#anyway again I APOLOGIZE this is like... thesis length

[croquettish]

A Hans Capon Character Analysis

Part 1: Hans' Disillusionment with the Nobility

I went into this wanting to write one thing and then instead ended up writing something different entirely which, after watching it get stupidly long, I decided to split in two. So you can consider this an analysis triptych (they other two are already drafted and ready to go). It's still stupidly long, so I apologize for that.

We know that Hans learned what the platonic ideal of a noble looked like and from that point on did his very best to live up to that ideal. He saw what he was supposed to be even while realizing that he could never live up to that ideal. Hans spends all his time trying to reach for perfection only to find his best only ever being at best shy of where he wants to be. More often, his best is far removed from where he thinks he's meant to be / supposed to be.

This is a theme that comes up several times throughout the game. First, when they're at the inn in Troskowitz where Hans pulls the "excuse" about why he can't do work:

I say "excuse" in quotes because the more time you spend talking to Hans the more it becomes obvious that he actually believes what he's saying. All that stuff about the three states of man is 100% something that he was either taught directly or overheard. It's entirely possible that he once tried to help out the castle staff and was told he wasn't allowed to do that because it went against the will of God. Like I fucking love AUs where Hans and Henry met as kids, but there's a non-zero chance that any attempt to do so, if not simply preempted, would have been shut down by Hanush and the others around him. This is what it means to be a noble, Hans. You're not allowed to do any of these fun things. You have a job to do. You're going to rule Rattay someday and that comes with certain responsibilities.

Here are some choice excerpts from that conversation:

I want to draw special attention here to the role that Hans places himself in, the role of the Bellator, a protector of others. This is what he's allowed to do. Remember that for later.

The other thing I want to draw attention to is this bit:

This isn't just about losing face. This is about the fact that he grew up hearing how wrong it would be for him to do peasant work. This is about the fact that he was told that if he did this, he'd be going against God, and everyone would think less of him for not acting as he's supposed to / required to. Not just in the eyes of God, but in the eyes of society.

Remember how I said that Hans has an idealized notion of nobility? That applies here as well. As the codex entry on the Three States of Man tells us, this is the ideal medieval society, one that is meant to be conducive to peace. That lack of social mobility and freedom that Hans has been chained by his whole life has a purpose: to ensure harmony.

But the script he's so used to, that he clings to so desperately, fails him. Harmony could not be further from his reality. Case in point, at the beginning he tells Henry that he can protect him with his name and therefore his own noble status:

But then, that doesn't turn out to be true. He does everything in his power to declare his noble status, to invoke his name, even places his arm behind his back and attempts to bow in order to properly present himself as nobility to the guards at the Trosky Castle gates—all for naught. No one cares. Hans tries so fucking hard to stick to the script he's been taught his whole life, and no one gives a shit. Svatya makes fun of him, refuses to apologize, and then physically assaults him. Instead of seeing Svatya getting clapped in the pillory, he is.

During the divorce era, he once again tries to grasp for any amount of familiarity from his old life by turning to hunting. It's a noble sport and something he's good at. Camping and going out to hunt, being out in nature over an extended period of time, these are all things he's done before. Things he can comfortably fall back on. If he forgets about the fact that he's alone—no Henry, no horse, no hunting dogs—he can almost pretend he's back in his old life.

Even his attempt at romancing Enneleyn at the wedding fits into this desperate attempt to cleave to his understanding of his noble title. (This is a point that also crops up in this fantastic analysis of Hans' character by @codeword-art, that Hans knows what people think nobles should be like, this including a love for women. This post and the one that preceded it are analyzed in greater depth in part two of this analysis.)

And then even that is torn from him when he's told he'll hang for poaching. Nobility was the one thing that was supposed to act as a get-out-of-jail-free card for him, his guaranteed fallback. Nobility was meant to remove the noose from around his neck... and then failed to do so. What's the point of being a noble if no one believes that you are one? What's the point of being a noble if it only comes with a lack of social skills, a lack of relationships, and a lack of freedom? What's the point of sticking to a script if everyone refuses to play their parts? Growing up, nobility always acted as a panopticon for him, surrounded by people's judgments of him. His character, his aptitude, was always everybody's business. But that pain, that judgment, always came with benefits before.

This illustrates for Hans, quite clearly, how quickly those benefits can be stripped for him and made meaningless. Nobility can't save him. Nobility has only ever taken from him, and then, when he needed it most, it wasn't there for him as a parachute.

At the end of Next to Godliness we can talk to Hans about what he's going to do with Arse-n-balls. And if Henry advises Hans to punish him, first Hans tries to defend him.

At which point Henry invokes his noble status and suggests that letting this transgression go unpunished would lead to people questioning him in his position:

At which point Hans folds quite quickly:

How much do you reckon Hans' worldview was shaken in hindsight, upon realizing the reality of the punishments he might have subjected people to. A day in the stocks or pillory? Being hanged for poaching? Suddenly he's seeing these things from the perspective of a peasant and what that might feel like.

Nobles are meant to protect people and dole out punishments only when necessary. But this whole system is so easily upended the second corruption gets involved.

He's next confronted with this issue in a big way if you decide to sell out Olda and go to Semine with Hashek. Despite von Bergow's wishes, Hashek wants to burn the place down to the ground along with all the people in it. Everyone is to die. This isn't what von Bergow wanted (and if you do agree to Hashek's plan, he is appropriately outraged after) and while Hans questions if the two of you did the right thing if you decide to go against Hashek's wishes, he's quite distressed if you don't go against his wishes and kill everyone. It puts him into a funk for quite a while after and leaves him viewing himself as inherently tainted by the experience.

Horrified as he is that Olda, as a nobleman, would side with Zizka and co (and expresses this right after the possible torturing if the truth is discovered), he's just as horrified that Hashek, a nobleman, would order the slaughter of innocents. He objects on several occasions but mostly goes along with what Henry says, only questioning what the right decision was after.

Nobles are supposed to be better than this. If he was expected to do better, to be better, to live up to all these unachievable ideals, why does no one else give a shit?

The next time this crops up in a big way is after the Maleshov rescue when Hans become quite upset at the sight of a destroyed village. A conversation with Brabant follows that showcase a number of Hans' feelings on the matter:

This is unjust, he says. Because in his eyes, the nobility should be above such dirty, underhanded tricks to get what they want. Brabant insists that the village will be resettled before long ("people die, it's what they do" etc etc) and that this is just how war is.

Hans, however, is unsatisfied:

Here too we see his idea of the Bellator and what that means for him as a noble. In Hans' eyes, their job is to protect the common people. To do everything in his power to make sure that these atrocities don't happen.

If Henry then agrees with him, Hans says something else telling (regardless of what happens with Semine):

These things happen because of his failure. He's a Bellator, a noble who should be capable of protecting people. Instead they failed at Nebakov and he was captured. The death of these people, to Hans, is on his own head.

We know that our boy Luke lost rizz points with pretty much everyone because he decided to burn down the village near Maleshov during the siege, but this too is a moment that's worth remarking on. In the moment, Hans defers to Henry and insists that well, they're in a war, aren't they? But after von Bergow's interrogation, he has quite a few things to say to Henry:

On the flipside, if Henry goes against Dry Devil, Hans praises his actions while simultaneously acknowledging that he wouldn't have been strong enough to do the same:

It's interesting that at this point in the story he trusts Henry (not a noble) with ethical judgments far more than either himself or other noblemen. Deferring to Henry isn't entirely new for him, but that's another post entirely. What matters here is that we're witnessing the wool being pulled from Hans' eyes in real time here: the inherent superiority of nobles is rapidly evaporating.

In addition to that, the fact that he's constantly put into the position of damsel in distress means that he's frequently saved or protected by Henry. He's not the Bellator of his own life. Henry is. Henry is more noble in Hans' eyes than any noble he's ever met. This even comes up at one point early in the game, following their first romance option:

I'm sure I don't need to point out how this means that Henry effectively dismantles Hans' sense of self only to build it up again. All his self-esteem was rooted in the fact that he's a capable Bellator, a defender of the people and worthy of his position as a noble. Then Henry comes in, does it all better despite his peasant upbringing, and then shows Hans that he has value in spite of what he perceived all his faults to be.

Even before the siege on Maleshov, Hans is slowly starting to build up an increasingly robust view of himself as a Laborator. I talked about this in more detail here, where we see Hans volunteer himself for manual labor that we see no one else in the game do other than Henry. In fact, it's something that is often (and jokingly at that) offloaded onto Henry. But here, Hans presents the far more noble position (in this case, dealing with the hunted game) to Henry while taking the manual labor task for himself.

With what noblesse oblige is Hans left with then? Stripped of all the artifice, what remains?

Just his word. The word of a nobleman.

Hans and Henry both get into an argument with Hanush at the end of KCD1 when he gives Toth his word that his safety will be ensured if he lets Radzig and Lady Stephanie go. Henry is (understandably) upset that Hanush will just let Toth go, but Hanush insists that his word as a nobleman is his bond. At which point Hans steps in to argue that they may as well not honor that bond:

Henry also argues, but Hanush ultimately comes back with this:

It's a point that sticks with Hans, and we see it invoked fairly early on in the game:

It's also challenged right toward the beginning as well. Henry responds to what Hans says with something that makes no sense, invoking the idea of one's word but here in the name of him being a blacksmith:

@antivanwine14 recently made a spectacular post about precisely this. There's no such thing as the word of a blacksmith. It doesn't carry the same weight whatsoever. But Hans decides to take it that way regardless:

No pretension, no posturing about the importance of a noble's words over those of a peasant. Either Henry has been elevated in Hans' mind (no doubt) or nobility is losing the special, unique lustre that it might have once held for him (almost certainly true as well).

We fast-forward a bit. His next encounter with the word of a nobleman is at Raborsch, where his word is given... for him, when he's engaged against his will. If you ask me, this changes things. In a big way. Hans has very little, but the one thing that he thought he had was his word to give. Every thing he swears by from that point forward serves as a reclamation.

And the first thing he does with that reclamation is swear that he'll be there for Henry just as Henry was there for him:

(and then he did, etc etc)

I do find it curious here that he doesn't invoke the word of a nobleman here in this promise to Henry. Instead, he swears by God, their mutual belief system. Giving Henry his word isn't enough anymore. As if Henry has outranked it in his eyes. I wonder if he thought back to the moment when Henry responded to Hans' word as a noble with the word of a blacksmith here. Unlike social stratification, this is a place where they are on equal footing.

The next time that Hans does give his word is at Maleshov during the siege: von Bergow's safety in exchange for both Rosa's safety and von Bergow's agreement to switch sides.

This makes sense. He's speaking to another nobleman here, someone who would understand what it means if the word of a noble is given.

And it is, of course, then immediately put in danger by Sam:

If Sam kills von Bergow here, he takes the last remaining vestiges of any sort of sense of self or identity from Hans. Nobility is losing its lustre, he's not a worthy Bellator and instead always has to have Henry saving his ass, and this is all that remains. What is a noble without his word? As Hanush told him very clearly at the end of the first game, his word is his honor. And without honor, he's nothing.

What's left if the artifice is stripped away? If all he has left to him is his word, if that too is rendered meaningless, Hans, in his mind, will be left as nothing.

It should also be noted here that Sam is not held back by the rules of this society that Hans is so solidly part of. Much like queerness, he exists well outside of it, as both Jews and sodomites were considered heretics. Sam has that freedom that Hans so badly longs for, but it comes at a considerable cost, that of oppression. It's risky to exist at the fringes of society.

