#don't belong to no city don't belong to no man || musings

[feelings-fortilly]

[necessiteez]

HONGJOONG SMUT FIC RECS LIBRARY

disclaimer: I do not own any of these works and they do not represent the real kim hongjoong. all rights belong to the respective writers who made them.

all pairings are hongjoong x reader only.

further info is already stated in the main Library.

✶ - favorites

╔═ second♕floor ═╗

「 ✦ Pirate!Hongjoong ✦ 」

✶ Let Me Take You Away - @ithinkilikeit-reactions (wc 3.7k)

✶ Pirate King: Kim Hongjoong - @cookycherry (wc 4.5k)

Sea Superstitions - ithikilikeit-reactions (wc 8 .8k)

My Lady - @seongsangssbitch

Lost at Sea - @acupoftaewithsomesuga (wc 6.9k)

Pirate Joong - @hyetiny

Pirate King - @cybrsan (wc 7.6k)

A Selfish Desire - @hwashotcheeto (wc 4k)

🆕✨ Shiny New Toy - kitten4sannie (wc 2.1k)

「 ✦ Best Friend!Hongjoong ✦ 」

friends to lovers trope

✶ Tell Me to Stop - @tenelkadjowrites (wc 4.4k)

Acorns - sa_honey on ao3 (wc 4.3k)

Marigold - @yoongiseesawmp3 (wc 12k)

✶ The Best Friends Code trilogy feat. Seonghwa - tenelkadjowrites

Heavy on Your Tongue - @swallowedbymadness (wc 4k)

We Ransacked the City series, multi-chapter feat. Seonghwa - tenelkadjowrites

🆕✨ Between Friends - anyamaris (wc 3.4k)

「 ✦ Academic!Hongjoong ✦ 」

includes College Student! Hongjoong, Professor! Hongjoong, school setting

Fire & Flames - bustdownyunho on ao3 (wc 5.8k)

✶ Motivate Me - @hwaightme (wc 10.2k)

Hideaway - @minisugakoobies (wc 7k)

Teacher Seonghwa + Student Hongjoong male reader - @star-suh

Study Buddies - halflinghoney on a03 (wc 2.4k)

✶ Can't Stand You - @domjaehyun (wc 3.7k)

✶ Training Wheels - @luvt0kki (wc 10.7k)

Rule #4 - @k-hotchoisan (wc 6k)

King's Play - @atzfilm (wc 4k)

A Special Kind of Heat Delivery - artof-seonghwa (wc 2.4k)

「 ✦ Idol!Hongjoong ✦ 」

✶ Good Girls Don't ONGOING - halanote on ao3 (wc 22k)

Work Life Balance - evphoria87 (wc 1.6k)

Drunk in Love - barnesbabee

✶ All Yours - forhongjoong (wc 4k) HAS GOT TO BE THE OLDEST WELL-WRITTEN SMUT I KNOW SO THIS ONE IS SPECIAL

In the Wings feat. Seonghwa - sanjoongie (wc 2k)

A Night In implied poly - @written-in-flowers (wc 3k)

✶ 2 Soon part 1 - @03jyh23 (wc 12.8k)

✶ 2 Soon part 2 - 03jyh23 (wc 11.5k)

✶ Man-Spreading - barnesbabee

🆕✨ Bouncy - flurrys-creativity (wc 1.8k)

🆕✨ [11:07] Secrecy - hanatiny (wc 1k)

「 ✦ Roommate!Hongjoong ✦ 」

✶ Movie Night - @severetimetravelnerd (wc 2k)

✶ Deal - @hongism (wc 10.3k)

Declaration - tenelkadjowrites (wc 9k)

✶ Don't You Want Me? - @yeonjuns-beanie (wc 7.4k)

Ass So Fat, Hit that From the Back gen reader, only Hongjoong is turned on - orphan account/abandoned (wc 2.9k)

Exhibition and Voyeurism feat. Seonghwa - hobi-is-golden on ao3 (wc 3.6k)

🆕✨✶ Got a Thing for You - ilwonuu

「 ✦ Mafia/Gangster!Hongjoong ✦ 」

All I Need - @cocobeanncteez

Princess feat. San- @teeztheflag (wc 4.6k)

For Your Entertainment - @atiny-piratequeen (wc 4.3k)

5:31pm - @mingishoe

✶ A Rose is A Rose feat. Seonghwa - @daddyfordaeddy (wc 3.5k)

Guns and Roses - @baekhvuns (wc 5.4k)

✶ Cheating w Gangster!Seongjoong feat. Seonghwa - @thelargefrye (wc 2.6k)

✶ On the Rocks feat. Seonghwa- @kitten4sannie (wc 2.7k)

Backfired part 2 - ateezreactionsandscenarios (wc 5k)

🆕✨ Unbroken - hanatiny (wc 7k)

「 ✦ Hongjoong Working Different Jobs ✦ 」

includes photographer!Hongjoong, barista!Hongjoong, writer!Hongjoong, doctor!Hongjoong

* photographer!Hongjoong

Picture Perfect - @ikigaitsuki (wc 6k)

Something to Say - themoonlightfae on ao3 (wc 5.9k)

His Muse - firepoppyqueen on ao3 (wc 1.4k)

* writer!Hongjoong

✶ Mr. Write series, multi-chapter, writer!Hongjoong - @1117feverlessdreams

* cafe owner/barista Hongjoong

Iced Coffee barista!Hongjoong- xoexoxhoe

FFF Day 14 feat. San - sanjoongie (wc 2.6k)

「 ✦ Hongjoong in fantasy/historical/mythical setting ✦ 」

Rendezvous with Destiny royal advisor!Hongjoong - alxdelusional (wc 6k)

Do You Believe in Fate? Hongjoong with magic, multi-chapter - @lettersfromaphrodite (wc 42k)

Starseed: Perfect Love male reader, King!Hongjoong - thelargefrye (wc 3.7k)

His Majesty's Responsibilities King!Hongjoong - @xirenex (wc 8k)

✶ Forbidden Fruit Hades!Hongjoong - nateezfics (wc 2k)

Day 19 Bard!Hongjoong feat. Knight!Seonghwa- @multiwreckedmess (wc 6.3k)

The Spoils of War, Chapter 2: Hongjoong the Queenmaker multi-member, King!Hongjoong - fullspectrumfangirl, stitchdragon on ao3

Die for You royal guard!Hongjoong - @beginningofwonderland (wc 7.4k)

I'd Rather Burn nobleman!Hongjoong - latte-fairytaekwoon (wc 6.2k)

✨🆕 ✶ New World mad prince!Hongjoong, HEAVY ANGST - @sorryimananti-romantic (wc 27k)

「 ✦ Hongjoong in the Fashion Industry ✦ 」

includes Fashion Designer! Hongjoong, Model! Hongjoong, Fashion Company CEO! Hongjoong

✶ The Met and the Aftermath - @angiesmagicspace (wc 5.7k)

✶ Perfect Little Pet Cruella! Hongjoong @armysantiny (wc 5.9k)

✶ Business Attire - @nebulousbrainsoup (wc 4.5k)

Perfect Design - @sector-i-closed

Be My Muse - sanjoongie (wc 1.2k)

Untitled - @cherrysoojins

The Model - @doritochoi (wc 1.7k)

✶ High End - @songmingisthighs (wc 2k)

Mistletoe feat. Seonghwa - justthere4kpop (wc 2.4k)

「 ✦ Something's Wrong with Hongjoong ✦ 」

includes Villain!Hongjoong, Evil!Hongjoong, Perv!Hongjoong, Yandere! Hongjoong and dubcon themes. ⚠️ I don't support non-con fanfics

An Eye For All Things Sweet - @sugarcherriess

Textbook perv!Hongjoong - @ateezinmymind

Crimes of Passion: Gotham au Intro - @thetypingpup (wc 5.4k)

* Yandere

Desire - @lovesanmotion

Indulgence - @mint-yooxgi (wc 2k)

The Villain part 1 - @yourfatherlucifer (wc 1k)

The Villain part 2 - yourfatherlucifer (wc 1k)

˖ ࣪⭑last updated 06/05/24 ˖ ࣪⭑

[neochan]

DAZED (M) - TEASER

PAIRING. model!jaemin x photographer!reader

WC EST. 2k

WARNINGS. explicit smut, dirty talk, filming, praise, degradation.

A. NOTE. this is my rocky return to nct tumblr after being away for so long.

THE CAMERAS HEART BELONGED TO IT'S MUSE, AND NA JAEMIN WAS JUST THAT.

he might as well have been yours too, the curve of his jaw and the pout of his lips drawing every last shutter click off your finger tips. capturing snapshots of his lean body adorned in long drapes of designer fabrics or, at times, in nothing at all, felt like claiming a piece of an ethereal masterpiece. he was a man destined to illuminate the towering billboards that graced the skyline of new york city.

which is why this felt foreign - a camera trained on you by jaemins shaky hand. the flash blinds you momentarily before he quickly covers it and mumbles out an apology.

even in a momentary surprise, you don't need sight to find your way around jaemins body. the hard lines of his abdomen, his thighs a strong place to rest your hands, and his cock, standing proud against the flat of his stomach. you've put this image on film countless times, but now - looking up at the man you've stilled on paper...

it felt foreign.

"not used to this hm?" the sweet lilt of his voice brings your attention back to the phone in his palm, trained on the way you buckle to your knees.

chuckling, you slide your palms up the front of his thighs, "i've watched you enough to know the basics."

a smirk plays on the corner of his mouth, "then lets watch your pretty little self play naughty for the cameras."

taglist > open!

[voicesfoundmymemories]

You've started something you can't get out of by the way, my requests (demands) will be met. 🧶

Mmm craving a Nanami x reader kinda thing, I've gathered guidelines all would be preferred but I'm happy at two.

"I’d feel much better if you’d let me walk you home.”

“If I asked you to stay, would you?”

Is that my shirt?” “You mean our shirt?”

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, 🎚️

(Me note: thank you for the demand request! We love nanami and I hope you enjoy!) P.S sorry I didn't add in the last one I forgor but maybe it can be a follow up in the near future.

Cw: Mugging on the news, corporate jobs Word Count: 732

Safe and Sound

"Crime continues to plague the city as a slew of new muggings have been reported. While we don't know what has caused the influx in armed robberies, the police have given out tips on how to prevent these..."

You let your shoulders drop, exhaling as you close your computer. You'd worked late again, and now it was getting dark out.

You stand up, stretching a bit as you look around at the basically empty office. 

It's quiet, and without the droning of your coworkers the office sounds almost peaceful. The hum of a printer in another room, the tired lights buzzing. 

You make your way down to the entrance of the building, absentmindedly trying to fit your laptop into its bag amongst the folders that didn't belong in there.

In your struggle you didn't hear the footsteps slowly approaching you, nor the brisk "ahem" that followed.

"Are you planning to walk home alone at this time of night?" You look up from your struggle, a folder in hand as your eyes meet the blonde man's.

"Oh, Kento. You could've scared me-" Your lips inch with a smile. "Yeah, I don't live far from here."

"Well that's even worse. There's been muggings around here lately. It was on the news." He chides.

"Nanami I've been working here for over a year. You trust my work don't you?" You raise an eyebrow at him.

"...What does that have to do with-"

"Then trust my ability to stay vigilant!" You fix your bag onto your shoulder, having gotten everything to fit nicely. "Besides, what'll they take? My laptop can make eggs if I open more than 3 tabs at once." 

He huffs, looking at you with warm eyes despite his attempt to be stern.

"If you're going to walk home do it earlier in the evening. But since it is so late, I should come with you." He says with a finality, shrugging on the suit jacket he'd been holding on his arm. 

"Come with me?" Your brows raise as you try to conceal your excitement.

"Yes. I'd feel much better if you'd let me walk you home, no matter how... vigilant, you may be." He opens the door with an expectant look on his face and you couldn't hold in your big smile as you walked through, eyeing him.

The two of you walk down various streets in comfortable silence, eventually seeing your apartment building up the road.

"Should I count this a mini date? Or are we still, 'unacquainted' with each other?" He scoffs, adjusting your bag on his shoulder.

"You aren't going to ever let that die are you. Can we not move past that?" A small smile pulls at the corner of his lips. "Besides, I think we've become familiar over the year." He glances down at your wrist, still wearing the silly bangle he'd bought for the office secret santa. 

"If you'd like to consider this a mini date, you can, but I'd much rather take you on a real one." You turn around, mouth agape in shock.

You see his eyes flicker with amusement as you become increasingly flustered, trying to form a coherent thought. "You're serious?"

"Have I built a reputation for jokes?" He muses and you are struggling to keep your cool.

"Well no... A real date, would be- nice." You eye him, reaching a hand out for your bag.

He looks up at the building, "Let me walk you to your door."

"It's a two floor complex, the hallway is visible from the outside." You follow his gaze.

