#i was imagining cori the entire walk there being like there’s no need to be afraid of shtola 🙂

[scionshtola]

prior to going to rak’tika, ryne expresses nervousness over meeting shtola. and then the first thing shtola does is threaten you over being a sin eater (to which ryne says she’s even more intimidating than she imagined). and the second thing she does is go off on thancred in front of her for how he treats her. amazing first impressions lol

[gabessquishytum]

Mob boss Hob has an exhausting job as the most feared man in the city. He is lethal with a weapon and his fists. He spends his time overseeing an empire, never letting himself appear weak or soft. He doesn’t let anyone know for example, that he feeds the feral cats in his alley.

But he also happens to be a legendary power bottom, known for riding men into oblivion. He regularly rides his bodyguard, Cori, like a champion jockey, usually teasing a knife down Cori’s chest because Cori had a thing for blood.

But Cori can tell it isn’t enough. Hob is still high-strung. There is a part of his mind that never shuts off. Even when he’s coming on Cori’s cock, he’s on high alert, thinking of the empire. And no matter what, Hob won’t let Cori be more than a glorified dildo.

Cori knows that what would help Hob would be to submit, to truly get his back blown out. He isn’t about to give anyone that kind of power. But Cori’s job is Hob’s care, after all. And Cori knows one person who is a match for Hob. His own former boss.

Dream is retired from the mob game. He left it as a legend. He now is an artist. With a knife and a gun, yes, but also with a paintbrush now.

He, of course, remembers hob, who’d been a young upstart when Dream left the game. And when Cori reaches out and explains that Hob needs to be fucked good and proper by someone who can actually make him give up his constant control, Dream is very intrigued.

Cori warns dream ahead of time: Hob is desperate for it, but too prideful to take it lying down. Dream is in for a fight if he wants to give Hob the dicking down he’s craving.

I love Mob boss Hob so much. Combined with slutty power bottom Hob, he’s perfect.

When Dream thinks of Hob from the old days, he imagines this twinky, puppyish young man who always used to be smiling. Definitely not the tough guy that Cori is describing to him. But then again, people change. Dream knows that. He goes into the prearranged meeting with Hob expecting just about anything.

And Hob is polite, respectful, as he should be to someone of Dream’s reputation. He's filled out over the years into a stunning man. And yes, Dream can tell. The poor boy just can't switch off. All the time he's talking to Dream, he's thinking about something else entirely. And that's something that Dream won't tolerate.

He doesn't expect Hob to physically fight back, but that's not a problem. Dream is retired, sure, but that just means he's got more time to train. He gets Hob slung over his lap without breaking much of a sweat, and waits for Hob to stop spitting and swearing at him before they actually get started.

(Watching through the security feed Cori is actually a little scared. He's never seen the boss so mad, and he knows for a fact that Hob carries a switch blade at all times. He's a tiny bit worried that Dream is going to get shivved. But Hob just kicks and screams and eventually, goes quiet.)

Instead of letting Hob go on top like he wants to, Dream makes him kneel on all fours. Hob is grasped by the hair and manhandled, has his arse slapped and spanked, all while Dream praises him for being a good, calm boy. He makes sure that Hob feels thoroughly degraded before he even starts on fucking him: it's important to make Hob forget who he is and just let him enjoy being a good whore.

Hob finally, blissfully gets his hole filled with Dream's cock. He's whimpering and slurring out please and thank you until he can't even speak. He can't even keep his arse up in the air. His eyes are glazed over and he really is so pretty. Dream thinks he might want to keep him. He uses Hob until he's satisfied, and he even lets the poor little mob boss cum. He's earned it this time.

An hour later Hob practically floats out of his private office. Head empty, no thoughts. Cori is extremely impressed. He has to make sure that the boss doesn't walk into traffic all afternoon. And that evening, Hob is on fire- he has a meeting with a group of local officials and makes the biggest deal the city has ever seen.

Good thing Dream has agreed to stay on in a private consultancy capacity, eh? (He's also persuaded Hob to finally adopt those cats for real.)

[stiles-hoodie]

Life With Derek and Taylor Swift Songs

Songs I associate with Life With Derek, mainly Dasey, from Taylor Swift, and the stories I imagine in my head instead of properly writing them (until now, I guess) If there's any I missed that you have ideas for let me know, and yes this is long.

Tim McGraw: Casey Mcdonald and the way her blue eyes shine. Honestly, this is the type of song Casey would write. It’s cute, storytelling, and detailed. I imagine her writing this song not based on her experience but on a day when her hopeless romantic side feels sad. She imagines what she hopes to have but does not have. She wrote it when she first moved in with the Venturi’s or before Nora and George met.

Picture To Burn: There’s the obvious answer, where this could be about any of Casey’s exes. But honestly, I imagine Casey being dramatic and writing this song after Vicky kissed that boy she had a crush on. Or Vicky dating another guy Casey liked after the guy used Casey to get close to Vicky. 

Tear Drops On My Guitar: Another song about Casey being dramatic. But also Derek sad boy hours. He’s glumly playing his guitar and that inspires Casey to write the song, since she doesn’t own a guitar. But don’t tell Derek she wrote a song inspired by him, and don’t tell Casey what that implies… she’ll figure it out eventually…

A Place In This World: Casey Mcdonald. I think this one doesn’t really need an explanation, to be honest.

Cold As You: Could possibly be about Dennis or Abby walking away, but I honestly can’t think of anything for this one. Maybe Casey writes something like this about Vicky after being really mean at one point.

Tied Together With A Smile: Derek Venturi. This could be seen in Casey too a little bit, but she doesn’t try to appear as perfectly fine a lot of the time. She does when it comes to school stuff, but not with her emotions. Derek is the one to put on a fake smile, make a joke and manage to hide what he feels a lot of the time. Even if he isn’t hiding it well, he still isn’t as open about it right away.

The Outside: When Casey first starts at her new school

Stay Beautiful: Cory’s eyes are like a jungle and his butt is gonna sue! I regret nothing. Could be a cute Dasey song, but I just keep remembering Corey Plunkett.

Should’ve Said No: Truman or Scott the cheating scums

Mary’s Song (Oh My My My):  Dasey or Nora and George. I personally imagine Casey finding an old journal of Felicia’s and writing this about some of the entries. Maybe it was about Felicia and her husband before the divorce or an old high school romance.

I’m Only Me When I’m With You: Smarti and Smerek. Or the entire family together

Fearless: Dasey. Enough said.

Fifteen: “In your life, you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team.” This song is just so Casey coded and with everything that happened with Max I feel like Casey just really needed a song like this at the time and i see this being one of her favourite songs from Taylor. 

Love Story: Dasey. I have this idea called The Shakespeare Debate it’s still a working idea, but it is Dasey. It’s basically Casey being really into plays and thinking Derek doesn’t respect them, Derek being really into film and script analysis and actually enjoying the dark tragedies of shakespeares plays. I also kind of made a whole debate scene where Derek manages to bring up Carrie while talking about Romeo and Juliet just to confuse Casey and end the conversation, but it actually makes sense and that confuses her even more.

White Horse: I just find this song so pretty and Casey being very into fairytales she would totally be into white horses

You Belong With Me: Emily whenever Derek is seeing a girl that isn’t her. Especially when he was dating Kendra

The Way I Loved You: Dasey

The Best Day: God smiles on my little brother, inside and out he’s better than I am. Makes me think of Derek and Edwin. I see Derek actually thinking very highly of Edwin and with his self esteem he probably thinks of everyone very highly compared to himself.

Change: Casey might be scared of change, but I see this song with her. 

Superstar: Derek Venturi

Crazier: “Not telling her is driving me crazy.” Dasey. After the whole Scott thing and Derek  realises he likes Casey. He hates himself for writing such a sappy song, but he also likes that he managed to write a song.

Mine: So freaking Dasey coded are you kidding me!

Back To December: Derek and Kendra

Speak Now: Derek when Casey married Peter. The kids are against George and Nora getting married in the beginning. Everyone going against Fiona’s wedding because dear god that was awful

Mean: Seems like a song Casey would write

Never Grow Up: Smarti and Smerek

Enchanted: Imagine after junior prom Derek with his guitar in the white jacket. Or maybe it’s sitting nicely draped over the foot of his bed as he is sitting on the floor at the foot of his bed after leaving early once Sally’s boyfriend comes to whatever diner they ended up in. He hears Casey, Max, Sheldon and Emily pull up from his windows at the front of the house as he writes a song about how he realised he’s in love with Casey that night when he saw her coming down the stairs to the living room in a beautiful dress that he actually found, not Emily. 

Better Than Revenge: Dedicated to Vicky and Truman. CD Rock totally performed this and Derek was very encouraging of the anger.

Haunted: My favourite song on the album and I mainly think about Dasey just because of the sound. The orchestra rock sound is a perfect combination for Derek and Casey.  It can be loosely inspired by Derek and Caseys anger towards Dennis and Abby after they left. It could simply be a song one of them wrote or they both wrote together, after a breakup. The fic idea i have is Derek writing this based more so on an actual haunted experience and from hearing ghost stories. Casey's classical did inspire him a little bit.

Last Kiss: I imagine this being a cute song for Sally and Derek when she moves to Vancouver. But also “I'm not one for dancing but for you I did.” Works for both Dasey and Sally and Derek. He did take her to the dance.

Long Live: Just Life With Derek as a show 

Ours: Cute George and Nora song. Felicia was against them, the kids had to grow with it. It just a cute song for them too me.

Electric Touch: A CD Rock song sung by Casey and Derek. The first time Derek manages to actually sing in front of people properly without psyching himself out.

I Can See You: Dasey. But also (even though I don't ship them) I can see this as a Truman and Casey song when she's in her rebellious phase

Castles Crumbling: After Casey breaks up with Max and she quits cheerleading,  and she is trying to find herself again. Also her transition from being popular at her old boarding school and starting at a public school. The haunting feel to it makes me think of haunted and since its a duet makes me think of Derek and Casey working on this song together after her and Max breakup, which is after the episode where Casey helps him write a song for Sally. They work together on a few songs after the episode.

Timeless: The epitome of Dasey for me. Just like Mine. I see both Casey and Derek writing this song by themselves, but I really like the idea of Derek writing it though.

Safe and Sound: In Life With Luca Skylar mentioned that Derek would sing her to sleep because the dark freaked her out. I just imagine this as a lullaby he would sing to her and Marti with his guitar.

State of Grace: Dasey

Red: Casey reflecting on her relationship with Max possibly. Derek and Casey write it together and that's where we get the guitar solo 

Treacherous: Dasey

I Knew You Were Trouble: Casey dedicates this to Truman 

All Too Well: Someone made a really good edit to the 10 minute version for Dasey

I Almost Do: Derek almost tells Casey his feelings multiple times. Wants to call her multiple times while he's out of the country as well, and she wants to call him multiple times despite being with Peter.

Never Ever Getting Back Together: Casey and Sams on again off again relationship

Stay Stay Stay: I can picture Derek showing up in his hockey helmet after his first fight with Kendra.

Last Time: Dasey duet… possibly

Everything Has Changed: “freckles in your smile” Duet with Derek playing guitar. 

The Moment I Knew: change up a few lyrics this can be used for absent parents on someone's birthday. I picture this one from Derek's perspective, though since it mentions Christmas lights and I'm Sixteen Smartplugs aired on November 5th, making him a November baby. I don't know the date production wise. 

Better Man: Same as The Moment I Knew, but with Casey and Dennis. Some minor changes and the song works well with a dad who wasn't around.

A Message In A Bottle: “You got me hypnotised, by freckles and bright eyes.” this entire song I feel like Casey would dedicate to Derek. She might've been late in telling Derek her feelings before he left for Paris, but this was the best she could do.

Welcome To New York: Casey's year in New York

Blank Space: I think this works for Derek's persona he had in the beginning of the show. Casey definitely viewed him this way before finding out he's actually a really good date.

Style: Dasey. Sidenote: I also picture Derek having his bisexual moment in College with this song. Derek can have his James Dean and his feelings for Casey at the same time.

