#but in AR if your team works then it works simple as that

[jamespotterismydaddy]

Capture the Flag

luke castellan x reader

pt 2

A/N: now that i'm writing for other fandoms, feel free to let me know if you only want to be on a hotd taglist. But now, please enjoy the strongest swordsman in camp halfblood

TW: MAJOR SMUT, slight bondage, rough smut, violence, lowkey dark(ish)!luke

word count: 1,699 words

You want Luke Castellan’s head speared on your sword.

It’s like you spend every minute preparing for capture the flag because of him. He spends every last minute of each game cutting down your teammates and stealing your flag, so now it’s time to change the tactic. You ditch your father’s usual battle advice of going for the kill and hope that defence is the best offence for once. You also pray that he will guide your sword anyhow. So there you stand, guarding your flag with two of your most vicious teammates. You dodge the blue team’s first attack that was supposed to draw you off. You may have a short temper but you aren’t stupid. And you’re more than pleased to see the look of surprise on Luke’s face as he approaches.

“Fucking Ares kids.” He grumbles, sword drawn.

“Were you not expecting me, Castellan?” You ask with a vengeful smirk.

He goes right for you. You’re the biggest threat there but he likes to think you’re not even close to his skill level. You would believe that the man plans to cut you down and then your teammates. He always aims for the glory of it all.

“How’s your team gonna get our flag if you’re here?” He asks as he makes the first swing. It’s much better to start off on offence and he’s the one coming at you.

“Who cares. When you’re done, so is your team.” You block him, hating to be on defence but he’s too quick.

“Gods, you didn’t plan ahead of that? There really isn’t anything in that pretty little head of yours, is there? Other than rage of course.”

  You’re a hothead. He knows it. You know it and it doesn’t take much to rile you up. When you’re riled up, you get sloppy. At this point, you don’t care if he guts you, you go for the little fucker’s ankles. You’re actually surprised when he stumbles from blocking your attack. It’s a stupid mistake, especially for him. Though, you aren’t going to let a chance like this slip by. You keep pushing him back, trying to leave him no chance to think in between swings. He trips over a log behind him, the sword falling from his hand. He has no chance now, not on the ground and you won’t be letting him get up.

“Who’s the idiot now?” 

He looks at you as you approach slowly, taunting him. He then grabs his sword and makes a break for it. You’re too shocked to even keep him down.

What the fuck.

You don’t think you’ve ever seen Luke Castellan run from a fight. Not in your 4 years at camp. So you chase after him.

He’s fast, faster than you but you push yourself. He trails away… and away. Then you lose him. 

“Godsdamnit!” You scream into the woods as you jog around where you last saw him. 

You know you can’t stray for long if you’re not fighting Luke so you turn to make your way back to the flag. That’s when he jumps out at you with his sword swinging. You barely have time to block and it puts you off your balance. He swings at you again and again. You fall as you continue to block the merciless strikes. You’re practically holding your sword in the air and hoping for the best. The best doesn’t come as the weapon flies from your hand. He descends on you, straddling your waist as he holds the blade to your throat. He’s smirking.

“You don’t try nearly hard enough.” He says to you. “I know you’re not very clever but hades, my teammates probably already have the flag over the barrier.” 

That’s when you realize how easily you were deceived. Luke didn’t run from you because you bested him; he ran to draw you off. It was a pathetically simple plan and it worked. The heat rises to your cheeks from humiliation. He grabs your two hands and pins them above your head, his grip gentle but also firm.

“I’ll put you in your grave.” You spit out at him.

“Will you now? While I have you essentially restrained?” He’s clearly amused.

You struggle beneath him with all your force but all you manage to do is roll your hips against him, earning a groan from the man. You feel it too, the burning ache between your thighs. You want him. Worse yet, he wants you.

“Let me up.” 

“No. I think you quite like how I have you pinned to the ground.” He smirks.

“You’re delusional.”

“You’re wet.”

He slips a knee between your thighs and rubs it against your clothed pussy. It takes everything in you not to whimper.

“S-Stop.” You stutter out.

“Make me.” He murmurs, continuing to make you grind down on his knee as he leans down and forces you into a hot kiss. You hate how you kiss back, so hungry for him. Your mind is clouded with lust for a moment before you realize the advantage he is giving you. You never technically conceded.

As swiftly as you can, you wrap your free leg around his waist and use your whole strength to throw him off you, startling him enough to free your hands.

“You bitch.” He groans as you jab him in the stomach to try and give yourself enough time to grab your sword but it doesn’t work. He grabs you by the ankle and yanks hard. You slam to the ground right on your stomach. He moves to restrain you by sitting on your thighs so you can’t move your legs and holds your hands behind your back. You clearly didn’t consider how inevitably stronger he is than you.

“Shit.” You whine. His hold isn’t nearly as gentle this time.

“That was a cheap fucking shot.” He says cruelly. He’s pissed now.

“Fuck you. Castellan!” Gods it goes straight to his dick when you call him by his last name. He grips your hair with his free hand and pulls back hard so you have to look at him. You whine again at the sharp pain.

“You just can’t play fair, can you, princess? Maybe I won’t either then.”

 He drops your head and you hear him rustling with something. You realize it’s his belt when you feel the leather against your wrists. He’s binding you.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Your voice is full of rage but to him, you just sound petulant. 

 “What you need.” Is his simple answer.

He shifts down so he sits, or rather kneels, with your legs between his. He’s amused by your renewed writhing as an attempt to escape. It is pitiful really. Oh well, he’ll have you writhing for a different reason soon enough.

His fingertips glide across your waist, to your hips and then to your thighs, causing your back to arch upwards slightly, your stomach dipping. He brings his lips down to your ear, his voice is deep and lustful as he says, “Your body seems to know what it wants.”

“I’ll kill you.” You promise.

“Oh, i’m sure you will. But right now, you fucking belong to me.” He yanks on your hair again so you have to look at him and your eyes water from the pain. “I think you like me hurting you.” His other hand slips between your thighs to rub your clit and you let out a strangled moan. “For a girl who is so controlling, it’s interesting how badly you enjoy me manhandling you.”

He yanks your pants down and slips your helmet under your hips so your ass stays high in the air with your chest to the ground.

“This is fucked up.” You say.

“You love it. Your panties are soaked.” And he’s completely right. You’ve never been so turned on before but not a lot of men are as strong and good-looking as Luke Castellan.

He pulls your panties down and groans at the sight of your dripping pussy. He begins to palm himself through his pants and unzips them. “You have about three seconds to tell me if you don’t actually want this.”

You are silent and he chuckles. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.” 

Before you can even prepare yourself or form a thought, his fat cock is shoved inside of you, splitting you open.

“Ah, Luke!” You moan at the pain and pleasure.

“Gods, this is the tightest little pussy i’ve had.” He begins to fuck in and out of you relentlessly, giving you no time to adjust. “Yeah, you’re good for me now, baby. Such a good little cocksleeve.” He punctuates his last words with hard thrusts, the head of his cock bullying into you each time.

All you can do is repeat his name like a mantra as you get pounded on the forest floor by the strongest swordsman in camp. It’s even worse as he begins to rub your clit again, sending you so close to the edge.

“Never gonna have enough of you after this.” Luke murmurs as he feels you squeezing around him. “My good girl.” 

That’s what sends you tumbling over the edge, bringing Luke with you as you do. He never could’ve kept going, not with the way your walls were squeezing around him. He pulls out almost instantly so he can watch his cum spill out of you. He doesn’t wipe it. He just pulls your panties back on and fixes the both of you up. You’re thoroughly spent, he can tell by the way you pant as he releases your wrists.

“You okay?” He asks as he helps you sit up. He grabs your hands so he can kiss the marks on your wrists. After all you’ve done, that’s the act that makes you blush furiously. 

“Um, yeah.” You breathe out.

“I’ll be nicer next time, I promise. Somebody just had to put you in your place first.” He grins wolfishly.

“Next time?” 

That’s when you hear the horn. The blue team has won again.

He pecks a kiss to your cheek. “Time to claim my kleos.” He says cockily before jogging off to meet his team.

taglist (comment to be added):General: @valeskafics @urmomsgirlfriend1 @girlwith-thepearlearring @darylandbethfanforever9 @lovellies @juhdoche @papichulo120627 @watercolorskyy @ophelialaufey @aerangi

[the-oblivious-writer]

Poison Ivy & Daisies

Clarisse La Rue x Demi-god!Reader

One-shot

Summary: Clarisse La Rue has been on your mind since the day you saw her, but because of your nervousness and her stand-offish attitude, you could never build up the courage to actually talk to her. At least, that was until you tripped on a rock

Warning(s): Swearing, mentions of r being clumsy, no pronouns used, & nervous/awkward!r

Notes: This is my first work for Clarisse. I'm still getting used to writing for her character, lemme know what you think

From the moment you stepped into camp, your mind has been plagued with thoughts of Clarisse La Rue—literally. The first time you saw her you thought you were looking at a princess. The person who was showing you around immediately warned you as soon as they noticed your longing stares.

You were then informed about Clairsse’s more… violent ways. You could care less. All you knew was that she was the most beautiful woman you have ever laid your eyes upon—but of course, you didn’t get the courage to talk to her until two months after you got to camp.

She was definitely stand-offish, that was evident. It wasn’t until you accidentally bumped into her that you finally spoke to her.

You were walking, not paying attention, when you suddenly tripped on a rock. You yelped as you tripped, but instead of meeting the ground like you expected, you bumped into someone. This person stumbled back a step before glaring at you, a glare so deadly you could feel it. 

Your heart nearly leaped out of your chest when you caught sight of the person. Clarisse fucking La Rue. Just your luck. You gulped as you looked back at her. You opened your mouth to say something, but the sound failed to come out. 

“Watch where you’re going,” the Ares kid seethed with her fists balled up.

“R–right. Sorry, I didn’t see you,” you nervously apologized.

“Don’t let it happen again, or else,” she threatened before walking off. You were too busy wiping dirt off of your shirt to see Clarisse looking back at you one more time as she walked away.

The incident continuously haunted you. You finally get a chance to talk to your crush, and that is how it happens? 

The next time you saw her face to face was the following week. You were practicing your sword fighting when suddenly somebody approached the dummy near yours. You didn’t think much of it as you continued to focus on your swinging and slashing. 

“That’s my dummy,” you heard from beside you. You look over to see it was Clarisse who you heard. Any bit of confidence you had before instantly vanished.

“Your dummy?”

“Did I stutter?”

“Um, no—no you didn’t. I just—I just didn’t know.”

“And your slashing is pathetic,” Clarisse added before pushing you to the side. “You’re supposed to cross then stab. Not the other way around.” She rolled her eyes before demonstrating for you. After she showed you, she looked over to you again. “Are you just going to stand there? Repeat what I did.��� 

You weren’t sure how, but from that point on you started going to daily practices with Clarisse. You’re still a little confused on the specifics. One moment, she seems repulsed by you, but the next, she was training you. She never outwardly said it, but daily training with Clarisse automatically became apart of both her and your routines. You weren’t complaining. 

—

Months and months of training led to this moment; capture the flag. You were surprised when Clarisse told you she wanted you on her team, usually people wanted the opposite. It didn’t take much convincing to get Annabeth on board. You couldn’t blame her; it’s not that you were bad at fighting, you just had the tendency to be clumsy at the worst times. 

Your job was simple—stick by Clarisse’s side. You missed the looks Clarisse’s half-siblings gave her when she revealed this part of the plan, and the glare she sent their way. 

You and Clarisse were crouched behind a tree, waiting for the right moment to act. While Clarisse’s eyes were busy surveilling the area, you were too busy admiring her in her armor. How could you not? It wasn’t until you felt something hit your chest armor, that you were pulled out of your trance. 

You looked down, startled, and saw that it was Clarisse who hit your chest armor. “Stay focused.” She said as she continued to look around.

“Right. Focused.” You cleared your throat, eyes following to where the other girl was staring. “You look really nice by the way. The armor suits you,” you complimented. You had no idea where the spur of confidence came from. All you knew was that Clarisse was gorgeous, and you hoped she knew it too.

The compliment caught her off guard. She had no idea as to why you said what you did, frankly it confused her. But before she could utter a word, she saw her teammates signal to her. Guess her response would have to wait.

—

After the incident—that being Percy breaking Clarisse’s spear, and then him being claimed by one of the big three—everybody made sure to steer clear of Clarisse. The scream she let out was a reminder of why. It has been awhile since anybody has seen her that enraged. The only person to not follow this unspoken rule was you. You knew enough to know how important that spear is to her, so you could imagine how infuriated, and upset she was to see it rip in half. 

You went to knock on her cabin’s door, but pulled your hand away when you noticed it was already open. You lightly pushed it open more before walking inside. Everybody else was gone, and it seemed like Clarisse was too until you caught sight of her sitting on the edge of her bed with both halves of her spear on her lap. She didn’t need to look up to see that it was you who walked in. 

“What are you doing here?” She inquired, not looking up from her broken spear. 

“I just wanted to check on you,” you responded in a painfully soft tone. 

“I’m fine.” Her tone was dry and monotone. You carefully got closer before sitting down beside her, and to your dismay, she didn’t tell you to go away. You watched as her thumb brushed against her spear’s handle. 

“Do you wanna talk about–”

“I don’t need your pity, nor your comfort,” Clarisse interrupted. 

“Right, sorry,” you responded as you nodded your head. You suddenly remembered what was in your back pocket. “Oh, I uh,” you pulled out a daisy from your back pocket. “I saw it and I just thought of you,” you shrugged as you held it for her to see.

“A daisy.” The flower's stem was a slightly bent, the pedals were a mess, yet it was still beautiful.

“Yeah—if it’s stupid I could just–”

“No!” Clarisse said louder than intended. She cleared her throat, “It’s fine, I mean.” Butterflies erupted in her stomach as she watched a smile graze your face. 

“Here,” your smile never faltered as you handed it to her. As she went to take it from your hand, her hand touched yours. The action caused heat to rush to the other's face.

“Thank you.” She averted her gaze, looking down at the daisy you handed her. “It’s… nice, I guess,” she uttered as she continued to study the flower.

“You welcome,” you replied as you looked at her admirably. “Sorry if it’s a bit messed up. It’s been in my back pocket for, like, a day.”

“It’s perfect.” Her words catch you off guard, a warm familiar feeling rushes through you—the same feeling you get when you think of the woman. 

“Perfect flower for a perfect girl,” you said with such fondness in your voice. Now it was your turn to catch Clarisse off guard with your words. She pulls her eyes away from the daisy to look at you. Nobody has ever called her perfect before, and she knew you meant it. 

Her eyes flickered down to your lips, an action that doesn’t go unnoticed by you. It was just then that you realized how close your face was to hers. You both subconsciously begin to slowly lean in; “Can I kiss you?” You murmured. Instead of giving you a verbal response, her hand reaches up to softly cup your face before she leans in further. Her lips touches yours, sending electricity down your spine. Her lips were soft and welcoming as you kissed her back. 

But before the kiss could go any further, the cabin doors abruptly opened. Your lips tear away from hers as you both look over to see who was at the door. Of course, the person who happened to catch you and Clarisse kissing was an Aphrodite kid. You looked away with flushed cheeks while Clarisse tried as hard as she could to hide her embarrassed expression.

“What do you want?” She asked impatiently, her arms crossed.

With a smirk, the other camper responded. “I need Y/N’s help with something.” 

“Coming,” you managed to say. You got up to follow the camper, but not before looking back at Clarisse with a lovestruck expression. Clarisse could feel her heartbeat pick up as you made eye contact. When you left, she let out a sigh as she brushed back her hair.

No doubt this would be the talk of the camp by dinner. But for once, Clarisse didn’t mind.

