#just a quick note: i'm not going to take it seriously. it's gonna be pure style over anything else because that department is lacking(to me)

[specialshinytrinkets]

Never understood why there were so many redesigns of these bitches,

until I read the source material and realised that holy shit, "I probably can do better" is a powerful drug

[hyvksun]

Beauty and a Beat ~ Lee donghyuck

bf!hyuck # drabble ,,, 1 ﹕ fluff ﹕ library

warnings : vulgar words, term girlfriend used, not proofread (just pure brainrot).

🐻 author's note ﹕this is based on a true story. for my finals in pe we had to dance rumba and chachacha and i swear i was sweating out of my mind. it was a group project but i still had to perform with a partner and infront of my classmates. enjoy this little drabble (my first fic back) while i rewrite the hyuck fic that tumblr just erased 🫂

“What if I just faint right now, would it give me a free pass for PE?”

“You'll be fine, bub I promise, so just follow me.” Donghyuck started off by showing you the steps for Rumba.

For your midterms in Physical Education, you were required to create and perform your own Rumba choreography. Luckily enough it was a choose your own partner thing and obviously you got to partner up with your boyfriend who is the best dancer you know.

“Hyuck, I dont know if I can even move my hips like that.”

“Sure you can you're just being shy, here,” He stood behind you, facing the mirror of the PE room, he held your hips in his hands and controlled them to move with his, “Your knees will bend on their own, you have to move your hips in figure eights, like this.”

Donghyuck is a strict dance teacher, him being one of the school's dance club vice president and student mentor you were nervous as this is the first time you'll be working with him in this field.

But maybe because he was biased and as his girlfriend he is being gentle with teaching you the choreography.

He kept doing the movement before letting go, “Ok you try.”

So try you did and it was awful, “I'm doing figure 1s, bro.”

Donghyuck tried his best not to snicker.

“Don't laugh at me.”

“Am not!” He's trying hard to hold in that laugh now.

“Ok how about we try to do the choreography first then we'll try with the hips.”

He began playing the song through the speakers and Donghyuck guided you into position. Throughout the routine though you couldn't get a hang of the steps and you commended him for his patience as you kept stepping on your boyfriend's feet.

“This isn't working, I keep stepping on you.”

“That's ok, here is the part where you spin,” he holds your hand up as you spot turn in place but when you try to get back into the first position you stepped on Donghyuck's toes harder making him groan.

“Fuck, I'm so sorry.”

“It's ok, I'm ok let's just take a break.” He went to pause the music and sat down on the bench with a hiss as he tried moving his toes.

Feeling bad you knelt down to rub at the sore area on Donghyuck's toes.

Feeling embarrassed you almost felt like crying. “Hyuck, I don't think I can do this,,,”

“That's fine, really, let's do something different for that part.”

You shook your head, “No I mean, I just can't dance— if you wanna pass the class you can switch partners I really don't mind—”

“What are you saying? grades isn't what I'm after here.”

“This is just so frustrating, I blame the education system.”

“Look, I'm not gonna look for another partner, I made the choreography specifically for us to perform.”

You looked at him confused.

“I was gonna kiss you in the end for the highlight,” a smirk was planted on his face.

Your face instantly heat up and you slapped him on the knee, “Are you insane?! I'm not kissing you infront of our teacher.”

He laughs, “I'm kidding, but seriously I wouldn't want any other partner to do this dance with, Rumba is about intimacy and connection with your partner, would you want me to get intimate with someone else?” you shook your head no, “Then I'm doing this dance with you.”

“I hate you.”

“No, you love me.”

“I'm not kissing you for any highlight, hyuck, I'm serious.”

“What about a quick peck?”

“Lee donghyuck!”

© hyvksun 2024

[lady-phenix]

Blog intro, Rules, Tags, and character profile

Welcome one and all to the Court of Ravens! My name is Ash and this my new rp blog. I'm trying to be a little better about being "professional" on here, though I wouldn't honestly call myself a pro. I've been role-playing here on Tumblr on and off since 2012 and I just like to have fun with it! That all being said I do welcome almost any and all folks from any Fandom to interact, with only few exceptions. Please continue reading below the cut to fully enjoy your stay ^.^

Rules

1. Absolutely no minors. Sorry guys, but im 30+ years old and not that I don't love yall and wish you the best, but it'd feel kinda awkward interacting with you guys. If you need help or advice though feel free to ask. I'm a person first and an adult second. Still if you're under the age of 18 please wait until you reach that age before interacting/following.

2. I don't generally do NSFW unless I know you very well (I'm demi-sexual and this kinda also applies to my characters). Also I'm not a porn source. I only NSFW if it serves the plot (I may be RPing as a demon but I generally don't participate in stuff like Sinday. More power to you if you yourself do, it's just not my thing). Also if you're below the age of 20 please don't try to do NSFW plots with me. If you have teen at the end of your age, you're kinda still a teen in my eyes. It's like that awkward gray area for me...sorry.

3. We are tolerant on this blog. I don't accept any kind of -phobia or -ism on here of any kind. Please be nice to each other and be nice to me. Don't be a dick.

4. I don't do Fandom drama on this blog. Whatever is going on with Viviziepop or who/whatever has nothing to do with me nor do I share any parties views. The opinions/thoughts expressed on here are purely mine. Don't pull me into drama or there will be problems.

5. Please be patient as I do have a life outside of this blog, and I'm about to work two jobs as well as work on a novel! I have a lot going on in my life so replies aren't always gonna be on my top priority. I also run several other blogs and have other OCs that I sometimes get more of an urge to write for. Thank you for your patience.

6. As the mun of this blog I have every right to choose who I do or don't interact with. Please don't take it personal if I don't get back to you right away. I'm probably super busy or I'm occupied with another rp for the time being. I admit I'm bad at multi-replies but I'm trying to get better.

7. Don't bring politics or social drama on here. I'm here for a good time and not to be reminded that reality sucks. Thanks!

8. I don't tolerate abuse of any kind. Mistreat me or my muse (as in like your characters whole thing is being an asshole for no reason) I will not hesitate to end the interaction and block. Me and my characters do not exist to be your punching bags. Fight scenes are fine, and insults depending on context are okay too. But being needless or senselessly cruel without reason isn't okay. Kinda goes back to just don't be a dick!

9. I LOVE shipping! I LOVE crossovers! And I LOVE OCs! All of that stuff! As it says in my description I'm Canon divergent and crossover/oc friendly. If this is a problem for folks I'm definitely not the blog for you. Please be respectful of my rp partners!

10. Seriously just have fun with it! I don't mind a little chaos, just so long as it's the fun kind. I try to be the cool mun who isn't so stingy about everything.

*as a quick side note, music is a big deal on this blog, so by all means feel free to share music yall love with me, and I may just do the same for you ;) *

Tags/taglist

This is kinda more for me than it is anyone else cause I'm terrible with tags and I'm trying to get better. These are subject to change/be updated. I'll also try to tag NSFW and triggering subjects as necessary.

tag: The Phoenix Sings- usually song/music related.

tag: thoughts of the Phoenix- usually just stuff I think Phenix would think of. These can be kinda random.

tag: matters of the court- anytime the Court of Ravens is mentioned, usually for lore purposes.

tag: matters of the goetia- any time the ars goetia or the goetia family are brought up/interacted with. Again this is usually for lore purposes.

tag: OOC- out of character, pretty self explanatory, whenever I interact out of character.

tag: open starter- any time I post an open rp starter that can be answered by anyone.

tag: rp title- I like to title rps sometimes so I'll use the title I come up with as a tag to keep better track of it. More for fun/organization purposes.

tag: Phenix interacts-tag used when interacting with specific characters. Again more for organization purposes.

tag: NSFW- pretty self explanatory

tag: TW- trigger warning: then followed by triggering thing- Done more as a courtesy than anything else.

tag: Phenix Aesthetic- Anything that goes along with Phenix's aesthetic

tag: Phenix Fashion- Things I imagine Phenix would wear. can be clothes, make up, etc.

tag: Phenix Poetry- usually poetry and/or quote related. Sometimes it's about her, other times will be specified.

tag: Phenix family- anything pertaining to her family, biological or in law.

tag: fanart- whenever I reblog fanart. Pretty self explanatory. Will also tag characters.

tag: The Phoenix Calls- used when reblogging rp memes and starters.

tag: Phenix canons- used for dropping bits of lore about phenix and her family.

About Phenix

And those are all I can think of. If I come up with anymore ill update them! ^.^

Verses and AUs

1. Canon universe- formerly trapped in an abusive marriage, Phenix spends most of her time taking care of imps and other hellborn and sinners who escaped bad situations in her family home, Raven Hall. She wishes to continue her mother's legacy with the Raven Court, and wants to eventually make it an official branch of hells government to give the so called lessers in hell a voice.

*Canon for the blog, but not the show. Though I do try to work within the shows boundaries with this.

2. Ward of the Morningstars/ ward!phenix AU- in this alternative universe, Phenix was taken in by Lucifer after her mother was killed because he felt partly responsible for what happened to Ravenna and for Phenix's fall from favor with Paimon. She sees Luci as a second, but primary, father, Charlie as her sister, and Damian Morningstar as her brother. Vaggie is her future sister in law, and the deadly sins are her aunts and uncles (though some she favors more than others).

