#higher further faster book

[shitpostingperidot]

happy Valentine’s Day marvels fans

[wonder-vixen]

Kate Gray as Captain Marvel

[reallyromealone]

Vampire knight chapter 3

Warnings: sakamakis are in this now, omegaverse , reader doesn't feel safe a few times, it's a whole thing

🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑

(name) woke with a headache, whenever he went more Omegan he was always tired and dizzy but he wasn't hungry, far from it actually.

Looking around he recognized the room as Kanames, everything perfectly placed and polished.

Stretching (name) moved to slip out of bed only for a pair of arms to keep him on the bed and turned to see Kaname asleep shirtless "are you present with us again?" Kanames voice gravelly and low and (name) tilted his head slightly before booking Kanames nose "I want cake..." (Name) said simply and paid no mind to how Kaname was acting after all, all the alphas in the night class treated him like this.

He had weird friends.

"You dropped this, thankfully it wasn't damaged" Kaname sat up and reached around (name) to the bedside table and practically held him in his arms as he showed him the forgotten bite collar "if you want to interact with humans you need to keep it on" Kaname instructs and (name) nodded and went to put it on but Kaname was faster, gently moving so he could fasten it around, the collar expensive and sturdy.

"(Name), are you excited for the club?" Ichigo asked the Omega who looked excited in his own (name) way, a sparkle in his eye and a small smile, nodding as he drank his psuedo-blood and some food, (name) was very interested in human food further than sweets these days.

"You must keep your grades up if you wish to continue, Kain will accompany you" (name) nodded and the smell of a happy Omega filled the room.

Toga was surprised (name) was actually awake during class even if he looked like he was ready to pass out, scribbling things on his notebook.

(Name) was excited as he went to the culinary club with Kain, the Alpha holding him close, hand resting comfortably at the small of the omegas back "(name)! Great to see you! Glad you're feeling better!" The president said and (name) nodded in return as the club members noticed Kain him "I have to accompany him" Kain said simply as he sat down in a corner, pulling out a book.

Kain was amused at how much fun was having, the Omega was expressionless but he knew the tells of when he was happy and the omega always got excited about human things.

And being around other omegas would be good for him, the Omega population at the school much higher due to it being recogized as an Omega safe place, most public schools segregating omegas but Cross Academy made a point to include omegas in all functions and classes.

Though he wasn't impressed with the Alpha who was blatantly flirting with (name), the sleepy vamp learning to make a cake and the human alpha was "helping" him and showing the Omega pictures of his pets on his phone "yeah back home I hace two dogs!" Another student spoke up "did you have pets (name)?" The Alpha asked and (name) shook his head, vampires didn't really have pets after all.

"Maybe one day I could show you mine?" The human said and (name) didn't reply as the cake finished cooling off "time to decorate!" Another member said happily.

Kain watched (name) try and decorate a cake and honestly? It was ugly as hell but the effort was adorable.

(Name) wandered towards his pack mate, a plate with a slice of cake sitting on it and Kain normally didn't care for human food, accepted it and took a bite "it's good" he said simply and (name) seemed pleased at the answer and accepted the forkful of cake from Kain, an indirect kiss not missed by the humans.

After the club ended Kain was ready to walk (name) back to the dorms as the Omega held cake for the others, Kain watching (name) drool over it.

"Hey!" A voice called out and the human alpha waved them down as he lightly jogged to them and Kain gave a slight glare at the human "I was wondering if possible you would want to go out on a date sometime?" (Name) looked confused at this, vampiric culture never used these terms "why would we stand on a date?"

Kain kept a straight face but found the confusion adorable but sadly so did the human "I mean like going out to dinner together"

"Oh... But I just had cake?"

"Then how about this weekend?"

"He can't" Kain shut this down immediately and the Alpha glared "what? You two together?"

Kain fucking wished.

"He already has pre arranged plans"

The Alpha deflated but didn't give up "maybe I could get your number?"

(Name) was confused, did he mean his student number?

Kain led (name) away and the Alpha reached to grab (name) who in turn grabbed his wrist, the Omega having a blank expression on his face before seeming to snap out and look at his hands "please don't touch me" he said unsure what to do as Kain walked him back to the night dorms.

(Name) let Kain scent him, a form of comfort as the Omega was rather uncomfortable with the interaction that had just transpired, the cake slightly smushed in the container.

"Exchange students?" Toga asked his mate who nodded, Cross hesitant as he spoke "new night class students, all brothers..." Toga could feel a headache bloom at these new students, he didn't even like the current night class.

"Well we're going to have to inform the current bloodsuckers"

(Name) watched everyone eat the cake curiously, the cake was honestly very very sweet but they are it because they didn't want to be sad about something he made.

"Are the day students treating you well?" Ichigo asked (name) who perked up "I learned to bake cookies and cakes... Tomorrow they want to teach me how to make Taiyaki and possibly rice balls..." (Name) said, clearly excited as he explained his day, Kain already informing Kaname about the incident.

(Name)s clear happiness was the only thing keeping him from pulling him from the club.

Maybe he would have to pay the club a visit with (name)...

(Name) managed to get his homework done with the help of the others and returned to his nest, a few of his pack mates clothes in hand for comfort.

"My my~ what a quant place" a voice rang from down stairs and (name) didn't understand why the voice filled him with an ice cold fear but he no longer felt safe as he closed the closet door.

He frankly wasn't interested in who was downstairs.

Shu closed his eyes as he smelt the air.

"He's here"

The others also smelt the air and Laito grinned and went to stop forward but was stopped by kaname who looked less than impressed "I can assure you whatever you're looking for isn't here"

"Our Omega is here, kindly remove yourself from us retrieving him" Reiji hissed out and the night class realized who they were talking about (name), the night class instantly getting extremely protective of their pack Omega.

"Ah! I see you all met!" Cross said with Toga who was armed and ready for anything to happen "students these will be your new night class dorm mates!"

Cross could feel the tension as he continued "and I did explain with your father but I will remind you gentlemen that biting any student will lead to immediate expulsion" And possibly getting shot but Cross had to keep it professional of course, didn't need anymore tension as the vampires death stared each other "is there an issue"

"Not at all" both parties said stiffly, this was vampire shit... They didn't need hunters getting in the way.

Besides the night class could protect their Omega fine.

Cross showed the newest...guests their rooms and explained some things "this is the heat room, since (name) is the only Omega in the night class it's primarily for him, there is a rut room on the other side of the building, during heats and ruts there will be security to make sure no one harasses students during a delicate time"

"Saturday's are a half day and Sundays are a full day off, after classes on Saturday you may dress in casual clothes that follow the dress code"

Cross explained things before leaving "and fighting will lead to suspension, we have ways of finding out"

When they were alone again, the Sakamakis realized one of the new vampires were missing "where's the short blond one" Subaru grunted out but the night class was quiet "I believe we have matters to discuss" Kaname changed the subject and the sakamakis looked at him hesitantly, they knew who he was and he knew who they were.

On levels they were equal.

"(Name)?" Aido said softly as (name) opened the door by just a crack to see his friend and let him in his nest "you smelt the new people" he asked and (name) snuggled into him "they smell... Wrong.." (name) couldn't figure it out, why they freaked him out so much... But he wanted to avoid them at all costs.

"They brought a human with them, Cross made her stay in the day class as to avoid any problems" (name) listened carefully as he clung to him "lord kaname is talking to him, you don't have to worry about a thing" he could smell distress from the Omega who just closed his eyes and let the blond talk.

(Name) stood with kaname today, the day students screaming as they saw the new students who enjoyed the attention "you will sit with me today, am I clear?" Kaname instructs the Omega who nodded quietly, ignoring the stares from his new classmates who stared at him in a way that made him wanna borrow zeros gun.

He especially tried to ignore the Omega girls stare, venom clear in her eyes as she looked at him with distain, Despite Yui being in the day class technically, she was on paper a night class student.

Clearly she was also used to being the only Omega as well.

Yui didn't like /her/ alphas paying attention to this omega, so what that she was human? She was way cuter than him!

The sakamaki brothers tried getting to (name) throughout class, kaname tried to keep (name) away from them as much as possible and even indulged his little whims to make sure he didn't stray off.

It was mid day when (name) woke, thirsty as he held his tablets in his hand as everyone else slept.

Or so he thought.

There was the blond, sleeping on the couch with headphones in...Shu he thought his name was... He was just getting a drink in and out.

Carefully he filled a glass and dropped a tablet "those things taste like shit" Shu spoke out lowly from behind (name) "you smell good..." He rumbled out his voice sleepy and calm as he tried to go near the omegas neck.

(Name) felt anxiety rush through him, a feeling he wasn't used to as he pushed the Alpha away violently, Shu in turn stared coldly "behave Omega" he said with venom in his tone, (name) hissing back "what's going on?" (Name) rushed to ichigo as rukia comforted him "attacking omegas is forbidden" kaname said coldly and Shuu glared at him "we were talking, nothing more" Shuu looked at (name) in a way that made him sick, he didn't like not feeling in a place he once felt safe in.

"(Name)?" Cross was confused as he saw the Omega with a pillow and blanket "I no longer wish to be in the night dorms, could I seek refuge here?" (Name) held a bag of candy as bribery and cross sighed.

"Come in"

[calibabii21]

|| call me a jerk || johnny suh

pairing: dom!Johnny x fem brat!reader

genre: minor angst, smut, mature

warning(s): mean dom!johnny, choking, degradation, abs riding, tiddy sucking, fingering (vaginal and anal), overstimulation (reader)

wc: 1.13k

a/n: this literally came to me in a dream so, um, hope you like it heh..

