#and after that. back to our regular scheduled programming

[strawberry--boi]

Guys. I've done it. I've made the MC in my Miraculous fanfic rule out so many future episodes that I will get to make my own up to fill in the blanks. Hell yeah

[davidzochi]

two more traditionally bill doodles (i think these are from march)

[clarkeybabey]

❝ no seriously get your hands off my man ❞

summary; you don't like the way she acts around him playlist; miss possessive - tate mcrae word count; 1.2k note; this is for @raekensluver as she is in her miniminter era rn, no one else asked for this so its very much self-indulgent, back to our regular scheduled program after this one.

You and Simon enjoyed many parties in your time, much more when you were younger but, if you hadn't shown up for the charity match after-party he would've been given quite a bit of shit as he took charge of setting up almost everything. He's not stopped beaming since he woke you up yesterday with a coffee in hand for you, ensuring you knew it was nearly time to get going so everyone would be checked into the hotel before training.

Danny makes his way over, Ten's arm hooked with his, a blonde girl whose face is vaguely familiar in tow, "Simon!" Danny dabs him up pulling him in to aggressively clap him on the back, Your husband stumbles slightly before straightening up. They go into a loud conversation about the match attempting to speak over the bass-boosted music.

Tennessee and the nameless girl ogling at Simon sidestep around the two men over to you, "Ten, darling, you are glowing," you pause to kiss her cheek before continuing, "And admirable, can't believe you're out. I'd rather be under several duvets and I'm not pregnant." She smiles, shaking her head, "Glowing, no, oily, absolutely. Wouldn't miss it, Danny's floored." The girl behind her clears her throat, reminding you both of her looming presence.

"This is Emma Moran, she was on locked in with us," and that's when it hit you. The insufferable woman from Locked In who couldn't seem to keep her hands to herself when it came to the guys on there with even the slightest bit of clout or interest in anyone but her. She wanted attention, negative or positive, in her eyes any of it would do.

You nod along as she fangirls over your husband and his friends, he had fans so this was nothing new but she seemed to discuss solely followers and how she had been trying to get in on a Sidemen shoot or their podcast since the end of the show but never had success. "Maybe you could put in a word," she smiles too big for it to be real, you find yourself unable to control the way your face twists.

Her blue eyes flit from you to him a few times before settling on his face, "Uh, I can't really do much, I mean, I can mention you?" The words come off your tongue sounding unintentionally bitter, "They honestly do their own thing guest wise, I'm just his wife."

"That'd be nice, thank you," you smile, albeit tight-lipped, the next thing she says catches you completely off guard and based on how her brows knit together, Tennessee was thrown off just as much as you: "He is very nice to look at isn't he?" You narrow your eyes in her direction, doing your best to let the comment roll right off your back, he gets that from hundreds of thousands of girls daily. "Yeah, he is. One of the reasons I married him."

Silence quickly falls among you, and Simon, being only an arm's length away, picks up immediately on your now stiffened form and the abrupt ending of the conversation. Emma senses the awkward tension within the circle "Think I'm gonna go get a drink." Her grin resembles the Cheshire cat as she saunters off to the drink table, and poor Arthur Hill gets roped into a conversation with her.

The hazel-eyed girl watches her slip through the crowd of people and once she deems her out of earshot she's quick to let apologies flow, "I'm so sorry about her, she's so odd." You shake your head, giving her shoulder a squeeze, "Her actions are not your responsibility, you have nothing to be sorry for."

"No really, I knew I shouldn't have introduced her," she fidgets with her fingers quickly becoming anxious, "Ten, it's not your fault. I'm fine, I promise." Fine, yes, shocked at her audacity, absofuckinglutely.

Warmth creeps up your neck and soon your whole face feels hot, but you continue the lighthearted conversation with your friend, trying your best to relay how fine you thought you were. You're partial to crashing out in the middle of a party celebrating your best friends but if you could see her undressing Simon with her eyes at that moment, that feeling might just change.

Your ears perk as Danny excuses himself, wanting to mingle with some others Tennessee mutters more apologies as she follows behind her fiancee. "What was that about?" He quickly asks after they've stepped away. Rolling your eyes at the thought of what she said, your hand finds the back of his neck, ushering him down to your height.

"You see that girl over there?" He hums leaning into your touch, "She's your biggest fan, you know that?" another grunt of acknowledgment rumbles against your back, "Said you're nice to look at."

His bottom lip juts out and his brows shoot up, "Oh, really?" You tell him about how she was eyefucking him while you spoke with Tennessee and while you do so Simon's lips meet the exposed skin of your shoulder, his fingers graze over where his mouth just was, sliding the sequined strap of your little black dress down but not completely off.

Public displays of affection like this were few and far between, not due to a lack of admiration but because you loved so deeply it felt too nice to let the negativity of the outside world taint it. Even in the early years of your relationship back in school, you saved it for when it was just you two, now you keep it for when you know there are no cameras to be shoved in your face to capture such intimate moments. At this very second, something within you was staking its claim over him so everyone was aware he was not up for grabs.

"She's definitely watching," his warm breath fans over the place where your neck meets your shoulder, goosebumps rising in the wake of his words. You meet her baby-blue eyes from across the room, watching as her tongue darts out to wet her lips. He speaks up again, rubbing down your sides, to your hips getting dangerously close to the hem of your dress, "Why don't we get out of here?"

You sigh leaning back into him, "Yes please." He laces your fingers together, his thumb fiddling with your wedding ring, keeping you close as he makes his way through the sea of people.

You stop in your tracks unknowingly close to the refreshment table where she was last seen, "Shouldn't we say goodbye before," you cut yourself off at the sight of Emma's manicured hand on his bicep, "Simon, right?" she plays into faux oblivion, "I never got to introduce myself," before she can continue, he removes her hand from his arm stepping back from her.

He doesn't bother exchanging pleasantries, "I'd love to stay and chat, but we've really got to go." Her mouth hangs open before she can rack her brain for some form of rebuttal he's turned, tightening his grip on your hand. You can't help but turn giving her the same sickeningly sweet smile she shared with you earlier, following it up with a wave as you round the door and are out of sight.

[sunshine-lux]

Clueless (i.)

summary: Y/N and Peter have been friends for a while now. What happens when a new girl gets introduced to the group and fits in perfectly? New friendships are formed, old routines are broken, and one physics assignment threatens to blow up your world.

pairings: Stark!reader x MCU! Peter Parker

word count: 2k

Y/N and Peter. Peter and Y/N. The two teens had been inseparable ever since Tony Stark recruited Spider-Man to fight on his team against Captain America. Tony had enrolled his daughter into Midtown High School for the following school year to “keep an eye out” on the boy. Despite the fact the girl had never attended a regular high school in her life and she had skipped multiple grades in her homeschool program, Tony thought Y/N deserved a sense of normalcy in her life. And that’s exactly what Peter brought to the table. They were good for each other and everybody could see that.

To everyone except themselves.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･

Y/N strolled down the hallway, heading toward the cafeteria with her new friend, Gwen. "You got the best schedule. You practically have classes with all my friends! I wish my first year here had been that easy," Y/N pouted. Gwen nudged her, eyes wide with disbelief. "Wait—what? You're telling me Y/N Stark had trouble making friends? My dad’s a cop, and I’m still shocked you’re even talking to me!"

Y/N laughed. "I don't see why that would stop me from being your friend. And trust me, my friends will totally love you! You’ll see right now." She grinned, spotting Peter, Ned, and MJ sitting at their usual table.

Gwen stood hesitantly behind Y/N as she introduced her to the group.

"Guys! This is our new friend, Gwen Stacy! She’s super sweet, so please... behave yourselves."

Gwen sat down next to Y/N, offering a nervous smile to the others.

MJ leaned across the table, hand extended. “Hey, I’m MJ. I guess Y/N’s making us befriend you. You seem sweet… It’s almost like you haven’t been emotionally destroyed by the Saw trap that is Midtown."

The comment sent the two boys into a fit of laughter.

Y/N kicked Ned under the table. "It’s really not that funny, guys." She turned to Gwen with an apologetic smile. "That’s—no. Okay, sorry, they’re just in a silly goofy mood today."

Peter glanced up at the girls, offering a warm smile. "If Y/N likes you, we like you. I trust her judgment... unlike some people," he added, narrowing his eyes at MJ.

"Yeah, of course you do, loverboy," MJ snorted.

Ned’s laughter grew louder, but when he saw the synchronized glares from Y/N and Peter, he finally calmed down, trying to stifle his amusement.

Gwen glanced around the table, her expression slightly puzzled by the entire interaction.

Peter offered her a nervous smile. “Hey, can I see your schedule?”

She nodded, flipping through her binder until she found the slip. Handing it over, she watched as Peter and Ned carefully studied it .

“Oh, nice! We have APUSH together next period!” Ned exclaimed, grinning. “Don’t worry—I’ll help you catch up.”

Peter nodded alongside Ned. “Yeah and it looks like you have Art and Psych with MJ. We have last period together as well.”

At the mention of her name, MJ looked up from her book and snatched Gwen’s schedule from Peter’s hand.

“I guess we do.” MJ sighed, “I can go get you after APUSH. We can walk together to art.”

Gwen visibly relaxed at her comment. She nodded and offered MJ a smile of appreciation. 

Y/N leaned back in her seat, satisfied that Gwen was settling in. Her eyes flicked to Peter — he was already looking at her. He offered her a small, crooked smile. That soft, familiar one that said “we did good” without saying anything at all.

She smiled back before quickly looking down at her tray, cheeks warming.

“So, Gwen,” Ned piped up, “what do you think of Midtown so far?”

“It’s… big,” Gwen laughed, tucking her hair behind her ear. “And definitely louder than I’m used to. But I think I’m gonna like it here.”

MJ, who hadn’t stopped flipping pages in her book, muttered, “Just wait ‘til Flash asks you to be a guest on his podcast. That’s when you’ll know it’s too late to escape.”

Everyone groaned. Gwen blinked. “He has a podcast?”

“God help us,” Y/N said, shaking her head.

The table fell into an easy rhythm of laughter and teasing — the kind that made newcomers feel like they’d always been there.

The bell rang before any of them even realized lunch was over. They grabbed their stuff, laughter still lingering in the air as they said quick goodbyes and split off of their next class. Peter hung back slightly, waiting for Y/N — like he always did — so he could walk her to class.

“Sooo,” Y/N started, swinging her backpack over one shoulder, “what are your first impressions? Come on, Parker. Be honest.”

Peter glanced at her, then plucked the bag from her shoulder without missing a beat. “I mean… she seems nice, I guess. I don’t really have like a full opinion yet.”

Y/N tilted her head, “Hmm. Alright. I think she’s super sweet. We’re definitely gonna be best friends in no time.”

They reached her classroom, and Peter handed her backpack back with a small smile.

“Thanks— oh, wait!” Y/N called as he turned. She leaned casually against the doorframe. “Almost forgot. We’re still on for tonight, right? My dad said we can order whatever we want.”

Peter grinned. “Of course. I’ll see you after school, Y/N/N.”

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･

After 3 long classes, school was finally over. Y/N stood outside the building, ignoring Happy’s texts that seemed to be blowing up her phone. 

Happy:

“I have places to be, Y/N 🙄”

“Hurry up, kid.”

“Drag Peter to the car if you have to.”

Peter stepped out of the building, eyes scanning the courtyard until they landed on Y/N leaning on the railing, phone in hand. His face lit up instantly. 

“Hey! Sorry for the wait– Mr. Lovatt just assigned us an insane physics project, supposed to be a semester-long. Total nightmare.” Peter says with an apologetic smile.

“Oh yikes,” Y/N cringes, “why is he always giving out the worst assignments?”

