#i probably wouldn't have been able to go through my finals without that shot of dopamine through my system

[pillowenvelopchair]

Ask and you shall receive I asked my english teacher what my finals would be in case I needed to study for anything and he told me that we needed to write about "a rational for a narrative you will write that's set after the events of the Tempest" which is basically post-canon fanfiction

This brought up the question of "what's the limit to it" and it just has to be vaguely canon-compliant.

NOW. I didn't want to give my english the wrong impression of me (just in case) so I added "I'm not asking that question because I want to like, write pregnant Prospero or something"

AND HE REPLIES WITH "ah see, that's my greatest fear, mpreg Prospero." HE KNOWS? HE KNOWS??????

That genuinely stumped me for a bit. I asked him how he knows the term and, get this, he was THERE for it.

like yeah sure just drop that bomb on your student yeah okay. sure.

(I mean like, what did I expect for an english teacher who's vaguely young?) okay back on topic,I go home and I just genuinely cannot stop thinking about this because it is so funny- can you imagine? Writing mpreg for your finals?

I think while brainstorming I sent maybe like... 10 minutes worth of voice messages to my friends just to talk about it (which I am very grateful for! That gave me the confidence to actually tell my teacher about the idea that I'm taking way too seriously)

ANYWAYS. next english class comes comes and I (actually crying with how much I was laughing) get the go signal to write about it

I hope u guys know that my english teacher enabled me to write mpreg prospero for my final exam

[captain-huggy-bear]

could i request “this is the end of your all-nighters, you hear me?” with quinn hughes but it’s quinn taking care of reader 🩷💕💞💗 ty, congrats on 1000, you deserve it all and more

Thank you, lovely! Actually love this idea because Quinn is first and foremost a provider. Quinn is soft dom in this and if the idea of a guy making you do stuff (aka you need to eat) isn't your cuppa then probably not for you. Meanwhile I would love someone to take all the decisions from my hands lol

Big requests/full fic/big idea requests are closed at the moment but drabble and prompt requests are still open. Writing Masterlist

He's done. He's reached the end of his patience with you. Quinn has been watching you slowly wear yourself down, grind yourself into the ground with how hard you're working. It's your goddamn Masters' thesis that's done it combined with him being on a roadie and unable to keep a proper eye on you.

You've been pulling all-nighters almost every night for the past week, only really getting away with it because Quinn's been away on a roadie. But every time you face time it's clear to him you're not looking after yourself. You're tired, exhausted, hair a bird's nest, dark bags under your eyes. You're skin is ashy, your focus is shot, you can barely walk in a straight line and he knows that you need someone to direct you, guide you, get you back to looking after yourself. Usually he's there to do that, usually he takes those decisions out of your hands, makes life simple...but he's been gone.

It's the final face time that has him deciding he's going in guns blazing when he finally gets home to Vancouver because you look like you're going to pass out at any second, struggling to hold a conversation with him, blinking in and out of focus even while you're still typing that goddamn thesis on your laptop. Whether any of it is legible is doubtful.

You barely get a hello when he storms into the apartment, a whirlwind of authority as he tugs the laptop from your lap and shoves it in a drawer where you can't look at it. The way you blink up at him is sleepy, confused, so tired that you're not even able to express joy at seeing him back after a week of being separated. You can barely process that he's there, that he's taken your thesis away.

“This is the end of your all-nighters, you hear me, baby?”

"My thesis..." You're mumbling from your spot on the bed, surrounded by rumpled blankets. There are empty glasses covering your bedside table, the bin is full of cereal bar wrappers where you've clearly not been cooking or eating proper food. He's neglected you, Quinn decides, if he'd been here you wouldn't have gotten to this point. He's mad at himself.

"Baby, you're not going to be able to write a good thesis if you keep running yourself into the ground."

"Bu-"

"You're going to get in the shower, you're going wash, brush your teeth and hair and then you're going to get your cute ass in this bed and we're sleeping for the rest of the day."

"Okay..." There's no argument from you, submitting to his will because he's giving orders not requests and it's so easy, so easy to just let Quinn think for you right now.

You let him tug you to your feet, let him guide you gently by the shoulders to the bathroom. You don't complain when he stays in the room, scared you'll pass out in the shower. You accept it when he brushes your teeth for you, your arms like lead, and when he runs a comb through your hair. It's so easy to just let him look after you, to let him rub your moisturiser into your skin and pull a t-shirt over your head and panties up your legs.

It's so easy to let him guide you back to bed, your legs like weights and its so easy to let Quinn lay you down with him. So easy to curl up against his side, face pressed firmly into his neck, nuzzling into him, breathing him in.

You curl against him without even really thinking about it, an instinct to just get as close as possible like you want to crawl inside his skin. Face flush with his neck, hands gripping his t-shirt tightly until one slips under to feel the warmth of his skin. Your legs tangle with his and Quinn takes it in his stride, his arms are solid, firm, protective as they wrap around you, one hand falling to cup your ass to pull you closer, the other running through your hair and cupping the back of your neck. His lips press kisses to your hair, gentle but soothing and he doesn't talk just holds you.

Even when you're asleep, which really doesn't take long with how exhausted you are, even when his arms and legs start to grow tired of the position you're in. He doesn't move because you need this, you've let yourself get run ragged, you've not been taking good care of yourself while he's been away and it's his job to look after you.

You clearly need more guidance, you clearly need him to tell you what you need and he can do that, he can make sure you look after yourself.

One thing is certain you're never pulling an all-nighter again.

[woso-dreamzzz]

Menor's Halloween

Alexia Putellas x Teen!Reader

Summary: The second of my Halloween-centric fics

Alexia grins as she looks at herself in the mirror, straightening out her skirt and putting the finishing touches on her makeup.

The family Halloween party has been a staple ever since her childhood, bringing the family back together every year without question.

It was basically a rule at this point, something no one could get out of and chosen to take place on a day when no one has an excuse to be elsewhere.

"Are you ready yet?"

It's Olga's first time at the party, unable to make it the past few years. She's gone fairly conservative with her outfit, a generic Halloween costume of a zombie cheerleader.

Alexia can forgive her though because originally Olga hadn't been able to come until her meeting in Madrid was cancelled last minute so she had to buy the unpopular costume from the store.

Alexia, on the other hand, has had her costume planned out for months with everything ironed to perfection.

"Ready!" Alexia calls out," I just need to find-"

"The bag is on the table where you left it last night."

Alexia grabs the bag from the table, swinging it over her shoulder before slipping into the driver's seat of the car.

Family events like this one normally end up with a lot of drinking and, while she wouldn't usually partake, Alexia's already planned to allow herself a few more drinks than normal.

Olga's decided to take up the driving home duty to let Alexia drink however much she wants.

"I'm nervous," Olga says, straightening out her cheer skirt and rubbing at her face - though she grows a little annoyed when the face paint rubs off onto her fingers.

"Don't be nervous," Alexia says," You've met everyone before."

"I know but...Halloween party seems more official."

"They'll probably already be drunk," She replies," And try to ply your with pizza. Or paella. Depending on if my aunt cooked or my uncle convinced her to order in."

"Sounds delightful."

"That's the spirit!"

Alexia knocks on the door, greeted by the slightly tipsy face of her cousin when it opens.

He giggles a little, a sure-fire sign he's been drinking. "I-I thought you were already here." He bursts into more hysterical laughter after that and Alexia gets the feeling that she's not in on the joke.

"And you've brought the wonderful Olga! Come in! Come in! Can I interest you in some pizza?"

"So Tio convinced her?"

"No. Mama cooked. Papa just ordered in anyway! Off you go now, Ale. I want to talk to your girlfriend!"

He pulls Olga away without another word and Alexia rolls her eyes.

"Gee, I love you too. Typical."

Alexia rolls her eyes fondly, easily losing her cousin and girlfriend in the crowd of family members either halfway to drunk or already firmly there.

A giggling hiccup has Alexia turning to see another one of her cousins by the fridge.

"I could have sworn you were already here," She says, giggling and Alexia sighs.

"Alright, what am I missing here? You're the second person to tell me that."

Her cousin giggles again, downing another vodka shot and shooting Alexia a drunken smile. "Just that I could have sworn you came with Tia Eli today. Though...you did seem a little shorter."

She giggles off before stumbling away but she's already given Alexia all the information that she needs.

She picks her way through her family members, stopping briefly to say hello to the aunt and uncle who are hosting and then her mother before finally seeing who she's been looking for.

"Is that my shirt?!" She demands," And my armband?!"

You turn around, eyes wide. An answer is on the tip of your tongue before you take in what she's wearing.

"Is that my skirt?! Are those my rackets?!"

"Don't change the subject!" Alexia says," You've dressed as me for Halloween?!"

"You dressed as me!"

"That's different."

"How?"

"It-It just is!"

Alexia takes you in as she steps back. You've got your hair done up in her usual ponytail rather than your regular braids. You've got her full Barcelona kit on along with the armband and her boots. You've even brought a football with you just in case people didn't realise who you were meant to be.

