#i'm pretty sure this wasn't the prologue anyone was expecting

[hispg]

Between royalty and vows

Pairings: Prince! Leon x Fem! Reader

Summary: A forced marriage, a fate set in stone, nothing could change that.

In the world of royalty, there were no choices, only obligations to fulfill. What you didn't expect was to become engaged to a renowned prince, ready to succeed the lineage.

Until that moment, you still had some hope that everything would work out, maybe it wasn't so bad. But it would be a shame if your future husband had a mistress.

Wouldn't it?

Wc: 2.8k

Warnings: slow burn, angst, hurt/ comfort, cheating, arranged marriage, eventual smut, one-sided love, affairs, manipulative behavior from Leon, male chauvinism, misogyny (I'll put more once things start to progress).

Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |

Chapter 7: Unforgettable

The sun was only just coming up, but you had already been awake for a long time. You weren't even allowed to sleep properly that day, after all, the bride had to get up early to prepare for the big occasion. The wedding.

You were surrounded by the queen's ladies, several seamstresses and other maids, some of whom you had never seen set foot in this castle.

In this preparation, no part of you was forgotten, you were adorned from head to toe, from the veil that covered your head to the delicate satin shoes that embellished your feet. Not even if you looked for a strand of hair out of place would you find one. You were dressed like a queen, a beauty so stunning that it could make anyone fall at your feet.

Everyone but the one you wanted.

When your eyes caught sight of yourself in the mirror, you could see every detail of your dress with the utmost clarity. The delicate silk, the lace seams that made sophisticated patterns, just by looking at it you could tell it was too expensive.

The jewelry that Leon had given you a few days ago was now all on you, from necklaces to earrings, or the crown that was on your head, which he had also chosen for you.

You were the bride, but you felt like a stranger in your own wedding, as if it wasn't yours, the intruder was you, the bride herself.

"You look beautiful, Your Highness." One of the maids said, looking at you with admiration.

You then smiled, a forced but beautiful smile, and thanked her with a nod of your head. You made a few more adjustments to your dress yourself. Until then, without realizing the queen's presence at the door, the lady looked at you from top to bottom.

"You look perfect, dear." She said in a velvety voice, approaching you.

Since the last 'disagreement' with the queen, she had been a little distant from you, but apparently everything had passed and she was acting as if nothing had happened. Maybe she just wants to make up.

"You're the perfect suitor for my son, that's why I chose you." She says, as if proud of the fact.

"Thank you, Your Grace." You say in a soft voice, keeping your smile.

She paused, coming up behind you and putting her hands on your shoulders.

Of course you knew your obligation as a woman, but hearing her say that she chose you as if you were just a pretty product on the shelf, didn't seem right.

"I imagine it wasn't easy." You say, trying to get into the same frame of mind as her.

She then nodded, gently adjusting a few details of your veil.

"It's hard to find someone who's worthy of being a prince's wife, it's not easy, being a good wife is a hard chore." She says, letting her fingers trace your necklace.

You gave her a sidelong glance, gathering all your respect, holding your tongue so as not to say something you might regret.

"I'm sure I'll be adequate." You replied politely.

"I'm sure of it, I can already imagine that you'll be able to liven up this castle. Especially when you start giving me heirs." That word sent shivers down your spine, not in a good way.

You always thought that having children would come from an act of passionate love, from those tenuous moments that formed between a couple. But it didn't take long for you to realize that it was just an obligation, and that sooner or later you would be forced to fulfill it.

"Are you already thinking of heirs, Majesty?" You murmured, thinking out loud and not realizing that you had said it out loud.

In a quiet response, she let her hands rest on your abdomen, as if she were seeing the prospect of a child in there.

"That's one of your main purposes, dear. To give my son heirs." You tried your best not to feel disgusted by the tone used, but the idea that you were just an object, destined to fulfill a role at court, was disturbing.

"I also depend on your son's will." You say, gently and firmly removing her hands from your body.

You knew what she was getting at with this manipulation.

"My son will not disappoint." She retorts, watching you support yourself on your heels and head for the exit of your room.

"No of course he won't, he already has." You say without thinking, sharp, harsh words slipping out of your mouth.

You only saw the queen change her expression, which at this point was no longer friendly, but had turned into a gray, angry expression. As if sent from heaven, Chris was charged with taking you to the carriage, and to your surprise he was already waiting for you at the door.

"Your Highness." He said with the same cutting smile as always, expecting you to accompany him.

And you did so without much thought, walking alongside him, trying to disguise the nervous look on your face

"Leon is already waiting for you at the cathedral." He says politely, helping you down the stairs.

"Oh, then we should hurry." You say, lifting up your dress so you can walk more quickly.

"We'll be there in time, don't worry." He assures you, holding your hand as you descend.

Once you had reached the main hall, you heard buzzing here and there, but you couldn't quite make it out. Until you focused your attention on a subject that was of great interest to you.

"I hear that Princess Ashley is very ill! She won't even be able to attend the wedding!" One of the maids commented to Ausdret, who was listening attentively.

"Get back to your duties, there's a lot to do!" Ausdret retorted, giving no room for any gossip to continue.

Ashley sick, a severe cold? Or some more serious illness? In fact, she'd have to be very ill not to attend such an event, or perhaps it's an excuse?

Chris certainly sensed your uncertainty, and promptly muttered, "It'll be fine. You look gorgeous, and so will the wedding."

You felt a small sense of relief, but it was enough to make you put your head together and think about the day ahead.

"Yes, it'll be fine." You murmured back to Chris, sounding more like something to you than to him.

In a cozy silence, he took you to the carriage waiting outside, where they were already waiting for you.

"Good luck, Your Highness." Chris whispers just for you to hear, giving you a gentle smile.

You nod, trying to force your best smile. Despite the storm in your heart, you needed to keep everything in order. Once you got into the luxurious carriage, you knew there was no turning back. And you had chosen that, now all you had to do was wait for the road to end and you would be at the altar, sealing an illusory commitment.

Once you got out of the carriage, you heard the trumpets sounding to announce your arrival, and that's when you began to walk calmly, always keeping your smile and elegance, your head held high as you were the target of the party's prying eyes. Your father was already waiting for you at the entrance to the cathedral, ready to take you down the aisle.

On the way to the altar, you didn't know if it was harder to walk in a dress that size or if the weight of your heart was more significant than that. When the trumpets stopped, all you could hear was the faint applause, the low murmurs here and there, which were so low that you couldn't identify what they were about.

The cathedral was packed, so many people there and you didn't even know half of them, but if they were there, they were certainly important people.

In the distance you could see your family, who smiled proudly at you, your mother with her eyes watering almost to the point of tears, and of course for her everything was perfect, and even if it wasn't, your family and his would act as if everything was a beautiful fairy tale.

Your walk down the aisle was soon marked by the orchestra, playing the standard wedding tune, the sounds echoing through the room as you this time took your focus off your family, and managed to spot your groom, waiting impatiently for you at the altar.

Hate him all you want, but he was breathtaking. Leon found himself wearing a black suit, his eupalette shining when the sun reflected off them, his hair slicked back in a style you hadn't seen him wear before. When you saw him return your gaze, you felt butterflies blooming in your stomach, your breath catching in your throat, causing you to hold the flowers in your hands tighter. He looked so beautiful, you could gasp just looking at him.

Step by step you finally reached the altar, making a small courtesy, and your father gave you a small blessing, and you promptly positioned yourself next to the prince. You were so close, so far apart, almost tying the knot, but still far from finding each other.

Once silence prevailed, the priest cleared his throat and looked at everyone, but specifically at the two of you.

"I appreciate everyone's presence for the celebration of this union. I request that you all take your places so that we can begin the ceremony." The priest said, looking at everyone seriously, but with a certain joy in his eyes.

"We are here today to initiate the union between two kingdoms, between two young lovers." The older man says, his attention focused on the pieces of paper on the lectern.

Who in the whole kingdom wouldn't be happy about such a union?

Everyone sits down and stares at the two of you, the youngest couple about to be married.

"We are here to witness, before God and the whole kingdom, the conjuncture and union between two royals, a prince and a princess, who will soon be our next majesties." Once again the priest spoke, this was his moment to speak, and he would make the importance of this union even clearer.

And then he looks up at the two of you, speaking seriously once again, " Matrimony is a sacred union, not to be broken by anything. The only plausible explanation for breaking that holy and sacred union, is death."

These words sent a chill down your spine, and you couldn't help but swallow when you found yourself facing this situation. Only death could separate the two of you.

What could be a love story for any couple in love, for you, God forgive you, seemed to be more of a curse than anything else.

With a glance from the priest, you saw a girl approaching, carrying the rings on a small cushion. They were made of pure metal, shining so brightly that they were striking even from a distance. Yours had his name engraved on it, along with a diamond at the top.

Leon's ring, on the other hand, also had your name on it, but no stones or other adornments. This was the time to exchange vows, the moment when the two of you would make promises and promises of love.

Another girl came and gently took the bouquet of flowers from your hand, so that you could turn around and face Leon, and the two of you were staring at each other. And you didn't see a hint of love in Leon's eyes, maybe you found some emotion, and it was probably discontent.

Leon then took your hands in his, his warm, larger hands wrapped around yours, and you felt a sudden shiver at the small act.

"Do you promise, Leon Scott Kennedy, to take," he then spoke your name, "as your lawfully wedded wife, to love her, comfort her, honor her and guard her, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as long as you both shall live?"

The silence was deafening, everything was quiet except for the sound of your heart beating in your ears, and at the slightest gesture, you squeezed his hand even harder.

At the same moment, you saw him press his lips together tightly, his emotions screaming inside him, the pain between having to seal an incorrigible path, put everything he once wanted to the test, override the desire to follow his heart.

With a certain apprehension, he picked up the ring, removed your gloves, and then slid the ring onto your ring finger.

"Yes… I promise." He says, without any conviction, for the first time you saw his gaze empty, but at the same time you could see the melancholy present there.

"Do you promise," the priest began, clearly speaking your full name before continuing, "to take Leon Scott Kennedy as your lawful wedded husband, to love him, comfort him, honor him and guard him, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as long as you both shall live?"

His hesitation to answer was an answer as clear as a thousand words.

But now his oath had been made, all that was left was for you.

With your mind working a thousand miles a minute, all you did was look deep into Leon's eyes, as if you were searching for something there, perhaps something to calm your nerves. But he was looking for the same thing in you, so you were both looking for solace, when you wouldn't have any.

When you saw the people looking at you with a certain astonishment, seeing that you were slow to respond, you also reached for the wedding ring that sealed the marriage, taking Leon's hand in yours as you placed the jewel on his finger.

"Yes, I promise." You said in a whisper, just giving the priest and Leon a chance to hear.

You could already hear some murmurs forming in the cathedral, but you couldn't make out what they were about. A request for silence from the priest was enough to stop all sound, and silence took over once again.

A sound of the priest cleaning his throat, was enough for you to come back to reality and stop staring at Leon, paying attention to what the priest had to say.

"In the sight of God and of people, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May this unification be full of fruits and joys, may it bring to our country what we need. And may you both be happy and blessed by God." For the first time you see the priest give the two of you a slight smile and then mutter:

"You must seal the union with a kiss." The phrase gave you butterflies in your stomach, and it didn't take more than a few seconds for Leon to bring his face close to yours.

At that moment, all you could feel was the blush rising to your cheeks, and everything around it disappeared once he locked his lips onto yours, gently placing a hand on your cheek to hold you in place.

You closed your eyes and let yourself be carried away by the sensation, your lips on his as you moved in sync, in a gentle and sweet way.

If everything was as sweet as this moment was being, then you would feel complete. But life is not a bed of roses.

Once you parted, you leaned your foreheads together, and listened to the various cheers and whistles you saw from everyone watching.

"I promise you'll be happy." Leon whispered to you, and you didn't know if it was worse that he was lying in front of God, or that you believed it so easily.

"I hope so." You reply with a weak smile, looking at him deeply.

When the two of you turned your faces away a little, you were faced with a crowd of emotional people looking at you. Some smiled, some cried, but everyone seemed to be happy for the two of you.

You knew it was far from over, you still had the reception, the ball, and the tedious conversations that would go on for endless minutes.

But since all these real commitments would be over before nightfall, you would soon be going on honeymoon with Leon.

A thought that would almost certainly be a dream for couples in love. But you didn't know whether to be apprehensive or disappointed, perhaps even intrigued. You'd be lying if you said that the idea of sleeping with him didn't make your knees weak.

In any case, when the two of you went on your honeymoon, you would indeed play your part as his wife. Something about that was strangely excoriating.

And when that happened, you were his, officially his.

You were his.

Oh, you were his.

Taglist: @gollumsmygel, @quemmysworld, @loveoverdosing, @delulusimps, @d3jecteddoll, @kennedyleyy, @acriixys, @deredvv, @luminehallowss

[win-writes]

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭; Prologue

༶ The Perfect Girl masterlist

༶ word count: 1,092

༶ next chapter

Ability: Dollhouse

Y/n manipulates her victims by making them inhale her scent. It forces their brain to hallutinate and give y/n all the traits they desire in a woman. This makes them super vulnerable, allowing y/n to hypnotize anyone under her influence to do or say whatever she wants.

With an ability as powerful as this, it was only natural for Fukuchi to recruit y/n into the Hunting Dogs. She was perfect for interrogations, investigations and captures.

Finally, this power can be used for good.

You felt a tap on your shoulder, turning around to face your excited captain "don't worry too much y/n, i'm sure you'll nail it on your first day!"

You give him a warm smile and nod your head. You are't really nervous about whatever task the captain had in mind for you. You are pretty confident you can use your skills to achieve anything Fukuchi expects from you.

It is your colleagues that make you stress more than anything.

You met them a couple of weeks ago, before undergoing the needed surgery to formally join the Hunting Dogs. They didn't seem too pleased at first, doubting whether or not you'd be able to keep up with what it takes to be a Hunting Dog. Despite everything, the surgery went well, and after some days of recovery, you finally came to the headquarters to start your new life as an official recruit of the team.

