#dinner list

[hailsatanacab]

A Persuasive Argument - dpxdc

"Great!" Danny says, clapping his hands together to get everyone's attention. The dinner table falls silent as everyone looks towards him. It's a full house today and, honestly, Danny's a little nervous. "I'm sure you're all wondering why I gathered you here today."

"It's dinnertime. In our house." Duke mutters, while doing a very bad job of concealing his yawn. He holds his fork poised over the braised beef, but, just like everyone else, still looks towards Danny before tucking in. It's intriguing enough to wait.

"Yeah, no one misses Alfie's dinner." Dick says, with a brilliant smile that Danny can't help but return.

"Precisely! What better time to talk to you all than when you're all actually here!"

"Wait, I thought you came round to work on our English essays?" Tim asks, blinking owlishly.

"I'm afraid I've lured you here under false pretences, Tim."

"This is where I live."

"I would still really appreciate help on that essay though, I mean, what the hell is Hamlet even about? I just don't get that old time-y language, like 'Hark! A ghost hath killed me!' - absolute rubbish, what does that even mean?"

"The ghost never kills anyone in Hamlet, he's there to tell Hamlet that he was murdered. Have you actually read it?"

"No, but it sounds like you have. Tim, I want this guy to help me with my essay instead. I know for a fact that you haven't read Hamlet, either."

"So? We don't need Jason, I've read the Sparknotes."

"Hi Jason, I'm Danny, pleasure to meet you, summarise Hamlet in three sentences or less."

"Am I auditioning to help you write your essays? I can't believe you’ve gone through your whole school life without reading it, it’s good!"

"Hamlet, along with a number of other classics, was banned in our house because it portrayed ghosts as intelligent and sympathetic beings rather than evil, animalistic beasts. I didn’t even get to see The Muppet's Christmas Carol until last year with Tim! It was surprisingly good, and I hate Christmas because everyone always argued and it sucked. But we're getting off topic. I—"

"No, no, please go back to that, because what the fu—"

"Boys, please." Bruce interrupts, looking to the world as if he wants to hang his head in his hands. "Danny, you were about to say something?"

"Oh, yeah, Mr. Wayne! Thanks!"

"Please, call me Bruce."

"Well, that very succinctly brings me to my point, because I'd actually really like to call you dad."

Nobody says a word. Nobody even blinks, all as shocked as the other, watching open-mouthed as Danny pulls his laptop out from beside his chair. Bruce can definitely feel a headache coming on.

"Before you say anything, I've prepared a 69 slide PowerPoint presentation on why you, Bruce Wayne, should adopt me, Danny Last-Name-Pending. Please save your questions, comments, and verdict until the end, thank you."

[sillyunicorn]

Reasons to give oneself a lobotomy, according to Harrowhark Nonagesimus:

1. Your nemesis/only friend sacrificed herself for you and you don't want to permanently eat her soul

2. God maybe had a threesome with two of his Lyctors before

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

rough day...

[xraiyax]

Law‘s list why dating Luffy would be a bad idea:

Nr. 30

His family tree. I would not only be with the future pirate king but also related to the revolutionary army leader and a legend of the marine.

[moeblob]

I spent 3 hours replying to this anon simply to say "everyone gets a Vaporeon (except Sylvain)".

[tomssexdoll]

This is like the most weirdest request, but like it's fine if you don't do it😁 idm, yes I was the person who said "I have a big fat obsession with your account" but can you do a story where bill and y/n were making out in the bathroom at dinner with there parents (😨) and he slides her panties down and fucks her hole hard until she cums and it leaks On the ground bc it's hot (im weird and high) and like what happens is she gives him head and after it they go downstairs and act like nothing happened!!

omg heyyy hehehehe

After Bill had been teasing me under the table during a dinner with his parents, I acted sick, dragging him upstairs into the bathroom with me, locking the door behind us.

"For fuck sakes, right in front of your parents? Do you want to get us in trouble?" I scolded him, backing up into the counter. He just grabbed my face, smashing his lips into mine.

I accepted defeat, knowing arguing will just lead us to the same route. I kissed him back, deepening it, our tongues swirling together and fighting for dominance.

"So fucking hot.." he murmered, holding the back of my head as his lips assaulted mine, locking in a rough embrace. His lips soft and pillowy against mine.

"Mm..let me fuck you baby.." he groaned against my lips, holding my waist tightly. I smirked and nodded, "fine..but don't take too long, they'll get suspicious."

He flipped me around, bending me over the counter and sliding my skirt down, his cock pressing against my wet panties. "Ohhh fuck.." he chuckled, shoving his pants and boxers off and letting it pool at his feet.

I felt his tip prodding at my clothed pussy, he grabbed my baby blue underwear and shoved it down my legs, aligning himself. He slowly pushed in, filling me up quickly.

Then he started to thrust, creating a quick pace, trying to pleasure the both of us as quickly as he could. "ohh fuck.." I mumbled, lolling my head down as the pleasure built up slowly.

He started to fuck me harder, pounding his cock into my hole, his tip stabbing at my g spot, small moans leaving my mouth. "Sooo good.." he smirked, grabbing my hips tightly.

"Ohh Bill!" I whined, holding onto the counter desperately. My legs trembled, his length slamming in and out of me roughly, moving faster and fucking me deeper. "That's right baby, take my cock" his hand landed on my ass, smacking it roughly.

I whimpered, his cock felt so good, like it was made for my pussy. "Quick baby..cum for me" he groaned, grabbing onto my hair and tugging it back roughly, bringing me up to his chest. He sucked and kissed my neck, careful not to leave any marks.

I felt my orgasm approaching, my pussy softly clenching on his cock, "fuck!" I cried out, arching my back to meet his rough and deep thrusts.

I could hear his parents still talking downstairs, the sound of plates clattering and utensils being used filling the house. "Can't let them know I'm pounding this sweet pussy hm? Gotta be quick.." he grunted, his hand trailing down to my stomach, then to my clit, rubbing rough circles.

I screwed my eyes shut, feeling my release approach at a rapid rate, gripping onto the counter harder, "ahh!" I moaned loudly, my legs trembling as I came on his cock, my cunt clamping down onto his cock, triggering an orgasm from him.