As @hallowedlore perfectly put it (in private conversation), when Sam attacks von Bergow, a statement throwing into question why he should care about the rules of their fancy nobility, the only thing that stop him is the threat of violence from Zizka. Death, not social decorum.

Hans is clinging on to this bit of identity with all his might here as though it's a life-raft. And Godwin immediately backs him up, reminding him that what he did there mattered.

But it doesn't get him very far. And certainly not with Sam, who couldn't care less about pleasing a Christian god. It strikes me as curious (and topical) here that he comes away from the big roundtable discussion with von Bergow and the other nobles feeling like insignificant shit while their talk at the Devil's Den did not leave him feeling that way.

Being a nobleman was meaningless here too. His nobility didn't matter one bit, all that mattered was being the strongest personality in the room. And Hans is anything but that. That boy is made of insecurities, his outward facing personality all a mask behind which is only hot air.

Only his jealousy regarding Sam's inbuilt relationship with Henry makes him turn back to old patterns:

See, Henry? He's different from us. But the argument doesn't work on Henry and barely even works on himself.

Increasingly, Hans realizes that the nobility isn't where he feels like he belongs the most. This worldview of his is fucked and all wrong. Who went and decided that he should be a Bellator while someone like Henry isn't?

Because he does associate Henry with nobility in a big way. When Henry goes to ask Hans what he should do about Erik's offer of a duel, Hans thinks it over and then comes back with this:

These are different times. Are they? Or is it just Hans' heart that has changed here? Because right after this, he asks Henry to stay. To forgo honor and nobility and not put himself in unnecessary danger.

The aftermath of the silver heist likewise serves as a painful reminder of what is waiting for him on the other side of all this: a marriage that he doesn't want to a woman he doesn't know. What benefits remain of nobility? All he'd see by this point is obligations. No one listens to him, no one cares what he has to say except for Henry. All the bluster is ultimately meaningless. He doesn't belong with the other nobles, and all his best attempts at fitting into the mold fail him. All his life he's spent his time trying to be like those around him, trying to be someone he isn't, and it's never good enough.

The people he feels most comfortable around, Henry and Godwin, are both people with ties to nobility while wanting as little to do with titles and related obligations as possible. They both have social mobility to a certain extent. The opposite of nobility, to Hans, is freedom.

Shorty after the attack by the Praguers, Hans goes to wait for Henry in front of his room. When Henry asks him how he's doing, because he's clearly got experience leading troops, Hans laughs it off:

If there was any doubt left that he views himself as an incapable Bellator, this is excellent proof, backed up even more later on following the suicide mission:

This is what being a noble has gotten him. People's judgments and expectations, obligation to marry and carry on a family line, and the ability to play God and decide who gets to live and who dies. All he wanted was to protect people. Instead he gets to send them to their deaths.

This will come up again in part two, but it bears mentioning here as well. After getting laid, Hans vents to Godwin about how much he hates that no one ever treats him like an adult. He's a noble and an adult, and none of it ever seems to matter:

Who's "they"? Because the rest of what he says mentions that he thought the Trosky delivery would make "them" take him seriously. This isn't just about Hanush. This is about all nobles. That he'd finally fit in.

But he doesn't, and he won't.

When Hanush arrives at Suchdol, he highlights that everyone there is a hero for their deeds there, but it doesn't matter. Hans once more has his noble obligations shoved down his throat, which effectively feels like the last straw in this disillusionment. Nobility has granted him nothing but pain and any child of his would suffer the same fate. There's even some easily missed idle dialogue you can walk in on where they're arguing about precisely that. It doesn't matter what he does, how heroic he is, how many good deeds he performs, at the end of the day none of it ever mattered (read left to right):

It always strikes me in that conversation how unbelievably bitchy Hans sounds here. The "I'm glad you noticed" could not be cuntier. He is not happy. And even then, Hanush barely offers him any guarantees.

Effectively, this leaves Hans open to questioning the harmony of society as it was taught to him and, in questioning it, realizing that that harmony never existed to begin with. He spends the whole game realizing that the social order he's been subjected to and thought he fit into perfectly is not only illogical but also something he has despised his whole life. This is discovered not only because he was shown an alternative in his own shift into more of a Laborator beside Henry (who to him embodies the qualities of a Bellator far better than he), but also in his own queerness.

It doesn't escape me that there's something to be said about Suchdol here. During the siege, Henry and Hans effectively live outside of the bounds of nobility or social stratification. Everyone is equal in the face of Hunger and Despair. And it's only in this space, this place outside of what is and isn't deemed acceptable by society, that Hans finds it in himself to kiss Henry. To breach every code of conduct he's ever known. Because they're already in the space outside of social acceptability. Hell, the entire Devil's Band is situated in precisely this space just by going against Sigismund. You couldn't ask for a more perfect environment for Hans to step outside of the bounds that have held him since birth.

This is even shown even more starkly with this anon's point in mind about how it goes if you don't romance Hans:

This is unjust. Henry is only in danger because he's not a noble. There's something to be said about agency here, but that discussion has to wait for part three of this analysis triptych. Nothing about this social stratification serves him any longer, all the more so when he romances Henry. It's also why he seems so uncertain about the two of them when Henry returns, and they are meant to return to reality and the expected social order.

This social order that was meant to bring with it harmony for all is the same social order that would demand that he marry and beget an heir. Why should he try to fit himself into this cookie cutter mold if he never fit to begin with? As we see with Barnaby especially, being discovered as queer spells an existence at the fringes of society if not outside of it entirely. Queerness is inherently and by definition at odds with social order, thus returning us to the nobility vs. freedom dialectic. And regardless of which of the two Hans ultimately chooses, obligation or what his heart wants, that disillusionment can never be undone.

Part 2, Part 3

[jumpywhumpywriter]

Hello again, apparently staying up until midnight is great for temporarily turning off overthinking for me so another random tangent yay (probably also nocturnal ADHD tendencies for me lol)! (Sorry for the compulsive apologizing, but sorry if this is annoying. I will stop one day)

Very-random-question-kinda-sorta-but-not-really-perchance-related-to-anything-in-particular, do you think different blood types taste different to vampires? Yes, it's a very simple question but the second it popped in my mind, it immediately got into a entirely different realm, as in it started wondering the most minute details and specifics of it. ALSO, this is more so just rambling thoughts

On a somewhat related tangent, human blood types, in short, are essentially whether or not blood cells have specific antigens present (why? IDK Google it, I'm going off memory) and as a result, is why we can't trade blood since our immune systems would immediately attack the "foreign" object and subsequently kill us since it's still caveman era (also why allergies potentially exist but moving away before I ramble about immunology; it's fascinating to me), except for AB blood types who can receive all with the negative or positive depending on what charge their blood is because they're already used to the antigens (lucky ducks).

With that said and out of the way, does that mean vampires (or mosquitoes also kinda?) have specific preference? Would negative blood (absence of a specific antigen) taste different or have a different mouth feel compared to positive? Would some vampires have a thing where B blood tastes like old pennies (like how some humans think cilantro tastes like soap)? Would some vampires drink a cocktail of AB blood mixed with other bloods to have various different textures?

On that note, would they find A blood and B blood or bloods with different charges to have a weird mouth feel since, technically speaking (from memory, don't hold me to it. Also if I do use Google, this is going to become an entire master thesis essay because new thoughts forming) that combination causes it to clot up and "curdle"? Does blood cheese exist? Blood clot jelly? Would they have allergies with specific blood types? Not deadly mind you, but more so like if a human swallowed some sort of irritant?

FURTHER MORE (God I am sorry if this is a lot I really like thinking of the most minute details for worldbuilding and it kinda extends here as well), if someone had an autoimmune disorder against their blood, how would that taste? What would neutrophil filled blood (tiny suicide bombs in blood that spit acid at bacteria and infections. Usually more harmful than helpful but great damage control!) taste like? GOD THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS I COULD ASK AND PONDER BUT THIS WAS SUPPOSED T BE SHORT AGH-

ANYWAYS, long story short, what are your thoughts? I am very curious and would like to discuss (also yap unhinged about minute details not even related to the og question)? ALSO, would Alex (that's the dude's name right?) have any preference? What's Mallory's (that's the other dude right? Might accidentally be mixing up stories) blood type? I apologize for the length but it's seriously very interesting to me, even if it did spawn as a midnight brain thought. ANYWAYS, hope you're having a good day/night, that you're taking care of yourself, staying hydrated, and that you continue doing what you do because again, seriously, it's really epic :D -idk

(Also, just wanna say that the ribbon anon is very good at drawing. I had better words but I don't know how to express it, but seriously, good damn job it's epic)

OH. MY. GOODNESS. These ideas are great! I would have to say that yes, different blood types would taste different to vampires. And different things in the blood would aslso influence taste.

I actually did include this kind of knowledge into my vampire novels. It's why Anisa insists that blood from happy humans tastes better, because there is less stress hormones (like cortisol) in the blood that could make it taste sour or bitter. But a happy human would be flooded with happy hormones that would make the blood taste sweeter instead.

But I would definitely say that the properties of the blood would have a significant impact on taste & texture. Or like when Mallory was ill and practically bedbound, it stated thay his blood tasted sour and unappetizing to Alex because of the elevated white blood cell count and active immune system battle going on in his body.

Also, mosquitoes actually DO have preferences when it comes to blood types! There have been several studies done on this, and research shows that mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to people with certain blood types over others (if I recall correctly, they are more draw to 0 and A blood types, but I'd have to Google it to be certain). I've actually noticed this phenomenon myself even, because I rarely get mosquito bites when I'm outside. But my mom on the other hand is like a mosquito magnet -- they just like to swarm her. It's so weird!

But the idea of blood cheese?? I'd never thought of that before! It's actually pretty clever.

[foenixs]

No Mercy

note: this is a lil treat for @vanillaknj [and @euphoricsunflowers] since there's not enough sub!jooheon on this platform

if you like my fics please reblog them with a nice comment or tag

word count: 872

includes- sub!jooheon x (f) dom!reader, angry sex/degradation, pegging, use of a tie, ballgag

summary: Jooheon is being a whiny brat because you don't give him enough attention.

Jooheon had been annoying you all morning, scratching on the door when you were showering to let him in, rubbing himself against you when you made breakfast, putting his hand on your thigh when you were eating. He was always so needy, not being able to keep his hands to himself for 10 minutes.

“Please mommy, please, I just need you inside of me.”

He was begging on his knees, doing aegyo, pouting at you with sad eyes, but you couldn’t give in that easily, it would mean that you approved of his behaviour. So, you ignored each and every one of his attempts, pretending that he hadn’t said anything, that you simply didn’t notice him being there.

You went about your day, sitting on the couch with your laptop to work on your bachelor thesis, when you suddenly heard a loud thud followed by a scream like cry. You ran into the direction of the sound, stopping at the doorway to your bedroom. Jooheon was sitting in the middle of the room, wailing, your special toy box in his crotch as he threw the contents around the room.

“Are you crazy? What the heck are you doing?!”

“WHY DO YOU CARE?? YOU DON’T- *sniffle*- YOU DON’T USE THESE ON ME ANYWAY!!”

“Well maybe if you stopped behaving like a fuckin kid, screaming at me because you don’t get enough attention, I wouldn’t have to ignore you all day. You can’t even let me work for two minutes before you throw a tantrum!”

Jooheon was a whining, sobbing mess, but at least he stopped throwing your toys around.

“Get up now and bend over the desk!”, you tone was dead serious, furious and annoyed and he knew this wasn’t the time to apologize, first he would have to deal with the consequences of his actions.