"I don't do half-assed jobs. Now come on, darling." You follow him up the stairs, your heart beating wildly in your chest as you're left to think about his proposal.

You get to your apartment, looking through your keys and opening your door. "Thanks for walking me home, Kento." You say softly. Neither of you wanted this to end, eyes meeting in a silent dance of emotions.

Nanami sucked in a breath. "Of course-"

"Would you-" You blurt out, steadying the heartbeat currently thrumming in your ears. "If I asked you to stay, would you?"

His shoulders dropped, like he'd been dying to say the same and you'd beat him to it. "I would."

Your smile matched his as you backed up into your apartment, letting him in. "Do you want tea? I have chamomile." "I'd love that."

[modcrnspirits]

open starters! secret party. muse: fatin mac cumhaill. plot: your muse has been brought to a secret party by their Special One (boyfriend/husband/t*boo) and your muse is wandering around when Fatin gets his eyes on him. as a sub, your muse is "bought" by other Masters, which Fatin just did. ps. i can gladly include other muses for a gangb*ng. possible k*nks: (these are examples, feel free to ignore or add other things) public s*x, master and sub, only consensual, group s*x, spanking, cum swapping, sloppy seconds, etc.

Fatin loved a secret society kind of thing. It could be the fact his life was based on secrets, with his family being what they were. But truly, the idea of participating into these sort os activities was entertaining, specially when the secret society in question involved s*x as the main attraction. That night's party was just outside the city, on a house so big it could be confused as a fancy country hotel. The illumination was top notch - shadows that played on the scenario with old curtains heavy to cover the indecency of the men in it. Some men wore fancy clothes, just like he did. Others were in all different stages of undressing. Their roles were marked by this choice of fashion. It is easy to know, in that way, who belonged and who was there as a submissive. Fatin stopped one of the undressed ones. His own cock stirring as he started a conversation.

"Is this your first time? I don't think I ever seen your face in these." Nor the body. Nor anything for that matter. "Here." From one of his pockets, Fatin took out a small golden coin. It had his name on it. Giving one of those to a sub meant Fatin wanted the boy and the Man to whom that sub belonged to would receive money for their services. "Now tell me, what a handsome guy like you wants for the night? How many cocks are you going to take?"

[cjonesjr]

・﹒・ single dad, huh?

Summary: You had just moved into the sprawling suburban neighborhood after inheriting your late-grandparents' house. Your new, next door neighbor wanted to help you move it and you couldn't help but accept it. You soon fall down a rabbit hole of "is this guy too old for me?" after you realize your true feelings for him.

Warings: Age gap, fluff

Pairing: Don!Mobius x GN!reader

Notes: I finally watched the Loki Disney+ show and when I tell you the moment I saw dad Mobius...I'm a sucker for DILFS, guilty as charged 😔. Should I make a part 2????

The neighborhood was nothing special, it was your average suburban area with picturesque houses and families. You grew up closer to the city so you never had to deal with driving everywhere as eveything was walkable, but you have visited here occasionally since the house you were moving into used to belong to your grandparents. So you held some fond memories of this place, it would take a while to get used to it, but in time it would get better.

You never visited here much though, as it was over a two hour drive, but cherish the little memories you had of this place. You had been saving up to move out of your parents' house but no apartments seemed to work for you. Of course its not nice to find out your grandparents had passed, but you were blessed that they left you their house. All the papers were in order and the house was officially in your name before they bit the dust.

Today was your move-in day and the medium sized moving truck sat outside as you did everything yourself. Since it was just you- you didn't feel the need to pay a few guys to move your stuff as there wasn't that much, but still a decent amount. You briskly walked back up into the truck to lug a box into the house and as you walked down the ramp, someone called out to you.

"Need any help there, new neighbor?" It startled you at first before you quickly recovered and looked over to see the source. It was your next-door neighbor. He was an older man with grey, short hair. Maybe he was in his 40s? He probably just didn't want to maintain dying his hair all the time so he kept it natural, but you couldn't lie and say he wasn't at least a little bit attractive. You thought about this and contemplated his offer, it wouldn't be so bad, right? You could get to know him and he could get to know you. Knowing someone right off the bat would be helpful in this new area, you just hope he didn't have any bad intentions.

"Sure!" I just need to get these boxes all inside first, so bring them in and I'll tell you where to put them. I can handle the rest" You walked down the ramp with your box of who knows what and he got closer with a smile on his face. "Now I hope you aren't some creep because if so, I will have to ask you kindly to leave" You laughed awkwardly- partially afraid of that being the case but also trying to make a joke out of it.

"Oh, pfft. I'm a single dad. My days consist of selling- or trying to sell jet skis and telling my sons not to burn their toys. I mean- why do they think that's cool? You know what's cool? Jet skis" Huh, he was a single dad, why did that make your heart skip? He was a dad, a dad! And he has multiple sons, you were single and in your early 20s with no big plans. He seems to like jet skis though, a man has to have his hobbies after all, it honestly was cute.

"Single dad, huh?" You mused with a small smile as he passed you going into the truck and picking up a random box and following you.

"Yeah. My eldest is twelve and my youngest is eight and they are my boys. My wife left me a few years ago so I've been raising them on my own the past few years. It's been a learning curve certainly, but they're good boys, not counting burning their toys. Seriously I don't get it, why would you burn your own stuff?" It made you slightly sad that his wife left him when he seemed like such a good father, from first impressions at least. "Oh shoot, I never introduced myself! My name is Don" he flashed a smile with excitement as he stood next to you. Saying your name, his face switched into one of concentration before snapping his fingers with a smile.

"Now I remember! You're the grandchild of that old couple that lived here! Sorry for your loss, by the way. They were nice people" From the way he went from excitement from remembering where he heard your name from then unfortunate passing of your grandparents, it was obvious that he didn't want to brush over that fact and tried to be kind.

"Thank you. I miss them but they were nice enough to leave me this house since they knew I've been trying to save up. But I can't wait to meet your sons" Changing the conversation was needed as you didn't want to lament on them being gone, but didn't want him to think he did anything wrong. So you gave a genuine smile as he walked next to you into the house and you had a feeling that he would become a good friend.

"Well, every two weeks I plan a cookout and this Saturday is the next one. A few neighbors from this block usually come over so you can get a chance to meet them too. No pressure, of course! Only come if you're comfortable!" You thought it was really sweet of him to invite you over, even if he didn't know you weren't the most sociable person ever. He followed you through the front door and set the box down in the kitchen since it was well...stuff for the kitchen. The box you held was for the livingroom so you set it down there.

"I'll think about it"

"Think about it? What's there to think about?" He exclaimed as he started to talk with his hands, but not in anger, in was very amusing how animated and passionate he was. "You're hangin' out with the coolest dad on the block, you'll meet my sons, meet the other neighbors, and have some good food" He walked closer to you and you couldn't help but feel your attraction to him grow stronger. You're so fucked.

"I'm not the most...social...person. I prefer to spend my time alone...and in my house" it wasn't a lie, you truly did prefer to spend time by yourself reading, playing games, and a few other things. But you didn't know how you would react to being near him for that long with a bunch of strangers around.

"Well, the offer is still on the table. It starts at six sharp, but showing up fashionably late wouldn't be bad either. As long as you're there" He winked at you as he left to grab more boxes. Wait...he winked at you? He winked at you! Your face burned slightly as you replayed it in your head a few times before shaking your head and stood in your house for a few seconds before meeting him back outside. You had to get it under control, this stupid little crush would get out of hand very fast if you didn't put an end to it now. But...would it be so bad? You haven't had a crush on a long time much less dated anyone, might as well have a little fun if it makes you happy. But you wouldn't actively go for him, no way. He's too old and has two kids. Nope.

"Wait, where are your kids now? School?" It was a Tuesday morning so they most likely were, but the thought had just occurred to you then as he walked back inside with a box for the bathroom and a box for the bedroom.

"Yeah. They take a bus everyday since my work schedule usually lets me off after they get out. This is one of my off days. They're decent at school, I'm not trying to pressure them into a career they want to do so as long as they pass its fine" Your heart flipped yet again as he truly seemed like a caring father if not a little quirky, but who isn't? Smiling, you walk back out with him to get the other boxes.

This went on for the next few hours- you'd talk about yourselves to know each other better as you grabbed more boxes and set them in the right room. It honestly took a lot longer than it should from the amount of boxes you had- it wasn't that many- but got caught up in just...talking. It was really nice though, as you felt like you made a new friend already and it was your first day here. As you were talking about the good restaurants here so you can get takeout at, the sounds of kids outside signalled that school ended and Don's sons would be home soon. He looked down at his watch and smiled.

"Right on time! You just got one more box in there I'll bring out. You sure you'll be fine unpacking this all?" He insisted that his kids could wait and that he wanted to help you unpack all the boxes, but you would rather him not see all your things because you were more of a private person, and plus you didn't want him to miss making dinner for his boys.

"Yeah I'll be fine. It was really nice to meet you, Don. Maybe I'll see you again tomorrow?" You shook hands and couldn't help but feel tingles up your spine from the contact, but still smiled and he smiled back before letting go.

"I work tomorrow and you'll probably still be unpacking but you can always visit me at work! You know where I work, stop by anytime you feel like it, you know my schedule. Well, I'm off, see you later! Nice to meet you!" He started towards back towards his house just as you saw two young boys enter the yard, those must be his sons. Heart feeling warm, you watched as he happily grabbed what looked like his oldest into a headlock and rub his hair. Sighing. you decided to check out one of the places he recommended to get takeout since you were hungry and looked it up on Google. You couldn't help but be tempted to take his offer to his cookout on Saturday. Maybe you'll visit him at his job too.

[underteika]

Farewell, friend

The house feels... empty. The subtle little something they felt in the Misfit House is gone; the stones with the runes in the garden don't give off that aura of safety like they used to.

The sorrows of the city, the aches of the visitors and natives alike. It seeps in through the foundations, the soil, the tiles in the roof. And while Anda had always considered this place a home like any other, without Him in it...

...It's just a building.

Nothing in this city lasted forever. Even Anda had been pulled from it a few times. But that man was always here to welcome them back. From the time they first set foot in that old six-sided city looking for work to just a month ago. The Lord of this place always held out a hand in all that darkness and welcomed someone like them back.

It starts to pool in through the floorboards. A leak, then a stream, then standing 'water' a few inches deep. Dark and murky and violet, dripping from the walls around them. They make no move to escape it.

Anda always had Lord El Melloi II to turn to when they were in trouble. The others they had leaned to had all vanished through the years, but he and Zal always remained.

Now it was just her. And the man they knew, the one that all but adopted them into his family, Had vanished.

There's a horrible miasma surrounding the House of Misfits. Dreary, almost suffocating, oppressive in its misery. With the barrier around the place gone, it's hard to tell where Anda's grief ends and the City's begins. It's all wrapped and swirled into a terrible fog.

...The house belongs to them, now. Which is fine. He wouldn't want them to sit here like this, in a literal flood of their own devastating loss. And they'll honour that, in time.

But for now...

...There's a hushed, mourning silence around that house that people, can't seem to remember exists there.

Due to the nature of Anda's abilities, for about 48 hours, anyone within a couple blocks of Lord El Melloi II's House of Misfits (Archimedes) can't seem to remember the house even exists. And within a block, people may forget why they're there or what they're doing entirely. Muses with empathetic or psychic abilities might be able to feel a horrible sense of loss from the personal housing district of the Archimedes ward! Enjoy feeling terribly sad for the next couple days :')

[the-dumpster-fire-of-life]

A Sisters Love Sequel

You could almost laugh at the enforcers escorting you.

Each cautious of you, even in cuffs.

Some when you were in a cell had even shit talked about you, Silco and Jinx.

That didn't go over well, especially since they had to come into your cell to give you meals.

But now, here you were.

Handcuffed and shackled at the waist, arms and legs as you headed to the top.

You were being sentenced today, by shit for brain councilors, at that.

"Walk." An enforcer ordered, shoving you closer to the middle of the room.

It almost looked like you were on display, displayed as one of the most wanted Undercity residents.

From the whispers that you could hear once they heard your chains clicking, you could tell you had an audience.

The enforcer led you to the middle, standing you still as they tightened your cuffs.

"Don't try to pull anything." The obvious woman under the mask sneered.

"Me? Never." You mused with a smirk, only infuriating the enforcer more.

But they couldn't do shit to you. Not in front of your admires.

It was pitch black in the tower, barely able to see In front of you.

But as a light shone above you, whispers flickered throughout the entire tower.

All you could do was smile at them all, even with their disgusted eyes judging you.

You looked at every councilor, picking each apart until you got to Jayce.

The man just stared at you, but you could see the slight fear and disgust in them.

"Do you know why you are here today?" A sudden voice called out.

It was the councilor Mel Medarda, you'd heard of her from down below.

"Don't you have a list or something?" You shrugged, feeling too tired and annoyed to answer.