Alexia, on the other hand, had gone out of her way to dress like you. She's wearing one of your tennis skirts and your Nike shirt. She's got her hair in your usual braid with your Barcelona cap and even the gold shoes Nike gave you for your Olympic run. She's got a racket bag over her shoulder, full of the old rackets you'd left at home before your move abroad.

You seem to be taking Alexia in just like she's taking you in before nodding.

"Those are the replica shoes, right?" You check.

"Yeah. They cost a lot though. You're quite the superstar. That isn't one of my hattrick balls is it?"

"No, just one of the ones you leave lying around at Mami's."

Alexia nods. "Good. You look good though."

"Thanks, I practiced your haughty look a lot."

Alexia rolls her eyes. "I don't have a haughty look."

"You so do all 'I'm Alexia Putellas, captain of Barcelona, the best team in the world'."

"But I am Alexia Putellas and I am captain of Barcelona which is the best team in the world. I won the Ballon D'or twice, you know."

"Yeah, well I won all the Grand Slams. And the Olympics."

"Now, now," Alexia says," This isn't a bragging match. Because if it was, I'd win." She reaches for you, trapping you in a headlock and rubbing her knuckles against your head. "Which one of us has more awards?"

"Only because you're an old woman now. By the time I'm your age, I'm going to be the greatest tennis player in the world."

"Yeah," Alexia teases," Aim high."

You grin at her, shoving her away before trying to tackle her to the floor. She doesn't move an inch but you had been expecting that.

"I guarantee I can score more goals on you than sets you can win against me."

Alexia laughs.

"The garden's free. Want to test that theory?"

You grin. "Well, don't start crying when you lose."

[ineffablesuffering]

Sick Days (Aziraphale x Crowley x Reader)

I wrote this as a form of comfort as I am finally getting over this cold that I had.

Warnings: like one swear word, Crowley being soft for the reader

Pairing: Aziraphale x Crowley x Platonic!GN! Reader.

Word Count: 1,095

Masterlist

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

You lay in bed, the thought of moving was, to simply put it - unbearable. You had awoken with a pounding headache and felt like your sinuses were trying to escape from your face. Everything hurt and your body couldn't decide if it was too hot or too cold. Great. You were sick.

You had meant to have plans with Crowley and Aziraphale feeding the ducks in St James Park and a spot of lunch, but clearly that wasn't happening today. You sat up in bed and instantly the room starting spinning around you. You let out a deep cough and you whine at the feeling in your chest. You put a hand to your forehead to try and ground yourself as you reach for your phone before sliding back down into your bed. You had planned to call Aziraphale and tell him you couldn't make it, but the room kept spinning and forced you to close your eyes to make it stop.

The next thing you remember is your phone ringing a few hours later. "Shit," you mumble. You must have fallen back asleep. You pick up your phone, answer it and put it to your ear. "Hello?" you rasp.

"Y/N, I just wanted to see if we're on your way?" It was Aziraphale. You groan and turn to face your clock. You should have been at the bookshop by now. "My dear? Are you quite alright? You don't sound yourself." He asks.

"I'm sorry Aziraphale, I was meant to call you but I must have fallen back asleep, I'm not feeling too great." You rasp out, your throat feeling like it was on fire. "I'm not going to be able to make it today."

"Is that Y/N?," you hear Crowley shout in the background, "Tell them to hurry up, times a ticking."

You try to let out a laugh, but it ends with you in a coughing fit, wincing at the pain in your chest. "You two go on ahead without me, we'll catch up soon."

"Are you sure? We can always rearrange?"

"Aziraphale, I'll be fine," you say as another cough racks through your body, "I've been ill before."

"Well, make sure you rest and we will see you another time. I hope you feel better soon my dear,"

"Thank you 'Zira, I'll talk to you later," you say as you hang up the phone before placing it on your bedside table. You groan as you drag yourself out of bed, in search of water and hopefully some form of medication.

A short while later, you had decided that you couldn't sit in bed any longer and you were curled up on your sofa, watching your comfort show, eating your comfort food and taking small sips of some hot lemon and honey water when there was a knock at the door. You muted the TV, praying that whoever was knocking would go away. The knocking persisted.

"They're  probably asleep Angel," you heard a muffled Crowley. This got your attention and you made your way from the sofa to the door.

"Maybe, but I'd feel better if I just saw them." replied Aziraphale.

You open the door to find the angel and demon standing before you. They took in your disheveled state, your skin pale except from your blood shot eyes and your nose being red, your hair messy and a headache strip on your forehead, a blanket haphazardly wrapped around your shoulders and your comfy clothes on. A true sight for sore eyes.

"What are you two doing here?" Your voice quiet in an attempt to not irritate your throat even more.

"We came to check on you, and see how you're feeling." Aziraphale said, "We brought you supplies" he gestured to the bag that Crowely was holding.

"You really didn't have to," you say

"We know," said Crowley. You give him a small smile, "and don't think this is me being nice. I'm just following orders."

"I wouldn't dream of it." You say stepping aside inviting them in. Aziraphale smiled at you as he walked in, Crowley sauntered in behind him handing you the bag that he was holding.  You closed the door behind them and peer inside the bag.

"Jesus 'Zira, I have a cold, I'm not opening a bloody chemist." You say to him as he walks towards the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea, taking the dishes you had left on the table with him.

"Well I didn't know what you needed, so I bought everything."

You smile at the gesture, he really was so thoughtful. You make your way back over to the sofa where Crowley had already made himself at home. You roll your eyes, expecting nothing less from him. He gives you a grin.

"Move over," you whine at him as he lounges across the entirety of the sofa.

"Or what," he says playfully.

"I'll cough all over you."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Crowley, be nice." You hear Aziraphale call from the kitchen. He moves rather quickly.

"Bitched," you cough.

"Fuck off," he mumbles, throwing his sunglasses onto your coffee table. You take your place on the sofa next to Crowley, and lean your head on his shoulder. "Comfy?" he says with a smile. You nod against his shoulder as he wraps an arm around you.

"I hate being ill," you complain "everything hurts." Crowley just chuckles, giving you a squeeze. Aziraphale returns with two mugs in his hands. A cup of tea for himself, and a cup of green tea with lemon for you. "Thank you." You rasp as you take the mug off of him.

"Don't be silly," he tells you taking a seat beside you. "Just make sure you drink it while it's hot, it's supposed to help with your throat."

"Aye aye captain," you joke before a coughing fit racks through your body again. You feel Crowley run his hand up and down your back in an attempt to help soothe you. The couple shoot you a sympathetic glance when you're finally able to compose yourself again. "I'm fine, I'll be fine." You say picking up the TV remote and unmuting it. "And because you have crashed my pitty party you have to watch whatever movie I want to watch and I want to watch The Sound of Music." Crowley laughs from beside you as Aziraphale let's out the most unangellike groan. You smile at him, before finding the movie and pressing play. Maybe being ill wasn't so bad when you had your favourite celestials to keep you company.

[mi-co-uk]

coming clean

blue!reader x saviour!matt

─── blue readers past has caught up with her just in time to rescue her when she needs it the most - childhood best friend and saviour matt wants to help every step of the way.

WARNINGS: mentions of abandonment, very vague mentions of trouble eating and sleeping, alcoholic / deadbeat parents mentioned. the series itself will contain heavy angst , fluff and smut 𖦹

I've never written a fic before so any feedback and support is appreciated !

p.s the grammar is wrong but I like it that way coz it feels like a diary entry but if it's distracting I can change it :3

pls enjoy <3

MASTERLIST

prev parts: intro // 1 // 2

CHAPTER 3 - "im sorry"

MATTS POV

I watch as she looks at herself in the mirror with nothing but dead eyes. it's unbearably painful to see her like this. she's just so broken.

it's been a week of this now. I remember nick and chris coming home, telling me they'd seen her, and how they were petrified for her. nick recalled her tugging down her sleeves, set tight against her arms in a failed attempt to hide the bruises. chris mentioned how she wouldn't move away when her boyfriend edged closer to her - but her arms twitched instead - as she radiated pure anxiety.

I'd never got FOMO from my brothers leaving the house without me before, usually id appreciate the empty house and time to myself. this time was completely opposite. It made me sick to my stomach hearing them replay everything that happened when they ran into them in the record shop, not to mention they just let her go.

if I had been there, I don't care what I would've had to do to protect her from him but I would've done it. no matter what.

she steps closer to the mirror, poking at her face and examining it.

he's had her for way too long. he's never getting her back again.

I've been trying to stick to a routine for her sake. I know how much she struggles without one, and despite how much safer she is now to before, I know she needs just a little extra sense of security to feel like she actually is safer.

she's been staying in my room. I was initially planning to take the couch but when i began to leave on the first night, she tugged on my shirt, pulling me down into the bed with her. I think she just doesn't want to feel alone. we keep a distance between each other, having a conversation just through eye contact before her eyes tend to weigh down on her and she drifts off to sleep. each night I make sure to ask if she wants me to stay, just in case she changes her mind. so far, she's kept tugging me into the bed, sometimes falling asleep still gripping my shirt.