Out Of The Woods: Dasey

Shake It Off: Someone made a really good edit for Casey to this song. But also Dereks crazy legs. That's enough said.

Wildest Dreams: Dasey

This Love: Dasey

I Know Places: Dasey. Also Derek's secret boyfriend while his band takes off. I have a full story idea about that. I guess his hidden relationship with Skylar's mom works as well. 

Clean: Derek eventually having to let go of Casey after she marries Peter and has Luca. 

You're In Love: Dasey

Dancing With Our Hands Tied: Dasey. There's a nice edit to this song someone made as well.

Cruel Summer: “He looks up grinning like the devil!” I'd so Derek coded you can't tell me otherwise. 

The Archer: Casey and her anxiety, but also Derek and his which isn't as obvious then Casey's but she can see through him when it does come up the same way he can see through her.

Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince: Dasey. “Ripped up my prom dress.”

The 1: Dasey

Exile: “you never gave a warning sign” “I gave so many signs.” I feel like this part in particular is very Dasey coded. But Derek is Taylor's POV and Casey is Bon Iver's. Derek gave so many signs about his feelings for Casey, but Casey took longer to noticed then took even longer to finally think about the possibility to actually give it a try, by then though Derek left for Paris. I don't believe he just up and left with no warning, he definitely had his warnings Casey was either in New York or wasn't taking them seriously. Our boy tried leaving for Spain and Vancouver he was wanting to leave for a while, once he finally had a good reason he took it and the reason was 100% Skylar's mom going to Paris while pregnant. 

This Is Me Trying: both Derek and Casey can relate to this one. Lizzie can throw into the mix too, especially in Vacation With Derek.

Illicit Affairs: Dasey. Theres a really good edit to this as well.

Tis The Damn Season: Dasey

Tolerate It: Even without knowing too much about Peter, I think this works for how Casey feels about her marriage. This could also work for a lot of her relationships on the show as well. Max and Sam were simply tolerating her feelings, but that's really it. 

Anti-hero: both Casey and Derek coded

You're On Your Own Kid: I see this more for Derek. 

Midnight Rain: I can see this working for Dasey

Question…?: I can see this working for Dasey as well.

Paris: I think this one is pretty obvious.

Hope you enjoyed this!

[cowa-bungus]

I want to post this thing I made like a few months ago to be read but I also read it myself here: https://youtu.be/LkC5d8ly9Hs?si=ufFJlYvMM1pf4znb

but also here it is in text format if you actually hate me and everything I stand for:

My cross bounces off my chest in tandem with the crash of my feet into the pavement.

(,the rhythm of my soul)

(,the beating of my heart)

My mind convinces me I’m running backwards, through time and through space, and I’m 13 again, sneaking over to his house to play games because I thought my parents had eternally wronged me.

(,where else would i go)

(,he was my closest friend)

I keep running and the scene changes again. I’m 15, his dad picks me up at the stop sign at the end of my road for his birthday party and we go to a trampoline park where us three friends torment each other to no end.

(,we werent together often)

(,God i wish we were)

I keep pushing forward and now i’m 16, at Austin’s house for his birthday and the three of us are fighting with our imaginations, making up moves and throwing them out at each other like we’re children.

(,i still have the videos)

(,i still watch them and cry)

I launch into a sprint and I’m 17, driving to the bowling alley. A group of us are hanging out together and i get there just as the place is closing but the three of us go to Taco Bell and then get ice cream.

(,the last time i saw him)

(,the best memory i have)

I stop, my feet burning because my shoes aren’t made for running and my eyes doing the same because tears are forming at the edges of them. I look in front of me and I’m still 17 but still not current. The sun is shining as i walk towards my truck. I get a text that my best friend is dead and i drive home as fast as I possibly can and later that night i cry in my dad’s arms and from then on I’m lost.

(,i cant stop thinking about it)

(,and why should i)

I’m back to myself. I grab my stuff and walk to my truck while my feet cool underneath me. Sweat drips off of my chin as my friends call for me but I turn my music up to drown them out. My feet are lead and my shoes are tungsten. I stop moving because my body and mind and soul are heavier than I can carry and all I desire is to curl into a ball until Death Eternal swallows me in its gaping maw.

(,everything carries weight)

(,i feel so so heavy)

I imagine what it would be like to see him one more time. Shimmering whiteness would be around us and I’d tear up as I saw his face again. He’d call me a pussy and I’d hug him so tight that neither of us could breath and I’d tell him about Austin and Cory and Angel and how awful everything is without him and he would listen and laugh with me again and I’d be the happiest man alive or dead.

(,i miss him every day)

(,he was like a brother to me and i’m scared he didnt know that. im scared that he didnt think that he could turn to me when he needed help or a shoulder to lean on and it murders me freshly every day i crawl out of the miserable cushion that is my bed. i love him like i love all of them and i miss him with my entire being every day of my life)

[wildcatofgreen]

Nobody had called her all day.

Strange. She expected at least one call.

Maybe it was just a slow day at the 'Sphere? It can happen sometimes.

Even then, it'd be nice to get a call to hang out with Sony. Take her mind off some things.

Not that she wasn't doing so with Cory--messing with her was always fun, but...

She missed him, for some reason? Maybe she just expected a call that badly.

She really shouldn't worry about it. If he didn't call, then it's all fine. No need to worry so damn much.

She waved her sister goodbye at the end of the day--Cory said she knew how to get home from the museum. She liked the walk--or, the, hovering??? Her boots were weird. And cool. She kinda wants some like her's.

She let her sister be. She needed to think a bit, anyway.

...

Could she really tell her how she feels, after all of this time? It'd be... kind of awkward, wouldn't it?

Imagine, walking up to your best friend and former crush and going ''hi i was in love with you once okay byyyyye''. That'd be stupid. It'd elicit an awkward reaction and she'd be made fun of for it for her entire life. Stones, she didn't want to go through that kind of hell.

...But What choice did she have, really? To tell Lilac how she felt, or to have these lingering feelings grow to be worse than a nuisance. Sure, she could keep it under control now, but what if Lilac came back. She knows what she said--back at the tree house? Really, Carol?

She grimaced. Stupid, stupid wildcat. Can't have her cake and eat it, too. She just can't.

Sony's the one she wants, not Lilac. If she could keep him for forevermore, then she'd be fine! Completely fine!!!

This concept just can't stay in her head though. She's always gotta be the selfish wildcat. Always gotta say and do something stupid. Always always always.

Groaned. Fucking hell, she hated this dilemma. If she was normal, if she was fine, it'd be okay! Everything would be.

But nooooo. Carol Tea can't have that, can she? There just needs to be something, huh?

Whatever.

She's gotta think of a way to tell her. Maybe sooner, rather than later? But how soon is soon, really...?

---

"Hi Carol!!!"

Why was Milla in her room? What?

Wait was that the pipsqueak??? Why the hell...

"Heeeeey, Milla," she put a hand at her hip, squinting, "Can you please tell me what the hell you're doing?"

She and the monkey were sat on her floor, piles of papers surrounding them. Lots of written ones were at their feet, too. Couldn't parse anything from the doorway, though.

"Lady Neera asked us to study your gemerald! We had to go through aaaaaaaaaaall her notes, and then make a bunch of new ones!!!"

"Freezey buddy has lots of notes about your weird gem!!! But me and bunny buddy studied ALL OF IT!!!" The monkey boy raised his hands in the air, smiling wide and proud.

Sorry, what? "Bunny buddy?" Carol was extremely unamused, and slightly confused, by the name.

"He calls me bunny buddy now!" Milla seemed excited, at least, "It's... an improvement from earbird. We're still working on other names!"

"Riiiight, okay--can you tw--"

"OH RIGHT!" The hound shot straight up, then went over to the wildcat's desk, picking up two objects. She then walked over to her wildcat friend, a bright smile on her face. She offered the two objects to Carol--one being a small communicator, designed to be placed inside of the ear of a feline. The other, the wildcat's phone. "Lilac and Sonar have been trying to contact you all day!!!" She put a hand to her chin, one of her ears raised in the air, "I wonder why."

"Oh, okay. Thank--"

.

.

.

LILAC????? AND SONAR???? BOTH OF THEM???? AT THE SAME FUCKING TIME??????????

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. THIS WASN'T HAPPENING. THIS GENUINELY WASN'T FUCKING HAPPENING.

SWIPE THE PHONE AND COMMUNICATOR FROM MILLA, WALK OUT OF HER OWN ROOM AND SLAM THE DOOR SHUT.

CALL SONAR, IMMEDIATELY.

Ring, ring, ring...

Ring, ring, ri--

"Carol??? Is actually you or is it Milla again--"

"It's me!!! It's me!!!!" She was fucking trembling.

"Oh thank goodness--I thought something happened to you. Zao needed you at the Battlesphere, so I went and called you like you asked, but,"

The rest of his words failed to reach her ears.

...Holy fucking stones, she left her phone this morning. After being so confident about the calling thing. Foxtrot sierra, she's gonna...

UGH! THE ONE TIME, EVERY TIME, EVERY SINGLE FUCKING TIME THIS SAME THING HAPPENS. STONES DAMN IT.

"Babe? You there?"

Shit, right, she was still on the phone. Complain later, Carol. This wasn't about, well, Lilac at least. She can deal with that anot--

LILAC FUCKING CALLED HER?????

"SORRY SONY, I'LL CALL YOU BACK LATER! BYE, I LOVE YOU!!!"

Click!

CALL LILAC, CALL LILAC, CALL LILAC, CALL LILAC, FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING CALL HER.

Ring, ri--

"Carol?!?!?!"

Holy shit.

Her cadence. Her tone. Her very obvious concern. She could hear it all through the telephone. She almost wanted to scream.

"L-Lilac??? That, that's you, right???"

She was still in disbelief. There was no fucking way--

"Carol!!! I'm so happy!!! I thought something happened to you, and I was really super worried, and, uh," the dragonness trailed off.

It was quiet for a moment. The wildcat eagerly awaited her friend's respo--

"Hi!!!!!"

"Hi Lilac!!!!!"

Even just hearing her voice again was music to her ears. Holy shit holy shit holy shit.

"How's uh, how's the finding Merga thing, going?" She wanted to ask so many questions, so many, but she had to play it cool. Play it real cool, like she always does!

"Good! Not good, actually. I mean, seeing all the sights Avalice has to offer is really something. But I haven't found a lick of her--not yet. I might be getting close, but," she trailed off again.

Silence.

Carol swears she can hear her own heartbeat--

"SO!" She started again, laughing to try and play it off, "How is everything? How's the marriage?"

"Oh it's going gr--"

.

.

.

What.

"Did... What did you just say?" Trembling again. Trembling trembling trembling she did not just ask about that. Right? She misheard her, right???

"How's everything!!!!!!"

"After that!"

"How's the... m-marriage?"

.

.

.

Click.

How the fuck did she know about that already???

[lilyharvord]

Sun

OH OH BABY. It’s MOTHER’S DAY. You know what that means…. :))))  It’s time to celebrate Mare Barrow. While I’m working on the next chapter of the Chain, I figured I’d give you guys this. This next chapter is gonna have to steep like a fine tea cause it’s Cal and the Colonel going head to head and those conversations need to be GOOD. LOL it’s unedited too, sorry. ALSO AVAILABLE ON AO3: link 

Rain patters against the window next to me, but the day outside is too dreary and grey for the event that occurred this morning. I couldn’t care less though, my entire focus is on the little bundle squirming in my arms. My son is as restless as he was inside of me. Still, I smile down at him as I lean back further into the pillows so I can see him better. He looks like me, and like Shade. My heart breaks a fraction at the thought, and heals at the same time. I never thought I’d see my brother’s face again, but there it is, on my son’s.

A tiny gasp draws my eye to the doorway, and my face splits into an elated grin as Coriane sprints across the room and tries to leap onto the bed.

“Momma!” She cries as she only manages to get the top half of her body up. Cal’s right behind her to lift her the last foot so she can crawl across the sheets to me.

“Hello darling.” I laugh as she nuzzles into my side. “I’ve only been gone a day, but you are acting like it’s been forever.”