You may as well move in at this point. Except you never will. Not after how big a point you made in denying the possibility of ever catching feelings. Yet every waking moment you find yourself longing to be right back here. In this man’s home.

“You’re awfully quiet today,” his hand rests on your bare thigh, “what’s got you all pent up in the face?” You contemplate spilling your thoughts entirely, but settle for a shrug as you play with his fingers. A heavy sigh leaves him as he slumps further into the sofa in his spacious bedroom, “don’t start this already.” And that instantly brings a deep frown to your face, “start what? And why do have such a tone with me?” 

The looks at you with a raised eyebrows is full of attitude, “first of all,” his hand is moves from your thigh as he sits up at full height to face you, and grips your face, “who do you think you’re talking to? You don’t ever get to question me, got it sweetheart?” Your faces changes to a soft frown as you nod at him, “secondly, what’s got you all defensive and offended lately?” There’s a brief moment of silence before you let out a huff, “I just feel so stupid now.”

Confusion is written all over his face as he begins caressing your own, “I don’t follow.” You grit your teeth before taking a deep breath and mumbling, “I was wrong, about..not..catching feelings....” A beat of silence passes. Then another, before you look up at his face to see him holding in his laughter, “u-uh huh.” That was the last straw. Your 13th reason. 

You stand up and collect your things as he doubles over in laughter, “fuck you, Johnny.” His name doesn’t even leave your lips fully before you’re flung over his shoulder and tossed onto his bed nearby, “sit your ass back down.” There’s not a peep from you as he takes his sweet time walking around the bedpost and climbs into his spot. “Come here.” A straight command with no extra context. You already knew what to do, so you did it.

“Why are you being a bad girl, huh?” you still say nothing as you straddle his hips, only staring at his shirtless torso. “Hey,” there’s a sharp slap to the side of your thigh, “I know you hear me, stop being such a brat.” That only gives you cause to act brattier. Whining as you throw a fit on top of him, “you’re being a dick,” you continue squirming, upset, until he bucks his hips up into you, drawing a gasp from your lips and a shudder down your spine. “I’m not acting like anything, you just want it.”

His crotch grinds against yours till you’re slightly panting before he stops, “but you don’t get it.” You protest and try to plead your case but he shuts you up with a flick to your nipple through his shirt you’re wearing. “No. You don’t deserve it.” Well there goes my relief, your thoughts are bitter as you respond to him, “what am I supposed to do then?” It seems he took a page from your book, seeing as all he did was shrug.

Assuming he’s instructing you to do all the work, you begin moving your hips against his groin, “Nope.” He shakes his head and grabs your waist, holding you in place, “I  told you, you can’t have it.” You can feel your frustration growing, “well what the hell am I supposed to do!” That warrants a pinch to your ass, “watch your tone. and like I said, figure it out.”

You look around the room for something, anything, to get you off before you decide to shift your body higher onto his torso, and grind down. “Ohh,” a whimper leaves you at the relief from the friction. “Yeah? Feel good?” You nod your head eagerly and move your hips faster “M-Mhm.” You don’t even have to open your eyes to know that he's watching you with dancing eyes.

“I don’t believe this- look at you. So desperate you’re grinding your cunt on my fucking abs,” you squeeze your eyes shut, shaking your head in embarrassment. “Not to mention you’re so soaked you’re slipping.” His condescending chuckles as he tightly pinches your nipples cause you to choke out a moan, “m-more.” You can feel yourself right at the edge, “more.”

It comes out a demand rather than a request, “You want more? More of what, I’m not doing anything.” His fingers kneed your ass cheeks before his right hand slides to gather some of your wetness for lube, “You’re the one fucking yourself out on me.” You feel his middle finger circle your back hole, “You like it? Using Daddy’s body to feel good?” Torn between wanting more pressure on your clit and pushing back against his fingers, you whine incoherently. 

His left hand wraps tight around your throat and squeeze as his finger begins prodding into your hole, “I asked you a question, little girl.” More friction it is. Grinding your hips down harder, your moans are constant, “Mmh yes, using Daddy’s body feels so- so gooood.” Your body spasms as an unexpected orgasm hits you, Johnny choosing that moment insert another finger in you.

“Tsk tsk tsk. You know that’s not how things go.” He sighs in false disappointment and removes his hand from your throat, opting to lift your shirt enough to expose your breasts, then move his hand down between your legs. “I’m sorry, ‘m sorry,” Your babbling worsens as his assault on both your ass and your pussy continues, “ ’m sorry Daddy, you feel too good.” 

“Yeah? It feels good?” He coaxes babbles from you and coos, “aww my poor baby. Can you give me one more?” he asks even though you’ve already left a puddle on his abdomen from cumming a second time, “Daddy it hurts.” But your complaints are ignored, “it hurts yet you’re still humping me like a dumb little bunny in a frenzy.”  His mean words egg on your desperation. “That’s what I thought. Be a good bitch for Daddy and give me another.” 

He concludes his insult by latching his mouth onto your breasts, alternating sides, “fuck Daddy, you’re such a jerk.” He grins and bites down on your left nipple, which happens to be your most sensitive, “stupid little girl can’t even come up a good insult.” Next thing you know, his fingers are removed and your cheeks are being spread as he stretches you with the deliciousness of his thickness.

“You can call me a jerk all you want babygirl, I’ll still fuck you to tears and you’ll thank me for it like the horny cockslut we know you are.” 

*mdni banner made by ©️cafekitsune*

[starogeorgina]

𝐑𝐮𝐧

Paring: Joel Miller × reader

Warnings: Swearing, mentions SA, violence, vomit

1.03

“D’ya hear me?”

The sun was beating down, making all three of you sweat like pigs. You lick at your dry lips before responding, “No, I didn’t hear you.”

“It doesn’t matter; it wasn’t important.” Joel straightens up his posture and looks down at you, worried. You’d been silently sitting by the side of the road for some time, arms clutching at your knees. He offers you his hand and says, “We're moving out.”

Automatically, you push up from the ground and wipe the dirt and sand off your trousers. It’s not until you do so that you realize Joel’s hand is still outstretched. Joel had been struggling with knowing how to comfort you and Ellie; for you, the slightest touch could bring the feeling of your throat being squeezed and your arms and legs being pinned back. And Ellie had lost some of her light due to the trauma she had been through.

“Sorry,” you mumble.

“Don’t be,” he says quietly. Joel glances back at Ellie, who is sitting on the back of a truck, swinging her feet back and forth. “I’m worried about you, both of you.”

“I’m fine.”

He sighs. “Look, you don’t need to tell me what happened, but I’m always here if you ever decide you want to.”

You did want to tell him, but you were afraid you’d break if you said the things those men tried to do to you out loud.

Joel picks your backpack up off the ground and shakes it off before handing it to you. “Come on, let’s go.”

—

Cautiously, you follow closely behind Joel as he leads you and Ellie into another run-down building covered with rumbles. The hospital you were looking for wasn’t too much further away, and the idea was to get to higher ground to see what direction was best to go in.

“It looks as if some kind of construction work started here before the world went to hell.” You stare up at a ledge leading to the next floor. “If one of us goes up, they can pass the ladder down.”

“Ellie, I’ll give you a boost.”

When Ellie doesn’t respond, you go over to her and say, “Hey, are you alright?”

She says nothing but continues to flip the blank pages of a book. The paper had changed color due to elements around it, making it change to an almost skin-like color. Imagine the things you saw while being held captive flooding your minds. You quickly pull your hair out of your face and vomit.

“Oh shit.”

“Ellie, go over to Joel.”

She remains standing beside you while Joel watches from a safe distance. People getting too close while you felt like this only made things worse.

“Go, now,” you say sternly, not wanting her to see you like this.

“Okay, bossy boots.”

The hope that Ellie didn’t see what you saw when you looked at the paper made you feel a little better. Tears spring to your eyes while you take deep breaths, trying to stop yourself from vomiting again. You stay like this until you hear a loud clattering noise from behind you and turn to see the ladder landing on the ground beside Joel.

“God damn it, Ellie!” He picks the ladder up and says, “Shit.”

“Where did she go?”

“I don’t know; she dropped the ladder and ran off.”

You practically snatch the ladders, throw them into place, and start climbing them without checking if they are secure. When it wobbles, Joel grips either side of the ladder or holds it in place and says, “It's fine, I’ve got you.”

“I’ve got you; you’re safe.”

You finish climbing up. “Ellie, stay there!”

“Come on, you gotta see this.”

You both take after her; being faster than Joel, you reach where Ellie ran first and freeze on the spot. “Oh, my god,” you smile. “Oh my god, I never thought I’d see one in the wild.”

“It’s so cool.”

You didn’t know what was more beautiful: seeing a giraffe in the wild or the way Ellie’s eyes lit up at seeing one for the first time.

“What the—” Joel stops running and stands beside you.

You look down between you and briefly flinch when your hands brush together, but Joel seems oblivious. He slowly steps forward, breaks off a few branches covered in green leaves, and hands them to Ellie so she can feed the giraffe.

The giggle that she lets out causes tears of happiness to fall from your eyes. You had convinced yourself that Ellie was just as broken as you were, but she wasn’t. Seeing her happy and laughing reminded you that everything you did was worth it to save her.