I don't always fall asleep when she does. I feel like a creep sometimes but I watch her breathe slowly in her sleep, finally seeing her in a relaxed state. thats when she looks exactly how I remember her.

before her staying here, I would scroll on my phone for hours before getting a restless night of sleep. her body radiates warmth, which is weird to think about considering how cold and empty she looks like she feels inside.

the nightmares weren't a surprise in the sense that I assumed they would happen. I feel a little guilty when they do though.

the first night she shot up, her breaths heaving with some strain, sounding like they were scratching at her lungs due to her injuries. I simply turned my head over to look, not wanting to move too much and scare her. we locked eyes as we always do. there's this slight look in her eyes as if she doesn't know who I am for a second, but it passes too quick for me to be able to tell if that's actually what it is. but I think that's a good thing.

the night she texted nick replays in my head regularly. they had to persuade her boyfriend heavily to give him nicks number so they could catch up at some point, him only agreeing probably to shut nick up. she sent a whole paragraph the same night from her boyfriends phone explaining how she was scared for her life and was hoping we could pick her up. she's never been one to ask for anything. at the end of the paragraph she even put "it's okay if you can't help me."

she also said we couldn't respond as she was going to delete the message so he wouldn't find out. per her request, we had to wait for midday to ensure he would be at work and not come back randomly because he forgot anything. it was fucking awful waiting for so long. it was made even worse every time I remembered she felt like that for the whole two years she was with him. she probably felt even worse than that. I can't even imagine everything that's happened to her.

when it comes to me, I tend to lean towards flight as oppose to fight. I struggle a lot find motivation to do anything. ever since I met her I knew the lengths I'd go for her. I always thought about how I'd do anything to keep her safe. but I did a shit job of that.

nick and chris called me pathetic to how I reacted when she disappeared a couple years ago. I think they just felt sorry for me though. I've never been good at making or keeping friends - that was my brothers. but she made it so easy. conversations were easy, being around her was easy and just loving her was easy.

then then one day I parked outside her house, and she didn't come out. everyday for school I picked her up. she was a year below but just walking into the building with her made everything easier. I knocked on the door on the second day. I didn't even care that her fuckass parents that hated me could've answered the door. i needed to check.

her dad did answer it.

"what? no she's not here. fuck off. none of them are."

her sisters had got a plane to the UK, where they were born and grew up until she was about 10 years old. she'd always said how much she wanted to go back, but she'd miss me too much. she made it clear that she wouldn't get up and leave me. then there i was at 18 years old, stood outside her house, getting told by her drunk piece of shit dad that she'd left with her boyfriend. he didn't know where they went. for all I know he did and didn't want to tell me or he just didn't listen because he was too self absorbed to try and pay attention to her.

school got even harder. eating and sleeping got even harder. worse than it all was before her. I had the YouTube career to focus on but it just reminded me of her. because doing YouTube was her idea in the first place. I only tried my best because I wanted to make her proud. which made me feel especially pathetic when I think about how she ran off with some asshole.

I tried everything to find her. I think her phone was broken because nothing would send through. her boyfriend picked up his phone, telling me to go fuck myself each time till about only the 4th phone call which is when he blocked me. her sisters didn't know where she went either. her older sister told me that she tried to convince her to go to the UK to escape their parents all the time but she was adamant about staying for me. she said it was a shock when she woke up to a note telling her she had left, leaving two plane tickets to England for her and her younger sister. they had to leave the same day.

sometimes I'd get really angry at her. but I'd have to force myself not to think about her face, because as soon as I remembered how she looked at me, how she smiled, laughed and sounded I just couldn't bare it. then I just hoped she was happy.

I'm suffocating now in this feeling of guilt. why would she have been happy? she wouldn't leave her sisters and me unless she was forced to. I shouldve known that. I shouldve found her and taken her home. I shouldve done more or at least just done something.

I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I realise she caught me staring.

I'm leaning against the door frame to the bathroom. she spends a chunk of time each day just looking in the mirror. I'm not really sure why. I can't tell if she feels insecure or what but it's become a part of her routine. she still can't talk, I don't know if she tries to in secret but it doesn't matter too much as we manage to make it work.

she steps a little closer, just staring up at me. I've really missed just being able to see her. I think she's even more beautiful than i remember.

"you okay?" I somehow manage to say without stuttering. she still has the ability to make me as nervous as she did years ago. she must think I'm a fucking moron.

she hesitates but nods. the question itself is probably stupid as if you round everything up, she clearly isn't okay. I hope she knows I'm not trying to mock the fact that she couldn't really be fine after everything that's happened to her, at least not fine yet.

she reaches her hand up slowly, using her index finger to tap on my face, indicating towards my eye.

"I was staring?" she nods at me. "I was just checking on you."

her face doesn't change, still in the same expression as she just shakes her head 'no' at me.

how do I tell her what I'm thinking without sounding pathetic?

"missed you a lot, kid."

I sound fucking stupid and I don't think she likes that answer any better.

she walks around me, heading towards the fridge - the whiteboard

'I'm sorry :(' she writes. God I'm an asshole. something we have in common is how we both constantly blame ourselves for everything. I shouldve known she'd blame herself for leaving me. I hope she knows that i don't blame her.

"hey no it's not your fault. I'm just glad you're here now, alright?" I try and reassure her, though it looks like something else is on her mind now.

she looks down at the board and sniffs. shit, is she crying? I made her fucking cry.

she quickly wipes the board, tears starting to run down her face. rushing to write something new down.

she shows me the board.

what. the. fuck.

next part ->

𐙚🧸ྀི

a/n , I tried to write it a little differently since it's matts internal monologue instead of blue's so yeah but I hope it doesn't sound awful lmao ALSO hope yall don't hate that I made her from the UK ☹️☹️ I couldn't figure out how to word it without naming the place they flew too so I just wrote England :(( if yall hate I can change it lol

let me know what you think !

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ - mi

tags: @pair-of-pantaloons

[adashulaz]

Inspired by @/miyanaxxi's post of Corvus being able to pick up Soren with ease

Sorens back was killing him, it hurt to do anything besides blinking and breathing. Which made training absolute hell, moving made his back scream in pain. It's probably how he ended up on the ground but he'll just say Callum finally mastered the art of sword fighting, helping him get on Runaans good side.

“Soren? Are you ok? I didn't hurt you, did I?” Soren shook his head as best as he could. The movement caused another shot of pain to spread all over his body. Is this how Kpp'Ar felt? If so, no wonder he always got so irked on certain days. “Soren?” Rayla sounded horrified, dare he say beyond horrified even.

Soren let out a hiss of pain when he felt someone, probably Rayla, try to move him up into a sitting position. “What happened?” Rayla’s voice held barely concealed panic. Soren felt bad, he wasn't trying to scare anyone. “I don't know! We were sparring and I knocked him onto the ground and he's in pain!” Callum also sounded panicked.

“It's nothing, just some back pain.” Soren let out a sharp gasp when he tried to turn over to push himself up. “That was a massive mistake.” He was back on his back, trying to ignore the pain.

“Can one of you grab a doctor? It feels like I rebroke my back.” He didn't feel the pain for long but this is exactly how it felt. Except this time, he wasn't paralyzed from the neck down. “Yeah, yeah, I'll go get one.” Soren heard as Callum rushed off.

Soren let out a small breath as a few more people approached him. “Captain?” Soren slowly moved his arms, he needed to get off his back. “Help him up.” He felt hands grab him, Soren wanted to shake them off but he knew if he did then he'd be stuck laying on the ground.

Soren let out another noise of pain as people helped him get into a sitting position. It hurt even more once he was sitting. Soren curled in on himself slightly. “Soren?” Soren looked up when he heard Corvus’ voice. Callum was a few feet behind him. He could hear Callum shouting about something.

Soren could barely blink before Corvus was running towards him and then at his side. “Are you ok? What happened?” Corvus placed a hand on the middle of his back while the other rested on his hand. Callum came a few seconds later.

“Hurt my back.” It was part of the truth, his back has been killing him all day. The sparring just made it a thousand times worse but with how many people were staring made his embarrassment override the pain. “The doctors can't do much unless you go to them, can you walk?” Soren shook his head, the movement alone made his back scream. How in all of Xadia could he walk if he couldn't even move his head?

“Maybe we could grab a cart and use it to bring him there?” Soren wished he could see Rayla so he could give her a glare worthy of Virens praise. He refused to be placed on a cart, he'd rather eat off the ground before that. “We don't need a cart, I'll carry him.” Soren stared at Corvus.

Corvus carrying him? Soren was slightly bigger than Corvus due to him having a bit more muscle and possibly due to the Dark Magic running through his veins, it always made him hungry. Plus Corvus’ leg has been acting up. Which made Soren doubt Corvus could even hold him long enough to take three steps. Whether it's his weight or Corvus’ leg that would make the task difficult. Even then a cart would probably be more comfortable than Corvus’ arms.

