#he'll never have peace so long as i'm an author

[thepaperpanda]

“I concealed my feelings for you” || Leto Atreides x Reader

gif made by Cass - please credit us if you use the gif.

Summary:  though you are Leto's personal guard, you develop certain feelings for him. Imagine your surprise when you discover that Duke reciprocates all of your feelings...

Warnings: smut - interaction is strictly forbidden to minors

Word count: ~ 12,1k 😲

Pairing: Leto Atreides x reader

Authors: Fenrir & Cass

As you walked, the sound of heavy combat boots filled the corridor, you improved your gloves. Another day of work was about to begin.

During such a time, no job was easy, but you never complained about yours. Keeping an eye on Duke Leto and his family was an honor unlike any other. You felt proud.

Duke had many men fighting for him, but you and a few others were his closest guards. By staying near him at all times, you were responsible for keeping him and his family safe. You were the leader of the guard, so when Leto was present, you had to be there when others kept an eye on everything else. Your name was called by Paul, and your thoughts had been interrupted. 

"Y/N! Wait!"

It was only natural that you stopped, smiled, and bowed a little. "Good morning, Paul. How are you?" 

"I am fine, thank you," the young man nodded, returning the smile. "Do you remember what you promised me?”

You shook your head after letting out a soft laugh. "I know what I promised. Training. But I also keep in mind that it will only happen if your father lets me go for some time."

He rolled his eyes. "Maybe... He'll agree if you ask him?"

"Later, Paul. Now, I heard that Duncan was looking for you." You said and ruffled his hair. 

Paul pushed your hand away and laughed softly. The two of you walked away together soon afterward.

Duke raised his head from the document he was reading as you entered his office. His usual attire consisted of a shirt, fitted material trousers, and a material jacket bearing the emblem of the House of Atreides on the lapel, the entire set in shades of black.

This room had a breathtaking panoramic view of the yellowness of the desert, the spice refinery, as well as the airstrip.

"Good morning, Y/N. I see you're earlier today, is there anything wrong?" Leto asked in a nonchalant tone, cocking one of his thick brows as his brown eyes looked directly at Y/E/C eyes.

You shook your head. "Well, as far as I remember my duty is to stay close and keep you safe, my Lord," you summed up, relaxing a little. 

Duke was not a friend of yours, but you worked long enough for the boundaries to be pushed into more friendly territories. "I hope your night was peaceful. From what I heard, there were no problems."

Leto's eyes measured your face as he said quietly, "No problems except for our shields going down without any apparent reason."

"Apparently shields' system isn't running optimally, but I will make sure that someone takes care of it." You said, remembering how you were woken up in the middle of the night. Having taken care of it, you spent most of the night making sure the place was secure.

Duke continued to read the document. "Paul insists on training with you all the time, if you don't count the hours that he spends reading about Fremen."

"I'm flattered that your son appreciates my combat skills enough to train with me, and I'm glad to see him making progress," you said simply. "You should be proud, my Lord."

The corners of his lips curled into a smile. "I am. And I trust you enough to entrust his well-being to you. I hope that you will become a mentor to him."

As you nodded, you began to walk around the room, making sure everything was fine. "Of course, my Lord. It's my duty to serve you and your family, so being Paul's mentor shouldn't be a problem." You looked through the window briefly.

The document was signed by Leto and placed on the wooden desk's counter. He then stood up and silently approached you. "My trip to the spice refinery would be a good chance to put your piloting skills to the test."

As you looked over your shoulder, you gave him a cocky smile. "Are you sure about that, my Lord? I don't want to embarrass you by showing you how skilled I am," you joked.

His strong hand was placed to your nape a second later as he whispered, "Did I not make myself clear? I have faith in you."

You bite the inside of your cheek, cooling yourself down. It was stupid and shouldn't have happened, but after working for Duke for a few years, you fell for him. You had no idea what was it, but something simply pulled you to him. "Shall we go then, sir?"

"There is still time. I'll have to wait for Liet Kynes to join us. You need to don your tactical gear," Leto ordered in a low voice.

"Your wish is my command, but I don't want to leave you alone." You reached out to cup his hand in your own. Although you couldn't say it out loud, there were more reasons why you didn't want to leave.

"You're tense," Leto whispered, allowing his hand to rest on yours. "I've noticed that you've been acting tense since you arrived. Is my presence making you feel uncomfortable?" He asked as he let go of your nape and approached the window.

As you cleared your throat, you rolled your head and shoulders trying to relax as much as possible. "It's probably because I am here, keeping you and your family safe, it is important to me."

"How old are you, Y/N?"

"I am 25 years old, sir, and I've lived here for almost four years now." You replied. "Why do you ask, sir?"

He rubbed on his beard, not looking at you. "I remember your father," Duke shrugged. "He was a noble man. I also remember your first day of service following your father's death. Your behavior has changed considerably since then. For those years, I grew to know you."

As you thought about your father and his death, you smiled sadly. To be honest, you wished he were here, but all you could do was continue his work. "Since that day, much has changed. Especially since we came to this place, it seems to be falling down. I'm merely concerned for your safety," you said and gently stroked his shoulder. "The last thing I want to do is let you down."

Leto kept his head straight no matter what; despite the fact that he grew close to you, not something that should have happened between a master and a subject, he tried to separate work from private life, even though he knew how you thought of him, not only as your Lord but first and foremost as a man. "Thank you for your devotion to the House Atreides," he said as he placed his palm over yours and felt how soft your skin was beneath his calloused fingers.

Your own fingers moved a tiny bit to feel more of his touch. This made you wonder how his rough hands would feel against your hips or grasping your waist as he pounds into you and whispers all sorts of filthy stuff into your ear. Clearing your throat you slowly removed your hand. "Dedication to the House Atreides is my life and duty. I am ready to sacrifice it if it means your safety. Just like my father."

He abruptly turned his head to face you, his brown eyes glistening slightly with the light feeling of the chamber as he studied your face. "My gratitude to you is the same as my gratitude to your father. Now, Y/N, go get ready. Please make sure that the ornithopters are ready to go."

Watching his lips as he talked, you wished you could just kiss them and feel them against your own. "Of course, sir. I'll see you in a bit." With those words, you walked off to take care of everything as Duke requested.

As you changed and later checked on the ornithopters, your mind kept wandering back to Leto constantly. Maybe it was time to stop pretending?

When Liet Kynes arrived at the headquarters, the mission was still being planned. 

The plane was piloted by Leto, who promised to give it to you on the way back. He decided to wear his greyish armor.

Despite being a pilot as well, you were more of a down-to-earth person, but this was a great opportunity to watch him pilot the ornithopter. It was both a blessing and a curse to be in such a tight space with Leto. "I don't see why I need to be a pilot when you are so good at it."

Through the headset, he told you that no one is infallible. "It's nice to have a second pilot who has decent skills."

You nodded your head. "It's nice that someone acknowledges my skills. Not many do so."

"I always wonder why. Maybe it's because there aren't many female pilots among us."

"I don't see many women among the soldiers and pilots in the unit. The only time I see women are your concubine and the girls who always follow her."

It's true, Y/N," Leto replied, his gaze focused on the horizon and refinery that was already visible. My father was of the opinion that men are better soldiers. I disagree. I think that women are more careful and can see more things. It's in their nature."

You chuckled, moving your hands down your legs, "My father, his friends, and even my mother were sure that I wouldn't make it through the training, but here I am. Duke Leto's personal guard," you said and joked, "When I look at other women, I don't imagine myself in their place... Unless I married a Duke or something. Then maybe I could bear it."

There was a slight smirk on Leto's face. "So that's why you haven't married yet? Most women your age already have significant others."

"Most women my age are more concerned with buying stylish dresses, while I worry that the man I admire is taken and out of reach," you concluded, looking at him briefly.

This time, he smirked more to himself; evidently, he had not been misled by all the signs he had seen previously - you were interested in him, not as your Lord.

It was hard to believe such a confession came out of your mouth. Your statement was honest, you love him as a person, not just as your Duke. Even though you knew it was impossible, you wanted to be his. Turning your head to the side, you avoided more awkward conversation.

He suddenly placed his hand on your thigh, and even through your armor you could feel the touch. "I appreciate your kindness."

Not expecting his touch, you flinched a bit, but instead of trying to get away, you put your hand on top of his. "The true thank you comes from me, sir."

Turning his head, he gazed into your eyes. With a nod, he ended the conversation, and soon his hand was back on the steering wheel.

You closely watched Leto's every move and his surroundings. 

You didn't like this place, as the refinery made you feel uneasy since any threat could come from anywhere. Being alert didn't come from duties alone, and now that you knew that, you remained close to your Duke.

"Hey, Y/N, what's up with you today? Does anything bother that pretty little head of yours?" Duncan gently poked your shoulder from behind as Duke and Kynes went to another area of the refinery.

You glanced at him immediately shaking your head, twitching a little. "I just keep thinking about shields going down last night, and hope it won't happen again tonight."

"Harkonnens left us with old equipment that should have already been replaced."

"It still makes me uneasy. Someone can take advantage of this kind of opportunity, which makes me worry," You sighed and smiled at him. "Have you heard? Apparently, Duke wants Paul to have one more mentor."

Idaho chuckled quietly, "I thought Paul was joking. With all due respect, you're not as skilled in combat as I am."

Feeling offended right now has made you gasp. "I may not be as skilled as you, but I am skilled enough to kick your ass; Paul enjoys training with me."

"I'd enjoy training with such a pretty woman as well if I were a young man."

You teased him, "Oh so because you are older than him, you can't enjoy it anymore? We should try sparring one day. Show Paul how real warriors do it."

"I'm up to this idea, little one."

As you gasped, you wanted to say something about the way he called you, but there was nothing you could say. This man was indeed a giant when compared to you. He was at least twice your size. Crossing your arms over your chest, you turned away, muttering angrily. "Just so you know, I'm not going to be soft on you."

"I count on that," Duncan brushed his fingers against the skin on your nape as he walked away, winking at you.

Initially scoffing, you rolled your eyes, but then you smiled before you walked away to find Leto.

Duke was already close to the ornithopter, checking the settings and instructing one of his men about the spice.

You joined him and took your usual place near him, getting back to your usual duties.

Once everything was set, and Duke farewelled Kynes, he looked at you. "Change of places. You're taking us home."

"Home? Already? Did something happen?” You asked with a frown, fully aware of Lato's full schedule.

"Yes. I told you that we only had to visit the refinery. You'll finally get some time off, Y/N. I think we all do need that."

"My work for you never ends, my Lord, but it will be nice to have a moment to refresh after this trip," you nodded. "Let's get you home, sir."

Once the troops and Duke returned to the headquarters, Leto let you go, assuring you that his guards would keep an eye on things, under the leadership of Duncan.

His plans for the evening were shattered when Reverend Mother needed to meet with his concubine and son first.

As Leto returned to his room, he changed into fresh clothes before heading to his office for a little more work on spice production and storage.

It wasn't something you liked to do. Being away from Duke made you feel strange. However, there was no fighting with the Duke, even though you felt your work wasn't properly done.

After returning to your room, you took a shower. Your body hated this planet and you felt the need to wash every time you returned from the outside. You hummed loudly, feeling the warm water washing over your body. 

The shower didn't take you long even if it was your favorite part of the day - you had better plans.

After drying yourself off, you put on fresh clothes and stopped in front of a mirror. It was frightening how different you always looked. You were always dressed in armor that felt heavy on your shoulders with your hair in a tight bun during duty. Off duty, you wore a loose shirt tucked into your pants with your sleeves rolled up. Your hair was nicely resting on your shoulders. 

You should be resting just like Leto ordered, but you decided to visit him.

When you were walking along the corridor, you bumped into Duncan, still in his armor. "Well, well, look at you, Y/N, I didn't know you were so beautiful," he circled you like a predator would circle the prey. "Where are you heading?"

Giggling innocently you shrugged, giving him a small spin. "You never saw me in regular clothes, dear. I am just taking a walk. I was never taught how to rest."

"Mind me joining you?"

"Aren't you a bit busy now? I am off duty indeed, but as far as I know, you aren't, right, big guy?" You patted his chest playfully.

He caught your hand and rubbed its top with his gloved thumb. "You owe me a walk."

Humming, you raised an eyebrow. "First sparring, and now a walk? I would never take you for a needy type, Duncan."

He patted your shoulder and walked away, not saying anything else.

Once he was gone, you headed straight to Leto's office, but you stopped in front of the door for a moment. Is it worth it to destroy your life and career? Whether it was or wasn't, you were tired of hiding all your feelings. You knocked on the giant door and waited for permission to enter.

"Come in," his voice roared within the room so you could hear him.

Taking a deep breath, you pushed the door and walked inside.

Leto raised his head from atop a desk covered in papers. His eyebrow cocked as he saw you. "Y/N?"

He couldn't lie, he was content that you came, he secretly hoped you would. Never in his lifetime had a single thought about having an affair crossed his mind until a few weeks back when he noticed a slight change in your behavior. Since then, he had been catching himself thinking about how it would be with a younger woman, and with you especially.

You closed the door and stepped slowly towards his desk. "I simply missed my Duke. I couldn't sit still in my room while my thoughts were constantly drifting to you."

He listened to you carefully, not saying anything at the beginning. His eyes observed your every move carefully. "How come, Y/N? I thought I let you rest from your duties until the next day?"

"I didn't come here because of my duties," you said resting your palms against the wooden desk. "I am here for a personal reason."

"For personal reasons, you say?" He put his golden pen on the pile of documents and got up from his seat, slowly circling the desk. "I'm intrigued."

"I hope you are, sir," you said, taking a few steps toward him. Once you stood in front of him your hand rested against his stomach before moving up his chest. "There are many things I have always wanted to do and say."

He rested his ass against the countertop of his desk. One of his hands instinctively found its way to your hip. Leto's eyes measured your face carefully as your palm wandered over his chest, covered by the white shirt he wore. "Confess then."

"I fall for you. In fact, I shouldn't since you are Duke and I am just your subordinate. Yet I love you like any normal man," you confessed as your hand moved to gently touch his neck only to cup his cheek soon after. "I always wanted to touch you, kiss you..."

He observed you carefully, listening to your words and feeling the warmth spreading all over his body. His other hand cupped your cheek as he lean down and crushed his lips against yours.

Taking aback by this pleasant surprise, you moaned into the kiss. Immediately you returned the kiss, grasping his shirt tightly.

Leto easily deepened the kiss, his arms wrapped around your waist as he hugged you tightly to his chest. Soon he turned around with you in his arms and easily picked you up, sitting you on his desk.

Pulling off for a moment to catch your breath, you looked at him. It was almost impossible to believe that it was actually happening. You expected everything, but this was something different. With a soft smile, you pulled him in for another kiss.

His strong hand grasped your waist as he let his tongue dance with yours in a blissful kiss.

You put your legs around his waist to pull him a bit closer, kissing him back. "Fuck,” you gasped, pulling away from another long kiss. Trying to catch your breath you only looked at him. "My Lord."

A loud grunt escaped his lips as he kissed your cheek, brushing it with his beard. He was desperate for your touch. He couldn't comprehend why he felt that way, yet he didn't know how to stop himself; despite the fact that it was so wrong, it felt so right, even though he was being unfaithful to the concubine who gave him his son years ago. His kisses moved to your neck as he almost grunted into your ear. After yet another passionate kiss, and his hand placed on the back of your upper thigh, he told you casually, "I'll meet you later. Leave now, I still have work to do."

You stayed in place, playing with his shirt. "You promise, sir?"

He offered you yet another heated kiss. "I never broke any of my promises. You should know that."

"I just want to be sure," you whispered against his lips.

He rested his forehead against yours. "Leave now. Paul, Jessica, or anyone else can enter here at any moment," Leto pulled away from you and returned to his previous spot like nothing had happened.

"Yes, sir. I can't wait for later," you got up from the table and walked out of the room as if nothing had happened, but you were shaking inside. Your look was a little messy, so you did your best to improve it before someone could see you.

You were unfortunate enough to bump into Leto's son almost immediately after leaving his office.

He measured your face with a careful eye, just as his father had moments ago. "Y/N? What are you doing here at that hour? Are you okay? Your eyes are watery, maybe you should let doctor Yueh check your vitals?"

In the meantime, Leto covered his face with his hands. He asked himself out loud, "What the fuck are you doing? Her father was your friend and asked you to look after his only daughter, but this is certainly not what he had in mind. What the fuck is wrong with you? She could be your daughter," he stood up and walked to the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of strong booze and pouring himself a drink. The thing that happened was already wrong, and he knew he should control himself more, but once you got close to him, he felt like he didn't have control. His senses were running wild. As a result of the kisses you shared, he was unable to think straight.

At the same time, on the other side of the door, shaking your head, you gave Paul a soft smile.

"No, Paul. It's fine, there is no need to bother doctor Yueh at this hour. You know that my body isn't taking my stay here well, and I was outside with your father today," you lied a tad, trying to make it as logical as possible. "It's probably because of this. No need to worry."

"I hope you were having a mask on, in case of being out," Paul said, visibly concerned about your well-being. "The spice is a hallucinogen and might affect people who didn't have contact with it earlier," he rubbed your shoulder. "Were you meeting my father at that hour? Any problems with shields again?"

Did you have a mask on? At this point you didn't even remember, maybe that's why you suddenly were brave enough to confess? There was no turning back now anyway. "Yes. I was telling him about their state. There was an attempt at fixing them today. Let's hope we all get a good night's sleep tonight."

He smiled at you and rubbed the back of his neck as he said, "Hopefully." I'm glad we have friends like you. Listen, Y/N, I heard you know a lot about Fremen. Would you tell me some stories? Not now, but one day, if you'll have more spare time. Forgive me for keeping you, I need to speak with my father. Hope this night will be calm," Paul nodded as a farewell and went to his father's office.

You turned on your hill and waved at him before adding, "I will gladly tell you some stories. I already can't wait for this."

He knew it was wrong. He knew he was about to destroy his own vision of himself as a noble man with honor. But he couldn't get you out of his head.

