#just ajax coded

[cruel-hiraeth]

12/09/23

if i could i’d kiss your lips so hard your entire face would bruise write your name in blood on every wall, it would make the evening news i’d chain our feet together so that you could never leave i’d make you love me so much you’d have to ask permission to breathe

thank you to my dearly beloved manu @resibonin for this beautiful gift that i’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to share ❤️ i’m always in awe of both your talent and your kindness, and your friendship means the universe to me!

[mystii-gur0]

sometimes I forget not everyone agrees with my incredibly correct interpretation of aromantic bisexual ftm Tartaglia and get absolutely terrified when I see him most commonly interpreted as cis and gay, or cishet.

[gardenoblues]

Wednesday boys' edit

So I've been thinking of making this edit, but I was too lazy lol. Has anyone ever done this with this audio?

[recreationalfanfics]

Penny Parker from Snapcube should voice Childe from Genshin.

[pinkypastal]

Bitch doesn't even live in the asoiaf universe but childe tartaglia is such a fucking Tully like-

Gingers, fish, 'family, duty, honor' yea ok milord

[moyazaika]

sharing is caring

yandere! childe (genshin impact) x fem! reader

cw; (1.9k wc) darling wears glasses, obsessive + possessive themes, allusions to violence, implied non-con, nsfw themes, mdni 18+

genie's notes; commissioned piece by @lucienbarkbark who was an angel to work with! it's always fun to dive into fanfic so thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so; have fun reading! ♡

the snezhnayan winters are deathly cold, but even then, they are not nearly as chilling as your husband’s ire. 

rarely are you ever the object of his interrogation, but there are those inevitable few moments you’re reminded of how old habits really do die hard—you slip up, in spite of all your best efforts—and hell freezes over.

take, for instance, right now. 

because although his lips curl into something akin to a smile, you know childe far too well to believe this is anything but a deception, returned in favour of your own omissions.

the heat of the nearby fireplace’s flames lick at your feet and are, you recognise, the last remnants of warmth in the room. even the heavy fur coat draped over your shaking shoulders does little to protect you against childe’s blue eyes, cutting into you like shards of dark ice. 

“ajax,” you plead. “i’m—”

“a liar.” childe finishes for you; his voice is deceptively gentle, soft as a lull. it devastates you when he laughs. “you’re a liar, my love.”

he’s got all of your letters in his hands. already, you know you’ve lost. the envelopes have been ripped open and the codes deciphered. how stupid of you to believe you could make a fool of the eleventh harbinger.

the silence that follows; settles down into the space between the two of you, is long and languid. your husband is in no rush to speak, seemingly content in merely taking in the way you’re squirming before him. he is eager, yet impassive, in his appraisal. it’s not the reverent sort you’ve gotten so used to, for there are no sweet nothings whispered against your skin as he lets his eyes linger on the softest parts of you. 

tonight, his observation is more akin to an examination. an analysis, perhaps. like he’s looking for something—finds it, you realise with a sinking feeling, as his gaze snags on your hands, curled up by your sides, and marred by deep, black, ink.

damning markers of your disloyalty. 

instinctively, you let the sleeves of your coat fall past your wrists. it’s a futile attempt at delaying the inevitable, and it makes you feel like nothing more than a guilty little girl having been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. you can’t stand the silence anymore. you really need to just—

archons—

the hair on your skin stands on end when he finally deigns to meet your eyes. beneath the weight of his cold gaze, you think anything would be better than this. it’s difficult not to walk right into the fireplace; lie down amidst the welcoming warmth of the flames that burn so brightly.

“i tried to trust you, y’know? i let you send your family little letters, and i never opened any of them even when all i wanted,” he confesses, “was to tear those pretty envelopes apart. i’ll admit, i even thought about breaking a finger or two a couple of times, did you know that? nothing to post if you can’t write.”

he looks to you for an answer, and it’s all you can do to stare back. he shakes his head, then. “no, no. of course you don’t know. how could you? you thought you had me all figured out.”

you have to force yourself to speak, because the words don’t come easy when you’re on the verge of a meltdown. you don’t even recognise the strangled sound of your own voice. “i’m sorry. i’m so, so sorry. please don’t hate me.”

“sweetheart,” he chides, fingers pulling the corners of his lips down into a melodramatic frown. “i could never hate you. i’m just, y’know, curious.” he lets his hand fall back to his side, pale mouth splitting into a sharp grin as he takes a step closer. “only wondering where i went wrong with you, that’s all.”

“nowhere. you didn’t.” your eyes are burning, though his are still crystal clear. lucid. sharp. he is immovable. you feel like the yielding force of weightless waters that split apart before a glacier’s path. “it’s all my fault.”

“i thought we put all this behind us. that you’d finally gotten it through your head.” he stalks closer, even steps far too measured to be casual. “imagine my surprise when i read these letters my wife begged me to let her send to her family and, ohh! would you look at that?”

“my little wife,” childe's voice falls completely flat, “thinks she can leave me.”

you cast a quick glance around your bedroom, scanning the space in your immediate vicinity for anything to hold onto. the vacant eyes of porcelain dolls and ornately carved figurines from your favourite novels all stare back at you emptily. a typewriter gathering dust by the windowsill. how it used to delight you at first, filling your monotonous days holed up within the walls of your husband’s prison by decorating it with pretty things.

they’re all useless to you now.

you wonder why childe chose not to cut off your fingers. he should have, you think. then you would never have ended up here. then maybe you would never have had any hope.

but you know the answer to your own question. after all, you’ve known him long enough to understand that childe finds great amusement in the way you still manage to carry that quiet hope within you.

oftentimes, he’ll catch you roaming the halls of this maze-like palace, attempting to mentally chart your way out. and every time he catches up to you, he’ll laugh, and press a kiss to your cheek, as if he knows exactly what you’re up to. as if it’s some sweet, private jest the two of you share.

“please, ajax.” you try again, “tsaritsa’s soul, i never meant to—”

“yeah, yeah. save it, love. there’ll be plenty of opportunities to beg for forgiveness later on.” you know it’s all for show when he pretends to think something over; nothing more than a performance when he suddenly snaps his fingers with an eager grin. “oh, that reminds me! i actually have something i needed to tell you.”

you watch as he thumbs through the stack of opened letters in his hands. you catch glimpses of your familiar scrawl; the desperation painfully obvious in your every etching onto the papers, begging your family to send a saviour, to reach out to the adventurer’s guild or the archons and send a cavalry to come knocking down the doors of the tsaritsa’s palace.

“you’ll love this one, sunshine.“i mean, well, you kinda have to. don’t have much of a choice, huh?”

all of it is a performance. from the ease with which he tosses the envelopes into the fire down to the very cadence of his voice as it takes on a familiar, sickeningly sweet lilt. you know this because you remain acutely aware of the fact that childe knew exactly what he was going to do with you the moment he finished reading those letters.

that doesn’t mean you’re ready for it.

“we’re going to liyue, lovely. i’m going to let you see your family again. i mean, isn’t that so much nicer than sending a letter? we’ll even catch the lantern rite whilst we’re there.” you sink deeper into your furs, stumbling away from him for every step he takes closer. “figured it’d be good for you.”

childe’s voice dips an octave lower, and the curl to his lips is a mockery of the usual smile that sits there just for you. “good for the baby, too.”

“tartaglia.” it’s impossible to see his face through the tears; everything in the room takes on the haze of a distant memory, and you wish, so desperately, that this moment would be over sooner. you could tuck it away within the recesses of your mind and never visit it again. let it be another lesson. “what baby?”

“your mother was overjoyed at the news.” he hums absently, “she said something about your haircut? mentioned already working extra hours to commission new baby clothes.”

your back hits a wall. and finally, with nowhere left to go and no saviour here to help you, childe takes his sweet time in catching up to you; and when he finally does, it’s all you can do to keep your neck painfully craned and looking up at him without falling to your knees.

“aren’t you excited, sweetheart?” he tilts his head, lifts a palm to cup your face. he’s smiling so earnestly, but his eyes are completely dull. you try searching for a sliver of the sunny man childe can sometimes be, and find, in place of the sunshine, the cold rays of light that hit shimmering snow and dissipate into nothing, instead. “finally, a family of our own making. it’ll be nice to go back to liyue, too.”

“i don’t understand.”

“it's simple, my love,” childe’s lithe fingers creep beneath the heavy fur coat you’re wearing. with deft hands, he slides it off your shoulders in one fluid motion. it falls onto the floor, dangerously close to the fireplace. a shiver rolls down your spine as you instinctively inch closer to your husband, seeking any semblance of warmth within the freezing halls of the palace. “it’s only tradition. it takes a village to raise a baby.” he laughs. “trust me, i know. my sisters were the sweetest little girls, but the boys have been a handful since birth. we’re going to need all the help we can get.”

“…ajax? i never—”

“i’m trying, y’know?” he takes off your glasses and presses a lingering kiss to your cheek. sighs against your skin as he folds up the frames and tucks them aside. “i’m trying very hard to be a good man for you, sweetheart.”

"listen to me, i—"

"you missed your family, sunlight. i get it, i’m a busy guy. i clearly wasn’t giving you as much attention as you needed. you obviously had too much free time on your hands. i figured if we had a family to tend to, that’d keep you busy. plus,” he grins. “i wouldn’t need to take your fingers! you’d never turn to anyone outside of zapolyarny. maybe, finally, you would also have something to love.”

you can barely breathe. “no, no i don't want—”

“you’ll learn to,” childe smiles. this time, finally, it reaches his eyes. “you’re going to adore our little one. trust me, sunlight; we’re going to be the only family you’ll ever need.”

you search his face for something, anything—and your heart breaks at the sight. you turn to the side, can’t even bear to face the man before you for a second longer, when all you find is a terrifying absence of anything but the deepest depths of conviction.

in the distance, as childe works to shed your body of all these elaborate furs between flittering kisses, you can already hear the sound of fireworks. when he sinks into you; a baby’s wailing cry.

the fire crackles cruelly, as your letters of desperation turn to ash, going unanswered for eternity right before your eyes.

[floylia]

# MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE ⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾

22.5 Behind closed doors

— 2 weeks ago.

Presentation Night, Thoma’s topic: “The morality of Bro Code.”

Thoma takes care of people.

As a result, he became observant. He notices the smallest details—the minor habits, the niche stories, and the embarrassing moments. It’s what makes him a good listener, a great companion, and a big brother.

It’s what he does best.

So naturally, he knows.

He’s aware of the longing glances. Of the silent conversations. Of the late night calls. Of the subtle matching posts. Of the back of his head silently screaming, “Punch Ajax in the face.”

It began with a hunch.

1. Dawn Cafe

“Thank you for the picture” and “You’re welcome” captions both posted on the same day, within the same hour—Thoma chalked it up as coincidence. Childe didn’t know you and you didn’t know Childe. Thoma imagined it was the girl from the swim gym. That somehow the girl had agreed to meet up with the ginger. It didn’t have to be you. It couldn’t be you. Childe was in a cafe and you were in an arcade… with someone else… someone who wasn’t Navia or Charlotte or Kaveh or Lyney… and most importantly someone who wasn’t Childe. He was sure of that. It had to be a coincidence.

2. The Orphanage

On halloween, Childe went as Nicke Wilde and you went as Judy Hopps. Thoma chalked it up as another coincidence. It was a popular movie, it’s easy to capitalize off of. Then, he heard of the orphanage. Thoma knew Childe always went there. The ginger was fond of kids. He had brothers and sisters of his own as sly and mischievous as him. So there was no surprise. But Thoma heard you were also going—and you were dressed as Judy Hopps. It was bound for you and Childe to meet—if you hadn’t already. That thought became a nagging feeling. Thoma wasn’t so sure anymore.

3. The Wallpaper

Childe wouldn’t stop talking about the mysterious girl. He kept rambling about her like there was no tomorrow. He was never like that with the other people he dated, because they always liked Childe more than Childe liked them. But this was different.

They were all sitting around the couch playing a console together when the doorbell rang. Their pizza had arrived. As if on instinct, Childe rushed to grab their meal, leaving his phone, face up next to Thoma. That’s when Thoma noticed the digital copy of a photo strip taken at an arcade of you and Childe dressed in characters from a movie he doesn’t think he can watch again without being reminded of his close friend and his sister, intimately intwined.

4. Gift Exchange

Thoma wanted to test the waters. In other words, he wanted to be sure. So he dragged you along with him to find the perfect gift for the ginger. To get an insight on how you felt. and it was worse that he imagined. Even from on-lookers, it’s obvious how much you liked Childe. With the way you asked questions and the thoughtfulness behind the gift. You looked happy and he felt bad for wanting to beat up his friend. If you were happy, then Childe’s face would be safe. But if you weren’t? Well that’s a secret for his fist to deal with.

But behind closed doors, Thoma watches a new one open.

He ends his presentation with that.

“Kaveh would’ve loved this.” His audience of two claps.

