thoughts were in turmoil as you relayed the conversation with Kiara. "He's been gone since I left. Kiara and the others can't get a hold of him," you explained, your voice quivering with apprehension.

A surge of panic gripped your chest as Kiara's words echoed in your mind. "He was just acting weird before you left, and then he disappeared."

The gravity of the situation was undeniable, and your mind raced through a maze of possibilities, trying to make sense of JJ's sudden disappearance. The urge to act was strong, but a sense of helplessness settled over you, unsure of the next step to take.

Looking at Rafe, torn between the urgency of the situation and the need to involve him, you weighed your options, seeking a way to navigate this distressing predicament without causing unnecessary worry or alarm.

The air in the room felt charged with tension, the weight of JJ's disappearance hanging heavy between you and Rafe. As you contemplated your next move, a whirlwind of worry and urgency tugged at your thoughts.

"I should go and find JJ," you suggested, your voice edged with determination, though uncertainty gnawed at your resolve. "I'll figure this out."

Rafe's brows furrowed in concern. "I'm coming with you," he declared, his tone firm and resolute. His protective instinct surged to the forefront, a palpable insistence in his voice.

Your voice trembled slightly, a mix of worry and insistence threading through your words. "Rafe, I don't want you getting involved. This is my fault," you admitted, the weight of responsibility heavy on your shoulders.

Rafe's expression softened, his concern unwavering. "How could this possibly be your fault, y/n?"

"I don't know," you began, your voice filled with uncertainty. "I left, and now this happened. Maybe if I had stayed..."

Rafe's hand gently touched your shoulder, his touch a comforting anchor in the whirlwind of emotions. "You can't blame yourself for this," he insisted, his voice soft but resolute. "We don't know what happened that caused him to wander off, but it's not your fault."

The weight of his words sank in, a brief respite in the storm of worry and guilt. You looked up, meeting Rafe's understanding gaze, the weight on your shoulders lightening slightly under his reassurance.

"But if I hadn't left..." you trailed off, the what-ifs clawing at your thoughts.

Rafe's voice carried a sense of urgency, his words a gentle yet firm plea. "No, Y/N, don't do this to yourself."

Your gaze flickered from the floor to meet his, a swirl of emotions reflected in your eyes. The weight of responsibility and guilt tugged at your thoughts, threatening to overwhelm you.

"But maybe if I hadn't left..." You hesitated, the words catching in your throat, each syllable laden with self-blame.

Rafe's hand reached out, gently cupping your face, his touch warm and reassuring. "Y/N, you can't hold yourself accountable for things beyond your control," he urged, his voice earnest. "None of this is your fault."

His unwavering support and insistence penetrated the cloud of guilt shrouding your thoughts. His words, a beacon of reason amidst the storm of self-blame, nudged you to consider the situation more objectively.

"You did what you thought was right," Rafe continued, his voice soft but resolute. "Blaming yourself won't help us find JJ. We need to focus on finding him."

A flicker of resolve sparked within you, reigniting the determination to address the present crisis rather than dwell in the murky depths of guilt.

Rafe's unwavering support offered a lifeline, a steadying force amid the tempest of emotions. With his reassurance echoing in your mind, you nodded, a silent acknowledgment that it was time to redirect your focus toward the urgent task ahead.

"Okay," you murmured, your voice steadier, as you readied yourself for the search, the weight of self-blame gradually lifting, replaced by a renewed determination to find JJ.

The air was thick with tension as the two of you prepared to leave, the weight of the situation hanging heavy between you. Anxiety gripped at your chest as you thought of JJ, wondering where he was and what had happened to him.

As you made your way to the door, Rafe reached out, placing a gentle hand on your arm. "Y/N," he said, his voice soft, "I'm sure he'll be okay."

"I hope so." Your voice trembled slightly, betraying the fear and uncertainty that lurked beneath the surface. You took a deep breath, steeling yourself against the whirlwind of emotions.

You suggested to Rafe that splitting up might improve the chances of finding JJ. Rafe glanced at you, his concern mirrored in his eyes. "Are you sure?" he asked, hesitant to separate in such a tense situation.

You nodded, forcing a small smile to reassure him. "Yeah, we can cover more ground that way. I'll head towards the shipwreck, it's a spot JJ usually goes to when he needs to think."

Rafe hesitated for a moment, his worry evident. "Okay, just... be careful, alright?" he said, his voice laced with concern.

You nodded again, appreciating his concern. "I'll be fine, Rafe.. Let's just stay in touch, keep our phones on."

With that, you both went your separate ways, each consumed by the urgent need to find JJ. Rushing towards the shipwreck, your heart raced with worry and anticipation. The vastness of the island seemed daunting as you searched every corner, calling out JJ's name in the hope that he might be nearby.

As you reached the shipwreck, your pace slowed, your senses heightened in anticipation of finding JJ there. The familiar sight of the weathered wood and rusted metal struck a chord within you, reminding you of the countless times JJ had sought solace in this quiet spot.

"JJ!" you called out, your voice echoing against the waves crashing nearby. But there was no response. You scanned the area, your eyes darting from corner to corner, searching for any sign of his presence.

And then, to your surprise, you spotted him seated atop the old wreck, his silhouette against the dimming sunlight. His posture was slouched, his gaze fixated on the horizon, lost in contemplation.

Your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. Relief flooded through you, but it was quickly replaced by concern. Approaching him cautiously, you called out softly, "JJ?"

He turned his head slightly, acknowledging your presence without saying a word. As you moved closer, a somber atmosphere enveloped the space between you. JJ's usual cheerful demeanor was replaced by a veil of melancholy.

"Hey," you said, a mix of relief and worry in your voice. "Are you okay?"

He hesitated before replying, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "I will be, I guess."

You suggested to Rafe that splitting up might improve the chances of finding JJ. Rafe glanced at you, his concern mirrored in his eyes. "Are you sure?" he asked, hesitant to separate in such a tense situation.

You nodded, forcing a small smile to reassure him. "Yeah, we can cover more ground that way. I'll head towards the shipwreck, it's a spot JJ usually goes to when he needs to think."

Rafe hesitated for a moment, his worry evident. "Okay, just... be careful, alright?" he said, his voice laced with concern.

You nodded again, appreciating his concern. "You too. Let's stay in touch, keep our phones on."

With that, you both went your separate ways, each consumed by the urgent need to find JJ. Rushing towards the shipwreck, your heart raced with worry and anticipation. The vastness of the island seemed daunting as you searched every corner, calling out JJ's name in the hope that he might be nearby.

As you reached the shipwreck, your pace slowed, your senses heightened in anticipation of finding JJ there. The familiar sight of the weathered wood and rusted metal struck a chord within you, reminding you of the countless times JJ had sought solace in this quiet spot.

"JJ!" you called out, your voice echoing against the waves crashing nearby. But there was no response. You scanned the area, your eyes darting from corner to corner, searching for any sign of his presence.

And then, to your surprise, you spotted him seated atop the old wreck, his silhouette against the dimming sunlight. His posture was slouched, his gaze fixated on the horizon, lost in contemplation.

Your heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. Relief flooded through you, but it was quickly replaced by concern. Approaching him cautiously, you called out softly, "JJ?"

He turned his head slightly, acknowledging your presence without saying a word. As you moved closer, a somber atmosphere enveloped the space between you. JJ's usual cheerful demeanor was replaced by a veil of melancholy.

"Hey," you said, a mix of relief and worry in your voice. "Are you okay?"

He hesitated before replying, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "I will be, I guess."

Your gaze softened as you sat down beside him, allowing a moment of silence to linger between you. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sea.

"I'm sorry for worrying everyone," JJ finally spoke, his voice carrying a heavy weight.

"It's okay," you reassured him gently. "We were just concerned about you, Jay. You know you can talk to us, right?"

He nodded, but his expression remained guarded, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere. The tension in the air was palpable, and you felt the need to break it, to reassure JJ that he wasn't alone.

"JJ, what happened?" you asked softly, your voice filled with genuine concern. "You know we're all here for you, right?"

He hesitated, as if wrestling with his thoughts, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "I... I've been feeling... I don't know, things are just... complicated."

You nodded in understanding, giving him the space to open up at his own pace. "Take your time," you encouraged, hoping to offer some comfort in this moment of vulnerability.

"It's just... being around you and Rafe, seeing you both together, hearing about it... it's hard," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of emotions.

Your heart sank, understanding the weight of his words. "JJ, I'm sorry," you began, feeling a pang of guilt. "I never wanted to make things difficult for you."

"It's not your fault," JJ interjected quickly, his eyes meeting yours with sincerity. "I should have said something earlier, instead of letting it eat away at me."

A heavy silence fell between you, the words hanging in the air, pregnant with unspoken feelings. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow around the two of you.

"Y/N," JJ started, his voice barely above a whisper, "I've... I've been holding back something for a while."

Your gaze met his, curiosity and concern evident in your eyes. "What is it, JJ?"

He took a deep breath, his expression a mix of hesitation and vulnerability. "I... I think I might have feelings for you." The confession caught you off guard, your heart skipping a beat at his unexpected words. The air seemed to grow heavier as you processed the weight of his revelation, unsure of how to respond.

A long moment of silence stretched between you, the tension thickening as the truth hung heavily in the air.

You shifted slightly, trying to make sense of his unexpected admission, to decipher the tangled mess of emotions churning within you. "JJ, I..." you trailed off, uncertain how to proceed, a part of you unwilling to admit the truth.

"I know," JJ said, a hint of sadness and resignation in his voice. "You and Rafe... it's pretty clear."

You struggled to find the right words, struggling to navigate the complex web of emotions. "It's not that I don't care about you," you began, the words catching in your throat, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"It's not fair to either of you if I keep hiding it, right?" JJ asked, his voice edged with resignation.

The truth, laden with guilt and uncertainty, hovered between the two of you, threatening to tear down the wall that had protected the fragile bond between you.

