#oh god if i'd said something sooner would you have said this back? god could i have kept you if i'd told you how i felt before you left?

[universesinoureyes]

/

[enhaloves]

Hello hope you're doing well, i really love ur ff, can i request a hee ff angst with fluffy ending? Hee and reader having a huge Argument? Thank you 🫶🏻

When you argue

Genre: angst to fluff

Pairing: bf!Heeseung x reader

a/n: HEYYYY I'M DOING WELL. THIS IS MY FIRST REQUEST SO I'M SO SORRY IF THIS DOES NOT MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS BUT I'LL DO MY BEST! THANK YOU FOR REQUESTING!

send request here

masterlist

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Your boyfriend Heeseung was never a vocal person. When he was frustrated with things, he would disappear from everyone and come back as if nothing had happened. You first thought it was a good thing because of this, you both never had yelling-type matches. It was more of a "give me space and I'll be okay" relationship.

But as more time passed, you noticed the unhealthiness of this thing. You realized that you both were not communicating your feelings and concerns to each other adequately. Instead of resolving problems like normal people and giving comfort to each other, you were running from each other's concerns. You knew that this was not sustainable and that sooner or later, you both would need to address the issues at hand.

You decided to bring this up to him since it was one of those times when he was avoiding your messages, a sign that something was bothering him, which was the perfect opportunity for you to finally resolve something.

You heard your doorbell ring. You took a long breath before opening the door. You greeted him with a smile, which he returned immediately. He raised his arms, waiting for you to hug him, but you pouted and grabbed him and pulled him inside. He raised his brows in confusion but remained silent, letting you drag him. You mentally prepared yourself as you continued to pull him to the living room and gently but forcefully pushed him onto the sofa.

"What's going on, Hee?" He still had his eyebrows raised. You once again took a deep breath before crossing your arms. "You, what's going on?" His brows now furrowed as he, too, crossed his arms. "I don't know what you're talking about." This made you roll your eyes. "Oh, you do, Hee. Why can't you tell me when something's up?" You sighed, trying to refrain your voice from increasing in volume.

"Can we please do this another day, y/n? I'm leaving." He was about to stand up, but you quickly pushed him back onto the sofa. "Heeseung!" You couldn't take it anymore. You wanted to have a conversation about your relationship, and he was not making it easy for you. You could feel him getting pissed too, but he was not the type to lash out. But getting nothing from him despite your current state was frustrating. You wanted him to communicate with you, to tell you what was going on in his mind.

"Oh my god, Hee, please!" You started waving your arms around. "Y/n. I told you, I DON'T want to talk about this right now." He said sternly, slightly glaring at you. You scoffed, "Okay, go! Just like you always do." Your tears were starting to well up, making you look the other way. You hated crying, but what were you supposed to do now? You needed to find a way to communicate with him.

"You don't know how hard it is for me, y/n. You can't just expect me to tell you everything." His gaze was getting sharper and sharper, and you could sense the frustration in his voice.

"I tried, Hee. I really tried. I tried understanding. I gave you space, even though I was more than ready to accompany you the second you ignored my chats. Do you think I'm not capable of listening to your concerns? Do you think I'm judgmental? Because if you do, that's certainly not true. Hee, even if you rant to me about the smallest thing ever, I'd be hugging the hell out of you. You may think I'm fine with this 'no fighting' thing in our relationship, but you know these things are inevitable. It hurts me to know you're not comfortable communicating your problems with me. Your problems are my problems too, Hee. I'm hurting too when you're hurt." You could not contain the tears from falling down your cheeks uncontrollably.

His eyes turned soft, melting the glare he had just a few seconds ago. He went silent for a while. You had lost all the energy to argue anymore. You said what you had to say, and it was all up to him now.

"I feel like I'm burdening you when I tell you things." He started. You looked at him quickly and were about to protest, but he cut you off. "I have been stressed out these past few days, and not knowing why stresses me even more. I'm having a crisis, y/n. That's what's been going on." You looked at him softly. You sat beside him on the sofa, just facing front with your arms crossed. When he noticed you weren't going to say anything, he knew you were urging him to talk more.

He faced front like you and stared blankly at the wall. "It's so hard for me to talk to other people about my problems. Believe me, there were lots of times when I wanted to talk to you, but I just couldn't. You were too understanding that I ended up neglecting your feelings. I didn't know you thought that to yourself. No, y/n. I do think you're capable of listening, and I know you are not judgmental. I was just not ready...for all of this. But you made me realize now how bad it's going. I am sorry, love." He looked at you and tried uncrossing your arms by grabbing them both and pulling you on top of him.

You were sitting sideways on his lap, which made it easy for him to bridal carry you. You remained quiet, silently happy. He carried you to the room and gently laid you in bed. You just watched him. He pulled the cover on top of you and went to the other side of the bed and lay down beside you before scooping you into his arms. He kissed your temple, making you sigh in content. "I'm sorry. I love you, baby." He said, kissing your cheeks.

You hid your face in his chest and wrapped your arms around his neck. "Why do you never shout at me?" You said softly, realizing he never once yelled at you earlier. He chuckled and lifted your shirt enough for him to grab your skin from your sides. "I know how you hate it, babe, and besides, I could never."

"I'm sorry. I yelled a lot." You started to feel guilty. He squeezed your sides and grabbed your face from hiding before kissing your cheeks again. "I understood your frustration, baby. But you did yell quite a lot, it surprised me. Aren't you tired?" He now caressed your sides, looking straight into your eyes. You nodded and laughed. He smiled at the sight of you and hugged you very tightly. "Hee, I can't breathe." He stopped for a sec before doing it again, tighter this time. "I missed that 'Hee.' I started feeling scared when you called me by my name."

[shoezuki]

I dunno why but I feel like Gepard can handle liquor. Like Sampo has the gift of bein smart knowin his limits and what to drink and when, so he gives off the vibe of being able to handle a lot but he's not that heavyweight. He's jus big brain conman XD. Get enough in him n he'll go down like the rest.

But Geppie. Man's sippin vodka from the bottle and not even slurrin his words. When he was a trainee the older guards decided to prank him with a glass of absinthe n called it a weak alcohol only for him to get halfway and not even bat an eye, only stopped cuz it tasted like ass. Dude takes the path of preservation seriously. Even his liver is beyond destruction XD.

Which is why I find two situations very freakin funny, which I'd love your opinion on:

1) Sampo starts up a drinking competition with him. It's on one of his guardian mandated holidays, so Gepard doesn't have to be responsible, and Dove 3 in 1 won't leave him alone anyway, so he agrees. Partway thru Sampo realises he's losin but Gep insists on gettin the drinks so he can't even cheat his way to victory. Cue Gep having to drag a very drunk, incredibly flirty Sampo back to Natasha but he keeps running off. Even being drunk doesn't stop him from havin smoke bombs up the wazoo.

2) Sampo manages to cheat, scheme, girlboss his way to victory. He comes out on top but now has the problem of an incredibly drunk, dangerously curious Silvermane Captain who won't stop flooding him with the oddest of questions. "Why are your eyes so green? Is your hair natural? What happened to the rest of your shirt? Do you really enjoy crime or is it jus something you fell into?" Whi- okay that one was oddly specific and he doesn't have the capacity, as tispy as he is, to answer.

He really needs to get him back home, before he asks the wrong person the wrong question, but isn't cognitive enough to face being questioned by Bronya and would sooner die than face Serval. So he opts into takin him to one of his more obvious hideouts which poses 10 million problems in and of itself when he keeps freakin touching everything!

ANON YOURE RIGHT YOURE A FUCKING. GENIUS. I been thinkin bout this A LOT ACTUALLY prob cuz for some reason fandom seems to lean towards gepard bein a horrific lightweight (i mean i know Why the lightweight trope is very much seen as 'cute' and childlike n whatever but i digress). But tbhtbhtbh i agree w u 100% like.

Gepard is a Tank of a Man. Homie can handle anything. Mfer the living embodiment of preservation like dude could be like 'serval this drink sucks' and hes gulping down perfume, unaffected. Dudes prob ate weird shit out on the front lines n questionable rations. The stuff in his fridge is expired n hes jus shrugging and eating it anyways.

I think w sampo its like. He SEEMS like he can handle his liquor. And hes not bad w it. But hes an Actor. Mfer could be plastered and you wouldnt know. Dude could convince a breathalyzer that hes only a Little Tipsy. But theres a threshold for him where he jus Caves at some points. Like u said tho man is Always competent w bombs. Like drunken boxing but w daggers dude could be blown over by a gentle breeze but still kicks ass.

I imagine that gepard doesnt Usually drink in that he jus. Doesnt care much. But absolutely his drink of choice is the hard shit. He jus has whiskey w ice or vodka w tonic water like a freak. Maybe a white russian if hes feelin zesty. When his guards convince him to go to the bar n challenge him to take shots he shrugs n jus packs them back no big deal.

But oh my god like. The 2nd scenario. I imagine it in order like first sampo realizing gepard has an Inhuman tolerance n making it his missiom to get the good ol captain fucked up. N it takes a while but like. Gepard jus gets more... blunt. But in a strange soft questioning way where he asks the things he wonders bout but never says aloud. The kinda soul reads like 'sampo youre a criminal not because you need to be but because you enjoy the thrill and attention right?' N sampo is just like holy fuck. But its like his inhibitions are gone and hes so Curious about everything and everything. He hangs onto sampos every word n it drives sampo crazy

[that-basic-simp]

Ill

Mizu x Fem!Reader CW: Death, Angst WC: 1.7k+

"Mizu!"

Lifting my head up, I found Ringo was rushing towards me. Sighing, I knew this was going to be about something that didn't matter. Something about him wanting to be a swordsman like myself. Lowering my sword, I eventually sheathed it.

"What, Ringo?"

"It's Y/N."

My face dropped and my heart sank.

"What's wrong?"

"Her and I were getting dinner ready when all of a sudden she collapsed. Taigen went to get a doctor in a nearby town."

"That's almost half a day's walk," I said and rushed back towards the house with Ringo behind me.

Reaching the house, I slid the door open and found Y/N laying on the ground. She was on her futon and a blanket wrapped around her. A cold towel was on her forehead and she looked like she was shivering. Rushing towards her, I knelt down and grabbed her hand. She was trembling. She raised her hand and placed it against my cheek.

"M-Mizu," she breathed out.

"Rest, Y/N," I said. "Please, you're going to need all the strength you can muster to fight this illness."

"Just as long as you're right beside me."

"I am not going anywhere, Y/N. You need me right now."

She smiled, "Thank the gods that Ringo was here. If he wasn't, I don't know what I would have done."

"Where was Taigen?"

"He was just walking in when I collapsed," she said.

"I'll get started on the medicine," Ringo said and walked towards the fire and pot that was steaming.

"Were you making dinner when this happened?" I asked.

"We were. She was going to grab something, but when she turned to get it, that was when she collapsed."

"It was like my entire body was on fire. I got this massive headache and then everything started to swirl and go in and out of focus."

"You're going to be ok, Y/N," I said.

Ringo came over not long after with a bowl with some lukewarm broth. I grabbed the bowl and placed the rim by her lips. She slowly lifted her head and drank the contents that was within the bowl. Once it was all finished, I wiped her lip and handed the bowl to Ringo.

"Feeling any better?"

"N-Not really."

"Is there anything I can get you, Y/N?"

"C-Could you lay with me, Mizu?"

"Of course," I said and laid down beside her.

She closed her eyes and I reached up and placed my hand on her shoulder, grasping it tightly.

"I'm here, Y/N. Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."

"She doesn't have long left to live," the doctor said.

"What does she have?"

"A fever we have never seen. Some cases similar to hers started popping up out of no where and it ravaged an entire town. I suggest that you stay away from her."

"I am not going to stop being beside her. She needs me."

"Then you either pray to the gods that you do not get sick or you will meet the same fate as her."

"I'll do whatever it takes to ensure her last days are filled with love and joy."

The doctor bowed and I bowed to him. He exited the house and I let out a frustrated sigh. Y/N's condition has gotten worse and there was nothing we could do to bring the fever down. We tried putting her in cold baths, but it would only bring it down for a little bit, but then it'll spike right back up. Tea and the medicine Ringo provided were doing nothing. I fear the worst was going to happen sooner rather than later.

Sliding the door open, I found her lying on the ground with the back doors open. There was a slight breeze as it indicated it was slowly becoming spring. A smile was on her face. At least she was happy right now. Or trying to be happy for me. Walking over to her, I sat beside her, grabbing her hand that was underneath the blanket.

"What did the doctor say?"

"Y-You don't have much long left."

"Oh. That's a shame. I was just thinking about how we could have spent our life together."

"Y-Y/N," I said.

"Is something bothering you, Mizu?"

"I-I wasn't going to ask you this until I felt ready, but since you don't have long left, w-would you be one with me?"