Duke Leto tried to concentrate on his work. Even meeting with Duncan didn't help him get his mind back on track. He discussed potential threats caused by faulty shields with his friend, but his thoughts seemed to drift away every now and then. Duncan noticed a difference in his master's behavior and advised him to get some rest before another day full of responsibilities. Following his farewell with his men, Leto returned to the headquarters.

When he finally fulfilled his promise, it was in the middle of the night. 

While he walked to your room, the path he had taken many times before, Leto couldn't stop his heart from beating faster and faster. Before leaving his office, he washed his face with cold water, hoping it would help ease the fire burning in his heart, spreading all over his body, intoxicating his mind and soul. Unfortunately, it didn't help.

Your door was knocked lightly by him as he stood in front of it.

Your ears perked up immediately when you heard the knocking. Of course, you weren't sleeping. When he promised you, it was impossible for you to sleep. After waiting for who knows how long, he finally came to you. On the inside and outside, you were shaking. As you got up from the bed, you took a few deep breaths and opened the door.

He was standing with his back to your door, still considering the possibility of turning back. But there was no actual turning back. It's been a long time since he was with a woman and to speak truly, he missed the soft, feminine skin against his.

"Get inside before someone sees you," you whispered, moving your hand up to his back before grabbing the fabric of his shirt and gently pulling him inside to quickly close the door. "The last thing we want is rumors, right?"

Entering your room, he checked twice to make sure no one had seen him.

Your chamber was much smaller than his, much darker as well. He didn't bother himself by checking the interior out, instead, he wrapped arms around your waist and leaned his head down, kissing you hungrily without saying anything more.

Letting out a quiet laugh, you immediately kissed him back, cupping his cheeks as if he was the lover that you hadn't seen in months. You couldn't believe you waited so long for him and then this happened. How stupid of you.

As easily as back in his office, he picked you up. One of his hands slipped under your ass, the other wrapped around your waist as he kept on kissing you, walking with you to your bed.

When your back hit the mattress, you softly moaned into the kiss. Pulling away from him, you smiled, stroking his cheek. "You aren't wasting any time."

He looked down at you, realizing how beautiful you were. "Thought this is what you want."

"Oh, I want it, my Lord. I can't wait to be yours and yours only," you confessed, gently stroking his cheek. "I want to be yours."

He looked down at you before yet another kiss was placed on your lips. You tasted wonderful, and he didn't want to take his tongue off your lips.

It was impossible to pull away from him. You didn't want to be away from him ever again. Even if you had to sneak around with him, you were more than ready for this. He was your Duke and master in many aspects.

His hands were placed on your hip as he continued the make-out session. Soon, Leto's fingers started undoing the buttons of your shirt.

Giggling against his lips, you let him do as he pleased; there was nothing you wanted to hide from him. You weren't ashamed of your body nor the scars that decorated it, so once all the buttons were opened, you pulled the shirt off and tossed it aside.

He pulled away to look down at your body; he admired the slight curves of your waist and the roundness of your full breasts. Instantly, his hand wandered to the belt of your trousers.

"You may be a Duke but you are with me now, love," you whispered, grasping his hand as the other started to undo his buttons. "I remove something. So do you. I can't be the only one naked here."

He smiled at you as he sat on his knees between your legs. A nod allowed you to undo his shirt, and once it was open, he tossed it to the ground.

"I always wanted to see how you looked under that uniform and I have to say you look better without it," you said, gently touching every inch of his skin.

He looked at your small palm placed on his tanned, broad chest, caressing the tensed muscles of his abdomen. Taking one of your breasts in his hands, he gently squeezed it. "Don't be silly, Y/N."

"I am not being silly. I am being honest," you summed up, easily slipping a hand under his pants. I wanted to see you naked. I wanted to see what you look like between my legs or when you are buried deep inside my cunt."

He smirked proudly, letting his hands wander down your body. He unbuckled your belt, opened your fly, and tugged on your pants to slip them off your legs. "I wanna see you cumming all over my cock, Y/N. I wanna see you arching your back when I eat your cunt out."

Moving away from him, you sat further on the bed. With your legs slightly open, you pointed at him and moved your finger to call him closer.

Leto licked his lips, looking at your slightly spread legs, and crawled to you, picking one of your legs up and kissing the calf.

Slowly you lay down and watched him, taking in the nice sight. You will remember it forever.

Keeping your calf in his hands, he sat up on his knees, slowly kissing up, moving to your inner thigh. He repeated the action with your other leg, gently touching your knee with his hand.

"Oh, so this is how you like it? Just play with me when I am waiting here?" You hummed.

His glance slowly moved to your face as he dragged his tongue up your inner thigh.

"Jessica is such a lucky woman," you whispered quietly when you caught his attention. "She really is if she has such a lovely view every night."

He murmured, kissing further up your thigh. "It's been a while since she had had such a view," Leto said openly, focusing on the warmth of your skin.

Sitting up a bit, you moved your hand through his thick locks. "You poor thing. She is missing a lot by not taking proper care of a man like you."

He licked your calf again and then a trail up until your inner thigh, pushing you lightly back on the bed as he reached your panties.

"You will be taken care of. I promise, my Lord," you promised, getting comfortable on your back.

He kissed your folds through the material of your panties and looked up at you.

Biting your lip, you looked him straight in the eye. You could already feel how wet you were, and his little games made you impatient. "I want to feel those lips, my Lord, so please do not torture me like this."

He smiled a tad too proudly as he shifted the material of your panties aside. He dragged his tongue up your pussy, from its bottom right to the clitoris, looking up at you to check your reaction. Your pussy was so pretty, little lips covered the prettiest pinkish entrance he had ever seen.

As you looked right at him with an innocent look, you asked, "You like it, my Lord?"

He hummed deeply for yes, sending some vibes directly into your already vulnerable spot. Shortly after that, he attacked you like a hungry dog, flicking his tongue all over your pussy, slurping, making all of the obscene noises you could ever hear. His hands grasped your hips, holding you strongly in place.

Gasping loudly, you pressed your back into the mattress. After all those lonely nights, this was better than you could have ever imagined.

His beard scratched at your pussy as well as your thighs, especially when he pulled you by your hips, wrapped your legs around his neck, and picked your lower body up so you basically rested only your shoulders against the bed. One of his hands supported your lower back while the other slipped down your body to your boobs, teasing the nipples, and then to your neck.

With a quiet moan, you shifted your body to make the position more comfortable. "Oh, Leto!" You sighed deeply, trying to stop yet another moan.

His tongue teased your entrance to quickly move up and circle your clitoris as he kept eating your pussy out. He was humming, playing with your boobs, and occasionally rubbing your arched back. Soon, he put two of his fingers into your mouth. His fingers muffled your another moan. Humming, you started sucking on his digits, coating them with saliva as you rolled your tongue around them.

When his digits were fully covered in your saliva, he pulled them out, only to slowly slip them into your pussy, pumping them back and forth.

This time you moaned loudly, not caring if someone would hear you. You touched yourself so many times, believing your fingers were his, but you fooled yourself. The size and thickness of his fingers made you feel what you could not feel yourself.

"That's it, little one, sing for me. I bet you've been fucking yourself before, imagine us doing things, huh?" He asked when he pulled his mouth out of your pussy for a second, laying you back on the bed to finger your pussy deeper and faster. "What naughty things were you doing, hmm?"

Softly whining, you grabbed his wrist just to hold onto something. "I was fingering my sweet little pussy until I cum, whimpering your name."

"Aren't you such a naughty, little shit?" He asked, only to close his lips on your pussy again, slurping further and flickering his tongue over your entrance, whenever he was pulling his fingers out. Leto started feeling highly uncomfortable within his trousers so he pressed his free hand to the hardened bulge, grunting.

As you whimpered and bit your lips, you arched your back in pleasure. Your climax was approaching and you shivered under Duke's touch.

"Come on, sweetheart, cum for your Duke," Leto encouraged before he fully slipped his fingers out of you to replace them with nothing but his tongue, slipping it as far as he could into your cunt. Your taste was intoxicating his senses, making him grunt as he kept on touching himself through his pants.

It was impossible to hold it any longer, you didn't even want to. You chanted his name loudly, not holding back any longer. He licked your pussy dry after you spilled all your juices all over his tongue. Then he raised his head, and your cum could be seen on his lips and beard.

He crawled up your body, licking his trail until he reached your lips.

You kissed him, wrapping arms around his neck.

He kissed you but soon pulled away and sat on the edge of your bed, wiping his lips. "Listen, Y/N. You're beautiful, you have a gorgeous body, and you're driving my senses wild, you're tempted and intoxicating but I think I can't," Leto said openly, picked up his shirt, and put it on. "This is wrong. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done those... Things to you," he considered his words and gave you one last glare before he left the room.

You watched him leave as you sat there. What? What?! He left you?! Just like that after what he did?! How could he?! You dared to open up to him about everything and even give yourself to him and he just tossed you aside, trying to sugarcoat it with some benevolent intentions?!

The tears filled your eyes as you flopped back on the bed, covering your face with your hands.

Leto didn't get back to his bedroom either. He decided to return to his office and eventually get some sleep on the couch there. He felt like a complete dick for dumping you like that but there was the line he didn't want to cross - in the end, he had a significant other, a woman who gave him a son. Leto lay on the couch, put one hand to his forehead, and cursed several times, being completely torn by the situation and your confessions.

The next day came too quickly and he had to return to his ordinary duties, to act like nothing had ever happened.

Of course, you had to do it yourself which wasn't easy. You felt tired and your eyes hurt, thanks to the previous night's crying. Sighing, you pulled your hair into a ponytail, leaving a few strands out. A bit of change won't kill you. Probably.

With a loud sigh, you left your room. You weren't ready to meet Leto but it was your duty and there was nothing you could do about it.

He wasn't present at the briefing, for he was spending the morning with his son, as Idaho told you.

Of course, he did. Maybe it was for good, you wouldn't have to watch his face. That would remind you of yesterday's night too much.

Idaho asked you to help him take a look at the airstrip and near the shields. 

When you returned, you met Duke and Paul.

You bowed your head and smiled at Paul. "How are you today, Paul? I hope everything is going well for you," by saying this, you focused entirely on Paul, not much-paying attention to Leto.

Leto looked at you briefly, nodding his head at Duncan.

Paul smiled at you and assured you everything was right. "Father promised to take me with him to visit one of the crawlers. Doctor Lyet mentioned it's likely to see the sandworm, they're attracted by rhythmical noises harvesters make."

"I am sure you really want to see it, huh? It's really something special," you said with a soft chuckle, then you finally looked at Leto. "Shall Duncan and I get ready as well, sir?"

Duke nodded. "Yes. We'll take one ornithopter to get there and check the crawler from the distance. In case you need the weapon with you."

When he and Paul were leaving, Leto briefly touched your palm, giving you one more glance.

Instead of responding to the touch or the gaze, you turned to Duncan and smiled as sweetly and innocently as you had done to Leto previously. Since he played with you like that, you could do the same.

He wasn't happy with the way you looked at his friend. To be fully honest, he hated it, but at least Duncan was content with the unexpected situation.

Idaho talked to you and told you about things he saw while being with Fremens until Leto ordered him at the back of the ornithopter, to sit with Paul while you were about to sit with him in the front.

Idaho's stories didn't bother you, in fact, you really enjoyed them, so having to sit next to Duke made you frown. "With all due respect, my Lord, but shouldn't Paul sit with you? The boy will have a better view from the front than from the back.'

"Don't undermine my decisions, Y/N, and do as I say," he cut your whining, putting the headset on.

You whispered through the headset, making sure only Leto could hear you. "I did yesterday, and where did it lead me?" Then you looked over your shoulder at Duncan and shrugged a tad. "Sorry. I tried."

Leto didn't comment on your words even though he knew he should tell you something or at least apologize for his behavior. 

Once the ornithopter got up in the air, Leto made sure to mute Paul, Duncan, and Gurney who joined up so he could say, "Don't be angry about yesterday, Y/N. I'm sorry."

Laughing softly, you did the same as he did. Do you really mean this or is this some sort of rule the Duke should follow? Apologize to the woman he almost fucked?"

When you used that one particular word, he gave you a glance, his eyebrow raised. "I apologize for not fucking your cunt yesterday. Does it sound better?"

"A little, but it doesn't change anything. I barely dragged myself out of bed this morning," you said. ”I bet your woman was happy that night because I don't believe you took care of that burden on yourself."

He remained silent for a moment, replying briefly to Gurney who asked Leto about issues with shields. Afterward, he returned to the topic. "Believe it or not, I was alone in my office."

"Exactly like me in my bedroom. Thanks to you, my Lord. The man I loved and respected completely broke my trust, as well as something else," you muttered, staring at him.

He remained silent until you reached the crawler and observed it from above. 

"Everything looks well here!" Idaho announced.

"No signs of sandworms," Gurney added as he and Idaho took Paul at the back of the machine. "You can sit us down, we'll gather some spice for examination, Leto," Gurney said.

Leto landed carefully and once he and you were all alone, he took off the headset and looked at you, simply cupping your chin in his fingers and pulling you into a kiss.

Taken by surprise you quickly kissed him back. You called these mixed signals. First, he kissed you, then almost spent the night with you, and now you're back to kissing. You pulled away, taking off the headset. "What was that for?”

"An apology."

"It's like one of a million kisses you need to give me for yesterday. It hurts. You just left me."

"Understand me," he asked, a frown creeping on his forehead, "I'm risking the reputation I've worked hard to gain for two decades."

Taking his hand, you shook your head, "You think I'm not risking anything? Perhaps my reputation isn't as large as yours, but I still have it, and I risk it. But I do this because I fell for you and I can't change it."

"Fuck," he said simply. "It's not that I want to use you and forget. I don't look for a one-night stand, just to make things clear between us. I'm digging myself right now, right?"

"A little," you chuckled and pressed a brief kiss to his lips. "I also don't look for some kind of glory because I fucked Duke Leto himself. Just so you know."

As needy and desperate as he became, he leaned closer and offered you yet another kiss, this time longer and heated to the point he moaned into your lips.

Giggling against his lips you stroked his cheek. His moans were already your favorite sounds.

"My Duke is a really needy person, I can see. There really must be something missing from your life."

He rested his forehead against yours, stroking your cheek with his thumb. "Don't be angry about yesterday. I promise to make it up to you whenever you want."

As soon as you two heard Paul and the rest getting back, he kissed your lips once again and pulled away, rubbing his beard to cool himself down.

You turned around, smiling and acting as if nothing had happened. "And how was it?”

Idaho said that Paul got into the dust of spice and he was a little off so Duke decided to get back to the headquarters immediately, to have Paul checked by Yueh.

Leto agreed to give you a brief break after returning, so you were the one that escorted Paul to Yueh.

After explaining everything to the doctor, Paul was left in good hands to rest.

No matter what you were doing, your thoughts drifted to your Duke. It was really important for you to see him, but you weren't sure when the right time would come.

Leto of course informed Jessica about the small adventure their son experienced while in the desert and his concubine headed to doctor Yueh to check whether everything was good. Thankfully, Paul suffered only from light dizziness and headache. Yueh assured that if the young prince gets enough rest, he'll quickly return to his normal state.

Meantime, Leto spoke with Gurney and Idaho about their opinions on the equipment and determined that it is the matter that should be discussed with the court.

You freshened up and put on your usual clothes; the oversized shirt tucked into high-waisted pants. Dressed like this you returned to Leto who was still with Gurney and Idaho.

"My Lord? I just remembered something significant. Can we talk about it aside?"

By the light falling into the chamber through the huge windows, his grayish beard and salt and pepper-coloured hair were lightened as he glanced at you over his shoulder. "Excuse me," he looked at his friends and walked aside with you.

Idaho exchanged surprised glances with Gurney.

While you walked alongside him, you made sure that you did not show your feelings. It wasn't hard to pretend that you two were discussing some important matter. "When can I come to visit you?" You asked him simply.

Since you were standing next to one of the pillars, he immediately placed his hand at your hip where he gradually rubbed you. "When the shields will go down."

Frowning softly you looked at him confused. "Why then? You know that if something happens with shields I will be pulled out to make sure this whole place is safe."

"Gurney wants to lower the shields to inspect the mechanism fully. The entire terrain will be filled with our soldiers. Don't worry, you'll be sent to other duties."

You licked your lips, giving him a smile. "I will be sent to make the head of house Atreides feel good, or I will make sure he's safe?"

He shook his head, closing his eyes for a moment. "Fuck you, little one, keep on acting like that, and I won't be able to play it cool anymore. You have no idea how much I want to taste your lips," he opened his eyes and looked into yours. "Look what the fuck you're doing."

"There is just one question. Upper lips or lower lips," you giggled quietly. "I will better go then. I need to get really ready to see my man tonight."

He leaned forward, pretending he was about to whisper something to you, but instead he used the opportunity to briefly kiss your lips. "That's what I meant." He then went back to Idaho and Gurney.

Waving at both of them, you soon walked away as well, excited for whatever would come.

Leto returned to his friends and behaved as if nothing had happened. When Idaho asked what you wanted, he lied that you asked about the issue with shields and he sent you to guard Paul when the test would be run.

While Gurney appeared to buy it, Idaho did not, but he did not ask any further questions.

You returned to your room and immediately started to dig through your closet to find something appropriate for Leto. You were delighted to find lace underwear you thought you would never wear.

You headed to Leto's second bedroom dressed in special underwear and a long shirt that evening. 

You had to knock three times; it was the special code he set for the two of you. Once he heard the three, tiny knocks, he got up and walked to open the door. This time he wore a black, buttoned shirt, black, fitted trousers, and a black jacket with gold epaulets. He measured you with his eye from the bottom to the top, discovering with amusement and surprise you didn't wear the trousers. "Come in, little one. I thought you wouldn't come, to punish me after last night."

"I should," you agreed while looking around before you walked in, closing the door behind yourself. I should just leave you here waiting for something that is never going to happen, but someone needs to be the kind half when someone is cruel."

"Do you think I am cruel?" he asked, locking the door with the key.

