#how the sisters are so different from each other

[iluvsanrio444]

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chapter one plot ⋆˚࿔ : Ever since interactions between Huntrix and The Saja Boys, Romance had been eyeing you down. The exchanged glances and personal space not being a thing each time till the point you find yourself in a fling with Romance. That’s how you thought to view it as, no more than a fling, right? Humans and demons aren’t capable to love each other. Even hunters wouldn’t be capable. What makes you expect this would actually turn out right?

word count -> 2,624

#Fluff #mild-angst #comedic #romcom #movies-plot #context based

ʚɞ A/N: Depending on the performance for this chapter, i’ll turn this into a series with many more chapters to come by! Any suggestions after this feel free to send me anything or maybe feedback :3 ENJOYY!!

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There were a millions of reasons why this shouldn’t be happening. Not like this.

It started with innocent long glances between the two when both HuntriX and The Saja Boys would conflict with each other. Nothing out of the norm, right? However, whenever interactions like these happen, you can't help but always feel a pair of eyes on you, you only. The way he lingered a little longer before following the others to exit. Softening gazes when you did make eye contact, one where.. he— he meant no harm? Nonsense, he's a demon. All demons are nefarious.

Even knowing this, being the odd one out it felt weird at first, but soon after it tingled within your heart, the strings being tugged on like wireless cables. This was only the result of Celine's parenting, continuously doting on Rumi even after knowing both you and she possess your father's demon traits. The only difference was she had it all: the talent, the aspiration, the ability, and the power. Everything. You? …Yeah maybe some aspiration and some strength but never the talent. At least not up to Rumi's level.

As days passed by, there were challenges between the sisters, but this played out well since it did make them grow fonder and understanding of each other, trying to accept their roles. It wasn't so bad; you didn't have to hide the staggering markings with Rumi and Rumi too. It only hit you meticulously at times, looking at the group performing from the wings, fans cheering them on..being loved, acknowledged for who you are, and recognised for you.

You were supposed to be up there if only your mother had just… put a little oomph into you, you know? Instead, you were just their helper, a personal manager next to Bobby. Although you did have trouble accepting this, the only way was to force yourself. It was, in fact, inevitable at the end of the day.

Who the hell would be contempt with this? You must be Buddha to be!

Every time it was like someone immensely poking drumsticks at your abdomen each time fans recognised the trio whilst you had to stand at the sides. Invisible. To you it felt like you were their clerk at times, nothing less different than from a Joseon princess's eunuch; you might as well scream jeonhaaa. Ugh. Anyone who knew your situation would take pity on you or, matter of fact, just clown you for it. Yeah, you were the clown near the trio, - it felt like putting rouge on a corpse.

Being Rumi’s sister, you were already built to despise the Saja boys ever since they debuted with their song “Soda Pop”. Even Zoey, who always was headed to whichever guy she comically popped popcorn out of her eyes and even bopped her shoulders to their song, had some hatred for them. Yet here you are, hands limp on the metal railing, tinging your forearms with its mint. Again he had come by one of the members in the same very group you were told to despise. Romance. The palpable, effortlessly charming, labelled ‘playboy’ in the group, the annoying sugar-gazing... loveable… enduring — okay, what the flip. As your eyes followed the pink-haired man swiftly but silently jumping over the railing, a sigh left, knowing where your thoughts were headed about this overly love-addict bastard.

“You’re here..- again?” Your eyes still focus on Romance, clearly not fazed by this in the moment. You didn't have any energy to be bothered. It was already midnight, and Huntrix was making their comeback song “TakeDown” for the idol awards. A long day being a dog, to be honest. At least Romance came by then and there; honestly, his timing is really meaningful to you, obviously. He's a weird demon or whatnot; what feelings does he have?

Romance gave that same earnest gaze along with that bitchboy smirk, “Don’t act like you enjoy it—“

“I don’t.”

“You do.”

“I don’t Romance.”

“Oh yeah?” He took his place beside you, having his elbow rest on the railing whilst the other hand cupped his cheek, hunching his back a bit to your height, looking down. “Then why did you even notice me in the first place?”

A scoff leaves your mouth, “Who the hell wouldn’t notice a tall ass pink heart shaped hair climbing onto my damn balcony?” Romance couldn't help but let out a laugh seeing how pent up you had gotten. He was the ‘playboy’ in the Saja Boys, but that didn't stop him from being a damn heartthrob who noticed even the littlest things. That charm of his grabbed you, and he knew it.

“What's so funny?” You gave him a sideways glance, “You, getting so worked up.” Your entire head was facing him with your face getting more of a scowl in annoyance, “How does Jinu even handle you..”

In response, Romance dramatically tugged on his shirt, his hand on his heart and a grunt in pain, “Mentioning another man when I'm here… ack—!” Followed by that adoring smile his fans go ballistic for, “Y/N!”

Rolling your eyes, a staggering smile threatening to appear on your lips. You nudged him a bit by your elbow near his ribs, “Shut it, you sound like a damn rat dog.”

“RAT DOG?!”

Romance made even more grunting in comical pain, intentionally making it louder for the trio to hear him. In a haste you snapped your head to your room door and back to him. What if they heard? “Aii! Okay okay..” She placed her hand now on his forearm. “A— uh.. Pomeranian dog okay? Happy?” He bent down a bit more to meet her eyes. “Happy.” The sudden closure brought both of you to an airtight silence, feeling the rise in warming tension between the two, face to face. It stayed like that for a while, with not many words or bickering said but a lot more meaningful intent. This thing you and him had going on… this fling – who knows what can happen to them? A mouthy ‘why’ tried to escape your mouth but was immediately greeted by Romance having another hearing of Gwi-Ma's malicious announces.

Already weakening his knees, he was forced to buckle down onto the floor whilst his hands hastily made their way to his ears. Trying to block out any sound or just Gwi-Ma's voice in general. Moments like these made you question if all demons were truly wicked. You didn't have the slightest clue what to do, but you went through it, kneeling down to his height. Taking in what was going on, you knew it was Gwi-Ma's daily threats he told you about, seeing how he blocked his ears, his eyes trembling, sweat running down and, most importantly, his demon marks showing through. You never had any of these Gwi-Ma stuff for whatever reason, but the least you could really do is comfort the poor gu— demon.

Your hand made its way to his back; at first he flinched away slightly but soon realised that your hand made gentle pats. Soothing your hand up and down his back with small pats filled with genuine worry, soft enough to not throw him off yet enough to signal him you’re here. “Aii rat dog, I'm here, okay?” With a small smile, you jokingly cooed to him, just trying to get his mind out of the gutters in Gwi-Ma's constant threats. What if some demons aren't that bad? Your doubt with Celine's life teachings against demons only grew the more you saw Romance in pain.

He flashed a quick smile hearing what you called him again, giving a weakened expression, one that was vulnerable. Nevertheless, only you saw the one he felt most comfortable with. “Seriously? Is 'rat dog' going to be my new nickname or what?” The snigger left before you could even reply, giving out a smile that was once hidden with others. Even your own sister. “It suits you.” However, despite the sniggers that escaped, you felt his eyes only on you. He didn't laugh with you; he followed you with that adoring gaze yet again, only smiling in response, admiring your raw self.

“Whatt?” You asked as you calmed down from the high in the joke, your smile still in contact. A small “hm” noise when she tilted her head left and right, patting her hand on his back more. “Romance?”

“Cute.”

“Eh?”

“Sometimes you can be adorable, Y/N, even when I get under your ski—.”

Knock. Knock. Knock.

A snap back to reality caused you to shoot up from the floor; the beaten red look on your cheeks went against you. Hitting him multiple times on the shoulder, causing him to go, “Ah! What the hell?!” You quickly dragged Romance up on his feet and pushed him into your room. “Yah! Y/N? She's going to see me, dumbass; I'm too big-!” He retaliated against you trying to keep himself outside of the closet. You gritted your teeth, “Shut up and get in the damn closet!” In one big push you managed to shove him into your closet. Whilst being practically plunged into the closet, he put his hand on top of his heart-shaped hair and yelled in a long whisper, “No, my hairr..!”

Thud.

Knock, knock, knocₖₖₖₖₖ

“I’m coming!” You yelled out at the continuous knocking, Who the hell was it? Looking around your room for any hints that Romance, who is literally here, left to indicate his presence. Why? Well, I don't know. Maybe because Huntrix HATED him and his group's guts? You didn't see any signals that would suggest Romance being here, so in a swift gallop skip, you opened the door to see the three: Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.

“What took you so longg?” Zoey asked in her high-pitched tone, draping her arm around your shoulder whilst Mira walked inside, no questions asked, “Took you long enough; the hell were you doing?”

“Oh, me? “Uh...” you quickly retorted in a giggle whilst scratching the side of your neck, letting out a believable yawn, “I was trying to sleep.” Zoey, Mira and you were already up to the shenanigans before Rumi walked in. “We need to talk.” Everyone's head snapped to Rumi with a curious yet nervous look. “Together. All of us.” This made your personal nerves even more tense knowing that Romance was in your closet doing God knows what.. probably worrying for his hair like usual. However, it wasn't just that; it was the look on Rumi's face. A look that she was familiar with whenever something happened with guilt.

Rumi sat everyone down in the living room, —Zoey on the singular rounded chair, Mira cross-legged beside me, and Rumi leg crossed in the centre. An uneasy feeling was known for a bit which didn't stop you from glancing at your bedroom door, worried for that pinky who was in your closet still. Hopefully. Ugh..you prayed to whatever god up there that he wasn’t snooping about and just stayed in your room like a good dog. Ironic.

Rumi took a deep breath and looked at everyone, “I know we don’t keep secrets between each other.” She startled you, thinking it was about time that Zoey and Mira knew about the half-demon breed you and Rumi are. But as soon as you heard the name, ‘Jinu’ you leaned back on the couch and exhaled, knowing where this one was going. It was obvious – maybe not to Zoey or Mira, but to you it was your sisters at the end of the day. Nothing can go unnoticed between the two… That being said, did Rumi know about your fling with Romance? You shook your head slightly, knowing you had to focus on what Rumi had to say.

Zoey and Mira were almost at the edge of their seats as soon as Rumi brought up Jinu. Zoey, of course, was giggling her ass off, whilst Mira had a weirded-out expression. “So.. I and Jinu have been talking…” Zoey was the one to scream first, “Talking as in how?!” Rumi couldn't keep her eyes on us. Keeping her hand grasped onto her forearm in embarrassment, she finally awkwardly responded, “I think we all know.. how..”

“Rumi, you were the one who told us not to get close with them.”

“I know..”

“Rumi, what's going to happen?”

“I don’t know.. but we’re trying to figure it out.”

“What about Gwi-Ma?” Your arms were crossed and dead set on Rumi. The only reason why you were serious in this question was because of.. Romance. What if there was a world where manipulated demons could live by with humans? Hunters? Why the hell did you care either way, let alone for Romance, its a damn fling. The three ladies had turned their eyes onto you, whilst Rumis widened slightly, “That.. we don’t know… It's only based on a theory.”

“Which is?”

“If we seal the honmoon before Gwi-Ma can even get fed more soul, the weaker he gets, right?” We all nod.

“No souls being fed is equal to no Gwi-Ma; he wouldn't be powerful enough.” Rumi kept doting on either of us as she explained the theory, “Don’t forget that the honmoon will seal the demons out for good, the demons alongside Gwi-Ma himself.”

“If, in some miracle, Jinu and probably the other Saja Boys don’t get into that sealing process, then maybe… just maybe they can get a second chance, a second life here… away from Gwi-Ma's torturous attacks.”

It was silent. Piercingly silent. You, Zoey and Mira were processing what the hell Rumi's theory was going on about. To be honest, in her case, it was making sense, and it did line up perfectly, but... where's the evidence? What happens if-

“What happens if it doesn’t work, Rumi?” Ah, Mira already caught you to the chase. “It will work, Mira. If we could tell Celine this and what she's told me beforehand, it will wor—“

“She told you stuff…?” Mira focused on that part. Shit. You already knew what Rumi was going on about, but these two don't know. You looked at Rumi in urgency as her own eyes flickered to yours in a second. “Celines told us about the honmoon no?” You chimed in, trying to save Rumi out of the corner, “She’s made it clear if the honmoon is sealed, the demons within that seal are gone for good. We never knew Gwi-Ma would even think to make a demon boy band and allow them to roam freely in the human world.” After my saving, Rumi could finally breathe, seeing Zoey and Mira buy into it. I gave a quick smile and half-hidden thumbs up to Rumi, in which she smiled back gratefully. It did make sense what I said. Its just.. the risk behind it.

“Would the Saja Boys even agree with this?” Zoey asked, already Googling, on the fact that she could keep that purple-haired, face-covered strange guy, Mystery. It made you laugh seeing Zoey always admiring mystery even though she denies all claims so freely. A tug on the dumbbells latched on your heart each time she did, though. Supposing that could be Romance and you… even if it was a fling or just interest.

“We can convince them!” Rumi declared loudly when Mira just smirked like she was the devil herself, cracking her knuckles, “If they do anything funny, I swear I’ll kill them all.”

Amidst everything going down and between the exchanged laughs and perseverance in comedic speeches about the Saja Boys, you noticed something off. At the edge of your vision, you spotted your bedroom door opened ajar. It dawned on you the possibility that Romance had heard everything; how much did he hear?