"Like as in your wife?"

"Y-Yes."

A wide smile danced across her face, "Of course, Mizu. I'd love to be your wife."

"Wonderful," I smiled.

It was just only something we did together. I had a ring picked out for her and everything. I placed it on her finger and for the time we had left, I sat beside her and watched as her body started to fail on her. She wasn't able to keep foods down, not even the broth and tea. Her skin was turning red and her bones were starting to show more and more with each passing day. She barely opened her eyes and when I'd lift up her hand, the ring would slip from her finger.

"Mizu," she rasped.

"Yes, Y/N?"

"Take the ring," she said, removing it from her hand, placing it in mine. "I want you to have it."

"Y/N, you don't want to be buried with it?"

"No. What good will it do?"

"A part of me will be with you whenever you cross over with the spirits."

"But then you won't have anything of mine."

"Nonsense. I'll have your memories. The memories we shared together."

"But nothing physical. I want you to have this. Besides, nothing physical can cross over with me."

"That's true," I sighed.

"I love you, Mizu."

"I love you, too, Y/N," a tear slid down my face as I listened closely to her breathing.

"Y/N,

Things have changed since you had left. Ringo and I have tried to find purpose in our lives without you here. It drove him to wanting to learn more about medicine and try to figure out what you had and tried to find a cure. He didn't do the best, but I will give him that he is determined and always has the best interests in himself and others. I just wish you could be here with him and I to celebrate the times he has succeeded. Taigen and Akemi finally tied the knot after almost long fights here and there about Akemi's life in the future. As for me, I've tried to move on. I can't seem to. It's summer and the cherry blossoms have been replaced with green leaves, waiting for spring so they can bloom once more."

A tear slid down my face and dropped onto the parchment paper, smearing some of the ink. I sighed and shook my head, continuing to write.

"You missed the greatest cherry blossom season to date. I think you had something to do with it since you always loved admiring the cherry blossoms with me whenever we'd walk to town or just in general. It reminded me of our first date night where you and I were walking back home and there was a cherry blossom tree. You took a branch and tried to plant it in the backyard. Unfortunately it didn't grow, but you were determined to get it to grow. I should have told you I went out and bought cherry blossom seeds to plant, but I didn't want to ruin the moment. You were so happy and elated whenever you saw a sprout come out from where you planted the branch.

"That's something I'm going to miss. I'm going to miss your personality, how bright you were. How bubbly and enthusiastic you were. You turned a sad and dull moment into a much brighter one. You reminded me of Ringo a lot, trying to bring peace to a dark subject. You were everything to me, Y/N. My sun. My moon. Even my stars. And I was the sky always supporting you and letting you shine. If only you got to shine a little longer with me. Longer that we could have maybe had a family or moved into a bigger place. Who knows what the future would have looked like for us. But as for me, the future looks bleak for me. I struggle to sleep. I see you in my dreams and when I wake up, I can't fall back asleep.

"So I train. I train harder than I have ever trained before to make you proud. I know you're already proud of me, but there's just something sitting inside me that doesn't feel proud of myself. You knew my doubts better than anyone. Even better than me at times, which I will never understand, but will appreciate until my time has come.

"I hope you're resting well and not in pain. Even if you never showed it, I knew you were in pain. In pain of not being able to get up, not being able to be with me, and knowing that I was taking care of you in that way and not in the other ways I should have. You were strong until your last breath. And I admire that in you. You were fighting, I know you were. But you unfortunately lost that fight. I will keep fighting for you, Y/N.

"I love you, Mizu."

Folding up the parchment, I grabbed a few sticks of incense and a small pot. I walked out of the house and into the backyard. In the way back, in the woods, there was a small shrine I had made for her. Walking towards it, I stepped inside and placed the small pot down, sticking the incense stick in it. Placing the parchment down, it joined the rest of countless of other pieces of parchment. They were all letters from when she had died. It was two years worth. Kneeling, I bowed onto the ground before raising my body up, placing my hands together. Closing my eyes, I could feel her presence. There were small wind chimes by the door and they jingled whenever I entered and left.

"Thank you for everything, Y/N," I said.

Sitting there for a bit, I stood up and grabbed the letters. I bowed before leaving the shrine, hearing the chime jingle before I left. Smiling, I set the letters down a few feet away from the shrine. I had to move on. I struggled, but I had to move on for her. In my own way. Reaching into my pocket was a metal stick and a small hammer. Crouching to the ground, I struck the metal stick until it was red. Sticking it onto the parchment, the letters were set ablaze and I watched as they burned. I remember writing each one of them. And how much my heart hurt while I was writing and when I finished.

"I'm sorry, Y/N," I said, turning away and walking back towards the house.

[doe-eyed-fool]

Fallen {Chapter Nine}

Alastor x (fem)Reader

"Alastor, that dress was way too expensive! I could have found a cheaper one!" I tell him after we teleported back to the hotel. "Yes you could have, but you said you liked this one, no?" He opens the hotel doors for me, we walk inside and began to head up to my room. "Well yeah but, that doesn't matter. I feel bad for making you spend all that money on a dress." I argue.

"You didn't make me do anything. I never do anything I don't want to do dear." Says Alastor. We walk inside of the elevator. "And if money is what you're worried about, then I assure you, it's rarely a problem for me. Being an overlord does come with it's perks." That didn't make it much better.

Whether he had a lot of money or a little, I still didn't feel right having so much money spent on me. I never did like it. Of course I was always grateful and appreciative of gifts or even just simple things being bought and given to me, no doubt about that.

However, always felt the need to repay such kindness in some way. But I had not a dime to my name down here, there was no possible way I could repay him with cash. But, how else could I? What would he want in return?

That wouldn't result with something at my expense that is...I turn my head to face Alastor, his eyes locked on ahead at the closed elevator doors ahead of us. I finally bit the bullet and asked. 

"Alastor? Is there some way that I can repay you? I mean, I know we have that deal between us. But, you had just spent an ungodly amount of money on me just now. And you really didn't have to, so, what would you like?" I asked.

Alastor laughed and shook his head. "My, aren't you kind? I don't need anything, dear. All of this, is just tiny steps into helping you get back into heaven where you belong. You'll show up at the ball, looking ravishing, and the others will see that this hotel isn't a total waste of time after all! If Charlie can reel in someone so soon, then perhaps there is bound to be something useful about the hotel, surely. That's what they will think."

He continues as the elevator slows to a stop, it's doors opening for us to step out. "And when your god sees that you had a helping hand in redeeming sinners, surely then, you'll be granted entry once more." He finishes explaining just as we get to my room.

"Still, I can't wait until then. I'd like to do something for you sooner. Please? I won't feel right about it unless I do." Alastor rolls his eyes before sighing. "Alright. Let's see..." He pauses for a moment before a smirk falls onto his features.

"How about, you accompany me to the ball, as my date?" My mouth fell agape slightly. My shock quickly disappeared as I noticed the amused look in his eyes. Oh so that's it? He's doing this for as a joke? For a good laugh huh? Fine. Two can play at the game.

"I'd love to." I say with a false smile. I take the dress from him, trying to hold back a giggle as I saw a look of shock cross his face. "I'll see you then Alastor." I stepped inside of my room before shutting the door behind me. I laugh softly as I went to hang up my dress in the closet.

While I did like that I managed to somewhat stun Alastor, I was beginning to regret actually saying yes to his offer. I kind of hoping that he was actually joking. I mean, he was the radio demon, an overlord. There was no way he would ask someone beneath him, to a ball as important as the one coming up.

A week had passed and the ball was only hours away. My anxiety was through the roof, my heart pounding out of my chest. I pace back an forth, trying to calm my nerves as I take deep breaths in and out. But nothing seemed to work. I sigh shakily, stepping in front of my mirror.

I move a strand of hair back into place, and smooth out my dress of any wrinkles. I wasn't wearing my necklace, I had to say, the red of the dress really complimented my skin tone well. However, my wings is a complete contrast to the dress. 

The sudden knock at my door, caused me to quickly grab my necklace and put it on. My formed changed from angel to demon as fast as I hooked the lace around my neck. I hurried to the door and opened it, not much to my surprise, Alastor stood on the other side.

And I had to admit. He looked pretty handsome.

His tuxedo matched my dress, his cologne was near intoxicating, his hair tied back into a neat short ponytail. "Good evening my dear." Alastor greets me with a charming grin.

"Are you ready to go?" He offers his arm. I smile as best as I can before linking my arm with his. "Of course." So, I guess he wasn't joking after all. The walk was in silence, I wasn't sure what to say, as for Alastor...Well, I could never read him so I had no idea what he was thinking. My anxiety hadn't calmed any though. I was minutes away from entering a ball that would be full of overlords and demon royalty.

"Your heart is racing dear." Alastor's voice set me back to reality. I look away from him. "It is not." I muttered. "You underestimate my hearing then. It sounds like it's about to hop out of your chest and run away."

"I hate how accurate you are." I sigh. "What am I suppose to do? Or say? I don't want to look foolish in front of such important people." I admit. "Important people." Alastor repeats with a light laugh. "Dear, not all of those overlords are uptight, proper, distinguished folk. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not for the likes of them. Of course, you'll want to be respectful. Otherwise, they'll probably kill you without hesitation."

Wow. What a way to relax and yet stress me out all at once.

"The only I can consider decent is Rosie. Now she, is actually worth talking to."

"Is she a friend of yours?" I asked. "A dear friend. I've known her for quite sometime." Alastor explains. "If you're worried about looking foolish, it should be with her. She's a very classy lady, highly respectable." I nod my head. "The others though." Alastor shakes his head. "Bunch of degenerates if you ask me."

Well, this was hell after all. I expected that much. But they were still powerful, they were still to be feared and respected. I didn't want to get on any of their bad sides. God help me if I ever do...

"You really shouldn't worry. They wouldn't dare lay a hand on you, so long as you're on my arm tonight." Alastor tells me. I guess that made me feel a little better. But could I really trust that he'd keep me safe from those guys? Before I knew it, we were right outside of the doors of the grand hall. Alastor looked down at me.

"Are you ready to make an entrance?" I look up at him warily. "Can we keep the entrance minimal? I don't want to attract anymore attention than I have to." He chuckled before opening the doors.

My eyes went wide at the sight before me.

Wow, Charlie really went all out on this ball. I never thought such gorgeous scenery could come from hell, and yet, here it was in all it's beauty. The hotel was already huge, so I assumed Charlie wanted to make the ball look as grand as possible. Alastor walked further in, leading me as he did so. Immediately we were greeted by Charlie. "Hey guys!" She looked magnificent.

She wore a white and red dress that hung from her shoulders, the sleeves stopped just at the end of her forearm. White lacy gloves covered her hands. Her hair let down from it's usual ponytail, framing her face just right to show off her soft features. "Welcome! Im so glad you're here!" She says with a bright cheery smile.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Alastor tells her. I nod and smile gently. "Well, I'll leave you two to enjoy yourselves. Oh but before I go, Y/n, I wanted to ask you something."

"Yes?" I prompt her to continue. "I'm going to give a speech later on tonight, and I was wondering...if you would like to come up and say a few words?" My stomach twisted at her request. "Only if you want to though!" She adds quickly, after noticing my anxiety. "I just thought maybe, this would be a great way to promote the hotel further. I want everyone to know that sinners really are interested in being redeemed. Of course I'm very passionate about the hotel, but people hearing it from a patient themself? It's sure to really hit home!"

I can't believe this. There was no way I could do that. Speaking in front of crowds was never my strong suit. But speaking in front of overlords and the king of hell himself? No way. There was no way in literal hell I could do that. "But like I said, you don't have to. Just an idea." Charlie reminds me.

I wanted to say no. I really, really, wanted to say no. But how could I? After everything Charlie's done for me so far, it wouldn't be very nice of me to deny her this. I sighed before speaking.

"Sure. Why not?" Charlie squealed excitedly before pulling me into a near nine crushing hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I owe you big for this!"

I laugh weakly before hugging her back. "Don't mention it..." Charlie squeezed me one more time before finally parting. She said goodbye to Alastor and I before stepping away to join her girlfriend. I groan as I bring a hand to my head.

"Why did I say yes?" I whine. "Don't worry, you'll have some time to prepare before speaking. Until then, just try to enjoy yourself." Alastor tells me, bringing me out further onto the floor. "How can I now that I have to speak in front of everyone? I'm going to mess it up, I just know it." Another voice cut in just as Alastor was about to speak again.

"Finally got yourself a friend Al?"

I could see Alastor's grin tighten, his brows furrowing, expression turning into one of annoyance. He turned to face whoever was speaking, I did as well. I was met with the sight of a tall demon with a TV screen for a head.

[thewritersaddictions]

Day Five: Daryl Dixon + Sweat

Even with guts, dirt, and sweat stuck to his skin he still the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.