You felt a wave of guilt wash over you, your heart torn between the two boys you cared about. A swirl of emotions threatened to overwhelm you, but in this moment of vulnerability, an understanding settled between you and JJ, the weight of unspoken feelings finally acknowledged.

The air between the two of you was thick with tension, but the raw honesty of the situation was a relief, the unspoken feelings that had hung heavy in the air between you finally brought to light.

"It would make things really complicated, JJ. You're my best friend, you know I can't-"

"But you can be with Rafe?" 

"I love him." the words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the reality you were facing. The unspoken feelings that had existed between you and JJ for so long had finally been brought to light, and you felt an undeniable shift in the dynamic between the two of you.

"I can't say it doesn't hurt, knowing that," JJ admitted, his voice barely a whisper. The sound of his voice broke your heart, and you reached out to gently place your hand on his.

"JJ, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. You're one of my closest friends, and the last thing I want to do is lose you." He turned to look at you, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I know. And I don't want to lose you, either. I care about you, y/n. But it hurts, knowing that you don't feel the same way."

The weight of his words sunk in, and you felt an ache in your chest as you realized the depth of his feelings. "I'm sorry, JJ. I wish I could say otherwise. I wish I could make things different."

"It's not your fault," he assured you. "I knew the risk of telling you, and I still had to do it. I had to get it off my chest, to tell you how I feel."

You nodded, the weight of his confession settling on your shoulders. "I'm glad you did," you replied, your voice heavy with emotion. "I want you to know that I'll always be here for you, JJ. I don't want this to change things between us. I don't want to lose you as a friend."

He offered a small smile, a hint of warmth breaking through the sadness in his expression. "Me, too. I want us to stay friends. I want us to be okay."

You returned his smile, feeling a rush of affection for him. "We will be, JJ. We'll always be okay."

The conversation drifted to other topics, the tension gradually dissipating as the two of you reconnected on a new level, the weight of unspoken feelings finally lifted between you.

In the midst of the moment, your phone began to ring, lighting up with the name "Rafe Cameron" in a large font on your lock screen. Your heart sank for a moment, knowing JJ could see. You felt him tense up, as if the mere mention of his name had a physical effect on him.

"Hey, I'm so sorry, I'm going to answer this, just give me a minute," you explained, a hint of urgency in your voice.

"Hey, Rafe."

"Any luck? He asked on the other line, voice laced with genuine concern.

"Yeah, I found him."

"Is he okay?"

"Yeah, he's fine, we're going to head back." You reassured, looking back over your shoulder to see JJ sitting in the same spot as before, staring straight back at you with an empty look on his face.

"Okay, I'll meet you there."

You hung up the phone, slipping it into your pocket and approaching JJ. "Hey, I'm really sorry, but Rafe is going to meet us back at the chateau. Are you okay with that?"

JJ's jaw tightened, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders. "Yeah, of course. I'm ready."

You nodded, the tension between the two of you palpable. With a sigh, you led him back toward the chateau, a heavy silence falling between the two of you. The air was still and calm, a stark contrast to the chaos raging in your mind.

The journey back was short but felt like an eternity, the heavy silence between you and JJ a stark contrast to the usual camaraderie and banter. You were both acutely aware of the weight of the situation, the reality of the feelings that had been revealed. You snuck a glance at him, the weight of his confession weighing heavily on your heart. You wondered if this was the end of the friendship that had meant so much to both of you.

Finally, the chateau came into view, and your stomach twisted with anxiety as you realized that the others would be waiting for you. You could already hear their voices drifting from the backyard, a mix of relief and concern.

You looked over at JJ, who seemed equally apprehensive. You wanted to say something, to reassure him, but the words wouldn't come. You simply gave him a nod, a silent communication that you were both in this together, and stepped into the backyard, ready to face the inevitable questions and concerns.

"Hey, everyone," you called out, a hint of forced cheer in your voice. "JJ's back."

The group turned to face the two of you, a mix of relief and worry on their faces.

"JJ, man, are you okay?" Pope was the first to speak, his voice tinged with concern.

"Where were you, dude? We were worried sick," Kie added, her expression a mixture of relief and frustration.

"I'm fine," JJ said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry I worried you guys. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

"It's okay, JJ," John B said, his voice gentle. "We're just glad you're safe."

JJ nodded, his expression somber. "I'm gonna head inside, if that's cool," he said, avoiding everyone's eyes.

"Of course, man," John B replied, his voice full of concern. "Get some rest, okay?"

"Yeah, thanks," JJ murmured, heading into the chateau.

A tense silence hung in the air as everyone processed the situation. Kiara was the first to break the silence, her voice tinged with concern and confusion. "What happened out there?"

You shrugged, trying to remain casual. "I don't know, he was just gone. Maybe he needed some time alone."

"He seemed upset about something," Kiara persisted, her gaze searching your face for answers.

"He was," you admitted, the weight of JJ's confession still fresh in your mind.

"Is he going to be okay?" John B asked, his brows furrowed with worry.

You hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "I hope so," you finally said, the weight of the situation resting heavily on your shoulders.

Pope's concern was evident. "We're his friends. If there's something bothering him, we should be there for him, right?"

"You're right, Pope. I'm sure he'll talk to us when he's ready," you assured them, though the knot of anxiety in your chest told a different story.

"If there's anything we can do, just let us know," Kie said, her gaze meeting yours with concern.

You nodded, giving her a tight smile. "Thanks, Kie. I will."

You excused yourself, making your way into the chateau. Your footsteps echoed against the hardwood floor as you made your way down the hallway. You paused at JJ's door, the weight of the situation resting heavily on your heart. You contemplated knocking, but hesitated, unsure if your presence would be welcomed.

Taking a deep breath, you decided to knock gently on JJ's door, hoping that he would want to talk. After a few moments of silence, you heard a faint response. "Come in."

Pushing open the door, you found JJ sitting on the edge of his bed, staring down at his clenched fists. His shoulders were slumped, and his usual vibrant energy seemed to have been drained from him.

You closed the door behind you and walked over to sit beside him. The room felt heavy with unspoken emotions, but you knew it was important to break the silence. "JJ... I'm sorry about earlier. I never wanted to hurt you."

He looked up at you, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and resignation. "I know, y/n. You don't have to apologize for not feeling the same way. It's just... hard, you know?"

"I can imagine," you replied softly, reaching out to rest a hand on his shoulder in a gesture of comfort. The tension in his body seemed to melt away slightly under your touch, and he leaned into it, craving the solace you offered.

"I've never felt this way before," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I don't know how to navigate these emotions. It's like a storm inside me, tearing everything apart."

You squeezed his shoulder gently, trying to convey your understanding. "Love can be overwhelming sometimes, JJ. It's okay to feel lost or confused. We all go through it."

He let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. "But why now? Why did I have to fall for you, of all people? It's so complicated, and it's messing with everything."

You sighed, knowing that there was no easy answer to his question. "Sometimes, love doesn't choose the most convenient time or person. It just happens, and we can't control it." Your fingers absentmindedly traced circles on his shoulder, hoping to offer him some comfort.

JJ leaned his head back against the wall, his gaze fixed on a distant point. "I never wanted to ruin our friendship," he murmured. "You mean so much to me, and I don't want to lose that."

"I don't want to lose our friendship either," you admitted, feeling the weight of his words settle heavily in your chest. "But JJ, we can't pretend that what you've shared doesn't exist. We have to confront it and figure out how to move forward."

He turned his head slightly, locking eyes with you. The intensity in his gaze made your heart skip a beat. "Do you think we can?" he asked, a hint of vulnerability in his voice you could never have imagined. The question hung in the air, both of you acutely aware of the precariousness of the situation. There was no guarantee that your friendship could survive the weight of unrequited love, but there was something about JJ's earnestness that made you want to try.

"I don't know," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "But we owe it to ourselves and our friendship to at least try."

JJ nodded slowly, his gaze searching yours for any signs of hesitation. "I'm willing to fight for us, y/n. Even if it means keeping my feelings at bay, I don't want to lose what we have."

A lump formed in your throat as his words settled in your mind. His selflessness in making this declaration stirred something within you, touching a deep chord. "Thank you, JJ. I'll make sure to always be truthful with you," you replied. A faint smile played on his lips and there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes

"I should get going, Rafe's outside waiting." You reluctantly ushered, realizing that Rafe was waiting outside for you. JJ's expression shifted from excitement to disappointment as he nodded understandingly. You could see a glimmer of acceptance in his eyes, but also a tinge of sadness.

"Yeah, go ahead," he said, his voice tinged with melancholy. "I'll see you later." His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions and unfulfilled expectations. It was clear that he wanted you to stay, but respected your decision to leave. You couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as you turned and walked away, leaving JJ behind with his thoughts and feelings.

You stood up from the bed, feeling a pang of guilt as you walked towards the door. The weight of your decision to be honest with JJ tugged at your heart, but you knew it was necessary for both of your sakes. As you reached the doorway, you turned back to look at him one last time.

"Take care, JJ," you said softly, offering him a small smile before stepping out into the hallway. The door closed behind you, leaving JJ alone in his room with his tangled emotions.

Outside, Rafe stood waiting for you by the chateau entrance. His presence brought a sense of familiarity and comfort, momentarily easing the ache in your chest. But as you approached him, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of your mind.

"Hey," Rafe greeted you with a warm smile. "Ready to go?"

You nodded, but couldn't shake off the guilt that still lingered within you. The image of JJ sitting alone in his room, struggling with his feelings, haunted your thoughts. It was as if a heavy cloud had settled over your heart, dampening any sense of joy or excitement.

As you and Rafe made your way back to his car, you couldn't help but feel an overwhelming need to confide in someone, to share the burden weighing you down. You knew you couldn't keep it all to yourself; it would eat away at you.

"Rafe," you finally spoke up, your voice barely above a whisper. "Can I talk to you about something?"

He glanced at you with concern, his eyes filled with the genuine care that drew you to him. "Of course," he replied softly, pulling the car keys out of his pocket and pausing before unlocking the door.

