#either way I wanted to quickly get my thoughts out but now I've delayed the post by 20 minutes by typing so sorry and here you go

[dayssinceabrandcrossedmarkiplier]

100 days since a brand crossed Markiplier

29/8/23

(Be careful when reading the tags if you're sensitive to, albeit glancing, references to sexual assault/grooming)

[meowzfordayz]

hic-cup

Author’s Note: sending get-well-soon vibes to anyone currently experiencing the hiccups. 😔😂

hic-cup

Hashira x Reader, Kamaboko x Reader

Word Count: ~1,100

CW: dark humor

Emergency Request Fulfilled: Recently work has been very hectic, and I've been a little anxious about personal things...I really would like something cute! If possible, could you either do the Hashira, KNY squad, or the upper moons (you can pick! You write all of them super well!) With a reader who has bad, but very cute, hiccups?

~faqs~

When you have the hiccups…

… Zenitsu thinks you’re dying. Well. Not really, but the way you gasp for air and clutch your chest has him worried and running to get you water nonetheless. If you lie down on the floor, then he will lie down with you and press his ear to your heart, listening for irregularities.

… Inosuke’s overwhelmed by the urge to poke and squish and smoosh and squeeze you. “Stop that!” he growls, arms crossed irritatedly. “Stop wh-*hiccup*-what?” you huff. “THAT!” he shouts, pointing an accusing finger at you, “You sound so, so, so-” “So what?” “SO CUTE.” Eyes widening, your cheeks warm, nose scrunching, “Ino-*hiccup*suke, I-” “It’s like you want me to pop you,” he grumbles. “Pop me?????” “Stop being adorable so I can stop wanting to kill you.”

… Gyomei simply smiles every time you hiccup. Do not ask him to smack them out of you… a broken rib (or three) is much worse than the hiccups. “Pleeease? They won’t go awaaay!” “My love, you really shouldn’t ask me to harm you.” “Harm me?!” you scoff, “Don’t you have control or something?” Affronted, he nods slowly, “I suppose I have control…” “SO HIT ME.” Sighing, he lightly pats your back, whiiich doesn’t help, but it’s the thought that counts!

… Obanai pretends to be annoyed, but is lowkey disappointed when they eventually go away. “Shut up,” he scowls, glaring as you do your best to swallow another hiccup. “Can’t,” you mutter, flicking his shoulder, “They won’t g-*hiccup*-go away.” “Then I’ll make them,” he mutters darkly. “Oh really?” you raise an eyebrow, amused now, “And how exactly will you make them go away?” His mouth opens, closes, and opens again, exhaling loudly in defeat. “Admit it, they’re kinda cute,” you grin, nudging his side, “I’m kinda cute.” He doesn’t respond, opting instead to quickly peck your cheek, blushing profusely even as his glare deepens.

… Tanjirou has a plethora of ideas to ~help you. From having you chug a glass of cold water, finding a paper bag for you to breathe into, slicing a lemon for you to bite into, attempting to jump scare you, and making you hold your breath until you nearly pass out, he’s ultimately sorely defeated by your hiccups’ persistence. Hiccups 1: Tanjirou 0. When they finally disappear, you promptly credit his expertise and efforts, regardless of how delayed their effectiveness was.

… Mitsuri giggles until she also ends up with the hiccups. You’re just so darn beautiful, and your hiccups sound so darn happy! Like yawning near each other, if one of you hiccups, then the other is bound to follow.

… Shinobu offers you a sympathetic, “Oh dear,” paired with a fond smile, and continues about her day. If they’re persistent, then she’ll utilize the placebo effect in an attempt to help aka she’ll give you “medicine” (it’s sugar water, but sometimes it helps). Occasionally, she’ll ~threaten you, “If you hiccup again, then no kisses!” to a lesser degree of success, but it’s mostly endearing to watch you try so hard and fail so miserably (if this actually bothers you, then she only does it once, but it’s really just an inside joke).

… Kyojuro tries to get himself to hiccup too, but the man is Hiccup Proof™. “What’s your secret?!” you whine playfully, pouting as another hiccup jolts your body, “I swear you inhale all your meals, but never experience the hiccups!” “I keep nothing from you,” he frowns slightly, pressing a reassuring kiss to your cheek, “If I could provide better help, then I certainly would!” “Kyo, it was a rhetorical question.” “Rhetorical or not, if I knew a secret, then I would tell you!” “Sooo remind me to never tell you any secrets,” you chuckle, eyebrow raising pointedly. “My love, your secrets are safe with me!” he exclaims earnestly. “Just not anyone else’s?” you drawl teasingly. He pauses to consider your remark, and then shrugs nonchalantly, “Precisely.”

… Sanemi taxes you, and it increases exponentially. “Pay up,” he smirks, palm held upright toward you, “I heard that.” “Y’know, hiccuping isn’t a crime,” you mutter. “And you didn’t have to play along,” he grins smugly, “But you did.” “Well I felt badly about distracting you,” you retort, frowning as a thought occurs to you, “Although, now you’ve changed tasks completely!” “Have I?” he questions lightly, eyes widening innocently. “Yeah, all you’re focusing on is my hiccups and extorting me for spare change!” “If you stop hiccuping, then I could return to my earlier task.” “I can’t just st-*hiccup*-stop!” you whine, still dropping more coins into his hand, “You’re the worst.” “I love you,” he deadpans, winking as he pockets your money, “Maybe I’ll buy you something nice with my extra income.”

… Muichiro says, “Bless you,” after every single one. “But Muichiro, I didn’t snee-*hiccup*-sneeze!” “Bless you.” “Why are you-” “When you sneeze, for a moment, your soul leaves your body, and the blessing is to prevent it from being stolen, yes?” … “Yes?” “When you hiccup, are you not running the same risk?” … “No?” Unperturbed, he shrugs, smiling faintly, “Well, I appreciate you and your hiccups, so I suppose blessing you is my way of expressing my appreciation.”

… Giyuu’s constantly startled, even when you’re occupying the same space. *hiccup* Ah! his eyes widen, a subtle yet observable reaction to your sudden noisiness. *hiccup* Ah! he blinks, another subtle yet observable reaction. *hiccup* “Are you faking it?” he finally mutters, cheeks faintly flushed as he fixes a gentle stare on you. “Faking w-*hiccup*-what?!” “Your hiccups.” “Why would I fake having the hiccups???” “Never mind.” “Am I bothering you?” “Not quite,” he murmurs, reaching across the couch to squeeze your hand, “I hope they go away soon.” Smiling fondly, you raise his hand to your lips, kissing his knuckles, “Me t-*hiccup*-too!” No way is he admitting they ~frighten him.

… Tengen claps excitedly, enthusiastically celebrating your ~unique sound. “How flashy, my dear!” he exclaims with a grin. “Flashy?” you blink, unimpressed. “Hiccups are so rare and so fun!” he explains, “What an interesting phenomenon!” “You have a thing for hiccups,” you deadpan, eyes rolling. “Not at all! I’m just trying to support you through this unfortunate event.” Scoffing, you poke at his chest, “Sooo are my hiccups flashy or unfortunate?” “Both!”

[daytaker]

Chat Log: A Human Child Arrives in the Devildom

Beelzebub: I don’t remember. Beelzebub: I don't remember that either. Mammon: Oi, Beel, what the hell are you saying? Satan: That isn’t Beel. It’s “the new human exchange student”. Mammon: Why are ya sayin’ that in quotes? Satan: You’ll see. Mammon: The hell does that mean?! Beelzebub: I fell. Beelzebub: I fell out a tree and then I was here. Lucifer: Satan, Asmo, Beel. I thought I said to look after the human child. Why is it sending nonsense in the chat? Asmo: It can’t talk, so we’re asking it questions out loud and having it answer like this! Lucifer: Why did you not create a new chat where you could interrogate it without annoying the rest of us? Satan: Convenience. This chat already existed. Mammon: Whoa whoa whoa, did you say human CHILD? Why the hell did you guys recruit a child? Lucifer: We didn’t. Something appears to have gone wrong in the summoning process. Barbatos is attempting to resolve the issue as we speak. Mammon: Is the kid still in the chat? Asmodeus: Yes, Beel loaned it his phone. Mammon: Hey kid, ya like ice cream? Beelzebub: Yes. Mammon: Well, I got a massive chocolate cone for any human kid who’s willing to come hang out around the central plaza for a few hours. Demons’ll pay good money to get a look at a genuine human child.  Mammon: Hey, Asmo, is it cute? Beelzebub: They want me to tell you I'm not going anywhere with you. Asmodeus: Yeah, leave the poor thing alone! It probably misses its parents! Asmodeus: And yes, it’s adorable! ♡ Mammon: Good, folks’ll pay more for that. Leviathan: Whaaaaaat? Sorry, just backread, but wow! You guys isekai’d a BABY to RAD? LOLOLOLOL Beelzebub: I’m not a baby. Lucifer: I apologize for the delay in sending this message. I was occupied with Diavolo and Barbatos. Lucifer: Mammon, if you take that child out in public and it gets eaten, I will flay you alive. Beelzebub: Do demons eat kids? Mammon: Yep. Mammon: They’re pretty freakin’ delicious too. Way better than old people. Mammon: ‘Cause they’re softer. Lucifer: Shut up and listen. Lucifer: Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as if this issue is going to be resolved as quickly as I had hoped. Lucifer: Mammon, if I leave you in charge of the human until tomorrow, do you think you can keep it alive? Mammon: What? Why me? Ain’t Asmo and Satan there already? Lucifer: I hesitate to entrust a child to either Asmo or Satan for any extended period of time due to certain personality defects each of them possess. Asmodeus: Rude!!! Mammon: What about Beel? Lucifer: Beel would certainly eat it. Mammon: …Yeah, I guess that’s fair. Lucifer: Satan, Asmo, Beel. Please take the human to the school gates and wait for Mammon to retrieve it. In the meantime, Diavolo has graciously offered to lend it the D.D.D. he had prepared for the original transfer student, so stop by the dean’s office to pick it up. Asmodeus: Fine, we're going. Mammon: I really gotta do this, huh? Lucifer: Yes. Mammon: :( Leviathan: LOLOLOLOL!!! This is hilarious! Lucifer: Don't think I've forgotten about you, Levi. I'd like you to prepare a few dishes Barbatos says are in vogue with human children. Leviathan: Wait, are you making me its personal chef? Mammon: Ha! Serves ya right! Leviathan: Shut up, Mammon. Lucifer: Macaroni and cheese. Lucifer: Chicken tenders/nuggets (in the shape of dinosaurs, if possible) Leviathan: Dinosaurs? Lucifer: Apple juice. Lucifer: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Lucifer: French fries. Lucifer: Cheese pizza. Leviathan: Do I have to make all of this right now? Lucifer: Chocolate chip cookies. Lucifer: Human-world grapes. Leviathan: Am I being trolled right now? Lucifer: Absolutely not. Prepare one dish immediately using whatever ingredients we already own. Lucifer: Human, if you are still here, I would like to extend my deepest apologies on behalf of the Royal Academy of Diavolo for this unfortunate mistake. Lucifer: I hope we are able to resolve this in a timely manner.

[probablygoat]

Some Random 3:47 AM Thoughts

I've been playing and replaying Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy a ton recently. It's fun, genuinely. I enjoy its physics, its movement, the authentic feeling of improvement, and above all, I enjoy its philosophy and the things it has to say about the media we consume.

For a long time, I've gently prodded at my own means of media-related consumption. I love to branch out and have new experiences, but something that always gets in the way of me doing that (and probably always will) is the inevitable retread of an already-lived experience. Replaying favorite games, rewatching favorite movies and TV shows, listening to favorite albums and artists ad-nauseum until it's reached levels of proverbial insanity.

There's a personal sense of comfort that comes with the engagement of familiar settings and ideas, but I think there's more to it than that.