It was hard finding someone who was right in this fucked up, and wrong world. Maybe that wasn’t the worst thing in this world. The killing was definitely hard, but if it’s you agasint the whole world is kinda hard to tell the difference.

Daryl wasn’t the type of person who I thought everyone was gonna be like. This world was a fucked up one, but Daryl oh he made it all worth it. When I had first met him it was because he was saving my life from a hoard of zombies. Loud, black motorcycle running in to save me from the hoard. I had fallen in love that day with Daryl not that I told him. Hell Daryl figured out before I even had a chance to tell him about my growing crush on him.

He came over to my home in Alexandria. Knocking gently on the door. When I opened it I was prepared for the sweaty, dirt covered man standing in front of me. “Can I come in?” He asked his voice hoarse. “Of course.” I said letting him in, and closing the door behind him. I bite my bottom lip at the sight of him standing in front of me. Sweaty, and sexy all in the same sentence. He stood in my living room. “You can sit Daryl it’s fine I don’t care.” I mumbled as I took a seat next to him.

“What’s up?” I didn’t wanna guess why he was there or what he was thinking right now. “I’ve been thinking…” Daryl started. I nodded, “Thinking about?” The longer I stared at him the longer my mind left the world we were in. Fantasies of Daryl running through my mind. His body pressed up agasint mine as I tried to keep my moans to myself. Nothing felt better then the way that I thought Daryl would treat me. All of that was blown away when Daryl cleared his throat.

“Are… Y/n are you interested in me?” Daryl asked straight forward unlike how I imagined all of this going. I imagined something more romantic on my part, his lips kissing mine softly and everything being under candle light after a good dinner together. But at least here we were the words flooding my mind, and the only thing I could think of doing was leaning into his space and kissing his lips. Maybe a little too forward, but I didn’t give a damn right now.

His lips are soft, but they're slick in salty sweat it makes my thighs squezze together tighter then when Darly just barely looks at me. He takes a moment to kiss me back, but when he does he pulls me into his lap and his body is pressed up agasint mine.

I nearly moan into the kiss, but hold it all back. I just want to have his lips memeorized, imprinted in my head. I don't wanna remember anything else.

"So I'd take that as you are interested in me." Darly mumbles out as we seperate from out kiss. I blush and nod my head. "Good god women, you should'a just said that sooner." Darly mumbles and he passes his thumb over my bottom lip. I take his thumb into my mouth and moan around it.

His thumb sure is dirty, and sweaty but who cares because I'm in his lap and I can feel him pressed up agasint me. Aching to do just more then kiss me.

Completed on: 06/11/23

Posted on: 10/05/23

Kinktober 23- @lanad3lreyscokewhor3 @homelanderscumdump @hummusxx@chvnsdimple @vvitzvafflezvv @lokisivy @claud-blood0703 @iliketoreads-stuff @all-that-glitters-is-treasure@clearscissorsbonkgiant-blog @lxonix--ac @piecesofx @mortallyswimmingpainter @playwithfire99 @fucak @everythingneytiri @lovetheos @xxxxxoseungxoooo @durazopato @hotpead42069 @oddseabiscuit @capoda @witching-hour @viviwows @lover103 @alexlovesfiction @katiecat10 @electricfans @jianasmind @max-505 @powerbun21o @the-horny-simp @missy420-0 @jaq-dav @arescosplays

The Walking Dead Master List // The Hearts Master List // Kinktober '23

[velidewrites]

One question. Does Lucien eats Feyre pussy like the rake that he is???

Have you been lurking in my google doc??

(NSFW under the cut)

Lucien’s eyes flashed with alarm, the gold clear and bright in the darkness. “Are you—”

“Yes.” There must’ve been some kind of urgency in her tone, from the quiet chuckle the word had earned her.

On any other occasion, Feyre would have found his concern endearing. Right now, she was far too gone in her need to even register the cold, rough stone digging into her back—she could hardly feel it at all, the sensation replaced entirely by something hot and tingling on her flushed, bare skin.

His hand, warm and broad and exactly as she’d remembered it, trailed smoothly up her leg, his thumb stopping only to draw a slow, excruciating circle on her hip. Feyre arched into the touch with a quiet whine, Lucien’s hand a perfect fit as it reached the crescent dip of her waist. His low, appreciative hum from between her legs told her he felt it, too. The sound only made that tingling heat wrap tighter around her—tight enough that she forced her heavy eyes open and looked to its source.

“Oh.” Oh.

Feyre wasn’t entirely sure she was breathing.

A string of flames snaked up her legs, filling the room with a soft light and that familiar scent of crisp, autumn magic. There was something almost reverent about the way it wrapped around her, illuminating the burning auburn of Lucien's hair and the russet gleam of his eye, dancing with challenge as he looked up to meet her gaze. From this position, with her legs hooked around his muscled back and his magic hugging her already heated skin, the mere sight of him was enough to push her over the edge.

“Afraid of a little fire, Feyre?” Lucien smirked.

She was sure she'd had a retort on the tip of her tongue—and she opened her mouth to let him know exactly what she'd heard about Autumn males and that fire in their blood. But then, the bastard—the smug, aggravating bastard—smiled and titled his head just enough to press a kiss to her inner thigh, inches from where she burned the most.

His lips on her were hotter than any flame she’d ever seen him cast.

She forced the remaining shreds of her composure to deny him. “You—ah, Lucien—” Another kiss, just a brush of his mouth this time, close enough to her sex to empty her mind entirely. Then another, slower, as if he wanted to drag out the moment for as long as he could. She'd never known Lucien to be a male of such...patience.

She must've said the words out loud, because she felt him smile against her. “By all means, Feyre, take your time,” Lucien purred, his fire swirling eagerly along her skin at the sound of her name. “Gods know I will.”

He traced another one of those lazy circles on her side, and she sucked in a sharp breath, head falling back onto the stone, the sensation as delicious as it was overwhelming. Lucien touched her in all the right places at all the right times, stirring flutter somewhere low in her belly with no more than his mouth and the magic in his veins.

She wasn't going to give in that easily, though. Not yet, at least.

After all, Feyre could be patient, too.

“You,” she tried again, willing strength into her voice, “seem way too pleased with yourself for our current circumstances.”

"Fuck the circumstances," he murmured into her skin.

Gods.

With his hair spilled over her thighs and his mouth practically begging for a taste, Feyre was inclined to agree. Still, she mocked, "I'd almost forgotten how silver-tongued you are."

The corner of his lip curled into a smile. "If I had known you had such an affinity for my tongue, Feyre, I would've used it on you a lot sooner."

[abitohoney]

Loving your work Honey. Reader crushes on Sev since they frequent the same workout gym? I crave one where Sev workouts frequently. I think its so obvi she takes good care of her body aside from the smoking, drinking, and fighting lolol ^_^ - Kimari

I'm glad you're enjoying my silly little stories. Thank you! 🥰

Clearly, this woman works out. LOOK AT HER BICEP! 🥵

I could totally see Sevika purposefully working out in front of the gym window, hoping to catch the attention of some cute thing that happens to stroll by. I personally have no time for the gym, but if I found out Sevika was frequenting my local gym you better believe I'd be signing up for a membership! Or at least staring at her from the window. I have like zero flirting skills, so I’d probably do something stupid like hold a sign up to said window with my number on it and mouth the words “call me” while holding my fingers to the side of my head like a phone.

Anyway…

Drabble/ficlet (1.4k words) below the cut. (Gonna treat this like a modern AU as I doubt Zaun has gyms. At least not like we are accustomed to. Probably just a creepy abandoned warehouse or basement with a punching bag and a bench, or something like Jinx's cool punching contraption.)

SFW (Gasp! Me? Writing something without smut?)

You had been considering getting yourself a gym membership for some time. You just needed a little extra push before finally biting the bullet. Little did you know, that push would come in the form of a window display. And it wasn’t the equipment.

After having heard about a new promotion at one of your local gyms, you decided to go check the place out. As you strode past the large windows lining the front of the establishment, you curiously peered inside. A long row of treadmills and bikes lined the first half or so, most of them occupied. Nothing surprising about that. But when you continued on, noting a series of benches, something- or rather someone- caught your eye.

You froze in your spot and turned to face said eye-catching person. And, my oh my, did you just find your reason to get that membership. Standing beside one of the benches lifting a single dumbbell was a tall, dark, and incredibly buff woman. Immediately your eyes were drawn to a flexing bicep.

Wow.

Just as the woman's gaze lifted to peer outside in your direction, you quickly resumed your trek towards the entrance, praying she hadn't seen you gaping.

While the girl behind the front desk recited the rules and conditions, you quickly found yourself tuning her out completely. Instead, you scanned the gym, hoping to get another glimpse of the attractive woman. As if the gods heard your wish, you spotted her striding across the room. And not only that, she was staring right at you. Your eyes locked with hers and her dark lips pulled into a small smirk. It only lasted for a fleeting moment before her eyes left yours, but it was enough to make your stomach flutter and your pulse quicken.

Wait- was she… smiling at-

"Excuse me, ma'am," the voice of the clerk pulled you out of your daze.

Reluctantly, you turned back to her and mumbled a quick apology.

"Do you understand the rules and agree to the terms and conditions of the membership?" She repeated.

You failed to take note of her irritated tone, still swooning over that brief moment. So you simply gave her a quick, "Yes, I understand." The sooner you got this over with, the sooner you could get in that gym.

To workout.

That's all.

With a brand new shiny membership card, you started visiting the gym. Frequently. For no other reason than to improve your health. The fact that you happened to notice which days your latest crush visited, and happened to set your schedule to the same days was entirely coincidence. At least that's what you would tell anyone who asked.

Although you always situated yourself far enough from the woman, you still ensured you faced her, observing her as nonchalantly as you could manage. Taking mental notes.

She rarely spoke to anyone. Only mumbled something to herself under her breath occasionally. She normally looked rather perturbed, brows furrowed and lips pulled into a frown. But anytime her eyes met yours, those soft-looking lips of hers pulled into the faintest smirk. Her left arm was actually a prosthetic, mostly metal, and painted to look like a mix of copper and gold, with neon purple accents that resembled tubing.

It wasn't until one day on her way out that you finally learned of her name.

"See you next Monday, Sevika!" You overheard the girl behind the desk call out with a smile. A smile you thought looked a bit suspicious. A little too… flirty. Not that you cared. Nope!

So… Sevika? What a gorgeous name. Fitting.

Several weeks passed without so much as a word to or from Sevika. You simply admired her from a distance. Admired how her workout clothes- a simple pair of shorts and a tank that revealed her midriff- clung to every line and every curve. How the expanse of her exposed rich, brown skin glistened with sweat. How each muscle beneath her arms, across her back, and down her legs- all flexed as she moved. She really gave a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘tall, dark, and handsome’. She was truly stunning.

A goddess among men.

But you would never approach her. You were far too fearful of rejection. After all, what would a goddess want with a mere mortal like you? So you settled for just crushing on her, daydreaming of what it might be like to feel those muscles beneath your hands. To feel those strong arms wrapped around you as she holds you tight.

However, as you would soon find out, she had her eyes on you as well.

One day, as you took a seat on the nearest weight bench, you discovered Sevika situated not more than a few feet from you. She was bent over, back to you, and facing a mirror while she picked up a large weight in her flesh hand.

Momentarily forgetting what you even sat down to do, you let your eyes travel up the backs of her toned calves and over the curve of her ass. And as she straightened up, you were blessed with the expanse of her muscular back. When your gaze reached her broad shoulders you gawked, transfixed on those muscles as they moved like waves behind her smooth skin.

Realization hit all too late that you were openly ogling this woman, and your eyes darted to the mirror to check if you’d been caught. Reflected gray eyes locked onto yours.

Shit!

She caught you. And yet you couldn’t look away from those beautiful gray eyes, caught like a deer in headlights. Oddly enough though, she didn’t appear angry. Instead, out of your periphery you notice a small upward tug at the corner of her mouth.

Ripped from your stupor, you quickly turned away, praying to any deity willing to listen that Sevika somehow hadn’t known you’d been intentionally watching her. Too flustered by that slip-up, you laid back on the bench and just grabbed the barbell previously loaded on the hooks, with no regard for just how heavy it might be.

You somehow managed to lift the damn thing, but then nearly dropped it on your chest. You strained to keep it up, every muscle in your arms screaming and burning.

God, if you died right here, like an idiot, in front of the most gorgeous woman you’ve ever seen-

“Need a spotter?” a delightfully deep voice called.

Fuck, you really were dying. You could hear the voice of an angel.

Wait- a spotter? Why the hell would an angel say that?

You tilted your head back against the bench to find a pair of familiar gray eyes peering down at you, and just below those was a pair of dark lips curled into a lopsided grin.

Just let me die now.