When the giraffe finishes eating, it starts to walk off in a different direction, out of sight. Excitedly, Ellie starts to follow it along the roof of the building. “Was she going? Come on.”

Joel offers you his hand, but this time with a small smile on his face. “It’s okay if you say no, but I promise in time... You’ll heal, never fully, but things do get better.”

“You know better than to say shit like that.” Your eyes gloss over, but you managed to hold the tears back. “We better keep an eye on the kid; otherwise, she might decide to just stay here instead.”

“Would that be such a bad thing?”

“That’s for her to decide, not us.”

—

The view from where you stood now was amazing; there were multiple animals, including a family of giraffes, living in an area that seemed to have been affected. The animals had healthy green grass to graze on, which itself was breathtaking. You remain silent while observing the beautiful view while Joel tries to have a serious conversation with Ellie.

“Look, I don’t know exactly where this hospital is,” he starts.

“Yeah, we’ll find it.”

“Sure. It’s just... maybe there’s nothin bad out there, but so far there’s always been something bad out there.”

Ellie shrugs. “We’re still here, though.”

“I know. I’m only saying there's a risk.”

After watching Joel struggle to ask what he wanted to ask for a few moments, you insert yourself into the conversation and say, “El, we can just turn around and go back to Tommy’s. You don’t owe the fireflies anything; we don’t need to do this if you don’t want to.”

“After everything we’ve done and everything we’ve been through, turning back now would mean it was all for nothing.” Her eyes are solely on Joel. “Once the fireflies have what they want, we can go wherever you want. Tommy’s, a sheep ranch, the moon. I’ll follow you anywhere.”

—

You make it down the opposite side of the building, back out onto the street without incident, and walk into a deserted medical camp site.

You peek a quick glance into some of the tents, careful not to touch anything but to observe enough to see if there’s anything worth taking left. Since it was a camp run by the army, you doubted it but thought you’d at least try.

Joel kept glancing over to you, so thinking he was wanting you to hurry up, you stop looking and make your way to them while trying to count how many tents there are. You lose count when you reach twelve. Joel sits down on a wall that is hip level with him and starts to tell you and Ellie about his experience in a similar camp after Sarah had died.

“Oh yeah, the guy that shot and missed,” you say, looking down at the ground, not wanting to stare at the scar left behind. You always wanted to know if it was that blast that left him partially deaf, but thought it was far too rude a question to ask.

“It was me. I was the guy who shot and missed.”

You almost gasp at his confession. Even though Joel had endured years of trauma, you were still shocked to learn that he attempted suicide.

“There’s no story. Sarah died, and I couldn’t see the point anymore. Simple as that. And I wasn’t scared either; I was ready. I couldn’t have been more ready. WhenI—” his voice starts to shake with raw emotion, something that was unusual for Joel. “When I went to pull the trigger, I flinched. I still don’t know why. Anyway, the reason I’m saying all this—”

Ellie interrupts him. “I know why you’re telling us this.”

“Yeah, I reckon you do.”

“So time heals all wounds, I guess.”

“It wasn’t time that did it,” he says.

The fatherly love that kept Joel fighting at the start of the apocalypse was lost the day Sarah died, but his mission to ship ‘cargo’ for the fireflies reignited that same love, but this time it was for Ellie. His love for her healed him.

To lighten the mood when you start walking again. Joel says, “You know what I’m in the mood for? Shitty puns.”

Delighted that she can read more of the puns from the book she found, Ellie happily retrieves it from her backpack. You smile while listening to them go back and forth over the terrible puns.

Hearing a metallic clanging noise coming from behind, you turn back, except to see a bird or different animal, and are shocked to see a man dressed in camouflage pointing his gun in your direction. Before you can say anything, Joel grabs you and Ellie and tries to shield you from the smoke.

Seconds later, everything goes back.

—

“Did Joel do this to you?”

“Fuck you.”

Marlene tilts her head and gives you a sympathetic look. Without so many layers of clothing on, the cuts and bruises covering your body were much easier to see. She goes to inspect one of the larger cuts on your bare arm, but you snatch your arms back and shuffle further back in the hospital bed until your back hits the wall. You had no memory of being brought inside, but it doesn’t bode well that the three of you had been split up.

“I never noticed these types of injuries on Ellie.” She crouches down to be level with you. “What happened? You get on Miller's bad side?”

If it wasn’t for fabric bounding your hands together, you would have swung for her. You grit your teeth. “Joel would never hurt me.”

“Are you sure about that?” She asks in a condescending tone.

“He risked his life saving me and Ellie. I’m fucking sure of it.”

“Good,” she smiles and stands again. “That means you’ll be useful to us after all.”

—

One of the men grabs you by the arm and roughly drags you out of the cubicle and down a filthy hospital hallway. Splatters of dried blood and dirt covered the floor and walls, but the smell of strong cleaning fluids caused your nose to run. You hear Marlene before you see her; she is telling Joel that Ellie is going to die.

Fucking fireflies, you were a fool for ever trusting them.

When you reach the cubicle Joel’s in, the man digs his foot into the back of your knee cap, causing your leg to buckle, making it easier for him to force you to your knees.

“What’s this?” Joel barks.

“Insurance,” Marlene says. “If you don’t go quietly, then we’ll have no choice but to kill her.”

Your eyes sting with tears when you meet Joel’s dark eyes. He lacked color, like he was about to throw up; he always looked like this when he was ill. You wouldn’t have been mad if he still fought like hell to get to Ellie, even if it meant losing you.

“Walk them out to the highway; leave them there with their packs.” Marlene hands one of the men Ellie’s pocket knives and says, “Give him this. He tries anything—shoot the girl, then shoot him.”

—

Guns pointed at your back, and you were pushed to a stairwell. You weren’t allowed to speak to anyone until you were at the highway, but all you needed was one look from Joel to know what he was planning.

When one of the men pushes your back to get you to move faster, you use it to your advantage and let out a small cry, “Don’t touch me.”

Rolling his eyes, he pushes again.

You freeze on the steps. “Stop fucking touching me!”

With the men momentarily distracted by your yelling, Joel takes the opportunity, hits the man closest to him, and takes his gun, then shoots him and the man beside you in the head. He takes the weapons from their bodies, including Ellie’s knife, and when he reaches you, he cups your face.

“There’s only a few bullets left; don’t shoot unless necessary,” he says, putting a gun in your free hand. “Stay close behind me, and soon as we find Ellie, you grab her and run.”

Joel kills multiple people without hesitation by either shooting or stabbing them. You never had the stomach for violence, but it was killed or be killed. All the fireflies and soldiers wouldn’t think twice before putting a bullet between your eyes.

When you reach the pediatric surgery unit, you start to speed up, but Joel holds you back, keeping you behind him. “Stay close,” he whispers. “Whatever happens next, Ellie is the priority; even if I fall, you keep going. You run and don’t look back.”

You both crouch down to walk underneath frosted windows and speak in a hushed voice. “Joel… Uh, you and Ellie are the best things that have happened to me in a long time.”

His lips are parted slightly when he turns back to look at you. “I know, and Ellie wasn’t the only one who healed me.”

You’re silent until you find Ellie knocked out on a hospital bed. She and her nurses and doctor surround her just as they are about to start surgery.

Joel pushes the door open, “unhooking her.”

The surgeon picks up a blade, and Joel shoots him in the head.

You repeat his words, “Unhook her.”

The nurses unhook her, and on Joel’s order, turn to face the wall. You pick Ellie up and are surprised by how weightless she feels.

—

You manage to make it to the elevator and to the underground parking garage. Joel points out a vehicle that still works. “Go, go, go.”

Just as you approach it, Marlene appears and aims her gun at Joel. “You can’t keep her safe forever. No matter how hard you try, no matter how many people you kill, she's going to grow up, Joel. And then you’ll die, and she’ll leave. Then what?”

You slowly reach for your gun, which is hidden by Ellie’s oversized hospital gown hanging down, and click the safety off.

“How long till she’s torn apart by being infected or murdered by raiders? Because she lives in a broken world that you could have saved.”

“Maybe.” His voice is cold. “But it isn’t for you to decide.”

“Or you. What would she decide?”

“She’s just a girl,” you say. “You can’t kill a child and say it’s in the name of science.”

“Would Ellie see it that way? I think you both know if she knew all the facts, Ellie would volunteer to sacrifice herself for the greater good.”

You kiss Ellie on the forehead and mumble, “I’m sorry.”

Joel’s eyes widen when you move quickly, raising your gun and pulling the trigger. When Marlene falls to the ground, you walk away, and Ellie is in the backseat of the vehicle.

—

“It’s alright, you’re with us; take it slow,” Joel says when Ellie starts to wake up. “The drugs are still wearing off.”

Her voice is groggy as she struggles to fully wake up. “I was with the fireflies, and then... what drugs?”

“They were running some tests on you—ones that they needed you asleep for,” you say quickly.

“They did tests on others as well,” Joel lies. “It turns out there’s a whole lot more like you. People who are immune. There are dozens of them. And the doctors couldn’t make any of it work. They’ve actually stopped looking for a cure.”

You watched Ellie’s face in the reflection of the mirror and could tell she didn’t believe anything she was hearing. You and Joel had already discussed that telling her the truth wasn’t a good idea. It was better to lie than for Ellie to know all those people died to save her.

A parent's love knows no bounds.

“Where are my clothes?” She asks, confused, why she’s still in a hospital gown.