“It was forever!” She bemoans, her large amber eyes growing impossibly wider as she tries to wind her arms around one of mine. “Grandma told me I had to sit and be quiet but it was so long.”

I don’t need an imagination to picture how that went. My child has more energy than a lightning storm. She bounces around rooms with a smile bright enough to power Ascendant for the rest of its existence, but she can be loud, and a handful if Cal or I isn't there to keep her in check.

“I hope you were good.” I murmur, earning a bright red blush from her as she turns her eyes to Cal. He sink down on the edge of the bed as she crawls away to sit in front of him. Nearly identical features mirror each other as he raises a brow at her when she looks up at him. That simple fact is a reminder of why I’m holding another baby right now. I may have carried and birthed Coriane into the world, but she is her father’s daughter in all aspects. She looks like him, she mimics almost every one of his expressions, and she follows him around like a duckling. The only distinguishing factors are her burning Red blood, and my skin color and mass of curls. I wanted one more to even the score when I realized that maybe she was more of a daddy’s girl than we had originally thought. And I got my wish, which makes me happier than a bird taking flight.

“I was.” She replies when Cal doesn’t step to her immediate defense like he normally does. Which just tells me she was opposite of good and I may have to find a way to thank my parents for watching her.

Her eyes fall to her brother and she edges away from Cal to get closer to me, a strange silence and stillness falling over her. She sits on her haunches next to me, her eyes trained on the little baby sleeping in my arms. She reaches a tentative hand out, but pulls it back quickly, as if thinking better of touch him.

“It’s all right.” I assure her, before shifting Shade so she can see him better. She leans forward, her eyes blinking a few times as she takes in his now sleeping face. With one of her fingers, she touches the tip of his nose and then traces his cheek.

“His skin is so soft.” She whispers, before looking up at me with wide eyes.

“Yours was too.” Cal teases before leaning forward with her. I haven’t let him hold Shade yet, and he may be getting a little impatient that it’s been a few hours. I wanted my time with him first, and he had willingly given it to me. He knew from the moment I found out it was boy that this was going to be my baby for a while. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to hold his son though.

“He’s so small. Was I that small?”            “You were actually smaller.” I smile weakly at the memory of her little body settling in my arms for the first time. Tears begin to build in my eyes at the memory and I roll them at the hormones that will take a while to calm down, before wiping the tears away.

Coriane watches my movement with a curious tilt of her head. That’s not one of Cal’s movements. A part of me flutters in surprise at the concept. She must be starting to develop her own mannerisms. Julian told me she would eventually, when she got old enough to start building her own personality. And she certainly is doing just that.

“I’m not sad darling.” I say, even though another tear slips by and falls down my check. She still wears her concern like Cal though, between her brows which scrunch just slightly.

Reaching my hand out, I curl my arm around her little shoulders and pull her into my side. She settles on her knees so she can press into me at a comfortable angle. “Sometimes, people are so happy, they can’t hold it in and it comes out as tears.”

“Having a new baby made you so happy you are crying?” Coriane reasons as she reaches a hand out for Shade again. He blinks open honey colored eyes and yawns. My daughter’s face splits into a bright grin as he weakly closes his hand around two of her little fingers.

I don’t know what gods to thank for the fact that she does not think we’re replacing her, or handling this like any of my siblings did when a new baby came. I remember thinking Gisa was the worst thing my mother ever made, simply because she took my parent’s attention away from me for a bit. Coriane hasn’t shown us that she’s acting like that. In fact, she had been the opposite side of the spectrum. She might have been more excited at the prospect of the baby than we were.

“Both of you make me so very happy I can’t hold it in.” I whisper to her before pressing a kiss on her hair. Never in my wildest fantasies did I see this day coming. I may have had faint visions of children when I lived in the Stilts, but those thoughts had never been serious. I had been so focused on simply getting through the day, I hadn’t thought about the months or years to come. I didn’t want to bring a child into the mud and the life that I had been forced to live. I didn’t even really want to bring one into this new world that we were all forging from the broken pieces of the old. But Coriane had moved inside of me, and I had become so sure of the path I was walking that when I finally saw her face, I knew I had made at least one right decision in my life.

Cal’s hand is warm on my knee as he gentle massages the joint with his thumb. Laying my cheek on Cori’s head, I smile at him. He returns the gesture. He looks tired, maybe just as tired as I do. We have a long couple years ahead of us too. Piedmont tries to march on the States every other month, and the Lakelands puddle along to the beat of their own drum, no matter how hard Evangeline tries to beat a different one. Tiraxes and Prairie refuse to hear talks or peace. We’ll be called on sooner rather than later. I know now more than ever, I will be loath to leave this little slice of peace that Cal and I have carved out over the years. There is war and strife all around us, but at least for this moment, we are together.

Pressing another long kiss to Coriane’s head, I whisper to her. “Your brother’s name is Shade.”

“Daddy told me.” Coriane replies in kind. “Grandma said it’s a special name like mine. That it was your brother’s name.”

“It was.” I try to keep my voice even, but it breaks on that admission all the same. Cal’s hand grows a little warmer, and he squeezes my knee a little tighter. There’s no room for him this high up on the bed, but he still wants me to know he’s here. I couldn’t be more grateful for him in this moment.

Coriane rests her head in crock of my shoulder and says, “He’s Clara’s daddy.”

“He was. And he would have loved both of you.”

Shade would have loved my daughter like he loved his own. I know he would have, and he would have teased Cal mercilessly the whole time. His absence is like a knife in my heart still, but the blade has dulled over the years. My son has dulled that blade further, and I suppose removed it an inch.

“Can I hold him?” Coriane breathes her question so quietly I almost miss it.

When I don’t respond to she looks to Cal and then back up to me for permission. I hesitantly push her hair behind her ear in response to her gaze.

“Dad hasn’t held him yet.” I murmur in answer, and her little lips immediately purse into a pout.

Cal rises from the bed in the rustle of sheets before scooping her into his arms and sinking down next to me with Cori in his lap. “We can hold him together.” He says to her with a smile that is reserved only for her. She grins back up at him, before turning that shining look on her brother. She practically vibrates out of Cal’s lap as I reluctantly give him over to them.

Even though Cal takes most of Shade’s weight in his hands, it’s Coriane’s body that Shade presses up against. He squirms for a moment, not happy with being shifted so much so soon, but settles quickly as Cal adjusts for him.

Coriane’s eyes open wide and her mouth opens in a little circle as she whispers, “he’s heavy momma.”

“You don’t need to tell me that darling.” I can’t help the comment. It slips past the filters I built after having my daughter. She’s getting older though, and she understands those sideways jokes for the most part now.

           “Be careful, make sure you don’t move too much.” Cal warns her when she squirms and tries to hold him by herself.

           “She’s all right, let her try.” I nod down to our children and Cal watches me for a heartbeat, trying to judge my comment. When I don’t say anything else, he adjusts his grip and lets Coriane take the full weight of her brother. She takes to him like a duck on water, and grins up at me when he nuzzles into her chest. I return her smile, joy oozing out of me. The lights overhead flicker for a moment, and then buzz louder as my emotion tries to manifest as something else.

           Cal smirks at me, but I can feel the pride and heat that rolls off of him in waves. He can’t hide it either. He wanted this as much as I did. I’ve always known he would be a good father, whether or not I was the mother of those children had remained to be seen. But it happened, and I couldn’t be happier to be doing this with him, to be growing our family and trying to carve out a place for them in the world.

           “He looks beautiful.” Cal leans around Coriane to whisper that to me, trying not to disturb the moment our daughter is having as she coos nonsense to Shade. Clara did the same thing to her when we brought Cori home and let my niece stick her head into the bassinet to say hello. The memory brings another wave of happiness over me that immediately makes the lights buzz again.

           “He’s healthy, and that’s all that matters to me.” I reply with a smile before letting him press a gentle kiss to my lips.

           “You were faster this time. Even your mother was impressed.” He teases before pulling back to avoid the sparks I try to snap at his cheek with. He smooths Coriane’s curls as he gives me a mischievous smirk she completely misses. I hope she never sees that smile, because then she’ll start copying it, and I don’t think I can take my child smirking at me like that.

           “Momma.” Coriane calls for me again, forcing me to switch my scowl for a smile instantly. She tries to wiggle and offer Shade back to me, her face pinched with her effort. Cal almost dives forward to make sure he makes it back into my arms, and I have to move just as quickly to avoid him falling into my lap. He makes it nonetheless, and I breathe a tiny sigh of relief as I sink back. Coriane, oblivious to the moment as much as a child can be, immediately starts trying to cliimb all over Cal. Apparently she was done sitting still.

           Cal manages to wrap an arm around her when she throws herself over his shoulder and says, “I wanna go play with Clara again.”

           “You don’t want to stay with momma and Shade?” Cal asks her as he twists to catch her and guide her back into his lap. She giggles at the game immediately does the whole thing again.

           “I wanted to make sure momma was okay. She’s okay.” Coriane dangles from his shoulder again and gives me an upside down smile from around Cal’s back. “And Shade’s okay too. I wanna go play now.”

           Cal pulls her back through and manages to wrangle her into stillness before saying, “let’s try to stay together as a family for a little bit.”

           Immediately she pouts, and her eyes glint as she glances at the door. I know that look, and it does not belong to Cal. That’s my brain turning wheels over and planning how to escape.

           “Just for a little bit darling.” I whisper as I reach out to brush my fingers through her hair. She glances at me, drawn like a magnet. I wonder if she’s an Ardent, an electricon like me who senses the electricity that dances under my skin. We haven’t had her tested, and we don’t want to know either. Let her be normal for a bit.

           Her pout melts away and she lets Cal hold her a bit closer before moving closer to me so we’re all squished together. I’d normally protest the discomfort, but right this moment, I want all of them as close as possible. A warm arm slides around my shoulders and I sigh before sliding into Cal’s embrace and resting my head as best I can against him. Coriane wiggles between us, trying to get comfortable, until she ends up in the crevice between our bodies. She’s already getting too big to squeeze into that space, and soon Shade will be that size and then they’ll both be grown. When they are, they’ll be taller than me, Sara told me as much. I don’t mind that though. I’d hate for my children to be burdened with my height.

           “This is the last one.” I whisper to Cal after a few minutes of being lulled by his warmth. Coriane sighs as I shift, and when I glance down, it’s to see her eyelashes fluttering as she dreams. I hope they’re happy dreams, tinged pink and covered in honey. She deserves that life, and I plan to carve it into existence with my bare hands for her and for Shade.

           “You said that after Cori.” I can hear the laughter in Cal’s voice at the same time that I feel his lips curl into a smile against my temple.

           “I’m serious this time. I’m fine with being a mother twice over. But if you get me pregnant again, I will kill you, Tiberias.” I murmur, but the threat loses all power as I smile down at Shade who grabs a tiny fistful of my shirt.

           His laugh is quiet, but deep and wonderful. I love that he laughs so much these days, that I laugh just as much. His fingers brush along the scars that reach up the back of my neck as he whispers, “But you make such a wonderful mother.”

           I can’t help but smile, even at the same time that I swear to myself that Shade will be the last one.