By the time you had retrieved your laptop from the living room Jooheon was kneeling naked, his chest resting on the cold glass table at the side of the room. You pick up the biggest strap on you could find and after rummaging through the chaos in search for some lube, you pour the liquid onto the silicone; just enough to let it slip in as he didn’t deserve a painless fuck. You seat yourself behind his bare figure and thrust your whole length into him in one go. He yelps, the familiar stinging pain rushing through him, arousing him. But you don’t move, instead you place your laptop on his back, opening word to finally get some work done.

To your surprise Jooheon stayed quiet for almost an hour, pushing back against you every now and then, but mainly being contempt with just being full. Soon enough his hands started wandering again and you sighed. You had only written a page and a half but this would have to suffice for the day since your boyfriend would throw a second tantrum if you didn’t take care of him now and who knew how much worse this one would be. You close your laptop, putting it down on the side of the table and you can feel the boy in front of you wiggle in excitement. You grab for any toy in your reach, a silk tie lies next to a table leg and your favourite ball gag is revealed underneath it. How perfectly coincidental.

You roughly grab his wrists, pulling them behind his back and tying them together, yanking his hair backwards you shove the ball gag in his mouth that he had opened in a gasp from the motion. Your hand leaves his hair, and he falls face first back into the table.

“You better not cry again you little slut. It’s not my fault if you can’t handle the toys you begged me to use on you.”

Never had you imagined talking down on him like that, but Jooheon had his ways of pushing you over the edge.

Your fingernails dug into his hips as you pull yourself out of him entirely, only to ram the toy back in. Your thrusts were merciless and Jooheon’s legs trembled beneath you, his hands opening and closing, but finding nothing to grab or hold onto. The muffled moans leaving his mouth got louder by the minute, but he fought hard to suppress the whines, knowing that this wasn’t a punishment. You rake your fingernails down his back, creating a sketch made of scratches. As your hand comes down on his ass with a blow, he couldn’t hold back the winces anymore. His ass was red and torn open, blood leaving the cuts on his back and he had never felt such bliss; the sounds wet from sweat and saliva.

“Cum over yourself like the slut you are!”

Jooheon’s body shivered, his eyes wide open as his orgasm hit him like a train and tainted the glass with his semen. Your slaps turned into gentle smacks, guiding him through his high, your movements calming down and finally halting. You untied him, releasing his mouth from its restraints.

“Are you okay?”, you make sure as you slowly pull out of him.

“Yes”, he confirms, still trying to catch his breath.

“Good. I want this room clean in 30 minutes.”

-

-

masterlist

[mintvender]

Hi there! Can I request the boys' reaction to you being jealous? Maybe Y/N saw someone flirt with the boys'? 💓

Ooh yes, enjoy 🌿💚💚

Harem!AU

BTS’s Reaction to You Getting Jealous

Warning: Slight suggestive moments, killing ( please keep in mind that this story is set in a historical setting where killing was considered to be a normal occurrence)

Masterlist

Kim Taehyung

You and Taehyung were on one of your guys’ rare missions set out by the organization. Even if you are the ruler, your original roots are from the organization so you are obligated to carry a mission when needed. This mission is one of those that is set in a very luxurious brothel. The target is a wellknown business man who has a hobby of meeting up with beauties at night. To say the least, every beauty that is here tonight is more than what meets the eyes. Most would say that they are desperate for money, others would think that they are born from lust, itself; however, whatever way an individual choose to believe, it all comes down to their first night together. Once they have done the deed, those people are forever hooked with those venomous snakes.

Your guys’ organization is very hidden even in the underworld, so all members must wear a covering to prevent exposing their identity. Y/N was wearing a full on mask that represent your alias ‘ Pheonix’. Unlike you, Taehyung chosed to be more revealing and risky, wearing only a thin black veil that can easily be ripped off. Of course, with his not very strong physique, it is extremely risky for him to wear such a frail covering but you decided not to say anything as it is in his right to wear anything he wanted to. But what you are going to do is stick by his side while holding a sword for the rest of the night.

Like any other missions, this one went smoothly. You both managed to finish the guy without anyone noticing courtesy to your deathly abilities and Taehyung’s sharp mind. What didn’t go as plan was that one of the snakes managed to ripped Taehyung’s veil off, revealing his pretty face. Further more, the ‘beauty’ thought that it would be alright to flirt and woo him into her bed. Furious at how daring she was, you decided that it was finally time to end her career. Unsheathing your sword, it only took a few movements of your experienced hand for the deed to be done. Taehyung, confused at what had happened could only offer you a stunned expression. Deciding not to answer him, you sped up your pace, leaving him to run after you. Ignoring him on the way, Taehyung could only pout, trying to get you to forgive him. When he finally managed to forced an answer out of you, he found himself snuggling himself in your hold, trying to persuade you to forgive him; promising that he would not be that reckless again.

“ Y/NNNN, talk to me please? I won’t do it again. I will stick to your side the next time we’re on another mission so forgive me. Please?”

Kim Namjoon

Have you ever have an apprentice that never leaves your side the moment they saw you? Well congratulations, this is one of those scenarios. Recently, you have decided to start enlisting many potential talents for the countless open spots in the various offices. Unsurprisingly, the medicinal department was also short of staff so they were in need of receiving more apprentices. As the head of the department, Namjoon has the final say on who is allowed to enter the department. Lucky for him not for you tho, there are many unpolished gem that wants these positions. Being the wise person he is, he managed to earn the respect of many adolescents on the very first day. All of them were curious children who needed a mentor to help guide them in order to become successful. To Namjoon, there was a particular apprentice that stood out to him. She was very interested in medicine and is highly intelligent in the field so he decided to let her be his private apprentice— who stays by his side every second he is in office and maybe even more.

Anyways, with how much that little girl is staying with Namjoon, it would make sense that she would also accompany him for your monthly checkup as well. The moment you saw that girl walk through the door, you were stunned. Stunned for Namjoon breaking the organization’s rules, and stunned that the girl managed to catch Namjoon’s attention that he was willing to even set his life on the line for her. Before Namjoon could explain the reason of that girl being there, you decided that it was within your right to kick the both of them out. Now, this might be the reason listed above and could be more but for Namjoon, he interpreted your commands as a warning. That if he were to expose his identity, he will absolutely receive none of your help and will have to deal with that on his own.

Acknowledging that you were probably right, he decided to reassigned the girl to another physician after your multiple attempts of ignoring him — not wanting to get in between his problems as it’s too risky. The next time you guys’ had a monthly checkup, the girl was nowhere in sight but your silent treatment still remained firm. Knowing that it was his fault, Namjoon could only apologize and would not do it again. He then slowly walked over to the desk near your bed and began making a concoction of herbs to help calm you down. However, unlike his usual calm self, he had clumsily shattered a few bowls while at it. Y/N could only sighed before bending down and cleaning it up before going over to him to check on his wounds. How could you let your intelligent yet clumsy physician if he were to break things everytime he crawl back to you and apologize?

“ I apologized, Y/N. I was not in my right state of mind to consider the possible risks that it would bring to our organizations. I was too excited when I saw her thesis that I completely lost my rationale.”

Jung Hoseok

Because of his wretched father, Hoseok found himself having to return to his old home every couple of weeks. His father had complained to you that Hoseok was neglecting his maternal family the moment that he was wedded to you. Y/N, not wanting to create a bigger mess, managed to convince Hoseok to return to his home every once in awhile which leads us back to the current situation. Before Hoseok got wedded to Y/N, he already had a fiancé which he has bonded throughout most of his childhood. Of course, Hoseok only saw her as a friend who he has a platonic relationship with or simply a sister, but that was far from what the girl had wanted. His ex-fiancé, Miyoung was studying abroad so she was not immediately notified of him entering the harem but the minute she got informed, she was packing her belongings and heading back.

The trip started out as any other with Hoseok getting greeted the moment he enters the front yard by the matriarch along with his father and countless servants. This time however, the moment he saw Miyoung standing courteously behind his father, Hoseok wanted nothing more than to run for the carriage that had already left. You see, when Miyoung confessed her feelings to him—who did not her and got rejected; she did everything in her power to get engaged to him and that was how she became his fiancé. From that day on, Hoseok’s relationship with her only continued to sour before they were not contacting for months on end when she’s studying abroad. The matriarch—who did not agreed on him marrying Y/N, purposely set the both of them together, wanting the pair to interact together. This idea was not only reckless and unecessary as it it basically threading your position as his spouse and have him cheat on the ruler of the nation. Hoseok’s matriarch had also stupidly decided to invite you to come as well, wanting you to witness the couple’s strong bond personally.

Knowing that you could not deny her offer as they are still one of the major families, you had coincidentally entered the room at the time when Miyoung was being extra touchy. The sight, however, did not stunned you but only made you more confused. Questions began to erupt from your mouth asking about the situation while watching Hoseok desperately trying to escape Miyoung’s grip the moment he saw you. Expectedly, the matriarch’s answer is utter garbage, knowing that this is all a setup. Deciding to just stand there and wait for Hoseok to escape from Miyoung, you observed the main contirbutor’s expressions, silently judging their ability to properly. But the moment Hoseok managed to move within your arm’s length, you could feel his little suprised gasp as you pulled him into your hold before leading him out of the place not before warning to not touch what is yours. On your guys’ way home, Hoseok tried to explain what you had witnessed but instead got the silent treatment. Let’s say that it was extremely daring to touch a assassin’s possessions but a nation’s ruler as well is simply too moronically.

“ It was not what you think, your highness. We may not know each other for long but I’m incredibly loyal! That girl was my fiancé before I got wedded to you but I don’t love her! Please believe me!”

Min Yoongi

You getting jealous with Yoongi would happened on a blue moon as he is frequently seen by your side and that most people inside the palace hate his family too much to hit on him but it does still happen. Like any other day, Yoongi is with you in your office helping you with the minor tasks. Seeing how he was getting comfortable with the tasks you had given him, you decided that it was time for him to interact with some other officers in the smaller departments. Yoongi, of course was extremely nervous but wanted to make you proud so he quickly set off to his destination. The task you assigned was quite simple; getting the finished manuscripts that have been assigned yesterday. Everything seemed to go smoothly but what did not was the officers’ attitude towards Yoongi.

As they were considered to be quite young, they must have not know that the boy that is getting is one of your consorts as Yoongi usually prefers to dress in casual clothing; they decided that it was appropriate to flirt with him during office hours. With him having a more petite and delicate figure, it was extremely easy to turn him into their little doll— well or so they had thought. Sensing their hidden intentions towards him, Yoongi quickly asked for the needed documents before hurriedly making his way back. Unfortunately, before he can make his way past the entrance, a pair of hands grabbed his torso, restricting his movement. The officer began to whisper disgusting words in his hears causing Yoongi to instinctly attemp escape. Thanks to his previous training, he managed to escape their grip and ran out of the office, desperately running back to you.

Unexpedtly the officers decided to chase him, still thinking that his master is some low-rank minister that they could easily persuade. Lucky for them, Yoongi directly ran towards your courtyard but before they managed to realized where he was heading towards, they were caught by the guards that had seen the commotion. The moment that Yoongi ran into you arms, you felt your adrenaline spiked as your poor consort slightly trembles and only offered you faint whimpers as answers to your questions. Deciding that this was not meant for him, you assigned another type of tasks after he ha recovered. To say the least, those officers were never seen again the morning after that.

“ T-t-hey touched me while whispered those erotic words in my ears. I’m sorry, you majesty, I couldn’t acomplished the task when they trapped me in their hold. I began to panicked and...”