“The hospital was overrun by raiders; we didn’t have time to find your clothes or my jacket.” You gulp down, “Joel only just managed to get us out in time.”

“Where people hurt?”

“Yes,” he says bluntly.

“What about Marlene?”

When neither of you answer, Ellie turns to face the other way, curling into herself while trying to fall back asleep.

—

After checking the bathroom of what was a functional gas station, it was clear that you should wait outside with Joel while Ellie gets changed into clothes that you found for her.

You lean back against the car door. “I can feel you staring.”

“I was going to say you look cold, but you’ll just tell me you’re not.”

“My arms aren’t cold, just sore,” you admit. The flesh of your arms is decorated by bruises in different stages of healing.

“I found these,” he says, holding up a brown leather jacket and a red zip-up jumper. “Just in case you ever start to feel cold.”

You take the jacket from him and say, “Thank you; it will at least hide these. I feel bad that Ellie can see them; it’s just a constant reminder for her.”

“And you,” he says softly. “I don’t know what happened inside that building, but from what Ellie told me... It won’t be easy for either of you to forget.”

You zip the jacket up, enjoying the comfort and secureness you felt from your arms now being covered. You sigh, “The first man I killed in that place was called James. He told me I was lucky, chosen that instead of killing me, they would take turns trying to get me pregnant, and that’s what they did with most women they took in.”

Maybe it was the fact that Joel made you feel safe, or everything that happened with Ellie and the fireflies, but you no longer felt terrified to talk about what happened.

“What did they do with the others?” He asks.

You chew on your bottom lips before answering, “Kill them, then eat them.”

“That’s fucked up.”

“No kidding,” you finally meet his gaze. There were no traces of judgment in his eyes, only compassion. “Three men came into the room. They untied me and dragged me on top of a metal table, and two of them pinned me down by my arms. I waited until James had pulled his cock out and kicked him between the legs. They bit one of them, grabbed the knife from the table, and... I just started stabbing and cutting them.”

“We’ve all done some pretty bad shit to survive.”

“I stabbed James in the dick. I thought I'd be every woman they must have raped, and something in me just snapped.”

Joel moves closer to you, but not close enough to make you uncomfortable. “I those men weren’t already dead…”

“I know, but they are. All we can do now is try our best to keep all this shit away from Ellie.”

“When we get to Tommy’s community in Jackson, I want us to live together.”

You chuckle. “I just assumed we would be.”

You’re taken aback by how nervous he looks, his foot kicking at the dirt below. “I mean, live together as a real couple, that sort of thing.”

You smile up at him and say, “I think we can make that work.”

—

Your legs ache, and a five-hour hike up a hill wasn’t easy with the feeling of exhaustion weighing you down.

“You know, Sarah and I used to hike like this all the time,” Joel smiles. “I wouldn’t say it was her favorite thing. She wasn’t a fan of mosquitoes and such, but she was a big climber or scamper. That’s probably the right word. That girl, she’d see a big rock and just go.”

He turns back to face Ellie and says, “She would have liked you. Not to say the two of you are the same. Differently different kids.”

“How so?” She asks.

“Well, she was a lot more, I wanna say girly. And I’m not saying you’re not girly.”

You snort, “El is the exact opposite of girly.”

“I’m really not girly.”

“Yeah, you’re not.” Joel’s arms sway slightly as he relaxes his shoulders. “So that, and Sarah was taller. She had a killer smile, again not saying you don’t. But you know why I think she’d like you?”

“Why?”

“Because you’re funny. I think you would’ve made her laugh. Anyway, I bet you would have liked her back.”

“Yeah, I bet I would’ve.”

You reach the top of the hill, which looks down on your new home. “Not much further now.”

“Hey, wait,” Ellie says. “Fuck. Back in Kansas City, you asked me about the first time I killed someone. When I got bit in the mall, I wasn’t on my own. My best friend was there; she got a bit too. We didn’t know what to do, and she says, ‘We can just wait it out, be all poetic, and just lose our minds together.’ And then she did, and I had to…”

You let Ellie hold your hand as she started to choke up.

“Her name was Riley, and she was the first to die. And then it was Tess. And then Sam.”

“Those deaths aren’t on you; none of them are.”

Joel nods in agreement. “Sometimes things don’t work out the way we hope. You can feel like you’ve come to an end and you don’t know what to do next, but if you just keep going, you’ll find something new to fight for. And maybe that’s not what—”

“Swear to me,” she says, looking between you and Joel with fierceness in her eyes. “Swear to me that everything you said about the fireflies is true.”

Immediately, Joel says, “I swear.”

“It’s true, kid.”

“Okay,” she nods. “Just one more thing, when are you going to cut this longing romance shit out and admit you are together?”

You and Joel share a look and a smile.

[littlemissmanga]

Good Morning! I’m making some rounds asking for some of this beautiful fluff with a touch of giggle in this prompt list.

So if you would give this prompt a go- "well i guess that answers my question." With Rex saying it?

Have a wonderful day!

Hello dearie!! Oh, I will always put forth an effort for our dear captain! I am making my way slowly through these but thrilled to say I have finally finished this one.

I hope you enjoy!

A Little Something Sweet for Breakfast

Pairing: Rex x short!Reader

Warnings: None, pure fluff

W/C: 1,218

Dividers by @saradika

It was quiet in the mess hall and Rex considered that nothing short of a miracle. The 501st was on shore leave and it seemed the boys had their fill of fun the night before considering it was already 0700 and not one of them so much as stirred from the barracks.

Rex strode across the room, datapad in hand and ready to use this rare peace to finally have a quiet, relaxing meal. But as he made his way to grab a ration pack, a shuffle in the next room caught his attention.

The boys rarely went into the kitchens on base. There was never a need. So, as the shuffle grew into a clattering, Rex prepared himself for the inevitable chaos and made his way over. Opening the door, he took in a breath, ready to use his “Captain” voice to startle whichever shiny was making the ruckus … only to choke on his tongue.

“Oh, Captain! I’m sorry, I didn’t realize anyone else was awake.”

You were … well, he honestly wasn’t sure what you were trying to accomplish with one knee on the counter, pulling your body higher so your other leg dangled beneath you, arms out to hold onto the sides of the cabinet. Metal cutlery and plates littered the counter and floor around you.

“I .. you …” It was far too early for these shenanigans, and Rex was thoroughly at a loss to find you at the center of it this time. As a civilian non-combat operative, you weren’t as disciplined as his boys on the field, but you were generally respectful and kept yourself out of trouble … despite the efforts of some of his vode to corral you into their latest shenanigans.

Certainly a respectable feat, at least in Rex’s book. And that’s all he would attribute the swoop in his stomach to anytime he’d see you. Respect.

If that swoop were accompanied by a heat in his cheeks at the sight of your smile — particularly if directed at him — or the racing of his heart at the sound of your laughter — even faster if he caused it — Rex never let himself do more than acknowledge it.

He was your superior officer, after all. Anything else would be unbecoming of his station.

“What are you doing?” he tried again, trying not to sound as confused as he was.

“Making breakfast.” You turned, bringing up your other leg so your entire body was balanced on the narrow ledge as you dug further.

“Huh.” Stepping closer, Rex slid his datapad onto the counter next to your leg and stood just behind you. Unsure arms kept rising to shadow your back before returning to his side as he grew ever more uneasy by the precarious balance you’d achieved. “Didn’t realize cooking required gymnastics.”

Impressively, much of your torso disappeared into the void of the cabinet when you replied, your voice echoing slightly in the confined space. “It does when everything on this ship is built for giants. Here-”

Rex’s reflexes kicked in, catching the item before he could even register that what you had tossed over your shoulder was a half-finished bread roll. But before he could form his next question — and honestly, he had so many he really didn’t even know where to start — you slipped smoothly down from your perch. Unfortunately, for him, Rex misjudged his own spacing, standing too close to give you enough room. As you moved to the floor, the curve of your rear brushed tantalizingly lightly against his stomach before finally gaining a more respectable distance.

The rush of blood pounding in his ears blocked out most of your own next question. Actually, he couldn’t hear you at all. The movement of your lips as you turned to face him was the only clue he could decipher indicating you’d said anything at all.

“Huh?”

Your lips curled. Maker, he really did like it when you smiled. It wasn’t just with your lips, though their plush, gentle curve was sweet. No, your smile radiated from your eyes, and he knew if he looked too long, he’d be lost.

“I asked if you wanted some, too. I don’t mind making a second helping for you.”

Rex wasn’t a stupid man. He could hear the tease of your tone. The light-hearted nature of your banter along with the sweet offer was a flirtation even he could pick up on. He would never abuse his station and hit on a subordinate. And like a divine solution, here you were, offering him a way forward.

But in that moment, he couldn’t for the life of him figure out how to get himself to reply with even an ounce of charm he regularly sees his brothers wield.

Never one without a plan of action, Rex was stuck in limbo, struggling to respond with an ounce of the charm he routinely saw his brothers deploy … when he felt his stomach gurgle, the sound radiating out from him to fill the room.

Heat immediately flooded his face, but before he could apologize, your choked laughter rang out.

“I guess that answers my question.”

Stepping into his space again, you took the bread roll from him. But instead of stepping past him, you stayed.

You’d never been that close to him before. So close he could count the lines and imperfections on your face. And he did. He wanted to memorize everything about you.

He was so focused on those details, he missed entirely that you had been closing the distance, standing on your toes to press closer, until your lips pressed lightly against his cheek.