NOTES:

surprise? double update 😱 (is there a third one? actually idk if i’m gonna finish it in time, don’t count on it.)

this takes place before the party, so they were all plotting… except for kaveh. don’t be fooled, thoma is still inching for a punch… just one

SYNOPSIS: There’s a line Childe knows he shouldn’t cross; A line built on years of friendship; A line that happens to cross you, his best friend’s younger sister, grieving her first love; A line where he plays savior, wears a halo, then feign ignorance, because love is a game for fools—and he happens to be the biggest idiot when it comes to love.

When a new stranger invades your life and an old poet writes back.

CHILDE X FEM!READER

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[jenna0rtega27]

My request

Could you do a Wednesday Addams x reader smut

She catches you flirting with Enid and reads the text between you two, and later you come over to her dorm, it’s only her there, and she’s mad and silent.

She try’s explaining but is to angry to do so, ends up fucking you until she’s not angry anymore

G!p Wednesday btw

At the end enid walks in to see you two in Wednesday’s bed lol

Thank you so much.🖤

The love of his life

Masterlist

Thank you for asking +18 Wednesday Addams x F!Reader (mermaid) Summary: Request Warning: Wednesday g!p, smut, penetration, rough sex, jealousy, slight mention of choking, dom!Wednesday, sub!Reader

Note: Sorry if this sucks. I am very tired today. But I still wanted to respond to a request so I hope you will like it anyway. Number of words: 1597

Masterlist

3rd Person Pov:

Y/n is sitting on a table outside. She is between Enid, Yoko and Divina sitting on Yoko's lap. And in front of her there are Bianca, Ajax and Eugene. It’s the weekend so no one has school.

"How's it going with Wednesday?" » Divina asks, turning to Y/n to give her full attention. She wraps her arms around Yoko's neck who also gives you her full attention.

" I don't know. Wednesday is less distant with me than the others. But she doesn't want us to show our affection in front of others. So we don't kiss in public. She doesn't even want to hold hands in public. » Y/n gives a sad smile to her friends. She wished Wednesday would show her love towards her more.

“And when you are alone? » Enid asks curiously. Y/n's cheeks reddened thinking about yesterday with Wednesday fucking her.

“To deprive her of that is a whole different person but I’ll keep that to myself.” »

Y/n and Wednesday have been together for 3 months. Even though everyone at school knows you're in a relationship, Wednesday still doesn't like to show love in public. But for Y/n it didn't bother her because in private, Wednesday showed her love. Y/n was truly in love with the goth and she knew she was going to end her life with this emotionless girl.

“Yeah good idea I don’t want to have too much explanation that could harm my hearing. » Adds Bianca with an expression of disgust. Everyone laughs at his comment.

“My shoulders hurt so much, yesterday’s fencing really exhausted me. » Enid complains while massaging her right shoulder which is painful.

“Wait, I’m going to massage you, you’ll feel better. » Y/n gets up and stands behind Enid and begins to massage her shoulders. Enid closes her eyes in happiness. It's been a long time since she had a shoulder massage.

" Yes like this. Just there. » Enid groaned slightly from the tension in her shoulders.

“Looks like you were fucking.” » Said Bianca laughing.

What no one knew was that Wednesday saw and heard everything. And she thought Y/n and Enid were flirting together. Anger surges through his veins. She clenches her fist and quickly heads to her dorm where she shares with Enid and Y/n. She goes back to her dorm and she does everything in her power not to kill Enid or Bianca or even Y/n. While pacing around the room, Wednesday sees Y/n's phone on her bed. The young goth had watched Y/n do her code once and she had held her back. She knew this information would come in handy one day.

Wednesday takes the phone and enters the code which is her date of birth. She goes to her girlfriend's messages and immediately finds Enid's name. Rocks form in his stomach.

Enid 🐺🌕❤️: I love you my dear

Y/n ❤️‍🔥🧜🏻‍♀️: I love you too my wolf

Enid 🐺🌕❤️: No you don't understand, I love you madly. I am so blessed to have met you.

Y/n ❤️‍🔥🧜🏻‍♀️: Stop it, you'll make me cry. And Wednesday is sleeping next door I don't want to wake her because you make me cry.

Wednesday closes the phone and throws it across the room. She's so angry you'd think smoke was coming out of her ears. Not only does she see her girlfriend flirting with Enid but they also exchange little words of love.

“Enid, I’m going to tear you into pieces and feed your flesh to the squirrels. » Wednesday serves her hands while injuring her hands from her nails digging into her skin.

" You're better? » Y/n sat back down in her place between Enid, Yoko and Divina.

“Yes thank you you were the best. » Enid smiles and kisses Y/n's cheek. “Oh no I put lipstick on your cheek. » Enid laughed softly. " Let me see. » Y/n searches in her pocket for her phone but can't find it. “Shit, I forgot my phone at the dorm. I will be back. »

Y/n gets up and heads inside the school to go back to her dorm.

When she comes home, she finds Wednesday standing between her bed and Wednesday's bed and looking out the window. His arms are crossed over his chest.

“Wednesday you haven’t seen my phone? »

“I threw it at the wall. » The young goth responds without emotion. Y/n frowns.

" All right? And why? » Y/n responds softly because she senses that her girlfriend is upset but she doesn't really know why and slowly walks towards Wednesday.

Wednesday quickly turns around and pushes Y/n onto the bed so she is sitting on the edge of the bed and Wednesday straddles her girlfriend's lap. The emotionless girl cups Y/n's jaw between her thumb and the rest of her fingers and squeezes.

“I saw your little interaction with Enid earlier and your messages between you and Enid. » Wednesday clenches her jaw and squeezes harder on Y/n's jaw. But then she notices the lipstick mark on Y/n's cheek and she immediately knows it's Enid's because of the pink color. Wednesday's irises turn even darker with anger and jealousy.

Wednesday forcefully pushes Y/n to lay her down and gets off of Y/n's lap.

" Take off your clothes. » Orders Wednesday, undressing too. Y/n immediately does as she is told and quickly undresses. Both women are now completely naked.

Wednesday climbs onto the bed and sits on top of Y/n between her thighs. “I’m going to remind you who you belong to. » Wednesday takes his hard cock and thrusts without warning into Y/n's dripping vagina. The young woman moaned in pain and pleasure at the same time.

Wednesday moves her hips with animal speed. “I'm going to remind you who can fuck you and put their lips on you. » Wednesday releases all her anger in her hip movement.

The young goth leans in and kisses Y/n. She sticks her tongue in her mouth and pushes it down Y/n’s throat who chokes her slightly.

" I'm near. » Y/n cries into Wednesday's mouth and clutches the sheets. Wednesday bites her girlfriend's bottom lip hard enough to draw some blood. She licks the blood and gets off of Y/n. The y/h/c girl moans and is sexually aroused and angry. “Get on all fours. » Y/n listens and gets on all fours. Wednesday feels even harder seeing Y/n's ass. She spanks her left buttock hard and Y/n moans in pain and excitement.

“You 'slap' is 'slap' to 'slap' me” Y/n moaned with each slap. Wednesday thrusts into Y/n’s vagina always without warning. She holds Y/n’s hips in place to help him enter her.

Y/n moaned loudly into the cushion. The young goth takes a handful of Y/n's hair and pulls it towards her so that Y/n's back is against her chest. Wednesday puts her hand on Y/n's throat and chokes her slightly as she continues to penetrate her.

“Tell me who you belong to.” » Wednesday whispers in Y/n's ear which sends shivers all over her body.

" Yours. I belong to you only. » The young mermaid said with difficulty with Wednesday's hand still on her throat.

“You’re right Cara Mia. You belong to me and only me. »

Wednesday pushes Y/n so that she is head on the cushions and butt in the air again. Y/n services Wednesday’s cock, a sign that she’s close. The girl with black braids moaned at the pressure on his penis.

“I’m going to cum.” » Y/n cries feeling close.

“Cum for me Cara Mia.” » Wednesday keeps her speed and rubs circles on Y/n's clit to help her cum.

Y/n screams and cramps her back while cumming on Wednesday's cock. The young goth moans and jerks off to cum in Y/n's pussy. The young y/h/c girl moaned as she felt the hot liquid invade the inside of her vagina. Y/n lays on her side with Wednesday lying behind her both tiredly.

“I didn’t hurt you Cara Mia?” » asks Wednesday, worried that she has hurt her girlfriend.

“Are you kidding, it was the best sex I’ve ever had. » Y/n smiled as she turned her head towards Wednesday.

“I love you so much Mio amore. » Wednesday kisses Y/n passionately. Their tongues dance together.

" I love you too my love. And don't forget that you are the only one on my mind. » Y/n replies, pulling away from the kiss and caressing Wednesday's cheek.

“Go get some sleep amore. » Wednesday kisses Y/n's cheek. The girl rolls her head over and falls asleep in her girlfriend's arms with Wednesday's cock still in her pussy.

The door opens slowly and Enid enters the dormitory. “It smells like sex in here. » Enid smirked seeing Wednesday's glare.

“From now on, I forbid you from touching or kissing Y/n’s cheek. »

“I can’t promise anything. » Enid laughed lightly without waking Y/n.

“If I see you flirting with Y/n again, I’ll destroy your stuffed animal collection and tell everyone that you and Ajax had sex in the school library.” » Wednesday responds without emotion.

“Okay, okay but I’m just telling you that Y/n is madly in love with you. So you don't have to worry. And I am madly in love with Ajax. But if you don't mind, I'm going to sleep in Yoko's dorm. I don't want to smell like sex all night long. » Enid hops and leaves the dormitory, closing the door gently.

Wednesday looks at Y/n and gently caresses her cheek.

“I’m madly in love with you too. » Wednesday whispers and she kisses Y/n's cheek lovingly. And she's sure she saw a smile and a blush on her girlfriend's face.

Y/n will be and remain the love of his life.

[bunni-v1]

RIPPING MY HAIR OUT!!! Goldie childhood best friends to lovers Childe is the best flavor of Childe I won’t hear about anything else 🙏

Just imagine okay, for a moment, things are just the same as they were when you were so little. He’s still gentle and soft and kind, despite the fact that there’s something… off about him, he makes an effort to assure you with his actions nothing has changed. He’s still your sweet, overly affectionate Ajax you used to play in the snow until you both caught colds with.

Ofc there’s a hint of longing now that the two of you are back together again. You’d missed his natural warmth and the way he knew you better than anyone else in the world. He just missed you, plain and simple. Perhaps his affections for you started to border on… mmm… obsessive after his tumble into the abyss, but that isn’t readily apparent from one meeting.

Pretty much from the moment he arrives home to see you until you leave he is by your side. It’s clingy, of course, but you’re also feeling rather attached. Especially with how handsome he’s gotten, and with how important he is it’s hard to not want to be selfish of his time. The only hint you have that he’s not quite right is how aggressive he seems to get when others outside of your families talk to you.

The soft boy from your childhood would never use such sharp words against others, but Childe here would, and he does. A lot. He’s very possessive of your time and attention, especially since it’s pretty limited and he hasn’t had it in years. He feels the need to drink you in, every bit of you. And while I’m not saying anything happens I wouldn’t be surprised.

On a more genuine note, though, he’s very sweet still. I hate the idea that Childe is some kind of terrible partner. He’s possessive sure, and he’s always ready to beat the shit out of anyone who bothers you, but that’s as far as his aggression goes. He loves you, after all, he would never put you in harms way and shields you the same way he tries to shield his siblings from his misdeeds.

Childe needs you to love him the same way he loves you. He wants to preserve that memory of him as a sweet young boy in your mind as best as he can. He’s so very sweet and gentle and affectionate, always treating you like royalty and making you feel so loved. He sees you off at the port or wherever you leave from, promising to write you now that you’ve reconnected — and even promising to visit if he’s ever in your nation.

To his credit, you received a letter the week you arrived, attached to a small present. A friendship bracelet so that you could always have something on your person to think of him, he has a matching one he can’t wait to show you next time he can see you.

thinkin abt childe since im visiting my like entire family in poland bc yknow. big family vibes n snezhnaya being slavic-based (+its been snowing like crazy here the last couple days). like, childhood friends to lovers w him where u were absolute besties as kids but then u moved away from snezhnaya and he joined the fatui and ur visits never seemed to coincide with his and suddenly its been fifteen years and you haven't seen him once. he surprises his family when he's back early from a mission and walks in to find u at his kitchen table having coffee with his mother and sister (your families are friends, of course you always visit them when you're in the country), and it should be awkward but you're honestly both so happy to see each other, it's been so long that teucer wasn't even born yet last time you saw each other! and then they bring out the old albums and you're poring over photos of the two of you at age five playing in the snow and he invites you out for a drink to catch up properly and his parents are nudging each other and not-so-quietly whispering about how they "knew those two would get married one day". idk. is that anything?