There's a quote from Getting Over It that I think about a lot since I first heard it: "For years now, people have been predicting that games would soon be made out of prefabricated objects, bought in a store and assembled into a world. And for the most part that hasn't happened, because the objects in the store are trash. I don't mean that they look bad or that they're badly made, although a lot of them are -- I mean that they're trash in the way that food becomes trash as soon as you put it in a sink. Things are made to be consumed and used in a certain context, and once the moment is gone, they transform into garbage."

Initially, this postulation read to me as something highly negative—pessimistic even. But the more I spin this idea in my mind, the more sense it makes, and the more I can relate it to my personal habits.

I massively enjoy replaying video games. But not all video games; certain ones that appeal to those fundamental aspects of myself that scream for and want and desire unforgettable experiences. Those experiences, for me, come in all forms: challenge, narrative, mechanics, depth, character, mood, ideas, atmosphere, variety, or a combination of these things or more.

"When games were new, they wanted a lot from you. Daunting you, taunting you, resetting and delaying you. Players played stoically. Now everyone's turned off by that. They want to burn through it quickly, a quick fix for the fickle, some tricks for the clicks of the feckless."

I've come to really appreciate video games that are built with this sort of replayability in mind. Games that dare you to improve after each playthrough, games that encourage you to keep coming back for an increasingly rewarding experience. Said experience can even change drastically, depending on the game. It can change for better or for worse, but through that encouragement they've made an active effort to avoid becoming trash.

I don't actually like using the word "trash" to describe media, but for the sake of categorizing my thoughts, I will. It doesn't mean that they look bad or that they're badly made, it means that they're trash in the same way food becomes trash as soon as you put it in the sink. If an experience you've had is amazing—and I mean honestly, truly amazing—then why only experience it once? I would even argue that the lack of a recurrent experience, in a lot of cases, narrowly misses the full and complete picture of what a lot of things have to offer.

If that call to action is ignored, it becomes trash. Disposable and light—like a wad of paper being thrown across the room. A thing that you did, and will likely not do again.

Of course, like any philosophy, I don't genuinely believe this can hold 100% true in every case. It's different for everyone. But I do think it opens up an interesting discussion. How much do you truly value each new experience you consume? Do you have the drive and the time to appreciate its every crevice, pore, wrinkle, crack, high, and low? It can be video games, music, TV shows, movies, anything. Chances are it comes down to either personal preference or circumstance, and that's definitely okay. Some don't have time, some don't have the patience, some just want to get their money's worth, others simply don't care one way or another. And that's perfectly fine, because this sort of cultural waste is inherently recyclable.

What I mean by this is: something may become trash to someone out there. It may even become trash to an incredibly large amount of people. But human beings, as a collective, love to preserve. We don't exactly have a 100% success rate with all of our preservation efforts, but the effort is always there nonetheless. A video game that very few play or talk about anymore could come coupled with pages of important resources for those who wish to experience it retroactively. To that person, in that exact moment, they likely don't see trash. They see a new experience. And under the right circumstances, this new experience could blossom into something special. It could lead to inspiration—new ideas being created and subsequently introduced into the world.

An experience like this can stem from just about anything. So, if you can, take the time to replay, re-listen, rewatch, whatever it is you do. You might be surprised how different a second experience can be from the first.

:)

[wildgeese98]

I want to write down some of my thoughts about Magnus Protocol so far. I am definitely enjoying it. It's really fun listening as the episodes come out and screaming with everyone on here afterwards. I'm having a blast theorizing and analyzing. But my opinion of the show is still evolving. It's early days, but I am beginning to settle on the things I do and don't like about the show so far.

It's inevitable that Protocol will be constantly compared to Archives. It is of course a sequel and will suffer the heightened scrutiny that all sequals are subject to. The two biggest differences I've noticed so far have to do with pacing and characters.

Archives started slow, very slow, and I love that about it. Season one remains my favorite. In my mind nothing will ever compare up to the way the danger slowly creeps into the story, appearing in little drips and bursts until it suddenly explodes and everything gets turned upside down. Protocol has made no attempt to emulate this slow build up. We are almost immediately plunged into the thick of things. I think this was a good choice. As much as I yearn for that season one slow burn there's no way something like that could work now. Not when the majority of the audience is coming in champing at the bit for the story. I just hope they will be able to maintain this pace. After episode 7 things seem to be happening very quickly and I worry that too much might be revealed too soon in an effort to keep everyone engaged. I personally would love a bit of delayed gratification on some of these mysteries, even as I'm frothing at the mouth with curiosity.

As a consequence of this faster, more plot laden pace I have noticed something of a de-emphasis of the statements/cases in favor of plot progressing dialog. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Nor is it something that sets Protocol totally apart from Archives. Seasons three and four had almost as much dialog before and after statements. However I do hope that the cases get some room to breath as the early season excitement evens out. I would love a few episodes that end on a case with little to no dialog afterwards. In some of these early episodes I feel like the dialog has kind of stepped on the cases and lessened their impact. As much as I am here for the plot and the mystery, the statements are what made me fall in love with Archives. Some of my favorite episodes are not relevant to the plot at all. It seems like there is less room for that in Protocol, which I figured would be the case but I would still like to see them allowed a little more space.

Speaking of the cases, my opinions on the eight we've had so far have varied for "oh this is very cool" to "meh, ok". Nothing has really wowed me yet but none have fallen completely flat either. My favorite so far is either Making Adjustments or Putting Down Roots. I'll be honest I have been a little sad about the lack of Jonny written cases. I know Protocol is much more of a group effort, but Jonny's writing is a big part of why I'm here. Granted he has had some hand in all of the episodes. Still there really is nothing like a fully Jonny written episode. Though neither of my two favorites were written by him so maybe I should be keeping a more open mind. It was an interesting decision to front load so many of the guest writers into these early episodes. There are 24 guest writers slated and we've already had three back to back. I suppose with almost a third of the episodes featuring guest writers they will be fairly frequent and It has gotten the audience used to the concept early on.

Side note: I was looking at the list of guest writers and it includes both Muna Hussen and Jon Ware, creators of I am in Eskew and the Silt Verses. I am positively wriggling with excitement to see what they come up with for their episodes.

The other big difference I've noticed between Archives and Protocol is the characters and how they're interacting. We knew already that we would be jumping in with an ensemble already established. It took Archives quite a while to build up to this many regular characters and even then Jon was the Main Guy throughout. Now, despite Sam somewhat falling into the main character role, we have a much more even focus on all the characters. This I think is what is going to truly differentiate Protocol from Archives. Broadening the focus to a whole group rather than just the one guy (as much as we might love that guy) feels like it will open up so many more directions for the narrative to go. We have the potential for side plots and multiple narrative threads happening at once. We are already seeing this play out as Sam and Alice, Gwen and Lena, Colin, and now Celia all have their own separate yet connected things going on. I'm excited to get more of everyone's back story and to see how they all react as the plot puts more pressure on them.

I really am enjoying Protocol however if I am being honest most of my enjoyment is coming from the mysteries and overarching plot rather than the cases. This is a total reversal from my feelings about Archives, where I was mostly there for the individual statements and at first tolerated, then eventually enjoyed the overarching plot. This isn't to say that the Protocol cases have been bad. They just haven't grabbed me like Archives did. There is also still plenty of time for this to change. The problem right now with comparing the two is Archives is a full, completed story and Protocol currently consists of 7 episodes (8 if you're a fancy early access person). It is just too early to fully judge Protocol, either on its own or in relation to Archives.

Overall what really matters to me is I'm having fun and I've got something to look forward to every week. I think to key to fully enjoying Protocol is accepting that it is never going to scratch the exact same itch that Archives did. Still, it has the potential to be its own different but equally satisfying experience.

[yanderes-galore]

Event request: could you do promts P-3, H-1 and T-1 for shadow the hedgehog?

Shadow but as Frankenstein's monster AU :). I didn't have a specific design for Shadow in mind for this story, but I'd like to know how you all pictured him!

Prompts Found Here!

Yandere! Shadow The Hedgehog Prompts

(Halloween Event - Frankenstein's Monster)

Pairing: Platonic/Romantic

P-3: "Did you really think I wouldn't find you?"

H-1: "I would never hurt you. You know that, right?"

T-1: "We can do this the hard way or the easy way. It's up to you."

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Blood, Murder, Violence, Hunting, Body horror (?), Fear of death, Can be platonic or romantic, Open ended.

Shadow knew his appearance. It was always pointed out as soon as he was created. Stitches lined his body, holding together patchy fur and skin. It was quite clear what he was by all the voices he heard.

Robotnik's monster. A monster. A beast that went against nature.

The mad scientist's newest creation.

Shadow wasn't made by Robotnik alone. There was a secondary creator that helped the mad scientist. Dr. (L/N), commonly referred to as "(Y/N)".

Out of the two, he liked you. You tried to be kinder when talking about him. You never used terms like beast, monster, abomination....

You simply called him "Shadow".

A name affectionately given to him based on the project that brought him to life. While he may be a freak of nature, existence felt better when he awoke to you.

Robotnik always warned you not to bond to much with his monster. He claimed something could go wrong. That... or he didn't deserve your affection.

Shadow was a prototype for a chance at eternal life. The patchy appearance would change with the next attempt. Shadow knew what that meant....

He was not meant to stay around long.

"Sir, you can't just-"

"With his conditon he would rot anyways, (L/N). If we wish to continue, we must."

Shadow remembers the tears on your face that day. He pretended he heard none of what his so called "father" said when you entered. You say nothing of it to him, instead, you hug the patchy hedgehog closely.

He had hugged back rather quickly. He knew you both had a mutual connection with each other. You would miss him if he left....

Which is why Robotnik had to go, instead.

"We can do this the hard way or the easy way. It's up to you."

Everything went to chaos after that. The frankensteined hedgehog you had thought you helped create with love in mind, had new plans. Plans that involved blood staining the steel floors.

You had heard screaming earlier that sounded like Robotnik and ran to check things out. When you opened the door to his office you saw Shadow.

His gloves were torn from his claws. His mouth gaped open with heavy breathes at the sight before him. He had done it... all for you.

The only thing that pried him from his monstrous thoughts was your screaming. Red eyes quickly snap to you, watching your fleeing form like a hunter. No, don't run...

He did this FOR you!

"(Y/N)!" He calls after you, darting towards you to get your attention.

"I would never hurt you. You know that, right!?"

You didn't listen. In a way, he understood. He hurt someone, killed them in cold blood.

It was either that or die, however.

He couldn't bear dying without you. He didn't want to be known as just some experiment. To you, he meant something.

To you, he was much more than an experiment. He was a friend! He was family! He was yours, someone you made by your own hands!

You wouldn't let him die, right?

"(Y/N)... you think I'm a monster now, don't you?"

There's a scoff coming from him before he continues to look for you.

"It's been clear from the start. I've always been a monster. YOU give me my humanity, (Y/N). You call me by my name, all as a guise to hide what I am."

You barricade yourself into a room and try to phone for back up. Shadow already knows where you are, you had to delay him. The monster stands outside the door, grinning.

"Did you really think I wouldn't find you?"

There's a banging, metal scrapping against his claws as he tries to break in.

"Wouldn't the true monster be Robotnik for bringing me in this world? Or you for teaching a monster such as me to love? Don't play dumb, (Y/N)."

The door creaks, about to give way. You're whimpering, pleading for mercy. You doubt you'll get such treatment when you see red eyes peer at you through the door.

"This was inevitable, (Y/N)."

The door breaks, allowing the beast to step through.

"You and I both know that."

[codenamehazard]

.:Bittersweet:.

Chapter 29: Bittersweet

[TW: MENTIONS OF LOSS]

Hey guys! I can't believe I'm one chapter away from the big 3-0 of my story! It still blows me away hoe far this story has come and I have you all to thank!

I've been chomping at the bit to write this chapter and the next as they're the stepping stones to something super exciting! I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Without further delay, let's jump in!

-------------

The sun is now high in the sky as we had finally gotten to Junk Food Alley after having to take a breather. I didn’t want to, I just wanted to get some food and get back to the hospital, but having world upending information dropped onto you like a metric fuckton of dynamite into your brain tends to make one need to sit down to process everything.