3. Royal Guard AU- this is an AU where Striker is a captain of the guard in the House of Andras. Realizing just how bad Andras actually is, Striker and Phenix concoct a plan to free her and put an end to Andras' wicked hold on her. This features the pair Striker/Phenix in a romantic way.

4. Human AU- Phenix is a human royal from the small kingdom of Goetia who's of marriageable age.

5. Genderbent AU- Male Phenix whos escaped from a bad marriage and just wants to raise his two kids, Javier and Viviane, in peace.

6. Queen of Wrath AU- This is based on a fanfic that I'm writing in which Paimon and Satan, the king of wrath, struck up a deal many years ago and has led to Phenix becoming the deadly sin's wife. Unsure if I'll post the story itself but this will be updated if and when I do.

*please note that all of these are subject to be changed/updated*

Full name: Phenix Quezala Goetia

Gender: female

Age: 30+

Demon bird form: a giant five eyed quetzal (two on each side of her head plus one in the middle of her head) that appears to be made of various colored flames.

Ordinary demon form: (terrible at drawing so I'll give a physical description) 9 feet at the tallest. She's mostly red feathered, though she has gold feathers on her face, particularly around her eyes and prominently in her long tail feathers. Her chest is black feathered, with what looks like a light red/orange heart on her bust. Her eyes are mostly black with red-gold irises and odd lavender pupils. She has a third eye in the middle of her two regular eyes, but its usually shut so not visible to most unless they have supernaturally goof eyesight. The feathers on her head start short at the neck and shoulders and but spread elegantly down her back, as though theyre layered atop of each other. They're mostly red but are tipped in black with gold accents. Her style of dress varies on the day and who she interacts with. Despite her fiery colors she actually has a deep fondness for cooler ones like emerald green, blues of any kind, and anything purple. Will on special occasions wear her husband's colors of cream, black, and purple...rarely.

Powers: pyrokinesis, sound manipulation, imitation of any voice, knowledge of most if not all instruments.

Nicknames: Nix, Nixi, Rose Red (I highly warn against calling her this, unless you want your vocal cords pecked out)

Titles: Princess of the Goetia family, Grand Marquess in the House of Andras, and Queen of the Court of Ravens.

Blood Family: Shax (maternal grandfather), Viviane (maternal grandmother), Ravenna (mother), Marchosias (older maternal uncle), Malphus (younger maternal uncle), Paimon (father), Stolas (older half brother), Octavia (niece)

Married family/in laws: Andras (husband, a just no, JN for short), Caim (Andras' brother, a just maybe, JM), Larissa (Andras' mother, JN MiL), Aamon (Andras' father, a total Just Yes, JY FiL)

Important information: There's a lot of backstory to her, but I might reveal that in increments rather than just dumping it all here. So here are the top ten things you should know about Phenix:

She's King Paimon's oldest daughter, but not his oldest child. She's younger than Stolas by about eight years. He went through wives like Henry the 8th. Phenix is the result of his second marriage and her mother's name was Ravenna, who started the Court of Ravens under everyone's noses.

Phenix and Stolas are close, despite their mothers having been serious enemies. He's one of the few people in her life who call her Nixi. She's also 100 percent supportive of his divorce and is close to Octavia.

She got her grimoire at 11, much like her brother, and was given the purpose to act as a muse for musicians and poets throughout the world and across time. She was also betrothed to her husband Andras at this time.

She married Andras at age 20. They've been married for ten years but have no children...yet. Andras has tried to keep her content through the use of illusions. On the blog, she's mostly out of his fog, and he's the reason she hates the nickname Rose Red.

The Court of Ravens was created by her mother Ravenna when Paimon attempted to divorce her but failed. She meant for it to be a safe haven for anyone seeking refuge from a bad situation. Anyone can join the Court, no matter their station, any and all hellborn and sinners are permitted to join the Court.

Phenix has a key to the Court, which is disguised as a portrait ring of her mother. There's more of these rings that are commissioned in Lust and Gluttony. They all look slightly different but always have Ravenna's flying raven signature on them somewhere. Gates to the Court can be found in Gluttony or Lust, and they can only be gained access by the rings which are guarded by Beelzebub and Asmodeus respectively.

Phenix is technically Queen of the Raven Court, and has been since her mother passed. However, she didn't know about the Court until she herself had need of it.

Phenix is accepting to any and everyone. She despises the Goetia's way of thinking, and when she takes her place as Raven Queen, she denounces the Goetia in favor of "her" people, the outcasts and needy of Hell who come to her for protection and sanctuary.

She has seriously thought of killing her husband and taking his prized angelic sword, Exnoctum, as her own.

She does eventually want to have children, not only to succeed her as Raven Queen/King, but to pass on her so called radical beliefs about equality in hopes of eventually ending the stigma that comes with the caste system of hell.

And that's pretty much all you need to know about Phenix. If I come up with anything else or change her canon, I'll be sure to update the list. Now as I said there's a lot of lore surrounding this character and a lot of it involves her family, and especially her mother and connections to the other sins. However, I feel like those should be revealed in time. Until then, by all means feel free to interact! Phenix is super friendly towards most folks. Thank you so much for reading! I know it was a lot! <3

-Mun Ash

[kingofscoops]

Hi sweetie! For the for the 🎬 ask box game:

2 7 8 10 11 19 30 31 34 38 39 42

hii, this got long quick so i'm hiding under the cut hehe.

2. What movie do you wish you could unwatch?

Yes, there's probably more than one but the one that comes to mind the most is The Haunting of Redding Hospital, i like my horror movies and i thought this was gonna be an interesting one, but it was just so ridiculously boring i was annoyed at myself for buying it. (also i just looked at the reviews for it online and some people gave it 5 stars and i'm just thinking we're we even watching the same movie?! because it was garbage, pure utter predictable garbage)

7. Name a movie you’re emotionally attached to?

You've probably heard me talk about it several times by now, but it's The Goonies, was introduced to it by my late aunt when I was a kid and i've just loved it ever since.

8. What’s your comfort film?

Howl's Moving Castle, actually you know what make that just studio ghibli in general.

10. Most recent movie you saw in theaters?

Errrrrm... it's been a hot minute, i think it was Avengers Endgame, i keep meaning to go see more but i never remember what's on or coming out lol

11. A genre you just can’t stand.

i'd say probably romance, that's not me saying i've never watched anything from genre, there's probably movies in that genre i've watched and do enjoy, but romance can't be the sole genre for me it's gotta be woven in with something else or be like a minor side note in said movie. that and i just don't understand the appeal of some of them?

19. Name a movie so bad it’s good.

ThanksKilling, yeah from the outset it's a shitty produced thanksgiving themed horror, but if you're not taking the shitty production seriously then it's fucking hilarious, just don't watch the sequal ThanksKilling 3, it's kinda boring in comparison and i almost fell asleep watching it, no actually thinking about it i think i did genuinely half fall asleep while watching it lol - for reference i watched both of these as a lets watch with achievement hunter so it probably seemed funnier at the time lol.

30. Are you looking forward to any upcoming releases?

Well, since i finally watched Beetlejuice for the first time this this year, i'm currently looking forward to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and it's pretty much the only thing i know currently soon releasing that i would actually consider watching.

31. Do you remember the first movie you saw in theaters?

I can't remember if it was the first first movie i ever saw in theaters but the earliest i can remember is A Bug's Life.

34. Which film is the most visually beautiful?

There's loads but it's hard to narrow down, so i am again just gonna answer, majority of the studio ghibli movies lol

38. In your opinion what is the most overrated movie?

There's not many i would considered overrated tbh? but there is something i don't plan on watching but i kept seeing ads for that i would maybe consider overrated? so yeah i kept seeing ads for This Ends With Us on constant repeat over on YT a while back, and while i understand the reason why the story has and is being told, both in movie and book form, i don't understand why anyone would want to go see a movie masking itself as a romantic movie when it's main plot point is about a women in an abusive relationship?

39. In your opinion what is the most underrated movie?

I haven't seen it in forever but I'm gonna go with Creep, and no not the 2014 movie of the same name people are probably thinking of that's about a videographer recording the wishes of a dying man? (idk i haven't watched it but may do in the future). No i'm talking about the 2004 movie called Creep, i'll try not to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it and may wish to watch but it revolves around a women getting trapped in the London Underground after missing her train home but she soon discovers she's not alone yada yada yada. I'll say it's underrated because, to me at least, it literally gets overshadowed by the movie of the same name and i never see this version ever get talked about, and it got me thinking of another horror/comedy called Severance (again not to be confused by the tv show of the same name) which i also haven't seen in forever. Put basically i think the British horror genre in general might be the one that's being made underrated lol.

42. Show me a pic of your favorite movie poster.

I don't have any movie posters up anymore unfortunately, but then i also have no space to put them, i do have an avengers infinity war/endgame canvas my parents got me for xmas one year, i know they knew i liked marvel but i'm not entirely sure the thought that process through as my rooms walls are more or less all covered by shelves or furniture of some sort, i guess it's the thought that counted huh? but anyway, here's a pic of fluff investigating the giant thing that i can't actually have in my room due to space lol

(it's currently in the corner of my parents room lol)

🍿🎬 Send me a movie ask 🎬🍿

[truebluewhocanoe]

The Ten Doctors miscellaneous thoughts and reactions

I just finished reading The Ten Doctors by Rich Morris. Unfortunately, his site is down, but you can download it off the Wayback Machine here. Spoilers beware: it's not a quick read but I definitely recommend setting aside some time and reading it because it's super good. Recommended to me by @lurking-latinist (although I had previously also heard the youtuber Samuel Davis talk very highly of it as well.)