They were cold and chapped and so karking perfect on him. Your warm breath against his skin flooded any remaining rational thought away.

When you pulled back, your eyes didn’t meet his despite Rex being sure you could feel the intensity of his stare. Instead, you looked past him as you fell back onto your heels, a hand coming to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear as you repositioned to move away.

“Right, well, breakfast will be ready in just a —”

He didn’t let you finish. Before you could step away, Rex’s hand slid to gently hold the curve of your jaw, keeping you in place as he tilted your face up to his. You blinked owlishly up at him.

“You missed,” he said, finally getting his brain back online. “I think you should try that again.”

To Rex’ delight, your smile returned as you leaned back in. Only this time, he met you halfway, biting back a satisfied moan at the press of your lips against his. Taking a half step forward, he invaded your space as you had his, encircling you in his arms as he lost himself in the moment.

After what was probably too long, Rex finally let you go. Your eyes stayed closed for a heartbeat more, even as you moved back, shifting your weight to rest more against his hold on you, and Rex greedily took the chance to appreciate everything about your contented expression in the moment, satisfaction coiling inside him knowing he put that look on your face.

When you did open your eyes, there was a twinkle of mischief in them you usually kept well hidden. “Better?” you asked.

He pressed his forehead to yours. “Much.”

Like this fic? Check out my Masterlist!

Taglist: @wings-and-beskar @starrylothcat @sev-on-kamino @wolffegirlsunite @secondaryrealm @idontgetanysleep @freesia-writes @multi-fan-dom-madness @dystopicjumpsuit @sinfulsalutations @sunshinesdaydream @clonemedickix @anxiouspineapple99 @wizardofrozz @dhawerdaverd @mythical-illustrator @dreamie411

[tenosit]

On bit of "early and missed worldbuilding" aspect of 2001 Bionicle, there are the very fun interactions in MNOG in the Onu-Koro, between Whenua and representatives of Ussalry, miners and traders (last one doesn't get as much representation further down the line).

First one, is how Ussarlyman describes the sudden dense layer of stone (which, as we belatedly know, is Mata Nui's surface): he calls it "with high organic levels", and even elaborates for Whenua.

Depiction of GSR appears fairly mundanely robotic, so organic traits to it make it very interesting - its also a Bionicle! IIRC it has been described as organic-like in Hapka books around Bohrok, but more concrete mentions benefit that.

Before that, he also suggest moving Onu-Koro to other Wahi. This is a really cool detail - perhaps, Onu-Koro has evolved from an aboveground settlement (as it could have been in 2000 story bible), or moved from another location already.

Since miners compose the actual tangential events of the chapter, it is the third Matoran who falls into interest - evidently, a Guildmaster of the Trade Guilds.

(there is a much stronger focus on Toa "descending from heaven" in 2001 than in subsequent retellings 2001 plot; you can tell they expected to wrap it up sooner, and it is something 2016 reboot tried to play with)

The Guildmaster, expectedly, is worried about both the sudden unbreakable layer and stalling of Le-Koro route. Onu-Koro trades Protodermis to Po-Koro, where goods are finished, whereas Onu-Matoran recieve stone (? Perhaps it is higher quality, or easier to work with aboveground). Evidently all Matoran engage in trade, which is why Le-Koro route is important (Le-Matoran can access Onu-Koro, but with much difficulty); he dismisses proposition to travel by sea, as it has even more Rahi than the unlit tunnels (according to him). He even tries to drag in Onua, asking if the fabled hero is unable to help do the trade route faster.

There is a really cool characterisation to Saffire's Onu-Matoran; there is a very strong current of them being workers and traders. Later depictions sort of sidestepped that, with their former Metru Nui culture being that of miners and scholars. I wish there was more of a dedicated source to culture of Matoran of Mata Nui; it is a topic that is fraught with complexities of not exoticising oppressed cultures, but if care would be given to it, I imagine it could be a really great piece of worldbuilding.

[rpstartersinc]

* 𝐀 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐄: 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄.

feel free to change pronouns / wording!

" you are dawdling! "

" i'll show you i'm not a child anymore. "

" you are much faster than i am. "

" this grass will keep you hidden if you stay low. "

" what devilry is this? "

" the forest is out of bounds until further notice. "

" we must have sinned something rotten to be punished so. "

" the smell of your cooking warms the heart. "

" you know you are not supposed to be here. "

" did he talk? "

" i don't have time to play games. "

" think it's funny making me run like that? "

" you'll get nothing out of me! "

" you're going to get us killed! "

" i'm not scared of dying you know. "

" be sure to stay in the light. "

" they ate him! "

" try not to look. "

" we can't do anything for them now. "

" the air... it's burning my throat... "

" they are not going to catch us, alright? "

" you should hide, it's dangerous. "

" when a rat bites you it poisons your blood. "

" maybe there's a monster in it. "

" it's not good to be alone. "

" you're just like all the others! "

" you're no fun. "

" you're lucky i like gold better than blood. "

" the better you look, the higher the ransom. "

" that's war for you. "

" i'm making your rescue profitable. "

" i've had enough of running. "

" he's going to slaughter us! "

" there's nowhere for you to go out there. "

" don't get all lovey-dovey. "

" you trying to impress me or what? "

" don't worry, we're all scared of what's in our heads. "

" try to be a bit more enthusiastic, will you? "

" use your eyes before using your mouth. "

" i would quite like to see a monster, actually. "

" i just don't like water much, that's all. "

" i'm sorry i lied to you. "

" a good remedy is a remedy that stinks. "

" the storm will drown out our voices. "

" you've read too many books. "

" you were having a bad dream... "

" brothers... sometimes you just want to kill them. "

" the first rule of survival is hit 'em between the legs. "

" that sound... you never get used to it. "

" i don't want to hear another peep out of you. "

" you have no idea how i have suffered. "

" i might've got a little carried away. "

" when you enter a place that has been abandoned for a very long time, there's something in the air. "

" i'm here with you. "

" it's like a river... a river of rats. "

" we haven't done all this for nothing. "

" what will be will be. "

" it's as if it was decided that ever since we met our lives have been governed by chaos! "

" none of this seems to be real at all. "

" you're not sleeping? "

" you're going to tell me about rules? "

" a child never runs away without a reason. "

" it is easy to spill blood, but to love, to protect... "

" they didn't hurt you, did they? "

" this is no place for a child. "

" nobody saw me. "

" your rank should make you more cautious. "

" you are a vile heretic driven mad by power. "

" we have the same goal. "

" this guard was devoured... "

" they use our dead to build their nests? "

" you wouldn't like it out there, believe me. "

" for the last time, will you answer my questions? "

" no one will hurt you now. "

" this is not a game. "

" you are a monster! "

" you don't have a home anymore! "

" i'm ready to die, it will even be an honour. "

" the rats will be coming, we need to light the fires. "

" i have to accept that he won't be coming back. "

" you're like a hero from a book or something. "

" i thought you said this place was secure! "

" we got that bastard! "

" you lied to me! "

" you are no longer any use to me. "

" my blade is still warm, as you will soon find out. "

" since you refuse to go to hell, i shall bring hell to you. "

" i'll tear them apart! "

" i wish i was strong like that. "

" you're a tough guy, tougher than i am. "

" i can't take any more of these bloody rats! "

" thank you for your candour. "

" calm down... it's over. "

" you want to try your hand at shooting? "

" we just don't want any trouble here, do you understand? "

" that's not true... but it doesn't matter. "

[tallulahdiggory]

📚”Study Date”📚 (CedricxReader)

A/n: Smut! Dom!Cedric Sub!Reader C0ckwarm!ng

🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑 It was a normal day in the hogwarts library on a Saturday. You were studying for an upcoming herbology exam alone, since you knew if any of your friends came along they would distract you. That was until you heard a voice from across the library.

“Y/n!” Your boyfriend Cedric called from across the library. You huffed, know you wanted to study today.

“Hey Ced, what’s up?” You said avoiding eye contact. You could smell his Cinnamon and Honey cologne from behind you. He wrapped his arms around your waist and kissed the top of your head.

“Nothing love, I just missed you.” He said snuggling into the back of your neck. You laughed, squirming under his touch to reach a book on a higher shelf. You raised up onto your tippy-toes and turned to the left grabbing the book you needed. You heard Cedric grunt behind you, but didn’t think much of it since you were preoccupied looking for textbooks. Once you grabbed all the books you needed, you tried walking back over to the table with your stuff on it. Halfway there, Cedric grabbed your wrist. You looked back at him in confusion

“Love..” He said grabbing you towards him. You were confused until your ass met a rock hard Cedric.

“I-I did that?” You whispered frozen in your spot. How could you even do that?

“Yes, and you’re gonna fix it too. Understand Princess?” He said sitting you on his lap at your table. You slowly nodded knowing you had put yourself in this position. You opened up your book pretending like your boyfriend hadn’t just starting bottoming out under you. You let out a small whimper as if he didn’t gang bang you last night.

“Quiet love, you don’t want us to get caught now do you?” He said wrapping his arms around your waist so he could pull you down further. You squeezed your eyes shut, fuck. you thought as Cedric was now fully bottomed out underneath you. You let out a sigh of relief when the hard part was over.

“Your taking m’cock so well n/n..” He grunted as he started to bounce his knee up and down. You let out a small moan as you gripped the edges of your book harder.

“Cedric, g-go faster..” You managed to get out of your mouth. This tiny amount of friction was driving you crazy. You could hear Cedric chuckle behind your nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck drastically picking up the pace.