[imisscherryboy-blog]

running back 2 u

enemies to lovers - football player. ajax x sports med! gn reader

part 1, part 2

spotify playlist (it's good i swear)

story: you and ajax have known each other since elementary school. those years haven't been always the best, as you both parted ways due to your differences in personality. that is, until one hot august night, where the stadium lights illuminate the turf, you find yourself running back to him again.

notes: SMUT, enemies to lovers, modern au, gender neutral reader, childe is referred to as ajax, last name tartaglia, all characters are 18+ as seniors, highschool setting, part 3/3, gn reader, ajax is bi (since it's gn), alhaitham and kaveh are gay, california coded

smut tags: first time, dom ajax, penetration, oral fixations, praise, pet name use, protected sex, oral (we get head), bruising, rough sex, after care

side characters featured: kaveh, alhaitham (alhaitham x kaveh),

warnings: mature themes!!, themes of sexual harassment (not described), drugs, alcohol, smoking, swearing

★ part 3 (last part) ★

ajax came back down with the tylenol and tossed it to you. you caught it and took out two pills.

“water?” you looked at him with a deadpan expression.

“you have cereal milk right in front of you.” he responded with a look that would make anyone want to punch him in the face. you scoffed and took the tylenol dry. it was about 8 am now, and alhaitham came down the stairs.

“you’re still here.?” he asked as he made his way over to the box of cereal.

“someone (you looked at ajax) didn’t let me leave.” you responded.

“…what the hell man let her leave.” he said as he poured out the cereal.

“we uber’d here, ajax offered to drop us once kaveh wakes up.” you responded.

“that’ll probably be a while.” alhaitham nonchalantly said, taking another bite of his cereal.

“it won’t!” you heard kaveh yell from upstairs. it seemed like he was getting his stuff together. you sighed, you just wanted to go home. it would take a minute for the tylenol to actually work, and at that point, your headache was still pretty bad. ajax was on his phone, most likely waiting for kaveh to come downstairs.

“oh, by the way. i’m taking kaveh to homecoming.” alhaitham said. you and ajax both questioned him in unison. “is there something wrong..?”

“yeah- what am i supposed to do??” ajax asked.

“what, you don’t have a date?” you asked teasingly.

“i— not yet- but i will!” he said, clearly pissed off. “we were supposed to hang out!”

“i know, i’m sorry. just happened. i’m sure you’ll find someone.” alhaitham reasoned. “just take y/n with you.”

your face involuntary heated up as you both shouted ‘no’. alhaitham was a funny guy.

“y/n, do you even have a date?”

you paused for a moment, weighing your options. you did in fact have a date. he was some scrawny kid in your english class. he wasn’t bad, but obviously not ideal. it was your senior year and you wanted to say you went to homecoming with someone. if you did say yes, you knew ajax would be jealous; seeing as though he didn’t even have a date in the first place.

“yeah, i do.”

“huh?” ajax said. you had him hook, line, and sinker.

“something wrong?” you asked smirking.

“n-no.” he stammered and just let it go. you had won that one fair and square. just then, kaveh finally came down the stairs.

“well it looks lively down here.” he stated, putting his things on the counter.

“i’ll drop you guys.” alhaitham said, dropping his dish into the sink.

“nuh uh, i said i would.” ajax reasoned.

“you drank last night.” alhaitham stated. alhaitham didn’t drink.

“i slept it off.” he responded.

“you can’t sleep off alcohol bud. i’ll take them.” and just like that, alhaitham grabbed his tesla keys and headed for the door. kaveh said bye to ajax while you just left.

you and kaveh got in the car, kaveh sitting passenger while you sat in the back.

“where are we going?” alhaitham asked kaveh.

“my house, y/n’s car is parked there.” kaveh responded. alhaitham just nodded and left, kaveh giving occasional directions.

“so.. homecoming.” you interjected.

“yeah.. about that.” kaveh started before you told him you already knew.

“well, you’re free to come with us!” kaveh said.

“mm.. you guys aren’t really his crowd. don’t worry about it kaveh. i’ll catch you at the after party.” you said. you felt a little bad, but you weren’t expecting kaveh and alhaitham to really even happen. your logic pinned it on ajax for tearing his acl.

you arrived at kaveh’s house and said bye to alhaitham before going inside to get your keys. inside, kaveh stood by the doorway.

“you’re not mad about me going to hoco with alhaitham.. right?”

“no—kaveh, if anything i’m happy for you. you’ll have a lot of fun, trust me.” you brushed it off, making your way to the door.

“okay, i’ll see you at school then.”

“yeah.” you said as you left his house and got into your car. you waved to him from the car and backed out of the driveway, starting for your house. you felt bad, and you could tell kaveh did too, but there really wasn’t much you could do. after all, homecoming was next week.

the week went by normal. you only saw ajax in passing, he’d stare at you, then look away. he never tried to talk to you. after all, the party was probably the most you two ever talked in a while, and you honestly would be okay to keep it that way—but something in you really doubted that.

homecoming arrived, it was on a saturday at 7pm. kaveh told you that you both could meet up after it was over to find a party to go to, but you highly doubted that would happen. not with alhaitham in the picture. you dressed up, almost over dressing, but just enough to stand out. it was your last homecoming, so you might as well make it a good one. it felt different not being able to get ready with kaveh, like you usually would. but you didn’t let it bother you as you got a text from your date, saying he was outside.

looking your very best, you walked out of the door to see your date—in probably the ugliest car you’ve seen. it was a jacked up camry, with scratches and dents on the side. suddenly, you wished you just took your car there. the night was off to a great start!

the two of you got to the venue, it was beautiful to say the least. it was a hall, just right next to the water. the lights illuminated the water, giving a faint glow to bay. the sun was almost set, painting the sky a hue of blue and purple. you stared at the moon, it was fairly bright. admiring it, you stared at it for a couple more seconds before being snapped out of it by your date.

“my friends are already inside.”

“oh. okay.” you said. he wasn’t much of a talker. you both walked in, noticing the amount of people already there. you felt people staring at you. you couldn’t tell if it was because you looked good, or you went to hoco with an absolute loser. you scanned the room for kaveh and alhaitham, and spotted them near the bar. once kaveh saw you, his jaw dropped, supposedly at how good you looked.

“you look so good, y/n.” kaveh said giving you a hug.

“thanks kaveh, you too.” you smiled. you noticed him glaring at your date.

“well, i’ll see you later, okay?” he said, giving you a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “don’t have too much fun without me.” you nodded and left with your date. you waved to alhaitham, using it as a chance to look for ajax. he was no where to be found.

for the next hour, you couldn’t help but watch the entrance to the hall. your date was practically with his stem friends the entire time, only asking you if you wanted something to drink. you said no every time. sitting on the folding chair, you waited. you didn’t know exactly what you would do if you saw him, but you continued to watch the door, until your date rudely interrupted you.

“waiting for someone?”

“no..”

“okay.” and just like that, he left. you looked back to the door and saw none other than ajax. you cursed your date for taking your focus away from the door. he was wearing his hair slicked back with a small strand in the front. he had a black-silk button up on, with the first three buttons undone (whore). the silver chain undoubtedly brought the whole fit together. unlike the times you’d pass each other in the halls, he spared you no glance. this time, he was with a brunette haired girl on the cheer team. big shocker, you thought to yourself. you quickly got up and joined your date with his friends, still looking at ajax and the girl he was with. your date’s friends just gave you a weird look and continued talking. every time you would sip your drink, you’d sneak in a quick glance.

narrowing your eyes, you noticed that the girl he was with.. looked drunk? you thought maybe the pre-gamed? but ajax looked perfectly sober, in fact he looked almost annoyed. you would pretend to look busy with your date, then look back at ajax. he was now with alhaitham and some of his other friends. his date stuck to his arm, though. she looked far too gone for anyone sober to actually tolerate.

what you didn’t notice, was alhaitham telling kaveh that he kept noticing ajax’s eyes wandering back to you. god bless alhaitham for being the middle man. but that news wouldn’t get to you until far later.

for now, you babysat your drink, until the lights started to dim. ugh, it was slow dancing time. at that point, you and your date, alongside his friends all sat at a table. you sat next to your date. you could feel his eyes boring into you, knowing he was gonna ask to dance. you really didn’t want to. you tried looking for ajax again, noticing he was gone. you felt a nudge on your arm.

“wanna dance?” his face got closer and closer as you got further and further.

“um..” you said, reeling back. he was not getting the hint by any means. all of a sudden, he leaned in for a kiss. you immediately pushed him off of you, standing up and walking away. that was your breaking point. this homecoming could not have been any worse. you’ve spent the entire time just spying on people and pretending to look interested in whatever the hell your date’s friends were going on about. you wished you’d never told ajax and alhaitham you had a date. you wished you were just with kaveh.

like clockwork, japanese denim by daniel ceaser starts playing as you’re heading for the exit. what great timing. you pushed the door open and were met with a cold breeze. it was freezing, but you didn’t care. as long as you were away from everyone for some time, you were happy. kaveh and alhaitham were probably dancing the night away. you found a bench outside near the hall and sat down. the waves of the bay behind you calmed you down a little. but you could help but shake the fact that your last homecoming was a mess.

“well someone looks like they had a shitty hoco.” the guy you’d been stalking for the past hour was now right behind you. (he was doing the same thing so dw) you turned around to see ajax leaning against a wall, next to the bench you were sitting at. how did you not see him?

“yeah. why’re you here?” you stumbled over your words a little, not expecting him to be here at all.

“shitty date, shitty day.” he tossed his cigarette on the ground and crushed it with his shoe.

“smoking outside of the school event is crazy.” you said laughing.

“i told you, it’s medicine.” he said sarcastically. the faint chorus of the daniel ceaser song could be heard from all the way outside. “can i sit?”

“i guess.” you said, trying to keep up the cold front. it didn’t really work, but you figured you’d at least try. after all, you guys hated each other. he took the spot next to you, and stared off into the distance.

“so.. who were you with?” he cut straight to the chase.

“what’s it to you?”

“it physically hurts to see someone so good looking with some fuck ass loser.” well that was harsh. well, anyone that tries to force themselves onto someone deserves that title.

“you’re saying i’m good looking?” you laughed, knowing he’d come up with some stupid excuse. instead, he nodded his head and just looked away. you could’ve sworn you were seeing things.

“anyway, you going anywhere after this?” he asked, lighting another cigarette.

“no, i don’t think so.”

“kaveh said you were going party hopping?”

“i highly doubt it.”

when you two went back and forth, having a normal conversation, it felt like old times. it made you feel like you were talking to your best friend of years. and ultimately, that’s what you guys could’ve been, but it never was.

“what a waste of a lovely night..” he said to himself, looking up at the sky above him.

“was that a la la land reference?” you asked, laughing.

“maybe.” he smiled at you.

“you’re still a movie nerd?”

“yeah, why wouldn’t i be?” he laughed. it went quiet for a second until you finally decided to ask.

“so, what happened with your date?” you asked.

“i felt like i was babysitting teucer the entire time. didn’t want that to be how i remembered my last homecoming.”

“i get that.” you responded.

it was quiet for a couple seconds again until he took the cigarette out of his mouth and had it in between his fingers.

“you wanna ditch this place?” you almost didn’t believe what he was saying.

“anywhere is better than here right now.” you admitted. even if you ‘hated’ ajax, you’d rather be somewhere else.

“kaveh won’t get mad?”

“i’ll let him know.”

and just like that, ajax took his keys out of his pocket and twirled it around his finger.

“where to?”

“anywhere.” you said.

“you got it.” he got up and made his way to the parking lot. you followed closely behind him, suddenly getting hit with the relentless ocean air.

“cold?” he asked.

“i’m fine.” you lied.

you opened the passenger seat to his car and sat down. he reached into the back and grabbed a hoodie that had his number (11) and the logo of your highschool. he threw it onto your lap without a word. you defeatedly put the hoodie on, fitting a little too big for your usual size. but it did the job. he started the engine, and it immediately began to get warm.

“you said anywhere, right?”

minutes passed rather quickly as the two of you just reminisced on past memories of middle school. he didn’t feel like ajax the school whore, but he genuinely felt like your best friend again. it was undeniable that it felt a little more than that. you really had no idea where he was taking you, but you trusted him. and he needed you.

after about twenty minutes, you pulled into the driveway of a large lake house. it was gorgeous to say the least. you knew ajax had money, but damn did you not realize the extent of that. you recalled he has mentioned this house a couple times, but you never actually saw it until now.

“this isn’t even the best part.” he said, turning off the engine, and getting out of the car. he seemed like a little kid again. he took you to the back of the house which was the lake. it was dark and still cold, but something about it didn’t bother you. you and ajax looked out into the large lake, the moon shining down on the water, creating the appearance that someone dumped glitter into the water. needless to say, it was beautiful. he sat on the sand, and you sat next to him.

“i remember you talking about this house.”

“yeah.. i’d come here every summer.”

“not anymore?” you asked to which he nodded his head.