[zoshizick]

i'm tired of people who still think that ragatha and jax could be siblings, ENOUGH. jax and ragatha can have complex and deeply written relationships without being brother and sister. they have known each other for YEARS in the circus, so it's natural that there is some kind of story connecting them

gooseworx literally shared a screenshot where 2-3 arts of bunnydoll were clearly visible among her favorite arts. plus, amanda hufford and michael kovach have roleplayed shipping comics during streams about these two. so why does gooseworx say that everyone can ship whatever they want? this seems like intentional support for incest, lol, and i doubt the entire tadc cast suddenly went crazy to ship siblings

why then bait on incest and ruin their reputation with this? half of the fandom will hate her because the pairing of jax and ragatha has a huge audience. and i'm very curious how ragatha can be so afraid of jax if he's just her brother, especially since jax was quite harmless with pomni, and they have only known each other for a few days

jax and ragatha don't know each other at all; this is evident from jax's surprise at ragatha's apology and her misperception of jax. ragatha and jax perceive each other too superficially, which already invalidates the sibling theory. they couldn't have known each other in real life; they literally entered the circus at different times. gooseworx has always been against shipping wars, and i doubt she would declare bunnydoll incest. can you imagine how bunnydoll shippers would be bullied? i doubt gooseworx would intentionally pursue something like that. plus, her apology to bunnydoll shippers was rather uncertain. i doubt that the incident with the deep fryer and the sudden relation of these two is of the same level of tragedy

[dawnfire12]

Dressing Room Hookup

Pairing: Jinu (Kpop Demon Hunter) X You (female)

Summary: You are Rumi’s youngster sister and a part of Huntrix. You and Jinu have had some interactions which consist of insults and fights to hide the tension between the two of you. Jinu has come to take what is his.

Warning: 18+ (mdni!), explicit smut content, p in v, fingering, dirty talk, breeding kink, creampie

Y/N was fluffing the ends of your hair and humming to warm up the vocal cords before going on stuff. Your dressing room was very simple. It has a long mirror with little fairy lights wrapped around the edges of the mirror frame and a long white benchtop in front of it. You had a few different colored bean bag chairs scattered around the room with a long brown couch that had two pink heart shaped pillows towards the back of the room.

While you were fixing your mascara, a creak from the door let you know someone entered. Your eyes focused and you saw it was Jinu, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. 

You whipped around,”What are you doing here?”

“What? I can’t come see my favorite artist before they perform?” He put his hand on his heart.

You held your hand out by your side conjuring your sword when he started waving his finger. As your sword entered your hand, Jinu appeared in front of you and pressed his arm against your throat.

“Now, that’s just rude. Having a weapon in front of a guest.” He wrapped his other arm around my waist bringing me closer to him.

“You’re not exactly a guest.” You grip my sword.

“Hmm. I guess you can say that’s true since I’m here for one thing.” He brought his face closer to mine, our noses brushing.

“And what’s that?” You exhaled.

You didn’t get a reply. Or you can get the reply was his lips pressing against yours. You dropped the sword out of shock and he pinched your waist, making you moan and letting his tongue in your mouth. You gripped his shirt as he devoured you. Each kiss made your head spin and you couldn’t think. You could barely breathe but that didn’t matter as long as he kept kissing you. His other arm that was against your neck brought one of your legs around his waist. He moved his hips up and down and you gasped, separating from the kiss, and throwing your head back.

He trailed his lips down to your neck and started sucking and licking wherever he could. You dug your nails into his arms as he grinded faster against you. The motion of his hips felt so delicious as he had his hips angled to where it brushed against your clothed clit every time.

He brought his lips back to yours and had his tongue curling behind your teeth. You didn’t even notice him unbuttoning your shorts until his fingers had found their way into your pussy.

“Oh my god!” You moaned as his fingers just brushed against your opening.

“You are dripping. Only I can get you this wet.” He says as his fingers still tease you by not entering.

You bit your lip, “You wish.”

He narrows his eyes and shoves two fingers in you, making you cry out. His fingers curl up every time he thrusts them in you. You let out little whimpers and small moans. His other hand comes down and he starts circling your clit.

“Oh Jinu!” You start shaking, the pressure he puts on your clit feels so good.

He smirks before ripping out his fingers and turns you around to face your mirror. He yanks down his pants and bends you forwards a bit before thrusting into you at once. He gives you no time to adjust to his big cock.

“Oh fuck! Jinu!” You cry out.

He sets a relentless brutal pace. He grabs your hips and slams his into you over and over again. You can’t even hide the moans, they just keep pouring out of you, especially the moans of his name.

“See, only I can get you this wrecked.” He brags.

You don’t acknowledge his statement, too busy focusing on how his dick just hits your g spot so nicely.

He pulls your hair,”Say it!”

You whine,”Only you! Jinu!”

He keeps thrusting into you while yanking on your hair. Your hands scrambling against the desk, it feels so good. 

“Look at yourself making a mess all over my cock.” He moves his hand down to your neck and you open your eyes to see how his dick goes in and out of you. His eyes changing yellow and his patterns start to show. His nails start to grow long, you can feel them digging into your waist and your neck. 

“I’m gonna wreck this pussy. Your pussy will only remember my dick. You were made for me.” He bites your neck and starts circling your clit.

“Oh Jinu! Jinu!” You shout as your walls start to hug his dick tighter and tighter.

“That’s it! Be a good girl and cum on my cock! And once you’re done I’ll fill you with my seed so everyone knows who you belong to. You want that don’t you?” His voice started to sound a bit demonic.

“Yes Jinu! Yes! Yours!” You sob as the pressure that kept building inside exploded making you cry out and keep repeating his name.

“Fuck! Fuck!” He pumped into you a few more times before spilling his seed in you. You moan once you feel his cum filling you up, feeling full.

He pulled out of you and pulled your shorts back up, securing his cum in you. You looked at yourself in the mirror and you had marks all over you, mascara running down your face and wild hair.

“Well, good luck performing now,” He flipped his hair.

You stood there in shock as he left trying to figure out how you were going to hide the marks and put yourself together before the performance.

One thing for sure is you are going to get him back.

[happyk44]

[ID: Text reading: And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel they brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

2. Text reading: What is evil anyway, a sad soul infected with devils who take his will, or a man thinking of all his mother’s children he loves himself the best?

3. Illustration. Two figures watch a flaming car from a safe distance. One of the figures is completely yellow, like a bright light. The other figure is dark and shadowed beside them.

4. Text reading: The first thing God made is love then comes blood and the thirst for blood

5. Text reading: Two brothers are fighting by the side of the road. Two motorbikes have fallen over on the shoulder, leaking oil into the dirt, while the interlocking brothers grapple and swing. You see them through the backseat window as you and your parents drive past. You are twelve years old. You do not have a brother. You have never experienced anything ferocious or intentional with another person.

6. Text reading: Brother, my brother Oh, now the darkness comes alive It comes for me and I come for you

7. Text reading: This is my brother and I need a shovel to love him.

8. Text reading: [Roman:] You fucking bastard.

Kendall: I love you, man.

Roman: I fucking hate you.

9. Text reading: They are the same and they are not the same. They are the same and they hate each other for it.

10. Painting. Abel lies on the ground, trying to shield himself with one hand while Cain stands over him, one foot on his brother to keep him down, arms raised and ready to swing his club. The colours of the piece are mostly dark and muted, but Abel is coloured much more lightly, as though a beam were shining down against his chest and face. Cain is heavily shadowed, save for part of his face displaying focused intent, the length of his arm as he prepares to kill his brother, and the leg he’s used to keep Abel pinned.

11. Painting. Abel lies splayed out on the ground. Gripping a stick in one hand, Cain leans against a nearby rock and stares at his brother.

12. Text reading: and I killed my brother I had to and only wish I hadn’t washed my hands in the river the water remembers so long

13. Text reading: I really love you, but I can’t fucking stomach you.

14. Text reading: “If you have a sister and she dies, do you stop saying you have one? Or are you always a sister, even when the other half of the equation is gone?”

15. Text reading: there is something wrong with you

There is something wrong with you that is also wrong with me

16. Tumblr post from @/vampowers dated July 22nd 2023: sibling relationships are so strange… like I love you. You will never understand me in a way that matters. We are the same person in drastically different ways. We are sewn together. We don’t talk. We are attached at the hip. You wish I was never born. Can I call you. Let’s eat together. I forgive you. Etc

17. Text reading: You ask would I have done it for a husband or a child my answer is no I would not. A husband or a child can be replaced but who can grow me a new brother.

18. Text reading: Your sister haunts you. Your sister was wounded, long before she was killed. Your sister has always been wounded.

19. Text reading: Roman: Why do you love trying to hurt me do you think?

Shiv: It’s something to pass the time I guess?

20. Painting. The version of the painting has been cropped. In the full version, three women, anthromorphised depicts of Courage, Despair and Anxiety, hide behind a large rock observing a battle. What is visible in this cropped version is Anxiety gripping her shawl while Courage holds her wrist. Courage leans away from the other two. Despair sits further behind them in the shadows.

21. Text reading: You who I called brother How could you have come to hate me so? Is this what you wanted?

22. Text reading: And Cain says, “When you split me and my brother in the womb, you did not divide us evenly. He got kindness, and I got longing. He got complacence, and I got ambition. I want to kill him sometimes. I think sometimes he wants to die.”

23. Text reading: Who kills their own brother? Well, someone who loves him very much.

24. Tiktok comment from corinne reading, “I was so selfish. I was just a kid. I was so mad. I’m so sorry”

25. Text reading: And what can I tell you my brother, my killer What can I possibly say? I guess that I miss you, I guess I forgive you I’m glad you stood in my way

26. Text reading: hello, brother, hello? hello in there, brother, can you hear me? it’s a long tunnel to the grave

27. Still from the TV show, Succession. The three Roy siblings - Roman, Kendall, and Siobhan - stand in a room. While they're standing beside on another, there's decent space between the three of them.

28. Text reading: Oh, I could call you names now. List a hundred reasons for why you were awful. But what would that do? Where would it leave me? [highlight] I still loved you. I still have to live with that. [end highlight]

29. Text reading: In the Field, the ground warms as blood seeps into the dirt.

/end ID]

MY BROTHER / MY KILLER

"The King James Bible, Genesis 4 / "Black Leopard, Red Wolf" by Marlon James / "Car Crash" by Jenna Andersen / "Stratis Thalassinos Among the Agapanthi" by George Seferis (tr. by Edmund Keeley) / "You are Jeff" by Richard Siken (1) / "Brother" by The Rural Alberta Advantage / "A Brother named Gethsemane" by Natalie Diaz / "Succession" Script (1) / "You are Jeff" by Richard Siken (2) / "Cain Killing Abel" by Pietro Novelli / "The Death of Abel" by Gustave Doré (1866), recolored / "Lupa" by Matthew Nienow / Succession, S04 EP 10, "With Open Eyes" / "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult / “Mirror Traps” by Hera Lindsay Bird / post by tumblr user vampowers / "Antigone", tr. by Anne Carson / "6 ways to draw a circle" by tumblr user filmnoirsbian / "Succession" Script (2) / "Courage, Anxiety and Despair Watching The Battle" by James Sant (detail) / "The Plagues", Prince of Egypt, dir. by Brenda Chapman / untitled poem by tumblr user nathanielorion (1) / "After Abel" by Dante Émile / comment from tiktok / "Famous Blue Raincoat" by Leonard Cohen / "For my unnamed brother" by Toi Derricotte / Succession screenshot / untitled, Sue Zhao / untitled poem by tumblr user nathanielorion (2)

[alexanderwales]

There was some discussion on the discord about how most "superhero fiction" gets tainted by the fact that there are such established things as "superheroes" and "supervillains" in these settings, and that this then taints everything about these pieces of fiction because wide swathes of psychology and character immediately get swept to the side. There's a flattening effect to that, I think I would agree with that, and anyway, it's well-mined territory.

So instead, you could write a superhero novel (or comic) where the entire concept of "superhero" doesn't actually exist, in the same way that zombie movies don't recognize the concept of zombie.

And I think that this would be interesting, but would also immediately introduce a few constraints of its own:

The timescale is relatively short. There's very few imitators, and not enough coverage/traction that people have started to say "hey, these guys are all kind of like each other".

The scope is relatively narrow, probably not more than ... ten characters? And they can't overlap with each other all that much. Maybe you can have small clusters that expand the cast, I guess, a recognized subset of the unrecognized superhero.

This works best in a novel, not in a webfic, because webfic loves to sprawl (and this is one of the best things about webfic).

So to game it out a bit, you have all these different characters, and none of them thinks of themselves as a "superhero". We're pretending the whole concept doesn't exist in this universe. We're making no sweeping generalizations about superheroes, because they're just not a thing here.

Instead, we draw from as many different genres and ideas as possible.

People aren't wearing costumes, there's one guy who's wearing a costume, dressing up like a mascot. Someone else is wearing a uniform. Another guy is wearing a disguise, totally different thing meant to protect his identity, nothing more. There's a guy who summons armor around himself, a guy that transforms, they have distinct individual powers that come from different places, there's nothing that unites them except that they come into conflict with each other. There's no ethos of superheroism or supervillainy.

