#and while I would *rather* do the knitted one (I just seem to enjoy knitting more lately for some reason?) the price for that kit is at

[fortes-fortuna-iogurtum]

I am trying so hard to save money lately, but it is so hard, especially when there are so many things that make me want to spend. the latest temptation is that I really would love to participate in a Make-Along this spring, but don’t know if I can justify spending $60+ on the yarn kit for it (especially when I already have a whole closet-full of yarn from my workplace from when we had a big inventory clear-out last year)

[ronanlynchdefender]

The political stances of The Raven Cycle characters are so fascinating to me. You got Blue over here who is very much a progressive activist in the making. She recognizes things like misogyny and is not afraid to call those things out even when it concerns her closest friends. Because of that, I definitely see her as the type of activist who would be in the front lines at protests whether that be at the Capitol, college campuses, at the border, or as is the case in the dreamer trilogy, tied to a tree. She is the type of person who demands change in our current system and would demand it loudly and through acts of protest or civil disobedience.

Then you have Adam who displays no strong desire to change the system and whose only desire is to rise up in that system. He wants to climb the social ladder and assimilate to those of higher social status which is partially why he envies Gansey so much in the beginning because Gansey was born into it. Adam still tries to do this in the dreamer trilogy by essentially pretending to be a Gansey-like figure while at Harvard despite hating it. Eventually, Adam gives up on trying to belong within this higher social class and "climbing the ladder" but then strangely enough becomes a fed, which means just integrating into another form of hierarchy and power structure. And I feel like a more interesting arc would've been rejecting being a part of these societal systems altogether.

Which I suppose now leads us to Ronan who is a literal anarchist. He actually rejects all societal systems and rules and it permeates every aspect of his life. But actually, I shouldn't say all because there is one societal institution which he does enjoy partaking in: religion. With the exception of his catholicism, he does not engage in any other societal institution: education, law, politics. He hates it, in fact, It is antithetical to his being which is what makes his characterization so perfect because of course a gay farmer god would hate oppressive rules and structures (except for religion). That's not even mentioning that he is a canonical ecoterrorist that cost the US government a billion dollars. But what is really interesting about his character (and where his and Blue's political stances differ) is that because he rejects these systems he has no interest or stake in changing them. He'd sooner tear down the system than try to reform it.

And then there’s Gansey who doesn't seem to engage in politics and would rather spend his days reading his little Welsh books and going on his fun adventures. Of course, he is able to do this largely because he has the privilege to not worry about politics or social class. It seems that Blue's influence changes this as they are both chaining themselves to trees in protest during the dreamer trilogy. Other than that, I don't really have a lot to say about Gansey and his politics. But I find it very interesting that Maggie has created this close-knit group of characters with such varying relationships to how they view politics and social structures. I tried to draw out a 2-axis grid to show their differences, but I don't know if it really works because I feel like Gansey kinda screws it up but nevertheless I like how they each represent different ends of a spectrum sort of.

[d1xonss]

Hi!! Could I request a one shot where reader and Daryl are like complete opposites?? But he realizes eventually he’s grown to love her or something like that?? Thank you!

Enchanting

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Reader

✧ Era : Season 5/6

✧ Pronouns : she/her

✧ Genre : Fluff

✧ Word Count : 3.6k

AN ~ Thank you so much for this request! I’ve been writing some pretty sad stuff lately so I’m glad to have something on the lighter side lol. I tried my best with this considering I haven't been writing much outside of the series I've been updating. But I'm always up for the practice. Hope you enjoy!

He just couldn’t wrap his head around it. How someone so fragile, so delicate, so perfect, survived this long in a world as shitty as this. 

Alexandria as a whole felt like a dream within itself. Arriving with his family at the giant gates after living a life of hell on the road, it was something he would call a miracle. Though he hardly believed in such a thing, he thought this was as close as it was going to get. Houses lined up down the road, running water, electricity, it almost seemed too unreal to him to even want to stay in a place like this. 

It took him some time to get adjusted, some of his people having to drag him out of the house by his hair to actually give this place a chance. They wanted him to open up, socialize a bit more with some of the people in the community seeing as they were planning to stay in this dream-like place. 

Carol was the most persistent of them all. She poked and prodded at him for days to get out of the house and actually give this place a chance. He would argue and say that he had left the house since their arrival, but in her mind, going out for hours to hunt was hardly the socializing she had in mind. All she wanted was for Daryl to be able to thrive here as the rest of them were slowly doing, not wanting to see him completely shut himself out.

So, after a whole week of trying to coax him out of the secure home, he finally agreed to a party. 

Did he enjoy parties? No, absolutely not. He didn’t know what to do at those types of events, not knowing how to really talk with others freely as it wasn’t exactly his strong suit. He would most likely just awkwardly stand in the corner by himself until enough time passed for him to be able to leave. And at least then he could say he tried.

When the day finally came it was safe to say he was a little nervous. He hadn’t talked to really anyone outside of his close knit group in what felt like forever. He had no idea if he would even be good at the whole “small talk” thing as he never once was to begin with. But still, he promised he’d try.

So, after getting back from a hunt he went on earlier that day, he headed towards the lit up house as instructed. Though the closer he got, the more nervous he became. His palms began to sweat a little as he wiped them a few different times on his jeans, trying to swallow whatever anxiety was creeping back up to haunt him. It shouldn’t have been that big of a deal, but it was. To him, it was.

He eventually forced himself to open up the front door with almost instant regret, seeing a few turning heads to notice his presence in the room. Though he tried to ignore it for the most part, only nodding to the familiar faces he saw in different areas of the mostly filled house. He already grew uncomfortable at the watchful eyes that managed to follow him, purposefully looking away as he kept his head down while he moved.

Alright, time to find a corner, he thought to himself as he subtly scoped the place out, preparing to be alone for most of the night.

“Daryl!”

Damnit.

He reluctantly turned his head to see Carol approaching him rather quickly with a wide smile on her face as she quickly brought him into a hug, “Oh, I’m so happy you made it.” 

“Mhm,” he hummed with a nod as he patted her back awkwardly before she finally pulled away, “Said I’d try…so m’ tryin.”

“And I’m very proud of you.” she said sincerely as she placed a hand on his cheek for a moment, before pulling back with an even larger smile, “You want something to drink?” 

He dipped his head in a nod of appreciation as she tapped his shoulder, “I’ll be right back.” she promised, before turning around to maneuver through the sea of people.

Daryl patted the sides of his legs nervously as he waited for her return, scanning over different things in the house that caught his attention. One was the slightly flickering light above his head, another was the music playing somewhat softly in the background of people’s loud conversations. And the third was a laugh. A quite delightful laugh that had his attention from the second it hit his ears.

Daryl’s head whipped in the direction of the sudden delicate noise, his eyes catching sight of a woman he had never seen around the community before. Over the past week he had managed to see a few other residents of Alexandria when he traveled outside, sending them a polite nod when he passed through. But he had never seen you before.

He watched intently as you interacted with someone else from right next to you, whispering something close to your ear as you let out another light and enchanting laugh. His eyes moved over the features of your face, seeing your eyes crinkling at the corners and dimples forming on your cheeks from how wide you smiled. His lips parted a little at the sight, his head even tilting a bit to the side as he continued to study your movements.

You occasionally tucked a piece of hair behind your ear everytime it got in the way of your eyes, your hand effortlessly falling back down to grasp the cup of the drink you held in your hands. Your nose occasionally scrunched up a bit as you spoke, clearly about something that brought you joy and it intrigued Daryl more than he was willing to admit. A part of him wanted to get closer to hear the delightful story you were surely telling. He could in fact almost make out the sound of your voice from where he stood-

“Here’s your drink.” Carol’s voice quickly cut into his thoughts.

He practically jumped out of his skin at her arrival, glancing down to see the beer bottle in her hands before swiping it in his own grasp with a quiet thanks. Her brows furrowed in slight confusion as now all Daryl could seem to focus on was the ground, but curiosity got the better of her as to why he was so jumpy. Her eyes glanced behind her shoulder and did a scan of the surroundings…before a smirk was brought to her face.

“She’s pretty.” she commented casually.

Daryl’s eyes flew up to meet her smug expression with a scoff, “Dunno what yer talkin bout.” he brushed off as he raised the bottle to meet his lips.

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes, “I’m not dense, Daryl, and neither are you…” she trailed off before glancing back once more to catch you laughing yet again, “I think you should go talk to her.”

A scoff was the only response he could come up with, a reddened pigment covering his cheeks at the suggestion. You were already having a good time, why the hell would you want to talk to someone like him instead.

“I’m serious.” Carol pushed, “I think it’s the right kind of socializing you need.” she finished with a wink.

He gave her a pointed look as he took another swig of the liquid, his eyes panning back over towards you as the person whom you were once talking with, suddenly walked away. So now you stood alone, swaying back and forth a little to the music in content as you occasionally took a sip from your own drink as well.

“Well, would you look at that…a spot seemed to open up.” Carol teased as she nudged his side a little to which he just brushed her away with an annoyed grunt.

Though he couldn’t argue as he continued to casually glance at you still standing alone, though it looked like you didn’t mind too much. You looked almost too peaceful in a cramped party filled to the brim with people. Maybe he should take a chance. Just this once in his life maybe the leap of faith would do him some good, giving him an opportunity to talk to you.

After having an eternal inner debate with himself and a loud sigh left his lips, he finally pushed himself to move forward. He tried to ignore Carol’s wide smile in encouragement as he passed by her completely, but it truly was hard to ignore. He huffed as he moved further, awkwardly squeezing by a few people lingering in the way before he could reach you.

Although it happened all too fast, now standing in front of you with somewhat of a blank expression as you now looked him in the eye. Daryl swallowed thickly as he stood frozen upon seeing your gaze match his, your eyes were beautiful as they seemed to hold something much more than he was expecting. Everything about you seemed to make time stop for him.

“Hi.” you greeted politely after a few seconds of silence, sending a smile his way that almost caused him to melt.

He cleared his throat, “Hey.” he responded dryly, now almost panicking as he didn’t think this through as much as he should’ve. He was suddenly rendered speechless, not knowing what to say next as you looked at him almost expectantly.

Though your eyes narrowed the smallest bit, the smile still remaining on your face, “I recognize you, you’re new.” you stated with a raised finger, “Apart of Rick’s group, right? Daryl?”

“Uh huh.” he mumbled as he continued to stare, almost in disbelief that you had recalled seeing him before, enough to recognize him and even know his name. He’d almost wished you would repeat his name again so he could hear you say it just once more.

Your smile widened even more if that were possible as you suddenly held out your hand for him to take, “I’m (Y/N).”

And just like that, after hearing your name for the very first time, he could never seem to get it out of his head. He didn't necessarily know it then, but you would soon become a person that Daryl cared very much for. Someone he would give up his life for. Someone he would grow to love.

He was infatuated with you, slowly finding the time to leave the house more and more so he could have a chance at catching you outside as well. Normally he would never be so bold as to plan something like this just to get a chance to talk to you, but he couldn’t help it. There was just something so special about you that he couldn’t ignore.

Months in the community went by just like that, getting countless chances and opportunities to spend more time with you on multiple occasions. You were honestly flattered that the stoic man wanted to seek you out whenever he got the chance, offering to help fix something in your house or inviting you out on one of his hunts, you were always excited upon his arrival.

In exchange you would always have something to give him in return for his countless acts of kindness. Whether it was giving him something you had baked or his worn jeans you offered to patch up and sew, you wanted to give him something. He always seemed to deny your persistence, wanting nothing in return as he thought you were the best gift he could ever receive. But still you pushed, batting your eyelashes at him until he finally agreed to take whatever you presented, leaving you smiling at his bashful state.

You knew of his growing feelings towards you, of course you did. You picked up on it after he stopped by your house about three different times to make sure the bathroom sink he had fixed was still working properly. Daryl however was still painfully oblivious as he failed to realize that after all this time, you too found yourself growing feelings for him.

“I think you should just bite the bullet and ask her.” Carol advised as she mauvered around the kitchen, cooking dinner for the two of them.

Daryl’s constant resort was to just scoff at her words as he held his head in one of his hands at the kitchen island, “Alright.” he mumbled sarcastically.

She whipped around with slightly widened eyes, “I’m being serious!” she said as she stirred something heated on the stove, “And you better do it fast before she gets swept up by someone else.”

His eyes quickly snapped up towards her at the possibility, “Ya think that’ll happen?” he asked, not even trying to hide his worry.

He cared for you deeply, unlike anything he had ever felt before, the last thing he wanted to see was you with someone else. But at the same time he was scared. Scared to ask you out for some kind of date if you didn’t see him the same way he saw you. He didn’t want to ruin what he already had with you, he didn’t want to scare you away. But the suggestion of you being with someone besides him now made him worry further.

“I think that it could happen.” Carol corrected, “She’s very kind and pretty, it’s hard for me to believe she hasn’t found someone yet.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing…” Daryl said as he trailed off, “Better then endin up with some asshole like me.”

The woman sighed heavily as she dropped the wooden spoon in her hands and turned around fully to face him, “Daryl, that girl absolutely adores you. You might not be able to see it, but I do. I think you should just…take a chance. Like you did with that party.” she spoke knowingly.

He sent her a glare through his lids, earning a small laugh from her as she turned back around. His mind seemed to wander for a long moment as Carol’s back was facing him now, thinking if now was really the time to make some type of move. He wanted nothing more than to just confess what he’s been feeling for so long, wanting to sweep you off your feet and never let you go. But it wasn’t that easy.

He had thought about this situation before in the past, a lot more than he was willing to admit, but everytime he seemed to always talk himself out of it. He didn’t know how you would react, if you would be offended or flattered. If you would turn him down easy for leave him brokenhearted. There were too many possibilities for him to ignore, too many scenarios to think through.

But in the end you were the kindest person he had ever met and he felt safe with you, safer than he had ever felt before. Perhaps that was the only reason he needed to finally take a chance.

Before he could even process what he was doing, he suddenly stood up from his seat and headed straight towards the front door, trying not to talk himself out of the sudden decision he just made. He was fast and light on his feet as he walked down the porch steps, nearly falling on his ass as he missed the last one in a hurry. But he hardly let it bother him, looking like a man on a mission to others he was passing by on the sidewalk.

The walk to your house felt fast and slow all at once, his heartbeat rapidly pounding in his chest with each step closer he got. He felt his hands begin to sweat a bit as he trudged up the steps to your pretty yellow house, noticing the arrangements of flowers you had on either side of the porch that matched your personality perfectly. He was inches away from the front door now as he stood back and hesitated to knock on the wooden frame to your home. His eyes glanced down for a moment to your welcome mat below his feet, scraping off his dirty boots as he would never wish to track mud into your house.

With his boots clean(ish) and a huff passing from his lips, he finally raised his fist up towards the door to give it a firm and heavy knock, waiting for you to answer. The seconds seemed to go impossibly slow as he waited, wondering to himself if you were even home. You loved to head to the gardens this time of day, picking your share of the fruits and vegetables being grown. Perhaps he had missed you completely, contemplating if he should just turn around and head back seeing as the seconds turned into minutes.

But then he heard it. The faintness of your voice calling through the house that you were coming, followed by the pitter patter of your light and delicate footsteps. He swallowed thickly before the door was suddenly swung open, revealing your smiling face that seemed to light up even more at just the sight of him.

“Hey!” you greeted cheerfully as you bounded forward to close the distance between you two, bringing him in for a tight embrace.

He grunted at the sudden impact, but smiled a bit to himself as he hesitantly wrapped his arms around you softly. He feared that he would break you if he squeezed a little too tight.

You pulled back with a smile just as wide as your eyes lingered a bit over his face, “What’s up? You need something?” you asked politely.

He couldn’t help but think that he needed you and only you, but it felt a little wrong to be that blunt right away so he settled with a shake of his head, “Nah, just…just wanted ta see ya.” he spoke honestly.

Your eyes twinkled at the sweetness of him as you laughed lightly, “I’ve been wanting to see you too.” you admitted, “It feels like it’s been too long since we’ve hung out.”

“Yeah,” he grunted as he cleared his throat a little, “Shit’s gettin busier round here.”

You nodded in agreement, a little sympathy on your features as you knew how much he did around here for the community, “But- uh…” he quickly corrected, “I’ll always make time for ya…no matter how busy it gets.” he admitted nervously.

Your heart warmed as you smiled at him sweetly, “You sure?” you asked a bit playfully, “You sure you’re not too busy?” you poked as you ventured out to take his hand softly in yours.

He smiled down at you as you intertwined your fingers with his, as you normally would do, “Never.” he promised.

His eyes then took the time to take in your appearance as he normally would do. Your hair was pulled back a bit as it was tied up with a light pink ribbon, framing your face angelically as a few strands fell from the front and landed just above your cheekbones. He then noticed the sundress that fit your figure beautifully, finding himself loving the many skirts and flowy dresses you constantly wore. And then the jewelry that hung around your neck, a tiny pink diamond that was shaped into a heart as it sat in the middle of your chest.

It was actually a gift he had given you weeks ago, something he had found on a run that just reminded him of you. It was so soft and delicate, and the heart seemed fitting to your style. 

“Did you…want to come in for a bit?” you asked as you noticed him grow a little quieter than usual.

He snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of your sweet voice, “Oh- uh- nah…I just came over here ta…ask ya somethin.”

“So ask.” you prodded gently with a soft squeeze to his hand that made his knees feel like jelly.

You knew that Daryl often had a hard time with things like this, seeing it made him uncomfortable to say or ask something out of his comfort zone. But you were always so patient with him it blew his mind, always willing to wait for him to just come out and say it.

“Alright, so uh…” he cleared his throat before swallowing thickly, “I was just um…just wonderin…if ya wanted to maybe…go on a ride with me sometime…?”

Your eyes brightened a little as you went to open your mouth to answer, but he quickly cut you off, “Nah, I mean- n-not like just a ride, but like…out together sometime…just the two of us...kinda like-”

His rambling went on for a few more seconds before you decided to cut him off instead. He suddenly clamped his mouth shut in a split second when he felt the softness of your lips brushing across his cheek, leaving a light peck before you pulled away with a smile.

“I’d love to.” you said.

The man was stunned to silence, feeling his face get hot and the burning of his cheek becoming more intense as he tired to process your actions. You couldn’t help but laugh a little to yourself as you gave his hand another comforting squeeze while gazing up at him through your long lashes.

“I’m free tomorrow at noon…if that works for you?”

He stood there in bewilderment for a moment or two before frantically nodding his head, not counting on his words in this moment in time. You nodded back before venturing your hand out of his hold and up towards his face to move some of the hair that had fallen over his eyes. He almost quivered at the feeling of your fingers gently touching his hair, silently wanting more though he would never ask.

“I can’t wait.” you admitted gently and quietly, lulling him back into the same enchanting trance he was hit with the moment he caught sight of you for the first time all those months ago.

~ Thanks for reading!

[whysodelirious08]

You Really Got Me - Virgin!Eddie x FemBestfriend! Reader

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18+ MINORS DNI. SPICY FIC!

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I hope you enjoy~

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Honestly speaking, real honest, this wasn't how you imagined you'd be spending your Friday night. Not at some lousy party, not in the bathroom at some lousy party. Not with your hand gently squeezing the rock-hard cock of one Eddie Munson, at some lousy party.

Your friend. Your well-known friend. Eddie Munson. Jesus fuck, you would have missed out on this if you hadn't picked up the phone.

Eddie's jeans and boxers barely pulled down past his balls, his pink tip was already leaking a pretty pearl of pre-cum. You licked your lips, you wanted nothing more than to take him in your trained mouth but you were still partially recovering from the words that had blurted out his mouth moments before.

"I'm a virgin-" he had yelped when you had suggested he fuck you over the sink. A little drunk but more conscious by the moment after those words. You were stunned, you didn't believe him until now, not until you were watching him unfold at your very touch. And you had just started.

He had gotten hard. Rock-fucking-hard at your little skin-tight outfit. It hugged you just right.

He had always been so flirty with you in the most subtle and sexily smooth way that it had never, ever, occurred to you that he'd never fucked anyone before. Perhaps, late at night, in the early hours, he practiced what he'd say, imagine the things he'd do to you, how he would do those things. Perfected them. Just so he could tell you all those flirty things without falling apart. The very thought had you squeezing your thighs together as you kneeled below him.

"You okay down there, Sweetheart...?" His voice was worried, a little out of breath but mostly quiet. A sharp inhale was audible as you looked to meet his gaze, you nodded quickly and let your features soften as your hand slid down to the base of cock, inching forward a little to where you knew he could feel your breaths on his sensitive tip.

"Just relax Eddie, I'll be gentle. Slow. If you wanna stop just tell me" you reassured the worried man whose fear lingered in his eyes. You made no other movements until you got approval which came in the form of nodding. You were rather impatient in this moment but you didn't want Eddie to be uncomfortable in any way.

Despite the painfully loud music and the smell of cheap alcohol and cigarettes, you could push that from your mind while you were on your knees for a guy you've had a crush on for the last year. Sort of. You'd always found him attractive but didn't know you had feelings for him. You'd never dated, never cared for guys but sure you'd hooked up with people. That was about it.

You watched as Eddie braced himself, holding onto the sink behind him for support as the flat of your tongue oh-so-gently glided over his tip, finally catching the pre-cum that had caught your attention. Your eyes barely left Eddie's face, you were desperate to see his reaction and it didn't disappoint, his eyes were closed, his eyebrows knitted together, and his jaw clamped shut as a tiny, needy whimper slipped out. You could see how his hands were tightly clutching the edge of the sink as you swirled your tongue, the clink of his rings against the ceramic was barely noticeable but still, the sound drew your attention to how his ring-covered fingers would feel against your skin. Nipping your thighs as he dragged his hands down to part your legs. You were becoming lost in your thoughts. In your fantasies. A hand brought you back to your current actions, his hand. Clutching your hair so gently, it seemed he was restraining from being too rough.