Jeon Jungkook

Aside from being a bastard’s child, Jungkook could also be described as an outstanding male from many perspectives. So of course, many girls and eunuchs would be constantly be flirty with the young guard. Many, however, is smart enough to avoid doing said activities around you but there are still some that does not have the brain to think rationally. The longer he is under your teaching, the more polite he becomes. Unfortunately, his seemingly innocent greetings was misunderstood by these brainless fellows which resulted in quite a few episodes of misunderstanding. To Jungkook, he is using the people around him as a tool to help him enhance his logical thinking to not burden you as much but it seemed like his efforts had caused quite the tensions within the harem. Many maids would began to form groups and bet on who would end up with him. The competitions began to become so popular tha it even reaches your ears!

As you became more aware of the gossips within the harem, many are targeted towards your personal bodyguard. As the days goes by, the seemingly pile of gossips about Jungkook became to get bigger until you decided that it would be best to stop his lessons altogether deeming that it was no use to him. As first, Jungkook was quite confused on how sudden you decided to cancel his lessons and ultimately blamed it on himself. Thinking that he had burdened you, Jungkook once again turned into his past self. Hiding his emotions as it does not matter how much he tries to improve on himself if his master does not think that he is worthy.

However, before he gets fully entitled to that state, you managed to come in at the right time and bring him out again. This is however, quite the process as he now want you to be proud of him. His self-esteem would not be as high as before as he had already registered in his mind that he had dissapointed you. Even though the process would take awhile, the end result would be worth it. Jungkook would be his best self yet and is continually striving to make you proud of him.

“ I know that you are dissapoin— you’re not? No, you must be lying! If you aren’t dissapointed then why did you have to stop the lessons. Was I too troublesome? I’m not? Are you sure? You must be accountable to your words and resume our lessons, then!”

Kim Seokjin

As a merchant, Seokjin is known to be skillful in negotiating terms with different customers. Most of the times, it would benefit his business but at the same time, his relationship with you would be on a thin string. As you guys continue to bond, different feelings would naturally develop and jealousy would definately not be excluded.

With the Y/N dynasty being a new dynasty, it would make sense that you have to put in much more effort to gain alliances with the surrounding countries neighbouring you. And of course, one of the princess that was sent as an ambassador had to know the talented merchant in some sort of way. You then found out that the two became friends over their love for jewelry and talking about whatever through the night and into the early mornings. Seeing how closed they were, you decided that it would be incredibly polite for you to ignore them and focus your attention on the rest of your guests and your consorts.

Usually, whenever Seokjin would offer you a flirty comment, you woul jokingly replied back with another one of sort as well but that was not what happened tonight. Your replies towards his jokes were quite distant and cold with you having your attention on someone as but him. Seokjin, who was not used to this treatment soon found out your reasons after the banquet and ultimately decided to tease you which only ended in him whining about how childish you’re being.

“ You’re jealous! Over her? HAH! You must have fallen in love with my handsome face... Why are you not saying anything? You’re ignoring such a handsome face, how could you!”

Park Jimin

Unlike Jungkook who does not care about people who perceive him, Jimin takes the extra mile to make sure that everyone see how beautiful he is. His fame within the harem immediately skyrocketed the moment he took up the title as one of the consort. It was to be expected with how frequent he flirted with the maids whenever he pass by them. Of course, he only think that it was fun to tease them as his main goal is still you after all.

Every year, the entire country would celebrate one of its most important holidays— Seollal, where it is one of the only days where festivals are around every direction you look at, and family would reunite with each other to welcome the new year. Within the palace, however, it is celebrated a little different; a full fledge banquet is arranged on the night before the new year and with Jimin leading the performance. With his skillful moves that had took years to master, everyone can agreed that it was a pleasure to look at. What did not please you was how revealing your consort’s attire was. With every move, the fabric was seemingly getting looser that you would have stop the performance already if you were not the of the highest authority in the room. What made it worse was how much eye contact he managed to make with you during his performance, and to say that you were not angry was simply outright lying.

The moment his performance had ended, you decided that Jimin had been working too hard lately and is in desperate need of relaxing. Thinking that he finally push you off the edge, Jimin happily accept your offer and left. What he had not unexpected was you taking him out on a walk when the banquet had ended. You even had the guts to act like nothing had happened hours before this resulting in him yelling at you before grumpily storming back to his courtyard, sulking in his room. Y/N could only laugh seeing his reaction before running towards his room to comfort the boy, deciding that they have teased him enough.

“ Why are you here? No, don’t you dare enter! GET OUT! Hmph, how dare you pretend like nothing happened and teased about it? Didn’t I say that you are not allowed in here? Hmph, fine, come in.”

Copyright © 2021 MintVender

All rights reserved.

[fifteenleads]

A YOI x Chrono Trigger AU fic from Ye Olde 2018-ish Era. Go figure.

I can’t even remember what the hell I titled this before. Welp.

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Chapter One: “That’s a Nice Band-Aid, Darling.”

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They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and that a hero's adventure begins with a cliché-ass wake-up call - something like, "Good morning, Crono!," perhaps. How that even made it on to TV Tropes, Yuuri would never understand. But it is on TV Tropes, and he is in bed reading it.

He's glad his mother doesn't wake him up that way, at least. But then again, he's always up before five a.m. anyway. Sadly, the daily deliveries won't take care of themselves.

Yuuri glances at the time on his tablet. 4:59. Someone will come knocking in three, two, one --

"Yuuri! Get up!" Mari's voice is accompanied by three sharp raps on the door. "Go with dad to the plaza and help him set up!"

This is the part where the hero typically groans at being woken up before grudgingly getting themselves out of bed, but Yuuri Katsuki does not groan. He shouts back that he'll be down in a minute while looking for that darned sock that has gone missing now, of all times. Phichit would surely laugh hard at seeing his best friend hopping frantically on one foot while wearing a poodle-patterned sock. It'll probably go viral on Instagram, too, but that's pretty much a given already. Someone has to part the boy from his gadgets long-term after the Millenial Fair is over.

The minute is up, so Yuuri gives up and gets another sock from the drawer. It is patterned with the face of a silver-haired man surrounded by snowflakes. He has no idea how that found its way into his pile of clothing, but for now, mismatched socks are better than being late.

Yuuri makes his way downstairs and greets his mother, who is busy in the kitchen. Hiroko sends him off with an allowance of fifty kin and packed lunch for him and his father. He ignores Mari's snickering as she musses his hair while glancing at his feet.

The ride to the plaza is pretty short. It is already bustling with people even at such an early hour, all the sellers trying to outdo each other in showing off their wares. Yuuri chuckles as his father joins in the fray, calling out to everyone about the best katsudon in town. Everyone is excited for Hasetsu Kingdom's first Millenial Fair, and with it, the hopes for a thousand years more of peace and prosperity to come.

Toshiya leads the way to their assigned spot, a quaint little corner by the northern area of the square. The tent had already been set up the day before, so all that's left to do is to arrange the food and drinks before the first customers come in. Yuuri passively observes the hustle and bustle around them. Much energy is palpable in the air, and the excited hubbub only grows louder as the sun rises. Some stalls have weapons and armor, others exotic trinkets and accessories. He even spots a merchant selling animals. Phichit would probably want to pick up a new hamster on the way home later.

His eyes wander to the secluded area beyond the main square. Yuuri hoped Phichit's solo exhibit would be a success this time, too. His friend loved tinkering with machines since he was little, and it brought him and his family great fortune as he won scientific contests left and right. His magnum opus, a two-machine teleporter, had impressed the university professors and the panel of judges alike, earning him the highest thesis grade and the first prize for the National Physics Summit.

Yuuri's hand stills when his father calls his name. He had been adding portions of garnish to the newly-cut fried pork cutlets. He instinctively opens his mouth to apologize, but Toshiya immediately pats his back and pushes a one hundred-kin note into his hand. "I'll take care of the stall. You go have fun." He winks at his son mischievously, and Yuuri pushes down the growing blush creeping onto his cheeks.

"Th-Thanks, dad," he mumbles, bowing slightly before making his way to the northernmost part of the square. Phichit would probably be busy right now, but he would never refuse breakfast and morning coffee. It had been their time-honored tradition as college roommates, after all.

Yuuri stops by a mobile café and orders two tall hazelnut lattés and a baguette loaf. He is turning to leave with breakfast in hand when he bumps into the next person in line, spilling hot coffee over his white shirt. The other person, too, recoils in pain, reflexively putting a slender finger into his mouth to nurse it.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so, so sorry!" Yuuri exclaims, setting aside the food and drink and beginning to fuss over the man. He searches his bag for the small bottle of salve he always brings with him, and proceeds to apply a small amount over the man's injured finger, covering it with a band-aid afterwards.

The other man chuckles as he lets Yuuri take care of him. "It's quite all right," he assures airily, waving the bandaged hand with a smile. "I was also too close to you in line, as well." His blue eyes crinkle beautifully as he smiles, and Yuuri fights yet another blush from coloring his face. "I love this band-aid, though!" the man comments. "Where did you get it?"

"F-From the kids' section of the pharmacy," Yuuri admits, embarrassed. He just had to use that one by mistake instead of the flesh-tones ones, did he? Why now, of all times? "The poodle-patterned ones were part of a limited edition series."

"Nice!" the man exclaims in delight, scrutinizing the design closely. "Thank you so much for giving me this one. I love it!" He winks at Yuuri and places a light kiss over his own bandaged finger.

Yuuri wishes the ground would swallow him whole right this instant.

"U-Um, I think I'll get going now," he excuses himself, retrieving the coffee and bread from the counter. "My friend is waiting uphill. I'm so sorry again." Yuuri quickly nods his head and goes on his way, but the other man takes a long stride and ends up beside him, taking the baguette loaf out of his arms.

"It's okay, I'll help you," he offers happily as they ascend the stone steps. "I'm alone today, anyway." The man cradles the food with his left arm and extends his right hand out to Yuuri. "I'm Binktop, by the way. What's your name?"

For an instant, Yuuri is tempted to laugh out loud. The funny name hardly matches the man's regal appearance at all. He must be a foreigner, like the many others who have come to Hasetsu Kingom to join in the festivities. As a citizen of Hasetsu, therefore, he is to show this man the utmost respect and hospitality he deserves, funny names or not.

He shakes Binktop's hand, the cool skin sending small shivers down his spine. "I'm Yuuri. It's nice to meet you, Binktop."

"A pleasure." Binktop returns the handshake with a smile, and they continue going up the stairs. "So, Yuuri, are you also alone here today?"

"Our family actually has a food stall down at the main square, but my dad told me to enjoy myself today," Yuuri explains. "I'm on my way to see my friend, actually. He's an inventor."

Binktop's eyes widen and sparkle in delight, and he accidentally climbs two steps at once. "Wow! He must be really smart!"

"He is," Yuuri nods fondly in agreement. "Phichit has a solo exhibit today. This project won him first place at the National Physics Summit last month."

"That's amazing!" Binktop gushes in admiration, his silver bangs parting to reveal twinkling blue eyes. "I can't wait to meet him!" Yuuri smiles back proudly in response.

They reach the top of the stairs in a minute. The miniature square is cluttered with various machine parts and wires of different lengths and calibers. The two main pods have already been set in their positions, though not yet fully-assembled as Yuuri remembers them. It's definitely like Phichit to cram at the last minute.

The soft whirring noise dies down as the two approach the left pod, and a brown-skinned young man in a bandanna and overalls comes out to greet them. "Yuuri! You're here!"

Yuuri shrugs good-naturedly and hands Phichit the cup of coffee. "I'd love to hug you, but you're covered in oil and soot right now." He smiles widely at his best friend. "Good luck with your exhibit today!"