Part of the idea is that you cannot sort these people into typologies, each of them is individual, except maybe there's a brother-sister couple in there, or a group of five super sentai types or whatever, because we also don't want to make a rule that each and every person is a unique individual.

I think there's a lot that you could get from this. Normal superhero fiction tends to have a lot of ideology in it, and here, because these people don't recognize each other as being the same thing, you have more room to move around. No one is doing things because it's expected of them, except the people who are, who are fighting crime because this is part of their family legacy, or the guy who's a space cop and this is just literally his job. There's greater room for intersectional discussion if you drop "superhero" from the vocabulary.

And it's much closer to what superheroes used to be, before the genre calcified and congealed, when everyone was just their own weird person with their own weird agenda. There is something fresh about that, I think, something that I haven't seen very often, a way of writing superheroes that tries to be in the genre by being outside of it.

I'm not sure I have any ambition to actually write something like this, but I do think that it's probably worth doing. (And I also imagine that if I had infinite depth of knowledge on superhero fiction I would be able to point to three specific pieces of media that did this exact thing.)

[ukytluvrs]

hiii i know you said i didn’t need to send u a request but i couldn’t help myself- thoughts on dixon!reader/chris’s sister!reader x george??

where they meet for the first time at chris’s birthday party and it’s a love at first sight kind of thing but also sort of forbidden love cause she’s related to chris…

OFF LIMITS - G.CLARKE

George clarke x dixion!reader

CONTAINS: fluff, smut (if you squint)

SUMMARY: Chris' sister is back in town for his birthday, in where she meets George Clarke for the first time.

AUTHORS NOTE: is this too niche?? never written anything 'smutty' before so I hope this is okay! thank you for requesting, sorry it took so long <3

my requests are open.

CHRIS' FLAT WAS ALREADY PACKED by the time she got there, squeezing through the crowd of people, she scouted her brother amongst them.

"You're here, finally!" Chris grinned, pulling her into a hug.

"Yeah, sorry I'm late - the train ran late." She shouted over the music.

Nodding understandingly, he gently pushes her towards the kitchen, "Go on, get yourself a drink."

She makes her way to the kitchen, pouring herself a drink, when she hears someone's voice from behind her.

"youre Chris' sister, right?"

She turned around. The guy was taller than expected, with messy curls, and that familiar face from Chris' videos. George Clarke. She nodded slowly, caught off guard by how attractive he looked in real life.

"That obvious?"

He shrugged, grinning. "You look alike - you have the same judging face as he does."

She snorts, "That's true, actually"

"I'm George," he introduces, offering his hand.

"I know," she replies quickly.

"Oh?" his grin widened. "Fan?"

She raised her brow, a smirk tugging on her lips "You wish."

He laughed, "fair."

There was a pause, not awkward, just heavy with something else. Intrest? curiosity?

For the rest of the night, the two kept glancing at each other, unable to keep their eyes away and ignore the tension simmering between them.

It wasn't planned. She hadn't meant to follow him into his room, but here they were, his hands in her hair, her mouth on his. It was messy. fast. real. For a second, nothing else existed. just them, not Chris down the hall, not the music or the fact that George was passionately making out with Chris' sister. It was just them.

And it carried on that way for many months, with her frequent visits to "see Chris", but both of them knew it wasn't that (sorry Chris xoxo). There was always an excuse. She'd show up under the guise of catching up, maybe even pretend she was just in the area. And Chris? he never questioned it. I mean, why would he? She was his sister, after all; in fact, Chris liked that he got to see more of her lately. George played along effortlessly, but behind closed doors, it was different. There were quiet glances across the room, brushed hands in hallways, and stolen kisses when no one was looking. Late nights in his room with the door shut, Chris across the hall, oblivious to the fact that George was pressed against her like he couldn't bear to be apart. Some nights, it was innocent. Just talking until the morning sun shone through his bedroom windows, laughing quietly into each other. It never stayed innocent for long, though.

He'd pull her in, his hands slipping under the hem of his her hoodie like it belonged there. lips on her neck, breath hot against her skin, as his other hand made its way to between her thighs.

Sometimes, when her legs wrapped around his waist and his mouth moved against hers like he was trying to memorise every inch of her, he'd pause, just for a second and whisper her name like it was something sacred.

It was messy. addictive. and getting much harder to hide. Because no matter how careful they were, someone was bound to notice. And what were they to do then?

Anyone want a part 2?

[alllgator-blood]

My Kall has a gift

Also I just wanna say that I absolutly ADORE your work, each time you comment on any of my posts I go like "OMG???" because I consider you a popular cotl artist and kind of my inspiration for comics because you are COOKING each time. I get jumpscare in a positive way when you leave a comment, I just most of the time don't know how to answer 💔

Your work just scratches my brain because its so shapy and colorful, I just ADORE IT, I show your work sometimes to my friend which also loves your art-style

I'm probably repeating myself but like, you are awsome and make awsome sauce stuff, you yap so much on your posts and I like when someone yaps, espiecally because you yap good stuff

Alright that's all I wanted to say 😎 I expressed myself, now I'll dissapear

I FINISHED THIS THE DAY YOU SENT IT, I JUST DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO POST IT I'M SORRY- It's so funny that you drew him specifically offering my kallamar a therapy book, because I have a near-finished comic for an ask about them actually going to therapy....it goes about as successfully as this interaction did

THIS IS SUCH A NICE ASK THOUGH- I'm happy to hear you get that excited when I comment, I very rarely comment on anything because tbh I am horrified of speaking unless I'm spoken to, but hearing that makes it feel a little easier to reach out more! THE POPULAR COTL ARTIST THING IS WILD THOUGH, I would not have thought of myself that way so it's definitely cool to hear- I think of myself as like...an oddball artist whose comics are an acquired taste lmaooo, I'll make what I make regardless of how many or how few people see it so I'm always just thankful people DO like my stuff!

I am also very honored my comics could inspire you, I remember when you were building up to your comic where heket joins the cult, I was spam-refreshing my dashboard every day to see if the new parts had dropped yet. I was even telling my sister about it as it was coming out (YOUR KALL IS HER FAVE BTW I show her your art sometimes, I think she even commented on the last crossover post) and we were trying to guess which sibling was dismembered in the bag :') I love bishop angst/horror stuff so I was just really hyped to see another artist who does comics about that kinda thing, and has a fuckin BALLER art style to go with it.

I'M RAMBLING BUT- I'm just really glad we're on the same wavelength when it comes to each other's art!! I love the hyper-stylization you utilize, the influences from media I've never even seen before because of the continent difference, and how you're always trying new things, just keep doing what you're doing and I'll be there to gaze from afar and periodically chime in :'))))

[jaimebluesq]

*cracks knuckles* I hope you don't mind me adding to the SangCheng agenda, as an avid participator in it :-p

What existing problems does the ship solve?

It gives JC a connection to Qinghe Nie, the only great sect he doesn't have a connection to in some way via his sister and nephew (Lanling Jin) and martial brother (Gusu Lan).

End of canon - it gives JC one of the few people left alive who knew him before he was sect leader. This is huge because his optics changed so much during the time skip for Yunmeng Jiang to be the sect you don't mess with. Most of the people who knew JC the boy are dead - but NHS is one of the few who still remembers him as Emperor's Smile and peanuts and *innocent*.

Post NMJ death - it gives NHS someone steady in his life who reminds him of his brother, and someone who knew *him* before he became the Headshaker.

Even though their methods of expressing it are very different, they both have strong senses of duty to their clan and family.

What new problems does the ship create?

Post-canon - not only did NHS' (alleged) machinations put Jin Ling in trouble, but NHS is (allegedly) responsible for WWX's return. The extent of which we don't know from canon as even WWX is trying to make links from limited knowledge, though fics have tons of fun exploring that. This will be a huge obstacle for them to overcome.

Timeskip/Post-canon #2 - As someone who knew NHS before he was the Headshaker, did JC ever suspect something was off? Like a moment of "you can't make a decision without crying over JGY or LXC, but I remember you catching birds and strategizing how to cheat on tests, don't you tell me you can't handle this". Not to mention being fellow sect leaders with someone who's seen you drunk off your ass and looking at porn XD

Because both have such strong ties to their families, it's hard to imagine them spending much time away from them - not impossible, but definitely a challenge.

Their personalities can clash as much as they can complement each other - duty bound and serious JC vs lackadaisical spoiled-rotten NHS.

Overprotective sects - depending on the author's take on the sects... Qinghe Nie has been participating in the spoiling of NHS alongside NMJ, so if you want to be with him, they need to like you. Similiarly, JC has risen his sect from the ashes and these disciples are *his* - and they have a reputation for not being ones you should mess with, particularly if you try to court their sect leader ;)

What in-law drama does the ship cause?

They each have a beloved older sibling who practically raised them (JYL & NMJ), whom they look up to, worship, and adore above all others - and against whom significant others might be consciously/unconsciously compared.

NMJ. Has spoiled his didi rotten, so if you want to court him, you'd better prove yourself damned worthy of it - or else you have to face him and Baxia.

WWX. (Pre-timeskip) What happens when your porn-sharing bestie gets together with your little martial brother? Do you give your bestie a shovel talk, or just be thankful someone you know and like is sharing your didi's time (and therefore less likely to get between you)?

JFM & YZY. Omfg, like JFM would probably not blink if he even notices, but can you imagine YZY's reaction to the idea of having NHS as a son-in-law?! (*coughs and hides my fic where she's the one trying to set them up*)

Nie family. In an AU where the 3 Nie parents live, JC has to face not one but *two* mothers-in-law - one of whom birthed the powerhouse NMJ, the other who birthed the mastermind NHS. Tremble, JC XD

call for propaganda

looking to advance from the golden core brainrot stage to the nascent soul brainrot stage - in other words, looking to get into more jiang cheng ships lol

everyone please respond with propaganda for your favorite jiang cheng ship

for maximal propaganda effectiveness please follow this format:

what existing problems does the ship solve?

what new problems does the ship create?

what in-law drama does the ship cause?

imo an ideal ship has content for all 3 questions

please and thank yew

[pohtaytoh]

𝙃𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙏𝙤 𝙈𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ a touchy/clingy gf!Lara x f!reader

You know Lara Raj is affectionate, but nothing prepares you for game night at the Raj residence. What starts as a casual family gathering quickly becomes a delightful (and slightly embarrassing) showcase of your girlfriend's affection.

You know Lara Raj. Everyone knows Lara Raj. She's the embodiment of talent—a total powerhouse in KATSEYE. On stage, she's fire. In interviews, she's sharp, funny, and has that undeniable "don't mess with me" vibe. That's her public face.

Her private face? That's where you come in. Because behind closed doors, Lara Raj is a secret, super-clingy, touchy-feely marshmallow. And she absolutely hates when you point it out.

"Clingy? Me? Never," she'd scoff, even as her head was buried in your neck, her arm a vice-grip around your waist. "I'm just… comfortable. You ruin my brand, Y/N."

You'd just laugh, pressing a kiss to her hair. "Sure, babe. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

But tonight, her carefully crafted "badass" image was about to face its biggest challenge yet—the Raj Family Game Night— where you are adamant on proving her wrong.

"My mom insisted," Lara had explained beside you, left hand on the steering wheel, right hand on your thigh, as if she hadn't been practically vibrating with excitement for days. You were both on your way to her house, having been invited by her Mom. Of course, your girlfriend and her ever so charming traits, insisted on picking you up from work.

"It's just… a few relatives. No big deal."

No big deal, she said. But the little flutter in your stomach told a different story. Meeting the family is always a milestone, but meeting Lara's family, knowing her secret side, felt like walking into a playful ambush. Would they confirm your suspicions? Would they expose her? More importantly, would Lara actually manage to keep her hands off you?

You had your doubts. Big ones.

The Raj Residence was warm and inviting, the kind of house that smelled faintly of spices and laughter. As soon as Lara opened the door, a wave of voices washed over you. "Lara, beta!" a woman's voice chirped, and Lara's mom, a kind-faced woman with sparkling eyes that mirrored Lara's, pulled her into a hug.

"Mom!" Lara said, a genuine smile lighting up her face. She quickly pulled away, then turned to you, her arm immediately sliding around your lower back, pulling you flush against her side. "Mom, Dad, this is Y/N."

Lara's dad, a tall, calm man, gave you a warm smile. "It's wonderful to finally meet you, Y/N. Lara talks about you all the time."

Lara instantly tensed, her grip on your back tightening slightly. "Dad! I do not!"

Her mom chuckled, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Lara's arm around you. "Oh, she certainly does, dear. Mostly about how you're 'so understanding' and 'don't judge my weird habits'."

Lara's cheeks flushed a light pink, and she elbowed her mom playfully. "Mom, please!"

You offered a polite smile, feeling a blush creep up your own neck. This was going to be exactly as you expected, wasn't it?

As you stepped inside, the living room opened up into a lively scene. People—who you assumed to be your girlfriend’s relatives— were scattered around, some setting up snacks, others already debating the rules of a game you couldn't quite make out. Lara, still with her arm firmly around you, navigated the room like a seasoned captain, introducing you to everyone.

"This is my sister Rhea, Auntie Meena, Uncle Sanjay…" With each introduction, Lara would subtly (or not-so-subtly) draw you closer, as if afraid you'd float away. Her hand found yours at one point, interlacing fingers, and didn't let go, even as she gestured wildly with her free hand while explaining something to her Uncle.