"What's on your mind?"

Taking a deep breath, you glanced out at the chateau as it faded into the distance, the weight of your secret threatening to crush you. "It's about JJ," you began hesitantly, your voice barely audible. "He... he confessed his feelings for me."

Rafe's grip on the car keys tightened slightly, and you could see the flicker of unease in his eyes. "Oh," he said softly, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and disappointment. "I see."

You turned to face him fully, searching his expression for any sign of judgment or resentment. Instead, you found compassion and understanding. It was clear that Rafe cared about your happiness, even if it meant setting aside his own desires.

"I didn't know what to do," you continued, your voice wavering. "I care about him so much, but not in the same way that he does. I don't want to lose our friendship, but I also don't want to lead him on."

Rafe remained silent, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. His grip on the steering wheel tightened even further, and you could sense the conflict within him. It was as if he was battling his own emotions, torn between what he wanted and what he believed was right.

"I don't want to hurt anyone," you whispered, feeling the sting of tears welling up in your eyes. "I never asked for any of this." 

Rafe continued driving in silence, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the steering wheel. You could practically feel the tension radiating from him, his internal struggle palpable in the confined space of the car. The road stretched out before you, matching the uncertainty that stretched out before your words.

Finally, Rafe let out a heavy sigh, his voice laced with a mix of empathy and caution. "I understand that you're in a difficult position," he said, his gaze still fixed on the road. "But you have to remember that you can't control other people's feelings. It's not your fault that JJ has these emotions for you. What matters now is how you choose to handle it."

His words cut through the fog of guilt that had consumed you, offering a glimmer of clarity. You wiped away the tears threatening to spill over, realizing that Rafe was right. You couldn't bear responsibility for someone else's feelings, no matter how painful it might be.

"But what if I can't avoid hurting him?" you whispered, your voice filled with a mixture of fear and vulnerability. "What if my actions inadvertently lead him on?"

"How would they do that?" Rafe's question hung in the air, heavy with implications. It forced you to confront your own intentions, to examine the way you interacted with JJ and whether you had unknowingly given him false hope. The car seemed to shrink around you, trapping your thoughts and anxieties in its confined space.

You replayed every conversation, every touch, searching for signs that could be misconstrued as encouragement. As your mind raced through these memories, you began to sense a pattern - a subtle kindness that had been interpreted as something more. But was it your responsibility to police every word and gesture?

Your voice trembled as you tried to articulate your doubts. "I've always been friendly towards him," you began cautiously. "But maybe my actions have been misinterpreted. Maybe I haven't been clear enough."

"He should have known better than to make assumptions. You and him are just friends, after all." He shrugged, seemingly blowing off JJ's feelings for you.

You bristled at Rafe's dismissive tone, feeling a surge of protectiveness for JJ. "It's not that simple," you argued, your voice tinged with frustration, "He's human, Rafe. We all make mistakes and misinterpret things. It doesn't mean he deserves to be brushed off like that."

Rafe sighed, the tension in the car thickening. "I didn't mean it like that. I just...don't want you to blame yourself for something that isn't your fault." You nodded, understanding Rafe's perspective, but still unable to shake off the guilt that gnawed at you. The weight of responsibility for someone else's heartache was heavy on your shoulders, and it seemed like no matter what you did, someone would end up hurt.

"I know it's not entirely my fault," you replied softly, your voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't help but feel responsible somehow. I care about JJ deeply, and seeing him hurt because of me... it's difficult."

Rafe's grip on the steering wheel loosened slightly as he glanced at you, his eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and concern. "I understand," he said gently. "But you have to remember that you can't control how others feel. What you can control is how you handle the situation."

You took a deep breath, letting Rafe's words sink in. He was right, of course. You couldn't control JJ's feelings, but you could control how you acted moving forward. It was time to confront the situation head-on and have an honest conversation with JJ.

As the car continued down the winding road, you focused on gathering your thoughts, determined to find the right words to express yourself without causing further harm. The guilt still lingered, but with each passing mile, a newfound strength began to grow within you.

After what seemed like forever, you pulled up to Rafe's house, a massive white mansion looming in front of you. You and Rafe got out of the car and entered into the seemingly deserted house.

As you stepped through the front door, your eyes adjusted to the dimly lit entryway. The only source of light came from a single lamp in the corner, casting shadows across Rafe's face as he shut the door behind you. "Is it just you here, still?" you asked, taking in the emptiness of the house. 

"Yep. Just us again," he answered with a slight shrug, his gaze fixated on your figure. You could feel his eyes scanning up and down, taking in every detail of your appearance. Despite the lack of company, his presence made you feel safe and at ease.

"Hmm," you hummed with a nod, taking a look around the room to observe all of the empty space that the two of you could occupy, "interesting."

A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Rafe's lips as he stepped closer to you. "Yeah?" he replied, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine. The air between you crackled with anticipation, and a surge of electricity passed through the room, drawing you both together like magnets.

You could feel the weight of the unspoken tension, the unexplored desires that hung in the air. It was as if time had frozen, leaving only the two of you to navigate this newfound intimacy. Rafe's hand reached out, brushing against your cheek, his touch gentle yet commanding.

In that moment, everything else faded away—the guilt, the turmoil with JJ—it all paled in comparison to what was happening now. This connection, this undeniable chemistry that had been simmering beneath the surface for so long—it was finally coming to fruition.

Your mind spun with a mixture of emotions as Rafe's lips hovered just inches from yours. There was a hunger in his eyes, a longing that mirrored your own. The world outside ceased to exist as your breath mingled, creating an intoxicating blend of anticipation and desire.

With a soft exhale, you closed the remaining distance between you. His lips met yours in a fervent kiss, and the world exploded into a symphony of sensations. The taste of him, the warmth of his embrace, sent shockwaves of pleasure throughout your body. It was as if every nerve ending had awakened, alive with electricity.

Time became fluid as you lost yourself in the rhythm of the kiss. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the connection you shared with Rafe. The weight of the past was lifted off your shoulders, replaced by an overwhelming sense of freedom and exhilaration.

As your lips parted, both breathing heavily, Rafe's forehead rested against yours. His eyes searched yours for any sign of doubt or hesitation, but all he found was a reflection of his own longing and certainty.

You nodded, speechless as the emotions inside you swirled. "Please, Rafe, touch me," were the only words you could muster.

As Rafe's hand found its way to your waist, you leaned into him, feeling his warmth enveloping you. The chemistry between you two was undeniable, and it only seemed to intensify with each passing second. You knew that this moment had been building up for a long time, and now that it was finally happening, you couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude.

His fingers tracing the curve of your hip, sending a jolt of desire straight to your core. Your heart raced as your breaths became shallow, the anticipation of what was to come threatening to consume you. But it was also a sense of peace, a feeling of tranquility in the midst of this whirlwind of emotion.

"We've been waiting for this, haven't we?" Rafe asked, his voice barely above a whisper. 

You looked into his eyes, a reflection of your own thoughts, and slowly nodded. The weight of the past began to slip away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of understanding and connection. This was the moment you had been waiting for, a moment that would define the rest of your lives.

With a deep breath, Rafe's lips brushed softly against yours, triggering a surge of electricity that seemed to radiate from your core. As his passion grew, so too did the intensity of your emotions. You felt as if you could read his thoughts, as if he had somehow become a part of you.

His hand, still gently resting on your waist, moved up to your shoulder, his fingers tracing the curve of your neck. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down your spine, and as his lips moved to your neck, you felt the same jolt of desire that had taken hold of your core earlier.

"I can't get enough of you." He murmured against your neck, his voice a low rumble that sent waves of desire through your entire body. You couldn't help but look into his eyes, the intensity of his gaze matching your own. In that moment, you knew that this was more than just a physical connection. It was a deep and powerful bond, one that had been building for a lifetime.

His lips trailed down to your collarbone, his tongue flicking against your skin. You let out a small moan, your breaths becoming shallower and more ragged. He was driving you wild, making you feel things you didn't know were possible. You could feel the pulse of his desire, the raw passion that he was unleashing upon you.

His hand slid slowly down to your hip, his fingers delicately tracing the soft curve of your body. The sensation was overwhelming, sending you into a whirlwind of emotion. Each touch, each kiss, felt like a bolt of lightning, igniting a fire deep within your core. He smirked as he felt your body press into his, aching for more of him. His desires grew untamed as he sensed your greedy longing for him, fueling his own insatiable hunger.

As the intensity of the moment continued to build, so too did the heat between you and Rafe. Your lips met again, this time with a fervor that reflected the deep connection you knew you shared. Your heart was racing, your breaths shallow and rapid.

His hand moved from your hip to your thigh, sending a shockwave of pleasure through your entire being. You couldn't help but let out a small gasp, the sensation overwhelming you completely. Rafe smiled, his eyes gleaming with the same intensity as yours. He knew that this moment was more than just a physical need; it was a deep-seated desire for one another that had grown over time.

His fingers traced the curve of your hip, the pressure of his touch causing you to moan softly. You could feel the pulsating rhythm of his heart, mirroring the desire that consumed you. His fingers trailed closer and closer to your inner thigh, before brushing against your core softly, sending a jolt of electricity through your entire being.

Your hips bucked involuntarily, your body crying out for more of his touch. Rafe couldn't help but chuckle, his eyes glinting with mischievous excitement. You felt a wave of heat crash over you as the intensity of the moment grew even greater.

"Rafe please." You begged, looking straight to him with pleading eyes.

"What is it, Princess?" He whispered, his voice thick with desire.

"I need you," you gasped, your voice barely audible over the pounding of your heart.

Rafe's eyes sparkled with desire as he slowly and deliberately reached his hand down and gently caressed the sensitive area between your legs. You felt a surge of desire course through your body as his touch sent shock waves through you.

"You know I can't resist you," he murmured, his lips brushing against your ear.

You moaned softly, feeling helpless and powerless to his touch. His fingers moved with a skill that left you breathless and craving more. Each touch, each caress was more intense than the last, building the fire inside you to a fever pitch.