Speak of the devil, you heard a knock on the door, "Come in already!" shooted the captain from behind you, and as he ordered, the 3 people you were expecting entered the room, immediately taking notice of the new girl wearing their uniform.

Out of reflex you looked down, not used in getting so much attention out of the blue. Yes, it was easy for anyone to assume you'd be social due to your ability, but it was because of it that you found yourself more introverted.

"Everyone! I'm happy to announce that from this day on, y/n is officially a Hunting Dog!", said the happy captain, waving his hand at you. You stood up raising your head to greet the two men and the lady in front of you. "It is my pleasure to work with you all" you bowed.

You were quick to note the surprised looks in everyone's face. Guess they really didn't see that coming. "I'm glad you made it l/n" Tetchou bowed back "the pleasure is ours". He was always so respectful, since the day you met him. You were relieved to say the least that the strongest man in the group wasn't bitter towards you.

"Please call me y/n there's no need-" before you could finish you sentence, Jouno interrupted you, "Sir we were about to interrogate the terrorists from this mornings attack, do we really have time for this?"

Seriously?

To be fair, you didn't expect anything different from Jouno. He was rather sarcastic on your first meeting, saying that "there's no need to add more people to the group" and that "she will only slow us down and get in our way"

You were about to speak, when Fukuchi suddenly started laughing, "Hold your horses Jouno, it's the perfect time for this" Fukuchi answered with a wide smirk on his face, "We'll have y/n interrogate them all to show us how she does things" he announced. You mentally sighed. It was much easier to show them you are capable of holding the title of a Hunting Dog, than meaninglessly convince them with your words.

Teruko slowly starts walking towards you, with a mischievous smirk taking over her lips, "If captain wants to take away all my fun so be it, but you better be worth it"

"I'll make sure not to disappoint you" you replied full of confidence. All of you followed Fukuchi to the first interrogation room. The captain explained that you'll be the only one entering the room, while everyone else would watch from the room nextdoor through the glass.

You took a deep breath before opening the door, leading you to the captive inside with all his limbs tightly tied down to the chair in the middle of the room. "Who the hell are you supposed to be?" the man asked while raising an eyebrow, "You'll find out soon enough" you coldly replied as you started taking off your gloves and your cape, placing them to the chair right across his. Slowly unbuttoning your shirt, you walked towards him.

The man started laughing at your shenanigans, "Did they sent me a stripper or wha-", his laugh was quickly stopped as you violently grabbed the head of the chair right above his head, "Want to repeat that?" your eyes were flaming with rage, while your face had no expression at all.

"I said did they... sent me.." the more he is breathing the more light headed he gets. "What the hell", his mind now feels floating as if he's high. Your face remains emotionless as you watch his eyes meeting yours again, but this time with a stupid look on his face.

"What.. did you?.." he whispered while everything around him faded away and all he could see was you. His eyes fell to your exposed cleavage and you could swear he was about to start drooling, "Eyes on me dipshit" he quickly faced you again, completely ignoring your insult, as if you complemented him.

You made your way back to your chair, grabbing the report paper and your pen, "Tell me who you're working for and whatever the hell you're planning" and like a trained dog, he did exactly what his owner commanded.

He gave away everyone in the organization he is working for and explained in detail everything he knew about their plans. You got dressed up and left the room without saying a word, listening to his ridiculous pleads to make you stay.

At the same time next door, everyone was left speechless with what they just witnessed. "She's good, isn't she?" the captain proudly bragged about his new recruit, awayting for his team's opinions. "I never doubted your judgment sir", Tetchou replied. "I like her" Teruko continued with a sly smile on her face. "What about you, Jouno?" Tetchou asked the man sitting at the corner of the room.

What they failed to notice, was the smirk that took place in Jouno's face, the moment he figured out your ability, using this sharp senses

"I guess.. she's not that bad.."

NOTE: for y/n's ability, i got inspired by midnight's quirk from mha and tomie by junji ito! hope this helps you understand the ability better in case i didn't explain it well<3

[gourdkeeper]

Reader x Jamie Halloween fic part 1

Middle of July but the crave for Halloween struck early so here we have it. This will be a two part fic, both with the same prologue.

Word count: 2374

Content warnings: 18+, gender neutral reader, reader gets scared and promises payback, Jamie becomes a victim to the reader, knife usage (a prop), semi public, masturbation, sex in costumes

Part 2 where Jamie scares you instead (soon)

🦇🦇🦇

It was Halloween and both you and Jamie planned to go to the party being held in the abandoned Red Factory.

Jamie wasn't much of a Halloween person, he never really dressed up much, he found it silly as he said, truth is he was a bit scared of being seen as cringe-worthy and wouldn't be taken serious anymore. He also didn't like the idea of getting scared during a movie or if he happened to play a videogame. He remembers, not so fondly, of a time his cousins had him play a maze game that ended up jumpscaring him and giving him trust issues for awhile and even though there was no ill intent, he had been teased over his reaction for awhile. He doesn't hold it against them, he's just not the biggest fan of horror. He scared easily and he would never be caught confessing it.

However, for you, the love of his life, he is willing to put that aside and dress up for once, go to a themed party and even go and visit a haunted house in the middle of a forest that stays just outside Metro City. He's not exactly thrilled for it, but you're worth the effort and he would do just about anything just to see a smile on your face. After all, you're the great Jamie Siu's partner, if anyone deserves happiness, it's you.

You decided to meet up at the party instead of going together to save up on time otherwise you'd end up making out or getting drunk even before arriving, which isn't a bad idea, but not for tonight.

You were wearing a Michael Myers costume. Halloween is dear to you so you just tend to put some effort every time in it. Donning a jumpsuit full of fake blood splatters, a chainsaw with a motor but without the chain equipped carried on your back,  dull prop knife in hand and the iconic mask was kept on your belt so you can put it on later after you find your boyfriend.

The place is crowded already almost everyone wearing costumes, it's gonna be hard to tell who Jamie is, you don't even know what he's wearing to boot.

You're pretty sure you see Luke far off wearing some sort of frankenstein get up, he's the only face you recognize so you start walking his way until you feel a light tap on your left shouder.

You halt and look behind.

"Huh?"

No one, what the hell?

You just begin turning back to a loud yell making you stumble back a few steps clutching your chest.

"What the- ...jerk..." you mumble with a small smile appearing on your face.

Jamie's laughing his ass off, not expecting you to fall for something so basic and silly.

He looks stunning, it's gonna be hard to keep your eyes off of him. Wearing a long and tight sleeveless black and red qipao with baggy grey pants underneath, and a paper charm attached to a small hat, resembling a jiangshi with a modern twist. Damn. He even got fangs on.

"Maybe Halloween can be fun", he says still laughing at your expense, "Should have seen your face-"

Your fist meets his chest lightly.

"Tsk knock it off. I'm gonna get you back for that."

"Get me back? Oh come on now, Jamie Siu doesn't ever get scared." Lying through his teeth, you know you can scare him and you will, you're not going home without it happening.

"Is that a dare?" You smirk, hand on your hip.

"A dare you'll fail at." He has this smug attitude and cocky smirk on his lips that you can't wait to wipe off later.

You banter for a bit longer before going to sit at the bar for a little.

"You sure put a lot of effort in this... Is that thing real?“ he points at the chainsaw.

"What do you think?" You gauge what his response will be, might give you a good idea.

He looks at it for a couple of seconds, drink in hand.

"Hmmmm... Fake." He looks pretty confident of that answer.

You smile at him, trying not to laugh because he's so so wrong. "Smart. How did you know?"

"Of course I'm smart, you know me. I shouldn't even need to answer something like that." He kicks back the drink in one go and pours himself one more.

"You put in a lot more effort than expected too, thought you'd just show up in a tank top or something."

"If it wasn't for you I wouldn't even show up." he smiles at you, baring his cute fangs.

"So," you start, "do you still want to go to the haunted house after this?"

He chokes up on his drink momentarily. "Ah- uh..." He forgot about it, or was hoping you would have forgotten at least but of course that didn't happen. "Sure!" He exclaims while trying to hide any anxiousness, "Can't wait to see you getting scared a second time."

"Sure thing wuss."

"Am not, you were the one getting startled not me." He spits back.

"Well," you get up energised, "let's get going then, it's kinda boring here anyway!"

You tug on his arm and drag him away with you.

Outside he walks in front of you. Your eyes are glued to him, he's so beautiful you could just eat him up. You're basically undressing him with your gaze.

You reach the outskirts of Metro City, loads of vegetation and trees.

"Is there really no other way there? Do we really need to walk through the forest?"

"Yep. No other way." You lie, there is a beaten path elsewhere but it's more fun this way, for you that is.

You stick to him while walking, he looks painfully wary. Every small sound has him whipping his head around, doesn't help much that it's dark and the moonlight only lets you see so much.

"Babe..." you speak in a small voice.

"Hm?" he turns his head to look at you.

"I need to pee."

"Now? There are no bathrooms here-"

"I'll just, go behind a bush, it's alright. Will you wait for me here?"

"Ugh...sure, make it quick though."

He's clearly not a fan of this. He's antsy enough as is, being left alone right now is downright terrifying. The wind whistling and blowing through the leaves, branches smacking each other making him jump, "Nothing bad's gonna happen, it's just some trees dude..." he pep talks himself to keep calm.

You went behind a bush like you said you would but of course you don't need to pee, you just needed to keep him somewhere you could see while he's distracted. You sneak your way around. Careful to not step on any twigs or make any unwanted noise. You circle around a tree and keep going until you can see him from the back. You tiptoe your way to another tree. He has no idea you're this close, any closer and you'd be practically breathing down his neck.

"Babe..?"

He grows more inpatient by the second, he asked you to be quick goddamit and it's been *almost* a minute, outrageous. To him it felt like an eternity.

"You ok?" he asks with a shaky voice and takes a step forward. Good. This is it.

You take the chance to put on your mask.

"Look if this is your attempt to scare me it's not gonna work..." He takes another uncertain step forth.

You take the, according to Jamie, "fake" chainsaw into your hold and slowly emerge from your hiding, eyes glued to his back.

"If you jump out at me you're so lame-"

You rev up the engine in short bursts, holding the chainsaw upwards and charging at him.

"WHAT THE F-" he exclaims, color drained from his face, followed by a breathless scream.

He trips and stumbles back incredulous, hat falling from his head. His heart pounding, damn near bursting from his chest as he scrambles to get back up and running.

Perfect.

You give chase for a second, revving up the harmless saw a couple more times as you see him turn and hide behind a tree. You know exactly which one. You can't help but giggle to yourself, his reaction could have not been any better, it's like you took it straight from a cheap slasher movie.

"You! Fucking! Asshole!" He yells out from his crappy hiding spot. His heart is still doing flips in his chest and breath shallow. He knows it was you under the mask but *still*. There's no brushing off this one, he knows he shrieked and looked horrified, there is no "Jamie Siu doesn't get scared" out of this.

You remain silent, approaching slow and steady, just hoping you can squeeze a bit more out of the situation. You sling the chainsaw back, and take your prop knife out instead.

You're standing at the tree he's hiding behind of and pace around it. You can see his face, his head whipped back against the tree, taking in short and heavy breaths, spine slouched back, hand opening his garment because he's too warm.

He looks delicious and the expression painted on his face makes you hot and bothered. You approach just a bit more. Somehow unnoticed. Your face inching from his.

Were you really that good at sneaking around or is it just unexpected to be *that* close? It doesn't matter.

"Boo" you whisper.

Jamie jumps out of his skin once more.

"BRO WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU."

You erupt in laughter, you almost pity him, he was so out of it that even the "bro" came out, you'd feel bad for him if he hadn't been the one starting this.

It's his turn to punch your chest in jest now.

"That was *not* funny!" he pouts with his eyes shut and holds his index finger out, "And take that damned thing off it's freaking me the hell out!“ he points at your mask shakily.

You oblige, you have the biggest shit-eating-grin on your face, "Not funny to you maybe!"

You take a step in his direction. Your eyes diving under his collar bone and at his exposed chest... Did he really have to undo his shirt?

"What are you staring for?"

"Oh you know..."

"Hm?" he can tell the gears in your head are turning but he's unsure what the thoughts are.

"What if... What if I chased after you..." your voice low, barely above a whisper, your body closing in on his, "Until I got you pinned down... And then had my way with you... We're alone after all..."

His adam's apple bobs on his throat, face feeling warmer with the implications, he hates how much his body betrays him, he was supposed to be upset at you for scaring him but he knows where this is going and he can't say the idea doesn't excite him.

"You played such a good victim..." you take the knife and put it under his chin, lifting it up. You can see his lips part and his hands reaching for the tree behind him for salvation.

"...Want to keep playing?"

You must've awakened something new in him, something primal deep within.

He flashed you a smile and quickly pushed you off of him with his foot and runs off.

You yelp and chase right after. Hot on his track, gripping hard onto the knife.

Just as you're closing in he changes direction. Leaving you scrambled up momentarily before resuming.

"Fine, you wanna play that way?“ you mutter and speed up parallel to him to cut him off.

Jamie looks over his shoulder, thinking he lost you and the moment he turns around there you are, almost mimicking the way he got you earlier in the evening.

He stops abruptly and tried to get away but you grab him by his hair and pull him to you, knife against his throat threateningly.

"I would behave if I were you..." you whisper in his ear, pulling the knife backward, limiting his range of motion further.

"Ah-!"

Of course the blade is completely dull, but the cold steel plays tricks on his mind.

The hand that tugged on his silky hair travelling down his body, groping his exposed chest.

His hands threaten to hold onto yours and you remind him of his place.

"Keep those hands up where I can see them."

He's quick to obey and has to surpress a moan. His dick is rock hard against his pants. Why this is turning him on his beyond his comprehension but he'll play along.

Your hand travels down and snaked beyond the flap on the garment and under the pant's waistband to find his erection and the lack of underwear.