"Yes, we do. We just need a verbal answer." Medarda continued, her professionalism almost making you puke.

"Murder, explosives, theft, treason, plotting, other bullshit I can't remember…" you trailed off, almost laughing at the horror on the citizens faces.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself? Or for your companion?" Jayce asked, catching your attention.

You finally got angry, him telling the council Jinx was dead was part of your deal.

The guy seemed to fucking lazy to even hold up his end.

"Jinx is dead." You sneered, hearing the whispers disperse as they listened.

"I'm the one who is on trial, not her." You finished, shrugging off the man's glare.

"Again, do you have anything to say for yourself before you are sentenced?" Council Medarda cut in.

You sighed, not angry or tired, just utterly annoyed at the fucking inconvenience.

"What's the point? I did what I did against your bitch ass city. Get over it."

You heard the gasps at your language at the councilors, but who the hell cares?

You quite actually giggled at the citizens gasps and the arrogant councilors faces.

"Your city is full of assholes who spit on my people for years. I did what I did to fuck over your city for ruining lives, do you expect me to apologize?"

"Watch your mouth!" A councilor man finally stood up, angered at your words as an enforcer held his shoulder.

"Or what? Whatcha gonna do? Bite me?" You teased, laughing at his face.

"Enough!" Jayce exclaimed, seemingly as fed up with this all also.

"You," He turned a pointed look at you, getting a smile in return.

"Are sentenced to Stillwater Prison where you belong, where you will rot for the rest of your life."

Jayce finally finished, waiting for a reaction from you but merely getting a yawn.

Jayce shook his head, looking around as the citizens all looked ready to spit on you.

You simply waved your fingers at them all, holding out your cuffed hands to be dragged away.

You were escorted by more enforcers than before, surrounded as angry citizens tried getting to you.

You laughed at the whole ordeal, waving at them like some sort of celebrity.

Butt, you sorta were right now, weren't you?

Finally you got outside and the fun ended.

"Get in." An enforcer pulled open a car door, another shoving you inside.

You rolled your eyes at them before getting situated yourself.

Other enforcers joined you before the van finally started, looking out the window you could tell you were headed for the shore.

You had to cross with a boat to get to the prison, maybe you can throw an enforcer or two down into the water.

But that thought was quickly put to rest once you heard a deafening boom and the van stop.

Enforcers all looked around confused before another went off, right next to the van.

They all looked at you once you laughed at their horror.

"Never been through this before?" You asked, just as the van's doors were pulled open.

You could see rubble everywhere, fires started and most of all, Sevika was there to pull you out of the van.

"Get your ass out here, Kid." Sevika threw. "Gladly." You smiled, slipping out your handcuffs and ankle shackles.

You'll lazer the others off.

Sevika grabbed your arm and helped you down from the van, just for you to see Silcos goons helping distract enforcers.

Just as you got out the van and far enough away, the enforcers stuck in there were blown to bits.

You watched happily as the van burnt up in flames before you heard a yell.

"(Name)! Did you see that?! I did that?!" You turned around with a smile to see Jinx.

Silco stood there with her, both watching you before Jinx ran.

You followed her lead, meeting her in the middle with a hug as Silco joined.

"Why'd you give yourself up for me?!" Jinx exclaimed, pulling away from the hug to punch your chest with tears welled.

"Cause I knew there would be a plan, plus, your explosives work better than mine."

You laughed, pulling Jinx's hands from punching you as you made her look at you.

"Were you treated well?" Silco finally asked, inspecting you for injuries.

"They were too afraid to do anything." You shrugged, getting a nod from Silco.

You knew he would never do it so you did it yourself.

You hugged the man. Feeling him tense before relaxing, Jinx joined you.

The man stood there with his hands at his sides for a moment.

Then he finally allowed himself to hug his daughters back.

"Come on. No need to linger." Silco finally cleared his throat after a minute.

"Oh! Come on, (Name)! He got new goons we can bother." Jinx excitedly told you as the other goons who dealt with the enforcers began to disperse.

"I just wanna sleep." You complained, being dragged back to the Undercity where you belong.

"Too bad. Well watch the news later."

You did, in fact, watch the news.

It told the terrible story on how enforcers we're killed by Undercity citizens angry at your arrest.

And enforcers and you, were killed in the chaos.

People mourned the enforcers while celebrating your death.

But you weren't really dead, were you?

[nrdmssgs]

Darker matters (part 2)

Masterlist Previous part Next part

Angst Pairing: Nikolai x Olga 'Zhar' Samoilova Summary: Gathering strength, losing something much more important. Warnings: Swearing, inaccurate description of military operations. Author's note: This is a sequel to A heart full of pity. Thanks: My eternal muses: @homicidal-slvt, @sofasoap and @gamergirlbonestaskforce141riot. And a very special thanks to @pale-elysium for the unbelievably beautiful things and words shared. Thank you for your kind help with German part of the story. I owe you so much.

“Zhar, you have thirty more minutes before that blizzard reaches your position. Over.” Leaning over the radio transmitter, Iskra nervously taps an intricate rhythm with her knuckles on the table. She regrets succumbing to Zhars persuasions.

Of course, ‘want to make Nikolai happy - make this woman happy’ rule still applied to their work, but this time they are risking losing the second in command in a snow-storm, that approached her. This for sure wouldn't make Nik happy. So the only hope, Iskra has, is that Zhar turns back to the transport right now, and their commander never finds out, what happened on this mission. 

“Iskorka*, don't worry. I was born here - a little snow won't do any hurt. I need just a bit more time to tag our targets and then ill wait till the blizzard calms down in an old depot. Now how about I do my job, and you keep Nikolai occupied and away? Over.” Even through comms, Iskra feels a sweet smile, that always accompanies Zhars cooing tone.

“You stubborn ass, this was my job, and you somehow sold me this stupid idea of passing it on to you.” This Iskra mutters just to herself, taking out a cigarette and patting her pockets in search of a lighter. Not only, she is stuck in this half-dead city in the far north of Russia in November, when -25 C is considered surprisingly warm - she may just witness a slow and painful death of her superior and can do absolutely nothing about that. Iskra is pissed - she already promised herself to never give in to Olga’s persuasion again, but that's not enough to calm her down. She needs just a few inhales of cigarette smoke, to not shout back at Zhar.

A lighter clicks right before her face. Iskra knows, to whom does this one belong, but she still lifts her gaze and immediately regrets it. He was supposed to be on the other side of the continent, but some animalistic instinct led him right here, to an apartment converted into the far north Chimera operations hqs.

Before she even opens her mouth, the man asks to make room in front of the radio with a silent gesture. Iskra looks back with an unspoken regret, but he is relentless. So she takes off her headphones and hands them to him, giving up her chair.

Zhar can't let herself turn back now, when she's almost done. Her mind begs her to give up and run, before a thick gray wall of snow descends on conserved weaponry, cuts off ways back to Iskra and erases Zhars footprints in mere minutes. Her body is already giving up, as she feels her breath shaking and the world around her starts spinning. But to abort this operation now would mean to return to point zero, erasing both strategic and personal progress, she reached. Seeing blizzard, coming after her from far horizon line, she lets herself only one moment of rest, closing her eyes and blindly checking her equipment. And then a familiar voice pulls Zhar out of her cold oblivion.

“You are turning back right now. It's either you coming back on your own, or I'm dragging you out of there. Chose wisely, nebo moye*. By the way, you were born near Moscow, not in Norilsk*, so stop telling nonsense to your colleagues. Out.” Zhar curses under her breath and heads back to the transport. 

When she enters their improvised hq, it's full of people already. She maneuvers between unfamiliar faces, smiles at familiar ones, taking off the outer layers of her winter gear as she goes. In the depths of the apartment there is a dark doorway leading to a small bedroom. Judging by the way the others are slowly gathering at the opposite end of the apartment, Olga understands what awaits her there. 

She pauses on the threshold, takes a deep breath and steps into the darkness.

“Help me solve a riddle, will you?” A familiar voice: deep and husky. A voice, that can be so soft, yet now it's all cold and steel. “I send a group of trained soldiers to infiltrate an old military base and tag weapons stored there. I give them a commander, that would organize their work and manage every step of an operation. Because of extreme conditions, I specifically emphasize that the commander is still rehabilitating after an injury and must remain at headquarters. After I'm reassured, everything will be fine - I let them all go, kiss the woman I love goodbye and go on with my business. That's when I receive an invoice from our equipment supplier. And find out, we only have to pay for one set of winter equipment. Strangely, it's all your size. Any thoughts on how I had to interpret it?”

She is glad that Nikolai is standing behind her and does not see how her hands are shaking while she is trying to unbutton her jacket.

“I'm ok, Nik. I-”

“No, you are not!” The door slams shut. Nikolai doesn't want others to hear, what he's about to say. But most importantly - he doesn't want others to witness, how weak in every single sense she is right now. 

“Olga, you are the best ally, I could ever wish for. Your skills, loyalty, discipline, mindset - hell, I regret not hiring you sooner. But it all turns to nothing once you cross a border of this specific country. Here you are off the leash, fighting at war, that happens in your own head. Every single time, I leave you alone here - you believe, you have to do everything by yourself, even if it means putting yourself in danger. What the hell is wrong with you? Why do you try this hard to get yourself killed here?!”

She knows, Nikolai is not mad at her. Zhar heard his voice, when he was pissed. But this time he sounds concerned, even scared for her. And that convinces her to be honest to him.

“This place owes me a few people… But I promise, it's not about the country, it's about our team.”

Niks hands cover hers, as he presses himself to her back. “Our team? Nebo moye, they are perfectly capable soldiers. Iskra, Yegor, Taava - all trained professionals, and they are not currently undergoing heavy medication course.”

“I can't risk them here, Nik. They have families, they have loved ones to come back to.”

“And you don't?” He squeezes her tighter in his arms, despite her last words hurting him. Deep inside he awaited, mixing work and relationship together, shifting in so many new roles won't be easy for both of them. Being a Lieutenant in the TF is very different from being the second in command in a private military company. 

Zhar finally relaxes, leans her head back on his shoulder. “Prosti. Ya ne hotela… Ya prosto ne smogla ih otpravit`*”

“How about a deal, my treasure?” Nik turns around and sits on the edge of a dusty old bed. “You find a contractor: anyone, you'd like, complete freedom of choice, I won't interfere. I don't care if their tariff is ridiculously high - we get that soldier for you. Only one circumstance from me: this lucky guy or girl wouldn't be your friend, they will be your subordinate. There will be no missions, you are too afraid to send them on. Sounds good enough?”

What Zhar couldn't get used to is Nikolais unique way of leading any potential fight to a deal. Skipping the actual fighting, he was acting as if he already went through all the potential outcomes of it in his mind and ended up with a proposal, she wasn't able to turn down. 

Leaning on his shoulder, she slowly sank onto the bed next to him.

“Any soldier, I'd ask for?”

Nikolai half smiles, remembering something. “Well, any except for the 141. Price still bears a grudge against me for you…”

***

"Five murder charges, a treason, ban on visiting not one, not even four, but six countries... Is it a CV or a hire-a-crazy-boy-to-ruin-your-company bingo?" Nikolai chuckles, but it is obvious that he is not happy with her choice.

"You gave me the green light on whoever I want to hire..." As Nik waves potential recruits papers, pointing at the guy down in the hall, she catches the papers and pulls them out of his hand.

"I can work with that." She rises from the table and heads for the exit of their private room when Nikolai catches her arm and pulls her closer.

"I know. And that is yet another reason, I'm so in love."

It's not even a caress - just a warmth of his breath rolling down her neck. A promise of something yet to come, when she's back. Zhar could cover the marks, he left on her skin, mask his deep earthy scent with her perfume, but she could never leave him with a calm facade after he teased her that, obviously.

To her relief, their applicant was too engrossed in studying the menu to notice her from afar.

"Herr Krueger, schön, Sie kennenzulernen!*" The man rose his gaze on her and squinted displeasedly.

"Eigentlich ist mein Name Doss…*"

"Eigentlich ist dein Name Krueger. Jetzt hör auf mit dem Unsinn und lass uns zur Sache kommen.*"

***

They were spreading thin and Zhar didn't like it. Too many points of clash, and they're multiplying by every next minute. By this point, executing a withdrawal in one piece would be considered a positive outcome for the whole group.

Zhar touches Kruegers shoulder and points to a place, she's about to head in.

“Nikolai is still there? I'm coming with you then!” Kruegers inhuman hunger for a fight sometimes terrified Olga. But she never showed it. 

“You are staying here covering me, Sebastian. Then you take others back to the base. I'm bringing your boss back, no matter what.” Zhar tenses, her manner of speaking does not tolerate objections. It takes a lot of self-control to not show, how worried she is.

“Good hunting, commander.” Krueger takes a position, checks the route ahead and gestures her, that the path is clear for now. 