Your hips bucked again, this time more insistently, as Rafe's touch became more insistent. You knew that he could feel your urgent need, and it only seemed to fuel his desire further.

"Take me," you pleaded, your voice shaking with anticipation. "I need you to take me now."

With a smirk, Rafe lifted you onto the bed, the flames of desire still burning in his eyes. He positioned himself between your legs, his erection throbbing against you.

"Are you sure, Princess?" he asked, his lips hovering over yours.

You nodded eagerly, your eyes locked onto his. In one swift movement, he entered you, driving deep into your core. Your entire being seemed to ignite with pleasure, as if the fires of passion had merged with the heat of his touch.

Rafe began to move, his rhythmic thrusts causing waves of pleasure to crash over you like a storm. You wrapped your legs around him, pulling him closer, as if you needed to be as one with him in this moment.

"Harder," you cried out, urging him on. Your breath was shallow and your body trembled as you felt him pound into you, the heat of his skin against yours driving you wild with desire.

With every thrust, Rafe's eyes seemed to darken, his gaze locked onto yours as if he were the only thing that mattered in the world. The room around you began to fade, replaced by the intense passion burning between the two of you.

In that moment, your heart thundered in your chest, matching the rhythm of his hips. Every cell in your body seemed to chant, begging for release. You arched your back, your nails digging into his shoulders as you met each thrust, each stroke of his body against yours.

The air grew thick with wanting, the scent of sweat and skin mingling as you moved together in perfect harmony. The bed creaked beneath you, struggling to contain the force of your union. You cried out again, your voice a mixture of pain and pleasure.

"Take it, baby." Rafe whispered, his voice low and gravelly. "Take all of me."

You gasped, his words sending a shockwave of desire through your body. Your eyes locked onto his, both of you caught in the throes of passion. You met him halfway, lifting your hips to meet his every thrust, your nails digging into his skin, marking him as yours.

The room seemed to spin around you, the world melting away as you sank deeper into each other. Your bodies moved as one, a perfect symphony of lust and desire. The air grew thick with the scent of your mingled sweat, a heady perfume that intoxicated you both.

As Rafe continued to thrust, the room around you began to blur, until it seemed as if you were the only ones in existence. Time lost all meaning, the world reduced to the two of you, lost in a whirlwind of passion.

You cried out once more, your voice a fierce, guttural sound that echoed through the now empty room. Rafe's eyes were wild, his body tensed as he drove into you with a fierce intensity that left you breathless. 

Your body shook and trembled, the pleasure and pain melding together into one overwhelming sensation that consumed you both. Your nails dug deeper into his skin, leaving red marks that would serve as a reminder of this moment for eternity. 

And as the moments stretched on, you felt his hips start to shudder and quiver, the telltale sign of his release approaching. The creaking of the bed grew louder, struggling to hold the weight of your combined passion. Your own body felt like it was on the precipice of explosion, every nerve ending tingling with anticipation.

With one final, powerful thrust, Rafe let out a guttural cry, his body shuddering as he finding his release. The sensation of him inside you was unlike anything you had ever felt before – wild, untamed, and all-consuming. 

You shook beneath him, your hands clawing at his back in a desperate need to feel closer to him. You could feel his hot breath on your neck, his words barely audible as he whispered your name.

As the last of his orgasm subsided, you lay there, heart pounding in your chest, skin glowing with the heat of your passion. The room was still, save for the faint sound of your heavy breathing and his soft sighs. You both lay entwined, our breaths mingling as the afterglow washed over you.

Slowly, Rafe started to pull out of you, the lack of friction leaving you both feeling hollow. He rolled off of you, leaving you to enjoy the sensation of his body against yours for just a moment longer.

You turned onto your side, facing each other, the warmth between your legs making you slightly uncomfortable. But it was necessary. Your bodies were sticky with sweat and arousal, but the connection between you was still unbroken.

Rafe reached out, brushing the hair from your forehead. "I love you," he whispered.

You smiled, knowing that he felt the same way. "I love you too."

A sense of peace washed over you both, as the weight of your desire seemed to dissipate into the air. The room remained silent, except for the occasional creak of the bed as it struggled to hold your combined weight.

As you lay there, entwined in each other's arms, you began to feel a new emotion bubble up within you - a feeling of contentment that you had never experienced before. It was as if the intensity of the passion had given way to a profound sense of love and trust.

Rafe's fingers continued to brush soothingly across your skin, his touch as gentle as the evening breeze. You could see the love he had for you reflected in his eyes, and you knew in that moment that you would do anything to protect and cherish him.

As you drifted off to sleep, you held each other tightly, your bodies still connected in a way that felt unbreakable. In the stillness of the night, the only sound was the rhythm of each other's hearts beating as one, a testament to the bond that had formed between you. The rest of the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of you in a private sanctuary of love and devotion.

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[callmeklair]

declaration

[A/N: I know this chapter is short, only around 2k words, but I promise next one will be longer and updated as soon as possible as my schedule is almost stabilized now]

Chapter seven

“I’d rather not know.”

“so this is where you guys are. such a drag.” 

Yui has never been happier in her life until now to see Shu. what a right timing! 

“Shu-san!” yes she was very happy. 

“drop it, you guys left me alone to deal with all that troublesome nonsense, I had to use my precious stored energy to wave them off. how are you gonna compensate for it?” Shu glared at them, but too lazy. He really had to go around the circles to dodge those noisy girls. 

“well the girls targeted you, so as you said, just remove the root of the problem, we ran away.” Shin hmphed as he was feeling tired, maybe because he felt relaxed after a really long time. 

“Let's go home Yui, I'm tired. We can buy the dress another day” Shu said as he had enough. It was a long day for him.

“hmm what is that?” Shin ignored Shu and asked Yui, as he pointed at a ice cream van having a poster of ‘new nuts & crunch scoop’ 

the word nuts always attracted him.

“oh… looks like a new flavour of ice cream containing nuts. it looks delicious” Yui answered. 

“of course it will, after all it's nuts. I’ll go get it” Shin ran to the van before his favourite flavour got sold out. 

Yui watched how his strawberry hair bounced as he happily ran away like a child. 

‘Does a wolf eat cereal? That also nut flavoured?’ She peeked at the animal as her eyes softened when she noticed it’s fur color. At first it was dark so she didn’t notice but it’s pink at a near glance. Baby pink? No strawberry pink? No, it's ginger pink, just like Shin. What’s weird is that the wolf also has an eye-patch like him.

…

Over and over again she has been ignoring the signs. 

Why are founders suddenly quiet? It's been a little while since their last attack.

‘I'd rather not know’

“Let’s go Shu-san” without waiting, she left. 

– Yui's room, Sakamaki mansion:

This is so unfair… just when she was finally happy… or maybe she is just overthinking it. Maybe the founders are planning something big that’s why they suddenly went quiet. 

Yui tremblingly hugged her wolf plushie resembling Shin to ward off all the negative thoughts and fall asleep in this mess.

She thought she’ll at least be at peace in her dreams, but no, she suddenly found herself in school infirmary with the same ringing noise like in those other dreams. But this time there was someone standing in front of her. 

“No need- bother- it’ll be unnec-sary- to return ‘home’ -anymore”

“now- my pro-rty

“Don’t compa- to them- i’m a founde- **i* **u****mi” 

the ringing noise was starting to become louder and the cut off sentences were beginning to disappear. Even the unknown man faded into thin air. 

She was now totally surrounded by darkness, alone, with the ringing noise…. and an inaudible echo.

“Eve.. are y**- rem****ring?” 

– Dungeon, Tsukinami mansion:

Waking up in the dungeon after a long time was not in Shin’s to-do-list after having a good time with Yui.

It was hazy and all he remembers is coming home to his angry brother and ending up in the dungeon. 

“You are finally awake, Shin?” 

Speak of the devil. The word Shin was highlighted coldly and he knew what it meant. Taking a deep breath, he slowly looked up.

“....”

Carla narrowed his eyes and put a hand over his forehead, sweeping the bangs, while looking at his younger brother.

“Over and over again you had enough opportunities to capture her and bring her here, yet you decided not to. Are you waiting for the eclipse to get over?”

Low angry voice. Shin isn't surprised. 

“Nii-san I… I was trying to win her trust so that she won’t be a nuisance initially-”

“It's not needed. Her trust is not needed, she’ll be a nuisance anyways. We bring her here, cleanse her blood and continue our lineage.”

“5 days. I’m giving you 5 days to bring her here before I myself decide to interfere in this troublesome matter.”

Without giving Shin a chance to speak, Carla left the dungeon to let his brother continue his punishment.

5 days… the prom is also in 5 days, what a coincidence or not. His brother is smart enough to know that the prom party will be the perfect time to take her away. The vampires won’t be able to notice immediately among a bunch of students as their senses are weak.

It’s frustrating. Maybe he should have caught her on day one. 

“Thank you Shin-kun for protecting me”

Shin still remembers how she thanked him for protecting her in the dispute with the abusive boy at the rooftop on day one. During the whole tour she was down and numb. Her words were void of emotions when explaining the school layout. It felt off, even though he shouldn’t have cared, it still bothered him. What hell has she been living in with those vampires?

How ironic… that’s what he and his brother were gonna do to her, they were going to put her through the same hell and just like he said previously he shouldn’t have cared about her well being. Their only goal was their lineage.

Empathy doesn’t exist in demons.

but…

“cause… I wanted to be alone with you.” 

The way she blushed from those simple words. Her ears and cheeks red, just like a tomato. It was cute. Every single time they met and were alone, he started to see improvement in her complexion. At first he viewed that as a good point as it’ll be easy to conceive with that healthy body of hers but soon he forgot his own purpose. He just wanted to be with her. It has been so long since he felt genuinely alive. 

But it was all going to end soon.