Auntie Meena, a vivacious woman with a hearty laugh, gave you a knowing look. "Oh, Lara! You finally brought Y/N! We were wondering when we'd meet the famous 'Y/N who keeps Lara grounded'." she said, air quoting the last part, earning laughs from the others.

Lara groaned, rolling her eyes. "Auntie! Please don't listen to her, Y/N. She’s exaggerating." But even as she said it, her thumb was gently stroking the back of your hand.

Uncle Sanjay, a jovial man, leaned in conspiratorially. "She's been attached to something since she was a baby. First it was a teddy bear, then her blanket, now… you, Y/N." He winked.

Lara let out an exasperated sigh, but a tiny smile played on her lips. She wasn't mad, not really. Just a little embarrassed to be exposed.

"Alright, everyone!" Lara's dad clapped his hands. "Let's get this game night started! We're starting with Pictionary!"

A huge whiteboard was set up in the corner of the room, and markers lay scattered nearby. Teams were quickly formed. You found yourself on Lara's team, along with her mom and her sister. Lara, of course, immediately positioned herself right next to you, hip-to-hip, as everyone gathered around the table.

"Okay, first up," Uncle Sanjay announced, pulling a card. "Rhea, you're drawing!"

Rhea, a few years older than Lara, grabbed a marker and looked at the word. She started drawing furiously, sketching what looked like a series of wobbly lines.

"Noodles?" Lara guessed immediately, leaning so close to you that her hair brushed your cheek. "Pasta? Worms?"

You tried to concentrate on Rhea’s drawing, but Lara's constant presence was a sweet distraction. Her arm was now casually draped over the back of your chair, her fingers resting lightly on your shoulder. When Rhea finally drew a little bowl, Lara shouted, "Soup!"

"YES!" Rhea cheered. "Good job, sis!"

"My turn!" Lara declared, practically bouncing in her seat. She grabbed a card and read it, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Okay, this is easy for our team."

She walked up to the whiteboard, but not before giving your hand a quick, firm squeeze. "Wish me luck," she whispered, as if the fate of the world rested on this Pictionary round.

Lara started drawing, and surprisingly, she was quite good. She drew a series of distinct shapes, then quickly outlined a familiar object. Her mom called out, "House!" Lara nodded vigorously. Then she added some details, and her mom changed it to "Mansion!" Again, Lara nodded. She then drew a quick, tiny figure near the mansion.

"Rich person!" Priya shouted.

"Celebrity!" her mom added.

Lara looked at you, her eyes wide, silently urging you. Her free hand, which wasn't drawing, reached out and gently nudged your arm, then slid down to briefly hold your hand.

"Hollywood!" you blurted out, without even thinking.

Lara's eyes lit up. "YES! Y/N! You're brilliant!" she cheered, giving your hand another squeeze before quickly letting go and drawing the next part.

You blushed again. It was just Pictionary, but Lara was acting like you'd just solved a complex quantum physics problem. Her mom and sister chuckled, exchanging a look.

"She always was enthusiastic," Lara's mom murmured, loud enough for you to hear. "Especially when she thinks someone is particularly clever." She winked at you.

The game continued, and Lara's "comfortable" touches became more and more frequent. If you leaned back in your chair, she would lean back with you, her arm sliding from your shoulder to settle around your waist. If you leaned forward to get a better look at a drawing, she'd shift, mirroring your movement, her thigh pressing against yours. It was like you were tethered together.

At one point, Uncle Sanjay drew something incredibly abstract. Everyone was stumped. Lara, frustrated, leaned heavily against your side, letting out a frustrated groan. "What is that, Uncle? Is it a potato wearing a hat?"

Her dad cleared his throat, a small smile playing on his lips. "Lara, dear, you're practically sitting on Y/N."

Lara straightened up slightly, just enough to look at her dad. "I'm not!" she protested, but she still had an arm draped around your shoulders. "I'm just… getting a better angle."

"A very close angle," Auntie Meena teased. "Are you two glued together?"

You laughed, feeling a mix of amusement and warmth. Lara, meanwhile, simply huffed, turning her attention back to the drawing, but her arm remained exactly where it was. You could feel the warmth of her body, the soft fabric of her shirt against your arm. It was incredibly sweet, even if it was a little embarrassing.

After Pictionary, it was time for snacks. The dining table was laden with delicious Indian treats, savory and sweet. You grabbed a small plate, trying to look casual, but Lara was already there, hovering.

"Get some of the Samosas, Y/N, they're amazing," she instructed, her hand on your elbow. As you reached for one, her other hand reached for one on the same plate, her fingers brushing yours. She pulled hers away quickly, but you felt the lingering touch.

You moved to a quieter spot near the window, hoping to get a moment to yourself, but Lara was right behind you. She stood so close that your backs were almost touching, and when she talked, you could feel her breath on your neck.

"So, what do you think?" she murmured, taking a bite of her Samosa. "Pretty good, right? My mom makes the best Samosas."

"They're incredible, Lara," you agreed, turning your head slightly to look at her.

"Here, try this," she said, holding a small, sweet pastry up to your lips. You hesitated for a second, then took a bite. It was delicious.

"Mmmm, what is it?" you asked.

"Gulab Jamun," she replied, then without missing a beat, she took another bite from the same pastry, right where you'd bitten. It was such a natural, unconscious action for her, but it made your heart do a little flip.

Her mom walked by, carrying a tray of drinks, and stopped. "Lara, are you sharing your Gulab Jamun with Y/N, or are you just... using their mouth as a second plate?" she asked, a smirk playing on her lips.

Lara nearly choked on her bite. "Mom! No! I was just... offering a taste!" she sputtered, her cheeks heating up again. She quickly pulled the pastry away from your face.

"Of course, dear," her mom said, her eyes dancing with amusement. She then turned to you. "You know, when Lara was little, she would always share her food by taking a bite, then insisting her dad take a bite from the exact same spot. It was quite something."

Lara buried her face in her hands. "Mom, you're embarrassing me!"

"Just telling Y/N stories about you, darling," her mom replied sweetly, before moving on.

You patted Lara's arm. "It's cute, Lara. Don't worry about it."

She peeked up at you through her fingers. "It ruins my whole 'mysterious and alluring' vibe for KATSEYE."

You chuckled. "I think it makes you even more alluring, actually. Shows you're human."

Lara dropped her hands and gave you a small, satisfied smile. For a moment, her cool facade completely melted away, revealing the soft, affectionate person underneath. She then leaned in again, almost imperceptibly, her shoulder brushing yours. "You're just saying that because you like it."

"Maybe I do," you whispered back, a smile playing on your lips.

After snacks, it was time for the main event: Ludo. This was serious business, Lara informed you. Family bragging rights were on the line. The board was set up on a large coffee table, and the atmosphere grew more competitive.

You and Lara were still on the same team, along with Uncle Sanjay. Lara, naturally, sat as close to you as humanly possible on the sofa. Her arm was casually thrown over your shoulder, her fingers occasionally brushing your collarbone as she leaned in to see the dice roll.

"Okay, Uncle, you first!" Lara urged, practically vibrating with excitement.

Uncle Sanjay rolled the dice, and a five came up. He moved one of his pieces.

Your turn came. You picked up the dice, feeling a nervous energy. Lara's hand immediately covered yours, a warm, soft weight. "Good luck, Y/N," she whispered, her voice low. "Roll a six."

You tried to roll, but her hand was still on yours, guiding it, almost like she was rolling with you. You managed to shake the dice and let them tumble out. A three.

"Aww, so close!" Lara pouted, her grip on your hand still firm. She then used her thumb to rub the back of your hand gently, as if comforting you for the low roll.

Her dad, on the opposing team, cleared his throat. "Lara, are you... helping Y/N roll the dice?"

Lara instantly removed her hand. "No! I was just... making sure they didn't drop them."

Auntie Meena snorted from across the table. "Right. Because Y/N looks like they've never held dice before."

Lara shot her aunt a glare. "It's called support, Auntie. You wouldn't understand."

You just smiled, shaking your head slightly. Lara was truly something else.

As the game progressed, Lara's clinginess became even more pronounced, fueled by the competitive spirit. If you rolled well, she'd squeeze your arm excitedly, or even briefly hug your side. If you rolled poorly, she would lean into you, commiserating with a soft groan. At one point, you were trying to decide which piece to move, and Lara, completely absorbed, draped her chin over your shoulder, peering at the board.

"Move this one," she mumbled, her breath warm against your ear, her fingers pointing directly at the piece you were already considering.

Her sister, on the opposite team, giggled. "Lara, are you actually playing for Y/N?"

Lara straightened up slightly, feigning innocence. "No! I'm just offering tactical advice! It's a team strategy!"

"Tactical advice with your face in their neck?" Rhea challenged.

Lara rolled her eyes dramatically. "You guys are so dramatic. Y/N doesn't mind, do you, Y/N?" She turned her head, looking at you with wide, innocent eyes.

You couldn't help but smile. "Not at all, Lara. It's... very supportive."

Lara beamed, as if she'd just won an Oscar. She then settled back into her position, chin on your shoulder, making herself comfortable. You could feel her cheek pressed lightly against yours. It was impossible not to feel incredibly warm and cherished.

The game became a hilarious dance between competitive Ludo and the family teasing Lara about her inability to maintain personal space with you. Each time a family member made a comment, Lara would briefly pull back, protest violently, and then slowly, inevitably, find her way back to touching you. It was a cycle that repeated endlessly, and you found yourself enjoying it more than you thought possible.

Her dad, at one point, paused his turn and looked at Lara. "You know, Lara," he began, a nostalgic smile on his face, "when you were small, you would cling to your mom's leg everywhere. We used to call you our little koala."

Lara groaned again. "Dad! I was a child!"

"And now you're a big koala with Y/N," Auntie Meena chimed in, making everyone laugh.

Lara buried her face in your shoulder, letting out a muffled protest. You could feel her shaking with silent laughter against you. "See what I have to deal with?" she whispered to you, but her arms tightened around your middle.

You just squeezed her back gently. "I think it's sweet."

"Don't tell them that," she mumbled. "They'll never let me live it down."

As the evening wound down, the board games were packed away, and empty snack plates were cleared. The air was filled with contented chatter and lingering laughter. Lara, somehow, was still attached to you. When you moved to help her mom clear the table, Lara's hand found yours, holding it as you both walked to the kitchen. When you leaned over to pick up a stray napkin, she leaned with you, her hip bumping yours.

Her mom gave you a soft smile as you placed a stack of plates on the counter. "You're very good for her, Y/N," she said quietly. "She's always been a very... tactile person. Needs that closeness. She pretends she's too cool for it, but it's just who she is."

"I like it," you confessed, looking over at Lara who was currently "helping" her dad by leaning against him and chatting animatedly. "It's one of the things I love about her."

Her mom's smile widened. "We can tell. It's lovely to see."

Soon, it was time to leave. You said your goodbyes to Lara's family, each relative giving you a warm hug and a knowing look.

"Take care of our little koala, Y/N!" Uncle Sanjay called out as you headed for the door.

"Don't let her suffocate you!" Auntie Meena teased, earning a final, exasperated groan from Lara.

Lara's mom pulled you into a tight hug. "It was so wonderful having you, Y/N. Please come again soon. And don't mind her; she's just a big softie underneath all that “cool” image she's been saying."

"Mom!" Lara wailed, her face turning crimson. She was already holding your hand, practically dragging you out the door.

Once you were in Lara's car, the moment the door closed, Lara sagged against you, letting out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Oh my god," she muttered, her head falling onto your shoulder. "That was so embarrassing. My family is the worst."

You chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. "They're not the worst. They're hilarious. And they love you."

"They exposed me!" she grumbled, but her voice lacked any real bite. She was too comfortable, too relaxed. Her hand found yours again, lacing her fingers with yours.

"They just confirmed what I already knew," you said softly, squeezing her hand. "That my 'badass' girlfriend is actually a giant softie who can't keep her hands off me."

She lifted her head, looking at you with mock offense. "I am not a softie. And I can totally keep my hands off you." As she said this, her other hand reached up, gently cupping your cheek. Her thumb stroked your skin.

You raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on your face. "Oh really? Prove it."

Lara's gaze dropped to your lips, a small, mischievous smile playing on hers. "I mean I could but why would I want to? Maybe I don't want to prove it tonight," she murmured, leaning in close. "Maybe after a night like that, I just wanna lean into it."

And she did. Her lips met yours in a soft, tender kiss that slowly deepened. Her arms wrapped around your neck, pulling you closer until there was no space left between you. It was a kiss full of the kind of affection that only Lara could give – possessive, warm, and utterly consuming.

When you finally broke apart, both a little breathless, Lara didn't let go. She simply rested her forehead against yours, her fingers still tangled in your hair.

"See?" she whispered, her voice a little husky. "Not clingy. Just... very, very comfortable. With you."

You smiled, knowing that her "cool" reputation was safely tucked away until the next KATSEYE appearance. For now, you had your own private, wonderfully clingy Lara. And you wouldn't have her any other way. You settled into the embrace, feeling completely cherished, and ready for whatever delightful display of devotion her "comfortable" nature would bring next.

a/n: My first time writing here! Some of these names are fictional, I hope that's okay with you. I do apologize for grammatical and typographical errors, English is not my first language. To 🥛 anon, here is your request, I hope it lived up to your expectations. I had fun writing this and I hope y'all love it. Thank you sm for helping me try to get my passion in writing back. 💗

[lunarxcity]

Why Hide? (Part XII to Why Me?)