Suddenly being caught gaping earlier didn’t feel nearly as embarrassing.

“Please,” you gasped.

With no effort, Sevika grasped the barbell and lifted it back onto the hooks.

“Thanks,” you panted as you sat up. You watched her from your periphery, too ashamed to meet her gaze. You expected her to leave. To return to her routine now that she’d saved the dumbass who tried to lift more than they could handle. To your surprise, she remained at your side, her large frame casting a shadow over you with how close she stood.

"Can't help but notice the way you've been watching me," she finally said after an excruciating stretch of silence.

Damn, her voice was just as smooth and rich as her body.

Her words replayed in your head, finally sinking in. Heat rushed up your neck and flooded your cheeks. Had you really been that obvious- besides just today?

"Oh I- I'm sorry I-" you stammered.

"Maybe you'd like to do more than watch?" she asked, not allowing you to finish your pathetic attempt at an apology.

"What? I- You mean…" Why were words suddenly so fucking hard?

"Let me take you out to dinner tonight."

Oh, that's not what you thought she meant. Of course she didn't mean anything like that.

"I'd really like that,” you replied sheepishly and finally looked up at her with a small smile.

Yeah? Hmm," she hummed. Then she leaned over and brought her mouth to your ear. "Then maybe afterward we can go to your place for dessert?"

AN: I feel like a lot of what I write is incredibly cheesy/corny. I'm such a dork. I'm sorry. 😭 Sevika would like a dorky gf though. At least that's what I tell myself. Lol

[bloodynereid]

hiya! I'd like to make a request! being a roadie for daisy jones and the six (helping with the setup and things of the stage and instruments) and warren falling in love with you because you're always helping him with his drum kit (fem pronouns and I don't mind if you make it a one shot or head cannons, whatever feels best for you!! tysm!!)

Comets Ricochet

pairing: warren rhodes/rojas x fem! reader

a/n: hiii anon! sry for taking AGES to write up this request but I hope you enjoy what I did end up writing. (requests are open btw I'm getting back into writing so hopefully I'll be able to get back to you sooner - also feel free to just send in thoughts or if you feel like chatting)

tw: none ig? swearing, drinking mentions, kind of cheesy (i'm so in love with this man okay???), fluff

description: who knew making the wrong turn in search for your best friend's house would lead to this?

Y/N: Oh ok hi? Is this thing on? Wow alrighty then soooo where would you like me to start?

Interviewer: How about when you first met The Six?

Y/N: So you don’t want to know anything about my early life. Well now I’m offended. *You send a teasing smile at the camera before taking a sip of some coke at your side.* Right it was a really hot night, something you come to expect when living in California…

Carefully adjusting your tank top and wiping some sweat off your neck you rang the doorbell at what was meant to be your best friend’s new house. For some reason she had decided that moving to Laurel Canyon was going to help with the writing of her novel and you fully supported her… which is why you brought along enough champagne to fill a small pond to her housewarming party.

You could vividly remember the phone call from just this morning, her voice distorted by the receiver basically begging you to come.

“Please! I’ll even set you up with one of the guys from my yoga class.”

“You do know that’s going to turn me off going even more.”

“Come onnn. I’m sure you will meet some hot literature professor or something, just please promise me that you’ll come.”

“Okay fine fine! I give up, see you at 6.”

After no answer you huffed and then proceeded to lean on the doorbell until suddenly angry shouting was heard over by the garage area. Furrowing your eyebrows you peaked over the side of the house only to see an admittedly really attractive curly haired man walking towards you with an annoyed look on his face. Since when did Bev have hot friends? Other than you of course.

“Can I help you?”

Warren: This random chick showed up at our porch during one of our practice sessions and holy shit she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

“Yeah uh hi. I’m looking for Beverly.”

“Beverly?” 

“Yeah Beverly Stewart? This is her housewarming party…”. 

When the guy’s face continued to hold a mask of complete confusion you were absolutely certain you had made a mistake. It wasn’t your fault though the roads all basically looked the same.

“Oh yeah I think you’ve got the wrong house.”

“Great! Ok sorry for interrupting whatever you guys were doing. I’ll be off then.” 

The guy’s face had morphed from being confused to smiling over the course of the conversation and god he had a really pretty smile. You felt your whole body start to heat up, which only seemed to add to the embarrassment you were already feeling.

“Wait! Do you know the house number or name? I’m actually just finishing up practice so I could help you find it.”

“You really don’t have to do that.”

“No, no I insist. When a beautiful lady is in distress I’m obliged to help.” That comment would usually have you scoffing but he said with such an annoying degree of charm it almost infuriated you.

“Ok if you’re sure I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Not at all, I’ll just head inside to let the rest of the band know I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Band?”

“Yeah I’m part of The Six.”

“Oh I’ve seen your flyers around town, I meant to check you guys soon.”

“Well darling you can check me out anytime.” 

The man gave you a teasing smile as you rolled your eyes before quickly popping back into the garage and coming back out basically a second later. The entire time you were just mentally thanking Bev for making her come to her housewarming party.

Y/N: So yeah I met Warren first and I kind of became their unofficial then official roadie. And I loved it, even if I didn’t desperately need a job I would have quit any other job in a heartbeat for the band.

Rod Reyes: Y/N was a fast learner, she was better at managing the whole on the road situation in the first week than some of the guys I kept under employment.

Y/N: I warmed to the band quickly but ever since that first meeting Warren and I just sort of gravitated towards each other.

You were crouching next to the drum set, taking your time to make sure it was all being carefully put away. In your intense focus you barely realized when a large hand carefully landed on your shoulder. You shot up like someone possessed and nearly tripped over the drum kit if it wasn’t for a pair of hands catching you by the shoulders.

“Christ Y/N are you okay?” You twirled around to face the drummer whose face was covered in a concerned expression as his hands fell away from your shoulders.

“Fucking hell Warren. You nearly gave me a heart attack.” You playfully punched him in the arm after getting over the fright of your life. “I thought everyone left already.”

“Yeah well I wasn’t really in the mood for a party tonight.”

“You? Not in the mood for a party? Warren, is that really you or have the aliens swapped your body somehow?” You smiled, slightly mockingly, as you started poking his cheek.

“Haha, very funny. I just wanted to see what my favorite girl was up to okay? Is there something wrong with that?” 

A string in your heart twinged at the words “my favorite girl” and you could feel your face lighting up in a smile, which Warren quickly returned - easily making you lose your breath again.

“Nothing wrong with that at all.”

That was when you saw something change in his eyes. Like a little spark was ignited and he came to some sort of realization. You felt as if you were the only two people in the world, almost like a spotlight was thrown on the two of you leaving the rest of the stage dark. Warren trailed his knuckles down the side of your cheek, outlining your cheekbone and then your chin before coming to rest on your jaw.

“Would you hit me if I kissed you right now?”

“I’ll hit you if you don’t.” 

Warren’s face lit up and he cradled your face as you both started to lean into each other. When your lips met his it was like millions of comets crossed the sky in that very moment. Your body surged with energy and love as you tossed your arms around his neck to deepen the kiss.

“Hey! Y/N do you have the kit ready for me?” You quickly disconnected your lips from Warren’s and swiveled around to face a smirking Rod. 

“Uhh not yet.”

“Well maybe Warren can help you with it, he is the drummer after all.” Rod sent you a wink before disappearing backstage.

“Now where were we, sweetheart?” Warren asked as he looked at you with a teasing smirk, but his true feelings were given away by his eyes. They twinkled with adoration and an emotion you were certain was also visible in your eyes, love.

“I think we were right around here.”

Y/N: So yeah I ended up finding not only my career but also the love of my life. *Your head turns to look off camera and a blinding smile fills the frame as you look at your husband.*

Y/N Rhodes is one of the most sought out for tour managers in the business today. She currently lives in LA with her husband, Warren Rhodes (former drummer for Daisy Jones & The Six) and their daughters Sophie and Laura alongside their many dogs. She will be co-managing the tour for the newly reunited Daisy Jones & The Six with Rod Reyes.

lmk what you think in the comments ly

[narrators-journal]

Hello! I love your stories very much! This request is for Dr.Stone- could you do a childhood crush thing? Like Stanley Snyder/reader but he has a crush on reader while growing up? Thanks so much!

Ngl, put this ask off for a good while bc I had no good ideas with it. But! I finally got around to it with what i feel is a pretty good base. Something simple and short while I pour my heart into my bigger fic project! Thank you for the patience.

Crushes could be such a hassle. Especially for Stanley Snyder, because his biggest childhood crushes were Xeno Wingfield, and you. And, while Xeno was a can of worms all his own, you were the crush currently standing beside the marine.

Now, childhood crushes were nowhere near new to the marine, he'd had the hots for Xeno since the age of seven and still held a flame for the oddball scientist. Yet, even with Wingfield's taste for world domination, you were still the oddest crush Stan had. Simply someone he'd met at the age of twelve, one of Xeno's school pals. No one of 'real importance' according to the young mad scientist. Yet, you'd grabbed Stan's attention and held it hostage off and on since that day.

Nothing too bad, he didn't seek you out, prioritize your whims, or lose all of his composure whenever you stumbled across the pair after school, but when you did pop up through the years, he did find himself trying to show off a little. Always having the small urge to impress you like he did Xeno.

So, now that he stood beside you. In a Walmart, between bread and chips with you, in a plain grey t-shirt adorned with the bold declaration of MARINES on his chest and sweats, he couldn't quite help but hope you recognized him. "Oh my god, Stanley?" Bingo. "Oh, hey there." He hummed nonchalantly, giving you a partial wave as if he hadn't been sending psychic signals at you in hopes of getting to subtly brag. "You still living around here or something?" you nodded, "Yeah! I see you're in the military now, holy shit dude." You said, gesturing to his shirt, earning a small puff of pride in the 25-year-old. "I guess that explains why you vanished after highschool, I just kinda figured you went off to college like Xeno did." "Nah, Xee's the one who got the scholarships and money, I think the colleges would've sooner paid me to not go." He joked, enjoying the light laugh it earned. "Oh come on, you weren't that bad, I'm sure you could've made it." You assured, the marine just nodding along with your statement. Unsure of if his voice might crack under all of the dug up feelings from his teen years.

So, he instead just listened as you caught him up on your life. All of your work achievements, schooling, or family until you finally sighed, "alright, I guess I shouldn't talk your ear off. It was great seeing you again, though! It's awesome to hear you got into the marines, would it be weird to say I'm proud of you for it?" but he shrugged it off, "I don't think so, appreciate it." He assured, making you throw him a brilliant smile that hit that childhood crush like a heat seeking missile. "Great! I'm proud of you, Stan. I hope you stick around, though, I'd love to meet up again!"

With that, you headed off to go back to your groceries. Leaving Stan with such a short, simple interaction, but such a long lasting, complicated storm of emotions.

I really need to get better at resolving crushes.

[elisysd]

I like me better - Lauv

Masterlist - Previously - Next Chapter

I knew from the first time I'd stay for a long time 'cause I like me better when I like me better when I'm with you

Lyanna was able to tie loose ends in New York sooner than what she anticipated and was able to make it to Austin on Friday, right on time for the free practices. She had not told Charles that she would be here, wanting to surprise him. It was her first time alone in an F1 paddock and it came as no surprise that after a few minutes of wandering the aisles in search of Ferrari hospitality, she found herself completely lost.

She had chosen the right day to get lost. Kika wasn't there and she was the only person who could have helped her. Resigned to the idea of having to walk around for an uncertain amount of time, she sighed. Fortunately, she'd had the good idea not to wear heels. As she strolled along the aisles, a familiar voice called out to her.

“Lyanna Michel? If it is not a surprise. What are you doing here?”

“Lewis? Oh my God, you don’t even know how happy I am to see you. I’m lost.”

“I can see that. You can come with me; I was on my way to Mercedes facility. We are not far away from Ferrari which I assume you were heading to.”

“How do you know?” she genuinely asked.

“Charles has not stopped talking about you, every chance he got. It’s starting to get annoying. At first, I didn’t know it was you, the few times we met you did not strike me as a F1 fan, so imagine my surprise when I finally connected the dots.”

“Yeah, still not a fan. It’s my first real experience at a Grand Prix but yeah… Charles and I, it’s pretty new.”

“How long has it been?”

“Knowing him or relationship?”

“Both.”

“Three months, something like that. And just a few weeks of relationship. Like I said, pretty new.”

“Pretty new indeed, but pretty boy is in love.”

“Yeah… me too. Oh God, it’s still so weird to say it out loud!” she exclaimed while putting her hands on her face and shaking her head.

The pair finally arrived in front of the Mercedes hospitality, where Lewis showed Lyanna the exact route to the Ferrari unit without risking getting lost.