"Oh? Someone's a bit dirty..." you whisper as you take him in your fist, small cries of pleasure spilling from his lips when you start pumping.

His knees are buckling together, his hands up and sticking out but trembling.

You can feel how wet he has become, there is almost no friction as you jerk him, applying more pressure everytime your hand passes the ridge of the head and sometimes rubbing your thumb on his tip.

He's moaning and rocking his hips, not thinking clear anymore. He never expected to be handled this way in the middle of a forest in Halloween but here he is, with his voice growing whiny by the second and pleading you to keep going.

You speed up, knife flush against his neck as he moans with his eyes shut tight and mouth gaped. He doesn't hold back as he comes with a grunt of relief, his body weakly leaning on yours for support as you drain him dry.

You take a couple of minutes to take a breather together.

He's a bit embarrased by this discovery. Maybe Halloween isn't that bad.

You clear your throat. "Still want to go to the haunted house?"

He chokes up on air, "Nah, I think I'm good!“

You both laugh together.

"Told you I'd get you back."

"No idea what you're talking about." he averts his gaze still laughing.

"Sure thing o'great Jamie Siu." You poke at him.

[fateinthestars]

This fanfic is taking way longer than I think I was probably expecting. Over 10k words and not the direction I was originally intending. (Not saying that's a bad thing, just the focus is now shifting somewhat in the middle).

So I guess for tonight I'll post something else I had in mind.

Out of curiosity I screenshotted the forbidden/blessed meter on Episode 12 of all the main path storylines. (May not be fully accurate cos you know there might have been re-reads on certain ones).

I'm gonna blank out whose is whose in the collage versions below and then reveal them from most blessed to most forbidden under the cut, with maybe some thoughts about the path. Spoiler warning, obviously.

Okay then... let's see:

I wonder whether anyone can guess what order this likely is...

Well let's get into it....

(And yes I might do the sequels and stuff later - the first story made more sense right now... for one thing I've played everyone's first story now finally. My completion for the other stuff is all over the place. I may still mention things form the later parts of the story here though, just as a warning).

So let's begin with...

1. Huedhaut

Huedhaut was actually the route I played first. I initially only bought the Wishes game (it's split into two games on Switch) so only had the choice of the six Wishes Gods.

Maybe I was drawn to him as one of the calmer seeming personas from the intro (Why would you pick Leon he already tried to drop you out of the sky!) or maybe it's because Aquarius is my own star sign.

I... kinda wish I hadn't picked Hue first. Not because I don't like his route, far from it. I think it's amazing, honestly, but...

I kinda didn't want to play the other routes after. I seem to recall it was only a fleeting hesitation but, well...

The God who sacrificed some of his stars to save his lover is reunited with her reincarnation... it just seems like fate if you believe in that kind of thing.

I do wonder what poor Hue is thinking at times during the other routes.

As to his later story lines? Well as it stands right now I've only had two forbidden endings, and one is one of Hue's other stories. (Iirc I fixed it to Blessed pretty sharpish so it wasn't that far into forbidden, but I fear a rant about Clotho and the King's actions in this route later on are for another post)

=. Ichthys

Okay I admit it. I'm pretty sure one of the main reasons I grabbed Punishments part of the game before the Switch sale ended was because I really wanted to play Ikky's path. Ikky probably resonates with me a lot actually. Not so much the pranks but everything else. And there were far more feels here than I was expecting.

I do like how looking at actions in other routes can sometimes take on a different meaning after playing their main routes and Ichthys is quite present in most routes...

(Oh and as a side note, spoilers for Promise of Infinity: You can raise MC as MC, King? Well fuck you in Hue's route. Seriously, fuck you).

Talking of presence...

3. Zyglavis

Yeah we've fallen down a whole notch on the blessed meter here but Zyglavis is totally my type of character. A cold front with inner turmoil but a want to maintain the balance. I'm an Ace Attorney fan and as someone who writes Miles Edgeworth a lot, Zig seems to be becoming a large presence in the fanfics (all two of them (if you include my wip)) I've written for Star-Crossed Myth.

=. Tauxolouve

If Hue is the God that feels the most fate like of the 1st Prologue Gods, then Tauxolouve is the one that seems the most that in the 2nd Prologue.

I do wonder a little though whether the slight clumsiness at delicate work was added as an afterthought to give him some sort of flaw because he does seem pretty much perfect to possibly a ludicrous degree.

Sure the others think he's a playboy but sheesh have some of them looked in a mirror lately? Partheno, Teo, and Leon have no right to say anything.

5. Krioff

Another drop in the meter but not quite as big as the last one.

I... don't have that much to say about Krioff. There's some nice moments in his main path but I have *only* played his main path and not even read his point of view yet.

=. Partheno

Ehh. I've got a feeling with Partheno's route I went more for what I thought was needed than what my gut reaction answer would be. I don't know what I was expecting from Partheno's route but I wasn't expecting... well I wasn't expecting this.

It might explain the creepy vibe he gives in other routes but... he's a bit of an odd one. It is an interesting idea but probably felt the least natural to play to me.

=. Teorus

I think Teorus was who I played second. Years ago one of the Otome games I played was Be My Princess and he did rather remind me of the one I got furthest in the path with.

I thought on the main path he might actually be a bit lower than this. I moved away from Teo for a bit because there's a certain scene in his main path that rubbed me up the wrong way.

His later stories are mostly much sweeter though - but I still doubt he'd ever rival Hue, Ikky, Zig, or Lou. He just gets wayyy too jealous and possessive.

8. Aiginourus

Oh Ai, Ai Ai Ai. I kinda love this utter idiot. I've been making fun of him in my recent nonsense posts but it comes from a place of love.

I think what you get with him improves as the storyline goes on. Plus his sequel has a scene where I burst out laughing. Not least because I actually genuinely selected that option.

=. Karno

I really like Karno. He might even be the most 'normal' of the Gods. But... he's always been looking out for you? I'm not sure he's the one I'd pick as the love interest. Maybe I'll change my mind like I did with Teo once I've played the later stories (only on 3/13 completion with Karno).

=. Leon

Leon was the last one I played the main story for (and I've *only* played the main story). It started pretty much how I feared but I was kinda surprised at the way it progressed.

11. Dui

Poor Dui. I adore Dui, but I suppose I should not be surprised at his meter only just being in the blessed for his initial story. It feels hard to handle things correctly and that's probably intentional due to the storyline here. If my four most blessed meters in this post are my top four, Dui might actually be fifth.

12. Scorpio

This meter is actually after an (admittedly very brief) attempt to fix it. I'm finding in my recent fic that I quite enjoy writing him but I fear using the reactions I think in the game that I am not at all compatible with the Scorpion.

His favourite food being rabbit ear apples though is adorable.

Scorp's might be at the bottom by my love meter screenshots but I suspect character wise he'll end up above Krioff and Partheno, and I won't rule out the later stories pushing him past Leon.

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

I hope that gave some insight into my thoughts about the game without going too spoilery, and I don't think I truly dislike any of them. And hopefully I haven't gone too vague either, but this post is already a massive ramble ^^;;

One random thing I need to say, and it's to do with Ichthys' bonus episode: Whilst it's funny I now can no longer get out of my head what would have happened had he used those novelty Taiyaki post the events of the second prologue...

Karno adores spicy stuff, he'd have wondered what on Earth the problem was. xDDD

[poppyseedspshelpmesleep]

So here's the first chapter of my current work (a crackfic of the finest order). Chapters 1-3 are already posted on my ao3 poppyluv_3, I've just decided that I want to use my Tumblr account more and will probably be posting chapters 2 & 3 here sometime later. Chapter four will be up soon along with something extra I've been working on once I cleared my slump of writer's block lol.

Fair warning, I'm a novice writer and doing this crackfic for fun, also still finding my writing style so stuff will switch up whenever as I feel like trying something out.

Prologue chapters: 1

Chapters: 2, 3, 4

Also feel free to check out this Silly Shenanigans series on ao3 here.

The Chosen One

Chapter One | Obito and Kakashi: First Meeting

One might think it a little early for a certain Uchiha to be up and about. Should anyone ask, said boy would then say he was on his way to class. Why so early?, you may question -but the fact of the matter is this: The universe will always make it so Uchiha Obito is late.

*—---*

The day before, their instructor had told them to expect a new classmate. There had been an odd tone to his words as he spoke, but Obito stopped paying attention once the man said their classmate would be a whole two years younger than them. Probably closer to three years younger than Obito himself, but that was beside the point.

He could not afford to be late on the day an apparent genius would be joining their class. Sure, the teacher hadn't said it himself, but Obito had heard the rumors. Hatake -something, who was just sooo talented the academy had no choice but to bump him up a few grades. 'Cause apparently this wasn't the first time this kid was skipping ahead, either. Which Obito found hard to believe, because he was only eight himself and in third grade -most of the others in his class were almost eight as well! For this Hatake kid to have skipped a grade twice already, and all while not even meeting the academy age requirement since he was only five years old, well, people might call Obito dumb, but not even he was dumb enough to fall for that obvious lie.

So yes, he was trying not to be late today. Unfortunately, just as the sun started to really light up the streets, Obito heard a caw from near directly above him. Suddenly aware of a bag of pistachios inexplicably clipped onto his clothes, he paled.

The bird cawed again. Another joins it. Soon, what could be mistaken for a swarming black cloud forms above him. Obito gulps.

The first crowd drops to hop at his feet, and Obito holds his breath. As soon as it starts inching closer, he turns around and runs.

The murder follows.

////

Of course, the rumors turn out to not be a lie. Hatake Kakashi was just as much a genius as the others proclaimed, easily answering any questions when called upon, expertly throwing shuriken when they went outside to practice, the whole shebang. How he got past the age requirement was still anyone's guess, though.

Weighing his options, Obito eventually convinced himself to approach Kakashi, who was proving himself to be more and more amazing with each passing day. The semester had really only just begun, but it was looking more and more to Obito like he wouldn't be moving on with the rest of his class. Again.

Kakashi was pretty quiet, and there was this look in his eyes- like he was judging you, but he obviously knew what he was doing. Besides, Rin seemed to always be watching the silver haired boy nowadays, so maybe if Obito was around him, she'd see him, too!

…so yea, Obito was gonna talk to Kakashi. And it totally had nothing to do with his crush on Rin, or with how Kakashi was just really cool looking and amazing at pretty much everything-

A minute movement from the corner of his eye and Obito swerved, intent on making sure it wasn't another crow having come to collect its due.

Nothing.

Obito brushed imaginary feathers from his jacked and took a deep breath. Okay, so maybe he just wanted to talk to his new classmate. Both to get Rin's attention, yes, but also because Kakashi seemed pretty cool, too. And maybe the prodigy would be willing to help him out, that would be the best possible outcome.

…could Kakashi's coolness be contagious? 'Cause that would be awesome!!!

////

Obito's resolve to approach Kakashi had been interrupted by the teacher calling them back inside, but that didn't matter. He would just have to find Kakashi after class.

Which was notoriously difficult. Others had tried approaching their new classmate already, but Kakashi had a tendency to just disappear as fast as possible.

Maybe Obito should wait…?

No! Like his granny always said 'you'll never know until you try,' and Obito would not let Kakashi's skittishness change his mind!

As soon as class was done for the day, Kakashi was up and out of his seat. For once though, he didn't bolt right out the door, instead going to talk with the teacher. Deciding to linger by the doorway, Obito got front row seats to his departing classmates being pushed aside by a bright green dart.

Said dart turned out to be a boy about a year younger than him, with a rather ugly looking jumpsuit and -unique hairstyle, Obito mentally corrected. The boy struck a pose with a thumbs up, grin somehow gleaming. Transfixed, Obito missed what he said.

"Maa.. not today, Gai. My father's picking me up."

Obito blinked at the voice, and the green boy- Gai? deflated dramatically, reminding him of some of his older cousins. Then just as suddenly, Gai perked up again, face lighting up.

"We should have our Dads race instead! That way we may witness how much further we have to go, still! Come, Rival, the Spring of our Youth has only just begun!" Obito could just hear the uppercases in that, how-?

"To see the possible Fruits of Labor the future has in store for us," a fist brought dramatically to his chest, head turning and eyes closed "would be an Eye-Opening Opportunity!"

Kakashi hummed, moving towards the doorway where the strange boy was waiting. Obito just watched, and, registering that his target had just left, felt oddly cheated.

Like a spell broken with Kakashi's departure, the students still in the classroom began to murmur.

"Isn't that the kid that failed the entrance exam last semester?" Someone to his right said.

"I heard my sister talking about him to her friends- apparently he's got some special talent or something,"

"That kid? No way, my cousin said his dad's the eternal genin, no way he's got some cool ability." Obito frowned at that comment, grabbing at the goggles hanging around his neck. It was only a matter of time before those kids remembered he was there and started saying something mean about him again if he didn't leave, but-

"I don't know, if he managed to get Kakashi's attention, then he's gotta be somewhat special, right?" The words came out quietly, but even so, Obito felt them settling in his mind as truth. Kakashi had been in their class for just about a week now, but in that time, he hadn't seen the other boy talk to anyone, not even when approached first. Obito tried to ignore the weird feeling settling in his stomach, he'd just have to talk to Kakashi the next day. No biggie.

The group of three turned to look at him. Then, as if able to read each other's minds, they all turned up their noses in sync and walked away. Obito blinked, trying to will away the tears. Somehow, his current class had decided the best punishment for him was the silent treatment. And the reason he was being punished? Being so late they missed out on a fieldtrip to outside the village.

He really had tried to be on time that day. It's not Obito's fault that the clan decided they just had to go over emergency procedure drills right then, and had accidentally knocked down one of his granny's walls.

Then again, no one asked Obito to stay and make sure all of his granny's belongings were found, but also- it was his granny. Still, the only one to understand was Rin. She was too kind, really. Probably why everyone was so reluctant to say something mean around her. It was like how his cousins acted when around his granny, Obito had noticed. Like they knew it was wrong and didn't want to do any wrong in their presence.