He squirted his load into me, continuing to thrust to ride out our highs and fuck his cum deep. He sighed and kissed my neck before pulling out slowly, his cum spilling out of my hole and onto the floor.

"Holy fuck.." I panted, "how about you suck my cock, we have time" he grinned, pulling me closer. I rolled my eyes playfully and got onto my knees, gripping his cock with my hand and wrapping my lips around his tip, slowly bobbing my head up and down.

"Mmm..such a good girl" he groaned, throwing his head back, hands tangling in my hair, guiding my head onto his cock. "Mm.." I moaned, the vibrations on his cock causing his breath to hitch.

I swirled my tongue around his tip every time I pulled away, his cock throbbing in my mouth, another release incoming. "Oh fuck..keep going.." he whined, making me choke and gag on his cock as it hit the back of my throat.

"Taking this big cock so well.." he praised. I kept bobbing my head up and down, sucking his cock hard and fast, small frequent moans escaping from his lips, his eyes screwed shut to enjoy the pleasure.

His grip on my hair tightened as his length twitched in my mouth, I knew he was close to coming and trying to make it as quick as possible. He slammed my mouth into his cock, deepthroating it so well.

Tears pricked at my eyes and saliva build up around my mouth, "fuck!" he groaned loudly, shooting another load into my mouth, forcing me to swallow every last drop, cleaning his cock as he finished.

"Good girl.." he panted, holding onto the counter for support as he took a moment to regain his composure. Meanwhile, I got dressed, quickly throwing on my clothes and fixing my makeup, wiping my mouth clean of saliva and cum.

I helped him get dressed and held his hand, marching downstairs, a bright smile on my face as I sat back down. "You feeling better love?" Bills mum spoke up, I nodded and began eating my food again, "just felt a little faint but Bill made me feel better" I winked at him, blush filling his cheeks.

She chuckled and continued talking, telling her usual stories to us when I was over for dinner.

tags: @itsmealaiah @itsangelll @kaulitzsbabyy @ballhair @tomsonlyslut @ge-billsgf @bkaulitzlover @charliesgoodboy @estxkios @miyukafujii

[unpretty]

my partner was very worried about my ability to feed myself in their absence, but my first grocery run without them in years proves i am a grown adult who makes good decisions

[pigeonpedigree]

And after 17+ straight hours on the qsmp, etoiles has logged off

[amphibianaday]

day 1349

[bandgie]

Bandgie's Masterlist!

All of these works are 18+, MDNI

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ warning! some of my works are dead dove/lemon

yellow is dubious/not too bad orange has mentions of gore/dubious consent red is noncon/full gore/graphic deaths

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Drabbles/One Shots

So Cruel - Miguel O'Hara

Pussy Eating - Miguel O'Hara

Beast of a Man - Tarzan

Pussy Eating - Gyutaro (Demon Slayer)

Quick Taste - xReader's Insert

An Uncertified Doctor - Alucard Castlevania

Pretty Boy (1) | Poor Baby (2) | My Pretty Baby (3) - Bangchan Stray Kids

Ateez MTL Pussy Eating - OT8 Ateez

Ghost in the Night - I.N Stray Kids

Cursed - I.N Stray Kids

Anon Req. Yandere - Bangchan Stray Kids

Before Class (1) | During the Party (2) - Huening Kai TXT

A+ Student - Felix Straykids

Car Drabble - Felix Straykids

Missionary With Them - Bangchan & Minho

Agora Hills - Changbin (skz)

Language Barrier - OT8 SKZ

Req: Gamer Boyfriend - Beomgyu (TXT)

Req: Dark Vampire - Yeonjun (TXT)

Req: Hate sex - Yeonjun (TXT)

The Spell of the Night - Huening Kai (TXT)

Req: Perv & Yandere - Seungmin (SKZ)

Req: Perv & Yandere (2) - Seungmin (SKZ)

Req: Jealousy - Seungmin (SKZ)

Desperate Drabble - Wooyoung (ATZ)

Req: Tarzan Continued - Tarzan

Req: Perv & Yandere (3) - Seungmin (SKZ)

Req: High with Perv - Seungmin (SKZ)

Req: Pervy Thoughts - Seungmin (SKZ)

Req: Choking - Bangchan (SKZ)

Req: Piss - Hyunjin (SKZ)

Req: First Time Domming - OT8 SKZ

Req: High With Them - Chanlix & Jisung (SKZ)

Req: Distracting - Beomgyu (TXT)

Munch Drabble - Jay (ENHA)

Bratty Head Drabble - Sunoo (ENHA)

Learning Kinks Drabble - I.N (SKZ)

Req: Hate Sex 2 - Yeonjun (TXT)

Req: Choking (2) - Bangchan (SKZ)

Req Drabble: Perv - Seungmin (SKZ)

Club Sex Drabble - Lee Know (SKZ)

Anal Drabble - Changbin (SKZ)

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Series

Predator & Prey (Completed) - You were suddenly teleported to a snowy world while discovering a cave. After norrowingly escaping a terrible fate, you're practically forced to deal with a winged beast you saved. It's awkward and kinda mean, but it does more good than harm.

Lost & Found (Ongoing) - You hated the little town you lived in, you hated your job, hated how everyone knew everyone, you hated how your mother didn't care about how much you hated it. You needed to do something, to get out of this repetitive life. You've decided to apply to be a maid in the castle for the Viscount and his family. With this new life, you hope to change your pace. Yet, one of the sons can't help but give you an eerie sense of familiarity. (Second Part to Predator & Prey)

The Insides (Completed) - You have it all: a good job, a nice apartment, a doting boyfriend who loves you so much. It seems all swell, until he starts behaving strangely. Unfortunate for him, he's not the only person that fell head-over-heels for you. Well...not the only entity at least.

All in White (Ongoing) - Your father, that major of Neuva York, was hosting a party congratulating their safe environment by the hands of Spider-Man. You did not care for parties, only there for the alcohol and occasional good conversations. You managed to catch the eye of Spider-Man, and boy did he want a taste.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ I do have requests/hard hours open! Here are some rules...