[taylortruther]

stay beautiful//gold lyric analysis and similarities (this one is lengthy sorry):

both songs start off with the speaker pining over a seemingly unrequited love that’s admired by many (“there’s pretty girls on every corner watching as he’s walking home” // “everybody wonders what it would be like to love you”)

but gold rush immediately sets itself apart by being more cynical. the speaker is afraid of their own feelings and views dreaming about the subject as a temptation that she (presumably) doesn’t want give into. whereas in stay beautiful, taylor values her time with cory and doesn’t care whether he chooses to pursue her or not, deciding that her dreams about him are enough to satisfy her (“waters so inviting, i almost jump in… but i don’t like a gold rush” // “i’m taking pictures in my mind so i can save them for a rainy day”).

then, the bodies of each song defer in structure. stay beautiful remains vague, simply listing cory’s beauty and facets of taylor’s adolescent crush on him. likely due to her own inexperience and it simply not being a huge crush, she doesn’t envision too much about him. however in gold rush, the speaker sees an entire relationship with the subject, detailing a loving and mature relationship. yet, she admits it’s only perfect in her daydreams and couldn’t exist in reality, though the full reasoning remains unknown.

this leads into the bridges/conclusions of each song. (“if what you are is a daydream i’ll never get to hold, at least you’ll know, you’re beautiful” // “my mind turns your life into folklore, i can’t dare to dream about you anymore”). these lines demonstrate the contrast between the two speakers. taylor in stay beautiful is full of hope and not particularly bothered by cory’s lack of affection for her bc at the end of the day, taylor recognizes that her dreams of him meet what she wants at the time. meanwhile, the gold rush narrator realizes that her affection stems entirely from her imagination, and thus she opts to shut it down, choosing to be grounded in reality than potentially hurt herself over someone she can’t have.

if you actually read this thank you, and lmk your thoughts

thank you so so much for sending this - i did read all of this, and i loved it! this is a really interesting parallel. it really proves (not that we need more evidence) that the concept of folklore has always been part of taylor's storytelling. like when she said she didn't need to be in a relationship to write a great love song; when she said she LOVES sad songs and breakup songs; how she was able to write and connect cornelia street and dbatc on the same album... imagining the what-ifs, exploring the could-have-beens, has always been one of taylor's gifts.

very good analysis, i love it, i wish i had more intelligent things to say. i'll let others comment too because i wanna know everyone's thoughts!

[itslunarwritesstuff]

A Special Place

Character: Shawn Hunter ( Boy Meets World)

Word count: 1,606

Summary: Sitting in Shawn’s lap is one of your favorite things. At a party, while you study, legs wrapped around his waist your head resting in the crook of his neck while he writes something in that little notebook of his. And while you’re curious as to what it is inside, you know that it is his own personal property and if he wanted you to know its hidden treasures then he would tell and show you on his own accord. 

A/N: The long awaited imagine is now out. I know this one is a lot shorter than my other ones but there will be more out soon just you wait. 

___________________________________________________________

10:32 pm Jenny pass’s house, Truth or Dare

Grabbing a drink from across the room you turn back and make eye contact with your boyfriend who currently resides on the couch. Both of you smile to let the other know that you acknowledge each other, lifting up your can of soda you gesture as if saying “You want one” he shakes his head. Running a hand through his brown hair and shaking it a little, ‘His Signature move’ you thought to yourself.

Looking back up at you he beckons you over with the pull of his hand, you oblige and weave through the standing bodies that crowd the living room. 

When you get to where Shawn and a few others are circled around the couch chatting Shawn asks “We are about to start a game of truth or dare, are you in?”

“When am I not in” You laugh out a reply. 

Still standing there in front of him you look to see there is not enough space between Shawn and Cory on the couch but honestly, you don’t mind one bit. Setting your drink down on a coaster that’s on the coffee table you then make yourself comfortable in your favorite spot; Shawn’s lap.

The only looks of surprise were from envious onlooking girls who could only dream to be in your position. The others barely bat an eye this was a common thing you did, having no shame in the fact that you enjoyed being sat and snuggled into your boyfriend. 

But Shawns face had the same giddy expression as every other time you have done this, his smile so big that his teeth couldn’t help but be the center of attention and his dimples were on full display. 

Wasting absolutely no time he wrapped his arms around your waist under your arms forcing you to lean back into his chest, his nose scraping the tops of your shoulder just sniffing the remnants of your perfume you put on hours before.

9:24 pm Shawn’s apartment, Studying 

Tomorrow Shawn and you had a midterm in Feeny’s class and somehow you had coerced him to study. You had made some practice questions for the two of you but when you got halfway done you felt the deep need to be closer to Shawn but also knew you had to finish your work.

So what ended up happening is you rested your notebook and paper on the back of the couch while you sat in Shawn’s lap legs wrapped around his waist and chins resting on the others’ shoulder as they did their respective school work. After finishing the sheet you let your body go limp on Shawn’s frame arms strewn over his neck and shoulders and head dangling there as well, your body finally relaxing for the first time that day. 

Shawn’s signature scent of warm vanilla and wood shavings lulled you to sleep as he continued to work. 

He didn’t even realize you were asleep until he was on the second to last question and he felt the vibration of a soft snore through his neck. Hurriedly he finished the remaining questions and figured you guys could pick up and put away the school work in the morning. 

Placing his a hand under your leg that was wrapped around him and another hand on the small of your back he gently lifted you up from the couch, making sure not to wake you as he brought you to his bedroom to sleep for the night. 

As he carefully carried you up the few small steps he caught Eric coming out of his room and whispered a soft “Shh” before he could say a word. 

Eric understood so he whispered, “Everything okay”? 

“Yeah, she just fell asleep. Could you call Y/N’s Mom and tell her that she fell asleep while studying and I thought it wasn’t the best idea for her to drive tired that she is just going to spend the night here, also that I will see her tomorrow when I drop Y/N off after school”.

“ ‘Course man,” Eric said with complete certainty understanding that it was important that your mom knew you were safe but not being able to make it home.

Shawn nodded his head in thanks and continued to walk you into his room, mentally thanking himself for two reasons. One was that he left his bedroom door open so at least he didn’t have to struggle with that and two being that he cleaned his room for once and he had nothing to be embarrassed about.

Caressing the back of your neck in his hand he very gently laid you down on the bed pull the covers out from under your body and then over you. He was grateful you had changed into a pair of his sweatpants when you got there earlier in the day, so at least you wouldn’t have had to sleep in jeans and be uncomfortable.

Brushing some loose hair out of your face he slid into the other side of the bed, lifting his chin up to leave a sweet kiss on your forehead. In your sleep you made a soft squeak and moved closer until you found Shawn’s body and snuggled up to him an unconscious smile on your sleeping face. 

It was moments like these that Shawn really realized that you were his greatest gift of all. A lot of things may not have panned out for him but you have always been this ever-shining light that he feels so lucky to have and to hold as well as love. And he reminds himself at that moment as he has your sleeping figure embraced in his arms to never take any part of loving you for granted.

12:15 pm Shawn’s Apartment (Again), Lazy Day

It was the end of the week and both you and Shawn were absolutely knackered; Midterms went off without a hitch and the entire group passed which meant that the upcoming break was going to be nothing but relaxation. 

As per usual you were sat in Shawn’s lap, reading a book with your back resting against the arm of the couch. And him using your lap as a table while he wrote in that little notebook of his; you wonder a lot about what he is writing about but you never let your curiosity get the best of you. 

Whatever lies between the pages of that journal is obviously very important to him, and until he decides to share and show you that it is none of your business. 

Shawn absent-mindedly rubs your legs with his free hand, you peer at him over the top of your book. A grin tugging its way onto your lips. 

You couldn’t ever get enough of this boy who is growing into such a great man, he treats you as if you deserve a throne and tiara just for waking up in the morning. Loving him was such a gift and you waste no time or effort, showing and telling him that every day.  

You must have zoned out for a moment because your book was now in your lap and Shawn’s eyes were locked on your features his face twisted with a bit of worry and confusion. 

“Babe is everything alright,” he asked ever so softly then his hand came up and cupped your cheek. 

You nodded in response then gave him an audible answer, “Yeah, yeah was just thinking”.

A hand rested on your face his thumb rubbed the skin in an up and down motion, that if you were standing you were fairly certain your knees would have given out from underneath you from the flurry of emotions that evoked you. 

A smirk made itself apparent on his sweet face and when his eyebrows lifted up he said in a bit of a cocky attitude as if to suggest something. 

“Yeah about what,” he said, his eyes danced from your eyes then down to your lips and back up again. 

Gosh did this boy know how to press your buttons, but in the very best way. 

Your hand reached out to his arm that hung there next to your head and you answered truthfully. 

“About how much I love you” this definitely caught him off guard, you could tell by the way his mouth hung open and how his eyes glassed over in ecstasy. 

Letting your hand travel up to his chin, you refocused his gaze back to your eyes instead of the space that was currently between the two of you. 

He gulped but not out of fear but out of overwhelming emotion. 

Not letting himself even finish his own breath he leaned over, slicing through the previously said space; and he kissed you with absolutely no caution. 

His hands pulled you the rest of the way onto his lap and then grabbed your face yet again to make sure he had you, just as much as you had him. 

You let yourself kiss him back, a giggle being suppressed in your throat from the joy and surprise you felt. Letting your hands take control of the situation you delve into his pretty brown locks in the hopes of grasping onto anything that will stabilize you in this moment. 

Running out of breath the two of you separated to get some air but that was before Shawn said “I love you too” that knocked the wind out of you yet again. 

Excited, you fiercely wrap your arms around his neck and tug him down to lay down with you. 

Both of you giggling over the playful manner that suddenly hit you.

Taglist (dm me to be tagged in future imagines): @in-constant-fear

[themadauthorshatter]

Guys? I know I just called Tiberias Calore VI, Flame of the North, King of Norta, and Ruler of the burning throne a terrible parent and an alcoholic(which he still is, and I have the time, so I'll call him a terrible parent and an alcoholic), but let's go back in time and get some happiness because that last Red Queen post was, admittedly, just brutal😢.

Hiding a pregnancy was, surprisingly, easier than hiding the affect of the nightmares.

At first, Coriane figured the game would be over as the child inside of her continued to grow more and become more noticable in the trim gowns she usually wore.

Hiding them- the child she didn't yet know- soon became a project, à la fixing a transport.

Rather than have her maids dress her, she had chosen to dress herself instead- a habit she'd picked up on doing since coming to Court. Loose clothing always made her appear smaller than she was, made her look approachable to anyone, despite her place married to a King. It also served her well in hiding the ever growing lump her baby was growing in.

She barely attended training, though, in light of the nightmares taking their physical toll on her body, Tibe had her examined by nurses and healers.

"Your Highness, are you sure you're alright? Your feet are swollen and you seem like there's a weight on you."

When she'd been asked that, she had to stifle the instinct to rub her stomach and instead wrap her arms around herself.

"I'm alright," she replied, more hesitant than she would have liked, but the words smoothing as she continued. "I tried training a while ago and tried a move I shouldn't have. I used some braces, though."

The Healer scowled at her, forgetting Coriane's place as Queen and seeing the stubborn girl that always chose to help herself instead of seek proper assistance.

"I got better. Maybe it's more like... a phantom injury."

"Or you should have come to a Healer when it happened. Can you imagine if you'd set them wrong and didn't know?"

To keep further questions from arising, Coriane only shook her head; Jessamine had taught her well in the art of knowing when to stop a fight from continuing. "No."

The Healer nodded at her and continued to check on her, noting that despite her feet and growing intolerance toward physical contact, she was fine, chalking it up to the Queen's nightmares attacking her body more than her mind.

Still, Coriane remarked as she left the infirmary, eying the bump hidden beneath her thin cardigan, a close call is better than someone finding out.

Another close call occured during a war meeting she attended with Tibe before he had to leave for the front. Even though he was expressionless upon hearing of the attacks on his people, beneath the table his fists shook, either out of anger toawrds the Lakelanders advancing or fear for the safe of what family he had left, fear of losing his mother, despite her prowess, brother-in-law, and wife to a seemjngly unending war.

"Should they make it past the Choke and cross into our boaders, there's hardly a chance we can stop them," the Legionnaire explained. "Our soldiers, although they're trained well enough, keep getting mowed down, as well. They aren't enough man power to hold off an onslaught."

Tibe, who had been sitting quietly in thought, finally spoke up. "For every Red soldier, how many Silvers are on the field?"

"Fifty to one."

When he remained silent, the Legionnaire paled.

"You can't be thinking..."

"If the Reds can't put up a decent fight against the Lakelanders, we'll send in more Silvers to make up the difference."

"With all due respect, my King, surely there is some sort of alternative."

The words drew no reaction from Tiberias, but Coriane lowered her gaze to her hands, picking at her nails to distract herself from the implication.

When Tibe's fingers laced with hers, she welcomed it, welcomed the warmth and closeness their current situation could allow.

"Reds are being conscripted by the minute, more than a hundred by the hour. They can be difference enough."