You slowly, tauntingly, took all of him and let him sit in the deepest part of your throat for a moment before you pulled all the way off him, his throbbing cock secured by your hand. Eddie's shy voice turned into a groan, clearly disliking the sudden lack of contact as his tip leaned against your bottom lip.

"Come on, eds. Don't tell me your close already? I've just started" You teased softly, giving his thigh a squeeze with your free hand. He managed to get out an answer, just barely.

"I can't help it. It's not like anyone has done this-" he interrupted himself with part gasp part groan as you locked your lips onto his cock again, taking all of him only to pull almost all the way off and repeated it a few times, just to see him melt, to see that pathetic expression that made your insides twist. His ragged breathing was loud to your ears, you could just tell he was inching closer, practically begging you as his grip on your hair tightened, slightly pushing your head toward him though you didn't submit to his wants.

You pulled off and wiped your mouth as you moved to stand, purposefully pressing your body against Eddie's as you moved up from the ground just to make sure your clothes rubbed against Eddie's dick.

"Eddie, don't force someone onto your cock. Got it? I'm in control here. Perhaps I should just edge you some more and make you wait?" You asked as your lips met his neck, nipping at his skin while your hand slid down between your two bodies just to slowly stroke the man's cock, keeping him somewhat entertained while you waited for a response. A quick shake of his head confirmed that he wasn't in the mood to keep waiting.

"Good boy~" you smirked

Your hand moved faster, slowly but surely picking up your pace though you slowed as you knelt again quickly taking him into your mouth again as you started to feel his cock twitch, you used your mouth to finish the job as you held onto his thigh to stabilise yourself while your free hand cupped his balls, giving them a gentle squeeze which earned a load moan, at this point the people outside could surely hear the moans. The slurping noises. The erotic, dirty noises.

Despite your earlier warning Eddie pulled you into him by your hair, your nose pressed firming into his messy bush. A loud moan not restrained released from the depths of Eddie's chest, his head flung back as his curls fell out of the way of his neck, revealing his hickies but only you had noticed how Steve had flung the door open and stood shocked to see the scene, just as you felt Eddie's seed slid down your throat.

[alexa-fika]

I've finally reached the point in the anime where the cross guild is formed and addicted🙌

I don't mihawk wouldn't even think about letting buggy near child!reader, but what if reader snuck off to one of buggys shows and got caught by crocodile and/or mihawk?

Circus Escapade ( Cross guild x Gn!Dracule!child!Reader)

A/N Finished my essay ya’ll!! So I made this for you guys, sorry it took so long anon! Also idk how I feel about it, no idea why but the first word that comes to mind is surreal?

Reader here is replaced by Dokucha which means Reader in Japanese.

Dividers by @/saradika

Dokucha knew that what they were doing was likely to get them in trouble not only with their dad but their uncle would not be the happiest either

But they just wanted one small peek of the show, a small peek at what happened behind the tarp; that’s all they wanted

They grin, popping their head slowly over their hiding spot and watching as the different acts went about performing

The stage was filled with different acts performing, each one seemingly more outrageous than the other; some were dangerous, some were more comedic, and a few even seemed a bit off to the audience…but that was the point; it’s a circus after all

A new act has now taken the center stage, the lights dimmed and the curtains drawn as Buggy himself came out, using his devil fruit ability to perform various tricks

They grin, giggling at his comedic actions, watching enthralled as the different body parts move around independently

Buggy’s comedic act continued; his body parts continued moving all around, one arm reaching over, picking at his teeth, and one of his legs would do a silly little kick before each body part would come together again.

His act was rather amusing, and as the act reached his peak, he came over to the podium, extending his arms toward the audience

“Hahaha!! Applause, Applause, Applause!!,” he screamed, waving his arms around, trying to get the audience to clap for him

They laughed along with the audience, gleefully enjoying the act until they felt something lift them up

They squeak as they suddenly are brought right up to the ringmaster himself

“Well, looks like we have a break-in!” Buggy laughs but stills as he takes a closer look at them

“W-Wait, you’re Mihawk’s-

“Clown.”

Everyone turns their head at the sudden entrance of the ex-warlords; the circus growing eerily quiet, everyone too afraid to move a muscle in fear of angering the duo more

“Buggy…” Mihawk seethes, his eyebrows knit together, his tone of voice dangerously eery

Crocodile, while maintaining his usual stoic expression, holds back a low grow

Buggy’s expression changed when he saw the two enter, his body parts freezing into place, his eyes widening slightly as he gulped, his voice growing quieter as he spoke

“Cro-Crocodile, Mihawk…”

Buggy gulped, taking a few steps back as he spoke, “I ca- I can explain!”

“Do you think I care for explanations?” Mihawk glares at Buggy, his gaze becoming sharp; he takes a step closer

“W-Wait, I swear I had nothing to do with this. I didn’t bring them here!”

“Your hand on them tells a different story,” he growls, ripping way the hand from Dokucha and embracing them

“Tha-I swear I can explain. I didn’t know.”

“Dokucha.”

They flinch at their father's sharp tone, and although they were aware that the anger was not directed at them, they were also going to get one hell of a scolding

“Go to your room; I will come to talk to you after I'm done with him.”

They nod

“Sorry Papa”

“Now you,” Mihawk said coldly, looking at Buggy, who just stood there, sweating profusely, his entire body shaking in fear as the duo advanced on him.

“H-Hey, I'm sure we can talk this out.”

The last thing Dokucha heard as they flew out of the tent was the cries of the mercy of the crown; they flinched at the sound

“Oops…”

Did buggy probably die? Yeah, is everything Dokusha said to that oops? Yeah cause their a menace

Taglist:

@imaginarydreams

@amethystviolin

@h0n3y-l3m0n05

[literatureloverx]

Hello! This is my first time asking anything so, sorry if this doesn’t make any sense. I love the way you write & your ideal type for Fyodor. I was curious, how would he have met his ideal type? I understand if you’re busy! Thank you

Hello dear!♥️ You’re not bothering at all, and I’m so happy that I’m the person you chose for your first request.♥️

I’m sorry it took me so long, and I hope you enjoy reading it!♥️

Fyodor likely saw you in a serene and sophisticated setting, such as a café, a theatre, a library, or a museum. I chose the Musée Fabre for this scenario.♥️

Religious themes, art interpretations, intrigued and manipulative Fyodor.

“A Beauty to Behold”

You move a loose strand away from your face, which reveals your pale, small, innocent face.

Fyodor’s gaze lingers on you for a few moments longer, an odd thought crossing his mind. No one else seems to notice you. You were beautiful, and that alone was captivating. The fact that others weren’t even watching the art they came to see only added to the allure, making his gaze fixate on you even more.

You, a beautiful young woman, dressed in fine stilettos and a figure-hugging, midi-length crème knit dress, holding a coat and a small bag of the same color in your arms, appeared to be the only one genuinely interested in the art before you—reading the text beside it and admiring the piece for more than five minutes now. ‘The Fallen Angel’ by Alexandre Cabanel.

He takes a calm stride toward you, coming to a halt just beside you—like a predator, one might think. His cool aura contrasts sharply with your warmth.

Fyodor moves a little closer to observe you more clearly, studying the way you react to the painting and the little facial expressions that appear on your beautiful features while you’re deep in thought.

After a moment, he hums, his voice light and charming.

“What do you make of this one, miss?” His eyes rest on the painting itself.

He finds himself intrigued by the sight of such innocence and naivety, and he can’t help the slight, cold smirk that spreads on his lips.

You look at him with your doe eyes, widened slightly as his approach seems to have come unexpectedly. You seem like an introverted person, and rather shy.

An unrealistically handsome man, tall and dressed in a dark suit that seems to match the intensity of his gaze. It takes you a few seconds before you’re able to speak.

You speak with a soft voice. “When I look at it, I feel the weight of what it means to turn away from God's light. The angel, once so radiant and close to God, now sits alone, his face full of sorrow and defiance….”

You pause for a brief moment. “….It still does not make me feel less empathetic towards the angel that is depicted in the painting. Because he does not embody the true evil that is the devil.”

Fyodor listens attentively, his smirk transforming into a small, more genuine-looking smile. Your words are not only interesting, but they also show a certain maturity. His gaze glides over you again, taking in the details of your face and figure in a subtle, almost nonchalant way.

“It's truly interesting, and also curious to hear someone not just throw around shallow, superficial phrases but instead look at the painting at a deeper, more analytical level, isn't it?”

“Are you agreeing with my opinion, sir?”

You say softly, with a shy undertone, subtly analyzing his fine features. Clearly intrigued in your own, feminine way.

A quiet, gentle chuckle leaves Fyodor's mouth. Your shy, innocent manner of speaking and acting amuses and delights him, and he likes the way you’re looking at him, even if your gaze is shy, almost a tad timid. When he speaks, there's a slight hint of playfulness in his voice, though his sharp eyes never leave your pretty features for a second.

“That depends. Are you expecting praise, my dear?”

This was something that you did not expect, which makes you blush softly.

“Oh, I wasn't...”

You stutter mildly.

“I…was...just asking if you agree with me.”

You recover quickly. “Do you have an opposite statement you would make?”

A smirk appears on Fyodor's lips again at the sight of your blushing and stuttering, and suddenly, he's very much enjoying this conversation. He can't put his finger on it, but there's something about this. About you. Something that is new. A lovely young woman that draws him in, makes him want to keep talking to her.

He lets out a small hum before he answers your question, his deep, melodic voice barely above a murmur.

“No, miss. I think you're absolutely correct.”

Your eyes widen, as if saying, 'you do?’. You look at the painting again, and then at Fyodor. He seems rather cold, calculating, analyzing, looking into your soul, piercing through your comfort zone by playing a game of cat and mouse, in an almost nonchalant way.

He must be either bored or lonely.

“And you have nothing to add, sir?”

He shakes his head, his smirk turning into a small smile as he continues looking at you, amused and intrigued himself that you seem so interested in his opinion.

Your voice is so soft and sweet, he feels himself drawn to you without even realizing it, the desire to prolong their conversation suddenly appearing in his head.

The corner of Fyodor's lips curls up into a very subtle, almost mischievous-looking smile. He likes how you want to extend the conversation, and he decides to play along, simply because the thought of leaving you, this charming, beautiful young woman, alone does not please him.

He can tell that you’re alone—a sweet, beautiful person like you, all by yourself in this grand museum, pursuing your passion. He figured out most of this —and more— within the first few minutes of meeting you.

He takes a step closer, now standing right next to you as he looks at the painting as well, his eyes roaming over the colors and shapes that create a fascinating composition.

“Well, I suppose I could say a few more things. Would you be interested in hearing them?”

You nod softly. “Yes, please do.”

Fyodor is satisfied to see that you seem to desire more, and he can’t help but let his gaze flit from the painting back to you, lingering on the soft, innocent features of your lovely face for a moment before he speaks again.

His deep voice is as melodic as before, but it’s clear that he’s more interested in you than in the art at the moment—a fact only he is aware of, something you could never tell.

“You're already correct when you say the angel does not embody true malice, but I think, in order to understand the pain and defiance on his face, it's important to look at what has led to his downfall.”

“You mean to say... the rebellion?”

He nods, a sly, almost mischievous smirk appearing on his lips once more with how he watches your reactions to his words, enjoying seeing you paying so much attention to his point of view.

Everything about you is sweet, and Fyodor is slowly becoming more and more intrigued, wanting to see more of it the longer you talk.

It is truly strange. He feels a certain way, and his frozen heart does not seem to keep up with this feeling.

“Precisely, my dear. The fallen angel chose to go against the Creator. That's what caused his downfall. His choice, no one else's.”

You nod thoughtfully, whispering softly.

“One is responsible for whatever one does. Only strong minds can withstand corruption by the seven deadly sins... but no one truly can withstand them, because being human means having weaknesses. One could say that human beings are sinful and foolish, because they can’t help themselves but be corrupted. But then again… it is what makes them human.”

The quiet, barely audible sound of your voice is like music to his ears, and his smile widens slightly at your words. You clearly possess a wisdom and intelligence that goes beyond your age, and this makes the interest and amusement he feels for you only grow. You’re so… proper.

You make for a far more interesting conversation than any intellectual or even philosophical topic he could go on about with other individuals. You lack his level of intellect, sure, but he can’t deny that you’re not someone who bores him.

Rather than challenging him, you present an understanding of his own perspective, which is more comforting than threatening. Something he is not used to. Not naive, but simply pure.

A power so few people have. An objective view on the matter of humanity.

His smirk turns sharp, and the subtle mischief in his eyes is more obvious as he continues looking at you while speaking.

“So very true, my dear. To fall... is your own choice indeed.”

You smile sweetly at him, your gaze demure and soft with intrigue.

“It is not common for me to find someone who shares my views.” You say gently.

“I heard interpretations about his tragic beauty, contrasting with the sorrow and defiance in his expression, symbolizing the consequences of pride and ambition. It's often seen as a romanticized portrayal of Lucifer's fall, emphasizing themes of rebellion, loss, and the fragility of even the most exalted beings.”

You look at the painting. “But it never seemed enough to me.”

He hums in thought, allowing his gaze to flicker from your delicate features to the painting and back again as he listens to what you have to say.

Your words are eloquent, and they show an intelligence and depth of understanding that even people a lot older than you are lacking.

And yet, there is still something so innocent and sweet about you, something that makes him want to see those beautiful doe eyes of yours looking up at him in awe... He has to suppress a small smirk, keeping his voice in a tone just as soft as yours is.

“So it seemed insufficient to you?”

“No one ever truly depicts the true evil in its pure form, don't you think? It was not easy to understand. The idea of there being a true, pure evil. I believe that is why so many people are romanticizing it…”

You gaze at Fyodor. “…Because they can’t understand that he is simply, purely, evil. He chose to defy God and rebel—not out of altruistic ambitions, but because of his pride. He’s no human. He should’ve known better.”

You smile sweetly. “But it is nice to know that at least someone agrees with me.”

His smirk returns, and his expression turns sharp as he leans towards you ever so subtly, his deep voice still as soft and melodic as ever, though the slight mocking tone in his words is clear.

Ah, so you crave attention and approval from someone more capable of seeing what others cannot? How very cute. Not that he didn’t already figure that out.

“I couldn't agree more, miss...?”

You say your name softly. “…a pleasure to meet you, mister...?”

You extend your hand towards him in a warm, friendly manner. Fyodor takes it, your hand slender and delicate in his larger, paler one.

His grip is firm but gentle, as though afraid of breaking you. That is unlike him—he is used to breaking and destroying things.

And yet, there is something about you that makes him feel at ease. Your touch is almost like a relief. A sense of serenity in this twisted world.

The smirk on his lips never leaves, and for a moment he holds your hand a second too long, enjoying the feel of your soft skin underneath his fingers.

“Fyodor Dostoevsky.”

The electricity between you two could almost be felt from a hundred miles away.

“…Mister Dostoevsky,” you say softly.

He hums, the way you say his name making his smirk turn into a small smile.

Your voice is even more lovely when his name falls from your lips, and he can tell you’re not just another pretty young woman who pretends to have some knowledge about the topics discussed—not when just the way you pronounce his name makes a pleasant shiver run down his spine.

He gently lets go of your hand, although reluctantly, and his eyes never leave your pretty face as he continues speaking.

“You’re not a local if I’m hearing the right accent, are you, miss?”

“Yes, I’m not. I’m (any heritage). And you are… Russian?” you ask softly.

He nods, his eyes never leaving hers as he gazes at your innocently curious expression. You’re so open, so pure and genuine in the way you speak and present yourself, and it amuses and fascinates him in a way he can’t quite describe as he listens to your soft, melodic voice.

“Russian, indeed. I take it it’s rather obvious?”

You giggle softly. “The accent, yes, but the name says it all.”

He lets out a quiet, deep chuckle at the sound of your soft laughter, the corners of his lips curled up into a small smile. He likes your laugh and your voice, how gentle and sweet you are. It is like a fresh breeze.

“Ah, I was correct, then. You truly know more than the average young person.”

“I learned a little bit of Russian at home—that is why—because I enjoyed reading Russian literature, but I’m afraid it’s not good enough for me to present it to the ears of a native speaker…”

You sound shy. He can’t help the way he smiles at the thought of you trying to learn his language, and the fact that you’re doing it out of interest in his nation’s literature makes it only sweeter.

You truly are an interesting young lady, and the more he learns about you, the more your innocently demure appearance and your shy behavior intrigue him.

He’s well-schooled enough to keep it hidden behind his polite smile.

“I would be delighted to hear you try, darling.”

You look shyly at him, seemingly regretting having admitted that you know a little Russian, stuttering:

“I—I’d r-rather not…”

Fyodor’s smile only grows at seeing your shy, embarrassed reaction. You truly are adorable, blushing and stuttering as you try to get out of speaking. He decides to have mercy on you.

“Very well, if you’re not comfortable doing so, I won’t pressure you.”

His eyes continue to study you, and he still has a hard time figuring out what it is about you that makes him want to continue this conversation. Normally, he’d have already left such a naive, young girl, but you’re different…

You sigh softly, preparing yourself to bid this interesting stranger goodbye with your innocent gaze. Oh dear, he can read you all too well.

“Mister Dostoevsky—”

“A moment, my dear.”

You are flustered because he seems to have such a sharp mind, which is both thrilling and unnerving in a positive way. The way he could tell that you were trying to leave without a real sign is truly admirable.

“I’m listening, Mister Dostoevsky.”

“There will be a party of artists and intellectuals in a few days, here at the opera. One of the more important ones, it is. I would enjoy having someone as intelligent and lovely as you there.”

(That’s a lie; there is no party and no intellectuals—only his rats, which he will use to create the ambiance.)

His purple eyes never leave your face as he speaks, observing every little expression you might make while listening to his words. He can’t deny that he’s interested in you, a form of interest he’s not used to.

A very dark, and deeply rooted desire that seems to shine through his icy walls.

Your eyes sparkle as you listen to his words, recognizing the slightly flirty but cool undertone of his words.

His gaze is intimidatingly direct and deep, which makes your cheeks flush softly. You can’t help but be flattered by the invitation. And you certainly cannot say no to him.

There is just something about him that makes your heart flutter with joy and excitement. And you do have time at that certain timeframe before heading back to your own country for college. So… why not?

“I would be delighted, Mister Dostoevsky.”

His smile turns into a soft smirk, and he hums in slight satisfaction as you agree. The feeling is quite intriguing, to say the least. He gives a slight bow, not once taking his eyes off your face.

“So am I, considering I’ll get to see you there, my dear.”

You try to hide your flustered face by tilting your head innocently.

“Is there any dress code I should look out for?”

Fyodor hums for a moment. He has already calculated that you would ask this, as you seem to be a very proper young lady who does not wish to overstep. And you will, of course, wear what he wants you to.

“No, not really. The evening’s theme is white, so it would be best if you wear a white, elegant dress. Other than that, there’s not much to know. However, I am certain you shall look enchanting no matter what you wear.”

You blush. “Thank you very much. Then… s-shall I give you my phone number?” You ask nervously.

He smiles at your flustered reaction. You really are adorable, blushing like a little schoolgirl being asked for her number for the first time.

He cannot recall having had a woman so nervous about giving him, a man, her contact information, and he enjoys watching just how shy you get while doing so.

He takes your number with the same polite smile, but he does not use his phone or write it down anywhere.

“Thank you, and I will ensure to text you the details of the event later on, my dear.”

You are confused because he did not write your number down anywhere. No way he’d be able to memorize it this quickly, right?

“And… you can memorize it this instant?”

He doesn’t try to hold back his amused chuckle this time at your confused expression, and the smirk that’s back on his lips is one of mild mockery.

“Of course, my dear. I happen to have a good memory. It would truly be foolish of me not to make use of it.”

Woah!!! I had so much fun writing this. I’m down bad. ♥️

[in1-nutshell]

Hello again! I hope you don't mind, I want to try G1 request, please. Megatron have a child that is quiet, fair, gentle, respectful, and wise heir. In battle, the Decepticon Heir will get very serious and stern in battle and will lead the Decepticons into battle when Megatron is not available and make sure not one of them doesn't get killed in their watch. One of Soundwaves cassettes - Rumble, is in dangerous condition, one of the Autobots nearly finished him off before The Heir fiercely protected Rumble and carried him to the medics, which saved his life. The Decepticon Heir is sick of losses of their people - Decepticons, Neutrals, even Autobots altogether. A few days later, Decepticon Heir and Optimus somehow got separated from others in the battle while they fight each other alone. At a stroke of luck, the Heir managed knocked Optimus down. The Heir is about to kill Optimus, but changed their mind. The Heir said, "I'm sick of this war. Someday, I hope we won't have to be enemies in the future. Farewell, Prime." And then walked away. Megatron, Soundwave, and Optimus Prime. Please and thank you.

YES! We are on a roll with Megs having a child aren't we? Though G1 Megatron does have a different relationship with this Buddy (as well as his little sparkling is BIGGER than him). I sneaked in some extra things in there.

Hope you enjoy!

Megatron with a kid who spared their enemy in battle with Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Soundwave

SFW, Platonic, Familial, Romantic, Angst, Hurt and Comfort, mention of injuries but nothing too graphic, Cybertronain reader

G1

Being Megatron’s child wasn’t the best thing in the world, but they wouldn’t trade it either.