This is your last spoiler warning!

Just gonna put any thoughts I have in an awkward gush-mush here:

-This is a little embarrassing but I don't entirely know what the heck was up with Doctor 2.5. He's supposed to be a Watcher, I guess? But 2 taking him with him at the end made me think it was referencing something that I don't know. Dunno where he was supposed to end up.

-Not gonna lie I was a little disappointed that it didn't explain why Maxil looks like the Sixth Doctor (on an in-universe level, we all know why he looks like that on a Doylist level of course). Especially since the Valeyard was mind-controlling him... ah, wait, headcanon: the Valeyard was mind-controlling him since his previous regeneration, and either influenced Maxil into looking like the Doctor subconsciously, or purposefully, for use in Schemes(TM). If only I could figure out a way to transplant that from this comic to show canon...

-I'm kind of face blind so when the Doctors did this elaborate team-up sequence only for this guy to pop up all I saw was the hair, and my reaction was "What, that's just 8???"

Also, next time someone asks me who my favorite Doctor is, I'm just going to send this image and offer no further explanation.

(As an unnecessary side note, I this comic leaned way further into the "different Doctors are different people" side of the Doctor-incarnation-identity spectrum than where I sit, but fuck it, it did a great story with it so I'm 100% satisfied)

-We've had humans converted into Daleks, we've had Time Lords converted into Cybermen, but I think this is the first time I've seen Time Lords converted into Daleks. An absolute stroke of genius! And it immediately takes that idea all the way and does a Dalek Doctor! When I saw 10 in the chair I was immediately struck; that actually managed to unnerve me a bit in a story that is otherwise purely meant to be fun.

-Seriously the panel where Dalek!10 sheds a tear is actually super creepy

-On the contrary, I loved Sixie in this and thought he looked particularly great in Four's scarf (although the monochrome helps a bit there)

-...but the Four circlejerking at the end was a little gratuitous

-Any time a story has more than, say, 4 storylines going on a time, I lose track. I have infinite respect for anyone who is able to keep more than that many story threads straight. And this comic had like, 10???? At one point??? Or more?? And it came together very well???

Tomorrow I'm going to go snapshot every face Sixie made that made me smile and compile them

[mikeys-bike-slut]

Untitled Part 7

Warnings: pure Draken fluff <3

Previous parts

***

"Hey Angel,

Due to your injury you'll be laid off of your gang duties for a few days. Draken will be looking after you, I gave him my spare keys. He'll be over after our meeting with Valhalla. Please rest I want you back by my side as soon as possible.

Your nuisance.

P.s: thank you for last night ❤"

I smiled to myself as I read the note then I pinned it above my bed next to the small note Draken left me the last time he was over. I smiled at the notes then I look at the third note which was a quick cat sketch from Baji and the words "smile bitch" scribbled next to it. I let out a small sigh really wanting to message him, to see if he is even still alive but I know it's probably not a good idea so I just slump back down on my bed and just stare at the floor, that is until I hear keys rustling in my front door. Thought it's probably Draken I stay high alert and grab my bat and hide behind the wall in the corridor.

I hear heavy boots hitting the floor, confirming one thing; it's more than likely not an intruder as I doubt they'd be respectful enough to take their shoes off. I mean who goes breaking in in their socks? I peak out from behind the wall and I feel myself relax as I spot Draken's black and white shirt. Seriously what's with this dude and monochrome geometric stuff? 

"Hey Kenny" I greet him with a smile and he just forces one on his face as he gives me a small wave, I can tell, something was wrong. "What's up Kenny boy?" I try to keep it light hearted but as he stays quiet I start to get a very uneasy feeling. "Ryuguji?" 

"Mikey is a fucking idiot..." he says clenching his fist and I notice the bruise under his eye. Did they fight again? 

"I mean we know that" I chuckle then sigh. "Alright, what has he done this time?" 

"He made a deal with Valhalla..." he says and my stomach drops. 

"Oh god...what did he do?" I sigh then wrap my arms around Draken's arm and walk to the sofa with him but as I start walking he just picks me up then walks over to the sofa then sits down with me in his lap and just sits there caressing my waist in silence. "Ken... what's going on?" 

"Valhalla said if they won Mikey can keep Toman if he hands you over..." he says shaking his head and I start to get a weird feeling and gently nudge him to continue. "He is so damn arrogant and sure of victory that he agreed..." he says in a serious tone then looks up at me. 

"He agreed...?" I ask almost shocked. I always knew Mikey was cocky but he usually didn't put other's people life at line. "We must win then, right?" but he just stays quiet. 

"I thought so too until we had the meeting, I've seen their men... Not enough they double in numbers but they're also older than us and pretty strong, I'm not gonna lie, us winning has a thin chance even with the Invincible Mikey on our side... after losing Baji too, we're weakened and no way we gonna put you in front line-" but I cut him off.

"I'm going to fight. I am one of the founding members of Toman and I am tired of not doing anything. We're not talking about some petty gang fight but the future of Toman. I am going. Like it or not" I say in a serious tone. 

Draken just growls then sighs as he looks at me. "You're one stubborn bitch, you know that?" he says then pulls me on his chest and hugs me tight. "I won't let anything happen to you. The captains and I all agreed we will not hand you over and get you out of the country"

"No" I cut him off once again in a very serious tone. "We're Toman and we honour our words, if we lose I have no choice but to obey and join Valhalla but I tell you this, if we going to lose I will beat up Mikey myself"

"I'll help you with that..." he growls then sigh. "Anyway, after the meeting we had a big fight when we got back to the shrine, punch here a kick there and I just left before I beaten him to a pulp" 

I sigh and shake my head as I caress his cheek. "It will be fine, I promise" I smile softly. We have Baji as our inside man, no way Baji would really betray us. We're gonna win. I know. 

"You're always too optimistic" he sighs and pats my leg. 

"Well someone needs to be with you assholes charging into fights without thinking" I chuckle that cause him to finally smile and let out a small chuckle too. 

"Mikey was right, you really are our heart" he smiles and caresses my cheek then rests his forehead against mine and closes his eyes. We stay like that for a couple of minutes then he pulls away, enough to look at me. "How is your leg?" 

"It's better, how's my girl?" I cock a brow as I look at him but the sudden change in his mood tells me, not good. 

"I'm sorry" he shakes his head. "Though it wasn't a big crash the tree damaged her enough that even I can't fix it. I'm sorry Angel"

"Oh..." that's all I say as I look down. I feel like my whole world crumble around me. I had that bike for over ten years, Shini fixed it up specifically for me and I never rode anything else but her. 

"I'm sorry" Ken repeats himself quietly and I just fake a laugh. 

"It's just a bike, right?" I force a chuckle. "Just a bike..." I keep the force chuckle but seconds later in turns into crying as I cling onto him burying my face in his shoulders and just sob. That was it. I couldn't hold it any longer, all that built up pain I carried the past few days reached its tipping point. 

Draken just held me tight against him and let me just sob until I could no longer make a sound, just clung to him silently as tears were falling from my eyes. Once my tears dried up I just sat in his lap curled up to him just sitting there in silence. I didn't know what to say, my brain couldn't focus on idle conversation and he knew this; he just held me and silently comforted me and in that moment that's all I needed; being safe in the arms of someone I trust with all my life. 

"How about a date?" he suddenly speaks up and I give him a surprised look. "Hey! Don't give me that look like I never asked you" he rolls his eyes then smiles. "Mikey had you the past couple of days so it's my time to have you" 

"He did kind of expropriated me" I chuckle then bite my lip. "But Kenny... come on. I look like shit" I frown. "Plus I need to rest apparently" I roll my eyes. 

"First of all, you never look shit, second, who said we had to go anywhere?" a grin appears on his face. "We can put on a movie and I can cook something for you, then I can camper you more, do your hair, paint your nails, whatever my princess would like" he smiles softly and for the first time in ages I actually starts blushing. 

"Can I just marry you already, Ken?" I chuckle then I grab his face and give him a big smooch which makes him let out a small laugh.

"Yes, but let's keep it a secret from Mikey or he'll throw a tantrum" he winks at me earning a chuckle. "Alright, you pick a movie and I see what you have at home" he smiles then gently lifts me out of his lap and putting me on the couch. 

Draken kept his word and after looking at my resources he decided from what limited things I had to make some yakisoba. Surprisingly he is a very good cook and the yakisoba was delicious. After we ate he did the dishes then looted through my very limited nail polish collection and picked out yellow, god knows why. 

"Ken, is that the best you found?" I chuckle as I pick up the nail polish and look at it. 

"Not like you have a big collection" he frowns. "You want a different colour, princess?" 

I shake my head. "Yellow's good" I smile then I take my socks off and place my legs in his lap. 

After he put on the toe separators -with a great struggle- he started painting my toenails and I couldn't help but just smile as I watched him. The way he stuck the tip of tongue out focusing on being as clean and even as possible was just too cute. I can't help but take a picture, then he just flips me off with a chuckle. 