I will not write about underage characters, real or fake (unless they're adults playing as younger people ex: Eddie Munson, Billy Hargrove, etc.)

No shit! Like literal shit, no scat play (pee is fine, but no piss drinking)

Incest, including in laws (brothers bff/dad's co-worker is fine)

No age play (age gaps are fine)

No virgin reader (this might change, but not allowed as of now)

[scealaiscoite]

ೃ༄ dinner prompts ˚◞♡ ⃗

— “you really didn’t have to go to all this bother for me.”

— “come here, sit! i made your favourite.”

— “i, uh- i don’t really know what you like, so i took a guess.”

— “you know when the recipe calls for wine, you’re meant to put it into the dish and not in you, right?”

— “you’ve got enough garlic in there to kill every vampire in a four mile radius.”

— “takeout?”₁ “takeout.”₂

— “six year old me would be psyched at the idea of having cake for dinner, but it’s making current me kind of sad.”

— “get up and get dressed, we’re going out to eat.”

— “mcdonald’s and gas station wine. dinner of champions right here.”

— “are you a vegetarian? please don’t tell me you’re a vegetarian.”

— “i got the recipe from your mom, i hope i did it justice.”

— “do you wanna help me cook?”

— “that’s the best thing i’ve eaten all week.”

[binch-i-might-be]

what do people even think about if they don't have hyperfixations? as long as I can remember I've always had at least one hyperfixation at any given time, which has dominated my thoughts. all my life. I think about my funny little interests like 97% of my waking moments. what...... else should be going on up there?

[the-red-thread-that-strangles]

Part I

"Are you free Thursday evening?" Akai's facing away from him, getting out of the car in a hurry. Rei's picked him up from his flat this morning (his mustang broke down, apparently), which is how they're both running late now. It's a good thing the meeting can't start without them.

In any case, Rei isn't - things have been busy in the aftermath of the takedown of the organisation, as Akai should be well aware. He did, after all, just return from a three-month vacation to FBI headquarters in Washington. The official cover story, as far as Rei knows, is Okiya going to the US to continue his PhD, while the authorities prepared to reintroduce the reborn Akai Shuichi to the world. Now he's back for good, officially appointed as the FBI's liaison to the PSB.

While he didn't share what he was up to while he was waiting to be processed, Rei has a pretty good guess - the higher-ups have been expecting all sorts of reports from him, after all, and surely Akai is just as vital a source, involved as they both were. The thought of him doing paperwork is amusing, and strangely domestic in its mundanity. (He'd love to see it.)

So, he'll figure something out. Several people owe him favours, and he has five years of vacation to catch up on. This is the first time Akai is reaching out for a meeting outside of work (not that Rei kept track or anything), and he's not about to let that chance slip through his fingers.

"I'll make it work. What for?" Agreeing without even knowing what he agreed to, he really is pathetic. And yet. He trusts the other won't waste his time or ask for the impossible.

"Dinner at the Myosotis. Seven p.m."

Rei blinks. That rings a bell. Western style fine dining, prohibitively expensive. Waiting lists of half a year, at least. Back then, they were just barely collaborating, surely Akai didn't plan this far ahead? How, then, did he get a table, and why is he inviting Rei to go there? That's the kind of place people go to for romantic marriage proposals; not the sort of restaurant the two of them would frequent, if they do eat out.

"I've already said yes, but... that's quite high-class, isn't it?" Not that he minds - being Bourbon taught him how to frequent places like that. It's just that Akai has never given any sort of indication he might like that kind of place. Huh.

(And really, if he's being honest, any place would be fine as long as it's with Akai. They have a couple of months to catch up on, after all.)

The smile Akai gives him in response is...odd. Small and genuine, private in the way that he's only ever seen Shuichi look at a select few people. Akemi. His siblings. Shinichi. But it doesn't reach his eyes, this time; instead, they're narrowed, burning with something like dread. Rei can't quite make sense of the expression.

"I think the occasion warrants it", is all Akai says before he slams the car door shut, turning his back to Rei. And that's the end of that conversation.

Alright then. Weird.

.

After that, Rei can't shake the feeling that Akai avoids him outside of work. Takes his smoke breaks alone, leaves immediately after they're done.

In situations like these Rei wishes he could talk to Hiro. It's a best friend's duty to help figure out if he's making something out of nothing, right? Maybe Akai really is just busy. And maybe he truly is in the mood for a celebratory dinner; after all, they haven't really had time to spend together since they came out of hiding, ripped apart by work and duty. They've talked, of course, but now that he's back it seems like the circumstances have calmed down enough to consider such a thing. (Even though a nagging thought tells him the official celebratory gala will be held in a couple of months, marking the half-year anniversary of the operation, and he knows Akai isn't looking forward to it.)

The thing is, that doesn't warrant it the look Akai gave him. That look was charged, it meant something. Through the years, Akai has looked at him a great many different ways. Rye mostly cold and disinterested at first, then with that faintly concealed amusement that still drives him up the walls. Okiya usually observed him with curiosity and caution. And Akai? A variety of expressions. Laughter and pain and gratitude. That bone-deep weariness that seems to cling to him like his shadow. Just once, with surprise. But rarely, if ever, as scared as he'd looked when he'd asked him out.

What was he afraid of? It's not like Rei was going to decline dinner, even if he's a little insulted it's western food. (Then again, he's quite proud of his prowess regarding traditional Japanese cuisine, so really, that would've been a worse choice.) Akai might just crave nostalgic food.

This is the third time this week he's reached this point in the argument with himself, and it really doesn't feel like he's getting any closer to the truth.

In the years he's known him, Akai has never shown to be the type to celebrate. Not that the organisation left much room to celebrate. As Okiya, Rei never got close enough to figure out his preferences. And as for Akai...well, he seemed happy enough, if exhausted, coming back from his sister's birthday party, and that's really the only indication Rei has. Maybe he doesn't know Akai as well as he thought. The idea stings.

Still, it makes no sense. If he wanted to celebrate, the takedown was a team effort, and Rei knows agents Starling and Black are in the country. He's checked their schedules, but neither they nor Kazami are free next week, at that certain hour. (Alright, well, in Kazami's case it might be Rei's fault he's busy, but he needs someone capable to cover for him.)