Azriel x rhys sister! reader!

angst/eventual comfort (This got really scary real fast! We love some good plot! Also sorry for the short chapter it's been a minute since I've written...)

Summary: When you walk in on Azriel and Elain the mating bond snaps leading you to flee to Autumn with Eris so you can be free of Azriel. Your absence causes Azriel to come to some drastic realisations, but is it already too late and has your time in Autumn led to you moving on?

Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI if you missed them!

-

Azriel was yanked out of sleep by a horrifying nightmare, the fourth one this week. They always ended the same, with a dark figure holding an onyx blade emanating an evil magic to your neck and no matter how hard he tries you're always either stabbed, poisoned, or some combination of the two.

For Azriel may have beaten death, but he may have paid the price with his soul. The Mother fought to save his life but the unknown darkness fought harder to claim his soul.

After Eris purged all the darkness from his chest with his fire and he had his outburst, Azriel passed out. You monitored him while he slept and he woke up nearly 2 days later screaming.

You guys have barely spoken, cordial small talk and tense silence filling the gap between you now that everything was out in the open. Azriel can't bear your rejection, so for now he will take your silence.

Footsteps in the hallway snap him out of his trance, everytime he wakes from a nightmare he can hear you hovering by his door. He had had gone from feeling a dull trickle of your feelings to now a roaring waterfall as the bond was formally acknowledged.

He knew he woke you up every night and he could feel your hesitation and desperation in his own chest, the same way you felt his fear.

The first night you had been pacing in your room and had ultimately gone to bed after he had lightly tugged on the bond to let you know he was okay.

The second night you had made it out of the hallway after hearing a crash and pretended to get water and do other mundane tasks until you couldn't hear any movement from his room anymore.

The night after that you slipped one of his shadows a sleeping potion so he could go back to bed without being plagued by nightmares.

This was the fourth night and you had made it to his door. The shadows were telling him that your hand was up, ready to knock, but you had been standing there for nearly 5 minutes and yet nothing.

He decided to put you out of your misery and he opened the door to your shocked figure.

"Can I help you? You're hovering like a vulture." Your expression shifted from surprise to embarrassment.

"I just- I didn't- " You stammered out.

Azriel raised a brow and you took a deep breath, steadying your voice.

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright, I could uhm feel your terror." You mumbled the last part out.

You were tired of beating around the bush with him, he already knew that you knew and you had been dancing around each other for days. It didn't feel right, but again nothing did these days.

Azriel did not expect you to acknowledge the bond so openly. You said nothing about acceptance or rejection, just acknowledged it's existence. Maybe after everything is done with you guys would have that conversation, but for now there were more pressing matters at hand.

"I'm fine." An answer so short and unrevealing, how Azriel.

"You've been different since your return." You were trying to get him to talk about it, everyone else was blinded by the joy of having him back but you felt the scars that his soul now beared.

You felt the darkness emanating off of him when he was contaminated with that black magic.

"Yes that tends to happen when you come back from the dead." His response came out a bit harsher than intended, but Azriel's facade has been crumbling.

He has tried these past few days to put on a mask and put away his suffering from his family, but he hasn't slept in days he was exhausted.

You flinched slightly, but you just looked at him and waited patiently. The look in your eyes let him told that you were listening and his resolve was finally crumbling.

"I feel the scars of the darkness on my soul. It was slowly taking over me, eroding who I was until all I knew was pain and the only thing I yearned for was power and revenge."

He took a breath and you grabbed his hand and dragged him to sit down on his bed.

He reached for his chest, where the darkness used to be like he could still feel it eating away at himself and everything he knew the world to be.

"I almost lost myself and if I did, I knew that whatever dark master I would serve would use me and that twisted magic to defeat Prythian so I brought myself to the one person who could save me."

He looked at you with vulnerability and pain and as you looked into his eyes, the same hazel eyes that have plagued your mind for Mother's known how long, you started to feel a seed of fear being planted in your stomach.

The golden flecks in Azriel's eyes, the eyes you knew better than your own, were gone. They were replaced by a darker green, the warmth consumed by this unfamiliar darkness.

Something is wrong with Azriel.

"I swear to the Mother or whatever gods will listen to me, we will get answers and find a way to fix this, Azriel."

You hold both of his hands in your own and look him in the eyes, determination coating your features.

"It makes no difference if the gods turn their backs on us, for you are the only deity that I answer to. For I would forsake all of them and eternally damn myself just to be by your side, whatever you give me will be enough for me. "

Almost dying really changes your priorities, well in Azriel's case at least. He would rather leave knowing that he told you how he was feeling, instead of leaving without telling you once.

He has already died with regrets once and he would worse than a fool to do it again.

You dragged him to the library and started to research.

-

The dark figure was out again, the night freed him he could ebb and flow through the darkness as he pleased. The sun was a hideous thing that he abhorred, for light reveals all in its presence. There was no hiding in the light and no room for his sinister schemes in the light of day.

He had been trying to get through to the shadowsinger all week, but the most he could do was plague him with measly nightmares.

Pathetic.

He had once started plagues that took down civilisations, started wars that had broken apart nations, and now he was no more than the boogeyman.

He had corrupted a few others, watching as they gave into madness and took others down with them but it didn't give him the satisfaction he craved.

What he craved was power. He wanted to bring Prythian down to it's knees and mere fae could not do that.

He needed the shadowsinger or the high lord, but Rhysand was so heavily guarded he couldn't even make it within a hundred feet without being slaughtered.

He'd had the shadowsinger in his clutches and he lost him along with is plan to take down Prythian.

First it was Prythian, then Hybern, and finally the mainland until the entire world was consumed by terror and chaos and he would be standing on the ruins.

He hears a song over the horizon. It's a song of enchantment and one that beckons to him, which is strange since he cannot stand the screech of music.

He follows the sound and is met with a white strand of twisted magic that flows through the woods. A trap of some sort, a normal fae would be ensnared, but he is not fae and the magic of this world doesn't effect him the way it should.

He follows the magical strand to the source like it's a stray piece of yarn.

He weaves through the forest until he feels the world slip away from him temporarily. When he comes back he notices that the trees were much taller than they just were and the trunks a deep shade of red as if trying to warn him from coming any closer.

The yarn ball ends up being a lake. While it looks like it should be picturesque with towering trees along the shoreline, there was something eerie that could only be explained by a sinister type of magic.

It's pitch black, even though there was a full moon and the only light source is the unnatural blue glow of the lake.

Welcome follower

The lake whispers to him in a voice that sounds like tar.

He walks up to the lake to see the source of this voice.

"I am no follower of yours."

My how interesting and I was told you had left this world long ago

"You are a child compared to me. I am as old as the dust of this universe."

It appears that your age has caused you to grow weak

Anger roared in him. "I WILL-"

Calm down, I am not trying to insult you, but rather convince you to take a deal of sorts

"I do not make deals with those beneath me."

I have the power you need, and my price is low. I only ask for one simple thing.

The scowl that is normally plastered on his face shifts to intrigue.

When we have the world on it's knees, you give me Prythian once you are finished ravaging it.

That was a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things and while he did not work well with others from the power of this being alone he knew that he could deliver what he was promising.

All you have to do is free me from this lake and we can destroy everything together

He pluges his shadowed arm into the lake and pulls this being through whatever enchantments were holding him there until he breaches the lakes surface.

He now stands in front of him, an evil grin on his face, laughing to himself relishing in his freedom.

"My name is Koschei, it's lovely to meet you in person."

-

The winds cry and the shadows retreat back in fear.

It's the middle of the night and you and Azriel, are researching in the library when Azriel's shadows begin to scream.

He falls to the ground, clutching his head screaming out in pain.

You fall to the ground with him, trying to figure out whats wrong when Rhys and Feyre winnow in.

Rhys was in the same state as Azriel, clutching his head and on the floor.

Feyre was running through the stacks, urgently looking for a book.

This continued on for 10 minutes until they both snapped out of it. You looked out the window to see the first light of dawn.

Feyre was adamantly flipping through the large book she had and Rhys and Azriel were catching their breath.

You looked at both of them, "What happened?"

Rhys shuddered. Azriel replied, "I'm not sure it was almost as if Night itself was screaming, my shadows were terrified."

Cassian and Nesta burst through the door.

"He's out." That's all Nesta managed to say.

Rhys and Azriel froze and you saw a look in their eyes that you haven't seen since the first war. It was fear. Pure, icy fear.

"Who's out?"

Eris came running through the door followed by Lucien and Elain.

"Koschei! He's free, he's trying-" She started swaying on her feet.

"He's trying-" Elain immediately falls unconscious and Lucien catches her.

"She had a vision, she was screaming about Koschei and the lake." Lucien slowly says.

The room was silent,all the air sucked out. The threat to Prythian was greater than they could have imagined.

They say death always has a price and Azriel prayed to the Mother that Prythian was not about to pay it.

-

note: Hello my loves long time no see life got pretty chaotic and has prevented me from escaping back to my stories(i know i know). I hope everyone is well and the story has not slipped from anyones mind in the meantime, but personally I believe that suspense only makes the story that much impactful (that's what im using as an excuse for my lack of activity). This chapter is short and a bit darker than usual which I hope is not too out of the blue for anyone but it is pure plot which we have not really seen yet. I'm excited to dust off this story and get right back to it so enjoy and like always until next time my darlings!

note note: One day I will get a beta reader, but until then in the spirit of magic and make believe lets pretend like my grammatical errors and typos don't exist!

my lovely taglist: @alimarie1105 @chaosabroad @bbontenswhhore @tele86 @ashblooddragons @circe143 @i-am-infinite @princesssunderworld @thestartitaness @tiffany-xx @cpfantasybooks @lucia-valentinaa @jennigsonl @ivy-34 @firefly-forest @k-homosapien @coeurdeveea @cherryjain17 @bckynatt @becstersworld @rcarbo1 @gojospearlycim @atluky @juliebluehufflepuff @willowpains @abadfantasybook @neverendingstay @hellohauntedturnstudent @highladyofhogwarts @littowl @iluvyewman-blog @lunaticpotatoe @justlivinginadaydream @julesiebean @shylahstarzz @olive-main @lreadsstuff @noonenuts @sourapplex @aquellaspequenascosas @anuttellaa @honethatty12 @moonlwghts @kittymeyers @beabogsims @sillyfreakfanparty @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @lilah-asteria @chicaconfundidaycuriosa @florencemtrash @violetscar656 @ania-swissweet @jasmineee05 @fxckmiup @plants-w0rld @lou-diaries

[venusbyline]

Out of Love (1/4)

— summary: Everyone talks about how Aegon the Conqueror married one sister out of duty and the other one out of desire. Unlike his ancestor, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon wants to marry both his aunt and his cousin out of love.

— pairing: Jacaerys Velaryon x Targtower!reader x Baela Targaryen

— type: smut

— chapter's warnings: female!reader, Targcest (nephew/aunt & cousin/cousin), threesome FFM (female/female/male), throuple, corruption kink, vaginal sex, doggy style position, oral sex (female receiving), cunnilingus, fingering, scissoring/tribadism, creampie, overstimulation, secret relationship, cuddling & snuggling, aftercare, dom!Jacaerys, sub!reader, dom!Baela, reader is Alicent's second daughter, mild hurt/comfort, kinda fluff too, canon divergence (No The Dance of the Dragons), porn with plot. no use of y/n, english is not my first language.

— author's notes¹: I'm not a Jacela shipper, but I had the idea for this shortfic yesterday. So... I'm writing for them hahaah btw, don't worry cuz this story wouldn't be a love triangle, the characters are a throuple, the three of them love each other equally, they just have different dynamics between them.

— author's notes²: Out of Love is a mini series involving Targcest, throuple and forbidden love.

— author's notes³: Each chapter will contain its own trigger warnings.

— author's notes⁴: If you want to be tagged for the next chapters, tell me!!! <3 <3

❥ Jacaerys masterlist • HOTD masterlist

❥ about me • main masterlist

You were on Jacaerys' bed for the third time that week, enjoying the carnal pleasures that he and his betrothed were willing to teach you.

Ever since Rhaenyra succeeded to the Iron Throne and the entire family was forced to get closer, you had become almost inseparable from your nephews and cousins — which had deeply irritated your mother and your brother Aemond, although you did not mind so much, because at least you could have some true friends.

Surprisingly, both the crown prince and Baela showed an intense interest in you, something that was wrong — at least in the eyes of the Seven —. You tried to resist at first, denying their advances and saying that you were saving yourself for a future marriage.

All that resistance fell apart when you caught them having sex during a random afternoon. The sight of Baela riding on Jacaerys' cock, her breasts bouncing right in front of his face as he grabbed her hips to help her move even faster... It was too much for you, and you did not even try to hide your accidental presence there.

After that day, the couple dedicated themselves to showing you a lot of sexual things that could be pleasurable for you and would not take your maidenhead — since you were afraid that you would not get a propitious betrothal if you were not a virgin anymore.

On that night in question, Baela was eating you out and Jacaerys was fucking her from behind at the same time.

"Mmm, that feels so good..." Baela moaned when Jacaerys fucked hard inside her, hitting that most sensitive spot.