"Am I the one that made you sing and then just left?" You asked him, raising an eyebrow.

With an arm wrapped around your waist, he took you further in the room, offering you a drink. "How many times shall I apologize, sweetheart?"

"How long?" You hummed, pretending that you were thinking as you accepted the drink. "Well? I think that apologizing until your last day will be enough."

Leto scoffed a tiny bit. "Then I'll apologize to you every day "

"Sounds like a great idea," you nodded, looking at the drink. "Shall I be worried you try to get rid of me?"

"How could I?" He asked, caressing your shoulder.

"I don't know, love. You can do a lot as we saw," you teased before taking a sip.

He took a seat on his bed, downing his drink, observing you.

"Do you like what you see?" You asked, giving him a little spin, proudly displaying yourself to him.

"How do you think? Of course, I do."

You stopped near the bed and after putting the drink away you began slowly undoing the buttons of your shirt. In the beginning, you showed him just your lower part of the body, reviling your panties and naked belly before undoing more buttons to reveal your breasts in a nice black bra.

He watched you, playing with his glass, licking his lips. "Fuck. Look at you. I can't believe you're real."

"I am real and all yours, my Duke," you purred and bowed to him.

He smiled widely, letting his glance slip all over your body. "You're all mine, and no one is entitled to possess you the way I do."

Walking closer to stand between his legs, you let his hands rest on you as your hands wrapped around his neck. "Really? Maybe I should go to Idaho? I bet Duncan would take care of me without any games."

He cocked his brow. "What do you mean? I hope he didn't bother you."

"No, but he is clearly interested in me. Maybe since you are so quick to toss me aside, I should talk to him more?" You teased, playing with his hair.

He closed his eyes as your hands slipped in his hair, messing with the neatly brushed hairdo. "I strongly encourage you to get rid of such an idea."

"And why is that? What if you change your mind again?"

"I am not planning to change my mind and it would be a great shame to get my right-hand man executed for high treason."

You gasped and stared at him with a smirk. "Oh, you wouldn't do that!"

"I'm a fucking Duke, I can do whatever I wish and no one can disobey. Just to make things clear, if you decide one day it'd be pleasant to check what he is hiding in his pants, both of you are in great trouble."

You laughed, pulling at his hair gently. "Oh, look at you, all mighty and bossy. Already putting me in my place."

He snarled a little when you tugged at his hair. "You're fucking dating the Duke, what have you been thinking?"

"So you are sure about me now?"

"Yes. I am. I have never been so sure about anything else in my fucking life."

Finally, you sat on his lap, taking the cup from him to have a sip yourself.

He smiled, rubbing your sides up and down. "Are you having fun, Y/N? Is my lap comfortable?"

Purposely, you rolled your hips against him, feeling the material of your panties rubbing against his thick thighs. "Oh, yes. So comfortable."

He groaned at the action, smirking. "Look at you. So needy."

"Hard not to be eager," you rolled your hips more. "You played with me, and then left me. I was hot and bothered for you."

While licking his lips, he looked at your hips, abdomen, and pussy under your lacy pants. "Did I make you feel good yesterday?"

"You made me feel amazing. Like never before, I never wanted you to stop, my Lord," you whined.

"Look at you, finally addressing me accordingly."

”Maybe I should call you master. I think it would be more suitable." You placed a kiss on his lips and then moved to the bed to get comfortable on fresh sheets. "So soft, all I am missing here is you."

He got up, set his glass aside, and returned to the bed, unbuttoning his shirt slowly.

You watched him, nuzzling the pillow gently. Even if those were clearly fresh sheets, you still could smell his scent on them. It was comforting. "My master looks handsome as always."

He slowly slipped his shirt off his muscular shoulders and let it fall to the ground. He then joined you on the bed, instantly kissing your tummy, scratching the soft skin with his thick beard.

You purred loudly, arching your back a little because of the soft tickling you felt with every soft kiss.

He slipped his hands under your back and unclasped your bra, gently slipping its stripes off your shoulders, kissing the soft skin on them, moving to your breasts then. He slowly flicked his tongue around your nipples, occasionally sucking on them and looking up at your face, checking your reactions. Then, he slowly licked a trail down your body, from breasts, through your tummy, to the edge of your panties.

Biting your lips, you watched him, letting out quiet noises from time to time. Already, you were hoping that it wouldn't end like last time. By raising your hips a little, you allowed him to slowly slip your panties off.

To do so, Leto used his teeth, catching the material of your panties with them, slowly tugging them down your legs.

You watched him with your mouth wide open since this was the last thing you expected from Leto. Your cheeks turned completely red.

Once your panties were taken off, he spread your legs and diced between them, eating you viciously out, just like he did the night before.

Letting out a moan you grabbed the sheets and fisted them, moving your legs onto his shoulders, just like the last time.

This time he wasn't wasting time; his tongue flicked over your pussy, he hummed, sending some vibrations through your body, and massaged your breasts by kneading the flesh.

"My Lord, oh fuck. P-please don't stop. I want to cum on your tongue just like last time!" You gasped, moving your hand through his hair.

As your fingers tangled in his hair, he groaned and kept biting you more fiercely, slipping his digits into you.

You tugged at his hair a little harder at the feeling of his fingers. It was just as good as last night, and you gladly sang for him.

His tongue moved faster along your folds, he eventually caught your pinkish pussy lips between his teeth to gently suck them in his mouth, pulling softly.

His actions brought you to your peak, you could hold back just to make him work a little more but it felt too good. You cum, arching your back while whimpering his name.

He smirked broadly when your juices spilled on his tongue. Oh, how delicious you were!

You raised your arms, silently asking him for a kiss.

He kissed your pussy for the last time and towered over you, slowly leaning his head down to offer you a gentle kiss.

Heatedly, you kissed him and wrapped your arms around his neck. You used the moment of distraction provided by the kiss and your strength to flip both of you. Now you were on top, with a playful smile you pulled away, stroking his cheek. "My Lord."

While he blinked in surprise, he grasped your hips and looked up at you. "Comfy?" He asked, making himself comfortable on the bed. "Look at you."

You sat up a bit, resting your hand on his chest while rolling your hips. "Oh, really comfy. I wish this was what happened yesterday."

His hands stroked the curves of your waist as he tried to memorize your body. "Good."

As you leaned down to kiss his lips and then moved to his cheek and neck, you whispered, "I was so angry yesterday." Your kisses continued and moved down his chest and stomach until you reached his abdomen.

He rubbed your shoulders and gasped quietly as you were moving down his body. "Did you finish off on your own?"

"No," you placed kiss on his abdomen. "I spent the night crying, hoping you would return. Questioning if I was even worth your time."

"Of course you are," he said, reaching out and stroking your cheek. "Of course you are, Y/N."

You cupped his hand. "I love you. Not as a Duke... I don't care about the title. I love you for who you are, Leto."

He propped himself on his elbow, still stroking your cheek, his careful eagle-eyes never left yours. "Why? I'm nothing special. If not for my title, I would be nothing but an ordinary soldier."

"You are good and kind," you moved a little and sat up face to face with him. "You are smart, loving, and caring. Not to mention being handsome."

No mention of being unfaithful," he said, more to himself, scoffing. "I'm not a good man, Y/N. I killed a lot of people."

"No one is flawless, but I still love you. I love everything you do, I love your voice, I love your body, I love how you make me feel," you counted.

In the dim light filling the room, you could see little sparkles in his eyes.

"I love my Leto," you added and cupped his cheek to place a sweet kiss on his lips.

He kissed you back, trying to hold you as close as possible.

Pulling away, you stroked his cheek. "I am yours and only yours, Leto. Both in bed and on duty."

"I don't like categorizing," Leto said, playing with a strand of your hair. "I don't want to make you a thing I can possess whenever I want. I don't want you that way."

You gently stroked his shoulder and soon your hand moved to his nape. "What do you mean by that? There isn't much you can do now and I'm fine with that as long as my Leto is happy."

Stroking your hips where his hands were placed, he smiled gently. "I don't want you that way. I don't want to treat you like a whore. I just need you in my life. As my partner."

Watching him you frowned a tad and chuckled. "I... Isn't this a little impossible? This place is closed for me, besides it would look bad."

"Closed for you?"

"I know she is a concubine, but she gave you a son. I am nothing, just a soldier who confessed her love for you," you shrugged softly.

"Do you know why I haven't married?"

You simply shook your head.

"I should wed Paul's mother, make her my Duchess. Yet, my unwedded state gives some Houses hope they may yet ally with me through their marriageable daughters. It's all political, my dear Y/N. But now I start considering another thing."

"What thing, my Lord?"

He brushed your cheek with his calloused thumb. "Maybe it's just a whim but I certainly want you as my concubine, that's for sure. Maybe even something more."

"I wish to be your concubine. It doesn't matter how. I just want to be yours." 

You wished for this. You truly wanted this. You didn't care if you would be his concubine or the Duchess, perhaps. All you wanted was to be his, to be close to him without the need of hiding anything from anyone.

"Of course it's possible. I'll think about how to play it, but I promise you'll become one of the most powerful people on Arrakis. I want you. I have no idea how it happened but you own me and all of me."

It doesn't matter if I am powerful or not, all I care about is being close to you. You are also going to own me and everything I do," you whispered.

He pulled you closer to him, so his forehead rested against yours. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why were you always so cautious about showing your emotions near me? If I had known earlier, we might have been married by now, maybe sharing a home even."

You chuckled softly, blushing at the thought of not only marrying him but also having a child.

"That's how I was raised and how I was trained. You were up, when I was down, and all my responsibilities were to protect you and those close to you. There was no other relationship except friendship, and even friendship had its limitations." Taking a deep breath, you said, "It should be obvious to you how my father carried himself even if he was your friend."

Leto nodded silently. "Yes. I always believed I love Jessica. And I do, you know? But I have never felt anything so intense with you, something more intoxicating than love itself."

"I loved before but it was nothing like with you. I feel like I can't live without you," you whispered. "You think that Jessica and Paul will hate us both for this? I don't want to ruin anything."

"I don't think my son will hate you, it'll most likely be aimed at me. Jessica, on the other hand, most certainly is not going to accept it."

Maybe this is all a bad idea..." You worriedly said.

"Stop it right now," he ordered, cupping your cheeks in his hands again. "Stop it. I'll do whatever it takes for you to stay unaffected."

You grabbed his hands and nodded. "I trust you."

"Don't worry. I'll never let anyone hurt you in any way, Y/N."

You giggled, wrapping your arms around his neck. "It's my duty to protect you."

He smiled at you brightly. "It's your duty to love me unconditionally."

"Then I hope I am fulfilling it properly, my Lord," you kissed him.

He kissed you back, letting his tongue slip past your lips, dancing with yours in a heated dance.

You moaned against his lips and pulled away with a smile. 

"How about we finally get to the fun stuff? Unless my Duke waits till his wedding night."

He chuckled, giving you a look. "Look at you. So tempting and beautiful, and you're expecting me to fucking wait to get that pussy marked? It's not going to happen."

"You certainly are taking your sweet time, my Lord," you teased, rolling your hips against him with a cocky smile.

A deep frown appeared on his face as you ground against his crotch.

Looking him right in the eye, you moved down until you were comfortable between his legs. 

You undo his belt and then the pants. Your eyes never left his.

He could feel a blush hitting his cheeks and he was glad at that point that he wore a thick beard that partially hid it.

"May I, my Lord?" You asked quietly.

Leto reached out his hand, placing it on your cheek, nodding.

You turned your head to kiss his hand before your attention moved back to his pants. Finally pulling them down, you gasped and then smiled right at him, seeing he didn't wear any kind of underwear. "Look at you, love."

A shy smirk appeared on his lips. "It's more comfortable this way in such a hot climate."

"Oh, I bet," you hummed and wrapped your soft palm around his member, giving him a few gentle strokes.

Leto was observing you, his face relaxed and soon he rolled his head back, resting it on his pillow.

You gave his cock a long lick from the base to the tip before your warm lips wrapped around the shaft.

He grunted in a deep tone that roared within his chest. "Just like that."

You began to take more and more of him, relaxing your throat to do so. You hummed around him to tease him with some vibrations.

Soon, he was grunting and groaning, bucking his hips up slowly, to slip his shaft more into your mouth. Leto's hands slipped into your hair, and he slowly, gradually fucked your mouth. "Look at you, little one. Sucking on my cock so well."

The only thing you did was hum, focusing on taking his cock.

He relaxed in your arms.

Suddenly, the couple could hear a knocking on the door. "Father, Duncan, and I can't find Y/N, and you told them she was about to guard me. The shield will be down in a moment and she'd be needed."

Leto snapped his eyes open, looked down at you with his cock in your mouth, and chuckled quietly, pressing his hand to his lips to muffle it. After clearing his throat, he replied loud enough for Paul to hear, "She's feeling sick, let her rest, probably too much spice got into her system. She's off duty and please, pass this information to Idaho."

Biting your lip, you lay your head on his stomach. Oh, you wanted to laugh so much because of the situation. It was hilarious and embarrassing at the same time.

He reached his hand to stroke your cheek. His eyebrows relaxed as he was grinning like an adolescent.

"Of course, sir," Paul replied, but added, "Father, may I come in? There's one thing I'd like to speak with you about."

Leto got visibly frustrated and rolled his eyes. "Not now, Paul. I have a lot of work to be done here," his thumb brushed your lips. "I'm afraid it'll take me an entire night to get things done. You know how time-consuming planning is, especially if you want to plan everything well enough for it to fit," Leto's eyes never left yours.

You looked right at him and used the opportunity to wrap your lips around his thumb. You began to suck it gently with a smile just to tease him.

He rolled his eyes back and with a gasp, he couldn't stop, he rolled his head back down again. 

"Father... Are you okay? Shall I call mother?"

Leto put his palm to his lips to muffle his tone for a few seconds before he cooled down enough to reply. "It's not necessary, Paul, I'm just tired a little. Now, get back to your room. I want you to stay there when the shields will be down."

Laughing voicelessly, you just started kissing his stomach. The two of you could be in some serious trouble

He licked his lips, watching you.

"Of course, sir," Paul replied again. "Good night."

"Good night, Paul," Leto replied and let out a grunt when he heard his son's footsteps vanishing in the corridor. "What the fuck!"

Giggling, you looked at him. "We'll never get to the better stuff," you joked, getting on top of him and kissing him. ”Well played, my Lord."

He took his cock in his hand and jerked it a few times, giving you a kiss back. "We are fucking lucky, aren't we?" He joked lightly. "Oh, if they fucking knew," he said, lining himself with your entrance, making sure to rub his tip against your already dripping folds.

You moved your hips back against him. "We found ourselves." Finally, you let him sink into you, causing you to moan softly. He was big, much bigger than you expected but you already loved it.

He pressed on your hips a little to make you sink into his cock, impaling you where you belonged. "Fuck," he cursed, feeling how tight, hot and wet you felt around him. "Fuck."

Smiling, you moved your hips in place, letting him feel all of you nicely. "So big. Fuck, filling me so nicely. I have never felt so full."

"How many men did you sleep with before?" He asked casually, gently bucking his hips into you.

"Not many. Nothing special," you answered honestly, moving slowly up and down. ”How about you? You have a second bedroom. Were there more affairs in the past?"

"Countless," he stated openly, cupping your breasts.

The fake sadness soon gave way to a moan as you said, "Fuck... Shall I be jealous that I'm not the only one?"

"No one of them can be counted as special. No one of them was you."

Taking his hand and placing it on your clit, you smiled proudly. Once he started to rub it, you moaned and started to move a little faster. "Fuck. So good."

He kept on rubbing your clitoris, taking his hand away for a moment to lick his lips to add some moisture to your vulnerable point. Once his palm returned, he teased the little bundle of nerves worth his thumb. "You like that, baby?"

You nodded, whining a little. "Oh, I love it, my love. Fuck, you make me feel so good."

Leto easily caught your hips and laid you down on the bed, towering over you seconds later. He took his cock, rubbed its tip along your folds again, and pushed in you with ease, attacking your exposed neck with kissing and sucking as he set a brutal, rapid pace.

You shouted his name as you wrapped arms tightly around his neck, as your legs moved around his waist. The pace he set made you whimper as your head rolled back on the pillow; you felt the entire bed moving along his strong thrusts.

His strong hand was placed on the back of your thigh as the other one wrapped lightly around your neck, he crushed his lips against yours. "You like it when I fuck you, huh?" He grunted into your ear, nibbling on your earlobe.

"Yes... My Lord! I love it! I love it when you fuck me!" You nodded, grasping at him as you could.

He kissed you equally roughly, picking both of your legs up and resting them against his shoulders. His pace slowed but his thrusts became more profound. The sound of skin hitting skin and Leto's deep grunts filled the room.

All the sounds he made and how well he fucked you made you reach your peak, but you held back as much as you could. "My Lord... Can I cum around your cock?"

"Hold a little more, I want to cum with you," he almost pleaded, speeding up again. He removed your legs from his shoulders and made sure you wrapped them tightly around his hips. His thrusts were strong enough to cause the bed to rock back and forth along them. "Fuck," he whispered as his cock throbbed within you. "Cum for me, babygirl."

You did as he said and let go, cumming around him with a scream of his name.

Leto shot thick ropes of cum into your pussy with a loud grunt that turned into a moan.

Holding him tightly, you whimpered his name. "Leto! Fuck, oh fuck!"

He nuzzled the crook of your neck, resting on top of you for a moment, kissing your face.

Grabbing his cheeks, you pulled him into a sweet, gentle kiss.

His weight was supported by one hand as he kissed back. Leto watched as your mixed cums dropped out of your cunt when he pulled his cock out. Leto smirked proudly, rolling to the side.

You sighed when he pulled out, so you turned on your side as well to watch him. "It sounds exciting, now that I am yours and only yours, forever and ever." He reached his hand out and put it on your chest, right on the heart. "Here I am. And here I remain."

[mychlapci]

Sorry, I just got jumped by an idea due to this Tweet.