Buddy made themselves quite tight knitted with their fellow Decepticons.

Yes, even Starscream was a part of the family.

They saw that together they would be able to make a difference.

Sure, some of their family’s ways were a bit dysfunctional, but Buddy still loved them.

Soundwave walking down the corridor while looking over some datapads.

Buddy carrying Frenzy, Rumble and Skywarp sprinting past him.

“RUN! RUN! RUN! RUN!”--Frenzy

“CAN’T YOU GO ANY FASTER?!”--Skywarp

“I WOULD BUT I HAVE THE THREE OF YOU ON ME!”--Buddy

Starscream shrieking in the background.

“BUDDY!”--Rumble

“Skywarp why don’t you warp us outta here?!”--Frenzy

“Well—”--Skywarp

“Absolutely not! I’d rather run all around the Nemesis with you three digging into my spinal struts than get stuck in a wall again!”--Buddy

Buddy was closer to Soundwave and his cassettes.

Being one of the only other Decepticons making sure things were running smoothly, Buddy found themselves working with him more than Megatron himself.

Sure, Buddy and Megatron did have their little bonding moments, but lately it had seemed as if Megatron was more concerned with Prime than with them.

“Behold my master plan!”--Megatron

A copy clone of Optimus Prime coming out of the supply closet.

“…Megatron what is that?”--Buddy

“It is a copy of the original Optimus Prime. This will sure—”--Megatron

“Hold on. So, you just so happen to have this copy with you… in the closet…”--Buddy

“Yes?”--Megatron

“… Why?”--Buddy

“Because… because… that’s not important right now.”--Megtraon

“I feel like it should be.”--Buddy

 “Shh! Now, we have a chance to defeat the—”--Megatron

Buddy and Soundwave having a telepathic conversation about getting rid of the copy as soon as the plan goes south.

They found some solace with Soundwave and the cassettes.

Buddy especially became acquainted with Rumble.

If Buddy was hanging out with one of the cassettes, they were most likely near or with Rumble.

There had been a lot of teasing within the ranks about the two, but nothing serious.

Buddy nor Rumble really minded that much. If fact they sometimes decided to use that teasing to their advantage or entertainment.

Buddy walking down the hall with Rumble sitting on their shoulders.

“Look who it is, the two love birds. What lovey dovey plans do you have today?”--Skywarp

“Can it Skywarp!”--Rumble

“Make me pipsqueak!”--Skywarp

Rumble was about to make a move when Buddy caught his pede, without looking from their data pad in their servo.

“Rumble I swear, if you go after Skywarp now when I’m just about to finish this report I will nail you into the wall with one servo.”--Buddy

“Woah! Buddy--”--Skywarp

“Yeah right! Not before I’d nail YOU to the wall so hard that you’d need the entire med crew to help you get back on your pedes!”--Rumble

“Wait what.”--Skywarp

“Bold of you to assume you could even do that Rumble, especially with your height.”--Buddy

“You guys can’t be— this is a joke right?”--Skywarp

“You think heights gonna stop me. I will climb you like those squirrels climb trees! Then we’ll see who’s laughing!”--Rumble

“You know what I’m just going to—”--Skywarp

“Skywarp who do you think is going to nail the other the hardest?”--Rumble

“…”--Skywarp

Skywarp warps away to purge his audials with bleach.

Buddy and Rumble laughing as soon as he warps away.

“It’s fun messing with them like this.”--Rumble

“Agreed. But seriously stop twitching I’m almost done.”--Buddy

“Make—”—Rumble

Buddy grabbing Rumble with one servo pushing him up against the wall while they finish reading their data pad.

“You want to finish that sentence?”--Buddy

Thundercracker turning the corner, sees this, then turns back.

“It is too early for this…”--Thundercracker

Frenzy once gave Buddy a type of shovel talk while the other cassettes in the background watching the show go down.

Soundwave dying a little bit inside with Rumble.

Frenzy standing on top of a bookshelf to gain some height on Buddy.

“—and if you even think about breaking his spark. We will find you and make you look like you went through a trash compactor!”--Frenzy

“Understood Frenzy.”--Buddy

“Don’t do that polite stuff! I mean it!”--Frenzy

“… You know that hurting him is the last thing I would ever want to do, right? I mean I’d never want to hurt Rumble and all but everyone gets hurt one way or another.”--Buddy

“Hmm!”--Frenzy

Ravage and Lazerbeak watching from the berth all of this go down.

“I guess you have my permission to make Rumble’s life the equivalent to a living mine field or whatever.”--Frenzy

“Oh, I’d be honored then.”--Buddy

“And there you go again with the whole ‘honor bound’ and ‘leader’ thing. Drop the act Buddy.”--Frenzy

“It’s called being polite Frenzy. You should try it sometime.”--Buddy

“Aha! There’s the Buddy I’ve been looking for—Oh Primus…”--Frenzy

“What?”--Buddy

Buddy turns around to see Soundwave and Rumble at the door.

“…”—Everyone in the room

“How much did you two heard?”—Buddy

“Information: Starscream now owes Soundwave 20 shanix. Buddy: permission to court Rumble.”--Soundwave

“Soundwave!”—Rumble and Buddy

“Frenzy…”--Buddy

“I swear I didn’t know they were coming back so early!”--Frenzy

“You have 10 nanoseconds of a head start before I catch up.”--Buddy

Megatron didn’t think too much of this when he heard about it, he thought it was a prank.

… After that day Buddy was seen more with Rumble than before.

Megatron is starting to think that maybe that wasn’t a prank… but it could still be a long prank.

A really long prank…

Buddy never lost their cool in the heat of battle.

Both sides knew this. It was something they could all agree on.

Buddy always had a failsafe in case the plans didn’t work out, especially whenever Megatron was not able to lead. The Autobots knew that it was important to keep their guard up during those times.

Today’s battle didn’t seem so different from the regular scrimmages they had in the past, it was almost a game at this point.

Buddy was fighting with against some of the Lambo twins, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, when they heard their name being called out.

They turned around and they finally got the human saying of ‘everything going in slow motion’.

All they could see was a familiar blast coming straight towards their chassis. They wouldn’t be able to move out of the way if they could. It was going to hit them straight on.

Then Rumble jumped in the way, taking the shot, and fell a few feet from Buddy.

Buddy just stopped and stared at his limp body in horror as well as the Lambo twins and Soundwave. None of them could believe what had just happened.

The twins moved aside when they saw Buddy slowly moving towards him.

Buddy looking at Rumble’s unmoving frame.

“Rumble?”--Buddy

“…”--Rumble

Buddy walking up the body falling to their knees.

“Rumble? Rumble this isn’t funny! Wake up! Please, wake up!”--Buddy

“…”--Rumble

“Rumble? Rumble! RUMBLE?!”--Buddy

“…”--Rumble

The battlefield went still at the sound of an unfamiliar anguished scream.

Buddy was on their knee next to Rumble, servos trembling trying to remember the medical advice Hook had given them not too long ago.

At some point Soundwave came over, but Buddy was focusing on stopping the bleeding with coolant dripping down their faceplate.

Soon the medics arrived. They tried to take Rumble from their servos, Buddy didn’t let go. They opted to instead transport Buddy with Rumble.

Buddy carefully carried Rumble into Astrotrain with Hook.

Everyone else would fly back on their own.

Hook wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he felt sorry for Buddy and let them be by Rumble the entire time grasping his little servo.

“…You know you bought him some time.”--Hook

“What?”--Buddy

“If you hadn’t tried stopping the bleeding, he probably would have been dead 5 minutes ago.”--Hook

“…”--Buddy

“…You did good kid.”--Hook

“… will he—”--Buddy

“I don’t know. It will have to depend on what happens when we get back to base.”--Hook

“…okay…”--Buddy

Soon they all came to the base, Hook needed Buddy to let go, for Rumble’s sake.

Buddy nodded silently and took a seat outside the med bay doors.

As soon as they hit the seat, Buddy let out some stifled sobs and let the coolant run down their faceplate.

Giving a silent prayer to Primus to spare him as their vision blurred once again with all the coolant coming out of their optics.

Buddy staring at their servos, stained with some of Rumble’s energon mixing with their coolant.

“Buddy!”--Frenzy

Buddy turning to see Soundwave and the cassettes coming their way.

“Buddy: Status on Rumble.”--Soundwave

“He… He’s in the med bay now. It looks bad… I’m so sorry.”--Buddy

“Come again?”--Frenzy

“I didn’t protect him. If I’d move faster—”--Buddy

Soundwave grabbing Buddy’s servos gently.

“Rumble status: Not Buddy’s fault.”--Soundwave

“But—”--Buddy

“Not Buddy fault.”--Soundwave

“If—”--Buddy

“Quit it with the ‘if’s’ and ‘buts’! You are singly one of the best Decepticons we’ve had in forever! But that doesn’t mean your invincible! I know that. Soundwave knows that. Megatron knows that! Rumble knows that and… and that’s why he took that shot. Now do you think my brother would like it if he found out you were out here on your own thinking this was all your fault! No! He’d have my helm if he found that out!”--Frenzy

“Frenzy…”--Buddy

“Frenzy: Correct, minus extra language.”--Soundwave

“Hey!”--Frenzy

“Buddy had not helped Rumble in those moments… He would not have made it back to the base.”--Soundwave

“…”--Buddy

“Buddy saved Rumble like Rumble saved Buddy.”--Soundwave

Buddy nodding slowly.

“Now that we got that through your thick helm, Megatron wants to see you.”--Frenzy

“What?”--Megatron

“Soundwave will notify Buddy of Rumble’s status. Go.”--Soundwave

“…Thank you, all of you…”--Buddy

Buddy came around the corner to find Megatron. He motioned Buddy to come to his habsuite.

They sat on the edge of the berth, Megatron sat next to them.

Buddy half expected a lecture from him about being so reckless today, but to their surprise he placed a servo on Buddy’s shoulder.

“I thought I lost you today.”--Megatron

“Come again?”--Buddy

“I had tackled Prime down, he was about to start blasting when I redirected his blaster… if he hadn’t yelled for your name, I wouldn’t have known that the blast was coming to you.”--Megatron

“What…”--Buddy

“I thought… I thought I had killed my sparkling.”--Megatron

“But now Rumble—”--Buddy

“He will get better. If you’d have taken that blow…”--Megatron

“…”--Buddy

“He was… not the mech I’d think have you wrapped around your digit.”--Megatron

“Megatron—”--Buddy

“Definitely not who I expected to be your future Conjux—”--Megatron

“Megatron!”--Buddy

“The point is I am glad you are still here with me, little one.”--Megatron

“… I’m taller than you…”--Buddy

“Yes, yes you are.”--Megatron

Buddy slipped their helm into their father’s neck cables trying hard not to cry, but he made it harder for them when he started rubbing circles in the back.

Once Rumble was stable, Buddy, Soundwave, and the cassettes ran in to see him.

Buddy let the family have a moment with Rumble first.

“Great to see your up, knuckle head!”--Frenzy

“Quiet down a bit Frenzy, I gotta killer helmache.”--Rumble

“Rumble: Need medics?”--Soundwave

“Nah, I’m fine—What where’s Buddy?”--Rumble

“What?”--Frenzy

“Buddy! Are they okay? The last thing I remembered was—”--Rumble

“Right here.”--Buddy

Rumble looking at Buddy leaning on the doorframe.

Both visibly relaxing.

Buddy moves towards Rumble’s side and slowly grabs his servo.

“You okay?”--Rumble

“Am I, okay? You’re the one who got shot!”--Buddy

“Yeah, not the best. 0 out of 10 stars, do not recommend it.”--Rumble

Buddy laughing wobbly, their hold slightly shaking.

Rumble firmly holds onto Buddy’s servo.

“I thought… I thought—”--Buddy

“Well for the first time in a long time, your wrong. Seriously I after all this time, I’d thought you’d have more faith in me.”--Rumble

“Yeah… never underestimate a minicon, huh?”--Buddy

“Never.”--Rumble

Click!

“Soundwave!”—Buddy and Rumble

“Photos for sparklings.”--Soundwave

“Sparklings?!”--Rumble

Buddy faints on to the floor.

“Buddy!”--Rumble

“Well… on the bright side you have a roommate now.”--Frenzy

“I swear if I wasn’t on this berth, I’d knock out that stinkin’ grin off of your faceplate.”--Rumble

Buddy, once they recovered quickly from the fainting spell, used all their free time to visit Rumble in the med bay telling him stories and the latest gossip. He would need a little more care before he would be allowed out in the field, Buddy was prepared to help him with every step.

A few days later another scrimmage held near the same place as the last time.

Except this time Buddy had somehow managed to get in front of Prime.

Buddy didn’t know what possessed them, but they felt so much anger at that moment.

It was his blaster.

It was his fault.

Optimus’s fault for Rumble getting hurt.

For so many of their family members getting hurt.

It.

Was.

His.

Fault.

Buddy lunged at the Prime with what they would describe as something of raw rage, throwing them both off the cliff they were on.

Buddy remembered hearing so much screaming as they both tumbling down the uneven pathway hitting several trees and rocks denting their armor.

When Buddy stopped rolling, they immediately went to see Prime shaking off the fall. He was still disoriented, now was their chance.

Buddy wasted no time clobbering him, leaving no chance to get up or recuperate.

Buddy now partially sitting on Prime’s chassis grabbed a rock in their servo with full intent of smashing it and their servo into his helm.

It would finally be the end.

But they stopped.

What good would this do?

The bots and cons were going to continue to kill each other for revenge until there was one bot left standing.

But… if peace was made…

No more energon spilled.

No more praying to Primus that they would make it to see the sunrise the next day.

A chance live with loved ones by your side no matter what fraction you came from.

Autobot, Decepticon, Neutrals, everyone would be safe.

Buddy shakingly let go of the rock and got off the Prime’s chassis.

Optimus had looked into Buddy’s optics and sensed the sudden change.

When they had that rock in their servo, they held nothing but an angry fire.

But then the fire slowly started dying down until it was smolders of the once raging inferno.

The pair just sat in silence for a minute.

Buddy was the first to stand up and offered the Prime their servo.

He grabbed it as Buddy helped him up and turned to walk away.

“I’m sick of this war. Someday, I hope we won’t have to be enemies in the future.”--Buddy

“Buddy.”--Optimus

“Yes?”--Buddy

“… If you ever wish to join the Autobots, I would welcome you with open arms.”--Optimus

“I’m sorry, what?”--Buddy

“The choice is yours to make. Just know that I too am sick of this war. Sick of the fighting…”--Optimus

“Sick of losing bots we love?”--Buddy

“Yes… but if we unite together, I believe we have a chance, a fighting chance for peace.”--Optimus

“I…I’ll consider it Prime. Farewell, Prime.”--Buddy

“As to you Buddy.”--Optimus

Optimus made one last look and started walking back to base as well.

Buddy continued to walk/limp back when they saw something fly overhead.

It was Lazerbeak.

The minicon flew straight down and landed on their shoulder looking concern at Buddy.

No doubt the minicon had alerted the others where they were.

Lazerbeak also gave Buddy a couple of pecks to the helm, Buddy guessed this was part of their punishment for pulling a stunt like that.

Buddy took this time to sit down on a nearby boulder for a bit. Falling down a cliff at full speed could do something like that to a bot.

Megatron was the first one to arrive to see Buddy leaning on the boulder with Lazerbeak on their shoulder.

He came faster than the others and hugged Buddy like it was their last day on earth.

“What in the name of Cybertron were you thinking?! Jumping off the cliff with Prime like that!”--Megatron

“Kind of wasn’t…”--Buddy

“I can believe that! How could you—”--Megatron

“As much as I love hearing your lecturing, I have a split helmache and my frame feels like its on more hug away from falling apart.”--Buddy

“Hmmm… it seems that the fall was enough punishment.”--Megatron

“Yeah…”--Buddy

“After all you have something much worse to face.”--Megatron

“Wait what?”--Buddy

“Buddy!”--Frenzy

“Oh boy…”--Buddy

Soundwave and the other cassettes followed suite with a small search party.

The cassettes let out a small string of empty threats. They were just glad Buddy wasn’t hurt too badly.

Soundwave helped Megatron get Buddy up on their pedes and flew them back to base.

“Well, I think I went through that punishment faster than I thought.”--Buddy

“That wasn’t your punishment.”--Megatron

“What?”--Buddy

“Buddy punishment: Telling Rumble what happened.”--Soundwave

“WHAT!”--Buddy

“Yeah, you’re on your own there.”--Frenzy

“Nope, no, no, no—”--Buddy

“You don’t have a choice.”--Megatron

“Nice knowing ya Buddy. House arrest is imminent.”--Frenzy

“…Primus help me…”--Buddy

[scoobysnakz]

Hard Luck

It’s hard finding love when your sole reason to live is your daughter, but when her best friends dad is annoyingly attractive and might have something to do with your rent randomly getting paid, who can blame you for being a little curious?

||* mentions of masturbation (m receiving)

Chap i

The crisp autumn air carries a sense of nostalgia, which surprises you. It has been a while since you've experienced autumn in this way, but nostalgia is supposed to be a pleasant feeling, right?

Your daughter's small, chubby fingers firmly grip your hand as you playfully swing your arm out of her reach. You can't help but laugh at her adorable pout when you pull your hand away.

"I'm just teasing you," you say with a wide grin, extending your hand for her to take. "Stop being a grouch and hold my hand, RayRay!"

Her scowl quickly turns into a cheesy grin as she latches onto your hand. The sound of her pencil case and notebook thumping matches the rhythm of her skipping, and her glittery, purple sequin backpack bounces on her back.

Raya, or RayRay as you playfully call her, is your best friend. It's a bit sad, you know, but you've never really had time for friends. Ever since her dad left, she's been the only person in your life, aside from colleagues and your parents. And it's not so bad. She has adapted to your lifestyle, developed a sense of humor—her sarcasm is surprisingly on point for a nine-year-old.

The journey from your rundown apartment to her school isn't long, but it's far enough for the houses to transform from shabby boxes with crooked slate tiles to fancy condos with gleaming windows. It always amazes you how a few turns can take you to an area where people don't even know the meaning of a food bank.

You can tell by appearances alone that you don't fit in. The navy blue cable-knit sweater and boyfriend jeans, dirtied with mud stains, don't exactly scream, “I can afford more than one vacation a year!"

On the other hand, Raya always looks pristine. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but you'd rather wear nothing than have your daughter look as unkempt as you. Ensuring she has enough clean, stain-free clothes is your number one priority.

As you round a corner, narrowly missing a puddle that Raya "only wanted to look at" and not jump in, her disappointed expression gives her away.

Parents bustle around, urgently trying to retrieve their kids from the playground. It's nearly impossible to spot her teacher amidst the crowd of what seems like millions of moms, dressed in thick white scarves and thigh-high brown boots.

And then you hear it—a loud screech that, under different circumstances, would signify fear instead of the original joy it was intended for. "RAYYYY!" an excited girl squeals from the opposite end of the playground. Her dark brown hair is scraped back into a painfully tight ponytail as she races toward your daughter.

The two girls jump up and down gleefully, holding each other closely. It's a nice seeing her not alone.

You're so engrossed in watching your daughter giggle with her friend that you fail to notice the tall man standing next to you. What catches your attention first is his cologne—it's expensive.

The scent of thick oak is overpowering on its own, but it's tempered by the most unremarkable shower gel known to man.

"They're cute, aren't they?" he asks, causing you to turn your head and face him. You bite your lower lip for a moment, trying to figure out who this guy is. "Yeah... they are," you murmur, tilting your head to the side.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" Your words come out ruder than you intended, but you can't be bothered to fix your manners when a surprisingly attractive man is staring at your daughter, enjoying her time with another child. If you weren't genuinely confused about his identity, you might have reacted more strongly. Instead, you stand there, arms folded and brow furrowed.

"I'm... sorry, I'm Gabi's dad," he explains, his tone surprisingly apologetic.

That's her name.

"I'm Raya's dad," you reply, nodding toward the two girls. Hearing who he is instantly eases your fear that he might be something worse than just a father.

An awkward silence ensues as the man continues to study your appearance, seemingly taking you in. With a soft laugh, he smiles at you—a warm and irritatingly charismatic smile. "You don't look like a dad," he grins.

You open your mouth to give him a sharp, quick-witted retort, but your expression falters when you realize your mistake. Refusing to let this stranger have the upper hand in your first interaction, you smirk at him. "What do you mean?" you ask, poking your tongue past your lips to swipe across your teeth.

He instantly catches on to your smirk, and to be honest, it's endearing. "Because you don't look likea typical dad," he responds, matching your quickness. The same mischievous grin is plastered on both of your faces as you engage in a playful stare-down.

This morning, when you hastily applied expired mascara and cheap lip balm while trying to wake up Raya, you never expected to encounter such an annoyingly funny and undeniably attractive man—by your standards, at least.

With high cheekbones, thick eyebrows, and broad shoulders, anyone would take a second look at him.

The loud peal of the school bell interrupts your scrutinizing gaze, drawing your attention back to your daughter. You quickly give her a kiss on the cheek, and she instinctively wipes it away while giving you a glare, before you push her towards the school entrance.

The man—whose name you still don't know, aside from being Gabi's father—does the same, but his daughter doesn't wipe away the kiss.

"When I asked who you were, I was hoping for a name," you mutter, mostly to yourself, but hoping he hears it too.

"Miguel," he responds, his voice lacking the warmth he had when his daughter was present.

"I'm..." you begin to introduce yourself, but he cuts you off, his voice now tinged with cockiness.

"I know who you are," he says, raising an eyebrow. Your scoff makes it clear how creepy he sounds. "Gabi talks about Raya a lot, and with you being her mother, it's only natural."