"Reds don't have power," Tibe seemingly spelled out, scornful as a teacher. "Reds don't have strength. Numbers be damned, if they can't fend off the Lakelanders, we'll have to start sending Silvers to fight."

"Silvers of High Houses? Have them open for slaughter when fifty Reds can get the job done with proper leadership?"

"Your general has trained, led, and been victorious with every Red soldier he's had, what better leadership do Reds have?"

"It is not his fault they're incapable-"

"Can't you just understand it's not working!?" Coriane snapped, drawing every eye to her, including Tibe's, the mask of a warrior King dropping when he took one look at her tear stained face.

"No matter how many Reds you throw at the Lakelanders, they'll be slaughtered without hesitation! You can't shoot down a Magnetron or drown a Nymph, if you have nothing to defend yourself with!"

"Cori," Tibe murmured softly, his tone gentle despite the earlier debate, "that's enough."

The words did their job in soothing the Queen, nodding and apologizing as her husband gently pulled her close to him.

"How soon can we have Silver soldiers sent to the front?"

The finality in Tiberias's words brought the Legionnaire back to the matter at hand.

"As soon as they're ready, though, from what I've heard, they've been training since three months ago."

"Have the most experienced and capable sent to the front while the rest continue training."

With that the meeting ended, and Coriane practically scurried away, if only to avoid the glances from those in attendance.

"If you don't mind my input, I don't understand why bringing the Queen to these meetings is one of your priorities. Do you expect her to keep you safe from unwanted news?"

Tiberias turned, eyes sharp and burning with a fire strong enough to kill.

"She isn't protecting me," he said lowly as he drew closer to the Legionnaire. "She's here to protect you."

In her room, Coriane lay on her side on her bed, her hand caressing her abdomen as her own words echoed in her mind.

Regardless of the fear of losing a fourth child to her nightmares, her emotions had still gotten the better of her.

It's no wonder I shouldn't have come here.

Usually Julian was someone she could turn to during these times, if not him, then Sara, but with archives discovered and needing to be translated, and Healers needed at the front, neither were around for her to talk to.

It was childish, but part of Coriane felt abandoned, even though her brother promised he wouldn't leave her alone.

But how can anyone be brave enough to say no to a King?

Sometimes it was easy to forget, see two people inhabiting Tibe at once: the lonely Prince she'd first met at the banquet and the King that sat upon a throne of flames and blood, strong enough to burn all of Norta to the ground, if he so desired.

And he'd married a poor girl of House Jacos.

What kind of Queen am I, if I can't even bear him a child?

A knock on the door stopped her from building on the thought further.

"Coriane?"

When she remained silent, he knocked again.

"Cori? May I come in?"

She hummed loudly and nodded, and Tibe walked in and shut the door behind him, missing when she grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her chest.

Despite his strength, his rank, the ability at his fingertips, the myriad of metals she'd seen him wear, even the control he held over a room of other Silvers, he seemed... smaller, unsure as he carefully sat next to her.

He's the King, and he's the one who's scared?

"Are you alright?" He asked as he rested a hand on her upper arm. "I know the meetings aren't easy to handle, but I don't think I've seen you get so upset."

Upset was putting it more than lightly. Three nights of waking up to blood staining the sheets and missing a child before it was born made her more than upset. Hiding her fourth pregnancy from her own husband, out of desperation for the child's safety more than her own, made her more than upset. Fearing for Elara Merandus attacking her mind, even with Arven outside her door, made her more than upset.

"Yes, I'm fine," was all that came out instead.

Neither spoke for a while, leaving them in cursed silence.

That was until Tibe's hand clenched around her arm, just enough to let her know she wasn't alone.

"Don't lie to me," he said, pleadingly so. "I know there's something you're not telling me."

Coriane held the pillow closer to her, the tips of her fingers just brushing against her stomach.

He knows. He knows. He knows. He found out, and now he knows.

But Tibe turned his head away, looking back as his brow furrowed.

"It's Elara, isn't it?"

Coriane met his eyes and pushed herself up. "I don't know. Maybe it was before, but now..."

Now, with Rane Arven outside her door, an attack from Elara didn't seem likely. It didn't quell her fears entirely, but it was a comfort she welcomed, all the same.

Tibe's hand glided to her own, the warmth of his skin and body a blessing.

"Do you think House Merandus would do well on the front?"

Coriane gasped and whipped her gaze to him. "Tibe, you can't make that happen, and you know it."

"And Elara knows you are the Queen. If she wants a fight, she can glady have one to write home about. Whispers usually do well in a war," he said with an averted gaze and a shrug.

"But Merandus is one of the highest Houses. You know as well as everyone else what could happen, if they became an enemy."

Hers words settled in Tibe, leading him to sigh and stare at the floor.

"You're right. Damn it."

Hearing those words, and seeing her own husband pout like a child, drew a small grin from Coriane.

"As usual."

Tiberias turned his gaze back to her. "'As usual?' What do you mean, 'as usual?'" He asked incredulously as a smirk grew on his face.

Coriane merely shrugged and buried her face into her pillow. "Nothing. Just that I'm always right."

Although his jaw dropped, his smile remained, and Coriane giggled as she lie on her side, her facing him.

"You're always right?" He dared.

"Yes."

"You're the one who's always right?"

Coriane gasped, "You admit it?"

Quickly, and gently, Tibe pulled her back up until she was upright and hugged her close, her back against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, Coriane yelping and giggling more than she thought she would, even when he gave her soft, butterfly kisses on her neck and shoulder.

"Who's always right?" He asked as he rested his chin on her shoulder, Coriane lightly chuckling after he stopped.

"Me."

"Wrong," he replied quickly before kissing her cheek and temple, driving his wife into another fit of laughter.

"Will you stop that!?" Coriane exclaimed, even with a smile on her face, "You're prickly and I don't feel good!"

"Then admit I'm always right and..." Tibe lowered to his side, Coriane nearly falling with him. Her heart skipped a beat as he cradled her body against his, one arm around her chest as the other rested over her upper arm. "Tell me what's wrong," he replied softly.

Coriane only grasped onto his arm with her hands.

I'm pregnant, she nearly said. I've been pregnant for a while now. I haven't told you or anyone else because I can't risk losing this one, too, or put you through more loss than you already have. Even if Elara is the reason I can barely sleep at night, I can't lose another child. Not for his or her sake, and not for yours, either.

She sighed, maintaining her smile from the onslaught of kisses moments ago.

"Fine. Yon win. You're always right. Happy?"

Tibe chuckled lightly and shook his head against her hair.

"That's not what I meant. Please tell me what's wrong."

It was like her uncle's funeral banquet, when Jessamine noticed her crying after dressing her for the occasion.

"Tibe, do you miss them? Julian and Sara?"

Tibe remained silent, his thumb rubbing her shoulder as Coriane continued.

"I know it hasn't been that long, but I do. I'm glad that you're here, Tibe, I really am. I don't know, I just miss them being here."

Tibe leaned up and kissed her cheek before nuzzling into her shoulder.

"I miss them, too, Cori. They'll be back soon, I promise."

Like in the meeting, their fingers laced together.

"In the meantime, I hope I can make up for them."

Coriane nodded and held her head against his. "You already do, Tibe," she replied softly.

Tibe held her closer, feeling his Queen's body effectively relax under his touch.

After a while of silence, blissful and welcome, Tibe kissed her cherk and sat up.

"Where are we again on sending House Merandus to the front?"

Coriane snagged the pillow she'd dropped and swatted him in the chest. "Stop that," she exclaimed.

The look of a challenge returned to Tibe's face as he took the pillow and tossed it back to the head of the bed. "Openly attacking your King? Whatever shall I do with you?"

Coriane inched back toward her lost weapon. "Don't you dare come near me with that prickly stubble or I'm shaving it off myself!"

Tiberias faked a gasp and held a hand over his heart. "And now you've threatened the King! You traitor," he chided playfully.

Coriane only reclaimed her pillow and held it back for another strike. "Try me."

Tibe fought a snicker and nodded, holding his hands up in surrender. "Alright. You win."

Coriane lowered her pillow as Tibe kissed her lips and held his forehead against hers.

"I'll tell anyone who asks you're sick and need to be alone while you heal. Just rest now, alright?"

Coriane nodded.

Tibe stood and turned to leave the room, brisk as he had been trained to do.

A King's work is never truly done, Coriane remarked before he stopped and looked back at her.

"Is there anything you'd like me to bring back later?"

Coriane blanched and shook her head. "You don't have to. I can... ask for the chef myself, in case you're..."

Tibe only returned to her and held her hands. "Cori, please."

Again, there was that desperation in his eyes, as if Tibe saw nothing but the girl he'd met many years ago and was willing to do anything to keep her alive.

He could have chosen someone else, someone stronger, but he chose you. You are his Queen.

Coriane nodded stiffly, uncomfortable and still unfamiliar with being served in Court.

Tibe placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed her forehead, holding her close. "I'll try to be back as soon as I can. Please. Get some rest."

"I will," Coriane replied as she placed a hand over his.

With that, he exited her room, reluctant in spite of his promise to return.

Coriane could only smile as she rubbed her stomach, carefully unmarred and thankfully unnoticed.

It was a blessing she still had the boy she'd met, that the crown hadn't taken him away just yet.

[olivia-ivy]

I don't have the motivation to make this a full fic, so you all get

The Field Trip Fic (Abridged)

Okay, we all know how the typical field trip fic goes right? Peter has a field trip to Stark Industries and Tony is the typical embarrassing mentor/dad.

This isn't that.

First of all, Peter checks with May and she says she'll be sure to take time off work so she can be a chaperone for the field trip. Except, uh oh, someone calls out on the day of the field trip and May has to cover for them, which means she can't chaperone, and since she can't be there, the chaperone:kid ratio isn't enough so now the field trip is kind of stalled.

Flash and even a few other kids on the bus are like "Nice going, Parker," and Peter is trying to just disappear into the seat, when suddenly there's a commotion outside the bus.

Everyone crowds to the side where shit is happening, and who should appear but Tony Fucking Stark, riding in on a silver chariot/Audi. All the adults are bewildered. All the kids go slack jawed. All the Peter Parkers are trying even harder to be absorbed by the green vinyl seats.

Mr. Harrington is the one who speaks up like "Um ... Can I help you sir?"

Tony: "Yeah, May Parker asked me to chaperone the field trip since she can't make it."

23 teenagers simultaneously get whiplash as they whip around to stare at Peter Parker, who now has his hood up over his head and the drawstrings pulled closed.

Peter, muttering: "I told you I wasn't lying about the internship."

Nobody ever doubts a word Peter says from then until graduation. Flash looks like he's revaluating his entire life.

Meanwhile, back outside the bus, all of the adults are in similar states of shock, but also it's the MCU, they've dealt with alien attacks and flying cities, Iron Man chaperoning a field trip with them should not be the weirdest thing.

((Idk how New York works, but in Mass, if anyone outside the school wants to chaperone a field trip, they need to fill out something called a CORI form, it's basically a criminal record background check, and I'm gonna assume NY has something similar))

One of the teachers eventually speaks up and is like "Well we'd be honored Mr Stark, but we have certain forms that need to be filled out-"

And Tony just reaches into his inside jacket pocket and pulls out the form and hands it to a teacher. The teacher unfolds it and holds it up to the others (and inadvertently angles it so all the kids on the bus can see it too) and across the entire form in big Sharpie they see "GOOGLE ME" or "I'M LITERALLY IRON MAN" or "YOU KNOW WHO I AM"

And yeah, they do know who he is, but the office still needs the form. Tony let's them squirm for a minute, then reaches back into the same pocket and pulls out another copy of the form, this time properly filled out (courtesy of Pepper). The teachers look relieved and one of them rushes inside to get it to the office, while all the others pile on the bus. The field trip is back on.

All the kids are trying not to stare at Tony, which goes about as well as you'd imagine, and Peter is just mentally projecting 'Don't sit near me, don't look at me, don't talk to me, you're the worst, I hate you.'

So naturally, Tony sits in the seat in front of Peter.

"Hey kid!"