Peter groaned, “he prides himself in having an 80% fail rate-”

“Peter! You ready to go?”

The voice cut clean through the moment.

Y/N turned just as Peter froze. Gwen was hurrying over, a thick textbook clutched in her arms.

“Hi Gwen.” Y/N says, giving the girl a sweet smile.

Gwen waves at her then turns to Peter, “Sorry I stayed behind — I had a bunch of questions, and Mr. Lovatt gave me this packet of makeup work. ” She held up the fat stack with a wince. “He said if I want to pass, I’d better start yesterday.”

“Oh wow, yeah that is… a lot of work.” Peter winces.  “We can get right on that after we finish our outline.” 

Y/N raised an eyebrow, “You didn’t tell me you got paired up with Gwen.”

“Oh yeah! Mr. Lovatt said he was doing me a favor by pairing us up. It’s a lot of work so I figured we’d just go to my place and get started. Apparently Peter is the best in the class. Physics is my weakest subject so this works out perfectly!” Gwen rants.

Y/N nods and turns back to Peter. He still wouldn’t look at her.

“So… I take it you’re not coming over? No Love Island tonight?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

Peter glanced at the ground, red creeping up his neck. “I’m sorry,” he muttered. “We literally just got the assignment ten minutes ago…”

Gwen looked between them, instantly picking up on the shift in tone. “Oh my god — I didn’t know you guys had plans. We can totally start tomorrow or—”

“What–no! Don't worry about it, okay?” Y/N cuts her off, forcing a small laugh. “School stuff is way more important than…trashy reality TV.”

Gwen looked relieved. “Okay. I just didn’t want to overstep or be, like… rude.”

“You’re not. It’s fine, really,” Y/N said with a wave of her hand.

She turned to Peter one more time, but he still wouldn’t meet her eyes.

“I should go — Happy’s probably about to call in a wellness check,” she joked, pushing off the railing.

“Have fun, Gwen.”

“You too,” Gwen offered. “Nice seeing you.”

Y/N gave Peter one last punch to the arm as she passed. “Later, weirdo.”

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･

Y/N made her way to the parking lot, spotting Happy’s car near the front. Her chest felt strangely tight as her mind replayed the recent interaction. Why was Peter acting so weird about the whole thing? Sure, he had never missed out on Love Island before but he wouldn’t even look at her after Gwen confessed they’d been paired together. Did he really feel so awful for cancelling plans last minute? 

Y/N opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat with a heavy sigh.

“Finally.” Happy grumbled. “Where’s the other one?”

“He’s not coming.” Y/N states, buckling her seat belt.

Happy raised an eyebrow. “He’s missing out on Love Island? Isn’t there a recoupling tonight?”

“Yes. And yes,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Whatever. I had a long day — I don’t think I could’ve handled him yelling at the screen tonight.”

Happy can tell there’s something wrong but he doesn’t push it. He’s known her long enough to know that she’s not ready to admit she’s upset. 

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･

Later in the evening, Y/N slumped on the couch, a blanket pulled over her lap as the bright pink Love Island intro blared on the TV. 

The show had been reduced to background noise as she scrolled on her phone. Normally, Peter would’ve already shown her memes on his phone relating to the islanders or asked “we’re not voting for Casey, right?”

But tonight, she laid on the couch by herself. No one yelled at the screen when the islanders did dumb things. No one to show her silly memes.

Halfway through the episode, Y/N grabbed the remote and shut off the TV. The silence was deafening. She leaned her head back on the couch and stared at the ceiling.

It’s not a big deal, she told herself.

It wasn’t. It shouldn’t be.

So why did it feel like something had cracked?

Her fingers hovered over her phone screen again. She typed out a text.

hope the project’s going well. good luck :)

She stared at it. Then backspaced every word. Closed her messages.

A voice called from upstairs. “Ms. Stark, your dad wants to see you in the lab.”

She blinked, then groaned, pushing herself up. 

When she stepped into the lab, Tony was scrolling through what looked like seating arrangements on a tablet.

“Hey, kid,” he said without looking up. “I need you next Friday.”

“Why?”

“Oscorp gala. Norman’s hosting. You know the whole ‘Stark presence’ thing. Wear something that says I’m rich but not a bitch.”

Y/N snorted and leaned on the table. “Since when do we do Oscorp events?”

“Since they crawled back to us after their PR disaster with the algae-powered hovercars. Norman’s trying to play nice — and I want you there. No skipping.”

She gave a lazy salute. “Copy that. I’ll find something classy and non-threatening to wear.”

Tony nodded once, still tapping at the screen. Then, casually, “By the way, where’s underoos? Figured he’d be here by now, eating all my snacks and pretending he understands quantum encryption.”

Y/N hesitated just a second too long. “He had a school project. Got paired up with the new girl.”

Tony finally glanced up, sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Ah. Gwen, right?”

Y/N didn’t respond, just looked past him at the glowing arc reactor on the wall.

“Huh,” Tony said simply, then looked back down at the tablet. “Alright. Don’t start a blood feud with her either. Not unless I can monetize it.”

She snorted. “Damn. There goes my evening plan.”

They lapsed into silence, the hum of the lab equipment filling the space.

After a beat, Tony added, almost offhandedly, “Osborn’s kid’s gonna be there too. Just got back from boarding school or some overpriced European nonsense. He’s around your age. Try to be nice.”

She didn’t say anything. Just nodded once, eyes back on the screen in front of her.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔:･

author's note: this is my first time posting something like this omg guys. this came to me in a dream. i'm still not sure how many part this will be but i have some exciting stuff planned!

im curious as to how yall pictured Gwen lol pls tell me your face claim.

i really hope yall enjoyed!

[jetpolyart]

Now back to our regular scheduled programming. Got to rest after the eventful month.

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 85 (Searching for Rafa Bonilla)

cw: mentions underage trafficking, drug smuggling

Conrad looked for Rafa Bonilla between his regular cases at the precinct, following clues and booking suspects to keep his captain satisfied. A few months into his search he finally located one of Rafa's known associates, according to police reports.

He called Heather, tapping his fingers against the desk. "Hey, you've reached Heather's phone. It's either the middle of the night or I'm with a patient, so leave a message and I'll call you back."

"Hey, it's me. I was hoping to talk to you, but I've got to work a little late tonight. I'll make it up to you. I'm sorry. I love you."

He drove outside Brindleton Bay to greet the man who thought he had everyone fooled with his chess mentorship program. It would be less than thirty minutes before his students - mostly children - started showing up for their scheduled lesson in the park, so Conrad knew he had to work fast. He shuddered as he got closer to him, and not just because it was freezing outside.

"Jimmy Stefano," he said, dropping his voice an octave to sound serious.

"Not lately," mused the man with a laugh. "Who's asking?" He turned to face the voice who knew his old identity. "You? They said you were a cop now. No surprise they never let you work our cases."

Conrad knew they had no time for small talk and he whipped out his cuffs. "You're under arrest for aiding and abetting a known fugitive."

"You can't be serious! Who?"

"Rafael Bonilla."

Jimmy's face went white, but he stopped resisting. As Conrad cuffed him, he asked, "Are you taking me in to help San Myshuno PD, or did she call you?"

Conrad scoffed. "She who?"

Jimmy laughed. "She told both of us sweet nothings, old friend. You were just dumb enough to believe them."

"Shut up and get in the cruiser."

Back at the station, Jimmy looked around the interrogation room in his orange jumpsuit once Conrad booked him. "Aren't you going to need the cameras on to record your attempt at my confession?"

"I want you to speak freely, Stefano. Tell me everything you know."

Jimmy eyed him suspiciously. "You're not working with San Myshuno PD at all, are you."

"I didn't stage an elaborate arrest just to scare you. I still plan to file a report after you and I catch up. Just talk."

"She really did get to you. Are you trying to let her ruin your life again?"

"Where the hell is Rafa?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him in two years, when the last job we did together went bad. I assumed his sister told him to run since the charges he's facing are so serious."

"She doesn't know where he is."

"I'm sure she told you that. Did she tell you she was done with Los Tigres, too?"

Conrad flinched, and Jimmy raised an eyebrow.

"I'm happy with my chess students, but I can't get out now. When you walked, I should've joined you, but I didn't have your father's connections at the police station to keep me out of jail."

"I wasn't even there that night, but you gave them my name."

"Yeah, I did, because you walked before you even got started. Los Tigres only let you live because you became a cop and they didn't need the heat. I don't know what she told you, but if you think Ximena's turned over a new leaf and is done smuggling for the cartel, you're an idiot. She just uses new aliases these days."

Conrad breathed in through his nose. "If I turn the cameras on, will you avoid mentioning our history while you tell me what Ximena's still doing with the cartel?"

"What's in it for me, Sargent?"

"If it comes to it and you're telling the truth, I only want Ximena. As long as Los Tigres doesn't get caught up in anything at the Brindleton docks, I've got no reason to open up a window to the past. You should think about moving on, too. Turn that chess mentorship program into more than just a front."

Jimmy rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Some of us are lifers, you know."

Conrad hit record while Jimmy told him everything he knew about Ximena's past - how she escaped being trafficked in her teens by offering to run drugs for Los Tigres de Selva, working her way up to running an entire operation moving drugs from Selvadorada to San Myshuno, through Britechester, and back again. Her associates called her The Chameleon because of how often she changed her hair.

She'd been arrested but never did hard time, with those who worked under her often taking the fall, instead - like Jimmy Stefano. Twice. Ximena kept herself just clean enough to avoid prison, and dragged her brother into the same life. "Rafa and I used to pose as Simlandian military to run product for his sister, but he never got caught for that," Jimmy said.

"When was the last time you worked for her?"

"Four months ago."

Conrad led him through several questions, showing copies of Ximena's old police reports. When they'd finished, he released Jimmy Stefano. It didn't satisfy him to send a known smuggler back to the streets, but he'd gained some incriminating evidence against Ximena, at the very least. He was beginning to think he might need it, eventually.

He headed home in darkness, and his mind raced with possibilities. Could Ximena's activities have led directly to her brother's disappearance? Who were her enemies these days?

He tried to call her, against his better judgment, but she didn't pick up her phone. He hung up before the voicemail kicked in.

When he walked in the door, he found six-year-old Ash on the floor, working on a castle diorama for extra credit at school. He knelt down to help him without even changing out of his work clothes. "Can you help me with the small pieces? Mommy won't let me use better scissors, but my kid scissors barely cut anything!"

He grinned. Grateful for the distraction, Conrad pulled out an instruction booklet tucked under the edge of the box. "Of course. What did you need me to cut?"

"Just these windows," he said. "They're too small. And can you measure to make sure my towers are big enough? I want the biggest towers of the whole class! Like the Spire Tower!"

"Tallest towers, can do. Hey, did you want to use this lump of clay for anything?" (Finally, the clay comes out at a sensible moment!!)

"Yeah! Moat mud! And we could use real water!"

"Your mom won't be very happy if we make real mud in the house, buddy."

Heather walked into the room then, kneeling down next to them to play with Gord. "Please don't make real mud. Why don't you use the clay to mould a base for the castle?"

"Good idea, Mommy! Can we have pancakes for dinner tomorrow night? I've been thinking about pancakes all day!"

"I can make you pancakes for dinner, but your mom and I won't be here to eat them with you," said Conrad. "Tomorrow night, I'm taking your mom on a date."

"What's a date?"

"It's when people who like each other hang out," Heather said.

Ash's eyes grew wide. "Is there kissing?"

Conrad grinned. "There might be. What do you know about kissing?"

He paused. "Nothing, I guess. Scotti Holiday says it's like eating faces, but why would people who like each other eat their faces?"