“You-” Soren couldn't finish his sentence before Corvus had an arm under his knees and an arm around his back before easily lifting him up. “Does this hurt?” Corvus looked concerned.

Soren weakly shook his head, ignoring the pain that followed. Corvus nodded and turned in the direction of where the doctors were. He knew Corvus was strong, he wouldn't be a Crownguard or gotten into the Battalion otherwise. But Corvus is the first person to be able to lift him without any struggle. Soren would count Kpp'Ar but he was nine, not 21.

[jincapableoflove]

A Recipe for Love (Part 3)

Pairing: Jimin x (f.) Reader

Genre/Tags:��baker/chef! jimin, baker/chef! reader, forbidden romance, angst, fluff, potential smut

Series summary: As their town announces its first-ever baking competition, Kim Y/n and Park Jimin find themselves pairing up to participate. However, the generations-old feud between their families prevents them from doing so. In order to avoid stirring up further animosity between their families, Jimin and Y/n must be secretive. Will Jimin and Y/n be able to be stealthy enough to navigate their days practising and testing out recipes for the competition, without their family members finding out?

Word count: 1.6k

Chapter Warnings: none.

A/N: tysm for all the support so far<3 this chapter is a bit of a filler before the real deal (which will take place in the next chapter) but its needed to understand the remaining chapters.

Part 3: Bittersweet Confections

Y/N

My spirit was dampened after learning about my sad fate. I wasn't the kind of person to dwell on disappointments for too long, but something about losing this incredible opportunity for our bakery put me in a sour mood. Our little bakehouse had been among the many businesses that suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite our efforts, we still hadn't fully regained momentum. This competition would have been the perfect chance to attract more customers and breathe life back into our shop.

But beyond just wanting to draw in customers, there was an ache in my chest that refused to subside. A void that only deepened every time I thought of someone who would have wanted to participate in this more than anything. And I couldn't even represent them in this competition.

I let out a frustrated sigh. Sitting around and sulking wouldn't do me any good. I needed to do something—go somewhere—to lift my mood. And where better than my sweet cousin Jeongguk's house?

Jeongguk lived with his family in a small yet cozy house about a 20-minute drive from mine. Despite having his own spacious bedroom and bath, the boy practically lived in the guest room at my apartment. Giving him a spare key when I first moved in had been the worst decision ever—I basically had no privacy in my own home.

After dropping off my groceries at my apartment, I drove to Jeongguk's place. I probably should have called ahead to check if he was home, but the loud music blasting all the way to his driveway made it obvious that he was.

I didn't bother knocking. Having visited the Jeons countless times, I knew exactly where they kept the spare key—tucked under the sole of a lone boot in the front yard. Without hesitation, I retrieved it, threw open the door, and rushed inside, heading straight upstairs to tackle my unsuspecting cousin.

If I couldn't participate in the competition, then at the very least, I could take my frustration out on him.

"Wha—AHH! Y/N! STOP!" Jeongguk screeched as I mercilessly tickled him, my fingers digging into his ribs.

"Plea—PLEASE, Y/N-IE! HAHAHA—STOP, I CAN'T—!" he pleaded through gasping laughs, writhing beneath me, but I showed no mercy.

After what felt like an eternity (but was probably just a couple of minutes), I finally relented, plopping onto his bed with a satisfied grin. Jeongguk lay beside me, still heaving, his limbs sprawled out in exhaustion.

"What happened to you?" he asked after catching his breath. "You seem weirdly happy today, cous."

I guess I did a good job of masking my disappointment because he hadn't noticed my dampened mood—until now.

I forced a small smile, but before I could answer, he tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. "Wait... is this about that competition?"

My forced composure cracked. My shoulders slumped.

"I can't participate," I admitted, the weight of the words pressing down on my chest.

Jeongguk shot up in alarm. "What?! Why?!"

"I have no one to go with," I sighed. "No one qualified enough between the ages of 18 and 30, at least. Even Jin isn't available."

"Can't Jin-hyung make it back just in time?" he asked, clearly grasping at straws.

"No," I shook my head. "His semester finals start soon. He's been studying nonstop for them."

"There's seriously no one else?"

"I haven't really thought about it, Gguk-ah," I admitted. "But I doubt there's anyone who would make a good team with me. If only you were as good at baking as you were at cooking."

Jeongguk sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew there was no point in pushing further. The opportunity was lost. Instead of pressing the matter, he leaned forward and wrapped me in a warm hug.

I realized then that maybe I was making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. Opportunities come and go. Maybe next year there'd be another competition where Jin could participate with me—or one where I could compete individually.

Thinking this, I pulled away from the hug and gave him a small smile. "Thanks, Gguk. You always know how to make me feel better."

Before he could respond, the doorbell rang, startling us both.

Jeongguk and I exchanged confused glances before heading downstairs. The moment he opened the door, a 16-year-old girl in her school uniform pushed past him, threw her bag onto the floor, and stormed upstairs.

The next thing we heard was the loud slam of her bedroom door.

"JEON JIA!" Jeongguk shouted, his voice laced with frustration as he chased after her.

I stood there, still processing what had just happened, before sighing and following them upstairs.

"Jia! How dare you slam the door?!" Jeongguk fumed, pounding on her door. "Did you think you could get away with this just because Mom and Dad aren't home?"

I placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Maybe you should ask her what's wrong first, Jeongguk."

He huffed but stepped aside as I knocked gently. "Jia? We're worried about you. Can you open the door?"

No response.

"Jia, please?"

Silence.

I tried again. "I'll bake you choco-chip cookies."

A pause.

Then the door creaked open slightly.

Suppressing a triumphant smirk, I pushed the door fully open and stepped inside. Jia sat cross-legged on her bed, looking simultaneously angry, annoyed, and frustrated.

"I'm telling Mom about this," Jeongguk grumbled.

"Gguk-ah, stop," I sighed. "Let's hear her out first."

I turned to Jia, my voice soft yet firm. "What happened?"

She let out an exaggerated groan, pulling at her hair in frustration before dramatically exclaiming, "IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF THAT ASSHOLE!"

Jeongguk and I blinked. "Who?" we asked in unison.

"PARK BEOMGYU!"

Jeongguk stiffened. "What did that boy do this time?"

Jia sniffled dramatically. "He stuffed my locker with live spiders."

I burst into laughter.

Both siblings turned to me, eyes filled with betrayal.

"That's it? He stuffed your locker with spiders?" I teased.

"They were ALIVE, Y/N!" Jia huffed.

"So? It's just a silly prank," I shrugged. "It's not like you're even scared of spiders."

Jia fumed. "That's not the point! It was PARK BEOMGYU."

Oh. So that's what this was about.

The Park family—the ones we Kims were supposedly supposed to hate. Jia and Beomgyu go to the same school and constantly infuriate each other by pulling silly pranks like this. I never understood how a feud so trivial could last over generations. Beomgyu was the fourth or fifth descendant of the founder of Park's Bakehouse for crying out loud!

"There you go again, Y/N," Jeongguk sighed. "Always defending the Parks."

"I don't see a reason to hate them, that's all."

"Ugh, you'll understand one day," Jia grumbled.

I rolled my eyes. "Mhm, sure."

"And you know what, Y/N?" Jia began again, with a sly smirk on her face, "Jin is prettier than you."

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!" I grabbed a pillow and started hitting her with it. "Take that back, you brat! How can you call Jin prettier than me?!" She squealed trying to move away from me and grabbing a pillow to hit me with in the process. Jeongguk who stood there watching us, joined right after.

The pillow fight ended almost 10 minutes later after I managed to push Jeongguk and Jia off the bed. We were still giggling and laughing from the aftermath of the impromptu pillow fight.

When Jeongguk's parents arrived home from work, I decided it was time for me to make my way back home. I left after greeting Uncle Jeon and kissing my aunt on the cheek.

As I was driving back home, I realized that my time spent at Jeongguk's house had successfully distracted me from my sorrow. The laughter, the playful banter, and the ridiculous pillow fight had all temporarily lifted the weight off my chest. But now that I was alone again, the thoughts came flooding back, pressing down on me like a heavy fog I couldn't escape.

My grip tightened around the steering wheel when my phone rang, my dad's name flashing on the screen. I sighed before answering, already knowing what was coming.

"Y/N-ah... I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry about the competition. I know how much this meant to you."

I forced a small hum in response, not trusting my voice. But Dad wasn't finished. "You know... your mom always dreamed of participating in a competition like this. She would have been so proud to see you represent her."

And just like that, the fragile composure I had built up during the evening cracked.

A lump formed in my throat. I swallowed it down, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "I know, Dad..." I whispered. But knowing didn't make it any easier.

His words echoed in my mind long after the call ended. I felt like I was letting her down. Like I was failing her dream. The bakery was struggling, and this could have been our chance. And I wasn't even able to try.