You narrow your eyes at Miguel, feeling a mix of surprise and curiosity. Raya is your world, and beyond that, you've kept everything else tightly guarded. It's a defense mechanism, a way to shield yourself from potential hurt or judgment.

"What exactly does Gabi say about Raya?" you ask, your voice tinged with caution. You're not sure if you should be flattered or concerned that your daughter is a topic of conversation between Miguel and his daughter.

Miguel chuckles, seemingly amused by your response. "She just talks about how funny and cool Raya is," he replies. "They've become good friends at school. Gabi is always excited to see her."

There's feel a sense of relief that washes over you. It's comforting to know that Raya has found a friend who appreciates her for who she is.

“Well I need to go,” you say while motioning over to the school gates. “Work and stuff.”

He nods his head, expression just as nonchalant as it was moments ago.

***

After dropping off Raya at school, and a brief yet intriguing conversation with Miguel, you head back home. It's considerably warmer now than it was before; sun poking out of the clouds, shining down onto the leaf-littered pavement. The odd car whizzes past and it's all you can do to jump away in time before it splashes you in murky brown liquid.

Fortunately for you, you don't have to leave for work until ten so you get some time to yourself. As soon as you unlock the door to your apartment, it took longer than you'd like to admit as you forgot which way to turn the key, you flop down onto the worn-in sofa. It creaks beneath you- a sign that you need to get a new one.

If you had the money, you would. God, if you had the money you’d move out of this shitty apartment and into… anywhere else. Maybe a house on the coast would be nice, or one of those fancy condos by Raya’s school. Either way, you want out.

You feel your eyes grow heavy, the temptation to allow yourself a few moments of sleep all too good. With a low groan, you pull yourself up off the sofa and drag your feet over to the kitchen to make yourself some coffee.

You open the jar only to find a minuscule amount granules left- six to be exact. All you want is that burst of energy and yet you are denied it. “Fuck me,” you grumble under your breath.

***

Even though it was a painfully short moment between the two of you, Miguel decides you are tolerable. Okay, maybe you’re more than tolerable, he'll settle for bearable as he's feeling especially nice today. You’re funny, well that might be a bit dramatic since he hasn’t even had a proper conversation with you, but you made him laugh- internally that is.

But right now he needs to push you, the nice lady with a pretty smile and even prettier face, out of his mind. He has to focus on this paperwork that's been sitting on his desk for God knows how long.

Begrudgingly, he picks up his pen with a sigh and starts scrawling his signature on the limitless reams of paper. It's all nonsense about him signing off on random projects, and safety procedures and- those sweet lips.

Something about you is intoxicating. Even when he was skimming through the infinite amount of universes, you didn't seem that special. Yes, there were the odd facts that caught his attention but everything else just seemed… dull. So why now, after not even a full five minutes of your company, can't he get you out of his head?

At first, he assumes it's because you’re oddly charismatic but that's not it. You weren't even trying, you just didn't want him to pull a fast one on you. Maybe, just maybe, he underestimated your personality and being around you as a real person and not some fact file actually made you likeable- no, bareable.

Double checking his office door is closed and the blind is pulled down over the frosted glass before sliding back into his chair. “LYLA,” he calls out, words muffled by his head in his hands.

There’s a small glitch next to him that quickly turns into a digitalized woman. “You called?” LYLA asks, hands on her hips.

Fuck he feels guilty but maybe seeing that cocky smirk on your face will ease the culpability he’s feeling. “You… you know what I want and I don’t want teasing or anything about it, just do it, ‘kay?” Miguel’s voice is gruff, full of an annoyance he doesn’t even know he’s feeling.

“Why would I tease you about wanting to innocently look at something?” she drawls with a smirk.

He shoots her a look, an unamused one at that. Giggling childishly, LYLA pulls up a screen full of writing. Miguel’s eyes flicker back and forth trying to find something until he catches a glimpse of your name.

He swipes and flicks the blue pixels a few times before your socials are pulled up. It’s nothing much, just your Twitter, Facebook and a surprising amount of Instagram accounts. That, makes him laugh. He can tell exactly which ones are the accounts you use for stalking people and which ones are for actually posting things.

There are mostly pictures of you and Raya together on days out but there are a few of you on nights out nights out alone. He immediately notices you never post anything with friends and it’s oddly comforting because it’s not just drunk girls with smeared eyeliner that’s missing from your pictures. It’s a boyfriend as well.

Not that he wants to fill that missing gap in your selfies, he's just feeling a little lonely cooped up in his office. He's in this universe for Gabi and no one else, not the lady with a pretty smile.

Just as he’s about to zoom in on a picture that shows an alluring amount of your cleavage, LYLA cuts him off. “I like her smile,” she says while getting up a different picture. This time it’s one of you and Raya in last year's Halloween costumes. Pirates. That’s the two of you had dressed up as.

You’d drawn a black beard on her face, Raya’s outfit cute with the oversized black and white striped shirt meanwhile you… A tight black and red corset pushes your chest in a way that makes something inside Miguel stir.

He shouldn't be looking at you like this- it's wrong and perverse. The two of you only met today and yet he's salivating over a picture of you in a Halloween costume. Yet he can't stop himself from allowing his body to react to the way you look.

That feeling slips down from his chest to his gut until it eventually reaches his crotch. You look so pretty like that, cheeks appled and eyes wide as you pull a stupid face with your daughter. The picture is innocent enough in its own right but seeing you in something ever so slightly revealing makes his brain malfunction.

He bets could make you prettier, more gorgeous than ever if you let him. His cum painting your perfectly plump lips and his hands gripping bruises into your supple flesh.

[ja3hwa]

♡ 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟎: 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐞 - 𝐊.𝐘𝐒 ♡

Pretty Boy

【sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs】 : It's Yeosangs turn to know what it feels like to have rope pull and tug on his beautiful skin, and he can't help my whimper at the sheer idea of it.

『ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ』 :  634

-> ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: Suggestive, Fluff.

ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ: Boyfriend!Yeosang x Gn!Reader

[ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢs] : Slight powerplay. Just some sweet poetic lovey dovey shit. Shibari tying. Yeosang is lowkey a Rope bunny.

Thank you, @thesafecafe, for requesting Yeosang for this day, my darling. I hope you enjoy the read. ♡♡♡.

Yeosang was kicking himself for opening his tipsy mouth. He had gotten back from an after-party he and the boys were attending, and one thing led to another he accidentally told you he always had the biggest urge to be tied up. And what sparked this idea, well, he had tied you up in the past after you confessed to him your licking to it, and he was more than happy to obey your sweet request. But something about seeing your beautiful skin with the gorgeous red rope tight around your body. Holding you still while some of it moulded your curves in a way that was none other described as a work of art. You were his work of art.

And he wanted to know…

Wanted to feel the rope against his skin. He wanted to know how tight you could tie his hands behind his back or above his head. Would you do the same pretty pattern he had done on your body, or would you gift him his own unique pattern? He wanted to feel pretty. Give up control to you to have him as you please. He wanted to know what it felt like to be dotted over. And you were more than happy to obey his sweet request.

It started off simple. He was in his boxers while you were still in your pj’s. You wanted him to be as comfortable as possible, starting to bind his wrists and arms, seeing if he was okay with the tightness and feeling of the rope against him. And once he voiced his green light, you moved on to tying the rope around his chest, making shapes along his soft skin. His breathing began to hitch, feeling excitement grow in his lower tummy. You kept going with your knots, noticing he was relaxed against the fibre. You decided to tie his hands against the headboard, given it would grant you more access to him when the time came. Which Yeosang did not seem to mind in the slightest. All he did was watch the way your pretty manicured fingers knot and tighten the rope against his pale skin.  

“A-Angel.” Yeosang felt himself get hotter, shifting on the silk sheet. You just chuckle seeing the red blush painting his cheeks, growing towards his ears. You tightened the last piece of rope along his tummy, pulling away to look at your work so far.

“You are so pretty Sangie.”

God, your words made his head spin and his hips jerk upwards. Yes, pretty. that’s what he wanted. He wanted to be pretty. Wants you to call him as such. He bit his lip with a knitted brow. His eyes only half opened while staring at you with a glossy haze. You had to smile while pulling out another bag of rope from your special box. If you knew Yeosang would act like this while being tied up, you would have done this sooner. There was a sense of dominance in this act. And not dominance like power or strength. But rather, it is one of care and security. Wanting nothing more than to tend to his needs and make him feel like a goddess among humans. “My pretty boy.”

Wrapping the rope around his ankles, tying them together in a cuffed knot while creating a pattern on his thick thighs to keep his body in place. He hiccuped a groan, feeling his mind slip into a place he’d never been before. Pretty boy. Your words echoed in his head as he felt like he was starting to float. You were the only person in his mind. The only thing he needed. And the ropes holding him in place made him want to be your pretty boy. Be your good boy.

- ♥︎

[queenie-official]

Chapter Four: ‘The Groom To Be’ Bridgerton Au!Anakin

part 1, 2, 3

a/n: hey guys 🤭 so as per usual the pictures used all correlate to the story so do keep that in mind while reading🥰 Also Thank you so much for 200+ followers i love you all 💋💋 Hope you enjoy this chapter loves🫶🏼

To your delight or rather relief you’ve been told that Anakin would be joining you in the castle a day before the wedding along with his mother and brother. the royal council deemed it necessary so that they could ensure everything went smoothly and the possibility of the groom not arriving on time would be one less worry. unfortunately you had received this news from Barclay right before you were about to head to sleep. so now you find yourself on your balcony staring off into the night sky unable to sleep. thoughts of what’s to come plaguing your mind, fighting the urge to pace around- a typical nervous habit of yours- when a soft voice came from behind you. “your majesty you should sleep”

“i would if i could Eleanora but my thoughts betray me” you say with a sigh, not bothering to turn around. instead you kept your gaze on the moon as the cool night breeze blew over your face. “shall i make you some tea to help calm you?” she suggested as you leaned against the railing, resting your head in your palm. “tea would be nice but i am quite alright” you answer airily.

“very well” she replies but does not leave, instead standing still in the doorway behind you. finally you turn to acknowledge her properly “shouldn’t you be sleeping?” you ask curiously, seeing her with night garments of her own on. “i find it hard to sleep when you cannot your majesty. i worry for you” she says with knitted brows, concern written all over her. you felt bad for causing her worry. “i promise i am fine. i just cannot seem to rest knowing that he will be here again in the morning, this time i properly have a chance to speak with him and yet i haven’t a clue what i should say.” you vent, walking into your room and allowing Eleanora to close the doors to the balcony behind you as you sit on your bed to speak with her. “a simple greeting is always a good start, considering you didn’t last time.”

“that’s because i hadn’t been given the chance” you said a bit defeatedly. “you could try now” simple and true but for some reason it didn’t seem so easy to you. “i find it strange how much i want to talk to him, maybe im just curious as to what his voice sounds like” you wonder out loud, fiddling with the lace curtains attached to your bed frame. “it sounds perfectly reasonable to me, you want to get to know him he is going to be your husband after all.” you sigh whilst letting yourself fall back onto your bed, laying with your legs hanging over the edge. “i can only hope he wishes to get to know me too, but if his silence is anything to answer i fear he may not.”

“perhaps he’s just shy” she suggests and the idea makes your nose wrinkle. you hadn’t known many princes to be shy, most of them had egos too high for that to be a possibility. “i suppose that is a perfectly reasonable explanation, but what good is a shy king?”

“won’t that be easier for you then your majesty?” you turn your head too look over to her, she’d sat down at the ottoman in front of your bed so that she could be closer while you voiced your thoughts to her. “how so?” you ask with a raised brow, unsure how him being shy could possibly be a good thing.

“well there won’t be much of a power struggle between the two of you” she says and the statement made you laugh. she wasn’t wrong and you weren’t laughing at what she said specifically, but you where laughing at the mere idea of a power struggle happening. “there would not be a power struggle regardless, i get enough of being told what to do by the men in the royal council. i shall not allow that in my marriage” you state firmly once your laughter dies down, a small smile on your face as you spoke.

“of course your majesty” she says in response, a similar smile mirrored onto her face. “i think i will have that cup of tea Eleanora” you say softly, sitting up and moving to sit against your pillows.“yes your majesty” she responded, happy to be of help and to see you in a lighter mood.

the sun was shining brightly in the sky as you waited rather impatiently for the carriage to arrive. the only thing stopping you from pacing in a circle was Padme on your left and Eleanora on your right, so instead you walked up and down the length of the castle hallways. they where supposed to arrive already, late by over an hour now. the idea they might not show at all has crossed over your mind multiple times now but both girls beside you where quick to shut that down each time you brought it up. of course they where right but if that is the case then what possibly could cause such a long delay.

“y/n we really need to work on some different coping skills” padme said sounding quite winded as she did. the poor girls where practically jogging to keep up with your fast pace. "yes or at the very least you ought to get a slower walking speed" Eleanora added quickly, struggling to catch her breath as well. "sorry" you say and pause your actions allowing the two girls to catch up to you. “i don’t know why i’m so worried, it would be perfectly understandable for them to arrive late. it’s not like our kingdoms are close.” you didn’t realize how quickly you rushed those sentences out of your mouth until you saw the look on Eleanora’s face. thankfully Padme seemed to understand what you said, probably used to deciphering sentences from her own children. “exactly so let’s take a deep breath and calm down, if anything this is exactly why they are coming a day early. no need to work up a sweat over this” She says softly, a gentle hand resting on your shoulder to help ground you.

“Ah your majesty there you are, the carriage has arrived” a breath of relief exited you at Barclay’s proclamation. “thank you for letting me know i’ll be down in just a moment” Barclay nods at your response and heads back down the hall probably to go greet your guests and properly invite them in. you turn back to the girls and Padme gives you a soft smile. “i’m guessing that’s my cue to leave” she says with a laugh and you give her a hug silently thanking her for always being here for you. as you pull away she gives you one more look that says you’ve got this before she leaves through the gardens again. “i’ll busy myself in the library your majesty” Eleanora adds so that you don’t have to worry about her, she gives you a smile of her own as well before heading off.

Taking a deep breath you turn to look into one of the mirror panes in the hallway, making sure you hadn’t messed up your hair. flattening your hands along your dress to smooth out wrinkles as well as rid the sweat from your palms. today you where going to make it your mission to talk to Anakin- even if he was reluctant to speak with you or even look at you. turning on your heel you walk down the hallway at a reasonable pace as you mentally prepare yourself for however the next couple interactions go.

as soon as you entered the room they where waiting for you in, you immediately greeted them with warm smiles. only something was different this time. instead of the side of a tan face you where met with the last time you where in a room with Anakin you where instead met with the beautiful pair of blue eyes you had only caught a glimpse of, the sight made your stomach swirl.

forcing yourself to tear away from his eyes as you walked up to them, you look at who you presumed was his mother. “your majesty a pleasure to meet you” you gave the queen a low bow, in terms of status she outranked you. so it only seemed right to bow properly before her.

“a pleasure to meet you as well your highness” she says with a soft smile giving you a quick bow as well. “you’ve already met my sons” she says with a gesture towards them and you nod before greeting them. “yes it’s good to see you both again” both boys give you a nod in turn but only Obi-Wan speaks “thank you for having us” you smile politely but you can’t help but wonder why Anakin still refused to speak. at least he was looking at you this time, that’s progress.

“it is still early and im sure you all are hungry, i’ll have Barclay here lead you all to the dining room” both the queen and Obi-Wan seemed pleased with that suggestion and happily nodded, the only person who didn’t give you any indication of what they where thinking was once again Anakin. it was beginning to frustrate you, why wouldn’t he speak to you. Mad or not you’d rather him talk to you and tell you off then stay in silence.

“feel free to make yourselves at home” is what you said instead of voicing your thoughts, making sure to keep up the happy facade until they all left with Barclay. you did not let this falter you though, growing more determined to get him to talk or at the very least to find out why he wouldn’t speak to begin with. maybe he had an impediment, you wouldn’t judge him for it- in fact when you where younger you had quite the difficulty saying words with the letter R and sometimes you swore it came back whenever you where extremely nervous.

pushing your thoughts aside you decided to busy yourself with some work, so off to your study you went.

it had been a few hours since you’d last seen them all and you’d finished most of the work you needed to do for the day, according to Barclay Obi-Wan went to the library to read and the queen went to the room she’d be staying in for some much needed rest after the long carriage ride. as for Anakin well he wasn’t quite sure where he’d run off too, so you had taken it upon yourself to find him. this was the perfect moment to get him to talk.

the only problem was where ever he had disappeared to had made him next to impossible to find. you’d spent the last 15 minutes searching for him before you almost gave up.

sighing as you looked outside a window is when you saw him- or at least what you could only assume was him. quickly picking up your skirt so you didn’t trip, you sped through the castle to get to the side exit closest to where you had seen him.

sure enough there he was, sitting upon a half wall and resting against a pillar with his eyes closed peacefully. you slowed your pace as you approached him, trying to seem as casual as possible. “you seem comfortable.” you watch as he peaks an eye open to look at you before he answers. “i believe you said we could make ourselves at home.” he closed his eyes again right after he finished speaking. you couldn’t help but smile brightly once you realized he actually spoke though. “ah so he speaks” you say jokingly but it definitely came off more as a revelation.

“of course i do” he said now opening both of his eyes to look and address you properly, clearly realizing you weren’t going to leave him be anytime soon. “well i’ve yet to hear you say a thing up until now” you defend yourself, feeling like what you’d said was justified. “did you need to hear me speak?” he asks and that question confuses you. of course you didn’t need to hear him speak, but why would you not want to.

“i suppose not… is there a reason you didn’t” you ask curiously. “yes” he responds, and you nod waiting for him to continue but he doesn’t. you shift slightly in your spot as the silence continues before realizing you’d have to press further if you wanted a answer out of him. “will you tell me the reason?”

“if you wish to know” you resist the urge to roll your eyes at that response, so this is how it was going to be. “if i didn’t, i wouldn’t have said anything at all” you point out the obvious. “it was a choice i made to annoy my brother” he stated simply. the bluntness of it throwing you off for a moment. “what?” he smiles slightly at the question and your reaction, was he just teasing you? “on the first carriage ride here i was given a firm lecture on how i was to say and do nothing so that everything would go smoothly.” he says and although you got a proper answer this time you couldn’t help but raise a brow in concern. “should i worry why you speaking would cause things to not go smoothly?”

“not at all” he said with another smile, he was definitely pulling your leg. “not very reassuring” he simply shrugs at your statement. “so the reason you did not speak to me was out of spite for your brother?” you ask again to reconfirm his answer. “that is what i said yes” he crossed his arms as he spoke, leaning back against the pillar again as he waited for your response. you roll your eyes and think over that fact. okay so he was a petty person, that could go either way considering you’re also quite petty.

“but why didn’t you look at me” you ask curiously, being petty and refusing to speak was one thing but not even acknowledging your existence was another. “i’ve been told my stare can be quite intense” that certainly wasn’t the answer you had expected. “i don’t understand you.” he gives you another shrug.

“you’re really casual about all of this” you opt for a change of conversation. “what do you mean?” he says whilst he shifts so that he’s sitting with his legs hanging over the wall and his body facing you. “i mean about this whole marriage situation, you don’t seem mad or even scared”

“should i be?” he asks with a tilt of his head. “you aren’t scared to marry me?” you ask incredulously. “i’m getting the feeling you want me to be”

“i’m a stranger” you point out to him, how could he not be scared of marrying a complete stranger. “are you scared of marrying me?” you blink a few times not having expected him to throw the question back at you.

“how could i not be, i don’t know you” he seems to ponder over your answer for a brief moment. “so we’re both strangers that means we have common ground” he answers with another shrug. what was going on? had you been overthinking this situation entirely, or maybe he just wasn’t as easily distraught about his entire life being changed practically overnight- neither of these seemed like the correct conclusion.

“i’m confused” he raised a brow at that. “i feel im being very straightforward” you scoff once again resisting the urge to roll your eyes at his statement “this conversation is going nowhere”

“where would you like it do go?” he asks you and you aren’t quite sure what to say to that so you shift the conversation again. “i prefer someone to speak their mind to me.” he’s nods in acknowledgment but remains silent again looking off to the side like he was thinking something over.

you look him over again in this moment of silence taking note of the clothes he was wearing- they where a little over casual for a prince especially compared to what his mother and brother had been wearing, he could of been easily mistaken as a stablehand. “you know to be a king you are to dress the part” you say boldly and watch as he looks back over to you. “i prefer comfort over luxury” he retorts. “most people would consider luxury comfort” he laughs at your response and it made your face flush slightly, unsure why he was laughing until he calmed down and spoke again. “let me ask you then, is that corset you’re wearing comfortable?” alright fair point on his end but it’s not like he had to wear a corset.

“if the people saw you they’d think i’m marrying someone of poverty. it would be a scandal” he rolled his eyes at that- you weren’t being completely serious mostly just wanting to see if you could get a reaction out of him the same way he had been doing to you, having to resist the urge to smile when it worked.

“everything leads to scandals.” you snort a laugh and you could of sworn you saw a smile form on his lips again when you did. he wasn't wrong though just about everything did lead to a scandal. “you cannot be seen in public dressed like that.” you add still wanting to tease him.

“good thing the public is not here then” you smile, he was funny. “fair enough” was all you could think to say and he chuckled “that’s all you got then?”

“for now anyways, yes” you look back over to the castle deciding you should probably speak with the other two guests as well. “i’ll let you get back to what you where doing before i got here” he nods in response and you begin to walk away only to stop a few moments later by the sound of his boots hitting the ground and jogging over to you “wait i have something for you.” you turn towards him tilting your head to the side unsure what he could possibly have to give you “i’m sorry?”

