qevv

[thexvthmember]

To everyone going nuts over the revelation of Gaming’s eyebrow piercings, boy do I have news for you

He has two

Source: The mini documentary Hoyo released about the development of Gaming

[crystalflygeo]

Sweet torture ft. Zhongli + fem!reader

cw/tags: bondage/shibari, muzzle, oral sex (m!receiver), dom/sub dynamics, reader doms in this one ayyy, sub!zhongli, TEASING lots of it, masturbation, sex toy, improper use of geo (lmao).

notes: What did I just write?? We just don't know. I am sorry I saw one (1) fanart of Zhongli wearing a muzzle and went b a l l i s c t i c. Also.... dom!reader hella. This is so filthy and I'm so sleepy.....

It was torture. You were torturing him.

Zhongli groans, muscles tense as he feels your fingers gently stroking his member. The sudden touch makes him jerk, but the intricate ropework laced around his arms holds him nicely to prevent any more movements and instead keeping them tied at his back.

He couldn't touch you, kiss you, hold you...

A sweet yet deliciously devilish laughter comes out of your lips.

And then you lean down and start giving small kitten licks to his dripping cockhead before your hot, wet mouth starts slowly enveloping him, bobbing your head with lewd wet noises and purposefully drooling all over him. Messy. Obscene. Painfully driving him mad with lust.

“Darling, please.” He moans hoarsely.

You pull back with a smirk “Hmm? Are you about to break your own contract? My dearest Zhongli?”

He huffs and growls, shaking his head.

As easily as he could break out of these ‘restrains’ he had made a deal with you, so all he could do was toss his head back and endure.

And oh… you could definitely see the appeal of being the one in control.

The lord of Geo. The mighty Prime of the Adepti. Bound and muzzled like a feral beast. Squirming under your touch.

You kiss down along the side of his impressive cock, lightly tracing a vein with your tongue and making it twitch. “Hmmm… seems like you’re all ready for me.” Zhongli gasps as your fingers follow the fine trail of hair from his bellybutton down, teasingly. “It’s my turn.”

For a moment he thinks the torture is over and you’re satisfied with your small game. You’ll release his arms, or at least take off the horrible muzzle (“no biting tonight, dearest.”) and allow him to eat you out to his heart’s content.

How wrong he was.

Zhongli’s eyes widen then he scowls and jerks into his restrains again, shuffling on the bed when he sees you pull out one of your toys. He glares at you. You wouldn’t.

You smirk in response. Watch me.

“Relax…” You smile, sickly sweet. Leaning back onto a pillow and spreading your legs. “Just enjoy the show, darling.”

You start by teasing your entrance, gently, slowly. Caressing and pinching at your clit and slowly easing the oiled tip of the object into you. A rather special geo construct of Zhongli’s own creation. Sweet irony.

“Hmmmm…Ah…”

He snarls, glaring at the offending object as you slowly feed the fake cock into your pussy, inch by inch stuffing you as you let out a quiet moan. He knows you wouldn’t be satisfied with such a… crude and lacking replacement, no. He knows you ached for him, his warmth and thickness that could fill you so much more, satisfy you so much better.

You bite your lip and whine as it bottoms out.

“This one is… hah… rather accurate huh? … hng!” You mewl, squeezing your eyes shut as you start pulling it out only to push back in. “A-ah- fu-!”

He tries to keep calm. By Celestia, he tries. But the sight of you, naked and sweaty, presenting yourself so freely and displaying your pleasure, makes it excruciatingly difficult. You rock your hips and moan his name, high-pitched. Getting more and more used to the intrusion and thus increasing the speed.

“Z-Zhongli, baobei” You keen. “Wouldn’t you be a dear and apply a bit of resonance?”

A growl. “I would rather have you myself, my love.”

You let out a breathless chuckle. “Of course. But don’t you want to see me come undone first? We do have a contract and for now you have to do as I sa-a-y Ah! Oh fuck-!”

You bite your lip, whining, eyes rolling back and hips moving on their own when the geo construct indeed starts buzzing low on your hand and inside your pussy. The sensation drives you up to the edge of that high, delicious simmering heat all over your body and pooling at your navel. Feel so good, so good-

“Zhongli, Zhongli, Zhongli-”   

You come with a cry of his name as your body arches away from the mattress, high-strung with pleasure, free hand clawing at the sheets. For a few seconds you lie there basking in the afterglow, chest falling and rising rapidly until you sit up and slowly pull the toy out, shuddering at the wet squelch.

Your gaze sets on the man in front of you, looking absolutely pent-up with sexual frustration. Cock pressed up hard against his abs and smearing tacky precum everywhere.

You scoot up to him with a playful smile, eyes half-lidded as you sit upon his lap. You brush your hand down before bringing it back to run a slick-covered finger over the muzzle, the metal turning shiny and no doubt getting impregnated with the scent of your arousal. You see him open his mouth and pant slightly, sharp fangs on display, nostrils flared, eyes half-lidded and pupils brown wide as he chases the path your finger makes.

Oh, he is absolutely drunk on you.

You place your hands at his shoulders for leverage and this time (finally!) slowly envelop his cock with your warm pussy.

 “Now’s your turn…”

[daydreaming136]

Kili Durin x F!READER (Modern female)

Pairings: Kili x Reader slight Fili x Reader if you squint lol

Tags: modern reader female, isekai, waking up in the hobbit, death, romance, adventure, magic, dwarves, elves, everyone lives AU!, eventual smut,

Author notes: hi this is my first time writing for the hobbit hopefully someone will like it ❤️ please be kind in the comments and don’t be afraid to message me any questions ❤️

When I opened my eyes I saw a beautiful blue sky and the sun shining bright there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I sat up suddenly there was a pain in my stomach I winced and hissed. I lifted my shirt to look for any injury and didn’t find any. Then I realized the pain went away, I blinked a few times and thought back about my day and how I got here. The day went on as usual woke up spent some time to myself, which includes coffee and some gaming. Got ready for work, shower, brushed teeth, a pair of jeans and a button down shirt, a pair of shoes which were dirty from working in them. I drove to work, clocked in, put my Home Depot apron on, got stabbed by some crazed customer, clocked out, drove home…wait what? Let me back up a bit. I got stabbed by some crazed customer?? I lifted my shirt up again but didn’t see a stab mark. I huffed and got up. “Did I die? Is this heaven?” I chuckled. “Well I didn’t think I’d end up in heaven.” I looked around but didn’t see a person or angel in sight. I looked for any sign of life and saw smoke a few miles away. “I guess I’ll start there.” I walked towards where the smoke was residing. I walked into a small village. I mean literally small because the people were small and everything in the village was small. The people reminded me of hobbits with their pointy ears and big hairy feet. I walked to what looked like a market place. I thought I saw Bilbo baggins from the hobbit at one point but decided to kept walking. Til I recognized a familiar gray pointy hat. I sped up my pace and grabbed the persons sleeve. “Excuse me.” Once the man turned around I immediately recognized the man. “Yes my lady?” I felt my eyes go wide from shock. “Um I-I…” my words died from my mouth as I looked at his face longer. Gandalf raised his brow, “are you alright my dear?” I blinked realizing I’ve been staring at him. “You’re Gandalf the grey, right?” He looked at me up and down, staring at me questioning. “Indeed I am, and you are?” I realized I was making a fool out of myself I shook my head and cleared my throat. “Mr. Gandalf my name is Y/N and i know I’m going to sound crazy but I believe I ended up in either The Hobbit or Lord Of The Rings. Please believe me when I say that I’m not trying to do any harm to you or Bilbo or Frodo or Thorin.” He stared at me hard then he started to smile. “Well my dear why don’t we walk and talk.” I nodded and began to walk beside him. “So let’s start from the beginning.” I swallowed and started my tale of the hobbit careful enough to not give anything important away. “Hm. Well I do believe you my lady for I just talked to Bilbo not too long ago.” I smiled. “Thank goodness. Please let me join you and the company to take back the lonely mountain, with my knowledge I can help.” He thought for a moment and nodded. “Alright. Let’s get you some supplies for the journey ahead.” We hit the market again getting me a bedroll and some feminine products I’ll need. Then he lead me to a familiar hole in the ground. “This is bilbos place isn’t it?” Gandalf nodded. “I need to do something for a bit wait for me here til I return.” I nodded. “Okay.” He began to walk away. “Oh and Y/N do stay out of trouble.” I chuckled. “You got it.”

Hours went by I ended up on the grass and took a nap. It was hard not to when the sun felt nice on my skin and the grass felt comfortable. I was startled awake by a shake to my shoulder. When I opened my eyes I was met with brown and blue eyes. “Miss why are you sleeping out here?” I blinked and sat up. “Oh sorry I must’ve dozed off waiting for Gandalf.”

“Gandalf? Are you the new member uncle was telling us?” I nodded. “Probably, Gandalf told me to wait here for him, are you heading to Mr. Baggins?” They nodded. “He should be here soon why don’t we head in while we wait?” I bit my lip and nodded. “Okay I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m Y/N by the way.”

“I’m Fili and this is my brother Kili.” I nodded to Kili noticing him not saying anything. The three of us walked toward Bilbos home. Fili rang the doorbell. And we waited for the hobbit to open the door. Bilbo opened the door. Bilbo whimpered when he saw the three of us. “Fili.” Fili introduced himself “Kili.” Kili finally spoke. “And Y/N.” I introduced myself. The two dwarves bowed their heads. “At your service.” I nodded towards Bilbo. “You must be Mr. Boggins.”

“Nope! You can’t come in. You’ve come to the wrong house.” Bilbo went to close the door but Kili stopped him. “What? Has it been canceled?” The door was pushed back open a bit. “No one told us.” Fili walking close behind his brother. “No, nothings been canceled.” Bilbo said confused about what the dwarves were implying. “That’s a relief.” Kili pushed the door open more and walked in Fili and I followed after. “Sorry Mr. Baggins.”I say give him a sympathetic look. I could tell he was already getting frustrated. “Careful with these. I just had ‘em sharpened.” Fili began to take off his weapons. I walked in looking around the hobbits home. “The movies really didn’t do this place justice.” I muttered under my breath. Kili walking around. “It’s nice, this place. Did you do it yourself?” Kili asked. Without Bilbo paying attention Kili began to take the mud off his shoes on Bilbos mother’s chest. I bit the inside of my cheek wanting to tell him not to do that because it is Bilbos mother’s chest. “What? No, it’s been in the family for years.” Bilbo finally realized what Kili was doing. “That’s my mother’s glory box! Can you please not do that?” Bilbo was angry. Then Dwalin walked in and grabbing Kili’s shoulder leading him farther in the house. “Fili, Kili. Come on. Give us a hand.” All of us walked into what looked like a dining room. “Let’s shove this in the hallway, otherwise we’ll never get everyone in.” Bilbo stammered. “Everyone? How many more are there?” I grabbed Fili’s weapons. “Here I’ll take these Mr. Baggins.”

“Th-thank you. Do you know what’s going on.” I smiled slyly and put Fili’s weapons somewhere out of the way. Suddenly the doorbell rang again. Bilbo feeling very frustrated walked towards the door. “Oh, no. No. No. There’s nobody home! Go away and bother somebody else! There’s far too many dwarves in my dining room as it is. If this is some clot-heads idea of a joke…ha! Ha! I can only say it is in poor taste.” He opened the door I could hear the dwarves falling on the floor in the entrance of the hobbits home. I followed after Bilbo. Seeing the dwarves on the floor I giggled watching them grunt and groan. “Ah. There you are my lady I thought I told you to stay put.” I smiled. “Sorry I ran into Fili and Kili they said you would be here soon and well here you are.” Bilbo looked at Gandalf. “Gandalf.”