“Well it was nice seeing you! We should definitely hang out more often. Not that I don’t think we won’t, assuming there is a high possibility that I see you around the paddocks now. But if you ever feel tired of seeing red, the door of Mercedes will always be open for you. If you want to see winning cars as well.” He joked, winking at her.

She laughed and waved goodbye before heading off to Ferrari. When she entered, all eyes were on her and she quickly felt uncomfortable and out of place. She made her way to a table at the back of the room and sat down, hoping she wouldn't have to talk to anyone. From where she was, she had a good view of the screens, which were starting to broadcast images of the mechanics and the cars as they waited for FP2 to start in around twenty minutes.

She did her best to ignore the insistent stares from the Ferrari staff and happily welcomed the start of FP2, which kept everyone busy. The hour passed fairly quickly and soon everyone was back to business. This was without considering a sudden sensation behind Lyanna's back which made her instantly stiffen.

“I think it’s time to have a little discussion between you and I.” the woman told her straight out.

“And could I know who I’m talking about?” asked Lyanna warily.

“Sorry. I’m Mia Djacic media and PR officer for Ferrari.”

Lyanna could vaguely recall this name, heard once or twice in the midst of a conversation with Charles.

“And what can I do for you?”

“I knew you were supposed to come, but I thought you told Charles that it would be tomorrow. And if I have not turned completely crazy, we are not tomorrow.”

“I wanted to surprise him, is that such a bad thing?”

“Well we’re lucky no one saw you. We have to think on how we are going to introduce your couple to the world. We have to think of a PR strategy and…”

“Wait, wait, wait…” cut Lyanna. “PR strategy? Introducing our couple to the world? What do you mean exactly? I came here for Charles not to be part of a marketing program.”

“Lyanna, we are Ferrari, Charles is our number one driver. He is il predestinato. The one who is supposed to restore Ferrari’s glory, okay. What Charles does, who Charles is seen with, who Charles talks to… all is done under Ferrari’s supervision. Everything that he does reflects on the brand. We can’t let you guys roam around without control or authorization.” Explained Mia.

“And what are you hoping to achieve exactly? Our relationship is ours; we won’t let you interfere.”

“I’m not saying that we are going to control every single aspect of your relationship, we want to avoid scandals which seem to follow you around quite a lot.”

“In that case keep the media away from us and problem solved.”

“We could also benefit from your fame.”

“Here we go… You should have started with that…” she sighed.

“Charles’ season doesn’t go exactly as planned. Tifosi are disappointed and angry at us. Offering them a Charles happy in a cute relationship might be just what we need to make them forget everything.”

“I’m not a F1 expert but aren’t the sportive performances more interesting for fans than the drivers’ private lives?”

“F1 is an all. People love the sport, the races, and the competition but the political aspects, what is happening inside the teams, and they like to keep up with drivers’ lives.”

“No.” said Lyanna firmly, looking at Mia straight in the eyes.

“No what?”

“I’m not going to be a pretty toy for you to use to make Charles shines. I’m not going to participate in whatever you are thinking of doing.”

Mia sighed as she leaned back.

“How much do you want?”

Lyanna did not understand what was implied.

“Money wise. How much do you want for you to let us use yours and Charles’ public image?”

Lyanna couldn't believe her ears. Not wanting to make a scene, she heaved a deep sigh and rose from her chair.

“I don’t want to be bought. I want to live my relationship in peace. So thank you but no thanks, keep your money, I don’t want it.”

Just as she was about to step out of the door to get some fresh air, Mia called out to her.

“Charles agrees, you know. The social media team is already planning posts to use as soon as you are okay with it. I can have you a contract ready to sign and to send to your agent by tomorrow.”

She was surprised to find Joris on the small terrace in front of the hospitality, a coffee in one hand and a ton of paperwork in the other. Too busy reading what she presumed were contracts for Charles, he didn't hear her sit down next to him. She cleared her throat to let him know she was there, which startled him.

“Lyanna! Oh my gosh, don’t do that, I almost got a heart attack.” He dramatically said.

“Are you playing Charles’s secretary?”

“More or less, yes. Weren’t you supposed to come tomorrow?”

“New York took less time than anticipated.”

There must have been a look of annoyance and tiredness on her face as Joris asked her if everything was all right and if she didn't want him to take her to the hotel where Charles was staying so that she could get some rest. She could always surprise Charles in the hotel room, he explained, arching his eyebrows evocatively.

“I’m fine. Can I as you a question?”

“Shoot.”

“Did Charles tell you about Ferrari’s want to use our couple for PR purposes?”

“Did you meet Mia, by any chance?” asked Joris in return after a little silent pause.

“Yep. But you are not answering the question.”

“She can be a lot to handle when you don’t know her. She is incredibly talented at her job. She has Ferrari best interests at heart and sometimes she can be a little too much. She is not an evil witch. But to answer you, I think she just tried to trap you by saying that Charles knew. Classic strategy move. If it can make you feel better, I don’t think Charles would be okay with that. He values his privacy too much and he loves you too much to take part of that.”

She nodded; half reassured. They chatted a little while waiting for Charles who was caught up in interviews and meetings with the staff. She liked Joris, he was kind and funny and he was Charles’ best friend. It was nice to hear him talk about the driver and telling her about stupid anecdotes they both went through like the time when Charles almost rolled over someone while leaving Maranello because he was completely caught up in talking with fans and signing things and didn't realise he was pressing down on the accelerator. She was laughing so hard she did not notice straight away an all too familiar red racing suit rushing in their direction.

“Lyanna? Weren’t…” started Charles but was cut by Lyanna who sighed while rolling her eye.

“You supposed to come tomorrow, yes, yes, I know. You are like the third person to tell me that.”

But Charles didn't care, he was far too happy to see her, especially as the weekend wasn't shaping up very well: practice hadn't been conclusive and the car wasn't behaving very well. He had the impression that he was losing the rear end at every bend and that was penalising his race pace. He spent the hour and a half following the media interviews trying to understand why and find a solution for the following day. He was exhausted and dreamt of going back to the hotel and crawling under the sheets. Having Lyanna with him today lifted his spirits a little and brightened up a gloomy day for the red team. He took the actress in his arms before giving her a kiss on her cheek and pecking her lips.

“Charles you are sweaty.” She said to him while trying to get away from his grip.

“I did not have time to take a shower.” He confessed.

“I can smell that.”

“The perks of dating a driver, baby. Smelling like kerosene and sweat and burned tyres. You’ll get used to it.”

“You can still run away Lyanna, it’s not too late.” Jokingly added Joris.

“I’m afraid I’m in too deep, now.”  Said Lyanna while looking lovingly at Charles.

“You guys are gross. Can’t you go eye-fucked each other elsewhere? Preferably away from me?” complained Joris as he was looking at the couple who was smiling stupidly at each other.

“You are just jealous, mate.”

As soon as they walked through the door of Charles's hotel room, he couldn't hold back any longer before pinning the young woman against the wall and pressing her body against his. His hands were all over her, making her head spin. With disconcerting agility Charles got rid of the top Lyanna was wearing before treating her jeans to the same fate. His lips danced along her jaw, before nibbling her right ear and moving down her neck and body. Lyanna didn't know where she was, and she was nothing more than a puddle in his hands. Between moans and gasps, they reached the bedroom, where Charles gave Lyanna no time to come to her senses before throwing her onto the bed and joining her there before resuming his gentle touches.

A moment later, as they were enjoying the calm and warmth of their naked bodies under the sheets, Charles broke the silence.

“I missed you.”

“You just made that very clear. She told him as she was leaving small kisses on his chest. “I missed you too.”

 “I don’t think you completely felt how much I missed you though.” He said as he positioned himself above her before gently bumping his nose against hers and letting his hands roam her body, making her shiver instantly.

“You’re insatiable.” She laughed slapping slightly his chest to get him away from her.

Charles laughed as well before rolling over.

“You were just what I needed to relax today. I’ve had a shit day and you managed to make it better.”

“Ferrari is ferrariying again?”

“Yeah, let’s call it that way. I just hope that whatever was making the car jumpy and weird can be solved tomorrow. Maybe you’ll bring me luck.”

Lyanna listened to him rant about the car for a whole 30 minutes. She did not understand half the things he was talking about but was pretending to, gasping when it was needed and adding angry “no ways” when Charles was saying something that was pissing him off. By the end of the discussion he felt better.

As the room fell into a comfortable silence, she absent-mindedly traced small pattern on his body, lost in her thoughts. Her conversation with Mia was replaying in her head and she internally debating whether or not it would be a good idea to talk to Charles about it. Feeling his girlfriend's thoughts wander. Charles turned his head towards her and brushed his lips against her forehead.

“Where did your mind go?”

She stiffened slightly before looking at him.

“I’ve met Mia today. I don’t think it went well.”

“Care to tell me more?”

“It’s not a big deal. I don’t want you to worry. You have enough on your plate.” She tried to justify.

“If it’s bothering you, it’s bothering me. And you said a bit too much, now I’m starting to worry.”

“It’s just… Did she talk to you about PR things related to us?”

Charles sighed, understanding what was going on.

“Vaguely. What did she tell you exactly?”

“She didn’t get into details. She just said that it might be a good idea to use us to make Tifosi forget how shitty your season is. A distraction. She implied that you would be okay with it.”

She sat cross-legged on the bed, wrapping herself in the sheet.

“I don’t want that, Charles. I really don’t. I’m not saying that we have to keep our relationship a secret, but I don’t want to overexposed us.”

“I don’t want that too, my love. Don’t worry about it, okay? I’ll talk to her.”

“I’m sorry I give you problems. That’s the last thing I want.”

“Lya, listen to me, okay? You really have to stop saying sorry to me every time that something goes wrong. You are not responsible. You are not a burden.”

“Sorry, old habits die hard.”

He stared at her; an eyebrow raised.

“So…”

“No. Don’t finish it.”

“I’m going to work on that, I promise.”

===========

author's note: Do I smell drama incoming? Did you really thought that hardships were over for Lyanna and Charles hehe? Let's see what the furture had in store for our favourite couple. And we have finally Lewis introduction in this chapter and I'm so happy about it! I love him. Stay tuned for more Lewis and Lyanna's intercations in the future. And also Roscoe... 👀 As usual, all comments, likes and reblogs are appreciated . It supports a lot the author and helps stay motivated.

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@zendayabelova @purplephantomwolf @ru-kru @dakotali @blueflorals @aundercover @ruleroftheuniverse @fangirlika @writerscurse @elijahmikaelsonbitch @leclerc13 @heeseung-baby

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[thechaoticdruid]

The Bite Scene

Pairing: Named F!Tav x Astarion

Notes: Felt bad about not posting a fic in a while and had this old draft lying around so I thought I'd share it with everyone. Before actually posting anything on Tumblr I was working on a long fic about my Tav, Winnie but eventually I ended up abandoning it because I got frustrated feeling like I was rewriting most of the in game dialogue and also ended up getting focused on The Spawn Vs The Ascendant. So basically this is a rewrite of the bite scene with Winnie!

C/w: Blood, blood drinking, suggestive content

That night Winnie tossed and turned on her bedroll, sweat beads dripping down her forehead as her mind raced with memories of horror and death. Terrified faces of people she once knew were etched into the back of her head. Then suddenly she awoke in a pant, barely having enough time to compose herself before a new threat made itself known.  A figure stood over her, red eyes glowing in the dark. 

“Astarion?” A look of shock spread across her face as she glanced up to see her rogue companion, his mouth wide open and a pair of long pointed fangs were clear as day. It all made sense now. Astarion was a vampire!

“Shit……” Astarion backed up as he noticed Winnie was now wide awake.  “It’s not what it looks like I swear! I wasn't going to hurt you! I just needed….Well blood….” 

“Well that explains why you murdered the hunter.” Winnie narrowed her eyes at him slightly, “I can't believe I didn't realize it sooner, gods I feel so stupid.” The red eyes, the pale skin, all the hungry stares, it all made sense. Hells they had even found a dead boar a day earlier with holes in its neck! Winnie honestly felt like a fool for not noticing those teeth on day one!

“It's not what you think! I'm not some monster. I feed on animals, boars, deer, kobolds, whatever I can get, but it's not enough. Not if I have to fight. I feel so weak. If I just had a little blood I could think clearer. Fight better. Please.” Astarion looked into Winnie’s eyes with such a sad, pitiful look. 

Is….a vampire literally giving me puppy dog eyes as he asks to drink my blood?

“You could have told me about this.”  Winnie frowned. Despite everything the druid still wanted to trust her companion. She had grown fond of him even if he was an asshole. He was clever and witty and gods damn it was so hard to find someone who appreciated her dark sense of humor instead of just backing away slowly.

“Honestly I didn't think you'd take it too well. At worst I was expecting you'd ram a stake through my ribs.”

“Oh no I would never do that. I'd decapitate you. I'm nothing if not accommodating.” The human female gave a playful smirk. 