"So fucking good..." Jacaerys grabbed her hips for more intense thrusts, growling when she shook her ass to tease him. His attention turned to you as he saw you squeezing your own breasts and enjoying Baela's full lips sucking on your clit. "Is Baela making you feel good, sweetheart?"

You opened the eyes and stared at Jacaerys behind his betrothed, who was between your spread legs. "Yeah, baby... It feels so good." The sweet, trembling praise made Baela chuckle, sending a tingle through your bundle of nerves.

Speeding up his movements, Jacaerys slapped Baela's ass once, tilting his body down so he could grab her curly, white hair and push her a little further against your cunt.

Baela gasped in pleasure, because of the rough thrusts and the sweet taste of your juices soaking her face. Sensing that Jacaerys was close to the high, she wiggled her ass again against his groin and increased the stimulation on his cock.

"B-Baela... Shit, love, I am going to cum," Jacaerys' moan sounded like a whimper and he almost felt ashamed of himself. However, despite his desire to cum on your breasts or your face, he remembered about the same fetish shared by the three of you. Then he grabbed both of Baela's buttocks one last time before spilling his seed inside her tight cunt.

The princess hummed at the delightful feeling of Jacaerys' cock throbbing and filling her insides with dense, warm spurts.

The poor boy barely had time to recover, pulling himself out and lying on the other side of the bed, his head aching a little bit from the pleasure. He looked at his seed dripping from Baela's entrance, giving a weak smile and taking a deep breath at the sight of her purplish inner lips.

Lying there, Jacaerys rested while Baela sat up, only to fit her legs over yours right away. A whine escaped your lips at the sticky sensation of Baela's cunt on you, Jacaerys' cum making everything slippery.

She held one of your legs to keep them wide open, lips parted and brow furrowed, a clear demonstration of how aroused you were making her feel. One of your hands went up to her breast, the soft weight in your palm sending shivers down both of yours.

"Baela..."

"I am close too, darling..." She whispered, biting the lower lip as she heard your needy whimper. Rolling her hips back and forth, Baela arched her head back, moaning loudly when your two clits rubbed against each other.

The chambers filled with the wet sounds of your cunts and the ones of pleasure as you both reached the climax. The pace of Baela's hips stuttered, but she kept moving them so she could prolong her high, stopping only when she heard your whimper and realized that you were already too overstimulated.

"She will have to go back to her private chambers in a few hours..." Baela whispered, stroking your silver hair while you slept snuggled against Jacaerys' sweaty chest.

The crown prince clenched his jaw, looking at your sleepy form. You seemed so serene like that, together with them, resting after experiencing one more hint of the pleasure they were capable of giving you. It was not fair that you had to sneak out of there and leave them so soon.

It was not fair that you had to leave them.

Noticing the silence of her cousin, Baela gossiped with a tense tone: "Rumors are running through King's Landing. You know... They are about the fact Alicent is probably considering a betrothal between her and Daeron."

There was no surprise on Jacaerys's face, but rather anger. He knew about the rumors and he also knew that you had plenty of suitors from other Houses, all of them interested in a political alliance. You were beautiful, young, fertile and with your maidenhead intact, besides being a Targaryen princess. Any single lord in his right mind would try to have a chance.

That did not make the situation any easier to overcome. "I do not want this to happen. And I know very well that you do not want that either."

Baela remained quiet for a few moments, her heart warming seeing you and Jacaerys cuddling in his bed, the after-sex smell making her aroused for the second time in that night — though she was not going to say anything about it, considering everyone was exhausted and Jacaerys were quite tense, just like herself.

The last thing Baela and Jacaerys wanted was to have to end whatever was going on between the three of you someday. The idea of you marrying someone, really falling in love with your future husband, or at least being forced to be faithful to him panicked them...

They wanted you. They needed you. They loved you too much to let you move on any time soon.

“I could try to convince my mother and then marry both of you,” Baela raised an eyebrow at Jacaerys’ words, clearly not shocked by the prince’s impulsive decision. He seemed to realize that too, because he immediately frowned, all frustrated. "Do not give me that look, love. I would not be the first Targaryen man to do something like that. Aegon the Conqueror married both of his sisters. Maegor the Cruel had six wives."

"Well, that is the problem. One of them was a conqueror and the other one was a tyrant. It's not like the people of Westeros would accept something like that these days," She did not add the fact that he being considered a bastard by the Realm was already enough of an obstacle that his legitimacy as heir might be challenged at some point. He understood what she thought without her even having to say it, though he did not want to admit that she was right. "Being the next king and queen does not give us the freedom to have our every wish granted, Jace."

Jacaerys sighed, too tense for his own good, closing his eyes and trying hard to keep the mind free of melancholy or angry thoughts. Just as he was about to fall asleep, Baela drew his attention back. "However, we can at least try."

[qinnyanimation]

No word needed

My favorite moment of Oinops and Pathoseus is the week after their break up… A continuation from the break up.

Oinops came to the art room the next morning to apologize, but ended up worsened the situation.

The Ariadne thing came from Pathoseus calling Oinops the embodiment of Dionysus…Oinops called him Ariadne back and promised to find him when he needed him most no matter if he was abandoned on a shore.

5 days and nights.

Pathoseus was so mad. He tried his best to keep his act together but couldn’t do so. He tried to do all the things he loved, he painted , he crafted but nothing worked. The frame is completely empty.

He kept on repeating Oinops words. All the meaningful things he needed to hear for all his life. He tried to seek him out but Oinops was nowhere to be seen. He ran away from the academy. Pathoseus was all alone once again.

But when he finally realized how both of them are scared to face with their feelings, he dropped everything and ran.

Oinops was no different, he ran away to the cult he used to drown himself in (Cult of Dionysus, yes this man used to be WILD) but he just stood there, in the middle of all the madness. Drowning in his own feelings, he tried to write down his apologies. But everything turned out like a cheap play script. Days and nights trying to find the right words.

He realized once again, that forgiveness is not what he wanted. But to let Pathoseus know he cared. He dropped everything, and ran.

( Me and moot wrote a whole one shot on each of their perspectives on those 5 days, here’s mine! I’m too tired to translate all those so… uh if you really want to read it I think a translator might do the trick? )

Return to each other’s arm

The closer to the academy, the faster Oinops’s paces is. The further from the art class, the faster Pathoseus ran.

They saw each other again. In front of the academy. In the middle of the center field. No word needed, Pathoseus ran into Oinops knocking both of them on to the grass field.

Oinops having been knocked to the ground, he just laughed. His voice was dry from all the cries and breakdowns but he laughed. Pathoseus just hugged him so afraid to let go once again. Bawling his eyes out crying like a wet puppy.

(The bottom pic was by @aungcha Oinops’s creator!)

They had there moments…after both calm down, Pathoseus mentioned his sister again. But with Oinops telling him that Apatheinia will most likely visit TOMORROW. Giving Patho peak anxiety but this time he had his love cheering him on…

On the other side, a ship slowly reaching Athens. With a girl ready to mourn the loss of her brother for one last time.

[1dcommunityficrecs]

Rec List: Movie AUs!

Okay first off let me just say that y'all SHOWED UP for this category and I love you for it. We got 20 amazing submissions, including three of these fics being recced by two separate people -- we love seeing the love!!! I always combine the summaries and comments for those, as I like to showcase multiple perspectives and the different details readers might pick out.

As for the contents of this list, we've got a couple of fics under 20k, but a lot of this list is longer stories -- which makes sense for a longer medium like films. Still, there's plenty of variety, from holidays to histories, romances and comedies and dramas. We've got Teen to Explicit, a girl direction, and a few rare pairs (even an OT5 polyamory)!

Grab your popcorn, grab your tissues, grab your comments and kudos, and show these authors some love.

Now In A Minute by thealmightyavocado/@avocadolouie (150000, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

13 year old Louis gets transported into his 30 year old self. to his horror, he finds his favourite Harry totally missing from his life, and Louis can’t help wondering why a life that seemed so perfect, feels so empty.

Reccer says: it's just amazing watching Louis figure out his future self's life and rekindle the relationship with Harry

Let Our Hearts Collide by crinkle-eyed-boo/@crinkle-eyed-boo (76000, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: grief, discussions of grief

When Harry, a lonely transit worker, saves the life of the handsome commuter he's been secretly pining for, an innocent mistake results in Liam Payne's family believing that Harry is engaged to their son. In the Paynes, Harry finds the big family he's always longed for...and a love he never saw coming. A While You Were Sleeping AU

Reccer says: This fic is so heartwarming. The perfect romance, but also such lovely big family Christmas vibes

That Smile and That Midnight Laugh by yeah_alright/@uhoh-but-yeah-alright (50000, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

A Ferris Bueller's Day Off AU that picks up right where the movie leaves off, and imagines what might happen if Ferris' girlfriend and sister become friends. And maybe something more, too.

Reccer says: It's such a fun premise, and it's so gentle and tender and I love how it explores this friendship that blooms into more

your crimes are quiet, my love by lightswoodmagic/@lightwoodsmagic (97000, Explicit, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne) – fic post Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence

A darker Miss Congeniality AU that follows Zayn and Liam, MI5 agents, partners since training and best friends, as they race to stop a serial killer. When Liam makes a tactical call that backfires and almost gets Zayn killed during a raid, he refuses to let Zayn be the one to put himself at risk when all signs point to an upcoming pageant for the serial killer’s next target. While everyone around them seems to be hiding something and they're forced further apart, Liam and Zayn need to find the person responsible, protect each other with everything they have, and figure out why everything suddenly feels different between them.

Reccer says: This is such a satisfying mystery, which I know is hard to do, and the characters are so well drawn. And bonus PEAK ROMANCE

In The Still Of The Night by jacaranda_bloom/@jacaranda-bloom (68000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

the Dirty Dancing AU where Louis is a feisty omega who wants to change the world, Harry is an alpha from the wrong side of the tracks, and nobody puts Louis in a corner.

Reccer says: I love how the movie is adapted, making it omegaverse worked so well! There's so much heat and chemistry between Louis and Harry, it definitely holds up against the romance of the movie

Two Roads Diverged by FallingLikeThis/@fallinglikethis (16000, Explicit, Nick Grimshaw/Harry Styles) – fic post

Nick is stuck in a job he hates and supporting his writer boyfriend who spends more time at the library doing "research" than he does at home. One fateful day he bumps his head at work and decides to go home early. If he misses the train, he won't catch his boyfriend cheating on him, he'll end up staying in a dead end relationship, and he'll never quit his soul-sucking day job. But what happens if he catches it? A Sliding Doors Au that shows both possible paths.

Reccer says: A sweet and lovely fic! So well written, the altering timelines flowed really well

The World Turned Upside Down by dogslpdi/@dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram (71000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: period-typical homophobia

In September 1984, Harry Styles starts at Manchester Polytechnic with two goals: to take pictures and to join the Lesbian and Gay Society. He’s never paid much attention to the news, but everyone he meets in Manchester supports the miners. He realises how right they are when he meets Louis Tomlinson, a striking miner who flirts with him. A month later they are both at the founding meeting of Manchester Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, trying to bring down the government. Through letters and visits they build a relationship, in a world very much not of their own choosing. Manchester and Doncaster in the 1980s are grim, hopeful and alive. Niall is president of the Young Labour club, Nick Grimshaw is in love with the singer of an up and coming band, Fizzy wants to know more about the women of Greenham Common and Harry and Louis are brave. A Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners/Pride AU.

Reccer says: I was overwhelmed by the world that the author created and I could tell how how much careful research must have gone into this fic, and it takes such skill to use that research and not make the story laborious to get through. I was overcome with emotion at different points, it's just a beautiful story

Sea Asunder by cupcakentea/@cupcakentea (68049, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

A Portrait of a Lady on Fire AU

Reccer says: Such a satisfying slow burn! And it was so atmospheric, this author has such a way with words. I was so wrapped up in this story and I truly fell in love with the characters. It just felt epic, absolutely gorgeous and haunting!

It's Not Personal, It's Business by sweettartine/@sweettartine (16000, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

The bakery Harry inherited from his grandmother is on the brink of going out of business. The new coffee shop opening up across the street is sure to be the final nail in the coffin. To add insult to injury, the coffee shop general manager is extremely attractive. Harry's only comfort during this nightmare is his internet crush.

Reccer says: SUCH a good adaptation! Such good pacing and build, the arc is just really well done. Right from the beginning, the exposition is smooth and you feel immediately part of this world. And it's so funny and clever, and the author has such a way with opening lines!

All I Want by Kate Monster, sophie_448/ (7000, Teen, Nick Grimshaw/Harry Styles)

It's five weeks to Christmas and Nick has just started his dream job as host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. Unfortunately, his crush on Harry, the office intern, might just bring the whole thing crashing to the ground. A Love Actually AU of the prime minister/Natalie storyline. Except we couldn't imagine a world in which Nick was the prime minister, so it's set at Radio 1 instead.

Reccer says: so adorable and fluffy and just fun to read!

The Fire and the Fate by dimpled_halo/@comebackassholes (56000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: Depression, Alcohol and Drug Addiction

An A Star is born au with a happy ending. Harry is a troubled musician about to reach the end of his rope when he finds Louis singing in a club one night. He’s instantly mesmerised by the man with blue eyes and breathtaking voice.