He scoffed, making his way out the building. What did it matter, in the end? Even if they knew it was wrong, they still did it when no one they cared about was looking.

Obito paused to stare at the sky once he made it outside, blinking away angry tears. Movement from his left peripheral caused him to turn and find Kakashi lounging on a tree branch. "WHAa…?!"

Wide eyes stared blankly at him before drooping. A loud boom sounded from the distance. Kakashi seemed to sink into the branch.

A moment of silence, then "..hello," Obito said dumbly.

Kakashi blinked at him. "Hi."

"...I thought you were going off with that green kid to find your parents."

The silver haired boy turned around on his branch, hugging it like a sloth. Obito stared, perplexed.

" ….. 'ma dad's too shy, he won't want to compete."

That didn't explain anything. "So?"

"So I told Gai to convince him for me. That's what he gets for not showing up when he said he would." There was a gleam to Kakashi's eyes as he spoke, and Obito gulped, oddly reminded of that feeling just before the crows started circling him this morning.

The branches rustled as another boom shook the earth. Kakashi sighed and Obito decided he could wait to have a proper conversation another day.

////

It wouldn't be until later that evening, when his granny's favorite street cat decided to pop in for a visit and engaged Obito in a staring contest, that he would realize Kakashi's stare had been nearly identical.

[secretmellowblog]

The Hobbit Comic Chapter 1: Tooks and Bagginses! (i hope this is somewhat legible lol)

Previous/Next

New Tumblr Blog for Full Comic/Webtoons/Ao3/Instagram

In the book Bilbo says that Gandalf “was responsible for so many quiet lads and lasses going off into the Blue for mad adventures.” The book goes on to imply that Gandalf was Adventure Buddies with Bilbo’s grandfather. But since Gandalf took “lasses” on adventures too, I added that Gandalf was ALSO Adventure Buddies with Belladonna. because why not!

Also: the idea behind the comic is that it’s being written/drawn by Bilbo as a bedtime story for a younger Frodo (who he’s either babysitting or has already adopted, take your pick!) This means that all the drawing mistakes are actually Bilbo making drawing mistakes. I am struggling to draw in order to be faithful to the fact that Bilbo is struggling to draw. Don’t worry, Bilbo will get better at drawing if he continues to make these comics

[iturbide]

Well, to get into the gritty details of Shahid’s death; Shahid had been cornered against a cliff (his wyvern had been slain) and Claude was asking him to surrender (with the implication that Claude just wanted to send Shahid back home), but then Shahid takes advantage of Claude lowering his guard and throws his sword at Claude. Shez deflects the blade before it hits Claude and says “if you don’t do it, I will” (LikeIy peeved Shahid almost killed their friend while he was offering mercy).

Thank you for getting into the gritty details because at this point based on my answers you've probably realized that I'm a little obsessed with them if the devil's in the details I guess I'm hunting down the devil

(Golden Wildfire spoilers under the cut)

So the situation surrounding this definitely clears things up: Shahid hadn't been disarmed yet specifically because he had only just been cornered and pushed toward surrender. It sounds like the physical situation was also pretty fraught -- Claude probably wasn't interested in going in hard when Shahid's back was to the cliff edge, for fear that his brother might fall. Even if their relationship isn't good, Claude probably doesn't want to see him dead.

...but this is where I start to really struggle. Sure, it's completely reasonable for Shez to be pissed off on behalf of his friend -- but why does Claude kill his brother when Shahid had already been disarmed? At that point he can pose no further threat except to himself, since he's in a position where he could fall on his own, and under the circumstances there's every reason to let him live and have him dealt with in Almyra. Claude more than anyone should be aware of the diplomatic nightmare that is likely to ensue when word gets back to the king that one of his kids has been killed in what amounts to cold blood: it would have been one thing if Shahid had fallen in the battle, but by that point the fight was over and he no longer had a weapon, making that act the equivalent of murder. Favorite child or not, I don't think the king of Almyra will be able to overlook that, and it gives Almyra strong grounds to attack with an even larger force in retaliation for the death of a prince.

Irredeemable or not, Shahid was still in a position where he could pose no direct threat. He had no weapon, and his army had already been fractured since we know for a fact that Nader and his men turned to Claude's side. The fact that it's known that he's power-hungry and would have made a bad king just makes the whole thing even weirder to me: unless I'm misremembering, Shahid states outright in the Prologue that he's launching an attack on the Locket against orders to hold his position because he thinks it will prove his merit and push him up in the line of succession. With his defeat in Chapter 8, how does anyone expect him to become king at that point? Doing it by murdering the king probably isn't going to cut it -- and how would he even pull that off if they sent him back in disgrace, disarmed and likely bound for both going against the king's orders and the attempted murder of his brother and the king's favorite son (which the Fodlani contingent might not know, but which Nader certainly would and be able to report)? I can't think of any justifiable reason why Shahid's death was necessary given the context provided within Three Hopes.

This doesn't feel like Claude. Claude should know better.

To give them due credit, I do appreciate that they make it pretty clear that Almyrans aren't inherently evil: while the king of Almyra isn't shown directly, it's made apparent that he's not angling for immediate war, and Nader is generally shown to be a good man both in Three Houses and Three Hopes. But at the same time, they really did have to pile on every single negative stereotype onto Shahid, didn't they? Just playing through the Prologue my thoughts were that people like Shahid are undoubtedly a part of why Fodlan has a bad impression of Almyra. He's terrible and cruel and he has such a vendetta against his younger half-brother that he's willing to target anyone who even looks like him (gods forbid he actually realizes that it is the brother he hates) -- but the thing about Claude, even early on in Three Houses, was that he didn't resort to an eye for an eye. He rolled with it when people treated him with suspicion, he smiled at the rumors, he didn't fight back when Lorenz went on about how unfit he was for leadership. He didn't retaliate in kind, because he knew that wasn't going to get him anywhere, and he had more important things to work toward. If his goal really is peace and understanding and overcoming borders between people, he should know that killing his brother -- no matter how bad their relationship is, no matter how bad a person Shahid is -- is going to work directly against his goal.

That murder is the death knell of his ambition.

[leftski-if]

Hey there! I just read Wolfsbane and I’m really looking forward to learn more about , do you have an If blog for it?

Also you said that Wolfsbane is going to be more mature do u have a list of trigger warnings ?

Hello!

This is my IF blog! It's largely themed after Raiders of the Caravan because, up until now, RotC was my main (and only) project, but @leftski-if is intended for all my IF stuff, hence sharing the occasional art of my MCs from other games as well

I suppose I could make a sideblog for Wolfsbane specifically? I wasn’t sure it’d be worth having a separate blog for a side project I didn’t intend to continue, but if that’s something people are interested in for sending Asks and stuff, I’m open to input  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

As for content warnings, if you've already read the demo and seen the content then I'm not entirely sure what I can add that would be helpful 🤔

Wolfsbane is more mature than Raiders, but I imagine it's still pretty tame by some people's standards. While the topics covered are darker, I myself am extremely sensitive and I don't revel in dwelling on or describing said topics in great detail, so the descriptions are usually brief and vague.

I wanted to make it clear in my original post that this wasn't a wholesome, feel-good story like Raiders, since I was worried people who were fans of RotC might go into this one expecting more of the same, but I doubt anything in Wolfsbane could be considered worse than what you'd find in an M-rated fantasy video game, and the 18+ warning is more just me being safe rather than sorry.

That being said, I'll include a list of topics that are mentioned and where they can be found in the prologue below the cut, just in case anyone's concerned (beware of spoilers):

Parental death and PTSD: occurs in the "parents killed by vampires" origin and can potentially influence a few events later in the story

Animal death: post-mortem discussion; unavoidable, but discussed less in the "track by scent" option

Children in peril: unavoidable, but they do survive

Suicidal ideation: one sentence, only mentioned if you pick the "werewolf childhood friend origin" and suggest Garamond make you a werewolf after the MC gets injured

Sex: brief mention, only occurs if you establish your relationship with Garamond as being friends with benefits

And just a general warning throughout for violence, although again not in great detail. It is a game about fighting monsters, after all.

[kitsunes-multiverse]

Got You in My Sights

Prologue: Time's Up! I Got You in My Sights

A young redheaded woman sat alone at a bar, a Shirley Temple by her hand with rested on the countertop. She sighed to herself, pulling her black jacket closer to her body. For some unknown reason, the AC in the building seemed to be on the highest setting. He rested her chin on her palm, glancing around.

The bar was never really known as a good place for emotional connections- mainly just hookups or getting wasted with work buddies. She wasn't here for either of those things- she just wanted to get away from home for a bit. Being a young, fairly attractive woman sitting alone at a bar definitely attracted some attention. None of the men that approached were particularly bad looking, mind you, she just wasn't interested.

Alcohol tends to lead to poor decisions- sometimes that includes decisions that lead to consequences she had neither the time nor the money to handle. Granted, working as an aerial dancer paid well, but it was more just shows and whatnot. Regardless, she was rather sure that an actual relationship wasn't on these guys' minds. Sure, there is an off chance that they MIGHT develop a relationship, but she had her doubts. Flings tend to just stay that- a fling. So she hears, anyway.

She finally stood up, thinking now was a good time to head home. After downing the rest of her drink, she set it back on the counter. Another sigh escaped her lips as she moved her hair out of her eyes. When she looked up, she noticed someone. Someone that, for whatever reason, really stuck out to her.

He was a man somewhat close to her age. He had black, slightly disheveled hair that stuck out in a few places. His eyes were a beautiful, striking shade of red- though they seemed quite tired. White gloves covered his hands, perfectly matching his white button up shirt. Along with that, he wore black pants with suspenders, black dress shoes, and black bowtie to top it all off.

The young woman seemed somewhat surprised, intrigue appearing in her amber eyes. Who was this guy? How the hell didn't she see him before? And why did he catch her attention so? Well, no use in just standing around.

With a deep breath, she walked over to the man, a soft, friendly smile on her face. Her heels clicked against the wooden floor as she approached him. The closer she got, the more she realized he was staring off into space. In one of his gloved hands was, what she presumed to be, either sparkling water or soda.

"Hey, excuse me?" She spoke up, prompting him to look at her. He looked surprised, as though he wasn't expecting anyone to talk to him. The woman gave another smile, this one a bit more apologetic. "I'm sorry to bother you, but do you mind if I sit here?" She asked, pointing to the barstool beside him.

The man blinked, still somewhat caught off guard. "Oh, well... Sure thing, I suppose. Go right ahead." He nodded.

"Thank you!" The redhead chirped, sitting down beside him.

The raven haired male shifted in his seat. He was absolutely horrendous at small talk. Well, an introduction was better than nothing, he supposed. "It's no problem.. What is your name?" He asked.

The young woman smiled once more, holding a hand to him. "Kitsune. Kitsune Queen. It's nice to meetcha. And yourself?"

"Likewise." The male responded, shaking her hand. "My name is Jesse Thornhart."

"Jesse Thornhart, huh? That's a nice name." Kitsune complimented, crossing her legs.

"Oh, uh, heh, thank you." Jesse responded. "If you don't mind my asking, what made you want to come over here? I saw you earlier by yourself." He asked.

Kitsune chuckled a bit. "That's pretty observant of you!" She commented. "But yeah... The reason is- I was just bored. I was actually just about to leave, but I saw you here. I guess I just figured... Why not? What's the worse that could happen?" She answered.

'...A lot of things, I feel like. But I'm not about to tell her that.' Jesse thought to himself. "Fair point, I suppose." He shrugged.

"Do you come here often, Jesse? I don't believe I've seen you here before, so I thought I'd ask." Kitsune asked.

Jesse shrugged a bit. "Not really, no. Truth be told, my daughter Alice convinced me to come here. She told me, and I quote: 'You need to make some actual adult friends. Go to a bar or something, I don't care what you do- just socialize.'" He explained.

The redhead couldn't help but laugh. "Oh wow! Geez, she's quite the blunt one, ain't she?" She asked.

For the first time that evening, Jesse smiled a bit. "She's quite the handful at times, but she's still my daughter. Adoptive, yes, but still." He remarked.

"Do you just have one daughter?" Kitsune asked.

"Two, actually. The other one is younger- about seven and a half now. Her name's Carrie." Jesse responded. "Do you have any children?" He asked.

The woman snickered a bit. "If you consider a kitten a child then yes, yes I do. His name's Boo- I adopted him earlier this year." She replied.

For the next half an hour, time seemed to zip by as they continued to talk. They hit it off quite a bit. Of course though, it couldn't last forever. "Well, it was lovely talking to you Kitsune, but I'm afraid I have to go. I have to make sure my daughters are doing alright." Jesse stated.

"Alrighty then! It's been fun. Oh! When you get home, check your pocket, alright? I gave ya something." Kitsune beamed, waving goodbye as she walked out the door.

Jesse blinked in confusion. She gave him something? What was it? And why did he have to get home to see what it was? Shrugging a little, he headed out the door as well. He could figure that out when he got home.

Right now, he just had to get there.