-----------

A/N: Dior is actually so painfully gorgeous omg

[triptuckers]

switching teams - percy jackson

Request: yes! "Hi there! Could I request an enemies to lovers! trope, where the reader is part of the ares halfgods." Pairing:  Percy Jackson x ares!reader Summary:  percy should know better than to try and fight an ares kid Warnings:  a lot of swearing lol, fighting, mentions of blood & injuries Word count:  1.9K A/N: can't wait to see more of dior as clarisse in the show she's such a good actress. thanks for your request, enjoy!

ever since percy got to camp a couple of years ago he's had it out for you. you don't know why, but naturally you decided to respond with the same energy.

he wants to test the ares kid's patience? fine by you.

for some reason he's always arguing with you and you're all to happy to argue back. somehow he knew exactly which buttons to press, how to get on your nerves.

there's always tension between the two of you, which reaches a high during war games like capture the flag. this time is no different.

you're part of team red, following clarisse's lead. percy is on the blue team.

not that it matters, your team is unbeatable. you're proud of your cabin for coming up with the best strategies. you and clarisse always draw up new battle plans, surprising the blue team whenever they think they cracked your plan.

and today you're going to win again. you know it.

you've been walking through your part of the forest, getting rid of any kids of the blue team you run into.

after a while, you think they've all said to each other to avoid certain parts of the wood, given that you don't see anyone for a while.

then you hear talking in the distance. smiling, you grip your sword tighter and creep closer to them.

'let's move, c'mon, these are y/n's parts of the woods.' says one of the kids. you recognise him as someone from the hermes cabin.

'right about that.' you say, jumping over a fallen log and blocking their path.

all three kids widen their eyes and you quickly count their weapons and cabins. two from the hermes cabin and one from athena. a combined total of three swords and a spear. you'll need to take out the athena kid first, they might be able to analyse your fighting style if you're not fast enough.

'I told you!' says one of the hermes kids as you charge them.

you were right, you can tell by the way the athena kid's eyes follow your movements they're trying to analyse your moves. but you catch them off guard and give them a hard shove after kicking one of their legs to the ground.

you make quick work of the hermes kids just in time for your team to run past, carrying the blue flag. you grin at sherman when he runs past with the flag.

'you know what to do!' he says with a wink.

you nod and take off. you're the best sprinter and best swordsman of your cabin.

the plan was simple. once your team got the flag, they would run through your favorite parts of the woods. you would hear them, join them and then run ahead of them, getting rid of any blue team kids in your way and clearing the path for your team.

so that's exactly what you do.

you run to the river, getting rid of any blue team kids you see.

when you see the river in the distance you can't help but to feel a sense of pride. you won again.

but before you can reach the river, something hard knocks you on your back.

before you can get up, someone appears above you, pointing his sword at you and smiling. it's percy. this fucking kid.

you lash out with your sword but percy is quick to block your blow.

'got ya!' he says.

'no you don't.' you say.

he may be pointing a sword at you, but you're not defenceless. with one swift motion, you kick percy's legs, sending him to the ground.

you're quicker, rolling over and pinning his hands to his side. there's no room for him to kick you with his legs.

percy's fighting to get his sword but this time you're stronger. this time, you smile.

'you need to be quicker.' you say. 'and you need to understand we will always win capture the flag.'

'we can still win.' percy argues.

'no, you can't.' you say. 'you're the strongest swordsman on your team. and I've got you pinned to the ground.

'so you admit I'm a stronger swordsman than you!' says percy.

'I said on your team.' you say.

you look up when you hear people cheering in the distance. your team has reached the river, with the blue flag.

'looks like we win again.' you say.

percy looks annoyed. 'get off me, the game is over.'

'say please.'

'fuck off.'

'say please and I'll get up.'

percy rolls his eyes and sighs. 'please, y/n, will you get off me?'

'because you asked nicely.' you say, pushing up off the ground, making sure to accidentally put your weight on percy's legs.

without looking at him again, you take off to celebrate the win with your team.

the next time you're playing capture the flag is three weeks later. you're excited to keep your winning streak going.

just as you've finished putting on your armour and checking all of your weapons, you see percy putting on a chest plate with a red mark on it.

'hey!' you say, getting his attention. 'you're not on our team.'

'yes I am.' he says. 'I already talked it over with clarisse.

'no the fuck you didn't.' you say.

'y/n!'

you look over your shoulder and see clarisse looking at you. she's your best friend, you always train together and she's a great team captain. but this?

'he's on our team.' she says.

'why?'

'because you two are the best swordsmen at camp. it's the logical choice for capture the flag. work together.'

'I will not-'

'not up for discussion. he's on our team, deal with it.'

you turn to percy, walking up to him and giving him a look of pure malice. 'just because you're on our team does not mean I won't hesitate to fight you.' you say.

'no maiming. no killing. especially not your own team members. those are the rules.' says percy.

'I don't care.' you say. 'don't get in my way.'

you hear percy mumble 'fucking ares kids' as you walk away to get into position before the game starts.

as soon as the starting signal sounds, you head to your favorite spot in the woods. there were always some blue kids who thought they could get lucky, but they always run into you.

you're waiting there, your eyes on the path, when you suddenly hear footsteps behind you.

you're just in time to turn around and block the other person's blow.

'you!' you say as you recognise the eyes looking into yours.

'me.' says percy.

'I'm on your fucking team you idiot!'

'I recall you saying it didn't matter.'

'piss off!'

'no.'

percy takes on a fighting stance. he better be fucking kidding. he wants to fight? fine. you can give him that.

'I want to teach you how to become better.' he says.

'at what?'

'sword fighting.'

that's it. it's one thing to attack you from behind. another to tell you he wants to teach you how to be better.

percy knows it's bad fucking luck to claim he's better at fighting than an ares kid. but you've got a tell, and it will get you killed some day.

'you have a tell. let me teach you how to avoid it.'

the nerve he has.

with two quick strides you're in front of him, bringing your sword down on him with all of your strength.

percy blocks it, but his arms are straining underneath the weight of your blow. you really are good.

he swings his sword to your left side but you jump aside and aim the next blow at his legs. he jumps over your sword and kicks you out of the way.

you spin around and attempt to drive your sword through the exposed part of his arm. percy gets out of the way, but only barely.

'you're using your father's strength to guide you.' he says, grunting in between blows of your swords hitting each other.

you don't respond, choosing to save your strength and focus on trying to hit him.

'you're faster than me. you could win.' he says.

fuck him. you are going to win. how dare he question you like this? how dare he question your fighting skills?

you take a step forward, ready to end this fight. but percy kicks your leg out of the way and pushes you, sending you backward.

'you step before you strike.' says percy. 'with your right foot.'

what the fuck?

'I have to give it to you, it took me a while to realise it.'

'been watching me, have you?'

you start to circle him, looking for an opening to strike.

'yes. now start avoiding the step before you strike.'

'I don't need a poseidon kid to teach me how to fight. you're doing this to distract me.'

'is it so hard to believe I actually want to help you? clarisse is right, we'd make a good team. you're almost as good as I am.'

'I can never be a team with someone who insults me to my face.'

'right. never claim to be a better fighter than an ares kid. noted.'

you race forward and strike percy, hoping he doesn't expect it.

he does. he easily blocks your attack.

you're furious. no one is better than you. certainly not percy.

you let your rage take over, going in for another attack, subconsciously taking one step before striking. percy kicks your foot.

you're breathing heavily. he wants to teach you? fine. you keep your footing in place as you strike, catching him off guard.

percy is too surprised and is too late to block your blow. you slice through his upper arm. it's not a very deep cut but it still bleeds. you smile as you see the blood start to slowly trickle down his arm.

you strike again, but only nearly hitting him. you can teach him as well. for instance, his weak point is his legs. you sweep them out from under him. percy falls to the ground as you point your sword to him.

'you're beaten.' you say.

'and you listened to me.' he says.

you hate to admit it, but he did have a point. once you focused on not taking a step before striking, you were able to beat him.

you reach out with your other hand.

percy is eyeing your hand suspiciously.

'I'm pulling you up.' you say. 'the fight is over. I won. I'm not striking an unarmed, beaten opponent.'

percy takes your hand and allows you to pull him to his feet.

'thought you didn't like me.' he says.

'I never said that. you annoy me. but ares kids respect good fighters. you're a good swordsman. and you were right. I have a tell.' you say.

'did you just admit to liking me?' says percy, smiling.

'I also said you're annoying.'

'but you like me.'

'doesn't make you less annoying. now come on, we have a flag to capture.'

the two of you take off to rejoin your team. during the fight, something had changed between the two of you. if percy could point out a flaw you didn't know you had, you're curious to see what else he knows about you that you don't know about yourself.

maybe it's a good thing he convinced clarisse to let him join your team.

A/N: If you want to request something, make sure to read my house rulesHere’s the list of characters I write for. Everything that I have written can be found on my masterlist. Please don’t repost my work, as I spend much time and effort on it!! Thank you for reading! Much love, Marit/Max

[rose-pearls]

Maybe a Clarisse x reader. Where R is daughter of Nemesis? Normally being very quiet and "calm", and, as she is the daughter of the Goddess of Revenge, she helps to take revenge on those who hurt Clarisse, even in games of capture the flag, in a discreet way and they almost never find out it was her. In addition to being extremely good at chess and strategies as well. (English is not my first language, so sorry for any mistake)

Hi! Thank you for your request! I had a bit of a writer block but I hope you like it!!! (Requests are open)

Main Taglist: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187, @nyx2021, @thestarspangledcaptain, @kmc1989 (open)

Percy Jackson Taglist: @niktwazny303 (open)

Clarisse La Rue Taglist: @peanutbelley (open)

Clarisse knew everyone as camp, but there was one person that she didn’t knew as well, she was a kind of mystery that you couldn’t really understand. You had been claimed by Nemesis, a goddess who was known for revenge and strategy. It had made most campers wary of you, expect for the Hermes cabin, who had welcomed you in their cabin to stay. 

She had only heard of you in passing, people complaining of how you had beaten them for the hundredth time at chess and now as she watches you beating Annabeth at chess she can’t help but want to know more about you. Apart from chess she hadn’t heard a lot about you, you were someone quiet, who liked to stay in your corner, so she didn’t pay you any mind, not thinking that you could be something that interesting. But she would be lying if she said she had never sneaked glances at you., admiring you from afar.

Clarisse knew that she wasn’t the most liked person at camp Half-blood, that title would probably be held by Luke, but she still couldn’t help but be surprised when people tried to get to her. The Hephaestus kids were the ones that brought anger to the Ares kids, just like their fathers their children couldn’t get along. But it was weird when her spear suddenly reappeared after she searched everywhere for it, it had been laying on her bed, as if she had just put it there herself. The only indication that it was the Hephaestus kids were the twin marks on their arms, a small broken circle that reminded her of the broken wheel that had appeared above your head. 

She hadn’t thought about it further, only thought that they had realized how stupid they were and decided to bring it back. But as she saw a perfect ambush by the blue team getting completely destroyed by some simple smoke and something that she couldn’t pinpoint she knew that this was something bigger. She knew that the blue team had worked hard and long on this ambush, trying to get her alone to weaken her and try to get the flag that way. Just as she had been getting ready to fight back, surrounded by people of the blue team, they all saw a dark smoke coming their way and suddenly they were all on the ground holding their Achilles heel in pain, while she stood there unaffected. 

The only thing she saw was a shadow moving, and the smoke following it, so after a second, she left her helmet there and followed the shadow. It took a couple of minutes of following the mysterious person before she found you in the clearing. You looked beautiful in that armor, perhaps if the color on your armor had been red it would’ve been even better.

“Why are you doing this?”, she knows it’s rude to just ask you what you are doing, but she isn’t one to talk in circles, she needs an answer. You look at her with curious eyes and she tries not to fall for them.

“What do you mean?”, she knows that you know, but that you want her to tell you what she means.

“Why are you protecting me?”, it’s difficult to say it, she never had someone really protecting her so she quickly believed she should protect herself and not count on others to do it.

“Because they wanted to hurt you and that wasn’t fair to do without you knowing what was happening and risking getting hurt,” she was speechless, for the first time in a long time. If she was honest with herself and with you, she would tell you that she probably deserves to get attacked or getting something taken from her with the way she treats people, but she doesn’t say it. Instead, she admires your features, trying to understand why you would choose to protect her of all people.

“Why me?”, this time it slips right of her tongue, without her being able to hold it back.

“Why not? Everyone needs someone on their side. I just think you deserve to have someone on your side, watching your back,” you say it with so much ease that Clarisse can’t help but blurt out the next few words.

“Be careful or I might think you have a crush on me,” she says, and she tries to say it in a teasing voice, but it comes out shaky. However, she doesn’t expect the blooming blush on your cheeks and your shy smile, making her realize that maybe you do and that is why you are protecting her. 

“Wait, you do have a crush on me,” she says and for a moment she feels her heart beating faster, just like when she finished fighting with one of her siblings. Her stomach is turning into knots, and she feels her cheeks heat up.

“I do, I’m sorry if that makes you uncomfortable,” you look slightly ashamed, as if Clarisse could ever be mad at you for having feelings for her.

“Don’t apologize, it doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable,” there is short silence that follows her words, were Clarisse tries to tell herself that she should just take the risk and go for it.

“I kind of have a crush on you too,” she says quietly, she had only admitted it to herself in the middle of the night when she couldn’t sleep. Saying it out loud felt like a relief but it was also nerve-wracking.

You look surprised at her words, like you couldn’t believe the Ares girl could ever feel the same for you.

“Really?”, Clarisse can’t help but smile at your surprise, you looked even more beautiful like that. She gets closer to you and takes your hand, enjoying the darkening blush on your cheeks.

“Really,” she says, and she enjoys your shy smile, as you look down at your intertwined fingers.

“What do you say we go on a date sometimes? That way you can tell me all of your tricks,” Clarisse proposes, silently hoping that you will give her a chance. 

“I would love that, but if I told you everything, I would have to kill you,” you say with a teasing smile and Clarisse rolls her eyes good-naturedly.

“I’ll take the chance, beautiful,” she says before starting to bring you towards a secluded spot in the forest.

“Don’t you want to know who wins capture the flag?”, she hears you ask, and she turns around to find you looking at her with worried eyes, but she only shakes her head.

“Doesn’t matter at the moment, I’ve got more important things to do. And next time I will make sure to have a certain daughter of Nemesis on my team to win,” Clarisse says enjoying your satisfied smile before bringing you to her secluded spot. 

Unfortunately for the other campers, this was the day an unbreakable duo was formed, you had Clarisse at the front, defending herself but mostly you. And in the shadows, there was the brain, the one that could plot a revenge better than anyone by knowing exactly what your weaknesses were. Even the gods were scared for a moment as they saw the two girls form a bond that could never be broken.

[thedensworld]

Where to Sign?

Pairing: Seungcheol x reader

Genre: fluff

Words count: 600

Summary: Seungcheol is about to sign the pre when you said this thing to him

Seungcheol, just like any average person, dedicated his days to working for eight hours or even more before finally returning home. But whenever you paid a visit to his place, he dispelled the tired notion of coming back drained, and you tending to him. Even as a regular human, he took it upon himself to treat you like royalty. Craving a movie marathon? He's all in! Hankering for a meticulously prepared three-hour homemade steak? He's all yours! Caught eyeing yet another ice cream flavor after already picking one? He'd buy you the entire supermarket if that's what you wanted. Ensuring your happiness and making sure you loved every moment was his top priority.

If ever his colleagues caused him trouble at work, a simple text from you could light up his day:

'I'll visit your apartment!'

Just the sight of you cooking dinner or playing with Kkuma was enough to dispel his weariness and worries. He cherished every moment with you and wanted to make sure you felt the same.

"You're preparing a week's worth of meals? That's incredibly thoughtful. My girlfriend truly is the sweetest person in the world," he declared, observing the array of food containers arranged on the counter.

Seungcheol's eyes widened with delight when he spotted ribeye on the menu. He couldn't resist wrapping his arms around you in a tight back hug. "Could you stop making me fall for you even harder?"

Coming to his place wasn't solely about meeting him; it was about reveling in Seungcheol's impeccable kitchen. You had voiced this sentiment to him before, leading to playful banter. He teased you, suggesting you chose him because of his nice kitchen, and though you agreed in jest, it earned him a day of mock sulking.

Cooking in his kitchen was a pleasure you relished, even preferring it to your own. The spaciousness allowed you to move comfortably. Seungcheol, however, couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation that you always insisted on paying for groceries, even when he offered his card.

"Why won't you use my card?" he asked once, bewildered. Your response left him speechless, "Because I have money? I can even afford you, Choi Seungcheol."