Soon everyone was in the dining room they were passing ales and food. Having a grand old time, I ate a bit myself. I grabbed a jug of ale and took a few gulps. I giggled some more seeing poor Bilbo tell the dwarves to put his food back from his pantry. Food was going left and right the dwarves drinking and eating. “Ale! Going one, two, three!” They were all chugging their drinks. A few letting out some burps. I laughed amongst them. Once they all finished eating they began to clean up I joined in obviously. “‘Scuse me but where do I put my plate?” Ori asked Bilbo. Fili walked up grabbing the plate from him. “Here you go, ori. Give it to me.” He tossed it to Kili who caught it without a problem and tossing it to Bifur. They were tossing all the dishes to get cleaned. I heard the dwarves clatter the silverware. “And can—can you not do that? You’ll blunt them.”

“Ooh, do you hear that, lads? He says we’ll blunt the knives.” They began to bang their shoes amongst the floor, making a beat. “ Blunt the knives, bend the forks.” Kili began to sing. “Smash the bottles and burn the corks.” Fili followed. “Chip the glasses and crack the plates.”

“That’s what Bilbo baggins hates!” They all sang together. I danced a bit to their song. “Cut the cloth tread on the fat. Leave the bones on the bedroom mat. Pour the milk on the pantry floor. Smash the wine on every door. Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl. Pound them up with a thumping pole. When you’re finished, if they are whole. Send them down the hall to roll. That’s what Bilbo baggins hates!” They all laughed after the song was finished. Suddenly there was a loud banging on the door everyone quieted down. I looked at Gandalf. “He is here.” Bilbo and Gandalf walked to the door, I followed them. Gandalf opened the door for Thorin. “Gandalf. I thought you said this place would be easy to find. I lost my way. Twice. I wouldn’t have found it at all had it not been for that mark on the door.”

“Mark? There’s no mark on that door. It was painted a week ago.” Gandalf closed the door after Thorin walked in. “There is a mark. I put it there myself. Bilbo Baggins. Y/N. Allow me to introduce the leader of our company: Thorin Oakenshield.” I bowed my head a bit to be polite. “So..this is the hobbit and Gandalfs assistant. Tell me, Mr. Baggins, have you done much fighting?” Thorin circled Bilbo. “Pardon me?”

“Axe or sword? What’s your weapon of choice?”

“Well, I do have some skill at conkers, if you must know.” I crinkled a bit. “But I fail to see why that’s relevant.”

“I thought as much. He looks more like a grocer than a burglar.” The dwarves laughed at Thorins comment. I felt a little sympathy for Bilbo. The dwarves all walked to the dining room it was just Bilbo, Gandalf, and I. “Your assistant aye.” I crossed my arms under my chest. Gandalf smiled. “Well I couldn’t just tell them you’re from another world now could I.” I nodded. “Alright, I guess it could work for now.”

I sat next to Fili and Kili at the dining table. “What need from the meeting in Ered Luin?” Balin asked Thorin. “Did they all come?”

“Aye. Envoys from all seven kingdoms.”

“And what did the dwarves of the iron hills say? Is Dain with us?” Dwalin asked. “They will not come.” Thorin answered.

“They say this quest is ours and ours alone.”

“You’re going on a quest?” Bilbo asked standing behind Gandalf. “Y/N, help my dear fellow Bilbo, let us have a little more light.” I nodded helping Bilbo bring some candles out. “Far to the east…over ranges and rivers… beyond woodlands and wastelands… lies a single, solitary peak.”

“The lonely mountain.”

“Aye, Oin has read the portents, and the portents say it is time!” Glóin said. “Ravens have been seen flying back to the mountain, as it was foretold. When the birds of yore return to erebor, the reign of the beast will end.”

“What beast?” Bilbo asked curiously. “That would be a reference to Smaug the terrible. Chiefest and greatest calamity of our age. Airborne fire breather. Teeth like razors. Claws like meat hooks. Extremely fond of precious metals.” Bofur described Smaug. “Yes, I know what a dragon is.” Suddenly Oir stood up. “I’m not afraid. I’m up for it. I’ll give him a taste of dwarvish iron right up his jacksie!”

“Good lad, Ori!” Nori cheered on the dwarf. “Sit down.” Dori told him. “The task would be difficult enough with an army behind us..but we number in just 16. And not 16 of the best…nor brightest.” That gave a bit of commotion. “We may be few in number… but we’re fighters. All of us! To the last dwarf.” Fili cheered on. “And you forget, we have a wizard in our company along with his assistant. Gandalf will have killed hundreds of dragons in his time.” I bit back a laugh. “Oh, well, no. I-I-I wouldn’t say—,”

“How many, then?” Dori asked. “What?”

“How many dragons have you killed?” All the dwarves looked at Gandalf as he choked on his smoke. “Go on. Give us a number.” I watched as they fought amongst themselves. I pushed myself against the wall. “Uh, excuse me. Please.” Bilbo tried to talk to the dwarves when Thorin spoke up. “No more!” They all went silent. “If we have read these signs, do you not think others will have read them too? Rumors have begun to spread. The dragon Smaug has not been seen for 60 years. Eyes look west to the mountain, assessing, wondering, weighing the risk. Perhaps the vast of our wealth of our people now lies unprotected. Do we sit back while others claim what is rightfully ours? Or do we seize this chance to take back erebor?!” They all cheer til Balin cuts in. “You forget: the front gate is sealed. There is no way into the mountain.”

“That, my dear Balin, is not entirely true.” Gandalf brought out a key showing it to the dwarves. “How came you by this?” Thorin asked. “It was given to me by your father. By Thrain. For safekeeping. It is yours now.” Gandalf handed Thorin the key. “If there is a key…there must be a door.” Fili thought out loud. Gandalf showed them the writing on the map. “These runes speak of a hidden passage to the lower halls.”

“There’s another way in.” Kili spoke happily. “Well, if we can find it, but dwarf doors are invisible when closed. The answer lies hidden somewhere in this map, and I do not have the skill to find it. But there are others in middle earth who can. The task I have in mind will require a great deal of stealth and no small amount of courage. But if we are careful and clever, I believer that it can be done.”

“That’s why we need a burglar.” Ori concluded. “Hmm. And a good one too.” All eyes were on Bilbo. “An expert, I’d imagine.”

“And are you?” Glóin asked. Bilbo looked around realizing that he asked him. “Am I what?”

“He said he’s an expert! Hey!”

“Me? No. No, no. I’m not a burglar. I’ve never stolen a thing in my life.”

“Well, I’m afraid I have to agree with Mr. Baggins. He’s hardly burglar material.” Balin replied.

“Aye, the wild is no place for gentle folk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves.” Dwalin looked at bilbo and I. I felt a little offended. “C’mon Dwalin they’ll manage just fine.” Bilbo agreed what the dwarf said while I bit my tongue holding back insults. The dwarves talked amongst themselves. Then Gandalf made the house grow dark. Gandalf stood as tall as he could in the small hobbits house and in a loud and scary voice, “Enough! If I say Bilbo baggins is a burglar, then a burglar he is. And you will talk to my assistant with more respect. Hobbits are remarkably light on their feet. In fact, they can pass unseen by most, if they choose. And while the dragon is accustomed to the smell of dwarf, the scent of a hobbit is all but unknown to him. My assistant here also has some insight about our quest which will be useful in taking back the lonely mountain. Smaug will not see us coming. You asked me to find the 14th member of this company, and I have found 2. There’s a lot more to them than appearances suggest. And they both got a great deal more to offer than any of you know. Including themselves.” I could tell he was mainly talking to Bilbo. “You must trust me on this.” Gandalf finished. Thorin seemed to take Gandalfs words seriously. “Very well. We will do it your way.” Bilbo doesn’t seem convinced though. “No.no.”

“Give them the contract.” Thorin looked at Balin. Balin took out a folded paper and handed it to Bilbo. “It’s just the usual. Summary of out of pocket expenses…time required, remuneration…funeral arrangements, so forth.” Bilbo seemed stunned by the words ‘funeral arrangements.’

“Funeral arrangements?” I placed my hand on bilbos shoulder, “it’ll be alright.” He opened the folded contract. Bilbo walked off to read the contract. Thorin leaned close to Gandalf talking about something important no doubt. “Terms: cash on delivery, up to but not exceeding 1/14th of total profit, if any. Seems fair. Present company shall not be liable for any injuries inflicted by or sustained as a consequence thereof, including, but not limited to lacerations…evisceration…incineration?” I giggled a bit at bilbos reaction. “Oh, aye. He’ll melt the flesh off your bones in the blink of an eye.” Bilbo seemed to pause at that. All the dwarves took notice, “are you all right, laddie?” Balin asked the small hobbit. Bilbo put his hands on his knees,” yeah.” Bilbo seemed to try to process this, taking a few deep breaths. “Feel a bit faint.” I felt a bit sympathetic for poor Bilbo besides knowing he’ll be alright. “Bilbo?” I asked concerned for the hobbit, but it seems another dwarf had other intentions. “Think furnace with wings.” Bofur got up from his seat. I looked at the dwarf with eyes to plead to him to stop. “Air. I-I-I need air.” Bilbo looked like he was going to get sick. “Flash of light, searing pain, then poof! You’re nothing more than a pile of ash.” I bit my lip watching the scene play out. Bilbo tried his best to keep calm and to not faint, but he failed. “Nope.” And he went down. I closed my eyes and sighed, “now you’ve done it. Good going Bofur.” I put my hands on my hips. “Oh, very helpful, Bofur.” Gandalf sarcastically said. I grabbed the contract picked up a quill and signed my name, handing it to Balin. “There you go.” Balin looked at the signature. “Welcome to the company, my lady.” I bowed my head and he did the same. The company helped poor Bilbo up and onto his comfy armchair. He was well awake and holding a cup of tea. “I’ll be all right. Just let me sit quietly for a moment.” Gandalf smoking his pipe seemed to get angry at the small hobbit. “You’ve been sitting quietly for far too long. Tell me, when did doilies and your mother’s dishes become so important to you?” Remembering this moment I decided to leave Gandalf and Bilbo to their conversation joining the dwarves in the other room. Fili and Kili walked up to me,” is Mr. Boggins all right?” I nodded. “Yes but he and Gandalf are having a serious conversation so I’d wait if you want to talk to him.” Kili nodded. “Do you think he’ll come?”

“No way brother, Mr. Boggins is way too comfortable here.” Fili responded. “I think he’ll come.” I smiled a little. “Why did you not faint, don’t dragons scare you?” Kili asked, I chuckled a bit, “of course they do but I also think dragons are cool. Seeing one up close sure would be a story to tell one day, that’s if I make it.” I know the story of them but what of me technically I died who knows what’ll happen to me here. “Cool? Dragons are not cool, remember what Bofur said. Furnace with wings.” Fili reminded me, I laughed. “Yes, yes. I remember I just meant they’re majestic, and also terrifying.” I have to remind myself that ‘cool’ isn’t a normal slang term in this world. In that moment Bilbo was walking past us going to what I believe is his bedroom. Kili and Fili suddenly left me to join the other dwarves in the living room. I began to hear humming and singing from the living room, remembering Thorin singing the misty mountain. I sat outside of the room listening to the beautiful sound but also hearing the mournful sound in Thorins voice. I vowed to myself I’ll make sure the durin line will survive once we arrived at the lonely mountain. Leaving my place in the hobbits home I walked outside took a place near the entrance of the hobbits home and fell asleep.

[iidylllic]

Restraint 🖤

Dark!Pantalone x reader | 1.8k words

Summary: You hold one part of yourself close- the ability to restrain your desires.

Reader specifics: GN, doll analogy used

Character specifics: If you’re reading when he’s released in game, he’s probably OOC, no nationality specified

Tags: DARK, non consensual relationship, blurred lines and unstable relationship, “colleagues” lines blurred, eula voiceline lore used, no smut

Notes: I think this is a little abstract

I am 18+ have read the above, and consent to seeing this content [yes ⬇️] [no ↩️]

You never wanted to get involved with the Fatui.