As if the universe wanted to twist the knife deeper, my phone rang again. This time, it was Grandma.

"Y/N, this is such a disappointment! An opportunity like this doesn't come every day. If only there was another way..."

I sighed. "I know, Grandma. I really tried. There's just no one else who—"

"Nonsense! I'll talk to the mayor myself. He'll have to make an exception for you."

I let out a humorless chuckle. "You know that won't work. The mayor never changes his decisions. If he wants it to be a duo, a duo it shall be."

Grandma clicked her tongue in disapproval but didn't push further. "You should rest, dear. You've been through a lot today."

I murmured a quiet goodnight before hanging up. But rest didn't come easy. My thoughts swirled endlessly, drowning me in frustration and disappointment.

That night, I went to bed dreaming of standing on the competition stage, my heart swelling with pride as I showcased my skills. But even in my dreams, the painful truth crept in—I had no partner. And without a partner, my dreams would remain just that—dreams.

<- Part 2 | Series Masterlist | Part 4 ->

[coryothesub]

Punishing him by denying coryo from his release for DAYS because he was being a brat 😔

nsfw / mdni / sub!coryo / dom!reader

Probably this was the longest period of orgasm denial you’d ever put Coryo through. The boy was being a terrible brat the other day so you got annoyed and set the following rules: no cumming inside or outside you, no jerking off, no fooling around with Sejanus, basically no ejaculation until further notice.

It had been quite amusing at the beginning, listening to his pretty whining and begging, watching him break as he slowly realized his efforts were to no avail, taunting and teasing him while basking in his despair.

But after a few days it became almost insufferable for both of you. Coryo became moody and easy to annoy, then he dug into his college stuff in a desperate attempt to distract his thoughts from his needy cock. You offered him cuddles, but he avoided your touch knowing it would only make things worse.

You knew you had to give up at one point otherwise it would end up in a messy wet dream anyways. And your needy cunt was longing to be stretched out by that massive cock.

You were sitting on the couch writing some emails on your laptop when Coryo sat in front of you trying to think of a suitable topic not to give up his true intentions. But you knew right away just by his pathetic looks.

“Are you okay, angel?” You asked sympathetically.

“I don't think I can do this anymore,” Coryo got straight to the point, knowing there was no point in pretending.

“Can't do what?” Your eyes lit up in a mischievous glimmer.

“I can't go without cumming any more. Please, mommy, you have to take care of me!”

You noticed his icy blue eyes welling up with tears that finally broke out and started running down his cheeks. He was legit crying for an orgasm.

“Awww, Coryo,” you spoke softly, wiping the tears off his face.

“You know we can't do that, you brought this on yourself after all. Do you remember what you're being punished for?”

Coryo nodded frantically.

“For being a brat. But this is just too much,” he whined. “I need it so badly. Please, please, I’ll be a good boy, I promise.”

You didn't believe him one bit, still you wrapped your arms around him and pulled him to your chest, his flushed face buried between your soft titties.

“It's alright, baby boy,” you cooed as you felt his muffled sobs against the thin fabric of your t-shirt. Him looking so broken and miserable turned you and your hardening nipples certainly gave it away.

“I-I… I’m sorry mommy,” Coryo whimpered trying to hide his hard-on, but you had already noticed his leaking tip forming a wet patch on the front part of his sweatpants. 

“Shhh, darling! Mommy will take care of you,” you whispered gently before sliding your hand under the waistband of his pants as your other hand kept caressing his curls.

Coryo let out a sharp gasp as you run your thumb over his velvety tip. Neglected for days, his cock had become so sensitive that the boy felt shivers down his spine as you pulled his dick out and gave it a few lazy strokes.

Coryo looked up at you pleadingly.

“Please, please, keep going!”

You fulfilled his request and started pumping him at an easy pace, causing him to let out a series of soft moans. He looked so pretty, his lips parted and his eyes fluttering from the long awaited relief.

“My poor baby boy,” you hummed, peppering small kisses all over his pretty face.

“Feeling better now?”

“Yes, yes, ooooh…” Coryo moaned as you sped up your pace, knowing he wouldn't be able to hold it for too long. His balls looked so heavy filled with all of that suspended release.

The boy clutched at your t-shirt moaning and panting as he felt himself getting closer to the climax.

“Now cum for me baby!” You instructed and within mere seconds thick pearly ropes shot out of his twitching tip, covering your hand and messing up your clothes. 

You bit your lip watching the ultimate pleasure in Coryo's handsome features and feeling the warm liquid dripping down your hand. 

“That's it baby, you’re such a good boy for me,” you pulled him close again, feeling his heart racing in his chest.

“Thank you, mommy!” Coryo mumbled as he was coming down from his heights.

“That won't be enough my love. I believe it's my turn now.”

[captainsophiestark]

Star-Crossed Agents

Grant Ward x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for my personal fic writing challenge for 2024, Sophie's Year of Fic! Featuring a new fic being posted every Friday, all year long :)

Fandom: Marvel

Summary: Grant's SO is part of SciTech, which means they have to sneak around a little bit to hang out, and with the end of their Academy careers approaching it's harder than ever to find time for each other

Word Count: 1,485

Category: Fluff

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

I took a deep breath in and then let it out, slow and heavy in a massive sigh. I'd been staring at my laptop for what felt like an eternity, and I was about to truly and completely lose it.

I snapped out of my thousand yard stare at the screen two feet in front of me at the sound of my dorm window sliding open. I shot up from my desk and whirled around only to find my boyfriend, Grant Ward, hanging out of my window.

"You gave me a heart attack," I said by way of hello as I rushed to the window to help him the rest of the way through. He had takeout containers in one hand, which I immediately took to make sure he wouldn't drop them. I turned to set them on my desk, and by the time I returned to Grant, he'd made it all the way through my window and stood in the middle of my room with his hands on his hips.

"Really? You went for the food before me?"

I just shrugged and grinned at him. "You're a Specialist in the top of your class. I figured you'd be able to handle it, especially since you've done it a thousand times before."

He sighed, but didn't waste another second before crossing the room to kiss me either. His arms wound their way around my waist as he pulled me to him, and I brushed one hand against his cheek before gently pulling back.

"I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but I don't think I'm gonna be a very good date tonight. Between trying to finish out the SciTech-Ops prank war and my final thesis project being due in just a few months, I'm probably going to have to mostly do work tonight."

"I don't mind helping you with SciTech pranks, if that's what you're working on," said Grant as we walked to my desk together, sitting shoulder to shoulder. "Why don't you open up your notes on that, and let me see all the things you have planned."

I scoffed. "I thought Specialists were supposed to be better at getting information out of people than that."

Grant fixed me with a look and put his hands on the arms of my chair, slowly leaning in until his face was inches from mine, effectively pinning me to the spot.

"I bet I could get you to give up some secrets if I tried."

I leaned in, closing the distance between us until our lips were barely a hair's breadth apart. Then I smiled.

"Nice try, but I'm already betraying my entire school by dating you. No way I'm giving the Ops kids an edge in the prank war. And no way I'm letting you distract me, either, I have work to do."

Grant sighed, but when he leaned in for a kiss it was just a quick peck before he sat back in his own chair.

"Fine. We don't really need your help to win, anyway. We've got this in the bag."

"Mhmm. And you just keep telling yourself that, Superspy."

Grant and I shared a grin as he dished up our food and I reluctantly turned back to my laptop. Leaning against Grant and having him here, especially with some of my favorite food, made trying to work less frustrating. But it didn't magically spark any inspiration or ideas like I'd hoped it would.

After we finished dinner, Grant crossed the room to kick back on my bed and cracked open a book while I kept trying to make my brain work. I stared at the computer screen, just trying to get some kind of brainstorm to start. I felt a headache coming on with every passing moment, and my brain started to feel literally heavy, like thick fog was just sitting up there, weighing me down. My eyes squinted against the glare of the screen, and still I didn't move, scanning over my notes like they might magically add some insight that they hadn't before.

I jumped when a hand landed on my shoulder, then turned with bleary eyes to find Grant had returned to sit next to me, a worried expression on his face.

"Are you alright? You were starting to look like a zombie over here."

"Yeah, yeah, just... waiting for inspiration to strike."

"...And how's that going?"

"Uh. Not well."

Grant huffed a laugh, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a smile as he pulled me a little closer to his side.

"Then I think it's time we take a break together."

I sighed and leaned my head against his shoulder. Truly all I wanted to do was spend time with him, without anything SHIELD-related hanging over our heads, but final tests were coming soon and I really didn't have a moment to spare.

"I don't think I can, Grant. Everything I've been working for since the day I got here all comes down to this project. I have to make sure it's perfect."

"Right now you're not going to be able to make anything perfect."

I pulled back, mouth dropping open as I glared at him, but he just stared right back with the frank appraisal of a Specialist that I both loved and hated.