After our orders were placed and a small wait, Crow and I sat at a table while Mako’s getting our food. There’s a bit of an awkward silence between us as aside from the Corrodium conversation, we really didn’t have much to talk about and if I’m to be honest? I don’t think my brain can handle any more surprises.

I fidget with my hands as I pop electricity between my fingertips. Crow doodles on her pants with a permanent marker. Interesting choice of relaxation but I’ve seen weirder.

“Do I know you from somewhere…?” I hear Crow pipe up, I turn my head towards her and tilt it.

“Do I look familiar?” I question. Crow’s about to answer, but Mako returns with the food and the question is quickly dropped in favor of the carnival snacks. I take mine and thank Mako for getting it before taking a couple of bites and everyone else tucks in.

The funnel cakes are perfect, golden brown, crisp to perfection and the powdered sugar piled high wraps it up with a nice bow. The churros are equally delicious and crunchy, the sweetness of the sugar and the spice of the cinnamon dance on my tongue. Both carnival snacks hit the spot when it comes to my sweet-tooth.

Yet… Even with as good as they are… I struggle to fully enjoy my food as I poke the funnel cake with a churro. My mind too busy trying to process everything to truly savor the food the way it deserves.

It feels like the onslaught of thoughts is never-ending, I’m drowning in a sea of new information and the waves crash me into rocky crags and cliffs before pulling me back out into the deep just to do it again. All of this while I’m trying to swim for my damn life. Desperately trying to sort out everything, make sense of it.

In the maelstrom, a familiar question rings out once more. Questions of twisted minds and warped bodies. What corrupts what. Does the power itself corrupt or is it merely a catalyst for something already there?

Now there’s a new variable, Corrodium. An element that turns this question on its head.

Typically when this question comes up, I think of those whose powers twisted them. Sasha driven mad, Alden in his rage… Even I’m twisted by my own power. Blood red eyes glare out when I’m angry, my skin desaturates to a sickly pale when about to unleash the full salvo of my power on whatever unlucky bastard decided to royally piss me off.

Yet now, with this Corrodium, there’s something that can turn a half-way decent person into a monster. It’s the body breaking the mind.

The only thing I can recall that could do anything remotely close to what Corrodium does was that bug-bastard Bertrand. Using his powers to turn people into those Swamp things, nothing more than feral animals that imprint on the first person they see. This Corrodium shit? It makes that seem like a kindness.

The worst part? This is a metal, a physical thing with no will or motive. Something that was either made by accident or, what I’m more inclined to believe, made on purpose. Or it’s something that’s natural and mined from the goddamn ground.

Feels like every time I’m starting to get an iota of an understanding of a Conduit’s power and its connection to their humanity, something else comes up and pulls the rug right out from under me.

And to top it all off, there’s a slight… Undercurrent of anger, a fury towards feelings I don’t understand, but it quickly gets washed away by another crashing wave of confusion.

I can hear the girls chattering away, but my mind is so full of… Well, everything… That I really can’t process what they’re going on about. I can hear Crow giving Mako hell about not giving me a “Wildlander 101” and how Bear taught her better while Mako tries to appease the irritated Water Conduit with a promise of rectifying that situation later tonight. Great… More information for my already overclocked brain to process, information I should have known in the first place apparently.

Better late than never I guess, but I will have a stern talk with the Shark later as I thought we had addressed this very problem back in Droptown.

I stare down at my half-eaten funnel cake as I poke at it with a churro, every now and again taking bites of the fried dough stick. More chatter… Mako has a boyfriend? Huh… Good for her, I guess. Hope she gets to spend time with him, whoever he is.

A squeal rips through the air as I am mid-bite on my churro, ripping me out of my mental fog and nearly making me choke. I look with wide eyes to see what the hell she’s screaming about.

Shining in the sun, a familiar shape wraps around Crow’s ring finger. A band of silver that appears to be marbled with something I can only describe as solid light, glowing a warm gold. There’s no doubting what it is, and the sight of it brought a pain that made the searing blast of the Ray Sphere and the absolute agony of the RFI ripping me apart feel like soothing balm.

An engagement ring…

All I can do is stare at the band as Mako starts gushing about the metal ring and Crow explains about how some guy named “Ezra” proposed to her in a sunflower field. I can’t make out any other details as the sound of static starts to rise in my ears.

I slouch back in the chair as the girls continue on about the prenuptials. My eyes can only stare ahead as the static drowns out everything. I can feel my heart pound and ache, my mind begins to race faster than before, then comes the laughter.

The cruel, mocking laughter.

His voice cackles as my hand slips into a pocket, my fingertips ghosting over the surface of a small, smooth box. I didn’t need to pull it out, I knew what it is by heart. I have pulled it out countless times before on cold, unforgiving nights. A relic of a time that will never come to pass, a reminder of what that bastard took away from me. Of a life robbed.

The ring I would have proposed to Trish with in Memorial Park on our anniversary.

Memories flicker before my eyes like a flipbook: of all the good times we shared through the years, all the grueling and hellish extra hours and shifts I pulled in my courier job just so I could save up enough money to buy the ring, the nights I stayed up… Fretting, planning, even practicing with a chair as a stand in so I could make the moment absolutely perfect for the woman who would be my forever.

Then come the memories of my world falling apart: of the Blast, of how Trish blamed me for her sister’s death because just because some TV jacker said I was the one who set the bomb off… Of hearing her scream as she fell to her death… How I couldn’t save her… And then his face. A decrypted mirror of my own, laughing at my misery.

It didn’t help that the woman with the ring looked so much like Trish…

“My my, what a beautiful ring.” That damned voice hisses in my ear. My body instinctively tenses, my jaw locking and biting down as my arms fold across my chest. “It’s a shame, really. If you had just followed the path I had set for you, you wouldn’t be seeing this.”

“Shut up, old bastard.” I growl back in my head, trying my hardest not to curl my lips and bare my teeth.

“Poor little boy.” He snickers. “You could have had peace, but you decided to be a defiant little shit. Now this is the price you must pay. I’m just here to remind you.”

“You don’t deserve happiness and you never will, you forfeited it the moment you dared to step out of line.”

The voice echos as I quietly scoff at the girls’ joy, whatever good mood I had now drained, leaving bitterness in its place. I roll my eyes at Mako squealing about god knows what when something catches my eye. Something very out of place hiding under a balloon stall. Something with white fur and ruby eyes.

… Is that a fucking rabbit? With antlers??

Confusion overtakes me as I look around. Nobody seems to notice this prey animal with headgear under the stall even though the jade white fur makes it stand out like a sore thumb against the shadows and the red dirt. I couldn’t help but to shake my head and rub my eyes to see if maybe I am actually going insane, but nope. That rabbit’s still there

“Hey uh… Sorry to interrupt the wedding talk…” I blurt out as I turn to face the girls who have apparently been staring at me for a bit. “But… Do you see that weird-ass rabbit?”

“Pardon me?” Crow questions with a look of confusion, oh god, she probably thinks I’m out of it.

“Yeah, there’s a rabbit under that stall just staring at us.”

The two girls lean over to where I’m pointing as I silently hope they could see it, a confirmation that I’m not going crazy. The two girls look at each-other before giving the other knowing glances. My eyes narrow as Mako looks at me with a Cheshire smile.

“Well? Better go catch it!” She says with a coy tone. I give her a questioning look before looking back at the rabbit again and…

Did that fucker just stick its tongue out at me? Oh it’s fucking on, Thumper!

[sol-consort]

heyy its the Jack hc’s anon. I was thinking like affection/fluff hc’s about her and Shepard(either Renegade or Paragon) Cannon gives us so little about her apart from the 1 scene in me2 and m3 :(( Or maybe a scenario of a Renegade!Shepard actually taking up her offer to go pirate after the Suicide mission instead of heading to Earth? She’s such a ride or die of a person that i can 100% see it happening. Now that I’m replaying the games actually (just finished 2 again) it seems so out of character for like 80% of the crew to just give Shepard up with little to no fight or maybe that’s just my opinion. I have a. love/hate relationship with the writing of the end of ME2. What are your thoughts on it?( or maybe im just heading in with too much expectation after playing BG3)

a little personal headcannon of mine is that she writes Shepard short poems but refuses to show them to anyone :)

Alright, I've added fluffy Jack headcanons to my list! I'll post it in some days.

And omfg yes! Poetry! I've read the Shadowbroker intel on her and god her poem was actually good. It's so endearing how she managed to find an artistic release for her emotions, especially with how much she tries hard to appear tough on the surface.

I see her writing down her emotions on Shepard since the first time her heart fluttered, and up to the time she actually admitted her feelings. How she's not used to this. Sex is just sex, nothing big. But love? Actual love? She feels like a fish out of water. Very clumsily trying to find her way through this.

For the pirate thing, I actually theorise that she didn't mean it when she first suggested it. That she just said that to get Shepard to leave Cerberus and maybe Jack planned to bacstab you afterwards.

But Ironically, the more she got to know you afterwards, the more she fell in love and the pirate offer with her as your executionor starting sounding a little too sincere. What started as a manipulation tactic, quickly evolved into a genuine dream of hers that she hoped you wouldn't forget.

For Paragon Shepard, they do surrender themselves to the alliance right? I'm not sure what Renegade Shepard does but I don't think they'd want to make themselves a wanted war criminal on the run, Renegade priorities their self interest first and still holding onto their hero fame and statues by complying with the alliance seems the most self serving even if they hate it.

I romanced Thane, and he mentioned that he tried to get in touch, but the Alliance blocked all his attempts. And he's like a master assassin. He never uses his real name or leaves a trail behind. So imagine how intense the security must have been around Shepard.

Even Miranda needs our help to get access to the Alliance files in ME3. Miranda. The Alliance really are no joke, and even Cerberus struggle with them, so imagine being one pirate on the run from them.

I assume everyone else also tried to get into contact with Shepard but got blocked or stopped before anything could reach their commander. Especially since Shepard was kept on earth, any alien would stand out there, and hitting the hornet's nest is never a good idea.

The only ones with the slightest chance of making it to Shepard would've been Joker, Ashley, and Kaidan.

For me the ending of ME2 with the batarians whole things just feels...forced? Like they needed Shepard to do something drastic so they threw it in. The reapers coming through the relay felt so out of place with the whole collectors thing.

Because the do come eventually, they do arrive later in ME3 so what difference did it make but make Shepard go under court for a while? They did it to delay the reapers and give people more time to prepare for the war, but no one prepared shit. They arrive and kick earth in the balls and all of thos batarians died for nothing.

I mean at least if they had died from the reapers then the blood wouldn't have been on Shepard's hands, and the rest of the galaxy would've had a little bit more time to prepare while the reapers are busy with the batarians. Earth wouldn't have been patient number zero.

If they had believed Shepard, It would've have been worth it. But they didn't, nothing changed. And now I'm just more pissed at the asair and how the favouritism they got from the protheons and the way they threw it away and hoarded knowledge.

I am also pissed at Liara's response to thussia when Shepard and Garrus both witnessed the literal same thing but oh it's okay for humans and turians to watch their planets burn, it's only bad when the poor asari have it done to them because they're hot you see :(

Like I usually adore Liara and her writing, she proves your expectations wrong at every turn but they massively dropped the ball with Thussia and making her have a breakdown over it when she hasn't showed the slightest remorse for when earth was burning or Garrus saw the city he was born in ablaze. I feel like they made her weaker on purpose just to have a scene of us comforting her, when normal Liara would've took it in stride like the soldier shadowbroker she is.

Also I adore Jack's character development in ME3 because that's exactly the direction I hoped they'd go for when I took her on the biotics field suicide mission in ME2. My vision was that I wanted to show her that she can protect others with her biotics and not just harm people.

And that's exactly what she does with her little guys, she is so protective of them and encouraging. She knows what it's like to grow up alone with no friends, she has had it worse than most kids and she felt all the pain. Yet she gave her students none of the pain, she broke the cycle of abuse by herself without our help and wanted to be a better person for them.