(Tag list: @arc-carnes @drsweetsonia @tessathepeanut @sarahthebookdragon )

[bluerosesburnblue]

I just remembered... were you going to write a review for Final Fantasy XV, in any shape and form, now that I think you've finished it?:)

I wasn't really planning to, but I can if you want. Though, and I hate to say this because I know you liked the game, I've found my time with the game pretty lackluster at best and ungodly frustrating at the worst. It's by no means a bad game, but the writing and worldbuilding are overall pretty shallow, I'm pretty sure I'm cursed and found some of the worst bugs in the game entirely by accident, and if I was looking for an action RPG I'd go for Kingdom Hearts because that combat is more satisfying

I think even if I didn't know the game's development history, I'd still be able to figure it out pretty easily. The whole experience radiates "one person wrote some pretty interesting concepts down, and then someone else with a different vision tried to implement them." The end result is weirdly disjointed and shallow. First draft material, basically. Or maybe closer to a hasty edit job of the first draft

Like... okay, the biggest issue is right at the start of the game. They clearly want us to feel bad that Noctis just lost his dad and the city he was supposed to rule, but the players don't have any attachment to them. The game started us out in the Leiden deserts and then suddenly "the crown city that you've never seen full of people you don't know has been taken over offscreen." This is the driving conflict of the plot and we're not shown a reason to care. I watched Kingsglaive and Brotherhood (long enough ago to remember the plots but not the details) and even then I don't feel like we're given enough of a reason to care. And it's not like they don't have Insomnia already in the game because we go there in the finale

I just... can't fathom why we don't have a prologue in Insomnia with some quests from Cor or Dustin or Monica. Maybe even some Insomnia-only NPCs! That way the game is bookended, too. You start in Insomnia, you end in Insomnia

And speaking of the end of the game, I don't really see the point of the time skip. Like, it's barely acknowledged other than "oh, there's adult Talcott and now the world is dark." But adult Talcott isn't really necessary and ten years is excessive for the darkness? The nights were already getting noticeably longer as you progressed in the story. Noct could've been out for three months or something and it would have had the same effect. A ten year time jump doesn't add anything

Especially when they don't even let you explore the ruined future! I started off that chapter so excited to see the changes and... you get Galdin and then you're locked into Hammerhead and Insomnia. Everything about what everyone's up to is just told to you by Talcott. It's absurdly underwhelming for a grand finale to end the apocalypse. Come on! I was expecting a full FFVI World of Ruin! It feels like they ran out of time and/or budget

They don’t even use it to go “look how far these boys have come,” because they’re all basically the same as when they started the game. I don’t feel like anyone had well-defined development

For instance, everyone complained that FFXIII had a datalog problem, but I legitimately would have had no idea why Gladio left the party in Chapter 7 if I hadn’t looked in the Dossiers. And why did he leave? He felt upset that Ravus parried one of his attacks at the end of Chapter 5. This is apparently something that’s been weighing on him for over a chapter and we get zero hint of it outside of the datalogs. At least with FFXIII I knew everyone’s motivations due to how they acted in cutscenes

And what about Prompto? Him being a rogue MT could have been neat if the entire thing hadn’t been botched. When he reveals it he goes “so you know those tattoos on my wrist?” And I’m just like... noooooo? This was never mentioned? And even the reveal of the MTs being people is just weak as hell. Ardyn taunts Noctis about calling them MT/empty, but... the boys didn’t really call them that much? 90% of the time it was just “imperials” or their full name of “Magitek Troopers.” If they wanted to really sell this whole thing as a reveal, they needed to go in a lot harder on dehumanizing the MTs and Prompto’s self-hate. Like... I can see the outline of what could have been an interesting plotline if the execution hadn’t totally forgotten all of the setup!

They try to shove this narrative about Noctis not wanting to take responsibility and eventually growing into being a king into the game, but it only really comes out in the form of “occasionally Noctis will complain and Gladiolus will get fucking pissed at him and start a huge fight.” And it’s not like Noct ever really complains about anything unreasonable (except vegetables). This “character development” is completely detached from the gameplay, where Noct is just the leader and everyone listens to him, and it’s also detached from the rest of the plot where he really doesn’t... complain?

And while Ignis is the least offensive in terms of implementation, it’s also because he’s the most static. He goes blind, he stumbles a bit for one chapter, he decides he’s not going to let it keep him down, he’s back to how he was except he can’t drive. But you’re in the part of the game that’s not open-world and the open-world isn’t coming back, so the car doesn’t matter

The game also feels weirdly bisected. Chapters 1-8 are 100% open world, then Chapter 9 is a contained location that you can roam, and Chapters 10-14 are 100% railroading. It's like some bizarre reversal of FFXIII, except it has the unfortunate effect of making the entire ending feel rushed. Again, like they ran out of time or budget

That bisecting really effects my overall opinion of the game. Like, here's the weird thing... I'm usually a plot and lore person, but I found that FFXV was at its best when I was just screwing around with sidequests and hunts, going from task to task and plotting out the best route. It has a nice gameplay rhythm when you're doing that! So for Chapters 1-8 I was enjoying myself a lot. I wouldn't call it the best game ever, but it was fun! And then Chapters 10-14 just dragged onnnnn and onnnnn and despite wanting more plot, the plot they were giving me was just shallow. I'd seen it all before. "The monsters were really humans, the emperor turned himself into one, and Ardyn was actually a fallen hero" is not particularly interesting when it's so predictable. The ACTUAL interesting stuff with the Astrals and the royal line of Lucis is just... not there!

Like, okay, we go hunt down the Royal Arms. Do we really know anything about their original owners? What did the dungeons say about them? Oh, nothing? They were just dungeons for the sake of having dungeons? Well, that's boring. And their spirits are supposed to be helping Noctis? But who are they? They don't act like spirit guides, more just a force of nature, which is way less interesting than the concept would lead you to believe

And the same extends to the summons. Win the favor of the gods! Only Ramuh's gonna actually be available for summoning before the penultimate boss though. Damn, what? Trials telling you about them and their backstories? Nah, just punch Titan and Leviathan a bit and then we'll have Shiva lore-drop. Also Gentiana is the human/messenger incarnation of the dead Shiva. How? Why? Eh.

And it's a shame because the way they framed the summons in this game by making them the creator gods is legitimately interesting! We've had them be powerful elemental deities before, but THE creator god was usually reserved for some other exclusive character for those games. The concept was pretty FFX-esque, but elevated. Aaaaaand then they did nothing with it except have two showy-but-scripted boss fights, one okay boss fight, and a random "kill everything" button

Like what... is the deal with Ifrit and Ardyn? Motivations beyond "am mad at world?" I assume that's in the DLC, which I haven't touched yet, but that should NOT be DLC exclusive information. Also the boys are SO hostile to Ardyn for no reason at the start. The man has done nothing except flip a coin at them as he walks off of a boat. It feels like they read the script and saw "Ardyn is the final boss" written on it and started acting out. Ignis has one line about seeing "condescension" in Ardyn's eyes when they meet, but that just feels like a hastily added excuse to justify the aggression they'd written in to try to telegraph that, yes, Ardyn is a villain

And then... the bugs. I feel like I ran into every game-breaking bug you can. I had a daemon spawn inside of the wall next to a shimmy point in my first run of Fociaugh. Meaning combat triggered every time I walked near the shimmy point and I couldn't select it, and that was the only way forward. So I had to reset and lost about an hour of progress. And that was just the start of my troubles

Technically this was just miscommunication but I was under the impression that the content for the Royal Edition was on the disc since... the disc fucking says "Royal Edition." It's not. There's a hidden download code on a sheet of paper that for me was hidden behind an entire ad booklet, and nowhere is it said on the box that you need to download it separately. So I played up to the end of Chapter 9 and did SEVERAL sidequests only to realize that I didn't get the Royal Edition boat key. I beat the game, then replayed it to try and trigger the scene where you get the key (because I'd have to replay some of it anyway I went and chapter selected back to Chapter 2 where I'd missed a bestiary entry just to snag it) and... nothing happened. I spent over a month trying to figure out why the scene wouldn't trigger, including borrowing my brother's PS4 to see if it was the system. EVENTUALLY I found an old, buried Quora thread mentioning the download code. I watched. That fucking 10 minute long unskippable boat ride to Altissia. About 20 times. Because you get the key right after it. I might have it memorized at this point

So, okay, great. We're back on track. One minor glitch where Noctis tried to get out of the car in the middle of the desert, fell through the ground, and somehow ended up out of bounds over Crestholm. But, whatever, I had an autosave just before that

But autosaves won't help with the massive glitch that I ran into trying to beat the game a second time so that I could mess around in the postgame. Because, whoops, turns out that deleting photos in the game can cause a MASSIVE SAVE CORRUPTION ERROR rendering all of your data unusable. I lost 20 hours of work. The only reason it wasn't 150 hours was because I'd backed up my save files to a USB when I was troubleshooting the Royal Edition content on my brother's PS4. I want to make it ABUNDANTLY CLEAR that, had I not completely missed that slip of paper with the Royal Edition codes, I would have lost ALL of my game saves by deleting a photo. I would have quit had it not been for pure, dumb luck

Now I’m so fucking paranoid that I back my saves up to a USB every time I’m done playing for the day

The gameplay is fine. I actually do enjoy Noctis’s ability to swap between weapons with varying fighting styles so you can find a few you like and the Links are all pretty good and I love being able to execute on them. I adore Warp Striking. Holy shit, Warp Strike is so fun, I just wish it was a little more accurate. It misses fast enemies way more than it should. But the way you zip around is just *chef’s kiss*

My only real complaints with the combat are the “hold to attack/block” functionality and magic. Magic is easy; I don’t like how it doesn’t lock-on and I don’t like how it does damage to the party. I get that they’re trying to make it seem powerful and uncontrollable, but the end result is that it just ended up annoying. I never bothered to use it because it was wonky to aim and the party just does whatever they want so I can’t really stop them from running directly into the line of fire. I only really started using it recently, when I found the accessory that eliminates friendly fire damage. Even then, though, I tend to just stick the spells on Ignis and leave it at that

As for the “hold to attack,” people have complained about KH games getting you stuck in long animation strings for years, but it never actually bothered me. Now I kind of get it, though. Holding to attack instead of pressing gets Noctis caught in chains that you can’t easily break out of to block/dodge so a good deal of combat ends up with him just getting knocked around, unable to do much unless you’re playing cautiously. Maybe it’s just my experience with the KH3 Pro Codes, but I much prefer being able to count my button presses and dodge out of chains if I need to

Actually, that’s kinda the vibe I get from FFXV. It feels like it’s trying to be KH’s gameplay and bits of the lore mixed with a modern-day open-world game like... hm. Are there actually any games like I’m thinking of? It has more of the empty-world, outdoorsy feel of LoZ Breath of the Wild, but the modernity and product placement of a GTA game or something. It could work if executed right, and I’d love to see it actually get executed right, but as it is it’s just a bit of an empty, tonal mess (Why are there only two populated cities in the entire game? It feels so lifeless)

*sigh* I want to like this game, I do. I know this just looks like a long list of complaints. It kind of is. I’ve never been an open-world person and I was wary of that going in. The game was kind of sold to me on being “KH-esque,” but the elements that I like from KH that are in here are just done worse

Maybe my opinion will change when I’m just screwing around in the postgame Chapter 15 with the Royal content and the DLC, but for now I guess I’m giving the base game (I guess sans Royal content because I didn’t download it until recently) a 6/10 but only if you take it casually and diligently back up your save files because FUCK. Sidequesting is a fun time to sit down to, main story was lackluster and needed a little more reworking, and Eos needs some more actual people hanging around in it

That all being said, holy shit, I am gonna gush about the baby black Chocobo until I die. Hooooooooly shit it’s so fucking cute. I love this baby bird it looks so cuddly I just want to hug it ooooooohhhhhhhhh my GOD

I love you tiny bird <3

[just-like-playing-tag]

A Letter from Norman reactions

Tonight I was feeling like reorganizing the notes I took after reading the novel for the first time. Just some random personal reactions I had after reading it; if anything catches your attention and you'd like to know more about a particular event from the novel, please feel free to ask and I'll be happy to help!!!

Under the cut because it's l o n g. That is, if Tumblr allows me to add a "read more", which has never happened before, but I'll keep hoping in it.

• Disclaimer: I'm suing anyone who ever said that the novel is all about NorEmma. I've literally put off reading it because I didn't want to get into something overly romantic while there's??? Nearly nothing about it that is romantic??????? Just a slight mention in that last chapter and that's it???????? Why are y'all like this

Prologue

• I need you all to know that the important letter™ through which Norman informed Emma about his plan starts with him describing the weather. I just think it's a relevant information.

• Ok I'm at freaking page 1 of “A letter from Norman” and. NORMAN IT'S A FREAKING LETTER TO EMMA NOT A SHAKESPEAREAN PLAY THERE'S LITERALLY NO REASON TO BE THIS POETIC

Maybe, I would get it if it was directed to Ray, but to Emma?????

Chapter 1

• Emma in 2038: Let's befriend ghosts

Emma in 2047: let's befriend demons

Seems like a logic consecution to me

• Ok but why has nobody ever mentioned the extremely precious Emma / Gilda moments in the novel???? My heart was completely melting that was the most adorable thing I've ever read??????

• The way Norman is constantly in awe of Ray is so adorable... Baby is so sweet I swear, he deserves the world

Chapter 2

• OK BUT THE SWEET EXCHANGE between Ray and Isabella before him and Emma go out at night?????? Ray is so pure is swear... He's a precious baby who didn't deserve all the shit he went through.

Reporting it in case anyone's curious; for context, Norman is sick, and Emma wants to go out look for a flower that she's read is going to help him feel better. Emma and Ray are convinced that Norman is going to die because babies are just that dramatic, and easily impressionable as well. They're seven here.

“ «Ray, I'm counting on you!»

Isabella pressed an hand on the boy's shoulder, who turned his face to her and diligently nodded, before continuing: «Differently from Emma, I don't think the flower is going to help Norman heal».

«What do you mean?»

«However, it's better than having to sit back and watch without doing anything. I too, like her, want him to heal as soon as possible.»

«Sure, I understand...» ”

NOW that hits so hard. You have to understand, this is after Ray had made the deal with Isabella. He had already started to plan the escape. In this occasion, he was on a very thin line: alone at night with Emma, outside the House, a child who knew the truth. Isabella knew those were the right conditions for him to attempt an escape, so she decided to test his loyalty; one misstep, and their deal - which was fundamental for the escape Ray was planning - would have ended.

But at the same time, Ray needed to go. Because, just like Emma, he just couldn't stand to lose Norman. And to see these three children caring so deeply about each other even at such a young age makes me honestly bawl. This is quite certainly my favorite thing from this series. And Ray deserves the world.