“Ah….How thoughtful of you…” Astarion said with a nervous laugh. 

“Luckily I trust you but I wish you'd trust me as well. We do need each other after all.” Winnie stood up, crossing her arms. The vampire blinked in confusion. The druid's response was pleasantly unexpected. A small smile spread across her silver haired companion’s face.

“I do trust you. And you're right we need each other. I need you alive and you need me strong. And there is no better way to keep me strong than to make sure I'm well fed.” 

“My blood isn't something I can just give away carelessly. I kinda need it, you know…” Winnie looked off to the side, a little unsure. Accepting that your companion is actually an undead creature of the night is one thing, but letting him drink your blood was a big risk. Winnie trusted him not to harm her on purpose but she knew well enough vampires couldn’t always control their hunger and a starving vampire would surely prove even more unpredictable.

“I'll only need a taste. I swear.” The tone of his voice sounded soft, almost sweet as he looked at her with round pleading eyes. Winnie bit her lip and her heart sank a little. Gods damn him and his stupid pretty face. 

“Fine, but don't go too far.” Winnie said.

“Of course, I shall only take as much as I need.” Astarion grinned, red eyes trailing over Winnie’s neck. “Let's make ourselves comfortable shall we?” Winnie before laying back down on her bedroll. A shiver went down her spine as he slowly knelt over her, eyes filled with hunger. 

A cool palm cupped the druid's cheek, tilting her head up and exposing her neck. Astarion's mouth watered at the sight, his tongue flicking over his fangs as he leaned in closer.  

Winnie closed her eyes and braced herself, her body shaking with a mix of fear and excitement. 

She waited anxious for what felt like hours before finally a sharp icy pain pierced through her neck.

“A-Ah…” A soft cry of pain left her lips as his fangs sunk into her flesh. Winnie’s left hand gripped onto his shoulder, her teeth gritting until eventually the initial pain subsided, replaced by numbness. The druid's heart was racing and the only thing she was able to process was the sound of sucking. She felt very conflicted, despite the pain she'd been enduring she also felt this pleasant feeling. An intimate feeling. Almost as if he was merely kissing her neck instead of feasting on her very life force.

Astarion was swept up in the moment. Her blood was absolutely intoxicating, so sweet and rich. The vampire had never tasted anything like it. It was pure ecstacy. So wonderful. Gods, he never wanted this perfect moment to end. 

“S-Stop…..” Winnie spoke up, she was beginning to feel dizzy. Astarion however seemed lost in bliss and continued his onslaught on her neck. “That's enough!” She said sternly, mustering what strength she had to grab hold of the back of his head and yank hard on his hair.

“Hmm!?” Finally the druid was able to get his attention. He pulled back with a gulp, “oh…o-of course.” Breathy pants left his lips as he savored the taste of her blood. “That…..That was amazing..”He breathed, eyes dazed as he ran a finger over the blood trailing down his chin, collecting some and sucking it eagerly off his digit. “My mind is finally clear. I feel strong…Happy…”He let out a bliss filled sigh.

“Well I'm glad I could help…..Ugh…” Winnie groaned, feeling her head spin. “Hopefully you'll be in a better state to fight soon then?”

“Shouldn't take long now, so many people need killing. Now if you'll excuse me, you're invigorating but I need something a little more filling.” Astarion glanced back at the human with a sly smirk before stepping off to walk off into the dark. “This is a gift you know, I won't forget it.”

The druid could barely sit up as she watched him stalk off into the night seeking his prey. As his form faded from her vision so did everything around her. Darkness taking her in it's sweet embrace.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Note from TheChaoticDruid: I had another part written that takes place just before this. If you'd like to see it posted let me know!

[hurlingsupport]

Can we get a part two of Late-Afternoon Meting?! I need more fr

More Reagan!!!

"Late-Evening Date" (Reagan Ridley x Gender Neutral Reader One-shot)

<- Prequel

You tap the table in boredom, eyes searching the small restaurant for any sign of the woman you're waiting on. The cup of tea you had ordered was already emptied. However, you didn't ask for another in fear of filling yourself up before dinner. Well, not that the cups were very big in the first place. Maybe it wouldn't hurt?

You groan, leaning back in your chair in an attempt to pull yourself away from the idea. Where the hell is -

The doors to the restaurant burst open just as your mind wanders, a panicked woman's eyes meeting yours before she's running towards you. Her dress is nice, albeit a bit scratched up with some suspicious red stains. Her hair was down too, slight waves apparent now that it wasn't tied back.

"So, sorry. I, uh..." Reagan spared a glance down at herself, grimacing at her appearance. "I can, um, change? I don't really -"

"You look pretty." You interrupt, leaning your cheek against your hand as you look up at her. You watch her eyes widen, fingers fiddling with the gun in her hand.

"So... it's okay?" She's inching closer to the booth, although still reluctant.

"Yeah. You might want to put that away, though." You point towards the weapon in her hands, and it seems she only notices the fearful stares she's getting now that you're mentioning it.

"Oh my god," she curses, shoving it into her purse before taking a seat across from you. "I swear I meant to get here sooner. I got caught up in some things, and uh, as you can see, there were some disagreements."

She pauses, face pulling into a frown as yours continues to stare at her with a happy expression.

"Are you not angry?" She asks quietly.

"Reagan, we work at the same place." You remind her.

She holds her hands together awkwardly, looking around the restaurant for a waiter. "I know that, it's just..."

"Just what?" You implore, spotting a waiter and waving them over. You order a dish for yourself, looking towards Reagan as she orders something as well. Once the waiter leaves, Reagan's staring at you again.

"I mean, I haven't seen you lately." She admits, face reddening. "I know we're both full-grown adults,"

"Yeah."

"And I know we both have jobs to do, especially with Cognito Inc." Her eyes fall to the table.

"Mhm."

"But, uh, I missed you." She practically whispers.

"We talked yesterday, Reagan."

"Work conversations aren't really conversations." She insists.

"Well, I missed you too." Your hands grab hers, intertwining your fingers atop the table. "Next time we should do something at my place."

"What?" Reagan sputters.

"You wanted to replicate my style of robotics, didn't you? I have my blueprints at home, and we can work on it together." You beam at her.

"Oh! Right, of course." Her nervous smile disappears, replaced by a relaxed grin. "I'd - I'd love that."

"Me too." You respond, the two of you inching closer and closer, until -

"Did you want a refill on your tea?"

The both of you jump, falling back into your seats in surprise.

"Uh, yes, thank you." You smile timidly at the waiter.

"And, could I get a coffee, please?" Reagan adds.

The waiter leaves after writing your requests down, and a silence falls over the two of you.

"You look nice." Reagan's hands meet yours once more, rubbing your knuckles gently.

"Thanks." A smile stretches across your face as you watch Reagan fiddle with your hands.

It's a great dinner, despite the awkward moments where there was nothing to be said. However, given the giggles that would fall from your guys' lips every time that occurred, it didn't seem to mess up the evening too much. The night ends quicker than you expect it to, and before you know it, you're standing outside the restaurant with your coworker.

"Was your coffee good?" You ask suddenly because you never tried the coffee at this place. Not that you drank coffee much at all. Perhaps you were just interested in what Reagan had to say about it.

"I guess. I really just drink it for the caffeine, so the taste doesn't matter to me." She explains, pulling your jacket tighter against her chest. It was a little chilly out. "Was your tea good?"

You hum, taking a second or two to respond. "Yeah, I might have added too much sugar, though."

You're well aware of the fact that the both of you are stalling, but you don't mind. Your hand is held tightly in hers as the two of you lean against the wall of the building. You're not sure if there were busses this late.

"Are you -" Reagan pauses, brushing some stray strands of hair behind her ear. Her free hand messes with the strands, twisting and pulling anxiously. "Do you need a ride?"

Reagan, unlike you, has a car. You're probably supposed to be ashamed of it, but despite that, you thank yourself for your lack of free time giving you this chance.

"Yeah, thanks, Reagan." You squeeze her hand, walking with her as she makes her way towards the parked vehicle.

"Of course." She murmurs.

The ride is rather silent, but not awkwardly so. Your eyelids grow heavy as you sit in the passenger seat. You can see Reagan's tired as well, although more so due to her endeavors before the date. It's not long before she's pulling into your driveway, in fact, you don't even notice until she shakes your shoulders.

"We're here." She says quietly, and you're tempted to fall right back to sleep at the sound of her voice. However, you know Reagan's tired, and you'd hate to keep her awake for longer than she needs to be. Especially considering her streak of all-nighters.

You hum in response, sitting up and unbuckling your seatbelt. Your hand finds the handle of the door, but something within stops you from opening the door.

Turning back towards the driver's seat, you lean over the center console, grabbing onto it with one hand for stability and turning Reagan's head with your other hand.

"Can I kiss you?" You ask, eyes watching as Reagan's shocked expression morphs into a more serene one.

"Yeah." Her words are muffled as she leans forward sooner than they escape her.

It's short, more than you'd like it to be, but the sweetness that comes with it makes up for it. Well, in reality, the kiss was quite bitter. You could taste the remnants of Reagan's coffee, the earthy taste lingering on your tongue as you both pull away. Despite this, you can't help but feel it's the sweetest kiss you've had.

"You definitely added too much sugar." Reagan laughs, leaning in closer, yet not allowing your lips to meet.

A snicker escapes you, "Reagan," you call with a smile.

She meets your eyes, her gaze intense from your proximity. "Yeah?"

"Don't forget to give my jacket back to me tomorrow." You softly tug on the fabric, and Reagan takes the chance to lean even closer.

"If I do forget, will you come to my place?" You can feel the smile on her lips as they meet yours.

"With your dad there? Hell no." You laugh, pushing her back when she tries to wrap her arms around you.

"I can kick him out." She offers, hands latching onto your shirt.

"Reagan." You warn, but it comes off as playful with the laughter falling from your mouth.

"Fine! Your house then?" Her words are met with a groan as you finally escape her grasp and open the passenger door.

You lean down before closing it, giving the woman a smile. "Bye, Reagan."

She holds a similar smile, although it's certainly more nervous than yours. "Bye."

With that, you close the door, waving her goodbye until her car is completely out of your sight. Once it is, you make your way towards your door, unlock it, and throw your shoes off as soon as it closes behind you. Normally, you'd brush your teeth before going to bed, but you feel as if you're going to collapse in exhaustion.

So instead, you plop onto your bed, still in your formal clothes, and drift off. You're probably going to hate yourself in the morning for it, but at least they're work appropriate. Plus, now you have a totally professional conversation with Reagan to look forward to.

[kaiwewi]

Guilty Conscience

[Masterlist: Renegade Rescue Squad]

Synopsis: a rookie hero has been taken prisoner. Other Villain is looking forward to torturing them. Villain very much isn't.

tw: whump, captivity, talk about torture, gore mentioned

The little hero was a lost cause.

No one ever made a full recovery from Other Villain’s torture dungeon.

Anyone who had been lucky – or unlucky – enough to survive the encounter was in some way irrefutably and irreversibly distorted, physically or mentally. Or both.

Most who’d found themselves here, however, had simply been killed.

From his corner of the too small room, Villain watched Other Villain mock their tied-up captive. The little hero remained stoic, even after the beating they’d received, they still glared up from their no doubt uncomfortable position, slumped on the metal chair.

If only they weren’t this stubborn.

“You’re going to sing for me, pretty bird. Everyone does, sooner or later.” Other Villain dug their claws into the fresh wounds blemishing the hero’s cheeks and wiped the blood dripping down from the hero’s split lip off their chin.

The hero wrenched their head back, out of Other Villain’s grasp.

So much defiance in a body so small and beaten. Any semblance of fight should have forsaken the rookie the moment they’d realised whose clutches they’d fallen into. But the hero had refused to cave, to beg, to give information freely while they’d had the chance to emerge if not unscathed at least with only the few bruises to show for from kicks and punches.

This hero was a fiery thing, a phoenix caged and stripped of its magic, yet still so proud.

Their courage might have been inspiring if it wasn’t so dooming.

Other Villain leaned over the hero’s shoulder from behind and held up something small and metallic for them to see. “I love these neodymium fridge magnets,” they said. “So tiny, so practical, and so strong. Imagine swallowing a few, one at a time, every other hour.” Their mouth twisted into a manic grin. “Doesn’t that sound fun, all those magnets joining together on the inside and turning your guts into a sieve…. I saw that on TV once, wanted to try it on someone ever since.”

They pointed at the hero’s abdomen, purred into their ear. “Aw, just picture it, pretty bird: perforated intestines, digestive fluids leaking out into the body, the bacteria, the cramps, the vicious infections. Absolute agony. What a gruesome way to die.”

Villain rubbed his arm against the sensation of something crawling across his skin beneath his shirt. He tasted bile and swallowed.