“a gift” he says and holds up a small box in his hand, holding your hand out he gently places the box into your palm. “what is this?” you tilt the box to the side trying to see if you’d hear something move around. “open it” and so you did just that, gently pulling the box open to reveal a silver ring with beautiful tiny flower details on it and a big yellow diamond on the center that glimmered beautifully in the sunlight. “my mother suggested i get you an engagement ring to make it seem like we’ve known each other longer and love each other to the public eye” you carefully pull the ring out handing him back the box and placing it on your left ring finger. holding your hand out to look at it on you, it truly was pretty.

“clever idea… i’ve never seen a yellow diamond before” you look up into his eyes not surprised to see him staring down at you, having felt him watch over your entire reaction. “they’re quite rare most places but in Tatooine they are common.”

“thank you” you smile at him, there was definitely worse people you could of been forced to marry and so far Anakin seemed like the lucky straw to pull. you could definitely work with this.

part 5

Tag List: @luvvfromme @bimbo-baggins86 @gatekeepingirlboss

ima tell you guys this now cuz i want you to pick up on the change but pay attention to how reader copes with anxiety and stress now just for future reference 🌝🌝 anyways next chapter is going to be the wedding and ball (because is it really bridgerton without a extravagant ball?) hope you huns enjoyed this chapter Xx<3 🤭

[bloofinntoona]

Open Arms

Word Count: 1.8k

Themes: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, A bit steamy at the end, fluff if you squint

Summary: (SPOILER FOR HOGWARTS LEGACY ENDING) Seb and you apologized after he lashed out on you working with goblins.

Author's Note: I wanted to say thank you for the love I’ve gotten from my first story. I had this one in mind for a while, so I went on a writing storm. Hope you like it!

You have never seen Sebastian Sallow this angry before. His thick eyebrows knitted, blazing eyes burning through your skull. "A friendly goblin? You know goblins cursed my sister to shut her up." Sebastian spat.

It was hard to breath and think straight when the tension between the two students were unbearably thick. "Sebastian, not all goblins-"

"Have you forgotten the mine we just went through? Feldcroft?" Obviously not, there were still dirt and spider web tangled all over your robes.

"No, Seb. I haven't. You're not listening to me!" You basically pleading at this point.

"Why would I listen to someone so ignorant?" He muttered.

"Take a breath for a moment. You don't know what you're saying!"

"Oh, I know precisely what I'm saying. Unbelievable." With that sentence, Sebastian stomped away from the Undercroft.

You didn't consider yourself soft, yet you felt the tears welling up in your eyes, cheeks burning up in anger. Thank Merlin that Sebastian has left the room as you screamed your frustation out. You didn't care even if Sebastian heard you. The way he scolded you made it seemed like you were daft, which in reality was far from that. You had the weight of the world on your shoulder, with Ranrok and Rookwood chasing after you — it's not like you've asked for this either. You would rather enjoy your youth studying normal magic like normal wizards. The keepers didn't help with providing concrete answers anyways, you had to go through tenous puzzles just to uncover pieces of information about your newfound ability to see ancient magic.

On top of that, you had grown fond of your peers in Hogwarts. You have the brilliant Natty, caring Poppy, cheeky Ominis, and smart Amit. But none of them came close to Sebastian Sallow. If anybody asked, you would deny that it was love at first sight. But you couldn't forget the way he showed you 'a proper Hogwarts welcome' in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. The fact that he covered you from detention also gave butterflies in your stomach. You took the Cruciatus Curse in the Slytherin's tomb, convincing yourself that you did it because you were in debt. In truth, you hated seeing the boy hurt. You wholeheartedly understand his desperation. Sebastian was clinging to the last member of his family. That was why you couldn't stop him from learning the Dark Arts. You thought you'd do the same in his position.

You sniffled, wiping your face using your sleeves.

It was hard enough to be in the same room with Sebastian, but what ticked you off more was that he pretended that everything was okay with other people. He helped Samantha with her potions, grabbed a book for Poppy, and even sneaked a Fwooper Feather for Garreth. You dismissed the twinge of jealousy that you felt. After all, you didn't even know if Sebastian still considered you as friends. Friends don't ignore each other for a week straight.

You quickly collected your stack of books and rushed to the library. Sitting down at one of the study table on the second floor, you burried your head in the Charms homework that you were assigned to. No use in mooning over the ungrateful Sebastian Sallow.

A red glow appeared in the corner of the page. You turned your head to the side to see Ominis, pointing his wand in your direction. "Thought we'd revise together." He smiled.

"O-oh, sure! please join me." You got up and pulled a chair for the blonde boy, guiding him to a spot in front of you.

Often times you'd wonder why Ominis and Sebastian were best of friends. Sebastian was brash, while Ominis always exuded a calming energy. Despite being a part of House Gaunt, Ominis was a gentle soul. You thought he would hate you after Sebastian showed you the Undercroft, but he quickly resolved it and considered you as a friend.

You were scribbling an essay about the usage of Silencing charm before Ominis cleared his throat, catching your attention. "Are you cross with Sebastian?"

You sighed, dipping your quill in the ink. "I think he is the one who is cross with me."

"I can sense that," he let out a light chuckle, "can't hide his emotions, that boy."

"Who cares anyways... He's better off without me." You kept writing down meaningless words before frustration took over as you slammed your quill. "Ominis, I had to do it. I was thrown into this world without any proper knowledge. I had to take any help that I can get. And I wanted to help Seb, I truly do!"

Ominis nodded, setting his palm on top of yours. "Look, I am thankful that you wanted to help Sebastian. He's my closest friend and the closest thing I have to a family," he paused, "Sebastian... is very vocal about his thoughts. I often remind him to properly think before speaking."

The Slytherin boy's face turned sour, he lowered his tone, "... and I told you about the consequences of using Dark Arts. It will corrupt you." He squeezed your hand, "He doesn't hate you. I can promise you that. The path that he is currently taking is corrupting him."

You nodded, flashing a weak smile. "Thank you, Ominis."

"You're welcome. Now, where were we?"

Threading through the hall back to your dormitory at night, you saw a shadow heading underneath the stairs. Soon after, you heard a faint click. Must be the undercroft, you'd wager. You debated for a while, yet you found yourself walking towards the clock. Raising your wand, the clock turned and opened the door towards the hidden room. You slowly walked downstairs, peeping through the gate.

There he was, Sebastian Sallow. Hair tussled, robes discarded on the empty barrel. He was wearing his shirt, the green Slytherin tie loosely tied around his neck. Sebastian rolled his sleeves as he gripped his wand and pointed it toward the battle dummy. “Incendio! Confringo! Bombarda!” shouted the boy. Fire and sparks flew everywhere, burning the wooden doll. He went for a while, releasing the pent-up anger he felt inside. Sebastian kept on going until his voice was coarse, out of breath. He backed against the nearest wall, slumping his body down.

“Sebastian?” you called up. His immediately perked up, seeing you shuffled closer to him. His breath hitched, looking away as he twirled his wand between his fingers.

The silence was awkward. You decided to break the ice, “I-“ “I wanted-“ he said at the same time. “Look, I-“ The two said in unison again. Sebastian cracked a chuckle as you giggled, feeling relieved that things are looking up.

“Let me start then,” he sighed, “I apologize for my behaviour before. You were right. I was being rude to you.” Sebastian patted the spot next to him. You obliged as you sat down. “You have been very helpful since the first time I’ve asked you to see Anne. You cheered me up when I was feeling distraught, you explored dodgy caves, and battled enemies for me,” he smiled softly, “Again, I am sorry. Not having you by my side is a torture for me.”

Warmth crept up your cheeks, thanking the universe that the Undercroft was dark enough so Sebastian couldn’t see how red your face was. “Sebastian…”

“Anne’s condition worsen by the day,” he held his wand, a faint glow flickered at the end, “I lost both of my parents. I knew from the start that my uncle didn’t like me. He called me, my father’s son, like it was a bad thing. I can’t imagine losing Anne too… I won’t have anyone else-“

Before he could finish his story, you wrapped your arms around his body, pulling him close to you. You could feel his body stiffen at first. It didn’t take long until Sebastian snaked his arms around your waist, his head resting on your chest. You rested your head on top of his, coarse strands of brunette hair tickling your chin. The smell of pines, ash, and smoke filled your nose. Sebastian closed his eyes, savouring the moment. He couldn’t remember when was the last time somebody held him so tender, so gentle. The boy started to sniffle, soft whimpers and cried escaped his lips. You didn’t care about the damp spot on your shirt, all you wanted was to assure that Sebastian that he had you, and he would always have you. You stroked his head as he held you tighter than ever.

As you heard his cries died down, reduced into small hiccups and sighs, you softly whispered, “Sebastian, I’m sorry too. I should have told you about my plans. I was scared of telling others about my secrets. I felt like I had to carry this burden myself even though you always offered to help me,” you trailed, “I hated seeing you sad. I wanted to help.”

Sebastian nodded before pulling back. Both students giggled as they saw how puffy their faces were. You cupped Sebastian’s face, wiping away his tears. “Are we okay?” you asked. He flashed a gentle smile as he rested his forehead against yours, “of course we are. Thank you.”

Everything was a blur as you felt warmth against your lips. Sebastian had closed the gap between the two of you, gently grasping your hands. Your mind went blank -- It was your first kiss. You pulled back, his half-lidded eyes searching for yours. You leaned in again, your arms found their way back around his neck. He tilted his head to the side, deepening the kiss. Giggles escaped your lips as you bumped your nose against his. Well, your knowledge of courting was as limited as the romance books stashed in the corner of the library. Deep down, you were comforted seeing how clumsy Sebastian was too.

Sebastian slowly lifted your body, your legs now straddling his waist. His calloused hands ghosted over your legs, slipping underneath your skirt. You gasped, head spinning as you felt his hands eased their way under the curvature of your bottom, fingers slipping under your undergarment. He took this chance to swipe his tongue inside, exploring your mouth. The kiss was messy, but there was an endearing charm to it.

It was too much – your hand frantically roamed around his body before finding their rest on his hair, pulling it gently. Sebastian groaned into the kiss, which sent shivers down your spine. Your waist instinctively grinded against his, finding friction to ease the growing desire bubbling in your body. You whined as he pulled back, producing a string of saliva between the two. Sebastian’s face was flushed, eyes looking at you hungrily. He dived in again, lips trailing from your forehead, nose, lips, and down to your neck. He softly nibbed your skin, earning a mewl from you. “You’re mine.” He grunted, admiring the small red hickey now adoring the side of your neck.

Before you could continue, you both heard the bells tolling. Sebastian snorted and rested his head on your shoulder. You laughed, hugging him close. “We better get going.” You felt Sebastian pulled your sleeve as you stood up.

“Promise me,” Sebastian muttered, “promise me you will always be there for me.”

“I promise.”

[eleanor-bradstreet]

Let Me Be Your Anchor

Chapter 13: Release

Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett An Offer from a Gentleman reimagined Chapter rating: 18+ - explicit sexual content Word count: 5.1k

Masterpost Previous chapter Next chapter

Author's Note: Happy Valentine's Day! How about a little steam for our lovebirds? 😉💖

Abandoning any hope of ever finishing the portrait, Benedict led Sophie by the hand to his bedroom. The hour was late and they encountered no one in the hall. He closed the door behind them as Sophie moved to stand near the fire, looking somewhat anxious. He took her face in his hands, wanting to soothe away all of her fears. 

“Sophie, there’s no need to be nervous. We can go as slowly as you like. I just want to make you feel good like before.” He was in earnest despite how his blood was racing. Whatever they were doing, whatever kind of arrangement this was now, he didn’t want to simply take his pleasure from her. He wanted to get to know her and savor her in whatever way she would let him.

“Alright,” She let out a shuddering breath, betraying that she still was not at ease.

“A drink?” He asked, reaching for a decanter.

“Thank you,” She gave him a small smile. He poured two glasses of wine and handed one to her with a clink. A toast to whatever new chapter they were beginning.

She sipped her drink and stared at him, shifting slightly from foot to foot. He beckoned for her to sit in an armchair then knelt before her. Setting down his glass, he bent and began to untie her shoes.

Sophie let out a small gasp. “Benedict! You don’t have to…”

“Shhh.” He smirked up at her. “Enjoy the wine.”

Shocked at being pampered like a veritable queen, she leaned back into the warm chair and took another sip of the ruby liquid. It was undoubtedly the finest wine she had ever tasted and she was grateful that it was helping to calm her nerves. She wanted this, whatever it was they were about to do, but she was still new to it all. Aside from an errant kiss by a servant boy in her youth, all of her romantic interactions had been with Benedict. He was the first and only to kiss her with such passion, the first and only to touch and savor her body, the first and only to declare that he wanted her in the way men wanted women, without nefarious intent. While she trusted him to be patient, she was rather bashful of her ignorance. She chided herself for not asking more of Genevieve, inquiring as to what she did with men she had no intention of marrying. As the tryst in the orangery had proven to her, she knew nothing of how to achieve pleasure.

Benedict slid her shoes off one after the other then began to massage her legs, running his hands from her ankles to her knees. Sophie couldn’t help but groan, enjoying the pressure on her tired calves. She had never imagined him treating her this way, as if he were a servant hired to tend to her every need. He certainly knew how to charm a woman. Setting her glass aside, she looked down at him on his knees. The light from the fireplace cast the most lovely shadows across the angles of his face and glinted in the waves of his tousled hair. 

“The hours seemed so long tonight, waiting to see you again,” she admitted. 

With a smile he slid his hands over her skirt and up the length of her thighs, then took her waist and buried his face into her bodice. Sophie shivered against the strength of his grip, running her fingers into his hair. 

“Let’s hope the hours stay long,” he murmured, tilting to look up at her. He was indescribably beautiful, his jaw angular and framing that cheeky, crooked grin. His eyes were a shimmering blue-grey, set softly under long lashes and dark brows that were as quick to turn upward with mirth as they were to knit together with concern. His whole countenance was gentle and inquisitive, joyful but discerning. He was an artist, but Sophie saw him as a masterpiece in his own right. 

She pressed her lips to his. He tasted like claret and salt, his mouth opening to welcome her tongue. He kissed her back with increasing intensity, both of their breaths growing ragged. The heat built quickly, tingling under Sophie’s skin and pooling between her legs. The same feeling as before. Her stomach flipped with excitement at knowing he would bring her release again.

Before she knew it, Benedict had pulled her legs around his waist and lifted her into the air, carrying her across the room to the bed. He set her on the edge and knelt again between her knees. His large hands splayed across her back as his kisses moved down her neck and shoulders, lingering on her collarbone. She wound her fingers into the hair at his nape, closing her eyes as she fell under the spell of his lips.

“Can I take this off?” He rasped, the tips of his fingers pressing into the fabric of her dress.

“Yes,” she breathed, and felt everything starting to loosen as he slipped each button free. She wanted desperately to feel his skin, and she grabbed at the fine linen of his shirt, bunching it in her hands until it came loose of his waistband. He took her cue and quickly tore off the garment, flinging it across the room. Sophie had just an instant to stare at his bare chest before his mouth was on hers again. She touched him, skimming her hands across his torso, surprised and delighted when his muscles quivered beneath her fingers. 

As their tongues collided, he gently slid her dress and chemise down her shoulders. He chased the sleeves with hot kisses as he pulled them fully down her arms and everything tumbled to her waist, leaving her shamelessly exposed. She found that she was not self conscious and arched her back, offering herself to him like some sort of forbidden fruit. 

Benedict stopped breathing when he saw her. He’d pictured this moment in his mind so many times - every night as he lay in this very bed, and in every dream when he actually slept. But this - reality - was far sweeter than a dream, and far more erotic. His hand, which had been stroking the warm skin on her back, slowly slid over her rib cage. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, knowing that the words were hopelessly inadequate. As if mere words could describe what he felt. And then, when his trembling fingers finished their journey and held her breast, he let out a shuddering exhale. His need for her was so intense, so primitive. It robbed him of his ability to think. 

He needed her next to him, below him, on top of him. He needed her in him, around him, a part of him. He needed her the way he needed air, indispensably. 

He leaned forward slowly and kissed her once more, feeling gooseflesh prickle her skin beneath his fingers. It was remarkable, but every time he kissed her, her lips seemed to grow sweeter, her scent more beguiling. And his need grew, too. His blood was racing with desire, and it was taking his every last shred of restraint not to push her back onto the mattress and tear her clothes from her body. But he stopped himself with a reminder. This time was about her. He was here to please her needs, not his own. He wanted her to know she was safe and to show her a damn good time if he could.

“What do you…” he swallowed, trying to steady his pounding heart. “What do you want, Sophie?”

Her mouth hung open with heavy breaths. Her eyes were so dark he couldn’t see their color anymore. She hesitated.

“Do you feel an ache?” He rumbled from deep in his chest, moving to settle his hand on her thigh. “Between your legs?”

She nodded and the neediness of her look made him fight for composure. He took one of her hands and kissed her palm. “I can help you with that. Like before.”

“Yes.” She was practically vibrating but surprised him by cupping his face. “But Benedict, I want to pleasure you too. Very much. Only I don’t…I’ll need you to teach me.”

Benedict’s heart skipped a beat. Something in her earnest plea made him more aroused than he had ever felt. She was assertive despite her inexperience. She had the courage to take control and wanted to grant him pleasure in the way that he showed her. It was more erotic than any of the experienced women he’d been with, who had lain with him for mutual enjoyment but with little conversation or demonstration of concern. Sophie left him in awe.

Dumbstruck, he nodded. “Alright, but you first.” 

Then he let passion take center stage, returning his lips to hers in a searing, barely controlled dance of desire. Sophie hummed with pleasure as they wrapped their arms around each other and fell back onto the bed. She reveled in the pressure of his body against hers, skin against skin. It was the most glorious feeling she could ever imagine. He felt so good, so steady and warm, and even though his muscles were lean and powerful, his skin was seductively soft. He even smelled good, a warm masculine mixture of sandalwood and soap. 

He murmured her name like a benediction as he lowered her back onto the mattress. “How I have wanted you,” he groaned. “You have no idea. No idea.”

Her only response was a soft mewling sound that came from deep in her throat. For some reason that was like oil on the fire within him, and his fingers clutched at her even tighter, pressing into her skin as his lips traveled down the swanlike column of her throat. 

He moved lower, lower, burning a hot trail on her skin, pausing only briefly when he reached the gentle swell of her breast. She was completely beneath him now, her eyes glazed with desire, and it was so much better than any of his dreams. And oh, how he’d dreamed of her.

With a low, possessive growl, Benedict took her nipple into his mouth. She let out a soft yelp, and he was unable to suppress his own low rumble of satisfaction. When he moved his mouth to her other breast and renewed his sensual onslaught, her lips parted and her head lolled back. 

“Do you like this?” he whispered, tracing the peak of her breast with his tongue. Sophie couldn’t quite manage to open her eyes, but she nodded. “What about this?” He nibbled gently at her nipple, grazing it with his teeth. Sophie hissed and stiffened beneath him, her fingers pressing into his back, but he knew from her moan that she found it agreeable. In one motion he ran his tongue down the middle of her, licking a trail along her skin until he reached her navel. She squirmed as his hands moved everywhere, down her legs, around her waist, until her dress and chemise were gone. She was completely nude, and it felt very odd but somehow also very right, as long as he was touching her. 

Benedict’s feet found the floor again and he stood between Sophie’s legs, enraptured with the woman lying before him across the bed. He leaned down on one arm and sucked gently at her breast while his other hand squeezed her thigh. He trailed his fingers upward and ran them gently over her folds. She was wet already and despite how he ached for her, he would ease her into each step, building a progression of sensations for her to try. He slipped one finger inside of her, grinning with satisfaction as her entire body jerked and tensed around him. They had done this before and he knew she enjoyed it. Now into uncharted territory. He pressed a second finger into her, walls gripping him tightly. He held back a groan.

“Is this alright?” He rasped, searching her face for any sign of discomfort.

Sophie moaned. Her eyes were shut, hands clenching the blanket beneath her as her hips began to move, pressing back against his hand. 

“Yes,” she panted. “Please…more…” 

Any hesitation she may have had was quelled from her mind with the singular, numbing need she felt building between her legs. This was madness. Fever. That feeling that she had only felt once before, and only thanks to this man. It was something that needed release, something that grabbed at her, and yet even with all this pressure, it felt so spectacularly wonderful, as if she’d been born for this very moment.

Benedict slid his fingers in and out slowly, straight at first and then curled lightly to pet her inside. He licked his lips which were growing dry from his labored breath, his eyes dark and locked on Sophie’s body, her every move. 

“Benedict?” she gasped. “Is this…this is what it’s like when…”

He hovered his face above hers and their eyes met. Hers were hazy with desire but they held a question.

“Yes,” he purred, his fingers still rhythmically pressing into her, making her shift up and down beneath him. “Only it’s more pressure, and it’s deeper.”

She gave a slight nod, eyes fluttering closed again as he glided within her. “And…” she fought for words between breaths. “A man and woman will go on like this until…until his seed is planted?”

Benedict had never slept with a virgin but he had engaged in these alternate explorations with a few young ladies of the ton as a young man. A number of balls had been spent hidden in closets and side rooms, exploring each other’s mouths and bodies without committing the full act. It was surprising for a maid to be as sheltered as those ladies had been. But he found her forthrightness endearing.

With his free hand he smoothed her hair back from her face. “Yes, they will move until the man releases himself. But if he does not finish inside her body, there will be no child.”