“family shit. it’s not fun anymore.” he stated, looking off into the water. “when i tore my acl, i realized i’ve just been taking everything for granted.” he sighed.

you simply listened to him rant.

“i don’t know, it just feels like i keep hanging onto things that make me happy for two seconds, then moving on and finding something else.”

you honestly wanted to laugh at him just because of how ironic he sounded, but there was a time and place.

“like, being with all my siblings make me happy no matter what. but i keep chasing things that really only keep me sane for so long.”

“like drugs?”

“yeah, like drugs. when i saw my date acting like that, i realized why do we even do it?” he started to draw small shapes into the sand, it was a habit he had when he’d talk about things. did he think you were a genuine source of happiness for him? or was he truly just reminiscing on something else.?

you dropped your arms to your sides and sighed. “why don’t we just forget about everything. for one night.” you proposed. “it’s our last year, might as well save whatever is left of it.” you looked at him to see staring directly into your eyes.

“not a bad idea y/n. that’s rare.” you pushed him at his response, you both laughed. he was staring at you again, you looked back at him. it felt like both of your breathing fell in sync. all it took was one glance at his lips for him to close the distance between the two of you. he turned your head towards him as he kissed you. you didn’t want to think. you decided to fuck repercussions and fuck getting hurt, all you wanted was to be with ajax in that moment. so you kissed him back. your hand went up to his head and the other went to his shoulder. his hands brought you closer to him, to where you were almost on top of him. you broke the kiss for a moment.

“you don’t know how long i’ve been waiting to do that.”

you smiled and found yourself straddling him now, with both of your hands on his face, with his hands at your waist. it felt natural to be completely honest, like you knew exactly what to do. “wait—” he said before looking at you again. “you wanna keep going.?” you swallowed thickly. you had never done it before. but who better than to have your first time with than ajax?

“yeah—but”

“first time?” it’s like he took the words out of your mouth (literally)

you nodded your head to which he smiled.

“you’re so cute.”

“shut up.” you said before kissing him again to be abruptly stopped once again.

“is that a yes?”

“yes dummy.” he smiled and picked you up with ease, putting in a code to the house and taking to you to his room. the house was dark, most likely because no one had been in it for a while. the two of you got up the stairs giggling before reaching ajax’s room. not even bothering to close the door, he laid you down on the bed and wasted no time in getting his lips back on yours. knowing he had your consent, he didn’t hold back. gasps in between each kiss meant one piece of clothing to come off. first was your hoodie, then it was the rest of your clothes. leaving you almost naked aside from your underwear. ajax unbuttoned his shirt, throwing it to the side. he was in between your legs, simply admiring the sight below him. he ran a hand down your waist and to your thigh.

“i’ll take the lead, okay?”

you eagerly nodded your head. you weren’t afraid if you knew it was ajax who’d be taking care of your. slowly, he parted your legs, caressing your thigh. he took the rest of your clothes off, leaving you naked, while ajax still had his boxers on with an obvious tent in them.

“shit—” he cursed to himself at the sight of you.

“i need you, ajax—” you looked at him with pleading eyes. you didn’t want to wait any longer.

“someone’s needy.” he ran his hand down your sex and collected the stickiness already forming. your back arched into his touch, you’d never been touched like this, and you only wanted more. your mouth made an ‘o’ shape as you screwed your eyes shut. you could hear shuffling on the bed as he leveled with your hole. he was eating you out already? did he do that with the other people he’s fucked? that’d be a question for later. your fingers made contact with his orange hair as you tugged on it. you could’ve sworn you saw his eyes roll to the back of his head for a second.

he latched his mouth onto your hole, lewd noises echoing throughout the dimly lit room. one hand was guiding his head while the other muffled your moans.

“ah- a-ajax—!”

you’ve never gotten head from someone, but damn did you know that he was experienced. circling your sensitive spots with tongue made you throw your head back in pleasure. he knew what he was doing and wanted to make it known.

“don’t tell me you’re close already pretty.” he said pulling away for a moment. you were in fact close, but who could blame you? it seemed like he only went went faster at hearing your moans. unbeknownst to you, he was using two fingers in unison with his ministrations on you. you hardly even noticed at how wet you were for him already. you noticed ajax grinding his hips into the mattress, supposedly chasing his release as well.

“m’ close!” you yelped out as your moans got louder and louder at the edge of euphoria, before no longer feeling him on you. your glossy eyes looked at him in the eyes, and he swore he could’ve felt bad.

“sorry pretty, can’t give it to you that easily.” he smirked, taking his fingers into his mouth, licking them clean. you honestly couldn’t blame him, you’d probably be too sensitive to keep going if he let you.

“who knew you tasted this good, любовь?” his chin was covered with your juices, and his eyes were dark. remember how his hair was slicked back when you first saw him? yeah, not anymore.

“you’re so mean.” you sniffled. he ran a hand through his hair, and at the sight of your fucked out look, he went back to your lips. you could taste yourself on him, it only made you want him more. you tried bucking your hips up for any sort of friction, before he pinned your hips down. he whispered lowly in your ear,

“i’ll take care of you, don’t worry.” he went from your lips and now to your neck, nipping and sucking on it to form a bruise. he felt a sense of pride in doing it. he didn’t want to go from girl to boy anymore. he wanted you, and only you. he wanted to make you his.

“w-what about you..?” you asked.

“what about me y/n? it’s your first time, not mine.” he said. you felt bad and wanted to give him a hand job at least, but he squeezed your hand in reassurance that he was fine. “you ready f’me?”

as he asked, he finally took his dick out of his boxers, and you could’ve just up and left. not in a bad way of course, but he was big. you worried you wouldn’t be able to take him. your mouth was just open.

“y/n.?” he asked, ripping a condom out and rolling it on.

“i-i don’t think that’s gonna—”

“i’ll make it fit, don’t worry angel.” well that was a new one. “need me to hold your hand?” he smirked.

“fuck off— ngh—!” your eyes screwed shut at the feeling of his tip in you.

“relax pretty, loosen up for me, yeah?” he said running a hand through his hair, obviously feeling the tightness already. “so tight..”

you eyes were slightly opened and your mouth was parted as you nodded, refusing to watch ajax bully his cock into you. you didn’t want to just give up either, you did as ajax told you and relaxed a little, allowing him to slide into you easier. his eyes were concentrated on getting himself inside you, while your hand covered your mouth and another gripped the bedsheets below you.

“you okay?” he was mostly in, with just the base of his cock out. involuntarily, a tear rolled down your face at the stretch, but you nodded yes. his face went into your shoulder as he felt you tighten up around him, groaning into your skin.

“you can move.” you said quietly.

“you sure?”

“yeah.” with that, he had one hand on the bed frame and the other on your hip.

“i’ll be gentle, don’t worry.” he slipped out of you, and back into you in one swift motion. you moaned out, anyone that was nearby would most likely hear you. he started keeping a steady pace, eliciting lewd moans from you.

“that’s it, you’re doing so good angel.” he said, cursing under his breath. he truly meant it. he really didn’t think he was gonna fit either.

“ngh— faster ajax—!” you said, chasing the pleasure you were beginning to feel. he cautiously sped up his pace, being sure not to use too much force. he treated you like a little glass doll. his hand gripped the bed frame, as his thumb came up to your face to wipe your tears.

“so—fucking good for me, keep taking me like that pretty—” mixes of low moans and pants could be heard from him, most likely not used to virgin pussy.

you couldn’t think straight, all that left your lips were broken moans and his name. his hand ran over your stomach, a noticeable imprint of his cock was splayed over you. he looked at it with wide eyes, and as if something snapped inside of him, he got even faster. your hands went to his back, marking him in your own ways.

“keep tightening around my dick like that— shit, you won’t even remember your own name angel.” his grip on your hip only got tighter. the contrast of his words in unison with the pet names brought you closer and closer to the edge.

“f-feels so good! ajax—!”

“i know it does. you gonna cum? cum with me, ‘kay?” he moaned loudly as you felt his dick twitch inside of you. he was almost louder than you. he was at a ruthless pace, but you didn’t want him to stop. you nodded your head, feeling your nerves about to snap at any moment. “say my name y/n.”

“ajax—!” you moaned loudly before climaxing, feeling the condom fill up inside of you, a lot. “fuck—” you said as you sighed, flopping down onto the bed, slowly coming down from your high. your breathing was still heavy, and so was his.

“you took that like a champ.” he said, pulling off the condom and disposing of it.

“no fucking way you just said that.” you said looking him dead in the eye. he just laughed as he laid next to you on the bed.

“shit, didn’t know you had that in you y/n.” he stated, playing with your hair. “never imagined fucking my childhood best friend into oblivion.” you shoved him in response for the second time that night. “you sure that was your first time?”

“ajax i was literally crying as you put it in i don’t know what to tell you.” he laughed even harder at this. “i’m surprised you didn’t tear your acl even more.”

“no, i think you made it better.” he gave you the most cheesy smile. “anyways, you need help?”

“help?”

“help walking.” he asked dead seriously.

“no i don’t need fucking help walking.” you got up, your knees buckling under you, immediately reaching for the bedside table.

“oh what was that? don’t need help?” he teased as he came to your side and helped you. you showered and ajax found you a big t shirt for you to change into, leaving it by the bathroom. he wanted you to stay, he really did. his football season was fucked, that was for sure. but at least he had his little medic to help him recover in— other ways. he lit a cigarette to help with the serotonin production and sat scrolling through his phone. he saw a text from alhaitham that read:

myqb😘: i’m with kaveh i’ll pass on the party tonight

myqb😘: i hope you got laid man ik tonight was rough

myqb😘: nothing fucking can’t fix 🤑💸

ajax decided not to respond to alhaitham’s message and threw his phone on the nightstand. you got out of the shower wearing his t-shirt.

“i could fuck you again right now.” he said at the sight of you in his clothes.

“give it 1-2 business days.” you laid down on the bed as he put out his cigarette, walking towards the shower.

“don’t miss me too much while i’m gone!” he yelled from the shower.

“oh i won’t!” you responded. you looked outside the large windows in his room. it was a really nice view. you checked out the shelves and found old kids books, probably from when he was little and would spend his summers here. you wondered if his siblings also had separate rooms. you did all this thinking but were reeled back into what just happened a couple of minutes ago. you just fucked your childhood best friend. and it felt really fucking good. you felt a wave of tiredness fall over you. you texted kaveh that you wouldn’t be able to see him tonight, alongside that there was a LOT to tell him. you figured he was with alhaitham so you found a charger and plugged your phone in. you looked at the bed and figured you probably wouldn’t want to sleep on those same sheets, so you took some sheets off of the vacant room next to ajax’s and replaced them. then, were you able to peacefully get into bed. ajax came out of the shower in just his boxers and immediately fell down next to you.

“so.. what are we.?” you decided to ask.

“let’s talk about it in the morning, yeah?”

“okay.” you said.

“all you need to know is that i’d be down to do it again.”you laughed.

“goodnight ajax.”

“goodnight y/n.” ajax wrapped his arms around you, your head was on his chest.

“thanks for saving me today.” you said quietly.

“it was nothing.” he responded, brushing a piece of hair out of your face.

“i just hope you’re day wasn’t entirely screwed up.”

“you made it better.” you admitted.

“i’m glad.”

you shifted your leg, and accidentally hit his knee.

“ow, fuck y/n—”

“whoops.”

and to think it all started with a torn acl.

the end!

—————

tag list:

@zamorazz @a1-ic3 @hexipessimistic @kentply @moloteco-real @lacy-lady @korunimi @nOrm4p30p3th1ng5 @tseleven @peonies4pearl @beabadobeee @ukinya

[trashcanwithsprinkles]

Hi there, i would like to start off by saying that i really admire your writing and have been following the JG updates for close to a year now. I've been in love with it ever since I read the first chapter and its only gotten more over time, tho I cant complain cuz this sure is my favorite hyperfixation! I've been meaning to leave an ask for a while now but wasn't really sure, but the latest chapters have compelled me to just try so here we are! (really late tho cuz I had my last exam yesterday so i didn't get around to writing this until now lol)

Anyway, I would actually like to express my sincerest gratitude to you and your stories. Not all too long ago I was diagnosed with autism and have had a really hard time handling that information, since i grew up in a "mental illness isn't real" type of household and didn't get a lot of support for starting therapy.

I would classify my flavour of autism as the feeling-out-of-place-within-society variant. I don't really have the "stereotypical" issue where i can't pick up on social cues, but more so that i try to understand people and overanalyze them, only to come to the conclusion that their actions and motivations are unrelateable to me. As a kid, i would often say that i don't feel like a human sometimes.

Because of this, I've always loved non-human MCs in stories since they're far more relateable for me, but a lot of the time authors fail to actually make them feel like a different species. They'll just make them "suddenly understand humans" and drop all special quirks they had as soon as being non-human even just slightly interferes with the plot.