She moves with such a high speed that any other partner would not have enough time to cover her with fire. But she chose Sebastian over others for a reason: with his talents, this man is worth of an army. Bullets are flying right above her head, as she ducks and almost falls down a slippery spur. Sweat pours into Zhars eyes, the rifle pulled her to the ground, her legs gave way, but she never stopped. But Krueger was right: this was a hunt, and she wouldn't come back without Nik.

When she finally reaches a half-destroyed building where Nikolai is hiding - he meets her with an irritated look. 

“I'm here to extract you. If they want Chimera beheaded - they'll have to pass through me first.” Zhar answers on his unspoken question, checking if he is wounded. 

“Olga, that's exactly what they want: us both in one place. So be a good soldier for me, go back and lead our people away from this shithole now! And I promise you - this way they'll never behead us.” His words sting her like a slap in the face. What is there left for Chimera, if he stays, risking his life, not letting her fight side by side with him? What is there left for her?

“You know, what it costed me to get here? Nikolai, I didn't fight my way here just for you to turn me away!” She hisses, trying to take up his position and make him go instead of her. 

That's when a long whistle is heard in the sky and the far wall of the building trembles and folds like a house of cards, covering them with impenetrable clouds of dust. Zhar falls to the ground next to Nik. He covers her with his body, for a split second, his lips press against her cheek. He doesn't care about the dust or the streaks of sweat on her skin.

“Nichto ne dast mne takoi silu, kak uverennost`, chto ti v bezopasnosti. Proshu tebya, nebo.*” His voice, although husky from dust, is so calm, as if they're not in the middle of the battleground. 

“You!” Zhar stammers, coughs, but goes on. “You come back in one piece to me, you hear?”

“Always.” Nikolai releases her and pushes away softly.

She hates to leave him alone, fights and urge to turn back and protect him by any cost, but his words still echo in her mind, as she sneaks back from his position under dust cover. “Nothing could grant me as much strength as knowing, that you're safe.” Nikolai knows, how and when to press the right buttons, to make her do anything he wants. Even if it goes against her nature. So she clenches her jaw tightly and disappears in a thick forest, maneuvering between enemies, and remaining unseen. 

The shooting subsides long before Zhar catches up with the rest of the Chimera. This is a good sign - it means Nikolai did not try to become a hero and managed to hide from the enemy, double back, and now he must approach the safe point. Olga inspects their transport, counts people: a few are still missing.

She sends the first group, led by Krueger, away and sits on the ground, waiting for the others. A few minutes later, one soldier appears from the forest, then a second. Their equipment iss soaked to the skin, but they are not injured. Zhar inspects them, arranges transport for the second group, and handles other unforeseen circumstances. 

Iskra tries to catch her for a couple of times, but it's useless - Olga is too deep in a myriad of small tasks to break her concentration. When Iskra finally manages to catch her attention, she notices, that Olgas whole body shakes.

“Zhar, listen to me, please: we need to get away from here. You need to get away.” Iskra tries to steady her commander's trembling hands, but it doesn't help. 

“I-I-I… Fuck, I still need to gather one of our men. I h-have to…” This is no ordinary Zhars demeanor - it's something breaking deep inside her right now. And Iska gets it: her commander already understands very well, what have just happened. She is just reluctant to admit it. So Iskra does the only right thing.

“Zhar stop, look at me. It's not ‘one of our men’, it's Nikolai. And you are running around here not for ten, not even for thirty minutes - it's been an hour, since you came back. If he followed you - he'd be here much sooner. By this point, you must break radio silence to confirm-”

Olga doesn't let her end the phrase and roughly breaks out of Iskras hands. She heads straight to the radio-module and turns it on.

“All stations, this is Lima 5, how copy, over.”

The answers followed almost immediately. Soldier after soldier, voice after voice. Zhar was counting, drawing a little line on the ground over and over. Only one station didn't react.

“Yankee 7, this is Lima 5, how copy, over.”

No answer. Zhar felt, as if she was facing this silent void alone. She didn't feel Iskras hands, trying to pull her away from the radio. Didn't even hear, how her own voice betrayed her and broke into an ugly wheeze.

“Yankee 7, this is Lima 5, how copy, over.”

No answer.

Iskorka - a hypocoristic form of a noun ‘Iskra’, which means ‘a spark’ in Russian

nebo moye - my sky/heaven

Norilsk - one of the northernmost cities in Russia. The average winter temperature in Norilsk is much lower than the average winter temperature in e.g. Moscow

Prosti. Ya ne hotela… Ya prosto ne smogla ih otpravit`* - Im sorry, I didnt want to… I just couldn't send them there.

Herr Krueger, schön, Sie kennenzulernen! - Nice to meet you, mister Krueger.

Eigentlich ist mein Name Doss… - Actually my name is Doss...

Eigentlich ist dein Name Krueger. Jetzt hör auf mit dem Unsinn und lass uns zur Sache kommen. - Actually your name is Krueger. Now stop with the nonsense and let's get down to business.

Nichto ne dast mne takoi silu, kak uverennost`, chto ti v bezopasnosti. Proshu tebya, nebo. - Nothing could grant me as much strength as knowing, that you're safe. Please, my sky.

Next part

[seacee16]

when petals fall | bangchan

bangchan x original female character

warnings: mention of anxiety, panic attacks, death, angst, and grief

What happens when the stars cross the threads of two strangers trying their hardest to get through life? When an unconscious detour leads Chan into the path of a girl trying to escape the memories that haunt her mind? When strangers become friends, and friends try not to become something more?

next chapter

!! Full story on ao3 !!

ch. 1 ~ when paths cross

1:08am.

When the sky is the darkest shade of ebony and the midnight hustle and bustle of the city has passed its peak. A time for students and insomniacs. For heavy gamers and clubbing youth. And the time for those stuck in the production process of yet another song.

Tired eyes stared up at screens too bright for the dimly lit room, with a heartbeat of bars playing repetitively through the speakers laid out on the desk in front of the exhausted singer. A limp hand reached up and brushed pale blonde hair away from eyes rimmed red with exhaustion. Chan had been stuck on the same melody for the last 3 hours now. Every drop and chime were placed where they had once seemed perfect, but now everything sounded wrong and the tune made his skin crawl in annoyance. He let out a strangled groan, covering both eyes with his hands. Why couldn't he get it right?

This wasn't the first time he had been stuck like this. He was no stranger to late nights in the empty company buildings, with nothing but the faint buzz of recording equipment and his haunting melody to busy his mind. However, most nights were successful. He was skilled at getting out of the lyrical slumps he so often found himself in when no one was around. So why was it suddenly so hard to hear the very melody he had created without cringing?

Defeated, the man decided that it was time to surrender. He would no doubt be in the small studio all night if he continued to try, but all that would get him is a bad headache and no further progress. Chan stood from his seat, wincing at the pain that shot through his stiff back as it straightened. His eyes fluttered up to his laptop screen one last time in hope of having a spontaneous musical epiphany.

All he got was silence.

With a heavy sigh, he lowered the screen of his laptop, gathered his belongings and left the small room. The sound of sluggish footsteps ricocheted off the walls of long, empty passageways. A wave of vibrations was felt right above his stomach, in the weighted pocket of his oversized black hoodie. Chan retrieved his phone. A freckled face stared back up at him from just above the "answer call" icon. He swiped his thumb over the little green circle and raised the device to his ear, never slowing his stride.

"You're up late," Chan spoke into the speaker, a sliver of concern present in his voice. His members left the company hours before him. While it wasn't unusual for one of them to be up at this hour, their recently packed schedule made sure that they were all tired out by midnight. Well, all except for one.

"I could say the same about you." A low chuckle followed. The leader rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'm on my way back to the dorm right now. Don't wait up, we have a busy day tomorrow." Felix hummed on the other side of the call, no doubt not believing the elder's words. "I really am this time."

"Okay, I believe you," he mused.

"Are the rest of the kids asleep?" It was first nature to him to think about his team. A soft 'yes' was heard in his side, followed by the rustle of cabinet doors and clanging metal. A smile made its way to Chan's face. "You were baking?"

Felix replied, "Yep. And I'm packing these brownies up as soon as they've cooled, so you better get here soon if you want one."

The call ended soon after, the mention of brownies adding urgency to Chan's steps. That and the desire to get in two of three hours of sleeps before their early morning.

The warm night air brushed his exposed cheekbones as he stepped out into the street. While his mask covered up a good portion of his face, he couldn't help but smile at the soft caress of the breeze after being confined in his small studio for hours on end. With the fresh air only getting sweeter by the second, the young male dismissed the driver on call and decided to take the long way home. The scenic route.

And so, bag slung over his shoulder and hands tucked deep into his pockets, he began to walk. The night surrounding him was relatively quiet, the only noise coming from the rare car passing by. Chan passed many sights. Bars raging with loud music and hints of seduction. Convenience stores brought to life by hungover men and women looking for a cure to their own over-indulgence. With every person he passed, he couldn’t help but find their story in their eyes and skin, how they walked and breathed and just were. In that sense, the night city of Seoul was but a bookshelf of novella, the country a library, and the world a singular archive spanning over hectares and history.

He passed by a dark store, closed for the night. It was easy to spot a familiar octet of faces behind the glass, each smiling brighter than the next. No matter how many people knew their name and cheered them on, Chan would never not feel small besides the towering city skyline. How different was he really to any of the strangers passing him tonight? His story was published for the world to follow, every sequel and spin-off to come.

With the reminder of his seven brothers fresh in his mind, the leader noticed that he had fallen into a daze and lost track of where he had been going. The sudden view of the Han River was what snapped Chan out of his daze completely. A mumbled string of curses fell from his lips. He had wandered too far on his detour home. Felix was bound to keep the brownies away from him now. With a soft huff, Chan made a move to turn back, but stopped when he noticed movement among the darkness. A little distance away, on a recreational patch of land right beside the river was a figure, moving around as fluidly as the body of water besides them. Looking around, not a single soul could be seen. All except for Chan and the stranger dancing in the dark. Intrigued, Chan couldn't help but make his way closer to the dancer. The opaque shine of a nearby streetlight did little to expose the person's identity from so far away, but the dull fluorescence gave away waves of dark hair and slender limbs clad in loose clothing. Another few steps closer and Chan could faintly hear a familiar melody, no doubt playing from a device belonging to the stranger. He could just make out the soft guitar of "Tenerife Sea".

Unaware of his presence, the stranger continued to dance. Long, flowing movements that made her limbs seem almost infinite. And even in the darkness, a broad smile could be seen crinkling the corners of closed eyes. She looked happy. Peaceful. Oblivious to her one-man audience. Until she wasn't.

Chan felt his breath hitch in his throat as his eyes met hers. He couldn't tell the colour of them, but the light that they held was enough to pull him closer. Just not physically. Embarrassed to have been caught staring, Chan dipped his head, his hair sheltering him from her gaze. He prayed that he hadn’t made the stranger uncomfortable. He gave himself a mental kick to the shin.

Great job, Christopher. She'll definitely leave now.

Only, she didn't. Her smile grew a little more on one end, burying her amused eyes in thin crescents. When Chan finally dared to lift his gaze, she was looking right back at him. This time, he willed himself to hold eye contact. Why? He didn't know.

After a moment, the girl resumed her dance. The only evidence of her acknowledging his presence were the quick flashes of eye contact as she turned. The smile never left her face, even when Chan took a couple more steps towards her.

Now close enough to be heard, Chan took a deep breath and said, "uhm, hello. I apologize if I interrupted you, o-or made you uncomfortable in anyway. It wasn't my intention to stare."

Her response didn't come from her lips, but her eyes. They latched onto him once more, a flicker of curiosity hidden deep within them. All the while, her dancing never ceased, only slowed so that she could focus on him more.

In another attempt, he continued, "Should you really be out here alone? It’s dangerous, especially when it’s this dark out."

"Dangerous?" She ponders, a teasing grin following her first words. "And who would I need to be protected from, exactly? Oddly handsome men who lurk in the shadows to watch strange girl’s dance?"

"Exactly, it's da-" Chan cut himself off, realizing with wide eyes what she had been referring to. The lack of artificial lighting hid his red tipped ears well, but the soft laugh heard from her direction proved otherwise. "You were referring to me, weren't you?"

She hummed a short 'yes'. "Handsome and smart. You must have all of the strangers you meet falling at your very feet." Finally, her movements ceased. All except for the quick rise and fall of her chest, heavy breaths filling the silence.

Now that she had stilled, Chan was able to see her clearly. Her dark hair reached her collarbone in swift ripples of earthy tones, all framing a rounded face littered in the faintest of stars - much like that of his best friend. He watched as a delicate hand reached up to tuck stray strands behind her ear, revealing an array of symmetrically placed studs.

"I don’t really meet many strangers," he told her honestly.

The stranger bent down to pick her phone up off the grass, sliding it into her pocket. Chan couldn't see any other belonging nearby, and came to the conclusion that her phone was all she had with her.