Tarn is assigned virgin by the author and now I want so bad to have Pharma get his virginity and break his nasty little heart. Or at least that's the intention but there's no way Pharma is getting away after wrecking Tarn so hard he thinks it's love.

I'm picturing the war ending slightly before the Red Rust, so Pharma is left with his reputation and unresolved rage. Post-Peace Treaty, Tarn is thoroughly collared and abandoned (dumped) by Megatron and separated from his division to "integrate" and Pharma finds him vulnerable and alone.

Tarn never did anything, but he certainly looked, and Pharma smells weakness and goes up to tell him bygones are bygones and seduces him. Something that Tarn is unprepared for despite talking a good game. Pharma goes full isolation and gaslight and getting Tarn drunk being sweet and pretty and pushing his tipsy body into bed and telking him to be good while he pushes his legs apart and pets him until he opens.

Tarn starts to atruggle to get up through the haze but Pharma plugs into him locking his fuel intake chip. Tarn is floaty and slow and very, very hot with Pharma petting his valve and cooing it him until his wet, says he must open his legs and shakes himself to be taken so easily and a regularly whore for an Autobot all while rocking his palm against him, grinding against his node and stroking his lips and jerking his spike while Tarn struggles to argue and overloads hard when Pharma leans forward and practically purrs "slut" and stops being gently slapping his valve and pinching his spike.

Tarn sobs through it squirting and Pharma calls him a slob, pushing his thighs further apart roughly and says if Tarn likes it so roughly he'll make sure he enjoys it and thrusts into once without any prep making Tarn scream as his seal breaks and his calipers are shoved open painfully quickly without anytime to recover overstimulated so much it transfers into painful and the edges back to pleasure making Tarn squeal while Pharma talks down to him not stopping saying how neglected he is and desperate and spike hungry and Tarn is melting.

He's hiccuping and moaning and rocking back against Pharma which only makes him get mocked more and Tarn is so overwhelmed and feeling something for the first time in so long and is so painfully lonely the moment Pharma pulls out and says he should leave Tarn there wanting and desperate, Tarn screams no and Pharma looks him dead in the eye and tells him to beg and he does.

Tarn by the end is just absolutely broken in and saying yes, i love you, and pharma over and over letting himself be moved and used until he's unconcious only to wake up and be used again. He is thoroughly under and by the time he comes out is absolutely desperate for Pharma's touch and orders.

And then Pharma leaves. He's smirking and proud of himself. He'd taken pictures and recorded Tarn begging and crawling for him and sucming him off and covered in transfluid and snuck them online anonymously.

Tarn, though, will not lose another master and tracks Pharma down to his distant new hospital waiting for Pharma in his house, and instead of being killed, Pharma, who'd sobered up and realized he might have fucked himself has a new murder sex kitten who is demanding orders and the power freely offered and devotion and plugs in pussy first.

OH holy shit I actually had a dream that i answered this ask with a fanfic i wrote. i did… not. i never wrote a fanfic about virgin Tarn getting ruined by Pharma. which is extremely sad.

Anyhow. Obsessed. I love to think about Tarn being knocked down a peg or two… Abandoned by Megatron and left to fend for himself, Tarn is so lost, he just needs a master to worship. Pharma doesn’t aim to become that but he couldn’t have guessed that pinning down Tarn when he’s vulnerable will make him “fall in love” with him. hrghhh I do want Pharma to tease Tarn when he feels his seal tear open as he pushes in, promising to treat him very nice since this is his first time. Not gentle, but nice will suffice. Tarn breaking down sobbing as he loses his seals, clinging to Pharma, valve hot and wet and staining the bed with squirt and lubricant… Pharma’s ego inflates so much seeing Tarn turn into a babbling mess.

When Tarn chases Pharma down again, he's on his knees in under a minute. Tarn’s never felt pleasure like that and he begs Pharma to pin him down and use him again. Pharma was not ready for a full-time commitment but this is honestly amazing, I mean, the power and control Pharma has over him now…

Tarn is clingy and constantly trailing after him, probably creaming into his panels every time Pharma gives him an order, and it would be a little annoying, but at least Pharma can order Tarn to stay in the bed like a good boy and wait for him to get back. He's always so desperate then, grinding into the bed at the sight of him... <3

[mentallyshattered]

This is part 24 of the "What if Yuu didn't want to go back?" Series!

(I, the author of this work, do not consent to this work being crossposted/translated without my knowledge or used to train an AI, ever.)

Masterlist

We're late. Shit. Only by seven minutes, but there's a lot of gossip in the Backstage Room during seven minutes. Damn!

Luckily, we still have plenty of time for our skincare routines. Grim gets brushed a little faster than usual, but we're good. "Breakfast can be eaten on the way to class," I mutter to myself as I speedwalk down the hall.

"Y'ain't gawt classes t'day! Jeez, yeh jus'a lil' too awn edge 'bout yeh grades, ain't'cha? Cawlm yerself, 's awll awrigh'," says Epel, voice drawling along as it does to add a w into some words that wouldn't normally contain them this far north. I laugh along with him. We were really in such a hurry, and for what? Club doesn't start for a long while today.

In walks Korrak. Mandible is on his shoulder, as usual, and they look... as fatigued as always. Do they know? I can't tell. Maybe their evident exhaustion is from normal causes, whatever those are.

Well, I'm not going to risk it. Those two have never looked fully rested as long as I've known them, and using my signature spell last night showed me that's not a recent development. Even on the day of the entrance ceremony, they looked like there had been about two hours of deep, undisturbed, uninterrupted sleep between the two of them.

...Actually, they look way better now than they did then. I suppose Rook and Vil's care has really had an impact. Good. They deserve it.

Is the same true for me? Did I look like some kind of abomination when I walked in this world for the first time? Thinking back to day one, absolutely. Grim and I actually got taken into the Backstage Room first, and our housewarden spent over an hour and a half on detangling my hair alone- after he spent another thirty minutes on cutting it without breaking the scissors. Maybe I overestimated the difference between me and the boy with the dark blue opossum.

Ok, definitely. I definitely overestimated the difference between Korrak and I. Then again, we're from entirely different worlds, so is that a crime? I hope not.

Oh, well. Korrak isn't looking at me or Grim like anything's different, so we're probably fine. Probably. There's definitely an ethics factor, but I'm choosing to ignore that. For now.

Speaking of problems I'm aware of but choosing to pretend I'm not because the stress of that issue is pressing and I never learned to properly cope with anxiety in any way but ignoring it until I can't and it breaks me, I've heard of a spring and winter break when students go home. What do I do then?

Perhaps my impending doom shows on my face, but It doesn't matter if so because nobody appears to have noticed, and I don't see Rook. That doesn't mean he doesn't see me, though. Good ol' Rook.

He'll find me later. There's a good chance Grim and I will be taken to Vil's room to discuss that, and perhaps my signature spell. I need to get better at using that. There, that's something to do today.

I don't know when I sat down, nor do I know when Korrak and Epel started talking about combat, but it's oddly comforting to hear someone talking about fighting whilst drawing many of their 'a's into 'aw's. All becomes awl, on becomes awn, and so forth.

Did I have these moments before? Of peace, of contentment, of calm? Of simply sitting on a couch and listening to friends speak of violence in familiar voices and tones? No, I didn't, not even that last part. It's nice to know things can improve with as little as... well, not little. Still, it's nice to know things can improve.

I need to start with learning how to trigger Memory Lane. I think it was accidental last night, but I can't recall enough about before to even guess how I set it off then. Perhaps I have to be asleep? Does Grim has to be asleep? How close do I have to be to the person whose memories I'd like to rummage through, physically? Does physical space even matter? How well do I have to know them? Do I have to know them? Can I swap between targets without leaving the spell's area, or do I have to cast it twice for that to happen? Where does my physical body go? Can I take other people there?

I'm getting ahead of myself. First things first: how to start using Memory Lane. No, wait, first is breakfast. I'm almost done with that, so I'll head into the woods to train. I'll probably have to register that with Vil and maybe the headmage, but that can wait. I'd like to learn more about this spell before I tell.

"You look like you've got a plan," murrs Grim. "What're we doing today?"

"We're figuring out that spell," I maow back. Grim grins, sharp little teeth slightly dirty with minuscule chunks of salmon and toast.

"Y'all ain't all that subtle when yer up ter somethin'," teases Epel with a roll of his eyes before he gets up to stretch. "Best I git goin'," he starts again, smirking. "Cain't masta spelldrive without practice, after awll."

With that, Epel is gone, and Mandible turns to chitter at Korrak about something- I don't know what; I don't speak opossum- who then nods, scarfs down the rest of his food, and makes a break for it. He is stopped by Rook, who probably wasn't there a moment ago if my eyes are telling the truth.

"No running in the lounge," he chides gently. "Now, then, follow me!" I assume that has to do with club activities and think nothing of it. We ought to be going, too- daylight only lasts so long.

The forest is quite pretty again, leaves crunching beneath my feet as I step through the rug of orange, red, yellow, and brown that only parts for trees, their roots, and large rocks. The air here is crisp and fresh, good for clearing your head. I'll probably need that to pull this off, but I'm not sure. Can't hurt, at least.

I inhale, holding the air in my lungs and picturing... someone. The breath escapes me. Who should I go for? Myself, perhaps? Grim? Korrak again? Myself, I'll try myself first. Worth a shot, at the very least.

I try again, holding my breath in my lungs with an image of me, as reflected in the Backstage Room's wall-length mirror. My eyes close. My breath exits me in a quiet whisper: "Memory Lane."

I open my eyes to a Grim-grey path beneath my feet and a slightly blueish sky. Not blue-grey, but blue-brown, like the sky was shifting from a brunette brown to an overhead midnight expanse and I walked in on it midway through. The "stars" are small, black dots and streaks that have scattered themselves across the expanse, more numerous than in Korrak's and somewhat grouped into rows that make me think of a river spreading itself over the landscape it cuts through, as if I walked in on them, too.

The trees are willows, not the weeping kind- at least, not until I look close enough to see their branches are held up by vines with stems that match the path and leaves that match the flames in Grim's ears. The trees themselves are the dark, colorless color of my familiar's trident tail, and their leaves vary in color like confetti- some are the signature Pomefiore purple, some are the same blue as the leaves on the vines, some are a different shade of violet I've seen in Vil's eyes, and some are the green of ferns, moss, and Rook's irises. These willows do weep, but the vines prevent that. Interesting.

I wonder what that says about me.

In front of the comforted willows are more memory screens, though mine appear less like floating screens and more like... what's the word? Like those big, fancy graves with something built from smooth marble atop them, honoring the dead by creating something beautiful in their name. Crypt? No, those are underground. Tomb? Maybe.

Mausoleum, that's it. Though, notably, only the memory portal things a little ways away have them- these are nestled in the willows themselves, once low-hanging branches held away from the screen by the vines and slightly obscuring my view of the past anyway. The farther and further I look, the more little white roofs I see.

"Funny," starts Grim, "I don't remember all this. I mean, the sky's bluer than before, the leaves on the trees are more colors, and the fancy buildings are new, too." He dips his head down, eyes facing the ground near my feet. "Then again, it's been years, and my memory isn't all that great. I don't remember my family, just being cold, that striped ribbon, this place, and you." He curls into himself, soft stomach hidden from my sight, and I cannot help but forget for a mere moment that I am holding a catlike unknown as opposed to a newborn human in my arms. The thought soon evaporates like a drop of water on the surface of the sun, though my familiar's pose remains fetal.

"That's okay, Grim," I reassure, hugging him closer to my chest. "We have each other." I do not tell him the whispers of my childhood are blurry and mysterious like fog over the sea. I do not tell him he is all I clearly recall. I do not tell him I've forgotten the face of my reflection so much I thought I was face blind until I realized I only knew what I looked like when I saw myself. He does not need to know.

Nobody does. Not Mandible, not Korrak, not Epel or Rook or Vil or anyone but me. Those teachers are irrelevant now; this new world has new rules that they can't teach me. Those kids were never my friends; they just let me sit with them and tried to talk to me. Those parents aren't my parents anymore; I have new ones.

Methinks I need a distraction. My remedy is to walk a few meters to the nearest one, adjusting Grim in my arms as I do so, and touching the shiny white with my newly free hand. My familiar uncurls and turns his head to watch my fingertips glide accross the pristine, exact surface. Not one bump, dent, or crack.

The memory itself is of searching the woods for a stick to turn into a toy for Grim- it's clear and crisp despite the fact that I haven't touched it and don't intend to. Behind me, the next memory is of learning I had magic. It's just as vivid as the one before it.

Further down the path, though, memory mausoleums are fewer and farther between. It's nowhere near as packed along the sides as Korrak's- a testament to my poor memory, I suppose- or, perhaps it testifies for his being above average. Maybe even both.

I guess that's just my life- forgotten until recently.

Actually, if I look, there are a few. These ones are blurry, concerningly so, and some part of me says they need to be wiped down like soapy windows in a car wash, as though that would somehow improve the quality.

The farther back I go into the faded scraps of my own forgotten past, the fewer and farther between the memories get, and the ones we do find are notably worse than the last, though not by much. It adds up, though. After a while, they look less like life viewed through a dirty lens and more like splotches of color that were filmed through fog.

Then, I see it. This marblelike structure is huge; I'd have to stand on my own shoulders to see the top. What event could this possibly be?

I look. It's crisp like the most recent ones, with clear differences between even a grey, trident-tailed cat and an asphalt road.

Oh.

Oh.

It's... Grim's death.

...

Yeah, that... that lines up. When did I get on the ground? Oh, I've fallen. Grim is- alive. He's alive, and I'm not losing him. Not again.

It'd be comforting if I could tell myself that wasn't real, but it is. That happened, and it won't again. Not on my watch. I won't let it, no matter what.

"H-hey," starts my frantic familiar. "Yuu... um, look! Over there! I think there might be something under the trees! Let's go and look, okay?"

That's right. That's right. More to see. More to remember. Farther and further back into my faded past.

I stand and look. He's right; the branches are unusually thick here. And, right at the bottom, a rectangle cuts off, like a memory has been hidden by the trees and was revealed by the vines pulling them up.

Gently, slowly, I brush some branches aside. Harshly, suddenly, I am standing in a very nostalgic yard.

Grass. Clover. A mossy wooden fence that my startled mind remembers was willowwood, once upon a time. Grim was right. This is a memory. Speaking of Grim, there he is. In my arms. My eight-year-old, grey-clad arms. I recognize that hoodie- the grey of Grim's fur. It was my favorite as a kid.

Another child is walking down the sidewalk. Small me sees him- blond hair, forgotten eyes- and does not call. He sees small me right back, through the many large holes in the picket fence, and then he stops, his feet in dark cyan shoes I don't remember the style of. His mouth opens.

"Hey! Yuu!" I freeze. It feels almost as though he's calling out to me- not small me, but current me. That shouldn't be possible, and then small me shouts back.

"What?" My old, echoing voice calls back. The boy- Christopher- smiles like he's just been given a pack of gummy bears.

That's right. Christopher. His name was Christopher, and his favorite food was gummy bears. He sat with me at lunch.

"Are you gonna come over to my house this weekend?"

Small me lights up. "Sure!"

"Okay," Christopher shouts back, "see you tomorrow!"

"Bye!" Small me turns back to Grim. I get a good look at him then, and he is visibly younger than the Grim of today. His trident tail, like the rest of him, is smaller, and the blue flames in his ears look more like embers than they do fire, as though they once roared and have been slowly softened by the neverending sands of time.

"Mreew," sqeals the exited bundle of fur.

Small me giggles, ecstatic and still learning cat. When did I master that language?

The door on the house behind me opens, faded paint flaking off in thin shards of what was once green. Young me turns to the obnoxious squeaking, and thoughts drop into my mind like rain into a bucket: That door was greener. Why is it so white now?

The paintless parts of the door are pale brown.

The memory cuts to the following day. Christopher's mother is cutting my hair, and, from where today's me is standing, it oddly resembles Vil doing the same. She's fussing over how it should t be this matted, and how this isn't healthy, and how she's going to call CPS. I can't even remember what that stands for. Did I ever know?

More thoughts flow through me: Their door is so quiet; mine is so loud. Their house is warm like the park is in summer. What color is this? It's like the walls of the doctor's office. Or snow.

I smile to myself. My elementary school was decently fancy when I was a kid, even though Night Raven has since blown it out of the water. Many of the kids who attended came from rich families, and my friends were no exception.

The memory ends, and I'm standing on the road again. It feels like something was cut out, like there was more to it that was lost to time. I guess I'll never know again. Thinking about that makes me feel a little faint.

We should head back. I can't tell the time right now, but we do have club.

I think I can just...

"Memory Lane."

There. Isn't that neat? With just the faintest of whispers and a little bit of magic, we're back in the woods- and my phone is buzzing in my pocket with messages. Specifically, texts from Ortho.

12:02

[This groupchat was created]

[Groupchat renamed to "Board Games Club]

8:34

(666-89-02740) Hi!

This is Ortho Shroud of Ignihyde

You are Yuu of Pomefiore, right?

And Azul Ashengrotto of Octanville

8:35

(534-82-42001) Yes, this is Azul.

Why are you texting us?

The lounge is opening.

(666-89-02740) Board Games club has been canceled for today

Idia is sick

And the club room hasn't been cleaned yet

Neither have the games

8:36

(534-82-42001) Okay, I'll be at the lounge if you need me.

(666-89-02740) Okay!

Yuu, respond when you see this

The first thing I do before I respond is add Ortho and Azul to my contacts. I don't know how Ortho got my number, but it probably has to do with the whole "Ignihyde is the tech dorm" thing. The second thing I do is look at the time, and the third is sigh with relief. We'd be late if it weren't for club being canceled.

10:07

(Yuu & Grim) We have seen this!

(Blue Candle) Got it

Thank you!

I smile. It feels like I'm connecting with this new world a little bit more at a time, and the thought is enough to distract from the still-drying tears on my cheeks. Grim is purring again, probably unintentionally.