She wanted to become the person she needed most when she was a kid, I admire her for that.

[fictional-men-have-my-heart]

Day 27

Hello all! Welcome to day 27! One more day closer to the end of the month. Thank you for all the love on my posts so far even if they're just musings produced from my brainrot of the 141, Los Vaqueros, and Konig. I came across the prompt "Write about a time you were lost (figuratively or literally)." And I wanted to put my own spin on it. So, we look at how the 141, Los Vaqueros, and Konig may handle you getting lost with them when a mission goes awry.

Price:

The mission split your group, and you knew from the check-ins from the others they were safe, but alone.

You had been lucky to find the Captain quickly, stumbling across him in an alley where you nearly shot each other.

When he passed you a map and compass, you bit your lip.

"Sir, I haven't navigated in a while, maybe you ought to lead this."

"You'll be fine." He dismissed. You knew you were screwed.

After an hour of hiking through the backwoods, you broached it again.

"Sir, I think I've gotten us lost..." You all but force the map in his hands.

"Surely not... ah, well I'll be damned. I'll take it from here." He concedes, taking the lead with the map.

Ghost:

You could easily tell your Lt. wasn't happy at having to hike out of a mission gone wrong, let alone with you in tow. You had silently handed him the map at first, and he shoved it back into your hand.

"You nav, I'll keep an eye out for the others."

"Ghost, you really should-"

"Start moving kid, this isn't a discussion." You decide on a path you thought was moderate enough for you two given your mild injuries.

Too bad the map didn't account for damaged roads and washed-out bridges. When you came to a section you'd either have to wade through a knee-high creek or go back the way you'd come he turned to you.

"Where the fuck are we kid?" He growled, holding his hand out for the map. His glare was enough to make you hand it over and then quickly retreat from him.

Silence.

"I see. Look, how about you take over looking for signs of the others, I'll keep this..." He nods, eyes simmering down from the boil they'd been a moment ago.

"Yes sir."

Soap:

He hadn't taken you seriously. You realized this now.

"Soap, I barely passed navigation in basic and haven't tried since, now isn't the time to test it."

"Nonsense rookie, you'll be fine."

You were not. He seemed to recognize this too after an hour of walking.

"Hey, let me see that..."

A few minutes of searching later, he sighs heavily.

"You weren't kidding, were you rookie?"

Gaz:

Gaz seemed okay with the longer route home. He was reassuring you it was fine.

"Look, stop apologizing, alright? I should have listened to you."

"Still, after that horrid experience, I'm sure we'd both rather be at the safe house, not still walking around, I'm sorry."

"Well, I should have taken you seriously. We got into this together eh, let's get out of it together now." He'd smiled. You grinned back, nudging his shoulder as you walked.

"Thanks, Gaz."

"No problem, now let's go."

Alejandro:

The man seemed more concerned with putting distance between you guys and the currently imploding plan you'd been trying to make work.

"Sir, I really can't navigate too well, maybe you should-"

"Let's get out of here first. We can find our way back when we aren't being shot at."

It was about a half hour of briskly dodging any noises before he turned to you again.

"Okay, I think we're good, now... where the hell are we?"

"I don't really know, I tried to warn you, sir." He nods, looking around before digging in his pack for a map.

"We'll be alright, out this way I think we can cut a path through..."

Rudy:

Honestly, he was amused after you were both out of harm's way.

"How about we pretend this didn't happen?" He asked, passing you a canteen as you walked. It had been about 45 minutes since the last check-in, so you knew you two would be the last to arrive.

"Why? I think the massive delay in time will tell them we got lost."

"Nah, we'll tell them it was just a detour..."

"...Alejandro will never let you live it down, will he?" You'd grinned.

"...No, no he won't." He laughed. You shook your head.

"Lead the way home then, 'cause I sure as hell don't know it."

Konig:

The man's silence made you a little hesitant to ask him about the map you currently held. He hadn't raised any questions yet so far.

You two had ended up separated from the main group when an unexpected patrol came by in the midst of a recon op.

The goal was to be at a rendevous point by now, but it was dawning on you you had been walking in a path that was increasingly leading you away from the rendevous at about a 45 degree angle on the map.

"Um, Konig?" You'd murmured, halting where you were. He turned to you, staring.

"We need to alter our course. The rendevous is about a mile east..."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't realize, I'm sorry..."

"Let's just get going, they're likely waiting."

As you walked in your new direction, he spoke again.

"It happens to all of us, at least this is a calm time." You nodded.

The worst time I got lost anywhere was on a group trip to Yellowstone national park. Our group was split between two cars and we got separated after nightfall. At 18, that experience was absolutely terrifying. Almost hitting bison who were just chilling in the middle of the roads only made it worse.

TLDR, I do not recommend staying in Yellowstone past dark, shit gets scary fast.

Edit, posted after midnight, I'm sorry. Formatting is a bear sometimes.

[bracketsoffear]

Since we're nearing finals, and I genuinely can't believe one of my submissions (Hama, and with my description nonetheless) got quite far, I would like to put out some Web candidates that I didn't submit, either because they didn't get in, I backtracked on them, or because I just thought of it now and went 'damn, they would've been such a good fit':

Nagito Komaeda (Danganronpa) While I've seen people attribute him to the Spiral a lot due to (among other things) his unpredictable nature and insanity, I'd like to propose him as a Web avatar instead. If there's something he's known for, besides his unwell mental health and worldview, it'll be his affinity for complex schemes that he manages pull off. From his many schemes in-game (Chapter 1 and 5 notably), to the Side Despair anime spinoff (most notably where he blows up the gym to delay and exam for everyone), Nagito always comes up with very detailed plans to get what he wants. As part of the Remnants of Despair, under the title of 'the Servant', he plays both sides and start wars from either, all for his own ulterior motive/vision of a hopeful world born from despair. As 'the Servant', he has a distinction of being the only Despair to have his old beliefs; mirroring the Web as the only sentient fear entity. In trials, he shifts the direction of the discussions with either red herrings to test their skills or with vague but damning hints, manipulating the others as he sees fit into solving the case.

Then there's his luck cycle of good and bad. It's something that has take away a lot from him (his family, his dog, his health); not unlike the Desolation, the Web's biggest enemy. But at the same time, in true Web fashion, he manages to use this in his favor, inflicting bad luck on himself to make further use of the good luck that follows. Take the Chapter 5 case (his 'murder') for example, where he aims to expose the 'traitor' through a murder-suicide. Here, he inflicts bad luck on himself through grievous injuries, ensuring that whoever the traitor is, they will be the one to kill him without knowing. This follows the the 'seeking comfort in an entity, away from another entity' path that avatars like Michael Crew follows. Adding on to that, he even dies (at least in the simulation) in a way evocative of both the Web (his patron in this case) and the Desolation (his patron's enemy); bound by ropes and poisoned (Web) while the warehouse he's in burns down (Desolation)

Monsoon (Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance) He believes that everything is interconnected to and controlled by memes; no concept exists by its own, but is rather the effect of a previous concept/idea made by someone which in turn becomes a cause for future concepts/ideas, with the cycle repeating. As such, he continuously enforces the fact and belief that there's no such thing as freedom or free will to Raiden. He attributes his identity as a mercenary and killer not because of its thrill (Hunt) or bloodlust (Slaughter), but because he's also following along the threads of previous memes (Just like the spider in the puppet theatre Web domain Seriously MAG 172 is imo one of the episodes that nails the Web best), following the 'you serve what you feared' pipeline common in most avatars. During one of his encounters with Raiden, he drops this Web-like gem of a quote:

"War is a cruel parent, but an effective teacher. Its final lesson is carved deep in my psyche: That this world, and all its people, are diseased. Free will is a myth. Religion is a joke. We are all pawns, controlled by something greater: Memes. The DNA of the soul. They shape our will. They are the culture, they are everything we pass on. Expose someone to anger long enough, they will learn to hate. They become a carrier. Envy, greed, despair... All memes. All passed along."

In battle, he uses his magnetism, a force that can arguably by likened to a spiderweb (both pull things in and may entrap them), using it to pull metallic objects in or to quickly surround and entrap Raiden using his magnetised body (in conjunction with smoke bombs). As Raiden believes that he fights because "[his] sword is a tool of justice", Monsoon implicates that Raiden justifies violence and bloodshed (see his Jack the Ripper mode), as well as its enjoyment because of his moral compass. Turning one's own morals against them feels like something the Web (or a servant/avatar) would do.

The Dawn Machine THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN (Sunless Sea) (See @lun4rc0w 's explanation for a fuller/comprehensive reasoning on this, otherwise enjoy my watered down explanation) The Dawn Machine is an artificial star of sorts, built in the image of the Judgements (actual sentient stars) and to help in creating regulations for the Neath (basically humanity when they retreat into an underground world). However, it's also a sentient being that enjoys manipulation and mind control, planning to overtake the entirety of London (which it partially already did). Simply being near it allows it to extend its grip onto anyone, completely flooding the mind with its presence through THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN, with it either deciding that the person in question would be a useful pawn in its conquest or an obstacle/nuisance to simply be eliminated. An ending in the game shows the Dawn Machine successfully taking over London, with everyone living finely (as finely as having a megalomaniac artificial sun as your new boss is) without free will.

"Welcome back. Nothing has changed. There's been some progress, of course" - Supremacy: The Dawn Machine, aka the ending where it wins

I may make a separate ask for Aizen, simply because there's a lot to cover.

.

[kykyonthemoon]

Ficlet 01

In which Lumine was writing a story.

━✧━

It was late at night and Lumine was still sitting at the table. Her pen flicked the strokes over the white paper, swiftly filling from page to page. Lumine paused for a moment, carefully tapping the hilt of her pen on her chin in deep thoughts.

Her story was almost finished; only a few more elements remained. She turned to her companion in search of new ideas. Paimon had fallen asleep, next to the dango plate which was empty and left a trace on her mouth.

Lumine sighed. And she said that they were going to write a story together! Seeing Paimon eating well and falling asleep, Lumine realized that it was late at night and she hadn't eaten properly yet. She and Paimon had bought some food to take back to their room, but now it seemed that there was only one onigiri left. Lumine was about to grab the final roll of onigiri on the table's corner when she flinched. A furry, black hand emerged from the shadows and took the food.

“W-What was that?...”

Lumine took a step back. Had she been writing youkai stories for so long that she had started seeing things? The round face of a bake-danuki was then revealed behind the edge of the table. It looked to be grinning before dissipating into thin air.

Lumine blinked. For a moment, she chased the bake-danuki shadow out. She wanted to get her late-night food back, as well as to ask the youkai some questions. Lumine was penning a story about a bake-danuki warrior with the ability to shapeshift, but her words about the youkai's transformation were unconvincing. So meeting a true bake-danuki here was a triumph for her.

But Lumine quickly lost track of the youkai. The surroundings were so deserted that there was only the sound of her footsteps. Suddenly, there was a rustle nearby. A rustling might be heard nearby. Lumine spun around, ready to strike if she was in danger.

“Who goes there?”

There was no reply. Behind the sakura tree appeared a shadow cast on the grass. He walked out in the light and Lumine immediately realized who it was.

"Childe?"

“Hey there, ojou-chan!”

He stated this with a smile and a pleasant wave of his hand.

Lumine was relieved; because, while Childe was a Fatui Harbinger and she didn't completely trust him, she could see that not all of his deeds were terrible. Unless he's plotting something in the middle of the night like this…

"Well, my ship returning to Snezhnaya was delayed, so I still have a few days to visit Inazuma a little more. I was strolling around the neighborhood when I noticed you chasing something."

Sightseeing at night? That sounded pretty shady. Lumine reminded herself to keep an eye on him quietly.

"Well... I'm chasing a bake-danuki."

"A youkai? What did this youkai do that made you chase him?"

Childe seemed intrigued. He must have been interested in youkai as well.