The Kudos, arguably the masterminds behind the operation, have left for a vacation to the Swiss alps, too. Allegedly, they've taken Shinichi with them to recover in mountain air - privately, Rei has heard through the grapevine that talking things out with Ran didn't go so well. She's asked for some time to think about their relationship, so Shinichi is off bringing crime to Swiss ski resorts for a change.

None of the usual suspects are free, or invited. It seems it's really just the two of them.

He doesn't want to, can't afford to indulge the foolish hope that Akai might've missed him as much as Rei did (his dry wit, his dependability, the scent of his cigarettes and aftershave in their sheets). They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but is it enough for such a shift to occur with Akai?

Their work did keep them too busy to do anything but exchange short texts or calls every once in a while. That little had been a must, for Rei; while officially the organisation might be gone, some stragglers have yet to be found. Thus, he's been checking up on Akai, just to make sure he's still alright out there. (He wants to touch him and hold him and hear his heartbeat, wants to make sure he's alive. Wants too many things he can't have, as usual.)

Rei has promised himself he'll never act on these feelings; can't destroy this careful balance they have managed to attain. But if Akai's the one reaching out, who is Rei to decline? If after all they've gone through Akai still wants to stay by his side, Rei doesn't have the strength to push him away for his own good.

Throughout their relationship, it's always been Rei asking to meet him to exchange sweaters and information. For Akai to take this step now, and in such a grandiose manner, leaves him reeling, uncertain of the other's intentions. Among the living, he's probably the one who knows the sniper best, and yet he just can't figure out what this means. The uncertainty is maddening.

Damnit, really, what is he supposed to think about Akai inviting him to a high-class dinner? Just the two of them?

.

Hiro hasn't contacted him either, since that time in the Kudo mansion. He'd assured Rei he was safe, doing alright. Sorry for not being able to meet. And that was that.

(In a moment of weakness, Rei's asked Akai for his number. But Akai had revealed he'd only gotten the contact info for a burner phone, worthless after that one use.)

He's missed Hiro before, when he wasn't sure whether he was alive or dead, but somehow, knowing he is out there and not being able to reach him is worse. Hiro was supposed to have his back, and now he can't even help him out with his uncertain thoughts and feelings regarding one Akai Shuichi. Traitor.

.

Rei's fretting for hours about his look for dinner. (When was he last out on a date that actually mattered?)

It's not like he's lacking in confidence. He knows he cleans up nicely, and working with Vermouth for years has left him fashion-conscious. He's perfectly aware of how to dress up appropriately for a venue like the Myosotis. Honestly, he's more concerned (and quite frankly, intrigued) how Akai will fare.

Still, he wonders if the red tie is perhaps a bit too much. He's added it on a whim, for a splash of colour, but now he's considering whether it's too bold, wearing Akai's namesake openly. He's probably overthinking it. It's not like Akai to pick up on such clues.

He's triple-checked, by this point, his nails and hair and teeth. His suit is crisply ironed. It's perfect. What could possibly go wrong?

.

Rei finds himself at the restaurant a quarter hour early. A waiter shows him to the lovely window seats Akai has reserved for them, looking out over the city's lights. It's beautiful. The place is pleasantly quiet, a separée creating an ambience of privacy. Bathing the space in warm light is a cream candle, placed on a perfectly ironed tablecloth. After a couple of moments, the waiter returns with a bottle of quality champagne, chilled for their convenience.

Myosotis couldn't be more stereotypically romantic if it tried, and Rei finds his face burning as hot as the flame in front of him. It's a good thing he's a little early; he'll need time to steady himself to face Akai. Maybe have a glass of cool champagne to calm his nerves.

Rei runs one last check, refreshes his cologne on neck and wrist, and waits.

.

A couple minutes go by, during which he tries several different grounding techniques, to limited effect. He still perks up when, from the corner of his eyes, he spots Okiya's pastel pink hair - though it is in confusion, the excitement dying down quickly, replaced with fury. The posture of the man is incredibly familiar.

Conscious of where they are, and what is appropriate, Rei gets up from their table to greet him.

"You've kept me waiting long enough."

And with the brightest possible smile he can muster, he slaps his best friend across the face, hard.

.

"Yeah, I guess I deserve that." At least it's his own voice. Hiro's awkward smile looks off on Okiya's pretty face, and Rei has to fight the urge to throw his arms around his neck. Whether to hug him or strangle him, he doesn't quite know, himself.

"You..." 'deserve much worse than that. Deserve much better than that. Are an asshole and an idiot and it's so good to see you-'

People are noticing the commotion. Bourbon's reflexes kick in, uncomfortable with the attention. He finds himself closing the distance and hissing at Hiro.

"Take a seat before we cause even more of a scene."

Hiro-as-Okiya follows him into the separée. A waiter comes by, pouring him a glass of champagne too. The mood is as frosty as their drinks.

Hiro makes no move to continue the conversation. Great.

"...would you care to explain", Rei asks through his best Amuro smile, "what exactly you are doing here?" He considers adding 'and why you are dressed as Akai's ridiculous cover', but figures that one's self-evident.

"I wanted to see you, so Akai helped me out. The paperwork is taking its sweet time." He says it nonchalantly, as if it is that simple. As if he hasn't been MIA for half a year, and presumed KIA for years before that.

He's willing to bet this meeting was Akai's bright idea. Rei's all too familiar with his idea of 'help'. Doing what he thinks is best in the shadows, without talking to the person he's allegedly helping out.

It sucks, because he knows the FBI agent meant well. He probably thought this was a pleasant surprise. (And it is, just a little.)

It just very much does not help that Rei had quite different expectations of how this evening would go. He was expecting something much nicer than spontaneously having to decide whether he should make use of Hiro's shellfish allergy and poison him right then and there. (The answer is no, will always be no, who is he even kidding.)

Hiro's blue eyes stare at him from across the table, illuminated in warm candlelight. They clash horribly with the pink hair. It makes Rei nauseous. He looks down at the table.