"Your brain is clearly fried from working on this for too long. Anything you put down now is just going to be something you have to go back and fix later. I've seen it before, from new Ops recruits and from you. You need a break. If you take one, odds are you're going to have a much easier time brainstorming and working things through after you spend some time not thinking about this project. It'll be faster and better than anything you might manage to force out now."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "That... actually kind of makes sense..."

"I know it does. It's because I'm right." I scoffed, but Grant ignored it, instead leaning forward and resting a hand on my thigh. "Besides, the next month or so is going to be hell for both of us. Between your final projects and all of my practical exams before we graduate... I'm barely going to have time to see you. So we should enjoy the time we have now, while we still can."

I sighed, leaning forward and raising one hand to rest at the nape of Grant's neck, gently touching my forehead to his.

"I don't like to think about that," I admitted. "Or about how much harder it's going to be to stay together when you're out in the field and I'm in the Hub or the Triskelion doing work."

"I know. I hate thinking about that too."

We fell into silence for a few moments, the uncertainty of both of our futures hanging over us. Grant's grip on me tightened slightly, and I sighed. He was right. I needed a break, and I needed to enjoy every moment I could get while it was just the two of us like this.

"You know what? I think we'll be fine," I said, straightening up enough to meet Grant's eyes. "If we can make it work as two people from rival SHIELD schools dating each other? Like a more intense version of Romeo and Juliet? Then I think we're gonna be just fine, no matter what the rest of the world tries to throw at us."

"...You know Romeo and Juliet ended pretty badly for both of them-"

"I know! I was just trying to make a point, we're from aggressively rival groups and we're finding love anyway. Just... ignore the ending."

Grant chuckled. "Alright. So does this mean you're going to take a break with me?"

"Yes, it does. Come on, let's watch some terrible tv and eat the chocolate I keep in the bottom drawer of my desk for emergencies and pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist."

Grant smiled, catching my chin before I could move away and pulling me back to him for a long, deep kiss. When we finally broke apart, I was breathing hard and grinning like an idiot at the man before me. I really, really loved him, even though when he finally spoke he said:

"Anything but Love Island."

"What! Grant, come on. We were almost done with the last season! We have to get caught up before the new one starts."

"No way. I'll watch anything but that."

"...Anything?"

He sighed. "This is gonna be a long night, isn't it?"

I just grinned at him. It was fun to give him a hard time, but at the end of the day, I was happy doing anything as long as I got to do it with him. And I knew he felt exactly the same way. We'd make it work, from picking a tv show tonight to whatever our futures might have in store for us after this.

*****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989

Marvel Taglist: @valkyriepirate @songbirdcannabe @infinetlyforgotten @coinsublime @sagesmelts

If your blog is crossed out, it's because Tumblr wouldn't let me tag you for some reason

[skylar-jay]

Okay gang, it's time. I wrote this in one go, so there will probably be mistakes lmao

Happy spooky month Sky Community :D

And without further ado, here is my Sky creepypasta!

Moths

They're what many of the people of this game call new folk.

Others call them Sparrows.

Either way, they are admired by all. For such a beautiful game, with such impact, when someone new joins everyone hopes they will reach the end.

Most do.

And many do not return.

But, tragically that is not what this story is about, not quite, at least.

This tale is of a much smaller scale. Something that happened to me almost a year ago.

~~~

Back then I had finally become a pro. Established a main outfit, made some OCs, and had a handful of friends I saw online regularly. Not very many, I've never been a social person.

On this particular day, I was candle running my normal route. Hitting both Prarie and forest, along with Geyser and Grandma.

However, on my way to Grandma's, I noticed the server was completely empty. Not a single sign of there being another person.

Just me.

Alone.

That was, until I saw the familiar sight of a broken star at the edge of my screen. The tell tale sign of someone losing all their light.

Not an uncommon sight in forest.

Naturally, as most people would do, I flew toward where the player was.

I hardly noticed when the music cut out.

But, I rarely had the music on anymore anyway, what, with how often I'll spontaneously start playing music.

As I suspected, I found an unlit skykid in the river.

They were just standing there.

I didn't think much of it, perhaps they had to go afk for a moment and forgot to move somewhere safer.

I placed my torch down, and decided to stick around to grab any wing light they might lose.

I stood there for quite some time, but not a single light was lost.

The skykid was still not moving.

But I noticed they weren't afk either. None of the indications of such were present.

Out of curiosity, I held my candle out to them.

Immediately they lit me, and I saw they were a moth.

Maybe they were confused?

I tried pointing them to the nearest light,

But

They just. Kept. Standing. There.

Eventually, I decided this wasn't worth my time. Grandma was starting soon, and they were probably just a veteran trying to troll someone.

I flew away, intending to go straight to Grandma's.

But I was back beside the moth.

...okay?

Perhaps I just lagged. My game doesn't always run very smoothly.

I tried again.

But...

I was right back in the same spot.

Maybe I was going too fast?

I tried walking away, but, while my skykid woud have the walking animation, they wouldn't move anywhere. I just kept rubberbanding back to the same spot.

The moth

Took a step toward me.

Then another

And another.

Until they were basically standing on top of me.

I tried moving my camera to get a better look at them.

Something was wrong.

Their cape had no stars. And I realized they were taller than me.

Their body stretched unnaturally upwards, neck and limbs becoming slightly too long.

The lights that should have been behind their mask were dark. The light on their chest wasn't there.

They- it crouched down and produced a deep call.

That sound...

Stars that sound.

It hurt. It hurt so bad.

My ears were ringing.

It hurt like hell.

Ithurtit h urt

Like it was clawing my eardrums out.

Like millions of skykids screaming together distorted through a broken speaker.

My ears were ringing. I had to take my headphones out.

I hadn't noticed that my light had run out. My poor skykid was unlit.

I could hardly see them through the black streaks the rain was leaving on my screen.

There was something looming above them.

I didn't know what it was going to do. I didn't care.

I closed the game.

~~~

It took me weeks to start playing again.

I was so afraid that I wouldn't even be able to.

But I had to give it a shot at least once.

Miraculously, it worked! I was back in the game.

Something was amiss.

My skykid looked different.

Instead of my usual outfit, they were in moth attire with a few exceptions.

The red earmuffs, the monk blindfold, and the feast scarf were also on it.

I was back to the default hight, and I only had one star.

One of my friends tped to me and said hi,

But I couldn't interact with the hug they offered.

I could move, but I couldn't use any of my emotes.

My chat wasn't working.

And...

I saw it.

The moth.

I didn't think.