Sophie’s eyes opened with realization. It was as if he could read her mind and had anticipated her question. His lips descended on hers once again, tongue swiping across her bottom lip as his fingers dragged along her walls with a steady cadence. 

“And it should bring her pleasure,” he murmured against her lips. “The act should always bring her pleasure, though most men forget that.”

Sophie’s head lolled against the mattress and she gripped his shoulders as he began rubbing her crest on each stroke, driving into her more fervently,. The sounds she made were exquisite, mewling and groaning, whimpering and gasping as she tensed and relaxed, pressing herself against him, willing him to go deeper, move faster. Move faster he did, pushing into her at the same pace his cock was begging for, the same pace at which he wanted to see her bounce beneath the whole of his body. He could feel her loosening just a bit more as her fluids slicked his fingers.

In and out, in and out, he was growing delirious with the motion, with the warmth and pressure inside of her, with the shaking of her breasts in response to the cadence of his hand. He held himself above her and watched her face, reveling in the twists of her lips and dance of her brows as she reacted to all he was doing. Just when his rigid cock issued a drop of desperation against his strained trousers, he felt her clench within.

She moaned and clawed at his back, pulling him tight against her. “Benedict,” she pleaded. “I need…I need…” She writhed beneath him, eyes closed and face screwed up with desperation. 

“Yes,” he exhaled, clamping his palm down upon her mound and rocking against it with heavy pressure. “Yes, you’re nearly there,” he coaxed, caressing her forehead again and watching her face with wonder. “That’s it. Chase that feeling.”

Mouth open but holding her breath, she bucked back against his hand as he pinned her hips down with his body. She squirmed desperately, grinding herself against his soaked palm. Benedict bit his tongue to keep his head from swimming. Lord, she was so captivating. The whole of her naked body heaving under his, burning with arousal, skin sheened with sweat as she came apart under his hands. He felt her walls quiver closer and closer together until at last she peaked, spasms dancing down his fingers, clenching and rippling. The whole of her sex throbbed within his grip as her breath returned staccato in his ear. 

He tried to swallow his own moan, lowering to lay on top of her. He wanted to feel her every tremor, her pounding heartbeat, the heat rising off of her in waves. 

Sophie clung to him, jerking with aftershocks, her mind drifting away to that plane of bliss again. Somehow the weight of him and the warmth of his skin against hers deepened the ecstasy. She felt cradled in a place of comfort the likes of which she had never experienced and she never wanted to leave.

She didn’t know how long she floated there but she was brought back into the room by Benedict’s soft kisses upon her cheek. She dragged her eyes open to see his, still sparkling and bright despite the dark hunger that lingered there.

“How do you feel?” he asked softly.

“I didn’t know,” she confessed. “I had no idea women could feel such pleasure.”

He smirked, proud of himself, the cheeky devil. But she was genuinely grateful. “Do men feel the same when they release?”

He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “Yes, we do.”

She licked her lips and stared up at him. “I want to do it to you. I want to make you feel this good.”

Benedict’s breath hitched. His cock was screaming to be set free. He was hard as a rock, harder than he could ever remember.

“But,” she cast her eyes down, unsure if she was ready to cross the final threshold. “Do you need to be inside of me?”

Benedict’s brows turned up and he kissed her sweetly. He could sense her nerves. “No. No, there are other ways. We will go slowly.”

She breathed a sigh of relief as he moved to stand once again between her knees. God, he was perfection. She took in the full sight of him, tall and shirtless, sculpted of lean muscle and pale freckled skin. The veins in his forearms flexed as his long fingers pulled off his boots and then tugged at his trouser buttons. His dark hair was wild, tousled into soft spikes from how she had played with it. Never taking his eyes from hers, he let his waistband fall and bared himself. 

Sophie sat up and stared at his manhood shamelessly. It was long, longer than she had seen on any statue, though she supposed those were adapted for modesty’s sake. It stood at attention, as rigid as a sword and pointing right at her. It was intimidating imagining something so large invading her, but the thought was also so devilishly tempting to try. What would that skin feel like?

Tentatively, she reached out and ran her fingers lightly down his length. He hissed and she retracted instantly.

“I’m sorry!” She searched his face. “Did I hurt you?”

Benedict chuckled and took her chin in his hand. “No, no, of course not.” Then his voice dropped. “It’s that your touch drives me mad.”

Sophie shuddered under his gaze.

“Do it again.”

With more confidence, she reached out and wrapped the whole of her hand around him, amazed at how soft the skin was despite the stiffness of the muscles beneath. 

“Show me.” Her voice was assertive as she looked to him for guidance.

Benedict bit his bottom lip and placed his hand over hers. He tightened her grip, suppressing a groan as he guided her in stroking him up and down slowly.

Sophie was captivated, feeling the ripple of his surging veins under her fingers, seeing the way his hips began to thrust lightly with the movement of their hands, and watching the agonizing pleasure that played across his face. A confidence began to grow within her. She was starting to understand how enjoyable it was to bring someone else pleasure. After a few strokes his hand moved hers to a faster speed, over and over again, tugging up and down smoothly.

“Just like that,” he gasped, then released her hand and brought his to rest on her shoulders. He lost himself to her touch. His mind could hardly process what was happening. That she was here, naked in his bed, touching him, stroking him, her eyes trailing across his body, her face a mixture of concentration and, he thought, a hint of pride at what she was doing to him. Any clumsiness in her movements was quickly overcome with a tight, steady cadence that made his head spin. She was a fast learner and it had been so long since he had been touched by someone else. 

Since the masquerade he hadn’t frequented any brothels or engaged in any indiscreet acts at parties. He had gone entire years without the company of women, having only his hand for relief. It was unlike him, but he felt that he would be betraying his lady in silver if he sought pleasure with anyone else. Until Sophie. For whatever reason, she was worth breaking his abstinence. He’d thought he’d wanted a woman before. He’d thought he’d needed one. But this - this went beyond both. This was spiritual. This was in his soul.

He groaned and a bead of moisture leaked from his aching cock. Seeing it, Sophie stopped her movements and looked up at him trepidatiously. Before he could say anything, she leaned forward, extended her sweet tongue and swiped it off of him with a lick.

“Jesus, Sophie!” he practically roared, his hips stuttering to keep him upright. But unlike the first time, she didn’t shrink away. No, a fiendish little light flashed in her eyes and she advanced again, running her tongue down the length of him, tracing the largest of his veins. He shuddered, throwing his head back and gripping viciously into her shoulders. It spurred her on because then her warm lips wrapped around his head and she pushed forward, letting him slide into her hot, wet mouth.

He couldn’t stand it. With an agonized cry he pulled back, slipping from her lips. Now she looked up at him with concern, wiping her mouth.

“Benedict? I’m sorry…”

“No,” he panted, hanging his head. “No, that was…you’re just…” He could hardly believe what he saw before him, a bewitching mixture of innocence and temptation. “It’s almost too pleasurable.”

She grinned.

“Too much too soon.” He sighed with a smile. “Let’s go slowly.”

She nodded and squeezed his forearms reassuringly, surprised but grateful that he wanted to set such a gentle pace. She had been so enraptured by his attentions in the orangery, she simply wanted to please him with her mouth in return. She wanted to know how he tasted. The thought of future lessons made her stomach tighten with that same coiled heat again. Surely she couldn’t be needing release again already? She looked to him, wordlessly asking how he wanted to proceed.

“Lie back on the bed,” he said gently. “Make yourself comfortable.”

She pulled away, shifting until she was lying against the pillows. Benedict kicked his trousers from his ankles and climbed over to her. Watching him, Sophie’s stomach tightened further. Lithe and erect, moving toward her like a feral animal, his arms settling to frame her in the soft bed. It was all becoming clear now, the intense joy of carnal pleasures; why men were always in search of them and why women let themselves be ruined for them. She had never experienced such breathless anticipation. Such a longing to engage in sin and never stop.

Benedict loomed over her on all fours, eyes burning into hers as he took himself in hand and began stroking again, tight and slow.

“Is this the first cock you’ve seen?” His voice was dark velvet, hitting straight through to her spine. 

Unable to look away, she traced her hands up to his shoulders, feeling his muscles flex as he touched himself. “Yes.”

“So this will be the first time you’ve seen a man come?” The growl of his tone made her toes curl. She could feel new dampness at the apex of her thighs.

“Yes.” It was barely above a whisper.

Benedict bent and kissed her neck deeply, then licked the soft skin behind her ear before rasping into it. “Can I come on you? I want to cover you with my seed.”

She couldn’t control the sound at the back of her throat as his plea went down through her body, making her channel clench around nothing. The air was too hot to breathe and unbidden, she found her hands falling to grip her breasts.

“Sophie,” a devilish whisper in her ear. “Are you aroused again? Do you want to come with me?”

She whimpered, nodding. “But I don’t…can I do that? So soon?”

A small chuckle. “Of course you can. Here, open your legs.”

She spread her legs and he shifted one of his own to settle against her, pressing into her slick womanhood with his thigh. 

“Push against me,” he tutored. “Do whatever you want.”

Somewhat embarrassed but with too much burning need to care, Sophie shifted and ground herself down against his leg. She was drenched, smearing her wetness all over him, but it helped her to glide ever so slightly up and down. When she did, it snagged her bud and she moaned, pressing with all of her weight. She could feel him flex his leg and push back against her too, urging her on. It was like riding a horse astride in the filthiest, most pleasurable way.

“Does that feel good?” Benedict’s voice was tight. She nodded needily. “Keep doing that and come with me.”

He was still stroking himself, his pace growing faster as his breath started to run ragged. They locked into each other’s eyes, entranced as his arm pumped and Sophie shifted, rocking up and down against him. Their mouths hung open against each other, breaths noisy as they chased their pleasure and challenged the other to reach theirs. 

Benedict’s brow knitted with emotions she had never seen and Sophie wanted to be the one to conduct them. 

“Ben…” she gasped desperately, then corrected herself. “Benedict, please let me finish you.”

He stuttered and dropped his hand so that both arms framed her face, eyes searing through her. “Always call me that. Always call me Ben when we’re alone together.”

Sophie’s heart leapt, then he devoured her in a kiss, tongue probing to the back of her throat. She felt him pull her hand back to wrap around his cock. She tugged tight and quick as he had shown her. He moaned into her mouth and she allowed herself a proud grin. She bounced herself faster against his thigh, feeling the knot in her stomach grow more taught and the wave begin to build under her skin.

Their kisses grew sloppy, lips smearing across each other’s faces while they emitted a whole array of sinful noises. Benedict’s fingers found their way between Sophie’s legs and circled rapidly, taking her that much closer to the edge as she continued to grind against his muscle. They each had the other in hand, taking each other higher and higher, their breaths growing shallow, their movements falling out of rhythm as they increased in speed.

Benedict broke their kiss to whisper against her lips. “You never answered my question. Can I come on you? I’m close Sophie, so close.”

“Yes,” she mewled, completely lost to a world of sensation. Everything was the heat of him, the length of him, the pressure of him. The dance of his fingers, the press of his lips, the sound of his breath, the scent of his skin. “Please Ben, please come on me. I’ll come too. Ben, please.”

In only a moment he erupted with a cry, tearing his hand away to steady himself as he pulsed in her grasp, hot ropes of his seed shooting across her torso. Sophie stopped stroking but held him tightly as he came, fascinated at the feeling of his strong throbs within her fingers. She watched him above her, thrilled to see the contortions of desperate pleasure play across his face. In this moment, he was both dominating her and at her mercy simultaneously. She wanted to do this to him, to see him like this again. Frequently.

As he moaned and fought for breath, she continued pushing herself against his thigh. The strangely delightful possessiveness of his release splattering across her chest drove her to absolute madness and she broke, throbbing tight against him. This pinnacle was gentler but deeper somehow, reverberating through her bones as every muscle shivered and relaxed, washing her with calm but not stealing her mind away entirely.

They trembled in place together, the room filled only with the sounds of their gasps. Benedict was nearly in pain at the intensity of his climax and he found himself shaking as he fell to lie next to Sophie.

She lay in a daze, unable to lift her head from the pillows and only half-aware of her surroundings. Benedict pulled a cloth from somewhere and cleaned her, gently wiping away his mess and leaving kisses on her breasts. Then he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close to his side.

“Please don’t leave, Sophie,” he mumbled into her hair, drinking in her scent as he felt sleep start to overtake him. “Please stay with me.”

She laid in his arms, overwhelmed. He wasn’t asking her to be his mistress, not really. He was asking her simply to stay. To stay at Aubrey Hall and be with him. Be with him in whatever fashion this was. And whatever this was, was more pleasure and fulfillment than she had experienced in the whole of her wretched life. The last thing she wanted to do was walk away. Even if she couldn’t have him for a lifetime, she could have him now. She hoped the acceptance letter from the Stirling household would never come, and if it did, she would respond and decline. 

Benedict’s large hands upon her, the whole of his naked body pressed against hers, the gentle thrum of his heart against her back, all of it made her choice very clear. She would stay at Aubrey Hall and worry about her future and inevitable broken heart later. 

“I will.”

Tagging: @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @secretagentbucky @eg-dr3amer3 @time-to-hit-the-clouds @lyta2323 @autumn-grace @sadprose-auroras @the-other-art-blog @goldrambutan @colettebronte @heeyyyou @musicismyoxygen84 @faye-tale @ambitionspassionscoffee @starchaser325 @malna4903 @sincere-sarcasm @kmc1989 @makaylan @queen-of-the-misfit-toys

[sol-kha-ne-lubri-if]

ros' reaction to mc having a hickey on their neck only to find out it's a mosquito bite later on?

Dear God you've been in inbox purgatory for a long while I'm so sorry, anyways, I'm gonna assume this is where they're crushing on you (not in a relationship) rather than the opposite lmao

AMBROSE ~

They've never been one to allow their siblings to deter them from doing whatever they please, so whyever would they stop now?

Especially when he has such a valid cause to it.

You see, it was your fault— that's what he was telling himself anyway. You just had to arrive in the dining hall with such a— such a blasphemous mark on your neck, proud for all to see, this should count as a slight against Baeurae! Fae knew you got around, that's not what was pissing them off about this whole thing...

It's the fact that you didn't approach them first of all.

Ambrose thought of himself as someone within your circle you could rely on, you know? Someone you— someone who could tell you which creatures were worth your time! You're an absolute beauty, everyone could be made aware of that just by looking at you! So why— why have you not told him a thing of what happened to lay such a— such an offensive thing on your skin?! What messy work it was as well, and how come there was only one? He really knew whoever had done it was a true loser then. If it were him, he would have pulled you in and not let you go until he could taste your—

"Mooooorning, you~" Ambrose hears Dottie chirp and he sits upright with his smile plastered upon his lips as though that was enough to prove to himself that he was perfectly fine with this— all of this. "Someone slept well, I denounce~!"

"If only!" you bemoan as you collapse into the chair and scratch at the mark on your neck. It's here that Ambrose sees just how upset you seemed to be, the way your body tenses so severely, the way your brow knits together, and you bury your nails into your own skin before Ambrose reaches out, making sure fae's hand was seen by you, and he carefully pulls your hand away before you scratch too deep. "My roommate— that dumbass— forgot to lock our godforsaken window the night before and a flupoflim wound up having gotten offensed by whatever dream they may have sensed of me and bit me right in the goddamn neck! I swear, I'm going to..."

"A flupoflim..." Ambrose repeats quietly to himself, biting his tongue to keep his smile from widening even further as he relaxes his hold on you far more, intertwining your fingers and slowly guiding you into his chest, his gloved thumb rubbing circles over the back of your palm as their cheek presses to your hair while you continue rambling about the pest in your room.

A small laugh shakes his chest, his eyes relaxing, half-listening to the way his sister plots with you on how to fume the flupoflims from the academy as he slowly raises your joint hands and drags his fingertips down from your palm to carefully brush against your pulsepoint.

"What a kerfuffle for my poor darling ditzy." Ambrose drawls, bring your wrist close to his face so he could press his lips to it, feeling the way your artificial heart beat inside. "Might I suggest a word of my own as remedy?"

Dottie ~

Dottie walks through the halls with her posse a few steps behind her, an idle smile on her expression as their voices carry through the grand halls, even though she had them step away from her so she could enjoy the peace and quiet to clear her thoughts. In moments as this, she would typically walk with you and your impecc-uliar companion. However, she doesn't know how much she can stand walking within your vicinity without wishing to slice at your neck and watch your good pour out like a fountain.

Maybe if she did that, the abomination on your neck would go away.

It was such a messy fucking job as well, it weren't even even, and you clearly didn't have that good a night if you were walking around with just one on your neck. If it were her, she would have mauled you for all to see! She would have tore at your neck until you'd have to be fixed up with stitches!

But no, apparently you decided you weren't good enough for her and you decided to go for some lowlife who clearly couldn't appreciate your beauty in the way she does—!

"—uite annoying, yeah." she's pulled out of her thoughts when she suddenly hears your voice around the corner, and she pauses, raising a brow as she hears your voice carried through the hall. "Maybe if you hadn't left the damn window open, I wouldn't be walking around with the bite of a flupoflim on my perfect skin! Do you even know just how itchy this fucking—!"

"It's a fly bite, calm down!"

"Of course YOU would be saying that, you're not the one who had gotten bitten by the damn thing— oh, Dottie?"

She had appeared around the corner with her books tucked below her chest and her hair gently blowing in nonexistent wind, before she strolls up to you with the air of majesty you came to know of (and expect) from her presence alone.

"There you are~ I was thinking of relaxing in the bathhouse whilst I set my books aside!" she chirps, stepping up to you and sliding a hand around your waist, pulling you close to her while she brushes her lips against your earlobe.

"Your friend is free to join us as well, if they so please~ In any case, I hear you have a flupoflim problem?"

She smoothly turns you and your companion around, allowing for said flupoflims to swoop in from the windows by her command to clean after the bodies their mistress had left behind, as well as all the ichorous organs that littered the floor.

She'd rather you not see such a distasteful sight~

Loriette Kei ~

"You've something there, I see." their face openly snarls at the sight of the offending mark on your neck, amidst the many other ones you allowed him to leave on you since it was his turn that day.

"I've a little something everywhere, if you couldn't tell." you respond dryly, feeling around your neck. He always mauled you, practically, as if he was trying to prove a point to his older sister and cousins. "You're not exactly the gentlest lover."

"Oh I can be gentle as a feather, you realize?" his strings envelop his body as his form shifts rapidly into a smaller one he was able to hop onto your shoulders with. "You don't give me many a reason to be gentle, is all. You're so... difficult sometimes, and by that, I mean any which time. Whatever you do or see that I may never think to be," their tail brushes against the bottom of your chin before they hop off your shoulder to sit on your lap, shifting back into his doll form to lean forward and pin you against the bed, a bit of their inky-black seeping through the cracks and running down his skin. "Is somehow always something you so readily use against me."

"I'm just looking out for whatever I deem to decree." you respond, your head resting back against the soft sheets of your dorm bed. You didn't often like sleeping in a bed that wasn't your own, after all, your bed was definitely the comfiest in the academy, and you were sure of that. "Now would you please tell me?"

"This," Loriette keeps himself hovered over your body while his strings reach forth to slowly wrap around your neck, the ends tickling against the mark he had seen earlier before they disappear, and his face is streaked with more of the void he kept inside himself.

"Oh, ugh. That." you roll your eyes and tilt your head to the window that allows you to look over sonder at the many bodies below your dorm. "My dormmate, Stesmi pray for them, didn't close the window before sleeping the night before, a flupoflim came and—"

Loriette Kei interrupted you by bursting out laughing, and rolling off and onto your bed, covering his face in one hand while his tail swished to and fro. A flupoflim... he had gotten jealous over one of those nasty little buggers.

"Hey, hey... forgive me, dearly, I weren't laughing at you per say, truly." he was quick to pull you close when he saw you were about to leave the bed, still chuckling over your pouty expression before burying his face into your neck.

"My... what am I to do with you, dear Alice?"

Lorelei Kei ~

"Oh that's a nasty piece of work, I see..."

She was the first person you thought to go to regarding your bite. Your companion had forgotten to close the window all the way last night before falling asleep and a flupoflim had entered and bit you since it... apparently didn't like your dream or something of that sort? Whatever, honestly. You wanted it gone, it was itching like a motherfucker.

"Right? I can hardly even remember what I were fucking dreaming about! I swear, the one time I decide to indulge myself and this is what happens!" you complain, moving your hair out of the way to allow her to get a better look at the bite you had received for daring to dream.

It wasn't even fucking worth it either, the dream wasn't even worth noting enough to remember.

"I've a salve if you wish to apply that. I'm terribly sorry for the flupoflims, I know I've squashed a good few against my neck for such a transgression before." she offers with a small frown, pulling a small bottle from her dress pocket before she tips it turvy against her fingers and a small bit drips out.

"You're an absolute darling, Lorelei Kei. Honestly, I'd adore for you to do this for me, thank you kindly..." you sigh, shivering when you feel her fingers massaging the bite on your neck. "You made this yourself then?"

"Mm... yes, yes I did." she responds, feeling her lips curl up a little as she carefully sits down before you, and she makes sure the salve is spread evenly along the bite. "It's a simple mixture, really. My noveur told me the importance of not relying all on my strings to heal... though that was more so because the way my strings heal is a bit grotesque. Not that I care."

"Why did you create a salve if you don't care then?"

She doesn't respond for a moment, lifting her hand once the salve was applied and blowing gentle air to the area to help it dry a little better, making you gulp.

"Because you might think my healing ways are grotesque."

Nadia ~

"You can't ignore me forever." you tell her firmly, watching as she continues to work at her desk, writing a letter to her kingdom's form of government in her room.

"Nadia, this is childish."