• Ray was so determined to save his two friends, he even considered for a moment, in the woods, to tell Emma the truth about the orphanage. I find it very nice how the novel hinted of all these times Ray almost revealed the truth, it really puts emphasis on how he was trying to find the best moment for the escape- but it also hints to how desperate he was to share this grievous burden he was forced to carry for the longest time.

• “ Ray, you must keep on living, Norman whispered to himself like a prayer. ”

I'm... I'M 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Doesn't help the fact that this bit was literally at the end of pages of Norman praising Ray and how brave he had been for so long.

• “ Nobody in the House would have wanted for Ray to pay with his life to amend the silence of all those years. ”

I love this bit. Nobody between the children ever hated Ray for speechlessly assisting to dozens of his siblings being lead to death, because they all immediately understood how much he was suffering, how powerless he must had felt, and also, even though it only led to him being even more hurt, how deeply he loved them all. It's really nice to realize that no children ever hated Ray- no one besides from himself. His siblings love him unconditionally, and that's precisely what he deserves 🤧🤧💕💕💕

• Norman: *adventures in a detailed description of Ray's features and gestures for no other apparent reason than the fact that he finds him pretty*

Chapter 3

• Ok I know people use to see Ray and Susan's interactions under the light of Ray having a crush on her but honestly? I think they make the cutest brotp. I never knew how much I needed Ray-having-an-older-sister content untill now.

• For real though!! What hits you really hard is to find out, even though he would had never ever showed it, how desperate he was to have somebody care about him, and to be loved. He literally grieves for losing someone that looks after him and is there to check on him in his lowest days- we know it's the thing Isabella never gave him. Man, this boy didn't deserve all the shit that happened to him. Tpn may have become an old known story for me, but Ray's sufferings in his early age will never stop tearing my heart apart.

• Ok, I wasn't ready for all this angst on Ray's part. I mean, I obviously know GF were hard times for him, but I didn't expect for him to take over the pov. Sis, how wrong I was. Now I'm crying.

• Coming to the realization that Ray's initial plan actually was to bring everyone in the escape, but he clearly had to give up on it after having realized it would have been impossible to save them 🥺🥺🥺

(I mean it was not impossible. He believed it was. But it wasn't.)

• Ok but. The last part of the Ner chapter. I really don't want to spoil it for anyone because it really was a beautiful chapter but I really need to say: Emma and Norman. The way it wasn't just Ray always being there for them, protecting them from afar; no matter their blissful ignorance, they have always been there for him too. They never abandoned that lonely boy, and they made it so that he could have a last reason not to give up. A single, dim light of hope in that pitch black, devastating world he was born in. I may or may not be crying my eyes out.

(Btw I had written this before the Ray special chapter came out, and it's kinda funny to look back at it now)

• The thing with the Ner chapter is: you enter in it after reading two chapters of normal, wholesome children's stories. There's a dark undertune in it, but it's very subtle and it doesn't interfere with the happy, cheerful atmosphere of these children facing adventures together with each other. But then the Ner chapter strikes, and the Ray pov arrives, and it's like being beaten with a bat in the stomach several times. Deep down, you had always known it; but you suddenly realize that all these children are going to die. And, even worse, there's one child who knows. There's one child who has to assist to everything powerlessly. There's one child, one freaking-nine-years-old who knows that all his siblings are going to die, and there's nothing he can do. That a single mistake could ruin the chances of making just two of his siblings survive, which is everything he's hanging to right now. One child who only needs to be loved. Well that... That hits hard.

Me expressing my thoughts: girl this form is shit you can't write something that is understandable to save your life can you

• Also can we please appreciate Norman taking so long to get out of the forest as it's a recurrent characterizzation of his character to be desperately willing to live just *French chef kiss*

• I really like how the novel underlined how Norman's choice of sacrificing himself corresponded to a betrayal toward his friends (when you think about it, Emma definitely felt betrayed). It's almost like in his last moments Norman chose to switch roles with Ray, taking on his shoulders the burden of being both the traitor and the sacrifice.

Chapter 4

• Norman: * “ He instinctively closed his eyes and abandoned himself to the sweet memory of that time he understood how deeply loved he was. ” *

Somewhere, Ray: Can't relate

• Emma: Norman, what you want to do when you grow up?

Norman: It's a secret.

Me:

• “ Ray woke up before everyone, as usual. ”

A remarkable detail. You'd think Ray, as a good depressed person as he is, would sleep more than the average. The truth is: he doesn't sleep at all.

• Norman: There's... Another person I like

Me:

• OK NOW WHY did none tell me about the nine (9) lines of Norman / Don interacting it was worth reading the novel solely for that.

• WHY DID NONE TELL ME ABOUT DON ALMOST STRANGLING NORMAN AND MAKING HIM LITERALLY PASS AWAY IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH READING THE NOVEL SOLELY FOR THAT

• Reading about Conny being there hurts a lot but reading about Sadie and Hao brings up a totally different kind of pain. Also who the hell is Cindy?

• Norman: Oh yes, Emma and Ray, my most dear friends, my closest siblings, the reason I wake up in the morning, my only reason to live, the ones I'd entrust my life with,

Also Norman: Dunnot in the last thirteen hours and six minutes they have been acting pretty sus, I'm kinda sure they're betraying me somehow ://

• “ «I agree, but it feels like you've fallen down a rabbit hole. You're restless, you constantly look off...» said the raven haired boy, distorting his mouth in an hardly intelligible grimace and giving his friend a meaningful look.

«Norman, about that mysterious girl...»

«No, you're mistaken! I...»

Norman, filled with frustration, raised up his voice, starting to lose the coolness that was usually characteristic of him.

«But I haven't said anything yet!»

That being said Ray, with slightly mocking doing, turned on his feet and went away, leaving Norman like that. ”

I LOVE THIS BIT SO INEXPLICABLY MUCH I'm always *so* in for Oreo finishing each other sentences / reading each other's thoughts. Here, Norman answered Ray's question before he could even expose it, because he already knew what it would have been. Equally, Ray knew what Norman was going to say even though he cut his answer halfway through.

I love how much on the same page they are, they really... Totally and fully understand each other even without words, and I find it so sweet. Seriously, their dynamic is so wholesome

• Norman's last birthday gift: the thing that matters the most to him: his family's happiness

Emma's reward: the thing that matters the most to her: her family's happiness

Some things hit harder than others.

• I don't know like. When you read the novel after the series has ended, everything hurts so much more, because you know these are all memories Emma has lost forever.

• So you made colorful clothing by "coloring old clothes"? Have fun realizing y'all have celebrated Norman's birthday wearing your dead siblings' clothes

Bonus this epic note I randomly took I completely forgot the context of:

• Isabella is a bitch. I don't give a fuck about your dramatic past woman, leave that boy alone

(When the protect Ray mood hits™)

[r-romanoff]

Photon Blasts & Spider Webs

Chapter: 1 Part 1

Peter Parker x Male Reader

Master list

September, 23, 2019

"I don't want to, take me home." I pout siting in the back seat of the black car. "Well you definitely are your mother's son." Fury starts looking over at Maria to say something, "It'll be good for you, you'll get to make friends your age bud." She smiles unlocking the doors from the passenger seat.

"Mom was supposed to be here, can't I just stay with Wanda, or Roadie? What about Sam?" I question not wanting to move from my seat. The leather seat that felt warm as the car had been sitting in the sun for an hour before the two coaxed me into leaving the house. "Look you know that if she could be here she would, now that the Avengers base has been arguably repaired you'll get to see everyone afterschool. Now get out, first period is in 5." Fury explains the already memorised memo in my head.

"I just-" "HONK!!!!!!" I'm interrupted by the blazing sound of someone honking in the silver car behind us. "Out!" Fury and Maria almost yell in unison, turning to look at me with hints of annoyance. Seeing as I've been difficult to handle as of late. Taking a breath of air allowing the smell of the car to enter and exit my lungs I let out a small noise; "Fine." The faint sound that is barely audible escapes. Opening the door I step outside of the car taking in all of my surroundings, taking my first step onto the sidewalk. "HONK!!!!!!" I jump at the same car that was honking at me before, running into the crowded hallway trying to avoid attention. "First period" I whisper to myself to keep my brain focused in this sea of endless students. The noise of their voices crashing against my ears, like waves to the cliffs. All of them clearing down the hallway to look for their class. After a while of navigating the ocean of teenagers, the halls have almost dried up in people and noise allowing me to finally find my physics room.

As I walk in to the full room the students all turn to look at me as well as the teacher, an array of confused looks head my way. Until of course I'm able to utter out a small sentence; "I-I'm new!" I look around waiting for a response. At that I see a boys head from all the way in the back shoot up and give me a strange glance, almost as if he'd been waiting or looking for me. I stand and think about it for a split second until my attention is drawn away, by the teachers voice. "Oh right! Class I would like to introduce you to Y/N Danvers. He will be joining us for the remainder of the year." He explains as the same boy's expression changes, as if he has some sort of objective or motive. "So, who will volunteer to be his partner for the rest of the semester? Extra credit will be granted." At the teachers announcement two people out of the entire class raise their hand. The first was a blonde girl with blue/green eyes, sitting two rows from the front on the right side of the class. The second being the burnett boy in the back left corner of the class.

"Ah... Ms Brant, thank you so much for volunteering, as for you Mr Parker thanks for the effort. Y/N please take a seat over there thank you very much." The teacher said pointing next to the blonde girl as he continued the lesson. While taking my seat the girl next to me smiled, "Hi I'm Betty!" She introduced herself, whispering very enthusiastically. "I'm Y/N but you already know that by now." I smiled back "So what brings you to midtown high? If you don't mind me asking." She asks politely. "Well I have always lived kinda near, it wasn't until recently though after the blip that my family wanted to stop homeschooling me. Then my mom was like 'You are going to normal school to socialise and whatnot' so sorry if I come off a bit strange." I nervously began to ramble. "No way that I so cool, so you've never been to a real school before?" Betty sports a grin on her face. "Well no... is that a bad thing?" I nervously question. "Huh? Oh no. It's not a big deal at all don't worry stick with me and everything will be just fine." She gives a sturdy response, yes go me making new friends... I think. "Thanks, so how long have you been going here?" I ask directing the attention towards her. "Well this is my third year, so I'm finally a junior." She begins to laugh.

After a while of talking back and forth the entire first period is officially over, and I officially have a new friend. The the rest of the day however begins to move slowly as not many seemed as interested in me as Betty. That or I'm actually doing something wrong and everyone thinks I'm weird. Besides that, lunch has officially begun and I am officially lost, again. Walking down what looks like the same hallway over and over again, trying to navigate the maze of lockers and trophy cases while also passing the occasional water fountain and bathroom. Eventually giving up I collapse onto the floor crisscrossing in the middle of the hallway allowing a loud groan to escape my lips; "AAAAAhhh!!!" I cried out not expecting anyone to have heard. "Is anyone there?" An unexpected response is shot back at me. Not wanting anyone to see me in my miserable state I immediately stand up. As I begin to turn away from the cold spot on the floor under an air vent, the same voice speaks again only this time closer.

"Were you just sitting on the floor?" Turning around greet who ever was there my face had officially turned pink with embarrassment. "Y/N, right?" I see the same strange boy from my physics class. What is his deal why does something seem so off to me about him. He always has this look on his face I can never exactly, recognize. He seems to be either expecting something, planning, or carrying something out. I just don't know what. "Yes, Parker???" I reply quickly as possible hoping I wasn't thinking for to long. "Peter, Peter Parker. Nice to meet you" he holds out his hand, unsurely I take it and we shake hands. Feeling a small tingle as I pull away, "So are you lost, or... what are you doing i-if you don't mind me asking." He says almost nervously, quickly admitting defeat I decide to explain my situation. "Yes I- There's a lot of hallways." I smiled earning a small chuckle from my strange acquaintance. "I can help you get to where you're going if-" "Y/N!!!" Peter is cut of by a familiar booming voice coming from the other end of the hall. "I was looking for you everywhere, and then I was like 'wait he's new so he must have gotten lost' and I couldn't have my new friend lost after I said I would stick with him." Turning to see Betty is the one who was speaking, I smile at the thought that my new friend came looking. "Sorry, Peter was just about to help me out with that. Uh see you around?" You ask Peter as you being to walk towards Betty. "Uh, yeah see you around." Peter waves as he begins to walk away to the opposite side of the hall.

"So where we headed?" I ask Betty. "I want to introduce you to a couple of my friends, and show you around of course." As the day went on I had the rest of my periods with Betty, and a couple of them with Peter although we didn't really speak to each other. We just sort of acknowledged each one another. When the day was finally over I was making my way to the front of the school to get picked up, still thinking about how I survived the day. "Got any plans this Wednesday?" Betty greets walking beside me. "Not that I'm aware of." I shoot a look wondering what's to fallow. "Good I'm going to the mall with a couple people from school, so I wanted to know if you wanna come. You know because you're new just wanna make sure you find everything well here. Aka get the full teenage experience." She elaborates. "That actually sounds pretty fun, but I'm gonna have to check in with my family first." "That's alright, just text me. Also we're wearing pink, just a heads up." The enthusiastic blonde informs. As we had finally made it to the parking lot Betty waved goodbye as she got in the passengers seat of a red sports car and zoomed. Leaving me to wait for my ride, all alone.

*Buzz*

My cell vibrates Indicating that I've received a message. Looking to see who it was that texted me the name on the text says Wanda. However before I get a chance to open, it she begins to call. "Hello." I greet as I slide the green button. "Hey Y/N/N, how was the first day?" "Better than anticipated." "Told you!" I could hear her giggle through the phone. "I'm gonna picking you up a block away, ok." My sister figure spoke. "Coolness see you in a bit then." "In a bit."

An: I'm going to admit I was not expecting chapter 1 to be anything but short, but there will be a part two up by next week to this chapter. Before finishing the deadline was reached sorry. Ps the next part will probably also be filler

Also sorry for the prologue I wasn't happy with it, I'm not sure on whether or not I'll end up posting it though

Feel free to comment, also what's up with Peter he's acting weird.