Draken was the ace in the hole of Toman, after Mikey he was the second strongest, everyone knew to stay put when he was around. He was the level headed vice commander, always by Mikey's side, being his voice of reason. A strong, charismatic man, but when we were alone he let his guard down and shown me a whole different side  of him. He spoke softly and became extremely gentle. He has a very big heart and he was not afraid to show that to me, I seen a side of Draken that no one else did, maybe that's why I fell in love with him... as well.

When it comes to Mikey and Draken I could never be able to chose, I love both of them. Each of them for their own qualities and I wouldn't be able to exist without either of them. Ever since we started this... whatever this is what we have going on, -friends with benefits, I guess?- I decided no matter what I won't catch feelings... I didn't know how hard it would be trying not to fall for either for them but it happened, when I realized I swore I won't ever confess, our friendship worth so much more than my feelings. I am scared of losing either of them, also don't want anything to stand between them. It would all just lead to unnecessary conflicts and stress and no one needs that. We're happy the way we are and that's all that matters. Still. I often wonder how the future will be? 

Letting them go will be extremely hard. 

"Ang? Angel? Stinkface?" suddenly Draken's voice dragged me out of my thoughts. 

"Hmm? Sorry I wasn't listening" I gave him a forced smile and he saw right straight through me. 

"What's on your mind, princess? You know you can tell me anything" he says in a changed tone; it's a soft and reassuring tone and I just sigh. I want to tell him, I really do... but I can't. 

"Promise me we won't ever lose contact" I say in a more serious tone as I look at him and utter confusion appears on his face.

"Maya.. what's going on?" his voice is serious and worried as he leans closer.

I shake my head and sigh. "Nothing, I'm sorry" I chuckle embarrassed. "I just hope this will never end"

"This?" he cocks a brow then somehow he figures it out. "Us?" I can't bring myself to answer so I just nod. He carefully puts my leg down and pulls me closer to him. "If it's up to me it won't. I'm sure one day you'll find someone or settle down with Mikey, who knows. All I know as for now, I'd like to keep you as mine as I can" he says as he caresses my cheek. "You're so much more than just a whore to me. I love you. You probably don't feel the same way, and I feel fucking dumb to even say it but-" he says with an awkward chuckle but I just up his face and give him a soft kiss. 

"I do" that's all I say and he gives a look of shock and I can't help but starts laughing. "Is it really that shocking?" I chuckle.

"Yes? I think... I  don't know" he chuckles and I can see it on his face he is still trying to process all of this. "I honestly thought you'd love Mikey" he admits and his cheek starts to turn pink. 

"Also do" I say with a chuckle and his face goes back to confusion.

"I am confused" he admits and I just shake my head. 

"I love both of you. Like LOVE love, you" I say then caress his cheek. "If I could, I just happily  would live the rest of my life with you two" I admit with a bittersweet chuckle. "How selfish of me..." 

"It's not selfish" he smiles then caresses my cheek. "But let's this kept between us, okay? And let it not change whatever it is we have,  alright? I don't know how Mikey would react, we all know how possessive he is and it could lead to a big conflict because I doubt he would care how anyone feels when he already looks at you as his" Draken sighs and shakes his head. 

"I was thinking the same. Things are perfect just the way they are and I want to keep it that way" I say as I look at him then a grin appears on his face.

"So you love me, huh?" he grins then nudges me.

"Give me a sec, I think I changed my mind" I playfully frown and he just gives me an offended look then playfully tackles me onto the sofa with a laugh then gives me a long kiss. 

"What do you want Ryuguji?" I chuckle into his lips before pecking them softly. 

"To spend the rest of my life with you, princess" he whispers into my lips then gives me another kiss, but letting this one linger. I close my eyes and just lean into his kiss and getting lost in the moment for a few seconds.

"What if we really would spend our life together?" I ask curiously as I look at him with a smile. 

"Definitely have at least two rugrats running around" he grins then moves himself beside me and wrap his arms around me. "Let's see, I'd have my own bike shop, our son would always be helping me, while our girl would always be with mommy. She'd be a very fierce little thing, and hot headed" he adds with a grin then chuckles. 

"And our son would be VERY stubborn" I wink at him then he chuckles tickles my sides making me let out a squeak. "Do you think you really could control two spawns? Our spawns?" I cock a brow and laugh. 

"You're forgetting I spend everyday with Mikey..." he says and I just break out in a laughter and he joins too. "He'd kill me hearing me say this" he laughs. 

"Not like you're wrong" I chuckle and shake my head. "So if we'd have kids that means you married me?" I bite my lip.

"Of course" he grins. "Mitsuya would be designing and making your dress and you'd look like a queen. I'd stand there, looking at you mesmerised trying to figure out how the fuck did I get so luck to score such a babe" he winks at me then kisses my forehead. 

"You'll look so handsome in a suit. I'd be wondering if I'm dreaming to have such an amazing... and hot guy wanting to marry me" I giggle softly. 

"We'd be one hot couple" he shows me an another grin then lets out a soft sigh and closes his eyes. "I'd marry you in a heart beat" he says softly then slowly opens his eyes and turns towards me. He takes my chin between his thumb and index finger and lifts my head gently then presses a soft kiss on my lips. "I love you" he he whispers as he rests his forehead against mine and just looks into my eyes. 

"I love you too" I reply softly and allow myself to get lost in his obsidian eyes and for a moment, everything cease to exist.

No Toman.

No war. 

Just... him.

[sharkbait77]

The Singer (Marcus Pike x f!reader)

Chapter Three

Warnings: Mention of food/alcohol, language, pure fluffy fluffiness (I'm such a softie I'm sorry 😭)

W/C: 4.2k

A/N: Notes at the bottom! And I'm running out of gifs to use of scruffy faced Marcus. I'm gonna have to shave him soon 👀 I hope you enjoy our soft boi in this chapter! 🥰

Just as a reference if you need help understanding the different formats:

«Phone conversation on their end»

Thoughts

Text messages

Song mentioned:

Chapter Two | Chapter Four

The Singer Masterlist

Gif by me! Yes it's Teresa but it still fits & I only care that it's his hand lol

«Oh my god, I'm melting!» Celina yells in her phone enthusiastically. You giggle as you wait for her eagerness to calm down.

You had barely taken your shoes and jacket off after getting inside your apartment when you immediately dialed up Celina's number to tell her about the night. You feel like you're having an out of body experience. Sure, your heart is still guarded and unfortunately, you'll most likely have your doubts throughout the relationship, but you truly feel like this could go somewhere. You want to give yourself that chance and allow Marcus to help heal your heart, maybe doing the same for him in return.

"So he's picking me up on Saturday and I'm freaking out a little," you say and chew on the skin around your nail beds.

«Why? Don't be! Just treat it like how you did tonight!» She encourages.

"But it's a legitimate date this time, I have to do my hair and makeup perfectly and find the perfect outfit and-"

«Girl, have you seen your closet? You have nothing but perfect outfits!» She teases and you chuckle, lowering your fingers from your mouth.

«You don't need to try to be perfect hun, just be yourself! Be the girl he has already seen in front of him.» You smile at her heartfelt words. «I bet he's already in love with you!»

"Okay, you're not helping!" You laugh, placing your hand on your forehead. "I'll talk to you later, I'm going to try and get some sleep. I'll probably be calling you on Saturday so I can freak out some more."

You say your goodbyes and hang up, sinking yourself into your couch and smiling widely. Your head is buzzing from a sugar rush, but you can't tell if it's because of the pancakes or because of Marcus. You walk to the kitchen to make some sleepytime tea, hoping it'll relax your nerves enough for you to get some shut eye.

* * * *

You take a shower and climb into your comfy pajamas and the tea works its magic as you relax on your plush bed, surrounding yourself with pillows and your soft blanket enveloping you in warmth. Your eyes get heavy and you feel yourself on the brink of sleep when you hear your phone vibrate on the nightstand. You try to ignore it, but it vibrates again and you figure it's Celina probably sending you a funny video. Your curiosity gets the better of you and you reach over to grab your phone, the brightness from the screen stinging your eyes from the time they had adjusted to the darkness. You blink a few times until you can see the screen clearly.

555-9057: Hi Dulce :)

555-9057: Made it home. I had a great time :)

You bite your lip and smile at the messages on your lock screen, heat flashing through your head seeing him call you the nickname you gave yourself in his phone. And just like that, you're wide awake again. You unlock your phone and before you can type a reply, he sends another message.

555-9057: It's Marcus btw

Marcus groans to himself as he sends that last message. What the hell was that? Of course she knows it's you. Dumbass. He watches the screen and holds his breath when he sees the text bubbles pop up and he waits nervously for your reply.

Dulce💋: I'm glad you specified! Right after you dropped me off another guy took me out for dulce de leche pancakes and I also penned myself as Dulce in his phone 🤭

He chuckles out loud in the quiet atmosphere of his apartment, the sound bouncing against the walls and reverberating around the living room. Damn, she's good.

555-9057: Okay okay you got me, don't have to be so mean :P

So he's a classic emoji kind of guy, you smile as you make a note and file it in the little 'Marcus Pike' folder in your brain. You hit his phone number and tap the plus symbol to make a new contact in your phone. For some reason, you find yourself struggling as you try to figure out what to put his contact name as.