Hardly anyone does. Growing up around them, you’ve seen a blurred slideshow of changing faces- the ones coming back from their duty to the Tsaritsa, swapped out with the ones embarking. The lack of continuity shaped your young mind with a dream of stability. You wished for a reality shaped by consistency, where nobody was desperate for money or improvement of their rank.

That’s how you ended up with Pantalone.

He doesn’t give you his real name. Not yet, so he says. The level of secrecy is surfeit for someone who has nobody to tell it to.

And you see him every day. You devote your full attention to him. You’re a secretary, turned personal assistant, turned…

You can’t bring yourself to address it.

Initially, you had believed that secretarial work would be the no-strings-attached experience you needed. Take the money, go to Liyue, carry all your records and papers to avoid accusations of being a spy (apparently nothing gets past the Tianquan anyway) and settle down for a stable life.

If you left now, you wouldn’t choose Liyue anymore. Too many connections to the market.

“Ah, darling-“

You snap out of your haze. He’s stretching himself backwards on his seat, looking up towards the ceiling. Quickly and lightly, you get on your feet and walk over to him, going to his back so you can massage your fingertips into his shoulders.

“Mm…”

You press a little harder. He lets out a long sigh through his nose. A mild wave of nausea rolls over your body.

“You looked lost in thought there.” He says plainly. Across your time with Pantalone, you’ve learned that most of his statements are demands, and many of his questions are rhetorical. In your responses, you know better than to be vague.

“I was thinking of places I would like to visit one day.”

Not exactly a lie.

“Is that so?”

You nod even though he can’t see it. He brings his hand up and gently motions to the side, indicating for you to move out of the way.

“Try not to stall so much during work. We’ll always have plenty of time for discussion once it’s over.”

You hadn’t planned on discussing it, but Pantalone automatically assumes himself to be privy to your thoughts. It’s amusing how intensely professional he remains, given that he had offered that you stop formally working for him the month before, and become something of a “companion”. You had refused, because who would possibly accept a role so vague and unsettling? He had only chuckled, leading you to believe he wasn’t all that serious, but ever since that day he’s been very… rigorous … on the clock. It could be read as a display of passive-aggressiveness.

He stands up. You dread the moment he’ll lay his eyes on you. The papers you were working on sit at your own desk in neat piles, nearing completion. He wouldn’t be angry. He never is- or at least, never shows it. There’s more work than normal recently. But there’s still a fear that sits in your gut, constricting around your organs, a fast beating heart and shallow lungs.

But having some extra work to do isn’t a bother, especially if you can complete it after dinner-

“Finish that up for me, dear. I don’t want you preoccupied when we come back home.”

“Of course.”

You don’t miss the way his eyes glance to the side in restrained disappointment. He hates being called “Lord Harbinger” by you. And he’s stopped you from calling him “sir”. You believe he expects you to return with an affectionate nickname of sorts, to meet his constant “darling”s and “dear”s but so far you’ve been unable to muster one up.

Pantalone leaves you to the rest of your work, returning a few minutes later with your coat and boots. After sorting the last of the papers, you start putting your boots on, becoming startled when you stand up to see Pantalone ready to help you into your coat. He hums as you put each arm through its respective sleeve, and your hands race to do up your buttons lest he intervene before you. There’s a moment after you retrieve your gloves from the pockets where you look up at him, and he sweeps a hand across your cheek under the guise of tucking back hair. In his eyes there’s a sickening sense of admiration, like a child lovingly gazing at a porcelain doll.

You are his doll, you suppose. His toy sounds depraved, but it would be equally true. Dressed up and taken everywhere, introduced to strangers like a show-and-tell, cradled in his arms as he sleeps, a fragile substitute for a love he never once received. You watch with glassy eyes as he touches you with reckless abandon, your eyelids shut dully when you lay down with him, and when the string is pulled on your back, you tell him how wonderful he is. You commend his success and offer him reassurance you doubt he needs. Despite this, you are defective. He has never once managed to hear you squeak out an “I love you” from your battered voice-box. He treats you with a certainty that it is there, that it will manifest into reality if he simply persists. In this respect, you and his monetary treasures are similar.

-❤️-

Another dinner passes with him across the table from you. He’s started taking you out at least once a week, and you’re unsure if these count as dates. You would rather just believe he’s attempting to show you his wealth with his choices of restaurants.

Returning home brings him to his favourite part of the day. Time for recreation is a luxury in Snezhnaya, and though Pantalone can certainly afford it, he restricts himself (and simultaneously you) from indulging in it too much.

You don’t think you can run off to your own room like you used to do when work was finished. What you would give to fall asleep on the unused bed, to stretch out on the fresh sheets. The room is dull and grey, but it’s your own space, a guarantee of privacy. It’s a place you hardly ever visit, swapped in favour of the red and gold of Pantalone’s bedroom. The extravagance of his tastes has always left you uneasy.

Trying to stall making contact with him for as long as possible, you sit yourself on one of the armchairs and idly fiddle with a book from the table beside it. This doesn’t last long.

“Don’t be like that,” He chuckles, playing off your antics as a joke. “What’s wrong with sitting beside me?”

You reposition yourself next to him on the sofa, trying not to look like you’re clinging to the edge of it.

He doesn’t slide along, but his body tilts towards you. Magnetic attraction. Drawing him in.

Your mouth is dry and your fingers are trembling along a tattered page. The wine from the restaurant, offered but never received, is a faraway dream. He’s all too eager to buy your affections, and probably would’ve gotten the entire bottle for you if you’d hinted at trying a glass. Maybe every single bottle in the restaurant. But when it comes to intoxication, you restrain. To loosen up could be a great relief… or a fatal error. He has another glass of it in his hands, white wine, almost golden, and you could just as easily ask- but you never want to put yourself in a position of debt to him. He sees you glancing at it, and catches your eye in a way that captivates you. His eyebrow raises slightly before he begins speaking.

“You should get more comfortable asking for things from me.” His voice slices through the thick air, as if reading your mind.

You don’t know what to say. Instead, you just look at him, with eyes glassed over and motionless. Frozen. Silent rabbit in the mouth of a wolf. Fearing the crush. If you linger long enough, he fills the silence himself. Whether he realises it or not, he has the initiative of a desperate man. Unable to rest without getting in his words, his say, his influence.

“I’m not forcing you to, but I think we’ve grown rather close-“

You’ve grown rather close to me.

“- and it’s a dreadful sight to see you restrain yourself with the world at your fingertips.”

You swallow. It’s in this moment that you realise he’s still too prideful to simply invite you into a relationship with him. Instead, he’s coerced- no, swindled- you into a kind of pseudo-domesticity. You realise that after this, you’ll go and sleep in the same bed as him, and he will guard you and guide you like one of his investments, not stopping until he’s guaranteed returns. This is a dead end.

“Maybe it’s just my tastes.” You say sedately. A masterful facade borne of a childhood where you could never show fear.

“Mm…”

His eyes are transfixed on his wine, which he swirls lazily.

“When I was… not as financially successful, I used to refuse to drink anything except water. You couldn’t have convinced me to steal leftover tea leaves because I refused to get accustomed to the taste.”

When he glances up at you, his gaze seems to melt you down like frigid ice to malleable water. You nod.

“When I grew wealthier, I still drank water and chose to forgo other drinks. I had my tea weak and tasteless in business meetings, I refused coffee- I claimed it gave me headaches- and I restrained from alcohol. It wasn’t until an associate of mine insisted I try some of Mondstadt’s dandelion wine that I ever indulged in a full glass. They held an entire ceremony for the wine- they pour it into silver goblets, did you know?”

You shook your head. Fascinating. Distracting. Your tongue feels like sandpaper on the roof of your mouth.

“I didn’t know either at the time. And I thought that it seemed uselessly extravagant. They pour it out into the goblets, they let it sit, and then serve it with ice. But the taste was… incredible, unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. I finally looked around me, and darling, I observed that I was in a position to ask for anything I wanted, and get it,”

He raises the wine glass a little, not to his own lips, but outwards. Then towards you, until it hovers beneath your face and the sweet smell is almost enough to taste.

“But know that even from when I was young, I understood that ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get.’ And perhaps others believe the opposite, that remaining distant and unobtrusive brings them the best in life,”

You grasp the wine glass gently in your hand, and his own retracts.

“Which frankly, I’ve never understood.”

You stare down into the glass. It feels like staring into an abyss. The golden hue shines like mora. Your breath hitches, and you finally squeeze out a high-strung, “May I?”

Pantalone nods, smiling gently with the eyes of a predator.

It’s bittersweet and reminiscent of a freedom you may never know.

[samantitheos]

Weekly Tag Wednesday

AND IT'S STILL WEDNESDAY (a first). Thank you @blue-disco-lights and @wehangout for the tag. <3

Name and A03 handle: sam / ms_gallavich [cringe]

Current Location: living room couch in my new apartment. the upgrade from my last apartment is actually insane. i'm quite pleased.

Favourite picrew: any one in which i am channelling my lord and saviour, mickey milkovich. par exemple:

What's one thing you want in a picrew? uhh...good piercing options?

Favourite thing you’ve created (or seen created) for the fandom? as cringe as it is now several years removed, i was at one time one half of a very elaborate long-form mickey/ian rp on instagram that we regularly maintained throughout most of the "dark years" (2017-2019) when we thought s07e11 was the last time we'd ever see gallavich on screen. i feel like it brought a wide swath of the fandom together at that time, and it was a lot of fun.

less cringe, i like these two embroideries lol.

Why is it your favourite? gallavich embroidery got me through the pandemic lockdowns tbh. i taught myself stitches watching youtube videos and would work on pieces while binge watching different shows. (remember tiger king and squid games? lol. wild. feels like a lifetime ago.) made me feel at least semi-productive. also i love skeletons, so obvi that one is dear to me lol.

Did it come easily or was it hard to create? i am straight garbage at doing the lettering. i also rip out and restitch sections a lot.

Last ao3 fic you commented on? definitely left an unhinged comment on @suzy-queued's A Song Only You Can Hear fairly recently.

Biggest WIP heartache you’ve ever experienced? Grayola's Things Beyond Mistake was a punch to the tit, i won't lie. and i walked into anomalously's Promised Land with eyes wide open, knowing it was abandoned, and yet... 🥲i'm still subscribed to about 20 others i am still holding out hope for... 🥲🥲

Favourite trope or head cannon you like included in a fanfic? it would probably be easier to name the tropes i don't like lol. love a good soulmate fic. and got to love "only one bed" hehe. slow burn and friends to lovers/mutual pinning too. just inject that straight into my veins.

Least favourite? i wouldn't say it's a trope, but i strongly dislike fics where they sleep with other people. don't care for mpreg either. or mcd (unless its something supernatural wherein they are only dead temporarily -- then i love it).

Secret or surprising kink or trope? most surprising would be abo (minus the mpreg), since i had never even heard of it until about a year after i started reading fic. thank god for that comprehensive abo primer on a03 lol.

Describe how you feel after you’ve created something new? "i'm deleting this 30 seconds after i post unless someone likes it"

Top hype man you have that always helps you get across the finish line: i'm a lone wolf these days.

It's been a bad day, you turn to the fandom and you _____? start rereading something old written by one of my og favs.

(e.g., @loftec, @wehangout, @goodkwuestion, @gallavichy, @palepinkgoat,

@beckyharvey29, @the-rat-wins, @biblionerd07, @crimson-bebop, @captainjowl,

andchaos, mellow_yellow, MintSauce, Violet_Jones, lilbatfacedgirl, romanticalgirl, anomalously, horror_business, 09cityskylight, so many more that i missing that i now have anxiety lmaoooo)

Tagging a few people and extending the invite to anyone who would like to play. <3 @jademickian @transsexual-dandelions @ms-moonlight-inn @mickeym4ndy @sweetbee78

[firawren]

"The Rose Brides" A Beauty and the Beast retelling fanfic

Chapter 10, “Escalation,” rated T, now posted on AO3!