"I hate you."

"No you don't."

Peter groans and slams his head into the seat. Bc he knows Tony is gonna do something to embarrass him, hell he already has, people are still staring.

Tony: "Oh come on, this is the thanks I get for saving the class field trip? Where are we going anyway? MoMA, the Met, the zoo...?"

And this, ladies, gentlemen, and those too cool for the gender binary, is where it really deviates from the regular field trip fic format:

Peter: "Oscorp Headquarters."

You could practically hear every muscle in Tony's body tense up.

Tony: "Oscorp ... Didn't you have a field trip there last year?"

Translation: ISN'T THAT THE PLACE WHERE YOU GOT BITTEN BY A RADIOACTIVE SPIDER

Peter: "Yeah, but they donate a lot of money to the school and a lot of our graduates are interns there, so we have field trips there a lot."

Translation: Yeah, but it was either this, or sit in Spanish class all day, soooo

And it's not that Tony isn't allowed in Oscorp's tower (which started construction a few months after Stark Tower and is exactly one floor higher, and Pepper wouldn't let him add more floors to his tower bc "You are not using company money for a literal dick measuring contest, Tony"), it's just that it would look bad if he was seen in there and Pepper would have strongly discouraged it if she didn't think Peter being around would give him enough self-control to not cause a scene. (Pepper Potts is rarely wrong about things. This is one of the few times she was wrong about things.)

The tour starts and Tony is just rolling his eyes and making jokes about everything to Peter, partly bc it's Oscorp and everything he's saying is either true or deserved, partly bc the spider bite wasn't exactly a fun experience for Peter and Tony is trying to stave off a panic attack.

It's working. He's a good dad/mentor.

By the time lunch rolls around and the class is eating in the Oscorp cafeteria, the kids are more or less acclimated to Tony's presence. That goes away, however, the second Norman Osborn walks in.

And sure, Osborn says he wanted to personally visit the Midtown tour group, and sure, he and Tony shook hands and they're making small talk like civilized human beings, but the teenagers can smell a drop of drama from a mile away, and everyone is livestreaming the entire thing.

Things quickly devolve into a fight.

Some highlights: Norman accuses Tony of spying. Tony responds with "It's not corporate espionage, Norman, it's a field trip." That gets GIFed and is the new reaction meme by the end of the day.

Norman gets all huffy, and says "How can I be sure you're not trying to steal Oscorp's research?!"

Tony: "Well, first of all, Oscorp would have to have something worth stealing."

The kids all lose it.

Tony Stark is escorted from the building.

Which puts them back in the same chaperone predicament they had at the beginning of the day, but now all the kids are revolting, so they leave with Tony and the other chaperones just follow them instead of trying to negotiate with Oscorp security.

The bus driver takes them to Central Park for the rest of the day and the kids hang out on the rocks trying to process the absolute savagery they just witnessed. Pepper Potts is on the phone trying to manage SI's response. Tony Stark and Peter Parker are sitting next to each other, laughing their asses off.

Tony: "So, good field trip?"

Peter: "Way better than last year."

The next year, Stark Industries makes a generous donation to Midtown Tech. A donation that is exactly one dollar more than what Oscorp gave.

[spaceorphan18]

The Best Music of Glee Vol. 1

So, I’ve been thinking for a while about the music of glee, and what worked and what didn’t.  So I figured I’d put together a list of music that I felt was either as good as the original or better than the original.  Of course, this is my own subjective opinion -- but what else am I going to use this Master’s in Music for? Anyway - I thought I’d brake it down by season, otherwise it’d be way too long. 

Season One (Part 1 Eps 1-13) 

1. Don’t Stop Believin’ (Various Episodes) 

Yes, I know, so many of you are so tired of this song - but let’s be real. The first time I heard this at the end of the Pilot it gave me goosebumps.  It hit the right emotion the show needed to elevate it from quirky, dark comedy to wow, this is going to be something special isn’t it?  Not only did this become an anthem for the show itself - I think it reinvigorated the song for a new (and younger) audience.  Music, at its best, can evoke a strong emotional response, and this song managed to strike all the right chord (pun intended).  

2. Bust Your Windows (Acafellas) 

The arrangement of this song does little to the original, and mostly, replaces Jazmine Sullivan’s vocals with Amber Riley’s.  While Amber Riley has a different sound to her voice, I think she perfectly portrays the song’s intent, and knocks this one out of the park.  

3. Maybe This Time (The Rhodes Not Taken) 

The interesting thing about Broadway music is that there are many different definitive versions out there of various songs.  While this one is probably most well known being sung by Liza Minnelli for the film version of Cabaret, I think both Kristen Chenoweth and Lea Michelle, both of whom have versatile Broadway backgrounds, bring a powerful edge to this rendition.  It’s utterly fantastic. 

4. Dancing With Myself (Wheels) 

I’m of mind that Kevin McHale is one of the better male vocalists on the show and maybe overshadowed by a few others.  This acoustic version is actually really nice, and (imo of course) is much more listenable than the overly synthesized original version.  

5. Defying Gravity (Wheels) 

Look, I realize that Lea Michele and Chris Colfer are not Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth - but not only do they sound great together in a version that is a little more radio accessible than the original Broadway number, it’s also one of the most iconic numbers the show ever did.  This one might be a little more on the subjective side - but I’ll stand by it. 

6. Imagine (Hairography) 

This song is simple in its beauty - so as long as you have a good singer on it, you can probably make a good cover of it.  And while, now, the scene might be a little iffy with the New Directions singing over the Deaf Choir, the studio version of this one is exquisite with Amber Riley and Kevin McHale leading.  

7. Smile - Lily Allen Version (Mattress) 

This is a rare time that I don’t dislike a Finchel duet - shocked, I know, me, too.  The arrangement is pretty much the same, substituting Lily Allen’s voice for Lea Michele’s - and it really works.  The performance choreography may be a little weird, but the fact that Cory Monteith is only supplemental to Michele’s vocals actually works and I think it’s as strong as the original. 

8. Jump (Mattress) 

Glee does these power ballads pretty well, and while it isn’t as gritty as the original version, the performance of them jumping around on mattresses really elevates the entire thing.  

9. Smile Charlie Chaplin Version (Mattress) 

It’s a song I like the studio version more than the aired version - but the group sounds lovely on it.  This is another one of those songs that as long as you have some good singers on it, you’ll probably have a good cover. 

10. And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going (Sectionals) 

I mean - I don’t really need to explain this one - Amber Riley brings the house down here.  

11. Don’t Rain on My Parade (Sectionals) 

Lea Michele is strongest on Broadway numbers - and she makes this one her own.  I wish they would have given her more showstopping tunes like this more so than the weepy pop ballads she’s going to end up getting a lot of.  

12. My Live Would Suck Without You (Sectionals) 

This is another one of those songs where the arrangement didn’t change all that much, and it becomes whose voice do you prefer on it.  Kelly Clarkson is fine, but I have no emotional attachment to her.  Lea Michele belting this out at the end of the emotionally charged Front 13 really brings this version ahead.  It’s fantastic.  

Songs that I think are good but I don’t believe equal or surpass the original: On My Own (Pilot); Taking Chances (Preggers); Somebody to Love (Rhodes Not Taken); It’s My Life/Confessions II (Vitamin D); Halo/Walking on Sunshine (Vitamin D); Lean On Me (Ballad); True Colors (Hairography) 

Continued on in Vol 2 - which will cover the second half of season 1. :) 

[suckasstakenames]

Okay now do all the other ones for tyde 😘

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT SHEESH

(I’m gonna copy n paste the hcs I did before so they’re all together n stuff (’: )

BRACE YOURSELVES ITS A LONG ONE

Tyde Headcanons:

1. Who makes the first move and how?

Token makes the first move. He’s quick to notice a change in Clyde’s behaviour and probably brings it up to him. Clyde’s most likely the one to develop strong feelings first but I think he’d refrain from making any moves because of their friendship, and I think Token will pick up on that (cause he’s a clever boy) and try and push it, perhaps even flirt with him just to make him more flustered 👀

2. Who is the most insecure and what makes them feel better?

CLYDE 100%. Attention and affection makes him feel better, comfort food, and being reassured that he’s a good person 😋 also soft Disney movies and movies about animals

3. Who is the most romantic?

Do I even need to say it? TOKEN. It doesn’t get any more romantic that him

4. Who can’t keep their hands to themselves?

Both of them for different reasons. Clyde is needy as fuck and lives for attention, and Token when he’s in a certain mood can get pretty touchy feely, like stroking Clyde’s hair or rubbing his back.

5. Who says ‘I love you first’?

Ooooo that’s a tough one……it could be either one of them. But I’m gonna say Clyde because I feel he likes to express his emotions no matter what, and one day he just blurts it out

6. Who would they ask if they ever had a threesome?

Kenny probably. Or, depending on his relationship situation, Craig. I think they’d prefer Craig from knowing him better though

7. What do they get up to on a night out?

Oh my god what DON’T they get up to on a night out? It’s mainly just Clyde being a bad influence and Token trying not to give in (and failing). They sing a WHOLE lot, do stupid dances together, and always drink more than they should. But Token is only ever like this when he’s with Clyde.

8. What do they like in bed?

Token likes to worship Clyde because he knows it makes him feel special. He’ll give and give and not expect anything back. I also think Clyde would randomly walk in wearinng some of Token’s clothes because he knows that drives him wild.

I ain’t gonna get TOO nsfw on main (I have a fair few hcs in that respect!) but I think they’d roleplay, but not seriously? Because they’re both massive dorks and will just laugh hysterically at each other and use THE cheesiest pick-up lines they can come up with 😭

9. What is the most embarrassing thing they’ve done in front of each other?

Clyde probably did something stupid infront of Token’s family like choke on his food when they’re out for a meal or something (K, Cori, I see u)

As for Token….idk?? Maybe he performed for the first time to Clyde on his own and got super embarrassed about that??

10. What two songs, two books, and two luxury items do they take to a desert island?

Idk probably a Post Malone song and a James Brown song PVGFDFGT

I don’t really read a whole lot of books???but they prolly both belong to Token (help me in comments rip) and as for luxury items, an instrument? or a game they can play together? actually they’d probably need something to play the songs on LMAO

11. What do they hide from one another?

Not a lot. Starting off as best friends had it’s perks

12. What first changes when it starts to get serious?

They both start losing their cool completely. They start acting awkward around each other, they start getting hesitant when they’d usually tell each other everything. The most simple interactions become much harder

13. When do they realise they should get together?

When it gets awkward enough to notice. When it truly starts to affect their friendship

14. When one has a cold, what does the other do?

Token goes into mom mode. Takes him in, wraps him up in like three blankets, puts on his favourite movies and tv show and will whip up a kickass soup to make him feel better.

Clyde will also take him in and run around doing stuff like going out and buying treats. He’ll get really defensive towards anyone else like “LEAVE HIM ALONE HE’S SICK” and he’ll always be worrying about whether he’s doing a good job at looking after him.

15. When they watch a film what do they choose and why? 

Usually comedies or some really dumb film that they can just laugh hysterically at. Clyde will have the last say because theres a chance he COULD cry if an animal dies or something.

16. When the zombie apocalypse comes, how do they cope together?

It’s basically Token who runs the joint, Clyde just follows along like a lil sheep. But they do learn new things together like how to properly kill the zombies. And while Token does the majority of the thinking, they help each other out equally.