"Is it because you don't get out much, or because you choose to just watch them from afar?" She asked, seeming to be enjoying playing with him.

He allowed himself an awkward chuckle before replying, "trust me, I get out plenty." This caused the girl's eyebrows to shoot up. Chan rushed to correct himself, waving his hands around frantically. "Not that it’s because if the second reason either! Its neither of them."

Her lips pulled up at the corners. "You don't owe me an explanation." She reached up to pull the top layer of her hair up into a loose ponytail, giving Chan a better view of her face. "Besides," she went on. "I was just stalling while I planned my escape."

"No wait, don't leave," Chan called after her with a sinking heart. He hadn't meant to make her leave. She looked back at him over one shoulder. "I didn’t mean to bother you. You were here first. I'll go, you stay." With an apologetic smile and a small bow, Chan began his trek in the opposite direction. However, a light voice stopped him.

"Why did you come out here tonight?" He turned back to look at her. She had both hands tucked into the pockets of her sweatpants; no expression found on her face.

"What?"

"I come out here most nights. I've never seen you before. So, again, why did you come out here tonight?" Chan fiddled with the drawstrings of his hoodie. Her eyes stayed focused on him as he looked down at the ground. He finally met her gaze.

"I'm not sure, honestly. I had all the intention of heading home, but I decided to take a longer route. To help clear my head, help with the slump I've been in today. I didn’t even mean to stray so far, but I don’t know, somehow I ended up here."

The girl remained silent for a while. She seemed to be contemplating, thinking about what to say next. In the end, her words surprised him.

“Stay with me.”

“Excuse me?”

“The best way to get out of a work slump is to forget about the very thing that is troubling you. That way, when you return to the issue at hand, you’re more likely to approach it with a fresh mindset.” Her smile was enough to convince him to stay. “So, stay. You can just sit and forget for a while, and me – well, who am I to say no to company?”

Chan stared at her.

"Unless you have to get home?"

For some reason Chan found himself shaking his head immediately, eager to stay with the girl he had just met. Felix would no doubt have his head on a stake when he found out, but that would be a worry for later.

She gave him a curt nod, walking towards the river. But not before finally introducing herself.

"I'm Sakura, by the way. Sakura Itõ."

Sakura. He knew her name.

"I'm Chan."

"I know who you are," she responded with a coy smile.

The smile on his face dropped, and so did his stomach. Their entire interaction so far had led him to believe that she was oblivious to his status. There had been something refreshing about the thought of meeting someone who didn’t have any expectations of him. Chan was suddenly sceptic about her offer.

“But,” she added, presumably noticing the change in his expression, “for tonight, let’s pretend that I don’t.” Sakura took a few steps backwards towards the river, her smile still on her face. “It’s nice to meet you, Chan.”

Chan followed after her as they made their way towards the river’s edge. There was a sudden nip to the early morning air, causing him to pull his hood far over his head. Neither of the two said a word as they walked, and only stopped once they could feel the uneven sand under their shoes. The skyline in front of them resembled an ebony canvas speckled with flecks of silver and stars. Towering lights stretched upwards to touch the heavens, while its mirrored image lay scattered in ripples in the water below. Each reflecting beam seemed to descend into the dark river, as if trying to graze its freezing depths. With an infinite number of stars decorating both dark sky and river, the atmosphere remained luminous and calm.

When they finally reached the shore, Sakura spoke. “So, Chan, what do you do for a living?”

She couldn’t help but laugh at the crazed look that found his face. His mouth fell open ever so slightly, brows furrowed in the space above the strong bridge of his nose. She must have seemed insane to him. They were both painfully aware of Chan’s occupation. It was impossible not to be when living in Seoul.

“Was that meant to be rhetorical?” He asked. She shook her head. She was seriously asking.

“I don’t know who you are, remember? Its most common to ask someone about their career when getting to know them.”

“I suppose.” He eyed the girl curiously. “I work in the music industry.”

“That’s a little vague, don’t you think? Do you produce music? Are you a performer? Do you clean the studios and make sure the trashcans are always empty?”

Chan couldn’t help but roll his eyes at her response. This reaction earned a soft chuckle on her end, causing his shoulders to relax.

“I guess you could say I’m a performer. And I produce music too, for the group that I am in.” He watched as her mouth formed an ‘o’, raw interest spread across her face. He felt the base of his neck itch. “But I’d prefer not to talk about work right now.”

Sakura nodded. “Aah, so that’s the slump you’re in. Got it. No talk about your work.”

The pair came to a stop closer to the water and sat down. Chan felt the coarse sand scratch against his palms as he lowered himself, wiping his hands off on his pants to get rid of any remaining grains. Sakura sat to his right, with crossed legs and her body facing the water. The distant city lights dusted her face in a cool blue glow. The effect made her dark eyes look like deep whirl pools, her freckles a school of shadowy creatures lurking under blue tones. However, despite the hue, she gave off a warm aura that rid Chan of any cold he had once felt.

“What about you?” He found himself asking.

“I have a temporary job as an art teacher.”

“Why temporary, if you don’t mind me asking?” She smiled at his polite tone. He is exactly like I thought he would be.

“It wouldn’t be smart to take on a permanent job in a city I’m bound to leave anyway,” she told him, dragging her fingers through the sand. Sakura turned to look at him, finding his eyes already on her.

“So, you plan on moving away?”

She shrugged. “The more accurate statement would be that I plan on moving back. As much as I love it here, home is in Japan.”

Sakura Itõ.

Of course, she’s Japanese. Chan wanted to kick himself for not realizing it sooner. It was easy to tell from her name and the long, narrow shape of her eyes, but her fluency was so close to perfect that he hadn’t even noticed.

“If you live in Japan, and you plan on moving back there, why come in the first place? Since you took up a job here, you couldn’t have come for a vacation period. Nobody works on their vacation.” The side-glance she gave him screamed ‘that’s ironic coming from you’. He looked away, embarrassed to have been caught out so obviously. Chan knew that he was guilty of working on his designated off time, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted to give his members the glory they deserved after all that they have been through. He wanted to give their fans more stages to be proud of. He wanted to make every soul who had doubted them for even a fraction of a second realize how wrong they had been. And if that came at a cost of late nights and little breaks, then he was willing to take it.

“I have my reasons,” was all she uttered before standing up and walking closer to the water. There she crouched down, submerging both hands into the river. The immediate cold caused her nerves to freeze, every part of her mind telling her to pull back. But then came the warmth, and all was fine once more.

“I guess I’m not the only one who’s in a slump about something.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call it a slump,” she responded, hands still dangling in the cool water. “Just something I’m trying my hardest to avoid for the time being.”

“Work?” Chan asked.

“Family,” she responded, touching her wrist.

The pair fell quiet at her answer.

Chan cleared his throat before backtracking to their previous conversation topic. “So, you studied art?”

Sakura stood up from her place at the water’s edge and faced Chan, her head dipping to one side. “I never said that.”

“You said that you’re an art teacher. I could only assume that that meant you studied art.”

“Actually, no. Art is more of a hobby for me; it’s not something I really tried to pursue professionally. Which is why I am only working temporarily and all of my students are about as tall as my hip,” she explained.

“So, you didn’t study?”

She took her previous seat beside him in the sand, but positioned herself to face him. Chan mirrored her movement. “I actually just completed a degree in nature conservation.” She brushed her damp hands along the length of her pants as she spoke. “I left home as soon as my final exams were over. So, now I’m here, taking a year to figure out what happens next.”

A small ‘aah’ was heard from the male. Then, silence took over once more.

Sakura looked over at Chan, observing the way his dark clothing hung from his broad frame. The familiar messy curls she knew he wore were hidden beneath his thick hood. Her eyes drifted down to his face, which was now angled towards the skyline. His eyes – reflecting the shimmers of the river surface – stared at the water. They were void of emotion. Silent.

“You’re not much of a talker,” Sakura mentioned.

Chan looked back at her, his hood tipping forward over his eyes as he shifted. He corrected the material, and said, “Sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.”

Her eyebrow peaked. “I thought you were trying to forget about everything on your mind?”

He let out a nervous laugh, pushing the hood back off his head to run a hand through his hair. It was of the lightest shades of sunlight, blonde and slightly luminous under the moon's rays; fluffy and curling at the tip of each lock. “I’m not doing too great at forgetting, am I?”

Sakura agreed with him, eyes still focused on his natural hair.

“Do you have a favourite film?”

Her eyes finally left his head, dropping to the pair of eyes that were not focused on her. She tilted her head, eyebrows furrowed just above the bridge of her nose, causing a minute wrinkle in the space between.

“Is this you trying to not think about work?” she asked bluntly, chuckling when she was met with an embarrassed nod from the male. “I do.”

Chan looked back at her blankly, waiting for her to give her answer.

“Le Petit Prince.”

“’The Little Prince’? That’s your favourite movie?” Sakura nodded.

“It’s a good movie,” she argued with a simple shrug. “Lots of good messages for a supposed children’s animation. It’s my comfort movie.”

Chan thought back, trying to remember what he could about the storyline. He had seen it once before with one of his members, but nothing came to mind besides an image of a rose and a little fox. Surely each character had a bigger story, but he couldn’t seem to remember any of them.

“What about you? Do you have a favourite?”

“I don’t think I have one specific favourite, there’s a few that I don’t mind watching repeatedly, like Deadpool. But I guess ‘Inception’?”

“The one with Leonardo DiCaprio?”

“That’s the one.”

A wave of heat spread across Sakura’s cheeks. “Can’t say I’ve ever gotten around to watching it.”

Chan’s eyes widened.

“You’re joking.”

“I am not,” she responded with a head shake.

“You have to watch it some time. It’s seriously amazing, a piece of pure cinematic genius. Both the storyline and the cinematography. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching it.”

“What’s it about?”

And so, she watched as the boy spoke about the film's plot, going into great depth without spoiling anything. His hands would wave around and make motions to aid in his explanation of the way the advanced CGI made the city skyline fold in on itself, and how each character had one item that kept them tethered to the real world. Sakura lost focus on his explanation halfway through it, but hadn’t the heart to tell him that it was because she couldn’t stop admiring the sheer calm his face held as he spoke. It was a sight she had never seen before. His skin was void of any tense wrinkles, and the corner of his mouth would twitch upwards in an almost-smile whenever he would stop to think of how he could explain a particular scene without giving too much away.

“Well, after that rant, I kind of have to watch it,” she teased, knowing full well that she would find the film online as soon as she found the time.

His gaze dropped to the grass they sat on, smiling down. “You don’t have to watch it.”

“But I will anyway.”

Chan’s smile widened. He wasn’t sure why, but knowing that she would take his recommendation excited him. Suddenly, he wanted to know what she would think about it. Which part would be her favourite. If she would spend hours looking for explanations to certain scenes to calm her mind, the same way he had when he first watched the movie.

It was that moment that Chan caught a glimpse of the dark screen of the phone laying on the ground between them. White numbers illuminated the black background, drawing in his attention immediately.

3:47am.

It dawned on him that he would have to leave soon. They had an early practice scheduled for later in the morning and Chan didn’t want to let any of the members down by missing it.

Once again, his eyes fell on the girl. She was watching him quietly, as if trying to figure out the very thoughts swimming around in his head. But when his eyes fluttered back down, she seemed to understand. A content smile formed on her face.

Chan stood up slowly. “I should leave. Fe- I mean my roommate will kill me if I don’t get any sleep again.”

“Again?” Sakura questioned, the slightest hint of worry in her eyes.

“As if you don’t know,” he teased.

She smiled, and a soft ‘touché’ fell from her lips in response.

Chan looked at her. It had been nice to forget about his world for a while, but reality had begun to set in. He had stayed out with a complete stranger in the earliest hours of the morning. While he was sure that they had been completely alone the entire time, he couldn’t afford to be naïve and believe that this wouldn’t get out. He couldn’t risk his group’s image like that.

“Listen, I-”

“I won’t tell anyone, Christopher. Your secret is safe with me,” Sakura promised with a genuine smile on her face. Her eyes were honest. Maybe he could trust her after all. Chan nodded, offering a quick bow before walking away. However, he didn’t make it very far before a thought popped into his mind. Her turned around, surprised to see her still watching him from where they had sat.

“You called me Christopher,” he said, fighting the urge to grin.

Sakura shrugged her shoulders. “You should get back to your members. The night is almost over.”

And just like that, he watched as she walked back towards the cold water. When she was just a shadow in the distance, Chan began the journey to his destination. Only, it wasn’t the one he originally had in mind.

[feelings-fortilly]

[co-mixed]

Daredevil by Charles Soule

Let’s start with the wow. The same wow that comes after finishing a great run by a great writing team. Charles Soule and various artists alongside him took the several times reimagined, arguably the darkest hero of Marvel and gave him an entirely new life. Let there be spoilers.