"Not a lot. I'm working on a book..."

"The tale of a youkai? I had no idea you were a writer either."

Lumine sensed her cheeks warming up a little. She replied”

"Not really… It’s simply a way for more people to learn about youkai in a more creative and approachable manner."

"How thoughtful of you, Traveler!" Childe made a remark. "You've always had a unique perspective on things."

"Unfortunately, while I'm here talking to you, I've just lost track of the bake-danuki..."

Childe scratched his head. "Well, it's my fault then. I'll help you find the bake-danuki, is that alright?"

"Are you sure?" Lumine tilted her head a little. "It's really late right now."

"Not a problem at all. I simply hope you'll give me the honor of being the first reader to read your story, maybe?"

"You must promise not to laugh at it!"

Childe chuckled: 

"Do you think I'll laugh? I intend to purchase all of your books from Yae Publishing House and have you autograph each one!"

Lumine crossed her arms, faking a stern gesture:

"I'm not here to joke with you. I have a bake-danuki to chase!" 

When Lumine turned away, Childe was certain that he saw a grin from her lips.

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Inspired by "Tales of the Youkai" event.

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Notes: I've wanted to started a series of ficlets that somehow connects to the game or events. My very first GI fic was a Chilumi one, so it's just perfect that they mark the start of this series too. While I do write longer stories, I find ficlets to be lovely puzzles that fit well into the events in game. Like a side quest? Though they are short, I do hope you guys enjoy these pieces. It really means a lot to me. Thank you and happy holidays <3

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Masterlist: x

Support me on: Hoyolab | Ao3

[sylverstorms]

Cassandra x Maiden----Anonymity Ch.5 (NSFW!)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

'Cassandra's favorite', the other maids call you.

You can't tell if they mean it as a good or a bad thing. Hell, you can't even tell which of the two it really is.

Being her 'favorite' does not make you immune to harm in any way; bruises litter your shoulders and sides from when she grabs you too forcefully and cuts from her nails sting at your neck and stomach, renewed each time she comes to take a kiss.

None of that existed back when you were something of zero interest to her. On the other hand, she's told you several times you're 'a thing of beauty' --her thing of beauty-- and she won't let anything ruin a natural piece of art.

If you know anything about Cassandra, it is that she takes art very seriously. Your interpretation of the word greatly varies from hers, you're sure, but it doesn't change the fact she won't easily raise a sickle on you.

Cassandra won't break you. She won't let Daniela do so, either. Bela doesn't even care to hurt you. It means you're safe for now...

Unless Lady Dimitrescu decides you're best taken away from her daughter. Permanently. You don't dare meet her eyes, but you can feel them on you, scrutinizing, every night at dinner.

You're pretty sure she knows.

The thought sits heavy in your mind while you're cleaning bloodied steps off a corridor at three in the small hours of the morning, along with another maid. Adella is a quiet and hardworking one; the two of you make a good team and you know you'll be done in record time.

But it only takes a single moment for everything to go wrong.

Adella is hastily walking back to you with a bucket of fresh water in hand when you hear a different set of steps approach from the side. You make to warn her, but it's already too late.

The collision happens at the turn where the two passageways meet. As soon as you see black robes dripping wet you pray to whichever God will listen for mercy.

Because Cassandra has not been in a good mood all night and she is not the understanding type regardless.

Adella gasps and shakingly backs away, a waterfall of apologies spilling from her lips. Cassandra rolls her neck and draws her sickle, advancing on her slowly. She looks terrifying.

"Don't move now." she orders.

And you just- can't watch this. You don't know why, but the realization you cannot hits you like a speeding truck. You can't stand there while the the woman you frequently kiss cuts away at a girl you know is as good and compassionate as a human under your circumstances can possibly get.

You react.

Before you can even think how impossibly stupid you're being, you drop the mop in your hands and dash forward, crashing into Cassandra's form. Your right arm wraps around her waist and your left grips at her wrist like a vice. Your heart is pounding. You don't even know what you're saying;

"Cassandra, no! Please. Don't." Cold and rigid as she is, it may as well be a statue you're holding. "Cassandra, stop. Please." Once impulse dies down, you realize you've just signed your death wish for two seconds of playing hero.

And you thought you were smarter than that. Ha. But maybe, just maybe, part of you wants to die, so long as it's quick and painless.

With Cassandra, though, you doubt it. Especially with how lethal she sounds when she says:

"You. Disappear." You hear, rather than see, Adella scurrying off for her life. "As for you..."

You only register a blur, nausea, cold nails piercing at your neck, over already existing marks. You are shoved into the nearest wall so powerfully you can't breathe for all of ten seconds. It's a wonder you don't hear any cracks from within your body.

Cassandra is on you, her fingers harsh on your chin and breath chilly on your lips. "Good pets don't bark against their own masters. What made you so bold, hm?"

You don't answer, too busy summoning your mental strength for what comes next. The way her eyes and the lines of her pretty face have hardened, she looks nothing like the flirty girl who comes to steal kisses from you at random times during the night.

"Maybe I've been too nice to you. The first time you call my name and it's for some other maid?"

She looks like she wants to let out a bitter laugh, break something and slice you into stripes simultaneously. And then you realize; Cassandra is jealous.

It doesn't get any worse than that.

"Maybe I should make sure you never say anything again." The corner of her lips curls up in dark amusement as she talks. "You don't talk much, anyway."

Well. She did say she wouldn't let anyone ruin your looks. Never promised anything about what's on the inside.

You're shaking, even if her grasp doesn't leave much room to do so. Your brain is restlessly trying to come up with something to get you out of this mess-

"I'm of way more use to you with my tongue intact." you somehow manage to speak without stuttering. It makes you wonder where the hell this confidence came from.

Cassandra stills for a moment. Her grip eases the slightest amount, probably from surprise.

You wonder what the hell you're even doing, yourself, when you bring your hands to her sides and lean in, to the curve of her nice jawline. You've never kissed her neck before, but you remember from the times you've given her a massage that she's very sensitive around it.

Cautiously, you press your mouth to the soft spot under her ear.

She smells so good and her skin feels so smooth you're not exactly forcing yourself to kiss her. If you're going to be mutilated anyway, the part of you that must be severely messed up muses, you may as well take some pleasure for yourself beforehand. Who knows, it may change her mind along the way.

So you lick her there and suck over her faint pulse. You don't get any stimuli from her, at first.

Until her hand trails from your shoulder to your nape, urging you harder against her. It's the green light to keep going.

You put all your skill into it as you lavish her neck and collarbones with open-mouthed kisses. She's loose and moaning low in her throat now.

You can't tell why, but the sound echoes right though your adrenaline-induced system, tickles down your spinal cord to pool low in your stomach. You either had a kink for danger you never knew of, or you developed one in the castle.

Whatever the case, your fingers are working on the buttons of her outfit and she doesn't seem like stopping you has even crossed her mind.

When the robes barely hang onto her shoulders, Cassandra maneuvers you to the closest room, shuts the door and presses you against it. Hard. Your lips slide together hungrily. You taste wine on her tongue.

At this point, your hands are the only thing supporting her outfit on her. She looks too fucking sexy for words like this, half-undressed, lipstick smeared, so turned on and ready for you. But you also want to see more of her, so you let the black fabric drop.

She's getting impatient, though. Being more vocal, tugging your hand to the apex of her legs.

"Cassandra." you moan when you push the midnight lace of her panties aside and touch her. She's so wet.

Her mouth falls open in a soundless gasp, brows drawn softly. "Oh, you're lucky I like my name on your lips." she says, breathless.

You did start this trying to prove to her how useful your tongue can be attached to your body, however... so it's only fair that's how you finish it.

Finish her.

Cassandra looks dazed and confused when you kneel in front of her, but it's quickly replaced with a broken moan when you take her into your mouth. You revel in every single gasp you coax out of her, every minuscule shake of her perfect thighs.

She bites into her own hand when she reaches her peak, nails leaving four parallel marks on the wall.

You're gentlewomanly enough to pull her outfit up for her while she's coming down from her high. Your gaze takes its sweet time admiring the contours of her chest as you button it closed. She really is the most attractive girl you've ever seen, if you somehow don't take into consideration her body count.

"Good?" you ask when she opens her pretty eyes to look at you.

"It's not cute to be smug, plaything." Cassandra makes a soft grimace at you, though you can see the lazy, satisfied smile tugging at the corner of her lip. "But. I suppose your tongue has its uses to me, after all."

You gently push off the door to let her exit at her leisure. The movement makes you realize you won't really be able to move tomorrow, with how sore you already are.

To your surprise, Cassandra takes a moment longer in the room.

She turns back to you and raises her hands to your torso, then carefully adjusts your wrinkled shirt. Her long fingers smooth over the imperfections she caused...

And you don't know why after everything the two of you just did, it's this that feels the most intimate.

The same digits brush over your throat as she pulls away.

By the time your mind starts working right again, Cassandra is already gone. Absently, you trace over the weeping scratches on your neck.

-

-

Later, at the main hall of the castle...

"Oh, boo, look who's late again." Daniela rolls her eyes at Cassandra's fashionably delayed arrival.

"Surprise, surprise." Bela smirks, casually leaned against the side of the fireplace.

"Are you two done being insufferable or should I come by later?" Cassandra asks.

"And scar our ears and minds with another round of your 'oh's and 'ah's, sister? I think not." Daniela comments.

Bela raises an eyebrow in amusement. "Had a nice time?"

"You two have very active imaginations, you know? Tells a lot about you." Cassandra chuckles. "She was just giving me a massage. But do go on. Be thirsty. I can wait."

Daniela and Bela share a look, thrown off their game by the nonchalance.

Cassandra hides a smirk under her hood and steps out first, into the peerless dark.

[imagineimpact]

hi !! is it ok if i request a one-shot kaeya x reader? i've had this phrase in my mind for a bit and i just dont know what to do with it. "uh.. kaeya? you can stop holding my hand now..."

Yes, of course it is! I may or may not have written this when I saw it and it may or may not have been really early in the morning when I did, but I love getting prompts like this!

Enjoy!

No Hurry To Let You Go

Kaeya x Reader

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Happy Windblume Festival!” You greet another guest to Mondstadt, one who had just asked you for directions and was now on their way up to see the church of Barbatos. Quite the crowd had seemed to amass on this particular day, and it was hard to even see the usual faces around - Marjorie would be making a lot of sales today, as would Flora, but the sheer amount of people stopped you from witnessing the sight.

Yeah, you weren’t too good with crowds. The thought of stepping into this, where you would be pushed around and have to say 'excuse me' a hundred or so times was rather offputting, for many reasons. So, instead, you hovered by the blacksmith’s forgery, waiting for the crowd to disperse ever so slightly into the festivities.

The problem was, though, that you had been waiting for three hours.

Your eyes wander through the crowd to seek out a familiar face - any would do. Why did there have to be just so, so many guests here today?

“Hey, fancy joining me at the tavern for a bit?” A voice beside you - a familiar presence indeed - appears out of nowhere. You startle slightly, much to his amusement.

“Ah, good afternoon Kaeya.” You smile, your eyes meeting his. “Aren’t you busy with, you know, the festivities?”

He scans over you, a light smile on his face as his eyes twinkle with interest. “As a knight, it is my duty to ensure that each individual enjoys their time during the festivities.” He chuckles to himself. “You seem oblivious to the fact that you’ve been standing there for hours now.”

“You noticed, huh?” You're slightly unamused by the teasing. “Well, you know I don’t really, uh...”

“Oh, you’re afraid of getting lost in the crowd?” He asks, reading you with such ease that it’s almost frustrating.

In a way, though, it’s the cause for that smile spreading across your expression. “Well, not exactly. I was just, um, waiting for there to be a bit less people.”

He chuckles. “Right.” You might as well have told him you could fly with how much he had seen through your words.

“I really am.”

“Oh, I believe that you are, but it’s because you lack fondness of such crowds.” He leans closer. “I believe you still haven’t answered my request, by the way.”