"No it isn't." she says simply, standing up from her desk and grabbing a bowl of fruits she hadn't yet touched before she tosses it in front of you, the spinning bowl filling her dorm with an unpleasant sound as it, miraculously, doesn't begin multiplying by the dozens or growing bigger. Then again, that was also likely because she was wearing her gloves.

"Yes it is— you're even responding like a child." you tell her with a small frown, tilting the bowl towards you to look at its contents before settling on a berry that had nearly fallen out. "Had I committed a slight against you once more? Add onto mine list of many that you refuse to tell me? Look, I'm well aware that my beauty's been known for rendering others speechless, but—"

"I am the one acting childish. I would like to keep acting childish."

Oh, you didn't expect her to just outright admit it. You watch as she sits down about a cushion away from you. "What are you—"

"That mark on your neck," he mentions, nodding her head towards you, making you lift a hand up to what you knew she was talking about. "It's... disgusting. I don't want to look at it. I want to be upset as I refuse to look at it. You are making me upset."

"Nadia, this is a mere—"

"I know what it is," they interrupt you, biting their tongue before sighing as he looks away. "But... please, just don't say anything, or I may die of mortification. I'm usually much better at controlling my own emotions. But that... that thing on your neck— I know what it is, rationally, but even knowing this, just the sight of it, the implication of what it could be, I'm sick of it."

You stare at her a moment, your lips quirking up as you realize why she isn't looking at you. She isn't actually mad... what she really is makes you pop the berry in your mouth, giving you an excuse to shut up.

"... Please, get rid of it...?"

"... I will, so long as you help me."

Noré ~

What on earth had been getting into her these days...

She found herself at your beck and call much more earnestly than they first believed themself to be, first of all. This wasn't anything new, they had done this with anyone and everyone that had passed by them that hallway.

What was getting to him now was that... thing, thing on your neck. It was terribly ugly. It didn't suit you. He would know what suits you and what doesn't, he's completely memorized the sort of style you adore so dearly.

He found himself glued to your side, hanging onto your every word as you speak, your hand repeatedly reaching up to rub at the spot he was eyeing and everytime you did, she felt the pit in her stomach grow wider and wider until it felt as though it would swallow her whole.

"Must you be so enamoured with whatever it is that has you recalling as you rub that?" it slips out of their mouth before they can even think to keep it inside. "You realize that I'm in your company, yes? How terribly rude of you to treat a ruler this way, I ought to try you for—"

"Treason?" you finish, shaking your head. You didn't believe him. Of course you didn't, they never gave you any reason to believe in his words, ever. "Alright, Mocking Turtle. Riddle me this—"

"I'm no hatter, but go on and riddle me what." he responds blandly, hands clenched around her own wrists behind their own back. "Riddle me how?"

"Lethargic eyes and weary bones, they try to rest yet nature would oppose," you reach up to rub the area again. "A draft to fill, the moon to shine, whatever could float decides offense to a dream of mine. Whatever does it do?"

"... Indeed, whatever does it do?"

"It bites you." you respond with a small groan. "Fucking windows and dormmates and... ugh, it's absolutely killing me."

"Oh, no, I don't believe it so." Noré responds from beside you. "For if it were truly killing you, you'd be but flesh and bone."

"You jest, but it truly feels as though the ichor were being—" you cut yourself off as you look to them again, the way they smile feels a bit more relaxed than before. "And what's suddenly got you in such a good mood?"

He blinks at your words, his eyes no longer smiling, though his lips stretch upwards a bit more. "Indeed, whatever does?" they hum, keeping step with you and linking your arms together, tugging you closer to their side as they do.

"Whatever, I suppose you've riddled me true."

[thevelria]

Can I hold it for you? (SFW/flirty!Gojo x fem!reader)

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Thank you for my sweet @ladycheesington for helping me and proofreading it. I'm so grateful! <3

Warnings:mention of car crash and death

It's pure fluff otherwise. Gojo being a sweet little pie^^

Wordcount:1503

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The cold wind brushed your cheeks like a sharp blade while you walked on the street. And you were more than happy when you finally spotted your favorite coffee house. It was late in the evening or we should say it was night rather than  evening anymore. 

The city looked beautiful, there was no need to lie. But what’s a pleasure to the eyes is a torment to the body. You pulled the collar of your beige coat higher up and buried your face into your fluffy scarf. Without hesitation you stepped in and felt grateful that you found a place which was open non-stop.  

“Hey!” you smiled at the girl behind the bar “I’d like a matcha latte, please.” The sudden temperature change sent shivers down your spine. 

“Sure. I’ll bring it to your table right away.” she nodded lovely. 

You chose to sit down at a table next to the window. You completely zoned out as you were watching the city through the glass. Seeing all those people rush to somewhere made you shake your head. There was a time you loved every minute of this life but now it felt more like a burden. Since your husband passed away years ago nothing felt the same. You weren’t able to smile or laugh honestly. As you bit your inner cheek your eyes wandered to your reflection. That was the moment you noticed a tall man with snow white hair standing next to your table. 

“Can I help you?” you turned to him immediately.

“Uhm…can I have a seat?” His raspy voice was a pleasure to the ears. 

“I don’t want to be rude but…” you took a tiny break “there are plenty of free tables. Why don’t you choose from one of those? I had a long, hard day. I want to enjoy my latte in silence.”

The man nodded and sat down at another table, the nearest one to yours and picked the seat which let him sit right in front of you. 

“Unbelievable…” you shook your head, smiling.

“I’m sitting at a completely free table.” he giggled. “It’s not my fault that you are right in front of me.” he opened the drink menu. 

You didn’t say a thing but turned your face back to the window and watched the city once again. From time to time your eyes wandered at the man. He was wearing a white knitted pullover with a turtleneck and black pants. His snow white hair seemed so silky and shiny. But his eyes…oh my God those eyes. Pierce, ocean blue eyes which could look right into your soul. 

“Your latte, miss.” the waitress placed your drink carefully in front of you.

“Oh, thank you very much!” you smiled and took a sip right away.

“What can I get for you?” she walked up to the handsome man.

“Uhm, I’d like to get what the lady chose.” he winked at you. 

“I’ll be right back.” she spun on her heels.

“I hope you ordered something tasty” he clicked his tongue teasingly “I don’t want to be disappointed.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake…” you rolled your eyes “Do you want to sit here?” you pulled an annoyed face.

“I thought you wanted to sit alone.” he raised one of his eyebrows.

“Yes, correct! I would love to but you keep talking to me across the tables which is embarrassing. So just come here and let’s get it over with.” 

“Over with what?” he took a seat at your table in an instant.

“What do you want from me?” 

“To talk.” he shrugged. “You have a pretty face and I assumed you must be a sweet person. Maybe I made a mistake.” he poked his inner cheek with his tongue.

“Excuse me?” your eyes widened immediately.

“Just kidding.” he laughed out loud. “I’m sure you’re a cute girl” he took a deep breath “but you hide it well enough.” he exhaled while chuckling. 

Even if you tried you couldn’t hold back the laughter either. He was right, you were a complete douche with him, yet he didn’t want anything but to talk. 

“I’m sorry.” you offered your hand for a shake, still laughing “I’m Y/N L/N.”

“Gojo Satoru.” He took your hand and held it just a little bit longer than necessary. As he rubbed your finger he noticed the wedding ring. “Married?” he asked.

“Used to be.” 

“I’m sorry you got divorced.” 

“I didn’t…” you fidgeted the ring “I lost him in a car crash many many years ago.” 

“Oh my…I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you.” you nodded slightly.

The heavy silence was broken by the cheerful waitress who danced to your table with a tray.

“Let’s see what kind of taste you have, Y/N.” he took a sip from the drink.

“Well?” you asked like you cared. But to be fair you didn’t…at all. 

“Hmm nice, very nice.” he hummed.

“Well, it’s late. It’s time for me to leave.” you grabbed your wallet and were about to call the waitress. 

“It was on me.” Gojo put his hand on yours. 

“No need to.” you pulled an awkward smile.

“I insist. Please.”

“Thank you. It’s very sweet of you.”

“I don’t do it out of selflessness.” he smirked.

“What?” you looked at him suspiciously.

“I do it because in this case you will need to meet me again. Otherwise you’d feel like you were in my debt.” he giggled.

You kept laughing as you stood up and grabbed your coat. 

“So maybe tomorrow?” Gojo bit his lower lip.

“We’ll see.” you smiled as you walked away.

***

“May I ask you to give this note to the lady who I had a drink with last night at that table?” Gojo pointed in the direction of the window.

“Sure.” the girl nodded. Even though hundreds of people walked in yesterday she remembered Gojo vividly. But who wouldn’t remember a man like him? 

“Oh and I’m gonna pay for her matcha.” he took out his credit card from his wallet. 

The poor girl blushed from head to toe as Gojo smiled smoothly. He knew exactly how charming women found him but he didn’t care. His only goal was getting close to you. You got his attention so he decided to make you his no matter what. And if Gojo Satoru wanted something he always found a way to get it. 

***

You had so many things to do that you weren’t able to show up in the coffee house the next day. To be honest you completely forgot about it. It’s been a rush day with a lot of work crises, so you were glad the day finally came to an end. 

The next morning, though, you decided to grab some of your favorite drink before heading to work. 

“Morning!” you smiled at the girl who seemed so tired. 

“Oh, good morning!” she chirped “The usual matcha, right? I’ll bring it right away. Please take a seat.”

You nodded slightly while trying to find an empty table. Searching in your bag you finally found your book and started to read until she arrived with your drink. 

“Here.” she placed it carefully at the table with a piece of paper alongside. 

“What’s this?” you frowned.

“Oh, it’s a message the tall, white haired man left you yesterday. He asked me to give it to you when you next appear. He also paid for your drink already.” 

“Satoru…” you whispered as you unfolded the tiny piece of paper.

“Now you owe me two matcha. I’ll wait for you at 7 at our table.”

Before you left you walked up to the counter. “Can I ask you a favor? Could you please reserve that table over there at 7 o’clock?” you pointed at the table by the window.

***

 Gojo was already waiting for you when you arrived.

“You were early.” you teased.

“I wasn’t sure you would show up.” he stood up and pulled the chair for you to take a seat.

“I was waiting for hours yesterday.” he clicked his tongue.

“Sorry.”

Words followed words and you didn’t even realize how much you enjoyed yourself. He made several bad jokes but you laughed anyway. The way he non stop flirted with you made you blush. Gojo didn’t hide his intention for even a second. 

After hours of talking he took a deep breath. “Wanna take a walk?”

“Sure.” you agreed without hesitation.

The cold air wasn’t a pleasant feeling on your skin but you tried to focus on the fact that the man next to you was a total cuteness. 

As you were walking in a nearby park he bit his bottom lip before shooting his perfect pick up line without even looking at you.

“Your hand looks so lonely. Can I hold it for you?”

A loud laughter bursted out of you, an honest and happy laugh that you didn’t experience for a long long time. 

“Please, do.” you kept giggling as you let him take your hand. 

[thrilling-oneway]

Tsukasa Tenma

3.5k

I've mentioned it before but WxS is the group I would consider to be the least close on a personal level. It's complicated to put into words. They clearly love and treasure each other dearly and Our Happy Ending really works to show us just how much their friendship means to them and how broken they would be without it. But despite that there's still barriers. I come back to what Rui said in KAITO's initial card about how he and Tsukasa aren't the kind of close friends who talk about their childhood memories. Like... how to put this. WonderlandsxShowtime is an incredibly tight-knit and valued circle of friendship, but Tsukasa in particular very rarely divulges information about his past. Mainly in regards as to how he came to be like this, like Tsukasa. They know about the shows and that he wanted to make Saki smile but there's those small personal details that are only known because of Toya telling Rui about them.

WxS is incredibly important to Tsukasa, Our Happy Ending is evidence enough of that in that he actually broke down crying for the 3 whole seconds they were disbanded. I think it's more obvious that they're important on a professional level (thanking Emu for hiring him in OHE, thanking Rui for being their director in the connect live), but he does care about them on a personal level he's just less vocal about that part. It's still very obviously there but just not explicitly in the words "I love my friends thank you for being with me", and by no means does it need to be. Maybe the audience interpretation is not helped by the fact that Tsukasa is somewhat single-minded about theatre. He throws himself all into that - theatre comes first, evidenced by Phoenix where he neglects his health for the sake of a role and his development. As well as this there's the fact he tries to tackle most of his challenges alone, rather than asking for help. He goes into tunnel vision when theatre is concerned, although it has been stated a few times that his childhood experiences very much did shape who he is, and I do wonder if having to take care of himself so often from such a young age plays into his mindset of having to do things on his own, even when he encourages his friends to do the opposite. However, over time he is gradually learning to, well, learn from other people. He's got WxS and he's got other actors around him to help him, and he is learning that he can rely on them when he hits roadblocks. A star shines brighter because of those around him, a lesson he learnt well in the main story.

And while there isn't really anything to confirm this, I get the feeling that part of the reason he never got an event covering his feelings over the disbandment and overall seemed to be far more ok with the idea is maybe because he's a realist in some ways. As I said, nothing to actually suggest this, mainly just thinking what would make sense given his childhood where he was constantly exposed to the harsher things in life through Saki being in hospital for a lot of it. That said, he kinda just doesn't like to think about negative things. We see him faced with the possibility of the group disbanding a few times, but his reaction is always to worry about it later, and enjoy it now. Or something along those lines. Like think about in Dazzling Light where it takes him a while to realise that actually he used the piano when he was lonely the same way Torpe used the stars. Or in Phoenix at the Sky's Edge where he has to force himself to break down in defeat and accept that he isn't as good as his peers.

As I said, WxS are important friends to him, even if he usually only vocalises this on a professional level. Like even if it isn't said it's obvious by his actions that they mean something personally. He respects Emu's wishes to make people smile over everything because they align with his own. Both of their dreams were sparked by a loved one that they treasure dearly and with their whole heart. He wants Emu to be happy as well, and wants her to be more open with the troupe (Smile of Dreamer), and in Wonder Magical Showtime, he put the competition that could get him a head start in his career aside for Emu's dreams to uphold her grandfather's legacy, knowing full well that he was giving up an opportunity for himself. It was a completely selfless act for her benefit.

He respects Nene's talent and aspirations, and again they align with his own, to be able to be good enough to see stages worldwide. Even if they bicker, he does care about her, checking in on her at school to see how she's doing in her new class (Hello Good Day), and encouraging her as she improves her singing and works towards her dreams. He gets genuinely worried for her and not just the show in Holy Night when she hits a roadblock with her singing. Admittedly I think their relationship is a little less defined that Tsukasa's relationships with Emu and Rui, but also I am going off memory on this one so it might just be that I remember Nene events less. Nonetheless, they have a lot of respect for each other, despite their bickering and Nene usually acting annoyed at him, they are still close friends who are important to each other both personally and professionally. Due to them being the main actors of the group as well, they naturally fall into that respectful and friendly rivalry. Both of them are incredibly talented and can see each other's abilities as a goal to work towards, though this is more defined from Nene's side, given she's slightly more focused on the singing side of things over acting.

Skipping over the relationships that don’t involve Tsukasa and going straight to Rui because, well, this is an analysis of Tsukasa. But, how to put it, it feels like Tsukasa and Rui’s relationship might be one of the most misunderstood within WxS? Like maybe it’s because they’re the designated comedy duo as Oddball 1-2, but also there’s like 2 and a bit events dedicated to it so I dunno. Anyway.

Tsukasa dislikes the Oddball 1-2 bit because he doesn’t like getting in trouble at school. In 2nd year he was the class president and in 3rd year he joined the disciplinary committee because he didn’t like the fact he had a bad reputation and was supposedly (definitely) considered a problem child. He adamantly refuses that he is a problem child and wants to be a responsible model student. That's the issue he has with it. He actually doesn't actually mind doing all of Rui's stunts even if he does complain sometimes, because he knows even if they sound dangerous Rui wouldn't do something that would get him hurt (Wonder Halloween).

Tsukasa's relationship with Rui is built on a mutual trust, because obviously as an actor and director they have to be able to understand and work with each other (Curtain Call). Tsukasa trusts that Rui will help him to shine, Rui trusts that Tsukasa will perform under his direction to 12000%, and they trust each other to put on the greatest show together. And again respect comes into play because of their aligned goals. That said their relationship isn't strictly limited to the professional side and Pandemonium is definitely the biggest game changer in that aspect. Actually while everyone talks about the end there's actually a couple earlier scenes that are needed to add the full context of it, even if the event is mostly from Rui's POV. Actually the most important scene is probably the part where Shizuku tells an anecdote about her and Tsukasa as kids and then mentions that Tsukasa is the kind of person who really loves his friends, and then Rui realises that Tsukasa had been looking out for him the entire trip and making sure he was getting along with his classmates. So even if it's not from the POV of Tsukasa himself, it's very clear that Tsukasa does care about Rui a lot and values him as both a good friend and a director. They actually become significantly closer after this event if recent interactions are anything to go by (Tsukasa's new 2* has them going shopping together, something Emu and Nene do often who were always closer friends than the boys were).

I don't think the scene at the end was one-sided either. Even though Rui says that he was able to change because of Tsukasa, what Tsukasa said in response isn't wrong. He accepted Rui's thanks, but he still turns it back on him because it's true that even if Tsukasa gave him the chance to stand on stage, Rui never would've actually changed if he didn't take his hand. Tsukasa's pretty selfless when it comes to the people in his life. While yes, he can be selfish sometimes about his dreams, but that's just what you have to do when you're passionate about something. With people it's different. He does the same thing with Saki, and a few other characters. Tsukasa has positively impacted the lives of multiple characters but when it's pointed out to him he will find a way to turn the situation on its head and find how those people took what he gave them and helped themself with it because that's just who he is. He's happy to see his friends happy and will point out their good points that they fail to notice. Tsukasa didn't need to talk about his own experiences then either. That would be very out-of-character for him. It wasn't his moment to share, not to mention he doesn't talk about that sort of stuff to anyone but his family. It was Rui's moment to express his gratitude and Tsukasa's moment to accept it, not unload his trauma (also, it was a Rui event).

I think part of the reason Tsukasa's events are heavily focused on him and only him when the others get events that are more tied to their relationships with the unit is simply because his arc is more closely linked to his personal growth in regards to acting. While Emu had plenty of friends, she didn't have anyone at Wonder Stage with her, she needed people to take her dream seriously. Rui had been outcast by everyone around him and just needed friends to accept him for who he was. Nene was shy and needed an outlet to rediscover her passion for theatre and people to encourage her to push through the past trauma holding her back. WxS obviously was what set off Tsukasa becoming a better person, but he always has dealt with everything personal alone. Even in the main story after WxS split, he went to the SEKAI and had to unpack his childhood memories by himself (I guess a plushie did help him out actually), and he had to get Emu back by himself.

Rui and Emu's events are especially slightly more focused on their relationships with the unit, because they're the ones who have always been pretty satisfied with where they are. They have their dreams, and they're working towards them. But what has always been the most important for them has always been having friends who truly accept them and take them seriously. That's why they were the ones who got the events focused on the possibility of the unit disbanding. Because WxS is especially dear to them.

On the other hand, Nene and Tsukasa are the ones with huge dreams of a worldwide stage. It's clear Nene wants to go to Broadway (fes card), and Tsukasa mentions wanting to go abroad multiple times. Their events are always focused on them honing their talents and skills to get closer to that dream. However there is a stark difference in how they do it. While Nene still often works on her own, she's always been pushed forwards by the others, she knows she can rely on them, and she even got to meet her idol and be mentored by her. She's got a stable (professional) support system and knows that there's people to help her out even if the work is something only she can do.

Tsukasa is the opposite - he tries to deal with problems alone. He doesn't take help until he's pushed himself as far as he can alone, he lies to Saki when she's worried about him. As I said earlier, it genuinely does seem like he feels he cannot accept help, that he has to work alone. Because the game makes it very clear that Saki is massively important to him, she is literally what sparked his dream in the first place, him lying to her is a big out of character moment for him. Phoenix makes it very clear that his craft comes first, but he also has a very unhealthy mindset when it comes to some of the roadblocks he faces in said craft.

The thing you have to remember is that all of this comes from Saki. Specifically, the situation she and her family were in way back when. Saki was chronically ill, and she had to be away all the time. It was all completely out of her control. However, in one instance of her being home, Tsukasa saw how happy she was at a play, and he built his entire life around that. And obviously as Saki's illness worsened, he started to develop a persona to make himself more confident and mature. He had to take care of himself even when he was a kid because of how often he was left in the house alone. Not to stray too far into speculation, but the thing is when these sorts of things happen at such a young age they will start to mesh with who you are. Because you are growing and if you're having to be completely independent and put on a persona to act in an ideal way, that is going to grow into you. And it very clearly did, just read the main story and it's clear that persona and idea of being independent got to his head. It's also clear that he pushed a lot of what actually caused those things to happen to the back of his mind, the SEKAI existing is proof he never really forgot, but he pushed it away for some reason, presumably because it isn't a nice thing to think about. It's never outright confirmed, but to me it seems pretty clear that the things that happened in his childhood shaped how he acts now.

Actually, a lot of his arc outside of him improving as an actor is about learning the lesson that he cannot do everything alone, and that there are people here to support him. It's what Rui teaches him in the main story when he leaves: Tsukasa cannot become a star on his own. When Tsukasa runs into roadblocks he usually will try to deal with them on his own at first, which is what most people would do, of course. However he tends to really push his limits before he accepts help, because he's stubborn, and it's frustrating that he can't work out how to get into character for certain roles. But there's a very clear development in how he accepts help. Compare the main story, where he only cared about himself and couldn't work well with other people, to Phoenix, where he's surrounded by people to support him and is able to openly show his insecurity to them. However, there's a certain disconnect between his personal and professional sides; even as he learns to open up about his problems, they're specifically his professional ones.