And that connection with my old one is gone. Was it ever even there? My life was nothing special, except for Grim. I should know- interesting things stick in my mind. I lost a lot of then after the whole car-and-cat thing, but I remember some of Shakespeare's plays. They were interesting.

I only remember one of them, though- what was it called? The Ides Of March, I think that's it. All I really recall is the name and that some guy got stabbed.

I remember that play better than I remember my biological parents, and I barely remember the play. Did I even live with them? Did I ever know them? Maybe I was raised by a straight couple. Or a lesbian. Or two lesbians.

No matter. Right now, my "parents" are a pair of theater kids, and I'm happy with that. I like them. Vil personally dematted my hair when I first arrived.

...Hold on. I was raised by parents, not aunts or uncles or anything, I know that much. And I know they were alive and in the house. And I know parents are supposed to care for their children.

So, why was my hair a rat's nest when I first came to Night Raven? Why did Vil have to spend so long fixing it? Why am I hyperventilating?!

I hold my breath and pray to whatever will listen to please let me faint. That's what I always did back then... okay, maybe that just means this is a bad thing to do.

Maybe my poor memory is one of the ways I cope. I'll never know with what. That's the point, after all.

My phone breifly vibrates with another message, this one directly from Ortho to me with nobody else involved.

10:46

(Blue Candle) Hey

I can't find anything on you except school-related stuff

Like

Anything

(Yuu & Grim) Why were you looking for that?

(Blue Candle) The nurse asked me if I could find your medical history and stuff

You know

For safety reasons

Seems reasonable. Although, wouldn't it make more sense to contact Vil first? And then Rook? Or the headmage, even? Maybe Ortho knows her personally or something. Maybe she wanted to contact Idia, but he sent his brother in his place. Yeah, that makes sense.

10:47

(Yuu & Grim) Yeah idk lol

Good luck

(Blue Candle) ???

That does not help

(Yuu & Grim) 🤷

(Blue Candle) 😐

😑

😐

I don't send anything new, still processing my delight over the discovery of this world's emojis. By the time I look back, Ortho has sent another text

10:48

(Blue Candle) Meet me in the nurse's office soon so I can get your blood type and stuff

(Yuu & Grim) Ok!

"C'mon, Yuu! Let's go, I'm bored," meows Grim. I smile and nod. I can process this later, anyway.

@cenatour

[mobius-m-mobius]

Thank you for posting all those gifs of Mobius being kind and supportive together. I've seen some takes about Mobius deserving it, but logically it doesn't make sense. He's already doing everything he can to save the timelines. He doesn't want to know his past, nor does he need to know to be motivated to save the timeliness, because he's already been doing since ep 1. Even if we make the argument he has no real free will until he sees his past, this argument is disingenuous because he's using his free will NOT to see it. From a narrative and character development standpoint, he will be forced to see it for the audience's entertainment, because he is a fictional character with no free will-- the screenwriters are the gods (Time Authors, if you will).

In-narrative, you could make a case he should see his timeline if he were actively trying to keep the TVA the way it was, but that's not the case with him. Sylvie's accusations this fall flat.

Mind, I'm not against Sylvie's proposition to start from scratch. Revolutions are important and serve that function. But the TVA is the only organization with people who know how the Loom and timespace work. It's not unreasonable for them to try to stabilize the situation, save the lives of as many timeliness as they can, and consider dismantling the TVA entirely and starting from scratch later.

Since we're dealing with time paradoxes, it's possible that the collapse of the Loom is what causes Loki to recruit Mobius, B-15, and Casey (I'm not sure what kind of entity OB is?) from their timelines. If they all accept, then Loki was the original creator of the Heart of the TVA. It's possible HWR took over at some point in the future and wiped everyone's memories then. The future influenced the past, thus closing the time loop. If this is the case, then Sylvie also contributed to the creation of the TVA, because killing HWR triggered the destruction of the Loom, which will force Loki to recruit, which will create the TVA, which will monitor the multiverse, which at some point will be taken over by HWR to create the Sacred Timeline, which become the multiverse one again after Sylvie kills him, which will destroy the Loom, which will cause Loki to recruit.

Of course!!! Always a delight to and on that note we're truly seeing eye to eye on every single point you raised so thank you for such an amazing ask! Exactly the conversation I was craving after making those gifs just to get some things off my chest about how Mobius gets treated since as you said, he's already been doing everything possible to protect the timelines while clearly under incomprehensible pressure yet has never hesitated to evaluate and change his worldview accordingly to better serve the whole.

Honestly confused by those insisting he HAS to see his past and is in the wrong for not having done so because isn't that up to him?? Doesn't matter what his reasons are, he's entitled to his choices and I can honestly say without hesitation if I were in his shoes my decision would be the same. He enjoys his job, he's incredibly good at the work (people seem to forget he's facilitated the progression of basically every plot point), and has recently built more connections he appreciates and wants to grow than in the entirety of his life combined so why is he not allowed to make a single decision in his own interest when neither his approach to changing the TVA nor any other person is being impacted? But you're exactly right about how regardless he'll be made to have the experience anyway and while I'd be perfectly happy with that never happening I accept the advancement of narrative as a given and can only hope whatever cards he's dealt are ones that only bring him peace of mind about the work he's done so far and in the future.

(adding a read more here because I've got a feeling this is gonna be a long one, lol)

Have also seen many people saying Sylvie blowing up at Mobius was necessary or that he needed to hear it but that logic is completely missed on me? For example Ravonna did the same but considering the amount of history between them her reaction is fully understandable even if I don't agree with the points she made about his compassion being a weakness. Mentioned this to a friend earlier but I truly wish it had been some random character besides Sylvie who yelled at him simply because she doesn't have the kind of personal connection to make judgements and because I don't want any ship war elements at play or anything when my take is solely based around wanting Mobius to be recognized as someone who has been good and kind from the start? Watching him be put down for that as if it's fact in basically every episode is getting exhausting 😔

To that point I also agree with the importance and necessity of revolution but not sure starting from scratch is necessary when the TVA does have a solid base and plenty of people willing to stay and help the cause? In reality there's no time for anyone there to stay currently focused on anything but stabilizing the situation when the alternative is the end of every timeline, burning things to the ground only really counts if there's any ground left to build on which is yet another reason Mobius and the others switched to preservation. For example, O.B's quip about Sylvie ruining his life by killing He Who Remains was complete fact and while I don't have any hate towards her character at all and certainly don't want any mirrored scene of someone yelling at her, etc, it's driving me crazy how she refuses to admit they've actively been saving lives and scrambling to accommodate these unexpected branches while she was at a MCDONALD'S.

My ep 5-6 theory matches yours regarding about the collapse of the Loom being the cause of Mobius, B-15, and Casey ending up at the TVA because their Nexus event technically isn't one, it's them choosing to leave with Loki of their own free will and the good of existence. I'm also not sure if O.B. was ever a variant so he could possibly be the key to figuring out where Loki can find everyone's original self? Psyched to learn more about him and how he ended up in such a vital position! Hundred percent think the series is ending with Loki as the founder and probable ruler of the TVA but can't quite figure out where the switch to He Who Remains entering the picture fits in, and your point about Sylvie also contributing to the creation of the TVA in an infinite loop is a fascinating one that's going to leave me thinking for a long while so thanks for that as well and of everything I have to admit the possibility of Loki and Mobius being their own ouroboros in creating just the right person to intrigue and change themselves into who they always wanted to be has been giving me life, them as timekeepers along with B-15 has been my hope since the first episode of season 2 and is probably the most incredible place I could imagine leaving everyone if we don't get another season.

[moodymisty]

hi! i love your writing so much and saw that your requests are open- can i request echo x f!reader who works as riyo chuchi's senatorial aide? i feel like riyo would get other trusted individuals into the fight for clone rights. maybe she and rex would introduce them after the events of ep 9?

fluff would be good but it's up to you! 🥰❤️

Author's Note: So cute;; I had an idea similar to this awhile back but I never did anything with it, so I'm happy :3

Summary: You'll fight for Echo, even for soft for moments just like this.

Relationships: Echo/Fem!Reader

Warnings: Fluff, SFW, Brief mentions of dehumanization of the clones, Cuddles,

Echo normally doesn't do a lot of, stopping. He's always- since he was a cadet- been shuttled from place to place, battlefield to battlefield, squad to squad. There wasn't much time to enjoy the scenery, or take a breather.

It's what makes moments like these feel almost, disturbing. Not at all like he doesn't enjoy them, but he's not used to it; The relaxing.

The hum of your apartment is an unusual one. It's far quieter than what he's normally used to, even as he hears one of your tookas knock something over in one of the other rooms. He's conditioned to the the sounds of footsteps outside and an uncountable number of other clones crowded into a barracks. And even after leaving Kamino, he was used to the constant noises of every other member of the Batch. he never minded it, but it's made him unfamiliar to the quiet sounds of only one other person, softly sleep next to him. Instead of footfalls and humming of machinery, it's quiet breathing and the rustling of a shared blanket.

He feels, normal for a moment. Maybe this is what nat-borns just normally feel like, but Echo feels almost like he's indulging. Granted every moment he's with you always feels like that; Like he's tasting something he isn't allowed too.

He's felt like that since the beginning, though he's never told you.

Rex in the beginning even had to give him a bit of a push, before he managed to tell you how he felt. He'll thank him one day for it, surely. Kriff, just thanking him for introducing the two of you to begin with. While he doesn't regret leaving the Batch for Rex and he misses them dearly, being here knocked him into you; Yet another thing that makes him feel like he belongs.

This was originally supposed to be strictly a business partnership; Mutually beneficial. Not turn into something where he's thinking about things like a shared home, peace away from war, getting married. Not that he even can, at least in the eyes of most regulatory bodies. But it's the thought that counts the most, at least in his eyes.

"And, who is this?" Rex speaks with not an overwhelming amount of suspicion, but not much trust either. Echo doesn't exactly blame him. They're clones heading a rebellion on the home planet of a new Empire, suspicion is a must. But they trust Chuchi, enough so that they hear her out.

"She's my assistant. We've been working together for, quite awhile." She for a moment attempts to think of how long the two of you have been working together, but fails to come up with a solid answer. Instead, she gestures towards you.

"She can help you with requisitioning any of the materials you need," Chuchi halts for a moment, as you finish her sentence for her.

"Within reason, of course." She nods.

Echo remembers the way your eyes glance towards him and you softly smile, before stepping forward to shake Rex's hand. When you move back to him you offer your hand out again, and with a firm grip, he returns the gesture.

Echo remembers this interaction vividly, and and it almost always fills him with an odd concoction of emotions he can't quite unmix.

The blankets on your bed lay over his legs and hips, falling slightly as he leans up and looks to the side towards the windows. It's not quite sunrise yet, but the sky is noticeably lighter. Soon it'll be morning and you'll be separated, but he can still enjoy this moment.

When he looks to his left, he notices you're obviously still asleep, laying on your stomach with one arm tucked beside the pillow. Your face is smushed and soft with sleep, eyes occasionally flickering behind your closed lids.

You look, absolutely incredible.

To think he managed to get himself someone he loved so much, and that they loved him back with just as much fervor. Fervor that also fought for the rights of him and his brothers, no matter how fruitless it might seem at times.

Fives would've loved you, had he been around to tease the both of you.

Echo leans down just enough so that his lips brush over your temple, and he relishes in the warm feeling of your skin. He feels the tickle of your hair against his face, and one hand presses down harder into the mattress to keep himself steady as he overs over you.

He thinks he's being sneaky; Until he feels you move, and the sounds of grumbles that just might be words come from your throat. Echo leans away just a bit, and curses under his breath.

"Kriff, didn't mean to wake you up." You softly groan. Your eyes flutter open after a moment closed, vision blurry as you look upward to focus on his face. Echo is clearly sat upright and leaning over you so he's fully awake, despite the time.

"What were you doing?" You know the answer won't be that complicated, feeling his warm breath on your skin. The skin of his arm brushes against the top of your head.

"Just thinking." Pulling away from your own body blindly you reach outward, trying to gain purchase on some part of his body to pull him down towards you. After successfully doing so your lips press against the corner of his mouth, tickling his skin as you mumble.

"Well, stop that." He lays back down, his forehead pressing against yours. "I only have a bit more time until I have to get ready and deal with fussy senators," Echo raises a brow and interrupts you.

"Are you calling Miss Chuchi fussy?" He smiles at the way you shush him, making variety of weird little noises.

"Everyone but her. Besides the point. Just lay down and sleep with me, will you?" Echo can't exactly complain. Especially since he'll need to leave with Rex any day now. They're always busy; There's so many clones out there that need their help, and neither of them are going to let them down. You aren't either. But it means he doesn't get too many of these moments with you and gods- does he want to enjoy them.

His body pushes closer to yours until all of your limbs are totally intertangled with one another, not caring about any of the metal pieces that make up his body. He'd once had worries about hurting you with them, but he no longer cares nearly as much as he had before.

A few marks or bruises are worth the snuggling with him, in your mind anyhow.

Your hands grip him tighter, attempting to move even closer. It's still so cold in the morning, and his body is a perfect to help you stay warm. He feels your fingers rub along his back, as you tighten your hold.

"For demanding I sleep, you sure are wiggling a bunch." You give him a soft smack. "Shush." He chuckles, music to your ears, as your body feels like mush. But the good kind; Completely comfortable in his arms. In a few hours you'll surely be fighting off a migraine trying to make even a tiny bit of headway in the Senate, but at least for now, you can enjoy him as you steal a kiss, before going back to sleep.

Join the taglist here: @seriowan @starborncyare @simp-legend @nekotaetae @chad-something @coffeyorkyy @merkitty49 @lokigirlszendayaa @totesnothere04 @get-wr3ckered @rebel-finnn @mandoloriancookie @therealnekomari @loverofclones @notthatfanfictionwriter @lucyysthings @jennrosefx @fxlsealarm @crosshairs-wife @sinfulsalutations

[zoeykallus]

I can't get over how you write these characters, thank you so much!!! I haven't seen much about him but what are your general headcanons for maul? Spicy or not spicy I'll take anything 😍

You are welcome! :))

That's right, I actually haven't written much about Maul yet. Which is strange, he is actually one of my absolute favorite characters. In general, I'll write about any Star Wars character I'm asked about, as long as I know enough about them, read enough or seen enough to create headcanons. That can be clones, but also Jedi, Sith or Bountyhunters, sometimes even Senators or Droids. It always depends.

Now let me dive into this....

Maul x fem!Reader Headcanons - Spice/Hurt/Angst And More

Warnings: Spice/Smut/Suggestive/Angst/Hurt/Strong Language/18+/ Also: Maul

How he finds out that you like him:

He has no idea. Completely unaware of where your intense interest in his person actually comes from, he wonders what this thing is that he feels in the Force when you approach him.

You have to be very direct if you want him to know what you feel.

How he falls in love:

It takes a while. Committing to someone is not easy for him, opening up is even harder for him. But once he does, you will quickly realize how extremely intensive Maul is. He is extremely possessive, almost obsessive. It is anything but easy to deal with him. Maul is also very very jealous, your admirers will find out very quickly how brutal he can be. He will rather demand from you than ask for attention.

He is secure in the force, but not in a relationship. How he was trained and raised has destroyed much of his mental, emotional world. Maul is always afraid of being left behind. He is scared of losing you alle the time, it's almost paranoid. He will be hard to deal with, especially in the beginning of the relationship. If you're lucky, he'll be willing to learn from you and turn over a new leaf.

How he handles conflicts within the relationship:

Maul needs the upper hand. He can only give in with great difficulty, he will try to remain calm because you mean something to him. But he will discuss a lot and always prevail in the end. It takes a lot of patience, a lot of work and perseverance to make progress in this area in your relationship.

How protective is he?:

Very. That doesn't mean he thinks you're weak, but you're weaker than he is, at least from his point of view. Someone who approaches you threateningly, harms you in any way, or becomes insolent should have made his peace with a higher authority and have a will ready. He can' t take a joke when someone threatens your well-being in any way, whether physical or mental.

He has no patience for quarrels or threats. He prefers to get things done quickly and for good. Word will get around quickly that it is better to keep their hands off you and be nice to you.

His love language:

Acts of service. Physical Attention. Gift Giving. His protection.

He's looking out for you, always.

He is also very physical. He pulls you abruptly when you walk past him to kiss you or grab your butt.

You have his attention and only you. He will not be seduced by outside influences. If he has decided to have this relationship with you, then you can be sure that no matter what he may think of your ideas, he will always listen to you and will not interrupt you. Maul actually cares about the things you say. He remembers important dates, he never forgets your birthday, he knows when your first date was and he will never forget the first time you met.

He also loves to teach you things.

He is attentive. He definitely notices and remembers your interests and preferences. You can feel that in your conversations and also in the gifts that he gives you from time to time.

Conversations:

It is smart and surprisingly sophisticated. Maul is interested in many things, there will always be something to talk about. History, culture, myths, food, politics, art. As long as you are able to hold a lively conversation, he is open to and interested in any topic. And he is always interested in your opinion. He may not always share your opinion but he won't ignore it.

SEX SEX SEX rough and dirty

Dom or Sub?:

He is a Dom, very much so.

He loves to take you in positions where he has absolute control over you. Bondage games are also quite interesting for him. But only if he can tie you up. He is very engaging, dominant and likes to seduce. However, your consent is very important. He will not force himself on you if you are not in the mood. Maul does not like this kind of coercion. When you have sex, it is important for him that you really want him, everything else would be an turn-off.

It would be possible that maybe there is a curiosity on his part, for a role reversal, but he will not address that. If you ask him about it, he will deny it. At some point in the course of your relationship, however, he will probably give it a try. However, his general emotional insecurity will cause him to break off the first attempt.

Favorite sexy things and Kinks:

He has a praise kink, when he dominates you and you tell him how great he is, the arousal will reach every fiber of his body. The dirtier the better.

"Yes master, take me, right there! That's so good master! Oh master I love how your big cock fills me up! Please fill me with your cum Master!"

He also likes to tie you up and blindfold you. Maul can be wild and intense, but he will never inflict pain on you, at least not more than you want from him. However, he is not averse to spanking or biting you if you ask him to.