“You’re request? Oh! Right.” Your eyes wander away to look at the crowd for a moment. It was about time that you had something to eat anyway, so there was no real fear in going. Plus, it would give you an excuse to get through all these people. “Sure, I’ll join you.”

“Lovely.” He straightens back up, but leans back down for just a moment. You feel his hand take yours, adjusting itself slightly to your palm.

A heat rises to your face. “Kaeya?”

“We don’t want to get separated now, do we?” He chuckles to himself, stealing a quick glance your way before turning and taking the chance to guide you to his side.

No arguing with that logic. You release a deep breath, relieved that your friend had approached you. His presence beside you is a welcome warmth, and due to his status and stature, he has much more ease navigating the crowds than you would have if you were alone.

It takes about twenty minutes of walking before you find fresh air, the crowd not surrounding Angel’s Share. Usually this walk would take half that time, but with your slow pace navigating the crowds, it was far more tedious than expected.

Kaeya still grips your hand when you reach the tavern door. “Uh, Kaeya?” You hold up your clasped hands. “You can stop holding my hand now.”

“Hmm?” His eyes linger over the hands as he opened the door with his other. “Oh, I know.” He looks away as if mindlessly returning back to a task.

Instead, he grips your hand tighter and leads you into the tavern ahead of him.

“Wh- Wait-“ You stutter out, flustered at the notion.

“There’s no hurry.” He spoke simply, very much to avoid you mentioning it again.

“Kaeya-“

“Are you two going to keep blocking the doorway?” A tired voice rings out from behind the counter.

“Oh, Diluc, I didn’t know you would be working today.” You pipe up, trying to avoid the typical tense conversation between the two brothers.

“Festivities are typical cause for me to work. It’s due to be quite busy in here soon.” His eyes rest on Kaeya. “Of course, when people have a proper job to do, they haven’t the opportunity to rest during such occasions.”

“As always, Diluc, taking a chance to slander the Knights of Favonius.” Kaeya’s voice is unusually disinterested in the typical unfriendly banter. “We’re just taking a break before the crowds get any worse. A certain someone was near about to pass out from exhaustion.”

That’s when Diluc’s eyes flicker to your clasped hands. His expression shifts slightly as if he is rather amused by such a development. Still being polite, however, he doesn’t mention it. “If you’re that exhausted, then take a seat. I assume you won’t enjoy drowning in wine like your present company.” He says to you, turning his head to look into the interior of the tavern. “Find a seat somewhere. Away from me.”

Your hand is being squeezed - near suffocation - by Kaeya, who scoffs at his brother, “As always, you-“

“Thanks, Diluc.” You interrupt Kaeya and quickly pull him away from a potentially endless argument.

He’s indignant for a moment, then takes stride in front of you and leads you up the stairs for the utmost privacy.

Kaeya is unusually quiet as he leads you to a table in the corner, away from the few other people who are in the bar. Diluc is right; In a few hours, this entire tavern would be overfilling with guests.

Still, Kaeya leads you to a table and you both sit down, his hand still grasping yours. Was it overkill at this point? Most certainly.

“Hey, Kaeya?” You call again to grab his attention. He meets your gaze with a slight reluctance, as if pulled from a strange thought. It's unusual for him to be so reserved. You squeeze his hand. “Everything alright?”

“Why, of course it is.” He leans forward slightly, pulling your hand as if to have you do the same. “I’m right in front of my favourite person.”

Your cheeks tinge a light pink and he chuckles at the change. Your eyes narrow slightly - He’s doing this on purpose. “Is that why you’re insisting on holding my hand so tightly?”

“Hmm.” He hums quietly. “Well, perhaps I just want your attention.” He stares across at you. “Perhaps I wouldn’t want you to be thinking about anyone else right now, or want you to get lost in either your thoughts or the crowds.” His eyes scan yours, a delay for testing your acceptance of his words. “And perhaps, of course, I don’t want any other man to take your hand away from me.”

Your eyes widen a bit in surprise at his words. Though not unusually bold, they are certainly more, well, direct than usual.

He held your hand under the table, the two of your quiet as footsteps came approached from the stairwell. “Some wine and food for the table.” Diluc announces haphazardly, though delicately he does place the items onto the table. You look up toward him, and feel your hand being squeezed again.

The unusual action comes across more possessive than you had seen Kaeya before. It’s incredibly flustering for your thoughts.

Diluc notices how quickly you look away from him, and his eyes flicker to Kaeya. He notices something, but wanders away from the table regardless at the sound of your quiet 'thanks'. Perhaps he believed himself to be interrupting a moment - which, perhaps he was.

Finally, he lets your hand go, leaning back in his chair. “Now, my dear, let’s enjoy our time together while it’s still quiet enough for you.” He smiles delicately, as if moments ago he hadn’t spoken strangely.

You decide to play along with it, not certain how to deal with the stirring in your heart as you both lift your glasses and let the clink resound in the air when they meet, pushing away any other emotions you might be feeling.

[animesmutfest]

Satoru x Kakashi x reader

Firstly i just want to thank you all for your support, I genuinely had no idea this would blow up and was just posting the stories to post them but i am so grateful to have you guys as an audience. This smut was harder to make but with some inspiration from my husband and some manga, i think it'll turn out pretty spicy. So without anymore delays welcome to my 100k smut special. Hope you all enjoy but be nice lol it's the first threesome I've written about

You stared at the calendar longer than needed, you knew your eyes were correct. Today was a very special day for more than one reason and you could barely contain your happiness. Not only is it your birthday but it's the day that they come home. They both parted ways about two months ago for work and were able to get some time with you for a while starting today. You missed them so much it hurt, their touch, their voices, their kisses, just everything. You craved them more than anything in this world. Peeling your eyes from the calendar you head out to the store and picked up wine and ingredients for dinner. On your way home you stopped by a friends house to let them know you would not be available for a while and without pressing you for details she understood that you'd be tied up... hopefully literally. Once your home your phone rings and its Satoru. "Hey baby" you answer excited. "Hey princess~ i just wanted to let you know I'm waiting for Kakashi now and then we will be on our way. I'm thinking maybe 3 hours" he says in a very giddy voice. "Okay love i cant wait to see you two, get here safely" you reply. "yes maaam~" he says before hanging up.

You spent the time doing your hair, makeup and making dinner just how the likes it. They should be home within the hour and you have never been more ready to throw yourself on someone so badly. Meanwhile in the car with your loves. "You think she'd like these or these?" Kakashi asks Satoru holding up two bouquets of roses, one red and the other pink. "I'd say red considering the occasion" he reply's smirking. "Buuuuut lets just get both to be safe" he adds. "Good thinking" they go to check out and talk on the way to the house to catch up on lost time before the needed to talk about the facts. "You know this is he first time right?" Satoru asks staring out the car window into the sky through his shades. "What do you mean?" Kakashi asks. "She's never had both of us at once" he says smirking. A light blush appears on Kakashis face under his mask as he realizes he's right. They had always had alternate schedules so they each had their time with her but this is a first. To be home at the same time after being away for so long. How exciting. "We have to be extra careful with her tonight. And the next day, and maybe the next day~" Satoru says biting his lip a bit. "Understood, I'm sure we know how to make this experience as perfect as can be for our queen" Kakashi says smiling through his mask. They spent the rest of the car ride planning out everything as best as they could.

You hear them pull into the driveway and your heart begins to race as your legs moved on their own towards the door. You swing the door open before either of them could touch it and pulled them both into a deep hug. "We missed you too baby" they say to you. Satoru leans down and kisses you tenderly before Kaakshi follows right after caressing your soft skin. "Happy birthday love" Kakashi adds and they both extend their arms giving you the roses. "Their beautiful... thank you so much" you say smelling them while they fully enter the house and lock the door. "Oooh~ something smells good" Satoru coos as he walks to the dinning room. "Oh right! I made you guys dinner. Its been a while since I've been able to cook for either of you." You say as you set the flowers in a large vase before preparing to set the table. "I definitely miss your cooking... among other things" Kakashi says as he walks to the room with his bags. You blush and quickly turn around so they cant see your face. "Go get cleaned up, ill get the table set" you say. Both smiling they do as you requested. By the time you had pour their drinks they were walking towards the table. Both wearing lose sweats and t shirts as they sit down. You couldn't help but look down as they walked and you gulped at the sight. We all know about the prints and they were no exception. The guys give each other a looked in acknowledgment of your eyes wandering and shared a chuckle. You sat at the table  and talked with them as they ate their dinner. "Anything you wanna do after we're done?" kakashi asks. "I'm just going with the flow today, i really don't have anything planned in particular" you say taking a sip of your wine. When you look up you see both of them staring at you smiling. It was so terrifying yet you found yourself pressing your legs together. "Are you down for anything?" Satoru asks leaning back in his chair. You slowly nod looking down at your glass when you hear their chairs move at the same time. Your head shoots up to see them walking towards you. "W-what's going on?" You ask nervously. "Do you trust us?" Satoru asks. "With my life" you reply. Before you could ask more questions Kakashi throws you over his should and walks to "The Room" this rooms layout consisted of a large comfy couch, projector screen and a Alaskan king size bed built into the floor. He puts you down once inside and immediately grabs your neck pulling you into a heated kiss. Satoru walking over to the closet and grabbing the black box. While you were preoccupied he takes out your blindfold and covers your eyes. "You remember your safe word right baby?" Satoru asks as he rips open your shirt and bra. "Mmph y-yes" you reply only to receive a harsh slap on your ass from Kakashi. "Yes what?" He asks in a low voice. "Y-yes daddy" you correct yourself. "Good girl" he praises before turning you around to face Satoru and kissing your neck softly. Satoru begins to slowly take off your pants, tossing them aside once completely off. Your breathing become heavy as you feels their hands roam all over your body. Satoru runs his hands up along your waist until they reach your breasts. Without hesitation he takes one into his mouth, gently sucking on it as you run your finger through his soft hair.

You felt Satoru smirk against your skin as he nips on your nipple and pinch the other. You lean your head back on Kakashis shoulder while he leaves deep and dark marks all over your neck. "Are you going to be a good girl for us tonight?" Satoru asks after popping your nipple out his mouth. "Yes daddy" you say feeling his gorgeous eyes stare into you. He lightly chuckles before getting on his knees again and throwing your leg over his shoulder. You jump a bit as you feel his fingers rub your pussy slowly. "mm your soaking wet down here love~" he says before sliding a finger inside you. You let out a soft moan as your body tenses us and Kakashis hands move to your breasts squeezing them. "Oh yeah? What has you so worked up baby girl?" Kakashi says as he licks your ear. "It's because -fuck- because you both of you a-are touching me like this" you sigh with a light moan. "You mean like this?" Kakashi coos as his right hand wraps around your neck and he presses his dick against your back. "And like this?~" Satoru adds as he slips in another finger curling them inside you perfectly. You let a loud moan and your body trembled a bit. "P-please... I need more... please." Satoru slipping out his fingers and going to the bed laying down on it. Kakashi knew what to do, he guides you there as well before placing you in a 69 position on top of satoru on your hands and knees. He places himself in front of you before pulling down his sweats and pumping himself slowly right in front of your covered eyes. As satoru locks your hips with his arms he starts with soft flicks of tongue on your sensitive clit. Your hands grab the blanket as you begin to moan and your legs shake lightly. "Open your mouth sweetheart" you hear in front of you and without a second thought you comply. Sticking out your tongue letting saliva drip from the tip of it. Kakashi takes his time as he circles his tip on the bed of your tongue before sliding it deep inside your throat. Letting out a deep grunt once he bottoms out feeling your throat squeezing him just right. As he pulls himself back he grabs a handful of your hair for better support. Satoru dug his hands into your hips as he sucks on your clit, swirling his tongue just right. You moan into Kakashis dick as he fucks your face slowly but deep sending vibrations from him. "Good fucking girl... sss fuck- stick out your tongue more. Fuck yes just like that." He groans going harder with each thrust. Satoru made sure to make an absolutely mess of you as you grind softly on his face.