17. When they find a time machine, where do they go?

back to a time when funk and jazz music were popular so Token can have a field day

18. When they fight, how do they make up?

They forgive each other SO easily, so it takes just a cuddle and both of them are fine LOL

19. Where do they go on their first date? 

Somewhere super casual, like their favourite diner or something

20. Where do they go on holiday?

Somewhere sunny, not a city but rather somewhere more set out from civilisation so they feel like they’re on their own

21. Where do they get nervous about going with one another?

Being in front of each other’s families

22. Where does their first kiss happen?

At a party when they’re both drunk

23. Where is their favourite place to be together?

I can imagine sometimes they just drive into the middle of nowhere at night and sit on top of a hill or something and just talk for ages? And when its cold they’ll take a blanket and just snuggle up

24. Where do they first have sex?

On Clyde’s sofa during movie night

25. Why do they fight?

usually because Clyde’s paranoid about something, or Token (rarely) loses his patience

26. Why do they need to have a serious chat? 

Because one of them is worried that they might lose the closeness they had in their friendship

27. Why do their friends get annoyed with them?

mostly during nights out because of how drunk they get together? But also because they can get too soppy

28. Why do they get jealous?

Spending too much time with another guy in their friend group

29. Why do they fall a little bit more in love?

Because of the fact that they’re not just lovers, they’re best friends, and they’ve spent their entire life together so that they can’t imagine how they’d cope without each other

30. Why does it work (or not work) between them?

Just gonna…..casually scratch out that bracket because there’s no way it won’t work

[razerlickangel]

*Imagine*

Imagine: Shawn Hunter gets jealous of your friendship with his brother Jack.

College, we finally made it here!

Y/n and her friends Cory, Tapanga, Angela, and Shawn have all made it to one of the biggest steps in their lives, College! They couldn't be anymore thrilled and proud.

Y/n was on her way to get her information on where her dorm would be. As she walked up to the counter she said " Y/n Y/l /N , I'm needing information on where my dorm room is?" She asked.

The lady looked up her name and started to shake her head, "I'm sorry but it looks like the dormitories are all full, but I see you did pay and signed up , and for some reason there was an error so you'll be receiving your money back and we'll put you on a waiting list for when one may open up." The secretary said.

Y/n heading back to the student lounge was very distraught from this

"Where will I live now?" She said to herself looking through the glass doors, not able to face her friends right now plopped down at a table outside.

Jack , Shawn Hunters older brother saw y/n hesitate at the door and walk away and decide against coming in , decided to see what was going on with her.

Y/n sat at the table at a loss not noticing her friend of a year sit beside her. Jack asked how she was doing but got no response so he waved his hand in her face, that definitely caught her off guard.

"What was that BlackJack?" Y/n asked with a small smile using her nickname she gave him after dominating him in none other then blackjack , one night they were stuck in his apartment because of a bad storm and decided to play blackjack.

Jack positioned himself so he was

facing y/n "I had just asked if you were alright?" Said Jack. Y/n for some reason could never really hide anything from him, if we were being completely honest y/n over the short year that she's known Jack has become closer to him than anyone even her supposed to be best friend Shawn, Jack's brother.

Messed up, right? Y/n fiddled around with her fingers and gave in "I have no where to stay, the housing office messed up and gave away my dorm, but I'll get my money back and be put on a damn waiting list!" I raised my voice felling irritated.

Jack smacked his hands together louder than he meant to causing everyone around to jump, then he clasped his hand on y/n left knee, making her heart stop briefly.

"This is far from an issue because you'll stay with me." He said like it should have been obvious. "What about Eric and Rachael?" I asked they might not be too thrilled with having a freshman living with them not to mention someone who's their brothers friend.

He stood up shaking his head " Doesn't matter, we're friends and you need a place tell they can fix their mistake." He said nonchalantly.

This entire time they never noticed Shawn watching their whole interaction. Shawn was boiling inside , just really pissed off at the site that was before him.

Shawn loves his brother Jack, happy to have an older brother to do things with and seek guidance if need be.

He however was never thrilled about the idea of sharing his best friend y/n who noticeably has become very attached to Jack over the year that they have known each other.

He feels some regret for introducing them to each other, and letting them get as close as they have. Now he needs to know what was going on between them and get his friend back, it's their freshman year of college and they are supposed to enjoy it together not her and his older brother Jack.

[gemmaheart]

The Killer Snake

Damian Wayne x Female Reader

Summary

Reader is a assassin for the Black Cobra, an ally to the League of Assassins. At the age of 15, she is the best killer the Black Cobra has. What will happen when a young bird comes face to face with this elusive murderer?

Warning: Talk of killing/death

Writer’s Notes: This will be multipart if you want or we can leave it here please comment if you want more. I can’t take very much credit for this writing as I got inspiration from many other fanfics (Not all DC). Also please excuse all grammar/punctuation mistakes, English is my first (only) language, I’m just not good with it in written form.

KEY:

y/n means your first name

y/l/n means your last name

y/n/m means your name on missions

h/c means hair color

e/c means eye color

f/c means favorite color

Narrators point of view

It was another boring day at the Wayne Manor for Damian. Titus was asleep after having played for a few hours. Dick was off in Bludhaven, probably with his girlfriend, Cory. His father was at work, he had complained about having board meetings all day. So with nothing else to do, Damian went down to the cave to train. Once he got into it he was so focused that he had gone four hours without stopping. Not wanting to wear himself out before patrol tonight, he put his equipment away and went up to the kitchen. Alfred was currently making dinner. His father would be home soon then. “What are you preparing, Pennyworth” Damian asked. Alfred, rolling his eyes replied (Insert fancy dinner foods here) as sarcastically as possible. Damian elected to ignore that sarcasm as starting a verbal fight with the butler was a sure way to lose his patrol privileges. “Very good” he replied “Sounds wonderful” he quickly added. Just then Bruce entered the house looking exhausted from his many meetings of the day. Damian was told to set the table for the three while Bruce got into something more comfortable for the remainder of the day. Dinner was quiet, as usual for the three men. It’s what was to come after that Damian was interested in. Suited up in his Robin uniform he waited for Bruce. They where soon in the Bat-mobile zooming through the streets of Gotham. They meet up with Commissioner Gordon on the GCPD roof. Tonight there was a big drug shipment coming into port, Black Masks operation. It was suppose to be simple. Take down the guards, stop the drugs from getting into Gotham. Nothing was simple in Gotham however. When the dynamic duo arrived at the East Docks there was a full blown gang war occurring. Black Mask and the Falcones were fighting for dominance, an even match. (Not sure how to write a fight scene for this, SORRY) After a long fight against two crime bosses and their many goons, Batman and Robin are able to get the upper hand. Chasing the crime lords off and stopping the drugs from getting onto the streets, Bruce and Damian report to Gordon,do a lap around the city, and head home for some well deserved rest.

Somewhere in the Arabian Desert

Another mission, another person to kill. Y/N receives her orders, her target was Robin better known as Damian al Ghul, now Wayne. This mission was assigned by the leader of the League of Assassins herself, Talia al Ghul, Damians mother. She sees her son as soft, his father teaching him to not kill his enemies as he was originally told. Ten years of training wasted, a son ruined by Bruce Waynes rules and morales. No more than a kill mission for y/n/m. At the age of 15, y/n y/l/n was a true assassin. With more than 200 kills under her belt, she was a prize among the Black Cobra, reserved for truly challenging targets. But before all this glory she was nothing. No home, no family, no anything. The Black Cobra toke her in, trained her to be a killer, gave her a purpose. She was loyal to them, owed them her life. She has never failed a mission. Now, y/n was off to Gotham City, to take yet another life in the name of the Black Cobra.

Several days later in Gotham

The Wayne’s where having a charity gala tonight. At their mansion, with at least 350 people, and y/n would be one of them. At her age she needed someone to go as her guardian, the man was named Henry Garcia, a wealthy man from Star City, with ties to the Black Cobra. He owed them for a supply of weaponry gone missing last month, this was his ticket. With Henry, y/n could get into the mansion to spy on her target without suspicion. Not that there would be much anyway, she was young, pretty, and his age so no one would question her watching the boy. She watched him for the entire gala, learning about him. For instance, he was introverted, not talking to anyone and keeping to himself. He had found a corner and not really left it all night. Men talked about business deals and future plans. Women gossiped about the latest scandals and raves over the others dresses, shoes, and accessories. Some people danced, most drank, some tried to do both. Damian just looked on, a frown on his face, clearly not happy to be here. All the while y/n studying him, collecting anything that could be useful for later. At the end of the gala Henry and y/n walked out, no one the wiser of what had happened, why Damian was being watched by the beautiful h/c in the f/c dress.

Two nights later on patrol

Damians point of view

The night was calm, the rain lightly falling from above, cleaning the air of the wretched pollution. Father and I had separated to cover more ground, he toke the East and I the West. There are warehouses along the river, all supposed to be empty but one had lights on, dim but noticeable. I radio father on the comms, telling him my location, and that I was going to look around stealthily. He agreed with that plan and said he would be there as soon as he could. With the conformation to enter, I went in through the roof, landing on a path above the main floor. It seemed there was nothing but as I continued to look around from above I spotted a man tied to a chair. I quickly recognize him as a man from our resent gala, Mark something. I see about ten people on the other side of the expansive warehouse. I alert Father of this development as the men move to interrogate the businessman. They want money and supplies his company makes, he refuses, they threaten him but he says nothing. They look at each other, seem to have a conversation with their eyes because a few seconds later, one of the men puts a gun to Marks head and pull the trigger. I make a decision, giving myself away to take the men out. It was easy, he was an easy target. I comm Batman to inform him of the news but I miss his response as I notice something on one of the men I toke out, a tattoo of a cobra. “Oh shit” i say, louder than necessary. Father is asking what it was that I found. I can’t answer as just then I get blind sided. (Still can’t write fight scenes. Just imagine two assassins fighting it out) It’s a girl about my age. This is a shock but I push that away fast. She runs at me and I pull out my sword. The sound of metal clashing can be heard through the whole building, she’s fast and strong. I manage to deflect most of the blows and jabs directed at me and deal some damage in return. Eventually she has me pinned to the floor, strangling me. As I loose air and start to black out, she lets out a scream of pain, Batman has arrived and planted a batarang in her shoulder. I’m dizzy from air lose but from what I can see from my spot on the cold, concrete floor she is a excellent fighter, keeping pace with Father. I notice she wears a simple suit with little to no armor, made to be flexible, much like Graysons. She is slim with long h/c hair tied back in a high ponytail, with a mask covering her face. She can’t fight forever though and soon lands back by my side, a sword to my throat and speaks, calmly, almost quietly, “Don’t move, that’s it, just stand right there” “Let me leave without hinderance and Robin here can avoid further harm” Father returns with “And if I don’t” the girl laughs “Oh I believe you will, his life is of value to you, not sure why though, he can’t fight worth shit” she looks to me, speaks to me but Father can hear it “We will meet again Damian, and I won’t be going easy on you” “How do you know my name” I manage to stutter out. Her answer is simple “The Black Cobra knows everything, thought you knew that Mister al Ghul” and with that she collects her now conscious men, walks past the dead body still tied to the chair and out the front doors like nothing ever happened.

[applevictorianico-blog]

Desire

So, a friend of mine that I play VtM with asked me to write a smut Drabble between our two characters. This is that piece. I needed a break from Choices for awhile and he knew I still needed an outlet.

To Cory: The greatest storyteller I know. Thank you for putting in the blood, sweat, and tears for many years to lead us all on an adventure. And for seeing more in me than I see myself.

Warning: Language and Smut

Apple was ready for a change. The years after the heat came down in NOLA had led to a dull existence in North East Tennessee. There was no change, no excitement, only dreams of him.

She looked in the mirror and stared back at the short apple red locks she had worn since the early 80’s. She closed her eyes and imagined her mother’s long flowing tresses. A few moments later she opened her eyes to the new her. Long waves of chestnut flowed down her back.

Apple glanced at the only treasure this area had offered her. A late night shopping trip in an antique store produced a tintype from the early 1860’s. Cole Rainer, human, sat in an antique silver frame staring back at her.

“There’s a safe house in Martinique, if you ever need it.” he told her as they once again were splitting ways. A week of ravenous sexual exploits after years of radio silence, and he was gone again.

—————————————————

A night of driving had deposited her just inside the Florida line. The next night led her to the very tip of the state, and selling her car. A couple of boat rides later, and she was finally stepping onto Fort de France, Martinique.

Apple had been on the island for a couple of nights, staying in a cheaper inn on the outskirts of the city. She ventured out at night, taking in the nightlife while looking for him.

Apple had ventured into a forgotten area that needed some TLC one evening. She found an old distillery building, surrounded by overgrown foliage. That’s when she felt it; the gut wrenching sensation of being watched. Apple continued to look around, pulling out her phone to take a “selfie.”