He admired your confidence immensely.

"How was your day?" you inquired, simultaneously seasoning the food you were preparing. Seungcheol marveled at your ability to multitask. He could never.

Seungcheol tightened his embrace around you. "Mingyu managed to blow up a computer. Guess who has to foot the bill?" His voice held a touch of tension.

"Wait, did I hear that correctly? He exploded a computer?" you asked, incredulous.

Seungcheol nodded, his tone wry. "Indeed. He 'exploded' it and claimed it was a mere accident. Once again, he's demonstrated his capacity to exceed my expectations."

A chuckle escaped you, memories of your first encounter with Seungcheol and Mingyu surfacing. Back then, Mingyu was Seungcheol's assistant manager, and he'd mistakenly informed Seungcheol of a meeting with you a week earlier than scheduled.

"I'm sorry, hyung. I misread the schedule. You have no meeting today," Mingyu had confessed.

Promotion to branch manager hadn't diminished Mingyu's ability to surprise Seungcheol.

"Why are you footing the bill for him? Isn't the office's finance department responsible for him?" you wondered, referring to Mingyu's financial team.

Seungcheol sighed. "They've poured a significant amount into a project I already approved. Plus, he insists that we're together because of him, effectively putting me in a lifelong debt."

You turned off the stove and pivoted to face him. Your arms linked around his neck, your gaze locked onto his. A radiant smile graced your lips, a sight Seungcheol cherished from up close. The silence between you two spoke volumes, a shared moment of comfort.

"What's on your mind, sweetie?" Seungcheol whispered, arms secure around you.

You giggled. "Are you looking to spend your life with me?" you asked, alluding to his earlier remark about the 'debt' Mingyu claimed.

Seungcheol nodded, gaze unwavering. "Absolutely, baby," he affirmed, and you rewarded him with a tender kiss.

Turning back to the counter, you arranged the ribeye alongside rice and stir-fried vegetables. Seungcheol seated himself at the bar, eyeing the food with anticipation.

"I'm going to savor every bite," he declared.

You hummed in agreement. "So will I," you replied, your culinary skills not lost on Seungcheol.

"Spending a lifetime with you," you added, a sentence that instantly turned Seungcheol's world upside down.

*

Boo Seungkwan stood before the anxious man, his tone gentle yet regretful. "I'm afraid that you could meet Ms. Ji today. Her schedule is packed, and I couldn't find your name."

Seungcheol's heart sank, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "It's definitely today, can you please make sure to check with her once again?" He almost begged, desperation evident in his eyes. The pressure from the company directors bore down on him, forcing him into a situation he'd rather avoid.

"Hello, Ms. Nam," Seungkwan's voice echoed down the line, "there's someone looking for Ms. Ji from SVT Corporation... His name is Choi Seungcheol..."

A tense pause hung in the air as Ms. Nam, whom Seungcheol assumed to be Ms. Ji's secretary or assistant, exchanged words with Seungkwan. Seungcheol held his breath, silently praying that they'd grant him the chance to meet Ms. Ji.

"Mr. Choi, are you the representative for Universe Factory Studio?" The question was met with an immediate, eager nod from Seungcheol.

Seungkwan concluded the call, his expression softening with a hint of sympathy. "Mr. Choi, please wait in our lounge. Ms. Ji's representative will be with you shortly."

Seungcheol suppressed a victorious shout, maintaining his composure as he politely excused himself and made his way to the designated waiting area.

"Mr. Choi?" A woman approached, her demeanor professional yet warm. "I'm Nam Y/n, Ms. Ji's personal assistant. I'm truly sorry for the confusion earlier, but I believe there's been a miscommunication."

Seungcheol's heart sank further as her words unfurled. "Ms. Ji is in a meeting with a client from Japan, and she can't leave it. I had already informed Mr. Kim that the meeting was scheduled for next Wednesday. I'm afraid you won't be able to meet Ms. Ji today."

Seungcheol's frustration boiled beneath the surface, a muffled curse escaping his lips. Kim Mingyu, that idiot.

[mulletpermsicantlookaway]

The Jockification of Jeremy, Part 3: Chase Makes His Choice

(For Parts 1 and 2 and the earlier stories this is a sequel to, see the earlier posts.)

I ended up not seeing Chase for nearly two weeks. I had sent him one or two texts. He hadn’t answered them, but he’d read them. I finally sent: “Bro, we need to talk”, and he replied: “I can’t hear you when you speak jockinese”. That made me mad, as I’m sure he wanted, but I realized that he was just lashing out. I felt bad for him, but I still couldn’t make up my mind what to do. I could just give him the Cup and wait for him to start to turn, but I kept remembering Coach Sanders saying that I might not need it. What had he been trying to tell me? I tried to think it through: I hadn’t needed the Cup for myself. Why? Because I had made out with James and Steve, apparently. So, was he telling me that Chase might start to turn into a jock if we made out? Maybe that was what he meant, but the chances of that seemed slim, since Chase wouldn’t even look at me now. And then I suddenly realized that I was overthinking it; the problem was really very simple: was Chase in love with me or not? If he was, then he’d still be in love with me – even though I’d become a jock. And if he wasn’t, then our friendship was over, because the two of us had nothing in common anymore. So I had to find out whether he loved me. And that meant I would have to see him again, whether he wanted to see me or not.

I had thought about asking one of the bros to help. Derek, for example, could easily have just picked Chase up and carried him to me. But that was a stupid idea. Even if it worked, it would just make Chase mad. And this was my problem, not my bros’ problem. If anyone was going to pick Chase up and carry him around, I would be the one to do it; I was getting big enough.

I put everything into one last effort to persuade Chase to see me. I sent him this: “Plz. Gotta talk 2 u just 1nce more. And then will leave u alone if that’s what u want. Plz I need u.”

He replied: “I nu I shd hve blocked u. OK. Will meet. Where?”

“My place.”

My parents were happy to see Chase again, because they hadn’t seen him now for weeks and were wondering why we weren’t friends anymore. I don’t know if they noticed how uncomfortable he looked, but he didn’t linger downstairs. We went right up to my room.

“Okay, Jeremy, what’s the big emergency? What do you need me for? Because I’m not doing homework for you or any other dumb jock, just so you know that.”

“I didn’t ask you here to do my homework, bro, I can do it myself.”

“Yeah, but how well, bro? What’d you get on that last history assignment? A C?”

“A B Minus, actually. I know it wasn’t my best, but I had a basketball game and a wrestling match that week. Anyway, I’m getting my grades back up. I have to anyway. Anything lower than a C-, I get kicked off the team.”

“And that would be a tragedy, that would. What the hell happened to you, Jeremy? Why are you acting like this? I can’t stand jocks. I really can’t. I can’t even look at you. And it smells like a locker room in here. Do you ever wash your jockstraps?”

“Yeah, I do, but I’m a big boy now, and big boys sweat. It’s not a crime, bro.”

“Maybe not, but the stink in here is. Yeah, you’re a big boy all right, Jeremy. I’ll grant you that. You’re about a foot taller than I am now, and judging from how you look in the tank tops and shorts you wear even this time of year, you’ve been packing on the muscle. And the body hair, too.  Geez. Look at you. I guess you’ve turned into your own wet dream, eh, Jeremy? You always did have a thing for jocks. But I still can’t figure out how you turned into one.  Did those neanderthals kidnap you, brainwash you, and pump you full of steroids?”

“I don’t take steroids, bro. Steroids shrink your balls. I think even you know that.”

“Okay, I’ll concede on that point. Even from here, I can tell you don’t have shrunken balls, unless you’ve been stuffing rocks in your jockstrap. Geez, Jeremy, how do walk around with those? And what the eff happened to your dick? It wasn’t like that before.”

“There, bro, you can manage to look at me when you want to. Glad you’re impressed, but I didn’t ask you over here to discuss my package.”

“Then what did you ask me here for, Jeremy? If it wasn’t for me to do your homework or admire the size of your balls, then what did you want from me?”

“This,” I said, pulling him to me and kissing him.

He struggled a bit at first, but I held him firmly, and pretty soon he was giving back as much as he was getting. His tongue pushed hungrily into my mouth. A minute later, though, he pulled away. “Damn it, Jeremy,” he said. “Did you have to do that? You’re big, you’re dumb, and you stink. I can’t. I just can’t.”

I put my hand on his rigid cock, which was tenting his pants, and said, “This is telling a different story, isn’t it Chase? You want to know why I asked you over? To tell you that I love you. I think I always loved you. I missed you so much. And I’m pretty sure you love me, too. Am I right?”

“Damn you,” Chase said, starting to kiss me again. He didn’t come up for air for a couple more minutes. “Fuck. I hate this. You want me to say it, don’t you? Yes, I love you. There. I said it. I think I’ve always loved you. Damn it.”

“But bro, I’m big and dumb, and I stink.”

“Yeah, I know,” said Chase. “And I still love you, you big, hot lunkhead. Although I’m starting to wonder how dumb you really are. You seem to know how to push all of my buttons. Now shut up and let’s get back to work. And stop calling me ‘Bro’!”

We got back to work. For such a little dude with zero experience that I knew of, he gave me a thorough workout. Once he finally got to it, I mean, he just went nuts. It was as if I’d broken some kind of barrier down inside him, and now that it was gone, he couldn’t get enough of me. I couldn’t believe little Chase could be such an animal. When we finally finished, we were both sweating heavily. Chase said, “I’m sorry. I had to do that or I was going to go crazy.”

“You did go crazy, bro. And nothing to be sorry for. I had a great time.”

“I did, too. Damn it. Why, Jeremy? I don’t like jocks.”

“Could’ve fooled me, bro”.

“Yeah, I know. I guess I like this jock. I love you, Jeremy. You were right about that. Well, we’ve certainly had a night. Now are you going to send me packing? Don’t you have a freshman to stuff into a locker or something, or a game to play?”

“Chase, dude, I love you like crazy, but you really need to get over your hate, okay? I’ve changed. I know it hasn’t been easy for you, but you need to be okay with that.”

“I know, Jeremy. I’ve just really been having trouble dealing with you as a jock. I thought I’d lost you forever, and it made me mean. I’m sorry. I know whatever changes you’ve been going through, it’s not your fault, and I haven’t been a good friend to you lately. But it’s hard for me to get used to. You really do smell like jock, you know, and now I’ve got that smell all over me. I feel a little queasy now, honestly.”

“I’m sorry about the jock smell, bro, honestly, I am, but I think you’re going to have to just live with it. I shower, like, every day. Sometimes more than once.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry, too. You’re right; I’ll just have to get used to it. I don’t know. Maybe it’s not so bad. Anyway, if that’s what I have to put up with, I’ll have to put up with it.”

“Bro, you’re sure you’re okay? Your voice is getting kind of hoarse.”

“Still a bit dizzy or whatever, but I feel fine otherwise,” he said, his voice cracking. “My throat’s just a little scratchy.”

I smiled, thinking Chase probably wouldn’t be needing that cup after all. “Bro,” I continued, “I know you’re not exactly interested in going out for a sport right now, but I just wanted to let you know that you owe Coach Sanders a huge favor.”

“Not sure I follow you, Jeremy. Why do I owe Coach Sanders a favor?”

“Because he was the one who told me not to give up on our friendship. Bro, I was so, like, sad that you weren’t talking to me that I went to ask his advice. And he was super nice and super helpful about it, and he made so much sense. And he told me pretty much what you said, bro, about you having trouble dealing with it that I had changed so much so fast. And I asked him to talk to you, and he said he would if I wanted, but that I shouldn’t, you know, underrate our friendship, and I could talk to you better than he could. And he was right.”

“Yeah,” agreed Chase. “He was right. I guess I do owe him a favor, then.”

“Yeah, bro,” I said, kissing Chase again lightly. “Anyway, it’d be great for you to talk to him sometime. He’s a great guy.”

“I’m sure he is, Jeremy. And maybe, maybe, if you value his opinion so much, I can persuade him to get you down to using ‘Bro’ every other sentence.” I pantomimed punching him in the arm and he laughed. “Sorry, Jeremy, but I couldn’t resist that one. It’s okay. But yeah, I’ll talk to him sometime, if it means that much to you.”

“It’s good to hear you laugh again, bro. I’ve missed that.” Then I kissed him again, and we got down to business for another round.

Chase ended up spending the night. It was pure ecstasy for us, because neither of us wanted to be away from the other. But the next morning, we had school, and the alarm was a rude awakening from our blissful night.

Chase said he felt great in the morning, but his voice was so hoarse he could barely talk above a whisper: “Jeremy,” Chase croaked, “I’m going to stink so bad at school. You think I have time for a shower?”

I kissed him again and said, “Don’t shower yet, babe. Please. You smell like me, and I want every guy at school to know you’re mine.”

Chase laughed, “Okay, Jeremy. I guess you marked me as your mate. Just for you, because I love you, I won’t shower until I get home tonight. Anything else you want?”

“Just one more thing, you ever worn a jock, babe? No, of course you haven’t. Here’s one of mine. I want you to wear it to school today.”

“Geez, Jeremy, I mean, that’s sweet, and a little gross, but how is one of your jockstraps going to fit me? It’ll be all stretched out from your monster cock and balls.”

“You’ll see,” I said. “Let me get it on you. You’d be surprised how well these things recover from being stretched out. If it won’t stay on you by itself right now, you just put a pair of briefs over it. Wait, I think I still have a few of my old ones that don’t fit me anymore.” So I positioned one of my used jockstraps over his package and then put a pair of my old briefs over it, and once I got in place, I said, “Now you’ll be able to feel that you’re mine all day long.”

“Ooh, that feels strange. Really strange. But it’s kind of nice. It makes me feel warm and tingly, all over. But I guess I’d better get dressed now.”

Chase kissed me again, and then he started pulling on his pants and shirt from last night. “That’s funny, Jeremy,” he whispered. “My pants are little tight.”

“Well, you’ve got a little extra material there now, bro. I’m sure your pants will stretch out a bit once you’ve had them on for a bit.”

We went to school together, but we didn’t have any classes together until after lunch, so I didn’t see him again until lunchtime. We ate lunch together. Chase was feeling fine, he said, but he was really hungry, and he got seconds, which he never did normally. He was clearing his throat a lot, and when he talked, his voice alternated between sounding hoarse and cracking. To me, his Adam’s apple already looked a little more prominent, but it could have been my imagination. He looked a little sweaty, too, but I said nothing about it.

“Jeremy,” he said, “I just wanted to let you know that I’m trying to get used to the jock smell, I really am, but I feel stinky and sweaty, and I’m really looking forward to a shower.”

“It’s okay, little bro. I just wanted to be sure you and everyone else knew you were mine.”

“Very cute, Jeremy. But I keep thinking your jock friends are staring at me.”

Chase had a point; some of them did seem to be staring, particularly James and Steve, who looked over several times.

“Don’t worry about my bros, babe,” I said. “No one’s going to mess with you now that you’re my boyfriend.”

But I was curious as to what James and Steve were talking about; they were clearly having a couple chat that no one else was in on.

After school, I had basketball practice. Before practice, I swung by Coach Sanders’s office to return the cup and thank him again. He was at his desk. I closed the door and said, “Coach, I wanted to thank you so much for helping me with Chase. I ended up not needing this, so I wanted to get it back to you.” I handed him the cup.

He said nothing until he had carefully put the cup back into the same file drawer he’d retrieved it from originally, and then he said, “So, big guy, how’d things go?”

“Awesomely. You were right about trusting our friendship, Coach. I think I’d been in love with him for a long time, and I told him so, and it turned out he was in love with me, too. Now we’re officially boyfriends, and I couldn’t be happier.”

“Love’s a powerful thing, Jeremy. I’m glad for you. So, Chase is dealing with your changes better now?”

“Definitely, Coach. And, if I’m right, he’ll probably be ready to talk to you about joining up in a week or two.”

The coach chuckled. “Big guy, if you were smiling any harder, I think your face would split. Okay, Jeremy, I can read between the lines. We’ll keep an eye on Chase and make sure he turns out all right.”

“Thanks, Coach. I owe you a lot.”

“You’re welcome, Jeremy. I owe you a lot, too.”