"Oh my gosh, thank you so much! You don't know how much I need it!" Phichit downs the coffee in an instant, breathing rapidly through his mouth afterwards to cool his tongue. "I heard the prince is coming with the royal delegation to watch my demonstration! I am so nervous!"

This time, Yuuri pats Phichit's shoulder encouragingly, not minding his hand blackening with soot afterwards. "You'll do well, Phichit! You've done this before; you can do it again."

"Good luck, Phichit!" Binktop adds, sending a friendly wink and a thumbs-up of his own. Phichit is surprised at the additional voice, and notices the other man for the first time. His nervous expression immediately changes to one of teasing, instantly directed at his friend. "Yuuri!" he whispers loudly. "Who's the hot guy?!"

"H-He's not - I mean -" Yuuri splutters, coughing into his hand to stop himself. He doesn't even bother hiding his obviously-reddened cheeks anymore; nothing ever escapes Phichit's notice, anyway. Tonight's phone call is going to be a long one.

When Yuuri has composed himself, he turns to Binktop. "Phichit, this is Binktop. I ran into him in the square today. Binktop, this is my friend, Phichit."

"Hi there!" Phichit merrily extends a hand to Binktop. "Phichit Chulanont, at your service!"

"Binktop," he introduces himself, shaking Phichit's hand. "Yuuri here has told me a lot about you."

"Hahaha, good things, I hope!" Phichit laughs, before shooting Yuuri an expectant glare. Yuuri grins back before taking another sip of coffee.

Phichit shows them around the workplace, pointing out the different parts of the invention and which part goes where. His black eyes shine brightly as he rambles in tech jargon while explaining the principle behind the teleporter. Binktop nods excitedly while asking questions, while Yuuri merely watches them interact. Despite his "nerdy glasses," as Phichit had christened them, he is not really into scientific stuff, having taken up a sports major in university.

"Sure thing! I was about to give this thing a test run, anyway." Phichit beckons Yuuri to come over. "Yuuri! Could you kindly step on the left pod? Binktop wants a demonstration."

Yuuri opens his mouth to protest, but knows better than to interrupt his friend when he is in scientist-mode. He may have also wanted to impress Binktop with his bravery, but he doesn't know it yet. Huffing, he finishes the rest of his coffee in one gulp and does as he is told.

Phichit flips the switch, and Yuuri almost loses his footing as he feels himself being sucked away into a vacuum space. Black, wavy lines fill his vision for a moment before everything around him returns to normal. He steps off the right pod and flashes the peace sign at Phichit and Binktop from across the square.

Binktop immediately makes a beeline for Yuuri and embraces him tightly, while Phichit pumps his fist in joy. "Wow, amazing!" he exclaims as he cups Yuuri's face. "You actually teleported!"

"That's how it's supposed to work," Yuuri answers matter-of-factly, but even he has an undeniably huge smile on his face. Phichit's exhibit is surely going to be a massive hit amongst the fair-goers.

"Can I give it a try, too?" Binktop asks Phichit excitedly, still not letting go of Yuuri. "It looks like so much fun!"

"Of course, Binktop!" Phichit laughs, gesturing at the left pod. "Anything for Yuuri's friend!"

Binktop lets out a whoop and disentangles himself from Yuuri. He lightly steps onto the left pod and runs a hand throuh his silver hair. "Watch me, Yuuri!" He sends a playful wink in Yuuri's direction before nodding at Phichit.

"All right, let's do this!" Phichit flips the switch again. Nothing happens at first, so he turns the machine off and on while observing the monitors. Worry begins to creep into his expression as he starts fiddling with the controls, but still, nothing happens.

A gasp from the left pod directs their attention to Binktop, whose pendant is glowing brightly from inside his shirt. It seems to be resonating with the core machine of the teleporter, from which ominous sparks begin to fly out. Phichit shouts at Binktop to get off the pod immediately, but Binktop hears it too late.

A large wormhole, unlike the one Yuuri had seen briefly while he teleported, opens up in the space behind Binktop and appears to be sucking him in. Trying his best to hold his ground, Binktop cries out for help as he extends his hand. In a panic, Yuuri runs up to the left pod and tries to grab him, but his whole body disappears in a flash of light, and the wormhole closes in an instant. Yuuri is left alone on the pod, Binktop's golden pendant in his hand.

Phichit is the first to regain his voice after a few minutes. "What the hell... This wasn't supposed to happen..." Yuuri turns to his friend, who is kneeling by the controllers in shock. Long tracks of tears have washed away the layers of soot on his face.

He runs down to embrace Phichit, who is now trembling in his friend's arms. "Yuuri, I'm so sorry! I really didn't mean for this to happen!"

Yuuri runs his hands over his friend's back, ignoring his own swimming vision and the violent hammering of his own heart in his chest. Now is not the time to deal with an impending anxiety attack - not when Phichit needs his help.

"Phichit. Look at me," he instructs calmly. "Breathe with me."

Together, they go through the motions, inhaling and exhaling deeply in unison. Most of the time, it was Phichit who did this for Yuuri when they were still in college together. It always helped calm Yuuri down after an attack, and Yuuri is more than glad to return the favor now. They cannot afford to be too calm, however - they still have to find out where the hell Binktop went.

Some day this is turning out to be. Yuuri swears never to get up before five a.m. ever again.

Phichit looks up at him and nods determinedly. Yuuri lets go of his friend as he begins to go over his notes. "Either the telepod malfunctioned, or something else did it," he thinks aloud to the clearing at large. "I'm suspecting your friend's pendant had an unusual reaction with the core interface, causing a ripple in the space-time fabric or something."

Yuuri gapes at Phichit incredulously. "You mean, like, time travel?!"

"I don't know yet." Phichit bites his lower lip in deep thought. "That wormhole could have led anywhere. It's too dangerous to try anything at this point."

"We have to bring Binktop back, Phichit! There's no time!"

"I know that!" Phichit snaps, rubbing a blackened hand on his temple at the sudden outburst. "It's not as easy as it seems. We have to find out how to open that wormhole, for starters. There must be something about that pendant."

Yuuri lifts the pendant in his hand against the daylight. It is a small, round, golden medallion with intricate rose patterns bordering its circumference, hanging from a simple chain. The pendant also seems to be pretty old but well-maintained. He briefly wonders where Binktop must have gotten such a valuable trinket and how much it must have cost, but pushes these thoughts out of his mind.

A tiny spark jumps out of the medallion, causing Yuuri to drop the pendant onto the left pod in surprise. Immediately, it causes another reaction, violent gusts of wind forming around them as the wormhole opens once more.

"Well," Phichit laughs brokenly, "that was easy enough!" With a hand shielding his face, he struggles to walk against the wind's direction and tries to pick up the pendant off the ground.

Yuuri has other ideas, however. He uses his stronger body to his advantage and overtakes Phichit in a second, picking up the pendant and wearing it around his neck.

"Yuuri! What are you doing?!" Phichit shouts in alarm. "Get off the pod now!"

To be honest, he has no idea what he is doing, either. His body is already protesting his sudden decision, his heart rate going up, his breathing more rapid, and his hands slippery with sweat. But above all, Yuuri feels that it's the right decision. It's more reckless than heroic, by all means, but nevertheless the right one, just the same.

"I'll bring Binktop back!" he shouts at his friend. "I'll get us back home, I promise!"

Again with the stupid promises, but Phichit seems to finally support his decision. He nods determinedly and hands Yuuri a long, steel wrench. "It's my favorite one! Bring it back safely, okay?"

"Thanks, Phichit! I will." Yuuri waves the wrench nervously as he steps into the closing wormhole.

"Be careful, Yuuri!" Phichit shouts after him. "I'll try to follow you as soon as I figure things out!"

A chuckle escapes Yuuri's lips. It's just like his friend to jump at the call. If anyone is more suited to be the hero of this story, it would definitely be Phichit, and Yuuri, as the dutiful friend, would support him all the way. Funny how things have turned out the other way around this time.

For now, he, Yuuri Katsuki, will be the hero of this story, and he swears on his life to bring Binktop back.

Yuuri raises a thumbs-up to the fading image of his friend, not caring if he doesn't see it. He lets the distortion fill his senses completely until the black nothingness consumes him and claims his consciousness.

[starkeristheendgame]

From The Ashes We Rise

Sort of a continuum of In The Smoke After War for the sunshine to my sunflower @starkerintheparker who is a terrible(y wonderful) influence ❤

Tony takes stay perhaps too literally. In the days that Peter is too raw and fragile to fill with anything but sleeping and healing, Tony stays curled around him, the soft lull of his voice intoning Steady, My Love soothing Peter back into the gentle embrace of sleep.

Aunt May is under the impression that Peter got whisked away for some schmoozing and business experience. Peter texts her several times in the hours spent listless in bed, promising to be home as soon as the non existent venture is over.

Sometimes, smoke burns his lungs when he breathes. Ash is thick and chalky on his tongue. His spine cracks and warps and he falls, into the gaping jaws of a terrible, burning beast.

Always, Tony invades such dreams with light. Pure and soft blue, his voice like angel-song as he coaxes Peter back to the land of the awake. Dark eyes weighted with regret, an apology already shaping his tongue.

It takes a week.

He feels it all.

The crunch of a spinal disc slotting into place. The burn of a shard of rib being pushed into alignment. The heavy ache of his muscles relaxing.

Tony's touch is always gentle when he sweeps away the tears, singing quietly in the darkness of the room, the rain on the windows a thrumming backdrop.

Tony helps him wash. It should be embarrassing. It should perhaps even be sensual. But it becomes nothing but familiar after the second time. Steady like they've been married for years.

The way Tony's fingers twist in his hair, rinsing the soap suds through the thick curls. The way he drags the cloth so slowly, so carefully over every inch of skin Peter allows him.

Tony tries to talk about it. In half-forged riddles and stuttered sentences. Apologies catching on his teeth between the glossiness of his eyes and the way his jaw clenches.

On the fourth morning, Tony tries to blame himself and Peter reached out, curled bruised fingers in the ratty old shirt (comfortable. Familiar. Open vulnerability and emotion) and pulled, until Tony folded like a wilting flower, cheek against his bandaged ribs.

He can't talk. Sand and blood plugs the words inside him, but the steady sweep of his thumb over Tony's cheekbone is enough.

He cries when Aunt May hugs him. Breathes in cinnamon and floral tones and the bagel she ate for brunch and bawls into her shoulder like a newborn babe. Confesses that he missed her. That he longed for home.

In the night his ribs crack and spread like wings and fire burns through him like flowing water. Awaking alone sinks him like an anchor and he does not sleep again, sits on the edge of his bed, staring at the wall but not seeing, fingertips trailing his skin over and over, all the bruises no longer there and the cracks beneath the surface nobody knows of but him and Tony.

The next night, choking on fear and clawing through hot sand, he caves. Calls.

Tony talks.

Relentlessly. Carelessly. Describes in avid detail the whiskey he's drinking. Then the recalibrator he's working on. Even down the length of the scratches it donned. Talks about JARVIS' first ever words and the exact shade of his $2,000 bedsheets.

Tony allows him a week. Peter calls each night. Spends each day flinching at everything, scrabbling at bones that no longer ache, watching his family and friends with the smothering knowledge that he came so, so close to losing it all.

Tony smells like whiskey and aftershave and salt when Peter hugs him. Assaults him with affection, almost. But it's okay. Because Tony grabs at him straight back, fingers tight in his hoodie, voice lost into Peter's hair.

"I don't regret it.”

"I do. I... Quite possibly regret nothing more.”

"I forgive you.”

"You shouldn't.”

"I do anyway. We didn't listen to each other. We'll do better, we'll learn.”