Heather laughed. "Don't worry, Conrad's not going to eat my face. Are you almost finished with your diorama for the night? It's getting late and you should get to bed soon."

"Just a little while longer, Mommy. Please! I'm not tired and I'm almost done!"

When he and Conrad had finished, they displayed the excellent diorama on a kitchen countertop until Ash could take it to school in the morning. Before he went to bed, Conrad went upstairs to check on his sleeping baby girl.

Intuitive to his human's growing stress level, no matter how well he hid it from everyone else, Gord followed him. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 1 Summary | Gen 1 Start

[delulupunk]

DUNE AU DAMIAN WAYNE X READER PART FOUR

Mild brutalia

Fem reader

Notes: Under no circumstances should opinions expressed by characters be linked to this author in anyway. This is written in the style of Frank Hebert’s book, this means spoilers for Dune. While inspired by Frank Herbert’s novel the plotline may be similar, however it will not be the same.

Someone please bully me into a regular update schedule

Imperial terminology

Bene Gesserit: The ancient school of mental and physical training established primarily for female students after the Butlerian Jihad destroyed the so-called ‘thinking machines’ and robots.

Caladan: Third planet of Delta Pavonis.

Filmclip: An apparatus used mainly for training consisting of a shigawire imprint carrying a mnemonic pulse.

Faufreluches: The rigid imperial system of class stratification.

Shield, defensive: The protective field produced by a Holtzman generator. A shield will permit entry only to objects moving at slow speeds.

Spacing (Guild): Powerful organization which ad a monopoly on space travel and transport due to their Navigators.

Mating index: The Bene Gesserit master record of its human breeding program aimed at producing the Kwisatz Haderach.

Mentat: The class of imperial citizens trained for supreme accomplishments of logic. ‘Human computers’.

Sapho: High-energy liquid extracted from barrier roots of Ecaz. Used by Mentats who claim it amplifies mental powers. Users develop deep ruby stains on mouth and lips.

Without our mothers, we are nothing of worth. Commentaries On The New Emperors Family- Empress Y/N

The soft wind swished Talia’s hair to the side as she looked down at her favourite flowers, which were jewels in a sea of sage leaves.

Pondering she brushed her hand against the soft surface of the petals. She found herself wishing that she knew who her parents were- she understood the Bene Gesserit reasoning of why it was never to be shared, yet still she longed to have true clarity over she truly was. It was well known that the information wasn’t shared, in case the necessity for crossing blood lines arises.

Talia didn’t want to know just for the sake of lineages. No, she was interested in possessing a picture of her parents, to see which one she most looked like- where all these features of herself came from.

She raised her hand slowly to her face, rotating it as she analysed it. Her hands were slender yet firm, a mix of her parents she decided to dub it.

Would they be proud of me?

If only she had a little diary filled with memories of her parents, their subtle tics, their beliefs, their friends and foes. Would she align with them or simply be so profoundly different that she could feel nothing but disgust?

The soft crunch of leaves from strong boots filled the air, Talia noticed the imperceptible difference between the sound of the standard issue boots, and the strength of the Duke’s.

Duke Wayne stopped before her and tipped his head to his lady, causing a smile to grace her face.

“You don’t frequent the gardens much my love.” The Duke stated, however his eyes shone with curiosity.

“Well it hasn’t rained today, beloved, so I thought I’d pay a visit.” Talia replied, answering his hidden question. The sun today on Caladan had been glaring as if it was prodding around the planet for a traitor. Even at sunrise this morning. Talia found her skin covered with perspiration which was a sensation she’d completely forgotten, due to the humidity of Caladan.

“And I thought I’d pay a visit to you.” Lovingly the Duke muttered, dipping his head down to place a kiss as sweet as cherries onto his woman’s lips. Silently they kissed each other, their lips making small movements against the others. Talia firmly tilted her head up and moved her hand to the back of his neck.

Clang

Clang

CLANG

Their kiss was broken like shattered glass as they heard clanging of the gates.

Talia used Bene Gesserit techniques to prevent herself from snapping her head like animal, and instead turned with curiosity.

The training could not prevent her breath from catching, as the Duke latched his arm around her waist- pulling her inwards.

Dreams are all emotion, and no thought.

Lessons From The New Emperor- Empress Y/N

“The language of flowers is so elegant Damian, you must learn it one day! A bouquet isn’t just solely about aesthetics, it’s about hidden meanings!” The girl excitedly told him, her hands gesticulating as wildly as a bull. Each time she paced behind his back he felt a gust of air, she was truly going that fast.

“What doesn’t contain hidden meanings, beloved?” Damian smirked as he looked down at the papers thrown onto his desk.

“Yes, but the same type of flower can have different meanings, just dependant on its shade! Take for example…”

Damian shook his hand amused, his girl was truly an addict to knowledge. Not the same as a Mentat though, who concerned themselves with the nitty gritty and science.

He paused his thoughts to snigger at the thought of her being a Mentat, she was simple too happy and restless to be confined to her mind with all those facts.

Where Mentat’s found solutions in learning, she seemed to find joy. Damian admired her for it, he’d only studied purely for the duty of his House. Perhaps if he found pleasure in it, he’d be able to engage as throughly as she could in these conversations. Damian strengthened himself with steel, promising to love learning as she did, so he could see that brilliant smile of hers.

He was hyper aware of the harmony of her voice- it exhilarated him and awoke him from what felt a slumber for the ages. Each punctuation of her words, sent a jolt through his spine, while the soft syllables relaxed his head.

The girls fingers threaded through his hair, before yanking his hand back insistently.

“You’re ignoring me.” Damian could hear the pout in her voice, before any other senses could be felt. The twang of pain at her sudden pull came a moment too late, like an echo of a sound long passed.

Smiling amusedly Damian tipped his head back, “This better for you beloved?”

She grinned satisfied, “There’s my handsome-“

“Damian!”

A pillow rammed into his face causing him to splutter.

“I’ve been shouting your name!” Talia pulled her son from her bed and rushed to the other side of the room, hastily throwing a set of clothes at him.

“Come quick Dick Grayson is at the gates- he’s alive!” His mother cried.

Taglist: @maria-trisha

I love you all so much, thanks for still reading xxx

[dawnofplumeria]

My first ever dragonfruit fanart

Typically I don't draw anything unrelated to Demon Slayer here, but I just find the below picture to be so fitting of my other otp from another show, Dragonfruit (I'm more engaged with it with my other account lol)! Behold, my first ever Dragonfuit fanart!

We'll be back to our regular scheduled programming shortly after this one!

[defectivevillain]

this winding labyrinth, chapter 13

chapter thirteen: confrontation

pairing: Hannibal Lecter/Reader (reader's race & gender are ambiguous; no physical descriptors or pronouns are used)

summary:

You wish you never met Hannibal Lecter. But you yearn for his presence. You want to forget him. But he never truly leaves your thoughts. Now, you’re left to pick up the pieces of a broken design. A battle of instinct rages on in your mind—one of bittersweet relief and cloying grief, fearless resolve and poignant regret; a clashing between affection and antipathy, pride and pain. What will win, in the end? Only time will tell.

this is chapter 13, act 2 of this broken design. if you haven't read act 1 or chapters 1-12, this won't make too much sense.

ao3 version | Spotify playlist

author's notes: this is a bit of a shorter chapter (more dialogue heavy) but i still think you’ll enjoy 😏

A few notes before that, though. First, we’re nearing the end! Woop woop! I plan to write a few more chapters (2+) and two endings. Second, on that note, a friendly reminder that this story will not have nsfw. I think I put that in the notes of this fic over on AO3, but not over here... Oops.

Anyways, on to our regularly scheduled programming! Typical warnings apply.

It’s a miracle you survived the Red Dragon. At least, that’s what everyone’s saying. There are nearly countless theories going around the FBI now, ranging from you simply being lucky to the killer second-guessing himself. As time passes, the rumors only grow more ludicrous—and you’re almost happy when you can finally return to work and dispel them once and for all. You return to holding occasional guest lectures in recruit classrooms (in the advent of your frequent fieldwork, you had fallen away from regular instruction). Things slowly return back to normal, to your relief. 

Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t take Jack Crawford long to find you upon your return. The two of you had kept somewhat regular communication throughout your hospitalization, with Jack calling you from Quantico. It’s nice to see him in-person again. He looks composed and professional as always, wearing his typical suit and a focused expression on his face as he stands in the doorway of your office. “Agent,” he nods, moving to take a seat across from you. “It’s good to see you.”

“Thanks,” you say, a tired smile rising on your lips. “It’s good to be back.”

Jack nods in acknowledgement, before continuing to speak. The two of you have never been much for pleasantries, so it’s no surprise that he is eager to move things along. “Now, on to business…” he trails off. Then an interesting, uncharacteristic expression falls onto his face. It’s hesitation, you realize. 

“What is it?” you hear yourself ask. Jack rarely ever hesitates. Apprehension is not in his vocabulary. 

He takes a slow breath. “Since your hospitalization, Hannibal has reportedly been acting a bit… difficult,” Jack says carefully. There’s something he’s not telling you. He’s not giving you all the details. But why? Jack and you have always been honest with one another, even when (especially when) it concerns your work. It’s strange, and a bit unsettling, to see your boss being so cautious with his words.

“Difficult?” you question, after a tense silence descends across your office. You cross one leg over the other and tap your fingers against the arm of your chair, feeling restless all of a sudden. 

A pause. “He has been asking for you,” Jack then confesses. Something lurches in your stomach. “I refused to pass along information, which supposedly distressed him.” That doesn’t seem right. Hannibal isn’t distressed by anything—least of all your momentary absence.  

Your thoughts must show on your face, because Jack nods. “You know I’m not fond of this arrangement with Lecter,” he sighs. Yet he continues. “But it may benefit us.” His ambiguity isn’t giving you any confidence. 

“What are you suggesting?” you ask. You fear you already know the answer. 

“I’m suggesting we visit him,” Jack answers, confirming your suspicions. “Wear something that conceals those bruises on your neck. It may do us well for him to see you in good health,” he advises, a brief flicker of frustration passing across his face as he glances at the marks the killer left behind. You self-consciously grab at your collar, despite knowing it’s a futile effort. 

“We should tell him about the interaction between you and the Dragon,” Jack muses. “Lecter values knowledge above little else. It is quite likely that he has been unsettled by your unexplained absence.”

You mull over that statement for longer than you should. “Hannibal doesn’t get unsettled,” you then frown. 

“Perhaps not in front of you,” Jack says, an echo of a wry smile on his lips. There’s that feeling again—the sense that he knows something you don't. “But I’ve been told his behavior was rather ‘uncharacteristic.’”

“I will be accompanying you, of course,” Jack continues, after you can’t seem to find the words to say. “The doctors would not be happy with me, if I were to let you strain your voice too much. All I ask is that you remain at my side. I can handle the talking.” You blink at him in surprise, before a strange sense of gratitude washes over him. He’s not sending you by yourself. You will not have to face him alone. 

There’s a question that’s been lingering on your tongue for minutes now. Jack looks at you expectantly, waiting for you to voice your concerns. “Do you think he knows anything else?” you ask halfheartedly. You suspect Hannibal may grow uncooperative soon, if he hasn’t already. Besides, there’s a limit to his knowledge—what with his confinement. 

“Hannibal may very well be reaching the end of his utility,” Jack admits. You nod, trying to fight off the stewing feeling in your chest that’s been accumulating since the beginning of the conversation. “We will have to see.” He leaves you with that ominous remark, promising to return soon upon securing visiting hours. 