Bottoms up

I want to immediately talk about the end of this run. It's a dream sequence, which is a notoriously difficult trope to pull off. Most people will agree that gotcha! dream sequences cheapen their own effect. But I can't say that the resolution felt cheap here. Despite watching it unfold throughout several issues, it was everything that Matt had ever wanted. From turning imaginary family real to having the final dramatic night with Elektra, to heroes assembling to take down Kingpin. It was so epic it was doomed to be a fantasy. 

But none of that would've happened had it not been for the previous events. The run starts with Daredevil in black, which is never a good sign for a hero. And don't for a second think that no one makes a joke about that. Spider-Man is first in line. But it's not only the costume that's different: the whole public identity cat is back in the bag. To be frank, it gets a bit confusing. So much so that I had to go back and recheck reading guides, to make sure I didn't miss a special where Daredevil makes a deal with Mephisto. He doesn't, in fact, when he gets the opportunity, he walks away. Good for him, I suppose. 

It takes 20 issues of city and overseas adventures to finally find out how and when he pulls off the restoration of the status quo. It's a pretty enjoyable arc for which the narrative style and the colors of Waid’s run make a temporary comeback. 

Status quo

But back to the now, to the beginning: Daredevil has his own Robin, a kid called Blindspot who wants to protect Chinatown like Daredevil does in Hell's Kitchen. The only one who knows Matt is Daredevil is Foggy and he's so salty about that, they're almost on the outs.

Kirsten had joined the extensive group of exes (I have a mental list of them so far) and a shorter list of exes who got away alive. Oh, and Matt was back in New York. It's been way too odd to see him in San Francisco. If the X-Men could thrive there, Matt Murdock definitely belongs in NYC. 

Connections

Let's start with the romantic life. There is none. Charles Soule manages to tackle every other aspect of Matt’s life, even religion. But he has no romantic partner for the duration of this run. Which means no woman has to suffer and die unnecessarily. Yay. 

Well... if you don't think too hard about their conscience.

And you know, Matt's inability to maintain a relationship is probably 30% of the fun in his books. Still, Soule manages to deliver a rich dynamic narrative without dragging Matt’s partners through hell. 

Matt is not left without a connection though, despite everyone forgetting who he is, he gets a partner and an apprentice. Now of course this kid, Blindspot, gets the short end of the stick. He is blinded by Muse, who is a new villain on the block. Gotta say he’s a pretty decent villain too. A very Batman villain, I want to say. Since he goes all out with his creepiness and finds a BS pseudo-philosophical explanation for his sick hobby. That always makes me think of Bats because who else has a rogues gallery so twisted? But like I keep saying, the characters share a lot of common features so it's only fair their villains do as well. 

Muse, in fact, shows up twice and both times cracks sickness up to 11, even throwing in a little social message here and there. 

He serves as both Daredevil villain and Blindspot's re-origin story. Although I can't exactly say I’m happy with where Blindspot ended the run. He had potential and he had a struggle with darkness which surely could be used better anywhere other than with a group of flying nuns fighting priests.

Before that, of course, Matt has to go to China and fight the Beast. Why not? 

The why we fight

When he comes back though, that's when everything hits the fan and brings the arc that to me holds this whole run together. Wilson Fisk becomes the mayor of New York. And that, to me, is it. The why we fight of it all. A raging obsessive and violent maniac becoming a recognized public authority figure. I knew right then and there that no matter what Matt or Daredevil tries, he is screwed. And how beautifully it's delivered: it's not just that Fisk grabbed a position of power, it's that people showed up to vote for him. They bought and believed his message. And no one stepped in. He twisted the system and he used it to grab more influence. He sketched an idea of an enemy and united people against it. And yes, he rigged the election but in the end, we find out he didn't have to. Because fear and hate, they always work, don't they? 

There were two moments when I felt this book bleeding realism. 

The first one is when Daredevil mistakenly says he has faith in the people of New York. He believes they know what Fisk is and they can't support him. That's a lie. Or wishful thinking. Either way, they don't. And they don't come to his rescue as he is declared public enemy number one. Even the cops he’s helped so many times, they are in fact the first to pick up tasers and advanced sound systems to join the hunt. 

The second moment is Matt's paralegal at the D.A. office, Ellen, saying she supports Fisk’s ideas since Spider-Man destroyed her car once. Well maybe not just that but you get where I’m going with this. It's always the seemingly small things. And it's always the unexpected people. Her reluctance to respond when Matt asked her who she voted for, it was louder than a poster at a rally and if you have experience fighting the good fight, you feel it like a bucket of ice water. Of course, Matt gets to shake it off and go swinging through the city. You don't, so you're left with the remaining issues of the run.

Talk to The Hand

The power struggle goes on and on, neither Matt Murdock nor Daredevil gets a win until Fisk is shot full of The Hand’s arrows, and due to a lucky break, Matt becomes the mayor. Everything works out in a questionable arc that I don't want to focus on too much. I'm gonna say, however, that “I can't see the light so I will be the light” is a hell of a powerful phrase. With this phrase, Soule does to the reader what Daredevil is supposed to do. The whole reason for his endless misfortunes, and battles, and losses: inspiration.

This is, actually, the message of this run. Not guilt, not responsibility. Inspiration. At one point, Daredevil mentions that people have to fight for themselves too. And maybe the fact that people hear that is why he believes in New York. 

This optimism under the darkest of circumstances is another thing that continues Waid’s narrative. Because the tone, that returns to a more familiar Miller-inspired brooding nature. If you ask me, that's good. That's where Daredevil functions best. He’s not great at wisecracking, he's not Spider-Man. He has to remain intense and on guard.

Let's talk colors.

Several artists work on the run and each one brings a different look. Keep in mind, that this run was happening at the same time as the Netflix show. So yes, at some point characters began to look a little too much like the actors from the show. Which isn't bad, just curious. Either way, all styles worked in their own way. 

But my personal favorite was the arrival of Phil Noto. It took his mastery to deliver the final blow, the final massive arc that might have been meaningless in a wider sense but did bring a fat bouquet of emotions.

There were many moments throughout Soule’s run when I laughed and praised his writing. Even if the stories didn't always go where I’d like them to, it was never dull. From taking a case to the Supreme Court (and delivering a hell of an argument splash page) to the last words “And I am not afraid,” this series remained surprising and moving. 

[ferrocyan]

FFXIV Write Day 1 - Envoy

(AU: Canon divergence)

I come as the envoy of the Crystal Exarch, who wishes to exchange in martial knowledge between the Crystarium and Eulmore.

Well, of course saying something like that wouldn't work on Ran'jit. Neither the general nor Vauthry gave much mind to the Exarch's warrior, brushing her off to be assigned with Eulmore's city guards. The Exarch had told her that she should just go along with their bidding--he likely has predicted Eulmore's disinterested response--so she does. Makes a trip down the city's enormous staircase towards the guards' base at the Understory.

Lack of interest is good. Means it'll be that much easier to snoop around and gather information. Shame that she has to waste time keeping up the facade, too, but... nothing to be done for that. Keeping out of the general's eagle eyes is important, after all--

"Aha! So you've arrived, soldier of the Crystarium!" She's only cracked the office door open when the voice calls out. A young miqo'te man sits on the largest desk in the room. He pushes himself off with a huff, looking pleased with himself. "Welcome to the headquarters of the greatest military force in Norvrandt! We're glad to have you here," the man exclaims. He approaches her with a grin, and extends a hand.

She looks around the room. Empty save for the two of them. The young man is of stocky build, but has a boyish cut to his dusty blue hair. He stands about half a head shorter than her. "Is this... the Captain's office?"

"Er, yes? I just told you that." The young man's smile wavers as she sizes him up, then quickly adds, "Oh, no, I'm not the captain of the guards, if you're wondering. That would be my father. But I am his second-in-command, and thus, your partner for the rest of your time here!" He offers another handshake. "I'm the first squad leader, Lue-Reeq."

She takes it. "Ash-Tart," she tells him, because it's the mystel-like name the Exarch told her to use during her time there, "but just Tart is fine."

"Oh? Then you can call me Reeq too!" he says, excited. "Though maybe that wouldn't be necessary since I'm your superior... no, no, we're partners. It's better to be familiar," he muses to himself. Then to her, "Pleased to make your acquiantance, Tart."

She smiles at his exuberance. "Looking forward to working with you. So. What's it you guys... do?"

Reeq grimaces. "Currently? Not... much. Not that that's a bad thing, of course! Ever since Lord Vauthry rose to his rule, the sin eaters around the city has fallen under his absolute control. Eulmore has become the perfect city of peace. It's a great thing, really! His Grace does an amazing job of keeping this city peaceful."

The city of peace. That was what Vauthry said in their meeting, too, she recalls. Despite formerly being Norvrandt's greatest military force, Eulmore is now defined by its peace. Ran'jit, the relic of its martial past, said nothing to contradict his liege either.

That peace is certainly evident. Lue-Reeq explains the duties of the city guards and shows her around to their stations around the Canopy and Gatetown. They clearly don't have much to do. The officers are doing the bare minimum of their job, and most points in Gatetown are unmanned, and the majority of Eulmore's military force seems to have disappeared altogether.

Don't like it, she thinks. It feels wrong. Like when Ishgard play-acted at achieving "peace". As a part of the Vigils, peace just isn't where Tart belongs.

And it seems that the same applies to Reeq. He covers it up with excitement and praise for Vauthry, but his words ring false. He's the only one showing interest at the arrival of the Crystarium's envoy. There must be something more to this man.

Her suspicions are confirmed at the end of the day. When they return to the Understory, Reeq announces that their work is finished.

"Already? It's only one bell past noon." Good thing, though. She can start the recon early. "Then, thanks for your hard work today. See you--"

"Wait, you're really leaving first before your superior? We're not quite done yet, you know!"

Highbloods everywhere are the same, she sighs. "Sorry, Ser. What do you have in mind?"

Reeq motions her to take a seat at the side of the main desk. He goes over to the other side and settles comfortably on the seat next to the Captain's. "So, since I've fulfilled Eulmore's side of the deal for today, isn't it time for the Crystarium to do the same?" He tries to be professional, but a devilish grin can't help but sneak onto his lips. "I hear the Crystarium still does regular sorties to cull sin eaters around Lakeland, is that correct? Can I ask where you were stationed before? Have you killed eaters yourself?"

Tart nods. "Was at Ostall Imperative for a while," it's not a lie, really, "and yes. I have killed a few."

"Oh come on, no need to be modest, I want to hear all the details!" Reeq reaches into a drawer and pulls out a journal. "I have a few questions to ask, if you don't mind. But you must spare no details! This is the point of our arrangement, yes? So please, talk my ears off!"

His excitement is contagious. Tart feels herself smile as she discusses the few clashes with eaters she's had after coming to this world. Then continues with stories of her other exploits, disguised as sin eater hunts. She gets more animated as she goes on, in response to Reeq's rapt investment.

They're the same, she thinks. He doesn't belong in Eulmore's peace either. She didn't know she hungers for his interest, in her, in warfare, in her knowledge of it, until she has it. It doesn't matter if this exchange is a sham to Vauthry and the Exarch. It's real to Reeq, so being here is worth it. This is no longer a waste of time, Tart concludes.

Being the envoy who brings war back into the city of peace may be the best assignment she's had yet.

[colloquialbitchisms]

VILLAIN VIBES ( PART 3 )

prompts from songs on my muse's villain playlist. feel free to change pronouns/tenses/etc as needed, or even combine any of them.

DEAD TO ME — CHLOE ADAMS

“you were a friend to me.” “but i put you to sleep & now you're dead to me.” “when did we decide to skip the niceties?” “or were there even times when you were nice to me?” “so, go be shady.” “i'll be the monster that you made me.” “you always see the worst.” “i'll make your bubble burst.” “it's a shame you're to blame.” “you made the rules, but still fucked up your own damn game.” “dead to me.”

HOW VILLAINS ARE MADE — MADALEN DUKE

“whose blood to spill?” “i don't know whose side i'm on.” “one tells the truth, the other's lying & they're both calling my name.” “no one ever starts that way.” “but this is how villains are made.” “whose neck to cut?” “there lies my sanity.” “there goes my mind i could not save.” “i don't trust what i see right in front of me.” “i don't know who to betray.” “so easily we're persuaded when the lines are blurred & faded.”

DEVIL IS A WOMAN — CLOUDY JUNE

“i can't change my ways, god knows why.” “if the sin is so bad, tell me why's it gotta taste so sweet.” “no, i've never been a saint.” “her power got me on my knees.” “your paradise sucks, but your hell sounds good to me.” “wears no halo but choker chains.” “just one kiss, heals your broken faith.” “who don't fit, who don't obey, who ain't straight gets locked away.” “if that's your world, i'm a hopeless case.” “the devil is a woman.”