Peter stays the night. Curls up in sheets he knows the HTML colour code of. Tony's heartbeat and the rasp of his breath drowns out the whir of mechanical wings, the crumble of concrete.

Peter awakes sometime later, the scent of salt thicker than ash. Tony sits on the edge of the bed, stares out at a dimmed cityscape. Peter makes sure to be gentle, careful when he wipes away his tears.

They anchor each other. Undeniably and unbreakable. Tony sings 80's love songs and Peter recites Pi to 100 places. Tony reads an entire thesis on quantum atoms and Peter lists every reason that mozzarella is better than cheddar.

It's listless talk. Water to the simmering coals that threaten to burst into flames in the dark of night. Tony talks when the ash chokes Peter's words and the smoke steals his breath and the sand scratches his throat. Peter talks when the whiskey has stolen Tony's words and the flow of his tears carries away his breath.

They say that forest fires are devastating, but the forest grows back thicker and greener from the ashes of its ancestors. It takes time. It takes patience. But the trees grow taller and the grass grows thicker and the ash feeds it all.

Tony shifts against him, still naked, reaches out across the tiny expanse between their bodies and pulls him closer. Always closer. In the months between the fire and the ash, never away.

Yes. Forest fires may be devastating. But Peter was a Phoenix and Tony was the ocean and maybe. Just maybe. They would bloom bigger and brighter than before.

[elleonmybeloved]

Sweet Reward

Amnesia | Heroine x Kent Words: 1728 Chapter: 1 Read on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22463851/chapters/53675266

Summary:  Kent comes up with a fun game for him and Hera. It involves: 1 math workbook, 1 bullet vibrator, and 1 piece of tape. Hera does her best but she hates math. Lucky for her, Kent is a softie and has never been good at denying his cute girlfriend anything she wants.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The air conditioning in Kent’s house was working just fine, but Hera was starting to sweat.

A math notebook lay in front of her kneeling form, Kent’s stoic figure across from her, typing away at his laptop. Although she had only been given a few pages to do, the young woman was struggling to complete the task, squirming and bending over the table, hand holding the pencil shaking in a slight tremble that made it hard to write.

It probably had something to do with the remote-controlled bullet vibrator taped over her clit buzzing away quietly, hidden under her skirt.

The game hadn’t even been Ikki’s idea, which was a first, since he was Kent’s go-to source for information regarding relationships, including the more intimate parts. This was all the tall man’s doing, having suggested a more motivating reward to encourage Hera to finish her dreaded math problems.

At the time, she had been so shocked - and frankly, turned on - that despite her usual refusals to do any math (She was a psych major hello! Unnecessary!) she’d given in rather quickly.

And that’s how she got herself into this mess. For every page she completed correctly, Kent would praise her and crank up the vibe by one level. Hera wished it was possible to cum from the feeling of his large hand ruffling her hair and the intense look in his eyes as he turned the dial on the vibrator remote.

But the vibrations just weren’t strong enough to do more than make it nearly impossible to focus on and wet herself so thoroughly it was starting to seep down her thighs, uninhibited by any panties - part of the agreement was leaving them off. After thirty minutes of being edged, her desire to come was making it difficult to stop the fantasies of him relenting, cranking up the power and finishing her off while making out on his lap.

Solve 5x + 7 < 3(x + 1)

Hera couldn’t help letting out a whimper and looking up pleadingly at her tormentor.

“Kent.” She fixed him with her most pitiful look, hoping to move his sympathy.

“Hmm?” He glanced up cooly from his computer.

“Please… I can’t finish this. It’s impossible to focus.”

“I see. I had chosen some particularly easy problems thinking that quickly finishing them wouldn’t be a difficult task.” Yes, he was gonna take pity on her! “I suppose you can try it again a different time. I’ll turn this off.”

“Ah no, wait wait!” She reached out a hand, panicking. He couldn’t really be cruel enough to just edge her for that long and deny her, right?

Kent crossed his legs and leaned back. From the predatory look in his eyes, Hera swore he knew exactly what he was doing. “Why should I keep it on? You’re done working on the problems for now are you not?”

“Becaaause… I tried my best and you love me?” She suggested, batting her eyelashes at him hopefully.

Kent made a choking noise that sounded like he hadn’t expected her to come outright and say that. Pushing his glasses up, he cleared his throat.

“Rudimentary presentation, but logical reasons nonetheless. Alright. Come here.” He set aside his laptop and patted his leg. Hera thought the sight really shouldn’t have been as hot as it was.

She wasted no time clambering to her feet and crossing the short distance, lifting up her skirt as she climbed onto his lap. He was still while she positioned herself, but once she was seated he gripped the hem of her dress and tugged it up.

“I cannot use x-ray vision, so this is necessary. Notify me if you become too cold.”

Hera giggled, raising her arms compliantly to allow him to take the dress all the way off, exposing the buzzing pink bullet. “I prefer being skin to skin with you anyways.”

“Skin to skin? Is that your way of communicating that you wish me to take my shirt off?”

“Maybe.” Hera smirked at his displeased look - he always hated answers like that, protesting that it was an inefficient way to answer questions properly.

But he took his shirt off anyways, and Hera was glad for it. The tall man was built like a brick wall and boy did she ever enjoy it.

He didn’t look like he was going to divest her of her lacy pink bra, so she reached back to unhook it herself, pleased at the way he watched them bounce free. He needed a little encouragement to touch her sometimes, so hopefully he’d be inspired to with the additional visual stimulation.

Now that she was naked on his lap, Kent reached for the vibe remote, and without batting an eye, cranked it up several levels.

“Ah!” A moan escaped her throat at the immediate relief a stronger vibration provided. “You’re such a meanie. That feels too good.” She whined, laying her head against his shoulder and closing her eyes.

She felt him pull her closer against him and hold her there with one hand. The other found the top of her head and softly rubbed. For others it might’ve been a weird sensation - the sweetness of patting her head while controlling a vibrator getting her off - but Hera liked it. It was one of the first ways he’d shown affection to her.

Hera squirmed and grinded her hips forward on his pants, panting as tightness curled and built in her stomach. Her quiet litany of high breathy moans and whines rose in pitch, and she felt Kent stiffen underneath her at a particularly whiny sound.

“Is this adequate? You seem to want something.”

She leaned back and raised her head to look at him.

She wished he’d eat her up and have her way with her.

“C-can we make out? It feels good when you… well- that is-...” Hera averted her eyes, face going red. She was usually pretty bold, but even this was a bit too embarrassing of a request to voice out loud.

He reached for her face and turned her head to face him and after a moment, closed the distance and pressed his lips hard against hers.

“Mmmh... ♡” His kiss made her feel like lightning was shooting through her body, and she enthusiastically parted her lips when he pressed his hand against the back of her neck, getting more aggressive with her.

For someone who claimed to be inexperienced with relationships, he was way too good at this. The confident way his lips parted hers had her vagina squeezing in arousal, and every time he thrust his tongue against hers her pulse thundered in her ears.

Hera’s hands trembled where they clutched at his shoulders.

“Mmh ♡! Mmm~! ♡” Her mind was starting to go blank, the pressure in her stomach building up fast.

Hera broke away to gasp for air, hips moving on their own as she surged towards her climax.

“Oh god, ah! K-Kent! ♡”

A familiar dizzy feeling had her grabbing his hand for comfort and she tensed up as her orgasm hit her.

“Nngh- ♡!” Shit, it felt so good, she couldn’t help rolling her eyes back as she rode out several seconds of extreme pleasure.

When it was over, she relaxed her tense posture, limbs going limp. She felt Kent reach over and switch off the vibrator. After a moment of silence and her catching her breath, she sneaked a look at him.

He had a somewhat strange look on his face, like he was uncomfortable.

“Uh, so-sorry.” She felt her cheeks going hot, not sure why she was apologizing.

“There is no need to apologize, as you’ve done nothing wrong.” Kent’s voice sounded a little more breathless than usual, and he cleared his throat before speaking again. “Was the experience adequate or is there anything else you would like me to do?”

“Oh well… I got what I wanted so I won’t be greedy.” If she was being honest, she wanted more. A flood of images came into her mind - of him pinning her on his bed and teasing her with those long elegant fingers, groping her breasts, pinching her nipples… lifting and parting her legs and taking her until she was crying out.

“-I know you’re busy working on your thesis stuff.”

“I am currently ahead on my work and can spare the time. We can do whatever else it is you’d like, Hera.”

Hera bit her lip and looked up at him.

“Are you sure?”

Kent scowled, not a fan of such unneccessary affirmations as usual.

“Yes. I already explained that I am free. Do you think that I am not telling the truth?”

“No, no, I believe you.” Hera shook her head and waved her hands placatively. “And well, in that case… could we move someplace bigger?”

“Bigger? Will my bed suffice?”

Hera nodded - that was her smart man, always catching on quick.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind me getting in your space.”

“I don’t mind.”

Hera rose shakily off his lap, gently prying off the bullet vibe and setting it down. Kent rose behind her and skirted the table to lead the way to his room.

Hera made it about two steps before getting a case of the wobbles - post-orgasm jelly legs will do that to a girl.

“Uh, mind slowing down a bit please?”

Stopping and turning to face her, Kent made an amused expression as he realized her predicament.

“You ask me that so often. It is usually due to the difference in the length of our stride, but that doesn’t seem to be the case in this instance.”

Before Hera could protest that he was just freakishly tall and that it wasn’t her fault, he had scooped her up in a princess carry and resuming his usual brisk pace down the hallway.

“Oh. That works. Thanks.” This was kind of hot - especially since she was completely naked and the way he was carrying her had his hands resting on her thighs just below her butt.

“You’re welcome.”

She could get used to being carried like this. Although for public situations she’d prefer to be clothed. Well… at least peripherally.

That provoked a series of inappropriate thoughts involving his jacket and some additional vibrators. Hera filed the yummy idea away as a possible way to spice up their staple “walk” dates.

Kent set her down on the bed.

[lowkeyorloki]

hiii its BC anon i re read chapter 34 last night but i was like half dead from writing 2 reports and a grant proposal and i got worried i'd forget all my theories so i typed "loki is fucked up" into my notes app and then like immediately passed out i woke up this morning and was like oh thank god i wrote that vital information down lmao ANYWAY yep they are breaking up i have never been more sure i want to stick to my y/n is gonna do it but idk that chapter made me rethink?? im not sure i still think she's more likely too especially with the line "if it was something we couldn't solve and something I didn't deserve... I would leave." SO I THINK SHES GONNA THINK SHE HAS TO LEAVE bUT Loki was talking about how she should be enjoying her time in college and not burdened with parenthood so maybe he's gonna do it? maybe it will be mutual after all. Idk but they are DEFINITELY breaking up and i am not emotionally ready good thing i have a week before the chapter drops i have to prepare. also this chapter reads v differently and is much more sad now that we know whats coming ESPECIALLY when loki is like "you wouldnt hurt me" like oh no oh loki sweetie im so sorry its gonna get rough for you. anyway i see you throwing in vital plot information and then immediately distracting us with omg where's narvi and i totally fell for it and forgot the relationship stuff lol. i wish i was capable of sending you asks of an appropriate length but anyway i hope youre have a relaxing weekend and get a break from schoolwork!!!