Excerpt from Chapter 10:

He shouldn’t, but he really, really wanted to go with her. It was so boring and disheartening being alone in his room with nothing but the oppressive feeling of the spirits to keep him company. Belle’s company would be infinitely better. And at least he wouldn’t be alone with her—Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth would be there too, so nothing really intimate could happen between him and Belle again, like that kiss on his cheek that wouldn’t stop replaying in his mind. No, it would just be a casual game with three people who he all cared about equally and platonically.

“Alright, I’ll come play,” he agreed, and he made sure to take no notice of the way her face might have lit up in delight at that. The fact that his heart started thumping faster, as if in sympathetic delight at her delight, was just a coincidence.

Belle led him to the small sitting room with the music box in it. There was a cheerful fire crackling in the hearth, with two armchairs pulled up to it, where Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth sat chatting. They looked up toward him when he came in, and both smiled at him.

“Glad you decided to join us, dear,” Mrs. Potts said as he approached.

“Yes, excellent to have your company, sir,” Cogsworth said, much more formally, but still looking at him with as much contented fondness as Mrs. Potts was giving him. Even more of his tension about being with Belle drifted away under such welcoming looks.

He heard scraping across the floor and turned to see Belle pulling wooden chairs up to a small table. He rushed to help her.

“Where’d this table come from?” he asked.

“Cogsworth and I carried it in from another room.”

Adam frowned. “You should have gotten me sooner; I’d have brought it.”

“Cogsworth and I handled it just fine, didn’t we?” Cogsworth inclined his head toward her in confirmation, then Belle turned to Adam and held up her arm to flex her bicep. “I’m a strong, work-roughened peasant, remember?”

Her arms actually did look a little more hearty than when she’d first come to the palace. She’d been so skinny at first, but she’d put on some weight in her months here, and Adam was pleased to see it.

He smiled at her. “Oh yes, very impressive muscles, little one.”

She frowned at the tease, and Adam nearly reached out to pat her head to annoy her further, but then shrunk back, remembering that he ought to be less chummy with her. It was just so hard when she was so friendly and cute all the time.

Continue reading on AO3

Summary:

Lord Adam, born a beast from an ancestral and unbreakable curse, is determined to live in solitude so that his bloodline and curse will finally end with him. Yet magic intervenes and puts a young woman named Belle in his life, bound to his palace from an enchanted rose she plucked. Adam wants nothing to do with this woman who ruined his plans. He certainly is not going to fall in love with her, no matter how sweet and fun and clever he discovers her to be. Belle is not happy to be trapped at the eerie palace either. She had plans to become a famous author and travel the world. But she’s determined to make the best of her situation by making a friend, or maybe something more, if she can ever get this cranky yet strangely kind beast to open up to her.

Chapters 10/19 now posted | Belle/Beast | rated M overall

Other characters: Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, Maurice, minor original characters Key tags: Alternate Universe, Love, Happy Ending, Fluff and Angst, Eventual Smut, Shame, Self-Sacrifice, Magic, see full list of tags on AO3

[glorfindel-of-imladris]

For the bird asks: 🦜🐧🦩

Thank you kindly!💕

🦜 a pretty quote (you like the prose, or symbolism, or it's poetic, or you just like how it feels/the word choice!)

"Do you not think this is enough!"

Voice carries well in the hills around Mandos. Fingon's own echoes back to him even as he pushes on.

"Maedhros!" he cries, for all that any could hear. "I have spent a lifetime watching you bound to an oath from which you have long wanted to be free! Am I to spend another lifetime watching you bound again?"

The quiet around the misty hills is all that answers him.

"Maitimo..."

The old name escapes him, one Maedhros has shunned since his torment, but one Fingon has ever kept in his heart, buried, but used fondly still, in the secrets of his mind whenever he thinks of the other. For despite the irreversible marks and scars of Thangorodrim, Maedhros was still the most beautiful to him.

🐧 a funny quote (silly! laughs! jokes! puns!)

"My High King Fingon," said the seneschal who greeted him. "What a surprise. To what do we owe this unannounced pleasure—again?"

The High King grinned up from where he was standing at the foot of the stairs in Himring. "Erestor, old friend, you would not believe this. We were out hunting, as you do, but I seem to have lost my hunting party."

"Deliberately?"

"Dear heavens, no. What in Arda would make you think that?"

"Ah, then, I beg your pardon, Sire. If I may ask, how is it that you have strayed this far from Hithlum?"

"My party and I were hunting for elks."

"There are no elks in Hithlum?"

"There is better game here, obviously."

"Obviously." A long pause. A sigh. "I shall inform Lord Maedhros that you are here.”

🦩dealer's choice (choose any quote at all! or the summary / ao3 tags thing! whatever! wild card!).

"You have got to be kidding me."

Glorfindel smiled an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid not," he said. "Being called suddenly is not unusual. I have spent many moons in Lothlórien like this before."

"Yes, but… now?" Surely, he must know. “Glorfindel. You do realise that you are leaving me with— with—”

“Erestor?”

“Your husband!”

Glorfindel tipped his head and glanced behind Ecthelion, to where the man in question was still asleep—in Ecthelion's bed. “Shall I take him back to our rooms? Although I must warn you, he will not like that. He did always say he needs to sleep in after a thorough fu—”

“Glorfindel.” Ecthelion took a deep breath. “Last night happened—with the three of us. Yes? I think this day it should be us three still. Alcohol was involved, you see, which unfortunately passes the next day as many good things do. What am I to do when he wakes? As recent as the day before, we have been at each other's throats!”

“Oh, you were at each other's throats, all right.”

“Glorfindel!”

"Ecthelion!” Glorfindel laughed. He leaned over and patted Ecthelion's shoulder in a way that is not at all reaassuring. "You'll be fine.”

[inkabelledesigns]

for your ask game! is there anything with my favorite little guys (you know who XD) in Searching the Depths? If not I will happily accept a Richard section, he's an honorary little guy.

Oh Victor, you spoil me. XD Y'know, I think I do have a little bit I can hand you with one of your favorite guys. We're gonna throw you some of Depths and some of Richard, since this is the only Bendy ask in my box. (Warning, spoilers ahead for both)

Searching the Depths - The Heart of the Studio: Chapter 18 - Hell's Bell

The screaming voices in her mind only got louder before they were reduced to whimpers. The man carefully took a handkerchief from her breast pocket and wiped away at the ink on her mouth and cheeks. She was trembling in his grasp, her breathing unsteady, shaken, unable to stop hyperventilating. 

"What…the HELL was that?" She looked him dead in the eyes, tears pricking her own. 

"My sheep…" he sighed. "I'm so…I'm so sorry." He looked up to the railing. "My flock, give me a moment, will you?" 

No sooner had he asked, the monsters hurried out of the room, and the ominous light of the projector flickered to life. He let go of her, hurrying to the instruments left behind. A pluck of a note on the banjo, drum, violin, and cello, and the next thing she knew, a door had opened up. 

"Let us speak somewhere more…private. Where prying eyes might grant us peace." He grasped her by the arm and dragged her in. She nearly tripped over herself at the pace he was taking her. As soon as they were inside, the door snapped shut, and the man let out a breath she hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Oh dear god we're in for it now." He held his head in exasperation as she yanked her arm out of his grasp.

"Listen buddy, you owe me some answers." Bella coughed and leaned against the wall, struggling to stay upright. "What the heck is going on here?" 

"You really aren't Henry, are you?" No emotions betrayed him, she could hardly believe he could say that with a straight face. Then again, maybe he wasn’t. How could a being with no face even have a straight one? But he seemed sincere!

"Not in the slightest. I'm five foot nothin', at least a few decades younger, and as much as I'd like to think I make a convincing man, something tells me that's not what led to your confusion." She let out a deep breath. "My name's Bella. Bella Ewe. And you are?" 

"I am the prophet of our Lord and savior, the ink demon." 

"The prophet of-" That title, oh dear. No, it couldn't be, could it? Just like Joey's story. Just like… "Sammy Lawrence?" She raised an eyebrow. "No, you can't be, that's not possible!"

"Hard to believe, isn’t it?" He sighed. "That name hasn't been mine in…I don't know how long." 

"You can't be the real Sammy. He died in the forties, he's not some-some prophet for a bunch of monsters!” She threw down her arms in frustration. “He's a brilliant composer with an amazing legacy!" 

"As flattered as I am to hear such praises, I'm sorry to disappoint you, little ewe." He leaned against the wall, gesturing rather matter-of-factly. "But I am no liar, that would go against my cause. The people that once worked here have all met with a terrible fate. And if you're here, I'm assuming you have too." 

"I…I suppose that's one way to put it." She winced as she held her side. "But…how? Why? I thought…I thought this was just a story. How is this real? How am I here?"

"Likely the same way the rest of us came here: the ink machine." His voice was so cold, she could see how tightly his fists were clenched. Almost made her afraid they'd burst.

Richard the Keeper: The Studies of 214

Chapter ??? - Naming Convention

“This is a waste of time-”

Bella held her hand up in front of him as she faced the other keepers. “Wait a sec Rich, they might be onto something.” 

“What?!”

“Well no offense, but to us, you all look the same. A name tag might be helpful in telling you apart.” 

“You can't be serious-”

“Oh I'm very serious!” She laughed. “Come on, it'll be fun! There are so many wonderful names to choose from, they've all got different meanings, it's great!” 

The snobby keeper snorted. “Oh yeah? What's Richard mean then?”

Richard was about to spit back at him, but Bella held up her hand again. “Depends on where you come from. In some cultures, it means ‘mighty ruler’, in others it's simply ‘rich’. In others still it's ‘powerful and hardy’. Though I remember one old friend…he said it meant ‘helper of humanity'. I don't know how true it is, but…” she turned and smiled at Richard, “seems fitting for someone trying to make a better world.” 

Richard froze for a few seconds before quickly pulling his clipboard closer to his face. “We have a schedule to keep-”

“Yes, and we will keep it.” She patted his arm gently. “But let's be honest, we're getting nowhere fast. I think this could help.” 

“How-”

Another keeper interrupted. “I didn't know names could have such meanings. Do they all have so much depth?” 

Bella nodded. “Oh yeah. There was this old baby names book in our local library. I had a friend who checked it out all the time, helped him pick out so many names for his characters.” She chuckled. “Probably not a flawless method, but it's what we had, and it was all in good fun. But some people don't care much about name meanings, just use whatever sounds good.” 

“What about you?” They asked. 

“Me?” She held her chin in thought. “Well, Bella means beautiful in most languages.” 

Richard raised an eyebrow. “But that's a nickname, not what was chosen for you. What does Isabella mean?”

[mikkomacko]

DATING TYSON JOST-INSTAGRAM POSTS

Happy Tyson Tuesday and Josty birthday! (and pie day too I guess) Sorry I've been MIA just been busy. Anyway here's something cute and simple to celebrate our favorite guy

Liked by your.instagram and others

Josty17: Chilling with my chilled Coors light 😎

#ad #21+

📸: your.instagram

Coors light: We love to see it

Landeskog.92: Influencer era

JTCompher: making the big bucks now I see

Your.instagram: sorry y'all he's a transplant and hasn't learned that banquet is better

-> Newhook18: tell him teach

->your.instagram: school's not really his thing unfortunately

->Josty17: Hey! I went to college

LOConnor: DU would've taught you better bud #SkoPios

Liked by ColoradoAvalanche and others

Your.instagram: 2 minutes and he still didn't realize I was sitting here

Tagged: Josty17

ColoradoAvalanche: Mr.Influencer has learned to ignore the camera

Josty17: Didn't realize it was visiting hours at the jailhouse

-> your.instagram: 🎶 mama I'm in love with a criminal🎶

6ErikJohnson6: Josty give her the attention she deserves before I do

-> your.instagram: wearing your sweater next game 🫶

->Josty17: Oh dear...