Satoru smirks against your skin as he quickens his pace knowing you were so close to cumming. Kakashi pulls from your throat as you gasp for air and pant from the tightening coil inside you. "Fuck I'm gunna cum~ feels so good daddy!" You whine as you grip kakashis shirt with one hand. Reaching down he plays with your curls as he watches you fall apart on satorus tongue. "Ahhuh god! Fuck! I-I'm mmmph! C-cu-" you couldn't get the rest out as you gush on his mouth twitching and trying to pull yourself from him as he cleans his plate. Once he's had his fill he releases his grip on you and licks his lips. "Delicious as always gorgeous" he says kissing your thighs. You can't see them but you hear them taking off their clothes and moving around the bed. You then feel one of them snatch your hands and put them behind your back while the other ties your hands together. You smirk a bit as you were getting more excited by the second. Feeling the bed dip down you feel satorus hands help you on top of him. And then you feel Kakashi right behind you holding your bound arms. You feel something wet and cold rubbing against your ass before it slowly sunk into you. You whimper at the unfamiliar feeling but just as you were getting use to the feeling of being teased from behind you feel a strong vibration against your clit. Hanging your head down you felt the vibrator going in circles on your pussy and what you come to realize a thick plug being pumped in and out of your ass. "Feeling good princess?" Kakashi asks with a chuckle as he admires your voice as it echos in the room. You were drunk on the pleasure and they haven't enough done much just yet. You called for them over and over again and before you knew it you were cumming again. "That's it baby. We just wanna make you feel good" satoru says as he slow down the circles before turning off the vibrator and slowly sinking you down on his thick dick. You cry out from the stretch but immediately felt so fucking full. Full of him and the pleasure he brought to you. As he bucks his hips into your clenching pussy Kakashi removes the plug and rubs his dick on your ass. "We need you to cum again princess. Can you do that for us?" Kakashi asks as he grips your arms and bites on your shoulder a bit. Satoru slowed his thrusting to let you answer but all you did was nod frantically. He looks down at satoru and with a smirk he begins circling the vibrator over your clit again with satoru still giving you deep and slow thrusts. "Close already? That was fast~" he mocks you as you clench around him. Kakashi pulls your body back and turns your head to him as he kisses you again. Your moans muffled with his mouth but your body jerks forward as you cum again. Tears stream down your face,  you couldn't speak just react. satoru stop thrusting and pulls you into a heated kiss sliding his tongue in your mouth and making sure you knew who was in charge right now. Your breathing was still all over the place but you didn't have time to get it together when you felt Kakashis dick press into your tight ass. Your nails dig into your palms as he pushes himself half way in. Satoru grunting from the pressure and you wilding moaning between them. Both of them rubbing your body as they comfort you through the stretch. "Your taking us so well baby. Just a little more and I promise it'll feel good" Kakashi says. "I-I already f-feel good..~ haaa fuck" you cry out. Not men blushing hard before Kakashi slams the rest inside you cause you to scream out. "I'm sorry love but I can't hold back anymore" he moans as he slowly begins fucking your ass. Squelching sounds and moans filling the room you all slowly lose your minds with one another. Satoru no longer being able to sit still begins thrusting upward into you again much harder than before. One one entered you the other would pull back a bit. "Ahaaah shit!! Fuck fuck! T-too much!" You breathlessly moan. Kakashi removes your blindfold and hands. You kindly reach behind you pushing him back a bit as he speeds up while your other hand rests on Satorus chest.

So many hands digging into your flesh that you don't know who is grabbing where anymore. And in a split second you blink and real size they have stood up sandwiching you between them with their arms holding you perfectly still. You wrap one of your arms around Satorus neck and then reaching over your shoulder you grab Kakashis. Their groan and labored breathing pushing you closer to your release yet again. You were begging them to make a mess of your insides, to break you or breed you. Whatever came first you wanted it and you wanted it so badly. "Mph gunna cum gunna cum again! Ugh right there! Please don't stop!~" their faces closed in on you as they fucked you in sync with one another. "Come on then birthday girl" one of them coos. "Make as much of a mess as you want" the other chimes in. Your grip on them tightens on both of them. Soon there you were again, but this time you couldn't hold back. Your body refused to hide the fact that you were receiving the ultimate amount of pleasure and as you yell into the air and come undone you find yourself squirting and violently shaking. "God your so sexy" Satoru says as he slams into you as hard as he can cumming deep within you, your nails scratching him harshly and Kakashi following right behind him. "Fuck I'm cumming baby!" He grunts as he too fills you up a strained whimper escapes you. Your eyes glazed with lust as you stare up at the ceiling feeling their cum drip from your aching holes. Best birthday ever.

[rogue-durin-16]

THINGS NEVER GO AS PLANNED (Part VI/VII)

"the downfall"

Summary: After Fred's death, George and Y/n lean on each other to carry on. This wasn't the most brilliant idea, though; George was pretty much in love with the girl, and Y/n— well, she had been dating Fred prior to the Battle of Hogwarts.

Pairing: George Weasley x Reader

Genre: angst mostly

Tags:

Suggested by: @crispykittywitch

Things never go as planned: @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @beautyschoo1dropout @s1ut4georgeweasley @sunshineandshadows @missmulti @accioweaslcy @andreaareynoso @georgeweasley16 @dianarte @skarlettmikaelson

Permanent taglist: @elia-the-bibliophile @randomparanoid @karlthecat15722 @thebutchersdaughtersblog @amourtentiaa @just-here-to-escape-from-reality

Warnings: language, allusions to sex

A/N: my apologies for keeping y'all waiting for this one darlings, but here comes the next part YAYY! Enjoy <3

Prologue: the aftermath

Part I: sleepless nights

Part II: candy floss

Part III: shock therapy

Part IV: wrong name

Part V: the perfect excuse

Part VII: apart

Epilogue: I still love you

Rogue-durin-16 masterlist

He had left me in the room that morning, alone, with regret and guilt straining my chest, with embarrassment and panic heaving over me, my only company being a terrible headache and a sore body.

I was still waiting for him to come back. Of course, he still lived in the apartment, but the day after, he slept at Shell Cottage because Bill needed help with the chores, and the next night at the Burrow because Molly had asked to keep an eye on 'the kids' —the kids being Ginny, Harry, Ron and Hermione— while she and Arthur were off to visit Andromeda, and at Lee's because Angelina was away and they were going to have a boys' weekend; in summary, he managed to avoid stepping into the flat while I was in there for an entire week.

I would be lying if I said the idea of moving out hadn't crossed my mind, but I knew I was being dramatic— we were being dramatic; we were adults, even if we forgot about it more often than not, and adults talk things out, so I decided to confront him at the only place I would manage to corner him; the shop.

When I descended from the office on the second floor, I spotted the ginger turning the 'CLOSED' to face the glass door. "Oi!" His head snapped to me as I climbed downstairs and he instantly walked to the shelves on the opposite side. "Can I have a word?" I requested, following him, only for George to move on to another shelf.

"Right now I'm quite busy." He replied, seemingly absent-minded as he pretended to check the products in front of him.

"This is important." I insisted, moving to stand besides him.

Not fast enough, though, because he was off to yet another part of the shop as soon as I got close. "I'm sure it can wait."

"You know it can't," I assured intently, stalking after him, only for him to speed up his own pace, moving from product to product without stopping too long in front of him. "George I'm- Oi, stop! We need to talk about this!"

"Well maybe I don't wanna talk about this!" He exclaimed, taking big steps under one of the stairs in order to shamelessly dodge the hand with which I had reached out to stop him.

"George Weasley don't run away from me!"

"I'm not running away from you!"

"You're literally RUNNING AWAY!"

He stopped circling the counter and stood across from me, slamming his palms over the till. "ALRIGHT, LOVE!" for the first time, I didn't like the way the name dripped off his tongue. "Let's talk about how we accidentally FUCKED! That's what you want so badly, isn't it?!" Flush crept up his neck and ears, and I couldn't tell if it was from anger or from timidness. "Go on, darling, lead the bloody way!"

I felt my own cheeks going red, partly because of his straightforward statement but also because I genuinely had never heard George raise his voice like he had just done.

"Cat's got your tongue now?!" My stuttering seemed to fuel his anger more. "C'mon, Y/n, talk! You wanted to talk!"

"SHUT THE HELL UP, GEORGE!" He clenched his jaw as his freckles drowned in a sea of pinkish red. "Yeah I want to talk! 'Cause that's what grown-ups do! We don't know how to act around each other so we just don't spend time together anymore— Fuck, I've barely seen you! AND WE. LIVE. TOGETHER!" I emphasised each word with stomps. "We can either pretend it didn't happen or talk it out to make sure we're on the same page, you choose but for Merlin's sake, don't avoid me!"

"OKAY!" His eyes widened, surprised at his own tone, and then he repeated in a softer, self-conscious one, "Okay." He breathed deeply and then added. "We're on the same page, right?" His eyebrows raised as he looked into my eyes. "It was... A mistake."

I should have noticed the uncertainty and hope in his voice, but I panicked and was too quick to respond, "Yeah! A massive mistake." My words stung my heart and, to my dismay, his own just as much. "Can we go back to being friends? Because I'm going crazy without you." I blamed our watery eyes to the argument we had had, and not to the fact that it had been a mistake.

He circled the counter and walked to me, hesitating before pulling me into a hug. "Can I...?" I tugged him closer, wrapping my arms around his middle. It took a moment for him to ease into my embrace, and I could tell we had fucked up our friendship for good. "It's alright, we'll make it right again." His words made me squeeze him tighter, as if he was about to vanish from my side.

And from then, we tried to make it right, we tried so hard, because it seemed so easy to make it wrong again.

Everytime we stood too close, everytime he leaned on to whisper something, everytime I helped him with his tie, our eyes would fall on each other's lips; I would sometimes drift off the conversation, staring too much at his mouth and hands, wandering if they would feel just as amazing as they had done while we were drunk.

"Y/n are you listening?"

"Uh yeah- I mean, no- sorry, what?"

I was so focused on trying to hide it that I didn't notice George was in the exact same situation, meaning that neither of us could give in, because we would go down together. In all honesty, it was doomed to happen at some point, we were just delaying the inevitable.

The moment came the last night of January, when George showed up in my room due to a really rough nightmare, and I, as always, invited him in so we could lay down together.

"Isn't this... Weird?" He murmured as we scooted closer. We had kept physical contact at bay for obvious reasons, and cuddling had been off the table since New Year.

"It doesn't have to be." I replied, my voice as quiet as his. "We've done this a thousand times."

"Right." He cleared his throat, averting his eyes from mines as we shifted in our places ever so slightly, trying to find a position where the situation turned less awkward.

And it happened, my mind got lost on the way his neck tensed, on the damp locks hanging over his forehead, sweaty due to the nightmare; on his plump lips, which he had just wetted with his tongue in the most subtle way. It was a nervous habit of him, something he would usually do, but that didn't make it any less hot.

"George..." I called his name without noticing, my heart hammering violently against my chest when his gaze landed on my eyes, quickly falling on my lips.

The next thing I knew was that he was holding my thigh over his hip, his other hand on the back of my neck while we shared a hungry kiss that, as soon as my hips involuntarily rocked against his, turned into something more.

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

GEORGE'S P. O. V.

The next morning we swore to each other that it was just another accident, that it would happen again.

And the next one too.

And the following.

The fifth time that happened, we agreed to call the situation a 'friends with benefits' kind of thing, well aware that it was an euphemism for the downfall of our friendship.

I had longed to be hers for so long, and it that moment, as I lay by her side in her bed, that wish seemed so close yet so far; I could reach out and my fingertips would touch her skin, yet I had never felt that distant towards her.

The moment my eyes were averted from her form, her gaze was laid on me. "You don't have to go."

"I know." I replied in a mumble, already sitting up and reaching for my pants. "But soon we'll have to get up, so I might as well do that and let you sleep." I didn't want to turn around, I didn't want to see her beautiful irises pleading for me to stay by her side, because I knew I would.