Tag List (ask to be put on)

@klanceiscannon14 @wiitchy-wooo @multifandom-slytherin @jonnyjay2413 @lazerman217

[rainywritingsx]

Torn • BNHA X OC • Chapter 8

Finally, a new chapter ^^ I'm so so happy to see that this book is gaining more reads oj my Wattpad each day, and your comments motivate me to write more! I'm overjoyed that you guys are enjoying the story just like I am and I hope that you'll continue to do so in the future :). Anywayyy, onto the chapter now, enjoy!

You can find the prologue for the story here, and on my masterlist you’ll find all of the chapter ^^

Upon seeing my astounded expression, a mischievous smirk covered the stranger's face. For a moment, the both of us were silent, just looking at each other. I was at a loss for words and he just seemed to enjoy watching me being uncomfortable. My breath hitched in my throat as I tried calming down. His eyes were captivating to say the least. My eyes slowly scanned the rest of him, though it was dark there were a few things that stood out, immediately noticing the scars that covered majority of his body. What I assumed were staples were used to keep it all together, and I noticed he also had a few piercings. His hair was dark from what I could tell and he was taller than me.

This really caught me off guard. I definitely did not expect our paths to cross again.

"I see you do recognise me, don't you sweetheart?" The nickname caught me by surprise, which I tried to hide by looking away, but to no avail. He wasn't even trying to help, since it seemed that my flustered state was very amusing to him.

"Is this how you thank your saviour? I'm really hurt, princess." He said as he faked sadness and placed a hand on his chest, which I couldn't help but giggle at involuntarily.

"Ah, you're not mute. I knew it." he chuckled softly.

"Hey! I'm just... a little shy, that's all." I said as I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

"I see." and then it was silent again.

"Uhm," I finally spoke up again. "thank you. For earlier, I mean. I don't know what would've happened if you didn't save me."

"Princess, are you really thanking a villain?" He sighed. "I just did what anyone else would've done. Those bastards are all talk. They think they're cool until a real villain shows up." I slightly tilted my head. a real villain..? That was interesting of him to say. What was a real villain to him?

Hold on, Janie. why were you even curious about this? He's just some stranger that you happened to recognise, that was all.

"Anyway, you should probably go home now, cupcake. These places aren't exactly fit for people like you." I narrowed my eyes at that second sentence. What exactly did he mean by that?

"People like me?"

"Oh come on, doll. You know exactly what I mean, you just don't want to admit that to yourself." I couldn't help but pout. Maybe I did know, but I was just hoping that I was still wrong for some reason.

"Hey, I'm not as weak as you think I am." He scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Oh, pardon me." He began, eyes slightly wide and his tone higher. "The oh-so-precious Janie Kotu is of course the most powerful, with her parents being the most notorious villains at the moment. She will definitely become just like them too." He faked a bow and looked at me from below his lashes. "My sincere apologies, milady."

"Look, I know I may seem a bit spoiled, but that doesn't mean that I'm incapable of doing anything."

"You might have strength, but do you even want to become like them? Does your power matter at all if you're not even passionate about what you do?" How did he know that?... Wait, no. For all I knew he could just be bluffing, right?

"I know that right now your heart lies somewhere else. But why? Are those heroes really any better than us? They're all stupid fakes."

"No, that's not true." I protested. "All might is-"

"Ah, yes, All Might." He interrupted "The only one who actually cares. But he's retired as of right now, hasn't he? He can pretend all he wants, but he's not as strong as he used to be."

"Okay, hold on, why are you even saying all of this?" Where did all of that come from? He barely knew me, so why was he just starting to tell me all this? "You don't know me! You may know my name, but I don't even know yours."

"Oh, my sincere apologies princess." He said in a 'sincere' tone and made a fake deep bow again. "The name is Dabi." His tone was lower again, which sent shivers down my spine for some reason.

"Look princess, you just... how do I say this," he thought for a little before looking back at me again. "you just spark my interest, that's all." I could hear the smirk in his voice. "A villain in making who also wants to attend UA at the same time? Sounds pretty interesting if you ask me." upon hearing this a gasp left my mouth as my eyes widened. How did he know? If he knew, who else saw me too that day?

The stranger chuckled, clearly noticing my shocked reaction. "Don't worry sweetheart, I'm not planning on telling anyone." He stopped and leaned down towards me, making me back up slightly. "What I will do though, is tell you that you're making a huge mistake. That oh-so-perfect little world of heroes that you dream of... In reality, it's no better than this here." I scoffed as I crossed my arms, not losing eye contact with him.

"How would you even know that?" He was just bluffing, right?

"I have my ways, doll." He chuckled. "But, you know, I'm not forcing you not to go or anything of course." I frowned and eyed him suspiciously.

"After all, I think it will be quite amusing to say the least, watching you realise all of what I said yourself. You might even regret not listening to me."

"I really don't get you... Can we just go? Please?" I sighed, tired of his rambling that I wasn't in the mood for.

"Alright, sweetheart. Where do you live?" I narrowed my eyes at him. Did he really think I was going to tell him my address?

"Oh, you do have some common sense I see. Good, because your knight in shining armor won't be there for you every time."

"Can you just walk with me until we get to that cat café that's not too far from here?" I said, not reacting to his comment. He chuckled and hummed in agreement before we started walking.

To my surprise, the walk was actually silent and peaceful. Dabi didn't really speak, and I wasn't in the mood of speak. Realisation of how dangerous the previous situation could've been had hit me and all I wanted to do was go home right now.

Dabi probably had sensed my discomfort, because when we got to the café he didn't make a witty remark or use a cheesy pet name on me.

"Alright, Janie. I'll go my own way from here now." For some reason, I didn't like the way he spoke. No, it wasn't because I liked his witty remarks and cheesy nicknames, I just wasn't used to it. Wait Janie, what even was there to get used to to begin with? I barely knew him.

"Okay." Was all I said to him. But there was a part of me that longed to see him again. I wanted to keep in touch with him, I wanted to know more about him. How did he know I took part in UA's entrance exam? How could he read me that easily? So far nobody had really figured that this wasn't what I wanted...

Dabi nodded, sent me a tiny smile before turning around to leave. I turned around as well, going my own way but it still feeling wrong. I stopped dead in my tracks and bit my lip. My goodness, what was wrong with me?

I turned back around, only to see that Dabi was still walking. A quiet sigh escaped my mouth. Why was I hoping that he would turn back around? Why was my heart pounding right now?

No Janie, you just weren't used to this. You didn't have friends, you weren't used to guys paying attention to you. This was just like the entrance exam, nothing to worry about. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts before turning back around to walk back home. I wasn't going to look back anymore. That was nothing. I didn't feel anything.

Once I got home, I immediately went to my room, not being in the mood to talk to anyone. Not that my family was that talkative towards me anyway.

I plopped down on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Flashbacks of today came to mind, causing me to shiver for a moment. Was I going to tell my parents about this? No, they and my brothers would laugh at me...

Then Dabi crossed my mind. Dabi... Wait, why was I thinking about him? He saved me and was just an interesting person, that was all. nothing else. We happened to see each other twice, but I would probably never ever see him again. Obviously I didn't mind that.

Janie, how naive you were.... I had no idea what the universe had in store from me from that day on. it's all his fault. because of him you are in this situation right now, years later...

.......................................................................................

A few days later, I almost had a heart attack when I checked the mail and saw a letter for me from UA. I didn't think I'd get the results back so quickly! Wait, what if my parents or brothers saw it? No no, they would have told me probably. I wasn't dead yet, so they obviously hadn't seen the letter, right?

In my panicked state I nonchalantly hid it in my bra to be sure that nobody would see it. I put the rest of the letters we received together in a neat pile and calmly went to my room.

As I made my way to my bedroom, my heart was racing. Was I accepted? Was I not? What class would I be in? What would I even do if I was accepted? Was I really going to try living a double life? For how long was that even going to work? What if anyone found out? No wait. I didn't even know if I was accepted into the school at all, so I was not going to worry about other things until I had read the letter.

I entered my room and made sure to close the door before walking to my desk and sitting on my chair. While taking the letter out of my bra it was only then that I realised how strange that was. I couldn't help but giggle at myself as I shook my head.Luckily, nobody had seen that happening.

I looked back at the letter and took a deep breath. I had no idea what my score was at the end of the practical part of the entrance exam, so I really couldn't estimate what class I'd be in if I was accepted at all. I wanted to open it right now, but part of me was also terrified of both of the possible outcomes.

No, Janie, you had to get over that and just do it. Without thinking my hand made its way to the letter to open it, and I gasped when I saw a hologram appear. Woah, it was Present Mic! I didn't know that much about the pro hero, but I was aware that he was strong, and also very, very energetic, which I honestly liked.

"Hellooooo there! My name is Present Mic, I'm a pro hero and a teacher at UA High! I am here to inform you about your results of the entrance exam." My heart was pounding and I could feel my hands becoming clammy. I gulped and bit my lip as my eyes stayed focused on the pro.

"Now, Janie Kagura, on your theoretical exam you did exceptionally well!! So cool!! Your results were in the top 30!" Upon hearing this my jaw almost dropped to the basement of our house as my eyes grew the size of dinner plates. Top 30????? How?

"However, when we take a look at your results of the practical exam," his tone caused slight worry. I'm guessing I didn't do as well on this part as on the theoretical exam. "your score appears to be quite low..." unconsciously, my lips formed into a small pout as I could feel my heart sink to my stomach.

"But!!!!" he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm as a big smile appeared on his face again. "The other teachers and I all agreed that you definitely have some potential there. and it wouldn't be right of UA to let that talent go, right?" I gasped as I stood up from my chair, my hands covering my mouth. Was he trying to say what I thought he was trying to say?...

"So, Janie Kagura, I can happily tell you that you have been accepted into UA High!" A happy squeal left my mouth as I started jumping up and down. Me? Accepted? Really? Oh my goodness, was I dreaming? I quickly pinched myself, giggling giddily when I realized this was actually happening and it wasn't just some silly dream in my head.

"While you weren't accepted in class A or B, you were accepted in class C, which is totally awesome already!" The goofy smile on my face was still apparent. Yes, being in class 1-A would be a dream, but I was already happy that I got into this school with such a low acceptance rate.

"And remember, there are more ways to still get into the Hero Course! UA would never waste any potential!"

"Now, there are a few things that still need to be settled. First of all, the dorms for the new students haven't been finished just yet. There are a few problems that we need to take care of first. But when they're done...." I zoned out at this point as my eyes widened. I completely forgot that UA had dorms... Oh my, I was so screwed... Was there any way for me to be able to cover this up without it looking suspicious? Think Janie, think, I thought to myself as I grew more and more frustrated by the second. I was so dumb for not considering these things before, why did I only have to realize it now?

Okay wait, I still had time. The dorms weren't finished yet, which meant it would take a while until those were finished. I still had time...

"In the rest of the letter you can read the practical and boring information. We can't wait to see you at UA High, Janie Kagura!!" and just as fast as it appeared, the hologram disappeared. I was still astounded, did I really get into UA? Such an amazing school with an extremely low acceptance rate? I got in?

I wondered if those two guys were accepted too... They seemed nice and I would like to be friends with them if i were honest. They were different, but interesting people nonetheless.

Wait, Present Mic had said that there was more information in the letter, which meant it was probably a good idea to read that letter. I sat down on my desk chair again and grabbed the letter. It basically said on Monday most things would be done, like getting our measurements for our uniforms and suits. Our suits... I was going to get a hero suit? Oh my goodness, that felt so surreal. I, Janie Kotu, who was born to be a villain, actually had the opportunity to change my fate. I could feel tears well up in my eyes, but I quickly blinked them away. While I was overjoyed right now, I also did not want to expect too much, as I knew anything could happen that could stop me from following my dream.

Apart from what I just mentioned, the letter also talked about getting the keys to our lockers as well as the fact that we would find out who our homeroom teacher was when we got to the school. All of this would happen next week, and the week after that the lessons would start. I'd also receive my timetable next week. I really hoped there was at least some time between this and the villain school...

Wait, but on Wednesday I was going to go to my parents' work. Crap, what if I had to go to UA that day? If I told them I had to go to school, they'd be able to make sure I had a day off, which was easy considering the influence they had. So yeah, that wasn't going to work of course. Pretending to be sick was also not an option, as my mother would probably get overprotective and end up staying home with me. That or my father would manage to convince to leave me alone at home, which was possible since my dad was rough to say the least so he'd obviously think I was exaggerating. But still, it was risky.

I shook my head to get out of my thoughts. I had no idea on what days I had to come, I knew I had to go on Monday but that was it. Worrying over something that wasn't even confirmed was completely irrational, I knew that. Yet I just couldn't help but feel anxious about this. It wasn't an everyday thing to lie about the school that you were attending and barely anyone knowing about it.

A soft sigh escaped my mouth. I hated the fact that things had to be like this. Yes, I was the one who did all of this stuff secretly, but if only my parents were more accepting, if only they weren't the most notorious villains at the moment... Things would be completely different if that was the case.

Suddenly a completely different thought crossed my mind. I didn't even have a design for a hero suit! Quickly I grabbed a pencil and a few pieces of paper. While I was no art mastermind, I was able to draw a simple person with proportions that were kind of okay? And that didn't matter too much, since they probably mostly cared about the clothing itself.

But how was I just going to design something just like that? I had exactly zero experience with fashion design... Maybe I could try using everyday outfits in a way? And I'd just add a few colours that I loved. Ah, I was sure that all of these heroes in training had been dreaming of what their suit would look like since they were little, if only things were that easy for me... Yes, I had always secretly wanted to save people instead of harming them, but I never even thought it was possible so I never let myself dream, as it would only bring pain.

I just decided to draw whatever, and hopefully something nice would come out of it. I drew outfits I wore often, outfits that I had seen in magazines before and would like to wear, dresses that I would love to wear but were way too extra so I wouldn't wear them anywhere..

My heart stopped when I heard a knock on my door. I quickly hid my UA letter and right after that my mother opened the door.