Favourite Positions:

The doggy-style position. He loves to grab you by the hips and ram his lap against your ass while he takes you. He finds it especially sexy when you have a toy on your clit and preferably one in your ass, if your hands are tied behind your back and your upper body is bent down, he can't get enough of it.

Missionary, with your legs in the air. Maul loves to nail you under him. He'll press your legs against your body so you practically can't move. A hand rests on your throat, not oppressive or hurtful, it's just a gesture, but a hot one. If he can read your reactions on your face while you give him submissive, dirty praise, he's in seventh heaven.

About your pleasure:

Of course he likes to have fun and to do it intensively, but he never forgets that this is not just about him, not at all. On the contrary, he loves to give you orgasms, the more, the better. Maul can't get enough of seeing you dissolve in arousal. It fills him with pride and lust.

As for sex, you can be open with him. He will fulfill almost every wish.

Going down on you:

You will most likely be lying on your back and tied up or hanging upside down in his grip on his lap. His tongue is wild, skillful and fast, his lips can perfectly enclose your clit. He has learned very quickly what is most effective. When he pleasures you orally you are definitely the loudest, pulling yourself together is practically impossible. He takes you from one climax to the next and loves to hold you in his iron grip when you start to wriggle from overstimulation.

Going down on him:

He won't hold back, so it certainly can't hurt to practice how to relax your throat and bypass the gag reflex. Because as soon as you sink to your knees and his cock is in your mouth, he'll grab your neck, your hair and give you a deep fast pace.

He will talk dirty to you. Maul praises you and can not get enough of the sight.

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@puppetswithteeth

[astolary]

Hello! Saw you’re taking some request so can I please chamber x reader who has this weird condition where they sleep for a very long time and one day they just never woke up but is still breathing and heart beating, so he seek help from the valorant protocol ?

𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝟏 .

( Synopsis ) Take it from someone who lost a universe.

( Author’s Note ) Believe it or not, this is the first time I wrote angst so I have no idea how I did— but I hope you like it :D

Part 2 Chamber x reader x Cypher? /hj

( Pairing ) Chamber x GN! Reader x Cypher

( Content Warnings ) Angst, cursing, red flags in a toxic relationship, mentions of death. Cypher appears a good half of the work.

( Word Count ) 0.9k words // EDITED!

PART ONE || PART TWO

"Merci for the wonderful dinner, mon amour."

Chamber smiled warmly at you. But unlike his usual smile towards others, his smile met his eyes. He was sincere.

The night above the both of you was midnight black, specks of hanging white stars scattered in the gentle moonlight. Honey bees went back to rest as fireflies roamed the peaceful atmosphere, ready to conquer the evening. The fireflies were almost like small lanterns, dancing freely with their loved ones without a care in the world. They were alive, basking in the simple of purest moments.

It was a disappointment that their lights flickered out once the sun rose.

You smiled back, albeit bashfully. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Apparently, fireflies are more active around these parts so I thought it would be nice to dine here."

He nodded, too engrossed in admiring your features. He leaned back in his chair. Was love a sinner's sin? He couldn't help but think. You deserved far more.

You were biting your lip. Was there something you were nervous about?

"Um, so, Vincent."

"Hm?"

You muttered lines under your breath, what were you going to ask?

"I was wondering—"

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Chamber's watch blinks three times. The color red. He was needed for work.

And Chamber knew the hope in your soul was extinguished slowly until it became a flickering flame. But he didn't address the problem.

"Apologies, I need to be excused." He stood up and tried to quickly leave to avoid questions.

"Can you at least tell me your job?!"

You burst out, standing up while slamming your hands on the table. The table rattled at the sudden force, utensils, and plates bouncing and clattering. You were annoyed at how many times your time together was interrupted, leading to fights now and then.

The time you both spent together was interrupted. Again. Especially during your anniversary.

Chamber combed his fingers through his hair. The both of you were having this argument again. He'll just keep quiet.

He wished he could tell you. But would you leave his side if he revealed all the lies he's said? Yes.

Chamber said nothing and continued walking towards who knows where.

Before he left, he turned over his shoulder, and spoke, "Make sure to call me when you are home safe, alright?"

No response. He was going to keep quiet? Fine. You were too.

Chamber sighed audibly and continued walking out. The both of you can talk about this sometime else.

—

"Chamber, wake up."

The French jolted up from his slumber, a rather harsh force bumping on top of his head. "It's about (Name)."

Immediately, all of Chamber's attention was on Cypher. The two men were inside the infirmary, your figure sleeping soundly on the mattress.

You never called him after that. He figured you were ignoring him out of spite, so he gave you space. He waited, and waited, and waited. He spaced out while Brimstone gave a rundown of the plan, he was silent while his team gave multiple call-outs.

He couldn't wait any longer. Chamber will visit your house after the mission, just to make sure you're alright.

Only to find you passed out on the floor. You weren't dead, you weren't dead. You were still breathing, your heartbeat was just fine. Why aren't you waking up?

"At first, we deduce that your counterpart ambushed them." Cypher informed him, "We found the fingerprints. Evidence clear as day. But it was impossible, the time of the 'ambush' was the same time we were on the battlefield with our mirrors. And your mirror self was there. Plus, we all know how much you like to clear your tracks, so that possibility was off the list." (Chamber and Cypher never commented on the last sentence.)

Cypher leaned against the door, playing with the tripwire in his hands. "Now, take a guess, how were they harmed? Hm?"

Chamber put the pieces together. If they found in the evidence it was his fingerprints, and he was the last one to touch you—

"—my tattoos."

"Bingo! You just won a billion dollars!" Cypher barked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"Now I've been keeping this inside me for a long, long time. Nobody trusts you."

"With all the secrets you’re keeping, nobody likes them. And we all have our secrets! But yours is the worst. Whatever your tattoos are made of, we know there's radianite involved in there. That harmed your lover, they were exposed to it for so long that their health ultimately got harmed. I knew you were heartless, but not this heartless!"

"Congratulations! And the best significant other award goes to you! I never knew so much mistrust and secrets could be involved in a relationship. You don't deserve them."

Dread filled Chamber's soul. His heart thundered inside his head, he couldn't feel anything. Make it stop, make it stop—

It won't stop. Out of the two, they knew who was in the right and who was in the wrong.

The Moroccan threw a posh velvet box on his lap, that was not how you treat a lover. He would never treat Nora like that.

"Sage found that in their pockets while she was watching over them. I believe they were going to propose to you, despite all the downs in your relationship." Cypher dragged the 'L' in all for a good few seconds, preparing to exit the door. "It was probably out of desperation, the two of you against the world with only one trying."

"We'll try to find a cure. But, for fucks sake, before they wake up, please get your life straight before loving your whole world. Take it from someone who lost a universe."

Chamber clutched the box in his hands, refusing to admit his co-worker was right.

Isn't it such a shame fireflies never lived long? Little did both of you know as the warmth around you died, the time you would spend together in the future died as well. 

astolary 2022 — do not edit, repost, or translate.

[superman86to99]

Superman #90 (June 1994)

"THE BATTLE FOR METROPOLIS," Part 3! Things are BOOMING in Metropolis! Last issue ended with Lex Luthor (we can probably drop the "Jr." by now) remotely detonating a bomb right next to Superman and the badly injured Guardian. In this one we quickly find out that there have actually been several Lex-triggered explosions (Lexplosions, if you will) all across the city. Lex watches the mayhem from his yacht, maniacally shouting that if he has to die, he's taking the whole city with him.

Meanwhile, from the safety of his comfy office in Project Cadmus, wily ol' Director Westfield decides to take advantage of the chaos to get rid of those pesky Underworld clones once and for all. He secretly launches a series of missiles that spread deadly gas throughout the city's sewers, killing several peaceful Underworlders who were just chilling there (when he could have waited a few days for the Clone Plague to get them). Renegade geneticist Dabney Donovan, who has hidden cameras all over Cadmus, notices what Westfield is doing and doesn't like it, not because he's the Underworlders' "father" but because he wants to keep experimenting on them.

Meanwhile meanwhile, Superman takes the unconscious Guardian to Cadmus and bumps into Westfield, who rudely invites him to leave. Superman, who has never liked Westfield, lets him know as much and warns him that as soon as the current mess is over, he's letting everyone know exactly how much he sucks.

Westfield brushes him off and is like "No one will ever bring me down! I WILL LIVE FOREVER!" Then, while Superman is distracted dealing with one of those missiles, Dubbilex's telepathic powers suddenly pick up "a presence in Cadmus" he "hasn't felt in a very long time..."

That's right, you guessed it: it's freakin' Psi-Phon and Dreadnaught!

Wait, no, that was Dabney Donovan. And yes, he just murdered Paul "King of the World" Westfield with some poison gas. Official cause of death: irony. CONTINUED NEXT WEEK (or whenever we write that post) IN ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #513!

Character-Watch:

And that's the end of Director Westfield, who has been a pain in the ass since 1991's Superman #58. It says a lot that, unlike everyone else who dies at Cadmus, they've never brought this jerk back via cloning... or have they?! (Geoff Johns: "No, they haven't.") I'm not sorry to see him go, but I do think that his death makes certain future revelations regarding the character kinda anticlimactic.

Don Sparrow says: "Quite a fall for Westfield. In the Bloodhounds storyline he seemed like a tough, if flawed leader. But in this book he’s exactly as bad as Luthor." Yeah, he seemed like a somewhat reasonable authority figure until "Funeral for a Friend," when he started his slow descent into supervillain status. Maybe a more satisfying ending for him would have been turning him into an actual supervillain, perhaps via Dabney's ironic experiments... It's not too late to tell that tale, DC!

Plotline-Watch:

The best part of the issue is Superman saying he "almost hates" throwing one of those poison gas missiles into the stratosphere because "half the time I throw stuff into space it comes back even more dangerous!" We've been documenting that tradition for years, so that was satisfying to read. To my knowledge, that missile never became sentient and came back as "Missile-O" or something, but I could be wrong.

Superman tells Westfield that "cloning ruined my home planet." We saw that story (with sweet, sweet Mike Mignola art) in the World of Krypton miniseries.

Dabney Donovan says he wants to continue studying the Underworlders to "create new life that will survive the coming apocalypse." I'm not sure if by "apocalypse" he means this storyline or a... future one. Also, keyboard, multiple monitors, a big and probably expensive microphone -- is Dabney a Twitch streamer?

Westfield teases Superman because he can't be in multiple places at once, musing that maybe he'll create a being who can do that as his next experiment. So if he hadn't died, the next Cadmus creation would have been Madrox the Multiple Man.

Some impressively dumb Lex-Men chase Lois and shoot at her for "ripping off corporate secrets" (actually that tape of Lex killing his trainer from last issue). When she says they're making a big mistake, they laugh at her and one says "You ain't got a prayer, lady! Not unless you got yourself a guardian angel!" Are they... not from Metropolis? That would explain why one bothers trying to blast Superman "to smithereens" once he inevitably shows up.

After Superman takes care of those goons, Lois notices there's a camera in one of the helmets and uses the opportunity to tell Lex that he's screwed. He shouts: "NO! Who's her informant? Packard? Happersen? Or somebody else?" Lex, you've got exactly three recurring employees in this era. Come on, it's not that hard.

Patreon-Watch:

This post was brought to you by Aaron, Chris “Ace” Hendrix, britneyspearsatemyshorts, Patrick D. Ryall, Bheki Latha, Mark Syp, Ryan Bush, Raphael Fischer, Kit, Sam, Bol, and Gaetano Barreca, the Superman '86 to '99 Patreon Gang!

And also by everyone's pal Don Sparrow, who wrote the section after the jump...

Art-Watch (by @donsparrow):

We begin with a great cover, of an anguished Superman in the rubble of Metropolis.  I’m gonna assume that this is moments before Superman leapt into action, and helped all those people behind him with the recovery effort, but you gotta take a minute or two to grieve.  Joe Rubinstein is a legendary inker, to be sure, but his inks never fully jibed with Dan Jurgens pencils, it seems to me, and this cover shows a little bit of that.  The rim lighting on the arms going so far from the edge makes Superman look almost excessively lean/defined, but that’s only noticeable when you stare at it as long as I have.

Inside the book we have guest pencils from Brent Anderson, whose art can be hit or miss for me, over the years.  His Astro City stuff, for example, was terrific, like a modern Curt Swan, but at times, but in other instances—like this issue—there can be an unpleasantly rushed feel to his art.  The surface detail is always terrific, and Neal Adams-like, but sometimes his forms can go a bit wonky.  The very opening splash page is a good example of this. 

At first glance, this seems like a terrific page, a great montage of different things happening over Metropolis.  But then when you zoom in on both Guardian and Superman’s faces (particularly Guardian), things seem a little asymmetrical.  This is not to say that there aren’t some excellent moments—there are!  Page 5 has a great tall panel of Superman soaring into action.  Dabney Donovan is looking quite Dr. Robotnik-like as he surveys Westfield’s final solution for the Underworlders.  Page 12 unfortunately boasts another wonky Superman face, almost saved by the surface detailing.  The absolute weirdest Superman face appears a little later, during the guardian angel exchange, where Kal-El is looking like he sproinged off the pages of Mad Magazine.

There’s another good flying shot comes on page 17, where Superman darts out of a sewer pipe.   On the whole, a pretty inconsistent looking book, with backgrounds being a particularly weak point (apart from the extreme perspective shot of Metropolis early on). Story-wise, not a ton happens, apart from Superman zig-zagging to and from disasters, though we do get a little movement on the clone illness (that Guardian is apparently immune) and a recap of last week, revealing that Lois has damning evidence against Luthor.

STRAY OBSERVATIONS:

Lex’s soldiers are pretty sexist, in addition to being willing murderers.  How does a guy list when hiring for that position?

Funny note as Superman launches the poison gas missile into space, as he muses “half the time I throw stuff into space, it comes back even more dangerous.”  Certainly true of the Eradicator, but I’m trying to think of other examples.  [Max: Off the top of my head, there's the time he threw that living cemetery into space and it turned into a murder cloud, the time he left a lab suspended in orbit and it eventually spawned the Cyborg Superman (who did his own space-tossing with Doomsday), and, hmmm, does the time he threw himself into space and came back with a deadly artifact count?]

Very Obi-Wan-like reaction from Dubbilex, as he senses Dabney Donovan’s presence.  I always thought that Donovan was somewhere nearby as it was, so it’s odd that Dubbilex would only now sense his brainwaves.

How does the gas hurt Westfield to the point that he’s choking blood, but not at all affect the maskless Donovan? [Max: Maybe he was a poison gas-immune Dabney clone who only thought he was the "one and only"?]

[magnum-caelum]

🍉 [WATERMELON] What will your OC take to the grave?

🥕 [CARROT] How tough is your OC against certain situations? How weak are they against others?

🧅 [ONION] What is surefire to make your OC cry? Who knows of this information?

🍋 [LEMON] What is their kryptonite/ ultimate weakness?

🍏 [GREEN APPLE] How do they differ from the norm and how are they punished for it?

For Asterion, Antoru, Kokisachi, Avetan, and Adazan :3

- tired

🍉 [WATERMELON] What will your OC take to the grave?

ASTERION will take with him 1) the terrible secrets he sees in his friends' dreams, and 2) the stuff he sees in his visions. The first because their pasts and stories aren't his to tell (he always feels kind of invasive when he sees their dreams, but he reminds himself that it's the only way for him to protect them. And then he changes their dream into something more pleasant). The second is because no one is really supposed to know the future. That burden is his alone to shoulder.

ANTORU won't ever tell anyone how much the "Demon" title eats at her. There's been times she genuinely considered faking her death to join the "dark side," even before she found out about the nickname. Does the name make the monster or does a monster earn its name?

KOKISACHI would never willingly tell anyone why she "is the way she is." Why's she so obsessed with the concept of gambling and risk? Guess we'll never know.

AVETAN sometimes wishes he was mortal: human. A life as long as his can hardly be called a life at all. Isn't mortality what gives life its meaning? But he's a deity, he has responsibilities. So he will perform them.

ADAZAN probably won't ever admit that his parents messed up their parenting with him more than most would think. His childhood was still bad, he still has a very skewed sense of self and stuff. Sure, he knows how to act the part of the Zaviran Heir and be "normal," but it hasn't ever really sunken in. But his siblings have been through worse; he's seen it. He'll be fine: he shouldn't complain.

🥕 [CARROT] How tough is your OC against certain situations? How weak are they against others?

ASTERION's strength is in his quiet, adaptable nature. He's very flexible and able to quickly change to accommodate to his situation. However, because of this, he relies kind of a lot on situations being familiar. If he's thrown into a completely new situation, he'll probably freeze but do his best. Not the type to let himself be walked all over, either, so he stands up for himself if needed.

ANTORU's headstrong but aware. She's able to turn problems into opportunities and change circumstances to work in her favor. She faces the most trouble when against figures of authority, though. She gets kind of tunnel-visioned into a "I'm not letting you control me" mindset and becomes spiteful and lashes out a lot in those kinds of situations.

KOKISACHI is really laid back and observant above all else. Usually acts natural and "dumb" until she figures out what's going on then makes a plan and executes. She's very mentally strong and clean-cut, not shaken by others.

AVETAN gets very serious/almost angry in bad situations. The type to lock in and figures out a way to get things done. Usually isn't the best at making good plans like Kokisachi. He's more of a brute force in a delicate way kinda guy. Nonconfrontational mostly, but protects his peace.

ADAZAN panics. Despite all his good training and whatnot, his initial reaction is just a flash of white-hot terror. Once he calms down, he forces his mind to think of solutions and plans. Usually is very poker-faced throughout this. Against people? He's used to being in a position of authority so he's able to put up a strong front that's usually enough to deter anyone who tries to defy him.

🧅 [ONION] What is surefire to make your OC cry? Who knows of this information?