“F-fuck Ced!” You whisper-yelled chasing your high. You slammed the book shut clamping your hand against your mouth.

“You’re doing so good love, M’so close-“ He grunted quickening his pace. Moments later you could feel ropes of Cedric’s cum shoot inside you, making you exhale in relief.

“C’mon now princess, let’s go get cleaned up and we can study in my dorm yeah?”

[s0ulsniper]

peter parker x classmate!reader | P.P.

warnings: should be gn!reader, apologies if I used any fem or masc pronouns, I believe none were specified for the reader.

synopsis: peter interrupts your best friend and yours conversation at the wrong time, but it turns right.

pairings: peter parker x gn!reader

a/n: this could be used with any of the peters, but I wrote this with mostly Andrew and Tom in mind.

the brisk air stung at your nose, your hands shoved into the cozy pockets of your coat. a little further to the north was the almighty midtown high's football field. it was large, a fence covering majority of the sidelines.

your science book had been wedged in between your arm and torso in lousy attempt to keep every bit of your skin covered. you were sure, and embarrassed, that your cheeks flushed an awkward red even if it wasn't visible.

instead of walking through the crowded hallways, you chose to dart out of one of the many exits and walked from the outside to your algebra class. although you certainly dodged a bullet choosing to take a faster route, your body aches against you.

you hear her before you see her, a loud yell of your acquired nickname from behind you. you lips tint up and you turn around with a smug look across your face, your best friend running to catch up to you.

"jesus, you are like a speed demon-." she wheezes, curled over. "you ever take a break, or are you constantly just running to peter?"

your mouth prys open, despite you convinced you couldn't move your face.

"okay-... low blow f/n. I'm not always "running" to him". you shrug off, continuing to walk.

she darts after you, chuckles erupting from her almost in an amused way.

"yeah- whatever. you definitely have the hots for him. it's not like you don't giggle about him at my house almost everyday after school." she states, matter of factly. "you need to talk to him!"

you whip your head around and put you hand over her mouth.

"keep your voice down! your speaking loud enough for the entire school to hear." you hush her.

"hear what?" someone asks.

you shove your hands back in your pocket as you turn to peter. not only a cliche, but your worst nightmare. you hoped on whatever higher power that he didn't hear his name associated, or majority of the conversation.

"oh- we were just talking about this surprise we're doing for our friend." you blurt, smile plastered on your face despite the situation.

even if in a burning building, if peter was there you were sure you would be the happiest person alive.

his eyes are deep, and his cheeks flushed red in the perfect way. you look down to find he's dressed in just a sweater and jeans, as if it would be enough.

"oh, cool! could I help-"

"aren't you cold, peter?" you interrupt him.

you feel a nudge against your side, and look to see your best friend with her bottom lip between her teeth trying not to burst out laughing.

"uhm- well yeah... I really should've listened to my aunt may." he mutters awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

"y/n has really warm hands!" she blurts and rips your glove off, pulling yours and peters hands together.

if your heart not beating for 20 seconds straight wasn't possible, it was now. you truly weren't even sure you were alive in the moment.

but his hand never let go of yours, in fact he started walking after your best friend and intertwined them.

you dragged after him, trying to hide your expression, and his not visible until you leaned forward.

"um- sorry for her... she really doesn't have any self control." you tried to stutter out.

"no!" he interrupts. "sorry-"

your best friend stayed enough ahead of you to provide privacy as you kept walking to your class.

"your hands are warm- and I really did wanna hold your hand." he mumbles the last part but you still hear it, his grip noticably tightening against yours.

your smile is inevitable as you feel the butterflies erupt all over your body, almost feeling sick to your stomach. there's no way this was happening.

after not getting an answer he turns to you in curiosity, slightly slowing down to a halt.

"...y/n?"

you snap from your trance and find yourself staring into his eyes, darting between them and his lips.

"uh- sorry. I just really cannot believe this is happening."

he stops in his tracks to look down at you with his eyebrows raised.

"what do you mean?" he quizzes, grabbing your other hand in his.

you look to the side of you to see your best friend had gone inside to give privacy to the two of you, and luckily you still had time before you had to get to class.

"you know what I mean, Pete."

his smile widens impossibly further while he leans down to kiss your forehead.

"I do know what you mean." he smiles down innocently despite the mischievous glare behind his eyes.

"of course." you roll your eyes and keep walking, your hand interlaced within peter's.

"you know I'm just messing with you, [ n/n ]." he jokes, gently pushing his shoulder into yours.

"and my feelings were oh so hurt."

his laugh sends straight to your heart, speeding it up more than you thought possible.

even as the cold air nipped at your skin and your eyes watered you couldn't help but feel at total peace being with peter, especially so close to one another more than just physically.

[shitpostingperidot]

Ok you know what, the level of lesbianism of this part of Higher Further Faster (Palmer 2019) deserves its own post. Also, my post with the front cover is taking off but just look at the illustration of Maria on the back cover:

So. This is the emotional climax of the official Captain Marvel tie-in prequel novel:

That’s right, an angsty Danbeau love confession is the core of Carol Danvers’s backstory! Marvel published this!

And then, Carol gets in an anxiety spiral about not deserving Maria:

But not too long after, they reconcile, reiterating their love in a calmer moment:

Oh yeah, and they were roommates.

And this! This is the turning point of Carol’s character arc!

This is what defines her character for the final chapters: the knowledge that she’s found someone who makes her feel safe and loved and happy. Hello?!

And they don’t even no-homo it by calling themselves sisters until like 3 chapters later. This book makes me unhinged and I’m probably gonna write an essay about it but like. My god. This part is just another level.

[sadhornydemons]

Rapid-Spoiler-Season-Speculation: Mastermind/Sinmas

Mastermind:

After a bout of angst filled episodes, I'm theorizing that this one might be the nice change of pace: fun, filler episode/calm before the storm.

Not to mention, a nice mixup of two villain groups.

The Cherubs mention they are waiting for I.M.P. to return to Earth, but the D.H.O.R.K.S. seem to have a portal to get to them faster?

Robot? Robot with a skull chest emblem? Well, if they already have a Loona Fursuit, I guess they could just be into making freaky shit now. Could they send it through the portal? In which case,

There's a massive battle going on in the Lust ring.

Blitz is missing from these scenes until this one where he appears to be at the Pride ring.

Where the crystal portal is finally shown, see previous example:

D.H.O.R.K.S. appear defeated (but still alive? Well, it's not like IMP kills humans for a living..oh, wait) and Blitz is grabbing the card off their desk.

End of screen captures/speculation for this one, but I feel like events have to be running gradually in the background of the last few episodes for the doo doo to really hit the fan in the last:

Sinmas:

First, let's talk voice actors. Harvey Guillén came in fairly recently, but has been confirmed to voice Vassago. Now, they can always work around voice work to be added later, but I'm really leaning towards his character not appearing until this last episode.

Jason LaShea voices Andrealphus, assuming this shot is from the finale:

I think it's likely that Andrealphus, being a minor character, only appears in one or two episodes. With that in mind, let's assume the following scenes, which share the same background images, also take place in Sinmas:

We see at least one Sin, confirmed members of the Ars Goetia, and several sporting crowns. Aka the higher ups & royalty of Hell. And Stolas is missing. Oh, but Andrealphus states he will summon him.

(Off topic, but does anyone in hell know/care that Stolas's ex wife tried to have him killed? Paparazzi mobbed his hospital when he was hurt, but no one followed up on that news story?)

Likely the same scene, "You are a disgrace." Unknown character states. Whom? Ozzie? Stolas? The demon who took the last blueberry muffin from the snack table?

"Where is Stolas, anyway?" Well, this is the only image of him that appears to be from the finale:

1) Is that a blessed weapon sword?) 2) Is that a Gabriella hair stripe or an 'I was frozen today!' Anna-inspired white stripe?)

Which matches up with this:

And either Stolas left the refrigerator open for 4 solid episodes resulting in his mansion freezing over or his in-laws are relatives of Elsa's and favor home renovations.

Okay, buckle up sluts, MASSIVE SPECULATION TIME:

What would cause Stolas to move out?

Or rather, what would force Stolas to move out?

Andrealphus wants his money and property, Stella just wants him dead, but she has to follow her brother's wishes. Andrealphus tells her, "I say we bid our time. And wait for the chance to gain the upper hand."

And they might had had it all along.

You know, I wanted to say that Blitz fully and unprompted, spelled out, in detailed terms, how he was using Stolas's item to gain access to the mortal world immediately upon meeting Striker, but in watching it again:

Striker seemed to already know? So, either, Stella knew and told him or he did his research (if the IMP commercial from the pilot is still canon, they basically broadcasted it). But Blitz does go a step further and literally job interviews the guy, likely giving him even more info in the process.

Stolas even states, more than once, that they're not suppose to be using the book and that it's 'less than legal' even in hell.

So far, Stella has only been attacking Stolas. Striker knows Octavia is Stolas's main weakness, but hearing all the 'Blitzy' mentions during torturing, maybe he'll relay that there's another way they can exploit him. After all, Stella just thinks of him as any interchangeable Imp.

Stolas stated before that he would not leave Octavia, so maybe this was the reason he returns to the palace? But not soon enough, considering...*

The voice over does not match the scene, but it is as follows:

"You never loved mother and you don't love me, you love HIM!"*

Back to the image, is Via a fast learner or does she have the Grimoire? During the Loo Loo Land flashback, Stolas, having studied the book for a decade at that point, still needed it to travel to other planets.