Just closed the game.

~~~

Of course, I could never leave Sky forever.

The next time I logged on, everything was fine again.

I found that friend online and apologized. Told them I had been hacked.

Maybe I had. I still don't know.

Sometimes I'll still see it.

It'll creep up on me, do it's terrible call.

And every time, I stop playing for the day.

Usually the day after I will have that outfit, but relogging seems to fix it. Sometimes it takes a few tries.

I haven't heard of anything like this before. Nobody's talked about it, at least.

Perhaps they all stop playing after it happens.

I admit sometimes I want to as well.

I've had a few close calls, and I don't want to know what happens if I stick around when I see it.

I hope

I hope it leaves me alone.

I don't want to deal with it anymore.

[wlw-stanbot]

 “Ahh Clint, it is good to see you.” Yelena pulled the confused man into a side hug, then turned to Kate, pointing excitedly, “Look, Kate - look it’s Clint Barton.”

Kate barely suppressed a laugh, “I can see that.” She turned her attention toward her mentor with a frown, “You’re not wearing your outfit. If you had been, Lena probably wouldn't have tried to kill you.”

“No… probably not.” Yelena smiled mischievously then released Clint. 

As soon as he was able to fully take in his would-be assassin, his eyes shot toward the ceiling and responded, “Speaking of outfits..maybe Lena should put some pants on before we continue this conversation.”

Yelena looked down at the low cut tank and boyshorts she was wearing. The underwear had ridden up her thigh with the recent quick movements, crumpling into the crease between her thick pale thighs and broad hips. Her nipples were protruding through the thin fabric of her tank top as the basement air was finally able to start cooling skin that was still fairly drenched from her earlier dreaming. She shrugged, “Oh…yes…I’m sure this is weird for you. I will wash up, but after…” she lifted the knife she had pulled from the wall, patting the flat side of it gently on his chest, “you must tell me how you got past my sensors.”

When he nodded briefly without even looking at the blade, she smiled gladly then crossed between both Kate and Clint, dropping her face into a pointed look toward her little hawk that could only be interpreted as why the hell is he here??  

The pair of archers watched Yelena go then turned to each other simultaneously as she disappeared behind the opaque glass. Kate smiled a little too broadly, to the point that it was almost a grimace. Her mind was still momentarily distracted by being grateful she had managed to pull on the pair of sweatpants that had been discarded many hours ago and before the two of them had actually stopped touching each other long enough to get some sleep. A heavy dose of reality slammed into her under Clint’s silent and entirely too judgmental gaze. Her grimace turned into pursed lips as she vocalized Yelena’s question, “It’s great to see you, really…but what are you doing here?”

Clint answered in a low voice with eyes that flitted back toward the shadow moving on the other side of the room, “I could ask you the same thing.”

Yelena emerged from the bed area quickly, sans knife but carrying some clothes under her arm to change into and a towel wrapped around her waist. She passed back between the two of them, this time flashing Clint a genuinely friendly look. “It is good to see you too, Clint. Sorry I tried to kill you….again.” She absentmindedly punched him on the shoulder where she had sliced open the skin with her thrown knife. He jerked backward and winced, “Oh, shit, sorry. Kate can stitch that up, if you want, she’s gotten very good at sutures. See,” she lifted her tank to show the mostly scarred but still scabbed and pink in places gash across her abdomen. While scrutinizing it herself, she began to absentmindedly say, “This was much worse before Doctor Katie fixed me.” She dropped her shirt but continued speaking while looking to Kate with a half-smile, “It would be healed more but I popped a few stitches while we were making - “

Kate leapt forward, slamming her hand over Yelena's mouth. “- cookies…we were making cookies.” The brunette looked up at Clint with the fakest of smiles, then released the hand.

Yelena’s face scrunched together as she tilted it toward Kate, “We weren't making cookies, we were - ” 

Kate’s eyes went wide as her nostrils flared and Yelena immediately recognized it as the same look she had given the surprised archer during their brief ruse against Valentina. She turned back to Barton and continued brightly, “Right, yes, we were making … cookies.”

“Mmhm…so you two are spending your training time uh, baking and practicing basic EMT skills...” Barton responded with genuine curiosity before turning more accusatory, “..while half naked and covered in hickies.”

Kate instinctively tilted her head sideways and raised a hand to cover a dark mark she knew would be peeking out from the collar of her t-shirt. “Those are..uh..” She made eye contact again with Yelena, pleading for a better assist on this one. 

“They’re from, uh staff fighting… you know,” Yelena made a two handed motion as though she was fighting an invisible opponent with a long stick.

Clint took a half step closer to Yelena, attempting to loom a little more aggressively, “I have teenagers. I know what hickies look like.”

Yelena instinctively puffed out her chest and met his stride, “Are you calling me a liar, Clint Barton?”

After a brief bout of writers block, Chapter 19 of Bad Ideas With Good Company is up...finally. Enjoy!!

[palmtreehero]

Gosh I'm always going to be sad about third sem akeshu because finally they can get to know each other better and become genuine friends without all the masks and lies between them but of course the elephant in the room (Goro being Akira's wish) has to stand in-between them and only Goro knows this until Akira finally finds out the truth on the last day.

Also Akira's phone call with Akechi in the third sem is the most Akira has ever said to someone so like you can tell despite the situation, Akira is happy Akechi is there again. I think that's why Akira doesn't press too much about how Akechi is alive after getting shot twice because he's just grateful enough to have Akechi back.

It's genuinely just sad all around with Akechi suddenly realizing this boy he tried to kill twice is the same boy that grieved for him so strongly that Akechi became his wish; I think Akechi probably spent his time alone mostly contemplating that, how strange it must be to Akechi that he's someone greatest regret and greatest wish; that kind of love and devotion exist just for him.

So yeah I think that even in canon if Akechi is still alive, once he's done dealing with all the issues, he's going to find Akira again. I doubt he can stay away from Akira that long. Especially seeing as in canon Akira is also bringing Akechi's glove anywhere with him. The way Akira reached out for Akechi's glove when he met Muhen on his last day in Tokyo will always get to me. That's his comfort item, sir ToT

BUCKLE UP I'M GONNA MAKE ANOTHER ESSAY REPLY IN A READ MORE-

I really love the confirmation that they're both each other's wish… I think even Goro realizes that, but he knows he can't allow it to be because it's not right, and he's already chosen his path.

I'm unsure which phone call you're talking about, was it the part where Goro reports to us his findings about the fake reality? I agree regardless that Akira is happy that Goro is present, and I also think he never tries to question it because he doesn't want to unravel anything… or rather he doesn't want to sprout doubt in his heart.

I know it was never clearly stated why it was that Wakaba and Haru papa disappeared, but Goro remained. In my opinion it WAS for the sake of the plot twist and his life was used as a bargaining chip by Maruki (which is kind of fucked up). Though it could also just be because Goro isn't actually dead but he believes he is, but then it makes me think, isn't it a little more fucked up that Maruki doesn't say anything about it post-fake reality? Considering he had the power to alter reality and had so much surveillance over mementos.

I think about it a lot, what Goro is like when he gets home to his apartment after every day in that fake reality. I imagine he was consistently gathering information but it's almost like he tried to make himself busy so he wouldn't think about things to do with Akira.

I personally think of "no more what ifs" as so applicable to third sem as well, he's come face to face with another crossroad. He doesn't regret his choices, and he's ready to commit to them, but I think at this new fork he's feeling his convictions wavering... all because he's been able to experience the "what if" himself, even if it's through this distorted means. I think he's fully aware that Akira wants him to be in this reality, and he's also aware that he himself wants to be with Akira... it's so sad how much he seems to hold back, he becomes so distant... and yet his gentleness peeks out in easy to miss moments like his voice lines during battle etc. God I'm so weak for it.

Yes I agree, he's going to find Akira and he'd commit to that other path at the crossroad he was at. No more holding back! I really really love that extra scene, they didn't have to do that at all... the glove means so much T__T

ok this took me an hour to write bc I was gathering my thoughts ajskhawe s orry I yap so much ty for your message!

[fandomsandflyingstingrays]

Full Thoughts on TDP Season 5

Under the cut, because there are many of them!

Starting off with things I liked:

Rayllum! It was so good to see them on the same page again, and they have a perfect balance between deep, romantic devotion and the shared laughter and gestures of best friends. Their dynamic this season was my favorite iteration of them so far

Janai and Amaya were wonderful as well. I was really bracing for Amaya to leave for Lux Area without telling Janai and a whole bunch of drama to ensue, but no! They communicate! They trust each other! It's so refreshing!

Side note: Lux Area was gorgeous the detail in every shot of the city and Bookery was so good. I want to live there. I will take on the night creatures if need be

I hoped we'd get an apology from Amaya for Rayla, and I'm really glad they took the time to put it in the show instead of a short story or anything like that. It was also cool to see Amaya recognizing the similarities she and Rayla share and acting as more of a mentor to her, I hope we see more of them together later on

The reoccurring message that oftentimes the best way to be strong is by going to other people for help- first Amaya's story, then Rayla trusting Callum, then Zubeia's talk with Avizandum. It's a very good moral

That whole thing with Soren and Elmer! Breaking the cycle of cruelty! I love Soren so much

Callum using dark magic again. I thought I would hate it if that happened, since we've seen a corruption plotline with him and with Claudia already, but the way it was done sort of added a good sense of realism. I like that Callum isn't a Perfectly Moral Mage just because he can do primal magic; it feels deeper and more complicated if he has to recognize that the easier, darker choice is always there, and sometimes he won't be able to resist it, but he has to try each time anyway

So many little moments that I'll probably be going into in separate posts because the dynamic between the characters was on fire. It was so good to see the team really working together, their chemistry was so good

Things I wasn't as much of a fan of:

The problem with the show really relying on people to read all the supplementary material is still present. I was pretty confused about who Kpp'Ar was until I looked him up on the wiki, and again, people who didn't know about Soren getting sick as a kid from the Book 2 novelization really wouldn't have gotten his part of the dream sequence. It doesn't ruin the show or anything but it does make it a little confusing at times