–Rooftop, Ryoutei Academy:

Unknowingly, the rooftop has become a safe spot for Yui. the cool breeze calmed her as she sat on the floor, hugging her knees and looking at the full red moon. Everybody has their own secret spot and for Yui, it’s the school rooftop. It might not be a secret like other’s spot but it’s her comfort.

This place holds her memories with Shin. 

And right now she is too deep down in the hole she has dug herself. It was from day one. She had a chance, a chance to take Shu’s hand while she fell in the shallow pit, but instead she took the shovel called Shin and kept digging more like an idiot thinking another path will open which will be safer, unknowingly caging herself the deeper she went as the light slowly disappeared above her. And now, the reliable shovel is broken too. 

There was… a cracking noise within her. 

There’s gotta be a fix. Every problem always has a fix. Right?

“What are you doin’ here?” 

Her ears perked up from the voice beside her and she saw Shin sitting beside her in the same way she is.

“J-just enjoying the view” 

Silence befell between them. Unlike previously she didn’t strike up random conversation to waive the awkward air around them. 

Shin glanced at her complexion from side eye and it looked paler. 

“Why are you here?” without even looking at him, she asked. She was too exhausted. 

He hesitated for a moment, his throat feeling dry, like he was scared.

“I came to ask if you want to… bunk the school to go out with me?”

“What?!” His words brought her back to her senses as she looked at him bewildered while he gave his signature smirk.

[socialjusticeinamerica]

““How strange — all 49 Republicans are willing to sign a piece of paper saying they like IVF, but virtually none of them seem willing to actually vote for a bill that protects IVF,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday. “It shows you how afraid they are of the issue, but how they’re tied in a knot by the MAGA hard-right on choice, and they can’t do anything that the American people want.”

[neopronouns]

flag id: a flag with 6 stripes, with the first and sixth being twice the size of the rest. they are very dark grey, dull yellow, very light grey, dull dark purple, near-black, and very dark grey. end id.

banner id: a 1600x200 teal banner with the words ‘please read my dni before interacting. those on my / dni may still use my terms, so do not recoin them.’ in large white text in the center. the text takes up two lines, split at the slash. end id.

nonbinaryunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the nonbinary label even though it technically describes them

[pt: nonbinaryunnec: an identity in which one does not feel connected to the nonbinary label even though it technically describes them. end pt]

nonbinary unnec term for anon! the grey stripes represent a lack of connection and the rest are desaturated from the nonbinary flag.

tags: @radiomogai, @liom-archive, @macchiane, @genderstarbucks, @sugar-and-vice-mogai, @freezingnarc | dni link

[physalian]

#Writer Problems

Meet the 15th character in this series with a name that starts with A! No one will notice hahaha

Going back and deleting the sighs to shake things up a bit because there’s 120 in the manuscript

*checks notes* whoops you died already, Side Character, my bad

*one paragraph* Perfect. Amazing. Poetic. Profound. *the next paragraph* what is words do?

Knocking out a 6k word chapter in an hour/Spending a week on a single transition

*slaps down a shiny new character with zero plan* You don’t know anything about them and neither do I, let’s discover them together

Realistically, there’s gotta be at least one casualty from this fantasy battle so…. *rolls dice* no not you. *rolls dice again* yep. That’ll do. Sorry, pal.

Is this badass or stupid?

Is this hot or cringey?

*checks notes* damn it, plot hole.

Upon this most recent round of edits, you, Cool Side Character, no longer made the cut. Mayhaps you’ll be recycled later.

*checks notes* damn it, I fixed that plot hole by opening another plot hole.

Jesus christ I wrote ‘just’ 308 times across 120k words?

That is definitely not how you spell that

*dreams about my characters in full HD technicolor* awwww yeah, where’s the popcorn? *cannot replicate how cool it was in actual words*

Unes- Unnecs- Unessis- Unnessessarily- Unnecessarily fuck

Do I go with the British grey or the American gray?

*cries* this epic was supposed to be a novella

Well these two were supposed to be having an argument here. But making out is fine. I’d like to see where this goes.

Oops I forgot the straights, here that nameless dude over there isn't confirmed gay, so you can headcanon that he's straight if you want

Oops I forgot that marriage exists uhhh yeah their other parents are all dead or deadbeats

Fuck love triangles here’s a double-helix dodecahedron.

One day my fandom will write so much smut about this guy and I am here for it cause I sure ain’t doing it myself

Oops I forgot people with green eyes exist but brown eyes? I got 20

*describing the writing process* It was the best of times, it was the worst of times it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.

I. Hate. Chapter. Titles.

Is this profound or pretentious?

*crafts an absolutely banger metaphor* I hope someone notices this. I put a lot of work into it

I didn’t spend 6 months perfecting this masterpiece for you to sass that the curtains are just blue. I’ll write the goddamn essay myself about all the depth behind my color choices, sir.

Picture that Spongebob dehydrated in Sandy’s treehouse meme ‘cause that’s me on round 12 of edits

I gotta be up for work in 4 hours but this monologue is more important

*distills 30 pages of worldbuilding notes into 2 paragraphs of a fluff scene* somebody will appreciate this, won’t they?

*listening to my book playlist* one day when this is adapted I hope this artist is still alive to compose the main theme cause this shit fucks

*cries* this trilogy was supposed to be just one book

If I turn this plot hole into a character flaw, they become the problem while I remain god

*looting themes, monologues, character names, and archetypes off the corpses of my dead WIPs* You won’t miss them anyway.

While it also immortalizes this person’s dickish behavior, yes, I will, in fact, write a whole character’s backstory as a middle-finger to this one bitch from 10 years ago.

*steps back to gaze at all the suffering done unto my deuteragonist* but it was worth it, wasn’t it?

*staring down yet another loathsome action set piece* whyyyyy do I do this to myself?

Nobody’ll notice my author insert if I dice them up and divvy them out in bits to my entire cast, right? Right? It’s like a shell game of what’s author and what’s fiction

These two are going to be a problematic ship one day and I will burn that bridge when I get there

*2am and I am scouring the internet for that one piece of a fort’s defenses because not remembering is the current root of my insomnia*

*Nudging my favorite character who isn’t the protagonist out onto stage* golly I hope the readers like him

Waiting. For. Editors. Takes. So. Long.

Holy butts accidental motif and deep symbolism fucks. I am so pretending I did that on purpose.

To subtext or not to subtext? Nah, to subtext. *laughs maniacally*

Trying to ride that line between so obvious it’s painful but also juuust enough foreshadowing so you slap yourself for not seeing it sooner

TIL that I have been using that word completely wrong for years. How quaint.

No you’re derivative schlock. I’m crowd surfing the books that came before and loving every second of it.

Damn I wasted a really good name on this throwaway character

*checks notes* wait, who's taller? Where does your hair part? Are you left or right-handed?

*musing over a character slated for death* damn, I really like you. Since I am in fact god, you shall live another day. *rewerites the entire finale*

God I hope people like this story

[annah-kitathryne]

It has come to my attention that some are not aware of the double bat teen titans elseworlds run. [Post Here] made by @saturnsickle

So I'm here to explain a bit to everyone.

When was the series?

From September 1st 2001 to March 1st 2005, an elseworlds Teen Titans run started.

The series was 43 issues plus a 2004 annual.

Line-Up

Yara Flor (Wondergirl)

Jackson Hyde (Aqualad)

Cassandra Cain (Batgirl)

Jason Todd (Robin)

Roy Harper (Arsenal)

It was a bit out of nowhere, seeing as the lineup featured two brand new characters, a newly established character, a then considered dead character, and a former teen titan turned titan.

Retrospect

In retrospect, this series can be seen as a world building series as well as a device to introduce more heroes within a similar age group and adding more younger heroes into the mix, bridging the gap between the titans of Dick Grayson and Donna Troy and the younger generation of young justice soon teen titans Tim Drake and Cassie Sandsmark.

This series also reintroduced Jason Todd to a reader base that had known him as dead at this point. Adding new characterization that would be later used in the Batman: Hush storyline and lead into the Batman: Under the Red Hood series.

Interestingly, we see that this series of Teen Titans ended the same month that Red Hood's identity was revealed to Batman in Batman #683.

That is no coincidence. Fans have long since known that the series ended when Jason Todd was introduced back into the main line story.

However, while well planned, this left the elseworld's Teen Titans run to end abruptly and feel incomplete in some places.

Features

Some features of this series were a phenomenal number one cover that would later inspire the cover art for World's Finest: Teen Titans #1, an interesting dynamic between Batgirl and Robin that wouldn't show in mainline stories until New 52, and Roy in another mentorship role that we had been starting to see become more prominent at the time.

The introductory arc in the story (issues 1 through 4), where we were introduced to the characters in their separate contexts and got to see them come together in a way that explained how they got to that point, instead of just showing us them together as a team. It was also interesting to see Joker used as an introductory villain instead of someone else. It really set up the idea of a larger world outside of Joker and the scale of threats that would continue to increase throughout the series.

One of my favorite subplot that continued throughout the series was the character and moral conflict between the two bat characters (Cass and Jason) and their views on Justice, superheroing, and the right way to go about it. Although Jason's characterization is not exactly the same as his pre-death in the family personality, it provided a good sense of transition that got us from PreDitF to the UtRH personality. Cass and Jason often found themselves at odds with each other throughout the series. Cass, who believed in redemption and was stark and steady in her belief that no one should die, contrasted Jason's harsher view on crime and how to handle it.

It was also nice to see Cass on a team of people similar to her age. Although we got to see her work on the Justice League: Elite team, the elseworld's teen titans run got to show her in a more light-hearted run where she got to learn to be herself. Mirroring her then running solo series, we got to see Cass start to form a life and connections outside of the suit, and meet people who tested her belief in the symbol, this time with her peers.

Her growing friendship with Yara was really fun to read even at its worst writing. I especially enjoyed issue 25 and 26, where the two of them teamed up with the elseworld's version of Starfire and Donna Troy in a timeless issue of powerful female heroes.

Some of the negative from the run was the forced upon romantic subplot from 27 to 36, where it took up too much space on the panels and caused unnecessary character drama in a style that hadn't been seen in the run up to that point.