The drive to Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane is far quicker than you’d like it to be. 90 minutes pass in what feels like a blink of an eye. And of course, the sight of the building is enough to bring back all the negative thoughts you’ve been suppressing. In light of Frederick Chilton’s death, the building has fallen under new administration. The security detail has grown a bit lax, which you pretend not to notice to save yourself stress. Even the building itself looks a bit… grimier than normal. Jack and you don’t end up meeting the person who took on Chilton’s role, instead being swiped in at the security desk and then taken through the halls immediately. 

Jack leads the way and you follow after him like a shadow. You’d like to think that you can go relatively unnoticed, but the thought is exceedingly unrealistic. You can only hope Hannibal has miraculously lost interest. Upon entering the space, you find the killer in question sitting at his writing desk, reading a book. Jack closes the door after you enter, impatiently staring at the man until he decides to break the silence. “Hannibal.” 

Hannibal blinks and looks up, seeming surprised. “Ah, Jack,” he says. “I must admit, I wasn’t expecting you. It’s been some time.” He places his book down and gets to his feet, standing across from Jack. 

“I suppose it has been,” Jack responds amicably. In a less stressful situation, you’d be amused at how unenthusiastic he sounds. But you can’t quite get yourself to forget your anxiety. It’s not just your imagination: the air is incredibly tense, almost charged. 

It is only inevitable that Hannibal’s gaze drifts to you. You’ve shoved your hands in your pockets, a false notion of security beneath these blinding fluorescent lights. You’re not sure how long you stand there, a mere subject to Hannibal’s fervent attention, before he finally speaks. “It is nice to see you.” Hannibal is looking at you when he speaks. You get the inexplicable urge to smoke again, despite quitting months ago. It must be the uneasiness brewing in your chest. 

“You too.” You can’t summon more than a tired quirk to the edge of your lips and a brief nod. 

He regards you for a moment, a thin but knowing smile on his face. “You are unusually quiet today.” How he’s able to conclude that based on one sentence is beyond you.

“Apologies,” you murmur. The sentiment feels slimy and wrong on your lips. Your voice is audibly raspy and you can virtually see Hannibal digesting that information, puzzling it out in his mind. He needs more. 

You helplessly glance at Jack, who sighs. “Yes, well,” Jack breaks off, seemingly struggling to find the right words. “There was an unforeseen complication.”

“Oh?” Despite his attentive response, Hannibal’s eyes still haven’t left your face. From there, Jack recounts your conversation to him. Hannibal nods along during the appropriate moments, but it almost seems as if he isn’t paying attention. He’s practically tearing you apart with his eyes—his gaze extremely scrutinizing. You just barely manage to keep still, instead of fidgeting restlessly. “We decided it would be worthwhile to see the painting in-person—to meet with someone and discern its significance,” Jack finishes. 

“The Brooklyn Museum,” Hannibal recalls. Jack nods, not appearing surprised that Hannibal knew where the painting was being kept. Then his gaze slides to you. “What delayed your return?”

“We encountered some unexpected opposition,” Jack answers. It’s vague, but it answers the question nonetheless. 

“We?” Hannibal hums lightly. “Forgive the discourtesy, but you seem unscathed, Jack.”

A tick in Jack’s jaw is the only visible sign of his irritation. Hannibal should know that Jack’s position requires him to be at headquarters virtually every day. It is exceedingly rare for him to leave the office, since he supervises the entire Behavioral Analysis Unit in addition to many other recruits. You struggle to fight off a frown at Hannibal’s unusually acerbic remark. He almost seems angry. The source of that anger is exceedingly unclear. 

You’re ready to diffuse the tension by giving him an explanation, until you find Jack firmly shaking his head at you. You frown. Wasn’t that the entire point of this excursion—to taunt Hannibal with the information you gained and see if he revealed anything else in its wake? Why is Jack changing his mind now? 

Hannibal does look rather impatient and irritated. This may be the first time you’ve seen his emotions written so plainly across his face. He’s staring at you hard enough to melt your skin off. 

“If you wish to waste time, I can make an educated guess,” Hannibal offers. His eyes are dark, his smile is overwhelmingly fake, and there’s a noticeable venom to his voice. Jack stiffens at your side, before taking a slow breath. It’s clear he’s accepted the futility of the situation. You can’t waltz into a lions’ den with fresh prey, only to deny them the meal. 

“Very well,” Jack says. He turns to look at you; you’re not sure what your expression is, but it must betray some of your confusion, because Jack’s lips only fall into a tighter line. Is there something he’s not telling you, here? “We—or, more accurately, my agent here—came across the killer.”

Hannibal is silent. He’s waiting for more detail. Jack won’t give it to him. You stifle a sigh. “He consumed the painting, like you said he would,” you add. 

“Ah,” Hannibal says. He doesn’t seem particularly surprised, nor does he seem satisfied by your answer. “I’m afraid that doesn’t explain your silence, dear.” The pet name is an unwelcome jolt in your chest, even when used sarcastically. Jack’s expression darkens as he glares at Hannibal. Hannibal doesn’t care to notice. It’s as if the two of you are the only ones in the room. 

“And I can’t help but notice you’ve fastened the top button of your shirt today,” Hannibal continues. It’s a casual comment, nothing more than a harmless observation. Or, at least, it would be—if you weren’t hiding your wounds from the Red Dragon. “A rather uncharacteristic choice for you. I’m curious as to why you would make that decision.” 

You want to keep quiet, knowing anything you say will betray you. But Hannibal’s gaze is insistent and expectant. There’s an ugly feeling rolling through your body. Every fiber of your being is telling you to run, to escape this trap he’s sprung. 

“Agent—” Jack warns you, suddenly breaking his static posture and turning to look at you. There’s a wary expression on his face and it’s clear he doesn’t want you to reveal anything more. But it’s too late. As if possessed by a foreign urge, your hand has already met the edge of your collar. You’re forced to watch as you pull the material down from your neck, wincing as the effort drags the fabric along your still-healing wound. If Hannibal’s attention was intense before, it’s utterly ravenous now. You’re not sure why you’re so compelled to tell him the truth. All you know is the rapid drumming of your heart in your chest, pushing you to take action. 

You’re sure the achingly bright fluorescent lighting does nothing to aid the yellow-brown bruises scattered across your throat. Hannibal’s eyes trace the marks with clinical scrutiny; your heart steadily pounds in your chest as he resumes his silent investigation. For a while, there is only quiet as he examines you. The glass wall between you is rendered obsolete. You can feel the weight of his gaze over the dull headache you’ve been sporting; in the goosebumps along your skin; and across your shoulders. 

When Hannibal finally tears his eyes away, you’re fooled into thinking his inspection is over. But somehow, he seems to know you hid the bite mark from him. “There is more,” he states with deceptive composure. There is nothing composed about the look in his eyes or the tension firmly pulling his shoulders. Hannibal is standing closer now, steadily approaching and rendering the barrier between you entirely inconsequential. “At the edge of your neck.”

Jack seems to feel just as overwhelmed and helpless as you do. Because although he looks at you and fiercely shakes his head, there’s a perplexed fear glimmering in his eyes. Both of you are unsure about this course of action—and about Hannibal’s uncharacteristic mood swing. 

“Show me,” Hannibal demands. There is no politeness in his voice. There is no pretense written across his face. This is not a request—this is a demand, an order. 

You obey and tug the material over with a shaking hand, revealing the base of your neck and the edge of your shoulder. His eyes leave no stone unturned, as he follows the teeth marks scattered across your collarbone and crawling up your shoulder. Otherwise, Hannibal doesn’t verbally react: he is frighteningly silent. You can’t even hear him breathe. He never displays his emotions—you know that. And yet, there is no sign of his characteristic restraint now. There is only violence in the lines of his clenched fists; anger in the firm pull of his lips; tension in the furrow of his brows; and something far darker glittering in his eyes. 

You lock eyes with Hannibal Lecter and, for the first time in several months, you remember to be afraid of him. His sudden presence at the very edge of the glass is all you need to take a cautious step backwards and enforce the distance between the two of you. And he latches onto that fear with frightening speed. It almost feels as if the walls around you are caving in; in the blink of an eye, you can see Hannibal swiftly stepping out of his transparent prison and reaching out towards you—

Jack’s hand on your shoulder brings you back to reality. You just vaguely hear him say something to Hannibal, before whispering to you as he leads you out of the space. He’s speaking, but you haven’t the faintest idea what he’s saying.  You don’t have the energy or wherewithal to resist, instead remaining pliant in his grip as he ushers you through the hall. You expect Hannibal’s voice to travel across the hall, but he remains silent. And your heart begins to calm, with the distance you gain on him. 

A stiff breeze greets you upon exiting the building. Jack takes you to the car, and the two of you drive back to headquarters in complete silence. It isn’t until you arrive at the headquarters parking lot under the cover of night that Jack sighs, before rounding the car and coming to a stop near you. You can hardly understand what’s happening, forced to watch in confusion as he brings a hand to rest on your uninjured shoulder. There’s a quiet fury in his eyes—not unlike Hannibal’s rage. You feel slightly sickened and ashamed that you’re the cause of this emotion, that your weakness is provoking such a reaction from those around you. 

Jack seems about ready to pull you into a reassuring hug, but he stops himself. You’re both brutally aware of your roles as employer and employee, mentor and mentee. Jack looks torn, his eyes searching your face as if waiting for you to give him a clue as to how you’re feeling. His right hand falls to his pocket, a restless tell that you almost never see from him.

“This won’t happen again.” The stormy expression on his face suggests that Jack will ensure it. Maybe the sincerity in his eyes should alarm you… but you only feel grateful. You nod jerkily, pushing your tears back and swallowing past the burning feeling in your throat. It’s the best the two of you can do. Neither of you can promise a happy ending, but you can strive to do better in the future. 

Then Jack nods and the moment is mercifully terminated. He glances up at the flickering streetlight across the lot and seems to come to a decision. “I’ll take you home,” he says. You try to object, but your protests fall on unwilling ears. You soon find yourself in Jack’s car once more, relegated to that tense silence once more. You’ll leave him with a word of gratitude as you exit the car, before heading up to your front door as your fingers restlessly trace the outline of your key. You’ll spend the rest of the night subconsciously tracing the marks along your throat, remembering how they provoked such a visceral reaction in Hannibal. It will be hard to sleep that night, as you toss and turn under the covers with an unfounded conviction that you’re being stifled and subdued. 

Meanwhile, Jack will remain parked in your driveway until he’s certain you’ve gotten inside safely. Then he’ll wait until he’s down the street to clench the steering wheel in a tight-knuckled grip that betrays his frustration.

next chapter

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[heavyheavycream]

Asking here because Tumblr wouldn’t keep me anonymous in comments.

Hey, I just read your latest Kinktober comic (the one where Butter’s high and in the bathroom), and I noticed that Butter had a top on. Granted, I don’t really mind the Kinktober comics, but I found it surprising nonetheless. I’d also like to mention that I am trans and I’m curious if Butter is trans or not. Beyond that, you’ve been doing great with your Kinktober comics, even if they don’t really resonate with me much.

Sincerely,

Anon

hello sincerely Anon :3

i dont really get the question here ? where im from dudes cant just go topless in nightclubs - is it suprising to have a top on when going out dancing? it it a specific top i accidently drew? i feel like im missing a bit of information, i don't really understand sorry :<

(also i had not planned on butter being trans, i think he's just a short fat bi hairy dude, but as usual in the end u the reader decide what you want to do with him :> )

(also thanks for sticking around even though this doesnt speak to u, we will get back to our regular scheduled program after kinktober ^^)

[lilahlovesjjk]

🇼​​🇭​​🇪​​🇳​ ​🇮​ ​🇬​​🇷​​🇴​​🇼​ ​🇺​​🇵

Chapter 5

synopsis: You and Satoru Gojo used to be inseparable—the kind of childhood best friends that promised to get married, rule the world, and never leave each other’s side.