I didn’t see Chase again that night, but we texted. Other than his voice, he was feeling fine. The next morning at school, James lumbered up behind me, reached up, and clasped a meaty hand on my shoulder: “Sup, bro. Why don’t we take a walk to my office. It’s time for another counseling session.” He had one of those one-eyebrow-raised jock smirks on his face, so it was hard to tell if he was amused or irritated. I followed him to the most out-of-the way men’s room in the school. No one was inside.

“Haven’t been in here for a while. Brings back memories – sort of.” I looked at him, puzzled, and he sighed. “Never mind. It’s just that this place has seen a few interesting scenes in my life, bro, but that’s another story. If these walls could talk! I’m just glad I didn’t have to kick any nerds out of here this time. We need a little privacy.”

“What’s up, James? Why’d you bring me here? I’m confused.”

“You do seem to have that problem sometimes, bro. Were you a little dense before you changed, or did you lose a few IQ points in the process?  Anyway, the last time you and I talked, we were talking about your future. But you’re not a little bro anymore, not at all. You’ve turned out fine. No, it’s not your future I’m worried about. Steve-o and I noticed your little friend at lunch. What’s his name? Chase? So, what’s going on with your little friend, Chase, bro?”

“Something wrong with him, bro?” I asked, as innocently as I could.

“You do like to push your luck, don’t you? I’m still a lot bigger than you are. And, unlike some of our bros, I’m not stupid, and neither is Steve. I’m starting to suspect you’re not as dumb as you come off, either.”

“Your point, dude?”

“I’m getting there,” James continued with a glare. “Patience is a virtue, bro. I don’t know what all you know or may have heard about Steve and me and some of the stuff that used to go on around here. Let me just tell you that I have plenty of experience seeing nerds and geeks turn into jocks. I can recognize the signs sooner than most. Don’t hold out on me, bro. I’m not asking because I’m nosy. There might be more involved than you know about. So, give. What happened to Chase? Why is he starting to turn?”

“He’s my boyfriend, bro. That’s what happened. He and I had been in love since, like, forever, but he was having trouble with me being a jock. Anyway, we reconciled the night before last.”

James’s smirk deepened. “Oh, that’ll be fun. Too much fun. That is fucking awesome! I’ve got to say, bro, I suspected something like that. Look, it really wouldn’t be any of my business, except that I want to make sure your little bro Chase is okay. Protocol is, as you know, that we only hang around with other bros, so you and Chase were attracting some attention. You don’t need to give me a play-by-play, but he already looks like he’s turning fast. You did that just by making out with him?”

“Well, yeah, bro. I mean, we did it – a lot – that first night. And I did talk him into wearing one of my jockstraps. I think it helps. I, uh, wore that one of yours for over a week, I think.”

“Kind of hard to remember stuff from before, isn’t it bro?” said James softly. “It was Steve’s, by the way, not that it really matters. We knew it was Steve you really wanted to make out with. I don’t blame you; he is incredibly hot, after all. Look, bro, I know it doesn’t matter now, but you have to realize that we had no idea that making out with us was going to make you turn. We just wanted you to have some fun – and leave us alone.”

“Bro, seriously, it’s okay. I’m super happy with my life. I mean, I know I used to be different, but now I can’t really remember what I was like before. I mean, I remember my life and all the facts and all that, but I can’t remember what it felt like, you know?”

“Yeah, I do know, actually,” James said, almost in a whisper. “Your old life is like a dream you barely remember, and every day it fades a bit more, because you were always like this, and that dream, bro, it never happened.”

“Yeah, it’s exactly like that,” I said, excitedly. But James sighed; he was looking away from me toward his reflection in the mirror. His smirk was gone, and his face was utterly blank. I was a bit disconcerted, but I continued, “And Chase, well, I didn’t know what would happen, but I figured that, since we loved each other so much, it would turn out okay no matter what. But dude, we made out so many times that night, and by morning, I could already tell he was starting to change. So I figured, okay then, we’ll just be another hot jock couple like you and Steve.”

“Yeah, I suppose you will be at that, bro,” James said, his customary smirk pointed at me again. “Other people will start noticing soon. You’ll want to keep a close eye on him for now. And talk to one of the coaches, probably Sanders, the basketball coach. He was the one Derek talked to about you. Sanders was around when all this stuff started going on, and he must know something. I’ll bet Halvorson, the wrestling coach, does, too.  The football coach, you know, the new one, don’t go to him. He’s a great coach and all, but he doesn’t know anything about this kind of, um, special case.”

“All taken care of, bro. I had already talked to Coach Sanders about Chase, and I talked to him again yesterday before practice. He was the one who encouraged me to reconcile with Chase in the first place, and I’m glad I did.”

“Interesting, bro, very interesting. He actually encouraged you to reconcile with Chase? I’m surprised. Pleasantly, but surprised. I don’t know Coach Sanders, really. I’m not on the basketball team, and I’ve never really talked to him, but I’m glad he isn’t a homophobe. That was one of the problems with the old football coach. So, I’m assuming Coach Sanders must have some or all of the old football coach’s videos.”

“Yeah, bro, I watched one of those, and he said he had some of the old coach’s stuff, just not all of it. I asked him if the video would help Chase, and he told me it would, but I might need something special to help as well. But I ended up not needing it, so I gave it back to him.”

“Whoa, dude,” said James. “What the fuck! You don’t mean he actually still has…”  James leaned right into my face and whispered so softly I almost couldn’t hear him. “Does Sanders actually still have a cup? Is that what he gave you?”

“Yeah, bro, that’s what he gave me,” I whispered back.

I’d almost never seen James look anything but cocky, but whatever was going through his head had wiped the usual smirk off his face again. His eyes were as round as basketballs. “No shit,” he finally said, quietly. “Steve-o and I thought they were all long gone, along with the old football coach. And Sanders still has one?”

“Bro,” I whispered. “I know he told me not to talk about this at all, but I think he said they had very few left, so doesn’t that mean there must be more than one?”

“Holy shit,” said James. “Okay, bro, do not, I repeat, do not, say a word about any of this to anyone. Absolutely not. And don’t let on to Coach Sanders that you told me. The less you know about those things the better. Bro, I am so glad you didn’t have to use one of those on Chase. What you two did was a lot more fun, for you and for him, and if all goes well, little Chase will never know what hit him.” He paused. “We’re done with our discussion, bro, but, just out of curiosity, do you remember any of the video Coach Sanders had you watch?”

“Well, I remember that it was really good, and I enjoyed it, but no, I don’t honestly remember what it was about. Why?”

“Professional curiosity. I’m studying biology, not that I exactly bring that up at practice with the bros. But I’m curious about the process – if you follow me. I think, bro, that it’s not just one video that you watched. I think there’s more than one, and I’m not sure if we all see the same ones or not. But that’s just a feeling I have. I have zero evidence, and I can’t remember any more of the video than you do. I’ll be curious to find out if Chase remembers anything when his turn comes. Speaking of coming,” he said with a chuckle, “Make sure you get him to come as soon as you can, you know, after he’s done. It’ll help him finish adjusting. He’ll probably be super horny anyway, but it he’s not, get him horny, okay, bro?”

“Okay, bro,” I said with a grin. “That’ll be a pleasure. But what’s so bad about those cups, anyway?”

“Look, bro, forget about the cups. Just be very, very glad you never had to wear one. Trust me.” And with that he left.

To be continued

[writteninlunarlight-years]

hiii!!! i just came across ur blog and i would love to get a bg3 matchup if that’s ok!!!

gender - female

pronouns - she/they

sexuality - pansexual! i’m fine with being matched with any gender!!

appearance - i’m 5’0 and have small bone structure, so overall just small lol . i have long platinum blonde hair and hazel eyes! i like dressing cute and wear a lot of skirts n stuff!! i also have rlly big glasses

mbti - infp

personality - i am very shy!! i rlly like talking to ppl, im just bad at it and it makes me nervous. im also a pretty anxious person, so i usually stick to whoever im with in public or around ppl (literally stick, i will hold on and not let go). overall im a very quiet and gentle person!!

likes - i play wayyyy too many video games (bg3, ff7, ow2)! i also spend a lot of time painting and i rlly love art!! while im painting i usually rewatch my fav shows (hxh and attack on titan)!!

dislikes - vegetables >:/ i also dislike ppl who don’t understand that socializing is hard for me, and will try to push me into social situations i’m uncomfortable in. i’m also extremely scared and hate any body of water :c

extra fun fact - my fav color is pink :D

characters i don’t want - no shadowheart if that’s ok!! nothing against our girl but i don’t like her romantically!!

bg3 extras :D

race - human

class - druid!!!!

~~~~~ MATCHUPS ~~~~~

BG3

Gale Dekarios

~~~~~ HEADCANONS ~~~~~

Gale is a big softy but wants to be Alpha Male so bad.

He will happily allow you to hold on to his arm, and he will try to act all big and tough when he is a schoolgirl inside.

When he first met you, he thought you were too timid to be the leader of the group. However, your quick thinking proved him wrong.

He loves spending lazy days between battles with you in the fields, teaching you about magic and how he learned it.

Gale always keeps a hand on your lower back when out in public, or he will intertwine your fingers.

Mans is jealous; he will be a big baby if you cling to anyone but him on your outings.

Will literally throw a fit by yanking you into his presence.

He loves watching you commune with nature and the world and is interested in your magical abilities.

Will bend over backward for you. It is gotten for you in a heartbeat if you want or need anything.

He wants you to feel worshiped and treasured. I mean, the only love he has ever had was with a god, so this is only right....right?

When you comfort and remind him he is enough without the lavishing gifts, he is overwhelmed but so happy.

He happily and willingly gives up Mystra for you, not caring about godhood or kingdom.

He loves being with you all the time, and when the illithids are handled, he makes you a permanent fixture in his tower in Waterdeep.

~~~~~ BLURB ~~~~~

You and Gale were sat out in the open fields just before Baldurs Gate. The Iron Golems proving to be more of a hindrance than initially thought. The team decided to take a breather and devise a plan to get around this issue. However, working on magical skills with Gale was probably more of a distraction, especially with how cute his focusing face was. Sitting quietly watching him enchant a simple thorns spell was fascinating.

Once he had gotten the hang of the basics of a ring of thorns, you congratulated him and wrapped your arms around his midsection. Gale was taken aback, but a quick laugh and warm arms wrapped around you soon replaced every thought in either of your minds. You two had been like this since he saved you from an arrow to the back, so close yet so far. When Elminster told you he was to die, you lay in his arms, crying your eyes out, begging him not to go through with it.

Enjoying the warmth of the hug, you two soon moved to cuddle in the grass, pointing out odd-shaped clouds. You knew you should be planning how to get into Baldur Gate, but this was so nice. Gale was a new normal for you, and you hated to think it could go horribly wrong in any passing days; you wrapped your arms tighter around the man and kissed him on the cheek before burying your face into his neck. Gale had already made up his mind and would fight till his last breath to have a forever with you.

~~~~~ EXTRA ~~~~~

(Everyone was celebrating the defeat of the elder brain. A few rounds of drinks had flowed, and many were a bit tipsy.)

Astarion: Cheers to our fearless leader, who took us through these trials and allowed us freedom!

Everyone: Cheers!

Shadowheart: Cheers to our new-found friendships, which, though strained, ended up being the best thing to come out of this horrible experience!

Everyone: Cheers!

Gale: I, too, have an announcement to make! Y/N, I want you to know that since the day you saved me from that rock, you have stolen my mind. You are perfect; please marry me.

La'zek: 20 copper. He is the furthest gone of all of us, and he won't remember in the morning.

Y/N: Oh, come on, it's cute, but yes, Gale, we should try again when you aren't the color red of the setting sun.

Gale: MMMMkay *hicups*

[starrishly]

do you know why guitars cry?

Summary:

Thalia Grace was this close to blasting Percy with a lightning bolt. It was the first visit to Camp the Hunters were making in ages, and the two decided to place a bet. Given how competitive they both were, somebody probably should've stopped them. But, since no one did, the daughter of Zeus was stuck in a very annoying situation. or Thalia loses a bet and remembers an old talent.

my work for @rrversesummerbang 's event for @ssavinggrace !!

read on ao3

merry belated christmas and a happy new year !! i hope you like this <3

prompt: Thalia grace playing guitar

word count: 1,411

Thalia Grace was this close to blasting Percy with a lightning bolt.

It was the first visit to Camp the Hunters were making in ages, and the two decided to place a bet. Given how competitive they both were, somebody probably should've stopped them. But, since no one did, the daughter of Zeus was stuck in a very annoying situation.

Chiron gave the okay for a Capture the Flag game, news that spread like wildfire through the camp. Everyone started making alliances; the Hunters were part of Team Red alongside the Athena, Hades, Ares, Aphrodite, Hermes, Tyche, Nike, Nemesis and Hebe cabins.

Thalia couldn't deny that she was eager for the game to start. She was eating her lunch at the Hunters' table when Percy approached her, a grin etched on his face.

The girl raised a brow in question.

"I bet you anything we're going to win tonight," he challenged.

"As if. We always win."

"Nope, not this time," the boy replied, the grin still on his face. He was smart; he knew she wouldn't back down from a contest. 

The two stared at each other before the Hunter asked: "What are your terms?"

"The loser has to do anything the other says for the week." 

The girl's smile was now matching Percy's. "Oh, you're so losing this."

~

Team Red was currently strategizing in their tent, with 10 minutes until the start of the game.

Thalia's usual suggestion was to split in two- defense and offense- but Annabeth insisted on something more elaborate. Since she was the best strategist she knew, Thalia was content with letting her make a plan.

When the given time was over, the team was confident in their chances of winning. Thalia, Nico di Angelo, and some other Hunters would be the ones to capture the flag as the Ares and Aphrodite cabin distracted the others.

Annabeth assigned trap-setting duty to a few Hermes Cabin members while Cabin 6 would defend the flag. The remaining kids would divide, each protecting a border.

They all lined up in the middle of the forest. Annabeth was carrying their silver flag, which had laurels painted on it. It was made out of a shiny material that reflected the sunlight.

Team Blue kept it simple. The flag was cerulean, courtesy of Percy. Painted by every team member with various symbols, it was a cacophony of colors. Thalia's eyes hurt, but she had to admit they had a pretty good idea, letting everyone add something.

The Stolls were trying (and failing) to keep their laughter in. Annabeth just stared in shock. Someone from the Nemesis cabin asked: "Is that a carpet?"

The corners of Thalia's mouth turned up. They could see the flag from a mile away. This was going to be easy.

When everyone was aligned, Chiron blew the horn. In a split second, all campers ran off. Beside her, Vera and Macy, two Hunters, took their place. Nico di Angelo was somewhere behind. 

Their job was yet to begin. For now, the only thing they had to do was not get spotted.

Sometime later, as the group advanced through the forest, phase two of their plan started. The Ares cabin launched one of the emergency fireworks. 

That was their signal, meaning that the flag was unguarded. All they had to do was seize it.

The group ran as fast as they could. The few campers were easy to take down. Thalia almost reached the flag when she heard a scream behind her. 

Vera was caught in a trap. Thalia cursed, remembering Team Blue had the Hephaestus cabin on their side. With one look at Macy, they decided she would figure it out.

Nico suggested they should hurry since they could see the flag. Thalia agreed, but they were too late. She saw Jason and Percy carrying their flag and yelling.

When the boys stopped, Percy started to laugh. Thalia groaned in exasperation.

"How did we lose? Our defenses were so good!" Her tone betrayed confusion and annoyance.

"Well, I know your strategist a little too well." Percy turned towards his girlfriend with a cheeky smile.

Thalia turned to the girl, who gave her an embarrassed look. She sighed and shook their hands.

~

The stars shined brighter than usual that night, Thalia noticed. 

They were all gathered around the campfire. Tonight, it was vibrant yellow, reflecting the excitement of the winners.

Instead of sitting near her Hunters, the black-haired girl chose to sit near her little brother. She noticed Jason's teasing smirk as she sat down and playfully stuck her tongue out at him. 

Chiron finally arrived and took his place near the hearth. "Congratulations to tonight's winners! Until the next week, you are free from any chores." 