Reccer says: Loved it!!! The author definitely captured the spirit of their like intense epic love story from the movie but made it so much better with their changes.

Drain to the Stars by Blooming Rogue/@roguenauticals (28002, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson)

Louis lived a very quiet life at his inherited book shop in Notting Hill, until Oscar-winner Harry Styles walked through the door.

Reccer says: This one was so delightful and parts of it absolutely broke my heart too, omg. I loved the changes the author made adapting the movie, keeping the spirit and what I love about it while bringing in all of the boys. Really, really well done

Home For The Holiday by Larrysmomfics/@larrysmomfics (86791, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

A "The Holiday" inspired AU where Harry meets Louis after agreeing to swap houses with a stranger on the internet for three weeks over the holidays.

Reccer says: This fic is charming, funny, sweetly romantic, and has the perfect balance of fandom references! Such a wonderful piece, so well-written and really really hilarious.

I Can Feel It Take A Hold by louislittletomlintum/@louislittletomlintum (30000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

the one where it’s call me by your name but with; developed frontal lobes, oranges instead of peaches, golden by harry styles, and a happy ending

Reccer says: A great film fic from a great author! They’re close enough to the movies without following the exact plot, so it's a familiar story but full of new details and discoveries.

All I’ve Ever Known by haztobegood/@haztobegood (34821, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

The disruption was small, but mighty. It came hitched to the back of a black Dodge Ram pickup truck one sunny spring afternoon. With its shiny metal siding and sparkling windows, it stood out like a sore thumb. It was a Tiny House. The brand new tiny house was delivered to the empty lot at 28 Longbourn Lane, drawing a small crowd around the mailboxes. Gossip was a hot commodity in Princess Park and it had been ages since the neighbors had seen something so novel. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that anybody that wants to live in a tiny home must be lacking in both taste and sense.” —A Pride & Prejudice AU

Reccer says: A super fun contemporary reimagining of P&P!

When Harry Met Louis by disgruntledkittenface/@disgruntledkittenface (45000, Mature, Harry Styles/ Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

The first time Harry and Louis met, they hated each other. The second time they met, Louis didn’t even remember Harry. The third time they met, they became friends. They were friends for a long time. And then they weren’t.

Reccer says: I love the convos about queer marriage—and the almost-too-real incestuous lesbian friend circles

Tell Me Now, Is It So? by louislittletomlintum/@louislittletomlintum (29000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post

The one where Harry comes to work on a pirate radio ship in 1966 and gets a lot more experience than he bargained for.

Reccer says: Great historical tidbits, you can't help fall in love with the world this is set in. And a super sweet H&L.

Make It Up As We Go Along by Lululawrence /@lululawrence (52000, Not Rated, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson/Zayn Malik/Liam Payne/Niall Horan) – fic post

By all accounts, roommates and best friends Harry, Zayn, and Niall are living the dream. Life is going pretty well for all of them, but underneath the surface none of them are truly happy. When a baby is left on their doorstep, their lives become the definition of chaos...but maybe that is exactly what they need to see what has been right in front of them all along.

Reccer says: Hilarious! Eventual polyamorous OT5, kidfic, and it’s sweet and tender and very, very nostalgic

[the-wrong-providence]

A Week On The Water - Chapter 2

Series Masterlist - Previous Chapter

Pairing: Harry Castillo x F!Reader

Summary: You're used to being the youngest, unseen and unnoticed by the people you're surrounded with, not particularly wanting the life that your parents intended for you and your siblings. Harry, on the other hand, is used to being seen for the wrong reasons. But at your sister's wedding, you find each other. After only an hour of his company, you offer an impromptu invitation to your family's lakehouse vacation, where you're hoping you'll finally have someone who understands you.

Word Count: 3812

Chapter Warnings: A Little Fluff, A Little Angst, A Little Alcohol Use, Age Difference (Reader is late twenties, Harry is in his forties), Parents Being Unsupportive of Your Job, Siblings and their kids, Psychoanalysis that might stem from my own issues, No Use of Y/N, Excessive and Insistent Use of Commas When Completely Unnecessary,

Additional Notes: I have tried to avoid using descriptors for the reader, but if you notice any, let me know and I'll remove them. I have also not watched Materialists yet, so I may have interpreted Harry completely wrong, but oh well. I have been so unwell this week so poor editing on my part lmao.

The lake house was quiet. Harry looked out across the lake from where he stood in the kitchen, a little awkward in borrowed pyjamas. In his hand was a freshly brewed coffee, far better than the one he would make back at his penthouse. He wasn't sure whether that was from the beans or from the way his mind seemed to be unclenching. Out here, the office couldn't reach him, and his anxiety had already started to blur at the edges.

He'd had the best night sleep he'd had in a long time. Sure, it helped that he was exhausted after the wedding yesterday, but the peace that seemed to blanket this small part of the world had to take its credit too.

The house was beautiful. He should've expected it given how rich your family was. The kind of wealth that made the expense of weddings vanish into nothing with no questions asked. He knew that Javi had offered but your father was determined to fund his precious Jules' wedding himself. Just as he did for Beth. Harry wasn't entirely sure whether it was fueled by pride or generosity.

He took another sip of his coffee, leaning against the counter that overlooked the small dock that they arrived on yesterday. The water was calm, gently kissing at the wood. He took a breath. This was the perfect escape from work. No emails, no phone calls, no deadlines to think about.

His secretary had practically bullied him into signing off of work for the week. "All you do is work, Mr Castillo." She had said down the phone last night when he called her up. Her voice was sharp, yet there was an underlying tone of care which he always felt oddly grateful for. She knew him better than most - both a blessing and a curse. She'd been updating his calendar before he had even finished his sentence. "You can't hide behind your desk your whole life."

Of course, she was right. He spent his time hiding behind his work, as if the number of correspondence he received would keep life from passing him by.

"Good morning," You interrupted his thoughts, which had somehow slipped back to work. He turned to you. Even in a tank top and sweatpants you were somehow the most relieving sight he could imagine. There was something so real and grounding about you. "You sleep okay?" You asked, approaching the window he stood by.

For a moment he stayed quiet, just staring at you. You were looking at him like you saw something that he didn't. "Yeah," He said, his voice a little quieter than usual. He cleared his throat. "Best sleep I've had in months." He mused, sipping his coffee again.

You came to a stop in front of him, humming in acknowledgement. He was suddenly struck by your proximity. "This place gets into your bones," She agreed. "Even if you do have to stay in Jules' room."

"Oh? That was Jules' room, was it?" Harry smirked. "I couldn't tell. Thought that the LEDs and books on modern spirituality were your brother's."

You laughed out loud. Your eyes crinkled and your cheeks lifted. There was something so intimate in the sight of it. Harry couldn't help but chuckle back, immediately trying to memorise the lines of your face and figure out a way to make you laugh again.

Peace fell between you. It was different to that peace Harry felt watching the lake by himself. He preferred this type.

"Enjoying the coffee?" Your gaze dropped to the steam that curled up from the cup. "Ed's a coffee-snob, so we all benefit," You added, pinching the mug from him.

It caught him a little off-guard, yet felt oddly familiar to him, like you could do that every morning and he wouldn't mind. He couldn't help the slow grin that pulled at the corner of his mouth, eyes following your every move, eyes on your lips as you took a small sip. "I'm pretty sure that's mine," he said, mock indignation in his voice.

You smirked, holding the mug to your chin. "You should have drunk it faster," You said back, taking another sip.

His brow arched, clearly amused. "Bold of you," He crossed his arms as he watched you drink his coffee. "Stealing a man's morning coffee without warning is dangerous."

Glancing at him over the rim of the mug, you seemed unbothered. "It's not stealing if you were clearly about to forget it."

Harry scoffed. "Forget it? I was thinking. Deep in thought. I was distracted. You distracted me."

Grinning, you took another sip out of spite. "Mmm, sounds like hesitation to me."

He laughed, rich and genuine in a way that warmed you more than the stolen coffee could. He shook his head with feigned exasperation and then gently reached for his mug back. "Alright coffee thief. Share custody or I'm gonna start charging," he smiled.

You smiled, leaning against the counter, mirroring his stance. "So," You began, head tilted to the side. "What had you so distracted?"

A slow genuine smile spread across his face. He couldn't tell you that your laugh made his chest ache. Instead, he looked outside the window and decided to tell you a half-truth. "I was thinking about how peaceful it is," he said, free hand resting on the surface, his fingers just close enough to brush the fabric of your tank top. It was barely noticeable. "It's quiet here."

"Hm," you softened, taking a slow breath. "Just you wait until the kids are up and about." As much as you loved them, your nieces and nephew were chaos in human form.

Harry's brow furrowed. "Kids?" He asked.

Your smile faltered, the realisation that you hadn't told him hitting you. "Beth and Ed have three kids," you explained. "I should've…"

Your words trailed off as you studied him. Was he regretting agreeing to come? You figured he knew, given you'd said it was a family lake house, and funnily enough that included your siblings. But then again, he’d agreed to come with you, not with the extended family. You shrugged a little, trying to keep your tone light. "I didn't think it was relevant," you murmured.

Something softer flickered in his gaze and his lips quirked. "Sounds like mayhem," he teased, fingers twitching just a bit closer, as if hoping to make contact without quite trying yet.

Your shoulders untensed slightly. "You might want to hold onto your coffee," you teased back, the ease of the moment returning.

He shook his head a little as he laughed, a few of the curls of his sleep-tousled hair falling from being tucked back. "I'll keep it close." He said, fingers finally touching, holding, steady and safe.

The room fell quieter again, as you both just looked at each other.

"I like to escape it sometimes," You said after a moment, voice soft at your admission. Like a well-guarded secret that you were entrusting to him. "I'll go on a walk, or sit by the lake for an hour or so."

He put his coffee down on the side before he reached to hold your hip. It was less hesitant than it had been yesterday yet he was still careful, settling lightly. His fingers splayed over the curve, warm through the thin fabric of your pyjamas.

Your brows furrowed and you stared at a point of his borrowed t-shirt. "It's not about getting away," You clarified thoughtfully. "It's just… making space to breathe. You know?"

Harry nodded, his thumb brushing softly against your side. "Yeah. I know." He murmured back.

"You should come with me," You suggested, eyes meeting his again. "If you need quiet. Unless I'm the loud, chaotic mayhem you're trying to escape."

He chuckled, head dipping slightly. "Sweetheart, I'm not here for the quiet." He said softly, lessening the distance between the two of you.

Your heart stumbled a little in your chest, and you swallowed thickly.

Neither of you said anything at first, just letting the words settle between you. For a moment, the only sounds were the hum of the fridge and the sound of the water lapping at the dock. Then he leaned in a little more, neither sudden nor hesitant.

"I'm glad you came," You murmured, glancing down at his lips.

Somewhere in the background, a door creaked upstairs. Both of you turned your heads enough to acknowledge the inevitable storm of little feet about to cause chaos.

Harry's lips turned up to a grin. "I guess this is my final warning?"

You grinned back. "Oh, it's already too late."

~

Breakfast was a lawless affair. The two youngest, Eva and Teddy, managed to get pancake everywhere, much to their mother's dismay. Her desire for order wasn't limited to the flawless organisation of Jules and Javi's wedding.

Ben seemed surprised to see Harry at the table with them. That didn't particularly come as a shock, given how drunk your brother had been by the time they were getting in the cars to drive to the marina. Nevertheless, he had made his best attempt at embarrassing you the entire time.

That included when you suggested to Harry that you give him an impromptu tour. It was very much an excuse to escape the carnage that was simply your family gathered for breakfast. Ben, ever the big brother, wiggled his eyebrows and mentioned something about sneaking off for a tryst. Naturally, you hit him on the back of his head.

After a quick few minutes to change out of your pyjamas, you stood on the deck of the lake house. Taking a deep breath, you sighed. You'd lasted all of forty minutes with them and even that had been pushing it.

Harry soon joined you, dressed in a linen shirt and jeans that had been pulled straight from Javi's closet. It wasn't the first time he'd had to borrow Javi's clothes, and it wouldn't be the last, given he hadn't had a chance to pack anything from home. He hadn't anticipated being invited on vacation with the bride's family. "Good to see everyone so enthusiastic in the morning," he teased.

You turned to look at him and immediately you felt your cheeks flush. Javi was smaller than him. Not by much, but the way the shirt pulled around the shoulders had you desperately trying not to ogle him. The fabric was barely holding together at the seams.

You looked up at his face, trying to stay focused. "Hm?" He'd said something, right? You blinked a few times before his words registered. "I… yes, it's crazy." You said, clearing your throat. He didn't seem put off, which was a relief. "You got off easy, actually."

He chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. Oh god, that didn't help. "It's nice. I always wanted a big family." He said whilst looking at you with all the warmth he usually did. With all the familiarity of someone who had known you for years. It felt like he had.

Your shoulder brushed his slightly. "I'll show you around," You said, looking at the grounds surrounding the lake house and desperately trying to get your mind out of the gutter. There was a lot to the lake house and Harry had barely seen a glimpse when he got here last night.

The two of you began your little tour. You pointed out the tennis court and the yoga pavilion that Beth had insisted on being built. "She was probably there this morning," You said with a slight grin. "She might try and convince you to join her for a sunrise yoga session one day this week. You do not have to agree."

Harry let out a breathy laugh. "What, you don't think I like early morning yoga?" He asked, following you past the guest lodge.