Agent Cutie

Nope, delete.

Agent Pike

What are you, his secretary? Delete delete.

Marcus

Should I put an emoji? Which one? Can't be a heart. You are seriously overthinking this.

Marcus Pike

Yeah, okay. I guess.

Me: Why did it take so long to get home? Do you live far?

Marcus Pike: It was about 30 min from your place :) not too bad

Thirty minutes?! Great, now I feel bad.

Dulce💋: Wth if I had known I wouldn't have let you drop me off! 🙄

Me: Don't worry about it! I was more than happy to ;)

Shit shit shit I didn't mean the wink! Why are they right next to each other?! Do I say something? Oh god, way to go, you ruined it.

Dulce💋: Then I'll give you gas money!

Marcus takes a breath of relief when he sees that you sidestepped his accidental wink emoji. After he catches his breath, his phone chimes again.

Dulce💋: And I won't take no for an answer 😉

Okay, there's no way she sent that by accident. Is she flirting with me? Do I flirt back? Why are my hands so sweaty?

Dulce💋: It's time for bed, those pancakes made me sleepy 😴 good night Marcus ☺️ See you Saturday!

Marcus smiles to himself and he anticipates seeing you on Saturday. He sends you another text and walks to his restroom to take a quick shower before climbing in bed.

Marcus Pike: Can't wait :) good night!

There's no way you can sleep now, but you said good night for his sake; he had a long day at work, plus he took you out and then had a long drive home. You know he must be tired. Your heart races as you scroll through your short text conversation, rereading the messages and giggling softly.

Did he mean to wink? It was probably an accident, considering he types out emojis instead of using the newer, more convenient ones. You just couldn't help but send one back, though; hiding behind the screen helped you to flirt openly with him. You roll onto your side to face the TV on your dresser, turning on a true crime documentary and letting it eventually lull you to sleep.

* * * *

Saturday comes around quickly, much to your delight, but as you wander around your room looking at the many outfits you laid out on your bed, your dresser, even on your couch, the nerves set in fast. You pray to whoever’s listening that you don’t seize up when Marcus picks you up. Which is in fifteen minutes. You already have your hair and makeup done, all you need is to pick an outfit. Simple in theory. Just pick one! You chew your lip nervously out of habit before stopping as soon as you realize you probably just messed up the red lipstick you had applied earlier.

You rush to the bathroom mirror and sure enough, there's a bare spot on your bottom lip and the lipstick has transferred to your front teeth. You groan in frustration and grab a makeup wipe to carefully remove the ruined lipstick and you brush your teeth again until it's all gone. You reapply the same shade of red, pleasantly surprised with yourself that it came out better than the first time. You take a deep breath and try to calm down, telling yourself that the first outfit you land your eyes on will be the one you wear. You count down from three in your head and enter your bedroom.

Okay, maybe not that one. You decide to close your eyes and try again. When you open your eyes, they land on a different outfit. Not that one either. You sigh harshly through your nose. Why is this so hard? You walk over to your nearly empty closet for the umpteenth time and your eyes catch on to a dress hidden in the corner that you had surprisingly missed before. This one.

It's a spaghetti strapped, black, bodycon dress with a lace overlay, flowers printed on the fabric throughout. It hugs your body in all the right places, reaching down to your knees, and you take a look in the floor length mirror next to your dresser as you put on your black, open-toed heels, smiling brightly as you feel confidence shooting through your veins.

Adrenaline gets mixed in as soon as you hear a knock on your door. Five on the dot. You grab your black cardigan and purse off the couch and open the door, your breath taken away by the handsome man in front of you. He's carrying a box of chocolates and it fumbles in his hands, nearly falling once his wide eyes see you. He looks at you from head to toe, making your heart race as you feel heat rushing over your body in line with his gaze and you shift your weight from side to side anxiously.

"Wow," he says breathlessly, unable to say anything afterwards.

"Wow yourself," you smile, looking over his own outfit: a navy blue suit and a black, button up shirt underneath, paired with black dress shoes. He slicked his hair back and cleaned up his beard slightly. He really is a gorgeous man.

"Uh," he stutters and glances to the box in his unknowingly tight grasp. "These are for you," he smiles shyly as he hands you the chocolates.

"Thank you," you say, giggling at the indents his fingers made on the sides of the box and you turn around to leave them on your entryway table.

You turn back to face him and see his eyes look up quickly and you wonder if you just caught him staring at your bottom. Your suspicion is confirmed when his cheeks flush pink. You laugh softly and he holds his arm out to you.

"Ready?" He asks and you can hear the nervousness in his voice.

You nod and link your arm in his, letting him help you down the stairs. You're starting to love the way his arm hugs yours as you walk and the warmth of his body mixing with yours. Your footsteps even sync up together in a slow cadence. He walks you to his car, letting you hold your weight with his arm as you slowly lower in the seat, your movement restricted by your tight dress and high heels.

You thank him once you're seated, buckling your seatbelt, and he walks to his side, sitting down and starting the car. You notice the radio is on this time, playing at a low volume, and you think to yourself that he probably only forgot to turn it on last time.

The aura is tense in the car, both of your nervous energies dancing in the air together to the music. You try to think of something to say, resorting to looking through your mental file of basic conversation starters. The weather? No, too basic. Say something about the music. No-

"You look really beautiful," Marcus finally breaks the silence. Your head snaps up to look in his direction and you share a smile, thanking him and returning the compliment.

He takes his eyes off the road for a couple of seconds to look at you with a soft smile and turns his attention back to driving straight. He would keep his eyes on you if he could, but he'd rather not get into a car accident and ruin the night. So he just waits patiently until the next moment he can steal a glance. He takes a peek at you while you're stuck at a red light and he sees you picking at your cuticles nervously. He rubs his clammy palm on his pant leg, hoping to dry up any sweat present as much as possible. Before he can think twice about it, he reaches his hand over to grab yours.

Your heart jumps in your throat from the action and you look down in shock at his large hand covering yours completely. The blood rushes to your cheeks; his hand is rough from work, but soft and gentle enough that it's not uncomfortable. And warm. So warm. You stop picking your cuticles immediately, now memorizing the fine wrinkles in his hand and the ridges on his knuckles.

"Are you okay?" He asks, not moving his hand from your lap as he starts driving again.

"Yeah," your voice makes an embarrassing harmony, splitting in two different octaves from disuse. You swallow some saliva to lubricate your vocal cords and try speaking again.

"I'm just a little nervous," you admit.

His hand is still resting on top of yours; you're not sure if you should open your hand up to face your palms together and hold his hand as well. Alas, you take too long to make a decision and he pulls his hand away to grasp the steering wheel, bracing for a left turn.

"Please don't be nervous," he smiles with his pearly white teeth and it only makes you more nervous. How is he this handsome?

"It's just me," he adds as he pulls up to the restaurant, putting the car in park and removing the key from the ignition.

"'Just you'?" You quote him inquisitively. He nods and you shake your head with a small chuckle.

"What?" He chuckles with you.

"It's not 'just you' though, is it?" You reply softly.

You wonder if he's uncertain of himself and his ability to make women — i.e. you — weak in the knees. He seems oblivious to it and it makes him all the more charming to you. You see his eyebrows furrow and before he can ask what you mean, you turn to open the car door.

"Wait," he tells you, rushing out of his seat and over to you to help you out.

You wanted to manage it yourself, but you know you must look ridiculous with how bad you're struggling to get out of the car. He chuckles at the sight once he's on your side and he holds his arm out. You hold onto his forearm tightly and pull yourself upward as he lifts you as well until you're firmly planted on your feet.

"Maybe this dress wasn't a good idea after all," you giggle.

"I think it was," he flirts and you look away as you smile shyly.

You walk together up the steps to the front of the restaurant and Marcus apologizes for not warning you about the stairs. You tell him not to worry and though you can feel the ache in the arches and heels of your feet, you don't complain. He holds the door open for you and you walk in, your eyes instantly catching on the glimmering, crystal chandelier hanging in the waiting area. The lights are dimmed in an amber glow and there are pillars with intricate carvings and vines wrapped around the stone throughout the entirety of the establishment.

You gasp to yourself; this place must be expensive. How did you go from pancakes at grandma's house to a fancy, Italian restaurant like this? Your ears catch the sounds of a violin, but it's too close to just be playing from a speaker. Sure enough, you look further into the restaurant and see a man in a suit playing a violin. A live violinist?! Marcus joins your side again and notices the look of astonishment on your face.

"What's wrong?" He asks and you jerk your head to look at him, not even realizing he was standing next to you.

"Marcus, this looks like it's going to be really expensive."

You whisper in his ear so you don't offend any of the staff members and the height from your heels allows you to reach his head a little better now. The hot breath from your mouth tickles his ear and a bolt of arousal shoots down his spine. He laughs it off and leans his mouth to your ear in return.

"I like to make a fuss," he says, the deep tone of his voice giving you goosebumps. "Don't worry about it," he says in his normal tone as he stands up straight again.

The maître d' greets you two as you walk up to the host stand and Marcus gives the man his name for the reservation. The maître d' informs Marcus the table is not quite ready yet, adding that you're welcome to wait at the bar. Marcus looks at you to get your opinion; you say yes and Marcus lightly places his hand on the middle of your back, guiding you as you walk over to the bar top together. You take a seat in the soft barstool; it's easier to sit on since it's basically at standing height. Marcus removes his hand from your back to take a seat, his fingers gliding against the delicate lace of your dress across your spine and you shudder. Thankfully, it goes unnoticed.