Then life happened.

Now, years later, you’re both enrolled in the same elite psychology graduate program—only this time, you’re rivals. Gojo’s loud, flirty, obnoxiously charming, and infuriatingly good at everything. You're focused, sharp, constantly proving yourself—and desperate not to let the past (or him) throw you off course.

warnings: angst, slowburn (kinda), swearing, eventual nsfw, (i'll add to the list if I think of any more as the story progresses)

The campus was buzzing with its usual late-morning hum—students lounging on benches with half-zipped backpacks, others rushing by with headphones in and coffee cups clutched like lifelines. You stood in the short line at the campus coffee cart, toeing the ground with your shoe and watching the barista prep a drink with far too much whipped cream.

You were surviving on minimal sleep and residual embarrassment. Ever since your he dropped you off at your place a few nights ago, you’d been carefully orchestrating your schedule to avoid Gojo. Limited eye contact. Short replies. Strategic bathroom breaks. It was almost working.

Almost.

Because then you heard it—that unmistakable voice sliding in behind you like it was born to ruin your peace.

“Don’t tell me you’re here for my order,” Gojo said, leaning in just enough to make you flinch. “Sorry, angel. I only share fries. Not caffeine.”

You sighed. “Go away, Gojo.”

“Oh, come on,” he grinned, stepping closer until he was directly behind you in line, sunglasses perched like a crown on his snowy head. “You miss me.”

You turned just enough to arch a brow at him. “I’ve actually had three very peaceful days without you. You should try it.”

“But who would lovingly critique your fashion choices and hoard all your highlighters?”

“Literally anyone else.”

Gojo gave a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over his chest. “Oof. Wounded. Guess I’ll just be emotionally devastated while I order my—” He glanced at the menu. “—iced matcha latte with oat milk, light ice, two pumps of vanilla, and the sweet, sweet taste of my enemies’ tears.”

You blinked. “You realize you sound like a drama student with a food allergy?”

“I’m an experience, not a diagnosis.”

You rolled your eyes and stepped forward to place your order. Gojo did the same after you, flashing a peace sign at the barista like he was a regular. He probably was.

You stepped to the side, waiting for your drinks, trying very hard to ignore the way he subtly shifted his stance to face you directly.

“You know,” he started casually, “Dr. Yuki’s doing check-ins on our projects tomorrow.”

You perked up. “What?”

“Yeah. Just a quick review of what we’ve done so far. She mentioned it after class yesterday.” He smirked. “Guess who skipped that part?”

You scowled. “I had criminology. I left early.”

“Which means,” he continued, sipping from an imaginary teacup, “we’re gonna need to make it look like we’re not totally behind. You still have your notes, right?”

You gave a reluctant nod.

“Then we should meet up again. Tonight,” he said, too casually. “My place.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Your place? What happened to the library?”

“It’s always freezing in there,” he said, scrunching his nose. “Besides, Geto’s out with some girl and won’t be back till late. Perfect quiet study vibes. Just you, me, and the emotional baggage of early childhood trauma.”

Your coffee was called, and you reached for it, needing the cup to ground you. “Fine. But this is about the project, not—whatever it is you think this is.”

He raised a brow. “What do I think this is?”

“I don’t know. One of your weird games.”

Gojo leaned in slightly, tone softening just enough to make your stomach flip. “Maybe I just like hanging out with you.”

You paused. And for a second, you didn’t know what to say. But then he grinned again, all teasing and light, and the moment snapped back to its usual rhythm.

“You’re impossible,” you muttered, turning to leave.

“I’ve been called worse!” he called after you. “Don’t be late! And no stripping this time unless you want another round of my unmatched chivalry.”

You didn’t turn around, didn't even acknowledge him as you walked away with a smile on your face.

Satoru Gojo had never deep-cleaned anything in his life. And yet, here he was—shirt half-tucked, hair damp from a frantic shower, standing in the middle of the apartment living room with a half-empty bottle of Febreze in one hand and a throw blanket clutched in the other like a life vest.

“I swear to god, Geto,” he hissed, looking around wildly, “why didn’t you tell me the living room looked like a frat house exploded?!”

“Because it always looks like that?” Geto replied from the kitchen, entirely unfazed as he leaned against the counter and watched the chaos unfold, sipping a matcha latte with the calm detachment of someone who had absolutely no skin in the game. “Also, your idea of decorating is putting a Supreme sticker on the microwave.”

Gojo glared at him. “This is not the time for jokes.”

“Are you... folding the throw blanket?”

“I’m staging ambiance,” Gojo said with all the seriousness of someone preparing a defense for court. He stepped back to observe the artful placement of the blanket draped over the couch. “She’s never been here before.”

“And?”

“And,” Gojo snapped, running a hand through his still-damp hair, “she’s gonna be sitting there, in that exact spot, for hours. Probably with her stupid little color-coded notes and that perfume that smells like peach tea and heartbreak.”

“You’ve memorized her scent?” Geto raised a brow.

“I have a nose.”

“You have a crush.”

Gojo’s face twisted. “Shut up.”

“Just admit it, man.”

“It’s not a crush.” Gojo looked around in alarm. “Is it hot in here? Why is it hot in here?”

“It’s called nerves.”

Gojo groaned. “She’s going to think I’m a mess, shes probably gonna think I only invited her here to hook-up or something."

“She already knows you’re a mess, and yeah that could be what she is thinking but if she shows up that is a good sign.” Geto grinned, grabbing his keys. “Good luck, lover boy. I’m gonna go before you start sweating through your shirt.”

He left just as Gojo let out an actual, audible whimper.

He stared at the couch again. Then at the snacks on the coffee table. Then at the project notes he’d half-assed for the past two days and tried to make look academic. He adjusted the blinds, lit a candle he found in the cabinet, then immediately blew it out because the scent was “Midnight Rain” and that felt too emotionally vulnerable.

When the knock finally came, his soul evacuated his body for a full second.

He opened the door.

And there you were—shoulders tucked into a light hoodie, hair a little windblown from the walk over, one strap of your backpack slipping off your shoulder. You smelled like peach tea. And, yes, heartbreak.

“Hey,” you said.

Gojo leaned in the doorway, as coolly as someone with a minor cardiac event could manage. “Hey yourself. Welcome to the chaos palace.”

You stepped in slowly, taking in the surprisingly clean apartment. “This is... less disgusting than I expected.”

“High praise,” he said, shutting the door behind you. “We had the maid in this morning. Her name’s Satoru. He cried twice and threatened to set the couch on fire.”

You gave a small laugh, and he felt it echo in his ribs. God, he was doomed.

You made your way to the couch and sat, pulling out a folder already bristling with colored tabs and printed journal articles. “Okay, so. I’ve been compiling sources for our breakdown of Bowlby’s four attachment styles, but I thought we could frame it through a developmental lens instead of just listing them—like, how they manifest at different stages of childhood and then in adult relationships.”

He blinked. “That’s actually... smart.”

“Don’t sound so surprised.”

“No, I mean. I was planning on showing up with a bag of candy and pretending to be charming, so you’ve officially outdone me.”

You tilted your head. “Did you at least bring candy?”

He grinned, pulling out a bag of sour gummies from behind a pillow. “Got the essentials."

You smacked his arm as he dropped down next to you, a little too close. The space between you buzzed. Gojo had to bite down on his instinct to shift even closer.

Your notes were spread across the table, along with your laptop. “Okay,” you said, clicking open a document. “We should divide the work. Maybe I’ll handle secure and anxious-ambivalent, and you do avoidant and disorganized?”

Gojo squinted. “Avoidant. Like you?”

You narrowed your eyes. “Excuse me?”

He lounged back with a smirk. “You’re clearly avoidant. Explain why you won’t text anyone back until they’re emotionally broken.”

“Oh, says the guy who jokes his way out of any serious feeling.”

“Touche.” He popped a gummy into his mouth. “Fine, I’ll take disorganized. Makes sense.”

“Why?”

He looked at you then—really looked at you—and his grin faltered. “Because it’s complicated,” he said quietly, but not without a hint of humor. “You know. Unpredictable caregiving. Mixed signals. Safety and fear all wrapped in the same person. It... hits close to home, I guess.”

Your fingers paused on the edge of your laptop. But just as the weight of his words started to settle, Gojo clapped his hands suddenly and said, “Anyway! Back to avoidant-you. Let’s dive into how you would rather walk into oncoming traffic than ask for emotional reassurance.”

You rolled your eyes, but your gaze lingered on him a second longer than usual.

He kept laughing, but his heart thudded in his chest. He wasn’t sure if it was from the confession he’d almost made or the way you’d looked at him just then, like you’d caught something cracking through the perfect surface.

You both turned back to your notes, your arms brushing now and then as you worked. Gojo tried not to visibly flinch every time it happened.

Thirty minutes later, you stretched your arms over your head with a groan. “We still have so much to do.”

Gojo swallowed hard. Your hoodie had ridden up just slightly. He looked away fast.

“We should eat,” he said, voice a little higher than usual. “You want food?”

“Sure,” you said. “As long as it’s not instant ramen.”

He jumped up. “Amazing. I’ll go order something. You keep being... scholarly and intimidating.”

Before you could respond, he darted into the hallway, phone already at his ear.

“Dude,” he hissed when Geto picked up. “She’s here.”

“Obviously. Is she murdering you yet?”

“No. But her leg touched mine and I nearly died.”

Geto’s laugh was a full cackle.

“I don’t think I can survive this study session,” Gojo whispered. “She’s got these little paperclips that match her highlighter colors. It’s deranged. It’s perfect.”

“Wow. You’re down bad.”

Gojo sighed dramatically, head falling against the wall. “I’m so screwed.”

From the living room, he heard your voice: “Everything okay?”

He cleared his throat. “Peachy! Just—uh—ordering food. Back in a sec!”

And with that, he dialed the number of a restaurant that delivers and ordered food before he stepped away from the wall, squared his shoulders, and marched back in.

Fake it till you make it he thought or until she figures out you’re in love with her and flees the country.

Whichever came first.

The apartment falls into a thick, wordless hush. There’s no music, no murmured jokes, no teasing remarks or commentary from Gojo to break it. Just the occasional scratch of pencil against paper and the low hum of the fridge in the kitchen. The only thing louder than the silence is the way Gojo’s mind refuses to shut the hell up.

He’s supposed to be reading over a journal article on Bowlby’s attachment theory—something about disorganized patterns and parental responsiveness—but all his focus is drawn to the girl sitting on the other half of the couch.

You.

You're cross-legged, hunched slightly forward over your notebook, brows furrowed as your pen races along the page. The soft, steady swish of your handwriting has a rhythm to it that should be mundane, boring even—but for some reason, it sounds almost hypnotic. Like a metronome he’s synced to without realizing it.

Your perfume—some light, sweet thing he can’t stop thinking of—is making it really hard to breathe like a normal person. And every time you shift, every time your knee bumps into his, even just slightly, it feels like a tiny static shock right to his ribs.

You’re wearing that fuzzy sweater again. The one he already knows is softer than it looks, because he accidentally brushed against your arm earlier when reaching for a highlighter. He still hasn’t recovered.

God, he’s pathetic.

His eyes drift from the pages in front of him to the curve of your cheek, to the soft line of your jaw, to the way you chew lightly on the end of your pen when you’re thinking. He could sketch you from memory at this point.

“Do you think we should include something about internal working models?” you ask suddenly, not looking up.

Gojo blinks. “Huh?”

You turn your head just slightly, not enough to notice the way he was staring—but enough that he has to scramble to recover.

“Internal working models,” you repeat, gesturing toward your notes. “Bowlby says they form based on early attachment experiences, right? So even in adulthood, people use those mental models to predict how relationships are supposed to work.”