And IMP seemed to be using the crystal in the last episode..

And if that's not complicated enough, let's get back to the Hell High Council meeting,

It sounds like they're discussing Stolas, before Vassago asks, "Where is Stolas, anyway?" Before demanding that they summon him, "at once!" Fortunately, this parrot's suppose to be a good guy, since unfortunately it seems like Stolas is in real more trouble.

Is it the illegal spellbook loaning? The (still alive?) D.H.O.R.K.S. having him on film? Satan help him if someone also managed to record him twerking on stage at the Verosika Mayday show.

We'll have to wait and see, but Stolas appears to return to the mansion with Blitz afterwards.

< / End MASSIVE SPECULATION >

Well, that's what I came up with. We've got 6 more months to go, and as the episodes do FINALLY get aired things might become more clear.

[faememes]

𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

This a rp meme of random sentences from film, TV, books, and music, change names/titles/pronouns as needed.

"I don't need a sword."

"The password is 'eagle', you apes."

"I have to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. Have courage and be kind."

"When life gives you lemons, just say ‘fuck the lemons’, and bail."

"Tell me that isn't what I think it is."

"I know I’m safe as long as I’m here."

"Higher. Further. Faster, Baby."

"That's it, dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow!"

"You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires."

"You still alive, Baby?"

"______, _______ forgot the password again."

"That is mahogany!"

"Oh, it’s a beautiful dress! Did you ever see such a beautiful dress?"

"Why think separately of this life than the next, when one is born from the last?"

"I will always find you."

" I know my value. Anyone else's opinion doesn't really matter."

"I see a strong, confident, beautiful young lady … Oh look, you’re here too!"

"Look, who finally decided to grow claws after all."

"Name one hero who was happy."

"We can go home... imagine it."

"Wherever you are is home."

"I always knew I would have to stay."

"I miss you when I least expect it."

"May our next meeting be joyful."

"Oh, great, now I’m the bad guy."

"And I don't know when I'll see you again."

"I cannot stop thinking of you. From the mornings you ease, to the evenings you quiet, to the dreams you inhabit, my thoughts of you never end. I am yours, ______________. I have always been yours."

"You can stand tall without standing alone."

"She is life itself."

"What is it, truly, to admire a woman? To look at her and feel inspiration. To delight in her beauty, so much so that all your senses crumble that you would willingly take on any pain, any burden for her. To honor her being with your deeds and words. That is what the true poet describes."

"I CAN’T BELIEVE I DID THIS!"

"To meet a beautiful woman is one thing, but to meet your best friend in the most beautiful of women is something entirely apart."

"To the stars who listen––and the dreams that are answered."

"That still only counts as one!"

"When I was born, the word for what I was did not exist."

"Are you aware the shape I'm in?"

"Bye, my darling."

"You posses a rare beauty, my love, in here. Never lose it. It will serve you well when you are queen."

"Most people around here have too many words and nothing to say."

"Do as ________ says."

"He showed me his scars, and in return he let me pretend that I had none."

"Mistress mine. My will is thine. Tell me your wishes three."

"If I offer you the moon on a string, will you give me a kiss, too?"

[thewritetofreespeech]

May I request Rei Suwa with a sweet artist s/o?

He came home late from the mission alone. Kazuki had gone to Kyutaro’s to pick up their fee, as Miri was going to need new clothes for school this week.

“Oh, you’re back.” [Y/N] greeted as they looked up from their notepad when Rei came in. “How did it go?”

“Fine.” He told them. “Where’s Miri?”

“She went to sleep hours ago.” Rei huffed. That was disappointing. “She wanted to stay up, but she was pretty worn out from the park today since it was so hot.”

“It’s fine.” He told them. Taking his hair down. “She needs her rest.”

Rei walked past the kitchen counter they were sitting at to grab a beer, and noticed their pad sitting there. “What’s that?”

“Oh! They’re nothing!” The reached out to try and grab the pad before Rei could get it, but unsurprisingly he was faster.

“These are from today?” They nodded. Although they didn’t need to as pictures of trees and swings littered the page. “They’re good.”

“Really?”

“Why are you surprised?” He asked.

“I don’t know. I just never thought you were really an ‘art’ person.”

“I’m not.” No point in hiding it. Any art around the apartment was Kazuki’s doing, and the closet he had ever gotten to drawing was cartography maps for a mission. “It seems really pointless to me. Paying a bunch of money for something to stick on a wall. Or stare at a picture of a tree when you can just go look at one.”

“Gee. Flatterer.”

“But I like this.”

[Y/N] blushed and scuffed their foot a little bit. “Thanks.”

Rei nodded, then continued to flip through the notebook. Coming to a certain picture, he looked at it for a long while than the others, then ripped it out of the pad. “What are you doing?!”

“I wanna keep this one.” He told them.

It was an older picture near the front of the book of him, Kazuki, and Miri. All random sketches. Some finished. Some not. More of a draft piece than anything. “You want to keep that one?”

“I just like it.” Something about it just seemed….right to him.

[Y/N] smiled softly and took their pad back. “You could have just asked.”

“You might have said no.”

“I would never say no to you Rei.” On some level, he knew that.

The assassin opened his beer and took a sip. Staring at the picture further as the alcohol washed down his throat. “Could you do another one for me?” [Y/N] looked up from putting their things away. “Can you do one of you?”

“A self-portrait?” They asked. Surprised by the request. “I don’t know. I’ve never done one before. They’re kind of hard.”

“I’ll pay you.”

[Y/N] scoffed. “It’s not about the money. It’s just that it’s hard to capture yourself in a drawing.”

“Could you try?”

[Y/N] arched a brow as they pulled their bag higher up on their shoulder. “Why do you want it?”

“So I can see you every day. Even if you’re not here.”

By their expression, they clearly weren’t expecting that as an answer and blushed again. “I’ll…I’ll see what I can do.”

Rei just nodded and watched them leave. Once they were gone, he stared at the picture some more. He’d have to get a frame or something. Maybe two for when he got his other picture.

[allwaswell16]

All the One Direction fics I read and enjoyed in April 2023. You can listen to my podcast to hear me talk about each of these fics as well as an overview of what was posted on ao3 including the fics on this month’s fic roundup which you can find here! Please let the writers know if you liked the fics by leaving kudos and comments! Happy reading!

Fanfictional Podcast #49 |  ko-fi | fic recs

—Louis/Harry—

🪷 Higher, Further, Faster by hazzahtomlinson / @itsnotreal

(NR, 31k, uni au) Or the one where Harry decides to go to college regardless of what his team warns him about and has to face the consequences, some of which aren’t so terrible after all. 

🪷 I'm Weaker Without You by The_Halcyonic_Lachesist / @chai-hat-tea

(T, 20k, Regency au) Alpha Lord Louis Tomlinson is a rake who refuses to settle down. Will he settle down for the Society's most talked about Omega? 

🪷 they say looks can kill (and i might try) by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove

(M, 18k, superhero au) Now he walks those same streets as Rogue, a vigilante who makes his own justice - and he's making damn sure that justice is coming for CowellCorp too.

🪷 Wanna play you like a game, boy (what's the thrill of the same toy?) by thebreadvan / @thebreadvansstuff

(E, 10k, dom/sub) Louis is Harry's boss, and Harry has a humiliation kink.

🪷 Unraveling by D1ona30

(E, 10k, roommates) He thought over the past few weeks, how he’d just known at certain times what Louis had been thinking or feeling, needing or wanting and it didn’t make sense to him. Until he had the wild thought, “Can I read Louis's mind?”

🪷 to be a better man by devilinmybrain / @thedevilinmybrain

(E, 9k, cheating au) “But if you’re so concerned, go see what he wants. Make him happy enough to leave me alone, eh? Since you’re so worried.”

🪷 Maid in the A.M. by @lainy122

(E, 9k, famous/not famous) “You’re not supposed to be here.” The lad frowned at him.“Sorry,” Harry said automatically. Which, wait. No, that wasn’t right. “Um, actually, I sort of live here?”

🪷 Read you like a book by becka / @realmenwearpuppypants

(E, 8k, canon) Louis realises Harry can read his mind. He'll do anything to make Harry admit it. 

🪷 Warm Chilling by Larry_you_know / @larryyouknow

(G, 7k, countryside) Louis moves into a cosy cottage in the English countryside with his dog Clifford to look after his great-aunt's animals.

🪷 Somethin' Old and Red by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense

(NR, 5k, vampire au) There was a ritual with these things. He’d pour a splash into a wine glass —his favourite little joke was telling humans he loved a nice glass of red every now and again— then sat down in his living room and listened to music while he drank.

🪷 out of time by missinglockets

(G, 5k, canon) Louis finishes his cigarette, contemplating what to say to Harry. They don’t do this anymore. He doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into.

🪷 Things Unsaid by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(G, 4k, soulmate au) where you have a tattoo of the first thought your soulmate has when they see you

🪷 Harry Styles Plays with Kittens While Answering Questions by @sadaveniren

(T, 4k, hybrids au) Louis runs a Youtube channel and Harry is his celebrity guest

🪷 Unplant by @hellolovers13

(M, 4k, neighbors) Louis should've looked where he was going, then he wouldn't have to desperately try to save a little flower now.

🪷 lucky once, could be lucky again by @jaerie

(E, 2k, a/b/o) Louis has been letting the rich and famous knot him for cash since he found himself walking out on the lavish lifestyle of his rockstar future mate.