Before her finger could press the button, she heard the voice. One full of gravel and honey; a slight twang of times long past. “I wouldn’t take that picture, if you value your life.”

Apple slowly dropped her phone, as a smirk spread across her face. In her sweetest Tennessee accent that she had picked up, she suppressed her giddiness. “You wouldn’t harm an innocent little girl, would you?” She knew very well he’d rip her head from her neck if he had the slightest inkling to.

“I don’t think your so innocent. Maybe I think you’re here to do me harm?” He barked out. Apple rolled her eyes before slowly turning towards the voice.

“Or maybe I needed a good fuck before continuing on my way.” Apple quipped, this time her thick New York accent cut through the night as her eyes focused on the man before her.

Cole was a little shocked at the sudden comment, but upon seeing her face, he found it familiar. Being his usual self he grumpingly replied, “Honey, I wouldn’t touch you with a diseased dick, let alone my own.”

Apple turned red with anger, it was always like this with him. “You would think a jackass like you would remember someone you’ve fucked several times over the last three decades.” She spat at him as she started to walk away.

His own anger grew, confirming his identity was known to someone on the island. He racked his memory, looking for her face. “You changed your hair.”

Apple stopped, not turning around. “It was time for a change.”

Cole continued trying to come up with her name, but images of her bound and beneath him, skin covered in a sheen of blood sweat was clouding his thoughts. “I preferred it red.”

“No one asked you, you ass.” Apple began walking the path back towards the city, never turning around.

Cole quietly followed her, “Cherry, no not with moves she has. Peaches? Not right. Damn it’s some fruit she’s named after.”

Apple got closer to the inn she was staying at, knowing he had followed her back. “You going to stay back there mumbling all night, or are you going to give me what I need?” She turned to face Cole, the street lights showing her lust blown eyes.

“You came all this way for a fuck? You don’t look like the type that’s desperate.” He watched as she once again stormed off in anger. “Damn, why is she so hot when she’s mad?”

Cole caught up to her effortlessly, and spun her around to face him. He looked down at her, then noticed the tiny apple tattoo peeking out below her top. “Apple, why are you here?”

“To see you, you big jerk. It’s been almost ten years. I’m leaving the states for awhile and I thought I’d stop here on my way. Part of me just hoped you’d be here.” Her voice grew smaller as he towered over her.

More and more images of nights filled with every position known to man came flooding into his mind. Apple stood, staring up at the only man she ever obeyed without question. The only man that worshiped her in a bedroom the way a woman would fantasize. A breath she didn’t need to take quivered in her throat.

Cole watched as her body responded to being so close to him. He shoved her back into the building behind her, slightly cracking the bricks. His mouth descended on hers, forcefully pressing his lips against Apple’s. Mere seconds passed as their tongues began warring with the other for more.

Apple grabbed the back of Cole’s neck with one arm, the other wrapping around his waist. She pressed her body as tightly to his as she could on her tiptoes. A low growl slowly eased from within his throat as she pressed herself into his hardening member.

Cole hooked his hands under Apple’s firm ass lifting her up and against the wall. Apple placed both hands on his shoulders as Cole traced kisses along her neck, his fangs slightly scraping her sensitive flesh.

Apple locked her legs tightly around his waist, her hands clawing at his back as Cole used one hand to grab her full breast, squeezing roughly. Apple barely registered that Cole had taken off at record speeds back to the abandoned building.

Upon entering the old distillery, Cole sat Apple down and slapped her ass. Apple squealed, and looked to see what he was staring at. Her eyes grew wide, “You’re not serious?”

Cole’s eyes grew darker in the moonlight, “I can’t have you cheating like that time with the rope.”

Apple bit her lip to keep from smiling as she dropped her bag on the floor. Cole grabbed her shirt and ripped it open like a piece of paper, his mouth immediately descending on one breast, fully enveloping her entire hardened bud. His hand pinched and twisted the other, as the other hand worked at the buttons on her shorts.

Apple moaned as she felt the heat pool in her core, reflexively thrusting her hips into his hand. Cole squeezed, and bit down on her nipples, pulling a yelp from Apple’s full lips.

Cole pulled away from her chest, and in one swift motion pulled her shorts from her legs. He grabbed the copper tubing on the ground beside them and bent it around her wrists. A second piece he bound her ankles fashioning a spreader bar. A devilish smile adorned his face as he took in the woman before him.

“Do you think you can be good this time?” Cole asked, cocking an eyebrow, daring her to defy him.

“Anything for you, Daddy.” Apple purred up at her lover.

Apple had been on the island for a couple of nights, staying in a cheaper inn on the outskirts of the city. She ventured out at night, taking in the nightlife while looking for him. Apple had ventured into a forgotten area that needed some TLC one evening. She found an old distillery building, surrounded by overgrown foliage. That’s when she felt it; the gut wrenching sensation of being watched. Apple continued to look around, pulling out her phone to take a “selfie.”

[douxreviews]

Gotham - ‘The Beginning’ Review

Penguin: "I did not spend ten years in Blackgate to give my city to a man dressed like a bat!"

Me, watching the Gotham series finale and being confused that Gordon still doesn't have the iconic stache? It's more likely than you think.

If we're being honest, I could have watched a series finale that consisted of forty minutes featuring only Batman repeatedly foiling foolish and bumbling plots orchestrated by Penguin and Riddler, and walked away with zero complaints. Instead what we have is a suitcase-overstuffed-with-too-many-Tommy-Bahama-shirts of a plot that should have ran ninety minutes condensed into forty minutes. And yet, dare I say, I actually enjoyed this finale for what it was. It's flawed, contrived in some areas, and possesses a plot so convoluted, Donnie Darko is jealous, but I didn't walk away from the conclusion to Gotham feeling I had been cheated of something. But maybe that's just me coming to terms with the fact that no amount of time-jumps or finality are going to salvage the aspects of Gotham that are poor in quality.

The time-jump takes us ten years into the future, long after Gordon has been promoted and Bruce has left Gotham City. It's beyond me why this series chose to make such a drastic time-jump though, yet keep most of their cast members looking like they haven't aged a day. What's that? Oh right, how could I forget: they threw some purple hair dye in Lee's locks, now I can rest easy with that gripe.

Why Bruce went to a Tibetan-looking village specifically, we don't know, but something-something-bats happens, and he returns to his home city with a mission to drive out any trace of criminal activity he comes across, putting him on the radar of the mayor and the GCPD. At the same time, Jeremiah puts into motion a plot that for some reason needs to involve his escape from Arkham, Penguin, Riddler, the framing of Bullock for murder (I guess nobody bothered to dust the handgun that the victim – not Bullock – shot himself with for fingerprints?), and an immense collection of explosives to topple the new Wayne Tower. While Gotham has always had difficulties finding a consistent identity, it has mostly always walked a fine line between 'gritty' and 'campy,' and this is especially evident and welcomed in this finale, with certain sequences paying homage to the Year One comic, and others feeling like they were pulled right off of a Adam West Batman reel. I will also point out how the cinematography in this finale nicely contrasts the dark, dulled colors of everything before in Season 5, by giving us many vibrant, energetic scenes instead.

Another nice advantage a finale like this has compared to literally the entire series before it is that Gotham no longer needs to feel obligated to insert various easter eggs and set-ups for future characters; rather, it's allowed to take the cast it's been guiding towards their fated roles, and just allow them to be that. In other words, Gotham had freedom in this episode to do really whatever it wanted with the story now that there was no need for any further world-building, even if that story is borderline nonsensical at times.

I'm not sure yet even as I write this how I feel about David Mazouz and Camren Bicondova not returning to reprise their respective roles. Lili Simmons is fine as an older Selina and the resemblance between her and Camren is actually a little uncanny, but I can't imagine how much of a sucker punch it must feel to play so brilliantly the part of Bruce Wayne or Selina Kyle for five years and then learn that you won't even get a chance to put on the Batman-suit (which has this aesthetic to it that summoned some unpleasant memories of Batman and Robin) or Catwoman-costume when the finale is all said and done.

While we're on the subject of costumes, I have to give praise for Cory and Robin, and their input into the final designs for Riddler and Penguin; Riddler's outfit feels like a nice fusion of the spandex suit from Batman Forever, and the more formal wear from the Arkhamverse games, while Penguin's feels like it was inspired directly by the Burgess Meredith outfit. Perhaps issue may be taken with the fact that they may not seem as intellectually apt as before, or that Batsy got the best of them so quickly, but isn't that the whole point? From here on out, the feeling of being curbed by Batman's grappling hook is going to become practically routine for them. A service is done to the term 'callback' as well with Penguin and Gordon's scene on the docks, one I just wished hadn't been spelled out previously in the trailers, and Penguin's decision to taunt Gordon before pulling his trigger, evoking Riddler's words to him back in 'Heavydirtysoul': "Instead of killing me when you had the chance, you've decided to feed your ego."

I wasn't sold immediately on Jeremiah's final look as Joker from the promotional material. If I may be blunt, I miss the green curls, and scrutinized for days leading up to this finale over why the costume designers found inspiration for this look in The Walking Dead's whisperers. Cameron Monaghan though, in the precious five minutes of screen time he's given, succeeds in making Joker (or 'J' as he's now referring to himself as) once again feel like a distinct entity separate from Jerome or Jeremiah, as well as from previous live-action interpretations of the source material. It almost sounded as though he was channeling a Christopher Walken caricature, and the indication that he may find Batman just as, or even more, fascinating to obsess over as Bruce is pretty amusing to me. I'm not sure I understand even in reflection why he needed to frame Bullock as part of his whole operation though. It's in Bullock too where one of my major gripes with this episode lies, and it is how Bullock just feels more now as a plot point used to move other components of the story along. For example, why on Earth would an experienced detective like Bullock go alone to investigate a lead, how on Earth could an experienced detective like Bullock single-handily be bested by a single uppercut from around a corner, and I don't believe that an experienced detective like Bullock would keep the fact that someone set him up from Gordon of all people.

The actual execution of how to sell Batman in a finale like this is a tricky thing. On the one hand, I initially entertained this notion that Batman is never completely seen, but still his presence is felt. By the end though, what was also felt was that this episode seemed to be going out of its way to not show you the dark knight. Take for instance the final scene between him and Selina where Selina has her outburst, denouncing Bruce for walking out on her ten years ago. In most cases, I would think this is the type of conversation that warrants a face-to-face interaction. Instead, Selina chooses to keep her back to Batman in a rather impractical manner so that we as the audience are forced to stay focused on her for the entire exchange.

At the end of it all, Season 5 of Gotham is quite frankly, all over the place, and for me, its entertainment value and quality never ended up topping 'Ruin' or '13 Stitches.' Too many subplots that ended up receiving no payoff in the end each scrambled for control anyway over the season's narrative, costing the audience opportunities to see further developments of Bruce's transition into Batman, why Selina ended up choosing to not leave the city with Oswald, the strange attachment Nygma had with his question mark playing card, and a supposed allusion to a comic the showrunners couldn't reveal the title of at the time because it would be considered too much a 'spoiler.' It is dispiriting that this is the note Gotham goes out on for me because I will in fact miss many of these characters and all of this cast as it's been clear for a while that each of the actors have been making the effort to go 110% with what they're given to work with. My final thoughts shouldn't suggest either that this is the verdict by which I'm forced to remember this series by, au contraire, I'd instead prefer to look back on Gotham and judge it by the chapters it was able to execute wonderfully, among which include 'Penguin's Umbrella,' 'Welcome Back, Jim Gordon,' 'This Ball of Mud and Meanness,' 'Mad Grey Dawn,' 'The Gentle Art of Making Enemies,' 'How the Riddler Got His Name,' 'The Primal Riddle,' 'Pax Penguina,' 'That Old Corpse,' and 'Ruin.'

When I get right down to it in its entirety, the closing words to Grand Canyon just about sum it up; "I think it's not all bad."

Aaron Studer loves spending his time reading, writing and defending the existence of cryptids because they can’t do it themselves.