Liked by your.instagram and others

Josty17: A screenshot from today's daily FaceTime with mom. If anyone's looking for a photographer hit up momma Jost

Tagged: your.instagram

Your.instagram: Don’t be shy Tys post the birds nest of bed head you cropped out

->Josty17: I’d have to reveal your cute squishy face and that’s a hard no

->Josty17: squishy face is for me and me only

AndreBurakovsky: you make out with your girl while your mom is on FaceTime??

->JTCompher: confirmed mommy issues Josty

->Josty17: we were not making out I was pinching her face together to make her mad

->your.instagram: then we made out

->Josty17: babe stop we did not make out in front of my mother

Liked by Josty17 and others

Your.instagram: Uber driver was really hot but only played SoundCloud recordings of his ukelele 7/10

Tagged: Josty17

JTCompher: he's working hard for that tip

Cradnec: Wow cutie. How do I request this driver?

->Your.instagram: offer to buy his dinner and he'll respond within 2 seconds

Josty17: I play Justin Bieber upon request

-> Your.instagram: no one requests Justin Bieber

->Josty17: I'm a Pisces... please don't spite me...please no fighting :(

Liked by ColoradoAvalanche and others

Josty17: My girl dressed me for this one. Apparently pinstripes are in

Landeskog92: Hope you play as good as you dress

6ErikJohnson6: Did she pack your lunch for you to?

->Josty16: extra juice box and everything

-> your.instagram: I also wrapped his booboo finger for him 🥰

Your.instagram: wow you're almost as hot as this winning streak #GoAvsGo

->Josty17: Gonna keep turning up the heat 🔥

Liked by 6ErikJohnson6 and others

Your.instagram: He clearly wasn't pleased to see my Condor jersey tonight

Tagged: Josty17, 6ErikJohnson6

MelLandeskog: you travelled to see your man and still didn't wear his sweater?! Brutal

->your.instagram: Toasty needed to be humbled after he ignored me in the box and didn't throw me a puck last game

6ErikJohnson6: I love my fans (you) but more importantly I love my haters (Josty)

->Landeskog92: Fan behavior from both of them

Josty17: The lord giveth (my girl at my game) and the Lord taketh (her in my mortal enemy's jersey)

-> Your.instagram: The lord giveth (a hot hockey bf) and the Lord taketh (him giving my warmup puck to the 5 year old with a sign)

-> Josty17: Babe he was a child and it's a rubber disk

->Your.instagram: *my rubber disk

Liked by your.instagram and others

Josty17: Snow days >>

Tagged: your.instagram

Makar8: That's a Canadian welcome if I've ever seen one

->Josty17: warm greetings for our adopted Canadian y/n Josty

->Landeskog92: y/n Josty?!

->Josty17: Figured I'd give her time to get used to it before it becomes her name

Your.instagram: Tys at home days >>

->Josty17: clingy gf days >>

->Your.instagram: clingy for you 25/8

->Josty17: <3 :-)

AndreBurakovsky: please tell me your mom didn't take this pic

->Josty17: this is the work of an overbearing and imposing sister

->Your.instagram: an overbearing and imposing sister that we love with all our hearts

->Josty17: my girls 🫡

Liked by matbarzal13 and others

Your.instagram: Josty fan girls rise up

Tagged: Josty17

6ErikJohnson6: you're telling me he's naked in the middle of a Canadian winter??

->Your.instagram: #FreeTheNipple is year round baby

JTCompher: Josty fan girl here. Thanks for my new lockscreen pic

->Your.instagram: Strength in numbers

Landeskog92: Hot

Josty17: Didn't even give me a heads-up so I could flex for ya

-> your.instagram: your abs are the star of this show please stop complaining

->Josty17: Would've hiked my shorts up higher if ya asked ;-)

->Your.instagram: Thighs are for my eyes only babes

[pumpkinupsidedowncake]

Earlier I tried to draw a venn diagram of Malevolent the podcast and Stanley the parable, but I just filled up the middle and couldn’t think of anything to put on either side. Except for writing “GAMER” on Stanley’s side, then attempting to come up with a similarly appropriate title for Malevolent and failing, and then questioning if Arthur Malevolent qualifies as a gamer. Then my perception of the laws of what is and is not a gamer began to deteriorate. If a gamer is one who games, what are the limits of what a “game” is? Do you need to have agency in your participation in order to be a gamer? When Katniss was in the Hunger Games, was she a Hunger Gamer or a Hunger Survivor? Were the Careers who actually wanted to be there gamers? Is that the difference between gaming and not gaming? Seeking bloodshed?

Dear lord, is kayne a gamer? Are all omnivores gamers? Are thorned raspberry plants gamers? Is the sun a gamer? Are the bacteria that cause tetanus gamers??? This is madness! I can’t accept this. Everyone can’t be a gamer. The word doesn’t mean anything anymore if we go around calling every violent houseplant we encounter a gamer.

I decided there was only one solution to this irreconcilable situation: deleting the concept of gamers entirely from this realm. My finger was poised right above the gamer delete button when suddenly, some random white guy I don’t know yelled “wait! don’t do it!” I don’t know how he got in my house. His face looked like one humans tend to have. “don’t press that button! gaming is all I have!” he said forlornly. He fell to his knees dramatically. I don’t know who this guy is, so I asked the only relevant question: are you a gamer? “yeah,” he said, like it meant something profound. So I asked him, what is a gamer? “I dunno.” Is this fern a gamer? He looked intensely at the fern for twenty-four minutes, then stated, “yeah. that’s a gamer.” Dumbfounded, I asked if this small potted cactus was a gamer. He said “nah”. At this point I was beyond done with this gamer nonsense. I asked him if one needs free will in order to be a gamer. “nah”. Nah?!?!

I pressed the gamer delete button. The man in front of me disappeared. The sun disappeared. Even I disappeared. Most everything disappeared that day, except for every bucket and a small potted cactus. It was awful.

Then I got better and pressed ctrl + z. The world was once again inhabited by gamers. My houseplants were traumatized. The random gamer was still in my house. He stared at me with sad eyes, and I realized my finger was once again hovering over the gamer delete button, just as it had an eternity ago. I asked him for his name this time. He gave me his gamer tag. It was unremarkably weird and I forgot it immediately. “you gotta trust me, the world needs gamers,” he pleaded earnestly. I said cool, now get out of my house. But he didn’t. (Is that the true mark of a gamer?) So I did the only thing I could do in that moment. I gave him the gamer delete button.

I was hoping he would destroy it or at the very least leave my house immediately. But instead his “twitch” “chat” dared him to press it. Reader, you cannot know the depth of the baffled rage I experienced when I felt all the gamers in the world being deleted for the second time. I stewed in the void for a long while, wondering where it had all gone wrong. And as I did, I remembered my favorite quick and easy recipe for baked chicken that I learned from my father, who learned it from a family friend. Of course, that method was much less versatile than the version I offer you today.

You will need an oven, chicken meat, and a bottled sauce of your choosing. Consider choosing a restaurant sauce you enjoy, if they sell it somewhere, or possibly a salad dressing if it seems like one that could go on a piece of chicken. Either marinate the chicken in the sauce or chuck it in with the chicken before you bake it. Wash your damn hands and anything else that touched the raw chicken, you maniac. Then bake the chicken in your oven at the correct time and temperature for the variety of chicken meat you are dealing with. Consider using a meat thermometer as well. When this is done, you will have delicious cooked chicken. Unless you chose a horrible sauce. Then you will just have vaguely edible cooked chicken.

Reflecting on my love of baked chicken, I realized that my oven was a gamer, as it had also disappeared when that awful gamer guy pressed that awful gamer delete button. I once again re-introduced the gamers into our world’s ecosystem. “what happened?” the gamer guy in question said. He then was encouraged to press the button yet again by the same force that convinced him to do so previously. The last thing I heard before being yeeted once more into the void was “it would be really funny”.

At that moment, I was at my lowest. Did the world deserve to be infested with gamers who would toss out everything they cared for merely to advance “the bit”? Was there any way out of this mess or would the gamer guy trap himself in a loop of self-destruction? (Is that the mark of a true gamer?) I needed a gamer-proof plan.

There in the void, I created the unthinkable: a gamer delete button delete button. As soon as I brought back the gamers via ctrl + z I pressed the new button, causing the gamer delete button to be sent to the shadow realm, which was like getting yeeted into the void except slightly more permanent. The gamer guy was looking at me again. Leave my house, I said again halfheartedly, just in case it worked. “you saved the world, bro. thank you so much for that.” With a sincere smile, this man who I still don’t know crawled away into my ventilation system.

I had lost so much of what I had previously taken for granted. My button, my worldview, my sanity. But I had gained one thing from all this, one pyrrhic pearl of wisdom: the true meaning of gamer. All you have to do to qualify as a gamer was vent sussy amogus imposter like and subscribe. And in that moment, it felt so meaningful. Profound, even. And now I know for a fact that both the Stanley Parable and Malevolent contain gamers. My venn diagram may be fucked but that’s okay. I’ll make a new kind of diagram to contain all the similarities between these two pieces of media. I’ll call it a list diagram. It’ll be exactly like a list, but with more syllables that add no meaning.

List diagram of the similarities between Stanley the Parable and Malevolent the Podcast:

GAMER

Choices

Wrestling with predetermination

Horror

Wife

Voice describes everything

Fanon divorce arc

Leads are petty

Music that haunts me

Yellow

I’m doney with the funny

[scrumptious-delusion]

WIP GAME

Rules: Make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! Then tag as many people as you have WIPS.

thank you for the tag @marvelstoriesepic! <3

lord knows every writer loves talking about their WIPs more than writing them (or is that just me??) but i’m actually forcing myself to do some writing rn so 🤞🤞

don’t judge the working titles 🤣

take my hand, wreck my plans ~ outlaw!bucky (treacherous sequel)

the discovery ~ mercenary!steve (the expedition sequel)

hush, my dear ~ outlaw!steve (treacherous spin-off)

dawn (part four of little bird series)

a deadly game ~ criminal!bucky x detective!reader

we’ll meet again ~ 40s!bucky x modern!reader

i think he knows ~ biker!steve x baker!reader

no pressure tags: @intrepidacious @brandycranby @perdidosbucky-yyo & anyone else who wants to do this <3

[unironicallycringe]

Hi @banrioncanine I got your tags in the mail!!!

So I dug through some old google docs to find stuff. The gist of it is that I wanted to expand on daily life in the Sanctuaries, which then led to expanding the religious duties of Dark Siblings. I wanted them to have religion more focused instead of only the combat training which we see in-game, so I was in the process of leaning more into this.

In particular, members of the Black Hand are more priest-like. In addition to being the Speaker's direct assistant, I wrote the Silencer as having religious duties in the Sanctuary whenever present. Usually leadership of daily prayer falls to the Sanctifier, but Silencers and Speakers are kind of like honored guests who throw more unholy weight around by virtue of being part of the Hand.

You can see that in the following excerpt from Dear Brother, wherein the Silencer leads in a nightly prayer (CW for ritual bloodletting)

Thanks for your tags! Had fun looking back on some of this lore.