I'VE GOT A BAD SIDE — ADONA

“i've got a shadow version of myself.” “i don't let her out too much if i can help it.” “i hear the whispers spinning in my head.” “try to keep her quiet, but she must be fed.” “there goes my weakness, there's a crack in the armor; spilled all my secrets.” “i've tried so, so hard to be good.” “let them think i'm a nice girl, keep them fooled.” “i tried to keep it locked inside, oh i swear i tried.” “i've got a bad side.” “it's so contagious, i can't fake it.” “it's just a craving.” “i can't hate it.” “when you see who i really am you'll run.” “you'll run as fast as you can.”

LITTLE GIRL GONE — CHINCHILLA

“say that again, i didn't quite hear ya.” “you get off talkin’ down to the little man.” “time to get what you deserve.” “you're so fuckin’ stupid.” “been a while since my head was this polluted.” “lucky i know my own worth.” “so ya wanna fight me, are you big enough?” “kick the back of my knee, are you serious?” “you keep on trying, but i like your blood on my teeth just a little too much.” “now i'm twisting your arm ’til i hear it break.” “little girl gone, got a gun from a gangster.” “run little girl, run little girl.” “i pack a punch backed into a corner.” “come at me, don't tell me i didn't warn ya.” “wish i could bottle the taste, ‘cause i'd drink up the look on your face.” “honey, i've changed so much since i last saw ya.”

HARD TO KILL — BETH CROWLEY

“why do i need friends when i've got plenty of enemies?” “i have a way of finding out their sins & secrets.” “bringing them to their knees.” “the world owes me a debt.” “and now i've come to collect.” “so don't get in my way.” “the streets were my playground.” “i belong to the city & was raised on the stakes i claimed.” “so i let the rumours turn me into a legend.” “‘cause i'm only human, but a good myth is hard to kill.” “maybe i'm too obsessed with retribution.” “somebody has to pay.” “by the time you figure out the rules i broke i've already won the game.” “the odds are stacked against me.” “i keep my cards close to my chest.” “just let them see my worst & they'll never judge me for my best.”

[jaysficarchive]

Villain's Wife Support Group

Chapter 2: The Teacher and the Art Thief

Synopsis: A look at a day in the life of Brandice and Rainbow Raider.

Relationship(s): Roy G. Bivolo | Rainbow Raider/Brandice Bivolo

Warning(s): None

Taglist: @floof-ghostie @calciumcryptid @mayameanderings

The Bivolo home was alive with movement and noise. It was a bit before the sunrise, making the noise all the more unusual. Brandice was still asleep; but the man she shared her bed with was wide awake. So were their guests.

Rainbow Raider stared at his wife's sleeping face with content. Surrounded by colorful sheets and blankets, it was like a scene out of a painting with Brandice as the perfect muse. She'd been the subject of several of his pieces.

No doubt there was a new one based off the scene in his head right now.

"My poor sweetheart. Hopefully you'll get better soon."

Cupping her cheek with a gloved hand, he leaned down to gently kiss her. He was grateful for every moment they spent together; including small ones like this. He didn't have to be Rainbow Raider around her, only her loving husband Roy Bivolo.

"I'll be gone by the time you wake up, Brandicita, but I want you to know that I love you."

"Don't touch anything!" A loud, rough voice yelled. It likely belonged to a young man. "Remember last time you did?!"

"That's because you came out of nowhere and scared me, you fucking jackass!" Another voice yelled back just as, if not, louder. This one was probably a young woman's.

A third voice chimed in, somehow louder than both combined. "Guys, shut up! Mrs. Bivolo's probably still sleeping!"

All the sudden yelling followed by arguing made Brandice furrow her eyebrows and twitch her eyes like she was about to wake up. Her expression calmed, however, after Bivolo rubbed his thumb on her cheek.

Exhaling through his nose, Bivolo got up to put on his coat. Before walking out the room, he took one last look at Brandice.

Maybe in another life or in a perfect world, I'm a good man who gave you everything you wanted, Brandicita.

"Call me if you need anything, mi vida."

Brandice poured herself a hot cup of tea. She hasn't been feeling well for the past two days so she decided to stay home in order to not get her students sick. This was her first time not reporting to work in twelve years. She took her job as a kindergarten teacher quite seriously. How couldn't she when it was her dream ever since she was young?

"Are you feeling better, Mrs. Bivolo?"

Brandice wasn't frightened by Indigo's sudden presence. They were a former student of hers all the way from when she first started her teaching career at 18. They were nothing short of ecstatic to learn that their favorite kindergarten teacher was married to their boss.

Indigo was Bivolo's way of checking on her when he couldn't or if calling was too risky.

"I'm fine, Diego. Be sure to tell Roy that," she replied. She pulled a mug towards her. "Would you like some tea? It's jasmine."

"Yes please!"

Indigo talked away while Brandice prepared breakfast.

"Did you hear us this morning? Violet and Red almost got into a fight because she was touching one of the vases. Yellow told them to be quiet because they thought you were still sleeping which made everything kinda worse. Then the boss came downstairs."

"I did. Hopefully he wasn't too harsh on any of you." Brandice added some pepper to her eggs. She knew Bivolo gave them a gentle but firm reminder of where they were and who lived here.

Unlike most rogues, Bivolo found it counterproductive to treat his henchmen as lesser than. Instead he took on equal parts boss, mentor, and father figure. It reminded her of his relationship with her former students back in Central City.

The Rainbow Raiders, his thieves guild, were more than grateful for this--mainly Rusty also known as Red. And since Bivolo was their father, Brandice was their mother by association. Not that she minded.

"He wasn't! He just told us that you were asleep and to quiet down. You should've seen the look on Red's face when he heard the boss's footsteps! It was like a deer in headlights!"

Brandice sat down at the table with breakfast on her plate. She saved a little for Diego just in case they were hungry.

"Where are you all now?"

"Flea market."

Words that told her everything she needed to know. Being married to a rogue meant learning the code. "Well I ain't gonna hold you too long, Diego. Tell Roy I said to be safe."

"I will! Bye, Mrs. Bivolo!"

She was alone. Only sound was the fork picking up food off her plate.

Flea market was code for the Network, an underground black market for villains to move, buy, and sell contraband. Blacksmith, the woman who ran the whole thing, terrified her despite the two never meeting. Brandice preferred to keep it that way. She'd heard enough stories of close encounters from Bivolo to not want to be even in the same room as Blacksmith.

Thankfully she wouldn't have to worry about her or any other rogue outside her husband and his guild. Her existence was a well kept secret. While the Central City Rogues operated under a strict moral code that included not harming women or children, others in Bivolo's field weren't like them.

Bivolo was already a private (although melodramatic) man, but now that he was married and out of Central City as a whole, he became someone shrouded in mystery.

The Raiders followed suit when it came to being tight lipped about her. The first rule of working with the Rainbow Raider was never ever, under any circumstances, mention anything about Brandice in public, including her name. Everything was hush hush.

I need some fresh air, Brandice said to herself. After taking a quick but thorough shower and throwing on a simple outfit, she headed out. Plus I need to run some errands.

First stop was the store. Much as she told herself it was only a quick grocery run, she'd traveled with her mom enough to know that that was a lie. And she was right because she ended up spending half an hour there buying things that weren't on the shopping list.

I shouldn't have made such a fuss about Roy giving me a platinum card.

Next stop: the bookstore.

"Hey, Brandy. Haven't seen ya in a couple a days. The bosses been askin' 'bout ya."

Brandice waved at the worker. It was a small, family owned bookstore she frequented for books for herself and her students. The owners, who were hippies themselves, were very fond of her. So much so that they allowed her to bring her students there for field trips.

"Been sick so I've been at home."

"Oh no. Get well soon, Brandy."

"Thanks. Is there anything new in stock today?"

The worker beamed. "You bet! Whatcha looking for? Your usual scifi or thriller? How about both?"

While shopping around for books, a slight chill ran down Brandice's spine as she felt a pair of eyes on her. Who's there?

Turning, she came face to face with her husband in his red tinted shades.

"Are you alright, Brandicita?" Bivolo put a hand on her shoulder. Relief filled her body now knowing it was him and not someone else. She must've forgotten he wore sunglasses when incognito.

"Yeah. Just looking for new books."

"Me too. Would you like some help?"

After buying new novels along with some art books and magazines, the couple headed to a cafe. Some people stopped to stare at them. Who wouldn't when it was a beautiful woman walking around with a guy in the most ridiculous, color clashing outfit ever?

"How was the flea market?"

"It was fine. No close encounters or deals gone wrong," Bivolo replied. He pulled out a stack of cash from one of the interior pockets of his cost. "Surprisingly, I had a lot more buyers this time and made some pretty good money."

Brandice's mouth formed an "O" at the sight of the money. Over the course of her and Bivolo's relationship, she came to learn a few things about art thievery.

Bivolo began digging in his pockets again. "That reminds me, the children made a get well soon card for you when we got back to the guild."

Brandice giggled as he handed her the card. It was decorated with all sorts of drawings, notes, and details. Her heart melted when Bivolo referred to the Raiders as "the children" just like he would her students. It was a holdover from after she introduced him to them when they first got together.

Once they got to the cafe, the couple decided to get to go orders since Brandice had grocery bags that needed to get home. They walked until they reached a secluded spot. No pesky cameras. No prying eyes. Perfect.

Bivolo pulled out his trademark goggles to switch his sunglasses for. Once on, he created their transportation home: a rainbow.

"Ready, mi amor?"

Brandice smiled. "Of course, hermoso."

At home, Brandice put the newly bought children's books in her work bag. Nothing like being prepared to get back to work. Meanwhile, Bivolo put away the food.

He glanced at a picture of their wedding day. In the center was the happy couple surrounded by dozens of equally happy students on both sides.

"...do you miss them?"

"Miss who?"

"Your old students back in Central City. I wasn't being considerate towards you when I made plans to leave," Bivolo explained. "Even though it fell after the school year ended, I knew that your students had your heart long before I ever did."

Her heart softened. She could tell he missed them too. The whole class loved him and even attended their wedding--with permission from their parents, of course. A magical moment neither her nor the children would forget for the rest of their lives. Some saw him as a father figure.

"I do, but I knew it was time for me to move on. I think they understood that as well. They'll always be happy that they met you and got to see Ms. Dara-Velaquez become Mrs. Bivolo."

Bivolo smiled. He loved her ability to look on the bright side of things. In a world where he couldn't see color, Brandice was his light in the darkness. She brought color, even if he could only see it in black, white, and grey, into his world--and he was forever grateful for it.

"Good. Now let's make something to eat. I'm starving."

[thebumblebeesystem]

Introducing B'Elarra Gardener (non-binary, she/her)

Continuing with bringing my gposes over from Twitter and introducing my OCs as I go... this is gonna be long, so don't feel compelled to read it! I just want to have a summary of everything I've come up with for her before this point all in one place to start her tag off.

B'Elarra is very much my self-insert. "My" here referring to the host of our system. Other system members have their own self-insert characters as well.

She was found on an island, badly wounded, and brought to Limsa by a pirate. They didn't have the means to heal her and brought her to Gridania via airship, where the Kan-E-Senna nursed her back to health. When she woke, she remembered nothing. Not her name, or where she was from, or how she got hurt, or... anything. And she had no belongings on her that could identify anything about her.

I've modeled her amnesia after my own. 4 years ago, I woke up and remembered nothing about myself. I didn't know I was a DID (dissociative identity disorder) system then, and didn't understand the amnesia that had been happening to me to varying degrees for much of my life. But this was the worst my amnesia had ever been. I remembered how to use my phone only enough to make contact with my online friends. They helped me identify the man I was getting in a car with as my husband. He brought me to a home I didn't remember, pets I knew nothing about. I eventually regained my memories, but it's like watching them happen to someone else. B'Elarra doesn't have the luxury of people who know her or familiar things to prompt her memories like I did, so she never gets her memories back.

She's selectively mute like I am, and goes mute when stressed like I do. She can't talk for a while after waking up. She naturally gravitates towards tending the plants around the city and joins the botanist guild. She's given the last name Gardener as a result. Being given a name that she has no say in choosing irks her. She allows the surname, but vehemently refuses all attempts at giving her a first name. Even after she can talk, she rejects the pressure to choose a first name for the convenience of others. She'll choose one in time, when one feels right to her, and not before.

Quite the stir is caused when Kan-E figures out that she's a hearer, what with her being an outsider and all. She has a love-hate relationship with the elementals. She can't sit by and watch all the injustices around her without saying anything - children that are denied healing, refugees that are denied food, the discrimination against Keepers and Duskwights. And there are so many times that the way the elementals, Kan-E, and the others are so complicit in it all makes her want to storm out of the Shroud to never return. But yet, the elementals are a lot of fun sometimes, and they help her learn how to use her magic (which is a lot like Avatar the Last Airbender, bending elements and such - no one's ever seen anything like it), and they help her start to find who she wants to be.

Kan-E figures out that she has the Echo next. It's not that hard to do when she starts telling her things about her past that she hasn't told anyone before. Awkward. B'Elarra's Echo works much the same as B'Elano's, with one difference. In addition to getting memories randomly, sometimes when she touches an object, she gets the memory of a person who's touched that object before her. Kan-E muses about how useful this could be, and B'Elarra is uncomfortable at the thought of it.