By the time of issue 40, there were three issues to wrap up the plot of the story before the run would come to a close. The story structure was there, but it was rushed and needed a couple more issues to really dive into the plot. The team disbands after Jason Todd/Robin murders one of the lesser villians they were fighting and caused the team to split ways to deal with the events of the arc. It culottes perfectly into the reveal later that month in the main books.

There was a top heavy focus on the two bat characters, which left less room for the other's. That didn't mean that the others didn't have central arcs throughout the run. It is just meant by the proxy of having two bat characters. Their drama was brought up the most.

Arcs

Issues 1 through 4 Jason focused introductory

Issues 5 through 8 was a Yara focused arc

9 through 12 was a Roy centric arc

16 through 19 was a Cass centric arc

20 through 22 was a Jason centric arc

23 and 24 was a Jackson centric arc

25 and 26 was Cass and Yara

30 through 34 was another Roy centric arc

The annual plus 36 was a Jackson arc

37 and 38 was another Yara centric arc

40 through 43 was extremely focused in Jason with Cass as a close second.

Conclusions

It was a really interesting story to read, and it was fun to see what having Batgirl on a team does to the dynamics of a normally Robin only sort of line-uo. It's interesting that Jackson was the first of the two original characters to make the jump to mainline comics (2010) and Yara was later in 2021, having been the last of the team brought into the main timeline. It would be nice to see them come back together for a special crossover again, fill the niche group of fans that follow the limited fan material on this series.

[metabolizemotions]

They only fetishize queer people. Especially our pain. We are not real, entire human beings to them. The celebrate the straight couples - their relationship, intimacy n all; fetishize the bodies of queer men; n fetishize the idea of queer women.

The extent to which they tolerate our sexuality is the short snippets in promo clips. They only want to exploit our online engagement. Ironically our viewership might be bringing in the ad buyers who r trying to erase us.

They try to erase the specificity of the "queer" part, but only use the pain, the convenient stereotypes, the virtue-signaling part to gain brownie points n for good drama. They joke about cultural appropriation n did exactly that during the pride episode with the straight couple's proposal. Same-sex marriage. What are you talking about? It's about queer hate n straight allyship.

They capitalize on the "women" part, to further fetishize our biology. So if it's 2 women in a relationship - it's double the drama about making babies, bad genes, n jokes about hormones n our body parts. But it's 2 women, how can they possibly manage w/o "big, strong, sensitive", straight men with good genes to contribute n overflowing empathy to deal with them being emotional n hormonal?

It's 5b, it's pride, it's the burning man all over again. First they elevate Jack, now Beckett. Pride was about cheating queer men n high queer woman. An intimate scene of Marina must be minimized n hidden among the others' or edited to death in a montage. It's as scary as a man burning to death.

The fact that they haven't even shared a proper kiss this season through any joyful or emotional moment... They just come up with more ways to obscure the kiss, if any. Bad lighting, bad angles n bad editing are prerequisites. They r also written into the script.

Of course they make an important life decision in the NICU, n it's completely inappropriate for a married w|w to share a quick kiss - which we saw via the back of their heads. Unlike a gay man having sex with an ex at the funeral of the ex's dad - while cheating on his partner - twice. Perfectly lit with no obstructions of course.

Even in their ugly kitchen they're assigned, with a perfectly good scene setup, nope. Too brightly lit for queer woman - save it for a long morning kiss b/w gay men in their nice kitchen.

Emotional scene about Carina's fertility issues and reciprocal IVF - okay a kiss allowed grudgingly - but just 0.5 sec. Their lips touched. You get the idea. Why are you fans so demanding? Time is reserved for the 101th proposal of the straight couple n their extended kisses. A proper Marina love scene? You perverts. More explicit sex scenes b/w straight couples are needed.

I don't want to rehash about Jack. I've said plenty about Beckett. Just that men's mistakes are dismissed and minimized. It is not enough to show every painful step of Maya apologizing and making amends. Maya and Carina must also be used to make the audience sympathize with Jack and Beckett. It is a deliberate yet thoughtless choice to use Carina's SA trauma to sympathize with Jack. Just as it is to use Maya's family trauma to sympathize with Beckett. Esp the context of the shot. It is esp violating. They might as well just get Jack to show up for this. They never really got it, did they?

However one chooses to justify these choices, it's not only unnec but wrong to include the men. Esp not Beckett - the man who bullied her for months till her breakdown. Even if he never apologized and they insist on using Maya's pain to make him look good in his redemption arc, idc at this point, but this is just not the time.

If it must be a man, get Travis. Make it a conversation b/w queer people, about queer hate, about their families. Travis sympathizing with Maya, about a journey he wouldn't know about. Way better than jokes on hormones with the guys. A cheap way to get a laugh at an arduous process. I thought we left 5b n mocking queer women behind.

It could have been one beautiful scene with Andy and Vic. They haven't had a proper one since s1 & 2. They would have understood about Mason, if not for their long friendship, there's 703. It could have been about the pain women go thru - Andy and Vic about their abortions or Maya about experiencing what Carina underwent... The show really isn't big on female camaraderie.

But it should really be Carina. Among all the scenes of Carina in the station bathroom - which have been a lot - this is probably the most appropriate if they must set it there. Definitely more so that her own insemination, which was ridiculous.

These are moments that they should only share with each other, privately n intimately. These precious moments that are dwindling - few n short to begin with. It's not irl, it's one scene in an ensemble show. They sure could have romanticized this. It doesn't even have to be half as dramatic as a regular scene of their golden couple. D & S will create magic.

Esp in this episode, there's so much to unpack. With everything they've been thru on their own, the ending could have been about them at home, checking in n sharing their day. Talking about the lawsuit, the hate on queers, their brothers, the boundaries they had to set with their families... Doing the trigger shot together - esp after their emotional scene in 705 n to cap off the morning scene. A perfect setup for their emotional n physical intimacy.

But of course it didn't happen. Other important moments in their lives about their new home n new baby were also short parts of wordless montages. They are even less important than scenes of the others having drinks n sex.

Queer women just don't matter.

[inatimate-icarus]

Bones Chapter 1

Summary: You had always found comfort in your district life, and the relationship you all had with the capitol. But that changes when you leave the arena, Finnick takes notice of you, will you allow him to help you cope? Or will he remain just another capitol mutt in your eyes?

Warnings: Couple of swear words here n there, mentions of nausea/vomiting, depictions of violence/gore, blood, mentions inducing vomiting.

W.C: 4k

Your mother straightened out your collar and smoothed a hand over your shoulders. You were donning a soft olive green sweater vest, it sat neatly against the crisp white button-up and was a welcome contrast to your dark brown corduroy pants. Not too much, but good enough for the cameras. Standing a bit straighter to look at your parents, you felt it, overwhelming confidence. It has been five whole years since you’ve come of age and you have yet to have your name pulled from that infamous glass bowl. This is it. This was the year you left for the arena and came back to your district, adding to its ever-increasing pool of victors. This was the year you made your district proud. That thought consumed your mind, while you climbed the steps to stand with Granite, the District Two escort. You stood proudly, a confident smile spread across your countenance while you listened to your parents cheer you on.

Another round of cheers erupted when a small child, who looked like they'd just come of age, approached the pedestal. You shook hands with your district partner, Gabbro, a kid in your neighborhood. You’ve spoken only a handful of times, but you offer them a sweet smile. You knew they wouldn’t last five minutes in the arena, and knowing that gave you stirred something inside you but, the capitol loves a show. You watched them tear up, they were aware of the situation they were in. The capitol loves a show. You pulled Gabbro into a tight hug, patting their head and shushing quietly. You let them sob into your shoulder as you bathe in the reactions of the crowd. After your brief goodbyes, the next couple of days seemed to pass by in a blur, before you knew it you were preparing for the tribute parade.

You spent nearly all your time training and acquainting yourself with the other tributes, making quick allies with the tributes from districts 1 and 4. Granite was one of your constant supporters, giving you constant praise for your “overwhelming confidence”. Enobaria was rough around the edges and, though she made sure to see to it that both you and Gabbro were thoroughly prepared, she clearly had a soft spot for the younger tribute. Continuing to talk them through the nerves whilst you prepared to put your best foot forward for the people of the capitol.

You turned quickly when you felt someone else's eyes piercing the back of your head, your eyes meeting soft, inviting green ones. It took you a moment to recognize his face, though as he approached with a smug smile and the confidence of a seasoned victor, you knew exactly who that peacock was.

Finnick Odair. The youngest victor in the entire history of the games, you’d spent countless nights rewatching the 65th game, analyzing every move that eventually led him to victory. It was embarrassing to admit it, but you were a bit jealous, he was a year younger than you. And whilst you stayed in your district, training, he had already won the games; and with it the hearts of the capitol citizens. “Your stylist truly outdid himself.” A sickeningly saccharine voice filled your ears, and a stage-ready smile quickly found its way to your face.

“That he did, the gold is easy on the eyes.” You fiddled the hem of your golden skirt, suddenly feeling very conscious of your every move. Finnick reaches a hand out to adjust your cape, letting it pool behind you. “Yet wonderfully striking.” He was dangerously close, his left hand twirling an imaginary object on your shoulder. “Careful, Odair.” You warned, not wanting any unnecessary rumors ruining your chances. Though you made no attempt at pushing him away, that seemed to egg him on as he leaned forward to speak quietly in your ear. “Y’know comforting that kid was genius- you’ll have to give me acting lessons sometime.”

“What?” The word slipped without another thought, how could he tell? You felt you were an excellent actor, or at least, you thought you were. Finnick smirked, he knew what he was doing, trying to shake your resolve. You gently place a hand on his arm, taking a step back. Your trained smile came back to your face while you watched him, searching for a motive. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.” Finnick's expression didn’t change, but he moved a hand to his pocket, successfully fishing out a sugar cube and held it out to you. “Sweetheart, I know an act when I see one.” You shook your head and he pops the sugar into his mouth stepping closer again. “See, I have sort of a knack for finding secrets,” Shrinking a couple of sizes while Finnick towers over you, “And that fire in your eyes is enticing.”