Team Blue cheered loudly. Meanwhile, most of Team Red groaned, knowing they had to clean bathrooms and wash dishes twice as much. While the Hunters didn't have chores, Thalia knew Percy hadn't claimed his prize. She was curious about what his first task would be.

Chiron stomped, bringing all attention to him again. 

"Now, the campfire activities may begin!"

The Apollo Cabin, as usual, took its place in front of the crowd. Instruments in hand, they followed the lead of Austin Lake. The boy wasn't the leader, but it was well known that the head counselor, Will Solace, couldn't sing to save his life.

Thalia would never admit that she enjoyed the light atmosphere or the songs about Grandma getting ready for war. It would bring endless mocking from her friends and wasn't in character. But she liked it anyway.

She allowed herself to relax a little until she caught Percy's eyes. The boy had that weird glint in his eye. He was up to something. She had a bad feeling it involved her.

As soon as the ongoing song ended, Percy walked over to Austin and whispered something in his ear. 

The son of Apollo listened, albeit a little confused. He glanced at her, his face scrunched up in thought, then turned towards the other and nodded. Percy grinned and started walking in Thalia's direction.

Not that she would show it, but she was panicking. When the boy got close enough, he began: "Thalia, my first task for you is...you have to play guitar!"

She stared at him for a moment, hoping he was joking. Thalia didn't even remember how to do that!

Okay, maybe she did. But she refused to do it. 

"Percy, what the hell," Thalia whisper-yelled. 

Unfortunately, she had no choice but to agree. The son of Poseidon looked overjoyed. Thalia wanted nothing more than to wipe that stupid grin off his face. Nonetheless, she moved closer to the hearth.

Austin carefully gave her his guitar, making the Hunter promise she wouldn't break it. It was beautiful and well-kept. The wood shined brightly in the fire's light.

"What am I even supposed to play?" 

Everyone shrugged, so Thalia started playing the first song that came to her mind. It was nothing special, an old, sentimental song, but the girl knew it by heart. Her fingers moved from one fret to another, lightly strumming the chords. She closed her eyes and went on.

Almost magically, the scenery changed. Thalia wasn't at Camp Halfblood anymore. Around her stretched a deep forest. A small makeshift fire was lit in front of her. 

A younger Annabeth was wrapped in a sleeping bag, staring at the stars as she listened to her friend play. A different guitar, smaller but loved, was resting in her hands.

Behind her, the Hunter heard a familiar voice.

"That's it, Thals! You got it." 

A soft smile appeared on her face at the sound. It was Luke's voice, and Thalia finally remembered why she hadn't played in so long.

He was the one who taught her, little by little, the art of using a guitar. She remembers his hands guiding her, his comforting words when she got something wrong. 

Thalia misses it, misses him, but she learned how to move on. 

When she strummed the last chord, she opened her eyes. Percy was staring at her, slightly gaping but beaming. Thalia then turned to Annabeth, who had a nostalgic look in her eyes and lips curved up.

"Surprised, Jackson?" she questions.

The boy shakes his head: "Not at all."

She returned to her seat and gave Austin the guitar. When she sat and noticed Jason's starry-eyed look, Thalia decided that this was the only family she needed.

[binarybreak]

Hey all! Just wanted to say:

1) The season two premier was such a fantastic way to develop both interest and intrigue in the new season, I was so stoked, you all did a fantastic job making me (I can't speak for the rest of your audience) invested in these characters, the mystery of what happened to Team Baby, and what happens next. I completely understand your monthly release schedule (it's a tremendously impressive accomplishment, especially considering this is a fan project made by people who, I'm sure, have plenty else going on in their lives,) and I'd never be like "okay guys, hurry it up," but I will say that I'm very anxious to hear the next episode!

2) I'm reading over the rules for Digidice, and I just have one question: am I missing something, or is there no mechanical difference between the Tired condition and the Sick condition? Like obviously you'd play them differently as a character, but they're essentially the same thing rules wise?

3) Are there any plans for developing a bestiary/monster manual type of thing? Like obviously fans already know all the classic Digimon and are more than willing to run with fakemons so you wouldn't need pictures or lore, I'm just concerned about the poor DMs needing to come up with stat blocks for NPCs on the fly when things go off the rail. To be clear, I'm not asking you to make one, I was just thinking I might have fun making one, but I didn't want to bother if there's already one in the works

4.) I have tried actual play after actual play podcast. The first podcast I ever listened to was TAZ*, and since I loved it so much I scoured the genre for any more content I would like. You are the first actual play since TAZ to actually catch and hold my attention. I don't know what it is about you other than a simple matter of personal taste, but you are rocking it. Thank you for making this show

*Unless it was Ars Paridoxica. Definitely one of those two

1. Thank you! Trust me, I am also eager to get to the next part of the story. If I could do this show as my full-time job, and release a new episode every week, I absolutely would.

2. Yeah, currently they're just two different flavors of the same condition. Played different ways and cured in different ways. The condition system is something I'm probably gonna totally overhaul if I ever do a second edition.

3. At some point, we will probably release Digidice stats for all of the digimon that appear in Binary Break (canon and original). Might also stat out a fair chunk of the most popular canon digimon who don't appear in the show, just as a resource for other GMs, and cause making digimon in that system is legitimately fun for me. In the meantime, feel free to stat out as many canon digi as you wish. Some folks on my Discord server were recently discussing the possibility of a sorta collaborative project to make something along those lines, but right now it's just in the "wouldn't it be cool if" phase.

4. That is some wonderfully high praise. It really means the world to me to hear you say that. So far the reaction to the season 2 premiere has been just lovely. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. 💜

- Claire

[wintervalewritersecond]

texas, baby - simon 'ghost' riley

requested: yes, requests are OPEN! request: a ghost x fem!reader, who was a southern accent and ghost and 141 teases her a lot. could be smutty or fluff, either way!! tysm <3 luv ur writing!

A/N: thank you so much!! <3 i am not a native english speaker, so i had to use google for some research, if anything is wrong, please let me know! i am assuming you meant like a southern american/texas-ish accent, if that is not what you meant, please let me know! <3

wordcount: 1,666 warnings: she/her reader, badly written southern accent, characters may be ooc as i have not really written for them before, graves didnt betray 141, probably wrong information about army-related things

Shadow Company seems to attract lots of people with Southern accents, something that is a big shock for the (mainly) British Task Force 141.

It had been quite the day. Under the request, or rather, command of Shepherd, Task Force 141 and Shadow Company were placed in the same base. This entire day was one of the days that was fully scheduled with training. Shooting, hand-to-hand, running - all of the good stuff.

Some of the men on your team were complaining about needing to share a base with 141, being all territorial and saying that those Brits didn't fit in with Shadow Company. You, however, could not be happier.

You and Simon Riley, Task Force 141's Lieutenant, have been together for a long time. Neither of you spoke of one another too often though - it would only cause distraction for the both of you. Your respective teams knew you were taken, but not exactly with who, when, or how. You were kind of glad that you weren't on the same teams. The amount of trouble (and paperwork) it would take for the relationship to work would be insane. Besides, you don't think any of your higher ups would appreciate it very much.

"Sergeant Y/L/N."

A knock on your door before it opens, your commander Philip Graves leaning against the wall. You were sat on the bed in your room, simply flipping through a book as you hum, standing up.

"Task Force invited us for a night out," he hums, "Seems that they want to party. Entire Shadow Company has been invited."

"Ah," you close the book, "Ain't that something. When are we leaving?"

"Give it about fifteen minutes. That fine with you?"

You nod, throwing the book back onto the bed before heading for your closet. Nothing too fancy - it is only a fun night out. It is going to be fun to meet the people that your boyfriend works with. After all, he literally trusts them with his life. You had not seen them too much this week, all of you being much too busy training and working out. A night to a club or bar could do you good.

After exactly fifteen minutes, Graves stands at your door again, changed into something more comfortable.

"Ready to go?"

"Course, commander."

Multiple trucks are lined up, ready for all of you guys to go in. The pub that you were planning to go to wasn't too far away, a mere 10 minute drive. You suspected that you would be the one driving back - your team could get carried away on nights out.

The pub is busy, music and chattering can be heard from meters away.

"Alright, play it nice, y'all," Philip looks at his team, nearly scolding them as if they are bad children, "Task Force 141 are our brothers. We fight with them, not against them. I don't want no fights tonight."

Some grunts can be heard as the other truck pulls up next to yours, every member of the 141 in there. The first one to get out is the captain, Price. Followed by the people you know as Gaz, Soap, and finally, Ghost. No skull balaclava on this time, but a simple, black, surgical mask. It doesn't look too out of the ordinary.

You look at him, licking your lips before nodding, a smile on your face. He does not say anything, only nodding in return as the entire group makes its way to the pub.

141 and Shadow Company don't really mix for the first half hour. You stand with Graves, talking about God knows what, while the rest are all sitting at their own tables. The tables are right next to each other, though, so that is at least one step.

"'M gonna get another drink," you nod as Graves takes a sip of his.

You had finished your glass a while back and you noticed that Ghost, who sat a few meters behind you, has also been looking at his empty glass for a while.

"Could I get another one of these, and a bourbon, please?"

With the two glasses, you walk over to the Task Force table, placing the glass in front of Ghost.

"Can't have ya without a drink, can I?"

The men look up, slightly confused, but more so surprised. Not only did they not really expect to hang out with the Shadows all too much this night, but your southern accent is a big contrast to their British ones. They, however, don't say anything about it though.

"Bourbon?"

"'Course," you nod, sipping your own glass, "Hafta make sure you stay hydrated, LT. Room for one more?"

Ghost takes the glass from you, scooting over in order to make place. It is a bit of a squeeze, but you have been closer to Simon than this. He glances at your glass for a second before sipping from his.

"Y/N, this is Price, Soap," he nods his head to the people at the table, "and Gaz. Mates, this is Y/N."

"Nice to meet ya."

Soap looks at Price for a second, but the older man discreetly shakes his head before returning to his beer. He can almost hear Soap thinking about a funny comment he could make, but he really can not be arsed to get into trouble.

"How do ye know big ol' Simon here, Y/N?"

"We go way back," you nod, "Have ya not told anyone about me, Simon?"

He only grunts, shaking his head before taking another sip of his drink. He would have, but he knows Soap will try and meddle into his personal life, something he would rather keep separated from work.

"Well, if he hasn't told ya, then I can't either. Secrets and all."

Soap lets out a laugh, shaking his head as he tries to stop his chuckles by drinking from his glass. The way you speak is so unlike he has heard before, and it is quite amusing to him.

"What's so funny, Johnny?"

"Nothing. I just think wee miss Y/N just has a very specific way of speaking."

"Wee miss?" You snort, "Real cute, Soap. How'd'ya get that name anyway?"

"It's not like Soap is a weird name," he responds, "What is your name then, bonnie? Cowboy? Yeehaw?"

"Cowboy is already taken by Graves, I fear."

"What is it then?"

"It's need to know."

It makes Soap shake his head, Price looking at him with an amused grin.

"I think Soap is just a bit confused, mate is not very good at understanding British accents already, let alone anything outside of that."

The Scot looks offended, Gaz only smirking as he shrugs.

"I hafta say that I'm happy y'all are amused," you nod, "But 'm gonna need more alcohol in my system to handle this. Sadly, I have been picked for designated driver."

You look back at the table behind you, most of the Shadows being surrounded by empty glasses, full ones in their hands. God, this is going to be a long night.

"Anyway, 'm going to smoke. Care to join?"

Simon immediately nods, standing up before guiding you outside, ignoring the curious looks from his squad mates. He is sure that Soap is going to be bugging him with questions later, so some relaxation before that would be nice.

"Did ya take your own pack?"

You pull out a cigarette, lighting it as you look over at the tall man next to you. He shakes his head. He has not had a smoke in a while, and the last pack he had got crumbled in his pocket. You inhale the smoke, holding out the cigarette to Simon who carefully takes it out of your hand. It is quiet, calm, silent. But not uncomfortable.

The cigarette gets shared between the two of you, and once it dies down, you pull another from your pocket. This time, Simon lights it, and once he inhales the smoke himself, he places the cigarette between your lips while still holding onto it. You look up at him, letting out a laugh before now inhaling it yourself.

"I missed ya, y'know?"

You had not seen him in a long time, and because most people did not know about your history, they also did not think about it. Graves knows that you and Simon are familiar, but that is where it all ends.

"Missed you too," he mumbles, his voice low and gravely.

Another cigarette bud lands next to your feet as you let out a sigh. It is a bit cold outside, but being here is just a bit better than being inside of the hot pub filled with drunk soldiers. You just hope that the rest of your team wants to leave soon.

"Sorry for my mates," Simon starts, "Soap is a bit odd sometimes."

You shake your head.

"No problem, Simon. Woulda done the same," you laugh, "Aint like I heard a Scottish accent like that before."

You rest your head on his shoulder as he wraps his arm around you, both sitting on the pavement outside. The breeze is a bit cold, but Simon is warm enough to keep you from freezing.

Ten minutes of silence pass before you clear your throat.

"Guess we hafta go back in, huh?"

He doesn't want to.

He wants to stay here, with you.

"Guess so."

Both of you stand up, your hand holding onto his as you look up at him with adoration in your eyes. You truly have missed him. He looks back down at you, the streetlight shining in his eyes, before softly pressing a kiss to your lips. God, it has been too long.

You kiss him back, of course, one hand holding his as the other is on his cheek. Maybe working with Task Force 141 is not going to be that bad after all. It is not until you pull away that Simon groans, his eyes now set on the door of the bar. In the opening stands Soap, a glass in his hand, and a real big grin on his face.

"Fuckin' hell."

[graveyard-party666]

Blood & Wine

And yet... you're always here.

New week, new chapter. This one was written long ago but i decided to make it longer. Almost gave up because of the verb tenses in that chapter. I still decided not to be bothered by that much and just post whatever i made.

Would it be weird if i decided to change the tense i used before for future chapters?.. 🤔

Anyway... here's the song for y'all.

Red has a stupid habit of plugging both ears with headphones. From a psychological point of view, her attempts to displace the real world, even for a second, are very funny. But even if for a moment she manages to forget about where she is and what she is doing, this is already a victory. From a therapeutic point of view, exactly.

Music has always been and is a part of therapy. There is hardly anything better than just dancing with headphones in your ears. Even if you dance in a place where strange to do so. But who can blame Red for this if the door to her office is closed and her stress and anxiety levels are off the charts? Well, of course, the folders won’t arrange themselves on the shelves.

Music is playing loudly through her headphones, and Red dances around, humming the song, as she places folders in alphabetical order on the shelves. Pedantry or OCD? Ironic.

The psychologist hears little except the music playing, and what difference does it make if the door to the office is closed?

A heavy hand falls on the girl’s shoulder. Red almost doubles over in horror. The last thing she expects is any visitors, especially if the door is locked. From the inside.

Red is unlikely to remember a single moment in her life when she turns her head so quickly. For a second, it seems to her that if she had turned her head a little faster, she would have simply broken her neck. A storm of emotions rushes through the girl when she sees an unexpected visitor. But one emotion is strongest of all - the desire to punch the visitor in the throat.

"Ghost, what the hell?!" the psychologist hisses at the masked intruder angrily. His face is covered by that stupid emo mask like always yet she can see the amusement in his eyes. "And how the fuck did you get in? The door was closed."

"I knocked, you didn't answer so... I just opened it." Lieutenant shrugs, stepping back, giving her space, as she takes off the headphones.

"Just opened it? Really?" Readhead can only skeptically look at the soldier, feeling the desire... desire to punch him. And maybe kiss him. Yeah, and desire to kiss him too.

"You are working with SAS soldiers." Ghost makes a simple yet real point. That's true. She works with the most dangerous men. The amount of skills they have that she doesn't know about is huge. Red doesn't even want to think about it.

"That was a cute dance, by the way."

Red could have sworn she heard the teasing tone in his voice. And for a moment she thinks she might choke him. She leaves no witnesses of her... dances.

"How long were you watching?.. Wait. No. Don't answer that." The psychologist shakes her head, falling down on the chair, feeling the embarrassment but trying not to give it away.

A light chuckle is heard from the masked man, which makes Red think for the millionth time about the plan of running away to the other side of the planet. This work is just too much.