The plotline with the coins is starting to feel a little drawn-out. Runaan's presence would bring up enough complications between Rayla and the rest of the group that he needs enough time out of the coin to give that the weight it deserves, and I'm really hoping he gets out next season so we can have at least season 7 to go into that. Also, Ethari needs his husband back

As good as it was to see rayllum back together, I do still think we needed a scene of them actually talking things through. I'm sure it'll appear in a Reflections story at some point, but again, you don't want your show to lean that heavily on the bonus material

This is more of a nitpick than anything else, but the characters' faces in the early episodes felt really stiff. They'd be having a monologue where you could really hear the emotion in their voices, but their faces just... didn't really move

And finally: too many crabs. This is not a flaw with the season this is just because I personally am freaked out by crabs and I've never been so horrified in all my life as when the true nature of Finnegrin's ship was revealed. It'll haunt me forever

Overall I liked it a lot, and I'm really excited to see where it goes next! Claudia feels like she's on the very edge of the point of no return, if she hasn't already crossed it, and it'll be very interesting to see how she reacts to the loss of her leg and (most likely) the loss of her father next season. I'm also very excited for the nova blade, that sounds like a gorgeous piece of weaponry and seeing whoever wields it (my money's on Rayla) fighting Aaravos is going to be epic. This season has definitely ratcheted up my investment in the show, which I'm very excited about

[clockworkmidnight]

More Heisenberg Headcanons

So these are some of my headcanons of what he would do if he and Ethan had teamed up and he had been freed.

He would like soft things. Blankets, plushies, anything soft. He's been denied such things for so long that he would love them, probably almost be brought to tears that such things are finally within his reach. I can see him snuggling down with a soft blanket and pillows and enjoying the first sleep he'd ever had without fear.

He has a sweet tooth from hell. The guy has sugary energy drink in his factory, you can't tell me he wouldn't love junkfood and sweets. I can see him loading up the shopping cart with them and Ethan having to tell him no and getting pouted at.

Ethan and him would stick together. I think Chris would make it a condition that Heisenberg be monitored if he's to be out in the world and I believe Ethan would vouch for and care for him. I also think Mia wouldn't tolerate it and would just nope the whole situation. She would try but in the end she wouldn't be able to stay around a bioweapon like Heisenberg. I think Karl would not trust her for her history with Miranda. So i picture Ethan and Heis being shoved into an apartment or something on a compound where Chris can monitor them both but allow them freedom enough to not be prisoners.

Heis has nightmares of his experiences with Miranda and wakes up in fight mode, shorting out nearby electronics until Ethan comes out or wakes up to soothe him. They're best friends (or more than that if you ship them) and Ethan is always there to care and chase the monsters away.

Due to his trauma, now in a peaceful setting he has panic attacks and high anxiety around people. Ethan has to be careful with him when they're out in public and take him home when it gets too tough. At home he would fix Heis some sweets and talk to him until he's better. Chris would have arranged to get him and Ethan therapy but it would take time and a lot of shot electronics before he would begin to get better.

Now that he doesn't have to act all the time his child-like wonder at new things and excitement at learning about the world is able to come out and it's friggin adorable. Even with his issues of distrust and paranoia there are times you can see how happy he is and see the innocent little boy he once was peeking through.

He is so touch starved that he practically clings to Ethan. every chance he has he sits next to him, leans on him, shadows him. Ethan in turn provides hugs and soft touches because he knows Heis is touch starved. It takes a few weeks for them to be so comfortable with each other but then Heis can't get enough of the affection.

Rose would be allowed supervised visits with Ethan and by association, him. He would be gentle and kind to her, uneasy at first but he would grow very protective of her and care for her like his own. I think as she grows up he would help her control her powers and in turn he has a chance to make sure another kid doesn't go through what he did. That's all for now!

[writtenjewels]

Matchbox

Hope-Tober day 2

Jason put a hand on his nephew's back to soothe him as the boy squirmed nervously. Troy had been invited to a classmate's birthday party and Jason agreed to take him. Jason could hear kids shrieking on the other side of the door.

“Sounds like a fun party,” he commented to Troy. The boy nodded and clutched the wrapped gift tight. “I hear you thinkin',” Jason told him, tapping his nephew's forehead, “and I promise he'll like the gift.”

“Hope so,” the boy sniffed. Jason smiled encouragingly and knocked. A few moments later a very frazzled-looking man opened the door. Their eyes met and Jason's heart gave a little jump in his chest.

The man had a pleasantly rounded face, short curly hair, dark eyes, and a shirt with an otter printed on it. Jason bit back a smile when he read the text: “No shirt will do” with the otter between the word “no” and “shirt”. Somehow the ridiculous shirt didn't make the guy less attractive.

“Hello,” the frazzled man greeted. “You must be... ah, another boy in Zain's class?”

“Troy!”

“Yes, of course. Come in, Troy. Zain will be happy you came.”

“I brought him a present.”

“Why not let your father put it on the table with the other gifts?” the man suggested. “Then you can go play.”

“He's my uncle,” Troy told him, passing along the gift. “Don't lose it!” he instructed, before running off inside. The two adults watched him go. The frazzled man turned back to Jason with a sheepish smile.

“Forgive me for assuming.”

“It's okay,” Jason assured him. “Sounds pretty hectic in there. I'm Jason, by the way.”

“My name is Salim.” The two shook hands. Salim hesitated for a moment before adding, “I hate to ask this, but--”

“Sure, I'll help ya wrangle the kids.” Salim looked relieved and Jason smiled, inviting himself inside. “Nice shirt,” he added, smirking.

“Zain picked it out,” Salim informed him with a chuckle. He closed the door and guided Jason over to the table with Zain's gifts. It looked like the kid got a pretty good haul. Currently the birthday boy was running around with the other kids playing some variation of tag. Salim had cleared a space in his living room so the kids had plenty of room to run around.

“Your wife busy?” Jason wondered.

“I wouldn't really know. We're divorced.”

“Oh, shit,” Jason winced, “I'm sorry.”

“It's all right,” Salim waved him off. “It happened when Zain was very young.” He fell quiet to watch his son play. “It's partly why we moved here: to get away from those memories,” he confessed. “I encouraged Zain to invite all his classmates to this party; I wanted him to make friends.”

“Still, bein' a single parent's gotta be a pretty tough gig.”

“It is,” Salim agreed, “but as long as Zain is happy and healthy, that's all that matters. What about you?” He turned to Jason. “Do you have a wife or children?”

“Nah.” Jason snorted at the idea. “But I'm a kick-ass babysitter. It's why my sister asked me to bring Troy over.”

“I'll have to thank her; it's nice having someone over ten years old to talk with.” Salim's smile gave Jason a fluttery feeling. Jesus, he needed to get out more if a dad in a goofy shirt was making him flustered.

Salim let the kids run around for a while longer before corralling them together for presents. It was pretty smart: Zain obviously wouldn't be able to focus on food so long as that table full of presents teased him. Salim helped his son with some of the more bulky gifts while Jason grabbed a trash bag for all the boxes and wrapping paper. Finally Zain got to Troy's gift.

“Baba, look! They're little cars!”

“Very nice.” Salim shot a glance to Jason. “If I trip on one of those, it's your fault.”

“Don't worry, I'll drop by to nurse your sprained ankle.” Oh, shit, did he just flirt with this guy?! To his relief, Salim let out a little chuckle. He probably thought Jason was just making a joke.

Jason just hoped he could get through the rest of this birthday party without saying anything else embarrassing.

[oldbearal-c-a]

This is the best glamour shot that they could get of Margo at the MN Humane Society Animal Shelter in Golden Valley. Their website recommended that she go to a quiet household with no children and no other pets. Her bio said she had been rescued from a home with too many cats, but some mystery surrounded her when we sat down to fill out the adoption papers. The story that I got over the phone after I brought her home was that she had been rescued along with another cat from a garbage dumpster that someone tossed them into, had probably been living ferel, had probably had one or two litters of kittens in her two years (est.) of life, and she was completely untouchable. They were unsure if she's ever be able to be adopted.

I really wanted a Russian Blue and I had the kind of home they were recommending. She'd had a reputation for scratching anyone who tried to look at her and pick her up. She had a semi-private room with one other cat when I visited and was hiding in a semi-enclosed container. I laid on the floor about arms length from her and just looked at her and talked quietly. She looked back at me and didn't move. I was probably on the floor for 45 minutes with her and could eventually slowly move my arm and hand in to scritch her on the forehead. She didn't scratch, she didn't move to bite, I think she was just petrified by fear. At one point she did get up to use the litter box and I just waited for her to go hide again.

I came back the next day to do the same routine and she responded a little to my return. I talked and scritched and gave her the slow blinks and her eyes eventually got less defensive. I may have gotten a slow blink back. This whole time there was another new cat in the room who LOVED the fact that I was lying on the floor. She walked up and down and over me and curled up to nap on my side. Another woman who was cat-shopping was so impressed with it's friendliness that she adopted that cat, and then I decided that I wanted to take the future Margo home. The staff were amazed she was getting adopted and told me I was the only visitor who had been able to touch her. (one of the volunteers told me that "she wouldn't have shown me that cat had I not asked to see her).

I had brought a cat carrier, but did not want to put her into the carrier myself and risk blowing her trust. I eventually watched through a window and it was a full-staff battle to the death in full protective garb. It wasn't going well. Every time they got the carrier open to put Margo in, the friendly cat would run into the carrier because she was READY TO GO!! So someone would have to get that cat out of the carrier and then try to wrestle Margo in before the other cat got in again. I felt sorry for everyone and very guilty and wondered if I'd made a terrible mistake.

The ride home was very quiet although I talked to her the whole trip home. I opened the carrier door and in a few minutes she fled to hide and found some amazingly creative hiding places over the next month. I barely saw her without searching. After two years she still will not be picked up, and the vet trips have been our battle to the death. I got a better carrier and it's been open at the end of the bed with a rug and afternoon treats inside. I found a better local vet but have been putting off making her initial visit because of the trauma it causes. Will finally set one up when it warms up.

She is also the only cat I know that WILL NOT go into any size or shape of cardboard box. I always put them out for her and throw something to play with inside, but I can only assume that boxes have serious trauma connected to them from being thrown in the dumpster. No curiosity about boxes what-so-ever.