The back of the bar is riddled with an assortment of different liquors, both American and Italian, and they're resting on lit up shelves. You look at the drink menu and your mouth opens in horror at the prices listed. This is definitely too much money. The bartender comes your way and Marcus orders a campari and grapefruit juice, immersing himself fully in the Italian culture. You say you'll stick with water and excuse it as you not feeling like drinking tonight. Marcus doesn't question it further.

The two of you comment on the decor of the restaurant, mainly the paintings hanging on the walls, and you mention that you love the lilies resting in the painted, ceramic vases and Marcus takes note of that fact. A waitress walks up to you and Marcus to let you know your table is ready and he finishes the last of his drink and stands, offering you his hand this time instead of his arm. You smile as you take it, your heart thumping in your chest as you let him guide you while you both follow the waitress.

The restaurant is bustling; heavy sounds of conversation and cutlery clinking on plates as you walk through what seems the entirety of the restaurant until the waitress leads you to a small, private patio. A round table is seated there, covered by a red tablecloth and adorned with a single, tall candlestick, burning a light glow. There's a cylindrical basket full of bread sticks and two water glasses, condensation running along the sides and onto the cloth. Marcus pulls your chair out for you, helping you to sit and scooting you in and sits down across from you. You hang your cardigan and purse on the back of your chair and take the menu the waitress is holding out to you.

You both thank her and she leaves, stating she'll be back soon to take your order. You marvel at the privacy Marcus planned for you two and you take a sip of your ice cold water, reveling in the relief washing through your dry throat. You flip open your menu; the options are minimal and are all expensive. You immediately scan for the cheapest dish: a $30 plate of chicken cacciatore. You feel guilty; you never want Marcus to break his bank trying to take you on a date. You glance at him and wonder why he would do all of this just for you. Did he really think you were that special?

You find yourself missing that little pancake diner and the time you shared there. There, you only felt the budding emotions consistent with a high school crush, but in this moment now, it's real life and mature adult feelings and you feel it much stronger in this environment. Marcus senses your mood change and leans forward to ask if you're okay, but he's interrupted by the waitress. You order the 'cheap' chicken cacciatore and he orders the tajarin al tartufo. Whatever that is.

"Why did you order the cheapest dish?" Marcus asks once the waitress leaves.

"Because I wanted to," you give him a sly smile to convince him otherwise, but he sees right through you, giving you a look of disbelief. You sigh.

"Because Marcus, it's too much money," you say sadly. "I mean, how much was it to get this private patio set up?"

"That's not important to me," he shakes his head. "This is our first proper date and I wanted to make it special."

Damn it. Why is he so thoughtful? And so damn cute?

"It's not that I don't appreciate it, I'm blown away by this, but I'm just... I'm not used to it," you pull your lips into your mouth slightly, mindful of your lipstick.

"Is that why you didn't order a drink?" He asks. You give him a lopsided frown and shrug your shoulders, your expression answering him instead of your words. He sighs and tilts his head to the side.

"I don't want you to worry about how much everything costs when you're with me; let me spoil you. You deserve it."

Let me spoil you. You deserve it. His words float around in your head, your eyes filling with fondness at the thought. You didn't think you deserved to be spoiled; your ex made sure of that much. It's exhilarating to say the least; this man you barely know ready to do anything for you at any time. But you like it, and you think in time, you could learn to love it. Learn to love him. You blink wildly and you inconspicuously shake your head at that last thought.

It was definitely way too soon to be thinking like that and it scared you that it entered your mind at all. It must be the ambiance of the restaurant. You think about how you should protect yourself in case this takes a wrong turn and you debate on placing that in the priority spot in your mind. Marcus can see you fighting your own thoughts and he tries to lighten the mood.

"I also might be trying to impress you for real now," he smiles.

You chuckle and shake your head. Marcus thinks to himself how beautiful you look under the moonlight that's shining through the glass awning above your heads, face lit up by the glowing candle. He can't stop his mouth from saying what he wants to say, not in this romantic atmosphere.

"I think you're a wonderful, beautiful woman and... I really like you," he adds, reaching across the table for your hand and you let him hold it, tangling your fingers with his.

You're positive he can feel your pulse through your fingers or hear your heart pounding, the blood whooshing in your ears muffling any other sounds from coming in. As much as you want to protect yourself, the look in his eyes only draws you in and you can't hide the truth from him or yourself, your confession spoken out loud for the first time for you both.

"I like you, too, Marcus." He smiles happily at you.

There must be something in the water here.

"Do you think it would be okay to keep this up?" He asks, meaning the dates, and you can't stop your head from nodding yes and you give him a sweet smile.

Marcus lets go of your hand, letting his rest in front of him and you take a deep breath, trying to shake your nerves from the exchange that just took place between you. You grab a bread stick and attempt to take a small bite; you and Marcus laugh together as your small bite accidentally turns into a big one, the stick breaking in the wrong place and leaving a large chunk of bread hanging from your mouth. Of course, leave it to something awkward happening to you to break the tension. But anything to see his face come together in joyous laughter.

* * * *

"Thank you again Marcus, that was actually very delicious," you say while Marcus begins the drive back to your apartment. "I see why it was so expensive." He hums in agreement; his smile hasn't left his face since the restaurant.

You listen closely to the new song that comes on the radio, trying to make out the tune until it gets louder and you realize it's "At Last" by Etta James.

"I love this song," you say under your breath. Marcus hears you and turns up the volume slightly, earning a bright smile from you. You look back out the window and sing the lyrics softly.

At last, my love has come along,

My lonely days are over

And life is like a song.

Marcus's heart races as he listens to the lyrics being sung by you and they hit a little too close to his heart. You don't realize at first the meaning behind them, only enjoying singing along.

At last, the skies above are blue

My heart was wrapped up in clover,

The night I looked at you.

You now realize the words are identical to how you feel. You wonder if you're falling too fast for Marcus. This was only your second date and there is still so much to learn about each other. You have a whole past to open up about, which will be a defining moment for your relationship. But as you look over at Marcus and you feel the tender organ in your chest beating fast, you think to yourself that it can't get much better than this. What's the harm in trying?

Chapter Two | Chapter Four

The Singer Masterlist

A/N: Okay just wanted to explain what Marcus ordered if you're interested! *DESCRIPTION OF FOOD/ALCOHOL COMING UP* I'm not an expert so correct me if I'm wrong! According to Google:

Campari is an Italian bitters made of fruit & herbs & you usually mix it with juice or club soda (hardcore Italians drink it straight up) & it's a pre-meal drink

Tajarin al tartufo is an egg pasta, made with more egg whites than traditional egg pastas, & topped with white truffle. Idk it sounded fancy & expensive 😂

Also, here's their outfit inspos! Just a couple of things I described differently like his shirt being black & her dress having lace instead of mesh.

Ofc Marcus in this suit 🥵 I copied the description lol

TAG LIST:

@hnt-escape @winter-fox-queen @giselatropicana

[cool-the-binge-eater]

Apothecary Diaries - manga rec

Summary

Before it had an English name I just called it Kusuriya no Hitorigoto. It's about mao mao who was forced by kidnappers to be a court maid. A plain freckled girl who is nonchalant about it but misses working as a doctor assistant for her father.When the high ranking court ladies babies come down with an illness that others deem a curse mao mao figures out the cause. Trying her best not to get stuck in court drama squabbles only leaving a note on the cause. However a eunuch named jinshi figures her out and is forced to solve palace mysteries while also working as poison tester. (it's fine she likes to test poisons on herself)😓 So basically Chinese historical story that deals with harem life that's also a detective and medical story. So their are modern conventions and solutions that we take for granted that are used as solutions in the story. That’s the draw of alot of time traveling stories but since its not we don’t get an outsiders perspective about what we would consider wrong. Maomao has resigned herself to whatever happens to her and dosen’t fight the system directly but she still has a strong sense of justice.

Maomao- the pharmacist

Maomao is the protagonist /pov chara and is the main reason you read the story she's very eccentric when it comes to medicines and poisons but is actually very quick witted and emotionally intelligent. She's a realist and down to earth often thinking little of herself. Maomao has resigned herself to whatever happens to her. She knows she's smart and might be toooo smart. Her only motivation is medcine so political infighting and conspiracies is the opposite of that. Whenever her sense of justice shows up it really bursts and it's great to see💖😊 Even though she pettite skinny and a commoner whenever she decides to do something it really feels like she's risking her life.Also aro/ace representing she really dosent care about much except medicine.💞

Jinshi -Eunuch

He works as a foil to maomao becasue hes a born noble, the boss of her and is one of the most conniving characters. His personality starts off as a sadist/playful tease but eventually really cares for maomao in the story as he gets to know her better. Jinshi is the one who presents the issues to maomao and is the one withe the authority to give her tools to solve the cases.He's obviously hinting at maomao alot but she dosent get it or doesn't care.His job is to work in the harem and to do whatever the emperor requests if him. He's the most beautiful person in the story and alot of woman and men want him. He drinks this a medicine that make him more eunuch like to maintain that appearance. The reason why we don't know and his backstory is one of the big mysteries.