She only shakes her head, taking the pills out of her bag.

"Did I scare you that much that you need sedatives?" Ghost asks jokingly, not understanding that what he has said is partially true.

"Antidepressants actually," Red speaks up after a short pause. She can see curiosity in his eyes.

"How are you working as a psychologist if you yourself need a psychologist?" Ghost looks at Red, smirking under the mask and waiting for an answer.

"No one would understand mentally unstable people better than another mentally unstable person," Red chuckles, hinting that Ghost himself is not as stable as he appears. No one on the team is one hundred percent fine and stable, and that's why they are so good at what they do.

"Being unstable is a blessing in a way..." Red smiles softly, swinging her high-heeled leg. "You guys use your rage and bottled-up feelings on the battlefield while still keeping a cold head and calm mind."

"I know you feel uncomfortable at the thought of me psychoanalyzing you," the woman continues, noticing the stern look of the man in the mask and a small glimpse of curiosity.

Lieutenant just lookes at her silently for a few moments before speaking up. "That wouldn't be much appreciated."

"Oh, I won't. People come to therapy in hopes of resolving their own issues. You, on the other hand... you prefer the chaos, keeps you on your toes, isn't it?" The redheaded woman tilts her head, as if looking straight through the mask.

"I wouldn't be here, in an elite military group, if my head was just chaos and nothing else," an annoyed sigh was heard from the soldier. "Psych evaluations are a big deal, you know?"

"Oh, yes, definitely... you are the best of the best soldiers, the most sane of all. And the most dedicated. You, my dear friend, know exactly why you do what you do as a job yet immense grief is following you somehow, instead of pride for many saved souls," she straightens her back, leaning closer to the soldier. "You are a badass, you know that?"

Ghost can't help but chuckle. "We went straight from you psychoanalyzing me, even though I asked you not to, to compliments." Lieutenant shakes his head in amusement.

He knew she probably wouldn't follow his request yet here he is, sitting on the couch in her office, watching her sort the papers and files.

"And yet... you're always here, Lieutenant."

Tag list: @cloudofbutterflies92 @chloekistune @justasmolbard

[starboye]

starring: simon "ghost" riley x male reader

request: Hey OP saw that you wanted some requests for Ghost and I was wondering if you could write some Ghost x male reader 🤭🤭 where they’re roommates (could be civilian AU or military) who both claim to be “straight” but are so gay for each other. I kind of make this opened ended there’s like zero Ghost x male reader stuff 😭😭

warnings: smut, some fluff i think, cursing, pervert!simon, pervert!reader, civillian!au, jerking off, fingering, making out

you and simon ended up as roommates after learning that he had nowhere to stay after getting of his mission and now every day is a struggle to stop yourself from pouncing on the man, you and him both claimed to be straight, casually bringing it up while on a mission with the 141 team but your actions tell a different story, longing glances and drawn out touches says that you both like each other, but both of you don't know that about one other, to sure that the other is strictly straight and doesn't hold any feelings.

the dynamic is kind of simple around the apartment, you usually cook and clean while simon is out working and he'd do the same when you're out, but recently simon has wanted to take the role of cleaning more often, that was a lie though he hated cleaning but when he realized he could use it for his own perverted nature he was eager to do it more, when doing laundry he'd steal a pair of your used underwear just to sniff it and jerk off with it.

fucking into his fist in the dead of night when he thinks you're sleep, using your underwear as a sort of gag to capture his deep groans, the imagination of fucking you senseless flooding his mind over and over till he came with choked back grunts that you heard unbeknownst to him, you both sitting on the couch watching tv the next morning as if he didn't imagine fucking you till you moaned every letter of his name.

and you well you weren't nearly any better than him, always sneaking into his room when he was at work to lay in his bed, sniffing whatever scent of him was left on his pillows and wrapping yourself in his blankets to then finger yourself to the thoughts of him using you like a cum rag, filling you up over and over till you cant think, and you knew that your fingers could never match up to what simon probably felt like but you wanted to know so bad.

you both wanted each other so badly but never knew if the other wanted it to, till one fateful night where you were both chilling in the kitchen cooking up some dinner when you turned around and bumped into simon, his hands quickly moving to hold your waist so you don't fall and you both stood there for some time, just staring into each others eyes "oh uh sorry" he stuttered releasing his grip on you and baking up "don't be" you quickly say wrapping your arms around his neck to kiss the man.

you having to stand on your toes just to reach his mouth with yours and with that you pulled back, a couple more seconds of silence following before he's picking you up and taking you to his room, and my god was that night good, you were both living out your fantasies of each other simon cumming over and over again till he was milked dry and you ending up a messy and incoherent mess splayed on his bed.

after that it was like to rabbits fucking constantly, over and over, day and night or even morning time by this point the neighbors were begging you guys to calm it down but that still didn't stop you guys, to drunk off one another love to even think of stopping, now here you were making out on the kitchen counter with simon after trying to bake desserts like you too didn't fuck that morning, after simon came home from work, and before dinner seems like tonight's gonna be a loud one.

taglist:@mailmango@spermeboy@ghostking4m@gayaristocrat@addictedtomalepits@staarb0y@crispysoup318@its-ares@gargoylesworld09@kadenvatsune@fuckshft

[coderower]

The Future of Software Development: Top Trends to Watch in 2024

Introduction:

The field of technology is always changing, but software creation is still at the cutting edge of brand-new ideas. As 2024 approaches, the trends that will shape the future of software development become more apparent. These trends will bring both exciting possibilities and challenges for businesses and workers. This blog post will talk about the most important trends to keep an eye on in 2024, covering everything from cloud-based solutions to custom software creation.

1. Custom Software Development

Custom software development is still an important part of modern businesses because it lets them make solutions that fit their exact needs. In 2024, we expect a huge increase in the need for unique software solutions as companies try to stand out in very competitive markets. Custom software development is the most adaptable and adjustable way to improve customer experiences or streamline internal processes.

2. Software Development Services

People are still looking for software development services because they need help and professionals to make cutting-edge apps. Outsourcing software development has become a smart choice for many companies, from startups to large corporations, that want to cut down on development time and time to market.

3. Mobile App Development

Since smartphones and other mobile devices are becoming more popular, companies that want to connect with customers while they’re on the go still put a lot of emphasis on mobile app development. We think 2024 will be a big year for user-centred design and making new technologies like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) work well.

4. Developers of Web Applications

Developers of Web applications are moving toward making experiences that are more engaging and flexible. Progressive web apps (PWAs) and single-page apps (SPAs) will likely become popular in 2024 as companies try to make the web faster and more interesting on all devices.

5. Cross-device App Development

Making apps that work on multiple devices without any problems is possible with cross-platform app development, which has become more popular in recent years. By 2024, cross-platform tools like React Native and Flutter should have even better features, allowing developers to reach more people with less work.

6. Full-Stack Development

As of now, workers who are skilled in both front-end and back-end platforms are in high demand for full-stack development. They are seen as versatile and knowledgeable. There will be a greater need for full-stack coders who can offer complete solutions in 2024, so training and upskilling programs will be a big focus.

7. Web Design and Development

Web design and programming are very important for shaping the user experience and getting people to interact with your site. We expect to see a move toward simple and easy-to-use designs in 2024, with an emphasis on making things accessible and open to everyone. The digital world will also continue to change as new design trends like dark mode and neomorphism become more popular.

8. Cloud-Based Solutions

Modern infrastructure is built around cloud-based solutions, which are scalable, reliable, and cost-effective. We think that there will be even more movement toward cloud-native designs in 2024, with a focus on serverless computing and containerization. Multi-cloud and mixed-cloud methods are also becoming more popular, which will give companies more freedom and stability.

9. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) techniques have changed the way software is developed by making it possible for teams to make code changes quickly and accurately. We expect a lot of people to use CI/CD processes in 2024, with a focus on automation, teamwork, and feedback loops. Employing CI/CD in their work processes can help companies release software more quickly and with higher quality.

10. Software testing and product testing

Software testing is still an important part of the development process because it makes sure that apps work as planned and meet quality standards. Automated testing systems and AI-driven testing tools will become more popular in 2024, making it easier for coders to find problems and fix them. For the whole development process, using shift-left testing methods will also help build a mindset of quality.

11. Custom Web App Development

When businesses hire custom web app developers, they want solutions that are made just for them and the problems and chances in their fields. Custom web apps are flexible, safe, and quick, and they can be used to make management systems inside the company or sites for customers. It’s going to be very popular to have custom web apps made in 2024 because companies will want to stay ahead of the competition and focus on digital change projects.

12. Web Solutions

Many tools and services can be used to make web experiences that are live and engaging. Web tools, like e-commerce platforms and content management systems, help companies connect with customers, run their businesses, and grow. Developer tools, content management systems, and hosting services are likely to keep getting better in 2024, which will allow businesses to make web apps that are strong and flexible.

13. Develop Mobile Apps

Mobile apps are now essential for companies that want to reach people while they’re on the go and make the user experience better. Native mobile app development will be a big deal in 2024. To make sure users have a smooth and fast experience, developers will use platform-specific features and functions. Additionally, makers will be able to make new, feature-packed mobile apps by combining cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and blockchain.

14. App Development

The process of making apps for different devices, like phones, the web, and computers, is called app development. We expect a coming together of technologies and methods in 2024, which will make it easy for coders to make apps that work on multiple platforms. With the rise of low-code and no-code development platforms, companies can speed up the process of making apps and give regular people the tools they need to help make new solutions.

15. Emerging Technologies

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), bitcoin, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are just a few of the new technologies that will drastically change the way software is made in 2024. These technologies could completely change businesses, make tasks easier to do, and generate new ideas in all areas. AI and ML will be used more for predictive analytics, personalized experiences, and automating regular chores in 2024. Similarly, blockchain technology will keep shaking up old ways of doing business by making deals safe and clear, while IoT devices will make it easier to connect and gain insights from data.

16. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Development

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have become powerful tools that could change many fields, from fun and games to education and healthcare. Hardware, software, and content creation tools will get better in 2024, which will lead to a lot of new AR and VR releases. AR and VR will be used more and more by businesses to make events more engaging, improve training programs, and connect with customers in fresh new ways.

17. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML are going to be very important in the future of software development, allowing smart automation, predictive analytics, and customized experiences. We expect to see more AI and ML built into software in 2024, as companies use data to make better decisions and run their businesses more efficiently. AI and ML will continue to change how software is made, used, and implemented, from robots and virtual helpers to recommendation engines and systems that look for scams.

18. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is a big change in the way computers work. It can do processing that has never been seen before and could help solve hard problems that regular computers can’t. Future progress in quantum computing is expected to continue in 2024. This will have effects on software development in areas like security, optimization, and science modelling. Quantum computing isn’t being used by most people yet, but developers and businesses are starting to look into how it could be used and what it means for the future of software development.

19. Edge Computing

The rise of edge computing has made it possible for real-time processing and low-latency apps. Edge computing brings computer power closer to where the data is created. Edge computer technologies are likely to become more popular in 2024, especially in fields like IoT, manufacturing, and self-driving cars. Edge computing is an important part of the future of software development because it processes data closer to where it is created. This means that decisions can be made faster, bandwidth is used less, and dependability is improved.

20. DevOps and DevSecOps Practices

DevOps and DevSecOps practices are becoming more popular in software development because they help teams simplify processes, speed up delivery, and make security better. Further use of DevOps and DevSecOps methods is expected in 2024, due to the need for more cooperation, automation, and flexibility. DevOps and DevSecOps allow teams to create high-quality software faster and more safely by combining development, operations, and security into a single process. This meets the needs of today’s digital world, which is changing quickly.

21. Data Privacy and Security

Businesses and customers both care a lot about data privacy and security. Strong security measures are needed because of rising online risks and laws. Data protection and security will still be important in software development in 2024, with a focus on encryption, identification, and compliance. Developers will be very important in keeping private data safe and defence against new threats. They will do things like secure code, security testing, and vulnerability evaluations.

22. Low-Code and No-Code Development Platforms

Low-code and no-code development platforms have made software creation more accessible to everyone, letting business users and citizen coders make apps without needing to know a lot about coding. As businesses try to speed up their digital transformation efforts and meet the growing demand for custom software solutions, we expect the low-code and no-code market to continue to grow in 2024. Low-code and no-code systems help businesses quickly adapt to changing customer wants and market conditions by hiding complexity and cutting down on development time.

23. Ethics and Responsible AI

As AI and ML become more common, people are becoming more aware of the moral and social effects they can have. We think that ethics and responsible AI will get more attention in software development in 2024. Developers and companies will take more steps to make sure that AI-driven systems are fair, open, and accountable. Researchers will have to think about how their work affects other people and put ethics first throughout the whole development process. This includes methods to reduce bias and ethical AI models and standards.

24. Remote Collaboration and Distributed Teams

The move to working from home has completely changed how teams work together and talk to each other. In software development, distributed teams are now the rule. As companies get used to mixed work models and see the benefits of remote work, we expect them to put more money into tools and platforms for online teamwork in 2024. With tools like virtual whiteboarding, videoconferencing, project management, and version control, online collaboration platforms make it easy for teams to work together even when they are in different places. This encourages creativity, innovation, and efficiency.

25. Diversity and Inclusion in Tech

Inclusion and diversity have become very important issues in the tech industry, as more people realize how important different points of view and experiences are for fostering creativity and innovation. We expect that more will be done in 2024 to support diversity and inclusion in software development. For example, mentoring programs, diversity training, and hiring methods that are open to everyone will be given top priority by companies. Businesses can get the most out of their teams and encourage an atmosphere of innovation and success by making the workplace more fair and open to everyone.

In conclusion:

In 2024, the future of software development will be marked by new ideas, quick changes, and a never-ending quest for perfection. To stay competitive in today’s digital world, businesses and workers need to keep up with the latest trends and changes in everything from new technologies like AI and quantum computing to well-known practices like DevOps and data security. Software engineers can change the future of technology for years to come by being open to change, encouraging teamwork, and putting ethics and fairness first.

[ionlymadethissoicouldleaveanask]

As promised, some bad fanfiction to match up my earlier assertion that I have accidentally begun shipping Lorne and Cadman.

Some backstory for the mess you are about to read. Be warned, it's tangential at best.

I was watching that episode where Cadman is stuck in McKay's head. At one point she says, "Good boy!" after McKay downed a huge glass of wine, which immediately synced up with my seemingly innate need to make a joke about every tough soldier man in popular media having some kind of praise kink.

Essentially, its mindless crack that is going to be meaningless to pretty much everyone except me. So anyhow.

---

“You’re shivering, Major.”

Lieutenant Cadman’s tone was playful, but not without legitimate concern hidden somewhere beneath her trademark snark. She leaned forward to stir the small campfire between them, the ghost of a smile on her lips as she looked over at her companion.

Lorne just wrapped his soaked jacket tighter around his shoulders. “Very astute observation, marine,” he grunted. “Does the investigative training come before or after Basics of Crayon Eating in your ROTC program?” The biting question came across more petulantly than he had really intended. She was probably just sharing concern for him. Of course… Major Evan Lorne wasn’t a man who accepted pity lightly.

“Same semester, actually,” Cadman answered flippantly, thankfully taking his remark for the friendly inter-branch teasing that it was. “I mastered the art of basic observation about the same time the Chair Force cadets were working on their Office Chair Ergonomics courses.” Her bright eyes sparkled mischievously as she added, “If you had gone through the marine ROTC, you might have realized that ice was too weak to walk on before you ended up in the river.”

Lorne coughed out a laugh, his shoulder shaking even more under the combined effects of his chuckle and his incessant shivering. “If you remember, Lieutenant, I fell in the river because I was too busy covering your sorry butt to be able to pay attention to my footing.”

It wasn’t necessarily the truth, but it wasn’t a lie either. Lorne’s team, AR-2, had been accompanied by Cadman and AR-5 for what should have been a routine planet screening. Naturally, things immediately went south on them and Lorne and Cadman were left running interference so their combined teams could make it back to the Gate and return with a Jumper. A squad of Warriors were on their tail and when Lorne spun around to provide covering fire for Cadman to cross an open clearing, he accidentally ended up falling through some unexpectedly weak ice and taking a surprise cold bath.