"Hey sweetie!" she said, her tone high-pitched as usual. "Dinner is almost ready! Oh, what are you doing?" she asked and I could feel my heartbeat spead up. Without waiting for an answer, she entered the room and looked at the drawings.

"Oh, you're designing a villain suit! How lovely!" she exclaimed excitedly as she examined every drawing. "When I got my first villain suit I was so excited! Your grandparents actually chose it and designed it for me, so it was a total surprise." she was quiet for a moment, blankly staring at the drawings before something seemed to cross her mind. She gasped in excitement and looked back at me.

"Your dad and I will do the same for you! You'll get to wear it on Wednesday!" a small frown appeared on my face. Wednesday was only a few days away.

"But that's in a few days already, mother." I said, causing her to chuckle softly

"Oh honey, don't worry about the time! Your dad and I will take care of it." she answered with a bright smile, which honestly raised my concerns even more. But I knew my mother and I was aware that nobody would stop her nor my dad even if they tried their best.

"Now, let's go downstairs, your brothers are waiting already and your dad will be here soon!" I nodded and got up. Once I entered the dining room, the loud laughter and voices from my brothers died down. I decided to act as if I didn't notice it and sat down at my usual spot.

Not too long after my mother and I had sat down, my father also entered the house. I couldn't help but flinch when I saw him, as there was some blood on his clothes. Yet everyone else acted as if there was nothing morally wrong with this. Knowing that getting mad would not get me anywhere, I made the decision to remain silent and just quietly started eating.

"So, how was work today, dad?" Malo asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looked at my father with a smirk. Chobu jumped up, almost spilling his glass of water in the process.

"Yeah! Tell us about it, dad!" he exclaimed, and Emry just nodded in agreement. I knew that my father wasn't going to give the details, as Chobu and Emry were still young, but the story was still going to be clear and I hated the fact that my father spoke so prideful of his actions. And the fact that everyone else in the house supported it just stung me even more.

As my father told about whatever he did today, I tried to focus on something else, because I really had no intention of losing my appetite today. For a while I was just eating my meal, not really thinking at all. That was until my father said my name. I hummed and lifted my head only to see everyone staring at me. I made eye contact with my father, whose icy stare almost dug holes in me.

"You know, stories like this are important to hear, Janie. You especially should be listening as you are the one who will follow in your mother and I's footsteps." the urge to roll my eyes and tell him to piss off was major, but I was aware that it wouldn't help and, well, I never really said stuff like that.

So... I just nodded in agreement.

"Aw, honey, Janie meant no harm! I'm sure she has a lot on her mind today." my mother said. "Oh! you know what I saw Janie doing today?" she asked, an excited smile playing on her lips. She seemed a little too excited in my opinion....

"She was designing her villain suit!" and I could swear this was one of the rare moments where I saw pride in Malo's eyes. It was so weird, one time he was happy and excited for me, but other times his personality made a whole turn. Like when we went to school together he seemed happier than ever, but then at other times it was as if he barely cared. I couldn't even figure out my own brother... Part of me thought that maybe the times he tried being nice were just his ways of trying to get on my good side so he could have a lot of power in the future. And maybe sometimes that facade would crack, because of his ill intentions.

"Oh, Takeshi, remember when I did that too? When we met I was wearing my first villain suit!" she smiled as she clasped her hands together in excitement. "We can get one done for Janie by Wednesday, right darling?" My mother asked my dad, who nodded. He seemed to be more at ease because of what my mother had mentioned.

"How about you and Malo get matching ones? You two will obviously be fighting together!" I could see stars coming out of Malo's eyes as my mother said this. "I'm sure you two can also bond more when fighting."

"And it's good for you two to gain more popularity." my father added. While yes, from their viewpoint it was a smart move, what worried me was the fact that if Malo and I would join our parents in missions, it meant that my face was exposed to the world. UA was definitely going to figure out who I was...

"But maybe we should keep their identities kind of hidden for the heroes." my father then said, bringing me out of my thoughts. "We don't want them to get arrested already or for the police to already." I was about to jump out of my chair at that remark.

"Hm, I'm sure a mask will be okay. I'll let the designers know!" my mother replied. "Malo, Janie, any preferences you have for the suit? It still needs to gain attention of course so it must be something eye catching!" Malo opened his mouth to say something when my mother stopped him.

"Oh wait! How about you two think about it together after dinner and then let us know? I'm sure you both have wonderful ideas!" Yeah, lovely.... Sounded great... But I knew I didn't have much of a choice so I agreed. I saw a naughty smirk on Malo's lips which told me he was up to no good. Oh, boy...

[nicoforlifetrue]

Summery:Dee Roman and Remus practicing a dead religion has some hiccups when it comes to history

Notices:

none of these are in any real timeline yet!

Yes the other sides are here

More then one person wrote this

There is a prologue! Read it here

The History Class Incident-

History was taught by Professor Thomas Sanders, he was a bright, cheery guy who never called Remus out for the 'juice' in his water bottle. He was a great guy by the standards of the three. That is, until the mythology course started. 

You see; Roman, Remus, and Dee hadn't yet told their roommates why they burned their food or why Remus was always inebriated or high. They hadn't said why Roman was so focused on appearance or why Dee's knee jerk reaction was to lie. Because all that was normal to them. It was how the three followed their respective patrons. But after the first day of mythology, the boys dragged their roommates out to meet the people they grew up with and rage over the inaccuracies of the course; expecting said roommates to rage with them. 

Dee had talked Virgil into going the entire way to the little coffee shop a friend of theirs worked at. The college student was seething the whole way there; you see the first unit in the course was Norse mythology and dear Professor Sanders had called Loki, his patron, the main villain of all things! Now Virgil, the good but anxiety ridden person he was, finally asked Dee what was wrong about halfway to the coffee shop. "Dude, what's your deal? Why are you so pissed?"

Dee sighed at that, rubbing his face before he stated, "You sat next to me in history; I know you heard what the professor said. He insulted the gods themselves and insinuated that Loki was a villain! That's why I'm pissed; he's a disrespectful cunt!"

Virgil laughed. "Dude, chill; he's just talking about an old religion. Like, sure, Loki is a cool superhero, but he's still pretty crazy in the myths."

Dee leveled his gaze at Virgil upon hearing that; disbelief written across his features. "Are you fucking with me? Please say you are; ‘cause if you aren't, I might have to kill you."

Virgil raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh really? Why are you taking it so seriously?"

"How are you not?" Dee snapped back before he sighed, trying to calm down. "I'm sorry I just- good gods and goddesses he called Loki a character, flattened his story's into two dimensional cluster fucks, left out all of the good Loki did; and all around disrespected him; thus disrespecting me and all other wards of Loki! I have no idea who your patron is but imagine if that happened to them. It physically sickens me just remembering that 'lesson', ugh."

"Wait wait wait," Virgil said, putting two and two together. "You take mythology seriously? Like it's actually your religion?"

Dee gave him a look. "Stop calling it a mythology and what; you don't? I always thought you followed Hades or Nyx," he hummed. "I grew up learning about the gods and goddesses, yes."

"Oh that's cool, I didn't know anyone still believed in that religion. I've no clue who my patron would be though," he said, laughing a bit.

"You don't?" Dee questioned before pausing and humming. "That actually explains some things…. But he's still a fucking cunt."

Roman, on the other hand, felt more betrayed; though not quite nearly as much as when he had watched Hercules. He knew what Loki meant to Dee, and to hear such a grossly incorrect retelling of the gods stories? It was devastating. And to hear not just that, but Loki being reduced to his greatest mistake and flattened into an evil villain? He was brokenhearted at the fact that his favorite teacher could be so ignorant and brash, to the point of calling Loki a character! Now Logan, despite his ineptitude with emotions could tell the class had upset Roman. So as at least a good acquaintance of the man he felt obligated to ask what was wrong.

"Roman? Why were you feeling upset in class?"

"How could I not be?!" he responded, throwing his hands up. "The professor grossly distorted one of Loki's stories and refused to tell any others! Instead he just honed in on his greatest mistake and made Loki seem like a Disney villain!” 

“I still don't see why you are getting angry over a retelling of a simple character's story."

Roman’s gaze flattened at that. 

Staring at his roommate angrily, "Logan. You did not just call Loki, the trickster God of Asgard, a character from some fictional work. If you did, may the gods and goddesses help you when Dee finds out."

"Gods and Goddesses are not real, they are simply imaginary characters people created to explain the causes of natural phenomena, they are useless now that we can define the world with science."

Roman stared at him dumbfounded. "Logan, my friend, blessed by Athena, unless you wish to end up being mauled by my brother; I suggest you change that perspective before he runs out of wine. And perhaps pay more respect to those higher than us mere mortals." 

Logan sighs. "You will not understand that one cannot praise something that is just a fictional character, so I will end this pointless conversation."

Roman rolled his eyes at that. "You’re going to be punished for ignoring the gods, you know."

And the last pair was Remus and Patton. Patton wasn't a fan of Remus, the only reason he was coming along was so the drunk didn't hurt himself.

 

"I just can't believe the guy!" 

"What?" 

"What do you mean, ‘what?’ He shit-talked the gods!" Remus huffed, well more like pouted. That statement basically ended the conversation.

The door to the cafe slammed open, an angry Dee storming in and over to their table. The other four were already there as Virgil trailed behind him. He slammed his palms against the table staring down at the wood, eyes full of fire.

"Fuck Professor Sanders."

Roman and Remus made noises of agreement as Dee sat down. "Who does he think he is! I mean, he's so clearly biased against trickster gods. Holy fucking Underworld!"

Roman nodded in agreement aggressively, and Remus kinda hummed as he took another sip of his drink. 

"I do not understand why you three are getting so riled up about what Professor Sanders said, he was merely telling the story of a mythological character." Logan said, monotone.

All three looked at him askance. "Because he retold it incorrectly, and refused to share any stories that would make my patron seem like he wasn't a complete shithead," Dee snapped; Roman frowning and Remus giggling drunkenly.

 

"Your 'patron' is a complete shithead, as you say, he wasn't a good person at all."

Dee stared at him at that "I'm sorry, did I hear you correctly? Did you, one, put air quotes around the word patron and then secondly, follow it up by calling my patron a villain?" His voice was cold and dead serious, angry to the point of pulling a Remus and ripping the next person who insulted Loki to shreds.

"Yes, I was speaking clearly, so unless you are deaf; you heard me correctly. Secondly, I did not call him a villian; you called him that."

Dee took a breath, then sighed. "Logan, you dumb fuck. How has Athena blessed you?" he stated, mostly to himself. "Ok, here. Think of it this way. Let's say someone explains something as simple as the water cycle in a grossly incorrect manner. Wouldn’t you be pissed?" 

"I would fix their falsehood and move on. Yes I would be mad, but I would be right and they would be wrong."

"Now think of it like that, but it’s fucking stuck with me because I was also personally insulted with this falsehood. It would be like someone explaining how colors work to you as if you’re five; but they do it so very incorrectly. That's why I'm pissed off, get it?"

"Yes, I'm now partly understanding, but how were you insulted by this 'falsehood'?"

"’Cause it's also a fundamental part of who I am," Dee responded blandly. "Loki being my patron shaped who I am today; and what I present and act like, being Loki's ward, has made me who I am. And to insult him? It's a personal attack on who I am as a person, as well as an attack on someone who I hold higher than myself." 

Logan places his hands on the table. "So let me get this straight, you hold Loki in the same esteem that, say, a Christian would hold God?"

"Kinda; unlike Christianity though my patron, though unlikely, might change. I don't know how but it can happen. But basically, yeah." 

Logan nods. "And Roman and Remus are the same?" 

"Different patrons, but yeah." Roman chimed in, Dee nodding.

"Big ego, loves his own appearance; Roman is your patron Aphrodite?" Logan asks.

"Got it in one, Teach!" 

"Teach?" Logan says confusedly. 

"You act like a teacher. So, Teach." Roman responded with a smirk; Dee chuckling, Remus watching him with his loopy tipsy-but-not-quite-drunk grin. 

"Thank you for explaining, Princey." Logan says holding back a smile

"Ooo! I like that one," Roman hummed; Remus's face scrunched up before he grinned.

"Can I be Dukey then?" Logan ignores that. 

Virgil, who had previously been quiet, snickered. "Sure, why not?"

Dee sighed, relaxing.

"Now I'm worried about what he'll do to the rest of our patrons, especially Aphrodite." Roman shook his head. "I might just file a complaint, at this rate."

"I mean, Aphrodite was a little bipolar in the stories. And no, Roman, I'm not insulting her." Logan said, trying to stop Roman from getting mad.

"Good," Roman huffed; Remus giggling again.

"Yeah, but with what the professor did to Loki; he'll turn her from bipolar to outright batshit crazy."

"Yeah; that's my job!" Remus cheered. 

"Wait, drunkenness, insanity…is your patron Dionysus?" Logan said.

"Bingo!" Remus responded.

"You could just offer to teach things the right way around, since you have first hand experience with the stories," Virgil offered calmly.

"They could; but wouldn't that be taken as slander to Professor Sanders’ teaching?" Logan said, pulling a Rubix cube out of his pocket.

"Yeah, most likely not worth the risk," Dee hummed with a sigh. "We'll just have to grit our teeth, and hope he doesn't damn us all by insulting the gods and goddesses too badly..."

"Yeah, oh! Why do you have the snake tattoo, Dee?"

Dee raised an eyebrow. "I like snakes, and they’re a sign of my patron; tattoos are also a sign of rebellion against higher ups, especially on the face and areas of high visibility, so..." he gestured at his tattoo. "I got one."

"We should get back to school."

"But we have the rest of the day off! Don't tell me you need to study that badly," Roman whined; Dee nodding.

"Nothing to stress over…"

"You can never be too behind on your work. Also, seeing how we have to do something about Loki, I would suggest you get it over and done with."

Dee groaned at that. "I'm going to put in the truth, not whatever nonsense the professor was spouting." 

That promptly started a 'discussion' on work ethics.

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