He nods, grateful to latch onto something academic. “Yeah—like, if you grow up with unreliable caregivers, your brain just assumes that’s the blueprint for all future relationships.”

“Exactly,” you say, scribbling something down. “It’s not just about how you relate to other people, it’s how you perceive your own value too. Your self-worth.”

Gojo nods slowly. “Makes sense why people with avoidant attachment act like feelings are nuclear waste, then.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Sounds like you’re describing yourself.”

He grins, deflecting instantly. “I’m just projecting. You’re the emotionally avoidant one, remember?”

You roll your eyes, but your lips twitch like you’re holding back a smile. “Says the guy who panicked over a phone call and ran to the other room.”

“Hey, I was ordering food,” he says defensively. “We both need fuel to survive your study tyranny.”

You arch a brow. “Right. Survival snacks. And yelling at Geto on speakerphone was part of the nutritional pyramid?”

He narrows his eyes playfully. “Okay, first of all—”

A knock at the door cuts him off.

Gojo practically leaps to his feet, both to escape your pointed stare and because he’s genuinely relieved for the distraction. He grabs the food bag from the delivery guy, thanks him quickly, and heads back into the living room.

“Behold,” he declares, dropping the bag on the table with unnecessary flair. “Dinner of champions.”

You scoot over and start unpacking the food. It’s a messy spread: dumplings, noodles, egg rolls, some sort of meat you can't name, and a bag of pretzels.

“Classy,” you remark, holding up the pretzels. “Is this your idea of a five-star meal?”

“With the right company?” he says, grinning as he flops down beside you again. “Absolutely.”

You roll your eyes again, but he catches the faint pink tint at the tips of your ears.

The notebooks and pens are pushed aside, replaced with chopsticks and crumpled napkins. The conversation shifts, the tone lighter now. You talk about everything and nothing—your weird TA from Criminology class, how Geto once accidentally lit a microwave on fire, the way freshman dorms smell suspiciously like corn chips no matter what floor you’re on.

“I can’t believe you guys survived your first month in that hellhole,” you say through a mouthful of noodles.

Gojo leans back on his elbows, grinning lazily. “Geto almost gave up. He tried to convince me to move into a van and become psychology nomads.”

You laugh, a soft, genuine sound that does something wild to his chest.

God, he missed this. Missed you. Not that he’ll admit it out loud—not when it’s so easy to tease you instead.

You wipe your fingers on a napkin and sigh. “This is nice.”

He glances over, surprised by the honesty in your voice.

“Yeah,” he says softly. “It is.”

For a moment, there’s quiet again—but not the tense, academic silence from earlier. This is different. Thicker. Charged.

You’re both still on the couch, close. Closer than before. Gojo’s knee brushes against yours again, but neither of you pulls away this time.

Your head turns slightly, and he mirrors the motion.

There’s that look in your eyes—curious, searching. Your lips are parted, breath shallow. He notices everything about you, from the curve of your mouth to the way your lashes flutter when you blink. He doesn’t think. He just leans in.

And for a second, it feels like it’s finally going to happen.

You lean in too, eyes flicking down to his mouth.

But just before your lips meet—

BRRRRT. BRRRRT.

Gojo’s phone buzzes violently against the table, making both of you jump.

You pull back instantly, blinking like you’re just waking up.

He fumbles to grab the phone, heart hammering in his chest. It’s Geto.

He doesn’t answer.

When he glances at you again, the spell is broken. You’re already reaching for your notebook, avoiding his gaze like it never happened.

Gojo clears his throat, trying to sound normal. “That was… probably just Geto. Again.”

“Mm.” You nod, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “We should probably get through the rest of these notes.”

“Yeah.” He grabs his pencil, but he doesn’t write anything.

The tension is still there—muted now, buried under half-eaten food and unspoken things.

Eventually, the mood settles. You both get back to work, making slow progress on the outline. The almost-kiss doesn’t come up again, but it hangs there anyway, an invisible thread between you.

You pack up your things half an hour later, and Gojo walks you to the door.

“You sure you’re okay getting home?” he asks, rubbing the back of his neck.

You glance up at him. “I’ve done it a hundred times.”

He opens the door but lingers. “Still.”

You step into the hallway, then pause and look back. “Thanks for dinner. And… for the study session.”

His smile is softer now. “Anytime.”

You disappear down the hall, and he stands in the doorway long after you’re gone, wondering if you felt that too.

The next day the classroom felt somehow colder than usual. Maybe it was the air conditioning. Maybe it was the way your stomach was turning.

You hadn’t stopped thinking about last night.

You’d gone to Gojo’s apartment fully prepared to focus on Bowlby and academic rigor—and instead, you’d nearly kissed him over dumplings and color-coded notes.

Now you sat at your usual desk in Dr. Yuki’s Developmental Psych seminar, your leg bouncing under the table as you stared down at your neatly written outline. You’d barely said two words to Gojo since you arrived, too preoccupied with pretending like nothing had happened.

He looked entirely unbothered. Slouched back in his seat, hoodie sleeves pushed up to his elbows, twirling a pen between his fingers with casual ease. You hated how normal he seemed. How unaffected. You hated even more that you noticed how nice his hair looked today.

“Alright,” Dr. Yuki said as she strode to the front of the class. “Let’s take today to do some informal check-ins. Nothing terrifying—I just want to hear how your projects are coming along.”

There was a wave of low murmuring across the room, a few groans, a few panicked glances at laptops.

“Each pair will have about three minutes,” she added. “No slides necessary. Just talk me through where you’re at, what your focus is, and where you’re headed next.”

You felt your pulse quicken.

Gojo leaned closer to you, his voice low. “You nervous?”

You didn’t look at him. “No.”

“Liar.”

You shot him a sharp glance, but his grin only widened.

A few groups went before you. Most stumbled their way through the updates, either still in the research phase or floundering with a partner who clearly didn’t pull their weight.

When Dr. Yuki finally waved the two of you down.

“Wish me luck,” he whispered, then headed to the front.

You followed a beat behind, heart hammering, palms cold.

Gojo did exactly what Gojo always did—he opened with a joke. “So, uh, we’re diving deep into childhood trauma. Real uplifting stuff.”

There were a few laughs.

Dr. Yuki smiled politely. “And your actual focus?”

He shifted gears smoothly, gesturing toward you. “We’re looking at Bowlby’s theory of attachment, specifically how early caregiver relationships can shape adult emotional behavior. You know—like why some people can’t commit and others text back too fast.”

More laughter.

Gojo had always been good at winning a room. But what surprised you—maybe even impressed you—was that he didn’t try to do the whole thing himself. After the first few lines, he turned to you.

You stepped forward, the words coming more easily than you expected.

“We’ve been studying secure versus insecure attachment patterns and how those predict interpersonal responses later in life,” you said, glancing at the professor. “We’re using a few real-world case studies—some clinical, some anecdotal—to analyze behavior through Bowlby’s framework. There’s more to attachment than just the childhood origin, though. We’re also looking into how adaptability plays a role in adulthood.”

Dr. Yuki leaned forward slightly, interest clearly piqued. “Can you give an example?”

You nodded. “Sure. For instance, we’re exploring how someone with an avoidant style might appear independent or emotionally closed off, but in reality, that behavior’s rooted in a learned response to unreliability in early caregiving. That same person could develop secure traits over time if they’re exposed to consistent, supportive relationships.”

Beside you, Gojo shot you a little side-smile. Proud. And, you realized with a flutter of panic, fond.

When you finally wrapped up, Dr. Yuki crossed her arms, thoughtful.

“I’ll admit,” she said slowly, “when I first paired you two up, I wasn’t sure how it would work out. But now I see that it is working.”

She looked between you. “You balance each other out. You keep things grounded,” she said, nodding to you. “And you…” she turned to Gojo, “…keep it interesting.”

Gojo beamed. “That’s my entire brand, Professor.”

Dr. Yuki chuckled. “Well, I’m looking forward to your final submission.”

You both returned to your seats, and as soon as you sat down, you turned slightly away from him, staring very intently at your notebook, like it held all the answers to your spiraling thoughts.

“Hey,” Gojo whispered, nudging your elbow. “You crushed that. Seriously.”

You didn’t look at him. “Thanks.”

“You okay?” he asked, voice a little softer now.

“Fine,” you said a little too quickly. “Just tired.”

“Right,” he said. “Must be that emotional avoidance again.”

You shot him a glare, and he grinned, unfazed.

Class ended ten minutes later, and as you were gathering your things, a girl from the row behind you leaned over toward Gojo.

“Hey, that was a great presentation,” she said, twirling a pen between her fingers. “You’re hilarious.”

Gojo smiled, that casual, charming grin he used like a weapon. “Thanks. I try.”

The girl tucked her hair behind her ear. “If you ever want someone to study with, I’m usually in the library on Tuesdays.”

You zipped your bag a little too forcefully.

“Good to know,” Gojo replied smoothly.

You didn’t wait to hear the rest.

You slung your backpack over your shoulder and slipped out the side door before he could catch up. Your pulse was spiking, your stomach a mess of knots.

You weren’t jealous.

You weren’t.

You were just… annoyed. Because flirting during study check-ins was unnecessary. Because Gojo was your partner and he was supposed to be taking this seriously. Because he looked at other girls the same way he looked at you sometimes, and that shouldn’t have mattered but it did.

You shoved your headphones in and headed toward the quad, determined to pretend like none of it bothered you at all.

“You’ve been so boring lately,” Shoko called from the bathroom, her voice muffled over the hum of the hairdryer. “You’re literally glowing with repressed sexual tension. Let’s fix that.”

You groaned from where you sat cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by a battlefield of half-folded outfits, a curling iron, and the faint scent of dry shampoo.

“Thank you for that diagnosis, Doctor,” you muttered, reaching for your mascara. “Very professional.”

“I aim to heal,” she quipped, stepping out with a cigarette tucked behind one ear and glitter eyeliner winged like she’d walked out of a runway show and into your shared apartment. She gave you a once-over. “You’re wearing that?”

You looked down at your oversized hoodie and gym shorts. “Obviously not.”

“Then pick something that says 'I’m fun and mysterious and maybe you’ll kiss me under fairy lights’ and not ‘I gave up on life in sophomore year.’”

You threw a pillow at her. She dodged it effortlessly.

“You’re lucky you’re pretty,” you grumbled, standing up and eyeing yourself in the mirror.

It had been a long week. Between classes, the project with Gojo, and the unexpected near-kiss that had haunted your every thought since it happened, you hadn’t had time to go out. Let alone try and flirt or be flirted with.

Honestly? You weren’t even in the mood for a party.

But Shoko had cornered you after class, flicked the side of your head, and said, “I’m dragging you out tonight, and you’re going to like it. Wear something slutty.”

That’s how you ended up here, digging through your closet while she sat on your bed cross-legged, sipping wine out of a mug with the words “World’s Okayest Student” printed on it.

“Okay, what about this?” you held up a dress—a short silky slip number that usually stayed buried in the back of your drawer for special occasions or confidence spikes.

Shoko raised an eyebrow. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. Very ‘Oops, did I just ruin your life?’ energy.”

You rolled your eyes but held it against yourself in the mirror anyway. Not bad.

As you shimmied out of your hoodie, Shoko suddenly asked, “So. Have you told him yet?”

You froze. “Told who what?”

She sipped her wine like this was an interrogation and she had all the cards. “Don’t play dumb. Gojo.”

Your blush gave you away before your mouth even opened. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“Uh-huh. So the way you were staring at him during class yesterday was just… what? Scientific curiosity?”

You scowled. “You’re impossible.”

“I’m right,” she singsonged. “Look, I get it. The history. The drama. The fact that he looks like a literal supermodel. But you’re clearly into him.”