It only took him a couple of minutes to fish himself out of the water, but by then the damage was done. It was training that kept him from succumbing to shock when he first breached the icy water… it was nothing less than simple stubbornness that had kept him going since then. Luckily, their pursuers had at least seemingly decided they didn’t like frozen meals and gave up on them after watching him fall into the water.

“Take that jacket off,” Cadman instructed suddenly close in front of him. With deft fingers, she unzipped his jacket and started pushing it off his uniform. “You know better than this, Major. You’re going to freeze to death before they come back for us if you don’t get your wet clothes off.”

Lorne shot her a look, hoping that the gentle tremble in his muscles didn’t take away from his withering CO Glare. “Since when did you start giving orders to me, Lieutenant?” he challenged, his teeth chattering as he did so. She was right, of course. He should have known better than to stay in his wet clothes. He should at least have moved closer to the fire she had built for them once they were sure the coast was clear. But it was a point of personal and professional pride not to cave to the wishes of a junior officer… and particularly a marine at that.

He clenched his teeth when she managed to force his jacket off of him and tried to tell himself that he didn’t think that she looked cute when she rolled her eyes and quirked one eyebrow up at him defiantly. He was getting dangerously close to the lines of delirium if his mind was coming up with ridiculous thoughts like that.

“Oh, please,” Cadman sighed, waving her hand at him dismissively and then shifting around to press herself closer to him. “You flyboys really are all the same.”

“We’re all the same?” Lorne fired back. “I hadn’t realized we were so easy to read - please, enlighten me.” The major allowed himself to shift into her warm embrace as soon as he felt like he had waited long enough to prove his point. The problem was, he was having a hard time remembering just what that point had been. He bit the corner of his lips to hold back a concerned groan as he realized that he might be worse off than he had realized.

“Oh yeah, you’re all the exact same,” Cadman smirked, doubling down. She was managing to keep her tone remarkably even in spite of their proximity. If it weren’t for the shivers still racking his body, he might have been distracted by the way she seemed to be staring at him.

Lorne had enough presence of mind to recognize that her fingers were twitching agitatedly like they did whenever she knew whatever she was about to say could get her in trouble, but she was going to say it anyway. He refused to admit that it was one of the things that he liked - no… admired – about her. 

The marine let out a short, excited huff before finally caving and letting loose. “You expect to be called Sir or Major whenever someone is around to see you be in charge, but behind closed doors you just want someone to baby you and tell you you’ve been a good boy.”

Lorne’s eyebrows rose clear to his hairline at that particular accusation. The CO in his head was already dressing her down immediately for taking such a familiar and inappropriate tone with him. But the drowned rat in his head was appreciating the fact that a beautiful woman had her arms wrapped around him. They were trapped in another galaxy without any current means of receiving relief, they’d been fighting a losing battle against the Wraith for years now, and he’d just fallen into a frozen river. The major figured that he had earned a small breach in protocol. 

It didn’t help that the way she seemed to be staring at his lips in the spot where he bit down on them was somehow muddying the waters even more than they already were.

Still, the major had just enough self control left over to be unwilling to turn the reins of this situation wholly over to Cadman. “Alright, Detective,” he chattered, putting as much playful derision into the honorific as he could, “even if you were right, so what?” There was a challenge in his voice that was definitely not matched by his pitiful state of being at the moment.

Cadman grinned over at him. “If I’m right, huh?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. There was something dangerous in the way she was looking at him, but in his current state he couldn’t identify just what it was. “Well,” she finally said, smirking even wider, “I’ll be sure to treat you with the proper respect until we get picked back up,” she promised. Then she leaned even closer, her warm breath washing over his face. “And if you survive, and buy me dinner, I wouldn’t be too hard to convince to call you by that other name once medical releases you back to your quarters.”

Lorne felt his cheeks burn red. He also couldn’t help but feel excited by the offer.

“I, uh. I…” he stammered, his mind scrambling for any sort of foothold.

Cadman held a finger up to his lips, gently shushing him. “Keep your strength up,” she chided playfully. Respectfully… Sir.”

[ripplestitchskein]

Sheltered (Stolas/Blitzø)

On AO3

Summary: The consequence of disregarding Hell’s law is steep and Stolas will pay the price.

Notes: A fun little canon divergence set after Stolas acquires the Asmodean Crystal. How we get here will be revealed. Unbeta’d but if you are interested hit me up. This was written well before we got the new trailer and duet so it’s completely just me playing around with the key theorized beats and my own imagination. Been years since I wrote anything for a fandom I published so may be a little rusty. I have another fic coming as well I’ve been working on that’s a little lighter.

Part One: Hellish Justice

*****************************

The Tribunal of Superior Spirits formed a crescent moon of looming silhouettes, each peering down at him with glowing acid eyes. A coterie of featureless jagged shadows. Their combined magics were heavy and physical, a slowly crushing force of power that filled the Hall of Justice, a miasma of eldritch power. Stolas knelt below them in the center of the dais, bathed in the bright red light of the condemned. He was not bound, but he did not need to be, there was no escape from the watching black figures above him. He had agreed to this after all.

“Prince Stolas of the Ars Goetia you have violated the unholy covenant, bestowing the use of your cursed gift to a lesser demon, allowing them access to the human realm without consequence or regard for the laws of Hell.”

It was impossible to tell which of the Superior Spirits was speaking, but their voice rang through the hall, booming and terrifying. It trembled the stone beneath his knees. In the corner of his eye Stella and her brother looked viscously gleeful, eyes wild with vindictive pleasure. The simple joy of a scheme well executed. The others gathered in the seats of the auditorium looked more solemn, or merely interested in the spectacle. A Prince of Hell brought so low was not an everyday occurrence. It was small comfort that not everyone would bask in his demise.

Only Asmodeus looked troubled. He shifted and moved in his seat as if he wanted to step in, each of his faces frowning, one even openly weeping. Stolas silently willed him not to intervene. It would not benefit either of them. Even as a Sin he was not free from the reach of the Superior Spirits, those impartial arbiters of Hell’s Justice and it would possibly sully the deal Stolas had struck. That Asmodeus had not been brought into this mess was already fortunate. While he was free to grant use of his precious crystals to whoever he chose, it was still a gray area if that included the lowest beings of Hell. Stolas’s only comfort was that Blitzo and his employees were spared and the business unaffected, that his daughter did not have to watch him kneel and receive punishment, that as a Prince of Hell the responsibility fell to him alone and he could keep those he loved safe.

A fizz of magic and a wall of flame appeared, suspended above the room and visible to all. On it images rose from the flames, flickering back and forth in a loop. His possession of the Agent at the facility, the fearsomeness of his demonic form caught on human film. The flames flickered, now he was opening the portal for Blitzo and his team. They flickered again, curling and writhing, showing now Stolas and Blitzo’s shared moment of passion, their kiss blown up grand for all to see. The audience around him hissed and jeered, disgusted by such a display. Stolas’s talons curled against the floor, his jaw set.

“Such an abuse of cursed power cannot go unpunished,” The Superior Sprit went on. One of the figures waved a shadowy hand and the image sputtered out in a puff of blue flame. “We cannot allow such a transgression to be repeated. So let it be known to all the consequences of such flagrant disregard for the rule of law.”

Stolas swallowed. The magic in the room grew heavier. The crowd felt the sweep of intangible authority and fell silent, eager to hear the sentence. They leaned forward, pressed in on him from all sides. Stolas had never felt more alone.

“Prince Stolas of the Ars Goetia we hereby strip you of your title. Prince no more your legions are forfeit to the realm.” Stolas’s eyes burned, the red stone of the floor growing blurry as his eyes filled. The audience gasped at such an unprecedented punishment. Though he had expected it, the reality burned.

“Your wealth and properties will be held in trust for the presumptive heir Princess Octavia of the Ars Goetia with Her Royal Highness Estella of the Ars Goetia acting as trustee until Princess Octavia reaches the age of majority.”

Behind him Stella made a soft noise of pure delight, victorious. Andrealphus laughed and if it would not have jeopardized everything, Stolas was quite sure he would have ripped out the peacock’s spindly throat. His talons scraped against the stone floor.

“Stolas, former Prince of the Ars Goetia you are henceforth banned from all properties and holdings of your former station,” Stolas’s head snapped up, a protest bubbling up in his throat.

“Wait,” he pleaded. If he could not return to his home, if he could not even visit, who knew when he would see Octavia again. “My daughter…please.”

The Superior Spirit ignored him. With a wave of a shadowed hand Stolas’s grimoire appeared, floating just above him, out of reach in undulating purple and blue light. It beckoned to him, the threads of their bond shimmering between his splayed form and the majestic glow of the prophetic tome.

“While we have no dominion over natural born magic, your cursed gifts are forfeit as well,” from the stone floor a set of ghostly golden shackles sprang forth. They clamped down hard around his wrists and ankles, binding him to the floor. He pulled against them reflexively but soon let them bring him down in drooping defeat, a wilted flower suffocated by golden roots. The grimoire bobbed for a moment, as if fighting the pull, and then with a flash of light disappeared into a deep violet box, edges filigreed in gold. A lovely coffin. The box snapped shut, the sharp sound echoing off the stone, and with a final thunderous click a golden lock sealed it away.

It was like being hollowed out, the connection between him and his grimoire, the magical gift he’d honed and sharped for so many years suddenly severed from his soul, yanked out by the heartstrings, leaving only a yawning void in its wake.

Stolas gasped and clutched his chest, the chains rattling in the silence of the hall like a death knell. His pained cry was lost to the high arched ceiling of the chamber and swallowed by the rising murmur of the audience.

The shackles glowed brilliant in the darkness and then disappeared from view. He could still feel them, heavy on his wrists, pulling him down. Stolas’s frame crumpled, palms smacking against the stone as he tried to keep from smashing his face into it. Nothing had ever hurt this much, had left him so cold. Even Striker’s dagger sinking into him, the heel of a boot digging into a fresh wound had nothing on the rending of Stolas’s magic from his very being. It was worse than having his heart broken, but only just, pity that both had happened in such quick succession as to make the comparison easy. Only dark emptiness was left now lit by the single flame of Octavia. Though who knew when he’d see her next. A tear fell, shone crimson in the red light from above. He smeared it away with his thumb.

The crowd was protesting, a fickle beast turning against such a harsh sentence. This was too much even for them. It was frightening to watch one of your own stripped to nothing before you. To know if you stepped out of line it could be you next, prostrate and small, powerless before the realm. The Superior brought down a ghostly gavel and barked for silence.

“We are not without mercy,” the Superior Spirit went on, a tad defensive. “Even Hell has a place for grace. You will be granted a small stipend from your holdings for use in establishing a new place for yourself in the ring of your choosing.”

He waved the shadowy hand again and a small envelope appeared at Stolas’s feet, the seal of the Superior Tribunal pressed on the fold in blood red wax. Stolas reached a weak hand forward and scrabbling, brought it to him. He tucked it with shaking hands into the inner pocket of his vest. The desperation of the act burned. He had dressed for battle though he knew well in advance of his defeat. Now he was clutching at any small mercy bestowed by the victors.

“Owing to your unique position and your view into the will of the stars the restriction on your magic will not hold for eternity. Your life of service has been noted and considered. We the Tribunal of Superior Spirits limit this ruling to a five year sentence, commiserate with your remaining free of any further violations of Hell’s unholy laws. After which you will be granted back your gift, permitted to resume your duties to Hell and aid in the training of your heir presumptive, though your title will remain lost to you.”

Stolas swallowed, his throat dry. He sagged in relief not caring that every aristocrat and Overlord in hell could see him being so weak, so vulnerable. It was rather the theme of the day. The loss of his magic was not forever. He would one day be whole again.

He wanted to sneer at their idea of mercy. Of course they would grant him his magic back only to benefit themselves, they needed him for the prophecies, at least until Octavia could step into the role. There was no one else in all the realms who could read the stars in such a way, who could warn of catastrophe and bring news of good fortune ready to be seized. They needed him, at least for now. It was a cold comfort but a comfort none the less. He could survive five years. For Octavia he would keep pushing forward. She would need him soon. He could only hope that they were not kept apart for long, that she would understand.

“This tribunal is dismissed. Justice has been done.”

One by one the Superior Spirits snuffed out like obsidian candle flames, and the red light faded leaving Stolas alone surrounded only by the hissing whispers of the crowd in the dark.

**********

A burly Hellhound appointed by the court led him through the winding hallways towards a back exit. The press had been clamoring for every tidbit they could eat up and, barred from the chamber, a crowd had gathered at the entrance. It was a small consideration by the tribunal but an appreciated one. He knew he looked awful, that the vultures would scent the carrion smell of failure and delight in ripping him apart. Stella had probably called most of them personally.

Asmodeus had tried to approach as the crowd dispersed from the Hall of Justice, but Stolas had waved him away. Any association with him could only hurt the Sin’s reputation, tainted as it already was by the display at Mammon’s contest. Further interaction would invite scrutiny no one could afford. He would rather face this alone than have it all be for nothing.

The Hellhound guard murmured something into a walkie talkie and grimaced.

“Got some news crews out back,” he warned. “Cars already waitin’ so if you’re quick they won’t catch much.”

“Thank you,” Stolas said quietly and braced himself as they stepped outside.

“Former Prince Stolas! Over here! Do you have any comment on the tribunal’s decision today?”

“No comment,” Stolas murmured, allowing the Hellhound to drag him towards a waiting vehicle. There were cameras and microphones in every direction. The sky was so bright after the dark of the hall that he squinted and held up a hand to block everything out. Panic flared in his chest.

“Stolas! Stolas! What are your next steps? What are your plans now that you are barred from the properties of any Ars Goetia?”

A good question. If only he knew.

“Is it true you used access to the human realm to traffic imp sex slaves?” That one almost made him turn but the Hellhound was efficient, barreling through the gathered press like a fanged bowling ball knocking down pins with a growl.

“Prince Stolas! What is your relationship to BlitzO Buckzo,” another yelled, and Stolas did flinch then, almost tripping over his feet. The Hellhound scooped him up and with a grunt fair flung him into the open door. It slammed behind him and the crowd became muffled and filmy through the glass. He melted back into the seat, exhausted.

“Hello sir,” the imp driver was one of the taller of his kind, though still much smaller than Stolas. Yellow eyes peered curiously at Stolas in the mirror. His smile was bright, impersonal, politeness. He seemed a cheerful sort of chap. “I’ll get us to the main road and then you can tell me where you’d like to go?”

Stolas had no idea. He could not return home, and it was unlikely Stella would be kind enough to send him his things. If he was very lucky she wouldn’t burn them on the lawn. He thought of his plants, of them withering away without him and his heart ached. Maybe Octavia would see to them. He pushed the thought of his daughter away. He couldn’t think of her right now, he would break. He needed to focus, he needed to make a plan. The impending breakdown needed to wait until he was secure behind private walls.

The chauffeur was slowly edging past the crowd, skillfully maneuvering the town car around the crush of reporters and paparazzi. They banged on the windows, pressed their cameras against the tinted glass, trying to catch even the smallest glimpse of his defeated face for the evening news cycle. It didn’t seem to phase the driver, though Stolas flinched back and away.

He reached into his vest and pulled out the envelope. The stipend inside was barely anything. He had given Octavia more for her pocket money. It was humbling to know this was all he had left. The clothes on his back, a measly pittance, and a phone that would work only until Stella realized she could turn it off. She had never bothered with the finances and the estate’s accountant seemed to like him, so hopefully that would buy him some time.

He pulled it out now, bringing up a search window. He needed to secure lodgings. Cheap ones. The more he could save on living expenses the longer that would buy him to figure out what to do. He’d need clothes as well. The royal regalia he wore was no longer appropriate and he cursed himself for not wearing something a bit more practical. But the idea of appearing before the entirety of the leering aristocracy and the imposing Court in anything less than his finest had rankled, and so he’d donned his battle armor for a fight long since lost, and now he would look ridiculous for a bit until he could find something else. His hands shook, that empty void in his chest still twinging painfully, his absent magic grating over his nerves, but he ignored it, trying to force his hands to be still.