So, I have to commend you for so wonderfully capturing Zhongli's non-human traits and mannerisms. The way he perceives the world and people around him is so fundamentally different from the other characters POVs without feeling forced/unrelateable at all. You can tell he approaches things differently than the human characters do. His character is extremely cohesive and consistent.

(It's at this point that i should probably mention that I in no way mean to label zl as autistic!! i remember you already discussed this topic of non-humans feeling kinda autistic to us and i fully agree with him just being neurodivergent-coded)

When I first discovered JG it had only been a few months since my diagnosis and I would constantly tell myself that im "wrong in the head" and that I'm probably just lazy and weird. Reading JG, following Zhongli's story and his experiences of being "out of place" in this world while trying to be perceived as human, feeling him dread the day everyone will find out he's not like them out of fear they will treat him differently; all of this is extremely relateable for me and has helped me come to terms with myself in the process.

Especially the latest chapter has left me gaping at my wall for hours after i finished it. A lot of the time, Zhongli's pov is kinda difficult for me to fully deciver since he's a very unreliable narrator when it comes to his emotions and feelings. So, whenever he shows even slightest bit of vulnerability, it feels far more monumental for me since it helps me to really understand the extreme disconnect he feels from the essence of his very being. When Ajax told him that he's not a dragon anymore, I was immediately reminded of when a friend first asked me if I might be autistic. Needless to say, this chapter really hit home for me.

And throughout it all, Ajax has slowly turned into my comfort character. I love his attitude towords the whole zhongli-isn't-human situation. The way he treats zl is so heartbreakingly beautiful and really shows his affection. His and Zhongli's interactions actually had me tearing up from time to tim, because it gave me hope that I too can be accepted for who I am, despite the details. Seeing Ajax treat Zhongli "normally" even after everything he found out about him has actually given me the courage to reach out to an old friend and tell her about my diagnosis and everything surrounding that. I don't think I ever would've gotten back in contact with her if it wasn't for JG.

All that being said, I apologize for the info dump no one asked for and sorry for rambling. I just felt like you deserve to know that your writing, your art, is actually reaching and truly moving people out there.

Words couldn't possibly convey all the ways in which reading JG has helped me throughout this journey. JG has, quite literally, changed my life. Genuinely.

Thank you.

HELLO??????????

i don't even know how to respond to this, i'm so honored; like i know fic usually helps people get through stuff or realize some things but it's not often that they come out here and give me the (comparatively) full details of how and why

[lemonqii]

How the ghosts feel about theme parks (courtesy of me visiting one again after like 5 years)

Elias: only there for the food and pictures of his sons. Will complain about the price of hotdogs and lemonade ("$5?! I could make a better hotdog at home for free!" Nags the boys about it but buys em both a hotdog anyway. Will 100% end up buying hotdogs for the rest of the Ghost's too.) doesn't really go on the rides ("I've had enough excitement for a lifetime") but is willing to go on the Ferris wheel. Definitely took mama walker (or you can pretend it's y'all, I don't judge...) on dates to theme parks and go up together with them swirly ice creams and point out the sights.

Hesh: was a little hellspawn as a teenager when it came to theme parks. Always coaxed Elias into letting him drag Logan with him onto the scariest rides. (Still believe that them climbing the Ferris wheel is canon). Personally don't think he'd be very into buying any merchandise/souvenirs. Definitely more of an "I'm here for the rides and the rides only" typa guy.

Logan: as much as I don't think Logan particularly minded going on the scary rides, as he ain't really scared of heights, I like to imagine that he was a short kid and didn't have a growth spurt til he was around 17. Which meant in order to get onto the rides they had to have him wear insoles or else he wouldn't be tall enough for the requirements. Definitely likes the ride that goes all the way up and just plunges down (No clue what it's called). Unlike Hesh he definitely likes to collect plushies (Is limited to one per visit. Would buy all of them if he could).

Merrick: only really likes the teacup ride. Probably the only ride he will go on the entire day. Rest of the time he spends babysitting the ghosts (Elias may have their best intentions at heart but the man can't control em as well as Merrick can). I feel like he likes looking around and seeing all the other families and comparing it to what he has with the ghosts (“our Logan is way better behaved than that kid..”).. Despite never having kids of his own, he’s definitely taken the ghosts under his wing. Will only buy himself a beer, but won’t say to Elias buying him a hotdog. Refuses to go on any of the fast rides, uses the excuse that he’s carrying all the bags of merch that Logan buys.

Keegan: this man LIVES for the extreme rides. He competes with Ajax and Hesh on who will look most nonchalant in the replay (He always wins). Definitely one of those adrenaline junkies who tries out every ride. Hesh is the only one who can keep up with him, so the two generally split off from the rest of the group and go together. Also a sucker for the hotdogs.

Ajax: unlike the other two who take the whole “posing” competition very seriously, he’s more so there just to hang out with his friends. Going off the hc that he watches nature documentaries, I think he’d be real into those relaxing train rides where it’s like they’re going through a safari and explains what and how everything works (sfx are a must. Otherwise he will complain that it’s not an immersive enough experience).

Kick: those space/ocean inspired rides? Chefs kiss. Loves em. Considering how good he is with tech and I can’t help but imagine that he knows some stuff when it comes to the physics of the theme park rides. Will nag your ear off about how certain rides aren’t “up to code” (if it’s creaking too much it ain’t up to code). Isn’t really into the super fast rides, likes to look around and really see how the rides work.

Rorke: honestly? Idek where to start with this man.. pre fed Rorke was probably a sucker for those tall stripper pole reminiscent towers that go up and then down real fast. Likes the adrenaline, but really he enjoys looking over the landscape. -> especially if they're somewhere in America. He doesn't really get a chance to travel around the country since they're always so busy with missions, and being able to take in the whole view of his home is something he really enjoys. Fed Rorke on the other hand doesn't like theme parks all that much at all. Definitely feels like it doesn't suit a leader like him to be going on rides like a little kid. (Will still go on the scariest one just once to prove he's man enough.)

This is all I could think of for now I love these silly critters sm ෆ⁠╹⁠ ⁠.̮⁠ ⁠╹⁠ෆ

[asthedeathoflight]

Run It Back ch 5

@flowersandskeletons526 has been putting Ajax in the torment nexus recently - and we thank them for their service - but (youth pastor voice) you know who else was in the torment nexus? I don't wanna talk about how long it's been since I updated this fic I AM gonna finish it y'all I swear.

- - -

“It’s like a- a videogame?” Fox’s voice is shaking. Her whole body is shaking. It has been since the first gunshots went off a few minutes ago. Since it all became real.

“Yes,” Rembrandt says gently. “It’s like a videogame.” Fox is trying so hard to be brave, to listen to what Rembrandt is telling her, to help. Rembrandt is so proud of her. 

The fifth gunshot goes off. That’s the one that gets Ajax, in the loops where Rembrandt isn’t there to stop her from going back for Cleon. But Fox doesn’t know that. They’re not going back to see it this loop. Fox jerks at the sudden noise, and wipes furiously at the tears starting to well in her eyes. Her eyeliner hasn’t smudged, at least. It never smudges. 

Rembrandt slides down the wall of the alley they’re hiding in and pats the ground next to her. Fox hesitantly, numbly, sits down next to her. 

Rembrandt flips her sketchbook back open to the map she made - it’s hastier than she’d like, but she does have to draw it from scratch every time she wants to have this conversation with Fox. It looks like the subway map, and it’s about as easy to understand. Rembrandt wishes she’d thought to bring her colored pencils. Color-coding would make this easier. 

“Shouldn’t we, um-” Fox’s voice is thick with the sobs she’s not letting herself cry. “Shouldn’t we be helping?”

“No, no, it’s alright,” Rembrandt reassures her, “It’s fine. We’re just taking a break. I’ll go back to the beginning and try it all again, I just need a moment to catch my breath.”

“But the others-”

“Are safe,” Rembrandt says gently, gesturing with the tip of her pencil at the dot from which all the paths split out. “Everyone’s still safe here at the beginning.”

Fox looks like she’s not quite convinced, but needs so badly to believe her. “Okay,” she says quietly. “Why me? Why did you tell me? I won’t… I won’t remember this.”

“Because you’re the only person who can help me figure out how to crack this,” Rembrandt says. 

It’s true. Rembrandt has tried the others. Fox is the only person who can help her. She’s the only one who can think on her feet fast enough to get pulled up to speed, who has space in her brain for all the ever-branching paths and the patterns that emerge from the madness. Most of the notes Rembrandt has scribbled around the margins of her map are the observations of Foxes past. Fox is a scout. It’s her job to find ways out. She’s the only one who can help. 

She is also, Rembrandt has discovered, the only person who ever really believes her. 

“Okay,” Fox repeats, drawing on that inner well of strength none of them knew she had until tonight. It’s that inner strength that dooms her over and over. It has to be the thing that saves them, too. “Let me see that.”

She bends close over the map, studying it in the grimy light of the streetlamps. Her lips move silently as she traces the pathways with her eyes. All the nervous energy drains out of her as she locks in on the puzzle. This is why she’s the greatest scout they’ve ever had. It should be her in the loop. She’d know what to do. They’d be all home safe by now if it was Fox.

But it isn’t Fox, and so this is the part where Rembrandt holds her breath, and waits for a miracle. Where she hopes she’s preserved enough of what Fox saw the last times for Fox to see something new. She’s dreading the loop where she offers up everything she’s learned, and Fox can’t make any new connections. Where she’s finally run through the whole maze, and there’s no way out. 

Fox frowns at the map, and then looks up at Rembrandt. “It’s me,” she says, like that’s the answer. 

“What?” Rembrandt’s voice sounds kind of hollow to her own ears. Playing stupid never quite seems like the right move, but she doesn’t know what else to do. 

Fox fixes her with a cut-it-out look she must have learned from Ajax when Rembrandt wasn’t looking. She taps the paper. “There are branches here where everyone else doesn’t make it. But you didn’t write down any endings where I don’t.”

No, she hadn’t. It just feels kind of gauche. And besides, Fox always figures it out anyways.

“You wrote down everywhere things turn out differently,” Fox says slowly. “There have to be some loops where something happens to me. So the only reason you wouldn’t write it down is if that’s what happens in the original loop. If that’s what you’re trying to change.”

She frowns down at the paper again. “I don’t know why you’re not trying to save Ajax. She doesn’t make it home either.”

“I can’t save her,” Rembrandt says, and even to her own ears she sounds exhausted. “I’ve tried.”

“You can’t save me either,” Fox points out. “Or at least you haven’t managed it yet. But you haven’t given up on me, yet.”

Rembrandt doesn’t say anything about the calculations she’s had to run about who in their crew will survive whose death. She doesn’t talk about that one loop in the kitchen with Cleon, and the way death closed around Ajax like black water even when she was safe and whole and at home. She doesn’t say anything at all. 

After a second, Fox nods to herself, accepting Rembrandt’s silence as an answer. “I don’t get the cop thing,” she says instead. 

“…the what?” This is new.

She points to the cluster of Union Square. “Someone always goes down there. You said it’s because of Ajax in the park. But it still happens in the loops where she doesn’t go to the park.”

Delicately, Fox traces a few outlying paths that curve around the park but, sure enough, crash back into the nightmare on that platform. 

“So?”

“So, that’s not why. The cop in the park isn’t the one who called them.” Fox blinks at her like this should be important information to her. 

“I don’t get why that matters. They’re just always there.”

“Yeah,” Fox says, “Just like they’re always here.” She points over her shoulder, gesturing to the sirens still wailing around them. “Haven’t you noticed how quickly they showed up after the first gunshot? That’s way too fast for a bystander to have called them. They were waiting.”

Is it fast? Rembrandt has honestly never noticed. She’s a little bit busy having a panic attack every time she goes through this part of the loop. The time between the gun going off and finding herself in the cemetery is indistinct. It could be seconds or hours and she wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference. 

“So?” Rembrandt repeats helplessly. 

“So,” Fox says meaningfully. “They’re looking for us specifically, you said? But how would they know, if Ajax doesn’t get arrested?” 

She pauses for dramatic effect, like Rembrandt will chime in with the answer somehow. Once Fox gets over her terror and dives into the mystery, it’s all very exciting for her. Rembrandt can’t muster the energy to try and put two and two together. She really needs to run a loop where she just crawls into a dark corner somewhere and goes to sleep. God, when was the last time she slept? It’s gotta be months ago now, not counting the seconds she gets at the top of every loop.

Her body isn’t any more exhausted than it was the first time, but there’s only so long you can spend staring at a problem until you break. 

Fox graciously moves forward past her silence. “They knew tonight was gonna break bad, and they know who to look for at the train station,” she says. “So, someone told them. It’s a setup.”

“Luther,” Rembrandt says, some forgotten synapse of her brain finally firing. “He’s the one who kills Cyrus.”