You won’t let him shake you, having dedicated hundreds of hours of your life to training. You won’t let pretty eyes and a pair of dimples be your downfall, you stand straighter. “I’m afraid I have no secrets to give, Odair. But I’ll let you know once I change my mind.” You continued to stare into his eyes, this man is dangerous. One wrong move could cost you your sponsors. There’s an intense staring contest before the crowd suddenly grows louder, and the other districts start mounting their chariots. “I suppose that’s my cue,” You bow slightly, “til’ next time, Finnick.”

For a moment his expression falls into something unidentifiable, but just as quickly as it appears it’s gone, and his signature darling smile is back. As you turn your back you hear him speak under his breath. “For your sake, I hope that time never comes.” He made his way back to his tributes while the chariots prepared to leave. You didn’t have a moment to process his words before your performance began, but unwillingly his words followed you for days to come. And they continue to stay with you as your capsule slowly brings you into the arena.

You were a career. You’d trained your entire life for these games, physically, at least. That time spent never could’ve prepared you for the moment your knife plunged into another tribute's chest, no one told you how to rid yourself of the nausea you felt when his limp body hit the ground. With zero time to recover, suddenly all that time spent training was tossed out the window as soon as you saw Gabbro running into a little cave nearby, they’re just a child. The disgusting realization came as you fought off the tributes trying to corner him, you honestly don’t know what came over you.

Gabbro was a wonderful climber for their age, they were smaller and extremely agile. Making it easy for them to get down the pit, and once you had both made it down to the cornucopia, it was a bloodbath. The stinging scent of iron permeated your nose, and a wave of nausea came rushing over you. Fortunately, the nausea was quickly forgotten when a tribute from District 7 came barreling towards you, his ax high above his head. Which left you a clear opening, you quickly dive and aim for his chest. A guttural noise left his mouth, as he stood still for a moment, probably trying to figure out why you looked so horrified.

You were raised to kill, so why did you feel so disgusting? You realized you didn’t even remember his name, a subconscious effort to make it easier to get rid of the other tributes. The less you know about them the better, there’s nothing for you to get attached to. But that didn’t stop you from keeping a hand over your mouth as he collapsed, once again without a moment to recover you heard shouts from a cave nearby. Gabbro. That was all you needed before you were running in, but how you wished you hadn’t.

You wished you hadn’t saved the kid, maybe then you wouldn’t have heard about how much they missed their family. About the kitten they got recently, Rocky, and how he refuses to sleep without them. About how their favorite color is olive green because it reminded them of you, and your bravery. You wished you hadn’t held them and covered their ears every time the cannon went off.

While the both of you were making your way across the rocky terrain, searching for your next meal, the conversations seemed to flow easily. Speaking to someone about something that wasn’t the game was like taking a breath you didn’t know you needed. After just a couple of days in the arena 18 people, including you and Gabbro, were all that remained. Some of the tributes were people you had an alliance with, but they surely wouldn’t welcome you with open arms now.

Looking for food and water was a walk in the park if the park was scorching hot and also a desert. You two had managed to find a lake, the fish in it were small but you were in no position to be picky.

The night came quickly, urging the search for shelter. The sand started to blend, it was hard to tell what direction you’d come from or which way you were going. The cool light of the moon seemed to shine on the sand, illuminating the silent expanse, and then the canon fired.

Six ear-ringing shots boomed throughout the arena.

That’s 12 of us left. You were a little impressed, 6 people simultaneously? A sick part of you was relieved, not only because you didn’t die, but because you could already see the blood staining your hands. The nauseating fanfare began as the first six tributes flashed across the stars, you held Gabbro tighter, urging them to cover their ears.

The other tributes had continued to drop like flies, 9, 3, 2. Cannon after cannon for another week, until it was just a pair from District 4. You and Gabbro had been hunted down at least a couple of times during that, having just narrowly avoided it every time. On day 9 you had killed 3 people, around your age, one of them just barely missing any major vital points on Gabbro. But they didn’t get away unscathed, a large gash stretched from side to side on their right leg, making moving camp a little harder.

It was quiet for days, which was to be expected with 4 living people left. But unfortunately, the momentary peace was boring. And the capitol loves a show. The surrounding silence was replaced with a deep growling, you stood cautiously, not knowing what you were to face. A liger. If you were in a different situation it would’ve been gorgeous, you shook Gabbro awake, and a look of utter terror painted their face. “Gab, I need you to run back to the pit as fast as you can. Do you understand me? Don’t slow down, don’t turn back, I swear I’ll be right behind you.”

You gave Gabbro a tight hug, a goodbye hug if your luck had run out. Maybe 4 will kill them quickly, and it’ll all be over. You throw a knife toward the liger and it fixates on you, you can hear Gabbro limping their way to escape. The spear you’d taken proved to be useful, successfully putting distance between you and the large cat. And then it pounced, your spear sat in its mouth, while you tried desperately to hold it back. You could see the handle bending in on itself, you were ready to die, you just needed to buy Gabbro enough time to run.

A rock hit the liger in the eye, it quickly diverted its attention from you and you kicked it off. You looked over, horrified when you saw Gabbro toss another rock in its direction, you took advantage of the distraction and pierced your spear into its jugular. You let out a long sigh, before pushing its body off.

“What the fuck are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed?” You ran up to Gabbro, fuming. “I told you to run, what are you doing back here?” Your anger was misplaced, you knew that, but you also knew that you didn’t want to watch this child die. “You needed help!” “I need you to live, Gabbro.” You were both crying, knowing that only one of you was getting out of the arena didn’t make arguing any easier.

Gabbro threw their arms around you, sobbing into your chest. “Please just let me stay with you, please.” For a moment you stood still, and then you hugged them back just as tight. You two separated and gave sad smiles, and that’s when you heard it, an arrow flying. Gabbro was fast, much faster than you, they pushed you aside. “Gabby?” A soft gasp escaped your lips while you both fell to the ground, arrows continued to fly past while you laid them down.

“Gabbro, I need you to stay with me okay? Keep your eyes open just for a little while. I'll be right back. Stay awake, I’ll be right back.” Rising reluctantly, you raised your spear to the perpetrators. Marina and Caspian, the two tributes from District 4. Caspian held his bow with an arrow prepared to strike, Marina stood not too far away from him with a sinister grin on her face.

“Aw, that’s so sweet of you. They’re a good kid, ‘s such a shame, they could’ve lived a good life.” Marina’s condescending tone made your blood boil, before you could retort Caspian's arrow narrowly avoided your head. You strafe left and pulled a knife from your belt, throwing it straight at Caspian's left knee, he fell almost immediately. You look back to Marina who’s already charging towards you, her trident glistened with something in the moonlight. You block her advance but she knocks you back, landing on your back you quickly recover. Another arrow surges past, scraping your bicep. You let out a hiss of pain and felt the wound, a black substance leaked out of your suit. A wave of nausea followed and you shook away your blurring vision, Marina’s sick laugh permeated your senses. “It’s amazing what a little bit of Fang Tooth venom can do to a person, isn’t it?”

Fang Tooth Bats? You had a brief run-in with them a couple of days ago, luckily you and Gabbro had avoided getting bit, but you watched a couple of tributes fall victim to their venom. Marina once again lunged toward you, you snapped out of your haze and managed to trip her. I need to get rid of Caspian first. You had sent your last knife to his knee, giving you no more projectiles, so you ran to him before he could load another arrow. Your spear drives a deep hole in his chest, the cannon booming as soon as his body hits the sand.

You can hear Marina’s shouts from behind you, but you’re struggling to understand what she’s saying. The blood seemed to smell much stronger now, and you fought the dizzy feelings. You grab the machete from Caspian’s side, but Marina tackles you to the ground. You glanced at Gabbro’s body, they didn’t seem to be moving. She laughed while she looked down at you, “You have to be some kind of stupid to think that kid is gonna live any longer, they’re already dead!” She lifted her trident above her head, but you grasped the handle of the machete while your other hand sat flat with the blade. Your strength was rapidly declining, struggling to hold the weapon in front of you. “Y’know Gabbro was first on my list, easy target. It’d take nothing for my trident to pierce their tiny body.” Her trident was getting dangerously close, you were racking your brain for something to get you out of this situation. You used your remaining strength and pushed her off, grabbing a fistful of sand and throwing it in her eyes. Without a moment to spare you slashed her throat while she struggled, her sick smile remained as her body fell.

Gabbro. The nauseating feeling was back and it was becoming increasingly harder to keep your balance, and you wobbled toward Gabbro, who still hadn’t moved an inch since you’d left. “Gabby? Gabby, are you okay?” Their chest was rising and falling steadily, but something felt wrong. They sat up and pulled the arrow from their side. “Gabs, why'd you do that? Fuck, we need to apply pressure to-“ You were interrupted when Gabbro swung the arrow at you, missing you by a long shot. “Gabby?” You fell back, moving away from Gabbro, who continued to shout and swing the arrow. “Gabbro, stop! It’s me!” You begged, hoping they’d understand. Your pleas fell on deaf ears, whatever hallucination they were going through was occupying all the space in their mind. “Shut up, Marina! I won’t let you hurt them!” You glanced over at Marina’s lifeless body. “Gabbro, Marina’s dead! She can’t hurt us, please just look at me!”

Their wound continued to expel blood, and you could tell it was starting to take a toll on them. But they jumped on you, thoroughly convinced that you were Marina. “Don’t you feel bad at all? Those people had families, Marina!” “Gabby!” You made one last attempt to call for them, your voice cracked and tears wouldn’t stop falling down your cheeks. Something unidentifiable flashed in their eyes, and you sat up, bracing yourself. For the pain that never came, you opened your eyes and Gabbro had driven the arrow directly into their chest. “Gabs?” You said their name softly, catching them when they fell over. You shouted their name while cradling their face in your hand, a far away look painted their features.