He manages a strangled "I would have appreciated a heads-up." For this situation in particular and the fact that Hiro's alive, in general.

"Did he not tell you?"

"No. And it's not like I expected anything of the sort from him." 'You, however, should have known better.'

"Look, Zero-" Rei's withering glare makes him falter for a second, but he presses on. "I couldn't let you know. It was too dangerous at the time, for myself and Rye. And you."

Oh, great. Another person looking out for his supposed well-being. Except, it really only was about the success of their mission, wasn't it? As if that was ever worth his best friend's life.

He clenches his fist under the table, tries to calm himself. Fails. "I get that. I really, truly do." He rises, slams his hands on the table, leans across. Stares at the farce that is Okiya, just a lie this time.

"But it's been three years, Hiro." Then, quietly: "I thought you were dead."

Countless nights spent visiting morgues, checking if all bodies matching Hiro's stature were accounted for. Checking international flights. Investigating the ruins of the exploded building, in hopes of finding evidence of tampering. Looking over the remains of the body, burnt and crushed, with only the totality of the destruction hinting at foul play. Years and years of hounding Akai, trying to get answers from the one person who had to know, only to not make it in time. That terrible night Gin had sent him a gift, Akai falling lifelessly back into the video's frame, joining Scotch in a violent end; his last lead going up in flames and smoke. Mourning Matsuda and Date, alone.

He fights down the bile rising in his throat with practiced ease. His eyes sting and burn, but he won't be embarrassed now by giving in.

To his credit, Hiro has backed off as far as he can, shrinking under Rei's glare. Familiar blue eyes lock with his, and Rei needs to focus on them because everything else about the Okiya getup gives him whiplash he doesn't know how to deal with. Hiro takes a breath, steadies himself.

"Zero." A warm hand is gently laid atop his own. So familiar, so comforting, even after years apart. Rei wants to run, or fight, or both, but finds himself anchored in place.

"I'm sorry. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, as many times as you need me to."

As if any number of apologies could erase years and years of grief and guilt and loneliness. If he'd just been faster, if Hiro had just trusted him, they would've found a solution, it was never worth his life-

"...why didn't you come to me, Hiro?" Idiot.

Because after months and years to contemplate it, that's the root of the problem, isn't it? The start of the betrayal. The broken promise from their academy days, splintering even further. 'We can handle anything, as long as we're together.' And then fate had ripped them apart, one by one, counting down to zero. Except Hiro had had a choice.

"I'm sorry. I did what I thought was necessary." He wears his emotions on his face.

And for a split-second, Rei doesn't see Hiro. He sees Akai, a week ago; his small smile, his pained eyes. Denial and self-sacrifice. Just what in the world made Akai look at him like that?

It's disorienting enough that he finds his spiralling thoughts interrupted, blinking at Hiro. He backs off, sits back down.

"Promise me, now, that you'll never run off like that again." Please, he can't say, but tries to convey through squeezing Hiro's hand just slightly too hard, before he pulls back in time for the waiter coming in with their entrées.

"I'll try."

Rei glares at him. Not good enough.

"Okay, okay, I won't." Hiro laughs, and oh, how Rei has missed the sound. Some of the tension bleeds out of him, and he finds himself joining his best friend, helplessly.

This isn't over, the pain isn't gone. It's unlikely it ever will, and there surely will be more arguments in the future (and sparring. He really wants to knock some more sense into Hiro). The trust they're missing will be hard to rebuild.

But Rei has had no choice but to live without Hiro for three years now. Has missed him painfully, every single day. If he's going to live in pain either way, might as well have it caused by Hiro's continued presence by his side.

If he gets a second chance at life then Hiro deserves one, too.

...................................................................................

Part II

Dinner after that is slow, but pleasant.

Akai has apparently pre-ordered roasts that need several days to be prepared for them, and while the quality is good, the style of food just isn't Rei's favourite. Hiro seems pretty delighted by it though, so that's something at least.

They leave charged topics carefully untouched. Since Hiro isn't on active duty, Rei can't really talk about his PSB work, and Hiro isn't at liberty to talk about his cover either. So small talk it is. Rei shows Hiro pictures of Haro, and he's immediately taken (as he should).

By the time they've made it past the main dish, they're running out of idle chitchat. Hiro's bracing himself, seems to be working up the courage to ask something. Rei can already tell he won't like the upcoming conversation.

"So, Zero." He folds his hands together, and leans on the table, looking inquisitively. "Do you mind explaining what's going on between you and Akai?"

"Nothing." The answer comes too quick and too pressed, he's not fooling anyone. And that's without accounting for the fact that Hiro knows him too well, even after three years apart. He smiles, faintly.

"Of course. Nice cologne, by the way. I'm sure Hagiwara would approve of the selection." He taps the fingers of the hand he's wrapped around Rei's wrist earlier on the wooden table. Rei feels embarrassment well up. Hiro, as usual, is annoyingly perceptive. Still, cologne is not too out of the ordinary. He tries to cover his choice up with professionalism, and even almost believes himself.

"Yes. It's only proper for an establishment such as this one."

"Yes, yes." Hiro concedes, too easily. His eyes narrow, aiming for the kill. "And I guess red just happens to be your new favourite colour?" The crimson tie around his neck feels too much like a noose, suddenly, restricting his airflow. It's probably the damn candle's fault too, burning all their oxygen. He flushes, despite his best efforts.

"Not my favourite, but it felt appropriate for a celebration", he gets out. It really doesn't help that Hiro is wearing Akai's second skin, the one he's too comfortable seeing. Though the eyes are different, he has trouble shaking the reminder of certain evenings in the Kudo manor. Drinking their sorrows away, just the two of them.

"And you were going to celebrate with a romantic candlelight dinner?" Hiro's arched eyebrow could reach space.

"Trust me, that is as strange to me as it must be to you."

"Oh no, it isn't - I've seen the look he gets when you text him."

And Rei hates himself, hates his traitorous body that perks up at those words, hates the burning curiosity. Wants Hiro to explain, wants it to be true. Hates that Hiro knows how to play him, still, judging by that infuriatingly kind smile. Hiro is so lucky they're in public. He'd very much like to wipe it from his face.