I think the reason his relationship with WxS is less obviously important, with you instead having to read a bit between the lines to see it does go deeper than just coworkers, is simply because Tsukasa isn't good at dealing with his emotions, mainly regarding his past (also, as I've said, he just never really vocalises it). He was worried for Saki but he had to be brave for her, he had to be happy so she could be happy, he couldn't be vulnerable because a good big brother isn't vulnerable, so he created a persona for himself. He had to take care of himself and was lonely so often, but Saki had it worse, so he would play the piano and then he pushed the experience aside when it was all over. Even if Saki had it worse, Tsukasa didn't have it good. And as I said, he pushes it aside. He rarely talks about his childhood. Saki and Toya obviously know, and Rui knows what Toya told him, but Tsukasa just never brings it up to anyone outside of his family. He's not great at processing his emotions. I think all of that sort of builds up an emotional wall between him and WxS that just makes him seem less close in a way. It's there, the closeness is there but it's limited by the fact he holds so much back compared to everyone else. There's a lot of things they don't know about him that so far has had to come from a third person (that being Toya in a couple area conversations and Never Give Up Cooking).

And, of course, it does make sense that he was able to grow closer to WxS through theatre, considering just how much of his life it takes up. Theatre is so so much to him, so it's no wonder that as he learns to open up about how he feels, the feelings that he opens up about connect to his craft. But it's that, the fact that it's all theatre. It takes up so much of who he is, which is by no means whatsoever a bad thing, but there's still a lack of his life beyond that. The phrasing there is a bit misleading, so let's put it this way: obviously WxS and we as the audience know he's an excellent older brother, he's incredibly kind and loves and cares for his friends so much, he gets pretty good grades in school but he does cram, he's loud and bombastic and loves being in the limelight, and most importantly he loves theatre, and wants to make people smile just like his sister did way back when. But then only his family and we as the audience know about the other things from his past, like how much of a toll Saki being in hospital took on him, how he was lonely, the extent to what the piano means to him. Pretty much all of what WxS knows about him is about him now. They don't know much about his past outside what they've been told by other people. You don't have to know about someone's past to be their friend, but knowing about their past can help you to understand them better, their inner workings and how their past shaped them into who they are now. It can help you to develop a deeper personal connection. Even if they don't get a whole event and it's only mentioned in passing, like Kohane for example (though it's plot relevant for her), every other character has discussed their past with their unit, be it their childhood or only a year before the game is set. Tsukasa is the only character who has his past shown and talked about who doesn't ever talk about it with his unit (outside the basics of Saki and shows). We're shown more than quite a few characters get but these scenes are only for the audience and his family to know about, not his friends.

Come Our Happy Ending, Tsukasa's relationships with the others is clearly an important one. There's a reason he's broken up by the very real possibility of the group splitting up. As I said, he tends not to dwell on the negatives, he always pushes those aside unless he has no choice but to face them, and this was one of those times he had no choice. WxS has given him so many opportunities as both a craftsman and as a person. He's a better person because of them, he's changed because of them, he's closer to his dream than ever before because of them. Even if he doesn't always vocalise this, even if he still puts up walls and limits how close their relationships can be, those relationships are still nonetheless valuable to him. As said by Shizuku, Tsukasa is someone who really loves and treasures his friends, his friends and family are the most important people to him. Despite how bombastic of a character he is, he's extremely nuanced and there's a lot of subtlety when it comes to how his experiences and the people in his life affect him. He just needs to be a bit more open to talk.

[jaemmphilia]

★ 𝘮𝘪𝘹𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘦: 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴 ★ || han j.s

★ summary: it's your first SKZ CODE episode with the boys as their newest member. jyp decided to add you to stray kids after he saw your audition. he felt that you were the thing that stray kids was missing, and he pushed you to debut immediately. things start out awkwardly, and you feel so left out. but as you eat fried clams with the boys,, they start to very slowly warm up to you. maybe it would have been a good idea to mention you are deathly afraid of pools and various bodies of water.

★ characters: bang chan, lee know, changbin, y/n (he/him pronouns and a masculine frame), hyunjin, han, felix, seungmin, i.n

★ warnings: based off of the most recent skz code episodes where they visit the mud flaps, it's gonna be a little awkward at first, skz ignore y/n (not on purpose, it's just a little new for them), reader is afraid of water and nearly drowns, changbin pushes reader into the water (pls don't hate me for that), he apologizes tho, han and felix being best boys, let me know if i forgot anything

★ word count: 3.8K (3,867)

★ binnie's thoughts: my ride or die gave me the genius idea to write a fic based off the most recent skz episodes, and i just had to deliver

★ disclaimer: this fic in absolutely NO way represents the stray kids members as people. this is just for fun, so don't take it to heart. just enjoy!

You feel the need to throw up your breakfast– and you would be totally okay with it. It would give you an excuse to not show up for filming. This wasn’t really how you expected your idol life to be. You thought you would be put into a group that was on its way to debuting. Not joining a group that already debuted and is at the top of its career. 

Stray Kids proved themselves that they are still as successful with eight members rather than the original nine. After the situation with Woojin, Stray Kids went off like a rocket, pushing their way up the charts and blowing the competition out of the park. You admire that about them, and you wish to be part of a successful group just like that. 

It seems that you really do get what you wish for.

JYP made sure you were ready to become a member of Stray Kids. You have your own SKZOO character, a cow mixed with a koala named Mookie– and he released some photos of you from a photoshoot. You already have a set position in the group, based on your audition video. You’re the ace, the all-rounder, the one to do it all. You can’t help but feel under pressure with that title. You’re expected to sing, rap, dance, and look exceptionally stunning all at the same time, and the thought of that alone gives you the shakes. 

The eight males were really confused when Chan was called into a meeting with JYP himself. They thought their precious leader was in trouble for something. The remaining seven of them paced around their dorm, some of them biting their nails as they waited for Chan to get back. Felix started to tear up thinking they were going to disband. With a little consolation from his favorite hyung, Changbin, he was able to calm down enough to stop his tears. 

When Chan returned to them, his expression was unclear to them. Sometimes they can predict what’s wrong just by the way Chan’s face is twisted up, but for the first time in a while, they were stumped. 

Chan sat down with his hands propped up under his chin. His eyebrows were furrowed, his lips drawn in a straight line. Then he spoke up. 

“JYP is adding someone to the group.” 

You could hear a pin drop in the room. No one knew what to say. What could they say? Their entire world was just flipped upside down. They had spent years getting used to being a group of eight, now they have to let a complete stranger into their close-knit family? 

Felix was the first to speak up, and everyone turned their attention to him. He gulped before speaking, “Do we know who it is? When are they joining?” the blonde haired male couldn’t stop the shakiness of his voice as he looked at Chan. 

“Well, JYP told me that he’s been a trainee for a few years now. JYP said he doesn’t fit into any of his other groups, and he truly believes the guy fits our group the most.” Chan said with a deep sigh falling from his lips as he took a moment to let the news sink in. 

“I don’t think this is a good idea. What if he turns out to be like…” A pause. “You-know-who?” Everyone could feel the air being sucked out of the room after Jeongin spoke. 

It was something to consider. The entire situation with Woojin was nearly career-ending for them. The alleged actions of just one person nearly ruined everything for them. 

“No. JYP wouldn’t do that to us. I won’t allow anyone to hurt us like he did. Not again.” Chan says, looking at each and every one of his brothers. They could tell he was serious, his brows were furrowed and there wasn’t a single hint of amusement on his face. 

The boys all shared a group hug, and for a second, the impending anxiety of adding someone to their family was gone. 

Of course, it would only last for a short time. 

Which brings us to the present. You are riding in a van separate from the other members, on your way to the first filming location. You had filmed a little introduction video before you got onto the bus, and you were told it would play before the actual SKZ CODE video started. You had tried to not appear nervous, your hand gripping your jeans tightly out of the camera's view. You put on a gentle smile as you introduced yourself, hoping to make a good enough impression. 

You settle down in the van, holding Mookie in your arms as you buckle in. You hope they’ll accept you, because you have worked your ass off to debut. You may not be debuting how you had hoped to, but at this point you shall settle with whatever is given to you. 

You place your headphones on your head, leaning your head on the window as you play songs from the playlist you use when you sleep. You look out the window at the foggy sky and you realize the weather describes your mental state perfectly at this very moment. Dark. Quiet. Foggy and hard to see through. You sigh once again as the van starts moving. Hopefully this goes smoothly.

The Stray Kids boys are talking to each other while the cameras are off, and your name finds its way into the conversation once again. The air shifts awkwardly, the eight of them still in disbelief that a total stranger is being added to their group. 

They are looking at your headshots on Hyunjin’s phone, each and every one of them are impressed by your good looks. The expression on your face is intimidating, the lights casting shadows that dance along your smooth skin. They take in every single feature–your soft freckles that litter your cheeks and forehead, the little beauty mark on the tip of your nose, and the other beauty mark on your bottom lip. They can’t deny the fact that you are really attractive, you don’t look like the typical idol. 

Felix wonders if you two will bond over the fact that you both have freckles, or the fact that you’re both from different countries. Do you struggle with Korean like he does, or are you fluent like Chan? Do you have a preference for English or Korean? He wonders where you’re from, what was it like growing up for you? He feels a little bit of excitement bubbling in his chest at the idea of meeting someone who is similar to him. JYP told them a bit about you, and they were surprised to find out that you were from The United States. 

“He’s really attractive, I can’t deny it,” Lee Know speaks up from his spot, and he earns a series of agreements from everyone else. “And he looks like a sweet guy, I think we’re overthinking this entire situation.”

Chan hums, his expression still unreadable. He’s still on the fence about this, and he knows that he doesn’t really have a say in the situation. He wishes he did, because he would reject you immediately. He truly believes that Stray Kids are just fine as eight, not nine. And your position is the ace? Last time he checked, Han was their ace. They don’t need another one, Han does an amazing job as the ace of Stray Kids. Chan just hopes that Stay will be accepting.

The boys arrive before you do. They excitedly make their way to the mud flaps, each of them joking around with each other as the cameras roll. They laugh as Changbin chases Hyunjin, spouting something about romance. A few of them get closer to the mud flaps, while the others stick behind, watching fondly. They hear the door of a vehicle shut and they all whip their heads to look behind them. 

You start walking towards the eight males, Mookie is your clutches as you feel yourself start to sweat. You’re so nervous that you’re sweating while it’s cold outside. Your red-dyed hair is sticking up on one side–from laying your head on the van window–and your gray cardigan is slipping off your wide shoulders. You feel the cameras on you as you walk closer to your new bandmates. 

Once you deem yourself close enough for them all to hear you, you bow towards them. “Hello. My name is Lim Y/N, it’s nice to properly meet you all,” you say as you try to keep your voice from sounding so shaky. Your hands are clammy and wet with sweat. “I hope we can all get along, thank you again.” You stand up straight and take in their expressions.

Chan motions for everyone to get in line to do their group introduction. They all bow to you and introduce themselves one by one. You smile softly at them despite the awkwardness that sits heavily in the air. 

“So, uhm, should we go eat fried clams, now?” Changbin says, breaking the silence and awkward eye shifting. Chan agrees and they all retreat to their van, leaving you behind. 

You try to not let it get to you as you walk to your van. You squeeze Mookie’s plushy body as you take a few deep breaths. 

Once you all arrive at the restaurant, you sit at the table with Chan, Felix, Lee Know, and Han. You wait for them to get whatever food they want before you start grabbing some for yourself. When you take that first bite, you light up at how tasty it is. 

You’re no stranger to Korean cuisine, you did end up living with your grandma from the age of fourteen to your current age of twenty-three. When you were younger, you had no knowledge of your Korean heritage. Of course you knew your father was Korean and was born in South Korea, but ultimately you knew little to nothing about what it meant to be half-Korean. So, after some long conversations with your mother and father, they convinced you to move in with your grandma in Daejoon, South Korea. You were super excited, bright-eyed and itching for a change. At first it was a little difficult to adjust. You barely knew the language– you only knew a few phrases that helped you get around, but that was it. You are grateful that you have the ability to retain information quickly, and it’s all thanks to your mother. She’s a successful professor at a high-end college where she teaches psychology in Georgia.

“Wah, I’ve never had fried clams before. At least not any like this,” You say a little quietly, not wanting to draw any attention to yourself. Too bad everyone heard you. 

Felix pipes up after he finishes chewing his food. “You haven’t? Did you just move to Korea or have you been here for a while?” He asks and you notice how genuine he sounds. Like he’s interested in knowing more about you. It makes your heart beat fast in a good way.

“I was born in Georgia, in the US. But I moved to Daejoon when I turned fourteen, and I’ve been here ever since.” You told him, noticing that the others were also tuning in to what you’re saying. You earn a few hums of acknowledgement as everyone continues eating. 

“That’s pretty cool, looks like we have something in common.” Felix says, flashing you his sweet smile that makes you want to smile back. “You probably already know this, but I was born in another country. So was Chan hyung.”

You hum and nod as you chew your food, covering your mouth before you speak. “Yeah, I know quite a bit about you guys. You’re pretty famous all over.” You say with a soft laugh as you shake your head to move your fringe out of your eyes. 

Han finds himself staring at you while you talk. He likes the way your voice sounds when you speak, you have this smooth voice that feels like the softest silk on freshly lotioned skin. To Han, you look way better in person than in the pictures. Your skin is littered in light freckles, and the beauty marks on your face are so much more noticeable. He wonders what you sound like when you speak English. Is your voice more high pitched, low pitched, or is it the same? He feels an elbow jab his side and he fights the urge to screech like a crow. Damn Chan and his super parent senses.

The nine of you all finish eating and you’re cracking up at Felix and Jeongin when they go to feed the seagulls. You take videos of Seungmin trying to fight the birds, protecting Felix and Jeongin. You also take a few pictures of yourself near the mud flaps, and Felix ends up taking a few with you. You can tell he will become close to you pretty fast.

You all arrive at the house you’ll be staying at for two days and you’re all amazed by it. You all walk around and then you discover the basement. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen before– a karaoke machine, a nice pool table, and some arcade games. You watch as everyone rushes to play and sing. You don’t really see where you fit in, so you sit down and watch. You watch as they joke around and laugh. You listen to the inside jokes they have between each other. It makes your heart feel heavy knowing that you’ll possibly never be on the same level as them. They’ve been through so many ups and downs as a group, you will never understand what that’s like. 

You try to distract yourself with your phone, hoping that will prevent you from spiraling and crying in front of them. That would be pretty embarrassing on your part. You would hate to seem like someone who gets upset when he isn’t included, so you feel that a distraction is the best option. 

Felix is playing ping pong with Seungmin, and Seungmin notices that Felix keeps looking back at you. He’s starting to get a little annoyed that Felix isn’t paying attention to their very important game, so he huffs. 

“Hyung, pay attention! I’m so close to winning!” Seungmin whines, catching Felix’s attention. Felix apologizes and their game continues. One again, Felix misses the small white ball heading towards his side of the table. Seungmin knows it’s a point for him, but Felix didn’t even try to hit it. 

Seungmin lets out an annoyed groan and he looks to see where Felix is so focused on. It’s you. Seungmin takes a good look at you and he notices the look on your face. Longing. 

Hyung, invite him to play with you. We can continue our game later, I wanna go check out the rooms.” Seungmin says and Felix whips his head towards him. 

“Are you sure, Min? You don’t mind?” Felix asks, feeling bad for getting so distracted that he’s ruining the good time Seungmin is having. 

Seungmin nods and sets his paddle down. “Yeah. Just be prepared for me to kick your ass later.” Seungmin makes sure the cameras don’t pick up his vulgar language before he walks upstairs to check out the rooms.

Felix walks over to you, narrowly dodging Lee Know’s elbow that was so close to knocking him upside his head. Lee Know tends to get a little intense when he gets in the groove.

“Hey, Y/N hyung, do you wanna play some ping pong with me? Seungmin ditched me because he was losing so badly.” Felix says with a laugh. 

You look up when you hear someone talking to you in English. It honestly caught you off guard. It’s been a while since you’ve spoken English, you hope you still remember how to speak it (you’re a little dramatic, you get it from your dad–). 

“You– you want me to play with you?” You try not to sound too shocked, but you deem it to be a little too late for that. 

“Yeah, are you a sore loser like Seungmin, or are you a good sport when you lose?” Felix asks and you tut at him with a smirk. 

“Who said I was going to lose?” You retort back with your eyebrow cocked at him. Felix just laughs at you. 

“I’ll have you know I’m the best ping pong player out of all the guys.” Felix says, his hands on his hips in a victory pose. 

You stand up and start walking towards the ping pong table. “We’ll see about that, now won’t we?” you respond and pick up the paddle that Seungmin was once holding. You hunker down a bit, your eyes not leaving Felix’s form for a second. Poor Mookie sits abandoned on the seat near the karaoke machine. 

After everyone plays around for a bit, Seungmin comes downstairs whining about how he wants to swim. You freeze at the mentions of swimming, and your eyes shift around nervously. Everyone starts going to change, and you hesitate. Lee Know notices your hesitance, and he tilts his head at you. 

“Are you not coming? We’re gonna play some pool games. It’ll be fun.” He says, and you nod before you could stop yourself. 

“Yeah! I’m coming, don’t worry, hyung.” You smile at him as you follow behind him upstairs. You bite your fingernails anxiously at the idea of getting in the water. It sucks that one bad experience can completely ruin something for you. 

You get changed and you meet the others outside where the pool is. You stare at the deep blue water, your heart racing. You know you shouldn’t be standing so close to the edge, you could easily slip and fall in. You don’t want to drown on camera, much less in front of your groupmates. You feel a pair of hands on your back as they shove you forward, your arms and legs flailing as you fall into the water. 

The water isn’t deep, but that doesn’t matter to you. You thrash in the water, trying to get your head above the water. You panic, inhaling a large amount of water. You can’t breathe, your arms and legs are starting to hurt, and you just want out of the damn water. As you keep thrashing, you feel your body being pulled up and out of the water. 

Chan heaves you into a pool chair, his hands patting your back to help you spit out the water you inhaled. You cough as water spills from your mouth. Your chest and throat burns. You can feel your entire body shaking with fear. You start wheezing as you hug your knees, wanting the ground to open up and swallow you. You feel so embarrassed, you can’t do anything but cry. You hear someone telling the staff to turn off the cameras, and you feel a warm towel being placed on your tense shoulders. 

“Let me take him upstairs to get changed. I think it’s best if he doesn’t play volleyball with us.” Han says, his hand placed on your shoulder as he rubs comforting circles. Chan simply nods and tells the staff to resume filming when Han gets back from helping you get calmed down and dried off. 

Felix rushes over with something in his hand. Mookie. You look up at the blonde male, thanking him with your eyes. You take Mookie from him, following Han into the house. He guides you upstairs and sits you on the bed. 

“Can I look through your suitcase to get you some clean clothes?” He asks and you simply nod at him, sniffling. You watch as he opens your suitcase, rummaging through it. He pulls some clothes out and he guides you to the bathroom to change. 

You get changed and you shuffle out of the bathroom, a sad pout on your face. Han can’t help but think about how adorable you look. You might be older and taller than him, but you just look so soft. He feels his heart pick up pace as he stares. He should probably get back to the others to resume filming, but his feet won’t move. 

“Han, you should probably go back..” You say, your voice trailing off as you catch him staring at you. You feel shy under his gaze, no one’s ever looked at you like he’s looking at you right now. His eyes hold all emotions of attraction, the pools of deep brown staring into your own E/C eyes. You feel your ears get warm as you fight the goofy smile trying to make its way onto your face. 

“Right– sorry, uh.” He stutters, his neck turning a nice shade of deep red. He shakes his head, his ashy gray hair moving with his head. “Just– just let me know if you need anything, yeah? That must’ve been scary for you.” 

You nod, your voice raspy from coughing so much. “Yeah.. I don’t really like pools or large bodies of water, something happened when I was younger.” you explain softly, avoiding his concerned gaze. 

“I get it. I’m not the best swimmer, so I kind of see where you’re coming from.” Han says, trying to give some comfort, his hand coming up to rest on your shoulder. 

You simply give him a little smile, letting him know that you appreciate his comfort. You place your hand on top of his and you get an idea. 

“How about I play referee and scorekeeper for the volleyball game? I’ll keep my distance from the water and I won’t be missing out,”  you offer, and Han nods with a smile. 

“I think that’s a pretty smart idea, hyung,” he says, but he gives you a stern look. “Are you completely sure, though? Because you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” 

You hum and nod at him. He nods in response and the two of you walk back to the pool. 

Once you get outside, you’re being crushed by a pair of muscular arms. A string of apologies fall from Changbin’s mouth as he squeezes the life out of you. You can’t help but laugh at the shorter male.

“Hyung, I’m okay. You didn’t know that I’m afraid of water. I should apologize to you because I didn’t tell you beforehand.” You say, hoping to make the rapper feel better and less guilty. 

Changbin looks up at you, pouting. He lets you go and apologizes one more time. You wave him off and you pull up a pool chair near the middle of the edge of the pool. 

“Are you guys ready to play some volleyball?” You ask, earning a round of cheers from the males. You watch as they all hop into the water on their respective sides. You toss the ball into the water and whistle sharply, indicating the beginning of the game. You watch as they play, the cameras filming every second. 

You had your doubts about joining this group, but you think this could work out nicely. Let’s just hope it remains that way.