Oh god, he could picture it. Magnets clamping together gut walls, tearing holes through soft flesh yielding under the pressure, a subsequent contamination of the abdominal cavity leading to sepsis and death…. It was sickening. Horrible.

It would work.

How depraved did one have to be to enjoy such a notion?

Other Villain’s laughter echoed from the tiled walls. “I'd estimate, it might kill you within a day or two. But that should leave you with enough time to sell out your team’s lovely little secrets for a few painkillers.”

They ruffled the hero’s hair, almost affectionate.

Some of the colour had drained from the little hero’s face – too pale skin now standing in even more striking a contrast to contusions and blood splatters. They stared up at Other Villain with big terrified eyes and gave an almost imperceptible shake of the head.

“Not to your liking? Pity.” Hand still playing with their captive’s hair, Other Villain circled around until they stood in front of the hero. “But don’t you fret, songbird. There are still so many other fun activities the two of us could try together.”

The two of us. So this was between Other Villain and their victim only? Then at least Villain wouldn’t have to play an active role in this sick game.

He hated himself a bit for feeling relieved.

[Part 2]

[billthedrake]

BIG DADDY (PART EIGHT)

It was a novel, fun vibe between me and my high school buddy Kevin. McConnell had flown down for a long New Year's weekend in Austin.

"Had to get out of the fucking cold," he growled in his Jersey accent when he called to tell me he was coming down. He asked if I wanted to come to the city and stay over for an old fashioned guy's weekend. I hesitated, because Cheryl was over 8 months along in her pregnancy, but she insisted I go have some fun.

Now that I was alone with Kevin in his hotel room, I was glad for guy's night in the city. There was still a naughty thrill to fooling around with my good friend, and I knew Kevin felt that times five.

"Can't believe I just got Brennan-fucked," he grinned, pleased with his new coined term as he lay back on the bad, watching my naked body as I rejoined him in the bed after taking a post-fuck piss. I half expected things would be weird between us now, but we just rode the thrill.

"You seemed to like it," I said as I slid back under the sheets, cozying up to Kevin's gym-toned body. Cocky, maybe, but also checking in with my buddy.

"I did," he said thoughtfully. "I tried bottoming a couple of times wasn't crazy about it. Leave it to Big Man Nick to make me love it."

"We shoulda done this back in high school," I said with a hearty laugh.

"Damn, man," Kevin sighed. I could tell he was battling some emotions, and I felt a little bad for teasing him. We kissed some, and I enjoyed feeling the cum-covered, sweaty torso of my friend as he felt up my muscle, before reaching down to grope my cock. "You think you got another in you, Brennan?" he asked, clearly getting worked up again.

"Like a kid with a new toy, huh?" I laughed.

"Pretty much, man... you got a beautiful cock, Nick."

I felt that said dick firm up to steel hardness in his grip. "You keep that up, buddy, and the second round is gonna come sooner rather than later."

Kevin grinned and let go of my dick, instead wrapping his arms around my waist and hoisting my body up onto his gym-toned body.

"Ooof, you got some strength buddy," I laughed.

My friend bit his lips playfully and nodded. "You don't know how many times I dreamed of us in this position back in high school."

"You crushing out on me, Big Guy?" I said, feeling nervous about what his answer would be.

"Hell yeah, I am Brennan," Kevin replied. "But it's cool. I know where I stand. I'm not gonna make demands on ya, ever, bud." He looked up in my eyes and I could feel his body relax, except for his cock which throbbed against my own crotch. "Listen, I've been holding out. The reason I'm down here is to scope out a place to live."

"For real?" I asked. It was the last thing I expected.

"For real," he said. "God Nick, you didn't tell me Austin was Jersey expensive," he laughed. "Even worse, maybe."

"It's a little better further out," I explained.

"Fuck that," Kevin said. "I've had my life on hold for too long living someplace I didn't want to live." My buddy seemed to be getting more contemplative. "I need something different. Dad was pissed when I told him I was quitting the business, but he'll get over it."

"Damn, McConnell," I hissed. "You really are moving."

"Oh yeah," he said. "I'm gonna fuck my way through all the Texas cowboys I can score. Make up for lost time."

"It's not really cowboy country here," I started to say.

"Don't spoil my fantasy," Kevin winked. "And cowboy or not, they sure grow 'em big down here."

I didn't have any objection there.

Kevin's hands were caressing my sides and his legs were spreading, letting me scoot in between them.

"You gonna fuck me again, Brennan?" he asked.

I nodded, getting horny again for sure. "Yeah, McConnell, I'm gonna fuck you again."

***

Come January Cheryl gave birth to our daughter. Iris Jessica Brennan. A healthy and happy baby. I was over the moon, and so proud of my wife for how great a mother she was.

I'd negotiated paternity time with Big Daddy when he promoted me to CFO. Mark ribbed me like hell for taking it, and truth was I still went in once a week and checked emails to delegate stuff that needed delegating. But R.C. Pool Supply would be fine, and some things were more important.

Unlike the Bryant men, I did my best to help out with everything. Not only the Dad stuff of setting up the nursery and babyproofing the hell out of our place, but waking up in the night to feed the baby, or cooking for Cheryl when she was too exhausted. I was glad to be there for both of them those three months.

But holy hell, those first months made the pregnancy dry spell of our sex life pale in comparison. Cheryl still wasn't ready for vaginal sex and her postpartum hormones made sure she wasn't up for anything else either.

"Sorry honey," she apologized one night as I held Iris as we sat on the couch. "I know we haven't had sex in a while... I'll make it up to you, promise."

I missed it, missed it a lot, but my schedule usually meant I could go over to Randy Slocum's before he went on shift. Sometimes it was a quick BJ stop while I ran errands, but often I'd have that cop strip down for a longer session in his bed. Maybe because I wasn't fucking Cheryl, I liked to do Officer Slocum nice and slow, missionary, lots of making out before I put my legs on my shoulders and fucked that rack of Texas beef.

I was even getting more romantic with Dan Bryant on our three-times a week gym meet ups. Forgoing the shower quickies and settling for some time in the back seat of his SUV.

"I remember what it's like with a newborn," my brother in law chuckled after he came up from a particularly intense blowjob, my cum deep in his stomach. "You doing OK, Nick?"

"Better now," I smiled. "You're the best, kid," I said in my best bedroom voice before leaning in to kiss Dan softly.

The ex-football player got a goofy, shy smile and said softly. "I just like making you feel good... after all you've done for me."

My dick stayed hard and twitched again as he said that. I don't know that I did anything for Dan other than fuck him. And be his friend. But I ran my hands up along his business casual polo shirt, feeling the hard muscle beneath, and some of that natural padding.

We kissed again, a little more excitedly.

"You gotta get back to the office?" I asked him, now eager to get off a second time. Like I say, I'd been pretty backed up.

Dan shook his head and smiled, those baby blues drawing me into another kiss.

There, in the back of his SUV, I took my time. Rimming Dan's hot, muscular ass, then giving an extra dose of spit on his pucker. That would be all the lube we'd get, but it did the trick. Dan Bryant was hungry for dick and he took me with some gentle coaxing. Pretty soon I was nailing him hard and fucking a load out of his balls.

"God, Nick!" he grunted as he did his best to catch his sperm in his hand. I gripped his hips tight and pounded my seed into him. He'd be going back to the office good and wet down there, for sure.

I was in a real fucking good mood as we uncoupled and wiped off with some spare napkins from the glove compartment before getting dressed again.

"So Nick..." Dan said, almost nervous to bring it up. "Courtney's baby... it's yours isn't it?"

Dan's wife was five months along now and showing. I promised Court I wouldn't tell Dan, but I also didn't want to lie to my brother-in-law and buddy. "What do you want me to say, Dan?" I replied.

He nodded. "If it's gonna be anyone else, I'm glad you're the father," he said softly, blushing as he admitted it.

"You're the father, buddy," I tried to assure him. "No matter whose seed it is."

He flashed me a game smile, like he was trying to convince himself of that. Then he shrugged. "I guess I'm not man enough for Courtney."

I could read all of his self doubts and troubles and anxieties in that moment. Never living up to Big Daddy. Never being honest with himself. He was trying to be honest now.

I patted him on the shoulder, squeezing that bulk affectionately. "You're all man, Dan. You just happen to like dick," I explained.

That made my brother-in-law smile, a real smile.

"But can I give you a bit of advice?"

"Yeah, Nick," Dan replied with a puppy-dog eagerness.

"Courtney... well, you don't need me to say this, but your wife, she's the kind of woman... well, you need to give her a lot of attention, Dan. Even if you have to think of me when you're fucking her. If you don't, she'll get that attention from other men."

"I can do that, Nick," Dan said, surprisingly chipper to take my advice.

This was a fucked-up family, and I was part of it now.

We'd talk more as we opened up to one another. Over golf games and business trips and guys' weekend getaway to Dallas to see a Rangers series. But that would come later. For now, Dan and I just knew we were solid. Somehow, Courtney's pregnancy had brought us closer. No matter how much a heel I'd been, Dan loved me. And in my own way, I loved him, too.

***

Cheryl wasn't kidding. She made things up to me. I'd already started back at work when her libido came roaring back. We had morning sex, and I got a welcome home blowjob, and after putting Iris to bed at night, we fucked again. My balls were well drained, and there was no more Randy Slocum time. I even apologized to Dan, but he got it.

"That's cool, Nick. I've been taking your advice... with Courtney. We're kind of having our second honeymoon, even," he said to me as we got changed from our lunchtime gym workout.

I slapped his back. "Glad to hear, buddy."

But the man most thrilled about Cheryl was Big Daddy. He came over almost every night. Presumably to see his granddaughter, but he never left without fucking Cheryl, or at least getting head from her.

We started fucking her together. Me and Mark, side by side, in the bed, taking turns. It was incredible. Watching his big beefy body in full rut, oversized and overpowering his petite daughter, making her orgasm. Then feeling his hands on my more athletic build as I fucked on his father cum. Then kissing both my wife and father-in-law in succession.

As hot as it all was, it made Cheryl happy. My nympho wife had returned and she had both the loves of her lives to keep her satisfied.

I gave them a night together and went over to Dan's for some brother-in-law time. Courntey was over at Mrs. Bryant's, and Dan and I made the most of it. We made out like teenagers in his man cave and slowly stripped down.

"God you have an incredible body, Nick," Dan hissed. "I... I think about it when I fuck Courtney." Then he looked up at my with a lewd grin. "Sometimes I fuck her like you fuck... she loves that."

"I bet she does, buddy," I growled, taking the initiative to pounce on his beefy body and wrestle him to take the top position. Dan was rock hard beneath me. By the time I was fingering his pucker, I felt any resistance melt. "You gonna make me proud, brother?" I teased. "Gonna be a good cunt for me?"

"I'm your cunt, Nick," Dan answered in a heartbeat. "Anytime you need."

I pushed my dick in and we both let out a heavy grunt.

***

I knocked on Mark Bryant's office door. It had been a half hour since the receptionist had gone in for a "private meeting" to take care of my father-in-law's needs. It was my turn for a private meeting.

"Come in," he said, but I was already stepping inside and shutting the door behind me.

"Brennan!" he greeted me. "How's everything going?"

"Good, Mark," I said, plopping myself in one of the leather-upholstered chairs.

He gave me a look. He knew something was up. "Here for business?" he asked.

"Not exactly," I said. "I told Cheryl, but I wanted to make sure you knew. Whenever we have another baby, there's gonna be a paternity test. And I better be the father."

That caught Big Daddy off guard but he gave me his best poker face. "Or else?"

I laid down my royal flush. "Or else I'm making public another paternity test."

That got him mad. Face beet red mad. "What the hell... you blackmailing me, punk?"

I shrugged, not letting his harsh voice get to me. "I call it insurance. You may run things around here, sir, but my home is my castle and I run it. Got it? "

He grinned at my audacity. "Not a lot of men talk to me that way, boy."

"I'm not a lot of men," I replied. "I honestly don't care what you think of me... but I need to know... we got an understanding?"

Big Daddy nodded, and his flush anger turned to a knowing grin. "I'm just glad you're on my team, Brennan. You got some killer instincts."

I smiled and stood up. "Hope to see you this evening, sir. Cheryl's usually up the wall in heat by 5, so maybe if you could leave a little early today."

I could tell that turned the big man on. "Anything for my princess," he growled.

***

I made sure Cheryl was on the pill. I monitored it, and she knew, making sure to take one in front of me from time to time. I think she was scared I'd mess up things for her and Mark. We talked about having another child in three years' time. I wanted Iris to have a younger sibling, but with enough years spacing out our kids so it didn't seem like a frickin' day care around the house.

So I wasn't concerned when I started working later hours. I'd been stepping into the CFO role at the office and while I enjoyed the responsibility and the pay, I was getting home around 8 at night more and more. Big Daddy would already be gone and I'd have a nice wet creampie to eat out of my wife's snatch, while she clawed gently at my hair.