BC anon you are literally the sweetest 😭 also writing "Loki is fucked up" in your notes and finding that in the morning is so fucking funny LMAOOOO but bestie it's totally okay if you can't re read the fic or send messages to make sure you get your work done!! I took a grant writing class last year and for our final project we had to write a mock grant request and that was NOT easy, so I can only imagine how hard it is to actually do. anyway that aside we r in sync because i also had a very intense workload yesterday and on top of that we did a bulgarian bag workout at my self defense class last night and i was OUT the second i got back to my dorm. I hope you're feeling well rested, and congrats on getting all your work done :D

I think that I need "oh no oh loki sweetie im so sorry its gonna get rough for you." on a tee shirt right now. In fact, I need it expeditiously. Maybe that's the asis fandom's signifier - like if you meet a Loki fan and want to know if they read fic that's a code to see if they do ajanmnvanVn (<- ugly keysmash don't look at me)

Also this is some top notch analysis and I think that you got your thesis statement (breakup, largely by y/n) your supporting evidence (the quotes you just gave me) and your counterargument (possibly mutual breakup). And u know the loveliest thing about papers is that is doesn't matter if you're right or not, just that you can appropriately defend your position. Even if your theory ends up being wrong (which I can neither confirm or deny... for only the next six days tho hehehe) you, so this ask in particular gets an A+ in my book and also a gold star sticker :)))

And BC anon you got me... anytime after the reader reached out to Nat trying to talk again, I tried to balance any relationship/plot stuff with SOMETHING else to a) compensate + balance out the absolute pain I knew this third act would be putting y'all away and b) make re reading the fic, if any of you choose to do so, more fun hehe. I didn't want their angst to come out of nowhere but I also wanted to imply it in a way that people wouldn't really pick up on in a first read. What can I say, the holy trinity of Vee aka lowkeyorlok is angst / cliff hangers / redirection 😈

PLEASE NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR THE LENGTH OF YOUR ASK I love them all and this one is no exception! Thank you so so so much for sending me even though you had such a busy day :') I hope you're getting a (well-deserved!!!) break too

[shardclan]

Telos absently rubbed at her husband’s ring. Fletch had repaired it during the height of Flameforger’s, and it sat on Telos’ finger as though it had been made for her from the start. The band was smooth, the setting shiny, and the spinel had been gently cleaned and polished so that it caught the morning light.

Across from her, Moyọ̀ was slumped to the side in his seat. “You look tired.“

He sighed, and touched a hand fretfully to his temples. "Your Tribune is brilliant but his excitement is like a whirlwind untameable. It is almost too much to bear. I would never be seen like this if his insistence did not bring me before you.”

“It’s fine.” She smiled apologetically. “I know how he gets. There’s a childlike earnestness to him that makes him hard to reproach, and it’s very easy to get exhausted by him.”

“You speak of it more charmingly than I would.” He shifted in the deep, comfortable seats of the Hall of Five Lights. “How is it he organizes this meeting yet he is not even timely?”

“He’s in high demand right now. Something strange has happened to one of our young adults. He claims contact with the fabled lunar deity.”

Moyọ̀ harrumphed, and massaged a dab of silky-looking oil with a mild citrus scent under his eyes. “That sounds of eclipse-madness to my ear.”

Telos would have loved to dismiss it so easily, but the runes that had appeared on Lamium’s body told their own tale. They refused to be deciphered, while Lamium himself had developed several unusual behaviors. Moonstones had seemingly materialized around him, despite them being even scarcer than celestine and being similarly endemic to the Starfall isles. He was the Night Ranger so of course he was up at night, but he seemed near-incapable of being awake during the day. He prayed in whispered syllables of unrecognizable power that were cold yet strangely comforting.

Then there was the matter of Shekhinah, who had wandered home with Lamium from Hewn City and who claimed to be one of the near-mythological Ruinkeepers. He was preoccupied with the airspace near House Betelgeuse, where Lutia had done her magic with the Seat. While knowing nothing of the event, he knew something interesting happened there.

He claimed something interesting might happen there again.

“I hope nothing is amiss,” she murmured. “A bit of tardiness is normal, but it’s unlike him to keep me waiting so long.”

“He’s coming,” Arcanus reassured them. “According to the proximity spell, he stopped in Noon Point for some reason. He is approaching now.”

Sure enough, Ashes arrived only a few moments later. The reason for his tardiness was evident in his company; he’d managed to wrangle Hart, Lutia, Saber, Willowalk, and Alchemilla. While they were not as visibly weary as Moyọ̀, there was some cross-gazing and hesitant stepping to their approach.

“I apologize for my lateness,” Ashes announced with eyes bright as ever. “But I believe I’ve brought together a team that can accomplish what we didn’t think would be possible!”

“A very confused team,” Telos remarked. “Come, everyone sit. Ashes, start from the top and explain what all of this is about.”

“Of course, of course!” He tossed a bundle of scrolls into the center of the U-shaped table, hastily looking through them as he spoke. “I’ve been speaking with Moyọ̀ at length about orogenesis. It’s a fascinating magic–but as you know it’s really his magic circles that highlight his brilliance. So mathematical, so carefully plotted!”

“I am content to be complimented all day,” Moyo chuckled, folding his hands into his lap. “But your curious mind has parted me from my sleep as a pearl is parted from the clam. Perhaps keep to your main thesis?”

Ashes deflated a bit, but the joyous abandon of his work came back to his eyes as he spoke. “We can construct House Perihelion before Starfall.”

His words were greeted with stunned silence, which Saber was the first to part. “No, no, Ashes, this is about money–Moyọ̀ needs to be paid at least the sum that he was afforded for House Betelgeuse!”

“That may not be so,” Telos countered. “In watching the move-in, I realized rather quickly that House Betelgeuse is wastefully large. We do not need a second structure on that scale.”

“That’s on us, Moyọ̀,” Ashes added. “Not to lessen you work at all, but we should have thought more about that staggering scale. It’s built for the Seat yes, but it’s also built for what we used to be when we lived on the Focal Point, and it was built for our whole clan instead of just half.”

He found the scroll he was looking for, and activated it with a little spark at his fingertips. Before them, the theoretical shape of House Perihelion took shape–a mirage of what might be in lines of arcane light.

“This is Moyọ̀’s proposed design. It suffers from the same problem–it’s designed to fit out entire clan comfortably as dragons. With House Betelgeuse populated, we know we only need half this–probably less if we build it to shifted forms. Would that not therefore cut the costs?”

In the thoughful silence that followed, Moyọ̀ leaned forward. “This is my design in it’s exactness. How did you do this?”

“The same way you do, by translating your blueprints into magic circles.” He smoothed modestly at his hair. “Though my magic isn’t so grand it could make a real structure.”

“To demean oneself after an impressive act is ugly, boy. You have grasped my mechanism well enough to reproduce it to smaller purposes. Pride yourself.”

Ashes’ cheeks went red as maiden’s blush and he gave a clumsy smile. “Yes… A-anyway, I brought the others because I think they can give their input to re-design House Perihelion to a more realistic scale. The price will shrink with the size, right?”

“Yes, but Perihelion’s design thesis is fundamentally different from Betelgeuse’s,” said Hart. “It’s meant to be flat and open and have a lot of archways and skylights. Glass and wood are heavily involved. If I understand orogenesis correctly, it can only with rock.”

“That is correct,” said Moyọ̀. “And in scaling back, the design between wood, glass, and stone will need to be married much more closely. I may not be able to build you more than a frame. And the complexity is different from a mountain. I hate to reveal myself, but Perihelion is definitive a structure of Light, married perhaps with shades of Wind. That is outside my expertise–and thus the magic will be harder to execute.”

“What does that mean on a practical level? You need an extra source of earth magic? Something that can bind opposing elements together in toward a single cause?”

“Mmm, both things I should think. But such a thing that could channel the magics into the shape it must take without intimate knowledge of my design…does that exist?”

Ashes eyes grew only brighter and he looked to Lutia. “I think it does. Just work on getting a new blueprint ready.”

[interspecieslesbianism]

The Ones That Got Away 2

Had ideas for sequel. Wrote ideas down. Turned into fic. This was actually supposed to include them confronting the media too, but I wanted to keep all the chapters about the same length. So at this point one more chapter, then we’ll see where it goes from that.

Also I spent a lot of time being shmoopy in the first part of the fic, so I apologize ahead of time for that. I have emotions about Stiles and Derek and cuddling ok? Also big spoon Stiles. Anyway, read on!

Derek’s phone buzzed with a text. Then buzzed again. And again. Derek ignored it in favor of kissing Stiles’ shoulder. He didn’t care that it was now after noon and they had essentially spent the whole morning in bed. After eight years apart, Derek figured they deserved it.

After Stiles said yes they had picked themselves up and tumbled back into Stiles’ house, where they had spent three glorious hours just getting to know each other’s bodies again. Stiles’ time in the southern California sun had added a few more freckles to his body, and Stiles seemed endlessly fascinated by Derek’s beard and the feel of it against his skin. After a quick brunch of mostly leftovers and eggs, they had tumbled together into Stiles’ bed for a nap.

It reminded Derek of the summer they had moved in together. They had spent their days acting like newly weds. Now they really would be.

Just as Derek was starting to think whoever was trying to get a hold of him had given up, his phone began to ring instead.

Stiles poked his head out from under the comforter with a whine and Derek sighed. He rolled over and scraped his phone off the nightstand. Stiles curled up behind Derek, his arm draped over Derek’s waist and trailing his fingers distractingly through Derek’s chest hair, which made it very hard to answer the phone.

“Mom is going to kill you.” Laura said by way of greeting. “Also hi Stiles.”

“Hello to you too sis.” Derek huffed.

“Sup Laura.” Stiles said, happily eavesdropping.

“There is no way mom could expect me to go see her first.” Derek continued, stroking the jut of Stiles’ wrist bone with his fingertips.

“Uh yeah she can. You’re supposed to use grandpa’s ring.” Laura shot back.

“What the hell ring do you think I used?” Derek asked, trying not to laugh.

“You already had it?” Laura asked after a long minute.

“Since before graduation.”

Derek could practically feel Stiles’ eyebrows raise, but he kept his mouth shut.

“Well she’s still going to be annoyed the rest of the world found out her baby boy got engaged before she did.” Laura countered.

“What are you talking about?”

“Haven’t you seen the news, Der? What have you two been doing? Wait. Don’t answer that.”

Derek and Stiles both snickered.

“Assholes. You two should still check the news. Start with TMZ. Their story is particularly hilarious. Stiles, I’m surprised your agent or whatever isn’t blowing up your phone?”

“Mmmm…she probably is.” Stiles sighed and rolled away from Derek to hunt for his phone in his dress slacks from the night before.

“If mom calls you, will you just tell her that we’ll visit today if we can?” Derek asked. “Tomorrow at the latest. I swear we won’t leave California without seeing her.”

“If you ever leave it again. But will do. If you don’t show up she might just make the trip to L.A. herself.” Laura reminded him.

Derek sighed. “I know. Thanks for the heads-up, sis.”

“Anytime, little bro. And congratulations from me and Cora.”

Derek thanked her and hung up before climbing out of bed to look for Stiles.

He found him talking on the phone in the living room, pacing before the tightly drawn curtains. One look out the door window told Derek there was a horde of paparazzi camped across the street. At least Derek had remembered to pull his pants back on. Stiles was still naked, and Derek tried to remember if the curtains had been closed that morning.

“Yes this is a real thing that is happening!” Stiles was saying into his phone. “I promised to tell you if I was gonna pull any stunts. Yes thank you I know what happened last night and what it looks like this morning, but I’ve waited eight years for this and I’m not giving it up now! I don’t care if I have to keep repeating the story. Alright. So long as we’re on the same page.”

He turned around and spotted Derek hovering by the door. Stiles motioned him over and Derek slipped his arms around Stiles’ waist as his fiancé turned back towards the shuttered windows.