Kan-E sends her off to meet the Scions, right at the part in the msq where they're about to send B'Elano off for Ifrit. B'Elano recognizes B'Elarra when she walks in. He sailed into Limsa on the same boat that her broken body was carried in on. He's wondered if she survived, but he didn't remember enough about her to track down what happened to her.

B'Elarra is suspicious of how... convincing... Minfilia is trying to be, with getting her to join the Scions. She comes on a bit too strong, and her offers come across more as bribes than they do offers. She's tempted to say no, but she worries about how no one else seems to know much about this Echo thing. So she agrees to join the Scions for two reasons - to talk to B'Elano more, and to learn what the Echo is and how to use and control it.

Minfilia sends B'Elarra and B'Elano off, not giving B'Elarra any information at all about Ifrit or primals or... anything. They're captured the moment they cross into Amalj'aa territory, and they're tortured for three days. Kan-E has to teach B'Elarra the word for torture, later. She didn't even know people treated each other that way. It was a rude awakening for her as to what life outside Gridania was like.

In the Bowl of the Embers, B'Elarra realizes she's defenseless. She's only really any good at water magic so far, and she can't use it if there's no water for her to use. No water on the ground, no humidity in the air, not even a cloud in the sky. She cowers behind B'Elano for the entire fight. She heals him as she can, but her conjurer training has only gotten so far.

On their way back to the Waking Sands, B'Elarra remembers a bit of unsolicited advice she was given in Gridania - to name herself after someone she admires. She shrugged it off at the time because she didn't know anyone TO admire. But now she does. She asks B'Elano if she can name herself after him, and he says yes.

When they return, B'Elarra ragequits the Scions and storms off to Gridania. Kan-E again nurses her back to health. She tries a little too hard to convince B'Elarra to re-join the Scions and help with Titan. B'Elarra gets the impression that she's not Kan-E's friend, she's just getting used. She wonders if any of her friendships at all have been genuine, or if people are just being nice to her in order to see how she can benefit them.

B'Elarra gets summoned by a conjurer friend to help with a task in the north Shroud. An injured unicorn has been found. She's worked up a reputation both for healing animals, and for being willing to take on tasks that involve Ishgardians. (She has no negative feelings towards the Ishgardians due to the past since she doesn't remember it.) So they ask her to heal the unicorn and bring it home. She gladly agrees.

She's not prepared to get caught in a blizzard. She's also not prepared for the unicorn to refuse to leave her side. She tries to seek help from the Ishgardians, but is promptly shooed out of the Observatorium. And of course the unicorn conveniently hides out of sight, so they question her sanity when she asks for help with a creature that's nowhere to be seen.

She heads towards Camp Dragonhead, and the unicorn comes back once she's out of sight of people. By the time she gets there, her lips are blue and she's caked with snow. She sees the unicorn symbol of House Fortemps and thinks maybe she's found some unicorn specialists who can help her. (And she will never, ever, live that down.)

Of course the unicorn takes off again, and the guards think she's delusional because of hypothermia. They wake Haurchefant. He sits her down in front of a fire, wraps her in a blanket, and hands her a mug of hot cocoa. She doesn't know what to make of his kindness and concern. The last time people were nice to her, they used her and almost got her killed. What will happen to her if she accepts this kindness, now?

She goes mute again, but Haurchefant's kindness is undeterred. He sets up a room for her and has her every need tended to. The nicer he is, the more suspicious she gets. But yet, the idea of going back to the Shroud after the way she's been treated by him... is not very appealing. Once she can speak again, she offers to help out as a cook, and he offers that she can keep her room permanently. She takes him up on that offer and moves her belongings over from her inn room in Gridania. She doesn't tell anyone that she's doing it, because she doesn't think anyone would care.

People other than Haurchefant take a while to warm up to her, but she doesn't mind. They have their reasons to be distrustful of outsiders, and they owe her nothing. All she cares about is that they get fed.

The first ones to warm up to her are a pair of twin girls. They notice her sitting alone and ask if she wants to learn how to play a game. Of course she says yes. They keep coming back to her, and she lets them sit in the kitchen while she's cooking. They talk and joke and laugh, and she gives them cooking lessons.

Their parents come by eventually, thanking her for taking them off their hands. She says they're always welcome to come and visit anytime they'd like. They do just that, coming to her for support on bad days and help with homework. With their parents' permission, B'Elarra invites them to have a sleepover party with her once or twice a week, to give their parents some time alone together. In return, their parents invite her over to join them for breakfast a few times a week.

The girls start jokingly calling B'Elarra their "bonus mom." She checks with their parents to make sure it's okay, and since it is, she gladly allows it. Over time, "bonus mom" gets shortened to just "mom," and then it becomes not a joke. She overhears the girls bragging to their friends about how a lot of kids don't have any parents at all, but they're lucky enough to have three.

B'Elarra grows to be less suspicious of Haurchefant over time. His actions match his words, unlike so many other people. He shows her genuine concern and care. He's horrified by how reckless she is. People have always taken unnecessary risks with her life, so she thought that was just normal. He teaches her otherwise.

She finds Haurchefant in the stable one night, curled up with the chocobos and quietly crying. She's never seen him anything than happy before. She sits with him and tries to comfort him, but he brushes it off. He's fine, nothing's wrong, all smiles and positivity. She refuses to have any of it.

They move inside for warmth and cocoa. He tells her of his family, of a fight he'd had with his brothers earlier that day. His history. His upbringing. His pain. She listens to it all, shocked that someone so kind has been through such horrible things. She wouldn't begrudge him for growing into a bitter and angry person, but he didn't. He grew into the exact opposite.

B'Elarra moves to sit in his lap and throws her arms over his shoulders, wrapping him in a tight hug. "You're the kindest person I've ever met. You're the last person on this star who'd deserve to be treated this way." And he kisses her.

He surprises her with good news one day. Calls her home from gathering early for it. She's been hearing stories about Aymeric (good ones) for as long as she's lived in Coerthas. She's been bringing them home to him, asking him to tell her if they're true and add his own knowledge onto them. And she's been begging him for months to find an excuse for her to meet him.

Well, he finally has. He tells her that Aymeric will be coming to Camp Dragonhead the next day to meet with B'Elano and Alphinaud. She squeals and starts trying to figure out to wear, and then it hits her - she disappeared without a goodbye, and without telling anyone where she went. Just how well is B'Elano going to have taken that? And how did he do with recovering from Ifrit, anyway?

She doesn't get to think about it for very long. There's an avalanche, and she's called in to heal the survivors. She's able to save everyone except three people. One of the people she can't save... is the twins' mother. She brings news of her death to the family herself, and stays with them the rest of the day to comfort them.

She attends the meeting with Aymeric the next day. Alphinaud is cold to her. She assumes that means the Scions don't exactly have the best of feelings towards her for having ragequit. B'Elano is happy to see her, at least, and he seems to be doing well.

Aymeric is shocked to learn that there's a second warrior of light. He's even more shocked to learn that she's chosen to live among his people and help them. She tells him of the surveys she's been doing of the Ixal camp ever since she moved there, that they're tempered but she doesn't feel they're a threat to Ishgard at this time. Alphinaud doesn't appreciate that, but oh well. She shares whatever knowledge she can - her experiences with the Ixal in the Shroud and Garuda and such, and is happy to answer any questions he asks.

When the meeting is interrupted to tell them of the caravan being attacked, she asks if there are any survivors. There are none. And the knight informs her that the twins' father is among the dead. They have no living family, so legally, they're now orphans. And since she's not Ishgardian, there's not a damn thing she can do to adopt them.

Aymeric finds her crying in the stable, curled up with her chocobo. He prompts her to talk to him. He suggests that the children can be made wards of House Fortemps and placed in her care. He offers to talk to Haurchefant about the idea for her, and she says yes.

While Haurchefant is in the city talking to his father about it, the girls are brought to B'Elarra. She holds them while they sob, and Aymeric's heart breaks at the sight. He tries to keep a respectful distance, but he can't when he hears one of them wail "we're all alone!" He kneels down next to them and tells them his story. About how he was adopted by parents who loved him as their own, and how you don't need blood relatives in order to not be alone.

Edmont not only agrees to make the girls wards, but offers to make B'Elarra one as well. She accepts. She brings food to the orphanage, volunteers in the infirmary, and brings the girls by Aymeric's office to visit him a few times a week. And once she works up the courage, she visits Aymeric's office without the girls, too. Sometimes with an excuse like bringing cookies that she baked for him, or bringing her knitting and offering to work beside him in silence to keep him company. Sometimes without an excuse, just because she wants to.

After the bloody banquet, B'Elarra and the girls move into the manor, along with the Scions. Haurchefant joins them every night, too. Things are... tense... between her and the Scions. But she's mostly able to ignore it by focusing on her budding friendship with Emmanellain and the pranks they play on each other.

Instead of Alphinaud and Tataru being thrown in the Vault, she is. Her recovery from the torture she endures in there is slow and difficult. And from here I'm not confident enough in her story to share it, so... more later.

B'Elarra saves Haurchefant, though. Aymeric wakes after the Vault to find B'Elarra asleep in a chair between his and Haurchefant's beds, holding one of each of their hands.

After the war is over, Aymeric invites B'Elano over for the candlelit dinner cutscene. B'Elano is confused by the mixed signals. Friendly one minute, nation leader the next. An entire fancy dinner instead of just a drink. Candles and roses. What is this, exactly? Every time he starts to think he might know what's going on, it changes. When he can't take the awkwardness anymore, he leaves early. After he explains all this to B'Elarra, she tries to convince him to at least tell Aymeric what happened, but he refuses and leaves for Mor Dhona.

B'Elarra goes to visit Aymeric and finds him just as confused as she thought she would. She explains what happened and gently prods him to maybe send B'Elano a letter in a few days. He invites her to finish dinner with him, and then they retire to his study to talk until they get too tired to keep talking.

Visits and dinners continue. Haurchefant has been teasing her about Aymeric since before he even introduced the two of them to each other, but now the teasing grows serious. He gently prods her to consider polyamory, says she'd have his blessing if she wanted to court them both. He watches the two of them dance around their feelings for each other until he can't take it anymore. He storms into Aymeric's office,

Haurchefant: I've had enough of this already!

Aymeric: Enough of what, pray tell?

Haurchefant: Enough of you and B'Elarra not admitting to yourselves, let alone to each other, that you're in love with each other! Out of what, some fear of hurting me? Surely you know me better than that. Life is too short, too fleeting, for this.

Aymeric: *aymeric.exe has stopped working*

Haurchefant has a similar conversation with B'Elarra, and her next time seeing Aymeric is incredibly awkward. But he does bumble through asking to court her, and she does bumble through saying yes.

Again I'm not comfortable sharing the next bits so, more later. But during Endwalker, B'Elarra has enough of seeing Estinien avoid Aymeric and pulls a Haurchefant. She gets them together to talk about their feelings and gives them her blessing to be together. Aymeric gets her back for this later when he notices B'Elarra and Estinien doing the same. The polycule becomes: B'Elarra and Haurchefant, B'Elarra and Aymeric, B'Elarra and Estinien, Aymeric and Estinien. They're all friends and do spend time together as the four of them when schedules allow. But Estinien's off traveling with B'Elano more often than not. He gets restless if he stays still for too long.

B'Elarra marries Aymeric and Haurchefant, eventually. Edmont legitimizes Haurchefant before that happens. He wants B'Elarra to be his daughter, and the girls to be his granddaughters. B'Elarra becomes B'Elarra de Borel-Fortemps.

Old screenshots:

B'Elarra was not happy about attending the gala, lol.

Prompt was "Faerie"

Prompt was "Mother"

Prompt was "dance." Aymeric asks to dance with B'Elarra after their first date.

Prompt was "Night." Sometimes, she sits on the floor next to Haurchefant or Aymeric while they're working, and rests her head on their thigh.

Prompt was "Echo." B'Elarra has always refused to use her ability to get memories from touching objects for people. It's always felt morally wrong, and she didn't want to be used. Haurchefant never once asks her to do it for him, and she's surprised to realize that she wants to help him with it. She offers to touch objects confiscated from heretics. He only agrees after she assures him that it won't harm her.

Prompt was "Rest"

Prompt was "Market"

Prompt was "Summer." B'Elarra takes her daughters to Costa del Sol, and they get to see a shark.

Prompt was "Too Hot." In hindsight, bringing an Ishgardian to a desert probably wasn't the best of ideas.

Prompt was "Sweets." B'Elarra misses her daughters while on the First, and asks Feo Ul for a shared dream so she can see them.

Prompt was "Underwater" (Aymeric and Haurchefant are brought to the First along with the Scions)

Prompt was "Formal." This was before the wolmeric week party.