She hasn’t been to the beach for so long, she almost forgot about him. On the loops she looks to the crowd in the middle of the summit instead of calculating exits, it’s to watch Cleon and Ajax catch each other’s eyes for a second and wonder helplessly if that’s doomed to be the last time they ever see each other. 

Fox nods to herself. “It’s gotta be about him, somehow,” she says, “You’ve gotta try fixing it with him somehow.”

“Okay,” Rembrandt says. She’s tired, but she owes it to Fox to try. If she can’t figure it out herself, the least she can do is try. 

“Okay,” Fox echoes. She smiles, a little sadly. Quick as a flash of light, as a stumble and trip off a platform edge, she leans forward to hug Rembrandt around the shoulders. 

It’s been a few loops since anyone touched her. In the original loop there was a brief moment after the Orphans where Ajax picked her up off the ground and spun her around. She can barely bring herself to look at Ajax anymore. Ajax has stopped trying to bridge the gap. 

Rembrandt buries her face in the side of Fox’s neck and fits her arms around her ribcage like this will be the last time. Lets herself live in this moment for a little while because who the fuck is counting, there’s no one to notice if she’s a little late running the loop again. 

“Thank you,” Fox whispers into her hair. “For not giving up on me.”

And Rembrandt is seized all over again by the need to protect her, to hold herself between Fox and the weight of destiny itself, so strongly that she doesn’t have time to reply before Fox is gone, and she’s back on the train again.

 - - -

Thanks as always to @marbleflan for the beta, your dedication to this fic despite not knowing anything about Warriors is deeply inspiring.

[pinkjoy-cons]

Something Sweet (afab!Reader)

꧁༺ 𝓒𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓭𝓮/𝓣𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓰𝓵𝓲𝓪 𝔁 𝓪𝓯𝓪𝓫!𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 ༻꧂

Word Count: 6677

AN: this has been in my draft for almost a year now. I just got so lazy when it came to editing this. Originally, this was written as a birthday gift for @sammilimyy and she gave me permission to post it with some editing. So if you read this and it feels like it's a self ship, that's b/c it kinda is. I wrote this to be as gender neutral as possible with fem reader in mind. I did my best to catch all the pronouns and change them but let me know. This is also the idea of a bartender series I have in mind so I will try to write more for this series. I also commisioned @bumbleleeart to draw some art of this fic! You can find it here they are amazing so supprt if you can!

Warnings: Fluff, self-ship coded, strangers to lovers, unrealistic office setting, implied aro/ace reader, you call Childe "Ajax", acutally edited but I am not perfect, hints at who the next character I will potentially write for

“Try new things. Try new things. It’s okay to try new things.”

You repeated that to yourself as you walked towards the bar at the end of the street; a far cry from being at home with you cat and bowl of instant noodles. Angel's Share was all the people in the office would talk about. It was classy without being too full of itself, the bartenders were nice, and the live music created the perfect atmosphere. When your boss wasn’t shouting at you for all your “careless mistakes” as she called them, the people on your floor would talk about how romantic it would be to walk into Angel’s Share and have a handsome man buy them a drink. It was a long-winded fantasy that you supported the first two or three times they rambled it off.

You weren’t much of a drinker; scratch that, you didn’t drink ever. One too many funerals and far too many broken-hearted family members.

With a stiff arm, you walked inside. It was very classy. Dim lights with spacious room for several tables, a small stage for whoever decided to perform that day and double doors that led to what you imagined was the kitchen. The bar itself occupied the center of the establishment. Various colors of alcohol and glasses on display, it was a work of art how it all seemed to tie together. The smell of fresh food coming from the kitchen and the bitter notes of alcohol graced your nose.

Not wanting to take a whole table, you made you way to the center bar. There were three people working. One man with white hair seemed particularly annoyed with his fellow workers and patron alike as he poured another, whiskey? Bourbon? Some brown drink into the glass and handed it over to the blond at the counter.

The conversation was miles away as you looked over the menu. Each scan only dampened your spirit and made your stomach churned. The crowd was sparse but still, it wouldn’t look good to just get up and leave right?

I’m in this for the long haul, huh.

Unbeknownst to you, one of the bartenders already saw your entrance and observed you as you walked to the seat. You were new and Childe saw the furrow in your brow and the bite of your lip. The continuous flip of the menu and the scrunch of your face seemed to tell all.

“You gonna keep staring or are you gonna do your job and ask them what they want?” Wriothesley said that snapped Ajax out of his observance.

With a smirk Childe threw back, “Why don’t you go do your job?”

Wriothesley shrugged, “Okay.”

“No wait!” Childe grabbed his arm to stop him, “I’ll go, geez.” Wriothesley just smirked as he continued his conversation with Al-Haitham and his friends.

"What can I get you?" Crap, one of the bartenders had approached; the plan of escape concocted was now pointless. He smiled and awaited you answer. Did you look like a deer caught in headlights? “What’s wrong? Need more time? I can give you some suggestions if you want.” He smiled as you quickly fixed you face and tried to come up with an answer.

The man is cute. Looking at him made your heart flutter and you cough to bid you some time to let your brain catch up to the situation.

"Oh, I don't drink." You affirmed and put down the menu. Perfect; great answer.

What the hell am I even doing here then? Wasting his time? He’ll probably tell you to get out. However, to your surprise, he chuckled.

"Well, lucky for you Angel's Share is known for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. It's truly the best of both worlds. Big boss doesn’t really like the taste of alcohol, so he wanted to make sure there were drinks here for everyone" He winked and readied the shaker. You laughed at how eager he was to please. It warmed your cheeks and calmed your beating heart. You haven’t felt like this with someone before. It was, different but welcomed.

"If that's the case I'll take whatever you think is best. I'm not too picky." He thinks for a moment then nods eyes closed and a cute smile. As he turns you remember to say, "Oh but I do like sweet drinks."

He peers over his shoulder and smiles, "Yeah, makes sense."

You raise an eyebrow. As he poured the liquids in the shaker he answered the silent question.

"I just mean it makes sense that a sweet person would like sweet things." He flashes a bright smile and you sit there dumbfounded but can't help the small smile that creeps on your lips.

As he pours the drink into the glass, he leans against the counter waiting for the first taste. You brought the glass to you beautiful lips and drank.

"So sweetheart," he rests his chin in the palm of his hand, "whatcha think?"

Said “sweetheart” smiled and leaned in closer to him, following his actions, "You're right. This sweet person loves sweet things." He smiled.

“The name’s Ajax, but everyone calls me Childe.”

You told him your name and he noded, committing it to memory

“It’s lovely to see you around here but I must ask, why come to a bar if you don’t drink? I mean, I take it you didn’t know we also have nonalcoholic drinks soooo…” He let the question hang as you traced your finger on the rim of the drink.

“I guess I wanted to try something different? Not too sure myself really. All I know is that everyone I work with talks about this place, and I guess I was influenced to stop by and see for myself.”

“Everyone at your work?” Childe asks.

“Yeah, I work within an academic office close to the main campus off of 2nd and S street. Second floor. You know the building that’s near the main campus but near the residential area? Built about five years ago? That’s me.” You said with a small smile and took another sip, “I handle things like approving submitted grades. My main area of focus is approving and assisting students with their schedules for the upcoming semester a bit like an advisor. I handle the English, History and Art majors.”

“Sounds sooooo thrilling.” Childe leaned closer on the counter; a sly smile present as you lightly hit his arm for the sarcasm.

“Hey, it may not be as ‘thrilling’ as being a bartender, but it pays well and has good benefits and I love my coworkers.” You paused.

“Buuuut.” He looked at you ready to hear more.

You gave a gruff laugh, “Buuuut my boss is crazy. The students I work with love me. My coworkers and I get so many emails, and we do our best to respond to all of them and tell them about meetings for upcoming introductory classes but somehow that is still not enough for her. She thinks that what I’m doing is the bare minimum for how I could be assisting these kids when she doesn’t even want to see an email from any of them pop-up in her in-box.” You took a long drink of her mocktail draining the contents of the cup dry. Childe raises his eyebrows in surprise and is suddenly very glad you don’t drink. “She doesn’t know what she’s doing and is so stuck in her ways. Sometimes, my friends and I wonder how she ever got to that position.”

“Why don’t you try asking for a promotion?” During the small rant, Childe had made another drink that you happily took.

“As sucky as she is, she doesn't come into the office and she doesn’t bother any of us to the point where we want her gone. A few nags here and there and she’s gone for the rest of the month. I’m happy where I’m at and so are my friends. The floors of the building are huge, so each office has about three people. The three of us assist the same departments so we help each other out. But it’s not just us three, there are a lot of moving parts for each major. We made our office space as cozy as possible not only for us but for the occasional student who may stop by. Plus, the windows open slightly from the bottom so, ya know, fresh air! ”

“Cozy how?” He asked and you smiled brightly and began to describe the shared office space she had with her friends and coworkers, Yelan and Navia. Each desk had their own personality, but the office had a comfy couch for themselves and the students as well as a small but efficient tea/coffee bar. There were decorations kept for various holidays or for when someone just wanted to give the office a different look. For the most part, it always had an air of a welcoming home office. Most of the time, you let them decide on what the theme would be for the next few months but they always asked for your input. Sometimes Yelan would put on instrumental music through the Bluetooth and Navia always kept the few plants healthy and vibrant.

Childe decided there that he liked you like this. Not stressed out, but animated. You spoke to him like he was an old friend. He interrupted you at some point to get some food and let you continue on about work and ate while he cleaned.

Soon, it was well into the night, but of course this was a bar, it remained open later than most establishments, so you didn’t notice. After you finished eating, Childe took the dishware to the bin for pick up and you grabbed your wallet.

“How much do I owe?” Normally, you were careful about money, but after such a lovely evening you couldn’t care less about the bill.

“It’s on the house.”

You paused, “Oh no please, it’s alright I really don’t mind. Let’s see, I had two drinks the meal…that should be about-”

“Hey, sweetheart,” Childe reached. He stopped the hand holding your card to pay. He gazed at you with soft eyes and warm smile. He held your hand a bit firmer as he spoke next but not enough to hurt, it was only comfort. “It’s all right, really. It’s on the house.”

Your cheeks felt fuzzier, and you could only stare dumbfounded at the loss of words. Childe, ever bold, briefly glanced at your lips. He wanted to lean closer, but he could practically feel you rapid pulse and didn’t want to scare you away. So rather he asked, “Are you gonna put your card away?” A playful tilt of his head accompanied those words.

“Yes.” You said not daring to look him in the eyes but rather at where their hands joined.

Childe pulled in closer, “Promise?” there was a sing-song cadence to his voice as he teased.

“Promise.” This time you looked up at him. He kissed the top of your hand before he pulled away. By this point, you could feel your entire body was on fire. Your gut warmed as you tried to not let it show how much that simple act affected your body.

“What’s this about ‘on the house’?” A man with black hair and streaks of gray slaps Childe on the back and it startled you both out of the moment. “Giving away free food hmm.” The new guy looks at you for a moment and smiles. “Well, for this one time I'll give you a pass. But make sure Diluc doesn’t hear about this, he’s not as lenient as me.”

“What is it, Wriothesley?” Childe straightened up. He kept his body facing you, doing his best to tell Wriothesley to leave them alone but either Wriothesley didn’t pick up on social cues very well or he made it his goal to bother Ajax at every turn.

It’s probably the latter…

“Hate to break up the rising exposition of your guys' story but I just wanted to let you know we close in ten minutes.”

“Ten minutes!” The few people, including the blond who was here when you came in, turned at your exclamation. You checked your phone for the time to see it was midnight. “I have to go! I have work in a few hours.” Wriothesley looked out the dark window and frowned. “Don’t worry I’ll be fine, it's about a 25-minute walk from here.”

“Then Childe here will take you home.” Wriothesley smiled, his hands on Childe’s shoulders.

“He will? But what about closing and stuff, doesn’t he need to do the night duties?”

“Yeah, but don’t worry about it. Al-Haitham and I got all that covered.”

“What.” The white-haired man with the blond at the counter suddenly became very interested in the conversation.

As they spoke another person came in. They looked young, probably a student at the Uni. The person looked up at Wriothesley then at the people at the counter, and stopped, worry flashed through their eyes

“Sorry, but we're clos-”

“Ah Childe, this one is fine.” Wriothesley gestured for them to sit at the bar as he made them a drink. You, meanwhile, got ready to leave as they approached. The person looked defeated and melted into the seat. A few wraps were around their arms and the bottom lip looked to be slightly swollen. Childe took note that it was a non-alcoholic drink; he also took note that Al-Haithiam had already closed the register for the night so there was no way for this person to pay.

“What’s this about ‘on the house’?” Childe asked. Wriothesley's expression was soft as he handed them the drink. His hand lingered for just a split second to fuss with hair on the side of their head and Childe swore he saw them lean into Wriothesley’s touch.

“Better leave before Al-Haithiam changes his mind.”