ASTERION? The sufferings of his friends. The unfairness of life, the sheer unpredictability of fate. What people fail to understand is that the future is always changing, at least in minor ways (there are "Fixed Points" that are sure to happen, but everything else can be nebulous), so his gift isn't entirely reliable. I think if anyone really got to know him, they wouldn't be surprised that he cries over these kinds of things.

ANTORU: i think hearing her parents or her teachers say they're proud of her would bring her to tears. something about that academic validation/always striving for recognition ykyk. Satoru definitely knows and did his best to fulfill that kind of proud parental figure, but it just isn't the same.

KOKISACHI: if she was ever forced to really look back on her life and admit that she had a crappy life growing up/was emotionally abused she'd break down at least a little. No one really knows this, not even herself.

AVETAN: Not being able to protect the ones he loves. He's a powerful entity, sure, but he's far from the strongest. His greatest fear is probably not being able to save his loved ones. Aera probably knows this the most.

ADAZAN: Seeing his siblings hurt and being unable to stop it. Simple and direct. Xyria and Yunitan definitely at least subconsciously know this, and do their best to save him any trouble. They hate seeing him stressed, too.

🍋 [LEMON] What is their kryptonite/ ultimate weakness?

ASTERION: His hunger for love, probably.

ANTORU: Her desire to be stronger.

KOKISACHI: Her loyalty. And also sometimes she's overly cautious.

AVETAN: His soft heart. He's sooo compassionate and empathetic.

ADAZAN: His workaholic tendencies, neglecting himself to get stuff done.

🍏 [GREEN APPLE] How do they differ from the norm and how are they punished for it?

ASTERION: He suffered a lot of bullying/ostracism when he first crossed the border from Nihaga. Mostly it was because of his tattoos-- they were manifestations of old legends that everyone knew of the Dreamer Clan. It's better now, and he's learned to cover up when he's not around those who know him.

ANTORU: She's powerful, but she can't control it. She's been called the "Gojo Demon"/"Demon of the Gojo Clan" for it. She's used to the fearful reaction she gets when she introduces herself as "Gojo Antoru." She was under quite a lot of pressure from her parents due to her inability/unwillingness to really train her abilities. Even at a young age, she realized how terrible her powers could be. It's mostly her beating herself up now, but that's just something that grew out of the environment she was used to.

KOKISACHI: I wouldn't really say she differs much from the norm. It's mostly just people not understanding why she doesn't just use fully offensive Curse Techniques instead of attaching a condition that could work against her.

AVETAN: Again, he's a deity, he's kind of allowed to do whatever he wants. He is, however, much closer with humans than the other Primordials. He's sometimes considered the "weird child" of the Primordials.

ADAZAN: None would dare to genuinely make fun/speak ill of Adazan. Everyone loves him. He's the perfect Zaviran Heir.

[touchtranscendslanguage]

did Remy ever consider getting Remus's help resurrecting Janus?

- 👽, if we're using anon tags (aka the anon who gave you the idea for Nico's death)

Omg hi!! I'm so happy to see you!!!

So for those who may be confused this is for the TTL Janus Dies AU and isn't the actual story.

Remy actually set Remus up to do it himself.

So what happened was Remy was pretending to be human on Earth. But the claim never went away, he was still housing part of King Roman's soul so naturally he was the most wanted man in the universe. Not to mention he worked in human politics before shit went down so they know what he looks like. It was inevitable that he got found out.

So Remy gets caught by human authorities who... don't know what to do with him. They know what they were planning to do with him but they were kind of expecting him to be a bloodthirsty monster and instead they got this normal guy who's sympathetic to humans and is begging them not to ransom him back to King Roman. They thought he left because of some lover's spat, not because he was being abused.

They ask for King Roman's name but Remy would rather die than betray Roman like that. Even after everything. So they ask what he'll give them that's worth his freedom. He gives them a way to end the war.

Remy knows if only Janus were here he would kick his brothers' asses and put an end to all of this. At this point he already knows about Virgil and how that would affect Janus's perspective. He also knows about the magic device the humans have been using to resurrect powerful warrior witches.

The device doesn't work on fae, but it works on some monsters. Would it work on a fae-naga hybrid? It's a gamble.

Remy doesn't have what they need to resurrect Janus. They would need the help of a seelie royal for that. Roman, Logan, and Patton would never make a deal with humans especially for such a long shot that probably won't work. But Remus? For Janus?

Remy tells the human authorities that the war started because Janus was killed and if they can give him back they can bargin for peace. Hell, they can make a deal just for giving them a chance to bring him back. Only Remus would be desperate enough to make that deal, so approach him carefully and propose the idea.

When they manage to successfully make a deal with Remus they let Remy go, though they keep a close eye on him.

So, yeah, Remy came up with the plan and convinced the humans to go through with it. Remus made the actual resurection happen. They both played a crucial part and believe me, Roman was shocked when he found out about Remy's involvement.

[symphonyofsilence]

Recently I'm not in the mood to write fix-it fics,(& even though I know fix-it fics are not necessarily due to the authors not liking the actual ending but sometimes just an alternative, happier ending, I love the bittersweet endings of Tolkien too much to write fix-it fics. there's nothing I'd like to change about it. they’re perfect, & I'm content to think that Maglor became a myth like one of his ballads & "some can still hear his voice on the shores singing songs of regret" & Maedhros, in time (a really, really long time) began to heal in the Halls of Mandos but never got rembodied.) but if I were, they would go like this:

Scenario 1: the peredhel twins somehow realize what an utterly stupid plan the Fëanorian brothers have. They overhear it or Elrond foresees it or something. So they get themselves to the camp of Eönwë when the Fëanorians get there. The Perehel twins, as the heirs of Dior, Elwing & Eärendil claim the Silmarils as their weregild. Then they look Maglor & Maedhros in the eyes, with a look of "trust me." in their eyes. Maglor immediately accepts. But it really comes down to the lord of the House. Maedhros holds eye contact with a bit of uncertainty in his eyes for a bit longer. But eventually, he assents to it. Eönwë accepts. The twins get the Silmarils & when they're asked if now everything is good between the houses of Fëanor & Eärendil they answer: everything is perfect. In fact, I'm going to give the rocks to the Lord Celebrimbor in token of how perfect everything is now between our houses!

So, the Fëanorian brothers are released from their oath. They thank the Peredhel twins. Maglor gives Elrond his harp. The Peredhel twins tell them to now go to their mom in peace & wish them a safe journey. Elrond says that one day, he will see them again. Elros just grins and jokingly tells them that when they got to Valinor, as a sign to them that they've reached the white shores safely, burn the ships. Somehow the Fëanorian brothers know why he didn't say that he'll see them again. They've somehow known it deep in their hearts since they heard about the choice the twins were given. So their farewell to him is more final & their looks more lingering. But eventually, they say their farewells & get abroad to go to their mom in peace.

Scenario 2: they're not complete idiots. Maglor wins that final argument with Maedhros. They assent to what Eonwe said. They get to Valinor. Then, when they're about to be judged, Nerdanel steps in. She claims the Silmarils as her inheritance of her late husband. She has the right. So the brothers can shut up about their Erudamn oath. Just like the previous scenario the brothers do face judgment but their life is eternal so...(I think it would be better if they have to do social service. All of the Fëanorians are so talented & beneficial to society ... Carl Marx will haunt my dreams for the previous sentence.)

Scenario 3: Finarfin who is on the camp of Eonwe hears of his nephew's request, he also overhears them talking so reluctantly about the Silmarils as though the only thing urging them to regain them is their oath. Finarfin knows his brother's family & knows what will happen & doesn't want more bloodshed. Also, he's kind & these two eldest sons had always really looked like such kind kids & even in Beleriand, he's heard great tales of them. It was a pity to see them in such a state. Maybe it wasn't so late for their redemption. They should have been given a chance. So the next day as the King of the Noldor he claims the Silmarils as their Cultural Heritage. & Finarfin, as Fëanor's brother, is Fëanor's kin.

what is important to consider in these scenarios is that I don’t think the sons of Feanor personally wanted anything to do with the Silmarils (it’s said numerous times that they went after it with reluctance. Maglor doesn’t seem the least bit bothered when he sees the Silmaril in the sky. and the jewels took everything from them: their grandfather, their father, their brothers, their home, their mother, even the people they themselves used to be.) And what I understood from their laat conversation was that the oath was thr only thing keeping them from going back to Valinor. and also I don’t think the oath would really do anything to them had it remained unfulfilled. as I explained here in the last long-ass section of that long-ass post.

Scenario 4: well this wouldn't really be that much of a fix-it fic since it's set after the 4th age, except for that: 1. Canonically Fëanor stays in the halls of Mandos until the breaking of the world. And the other Noldor were threatened that they won't be forgiven, too. I'm not sure if Mandos will let the sons of Fëanor out of his creepy basement. 2. Maglor is never seen among people & honestly by the 4th age & with that mental condition I think it's very likely that he has faded. 3. I'm not really sure Maedhros would choose to go to the halls of Mandos.as I've explained what I think of the possibilities after his death again, here in this very long-ass post in the last long-ass bullet point. & in this fix-it fic, I'm going with the "he had a very life/death changing conversation with Elros' ghost" version (the Marvel urge to reference previous works & just expect everyone to get it.)

But anyways this scenario goes like this:

After Arwen's & Aragorn’s death, Elrond & Celebrian obviously go through a long era of depression. one day, when Celebrian comes back home from a long, helpful talk with her mother and sees Elrond sulking alone (Elwing & Earendil do all they can, of course.) she suggests that Elrond finds a way to go after Maedhros & talk to him. Elrond doesn’t usually talk to Celebrian about the Feanorians. because they killed both her paternal & maternal family. he never told her that he’d love to meet them & even though his mind told him that Maglor had faded by now, his heart still made him search for Maglor before he sailed. but Celebrian knew him well, he understood even the things he didn’t say. when Celebrian suggested it, Elrond took the chance,

He's been working under Estë in Lorien since he got there & he's endeared himself to Estë. (but even if he hadn’t, Este “the gentle” was kind enough to help him.) So when he asks her for a favor, which is getting him a meeting with her husband, she grants it. She of course sings his praise for Irmo. I imagine that Irmo would already like him. Since he has the gift of foresight & he uses them for good, & translates people's prophetic dreams for them (which are probably the signs Irmo sends them.), & I imagine that he liked the Fëanorians too because they were "visionary". & I think Irmo must be very kind. So when Elrond asks him to somehow get him to have a mind-to-mind/soul-to-soul conversation with Maedhros, Irmo grants it. (He kinda asks for permission from Namo after he's done what he wanted to do & when Nienna joins him in saying that it's good for both of them, Namo gives up.)

It was just supposed to be a conversation at first. But then when he talked to Maedhros, he realized he can't let him go.

After Aragorn's & Arwen's death, Elrond is so done he doesn't even care who he has to throw hands with anymore. If there is a loved one he can still get back, then by Eru, he is going to get them back. 

Maedhros doesn't want to come back. Even though he told Elrond that he had seen Elros & saw him off & they had a helpful conversation and since then he's started his healing process and is doing better, he still has a long way to go. In addition to that, he believes that he won't have a very nice reception among the Valinorians if he comes back to life, and he believes they have every right to not forgive him. & he doesn't have the right to ask for recorporation and force his presence on them. And what an awful, isolated life it will be for him among them. & even if he seems to jump at any opportunity to roast Fëanor & every time speaks to his father and or looks at him there's venom in his voice and eyes (even if he allows Fëanor to help him heal & prove himself to him again) he insists that he won't be reincarnated if Fëanor is not. His father was not worse than Morgoth & Sauron who got a second chance. His problem with his father is personal but Fëanor is still his father. & especially the Valar, who drove Fëanor to madness & Mandos who doomed all their efforts don't get to have a say in his fate. Fëanor who so far had lost the hope of ever getting back in Maedhros' good graces & thought that Maedhros had no love for him anymore is shocked in the best of ways and warmth spreads through his heart. But he asks him "but what about your mother?" & Maedhros answers that he doesn't think she'll want to see him again. To which Fëanor replies that it's nonsense. "Your mother and I didn't love you for your upstanding morals to refrain from loving you for the assumed lack of it."

But they don't want to be a Finwë to him so they don't insist anymore. But Nerdanel goes to Irmo too, and he grants her wish too, (Mandos has given up), and talks to Maedhros. And boy, did he need to see Nerdanel.

For the longest time, he just cries long-dried tears in his mother's embrace. (& I'd cram in a Fëanor/Nerdanel scene here too, cuz Fëanel 5eva)

And finally, after a while, he decides to come back for Elrond, Nerdanel, Fingon, Mahtan, and his wife(Maedhros' grandmother) (they didn't go to Mandos but when they talked to him he could hear)

He comes back.

And because Eärendil was weary with his travels, and Maedhros didn't and couldn't be among people who weren't his family (or even some of the ones who were) & the Silmarils were his responsibility, he takes Eärendil's burden and Eärendil is allowed to set foot in Middle-earth for a time and come back to Valinor. He travels all around Middle-earth. Sees the land of his descendants and meets his great-grandkids. Then he thinks about Elrond and how much he loved his foster father and how much he has lost and the pure joy on his face when Maedhros got reincarnated after the lengths Elrond went to to get him back. And how if it wouldn't have been for Elrond's efforts in getting Maedhros back, Earendil wouldn't have been free now. And after all, Maglor raised his son and gave him the love he couldn't give-even if Maglor was the reason Eärendil couldn't give them that love. But really, Eärendil wasn't home for his sons even before that. In searching for the parents who went to the sea and left him behind, he became the parent who went to the sea & left his children behind. He could do this one nice thing for Elrond now. And Maglor had done enough penance. Eärendil knew how it felt wandering around the world trapped in your own mind away from people and weary from life.

So, after a lot of searching, he finds Maglor, and after long talks and a bit of much-needed unprofessional therapy from each other that continued in the journey to Valinor and resulted in them becoming unlikely but good friends, Eärendil ends Maglor’s catholic days and takes him to Valinor back to his family. Elwing understands.

Some places were forever empty and some wounds had left marks, but there was healing, there were other loved ones, life was volant, they were living it, days brought new wonders, new chances, and life was good.

[shootertron-stuff]

(past noncon and forced pregnancy implied)

The half breed child of a Black Legionnaire and a captive Imperial Fist is sent to live with a Night Lords warband in exchange for a peace treaty between the two warbands.

A hybrid child who will grow up to be both a masochist and a horndog - the Night Lords were delighted with this.

His mother is travelling through the Screaming Vortex with their eldest sons when the ship is boarded by Night Lord raiders.

The Night Lords, not recognizing the ship as belonging to the warband they signed a non aggression pact with, start terrorizing the passengers. Sending even normally calm Cavyfolk scampering away to hide behind sealed blast doors.

But the Space Marines on board are quick to strike back, meeting the raiders head on. It has been too long since they've had a proper fight.

They are an eclectic group, mostly exiled Loyalists. Cowives. On the run from their wicked husband - but the Night Lords don't know this.

In the midst of the fighting, the son immediately recognizes his mother's yellow power armor. It has some added black accents (travelling through Chaos worlds, one must deface the signs of former Imperial allegiance), but there's no mistaking the armor mark.

"MOM" he shouts. It's been so long since he was sent away, but he has never given up on seeing them again.

Mom shouts back. Can it be? They haven't forgotten him either. They remember the names and faces of all their children.

Due to time contraction within the Warp storm, by the time of the reunion, the Night Lord is older than his mother's four oldest children, and holds a position of great power in the warband.

He orders the others to stop attacking, and starts swinging his weapon at those who refuse.

In the end the Night Lords kowtow before Mom on the bridge, apologizing profusely for the misunderstanding.

The son takes off his helmet to reveal a face painted black and white to resemble a skull and slick black hair falling down in a cascade. Lacking Konrad Curze's geneseed, he is rather dark and fat for a Night Lord.

He is still scary to unsuspecting humans, of course. Even with his armor off - just look at the scars on his back.

Whip scars, healed burns - perhaps some are red and fresh. Oh, how he can take punishment!

His mother is concerned with the severity of the gashes, hoping that he is practicing proper wound dressing.

Mom wants to know what he's been doing since being sent away. He starts recounting what he's been up to all these years, but he gets stopped every few sentences with his mom complaining and objecting to the cruelty and excess.

Despite the shock of learning what a creature he has grown up to be, they act like a fussy parent, forbidding him from doing this or that. The son in turn is like "Moooooom" I have to be scary so other Chaos Space Marines won't think I'm weak and beat me up or worse.

He tries to bargain, saying he'll only torture people who "really deserved it" and only [redacted] after his victims are dead.

Space Marines strongly desire the approval of their authority figures, and Mom was the first authority figure he ever imprinted on. There's nobody in the warband who he can trust the way he trusted his mother. No one who loves him that much.

Mom doesn't like him flaying people, or terrorizing innocents, or [redacted]. Also he needs to practice good hygiene. They are rather stubborn about how things ought to be done, and the look they give him is devastating.

The Night Lord Son swears he'll be better, if that's what it takes for Mom to keep loving him. Even if he gets made fun of by other Chaos Space Marines for being soft.

Perhaps the other sons have to talk Mom into more reasonable terms :c

[thelittlecalypso]

Stages of Grief in Little Women

"Do you love him?" the mother asked. Jo replied, "If he asked me again, I think I would say yes. Do you think he'll ask me again?"

She was in denial. She knew damn well it was never love.

"But do you love him?" she asked again. "I care more to be loved. I want to be loved." "That is not the same as loving."

She was bargaining. The love Laurie and Jo had was never romantic, but she needed it. She longed to be loved.

"Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they've got ambition, and they've got talent, as well as just beauty. I'm so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I'm so sick of it."

She let out all the anger inside of her. She held it for years. She had always been the older sister. The younger sister burnt her writings down. The aunt picked that younger sister to go with her to Europe. She had just lost another sister. Her dream was somehow felt far. She was told over and over again that the main character in her book should've ended up happily married or dead, there's no in between. She then carried the burden to find someone because the woman in her book was the author herself. She had to move back home after meeting the love of her life. She scraped for love after dumping it, but she was too late. Whom she thought he was going to be her home again already married that one sister who burnt her writings a few years ago.