Rei wonders, briefly, if that's why Akai selected the location, and didn't tell him the truth - if he'd asked, Rei's not sure he would have agreed to meet Hiro, the betrayal still too painful in his mind. Not that this kind of secrecy is appreciated. He really thought they were past that, by now. He'll need to deal with Akai, properly, later.

"Do I look like I care about what the FBI idiot is up to?"

He knows a tactical misstep when he sees it, and he's walked right into this one.

"To be quite honest with you: yes." Hiro hides his smile behind his glass of champagne. Badly. His eyes shine with amusement.

Damnit. What's the point of pretending when Hiro just sees right through him anyways? Rei's so tired of fighting himself at every step.

"Alright, fine. Make yourself useful, then. What did he look like?"

"He lit up like his phone's screen whenever a new text arrived." That, at least, is soothing. There had been quite a few texts. He'd assumed, after all, that he was keeping a bored and lonely Akai company. Just how long has Hiro been with him? Did Akai just ignored his best friend during their flight in favour of chatting with Rei? Asshole.

"If I dare say so, it was quite cute."

Rei doesn't bother to dignify that with a response. His burning cheeks probably provide more of an answer than he would like to give, anyways.

"Alright, I won't push you if you don't want to talk about it. Just know that I'll have an open ear for you, if you change your mind." He slips a card with a handwritten phone number in it. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. Rei memorizes it, then burns the paper.

"By the way." Hiro seems a little concerned, fiddling with his glass. "Akai gave me a couple of odd looks while we were flying back. Any idea what that's about? He went out of his way to sneak me into the country, and we had some good talks, so I struggle to see why he's upset with me?"

At this point, the waiter brings in their dessert.

A medium-sized chocolate cake, heart-shaped. A fork is delicately placed on either side.

Hiro shrugs in response to his questioning look. Amuro's customer service smile slips on easily enough. "I'm sorry? I think you've mistaken the dessert for this table."

"Ah, no, gentlemen. All dishes have been prepared according to the requests of the person making the reservation." How odd.

They thank the waiter, wait until he's out of earshot.

Disjointed information is snapping into place.

"Hiro, you've seen more of him recently. Please tell me this is Akai's idea of a joke."

Because the man has a keen sense of humour, even if it's often only for his own amusement. Gods know as Bourbon Rei wanted to strangle him for his quiet mockery.

But surely he can't be implying what Rei thinks he's implying.

"Hm." Hiro pauses for a minute, bless him, actually contemplating the issue while taking an appreciative bite from the chocolate cake. Which they will not be sharing, like that. Rei cuts it in half with his fork, dragging one half towards his side of the plate.

"I don't think so, no. It's hard to tell with him." 'No, it's not', Rei wants to say, 'you can tell by the barely visible laughter lines around his eyes.' He wisely keeps his mouth shut. It wouldn't help his case about how little is going on between him and Akai.

"But I'm inclined to say he was painfully sincere. It was his idea to arrange this dinner, and before he dropped me off, he wished me good luck. I assumed, at the time, that he was concerned about me walking back out alive without my head bitten off. Now, I think he might have somehow gotten the wrong idea about us."

Rei shoves a piece of chocolate cake into his mouth. The icing melts pleasantly on his tongue.

Akai set him up on a date with his best friend.

The FBI agent can be so smart when he needs to. How is he so hopeless whenever interpersonal relationships are involved?

"Idiot."

That's going to be a fun talk.

.

Sweater Weather AU masterpost

[demethinkstoomuch]

A Survey of House Leadership Titles

We know just enough about each house and its founders that I think there might be some threads to pull at in terms of what different house titles say about the house intends of its leadership, or some other interesting observation  -- in some cases, not a lot, but I’d say enough that there’s enough for me to play with and gnaw on like a naughty cat who should not be chewing embroidery thread.

The Second: No Known Title????

This is so interesting to me. Like, Judith is heir to the House of the Second, and this is a fact that, nevertheless, never at any point makes anything about the internal structure of the second even the slightest bit clear. What is she even heir to? I’m assuming it’s hereditary, because that seems to be the case across the board except for the Sixth. But what is she actually heir to? The training facility? The cohort command within the system??? Something else???

We don’t know, we just know their cohort ranks. Judith’s father was an admiral -- but I am sadly forced to conclude not Sarpedon, because Judith’s father projected a career for her that would force her to stay mostly within the system, and Sarpedon’s career has mostly kept him out of system. This constitutes the entirety of what we know about the Second... But, there’s information in this non-information. What this all says about the Second is that they try and present their cohort ranks as the important ones, the ones that Really Matter...But, then again, Judith, a mere captain, is the heir of the house, so...Are they what Really Matter, really? We don’t know the rules about which contexts things matter in, which I would call not encouraging. That said, I’m betting that Judith a) tries to avoid this contradiction sincerely and steadfastly by honoring the Cohort’s chain of command, and b) she isn’t the only one. If there’s an illusion that there is no mess or complication or strangeness here, it’s a precious illusion that no one intends to disturb until push comes to shove. What the Second cares about most, between their hierarchy and the cohort’s, is a question they do not want to answer.

The Third: King/Queen(?) of Ida, assumed

Man, that is such the most attention-whore title. The pageantry! The showmanship! Crown princes! Princesses! I bet there’s a literal crown, don’t you? (Also, while I’d assume from numerical order that the 5th came after the 3rd, I get the vibe from the general atmospheres of the houses the title order might have been different, that the 3rd picked King and Queen because it’s like Lord and Lady, but bigger and better. If it isn’t, then this is what would have happened if the chronology had played out differently.)

By the way, I do want to know why Babs is a Prince. Like, is that a family rank? A cavalier primary rank? A combined Cavalier-Family rank? A courtesy title? Answer the question, Naberius Tern!

The Fourth: Baron/ess of Tisis

I don’t have much to say about this one, except that my guess is that it’s kind of like the Third or Fifth titles, but, like, different (and a little bit Less Fancy.) I think that is not a coincidence even a little. Also, Baron sounds very cool.