I was dismayed to find that as a Hand Representative, I was obligated to lead in prayer and offer guidance when present. There was no volunteering, no friendly request of ‘say, Silencer, can you preside over the rituals tonight, if you’re feeling up to it?’, nothing. Those duties now defaulted to me. So if I was in the Sanctuary following dinner, I’d inevitably stand at the head of the main hall table with twelve – ah, make that fourteen now – pairs of eyes focused on me while I prayed aloud. And so this is how I found myself, standing uncomfortably in the appropriate spot after being roused from a post-training nap, doing what Lucien had done the night before. “Sweet Mother, dark Father--” I chanted above the cadence of my Family’s murmurs, “-- let not your Children stray from your shadow. Let us find guidance through your austere Hands. We honor your names with spilled blood – Hail Sithis, Hail the Night Mother.” Their bowed heads now lifted to observe. With a practiced hand, I pressed a small knife to my exposed forearm, adding to the trove of scars from this very ritual. A line of scarlet dribbled from me, which I quickly collected onto a scrap of paper. Sanctifier Ocheeva, at my left, passed me a candle, and I set the scrap aflame and dropped it into the engraved stone bowl before me. The tiny flame licked up the flimsy, bloodied parchment and turned black before snuffing itself out. It took the offering with it and left nothing behind. Our Dread Lord was pleased. “Kill well, Family, for we’ve the Void’s blessing,” I said with open hands. “Kill well, Silencer,” came the return in varying levels of volume.

[shinakkyo]

get to know me tag

tagged by @reuenthals thank u 💙

rules: answer + tag 9 people you want to get to know better and/or catch up with

favorite color: red!! i also love chartreuse but i feel like a snob when i say it

last song: a the weeknd one, i don’t remember the name lol it was playing on the car on my way home

currently reading: bell hooks’ “all about love” im probably the last person on earth to read this one. also theoretically i have been reading arthur danto’s “the abuse of beauty” for like a year or so but im very bad at reading and take forever

currently watching: im watching patalliro! and i started to watch the lord of the rings movies extended versions w my darling too!

currently craving: my dear friend quetiapin… we’ll meet again soon my love…

coffee or tea: coffee forever

any hobby you'd like to try?: im bad with hobbies that aren’t playing viddy games bc my artist brain always turns them into work… but i would like to try gardening for real at some point!

any discipline you'll follow during the Olympics?: skateboarding, canoeing and female volleyball are my fav but i do follow most sports lol VAI BRASIL 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

any AU/Alternate Universe you've been plotting for?: im always thinking of my hakkaimitsu age gap au and ofc my canon div wyler au… hopefully i will learn how to write soon and get back to them 🙏🏻

tagging @glitter-garbage @thebisexualmandalorian @diamantdog if any of u wanna do it 💖

[thescribeoflostmemories]

Love?

Maiko/Geisha! Reader

Order received!

Pantalone (guest)

Flower set

Pouring drinks

Sing/dance

Talk

Play games

Tea ceremony

Lovelorn set (Yan! 18+ only!)

Giselle's Calla Lily(flower)

Burning passion (Circlet)

Giselle's Pinion (plume)

Wedding bells(sands)

To be or not to be (goblet)

Kudoku (weapon)

Dessert (explicit content)

Tag: @mellowwillowy , @eliciana

Tags: Yandere, Ft. Dottore, murder, Drug use, sexual content, mind-control/brainwash, Attempted murder, Manipulation, blackmail (implied), death threats (implied), self-sabotaging (does that count?)/self-harm, guilt-trip, love bombing (?). Using a different writing style, Yan’s pers. is at the near end. No mention of condoms (“practice safe sex folks!”- Falaila)

Note: Repeat after me: “this is a dark fic, not a romance fic”, if you compare this with romeo and juliet. You got the wrong genre for it, but then again most romance fics have a lot of problems these days. Minors do not interact. Ps, this isn’t accurate but for the sake of the fic.

“The usual I presume, Bubbles? Love is a subjective word. Anything could be sprouted from it. Both good and bad, though most people would rather look at the good things instead.” -Scribe

“ Uh …. What he said.” - Falaila

Rip, Shingo’s wallet ~ P

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First meeting prt 2

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"More Sake, my Lord?" You offered your services to the stygian haired man with a gentle smile. With the gentle moonlight shining down, you'd cursed at the moon for being such a tease!

"Please." He gestures at the cup, so you pour him some.

"Are you enjoying yourself, my lord?" You asked as he took a few sips.

" If I'm not, what else would you offer me?" Returning the question back to you. You know how to handle guests like him.

" I can play you some music, my Lord. “

“No need, we might disturb others.”

“If one were to play, which would you prefer?”

“Whatever the ‘heart’ desires.” That’s farce, both you and him know it. Even more so if the heart has different ideas.

“I have a few songs in mind, my lord.”

“Excellent.”

“What is your name?”

“Hú dié-"

" I meant your actual name, dear."

" We are not allowed to disclose that, dear sir. But you are allowed to know my stage name."

" I see, tell me then. What are your thoughts on visions?" Given what you have known about Harbingers, they don't possess any vision, yet have access to this dangerous version of it from what Fuuka told you.

" Well, everyone has ambitions, no mountain could be climbed in a 'proper' way even if one has no vision. Ordinary people have their own ways, they just can't see it."

" Hmm."

" Though, just as ambitions drive a person. It all depends if one would do anything to achieve it… What about you sir? Are you more of a wait and see person, or rushing head first?"

" That's none of your concern. But if you wish to know, I'm more of the former."

" That's good, having said that. If you keep to yourself at the sidelines, you might miss an opportunity. "

" Speaking of.. " And so he started to talk your ear off a few of his theories, it is interesting to hear them. Too bad you can't disclose them to anyone else.

When it is time to play music for the others, your fingers couldn’t help fidget a little, anxious in the inside of the next piece. You tried to invite Pantalone into the games that the others had prepared, but he declined saying it's too childish of him to do so. Knowing people like him aren’t satisfied with the service, so you offered a session over tea to calm his mind. Surprisingly, he accepted it.

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2nd meeting

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You never really expect him to come back, done that, time to move on with your boring life. Yet why did he meet you after turning into a Geisha for a short formal meeting with Lord Fuyu, who was your first visitor as a certified professional.

“Welcome, honored guests.” You bowed to them, serving them drinks and letting them drink first before you did. “Sir, if I may." Lord Fuyu, made a gesture for you to proceed. " Thank you, the passage here is rather treacherous. I suggest going through here, there is a cavern that your merchandise could pass through." You point at the narrow path where a small pack of slimes congregate. "It shouldn't be too hard to deal with slimes there."

" I say, that does sound like a wonderful idea. How about you, Lord Harbinger. What are your thoughts?” Lord Fuyu says, though wanting to hear more thoughts on the matter.

“It does raise a point, but the risk of damaging the goods is present.” The Harbinger hummed.

“Thank you for considering the prospect, my Lord.” You bowed at the two high ranking gentlemen.

“I'm definitely going to give you a recommendation, Hú dié!” Fuyu smiled at you.

“You flatter me, Lord Fuyu. I only gave you another option to ponder over.”

“Meals are on me.” Fuyu laughed.

“Lord Fuyu, ah … Never mind. Shall I play a song for you instead?” You were about to remind him that it would be an additional price, though. You’ll just tell your Mada to try and lessen the pay.

“Yes, please. Hú dié.”

“Of course.” Once you played the Zither after folding the sleeves a bit, you specialized in the Liyue style of music. Never forgetting where you hailed from, even if they tried to mold you into this ‘perfect’ woman they idealized. Or were you just scared of change and trying to convince yourself that you’ll be unrelenting as the mountains?

That thought haunted your very being to this day, revealing such sadness hidden within the upbeats of the strings. Each note made it look like you’re just caressing it. You will have to apologise for ruining the music to them.

“No need to be sorry, Hú dié. You played wonderfully, here a toast as your first customer in the industry!”

“Thank you, truly sir.”

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3rd meeting

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“Greetings, Lord Harbinger.” You bowed and greeted him by the door after closing. “Thank you for requesting me.”

“I wanted to thank you for the suggestion, and answers to a few questions.”

“You may, my Lord. But fair warning, I cannot speak what I shouldn’t voice out.”

“That’s a pity, oh well. What can you tell me about your madam?”

Think carefully of your words, since the reputation of your madam is on the line. “Lady Wong is an honorable one, she has connections nearly all over the country and this tea house is only one of the many branches of the Wong wealth.”

“You’re from Liyue, no?” He gambled a guess.

“That is correct, I do not come from here. I am grateful to my Mada who let me serve under her wing.”

“Servitude relationship?” Another assumption by the banker.

“If you look at it in a stranger’s view, yes. But I owe alot to her.” That is no lie, Lord Shingo could attest to that . “Would you like me to offer you some tea? I still owe you one from a while ago.”

“I AM a tad curious about one of your specialties, Hú dié.”

“I will begin, Lord Harbinger.” Smiling before gathering the necessary items for the tea ceremony. It's a somewhat long process, while along the way you taught him how to enjoy fresh grind tea. “The locals here preferred the taste as is, but you may add some sweetness to it. If you want, I know of a place where we could have some traditional sweets.” Offering your service again.

“That would be lovely, Hú dié.”

“Since this is your first time as my guest, I’ll tell Mada to not charge you for it.” Knowing how they charge for a ‘party’.

“Do you do this to all of your guests?” Pantalone’s voice lace with a tease but his smile tells a different story.

“It depends on the customer, just think of it as an ‘Inazuman’ welcome from me.” He pondered over it.

“I’ll look forward to it.”

You and him spend a wonderful time at a local but popular sweet shop. “My apologies if it’s not up to your standards, Lord Harbinger.”

“Oh no, it's alright. It is quite the experience, miss Hú dié.”

“Thank you for visiting me, Lord Harbinger.”

“Please, call me Pantalone when we’re alone.”

“Of course, Pantalone.”

But that wasn’t the end of your meeting with him, even though your tiny fan base. You’re still making enough cash to meet your quota. At least no tea grinding for you.

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?th meeting

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Another day to be spent with a certain Harbinger today, he made a rather strange request to let you wear something else. "The 9th Harbinger had told me to hand this to you when he arrived.” A servant gave you a set of clothes. Its material felt cool to the touch, subtle shimmer of the scarf’s fabric. “You have 1600 hours.” She notifies before leaving you to get ready.

Once worn, it dawned on you that the outfit is made out of silk… the highest quality of it. "Why would he… ?" Mumbling to yourself until a servant came in and told you that your guest had arrived. Climbing up the stairs, being careful to not disturb the others. “Greetings, Lord Harbinger.” Bowing to him at the door of the room before entering and closing it.

“Come in, come in, Hú dié. We have so much to discuss.” For some odd reason it made your gut wrenched, dismissing it the thought away. Thinking you’re just nervous.

“What would you like to talk about Lord Harbinger?”

“It's Pantalone, Hú dié.” He reminded, it felt odd not using any of the honorifics with guests like you’re trained to.

“Understood, Pantalone.”

"So Hú dié, how are you today?"

“Rather fine, though, you don’t have to let me wear something so extravagant.” With the long sleeves, you covered half of your face.

“And what’s wrong with being able to look nice? Here, a small token for helping in our arrangement.” He pulled out a clothed item and handed it over to you. Opening it, it reveals a silver hair ornament with a tinge of blue gems.

“I cannot accept this.”

“Nonsense, then think of it as my personal gift as an acquaintance of mine.”

“Here.” He went over to place it in her hair. “Looks wonderful.” Added, followed by a satisfied sigh.

“I humbly thank you again. Lord Harbinger Pantalone.” You went back to using honorifics and titles. Though, he seemed to be in a pleasant mood right now to notice it.

“Oh, that reminds me, I have recently procured a fresh batch of black currants from a partnered company. Will you give it a taste?” You had heard of the wild berries that garnered a few attention from wine brewers to create a new refreshing booze somewhere in Mondstadt. After he tries to convince you of tasting it, you try a handful of it.

"How sweet, yet so strange" You plop a few berries in, though noticed that the black currants had an odd aftertaste as soon as you bit it.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, I shall procure more for you in the future.”