He thought through the rest of the practicalities. He could get by if he just focused on the immediate. He’d need toiletries. Food. A job. He typed in a search for motels in all of the cities of the rings.

The Pride ring was probably the best bet, it was closest to Octavia and familiar. Envy was far too expensive. And wet. Greed was mostly factories and industrial properties and the few residences there were under mafia purview. He’d rather avoid further trouble if he could help it and a Goetia, even a disgraced and penniless one, was a valuable prize. Wrath was cheap and he found the people charming, but there was little for him to do there if he wanted to find work. Assuming he even could, with his limited skill set. And after his last visit he’d rather not go back any time soon.

Sloth was mostly medical facilities, and not much less expensive than Envy. And the opportunities in Lust were rather something he’d save as a last resort. He had no issue with sex work as a profession, but a fallen Prince turned prostitute was unlikely to keep him out of the news cycle and he’d rather spare Octavia further humiliation on that score. Though he supposed if it came to that he could use his former status to his advantage. Make a gimmick out of it. He chuckled to himself humorlessly at the thought. As if anyone would be interested, former Prince or no.

“Just let me know where we’re headed sir,” the driver said, breaking into his musings of royalty themed lingerie and if the ballet and ballroom dancing lessons of his childhood would translate well . They had cleared the crowd and were on the main road now, headed towards town.

“Oh. Yes. My apologies, I’m looking for options now,” he returned his attention to the phone and flicked through the results. There were quite a number of hotels and motels in Pride, due to the wealth of displaced sinners, even more in Lust but those were less long term and more hourly. He did some mental calculations and was dismayed to realize that even if he spent only the bare minimum on personal items and food he had only enough for a few weeks at even the cheapest of establishments. The panic he had pushed down was starting to creep up his throat again. There was also the problem that he was dressed to lead demonic legions not blend in with the populace. He would draw attention wherever he went and the press would surely find him, or he’d be robbed, or swindled, or whatever other horrible things happened to the naive fallen wealthy in his novels. An easy mark in more ways than one.

“Are you able to make a few stops?” Stolas asked. “I’d like to purchase some necessities. If it’s not too much trouble.” The imp hesitated but nodded.

“I need to have the car back by 5 but we can go as many places as you like, sir.”

Stolas, please call me Stolas. And you are?”

“Chauncey, sir, Stolas,” the imp corrected.

“Chauncey, lovely. Um, I need to find a clothing shop? I fear what I have on will not suit. Some place… inexpensive? Very inexpensive.”

He had taken Via to the mall many times, but had never paid attention to the prices or offerings for himself. He very much doubted anything on offer at Stylish Occult would draw less attention to himself. His own day to day wardrobe had always been tailored, suited to him personally. There was also the people to consider, the mall was always packed and the less demons he saw the better.

“Somewhere a bit discreet as well, if possible,” he added.

The imp looked at him in the mirror for a moment, and the look of sympathy was welcome but stinging. The void ached. Chauncey returned his attention to the road.

“There’s a Hellmart at the edge of Imp City but it’s usually pretty busy. Or we could try some thrift stores, they’re usually cheap but I don’t know that they’ll have your size sir,” the imp sounded apologetic. “We probably need to head to PC, the sinners have a bigger variety of sizes.”

“I defer to your good judgment Chauncey, we can try a few of these “Thrift Stores” and see if we can find something not too too dear that I can fit into. I think this could be quite an adventure!” Stolas forced a smile. He had to put a brave face in now. It wouldn’t do to fall to pieces. There was too much to be done.

*********

Chauncey was turning out to be a wonderful helpmate and companion. He had been right about the offerings at the thrift stores in Imp City, everything was far too small and Stolas encountered wide eyed looks wherever they went. Thankfully the stares seemed to be more about his size and current dress than any real recognition. At least, no one seemed inclined to film him or ask him any questions yet, though he had caught at least one demon discreetly snapping his picture. Most of the beings they encountered merely looked startled at his presence and shuffled quickly away. It was nerve wracking, and rather lonely, and he still felt sore and off balance, but he’d get used to all of that soon enough he figured. Hoped.

His first introduction to the concept of a thrift store, however, was delightful. It was not, as he had assumed, a chain of shops called “Thrift Stores” offering cheap clothing but charming disparate little shops dotted here and there and owned by various entities. Some of them took in donated items to be sold for charity, others sold things for others on something called “consignment”, others specialized in antiques and vintage clothes, Chauncey had explained. It was a fascinating system that Stolas tucked away for later. He could probably sell his regalia for a tidy sum once he’d procured some more appropriate options.

Each shop they visited was a sensory delight, shelves crammed full of odds and ends with no real sense of order other than broad categories: clothes, knickknacks, kitchen, children’s. Crystal decanters occupied the same shelf as plastic novelty cups, and there were so many cute imp figurines everywhere they went. Chauncey explained they were collectors items from a series called Hellish Memories, and featured huge eyed imp children in twee clothing doing various jobs. He was tempted to buy one that reminded him of Blitzø before he remembered that it would be the height of desperation to buy a figurine that reminded you of a former flame, and that he did not have the money to spare for trinkets, even adorable ones with little cowboy hats and tiny spurs.

His mood was dimmed further by the buzzing of his phone, Asmodeus with his little chicken emoji popping up on the screen. Swallowing his disappointment that it was not Octavia, or another he was trying not to think about, Stolas sent the call voicemail and turned the Hellphone off completely, he needed to save the battery anyway. He turned a bright smile to Chauncey.

“Where are we off to next, my good man?”

After their third strike out in an hour Chauncey suggested they head instead to Pentagram City, not only were there far more options for size but Stolas would have better luck finding cheap lodging and employment there. Especially this close to an Extermination. Property values in PC stayed pretty low, Chauncey went on, warming to the topic. When a percentage of your tenants just might not return, and arrived to the ring with next to nothing, you had to keep things affordable. Being a driver for the wealthy and powerful he overheard many helpful things, and the relative uselessness of Pentagram City for real estate development was an oft complained about topic, apparently. It stood to reason there would be regular job availability as well and no questions about identification as Sinners rarely had it.

Stolas had spent a lot of time in Pentagram City, for business with the various Overlords mostly, and while he was much more comfortable nearer to the familiar territory of I.M.P. he reluctantly agreed it made the most sense. It was easier to blend in among the Sinners, and it was only to the good that he distance himself from the business and the imp who ran it. His chest ached and he rubbed it absently as they entered the boundary for the city.

Chauncey’s excellent advice proved true the first shop they visited. He found several pairs of trousers that were more or less his size, several sets of shorts that were not but that he liked the look of his legs in anyway, and an assortment of tops ranging from mid quality business casual to soft cozy sweaters, and a stretched out crop top that said “Hot as Hell” he added in a fit of whimsy, all smelling faintly of moth balls and brimstone. It reminded him a bit of Valentino and he made a note to find out how to wash clothing as soon as possible.

He was overcome with joy at the total, the entire haul was less than high tea for one at Richest Cup. Chauncey had smiled indulgently as he tried everything on, looking only slightly uncomfortable when he modeled the shorts, and offered to take him to a grocers for the next round of purchases. It was rather like a shopping day with Via, always new and interesting things to peruse and look at. He wondered what his daughter would think of the crop top and then slammed the lid down on that musing. He would call her later.

Stolas had never shopped for food for himself before, things just sort of appeared in the kitchen and if he wanted something particular he could order in for it from the BeeEats app.

The grocers was no less fascinating than the thrift shop had been. Each aisle had a rainbow of different products, some geared towards specific species or tastes, and he delighted over a section that was for avian demons specifically.

It was difficult not to fill the charming little basket with all sorts of treats and indulgences: chocolate dipped voles, squirrel bites, honey glazed chipmunk cheeks. More than once he had returned an item based on Chauncey’s wince over the price tag until he had a basket full of reasonably priced and mostly nutritious food that would keep well no matter where he ended up.

He also found a nice smelling preening oil that was an eighth the cost of his usual brand, and some inexpensive calcium grinding stones to keep his beak in order. He added to the pile a charger for his phone and a bright purple duffel bag for storage of all his purchases. The retail therapy was doing wonders for his mood, each little purchase lighting him up and making him feel a bit more prepared and capable. His phone felt like a hot coal in his pocket, and he itched to check it, but doing so would invite reality back in and he wasn’t ready for that yet.

“Only about half an hour left sir,” Chauncey said apologetically, “traffic is going to be Heavenish at this time of day and I have to get the car back.”

“I quite understand. Thank you for everything today Chauncey, dear,” Stolas shifted his bags to take his hand in his own. “You have helped me immeasurably. I am only sad I can’t return the favor. Or even offer a generous tip,” Stolas blushed. He had never not tipped a day in his life and it was humbling to admit he could not now. Every cent was precious in this new life.

“I could perhaps buy us a meal? To show my gratitude?” Chauncey shook his head.

“All part of the service Mr. Stolas,” he smiled up at him and Stolas’s mood dimmed a little further. Service. He needed to remember that. Sometimes people were kind because they had to be, and he ought not read any further into it than that. It was a bad habit he knew he needed to overcome. He had so enjoyed their time together however, and he owed Chauncey a great deal but that was not friendship. It may be something he was learning late in life, and rather harshly, but he was learning.

“Well,” he said, locking that thought far away, “When I am back on my feet I do hope you’ll indulge me in treating you.” The imp blushed again and nodded, opening the door to the car for him.

Their final stop for the day was a boarding house Stolas would more or less be calling home for the time being. It was a derelict building in one of the points of the Pentagram, right at the edge of one of the border districts that was split between Overlords. It was close enough to the city proper that he had options for employment but not so close he’d have to deal with any of his former business associates or worry about too much Extermination Day ruckus.

It was a hodgepodge of a structure, and seemed to sag straight down the middle from damp as if a great beast had sat on it at one point in its long and storied life. Here and there were signs of haphazard repairs, wooden boards salvaged from other less fortunate constructions, tinfoil and cardboard placeholders in some of the window panes, large pieces of rusting tin nailed to the roof over rotting shingles. Stolas shuddered at the thought of sleeping in such a place, though he had no doubt there was a wealth of vermin he could use to supplement his grocery expenditures within the walls.

The sign on the front said only “Rooms to Rent, Ask Moira” with no other name for the establishment. It was more discreet than one of the motels, Chauncey had mentioned, and required no identification, merely cash up front and regular weekly payments. A former client of his had used the place and had no trouble.

Stolas thanked the man again for all his help, pressing his card into his hands and wincing only slightly at the title it still bore in the gold embossed letters of a, if not happier, than certainly a more well to do, time.

“Call me any time you’d like to get that meal,” Stolas said. “You have been an absolute treasure.”

The imp had blushed again, pocketed the card, bowed and driven away with an awkward little wave, leaving Stolas clutching his purple duffel bag and staring apprehensively at the ghoulish building before him.

He sucked in a deep breath and went up the creaking, wobbly steps, inside to find Moira

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[hallucinateonpaperspines]

ashley vs chiron in training(babysitting)

If chiron can give them real swords way can't Ashley give them bombs, guns and psyhological warfare tactics

I don't think I went where exactly you were meant to with this, but inspiration kinda took over and I kinda like what happened? Like dang, kinda darkish territory, but okay Ashlyn, you do you 👍

----

Okay, Ashlyn looks at these squishy-faced, traumatized children, and her older sibling programming just takes over. She's ready to go slay monsters, or better yet, march her way to Olympus and put the fear of God into those so-called "parents."

She will rip off limbs and beat a monster's head with it while giving a lecture on why targeting a 12-year-old is not okay.

She would have done it for Raf if the size difference wasn't a factor

SO, as the leaders of Camp Half-Blood *ahem* Chiron won't let her make her righteous crusade and one of Hermes' kids is triggering her bad thing imminent radar, she's elected to stay. She's even elected to find a new motto.

God has let me live another day and I'm making it your problem

She would prefer that the kids aren't involved in a series of meaningless conflicts that are obviously preluding to an open war, but she understands the importance of self-defense. Just not Chiron's idea of self-defense.

A child soldier is a child soldier and Ashlyn sees it as an unnecessary evil.

But she can work with this.

Chiron is reasonably suspicious when the previously ranting and raving enigma of a human approaches him and asks to join the training. However, this is a good opportunity to teach a little humility and, perhaps, some respect for what their camp does. A civilian who'd been shielded from the true horrors of the world could gain a little clarity through understanding their ineptitude, in a safe environment of course.

What Chiron does not realize, is that this Ashlyn has seen shit.

The obstacle course is laughably easy for a person whose been chased through a myriad of environments by homocidal aliens.

Capture the flag simple when she goes awol and sneaks past enemy lines. With every new game, there's a new record.

It's only at sword training is it that the enigma falters. And yet,

Her progression doesn't match the time and dedication involved in her training. Chiron might've considered a star pupil with the hours she commits, the questions she asks, and the total immersion into the art of swordcraft. But she never seems to go beyond the basics and never requests anything more.

It's not until a child of Ares duels her that it makes sense.

After another game of capture the flag being unceremoniously won before the teams could even engage in battle, Ashlyn's own team leader, a seventeen-year-old carrying more than a few scars from his own quests, issued a challenge.

"If you cannot respect us in training, how can we trust you to respect us in battle?"

It's well-known that swordwork is the human's weakest ability, still attending beginner classes and sparing with novices, so the demigod let's the weaker opponent have a first shot.

Ashlyn doens't strike.

The pair circle each other, swords in hand as the crowd of spectators grow and Chiron finally comes to see what is happening.

When Ashlyn looks away to make eye contact with him, the child of war lunges.

They end up face down in the dirt.

Ashlyn doesn't bother looking at them, her face and body are angled directly to Chiron, and the performance does not go unseen.

Lunge

Side-step.

Swing

Squat.

Jab

Twirl.

Ahlyn's attention never deviates from the teacher, and she does not raise her sword against the student.

Until she does.

She's not a swordmaster, not even close, but she moves as if she and the blade are one, and she moves dirty.

A tap against the thigh as the war child lunges yet again.

"You bleed out."

Another to the calf as she moves behind him.

"Share Achilles end."

The child moves, rage darkening their face even as their limbs shake. The fight is only beginning but they've already used most of their energy. They're still in the game, but their opponent has already cast aside two opportunities for victory.

Ashlyn goes ahead and provides a third.

It is through pure inhuman reflex that the war-child stops, the flat end of the blade hovering centimeters away from their throat.

"And, someone gifts your head to your mother."

The student growls and the audience is silent. Confused. They're unsure what to make of the display. Fights aren't like this.

Ashlyn removes the sword and they're confused further. The weapon is gently placed on the ground, her eyes, for once, not deviating from the challenger.

"I don't respect you. Not because of your training, or anything you've done."

The kid lunges again, sword in hand. The fight is still on, the challenge unresolved, no one has yielded so no one has won. And he needs to finish this fight, fights are supposed to be finished.

In a sudden movement, dirt appears in the air like a sudden cloud, blinded, the boy hesitates. Blinded, the boy is easy to handle, with strength and skill regardless, he's just a child.

Ashlyn has dealt with worse.

It's almost like a dance, her twisting by, gently maneuvering limbs in a still and silent pressure. The boy falls to the ground, tripped, tired, and caught in a moment. His own arm pulls around his throat, sword, still in his clenched grasp, hovering over his neck. Ashlyn sits, holding it in place, one hand twisting his writs just so as the other holds the blade tight.

Blood drips down onto the soil.

A self-inflected injury and the human doesn't bother to wince.

"I don't respect what you represent. Because you, Darrold, and all the rest of you, shouldn't find yourselves on a battlefield to begin with."

Darrold can't help but squirm, to try and look for another way out, its just a human, just a mortal.

But mortals have tricked the gods before, and what is divine strength when clay bones can just snap.

"I-its not fair. You didn't fight fair! Honor-"

"Monsters don't care for honor and war doesn't care for fairness. You should be fighting to survive before you are taught the proper way to die."

When Ashlyn leaves, back to the Hermes cabin and the pillow and blanket she'd been given back when she started playing nice, no one follows. It's not until that evening she's sent for by Chiron, and the old horse opens his mouth before Ashlyn can bother to close the door.

".... So I want to hire you-"