The Fifth: Lady/Lord of Konniortus

Oh, man. I have takes on this one. For one, this is 100% an Augustine decision. For two, Oh, good heavens, he was so smug about it for centuries. It’s powerful, yet understated. Grand as all hell, but not showing off. Everyone would have wanted classical nobility titles, but the specificity of some makes them a bit weaker. I’m thinking of, like, the Lady of the Mercians, or Empress Matilda going by “Lady of the English” as an uncrowned queen for the way the term can sort of gently elide over questions of specific rank. It’s simple, classy, brief.  Augustine is judging half the titles on this list and laughing with a sad shake of his head, like it’s cute that you tried to go as hard as “Lady of Konniortus” and you absolutely failed. And those are the ones where he’s not actively rolling his eyes. But more on that in, oh, about 3 houses from now.

The Sixth: Master Warden

OK, but you know who deserves to be smug for her rad naming skills? Cassie. And I say Cassie, to be clear, because I know it’s her name. Or, the name someone who knew the things Cassie knew about the Sixth. Because, really, I think this refers, in an oblique way, to the Break Clause. Because that clause is, well, it’s the key. It’s the key to the literal and metaphorical lock binding the Sixth House to the empire and to the planet. The whole facility is a prisoner, in a way, overseen by its warden. The whole facility is a lock. And do you know what we call the internal jaws of a lock?

Nothing, actually, because there isn’t a part of a lock that one calls “the internal jaws,” I’ve looked up locksmithing terms when google could not avail me. But...I do know that, if Palamedes and the Sixth thinks of a part of the lock as the Internal Jaws, he’s talking about the little metal pieces inside the lock that the key’s teeth and cut are meant to fit into and around, so only the right key will fit. They are jaws in the sense that teeth fit into them.  When Palamedes makes this little riddle during the Fifth’s dinner party, he’s talking about The Wards. And that it can be unlocked, if a key that fits the ward(en)s is produced, is how the Sixth House is like a lock.

I love that for the Sixth. I got so excited about this realization that I went to some lengths to include this line of thinking in a sixth-house centric fic, because it was simply too good to leave out.They went for an elaborate, multilayered self-created reference that refers back to their secret secession plan, and they’ve stuck with that for 10,000 years without giving away the Bit. Good for them. Really, just delightful.

The Seventh: Duchess/Duke of Rhodes (Assumed)

So, this is more or less just like how I read the Fourth’s nomenclature, except they went with Fancy over Cool. It’s very nearly as important as King/Queen, but not quite, which suits them well enough.  Unless there’s a higher rank and Dulcie’s parents have that rank, which they might. It seems implied. They also keep up the theming, with Pro being a Knight of Rhodes. Point is, they, the Third, the Fifth, and the Fourth are all a part of a system of names, with the Fifth a tiny bit set apart, and the Third probably clawing for the top.

The Eighth: Master Templar of the White Glass

I love this title, and part of what I love is that I know Augustine hates it and rolls his eyes every time he hears it. Because I think it’s a Christabel idea. And I say that for a couple of reasons. The biggest being, it sounds very cool but it makes no sense. Like, flash your mind through literally every point at which Silas or the Eighth house are mentioned. How many of them refer to, in any way, anything pertaining to White Glass? Once, only once. Harrow refers to “White glass mysteries,” but that’s it. It’s a mystery. Outside of that, this title only exists, is only referred to, is only acknowledged at all, in the Gideon the Ninth Dramatis Personae. Sure, the Eighth get described with White, and Templars seems reasonable. They are even referred to as White Templars, because, sure, sensible. But White Glass? Is a throw-away concept here, one only Harrow seems to ever think about. It is a cool-sounding title that refers to nothing of any significance. Its only justification is that it’s rad. It’s just a little stupid, but joyfully so.

Which is not a Mercymorn thing. But I can totally see it as a Christabel decision, one she got very excited about. Like, this is the woman who made One Flesh, One End a thing for the next 10,000 years. Christabel seems to love this stuff, and I think if she got cheerfully enthusiastic about it, Mercymorn would go along with it, and that would enshrine it forever.

The Ninth: The Reverend Father/Mother

So, this is another very good one. Like, Anastasia and Cassiopeia are over here thinking of legitimately good and clever titles, ones which contain a duty, and a secret, and it’s the duty at the core of the house’s leadership, at that. Obviously, the idea of a Reverend Mother is one suitable for the Abbess of a nunnery, so that checks out to begin with, but there’s another layer to it, too. A reason why it’s Reverend Mother and not, say, Abbess, that catches my eye post-Nona, but really ought to have caught my eye before that. “Reverend Daughter,” as a position of heirship, is something important because it’s a Ninth invention. The existence of a Daughter or a Son, as opposed to just having Sisters or Brothers and Mothers or Fathers, creates a direct family line within the ruling family. It becomes a bloodline and an abbey in the same breath.

Harrow insists from the Pool Scene onward that it was critical, the whole future of their house, to have an unbroken bloodline of necromancers descended from Anastasia. And at the end of Nona, we see why: Because Anastasia made a pact with Alecto that is recognized as being attached to Anastasia’s descendants, known by blood. They are the unfulfilled vow, Harrow is right! A line of parents and children, reaching back to their original parent, who made a promise. Mothers and Daughters, all the way down. That’s what the House is really for.

A+ Naming, Anastasia. Fantastic. Beautiful.

[essektheylyss]

reading books isn't enough anymore I need to unhinge my jaw and swallow them whole

[electricserenade]

TUNE IN TO STATION 333.33

THIS STATION IS PLAYING SONGS FROM ALL OVER, INSPIRING YOU TO WRITE YOUR DEEPEST AND FILTHIEST, ANGSTIEST TO SMUTTIEST — FLUFFIEST TO DARKEST WORKS OF THE SUMMER, SPINNING THE FOLLOWING ALBUMS AND TRACKS:

COWBOY CARTER — Beyoncé | Unreal Unearth: Unheard — Hozier | Prelude to Ecstasy — The Last Dinner Party | SOS — SZA

If you gain inspiration from this station and its prompts, be sure to tag me in the work or like/reblog — thank you listeners

PROMPTS DOWN BELOW:

COWBOY CARTER — Beyoncé

"You're my love"

"I just hope you love yourself like that"

"I really hope the best for you"

"Born to be a protector" / "I will be your protector"

"I feel proud of who I am, because you need me"

"Inhalin' whiskey when you kiss my neck"

"They couldn't have me and they never will"

"Sometimes I hold you closer just to know you're real"

"Sometimes I take a day off just to turn you on"

"I don't like the way she's lookin' at you"

"You say change religions, now I spend sundays with you"

"Something 'bout those tears of yours"

"How does it feel to be adored?"