The last cannon boomed and your screams rang throughout the arena.

It all happened so fast, you were pulled out of the arena and immediately sent to a hospital. You let the doctors and nurses do their jobs, while you sat, the image of Gabbro’s lifeless body wouldn’t leave your mind. You didn’t even have a moment to process before you were thrown into life as a victor, the parties and the interviews did nothing to rid your hands of the blood they’ve shed. Your parents didn’t notice the change in your demeanor, or if they did they chose not to acknowledge it. They congratulated you, praising you for the people you had murdered, for the kids you murdered.

Suddenly the comfort you found in the capitol was nonexistent, you found yourself flinching at any form of physical contact, even from your parents. You’d believed that the people in the districts were equals, but you were nothing more than their entertainment. When you moved into your house in Victors Village, it felt much colder than you were used to. Although your parents gave you a false sense of comfort, anything was better than nothing. And nothing is what you were given when you begun your victory tour, crowds of shallow capitolites congratulated you, showering you in praise for your game. You had to swallow back any tears while you read your scripted speeches, your eyes kept drifting to the families of the fallen tributes. Your own district was one of the hardest, Gabbro’s family had stood on a pedestal across from you. Their eyes were filled with so many emotions, the most identifiable being rage, and you couldn’t blame them. No one understood why you could live the rest of your life while their kids, their babies had died in the arena. But they didn’t know that you wished you had died with them.

You were dreading the visit to District 4, while you stood on the stage to read your small sheet of paper, people began talking. A couple of people, you’re assuming were the parents of Caspian and Marina respectively, threw things at you. Small stones, sticks, really anything they could grab. A sharper rock managed to nick your cheek, and you watched them all get apprehended while a swarm of peacekeepers made their way through the crowd, you spotted a familiar sandy blonde while you were being escorted away. Once again that nauseating feeling had returned.

The rest of the districts were fairly uneventful in comparison, but the hatred and melancholy followed no matter where you went. The tour had finally ended with a huge party in the heart of the capitol, you had tried your best to avoid going, but Granite insisted that you were the star and President Snow would be disappointed to have the party without you. You tried one last time to refuse and found a white rose on your doorstep, attached to it was a small envelope that reeked of rose perfume. You opened it and to your horror was an earring you knew belonged to your mother, you weren’t dumb, you knew that was a threat.

Which led you to this lavish party, swirling a glass of god knows what. You internally thanked your stylist for keeping your outfit relatively simple, though you did almost trip over the skirt on your way up the stairs and the button-up seemed to be buttoned far too high, it was better than the outfits made entirely out of ruffles of fabric. You decide you’d had enough spinning your drink and go to take a sip, “I wouldn’t if I were you.” You jumped, despite the outfit you’re sure you’d be able to take anyone in a fight right now. “Woah, sweetheart, it’s just me.” Finnick put his hands up in surrender, “See? No weapons, you’re a little on edge, you alright?” His voice held something you couldn’t quite pick apart, but in the moment you didn’t want to. He picked up a small vine of grapes, and looked at you expectantly. This man was a fellow victor, he had mentored the people who killed Gabbro and although it wasn’t inherently his fault, you needed someone to blame. “Don’t touch me, Odair.” His smile seemed to widen and he took the drink from your hands, pouring it on the ground. He gave the empty glass to a passing waiter with a polite nod. “What the fuck was that for?” You were seething and you wanted nothing more than to punch that stupid smile off of his face. He tossed a grape up and caught it in his mouth. “It’s meant to make you throw up so you can continue eating, but if you want to be just like these capitolites you’re more than welcome to grab another glass.”

Although that sounded less than ideal you didn’t want Finnick Odair of all people to tell you not to do it. You sneered at him, “Thanks for the advice, darling, but I can take care of myself just fine.” His smile didn’t waver and he tossed another grape into his mouth. “Oh I know, I saw.” He saw? Of course he did, he’s a mentor, he’d be watching for his tributes. You felt the festering anger begin to rise, the anger at everyone who was watching the games, the people who were supporting it, and most of all President Snow himself. “If you know then, don’t come near me again, or else the next glass is hitting your skull.” You decided you didn't want to hear what he’d say next, and walked away. You saw a look of disappointment fall on his countenance, but you didn’t stay long enough to pick that apart. You don’t understand how he can be so okay with training other people, kids like him to kill other people. And honestly, you didn’t want to understand, all you knew was that you wanted out of these clothes. Hell, out of the capitol, and away from all of the disgusting people that inhabit it. Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you want, that much was evident when you arrived home to a path of white roses and a sickeningly sweet smell leading into your home.

I’m completely open to any criticism! But also please understand this is the first long fanfic idea I’ve ever had and executed, so be gentle 😭😭😭. Enjoy the fic! I have some big plans for this one and I hope you’ll stick around to read em!

[mugram]

[opens door, Es enters]

Es: Good afternoon, prisoner.

: Ah, you’re sitting in your seat as well–

Shun: Oh, hey, Warden!

: Well, I heard everyone else was giving you a hard time, so I’m giving you a break! 

: You’re halfway through these interrogations as well, right?

Es: Yes, that's true. 

: [Es exhales and sits down. Placing his hat on the table, they rub their head.]

: Thank you… for the break. 

Shun: Of course! Everyone needs a break.

: Even Prison Wardens.

: I hope you’re having a good day now. 

[A few minutes pass in silence as Es thinks to themselves before they finally speak.]

Es: Now, then… [clears throat]

: MUGRAM exists to reveal the sins of you prisoners. In order for me to do so, I must interrogate you. Let's talk.

Shun: Oh! It's just a conversation? Phew, was really worried there. I thought we were about to do one of those police investigations, haha.

Es: Eh, sort of, I guess. I do have to ask you questions…

Shun: Oh, then it's an interview! Okay, okay, ask away!

Es: Well, then… Name, age, and occupation.

Shun: I’m Minami Shun. I’m 25 and what do I do for work? Well, that’s a secret I’ll tell you later, okay~? 

Es: A secret–

: I thought you were going to give me a break. What is this?

Shun: No, no! I'll tell you! I promise! Just… not right this moment, okay? 

: I want this nice conversation to last a little longer.

Es: …Ah, fine. Since you were so nice to meet, we'll move on. 

Es: How has your life in MUGRAM been?

Shun: Hmmm…

: MUGRAM is pretty interesting, I’ll be honest. I like talking to everyone. 

: Keisuke has some interesting stories. 

: Sometimes, I hear Iwai-kun mutter some interesting stories while everyone eats. 

: Oh, Sora-san is really tired, too.

: I guess I should probably tell you this… Um…

: Be careful, okay?

Es: Be… careful?

: Why?

Shun: I feel like some people really don't want to talk about what they've done… Or are really strong and can beat people up.

Es: …

: Thank you for the tip.

Shun: Yeah, no problem!

: Ah… What else can we talk about…

: Oh, yeah! 

: What types of movies do you like?

Es: What…?

Shun: I'm serious! What movies do you like?

Es: Ah… I guess… mystery…? Drama…? I'm not sure… 

: Comedy is nice.

Shun: Oh! I never expected that from you.

: To be honest, I thought you were going to say, "I don't like movies. They're so fun and I'm not like that." [laughs]

Es: Eh?! 

: I'm not that serious, you know–

Shun: Well, that's good! I'm glad, phew. I was really hoping you weren't one of those big, scary Wardens.

: Then, again, you're seventeen? I don't really think I could see you as big and scary…

Es: Hah?!?

Shun: Anyways!

: In particular, do you like action movies? 

Es: Eh, what sort of question is that…?

Shun: Y'know, I'd love to be an action hero.

: Saving the world and infiltrating stuff.

: That's so much cooler than what I do.

Es: Eh?

Shun: [whistles theme song]

: Coming through the roof window as I land onto the ground. Guns firing.

: I load a gun, shoot.

: Bam, bam! Everyone’s down.

: Have you thought about how exciting that is?

Es: Eh... I guess. I'd much rather be the person behind the scenes than a person running around. 

: It would get very tiresome.

: Ah, wait!! This isn't about movies.

: What is your murder, Shun?

Shun: Seriously, you really want to know?

: My goodness. [sigh] Fine, fine~

: It's not that action-packed compared to Mi– 

Es: Get on with it!

Shun: I'm a contracted killer.

Es: Eh–??

Shun: I know, I know. You wouldn't expect someone like me to do that, right?

: It’s easy to do the stuff no one else wants to do, including stuff like this.

: Plus, I apparently have the skills for it, or whatever.

: It gives me money.

Es: ...

: How many?

Shun: Well, just one... [unintelligible mumbles]

: ... 

: I really feel bad for that guy.

: His wife asked to... for me to–

: It's sickening.

Es: …

: Why?

Shun: Money, Warden.

: That’s all you need to know, okay~?

Es: What kind of…

: Why would someone like you turn to murder just for money…?

: What…

Shun: Some people have to do the unnecessary jobs in the world.

: I just so happened to do one that involves murder.

: It… [sigh]

: Nevermind.

: You don’t care about that stuff, right?

: I’m already guilty in your eyes, so…

Es: No–

: No. I can’t accept this. You—

: You can't have done that.

: [stands up and slams the desk]

: You're the only person so far in this entire prison who has decided to give me any sort of break. You can't have done something like that!

Shun: Eh? Whatever happened to everyone here is a murderer?

Es: No, I still– I still believe in that.

: You just can't have done something like that.

: I refuse to believe it!

[mechanical noises]

Shun: Hey, Warden?

: I hope you judge me appropriately, okay?

: I trust what you have to say about my crimes.

Es: Why are you so laid back about this…?

: You can't have…

Shun: You're here to judge my sins, okay?

: So, let's get on with this extraction so you can.

Es: Yes…

: Shun…

: You…

: [exhale]

: Prisoner number five, Shun, come now. Sing your sins!

Scene Transcript - Paid Reaper