Setting

It's not a specific year which is good Apparently mongels are still a problem and they can keep in contact with the west if they want. Historical Chinese dramas I guess 🤷‍♀️. Politically ppl dislike the last emperor and just over a decade before slavery was abolished. U can technically sell family members tho if ur poor. Maomao was sold as a palace maid and all her earnings go to her "family". In fact most of the maid charachters are the same way.So some cultural things need to be addressed if your new to court drama. Honestly it's a cliche for me cuz I watch alot of Asian dramas but others might not.

In the palace we have the outer court that does real work like paper work and women can join the outer court but they are akin to secretaries. I think they dislike inner court ladies cuz they had to take a test (Also technically maids but they don't do the best job compared to inner court ladies). The inner palace only has women and they are all concubines for the emperor. There have been cases of maids becoming lower ranked concubines if they were pretty. 4 great positions are taken by great noble ladies and their families. These 4 ladies each have their own palace and are the ones most likely to become empress/create heirs.

Hanmachi/red light district is a big part of the story. Mao mao was raised there and is the 2nd location the story takes place. It's both a beautiful gorgeous palace and a dark dangerous alley. Maomao says that the brothels are both a cage and a Wall that protects them from the streets Maomao isn't a courtesan but was raised with her 3 big sisters the 3 princesses of Rokushoukan. All high courtesans need to learn to dance, play instruments, talk, play go or other board games and read. Men don't usually get to sleep with high courtesans and it dosent work on all girls but the more pure you are to get the higher the price.

BTW we never go to them but there are brothels that are lecherous, and there are cases of rape within that district and maomao has almost been in that situation which also hasn't been shown.

Adaptations/art

There are like 3 types of versions of the story for some reason. There are 2 mangas and the og light novel. The mangas not done but maybe the first one went in a different direction of the novel 🤔 idk??? I've read a little bit about the the light novel but honestly not that different. Mao mao is a very introspective charachter she has alot of thoughts and won't say alot of her thoughts or feelings due to fear of nobility or just laziness.

So the manga makes her alot more expressive while keeping her introspective thoughts. She can be very funny and comedic with her expressions. Later on when she gets stitches they keep reopening(she just roles with it and everyone gets freaked out for her)

The 2nd manga makes mao mao her personality more serious and aparently there's less emphasis on romance. Only 1 volume so can't judge on much. (Only read 2 chapters) so I'm gonna talk about the 1st manga.

(Light novel, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto manga and Mao Mao no Kōkyū Nazotoki Techō manga)

The art is really good what happens alot in shoujo series set in harems or inner courts. Is that the women are not hot they can be beautiful, pretty even but they really aren't hot.

But damnnnnnn all the girls are 🔥🔥🔥

Specifically the hanamachi ones and even maomao herself sometimes. Lol 😆 I'm gonna stop now

But seriously I like how they talk about sex, prostitution and harems. Alot of shoujo are so PG about a place that is notorious for sex work.

Last minute thoughts

Check it out there's 2 manga volumes out and more coming. (Or read the scanlations I did both)

I like jinshi when he gets jealous since he's so cool and in control alot seeing him flounder about with mao mao is fun ❤

Maomao has a pretty interesting past too and it's hinted at really early there's this guy she definitely dosent wanna meet in the outer palace (that's my hint for foreshadowing) 🤐

I would read the light novels if ur like dying to know the plot the manga is a monthly series (I won't cuz I'm lazy)

Previous emperor is a pedo current one is a dick. So yea royal family sucks what's new 🙄

[petitelepus]

Hi! May I get a dead by daylight match-up for a killer please?

(You matched me with a survivor before and let me just say your writing.....is immaculate! Also I saw your post about not wanting to write dbd match-ups due to using other peoples art and stuff. You don't have to give me a picture or anything but if you still don't want to do it then I completely understand! Also I do match-ups as well so if you'd like one I'd be happy to write you one! :D) Anyways tysm in advance and I hope you have a good day/night!

So I'm straight (might be bi) but for now I'm gonna go with straight. I use she/her pronouns, my top 3 zodiacs are Leo sun, Aries moon, and Leo rising. And I'm a ENTP.

So I'm kinda short I'm 5'4, super skinny and petite, I don't weigh a lot and I get made fun of a lot for it, and I have pale skin and freckles all over my face and body. I have brown thick hair that goes down to my mid back and brown eyes! I'm not very curvy I have the body of a cereal box but hey I have some nice hips and thighs I guess?

When people first see me I look intimidating due to my resting bitch face but if you talk to me I'm pretty nice and warm! Once you get to know me better I can be very sarcastic well no actaully about 99% of everything that comes out of my mouth is sarcastic but hey I just love some good sarcasm! And I can be very reckless and goofy!

I'm also very feisty and if someone even looks at me wrong then it's on....like I will not hesitate to put you in your place. I can be very stubborn and competitive as well. I also live by the saying "Fake it till you make it". Because thats literally what I do lol.

The other side of me is basically really bitchy and cold I kinda have trouble with feeling empathy torwards people sometimes and I tend to shut people out and isolate myself. I hate talking about my feelings and I cover those up too and I act fine but usually I'm not. Also anxiety sucks......and I have that really bad. I also push myself really hard with certain things to the point where it's just unhealthy and I can't stop myself usually other people have to step in and make me take a break for a while when that happens.

I love dry and dark humor that cracks me up a lot. And dad jokes too....I make a lot of those!

I loves 90's and 80's rock but 90's is the best and grunge music is just immaculate ✋😩. But I love anything under the rock genre basically. (Honestly I wish I lived in the 90's)

I also have a grunge style like I love flannels, band t-shirts, combat boots etc.

I hate spiders I have a phobia of them and will literally die if I see one. And I love horror movies!

WAIT, REALLY? I don't remember, I tried to look it up but I'm blind...! @c@

Y- You would really match me? ALRIGHT, I WILL MAKE EXCEPTION and Match you because you sound like such a sweetie. Remember others, that my Matchups are currently NOT OPEN.

I match you with Ji-Woon Hak aka Trickster!

Ji-Woon couldn't be any more drawn to you than he is already. You're a feisty and not to mention extremely cute little thing and he enjoys watching you, but he wanted you to know that he had his sharp eyes on you.

So when you're running away, he throws a knife at you and it hits the tree bark right before your face, forcing you to make a quick stop. There is a piece of paper wrapped in the knife's handle. You take the paper and quickly read it.

'Meet me at the Fog if you wanna have a good time'

What the Hell did that mean? You considered leaving the message be, but the invite proves to be interesting so after the trial, you wander away from the safe fireplace and into the cool Fog.

You don't know where you are supposed to go until you hear singing. It's not Huntress, but a man, and the voice comes closer until you see the Trickster himself.

"My darling, you really came?" He sounds extremely pleased, like a cat who got its paws into the cream.

"You promised a good time. What the fuck was I suppose to do?" You said and the Killer chuckled. "I knew there was a reason I wanted to see you more... Regularly."

"Meaning?"

"Haven't you dated anyone before?" Ji-Woon asked before grinning, "So innocent."

"Fuck you."

"I love you too."

The singer absolutely LOVES how sarcastic you can be. He could live purely by listening to you slay people, both Survivors and Killers with your razor-sharp tongue and quick witty mind. That's just one of many ENTP traits you have.

Also, your grunge style? Cute. You try to be fierce and powerful and he can respect that, but otherwise, he won't take it so seriously... Until the day you are actually wearing HIS band shirt and he is all smiles as he calls you good looking with a good style.

He can tell when your anxiety is taking over your head and he is that selfish that he thinks his singing would make you feel better. It does, but not as much as The Legion's music does. Good thing that Ji-Woon is on good terms with the young killers.

They will borrow their records to the Korean and he gives them for you to listen to. You cheer up in the manner of 6 songs and you're thankful that Ji-Woon went through the trouble getting you music that you like.

Though, you need to kiss him for not liking his songs as much. His songs are his life and he thrives when you listen to him sing.

Ji-Woon can handle it when you are acting bitchy and such and he doesn't mind it if you don't talk about your feelings. He is a little drama queen himself so he won't hold it in if he is feeling bad.

He understands that you don't really empathize with him and doesn't blame you for it. Also, he is ready to come between you and make you rest and while you may curse at him for it, he doesn't let it stop him from tucking you down so you can rest. He knew what he got into when he threw that knife with a note at you.

BIG YES TO DARK JOKES. He loves them and isn't afraid to 'throw' some at you also! Get it? Throw? I crack myself up.

He also finds your fear of spiders hilarious, but bring him a cockroach and he screams like a girl. This man does not like bugs that need to be burned before they will finally die.

Horror movies? Sure, why not but be warned, this man lives for gory movies where people scream. Reminds him of the home back in Korea before the Fog and Entity. But it also reminds him that without those two, he wouldn't have met you. His spicy little grunge girl.