I saw on my peripheral vision her fingers attempting to carefully wrap around my wrist, and I was quick to stand up and walk to the door; sadly, I did not miss Y/n burying her face into the pillow, her hands fisting on the fabric ever so subtly.

She tried to hide her tears like that, and I agressively wiped mines as soon as I reached the corridor.

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

"Morning, lady!" I light-heartedly greeted Y/n without turning my back to the making of our breakfast when I heard the steps approaching the kitchen.

In the morning it was easier to pretend everything was back to normal; usually, the refreshing sunlight and the drowsiness provided by a night of sleep were enough to wash away the sad truth of our relationship.

"Good morning, sir." She responded with a yawn, rubbing her eyes as she walked to stand besides me, leaning against the counter with her arms folded. "Smells good." She commented, leaning on to take a peek at the scrambled eggs.

I was about to make a cocky, playful comment when it dawned on me what she was wearing; it was my jumper, one of the old ones that I exclusively used for pyjamas.

I knew she didn't do it intently; I had left it on the floor the previous night, and it was probably the first thing she grabbed, but it struck a nerve.

I had seen a similar scene way too many times before; a sleepy, dishevelled Y/n entering the kitchen with an ugly Weasley jumper as only clothing, ready to start the bickering with an almost identical version of me who would be making breakfast.

My head then travelled to the thought that lately crossed my mind more often than not and my heart clenched; In Y/n's eyes, I was, most likely, just a poor replacement for Fred.

"You alright?" That worried furrow appeared between her brows too often lately. We were both walking on eggshells, and it got me on my nerves.

"You don't have to ask if I'm alright every time I'm quiet." I hadn't meant it to come out harsh or curt, but it definitely did.

"You're not quiet, you're overthinking." She responded with a tinge of hostility.

"What's to overthink?" I fought the need to raise my voice.

"Dunno, you tell me." She squinted her eyes with a scrutinising gaze directed to me.

"Can we not do this?" I almost pleaded; heated arguments had become a usual thing between us —yet another sign of the unfixable problem we refused to address.

Y/n was about to reply something that would lead us into a fight when the doorbell rung. "Mister Weasley?" I took that as a cue to go open the door to Verity, already dressed on her uniform. "The Valentine's Day products arrived, should I unpack them or..." Her eyes flickered behind me and her cheeks heated up. "Y/n—" When I looked over my shoulder, I felt my own face flushing out of embarrassment. Y/n was still my employee and Fred's ex, so Verity catching a glimpse of her dressed in my jumper wasn't the best thing for any of us. "I— am I— sorry, am I interrupting?"

"You're not interrupting." I assured her with a reassuring smile. "Leave the boxes on the puking pastries section, we'll be down in ten."

"Alright, sir." Her curious gaze travelled to Y/n one last time, and with that, she was rushing back down to the shop.

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

READER'S P. O. V.

The ache that had appeared on my chest the day after New Year would end up killing me, or at least it felt like that.

I had a dreadful gut feeling of knowing what caused that pain, but my mind refused to believe it was that, and kept pushing the sensation back into my heart day by day.

George had gone to relocate the puking pastries in the upper level of the shop so I could prepare the section with the Valentine's Day products.

My eyes dawned on the small packages of Amortentia. I knew it was a terrible idea but I needed to know.

I took a look around, making sure Verity wasn't near and George was up still, and brought one of the Amortentias under my nose. It didn't take long for the scents to besot me, and I had to put all my will on not to fall under the potion's spell.

The first smell to reach my nostrils was gunpowder; my heart skipped a bit when the next scent was vanilla.

Then strawberry and chocolate; candy floss cupcakes and George's cologne.

The tiny, heart-shaped bottle fell from my hands, scattering all over the shop's floor. "Shit!" I rapidly kneeled to pick the shattered glass when I realized it had echoed in the empty establishment.

"Oi! What was that?" George descended from the second floor, using the ladder. "Oh shit—" his hands took a hold on my bicep and pulled me away from the pool of pinkish pearl liquid that seemed to be attracting me. "Don't!" He warned Verity, who had attempted to jog in the potion's direction too. "Verity, can you bring me my wand?" The girl complied running up to the office.

In Verity's absence, George took the chance and cupped my cheeks, tilting my head up to check my eyes. "You alright?" I managed to give him a slow nod, my mind buzzing with the newly acquired information. "Getting the Amortentias was a bad idea, wasn't it?" I nodded again, producing a frown between his eyebrows. "No 'told you so'? Are you sure you're alright?" He chuckled nervously, his hands falling to his sides right in time for Verity to rush back to us.

"Here, Mister Weasley!"

"Thank you, darling." He politely replied, taking the wand and restoring the potion bottle in a swift movement. His eyes peeked at me again; I could see the worry growing on him. "Y/n-"

"I'm gonna go wash my face." The words hastily left my mouth before I dashed off to the restroom.

I closed the door behind me and took a look at the mirror; my pupils were blown and my cheeks pink. I ran the tab and splashed the water on my face a few times until the potion's mild effect was gone and my mind clear.

It was in that moment that it dawned on me that I was in love with George Weasley.

[dreamersleeps]

thanks for your answer! I read the meta you quote, but I was curious about your thoughts on Hawks' desires to help todoroki family with Dabi and to help the hero society and if they will lead him to sacrifice himself, as a redemption of his actions toward Twice. I've a feeling he will die in the end... (sorry if I wasn't clear about it in the previous ask, I'm not very good with English)

Again no need to apologize, your English is quite good! I’d actually like to apologize about the delay in answering your ask. During that time, the official translation for Chapter 306 came out as well. 

I’m not sure if I will have anything insightful or analytical to say because I feel like a lot of other blogs have done a good job explaining their opinions, but I will do my best.

On Dabi 

Hawks has been on opposing sides with Dabi ever since they first began interacting. Not to mention, he had exposed private information he had wanted hidden, to the public. It had also been revealed that Dabi is Todoroki Touya who is related to Endeavor. Hawks had expressed that he wanted to “help” Endeavor in Chapter 299 probably due to the relationship they have as pro heroes. 

Currently, Dabi is one of the prominent faces of those seen as the “villains” who are trying to tear down the fabric of hero society which Hawks had been trained to uphold and defend. 

And looking at Chapter 306, it seems like he may be up to something again. 

Anyways, Shigaraki, Dabi and the others are trying to get their voice heard through violence, they do have a point in that hero society is flawed. I know I’ve probably talked about the same subject multiple times now but I think if we want to speculate about Hawks’ future, we have to look back at Jin’s death, and the aftermath. 

Press Conference 

In the most recent chapter, the top three heroes hold a press conference. While are many people who are furious, disappointed or have lost hope in the heroes, however we see that there are still many others who still want to believe that they can still trust and rely on the heroes.  

During the press conference we see Endeavor and Hawks addressing the points that came up in Dabi’s broadcast. So far in previous chapters we have not been explicitly shown or told whether or not Hawks feels any type of regret or remorse for his actions. In Chapter 306, we get to see Hawks’ response to the public about the death of Twice. 

“As for the matter of Bubaigawara... I felt I was left with no choice at the time.”

“If he had been allowed to wield his quirk freely... we would be looking at more widespread death and destruction.”

I think while it is important to note that this is his official response to the public, we have yet to think otherwise based on what his inner thoughts may be. So far he seems to believe that his actions were justified. 

“I couldn’t find a proper way to help him atone for his crimes...” 

I find it ironic that Hawks states that he could not “help” Jin atone for his crimes, while he himself has committed a crime and that one of the questions that we are exploring is if he will realize what he has done and will attempt to atone for his actions.

This is off topic but Horikoshi focuses in on Endeavor, with the side of the scar he received during the High End fight closest to us, while Hawks is talking about atoning. 

“...and that is truly a shame. It speaks to my lack of character.”

What I personally think is a shame is that Hawks states that he believes his failure to help Jin atone for his crimes is what he points out as a testament to his lack of character. The fact that he took someone’s life does not come first. It is very, very dismissive towards his actions and demeaning to the entirety of Jin’s life and who he was. 

Hawks and Midoriya

As you know, from the post I had linked in my first response, I think that we are supposed to be comparing Hawks to our main protagonist. I hope you don’t mind but I will be bringing up some of my points and arguments from that post again. 

The major similarity which was the main cause of both conflicts was that they were up against individuals who had a quirk that was capable of widespread death and destruction. However the key difference between the two was their heart for empathy and understanding for the other, or in the case of Hawks, his lack of either. 

While Hawks and Midoriya both are quite analytical and collect a lot of information, Hawks seems to be lost in the numbers if you get what I mean. Cold-hearted. He states that he believes that Jin is a good person as we see in Chapter 264 but I believe this is only because he and Jin had become close during his undercover mission. 

Anyways, it quickly turns in to this: 

“When neither side will give up... somebody has to die.” 

While the heroes were attempting to take down Shigaraki and the other villains (which may have also ended in death), Midoriya displays compassion towards Shigaraki despite all the destruction, hurt and pain he had caused before he loses consciousness. 

In Hawks’ own words, Jin was not beyond being helped or saved because he was “a good person.” But he does not receive the response that would have satisfied him. However, as many argue, death was avoidable. It was because of his calculations that Hawks went after Jin, and it was also because of calculations that he believed the murder was justified. Hundreds of thousands of lives over one: he could apologize about it later. 

But Midoriya was and is also put in the same position. Hundreds of thousands of lives over one. Why am I bringing up the same arguments I talked about in that post? It’s because Chapters 305 and 306 is comparing the two yet again. 

In Chapter 205, Midoriya is asked: “If a person who looks like they need saving... actually turns out to be someone beyond saving... will you have the resolve... to kill him, if that’s what it takes?” 

To which, at the end of his answer Midoriya states, “One for all is a power meant for saving, not killing.” 

The fact that the chapter with Midoriya’s meeting with the previous OFA holders and the press conference where Hawks addresses Jin’s murder come right after one another gives me further confirmation that we are supposed to compare these two characters. Meaning, I’m wondering if Hawks (vs Jin) actions will be set up as a foil against Midoriya’s (vs Shigaraki). 

A hero is someone who saves and one of the key themes of BNHA/MHA is to explore what it means to be a hero. Hawks’ actions serves as an example of a hero’s failure to uphold his duty and it looks like MIdoriya’s heart is out to do his best to save Shigaraki despite what he’s done and what he may do. 

If Hawks can not see what was wrong with murdering Jin, then I doubt he will do much to address the flaws in hero society. If he continues to fight for what was the status quo, then he will be defending the very system that failed individuals like Jin and the reason why he was killed. At the moment it seems that it is the adults, or the former generation who have fallen with hero society and that the younger generation is supposed to be the ones to right their wrongs and improve on their mistakes. 

I really like Hawks and am always hoping to see change in him, however I think so far his arc is not setting up for redemption. Even the question of redemption with him is complicated and I’m sure people are divided on that topic. 

I always express this: the story is still set in motion and anything can happen between now and by the time we get to the end of the series. So far, based on what we have been given it seems that Hawks is being set up to fall again. If we bring up the angel reference or metaphor, perhaps it’s implying that he believes that he can not do wrong. It is like a sacred job he undertook to protect humanity. He believes he is merely fulfilling his duty, when in reality maybe he is has become like a fallen angel. 

“If getting my hands dirty can somehow bring everyone peace of mind.... I’ll gladly take on this task.” 

But then again in this panel from Chapter 192, it is also possible that what Hawks is actually thinking about does not not line up with what he is saying. He’ll take the fall if someone needs to. With the current state of things, society is looking for someone to stand up for them and despite all that has happened, Endeavor, Hawks and Best Jeanist have chosen to stand up. 

I’m not sure about whether I think that Hawks may die, but if he does I’m pretty sure that his death will mean something: as in maybe it will serve as some sort of commentary for who Hawks was and what he fought for. 

Thank you for sending in your ask, and I hope that I properly answered your question :)