“Yeah, they’re already parked across the street. Well, Derek and I were actually probably going to go visit his family and my dad. Out of town, yeah. I know you usually want me to bunker down but – Yeah? Okay. Probably tomorrow, since it’s so late and we won’t get there until after sunset. Alright, will do. Thanks, Leah.” Stiles hung up the phone and turned so he could catch Derek’s lips in a quick kiss.

“Is she mad?” Derek asked.

Stiles shook his head. “Not mad, just annoyed. Leah is the kind of person that doesn’t like surprises. But she’s gonna put out a press release stating we are going to indeed be getting married, while we’re out of town. We could always just stay there?” He suggested hopefully.

Derek shook his head and Stiles sighed. “Oh alright fine. But you know we’re going to have to do interviews and get hounded by the press until someone more important does something, right? Are you okay with that?”

“Well I’m marrying Hollywood’s hottest director, so I better get used to it.” Derek teased, bringing Stiles’ hand up to his mouth, kissing the gold wedding band with its glittering diamond inset.

Stiles stroked Derek’s cheek with the same hand. “Why didn’t you tell me you had this all those years ago?”

“Because you were right.” Derek sighed. “We couldn’t both have pursued our dreams. Didn’t matter if I stayed here or you went with me. Now we’re both in better places, and I’m not going to risk losing you again.”

Stiles hesitated, and then seemed to force himself to ask, “So there was never anyone else?”

Derek shook his head. “I went on a few dates, but with my thesis there never was much time for socializing. And I kept comparing them to you.”

Stiles sagged a little in relief and Derek tightened his arms around him. “Thank god. After that first year I almost called you a dozen times, but I told myself I couldn’t because you had probably started your life back there, and I couldn’t ask you to put it all on hold for me.”

Derek kissed Stiles’ cheek and rubbed his back. “It’s always been you, Stiles.”

Stiles let out a shaky sigh and smiled at Derek. “Same for me, Derek. If I couldn’t be with you, I couldn’t bring myself to be with anyone else.”

They kissed, and kissed, and kissed until a barrage of texts to Stiles’ phone interrupted them.

Stiles sighed, “I should probably check those.”

Derek nodded and took a step back. “I’ll go pack an overnight bag for you.”

“Kay. I love you, Derek.”

“I love you too, Stiles.”

XXX

Beacon Hills was only about three and a half hours from L.A. by car.

Stiles’ townhome had an attached garage, but Stiles had almost hit two of the photographers that had jumped in front of the car to try and get a picture of them. Beyond that and the girl at the window of the Arby’s they stopped at for a late lunch looking like she was going to pass out when she saw them, it was a smooth ride.

Derek’s home was closest to the highway, so after Stiles checked to make sure his dad was on his way there too, they pulled off the highway and onto the preserve. Derek loved L.A. and New York, but the preserve felt like home.

The house was ablaze with light and noise when they pulled up, the ten cars pulled into every available spot making parking very difficult. Derek had forgotten just how big his family was, living with just Laura and Cora.

Stiles wound up parking near to the driveway and they walked hand-in-hand the rest of the way up the hill.

Derek was about to open the door when his mother beat him to it. “There you two are!” Talia beamed at them and Derek couldn’t help but smile back. God, he missed his mom sometimes.

Talia pulled Derek into a hug first, then Stiles.

“I always knew you would join the family one of these days.” She said, escorting them into the dining room where almost every member of Derek’s family was gathered.

He’d forgotten how overwhelming his family could be, but Stiles took it all in strike. He’d always been so good with Derek’s family. It had been at their first Christmas dinner with the Hales that Derek had known Stiles was The One.

The sheriff arrived fifteen minutes after they did, and Derek had to fight not to get overly emotional when John hugged his son and shook hands with Derek. It was so odd. Derek and Stiles had grown up not twenty miles apart, but it had taken college to bring them together.

It made logical sense, of course. Derek had been leaving high school when Stiles entered it. But every time Derek thought about it, he remembered how looking at Stiles felt like coming home.

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The class was split fairly evenly between guys and girls, and all approximately the same age, with a few outliers. We had a cohort of students that would progress through the 18-month program together. Given that there were a relatively small number of students spending a decent amount of time together all studying a field we were passionate about, we began to get very close very fast, at least some of us.

Jessica was a girl in the class and someone who immediately rubbed me the wrong way. Just a nightmare to work with in group projects. She had come from a stuffy undergraduate university and was the type of person who felt that she was always right in every situation. I had recently finished my undergraduate degree and was enrolling in a Master’s degree program in my particular field. Looking back now, performing an extremely amateur psychological evaluation of myself, I think I realize that we butted heads so much because I saw my same personality in here. If I had t guess, I would say her tits were either a large B cup or a small C, and she had a pretty nice ass for her size. Now, I’m not entirely sure this qualifies as a "hate fuck" to some of you, but it is the most apt description for me, so here goes: This all started about three years ago. I suppose I should describe myself, I am 5’9" tall with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a lean body from years of cross-country and track and field. She was about 5’3" tall, tanned, with black hair, with a face framed by glasses, but not in the sexy schoolgirl way. Anyways, fast forward to the end of the program. One of the guys in the program had the hookups and he had arranged for us to get our own table and bottle service at one of the hottest clubs in Vegas. As I mentioned before, the class as a whole had grown very close over the length of the program, so we all decide to head to Vegas to blow off some steam after our last class. This program was a little unique in the fact that it involved taking classes predetermined and set by the university. It was a Saturday and we had all completed our final presentations around 1 in the afternoon and about 15 of us set off for Vegas. But these drinks are coming on strong and I am definitely feeling the buzz. After the obligatory photos for the girls, we got to the club, skipped the line, and were shown to our table, where the drinks quickly began to flow. We had been working the entire last six months on perfecting our thesis projects to be approved for graduation. I must admit, it was nice seeing these girls in something other than business casual attire, and they certainly dressed to impress. We all spent the next couple hours alternating between dancing a drinking, and I made my way around and danced with all the cams girls live that were there, with the exception of Jessica. We arrived, checked in to our suites, and got ready for the night. She was just a couple inches shorter than me, had nice perky tits, again, guessing a solid C, and had gorgeous legs (I believe she was a soccer player). Stephanie was one of those girls that did not dress to her body (or at least what I saw in class activities, but that could have been the program’s fault more than her own), but tonight was flaunting what her mother gave her and she looked hot! We poured each other drinks and decided to hit the dance floor together. I decided I would go back to the table and sit down for a little bit and recoup. One in particular was Stephanie. They were all wearing skintight dresses that showed off their curves, and left very little to the imagination. She almost made it into our roped off area before the caught her and told her she had to go. She had recently broken up with her boyfriend and was back on the market, so she was target number 1 for the evening. Apparently throwing up in the bathroom of a Vegas club is a no-no. Now I don’t claim to be the strongest drinker in the world, but I can definitely hold my own despite my small stature. The club we were at was not at our hotel, and I figured it would be trouble if she tried to get back on her own. As I made it back to the table, I saw Jessica leaving the bathroom with security quickly in tow. I get outside and find her and she is just sobbing hysterically mumbling something along the lines of she doesn’t know why they picked on her and she had to leave, blah, blah, blah (again, can never be her fault). I looked around and there was no one else from our group around, so I was not about to let her get kicked out and left on her own given her current state. I do my best to get her in a cab to get her back to our hotel and she keeps wanting to go back inside, which obviously isn’t going to happen. So now, coupled with my pre-existing dislike for her was the fact that she had indirectly forced me to leave a good time. We make our way to the taxi stand and got a cab back to our hotel. I began to get up to follow her when I realized just how drunk I was myself. My attitude about the whole situation makes this next part one of the craziest things that has ever happened. This is where the "fun" begins. Once in the cab, Jessica begins to calm down a bit and is thanking me for watching out for her. If you loved this article so you would like to get more info with regards to webcams nude nicely visit our webpage. The dancing, alcohol, and the fact that I hadn’t gotten laid in a while were beginning to take its toll on me, and I began to start getting hard. I suppose I shouldn’t have had that last drink when I went to go sit down. To this day, I still have no idea how we made it back up to our room after leaving the cab, but somehow my drunken self navigates the gauntlet that is a Vegas casino. I don’t think I am anywhere near the biggest guy in the world, but she seems shocks and whispers in my ear "Wow, I wasn’t expecting that". I hike up her dress and she begins to respond to my touches, moaning into my mouth as I play with her through her panties. This is the first ounce of gratitude I have ever seen from this girl, but I am still grumpy for leaving and kind of brush it off. I push her over to the sofa bed and pull her down on top of me, kicking off my shoes in the process. She wastes no time and puts in in her mouth and starts bobbing up and down on my dick. I unbuckle my belt and kind of nod towards my pants, and she gets the idea. I pull her dress up over her ass and over her head, leaving her in her bra and panties. She takes my pants off and pulls my boxers down as my cock springs free. After about 5 minutes of her sucking on my cock, I pull her up off of it and turn her around, getting behind her. Once inside my room, I quickly throw her up against the wall and begin kissing her. I begin to sink my fingers into her pussy to entertain myself a little during the action, but my only goal at this point is getting off. She knows what is coming and doesn’t object as I slide her panties off of her. I don’t even bother with a condom, which, in hindsight may not have been the best idea, but in that moment I was definitely thinking with the wrong head. Not sure if it was the alcohol, or just my general lack of interest in her, but the blowjob is not doing anything for me. It is still semi-hard and quickly jumps back to attention at her touch. I give a couple quick dips before shoving all the way in to her, my balls slapping against her skin. I begin to tweak and pull on her nipples, and this brings added moans from her. As she is finishing up another apology, she rests a hand on my leg and begins to make her way to my cock. I rub my cock head up and down her slit and given the lack of foreplay directed at her, she is surprisingly wet. It is at this moment that I begin to be thankful for the amount of alcohol in my system, as I have seemed to have found the perfect balance of being able to stay hard, but not feeling like I’m going to cum given the intense pace I am keeping up. She eventually gets the hint and climbs on and backs up on me. I hate to admit, but she was pretty good at twerking that nice little ass on my dick and was responding well to my increasingly hard slaps leaving handprints on each butt cheek. I hear a faint moan come from her as I pull them off, but again, I am only focused on myself at this point. She licks from the base of my cock to the tip before putting the head in her mouth. She starts to try to ride me cowgirl but I quickly turn her around and face her away from me, as I want nothing about this experience to even slightly resemble something emotional. She lets out a yell that I’m sure would have been heard if anyone was in the room next to us. I begin to slowly yet firmly push her head down until she has me all the way down her throat and her nose is pressing up against my pubes. I let her up for air before I stand up and again position her doggie style on the bed. I hand her a towel, while she finds her underwear and dress, and quickly show her the door. I hopped in the shower and was getting out just as the guys I was sharing a room with returned. Once inside her, I undo her bra from the back and let her tits fall out. After about 5 minutes of doing her doggie style I pull out and lay on the bed to allow her to do some of the work. I am usually the kind of lover to always make sure the girl gets hers, but this scenario was all about me, and it was a little nice to be selfish in that regard. This has been the only "hate fuck" I have ever had, and it certainly did not disappoint. Hope you enjoyed reading. This time, I stand up on the floor behind for additional leverage and really start going to town, pounding in to her with my hips as I grab hers and pull her back to meet my ever thrust. I laid down and it wasn’t long before I drifted off to sleep. I quickly realize that I will not last long in this position, so I pull her off of me push her head down on my cock so that she can taste herself on me. My orgasm is rapidly approaching so I take my last strokes and pull out before cumming all over her lower back and ass.