You smiled up at him. "You're welcome to go with her," You said, raising your eyebrows. "Just don't knock on my door, because I like to sleep during sunrise."

He tilted his head, a teasing look on his face. "Noted. Do not disturb during unreasonable hours."

"I don't recommend it before I have coffee either," You added.

Another chuckle. "Is that why you stole mine?"

You let out a slight laugh as well, beginning down the gravel path again. It looped around the lake house property. "Consider it payment for your stay."

"You invited me," He pointed out following after you, feet crunching softly with every step. The morning haze was lifting, sunlight shining on the water in a way that made you forget the chaos that was breakfast. He had the familiar gleam in his eye that he often did when looking at you. It made your stomach flip.

"Mm, very generously, I might add." You said.

He smiled. "Very generously." He echoed.

It was a little unnerving, the way he so easily fit into the space next to you. You were starting to become desperate for him to stay.

You led him down the slope toward the boathouse where the dock stretched out into the glittering lake. The water was calm - disturbed only by the occasional ripple of a fish. "You swim, right?" you asked, coming to a stop near the edge of the dock.

"Yes, I swim." He chuckled, a little endeared by the question. "Although I can't imagine the swimming that your family does here is very…" He trailed off, turning to face you.

You looked over at him too. "More like floating." You agreed.

"Well, I'm excellent at floating." Harry said solemnly.

Unable to help the grin that appeared on your face, you hummed. "Ben would argue it's harder than swimming," you said. "Especially when you add a drink in one hand and sunglasses you're too scared to lose in the other."

Harry laughed, head thrown back a bit. The tension and mayhem that came with spending time with your family seemed to melt away with Harry by your side. You'd known him less than a day, but it felt like forever.

You watched the way he laughed, the dimple on his cheek deepening. Did he know how handsome he was?

"I'm glad I came," He said with a wide smile, something soft in his gaze.

That calm, unreadable expression that made you feel like he saw something in you that you hadn’t even admitted to yourself yet. Another little flutter of your heart and your shoulders eased. “I still can’t believe you did,” you said after a minute, softer now, your tone touched with something more honest. “It’s not exactly your idea of a relaxing getaway, is it?”

Harry glanced at you, one brow raised. “Why not?”

You gave a small, amused snort. “Because it’s not really a vacation when you’re stuck with a bunch of people you barely know. Can't be very calming."

He tilted his head a little. "Like I said earlier, I'm not here for that," He said, a little more intimately than he had been speaking. More certain.

You met his eyes, unsure how to respond to that. There was something open in his expression. Clearing your throat again, you were suddenly very aware of the distance, or lack thereof, between you. He didn't have to elaborate.

Another brief period of quiet, they seemed to be frequent with him.

"Is there more to see?" He asked, not taking his eyes off of you.

You stared for a moment. He made it difficult to think sometimes. "There's always more to see."

He smiled. "Lead the way, sweetheart."

~

It was tradition on the first night at the lake house to sit around the firepit and have s'mores together. It had begun in your teen years, when your father had first bought the place. It continued as you got older, with additions over years; Ed and Javi and the kids were the most notable. Ben's partners had of course been invited, but they never stuck around long. Nathan, your ex, had had a promising run at it. This was the first time someone new had joined in a while so, naturally, your father was grilling Harry instead of the marshmallows.

You'd sort of zoned out, watching the flames licking at the new log that Ed had put in. It crackled a little, sparks spitting into the night sky. Your eyes stayed fixed on the flicker of orange and red, the heat warming your face. On the other side of the fire, Ben was entertaining the eldest of your nieces, Addie. Eva and Teddy had been tucked into bed already. Ed and Beth were cuddled up on the loveseat, talking with your mother about something to do with one of your cousins. You weren't listening.

And Harry, in the seat next to you, was talking business with your father. He had been incredibly interested to find out that Harry's family were the Castillos behind Castillo Capital Partners, one of the biggest private equity firms in the country. The man was even more fascinated when Harry told him he was the CEO. It had started a discussion that immediately went over your head.

So you weren't paying attention to them either.

Until your father said your name. Then your attention snapped back to him and Harry. "She's never been interested in the family business," Your father chuckled. "Far too busy playing at being a hero."

Harry's eyebrows furrowed. He didn't know what you did, he'd assumed you had worked in luxury and commercial real estate like the rest of your family. "You don’t work in property?" He asked, a curious expression on his face.

You cleared your throat. Your father had made it very clear how he felt about your work. "I work for a nonprofit," You said, a little awkwardly. "It's this youth outreach program. I help connect kids with resources they need to build better lives, like… workshops for life skills, counselling, social workers. That sort of thing"

It's not that you were ashamed, far from it. You loved your work, but your father always had something to say about it. You'd heard it all. "Wasting your potential" and "You can't save everyone" were some of his favourites. Not to mention that Thanksgiving dinner where you had argued about the cost of their success. The look on your father's face when he had asked "Do you think we're the villains?" was forever burned into your memory.

Your mother was a little easier to deal with, although she very much enjoyed the circles that being the wife of a millionaire brought. She was constantly concerned about reputation. "Could you at least do this through a foundation? Something with a board and a dress code?" To her, success meant financial security and status in high-society, things that working where you did just didn't offer.

Harry stared at you. "That's incredible," He said, with far more sincerity than you'd expected. His words hung in the air for a moment and you turned to him. The honesty in his voice caught you off guard.

Your father let out another chuckle from his seat. He reached for his glass of whiskey that sat on the table covered in opened s'more supplies. “Well, I suppose someone’s got to do that kind of work. But let’s be honest, it’s not exactly scalable impact.” Ever the critic.

However, Harry didn't take his eyes off of you. "Scalable impact doesn't always mean meaningful." He said evenly. "We can throw millions at projects and communities from the top down, but that's not going to do anything unless there's people on the ground doing the hard work. You're changing people's lives."

That… was not the kind of response you were expecting. He wasn't conforming for your family's benefit. You blinked a few times, risking a glance at your father. Usually, that sort of comment around your family would result in mockery or dissection. Your father's expression was stuck somewhere between bewildered and annoyed. As much as he wanted to pick Harry's comment apart, Harry had the kind of status and wealth that your father dreamed about. It translated into a level of respect that prevented any thought of argument.

So instead your father gave a tight-lipped smile. “You’d be surprised how much you can do from the top, with the right strategy.” He countered, trying to win a debate that he was unaware he had very little stake in.

Harry turned to him, a hint of impatience on his face. "And yet we still have the same social issues we did thirty years ago. Maybe the strategy needs changing. Or maybe it was never enough." He said firmly.

The air had grown a little tense. The others had looked over, having noticed the shift in tone.

Harry looked at you again. “Your kind of work matters,” he paused, searching for the words, "It's real. You actually get to see the impact you’re making.”

Your father let out a small, disapproving grunt and poked at the fire with a stick, sending a burst of sparks skyward. “Impact doesn’t pay the bills.”

“I’m not exactly living in poverty, Dad,” you replied, keeping your voice even, though your jaw was tightening. This was a familiar path, a well-worn one even, and you didn’t want to walk it tonight.

Ben let out a chuckle, smirking from the other side of the fire. Your father glanced around before smiling to ease the tension. "Of course not, darling." He murmured, fingers tightening around the glass in his hand.

As the air slowly calmed, you turned to Harry. "Thanks," You said, low enough that only he could hear. "A lot of people in our circles don't really understand it."

He softened. "Well, I'm not sure I do," He admitted. "But I respect it."

And just like that, the mood shifted again. Ben let out a loud laugh at something Addie had said, pulling everyone’s attention for a moment. Your father excused himself to go get another drink. Your mother followed, probably to keep him from saying anything more, not that you cared.

For a period, you and Harry sat quietly, the fire crackling in front of you. He nudged you. "So that's why you looked so bored when we were talking about capital structure." He mused.

You grinned, something that he was increasingly good at making you do. "Honestly? I blacked out somewhere around leveraged buyouts."

He laughed, shoulder brushing yours. “You’d hate attending the meetings.”

“Rather you than me,” you said back as you looked up at him. You studied the way that his lips were turned up at the corners. 

"Sparky?" Addie's voice sounded as she approached you. "Can you help me open the chocolate?" She asked, small fingers struggling with the stubborn packaging.

As you reached to take it from her, you couldn't help your smile. You felt a whole lot less lonely with Harry around.

Taglist (Let me know if you want to be added):

@strawberrylemontart1 @mallingcalling-blog @yasmin12312 @rrravensss @pedritotito @carpediem1219

[seafoamwave]

You are still my brother

Even if someday I no longer share the same DNA, even if our faces don’t resemble each other anymore

I am a daughter of the sea

And you the son of man

But we grew up together. You looked out for me. You knew I was different. We lived in the same home. Taken care of by the same parents. Played with the same cats.

My big brother, always a people person. Everything seems to come so naturally for you. Always the over achiever

I’m a fish out of water. Not meant to be here on land. My home is the sea.

We are not the same. Not the same species.

But I’m glad you are here. I’m glad you’re my brother. Some how we were brought together and now you are a part of me forever

So no matter how much I may change. Even if our faces no longer resemble each other

You are always my brother,

From your sister,

Daughter of the sea

[goatlilly]

May I ask, how do you come up with your designs? Because I'm SOOO bad at character design and I would really use some tips

Hey, sorry, I sort of answered the wrong ask when I first posted this. (My bad.)

For most of the designs I just took the character’s personalities, my knowledge of kid fashion/children in general, and their Akkuma designs and went from there—For example, Princess Ladybug is a mixture of her Puppeteer design, a ladybug dress that my five-year-old sister has, and the idea that she likes magical girls and just wants to be one. :)

Hope that helps.

*Edit

I realize I should probably talk about my process for the adult designs some, since those are a bit more complex. Let’s go one by one:

Lady Luck—Her design was probably harder than any of the others, because I had to balance a lot of different ideas—I wanted her to look mature, competent and inviting, while also incorporating some more Chinese elements into the design. In her case, I sort of started with one design and worked off of it until it reached a point where I was happy with it. Here’s each of those in order (top left to bottom right.)

Elements of each made it into the final design.

Matagot—This was a lot easier, since all I had to do was work off of his canon design for the most part. The trick was making him look more like an antihero than a villain, since his canon design is at the height of his corruption. Really, all I changed from the first version of the design was to have his hair showing. Made him a bit more inviting. Here’s some bonus concept art from back when I was feeling out his character:

Not gonna lie, I still kind of vibe with the hair covered version, but I had to go with what felt right. If you want to see my first posted design for him, click here.

Vixen—So she was actually one I knew almost immediately what I wanted for. She only took a couple passes before I was happy with her. Basically I knew I wanted her to look like a mature version of Alya, with a sort of professional look mixed with a playful nature. Once I had the first sketches done, it was just a matter of streamlining the design.

Queen Bee—Audrey was easy—She just kinda came into existence pretty much perfect the first time. I just thought Chloe but older, and there she was. A couple tweaks to her original design and she was ready to go.

Venadrone—Easiest design by far. I don’t think I even changed anything from my first pass. I was just thinking I needed him to look a little like a bumbling fool while also trying to imitate Queen Bee’s charisma and commanding personality. Like a peon, basically. So yeah.

Bombshell—Here’s where I got stuck. I knew what vibes I wanted, (Reckless and Iconic, like a big name streamer but if they were a superhero,) but I was having trouble translating that into an actual character design. The first rendition was passable, but it wasn’t really giving enough sass for me, and it felt way to tame for a hero named Bombshell.

So I had to sleep on it for a while. Then I finally figured out what vibes I was going for—Deadpool vibes. That made everything so much easier. I just referenced a bunch of images of Deadpool and Deathstroke, then Incorporated it into a new design. It took a couple passes for me to get it right still, but the end result landed close enough to what I wanted that I was ready to post it.

That last one was almost the final design, but the chest part was too thin and looked too much like a snake, so I redid it one last time.

Violeon—Not as hard as I expected him to be. Honestly, his design came pretty naturally to me. (It helped that I had previously worked on a Chat Noir/Butterfly fusion design as a concept.) really I just took Gabriel’s design, made it more childish and… Adrienish I guess? And I had what I wanted more or less.

Anyways, the final result is good.

Foulette—this one took a bit longer, not because the concept was hard to come up with (Once I thought Swan Lake tragic heroine the design for that pretty much made itself,) but because I was struggling to balance the colors. Color balancing is easier in some ways with traditional art than digital art thanks to having a more unified and limited pallet to work with, but that doesn’t mean color placement is easy. In particular I wasn’t sure if I wanted her to be lighter or darker. So yeah. Anyways, here’s how that went.

Eventually my design landed closest to the last image. I tried giving that version light blue gloves at one point, but in the end I decided dark was the way to go.

Gorgana—She was pretty darn easy once I had enough references to work off of—it was just a matter of compiling a bunch of the right ones—snake fangs, that one KDA rapper girl’s light up mask (can’t remember her name, but it was from their first music video “Popstars,”) and couple of killer gorgon ladies and a whole bunch of rocker fashion from before I was alive. After that the rest was just simplifying all that into a super-suit, and there she was. :)

So… yeah. Hopefully that’s more helpful than with the Minnie’s. For most of them it really was as simple as my first instinct mixed with messing around. Those guys are so much easier to draw.