[botwstoriesandsuch]

im loving the history lesson posts!!! what are you're thoughts on the ruins in Tabantha? based on the memory near the skywatchers and the shrine quests in the region, the stone ruins in tabantha existed about 10,000 years ago and were destroyed or vacated and left to crumble. but the stone structures contrast heavily with the wooden architecture of Rito Village? bUT if i'm remembering correctly the song lyrics go "pride of the rito/pillar to the sky" so the rito stone and tabantha itself has (1)

Ok first off, I AM SO SORRY! I read this ask months ago and I worked on it in my google docs and then I was going pure theory mode and then another person sent in another ask about ruins and I was getting all excited so basically long story short I got so caught up in making a masterlist of all the ruins that I completely forgot about this ask until now... So anon I apologize for the terrible wait but hopefully you’ll still enjoy what I have in planned. 

You’ve given me a lot to work with so I’m going to break this up into several posts based on your asks. I’m gonna post them on different days becauseeeee content management, schedules, things.....I’m lazy and also if I posted all my thoughts in one post it would be like a giant book with zero pacing so

[Today] Thoughts on the Ancient Columns and the Ruins of Tabantha

[Some time later idk when I post it I’ll shove the link here] The Effects of the Calamity on the Rito and People of Hyrule

The Relationship between Skywatcher Locations and the Cunning of Calamity Ganon

Buckled in ladies, lads, and gentlefolk? It’s time for a history lesson, Part 1 o’ Trois. So today here is

Ancient Ruins, Architectural Parallels, and the Probable Worship of the Fae

So! Let’s start with the ruins of Tabantha. Specifically, the Ancient Columns. 

Anon you’re correct in that these ruins are over 10,000 years old. We can not only gather this from the fact that their condition is the same even 100 years ago, meaning they have to be older than a century (see their crumbled state and similar moss patterns) but also from direct lines from the Creating a Champion (CaC) book itself. 

However, I’m inclined to believe (for several reasons that I’m going to get into) that these ruins have nothing to do with the “pillar in the sky” as mentioned in the Rito songs. For one, the pillar of Rito village is of an entirely different architectural style, given that it looks like the natural work of wind erosion. And for another, the existence of the Rito village pillar has to have been much younger, around 100 years old, in order to coincide with the Sheikah Shrine quest, as the Sheikah platform thingy has to correlate with the characteristics of the pillar’s shape. Ergo, ergo, ergo, the “pillar in the sky” isn’t 10,000 years old and has no correlation with the Ancient Columns.

Ok so! Back to the actual ruins themselves and what we can analyze from them. 

Circled above is every instance of ruins in the Tabantha region. Although I should specify that I’m talking about the Ancient Hylian ruins, as that is the type that is most notably scattered across this area. 

We know that all these ruins are off the same civilization because of their style and material. 

[Remember this picture for later^^]

In addition, we can also tell from ruin maps in the CaC book that these ruins are from the same Hylian civilization, as well as the important detail that these ruins were centered around the Goddess. 

Citing that other screenshot at the beginning on the Ancient Hylian Culture, these ruins were built around the same time as the Sacred Springs, so I think it’s safe to assume that these ruins had a religious purpose.  

But I can take this one step further! Up until now, all this information has been based on interpretations from the botw ruins and official info alone, but if we take into account the real life counterparts/parallels, I can prove the exact purpose to what these ruins are for!

Firstly, these ruins are obviously inspired by architecture in Ancient Greece, and other old Empires (like the Romans and Byzantines) across the Mediterranean. 

We also know that the ruins are constructed out of limestone. One, because moss is able to grow on it, so it is unlikely that it is marble. And two, we can see the actual limestone texture when seeing the broken parts of certain columns and walls. 

[and kinda quick side note here: but the existence of large limestone rich structures 10,000 years ago gives more credit to the theory that Botw takes place after a large flood, notably the events of Wind Waker. One, because limestone is a material mined near the sea, as seen with the Island of Paros and Naxos for the Ancient Greeks. And Two, this ancient sea was directly mentioned in the description for botw rock salt. And also Three, this explains the weird placement of certain structures, such as the buildings placed on suspended and isolated rocky plateaus like the ones I showed earlier by the Skywatchers. So there’s your mini theory which kinda proves that the Tanagar Canyon was probably an ocean trench at one point and it also still proves my connection of the Ancient Hylian ruins being parallels to the Ancient Greeks and all that because...ocean. Greece, peninsula, hundreds of islands, lots of quarries in Hyrule by the sea. Akkala is by the sea, there’s quarries, also the islands with mining equipment like Tingle Island. You get it by now right?]

Anyway. Greeks, Romans, polytheistic gods, temples for sacrifices, limestone, yadayadayada. Safe to assume that these Hylian ruins were of a civilization centered around a temple of some sort worshiping a powerful being, or beings, such Hylia. Hurray! Theory seems done.

BUT!

I can take it

A step FURTHER!!!

You see, I was originally gonna leave this post at that. The Ancient Columns are of an Ancient Hylian civilization 10,000 years ago that worshiped some higher powers. “Great!” I think to myself. “Time to get all my screenshots so that my ADHD followers wont die immediately” 

But but but! As I was spending an hour or so getting said screenshots, I took this picture right here and came across a revelation so bright you could have placed a light bulb over my head... 

A pretty enough capture, got a nice aerial view of the ruins, the suspended island thing in the middle of the path... nice view of Tanagar Canyon and the Ancient Columns, the sunset is all pretty and—Oh hey! The Great Fairy Fountain is there. Heh, that’s nice. You know it’s kinda weird that it’s just plopped right in the middle of all these Ancient ruin and temp—

BAadaBing, badaBoom, ladies, lads, and gentlefolk! I’m here to tell ya that these giant fae ladies were once worshiped by 10,000 year old Hylian civilizations. And not just this fairy mind you, but all four of them.

First piece of evidence? The proximity of 10,000 year old structures to every Great Fairy. Mind you, these are the most rare type of ruin in the game. 90% of the ruins are of settlements destroyed 100 years ago by the Calamity, and then the other 10% is still divide up between the Ancient Sheikah and Zonai. So I find it quite interesting that almost every case these special ruined civilizations are near a Great Fairy. [Uh, spoilers for all the Great Fairy locations btw]

First, of course, you got the Great Fairy in Tabantha. 

Then you got the one in Akkala, by the Torrin Wetlands (again, the highlights in yellow are of the canonical 10,000 year old Hylian ruins)

The Lanayru Promenade isn’t even up for debate at this point....I mean it was the parade ground for the ceremony up to the Spring of Wisdom. How much more “Ancient Hylian” can you get then that?

The only kinda iffy one is the Great Fairy in the Gerudo desert, but even THEN this fairy is by two out of the three only instances of 10,000 year old ruins in the entire desert, the third instance being the Zonai labyrinth. 

But, sure. Correlation might not equal causation. But I think the picture becomes all the more clear when you take a look at the timeline of events!

Note that no one in Hyrule really knows what the fairies are all about. Sure, you got that one researched in Tabantha that knew about one of them, and some of the elders in Kakariko had a sort of understanding that a fairy was their neighbor. However, their stance was that of wariness and caution, and they very much did not worship or give offerings to them. Dorian, for example explicitly shows suspicion towards the fairy, and thinks they might be dangerous. (Which, to be fair, is valid if you’ve ever read ANYTHING about the fae)

My point is, people don’t know what the Great Fairies are, or what their powers, motives, or *anything* really are. Sure, 100 years might have passed, but it would be pretty hard to forget something as eye catching as the fae. The people of Hyrule can remember century old white horses, cook books, treasure locations, ancient songs, and vague legends, but the majority of them don’t know about the Giant (seriously, it’s right in the name) Fairy Fountains?!

That is, of course, under the assumption that the Great Fairies existence was known 100 years ago. But what if it wasn’t?

You might be inclined to assume that the fairies lost their power because the Calamity prevented them from getting offerings 100 years ago, but in truth, there is no evidence whatsoever saying that their lack of power originated at the rise of Calamity. 

It’s entirely likely that they haven’t been sitting around for 100 years, but 10,000, or even more. It explains why no one knows anything about them, and also their proximity to the ruins. 

A beautiful spring you say? You power is directly correlated to offerings you say? 

Gee if only there was some ancient civilization that existed a long time ago, that has ties to old religious practices, temples, and polytheistic, which has parallels to the Ancient Greeks and Romans who build their civilizations centering around certain gods and offerings to said powers, and also if only these said civilizations were nearby to all of the fae oh WAIT!

Even when Link gives his offerings, the results are only that of the Great Fairy Fountain blooming, not an entire spring. Could an entire spring existed long ago, providing for the hundreds or thousands of people who worshiped the fae? Who’s to say that these old 10,000 year old civilizations gave offerings to the fae not only for the magic and all that, but for the vitality and life that they provide? Who’s to say that those earlier relief arts of warriors on chariots were of people with enhanced armour. Fairies that give you magic defense would be quit helpful for a civilization that liked to battle... the possibilities are endless....

TL;DR, the Ancient Columns, along with the other 10,000 year old Hylian structures, were constructed for religious purposes, centering around the Great Fairies, who accepted their offerings in exchange for the vitality of their springs, as well as their enchantments. 

So! That’s that. Can you believe this is just me tackling only one aspect of anon’s ask? I realize that the majority of the ask was about the Rito but...oops! That’s why I split it into parts. [When I post the other posts I’ll update the contents at the top to link to them]

A like and reblog is appreciated! I spent too long on this, including an extra week because tumblr deleted my original draft which was much longer... so if you liked it, let me know! It’d be nice to know that my time didn’t completely go to waste, :P Anyhow thanks for reading all this