"But I'm so lonely..."

She knew it wasn't love. It was loneliness that took control. She wished to be loved that she almost gave up her freedom. She was losing herself. She let anger consume her because for years, she made friends with rage.

"Life is too short to be angry at one's sister."

She put a smile on her face. She worn it like an armor. She might not at the right time to make peace with the storm, but she slowly collected her reality.

You see, the stages of grief, they don't always come in linear. You might try to bargain before understanding your grief first. Nobody guarantees you won't re-visit the same stage, chapter, even the same nightmare again. But that's okay because you are still surviving.

[netherzon]

So as I was looking for songs for a playlist I discovered there are a bunch of clips from AFN news reports, weather reports, ads, interviews etc on spotify with almost zero information. I don't know when this is from exactly, but its a bunch of short news stories which makes it too long to add to the playlist itself so I decided to just post it here. It's just a really fascinating 4min snapshot from history to me. I would recommend listening to it if you can, but I'm gonna do my best to transcribe it as recorded under the read more too

"According to a report in this morning's VZ, two policemen and a demonstrator were injured and four people were arrested when police and [idk] clashed on Heinrich Heine Platz in the city's Kreuzberg area Saturday night. According to local police the rioting lasted approximately five hours and a total of 150 police were required at the scene to break up the fighting. During the scuffle rioters reportedly lobbed empty bottles, paving stones, and even a training hand grenade at the law enforcement officials."

"88 year old Rudolf Hess is still at the British military hospital being treated for pleurisy. According to the newspaper BZ, the son of the convicted Nazi war criminal, 44 year old Wolf Rüdiger Hess, has accused British authorities of subjecting his father to an undignified and degrading treatment at the hospital. According to the younger Hess, his father is being subjected to a prison like regiment there. Hess said that he was appealed--- has appealed to the British government authorities to seek a solution to his father's imprisonment, and let him die in peace among family members. Rudolf Hess is currently serving a life imprisonment term at the Spandau war k prison crime crimes prison, which is being operated by the victors of World War 2. The newspaper BZ reported yesterday that a British spokesman has rejected the claims made by Hess's son, saying that they are not justified."

"Saturday night two masked bandits broke into a Grunewald villa while the residents were sitting in front of their television. According to the newspaper Bild-Zeitung, the bandits were armed with pistols when they entered the 38 year old real estate broker's house. According to local police the robbers made off with jewelry worth half a million marks in cash, and in cash robbery. They robbed...half a million marks worth in cash"

"According to the newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, police in the East German city of [idk] recently nabbed a 19 year old thief with the help of a dog. According to the story, the 19 year old stole a large amount of money and then went looking for a safe place to hide it. Enter the dog, well at least the dog house for now. The man saw an empty dog house and decided that would be probably the last place police would look for stolen cash. He might've been right, but he'll never really know for sure because the dog took exception to having his living quarters occupied by a bag of money, and he pulled it out. According to the paper, the dog wasn't satisfied by simply removing the bag. He decided to get even with it for moving in on him while he was out, and he tore into the bag and sent money flying everywhere as he ripped the container to bits. That exposed the youth as the thief, and the police came and arrested him."

"The Protestant churches in both East and West Germany will hold simultaneous prayers for peace this fall. According to the newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, the prayers will be read in all Protestant churches in East and West Germany, calling for the preservation of world peace. The prayer services will be held on November 7th, at the beginning of Peace Week which is celebrated in all the Protestant churches and their communities throughout Germany."

"Just ahead of much more music here is Berlin area weather: today we'll have mostly clear skies with a high of 79 degrees Fahrenheit or 26 Celsius. Tonight we'll have partly cloudy skies, there's a chance of thunder showers, and the low should reach 57 degrees Fahrenheit or 14 Celsius. Tomorrow partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and a high of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 24 Celsius. Presently in the city its 79 degrees Fahrenheit 26 Celsius. I'm Army Private Cambria Robinson at AFN Berlin, where on 88 FM you can hear the sounds of the big bands tonight at 9:05 with Mark White."

[richthofens]

Emu Went to Book Fair, Ocotber 2022 Edition

Hello gamers, so i went to book fair yesterday. And boy do i have THOUGHTS.

k first of all this is my time going anywhere alone so that was SOMETHING???? my ass always have somebody bring me to places this is my first time going to metro and trains and this solo and it went goood??? Like i was freaking out but it's pretty easy actually lol.

the expo itself is fine??? they have some renovation to the hall (ok not little A LOT) and i think it looks ok i guess??? I didn't really walk around tbh.

Anyways other than i bought books (obviously) nothing interesting happned like there's this thing about me trying to find a copy of a rare old book and i was digging for solid three hours trying to find this one book from like 1932 (though i was actually looking for any copy at that point i legit can't find it) yeah anyways spending two hours i have come to conclusion that mf who say they love smell of old books LIED. It smelled HORRIBLE. I was DYING fighting for my life there. Holding my breathe all the time because 1) it smelled HORRIBLE 2) my life is already shit i don't want to contracted virus from 1893. Anyways the book is about Frederick The Great so like when i see one pile have book with "The Great" and same font same colour my ass was DIGGING and BAM it's about Napoleon ... Bro wrong midget. I did bought other old books tho. I did bought other books by the same author (Prince Chula Chrakrabongse) like his book on catherine the great or congress of vienna but still 😩😩😩 (also i bought his autobiography last bookfair and my aunt legit STOLE it and i have to read from school library 😭😭😭😭 which is not the same because my version have more content. The newer editions cut off some stuff but i don't know what they cut because i haven't read it ,,,, soooooo)

ANYWAYS so i bought 11 books (photo attached) and as you can see shit is HEAVY i kinda stopped and left my bag after war&peace because it's rrlly heavy and use other bag to walk around. Which is good becuase you can walk around and not have to carry shit around but that's BAD because when I want to go home I start piling two bags together and OH MY FUCKING GOD. IT'S SO FUCKING HEAVY. I CAN NOT CARRY THIS BACK HOME ALONE ON GOD.

So I immediatly call my mom to pick me up but apparently she's fixing her car and can't pick me up until like next two hours. So I kinda sit and eat some KFC because I haven't eat anything since morning and it's 16:30 or some. So after I finsihed the eating I call my mom again and no shit she said she's doing her nails and tell me to get metro to my brother work place and he'll pick me up .... I don't think she understands I called her to pick me up because I Am Dying And Can't Carry All These. But at that point I just wanna go home and i'm like ok i'll get on metro.

Yeah anyways so to go to my brother workplace I have to go to from metro to skytrain and on GOD i almost DIED. There's stair you have to go through and it's really long, or at least i think it was, i dont fucking know all i remeber is i legit thought i was going to pass out and died on those staors and bridge it's horrible.

So anyways the station ended at the mall so i called my bro like "yo bro im here" and like i walk out of the trai and straight to the mall and i just sit. Like i am not walking anymore you gotta find me. After wholeass 30 minutes later we finally find each other and boy was he MAD AS HELL. Like my man i get that you have to walk around to find me but i have to carry all these books all the way to here ok vpcut me some slack. And yeah and then we went home and go to sleep and happy ever after or whatever.

WRONG. I wake up the next day and trying to move my body amd I. AM. IN. PAIN. literally actual tears in my eyes just for trying to move my arms it was HORRIBLE. Take me like idk how long until i can handle walking out of the bed. Like i still in pain while typing this it's horrible. 0/10 never go to book fair alone without waggon ever again.

[pastelsandpining]

My Only Wish (Naughty or Nice)

The fifth prompt in 12 Days of Christmas by @zelink-prompts​

Prompt List

Cover Art: coming soon!

Words: 2087

Summary: Zelda reads about a foreign holiday called Christmas and decides to bring to life one of the traditions for the other Champions. She’ll need a red suit and a bag of gifts, but luckily she knows just the person to pull off the holly, jolly Santa Claus.

BotW Pre-Calamity Zelink, not AoC related!

Zelink-mas 2020  l  Masterlist

Link was beginning to wonder if the pressure was getting to the princess. She was always pushing forwards in the face of adversity, but it wasn’t her frustration and sadness that made him believe she’d finally cracked. 

It was when they took up residence in her study and she whirled on him with a book in her hands about goddesses only knew what.

“I’ve conducted some research,” she began, which was not new to him but filled him with a sense of playful dread anyway, “regarding Hylia’s Day and other holidays we celebrate here in Hyrule. We know that culture and religion are the basis of all holidays, and the difference in what is celebrated and how stems from those traditions. I was curious about the world outside of Hyrule. I thought perhaps I could read something about their beliefs and traditions that could help me awaken my power, but I found a celebration that’s incredibly similar to ours.”

She dropped the book on her desk and cracked it open, beckoning for him to join her. He stepped over, standing close enough so that when he leaned forwards to join her over the pages of the book, he could smell the flowery scent of her hair. 

He couldn’t read anything on the page. Not when his attention was taken up entirely by her. So he listened to her speak again, following her fingers dancing along the page.

“A religion referred to as Christianity celebrates something called Christmas. For worshipers of the faith, this day is celebrated as the birth of their savior. But the holiday became something widely celebrated by people not of that faith. It became a day of giving gifts and spending time with family. People decorate with trees and lights and hold grand parties. And just like how Hylia brings joy and peace to families on Hylia’s Eve, they too have a figure that travels to every corner of the world, leaving gifts for the children! Multiple sources have claimed that this figure keeps a list sorting the children into categories—meaning whether or not they’ve been naughty in the past year, or nice. Naughty children are given coal, which is quite funny really. He goes by quite a bit of names, too. Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas—but they’re essentially talking about the same figure.”

“There’s a lot of similarities,” Link agreed, glancing in her direction. 

“I know what you’re thinking. What does any of this have to do with the sealing power?” Her cheeks flushed, the pink tint reaching to the tips of her ears. “Well, ah… it doesn’t. But Hylia’s Day is coming up and… and everyone’s been so down and patience is wearing thin and I thought perhaps we could do something to cheer everyone up.”

He wasn’t sure what sort of unseen force compelled him to obey the princess. Yet he couldn’t even bring himself to think that the scheme she’d come up with was absurd. He’d follow her to the ends of Hyrule should she ask him to. 

It was why he wasn’t exactly surprised to find himself accompanying Zelda and a holly, jolly Daruk across Hyrule. Though he couldn’t believe the princess had actually crafted the entirety of Father Christmas’s red outfit.

“This Sandy Claws really doesn’t know fashion,” the Goron said, adjusting the hat upon his head. “The less restrictive the clothing, the better for movement.”

“You play the part very well,” Zelda assured, patting the towering boulder on the arm. “Besides, I read that he’s quite the eater. Children leave out cookies and milk for him, so perhaps you’ll get lucky tonight.”

“If the cookies are prime, crunchy rock, then I can hardly resist. Right, brother?”

Daruk slapped him on his back, sending Link tumbling forwards. Zelda’s arms caught him, and he was quick to regain his balance with the feeling that the Goron did that on purpose.

“Besides, we’re really only visiting the other Champions. I wish we could do more, but we’re lacking the magical sleigh that can travel at the speed of light,” Zelda spoke again, tapping away at the Sheikah Slate. 

“Santa leaving Santa a gift, huh?”

“Oh, Link already took care of that. You’re not allowed to open it until the morning.”

Daruk turned to look at him, surprised. Link only shrugged with a small, only slightly smug smile.

“I’m sneaky,” he said. The Goron laughed and Link took a step closer to Zelda to prevent being slapped on the back and sent tumbling off of Death Mountain.

“So what did you deem me?” Daruk asked, his hands resting on his hips to Link’s utter relief.

“Nice, of course,” Zelda replied with a pat to his arm. “I can’t think of anyone who might be classified as naughty.”

Link could think of one.

But he didn’t voice his opinion and instead shrugged in agreement, and the three of them were off to Zora’s Domain. He had to admit wearing the green of the mythical Santa’s Elves was an experience—he felt a sort of respect for the color. But it was nothing compared to how Zelda looked in her costume. She’d really gone all out for this, with a green little hat and all. It was cute, and admirable really, that she was willing to go so far to spread happiness. 

Happiness they desperately needed right now, with the Calamity looming ever above their heads and constricting them like a snake.

Anyway.

He supposed it would’ve been hard for anyone not to react upon seeing three oddly dressed individuals, Zora guardsmen included. But all the Princess of Hyrule had to do was smile and they let it go without question.

“What’s your ruling on Mipha, Father Christmas?” Zelda asked, lifting the Sheikah Slate.

“Nice,” Daruk decided, rather unsurprisingly. But Link nodded in agreement.

“Sidon too. Can’t leave something for Mipha and not her little brother,” he pointed out.

“I’m hurt you think I hadn’t considered that,” replied Zelda with a satisfied smile. “Alright, each package is specifically wrapped. Mipha gets the red box with the blue bow, and Sidon is the blue box with the red bow.”

Daruk swung the red sack from his shoulder and rummaged through it.

“You might have to do this one, tiny princess. Not sure how the big guy does it without waking anyone.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’re more than capable! We’ll be right there with you,” Zelda encouraged, pulling something from the Sheikah Slate. “But if you feel you need it, I made an elixir that increases stealth.”

“What would we do without you?” 

The trip into Zora’s domain was relatively short after that. Zelda slipped into Mipha’s room to deliver the gift while Daruk and Link took care of Sidon, and she was pleased to know it’d been successful. Then, they were on their way to Gerudo for the next Champion. 

“Urbosa was incredibly hard to gift,” the princess said, thinking aloud. But Link was listening anyway, glancing over to her incase she decided to continue. 

“What did you end up getting her?” Daruk asked as he paused to rummage through the sack of presents. 

“Something of my mother’s,” Zelda replied simply, eyeing the small, wrapped box. “I think she would treasure it.”

A tiny smile graced her lips and Link felt his fingers twitch with the urge to take her hand. But she didn’t look sad. If anything, she looked comforted.

“You should deliver this one, Princess. I mean, Santa or not, Link and I can’t get into town,” Daruk pointed out. 

“I’ll be quick,” she promised before disappearing behind the walls of Gerudo Town. And while he knew she was safe there, he always felt an anxiety he couldn’t place.

“She’s real spirited,” said Daruk, nearly knocking Link over with his nudge. “It’s mighty kind of her to want to do this for us.”

“She wants to spread happiness,” he replied with a small shrug. 

“And is it working?” the Goron asked. Link didn’t answer, but he made a point to not look at Daruk and instead kept his gaze on the arching entrance to the town. A few minutes later, Zelda came back out and the group made their way to Hebra.

“Revali,” Zelda spoke, tapping at the slate. “What’s your ruling?”

“Naughty,” Link replied, without missing a beat. The Princess stared at him for a moment, then pressed a hand to her mouth to muffle her laughter. 

“I don’t want to agree, but..” Daruk said, scratching his beard, “he did call me an ‘oversized pebble’.”

“Revali’s just..” 

“Mean,” Link input, cutting Zelda off without really intending to.

“I was going to say young.”

“Well, so are you and the little guy here!” Daruk argued.

“Revali is a strong personality, and the Rito are a proud people,” Zelda stated, crossing her arms over her chest. “It would be rather rude to gift everyone but him.”

“I thought Santa’s whole thing was rewarding the good and punishing the bad,” said Daruk.

“Yes, but Revali isn’t bad, per say. Besides, we didn’t bring any coal.”

“I live on a volcano.”

“..Daruk.. tell me you did not pack coal.”

“That would be a lie, tiny princess.”

It was Link’s turn to fight back a laugh this time, biting the inside of his cheeks to keep it contained.

“Well, I can’t exactly stop you. But be sure to leave the real present too!”

But Daruk had disappeared into Rito Village, leaving the elf-dressed duo behind.

“I still think Revali would be on the naughty list,” Link said with a shrug. Zelda gave him a playful shove.

“Be nice,” she reprimanded, shaking her head.

“Do you think it’s possible for Revali to be nice?”

“I— I refuse to speak ill about any of my Champions,” but she was smiling through her words and that was enough of an agreement for Link. “I do hope Daruk hurries. I’m not sure how long the stealth elixir will last.”

“I’m sure that would make for an interesting sight to wake up to.”

To that, she laughed. Maybe the best part of the night was getting to spend time with her outside of Calamity related business. It almost felt like they were friends.

And then Daruk was back, and the group got ready to part ways. 

“Thank you, Daruk. It was fun,” Zelda spoke, setting a hand on his arm.

“The fun’s not done just yet, tiny princess. I’ve got two more on the nice list to gift.” The Goron pulled two more wrapped gifts from his bag, handed one to each of them, then set off for Death Mountain with a wink.

Link looked at the gift in his hands, something a little heavy with a beautiful wrapping job that could only have been done by nimble fingers. He glanced up at Zelda, who seemed just as surprised. 

Well, it seemed he wasn’t the only one who snuck something into the bag.

“Um,” she spoke, fiddling with her unopened gift. “I just.. it’s nothing big, but I.. I thought you’d enjoy it and you’re a Champion as well..”

Oh, it was a cue. Link nodded once, then carefully unwrapped the rectangular object. What remained in his hands was a book, and a fairly thick one at that.

“I had to beg every chef I know to get the recipes,” Zelda said again, taking a slight step forward. “It contains food from Faron to Goron City, as much as I could find. I also threw in some older recipes I found in cookbooks in the library, but I’m not sure how good any of them are.”

“I.. thank you,” Link replied, because there was really nothing he could say. He looked up at Zelda and offered a small smile, even if it wouldn’t be enough. 

She ducked her head and started to open her own gift. As soon as the treat was revealed, he found it was his turn to nervously explain.

“I heard it’s your favorite. I, uh, scribbled down a recipe I found, so if it’s not good..”

But she was smiling at him, and his words died on his tongue.

“My mother used to make a fruitcake every Hylia’s Day,” she said, and before he could give an apology or say anything else, she was hugging him. “Thank you.”

When Link returned to his quarters for the rest of the night away, he fell asleep with one thought in his head.

One day, he would love to cook every recipe in that book for the Princess.