"Yes, Nick, oh yes, babe! Oh GOD!" she'd cry as I'd get her to cum with my tongue. There were some real advantages to having a nympho wife.

****

Dan was traveling on a couple of sales call, so I was spending my lunch time in that favorite abandoned parking lot. It was winter, a real winter week, even in Texas and I leaned back in the driver's seat while Officer Slocum blew me.

It had been too long, and I'd forgotten how hot he looked in full uniform, his cap resting on the dashboard. I gripped the nape of his neck and thrust up into his throat. God help me, the cop knew how to take it.

I was getting turned on so I just went for it, fucking Slocum's throat till I was blasting off.

Randy slurped my prick as he pulled off, sucking off the mucus-y spit and sperm and cleaning me off before giving it a final kiss. He was flushed from excitement when he leaned up. "That was hot, Mr. Nick," he grinned. "Nice." He was a couple years older now than when I first got a blow job off him, and he had aged out of those rookie looks, but still looked young and beefy and fuckable. He pulled a napkin out of my glove compartment and wiped the excess spit from his chin and lips before putting his cap back on.

"I guess I should tell you, Mr. Nick... this will be the last time for us."

God help me, Randy Slocum has gotten some self respect, I thought. "That's cool, Randy," I said, as I wiped off my prick and tucked it back in. "If you ever change your mind..." I offered. Something about getting a cop who can take a throat fuck had me not wanting to stop with Slocum cold turkey.

He grinned. "It's not that, sir... It's just, Jess and I are moving to Austin. I lined up a job with the PD there."

It actually took me a second to put two and two together. Maybe because it never occurred to me that Kevin McConnell was such a sly player. Good for my buddy. I reached over and squeezed that muscle through his uniform shirt. "Best of luck, Officer. Just one last request..."

"What is it, Mr. Nick?" Slocum asked.

I grinned. "Just treat my buddy well," I said. "He deserves a little extra service."

Randy laughed, amused I'd figured it out. "Can do, Mr. Nick."

[chidoroki]

182 Days of TPN - Day 181

Chapter 181: "Beyond Destiny"

I keep thinking how Alex mentioned last chapter that he can only call for help during the spring and of the one panel that showed the snow melting and flowers blooming by the time we reached the scene where he takes Emma to the city, which leads me to believe it's actually early 2050 instead of late 2049. I know I'm in the minority thinking that since this chapter clearly states it's been two years since Emma disappeared, but I personally don't believe they meant that timeskip literally.

Referencing the search she, Don & Ayshe went on is a nice callback, but with both situations having their parallels, why couldn't ya think of this idea sooner sweetie?? Ah well, at least this leads everyone in the right direction in the end. Regardless of any of that, I love Gilda's outfit here.

Sigh. This arc had so much potential to give so many more characters some spotlight and we get crumbs.

I am politely asking the world once more to please let my boy say "fuck." You can't tell me Ray hasn't been swearing like a sailor with how frustrating these last two years have been for him. Also, seeing Phil using the WM pen raises more questions, such as who's pen did that originally belong to? My first bet would've bene that it Yuugo's, as he's really the only one we've seen with a pen aside from Emma (who still has hers), but with how chaotic life at the shelter was moments before it blew up, I have my doubts he would've even thought to give the pen away to Ray or one of the other kids for safekeeping. It would've been a pretty big hint towards him and Lucas not returning as well so I can understand why such a scene was left out, if it happened at all. Anyways, with Norman on the other end of the conversation with Phil, it's obvious he somehow has a pen of his own but how he acquired such pen doesn't seem that surprising to me, since Norman was actually shown to have one in season two and I can easily believe it was another gift from Smee or another supporter. If not, Norman seems like the type who would be able to create another pen just like the original, which could result in the one Phil's group is using, if it isn't actually Yuugo's. Other that than, seeing how the pens are still fully functional (and assuming they're both originals from the demon world and not newly made), I'm going back to my own question I had last chapter about whether or not Emma and Alex have ever tried using the pen she has in her possession. Surely they could've figured something out about Emma's past if they just looked through it.. unless demon god thought that far ahead and deleted all information off said pen.

I know it's the same moment as the previous chapter where Phil's group gets close to Emma without realizing it but it still makes me so anxious! I'd absolutely be yelling at my screen had this encounter been animated.

Now they're teasing me on purpose. Just let them meet, damn it! AAhhh.. at least Ray's looking handsome, even though he's completely worn out.

Oh how very convenient for the necklace to somehow fall off her neck and be found right in front of where she eventually reunites with her family. This necklace also looks like the kind that you just slip on over your head, as there doesn't seem to be a visible clasp anywhere on the chain, so how it managed to go up and over her head without her noticing is some sorta demon witchcraft right there. Look at how that thing is glowing! It's sentient I tell ya. I do like how much Emma values the necklace though despite not having any memory as to why it's so special to her.

Speaking of keepsakes, I'm also very fond that Ray still uses his scarf. More importantly though, this panel is such a relief! I'm so relieved the reunion takes place rather quickly in the chapter so it gives the characters more time to figure out the situation and sort out their feelings. And I may be wrong about this, but it kinda looks like Emma is raising her eyebrow at the sight of all these people suddenly surrounding her with such surprised faces. Hold on tight honey, it's about to get even weirder for you.

And this first panel is darn heartbreaking, for her family and us readers. They probably dreamed of this moment for so long, to finally reunite with Emma and live together again, but they certaintly never imagined her to react like this. Safe to say that our girl was taken off guard by this encounter as well. Here Emma was, expecting a chill day out shipping with her adoptive father and now she's getting hugged outta nowhere by a bunch of strangers. Poor girl looks seriously stunlocked.

I am so incredibly proud of my boy for figuring out that this girl is indeed their Emma. I'm sure anyone could've looked at the necklace in her hands and made the assumption this was her, but the way Ray was able to piece everything together about what exactly happened to Emma and what the real reward was amazes me to no end. He looks so angry and full of regret in that second panel before he reveals the truth too, almost as if he's a bit hesitant to let the words out of his mouth, but he knows this is absolutely something everyone needs to hear and unfortunately for Ray, no one is better at delivering hard truths than him. Once he reveals to everyone the true price of the reward, he looks completely crushed and I seriously need to go and hug him pretty please! I'm certain Ray has been constantly thinking up many possibilities of what the reward could've been over the last two years, but this reveal has gotta be something he never expected. Or perhaps it was, considering he realized it so quickly, but I doubt he'd be happy to be correct in this moment anyway. I can't imagine what Emma must be feeling hearing all this crazy stuff either.

Okay but what if she just said no here instead? Would demon god actually changed His mind or am I being too hopeful? Emma's optimism might be rubbing off on me, but I just want her happy! I don't like that sad look in her eyes or the slight pause she takes before finally answering Him.

She's such a damn sweetheart, I'll literally never get over how big her heart is and how much she loves and cares for everyone, especially over herself. I can imagine the sad tone in her voice for the first couple speech bubbles, but then she'll lighten up as she rambles on about the better future that's on the horizon and will be so grateful she's able to grant such wonderful lives for everyone she holds dear.

It goes without saying but Emma's family doesn't take the news of her memory loss too well. While I am glad that a majority of them were present to hear about the real reward (given how important it was) and that everyone eventually celebrates Emma agreeing to live with them at the end of the chapter, a part of me wishes the initial group who found her was a bit smaller? All the attention is completely overwhelming her and I can't blame her for shoving them aside for freaking out so badly. If it was Ray, Norman, Phil and a couple others from GF who found her first, they could've broken the news to her gently (once Ray figured it out) and then fill in the rest of their family one by one, if Emma still decided to join them in the end.

Phil is so good at picking up on major details, whether it be GF's secret or Emma's anxiety. And then ya got Norman who is just totally relieved to see her again. I had forgot to mention this during ch179, but another reason losing Emma hit him so hard was because he had just reunited with her a couple weeks prior to their arrival in the human world. Norman spent all that time planning his escape in Lambda and ways that would allow him to reconnect with Emma, Ray, and the rest of their family and he finally had a moment of peace when they all arrived at the paradise hideout to feel that hole in his heart being full again. Then you had all that drama at the demon capital that pitted them against each other for a little bit until they reconciled and fought together during the GF raid. He had to be so happy once they finally obtained freedom and to live by each other's side without fear of being separated again, until they split up once more without any indication how long it would last or if a life without Emma was gonna be Norman's new normal. So of course he breaks out into happy tears here because all that matters to him is that she's real and in front of him again.

Hearing him tell her how thankful he is that she's healthy, eating well and injury free is a great parallel to his speech in ch30 right before he gets shipped out, only instead of saying their goodbyes at the end, they can introduce themselves and start all over. I gotta wonder what Alex thinks of all these kids suddenly surrounding his adoptive daughter, though I pretty positive he's chill with it since we do see him a bit later sitting back and watching all their happy faces.

Although it's a real convenient way to tie up loose ends about what's been happening with their family these past couple years, I'm still thankful we get a little insight about everyone's dreams and progress they've made. Naturally I wish could've seen so much more of everyone, but I'll take what we can get. Poor Emma has gotta be so confused on what Norman is talking about though.

This boy is trying is absolute hardest to not breakdown in front of her. It reminds me of how he comforted Emma the night after Conny's shipment despite him being just as frightened to learn the house's secret as she was.

Okay but props to our girl though for sticking around and at least hearing them out. If a bunch of strangers came up to me and started sharing their life stories with me, you can bet I'd make a move to run the first chance I get.

It's crazy how seeing a panel of our favorite girl cry such big tears can make me so happy but aaahh, I'm so thankful that the love she has for her family is powerful enough that it overrides her dumb amnesia. Demon god can be a bastard and take away her memories but he can't do shit about her strong feelings! Also, I always liked how her tears land on the necklace, considering it resembles the dragon's eye, it makes it look like as if it's crying as well.

It took me until now to remember that several pages of this chapter were redrawn since I remember that one fantasy scene of the boys finding her on that beach.. but no way in hell am I gonna go back and rework this to accommodate those changes. I've been writing this post out for far too long already. The sun is no longer up.

It's because of the inner monologue from the previous pages that leads me to believe it's also Emma who declares "screw destiny" here and I will literally never accept anything different because I love that phrase for her. That's the very reason I went nuts during s2ep10 when she shouts "I don't give a damn about that destiny!" at Peter. (Dub had her fire back with "Well I don't give a damn what you say!" if anyone was curious, which is equally good in my book.)

Favorite panel/moment:

Oh, there's.. so many. There would've been more but I did already chat about some favorite moments already, such as Ray's smart mind recognizing Emma and the real reward, along with her expressing how much she's always wanted to meet her family regardless of meeting everyone for the first time. As for the rest however, of course we're starting with Ray's lost family members assisting him with locating Emma. Seeing Conny, Yuugo and Isabella appear one last time was such a welcomed surprise and I could absolutely ramble about them more, but I should really keep the rest of this short considering how long this darn post is turning out to be. I'll place the original review here though for funsies. I will mention something I only thought of recently though, and that's how I think the "Over here, Ray" is actually in Emma's voice instead of Conny, Yuugo & Isabella's like I originally believed. While I do love the idea of Ray thinking fondly about all the people he failed to save, no one compares to Emma and that girl has probably been living rent free in his head the past two years. It would also makes sense as to why he would later comment about how hearing her voice could've been his imagination since he's thinking of her so frequently all the time, as we clearly see as he sprints off chasing that voice.

Eeehehe, Ayshe may not have been around for the reunion but her absence is definitely forgiven with this small panel! I would die for more content about these two and how their complicated acquaintanceship changed over the years, even if only barely. Norman still has to be on his guard around her and I love the idea of her lowkey threatening him often enough so he'll never feel relaxed. So glad all her dogs were able to cross over as well considering the new promise really only affected the cattle children. Rest in peace Vincent!

One of the most important reveals is my boy Chris FINALLY waking up!! It still really sucks how he was knocked out for almost half the story but oohhh I'm so incredible thrilled that he's okay. Poor guy has so much drama to catch up on though. I'm sure once he heard about Emma's disappearance he would've offered to help look for her, but since he wasn't shown anywhere else during the chapter, it makes me believe that his awakening was fairly recent and he's possibly still recovering. I'm fine if that's the case considering he gets to join in all the fun during the epilogue.

Everyone delighted beyond belief to hear that Emma missed them and her adorable face when they return the sentiment. Ah, Ray also looks fantastic. Love that smile on him as he's crying tears of pure joy.

Though I very much prefer the redrawn version of the final page where it includes more of the family joining in the celebration, having Emma accept their offer and wishing to live together will all of them definitely makes for a wholesome ending.

End of volume 20. But one day remains.