The pair left after that. “Lead the way.” Childe smiles as he walks in tandem.

“Which way do you live?”

“The opposite direction, but don’t worry about inconveniencing me, I don’t mind. I have my shift later in the day anyway.” You hummed and as they continued down the sidewalk. Despite the late hour, the pace was slow. A part of you wanted to take a wrong turn just to make this last a bit longer.

A shiver ran through you when a strong gust of wind blew. Childe wrapped his arm around your shoulders in a vain attempt to keep you warm. “Next time you’re out this late, bring a jacket.”

“The only time I would ever think about being out this late is if I was with you.” Sam looked at him and chuckled. “So, I can always just borrow yours.” Ajax’s smile matched the brunette's.

“Damn sweetheart, flirting with me and we haven’t even had our first date? Never would have guessed you had so much rizz.”

“Nope, okay. Let me go.” You tried to pull away only for Childe to hold you firmer. He brought you to his front, chest to back as he laughed into the night. “Stop, I refuse to be around a man who says the word ‘rizz’ unironically!” He picked you up and spun around and blew raspberries into your neck. Laughter echoed into the night and when he put you down, you turned to face him. Childe held your cheek in his hand as he gazed into your eyes. They shone in a beautiful dazzle he's never seen before. There was so much mirth in those eyes alone. He knew that if other men and women could see what these eyes held, they too would want a moment to accompany you in that joy. His heart beat furiously in his chest and his face nearly fell at the thought he wouldn’t see her again.

“Ajax?” You whispered.

“Yeah?”

“Um. This is me.” You gestured at the apartment building behind them. Childe let go and took a small step back, coughed into his hand.

“Uh, right. Well, I hope you have a good day at work…in a few hours.”

“Yeah and thank you for the meal and the drinks and for taking me home.” You started to walk backwards looking down at the ground as you did.

Childe wanted to ask for your number. He wanted to ask if you would come to Angel’s Share again. He wanted to spend more time than these last few hours allotted. But he could tell that you were nervous, so he didn’t want to push it any further. You turned to the building so Childe took that as his que to leave as well. He barely made it a few steps...

“Can I have your number?” You held you phone out to him, the “add new contact” page already on display. Big, bright eyes stared at him and a shaky hand; pursed lips that look like they didn’t want to beg but were two seconds from doing just that. He took it and added his number and his own contact name: “Lover Boy 😉”. You snorted when you saw the title he had given himself and rolled your eyes but didn’t bother to change it. Rather, you wished him a goodnight again and failed at containing the small skip as you went back inside.

Childe stared at the building for a second with a smile on his face when he got an idea. He pulled out his phone to make a phone call.

“Hey boss man, it’s Childe…Right, right, hey Diluc it’s Childe. There happy? Anyway I- huh? Oh, Kaeya gave me your number.” Childe smiled and began to walk to his apartment building. “Sorry for calling so late, well…early, but I have a favor. Don’t worry, it’s nothing illegal this time, cross my heart. Do you know any flower companies who deliver same day and on short notice?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You made it to the office, with a long, deep breath as you took off your shoes and put on the slippers. Your section was less of a corporate office and worked behind the scenes so you didn’t have to worry about anyone extremely important coming in. Upon entering, Navia looked over from the small coffee station they set up and Yelan continued to scroll on her phone.

“Finally decided to show up at 7:26, took your time coming in today, huh?” Yelan teased, “Normally you get here early. I actually had to use my key to get in today.”

You said nothing and went to the coffee station. Exhausted and in need of a pick-me-up before anything else.

“Uh oh, even adding an extra shot? What kept you up so late?” Navia asked and Yelan smirked at the question.

You didn’t even look away from the dripping espresso and said, “A man.”

Navia choked on her tea and Yelan dropped her phone. You were startled at their reactions. “What! What’s wrong!”

“You were with a man last night?” Navia yells through fits of her cough.

“Not so loud!” Yelan said, “We don’t need the entire floor knowing about thier business.” She got up to close the door and both women looked at you for an explanation.

“Well yes, I was with a man last night but nothing that you think happened, happened! We just talked, it was really a spur of the moment kinda thing.” There was a warmth that spread on your cheeks as you tried to clear up their misunderstanding.

“That doesn’t make things any less interesting.” Yelan pointed out. “You’re not one to stay up too late to begin with; even with your messed up sleep schedule, you always try to sleep at a decent time.”

Navia added, “Yeah, so to have a guy keep you up late enough for you to almost be late, he must have been something.” As she spoke you all went to your desks, with your coffee in hand, to get started on the work day. “So, was he?”

The warmth spead down your neck and to your stomache as you looked at your computer screen lost in the thoughts of last night. “He is.” You sighed and proceeded to tell the girls everything that happened last night. In between emails and submissions, students and staff, it was lunch time when your recount of the prior evening was over.

“I ended up staring at his contact in my phone for about five minutes before I passed out.” You said. “I can’t believe I asked for his number. I mean I never do that!”

“We know.” Navia said as she hit submit on some student grades. “That’s why we were basically slack jawed the entire story. Maybe everyone is right, something about Angel's Share…” She let the comment hang off.

“I texted him thanks again last night just so he had my number and he said good morning as I was walking here but I didn’t respond after that.”

“You left the guy hanging?” Yelan said.

“No, not entirely. I said ‘good morning’ too with a smiley face but we haven’t texted after that.”  Before either girl would say anything there was a knock at the door. It opened and came in Layal. Even though she wasn’t a part of the majors they handled, all three of them welcomed her to the office anytime. In the past, they used to help with gen ed; Layla was one of Yelan’s students. After declaring her major, you told Layla she was still welcomed to their office anytime as long as one of them was present. She mainly sleeps on the couch to get some rest between classes. Which is exactly what she is doing now.

“Poor girl. Does she ever get any sleep?” Navia got up to fix the pillow Layla had to a more comfortable position for her neck.

“Doubt it.” You said and only turning to your computer when you heard a message come through. “Dammit what the hell!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Dorie didn’t deliver the damn transcripts the students requested.” You groaned as you answered the message. “Now I gotta deliver them to the bursar’s office and I’m so damn tired.” You got up to gently place a blanket over Layla’s head. As these were official transcripts, she took that precaution so no one can say the sleep-deprived student took a peak as they were printed out. Navia helped seal them all in envelopes and put the correct labels on them.

Yelan then said, “I could drop them off for you if ya want. I don’t mind.”