“Really, you don’t have to.”

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Xth meeting

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You haven’t been able to sleep properly afterwards, every movement given to you became taxing than the last. "You don't look so well… " Pantalone worried over you a few days ago,

"I'm fine, just a little woozy." (e/c) looking over to the opened window.

'I wonder what it's like to fall off a building?' Mind, mortified at your own thoughts.

"We could continue this another time if you want to rest." Pantalone placed his hand on yours, making you flinch at the contact. ‘Would he like bite marks?.’

“N-no, you came all this way to see me, it would be rude of me to shoo you away.” It isn’t like you to be this… Expressive.

“ Have you always had these… Things on?” Curiously, moving his hand from yours to touch the black speckled earring that latched onto your ear.

“The one who helped me lent me it.” He hummed, leaning closer for closer inspection. “Ah, lord Pantalone. Would you like for me to dance for you?” Hoping to transfer the attention to something else, especially when he’s being charged per hour. The consistent woe wormed insistently to your brain. Those closed eyed expressions show no signs of social cues. Though all he gave is an exasperated sigh, with the wave of his hand, he allowed you to do as you pleased.

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?? Meeting

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Again, he had requested you. This time he brought you outside of the tea house once more. It's growing late with some of the people retreating to their homes. Stopping at a wooden bridge with the view of the rising moon.

"Pantalone… You can’t request me again after this.” You looked at him dead straight in the eye, trying to hold back some tears. You could hear them, those damnable whispers that tempt you.

The raven haired Harbinger stood there in silence, trying to process what the young entertainer had said. “What..?” He felt your dainty hand caressing his cheek. Your eyes trailed down to his neck, another utter within your mind had tried to nudge you in a certain direction.

You gulp in anticipation, pulling your hand back before another intrusive thought enters your mind. “You can't love me, I'm chained to my occupation. All those words and praises are just part of my job." The 9th Harbinger tried to hold your hand, only for you to give him a wide berth. You had to do this, NEED to.

“This isn’t over.” He declared, face twisted in anger, looking at you but the geisha already left.

“Goodbye, My Lord Harbinger.” Whispering into the wind as voices in your mind grew louder to turn back and push him off the bridge.

'Failure… Failure… Failure!'

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??? meeting

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After that, you've been relieved from being a Geisha, and decided to work as a tea grinder or servant rather so you and him wouldn’t meet. Or so you thought he would give up, but here you are, trapped between the kitchen counter and him.

"Greetings, lovely night. Isn't it?" 'Kill', the only thought that runs through your head once you see him. Head pulsating, commanding you to bend to its will. You could feel your ear getting warm.

" Lord Pantalone, I told you: we cannot meet." He had his hands on either side, leaving no egress for you. Hahahaha! I wonder how tasty his blood could be?

" Shh, be a quiet little gem. Or else they'll hear us." You could have sworn he'd hear the beating of your own heart as well, squeezing as if to threaten you to do the whims of your dark ‘desires’.

Pantalone snapped you out of it when he mentioned your Matron's title"-I waited long enough for you. Me and that Madam of yours talked earlier."

‘Choke him… He might look cute with it.’ That thought made you teared up

" Ah.. " a blush crept to your face, his head going close to your neck.

" Stay still." He commanded. (e/c) widen the moment you gaze at your dominant hand reaching in to grab the knife that you were cutting veggies earlier.

Adrenaline flowed through your veins. "Stop!" Your wails of agony echoed in the room. Using your body to push away the stunned bifocal man. " Pantalone, get away from me!" The tempo of your heart raced even more once you had seen the work you had done to protect him. Tears fell down your face as your own hand stabbed the possessed arm. Impaling his gift hairpin deeper into your shoulder. Delirious, as the buzzing dark hymns try to implore you to bend to their will. "Shut up, shut up shuddup!"

Shouts of his bodyguards grew near. Wails formed from your mouth unlike ever before heard in the settlement, falling over to the ground. Red fluid escaped from your shoulder, digging the pin deeper as your haunted body re-attempts to assassinate your dear patron, your friend.

Jaw quivers as you let out a screech, feeling hands all over your body to restrain you. Muddled voices that mend together. ‘Unloved?’, it irked you to no end as the mind-numbing darkness swallowed you whole. Leaving you a bloody mess under the distraught guest, Pantalone.

~ Brief pov swap~

“So you basically kidnapped her?” Dottore seemed miffed, examining the tiny thing that unlatched from the rogue geisha.

“In my defense, she attacked me, so I have the right to investigate.” Pantalone replied.

“Sure, whatever, this doesn’t seem like a genuine Kodoku, it crumbles too easily.”

“You sure know this.” looking at the littered documents that sprawled all over the table and down on the floor next to it.

“But of course I have knowledge of this. I am curious on how it was developed and have a person under your control. Though alas, I have no leads for it. At least, not a live one that's for sure. " Chuckling to himself as the dreadful Doctor faces the Regrator, “I do not have sufficient funds for it if you wish for me to pursue that trail.” Of course, he would want more.

“How could someone obtain it?”

Mask face showed a frown of displeasure. “That’s the same question I’ve asked every alchemist- no, lunatics I’ve found. Their answers are all similar; ‘ love’.” That’s saying something if the loon doctor dubbed them so.

“And here I thought you’d have answers.”

Walking towards his work bench, Dottore spoke. “Even a Summa Cum Laude could fail a simple entrance exam..”

“Maybe I should have asked Sandrone instead.” That made the Doctor stop in his tracks.

“You keep that hussy out of this.” Hissed the red eyed doctor, true they have been partners in a few projects. But to imply a mere puppeteer is more superior than him, think again.

Pantalone gave a rather mocking smile that thinned and reached his ears. “Oh? Is the wise doctor so afraid of a little filly outsmarting him?”

“Zip that mouth lover-boy. This research would take a bit, but I’m sure Zeta wouldn’t mind figuring it out.” The cyan haired man huffs, placing the shattered pill size poison on a piece of cloth then pocketing it. Not even Pantalone is sure if the person before him is the Doctor himself or not.

“Do you have any idea on how to obtain it?” Asking again, like a child stuck in a question cycle. The outcast flared his nose, Dottore tossed his research papers from a desk at the banker. It’s five pages long, and the majority of it is crossed out words and scribbled nonsense.

“Now, leave me in peace. I wish to have alone time with my newest creation.” Ah, yes. ‘Creation’ one that spells abomination down to the poor souls of the icy nation.

“Your handwriting is as terrible as always.“ The wealthy man complained.

“Oh.” Unhinged man let out a little titter, “How insensitive of me, I did not think of those who cannot fathom my wits.”

“Listen here you-!” Pantalone was about to shout profanities at the wise doctor of Snezhnaya until a harsh knock on the door interrupted their spat.

“Lord Harbinger Pantalone, we have found the suspect!”

The fox-faced business man clicked his tongue. “Tch, rough them up before I get there. Keep them barely alive!” Looking back at the documents, there’s something about this ‘Kodoku’ having various forms, including gas. “Hmm…”

~You~ (After two weeks)

“Mm?” Groaning as your arm seems to ache, remembering that moment with Pantalone. A tear escaped your eye while your head felt like it’ll split open the moment you tried to sit up. Picking things up with your injured dominant hand proves to be a trial as it jitters before the item falls out of your grasp. The room's clean, obviously it isn't yours since it’s vastly different from the nation of eternal traditional style. Observing your wound that’s been patched up, and your clothes too have changed into a simple, long, night robe.

The door opened, revealing Pantalone “____, are you feeling well?” Out of fear, you move your body towards the bed's headboard, your back meets the cold metallic frame. Apologies after apologies, you desperately tried to put space between you and him. A sad look appeared on his face as he neared you. “It’s alright, you aren’t going to hurt me. And I know that.” sitting down on the plush bed that you're on.

Eyes bawled out streams of tears as dark thoughts invaded your mind once more. “Pantalone, just please. Don’t come any closer!”

Twitchy hands, flinched at the notion of the black haired man holding your hand. “See, you can’t hurt me. Please, tell me what happened.”

Grotesque images of various scenarios danced around your mind. “It- just won’t leave me alone!” Swatting his hands away from you, that feeling of warm blood coated your hand haunts you as if to embrace this ill-thoughts.

“Shh, shhh, I’m here. Please, talk to me and everything will be alright.” Pantalone captured your helpless, frail, body in his embrace. Sobs escaped from you, all those years of training to show no emotion, wasted on a failure like you.

Ugly tears fell and unto the luxurious coat that he often wears. “Please tell me it isn’t real. That you’re not just some sick joke…” He petted your hair, trying to calm you down.

A smile creeped up on his face. “I promise, my little gem. I am real, alive and well thanks to you. You may rest easy, my love.”

“Pantalone…”

He leans in to kiss you, stiffening at his sudden behavior, “Do you need further proof than that?” Speechless, he only chuckled at your response. Finding it your puffy red eyes, mixed with muddled bafflement. “ I honestly doubt you’ll be welcomed back at the tea house after that. Why don’t you stay for a while? And I’ll help you get some help.”

“But, I’ll just be a burden to you.” True, but with no home. And no definitive skills for any work outside the tea house, you’re good as dead in the working world.

“Dear, if you were. I wouldn’t be treating you like this.” He got you there, knowing this man wouldn’t take no for an answer. “I was recommended this type of incense to ease the mind. Would you like to join me?” Pantalone smiled.

(the dessert scene) / r18+!

The sweet scent invaded your nose as you felt so relaxed under his touch. “See? You just needed to wash your stress away…” Pantalone insisted that you should lean on him. Everything felt fuzzy, warm and sticky. You tried to talk but it only fell upon deaf ears.

“That feels good, right?” He rubbed your shoulders, his hands drifting down to your chest soon enough, groping you. Pantalone smiles triumphantly as he sees how dazed his beloved entertainer is. “Don’t worry, there’s more to it than that, my dear gem. I won’t lose you like last time." Feeling his fingers pressing up against your clothed pussy, chuckling when you try to lean closer to his hand. "So eager." Kissing the side of your head before teasing you, taking his time.

"P-pant…!” You groaned as your muscles ease up. Drool drips down from your chin, earning a chuckle from him.

“I told you to be patient.” He chastised you as he pinched your nipple and leaned down to lick the other one after adjusting both of your positions. Your melodious moans are music to his ears.

Breath hitched, feeling his trousers tighten underneath you. “Sing more, my gem. Praise me, love me, worship me.” His tongue left your tit for that prize he set his eyes upon. Letting your upper body lay upon the bed, knowing full well you wouldn’t resist this.

Now he’s towering over you, taking off the coat, jacket, everything followed by stripping you down naked. Taking a moment or two to fully save the scene in front of him. Pulling on your thighs, bringing you closer to him. You could feel the warm and twitching cock that’s on top of your wet cunt.

“P-pwehse …!” You sobbed in feverish need of him in you. Any rational thinking had been thrown out of the window by now. He chortles and kisses those tears away, your arms wrapped around his neck.

"Of course, anything for you my gem." His eyes met with yours, those odd shaped pupils taking form. He relishes in the rush feeling as he rubbed his shaft on your aching little bud then shoving his own tip in you, panting. Your warm walls squeezing him tight and snug.

In a few moments, he grabbed your legs and had it over his shoulders to have a better angle. "You're mine… mine … mine … mine!" He moans every time his hips meet with yours. The squelching noises grew louder. Your hands pulled him closer kissing him, swirling your tongue together, ragged breathing became apparent that you're nearing your end. Pantalone hurried and chase his own pleasure.

Unaware of a third person by the door observing the two beyond their door, writing on their paper. Undisturbed of the grunts that resonated from their test subjects' intense love-making. " Due to the subject being vulnerable to the first dose of Kodoku, they're easily susceptible to the incense. Though it is unclear if they are still under the effects of the first drug. Further research is needed.” They concluded before hearing the poor girl letting out a loud cry of pleasure.