“I’m not into him,” you argued, pulling the dress over your head. “I’m… aware that he’s attractive. Objectively.”

“Oh please,” she said, hopping off the bed and tugging the hem of your dress into place with precision. “You talk about him in your sleep.”

Your eyes widened. “I do not.”

She just grinned. “Only once. It was very scandalous. You said, ‘Satoru, no, not the whipped cream.’”

You smacked her arm, mortified. “Liar!”

“Okay, fine, you just mumbled his name, but let me have the whipped cream thing. It’s funnier.”

You tried not to laugh, smoothing your hands over your hips and checking the mirror again. The dress actually looked… good. Better than you remembered. And Shoko wasn’t lying—there was a warm sort of glow under your skin lately, and no amount of denial could explain it away completely.

Gojo had been taking up space in your thoughts for days. Weeks, if you were being honest. Ever since he reappeared in your life like a storm and crashed straight through your emotional equilibrium.

And last night—his place, the way he looked at you, that moment where the world went silent right before his phone rang…

Yeah. You were in trouble.

“You ready?” Shoko asked, grabbing her bag from the hook by the door.

You hesitated, casting one last glance in the mirror. “You think this is a good idea?”

She looked you dead in the eyes. “I think not going is a bad idea.”

You sighed. “That doesn’t actually answer the question.”

Shoko rolled her eyes and looped her arm through yours. “Come on. We’re going to drink cheap vodka, pretend to like the music, and you’re going to flirt with someone other than Gojo for once in your life. Sound good?”

You laughed, letting her drag you toward the door. “Sounds terrifying.”

“Perfect.”

The two of you stepped into the night, heels clicking on the pavement, the buzz of campus parties already starting to echo faintly from blocks away. You tried to shake the nerves, the lingering image of white hair and a lazy grin and the way he always smelled like sugar and mint.

Maybe tonight would help. Maybe you’d drink something pink and fizzy and kiss someone you didn’t have a years-long pining complex over.

And maybe, just maybe, you'd finally get Gojo Satoru out of your head.

The music hit first—low and pulsing through the hallway like a heartbeat you couldn’t quite catch. The kind of bass that made your teeth buzz a little as you stepped inside the off-campus house someone’s cousin’s roommate’s friend rented for the semester. Shoko was already ahead of you, shouldering through the crowd like a girl on a mission, hair shiny under the colored lights, a mischievous little smirk tugging at her glossed lips.

Now, weaving through bodies and red solo cups and the distinct smell of weed and cologne, you were starting to wonder if she was right. Your skin buzzed. The dress you’d spent thirty minutes debating was starting to feel a little too tight in all the places Gojo Satoru might actually look.

Not that you knew if he’d be here.

Not that you cared.

Okay—you cared. A little.

You scanned the living room, heart thudding.

And there he was.

Leaning against a doorway like a damn poster boy for bad decisions—white shirt rolled to his elbows, hair still an absolute mess and somehow pulling it off. He was mid-convo with a few people, laughing at something a girl said, flashing that stupid smile. His entire aura screamed effortlessly hot.

You forced yourself to look away before you stared too long. Grabbed a drink from the makeshift bar, something sickly sweet and glowing neon. Sipped. Winced. Made your way to the back patio for air.

You were halfway into a casual chat with a guy from your Criminology seminar—cute, genuinely nice—when you felt it. That sudden weight of a stare. The hair prickling at the back of your neck.

You didn’t have to turn to know.

He was watching you.

And when you finally did glance over your shoulder, Gojo didn’t look away. Didn’t even try to hide it. His mouth was a little parted, eyes dark under the lights, the muscle in his jaw tight.

He wasn’t smiling.

Oh.

Oh, this night was going to unravel.

You lost track of time after that.

There was music. Dancing. More drinks—two, maybe three. The patio guy had moved on to someone else, and you’d drifted through the party in that floaty way that always came with a decent buzz and the itch of knowing Gojo was somewhere close.

And then he was right there.

“You know,” he said, voice smooth as silk, “if you’re gonna flirt with someone else, at least pick a guy who’s not terrified of eye contact.”

You raised a brow. “Jealousy doesn’t look good on you.”

He chuckled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m not jealous. Just disappointed in your taste.”

“Right,” you said, sipping your drink. “Because a guy who thinks Sour Patch Kids and chips are valid brain food is obviously the gold standard.”

Gojo stepped closer. Too close. His breath was warm when he leaned down to murmur, “You look so hot right now.”

It was the kind of line that should’ve felt sleazy. Except his voice dipped at the edges, almost reverent. And it made your whole body seize up with heat.

“W-what?” you managed, blinking.

He smirked. “You heard me.”

You stared at him for half a second too long. And then you were pushing him, just lightly, back against the nearest wall, dropping your cup without a second thought. His back hit the plaster with a dull thud, and he didn’t even flinch—just looked shocked, a little breathless, like he couldn’t believe his luck.

And then you kissed him.

God, it was everything you’d been trying so hard not to think about. Soft lips and heat and the way his hands flew to your waist like he’d been dying to touch you all night. You felt the press of his fingers at your sides, one of them sliding up, up, brushing the curve of your thigh just beneath the hem of your dress.

Your fingers tangled in his shirt. His teeth grazed your bottom lip.

It wasn’t neat. It wasn’t sweet. It was hungry and desperate and so full of tension it might’ve torn a hole in the air around you.

Gojo’s voice rumbled against your mouth, a low groan escaping. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

You barely heard it.

Barely registered anything except him.

His scent. His hands. The way he kissed like he’d been thinking about it for a long, long time.

Until—

“THERE you are!” Shoko’s voice cracked through the haze like a damn fire alarm, and you jolted back so fast your shoulder hit the wall.

Gojo blinked, clearly dazed.

Shoko stumbled forward, eyes glassy, her laugh too loud. “I was looking everywhere for you. C’mon, I need your help finding the bathroom.”

You swallowed hard. “I—uh—yeah. Okay.”

You barely glanced back as you let her drag you down the hallway, but when you did, Gojo was still watching you, chest rising and falling like he’d just run a marathon. His lips were pink, his hair mussed, eyes locked on yours with a mix of disbelief and frustration.

taglist:

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[ms-demeanor]

hello! sorry to bother w this but im sort of desperate at this point. given your post about school abuse: so like. i had a similar experience and i thought that i had sorted my brain out. BUT. big but. now im trans and every time i have to correct people w/ misgender or come out to people that i dont already know their opinion on the issue, i get an anxiety attack that makes me unable to do it. ive told many therapists and no one so far has understood why im terrified of making stuff that other people can perceive as me being difficult to work with. would you have *any* advice? thanks!

Okay so first of all it is totally valid to feel that way; that isn't an irrational response, that is your body and brain going "!!!! I have learned this lesson before!" But just because it's a sensible response doesn't mean it's functional in the long term, which is why it needs to be addressed (which I'm sure you already know, I'm just explaining for people in the back).

So now here is some meandering advice:

Spend time with people you already know you can trust. It's okay to take a break from new people and situations (as much as is possible) when you are processing traumatic events and learning to care for yourself. Spending time with people who you don't have to come out to, who don't misgender you, can help you normalize being out and correctly gendered to yourself.

Recognize that you don't have to be out to everyone and some assholes aren't worth it. This is going to depend some on the context, but you don't owe everybody an explanation for yourself and if people repeatedly misgender you after being corrected you may just be better off not spending time around those people.

Loop in trusted people in low-stakes ways. If you get the sense that someone who you think is pretty safe has misgendered you on accident, it might still feel too intimidating to correct them in person but it might be a good idea to follow up with text or a call or a message to say "hey, just FYI, I think I heard you use a/b pronouns for me earlier, I just wanted to let you know that I use c/d pronouns. Did you want to meet up again next week?" the breakdown on why I think this is effective is - Distance means you're safe - nonthreatening "FYI" means you aren't saying "I'm offended" and assumes good faith from the other person - feels less accusatory (not that you need to tone police yourself, but if you're trying to lower the stress level overall then assuming it was a mistake and letting them know you don't think it was on purpose should reduce the overall tension) - request to meet up again or topic switch to something lighter once again says "I'm not mad, that was just regular information, we can now return to our scheduled programming"

I think that, generally speaking, this is also a decent way to come out to people if you're nervous; physically remote and emotionally casual can be a good place to work from (even if you're actually panicking in your head but you can pull off casual in a written message)

Find (or create) a space where people are 100% going to support you. If you need to create a discord server, if you need to schedule a regular coffee date with trusted friends or family members, whatever it is, give yourself a space where you are unconditionally supported and can have people to bounce ideas and concerns off of. Even if it's just you and one other person, it's good to know you have *someone* who you can say "I think I want to tell this other person to use my pronouns but it's scary" to and know that you're not at risk in any way. I'd say try to make sure that you're still interacting with people outside of that space, but have a space to retreat to where you can just drop the worry.

Recognize that somebody else's problem is not a reflection of you. If you have, for instance, a coworker who is being a piece of shit and refusing to recognize your gender, that is not a reflection of your gender that is a reflection of them being a piece of shit. If there is a classmate or a sibling who uses the wrong pronouns after being corrected that doesn't mean you're not entitled to your pronouns that means they are being a piece of shit. Some people are just not going to accept you and that's on them. Try to minimize your time spent with them and if you have to spend time with them at work take steps to ensure your safety, but don't fight losing battles with assholes.

It really is legitimately scary. You have good reasons to be scared and you are doing a very frightening thing (and not to do the meme thing but you are legitimately being so brave about it; the fact that you are reaching out and asking anyone for help, including randos on the internet, means that you are taking steps to doing the scary thing and that is SO GOOD and I'm really proud of you for making the effort in spite of the fear).

Here is some less meandering advice:

Practice. Talk to yourself in the mirror, practice with friends, practice with your therapist. Practice coming out to yourself in a casual way. Practice correcting your pronouns. Practice an introduction for yourself that explains the information you want to give to new people you might meet. Get it down to a quick little patter, get it to be something that's easy to say to yourself in the mirror first, then try it with friends for practice, then try it around the safer people you might want to give the information to. It'll get easier as you go.

Look for a local support group (or an online support group). If there's a local LGBTQ+ center you should see if they've got events going on or a support group you can join or workshops or any manner of social thing where you can go interact with people who have been through similar stuff.

Journal. Each time you find yourself frightened of talking to someone about your gender, do what you need to to get through the day and then sit down and think about that interaction. Write down what happened, write down what you were thinking. Was there something in particular that made you anxious? Is it something you can practice addressing? Was there something you noticed about the person that made you uncomfortable? Is that a common thread in the times you have trouble talking about this? If you're able to narrow down specifically what is making it hard to speak to some people that might make it easier to explain to therapists but will also make it more actionable for you.

Here's some very optimistic advice:

If at all possible find a friend who will be rabid and unflinching in their support for you and hang out with them around new people. Get yourself an attack dog copilot who will cheerfully step up and make corrections for you. I know not everyone can do this and I know that if you can find someone like this they can't be around all the time, but it can be wonderfully reassuring to find that one person who you know is going to be ride or die about making sure that everyone in the room respects you. (Being that person for someone else can also teach you how to be that person for you)

[weirdly-specific-but-ok]

the baftas: my eyes need bleach after the livestream chat.

I SAID I WOULD COME TO TUMBLR AND SLUT-SHAME ALL OF YOU, AND YOU BET YOUR GODDAMN BILDADDY I'M HERE TO DO IT. First, a huge thank you to @good-usernames-were-taken, Valerie, for enabling this entire chaos and streaming it. And of course to Disappointment the Main Maggot.