“No it’s okay.” You grumbled. “I could use the walk anyway.” Nothing more was said as you put on your shoes and left the office.

~~~~~~~

The trip didn’t take long, about a 15 minute walk there and back; 20 if you take the long way (which you did) and finally made it back to the office. But there was a suprise; a gorgeous bouquet. The baby blue hortensias in the middle, surrounded by various pink roses and other dusty pink flowers and eucalyptus leaves. All in a beautiful pink vase. The girls were fawning over the bouquet and Yelan approached you.

“You really hit the jackpot with this guy, let me tell you.” She hip bumped you with crossed arms.

“Wait, you mean this is for me? And how do you know it’s from…” You asked a bit out of breath.

“He left you a card.” Layla handed you a small note card with gold embossing.

“They delivered it while you were out.” Navia carried the bouquet to your desk by the widow. “We had to shoo everyone away to leave us alone until you came back. This guy caused quite the commotion for you.” You walked over to the flowers, still in awe of how beautiful they looked. Sam finally looked at the pristine print on the card.

Thanks again for the wonderful night. I’m hoping we can have many more.

~Ajax

You jumped when the phone buzzed in your pocket. It was from Ajax and you couldn’t help but smile.

You jumped when the phone buzzed in your pocket. It was from Ajax and you couldn’t help but smile.

Did you get the flowers? I got a notification saying they were delivered

Ajax! Yes I got them holy shit they’re beautiful! Thank you soooooooo much i love them! How did you????

Called in a favor with the boss he’s very connected. But other than that the bouquet is all from me. Just thought you deserved something nice

No one has ever given me flowers before Thank you! They make me so happy!!!

I can tell Can practically see your smile from here

???????

You whispered, “No way,” and opened the blinds and there on the sidewalk was Ajax dressed in dark jeans t-shirt, and a denim jacket stave off the cold weather. He looked up at her window with a sheepish smile. He waved and you gently waved back whilst and mouthed “hi”.

“Who are you waving at? Oh, is it him!” Navia, Yelan and Layal all rushed to the window. “Oh my gods it is him!” Navia eagerly opened up the window, even if it could only be ajar, “The flowers are beautiful!” Navia yelled down to Childe. You tried to frantically tell her to stop but Yelan held you back. They could hear Childe’s laughter even from their floor. You watched as he rubbed the back of his neck and smiled at the ground, hand in his pocket.

“Hey, he’s one of the bartenders at Angel's Share.” Layla peeked under Navia to get a good look. “I think his name is…Childe?”

“Childe?” Yelan repeated.

“Oh stop! It’s just a nickname!” You broke free from Yelan’s hold and took a look at the clock. “Wait, it’s lunch time!” Then went to the window. “Ajax, wait there!” You got a thumbs up and promptly closed the window. “I’ll be back!” You left with a rapid flutter in your heart and pleasent warmth on your cheeks. You couldn’t believe that he was here! Ajax was here: he walked you home last night, gave you flowers, and was now waiting for you right outside! As silly as it felt, you did a small jump of joy while you waited for the elevator. Never before have you been this smitten with anyone. When the elevator got to the ground floor, you ran out of the building and jumped into his readied arms. Childe let out an oof upon impact but laughed all the same and used the momentum to spin you both just slightly during the hug. His arms felt beautiful; wrapped snugly around you as the soft fabric of his hoodie. Despite not even being a day, you found yourself happy in his arms.

“Childe.” You said, “You’re here! What are you doing here?”

“I was already out when I got the text that the flowers were delivered so I figured I would come to the building and give you a call. But then I saw you by the window.” He pointed up to the window where your coworkers were still looking through. “I just wanted to surprise you, s’all.” Your face warmed. “Now, what made you run down here ta tell me?”

“I-,” The request got caught in your throat now face to face with those blue eyes. “I love the flowers.”

He chuckled. “You ran all the way down here to tell me you love the flowers?” He smirked and bushed some of your hair away from your eyes. He allowed his hand to linger.

“No. I just…It’s my lunch time.” You said, playing with your blouse’s hem.

Childe laughed again. “Okay, would you like me to take you out to lunch?”

Your eyes lit up. Childe chuckled more at her enthusiasm. He grabbed your hand and pulled her to him as they both began to walk.

Childe knew he had fallen for you from that first into the bar. He knew it was shallow to say that when he didn’t know a thing about you but he just knew. He’s dated in the past but even after spending months with those people, he didn’t feel that connection that he feels now with you.

You were a performer on a grand stage. Even as you danced and interacted with others, to Childe, the spotlight was only on you. Your words and mannerisms. The small things in life that made your eyes sparkle with joy. Or the bright smile you graced him with when he complimented you. All of it contributed to the ballet you put on. The story you wanted to tell, all of it left him in awe. Was this over the top? Yes. Unusual? Absolutely. Would people tell him that he was diving into this way too fast? One hundred percent. But Childe didn’t care. Because each place they would go to would be a scene. The different milestones they would go through would be their acts. And by the end of their joint performance, he would be saying: Encore.

“Thank you for the meal Ajax, I really liked it. Sorry I cut it short, I just have to get back to work.” You linked your arm around his as they walked back to her work building.

“No need to apologize. I enjoy any time that I can with you.” Ajax brought you in closer to get a better look at you.

“Do you have work today?”

“Yeah in a few hours and I work the closing shift.”

“Can I go see you when I’m off?”

“Are you sure it wasn’t too late for you last time? I don’t want you to mess up your sleep schedule just for little ol’ me.”

“Ah it’s fine! I have the worst sleep schedule anyway.”

“More of a reason for you to just head home.” They got to the building and stood near the entrance, you could only look away. “Look at me baby,” Childe tilted your chin up. “I promise that the next time I have the day off I’ll call you and take you out on a date.”

You messed with your hem again. “Promise?”

“Promise.” An alarm you set went off. Unfortunately, it was time to go back to the grind.

“Talk to you later.” Childe began to walk away but you called out.

“W-wait!”

He turned, an eyebrow lifted. You mumbled something while not making any eye contact. Hands a bit shaky as you glanced at him and tapped your cheek expectantly. Childe breathed out a soft laugh and leaned down. Childe kissed your cheek and when he moved away, he bit his lip to hold in a laugh.

“You kissed my cheek!” You said.

“Yeah sweetheart, is that not what you wanted?” He put his hands in his pockets as you held you face.

“No. Yes! Yes I wanted a kiss I just…It was nice and you have soft lips.”

“Pfft.”

“Hey don’t laugh at me!” Childe put his hand over yours and you both paused. He looked at you, and with slight pause, he leaned down to kiss the other cheek. You nearly choked on her gasp but didn’t push him away when his lips lingered. Rather, you gripped his hand tighter.

Chile moved away but not before saying, “Don’t miss me too much.”

You huffed and stared at him as he walked away, “Shouldn’t I be saying that to you?” You called after him. Ajax only looked over his shoulder with a small smirk. You went up to the office after that to finish the rest of the day. All-the-while humming and fussing with the bouquet now and then. The dreamy look in eyes and glow that practically radiated from you told Navia and Yelan exactly how the lunch date went and how you felt about Childe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the next month, you and Ajax would visit each other when you could. You would stop by Angel’s Share to spend time with him and his coworkers; who were all used to the extra closing company by now. Ajax made good on his promise and took you out on a proper date one Saturday when he was free.

It was getting later in the night but neither had to work the next day so a busy morning and afternoon turned into a more relaxed evening and night. Somehow their walk through the city led them back to your apartment.

“Would you- would you like to come upstairs? I know we ate dinner a few hours ago but I make a mean instant noodle!” You gestured to the glass doors of the apartment complex. Childe stood there slack jawed. There was no way in hell he would say no and any doubt that he could have vanished when he looked at those soft, hopeful eyes.

“Lead the way.”

One fumbled set of keys later, you let him into your home and prayed Ajax couldn’t tell how nervours you were. “Would you like anything to drink? No alcohol but I do have some fancy sodas, if you wanna try?”

“Sure, I'll try one.” With a nod, you got two glasses and placed them on the coasters in the living room. You both sat on the sofa; you put some distance between and Ajax and rubbed your hands on your thighs. You took out your phone and played a soft playlist to help relax in an attempt to create the perfect balance of romantic and cozy while also trying to set the mood.

Wait…the mood?

What mood exactly? You’ve been alone with Ajax before but never like this. It was always in a populated area. A restaurant, the bar, walking down the street. Having him in your apartment, sitting with you on the sofa. It all felt nice. Extremely nice.

Then…

Why was you heart beating so fast? Why did you suddenly feel the need to be anywhere but here with him? Suddenly, you felt the need to rearrange the entire living room. Move the plants Decide on a new layout of the framed paintings. Get rid of all the pillows and blankets. Just busy yourself to not be here right now. But why? You loved being around Ajax, craved it. They why-

“-eally good.”

“Huh?”

“This soda.” Ajax lifted the can, “It’s really good.”

“O-oh, I’m glad you like it. It’s an Inazuma brand. It’s a bit pricey to get but it’s my favorite so I don't mind.”

Ajax said a small yeah as you went back to fussing with a pillow.

Ajax put his can on the coffee table and looked at you through his bangs, “Hey, do you want me to leave?”

“What!”

“You just seem off. I know that you invited me in but if that makes you uncomfortable then-”

“No! I’m not uncomfortable!” You came closer to prove him wrong but when you caught the gaze of his bright blue eyes, you stopped just a hand’s width from him. “I’m really happy you’re here to just pass the time with me. I just…” The room became warm. Too warm. There was a desparte ned to blast the AC. “I dated in the past.” You paused. “I dated in the past and it was never so serious; couple of drinks and dinners here and there. They ended faster than I could remember and well I never invited anyone back to my place so…”

“So?” Ajax waited for you to continue.

“You can probably figure out why I'm nervous.”

“Yeah, I could.” He got into a more comfortable position to face you, “But I don’t wanna put words in your mouth. Tell me why you’re nervous.”

The words got caught in your throat as your stomach dropped. “The implications.” You whispered. “The implications of bringing a guy over, or a girl.” With a deep breath you looked at Ajax and scooted closer, not breaking eye contact. “I never felt like this with anyone, Ajax. Dating other people, I felt this pressure to…I don’t know. It just never felt like I could be comfortable. Because when you date someone and you move further along in the relationship you’re expected to…” The sentance hung. Ajax could figure out the rest this time. “And I didn’t want to do that with anyone.” Your hands shook while you held the pillow. At some point during this talk, you stopped looking at Ajax and stared at the ground. “But with you, it didn’t feel like pressure, I knew I didn’t when you kissed my cheek. It felt like just a kiss.” You sniffed and wiped some tears away. “It feels like I’m hanging out with my best friend who I kinda love and it’s only been a month but since I’ve been with you…I think, maybe, I want the implications to happen. And that scares me too.” You felt the warmth on you face and suddenly wanted to go home despite being in it alreay. Only the sounds the city outside and your heartbeat filled your head. “It’s just all new for me and I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

Ajax sighed and put his hand on you shoulder. Slowly, as to give some time for you to retreat, he pulled you into a hug. “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Don’t wanna make you feel pressured for anything. Last thing I wanna do is make you uncomfortable.” You breathed in his scent and moved into his lap. Despite the rapid heart you knew this is what you wanted to do. “Might sound cheesy but I’m happy just being with you Sam. You make me so happy I don’t know what to do with myself sometimes.” He chuckled, “Drives Wriothesley and Alhathiam crazy.” You laughed with him as tears formed.

“Thank you Ajax.”

“No need to thank me, lovely. Anything to make you feel saf” You stayed in his lap and just cried for a minute. Ajax just held on. After a moment, you straightened up to look at him. When in his lap you were just a tad taller than Ajax. You held his face, left hand slowly going from his cheek to his shoulder, right hand gripped his hoodie.

“Ajax?”

“Hm?”

“Can I…I want to kiss you. I want you to kiss me.” You leaned against his and closed your eyes, "Please.”

“Just a kiss,” Ajax whispered, “I promise.”

Ajax thumbed a few stray tears from your cheeks. Ajax pulled you in and softly kissed your lips. It felt so beautiful. It was your first kiss but he didn't need to know that yet.

Your heart fluttered. This feeling with Ajax was so freeing. You couldn't believe at the end of the day for however long the universe would allow it, you would get to call him yours. It was new, exciting and frankly scary as hell. But you knew, if it was him, if it was Ajax

You would treasure every moment of it.

[thhouseofblack]

Is there any characters that could objectively have a red lightsaber in the Iliad or the odyssey

Achilles post-death of Patroclus? ooh also Nestor maybe, or even Ajax the lesser (he gives me darth maul energy). the fundamental problem of the iliad and the odyssey is that all characters are humanised in some form, so I don't think it'd work with the Sith ideology and code.

but yeah Anakin/Padme are extremely Achilles/Patroclus coded (down to the names and plot arc) so just as how Anakin fell post death of Padme, I can see Achilles falling having a red lightsaber post- death of Patroclus.

Clytemnestra, after the death of Iphigenia, too, I can see her having a red lightsaber.

[ihavetoomany-fandoms]

Let's talk about the Warriors musical by Lin Manuel-Miranda and Eisa Devis

I know that this fandom is only active here, so here I go! (this is my first Tumblr post ever and English is not my first language, so I'm sorry if I gave you an aneurysm with my spelling or smth)

Fist question is about DJ Lynn Pen (y'know, ~hey boppers~). Can the Warriors hear her or is she just a narrator? Like, is she an actual DJ on radio (I heard that that's how it was in the movie but I haven't watched it yet). She explains stuff to us, so she's probably a narrator but it would be funny if the Warriors could hear her like in this tiktok (https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMB8B7TFm/) and be like "GoD???" What do y'all think?

Also OH MY GOD THE MOTIIIIFS. Every LMM fan knows he LOVES heartbreaking motifs and foreshadowing and goodness knows this musical is not an exemption. "Now every move that we make is a bit to survive", "It's all our turf", "Quiet girls don't make it home", "Folks go missin' in the park at night", "Warriors, come out to play-ay", "Survive the night" etc. Lin's a genius, what can I say.

Everyone's talking about Pippa's rap in Reunion Square, but can we talk about that part between Fox's interaction with the cop and her rapping? This is what I'm talking about btw: (Ignore my voice, I was just explaining to my family why it's so loud)

There's parts from Roll Call, Survive the Night, Leave The Bronx Alive, Sick Of Runnin'. IT'S JUST SO AAAAHHH. Also mentioning Ajax is now illegal because I said so (I'll go cry in the corner now)

Of course Fox's verse is PHENOMENAL. It was the thing that got me into this musical, it's so tragic and well-written, you can hear the pressure, fear and despair in Phillipa's voice. The parallels with Eliza, who had time and didn't rap, and Fox, who rapped because she was running out of time, are so heartbreaking (did I mention that Lin's a genius?) Mentioning Fox is also illegal now btw.

A lot of songs in this musical are similar to Lin's previous works. Call Me Mercy is similar to It Won't Be Long Now (Mercy is sooo Vanessa coded, you can't convince me otherwise) and First Burn (which makes cense since Julia was Eliza), Derailed reminds me of Blackout, If You Can Count is kinda similar to Laurens' verse in My Shot (when you're living on your knees, you rise up), but longer.

I know it sounds like I'm giving all the credit to Lin, I'm just more familiar with him, but I'm not forgetting our queen Eisa, I just don't have much to say about her.

It's interesting how Lin was familiar with most of the cast. Sasha, Phillipa and Jasmine were in the original cast of Hamilton, Julia was Eliza and Gizel was in Tick, Tick, Boom, which was directed by LMM. Joshua Henry (one of the Bizzies) was also in TTB and Marc Anthony made a cameo in In The Heights movie (this is a picture of me rn btw)

this album has so many celebrities. My dad and uncle are fans of rap (they didn't like Hamilton for some reason tho), so Nas and Ms. Lauren Hill being on this album was quite a big deal for them. Hopefully I'll get them into Warriors sooner or later :)

Now let's talk about the gender swap. I'm pretty sure everyone in this fandom (except for maybe grumpy misogynistic movie fans) agreed that it improved the story so much. I haven't watched the movie yet, so my sincerest apologies if I'm wrong, but it feels like a story about gangs and murder and violence and stuff. Not that these kinds of action movies are bad, there's just too many of 'em. The musical is about women supporting women, it proves that things we associate with masculinity (gangs and murder and violence and stuff) can be done by women and it DOESN'T FEEL LIKE AN AGENDA unlike, for example, Enola Holmes (I love Enola Holmes, it's one of my favorite movies, but the unsubtle feminist feminism makes it a bit hard to watch (I'm a woman and not a misogynist btw)). The Warriors are just SO FRICKING COOL AAAAAHHH. I completely understand why Mercy joined the gang, if I saw some badass chicks throwing a Molotov to defeat some sleazy guys from my block, I would follow them too. They defeated the Furies and Luthor without breaking a sweat. The characters are much more likeable, too, 'specially Ajax. Her beating up a creepy guy instead of being a creepy guy is so cool GOD.

You're probably getting tired of my yapping, but Tumblr has no symbols limit and I'm not done yet so sit down and listen. LISTEN TO THE VOCALS OH MY GOD I I WANNA SING LIKE THIS TOO (unfortunately, I sound like a dying cat inside of a broken washing machine. Yes I'm also a theater kid. Yes I sing anyway. A lot. Apologies to my family). I'm so glad Jasmine had enough screen time (can you call it screen time if it's a concept album?) in Warriors because she's so good. Also every time Julia, Gizel or Amber opened their mouths I felt like ascending to godhood. EVERY SINGLE EFFING MERCY SONG HAD ME IN A CHOKEHOLD I'M NOT KIDDING. Why are they so good? This should be illegal.

I started writing this post in March and I'll be DAMNED if I don't finish it so let's move on to the different genres this album has. Obviously, we have rap and hip-hop (it ain't a LMM musical if it doesn't have rap and hip-hop), also heavy metal and Latin (I think? Please tell me if I'm wrong). Also I'm convinced that A Light Or Somethin' is ONE OF THE BEST romantic songs in modern musicals. This album conveys so many different emotions, it's like an effing rollercoaster (get it? Cause they're from Coney Island haha). One minute I'm laughing my ass off at Outside Gray's Papaya and a few songs layer I'm crying because Same Train Home. Do not put this playlist on shuffle if you care about your mental health.

One thing I don't like about this musical? I don't know shit about NYC geography besides from stuff I learned from In The Heights, PJO and Spider-Man so it was confusing as hell. I didn't even know there were 5 boroughs (we only learned about 4 of them in our English class years ago so I legit thought they were Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island (because Percy Jackson)). I had to look up Van Cortland Park, Union Square and Coney Island on Google Maps to see how big the distance is. For some reason it showed the distance in miles so my European ass still has no idea how much that actually is lol. Thanks to this musical I know a lot more though! This was the first time I heard a NYC accent and y'all weren't kidding when you said it was distinctive lmao. I really hope I'll visit New York one day just so I can look at all these places I know from this musical. (WOODLAWN CEMETERY WAY UP THE HILL, RUN TO THE CEMETERY WAY UP THE HILL)

Anyways! W-wow, that's-um, that's a long post hahaha. Here's a potato I guess 🥔🥔🥔. Also if you got this far you deserve some kind of award. Hope y'all have a spectacular day. Bye👋 ❤️🖤❤️🖤