¶¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¶

A/N: please do tell me if you want the after story and or Pantalone’s side of the story. Criticism is often welcome, but if it’s about the accuracy of the Geisha occupation, not that.

“This could have gone better, my dear Puppeteer. Or have those thoughts gotten to you again?” - Scribe

“Don’t listen to him! It’s fine as is!”- Falaila

[the-down-upside-finch]

15 Questions (Tag Game)

Thank you for tagging me, @athenswrites! (The post I was tagged in is here!) I'm gonna gently tag (with no pressure) @harleyacoincidence, @my-cursed-prince, @maskedemerald, @amaiguri, @fire-but-ashes-too, @taveren-writing, and anyone else that sees this and wants to do it!

I'm going to be slightly chaotic and answer this in a more "conversational" style with the main characters from Stained Integrity! (Excluding Mirak because he doesn't interact much with the others.) I'll put it under the cut since it's going to get pretty long.

Also, for context: Clover is incapable of lying, LeRoy is able to lie but typically does not since he grew up in a place where no one can lie, and Laurie... well. He can certainly lie if he wants to.

Are you named after anyone?

Clover: "My parents named me after my mother's favorite plant." Laurie: [trying not to laugh] "Her favorite plant is clover?" Clover: "Yes. And what are you named after, Laurence?" Laurie: "No one, actually. At least���not to my knowledge. How about you, Blondie?" LeRoy: "I'm actually named after a somewhat-famous journer. He was the first to cross the aether straight across instead of by skyland-hopping." Clover: "You never told me that!" LeRoy: "I guess it just never came up?" ~ ~ ~

When was the last time you cried?

Clover: "Two days ago, three minutes after noon, when I finished reading a logbook that ended because the journer that wrote it died." LeRoy: "I think the last time I cried was prob'ly... No, wait." [turns to Clover] "Did I cry that time you and Fritz's father had to drag me out of the tavern 'cause I was so drunk?" Clover: "Yes." LeRoy: "Then that was the last time I cried." Laurie: "You got drunk to the point of crying? You?" Clover: "It was the anniversary of when his mother left." Laurie: [regretting saying anything] "...Ah." LeRoy: "So, what about you?" Laurie: "Well, I was taught that men aren't supposed to cry, sooo... it's been a while?" ~ ~ ~

Do you have kids?

All three: "No." Clover: "But I most likely will someday!" LeRoy: "Even if I did want to have children, I think most others would prefer if I didn't pass on my blood mix to another generation." Laurie: "Oh, look—something we can agree on." LeRoy: "I'm sorry?" Laurie: [gesturing to self] "I'm the illegitimate eldest son of a lord. I don't think my dear lord father would be too pleased with me if I came back with children." Clover: "But would you want to have children?" Laurie: "...I'll get back to you on that." ~ ~ ~

Do you use sarcasm?

Clover: "...Can I ask what sarcasm is?" Laurie: [sarcastically] "No, my dear—you absolutely may not." LeRoy: "...That's sarcasm." Laurie: [dramatically sighing] "Yet another day that I pity you Elmalians and your inability to speak anything but the truth." ~ ~ ~

What’s the first thing you notice about others?

Clover: "Usually their height, then their clothes, then their hair, and then--" Laurie: "My dear, the question was about the first thing you notice." Clover: "Oh." LeRoy: "I think the first thing I usually notice is clothing. The colors, specifically." Laurie: "The first thing I notice is which hand they favor." Clover: "What?" LeRoy: "How do you notice something like that?" Laurie: "It's simple, really—you throw something at them and see which hand moves to catch it." LeRoy: "..." Clover: "..." Laurie: "...I keep forgetting that Elmalians have a very different idea of humor and sarcasm than what I'm accustomed to." ~ ~ ~

What’s your eye color?

LeRoy: "Brown—which is funny 'cause my Elmalian blood is iriseye. I just happened to get my mother's eyes." Clover: "My eyes are green." Laurie: "Mine are blue." LeRoy: [to Laurie] "Really? I'd say your eyes are more of an indigo color--" Laurie: "No, no—my eyes are definitely just blue." ~ ~ ~

Scary stories or happy endings?

Clover: "Either, as long as the story is good." LeRoy: "Really? I prefer happy endings." Laurie: "I find happy endings boring. What's the point of a story if I know that everything will turn out fine in the end?" Clover: "But you don't always know that the story will have a happy ending. Sometimes it can be a nice surprise after so many things go wrong." Laurie: "Ah, now if only life had a guarantee of that sort..." ~ ~ ~

Any special talents?

Clover: "I don't think I really have any talents..." Laurie: "You can breathe fire." Clover: "That's not a talent! That's just an Elmalian ability!" LeRoy: "I can't do it." Laurie: "Well, you're a meld." LeRoy: "...Low blow, Laurence." Clover: "I guess not all Elmalians can breathe fire..." Laurie: "Personally, I don't consider myself a very talented individual." Clover: "I watched you throw a dagger a whole meter into the air and catch it perfectly by the handle!" Laurie: "That's not a talent!" ~ ~ ~

Where were you born?

LeRoy: [bursts out laughing] Laurie: "...Are you all right?" LeRoy: "Yeah, it's just-- I know exactly where I was born, thanks to everyone and their mother telling me the story of my birth." Clover: "Even I know about that." Laurie: "What's the story, then?" LeRoy: "Well, my mother was trying to insist that she was feeling perfectly fine 'cause my father wouldn't stop being paranoid about the whole thing, but then right as they were having their argument, her water broke—which of course sent my father into complete panic, and he rushed her down the way to the Quarters' place—they're the head apothecaries in town—but they... didn't quite make it inside the building." Clover: "He was born on their porch." Laurie: "Is that a normal sort of occurrence for commoners?" LeRoy: "Why—where were you born?" Laurie: "In my mother's quarters in my father's manor. My mother was on bedrest the entire month before I was born." [turns to Clover] "What about you, my dear?" Clover: "I was just born in my mother's room at our old home. LeRoy was also there." Laurie: "Oh?" [raises an eyebrow towards LeRoy] LeRoy: "I wasn't even a year old!" Clover: "My parents watched over him while his father was at work, so he just happened to be there." Laurie: "Ah, yes—you and your absurd 'adoptive sibling' relationship." ~ ~ ~

What are your hobbies?

Clover: "I don't have a lot of free time anymore, but I do like to read." LeRoy: "I also like to read. Sometimes I'll play card games with my father, but that's more his hobby than it is mine." Laurie: "Oh, to be a lower-class citizen with time for leisure activities..." LeRoy: "Can you be serious for five minutes?" Laurie: "Absolutely not." ~ ~ ~

Do you have any pets?

LeRoy: "No pets here." Clover: "I don't have any pets, either." Laurie: "What about that cat that was following you around?" Clover: "What? When?" Laurie: "The other day when you were in the library." Clover: "???" Laurie: "The calico? The one with the green eyes?" Clover: "ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT FRANCIS?!" LeRoy: [cracking up] Laurie: "...I'm getting the feeling that I'm missing some crucial information in this conversation." ~ ~ ~

What sports do you play/have played?

LeRoy: "I never really played any sports, but I would spar a lot with my classmates back in school." Clover: "I started learning how to dance when I came to the castle, if that counts." Laurie: "..." LeRoy: "What?" Laurie: "You weren't required to engage in pointless athletic activities as children?" Clover: "No...?" Laurie: "For the love of--!" [shaking fist at the sky] "Why wasn't I born a commoner?!" ~ ~ ~

How tall are you?

Clover: "I think I'm around a hundred fifty-five centimeters?" LeRoy: "That sounds right. I'm roughly two hundred three centimeters." Laurie: "I believe I'm around sixty-seven inches." LeRoy: "You use inches?!" Laurie: "Most of the eastern skylands do, yes." ~ ~ ~

Favorite subject in school?

Clover: "I really liked literature classes." LeRoy: "Same—but my favorite class was always geography." Laurie: "You both went to a school?" LeRoy: "You didn't?" Laurie: "I had private tutors." Clover: "Did you have a favorite subject?" Laurie: "Oh, I did rather enjoy my language lessons." ~ ~ ~

Dream job?

Clover: "I used to want to be a journer, but I don't think I would last very long." LeRoy: "If I weren't a metalsmith, I think I'd enjoy being a cartographer." Laurie: "When I was younger, I wanted to be an alchemist when I grew up. Quite frankly, I have no idea what I'll do with my life if I don't end up inheriting my father's lordship." ~ ~ ~

I'm giving a gold star to anyone that made it all the way to the end. Thank you very much for reading!! This was a really fun way to spend my lunch break haha

[vellatra]

I don't really know any characters from your story besides Vellatra herself, so how about #1, #8, and #9 for the most important character who is not her?

Oh dear! You know what, I'd never really considered who was "second-most important"! So I did some pondering... and mulled it over with my advisor and confidante (@reneethegreatandpowerful), and have come to the conclusion that Zac is second. HOWEVER! The story has a few different groups it follows, with their own side plots and stuff, so I have also included perhaps one of the more interesting folks from each of these groups. Thanks for the tough question! Those are the ones that help me fine tune stories. 😁 And now, your answers.

(Apologies - I committed the cardinal sin of using a "skin color" marker in this drawing, thereby turning him into Donald Trump. Sorry! 😅)

Q: Full name and occupation?

A: "I'm Zachary James O'Connor. Most people just call me Zac. I'm in training to eventually join the army in the Merfaen tiz Ornaru - if I don't find a way back to Earth first, that is!"

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: "My favorite pastime is playing video games! Especially fantasy swordplay stuff, like Zelda, Xenoblade, and Final Fantasy. They don't have electronics in this world though, so nowadays I tag along with Aileev and get into mischief with her, mostly." 😆 (Author's note: Aileev is Vellatra's teenage firecracker of a daughter. I'll have to introduce her sometime soon!)

Q: What is your greatest achievement, and why do you think so?

A: "I learned Flunibu, the Merfaen language, to a conversational level in a couple of weeks. Never thought I'd learn a new language that fast!"

Q: Full name and occupation?

A: "Vexina Katrina Fini. I'm a specialist in the natural sciences, and at the moment I'm on a government funded mission to investigate some strange phenomena near the edge of our solar system. ... Admittedly I've been pretty sidetracked lately! But Silen Fah is full of interesting new flora and fauna to discover, so I'm not too upset." 😁

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: "I enjoy reading up on the most recent scientific discoveries, and mulling over the unexplained mysteries of the universe. Did you know, for example, that nobody's yet come up with a satisfactory theory for how the mammoths were frozen so quickly and preserved so perfectly? The temperatures and conditions you'd need-"

Q: Ahem, next question! What is your greatest achievement and why do you think so?

A: "By a long shot, the discovery of this new world! No earthly scientist has ever been able to catalogue so many new species and geological formations as I have, and all thanks to a happy accident on our travels through space! I worry, though, that no one will ever find OUT about my achievement. I haven't found a way back home, or a way to send my findings to Earth.... But hope is not lost and I won't give up!"

Q: Full name and occupation?

A: "I am Fabian, son of Henry. I am a squire for Sir Galahad of Camelot."

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: "I enjoy practicing swordplay, hunting, and riding horseback when the time may be spared."

Q: What is your greatest achievement and why?

A: "I have done little worthy of renown as of yet, but I am only a youth. I trust that, in time, great things shall be done. Perhaps I shall become a knight of King Arthur's court? Slay wicked beasts? Save fair maidens? What the Lord willeth, I stand ready to do."

This is the second time I've typed all this out... sure hope Tumblr doesn't delete it all again! This is getting tedious. 😵

Anyway, it was fun to figure all this out! Thanks again for the question!