"Sunrise in the morning, you're all I need"

"Didn't know what I wanted 'til I saw your face"

"Don't know what you're doin' tonight"

"Been a while since I haven't tried to pull away"

"I'd go wherever you take me"

"Love you down to the bone"

"I hope you know that once I loved you"

"I just pray that we don't crash"

"When i'm long gone, you'll call my name"

"I stayed away from you too long"

"And I come home tomorrow"

"It's yours, baby, you can crash here, come here"

"Put on a show make it nasty"

"Baby, let me sink into your arms"

"Drink me 'til its done"

"I plan to steal your heart again"

"Ain't that the scary thing"

"Slip into my dreams every night"

"Who am I to judge, my baby?"

"Baby, I've been waitin' my whole life for you"

"This is the real you, huh"

"This is the real me, huh"

"And when I get up to walk, I wanna feel weak"

"I ain't goin' far"

"I'm gonna give you the best years of your life"

"Baby, I've been waitin' my whole life for you and I"

"Have mercy on me"

"I need to make you proud"

UNHEARD — Hozier

"How do you sleep so well?"

"You're too sweet for me"

"But you worry some, I know"

"Put my body to work"

"I wanna lose me"

"I wanna fade away with you"

"I wanna kill the lights"

"I don't need to know where we begin and end"

"I only need the working of my hands"

"Some part of me came alive the first time that you called me baby"

"C'mere to me, when was the last time?"

"How could you think, darlin', I'd scare so easily?"

"There's not one thing that I would change"

"If I could hold you for a minute"

"Heaven is not fit to house a love like you and I"

"I feel lighter than I have in so much time"

"If you need to, darling, lean your weight to me"

"Don't fall away from me"

"Let me put my lips to somethin'"

"Come and get some"

"Let me see the heat get to you"

"Wake up feeling like a millionare"

"I haven't felt it since then"

"We knew what our love was worth"

"We didn't get it right, but love, we did our best"

"I know we want this to go easy"

"When people say that something is forever either way it ends"

"As natural as another leg around you in the bed frame"

"Look, I wanna be loud, so loud, I'm talking seismic"

"I'm still glad I met you"

"I'd no choice but to love you"

"I thought you were like an angel to me"

"It ain't hate being alone" / "It ain't the empty home, baby" / "You know I'm good on my own"

"You know, it's more the being unknown"

"One bright morning changes all things"

"Your eyes open, at first a thousand miles away but turning, shoot a silver bullet point-blank range"

"Could this be how every day begins?"

"Like I lived my whole life before the first light"

"But after this I'm never gonna be the same and I am never going back again"

Prelude to Ecstasy — The Last Dinner Party

"Bite marks on my neck I could never say no"

"You don't wanna hurt me but I want you to"

"My darling, believe me, I was born to be with you"

"Ain't it fun to hold the world in your hands?"

"Do you want me or do you want control?"

"I can't win them all"

"Do you want me to care when you just disappear?"

"I wish I didn't want you"

"I will hold your hands to stop them from shaking"

"If it takes all night, I will be on your side"

"When you're lyin' here, I believe you love me"

"And what I'm feeling isn't lust, it's envy"

"I wish I knew you back when we were both small"

"Pray for me on your knees"

"Stay through the night I'd spend the mornings by your side"

"Cleanse my soul, make me whole"

"Dance in the morning glow"

"Hold me, we can't go back"

"Foolish thinking I could have you"

"Picture me in bed under your crucifix"

"I'd die for you, no questions asked"

"If anyone could kill me, it would probably be you"

"I wish that I had the guts the dignity to put up a fight"

"Oh anyone could kill me, and I'd never ever let it be you"

"'Cause we're a lot alike"

"I will fuck you like nothing matters"

"I'm putting all my bets on you"

"This is the only thing I know how to do"

SOS — SZA

"Damn right I'm the one"

"I can't let you finish"

"He's so needy"

"I just want what's mine"

"If I can't have you no one should"

"How'd I get here?"

"I get the sense that it's a lost cause"

"I did it all for love"

"I get the sense that you might really love her"

"I had to do it to you"

"The art of war, goddamnit, I'm drained"

"With a rush that feels like, we committin' a crime"

"You know where you belong"

"Wherever you are, whatever you need, don't call me"

"I lay awake if you're not around me"

"Help me understand how you speak your love language"

"You don't wanna be without me"

"I don't want to be alone"

"My, my, how the times change"

"Moments stolen taste better"

Oh, I need you, but it takes time"

"Loved me better when you tried less"

"I can't lose when I'm with you"

"I still wonder if you notice me"

"Don't care, just lay here beside me"

"I need your touch, not your scrutiny"

"You better learn how to face it"

"I make no exceptions"

"You can trust in me"

"Can you make me happy? Can you keep me happy?"

"I been thinkin' 'bout you, haven't got much sleep"

"Can you still come and get me?"

"I fuck him 'cause I really miss you"

"It's too late, I don't wanna lose what's left of you"

"I don't wanna see you with anyone but me"

"How am I supposed to let you go?"

"Only like myself when I'm with you"

"I got everything that I need, and I want more"

"Hate how you look at her 'cause you never saw me"

"I wish I was special"

"Is it bad that I want more?"

"Figure out how I should be loved"

"Is it too late for us?"

"Everything reminds me of us"

"Lead me, don't look back, it's all about you"

"It's what you say and how you do me"

"Who needs self-esteem anyway?"

"For you, I try"

"I can't shake this habit"

"I've been up, baby"

"Shitty of you to make me feel like this"

"You've been making me feel like I'm always in my mind"

"I don't mind who's watching"