🪷 Baby you're a little mind reader by larrycaring / @mystupidamours

(G, 2k, uni au) Person A is thinking inappropriate thoughts, suddenly panics and thinks: “If you’re a mind reader, cough right now.” Person B: *coughs*

🪷 ready for a war by @nouies

(E, 1k, pwp) Harry was so close to getting caught, and it was all on that stupidly pretty cocktail waiter.

—Rare Pairs—

🪷 for your eyes only by @muldxr

(M, 9k, Harry/James Bond) While on a dangerous mission, 007 reunites with an old flame.

🪷 Come get your man by Lhhome / @lhhomefics

(T, 3k, Niall/Harry/Lewis Capaldi/Shawn Mendes) “Oh that well its a funny story, I was drunk and it was like four in the morning or something and i sent him something that i don't even remember but it was one of those messages that disappear so I couldn’t even find out what I sent him and he refuses to tell me so honestly I am excusing myself from the narrative, it's all on him” Lewis explains.

[luminouslumity]

If you're still unfamiliar with the Cait Corrain situation, this video explains it! Under the cut are the blurbs for books of the authors Corrain targeted.

VOYAGE OF THE DAMNED by FRANCES WHITE

For a thousand years, Concordia has maintained peace between its provinces. To mark this incredible feat, the emperor's ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess's Mountain.

Aboard are the heirs of the twelve provinces of Concordia, each graced with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing.

Except one: Ganymedes Piscero - class clown, slacker, and all-round disappointment.

When a beloved heir is murdered, everyone is a suspect. Stuck at sea and surrounded by powerful people without a Blessing to protect him, odds of survival are slim.

But as the bodies pile higher, Ganymedes must become the hero he was not born to be. Can he unmask the killer and their blessing before this bloody crusade reaches the shores of Concordia?

Or will the empire as he knows it fall?

MISTRESS OF LIES by K.M. ENRIGHT

FATE IS A CRUEL MISTRESS

The daughter of a powerful but disgraced Blood Worker, Shan LeClaire has spent her entire life perfecting her blood magic, building her network of spies, and gathering every scrap of power she could. Now, to protect her brother, she assassinates their father and takes her place at the head of the family. And that is only the start of her revenge.

Samuel Hutchinson is a bastard with a terrible gift. When he stumbles upon the first victim of a magical serial killer, he's drawn into the world of magic and intrigue he's worked so hard to avoid - and is pulled deeply into the ravenous and bloodthirsty court of the vampire king.

Tasked by the Eternal King to discover the identity of the killer cutting a bloody swath through the city, Samuel, Shan and mysterious Royal Bloodworker Isaac find themselves growing ever closer to each other. But Shan's plans are treacherous, and as she lures Samuel into her complicated web of desire, treason and vengeance, he must decide if the good of their nation is worth the cost of his soul.

TO GAZE UPON WICKED GODS by MOLLY X. CHANG

In this magical epic fantasy, a young woman cursed with the power of death must decide if saving her family is worth betraying her country—the first installation of a gripping new series.

Heroes die, cowards live. Daughter of a conquered world, Ruying hates the invaders who descended from the heavens long before she was born and defeated the magic of her people with technologies unlike anything her world had ever seen.

Blessed by Death, born with the ability to pull the life right out of mortal bodies, Ruying shouldn’t have to fear these foreign invaders, but she does. Especially because she wants to keep herself and her family safe.

When Ruying’s Gift is discovered by an enemy prince, he offers her an impossible deal: If she becomes his private assassin and eliminates his political rivals—whose deaths he swears would be for the good of both their worlds and would protect her people from further brutalization—her family will never starve or suffer harm again. But to accept this bargain, she must use the powers she has always feared, powers that will shave years off her own existence.

Can Ruying trust this prince, whose promises of a better world make her heart ache and whose smiles make her pulse beat faster? Are the evils of this agreement really in the service of a much greater good? Or will she betray her entire nation by protecting those she loves the most?

SO LET THEM BURN by KAMILAH COLE

Whip-smart and immersive, this Jamaican-inspired fantasy follows a gods-blessed heroine who’s forced to choose between saving her sister or protecting her homeland.

Faron Vincent can channel the power of the gods. Five years ago, she used her divine magic to liberate her island from its enemies, the dragon-riding Langley Empire. But now, at seventeen, Faron is all powered up with no wars to fight. She’s a legend to her people and a nuisance to her neighbors.

When she’s forced to attend an international peace summit, Faron expects that she will perform tricks like a trained pet and then go home. She doesn’t expect her older sister, Elara, forming an unprecedented bond with an enemy dragon—or the gods claiming the only way to break that bond is to kill her sister.

As Faron’s desperation to find another solution takes her down a dark path, and Elara discovers the shocking secrets at the heart of the Langley Empire, both must make difficult choices that will shape each other’s lives, as well as the fate of their world.

"By turns hopeful and devastating, So Let Them Burn is a masterful debut with a blazing heart. I was captivated from beginning to end by Cole’s sharp, clever prose and by her protagonists—two remarkable sisters with an unforgettable bond." — Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief

THE POISONS WE DRINK by BETHANY BAPTISTE

In a country divided between humans and witchers, Venus Stoneheart hustles as a brewer making illegal love potions to support her family.

Love potions is a dangerous business. Brewing has painful, debilitating side effects, and getting caught means death or a prison sentence. But what Venus is most afraid of is the dark, sentient magic within her.

Then an enemy's iron bullet kills her mother, Venus’s life implodes. Keeping her reckless little sister Janus safe is now her responsibility. When the powerful Grand Witcher, the ruthless head of her coven, offers Venus the chance to punish her mother's killer, she has to pay a steep price for revenge. The cost? Brew poisonous potions to enslave D.C.'s most influential politicians.

As Venus crawls deeper into the corrupt underbelly of her city, the line between magic and power blurs, and it's hard to tell who to trust… Herself included.

And because Corrain went after him as well...

DRAG ME UP

They say he’s a myth...

And Hades prefers it that way. He may do all the work, and Zeus may get all the credit, but at least it allows Hades to preserve the one thing he truly cares to have: his solitude. The mere mention of the Wraith of Khaos Falls is enough to keep order, and he is rarely forced to leave the shadows of Casino Asphodel.

She belongs in the spotlight...

And Persephone clawed her way out of Demeter’s shadow to reach it. Now she’s lead in Calliope’s Cirque production but not without great cost, and there is not enough money in the world to pay off the debt accrued for the simple mistake of trusting Zeus. Though it’s easier to ignore the bars when she still has room to fly.

Landing a residency at the legendary Casino Asphodel is everything she trained for. Meeting a man she’d been convinced didn’t exist? She could never be prepared for that. Hades isn’t prepared for her either, but it’s soon evident they’re a force when together. He gives her a soft place to land, and she makes him want to reach for the stars. But when Zeus ups the stakes, they must be willing to go all in, even if it means coming down from the sky. Or stepping into the light.

KEEP ME CLOSE

She is the closest thing Khaos Falls has to a goddess…

And Aphrodite is feared and worshipped in equal measure. She has dedicated her life to being a savior for the lost regardless of the risk, but when unknown enemies nearly assassinate her in her own club, she realizes her reckless vigilante tactics won’t cut it anymore.

He is the furthest thing Khaos Falls has from a hero…

In fact, Hephaestus is who you call when all the heroes have fallen. Still, he is the best at what he does, strengthening the city’s weaknesses and keeping his feelings out of it. When tasked with Aphrodite’s personal security, it’s easy for him to detach himself from their mutual disdain. Until disdain is no longer the only thing he feels for her.

With their enemies elusive and snakes in their midst, good hearts and sharp wit may not be enough. But he made a vow, and he will keep it. Even if it means turning newfound feelings into newfound strengths and using them as a weapon to protect her.

LET ME IN

She never cared about being perfect.

Raised under Zeus’s self-serving influence, Athena only ever cared about being right. But with Zeus gone and everything changing, it’s been difficult trying to break free of the chains he so expertly secured her in as a girl. Especially when constantly worrying about Dionysos.

And he never cared much about saving himself.

Raised under Hades’ self-sacrificing influence, Dionysos only ever cared about pleasing everybody else. But when the opportunity to prove he’s more than a winemaker presents itself —with the promise of spending more time with Athena— he has no choice but to take it.

In a bid for peace, Athena and Dionysos are sent to an ailing Thassos City to try and strike a treaty. But with war within reach and rules rearranged, wit and charisma may just fall short. But they’ve long since decided that to protect each other, blood is a small price to pay. Even their own.

LOVE ME NOW

Achilles loved playing the hero…

Being a mere man had never been enough for him. He wanted to be a great one. And when he finds out that Helen, his childhood best friend, has gone missing, taking the mission is instinct. Even if it meant returning to the place he was born and raised, a place he swore never to return to—Heraklion. But he goes nowhere without Patroclus.

Patroclus loved being one…

But being a hero was nothing like playing one. It was a senseless sequence of pyrrhic victories he'd carry forever. Yet when Achilles needs him to return to Heraklion and the arena he had been forced to claw his way out of, he says yes because… well, of course he does. He would follow Achilles anywhere.

Yet both had left more of themselves in Heraklion's notorious arena than they'd taken. So returning would not require heroes but something else, something worse, especially when Helen is not the only one in need of rescue. They both must determine not only what it means to be a man, but what it means to be a good one.