Second, as per requests from you maggots, I have to give an honourary mention to the tragic lack of an emotional support gaseous orange, the late half-eaten packet of Lays on my desk, and my nearly empty can of Monster energy. Idk either, you asked for the mentions you got them.

Without further ado, presenting the BAFTA Awards 2024:

I am busy drawing out the neckline stitches of Crowley's wedding dress, when I am reminded of the stream and I crash into it midway. Little do I know what I am getting into.

Everyone is here for David Tennant. No one is here for the actual awards. This is made very clear very quickly.

KNEES. JUST KNEES. ALL EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT, THROUGHOUT THE STREAM, IS DAVID TENNANT'S KNEES. ARE YOU ALL OKAY WHAT THE FRESH HELL.

For context, David is in a kilt for the first half. I finally see why my relatives disapprove of skirts above knee-length. I never knew humanity's unholy worship of knees till I came here.

SOMEONE ASKS IF DAVID HAS TANNED HIS KNEES. MAGGOTS. PLEASE.

We interrupt our regular scheduled program of David knees to have an intense discussion about British versus French humour, and the misgendering of croissants.

RDJ wins an award and calls his wife his Alpha and Omega.

We're back to the knees. I can't handle how slutty David's knees are, says a worthy maggot.

This goes into a discussion about tickets for David's Macbeth, because, you guessed it, the kilt and the knees.

A lot of gorgeous and talented women in the BAFTAs tonight. I am floored.

I am not allowed to dwell in my awe because the chat is not a place of the lord. Curtain calls of Macbeth are discussed with unnecessary lasciviousness.

Thankfully, in the midst of this, I get a great Zodiac pattern reference for Crowley's wedding dress cummerbund. I was going to have to research the night sky for star charts but this is better.

People show their beautiful brainrot-induced Doc Marten purchases.

The knee thirst has moved into X-rated territory. I am terrified.

A song is sung in memory of film industry people who passed away this year, and people are sad about Dumbledore but at the same time are imagining Aziraphale and Crowley dancing to the song. The brainrot is real.

I accidentally spoil Saltburn's freakshow for someone. When I ask how I can make up for it, they say something about GOAD. I'm alarmed. Is that an OnlyFans, I ask. It's Good Omens After Dark, the chat answers. Is THAT an OnlyFans, I ask. Close enough, the chat says.

David has now changed outfits to a suit, which finally makes people pay attention to the BAFTAs, if only to alternatively thirst over the suit and bemoan the loss of knees.

Things, uh, happen, which I will have to include as quotes in another post. Cheers, @thearoacemess and @vitrilol.

Barty Crouch Jr is debated about as the Wolfstar child. Bratty Crouch Jr is said to be Crowley.

I obtain a banana, which I associate with blowjobs.

@thearoacemess talks about someone deepthroating a seven-inch banana without a hitch.

The stream does a flashback to the kilt time. It is a mistake. @queermarzipan barrels in and is being too slutty about the knees.

I tell them they need jesus, and they yell about how they've gone to mass twice today and they're an atheist.

Thankfully, @vitrilol starts chanting about the glory of Ireland. The only thing that will distract Marzipan from David Tennant is Ireland.

He proceeds to start screech-singing in all caps.

🎵IRELAND IIIRELAND TOGETHER STANDING TALLLL.🎵

The BAFTAs end. People are still thirsting over David Tennant.

🎵I KNOW YOU'RE MISSING HOME IT'S SO LONG SINCE YOU'VE BEEN🎵

Uh, more dubious things about David, suits and the absence of said suits are discussed. I'm trying my damndest not to notice.

🎵AND THE LIFE YOU HAD IN DUBLIN NOW AIN'T NOTHIN BUT A DREAM🎵

There is accidental Mascot lore: I am apparently from a different timeline (I mixed up timeline and timezone) and that's how Apollo deposited me in an illegal sushi restaurant where I became Neil Gaiman and Michael Sheen's intellectual child.

I am compared to a cat.

TOM HIDDLESTON AND DAVID TENNANT WERE IN THE STAGED-LIKE THING IN THE BEGINNING AHAHAHAHAH LOKI AND CROWLEY MY TWO CELESTIAL GENDERFLUID ICONS.

OKAY so I will end the summary here and make a list of out of context quotes in a new post. Because. Boy oh boy. That deserves its own post.

[bunni-v1]

🍓Dropping the Beauty and the Beast Wrio idea I came up with to @the-original-skipps who I love so much for putting up with my Wrio bullshit. I figured I'd never actually write anything with this, so I'll just dump the idea verbatim what I told bestie. It's not really all that much like Beauty and the Beast, so... lol. If you wanna hear the other concepts I have for the AU I can share lol. Anyway I do have Phainon stuff coming soon (heh), so we’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming in the coming days.

Tw: Drug use; Prison; Really really really rough draft

Okay so there are a lot of ways I could go about doing this, I could go full AU mode and make it exactly like Beauty and the Beast but idk I wanna fuck around. I was thinking more like Reader is from a smaller, less advanced village near the outskirts of Fonataine — the people there are close-minded and judgmental, only caring about fashion and the like. Inventors are not received kindly, and unfortunately for the reader and her father, he is an inventor and the reader is a headstrong bookworm. Now the village people find her beautiful (obviously) and many of them shame her for not using her looks to her advantage and stuffing her nose in books and research all day. Her father has been working tirelessly on a new invention for long-distance communication (telephone lol), and he intends to bring it to the next inventor's showcase in the heart of Fontaine’s capital. He’s old and feeble, though, so Reader comes with him for support and bids the village goodbye with a smile hoping the city will be more kind to her father's genius.

It was, of course, and many people stopped by fascinated by his technology. Some stopped by to try their chance with his daughter, but she was used to the flirting so she always redirected back to her father with ease. Things go fantastically until somehow Gardes come around after a “tip” that the two of them were harboring illegal drugs. (Someone had apparently caught a glimpse of them in their bags). They search, and in her father's bag, they find an illegal substance that neither of them knew was there. To save her father, though, Reader readily claims that they were hers and she planted them in his bag for easier transportation (her bag was small, and the vials are made of glass, easily broken in regular luggage). She gets tried and sentenced rather quickly — an outsider selling drugs in the city is quite scandalous, no one can resist a good story like that. Plus with how pretty she is, everyone is shocked and surprised at why she would throw her life away. So she goes to the fortress and is prepared to serve her sentence, her father adamantly pleading her innocence above the surface, when Wriothesley calls her to his office. Why? Well, he read the case files and managed to get ahold of information on her and realized nothing added up.

She’s from a village in the middle of nowhere with no prior criminal history. She’d never even been to Fontaine City before the week prior, so he wants to know what’s up. Curiosity can plague even the duke. So she confesses that she had lied to keep her father safe, but she knew that the drugs were planted. She personally packed her father's bag and checked it throughout the trip, those vials weren’t there earlier in the day of the incident, the only question is why would someone do such a thing? Wrio agrees to help her clear her name if she helps him with some things concerning him within the fortress. This drug planted on her seems to have made its way inside his walls and has been causing behavioral issues for some of the inmates. He wants her to gather info about where it’s coming from so he can put an end to it, and in turn, he’ll urge some of his connections above the surface to dig just a little deeper into her case. It’s hard to refuse such a tantalizing offer, especially with the worry of her father on her mind, so she accepts and gets to work asap.

They fucking hate each other at first, they’re both way too headstrong to be working with each other. Reader is obviously on edge with everything and Wrio is incredibly calm and laid back all the time and it irritates her to no end. They only start bonding after one of the drugged-out “connections” Reader makes in the prison starts to get suspicious of her, attempting to attack her on her way out from the Duke's office one night. Wrio stops her from getting too hurt, but the man had intentions to kill her to keep her quiet, so he ends up with a new nasty scar that Reader insists on taking care of since he won’t see Sigewinne. There she shares that she’s been caring for her father since she was young, and injuries like this were common with his tinkering and toying around with machines. She thanks him and urges him not to be so reckless for a prisoner, no matter how valuable she might be to him in achieving his goals. She doesn’t want special treatment just because she’s helping him.

From then they’re more casual with each other, Wrio getting over his biases of her being a pretty face and empty-headed, and Reader seeing past his tough exterior to find quite a sweet man underneath. They continue the investigation and start spending a lot more time together in the privacy of his office, weekly meetings becoming nearly daily as they discuss things other than what reader was finding out over tea. It’s easy and natural to them, but the closer they get the harder it is for the reader to find things out. She does manage to find the rat smuggling the drugs in, though, a fatui member who had connections above giving him new supply monthly to sell. With that done Wrio completes his end of the bargain and submits evidence he had gathered proving the reader and her father was innocent, a retrial happening, and clearing the reader of all charges.

She’s… sad to leave. She’d come to enjoy Wrio and Sigewinne and the prisoners in the fortress, but she had to return home with her father at some point… didn’t she? So the two of them prepare to leave Fontaine City after a small celebration, but on their way out of the city, they are attacked by Fatui members. Reader’s father manages to save her life by shoving her off the aquabus so she can get back to Fontaine and get help. The first person she thinks to get to is Wriothesley, certainly not the smartest decision considering how long the trip to his office is, but she doesn’t want to bother the Iduex and she is terrified of Lady Clorainde. She’s a babbling mess as she tries to convince the receptionist to let her see him, so much so the poor girl calls for help and Wriothesley himself arrives to sort out the matter. (He’d expected some vile criminal causing problems, not the reader in tears on shaky legs). She clings to him desperately, begging him for help. She’s pretty incoherent so he dismisses the workers for now and tries to ease what she needs out of her so he can help. (He’s genuinely ready to kill for her he’s so down bad atp lol). When she can tell him he assures her that things will get solved, and again takes her up to the surface to give the report to the gardes. This time, though he stays with her above ground, leaving his duties to a trusted member of staff and doing paperwork and the like at the small desk in her hotel room. It’s rather sweet how much he cares for her lol

There’s clearly a target on her back now, and he doesn’t exactly trust most of the Gardes to properly keep her safe. Luckily, the fatui were sloppy this time and the investigation team can quickly find the trail leading to their wear house… which just so happened to be in Readers' small little village. It turns out her village worked as an underground drug ring for some rouge fatui members, and the planted vials were meant to be slipped into someone else’s bag but the dropper messed up and mistook the reader and her father for the seller and that’s how it all got messed up. Her father is fine, though more battered and bruised than she’d like, and all is well and solved! Well… except for the fact that leaving Wriothesley’s side feels like legitimate torture. And the fact she didn’t want to live in her village anymore after this situation, too unsafe. Luckily, Wrio feels the exact same way and offers to help her and her father get on their feet in Fontaine — mentioning his impressive invention and how it could make a lot of money if he allowed the duke to… ahem invest in it for faster communication with the over world.

Fast forward and her father’s invention sells like hotcakes, making them plenty of money to support themselves in the city. They have a cozy apartment together and well liked by most people in Fontaine, her father finally respected and her able to read as many books as she likes. She spends little time above the surface, though, usually found visiting the Duke in her spare time. Curled up on his office couch with a cup of tea and a book in hand.

[eternalreignblog]

Bad Cop

Chapter 12 is up after over a year...

It's time for Lexa to meet the parents.

I wrote, deleted, and rewrote this chapter so many times. It's not even in the same ballpark as the first draft. Why? No fucking idea. This chapter is so different from the rest of the fic I'm worried about the reaction.

Anyway, it's out there now. After this we should be back to regular scheduled programming, i.e., gratuitous smut, but for some reason, I really needed to write this one.

Anyways, hope you enjoy.

[ank1983]

I miss him. I miss them. I miss her.

How can it be over already? 😭🥺💔

I guess after months of following them, it's back to our regular scheduled programming 😂🤣